November 29, 2011

The Secret of Lies


Stevie is haunted by memories of the past, specifically the last summer spent at her Aunt & Uncle's ancient house in Long Island. That last summer started off smooth and fun until a family tragedy occurred and spiraled out of anyone's control.

There are a lot of books with the centralized theme of family lies and secrets. However, the secrets in this book are unveiled strategically and not always predictable. Barbara Forte Abate has a talent for perfectly pacing a novel's events so the reader does not lose interest in the well-developed characters (Stevie, sister Eleanor, Uncle Cal, Aunt Smyrna, Jake, and Ash). Her descriptive sentences make you visualize every scene. In fact, I read it in two days. The Secret of Lies would be a good book club selection for members to discuss the story as it unfolds.

Check out the trailer below, then order a copy by clicking the picture above or the title link below.


Disclaimer: This book was received from the author for review purposes. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Author: Barbara Forte Abate
Published: April 2010
Pages: 304
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♡



November 28, 2011

2012 eBook Challenge

Welp, it's that time to sign up for new annual challenges. I've been waiting for this one to pop up (and wish I'd joined it for 2011). If you are interested in joining this challenge too, visit Workaday Reads.





Challenge Guidelines:
  1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
  2. Anyone can join, you don't need to be a blogger. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
  3. Any genre or length of book counts, as long as it is in eBook format.
  4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
  5. When you sign up, put the direct link to your post about joining the eBook Reading Challenge.
  6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
  7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
  8. At the beginning of each month there will be a roundup post to add your reviews for that month. Any reviews submitted will be entered into a monthly drawing. There will also be a grand giveaway at the end of the year for everyone who achieves their goal level (or higher).
Levels:
  1. Floppy disk - 5 eBooks
  2. CD - 10 eBooks
  3. DVD - 25 eBooks
  4. Memory stick - 50 eBooks
  5. Hard drive - 75 eBooks
  6. Server - 100 eBooks
  7. Human brain - 150 eBooks
I signed up for Level 4: Memory Stick (50 eBooks).



Bookish Holiday Gifts

Tis the season to gift! Check out these cool bookish gifts for the book lover in your life. Also, check back here in January for a chance to win one of these awesome items.













November 27, 2011

Series Sunday: Archie Married Life Book 1

Series Sunday is a new bookish meme hosted by yours truly, Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Post a review/recommendation on your blog, FB, Twitter, Goodreads, or Shelfari pages.
  • Share your review/recommendation by posting the link in the comments section below.
  • Include the title, author, and name of the series so that other Series Sunday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.
My Series Sunday pick is Archie: The Married Life Book 1 by Michael Uslan. After 68 years of dating both Betty and Veronica, Archie finally makes a choice. In issues #600-606, we see their alternate futures if both roads are taken. It is basically two stories in one; a multi-universe where Archie marries Betty in one universe, and Archie marries Veronica in the other. Readers see how Archie's choice affects the rest of the Riverdale Gang.

I grew up reading Archie Comics. It was different to read about Archie experiencing the real world. Real-life issues in this graphic novel include marriage, happiness, struggle, unemployment, trust, the economy, business and unfortunately death. I'm a fan all over again!

Author: Michael Uslan
Published: October 2011
Pages: 320
Edition: Graphic Novel Paperback
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥



November 25, 2011

Book Black Friday

Happy Black Friday, Bookhearts! Avoid getting pushed, shoved or pepper-sprayed today. Be safe and sane by shopping online for Black Friday book deals.

Barnes & Noble Black Friday Specials

Amazon Black Friday Specials

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a new bookish meme hosted by yours truly, Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.


"Maybe it's the raw brilliance of the pale white moon suspended in a hard black sky that somehow makes everything about this night feel harsher. Uglier."
 
~ The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

November 22, 2011

It Takes a Village


Ramona was born into a line of restaurant owners and bread bakers. After she was skipped over for a promotion, she broke away from the family and started her own bakery. Everything was fine until one phone call changed her life. Ramona's pregnant daughter, Sofia, received news that her soldier husband was badly burned overseas. Sofia rushed to her injured husband's side, leaving behind a 13-year-old stepdaughter, Katie, in Ramona's care.

The story slowly moves along with Ramona trying to keep her bakery business afloat and out of debt. Katie is trying to adjust to the new surroundings and Sofia is hoping her husband has a full speedy recovery.

Every now and then, I come across a highly recommended, 5-star rated book. But when I read it, I wonder what the praise was for. How to Bake a Perfect Life is that type of book. It wasn't a page turner for me. It was too easy to put down and reluctant to pick back up. The writing was well done but the story itself just fell flat in a predictable way. I thought the theme (relationship between a mother and daughter; the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child) would draw me in. Unfortunately, it did not. I disagree with the village's recommendation. Meh!

Author: Barbara O'Neal
Published: December 2010
Pages: 353
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥

November 20, 2011

Series Sunday: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ~ U.S. Movie Version

Series Sunday is a new bookish meme hosted by yours truly, Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Post a review/recommendation on your blog, FB, Twitter, Goodreads, or Shelfari pages.
  • Share your review/recommendation by posting the link in the comments section below.
  • Include the title, author, and name of the series so that other Series Sunday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.
My Series Sunday pick is the first movie of the Millenium Series by Stieg Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It comes to American theaters December 21. Even though I already saw the original Swedish movie with English subtitles, I'm going to check out the U.S. version. Are you? Check out the trailer below for a teaser and my original review post. You can also visit the official website for more info: www.dragontattoo.com/site/



November 16, 2011

Breaking Dawn + Volvo S60 R-Design

Just two more days until Breaking Dawn movie releases in theaters. Aren't you excited, Twilight fans? Are you ready to see Edward and Bella's wedding? Well, check out the video below for a movie teaser and a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Rio de Janeiro plus the Volvo S60 R-Design like Edward drives in the movie!

**UPDATE: Video clip expired.

**This post has been sponsored by Volvo, but all thoughts are my own.


November 15, 2011

The House of Silk: A New Sherlock Holmes Novel

It is 106 years later and the world's greatest detective is back in The House of Silk. 

The last collection of stories, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, were published in 1905. This is the first time the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Estate authorized a new Sherlock Holmes novel. And chosen to write the new adventure is bestselling author Anthony Horowitz. The setting is London, 1890. An unannounced visitor arrives at 221B Baker Street, begging Holmes for help. He tells a story of a strange man that followed him from America and is stalking him. Of course Holmes is intrigued and brought into the mystery. Along with Dr. Watson, the adventure takes them from London to Boston where they begin to hear a phrase--the House of Silk--that just may uncover a conspiracy.


Check out the video below of Anthony Horowitz reading from the preface of his new Sherlock Holmes novel.



The House of Silk released on November 1, 2011. If you enjoyed the classic Sherlock Holmes novels, this is a must read! I recommend murder mystery & suspense lovers read it too. Add The House of Silk to your wish list today or purchase a copy to read the new adventure of Sherlock Holmes.

**This post has been sponsored by Orion, but all thoughts are my own.

Blog Roll Call



Blog Roll Call - Post your site address in the comments. No matter the type of your blog (Wordpress, Blogger, Tumblr, entertainment, books, food, fashion, whatever). Let's go!



♡♤ www.precisionreviews.blogspot.com is now www.literarymarie.com ♡♤


♡♤ Also visit www.literarymarie.blogspot.com for my blogmoir. ♡♤

November 13, 2011

Series Sunday: Grammar Girl

Series Sunday is a new bookish meme hosted by yours truly, Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Post a review/recommendation on your blog, FB, Twitter, Goodreads, or Shelfari pages.
  • Share your review/recommendation by posting the link in the comments section below.
  • Include the title, author, and name of the series so that other Series Sunday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.
My Series Sunday pick is Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again by Mignon Fogarty. She is the creator of Quick and Dirty Tips for grammar usage and better writing. I purchase most of her books and listen to her podcast for easy tips and as a quick reference tool. It is great for any editor, teacher, student or person wanting to understand words that sound alike but mean different things. Some examples in this particular book include:
  • Adieu versus Ado
  • Affect versus Effect
  • Beck and Call versus Beckon Call
  • Capital versus Capitol
  • Conscience versus Conscious
  • e.g. versus i.e.
  • Farther versus Further
  • Vain versus Vane versus Vein
Grab your copy for only $5.99 and check out the other Grammar Girl releases. They are worth every shiny copper penny!

Title: Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again
Author: Mignon Fogarty
Published: July 2011
Pages: 135
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥



November 11, 2011

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a new bookish meme hosted by yours truly, Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along. 
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

"When I first met Steve Jobs, I thought he was a loser."

~ Rolling Stone Issue #1142 dated October 27, 2011


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"In the early summer of 2004, I got a phone call from Steve Jobs. He had been scattershot friendly to me over the years, with occasional bursts of intensity, especially when he was launching a new product that he wanted on the cover of Time or featured on CNN, places where I'd worked."

~ Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

November 10, 2011

Keep Calm and Read/Blog On

Most avid readers have a "reading spot." A special, designated quiet spot where you curl up with a good book and get lost in its pages. I'm one of those chicks that can read anywhere. I will whip out my NOOKcolor or a mass paperback novel in a second and start reading. But at home, I have a designated reading chair and foot stool with decorative pillows. It sits by a window and is quite comfy. I got it from Pier One years ago. It is pictured below, but mine is a mocha brown color.

How do you read?

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Some people blog via their mobile smart phone. Others blog via laptops or desktop computers. Some people blog while in a specific setting such as a public wifi spot or home.

I always post via my MacBook, usually from home. Very few times have I blogged from a public wifi spot like Panera Bread or Barnes & Noble. It is usually noisy and I end up snacking on lunch, browsing the net rather than posting blog content. 

How do you blog?


♡♤ www.precisionreviews.blogspot.com is now www.literarymarie.com ♡♤

November 9, 2011

Sense & Sensibility Sisters

Ellen and Mimi Dodge are sisters forced to travel together through England because their mother, a devoted Austen fan, makes it a requirement in her will. The sisters were to participate in a Jane Austen themed walking tour in Hampshire, then agree on the most appropriate place to scatter her ashes. Only then would the sisters be entitled to receive an inheritance.

The purpose of the tour was to hopefully bring the Dodge sisters closer together. They couldn't be more different. In Jane Austen terms, Ellen had sense and Mimi had sensibility. Ellen was considered dull while Mimi was spontaneous. Ellen wore sensible shoes and hiking clothes; Mimi wore high heels and dresses. Money didn't matter to Ellen, but Mimi needed the inheritance money to open a fashion boutique. Modern-day Dashwood sisters?

I'd like to first acknowledge the map of England that the author includes in the beginning of the book. It helps to visualize the setting. Everyone knows I am completely obsessed with the UK, so the story immediately held my interest with descriptions of London town. The story is told in both sisters' point of view. Both characters are well developed. A character from a previous Beth Pattillo book also makes an appearance: Mrs. Gwendolyn Parrott of The Formidables.

Like I stated in a previous Pattillo review, I haven't indulged in the original Jane Austen novels yet. I have to be in the mood to read certain genres, including classic literature. However, books written by Beth Pattillo are a treat for me. They offer the right amount of Jane Austen knowledge, modern fiction and chick lit. Since The Dashwood Sisters Tell All was inspired by Sense and Sensibility, I will read the original Jane Austen book sooner rather than later. I recommend The Dashwood Sisters Tell All for chick lit lovers and Jane Austen fans.

Are you an Austen fan? How do you feel about Jane Austen inspired modern fiction?

Author: Beth Pattillo
Published: April 2011
Pages: 177
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

November 8, 2011

Lit Tidbits

  • The Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference is November 11 and 12. It will be held at The Virgil Carr Cultural Center in Detroit. Visit www.essenceofmotownlitconference.com for more details and to register. Most events are free. All readers and writers are welcome.
  • Remember Where's Waldo? Deadline reports that MGM will adapt the book series into a live-action family adventure movie.
  • Basketball Wives Evelyn Lozada signed a book deal with Cash Money Content. Yes, that Cash Money...with Lil Wayne and Baby. The book series will be loosely based on her life of dating professional athletes. The main character's name will be Eve Inez-Landon.
  • Multi-tasking momager Kris Jenner released her first book Kris Jenner...and All Things Kardashian on November 1.
  • Barnes & Noble held a press conference yesterday to announce a new device: Nook Tablet. Prices on the existing NOOK devices are lowered ($199 for the Color; $99 for the Simple Touch). 
  • Don't fret or feel slighted if you're already a NOOK owner. The Simple Touch 1.1 update is available now. Your device will automatically update when connected to wifi in the coming weeks. The update includes an enhanced eInk display making it the best reading screen, sharper fonts and the longest battery life (up to 2 months of reading time on a single charge).
  • The NOOKcolor 1.4 update is coming soon. It will convert your existing device to a full functional tablet.


US vs. UK


Everyone knows I'm completely obsessed with the UK. "US vs. UK" was created by Jenny from Wondrous Reads and it compares covers from books released in the two countries. I have missed doing this meme so there are a couple comparisons today.


US
UK
The first comparison is Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler. The US cover is at the top. It features the star sitting in a lawn chair holding...what else...a cocktail. The UK cover shows a sketch of a woman with a pale beige color. It is no question which cover I like more: US!


Total: US 6, UK 6


US
UK 
The second comparison is Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson. Both covers are very similar, just different backgrounds. I like the patriotic look of the US cover with an American flag behind the title. Go US!

Total: US 7, UK 6

UK
US


The third comparison is Kill Me If You Can also by James Patterson. The UK cover is displayed on top, with a darker cover. It gives off the vibe of mystery and danger. The US cover is bright with fire colors. Hmmm, both covers are kind of bland but I like the US cover better.

Total: US 8, UK 6

Which covers do you favor?