Goodreads Launches New Releases Mailer

Goodreads has launched a new mailer for New Releases. It is sent monthly to members and includes new books from authors based on what the members have actually read. The recommendations are tailored toward your bookshelf, not whatever is popular. I love this new mailer because it guarantees I'll never miss a new release by my fave authors.


If you want to explore outside of your favorites, there is an option to receive the top titles in 12 different genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Children's, History & Biography, Memoir & Autobiography, Mystery & Thriller, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Graphic Novels & Comics.


The January newsletter was received in my inbox yesterday. Did you get yours? 

Sparks of Love

Do you remember The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks? It is one of the best love stories ever. Well, I recently discovered the sequel, The Wedding. Yes, I am all the way late.


Jane is the daughter of Noah and Allie. She's married to the narrator, Wilson. After 30 years of marriage, he comes to realize that Jane may not be in love anymore. Ever since the kids graduated and moved out, the home just feels empty. He seeks advice from father-in-law, Noah, who suggests rekindling romance by writing a heartfelt letter similar to the famous notebook. Problem is, Wilson just isn't a writer. He can't find the words or the time to express his love in words. So he decides to do small things like cooking more, sparking conversation during dinner, and bringing up old dates. He even spontaneously kisses his wife hoping that his newfound interest in their marriage will bring the spark of love back.


Their daughter announces her plans to marry on her parent's 30th anniversary. Every mother wants her daughter to have the fairy tale wedding so Jane scrambles to organize it in such short notice. Meanwhile, Wilson surprises his wife Jane with an anniversary gift she'll cherish forever.


Nicholas Sparks has a talent for writing love stories that draw you in. They make you cry, smile, reminisce, and dream about your own love life. Even though this sequel is nowhere as good as The Notebook, I still enjoyed it. Like most love stories, especially those written by Sparks, there are layers. The layers fit together seamlessly and the story flows smoothly and clearly as the characters remember other time periods. For that reason alone, The Wedding is worth reading before the movie releases.

Title: The Wedding

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Published: Sept 2003

Pages: 276

Edition: eBook

Rating: ♥♥♥

Stop the Gossip

I figured this would be the perfect eBook to start for one of my 2011 reading challenges: Show Me The Free. It was short and seemingly interesting from the title. 


I've been a fan of James Patterson for years. My mother and I have our own speculations and rumors about the best selling author. For example, he is a "cousin." He is also far wiser than his mysteries and fiction let on. In other words, he is hip to the secret. However, this literary short story was wack. It was a product of the author's bland imagination. He paints a picture of a room large enough to fit two new aircraft hangars. The room is packed with writers. Some are experts on commas, specialists on adverbs, profanity advisors, and currency advisors. It says nothing about Patterson's character, but is more a brief summary of how his working space may run like a sweat shop. Now I do realize that Patterson produces an average of one book per month. However, the idea seems far-fetched. Nice try, Boscutti. I'm glad I didn't pay for this eBook.


P.S. I learned a cool search tip for finding free eBooks on your NOOKcolor. In the B&N shop, type "0.00" in the search field. All of the free eBooks will list.


Title: The Rumors Swirling about James Patterson
Author: Stefano Boscutti
Published: 2010
Pages: 18
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥

2011 Reading Challenges

Last year I read a total of 42 books. This year, I am participating in a few reading challenges to increase my numbers and provide more reviews for my bookhearts. Read below for the deets.


Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge


I challenge myself to read at least 50 books this year. That is an average of four books per month. It is only a week into the new year and I've already finished 2.5 books. **fist pump** Let's hope I exceed my goal.


Quirky Brown Reading Challenge


This challenge is hosted by BrownGirl Speaks. It's about challenging the overly subscribed to depictions of the so-called "black experience" and discovering some of our lesser known contributions to American literature. The requirement is that the books are written by black authors depicting an offbeat black experience. I'm aiming for Level IV: 5+ books


The quirky books I plan to read so far are:

• Coffee Will Make You Black by April Sinclair
• The Broke Diaries by Angela Nissel
• Orange, Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice
• A Taste of Honey by Jabari Asim
• Kinky Gazpacho by Lori Tharps

Colorful Chick Lit Challenge


This challenge is hosted by Reads4Pleasure. Chick lit is absolute fave genre. I just wish it would feature more brown girls as the main character and not a sidekick. Qualifying books have to be written by women of color about women of color, humorous, snarky, romantic, and a happy ending. There are four categories: Indian, Latina, Asian, and African-American. I'm aiming for the Queen of Chick Lit Level: 12+ books.


The colorful chick lit books I plan to read so far are:

• Imaginary Men by Anjali Banerjee
• The Girl Most Likely To by Poonam Sharma
• Life Over Easy by Margo Candela
• In Full Bloom by Caroline Hwang
• Sweet Little Lies by Michele Grant
• Heard It All Before by Michele Grant
• Semisweet by Jill Brock

Show Me The Free Reading Challenge


This challenge is hosted by the Unread Reader. It's the perfect challenge since I'm the proud new owner of a NOOKcolor and also have Kindle for Mac. The only requirement is to have an eReader and to actually read the countless amount of free eBooks I've downloaded. I'm aiming for the Coupon Clipper Level: 12+ books.


The free eBooks I've already downloaded are:

• Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller
• Delivered with Love by Sherry Kyle
• Whatever You Like by Maureen Smith
• Love Like This by Sylvia Hubbard
• Sisters by Kathleen Norris
• The Potluck Club by Linda Evans Shepherd
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
• The Rumors Swirling About James Patterson by Stefano Boscutti
• Money Girl's Smart Moves to Deal with Your Debt by Laura Adams

Whew! I don't think I'll have a problem reaching my goal of 50 books read in 2011 since my lists for reading challenges alone account for 46%. To learn more about the reading challenges I'm participating in and for sign-up, click the Reading Challenges link in the title bar above. In the meantime, share the challenges you are participating in. Happy Reading!

eBooks vs. Print Versions

How many of my bookhearts were among the millions who unwrapped Kindles, iPads, Nooks, and other eReaders for the holidays? How many of you contributed to the one million plus eBooks that were sold on Christmas Day? Well, I certainly woke up Christmas morning ready to load my new NOOKcolor with eBooks from my forever growing, never ending wish list. 


According to statistics, it seems that I wasn't the only one. USA TODAY reports that eBook versions of the top six books outsold the print versions last week. Of the top 50, 19 had higher eBook sales than print sales.


Nothing is better than turning the physical pages in the print version of a book, but we can't deny that the world has gone digital. Get with it, or get left behind.

Team Frugalista

Happy New Year, bookhearts. I'm sure that half of you made resolutions for saving money, investing, and reducing debt. Well, here is a book to jump start your financial plan for 2011.

Natalie McNeal realized she had a problem. She was a spending slut. Between a car loan, student loan, and credit cards, she was $21,021 in debt. -___- I give the side-eye because I know peers who owe $21,000 in student loans alone. However, debt is debt, and something had to be done to control her spending and to lower monthly expenses. Her first step was to not buy any unnecessary items for a whole month. Of course she chose the shortest month of the year, February.

After creating a blog with a faithful following of readers to hold her accountable, she began No-Buy Month. Thank goodness for a decent nail bed because she skipped her regular mani-pedi appointments. After all, natural is the new polish. No more professional styling. She managed her thick hair at home. Through other frugal tips, she carefully avoided an anemic bank account and saved nearly $400 in February. It worked!

The Frugalista Files is a hilarious well-told story of how one woman got out of debt without giving up the fabulous life. It is filled with personal savings and financial tips told in diary format. I’ve even started using a few tips such as:

Ø  Before you shell out cash, ask if this is something you really need or just want.

Ø  Start a gift fund for weddings, birthdays and births.

Ø  Enjoy life while minding the bank.

I’m proud of the frugalista, Natalie. What started off as a 28-day challenge turned into a lifestyle. If you are looking for a step-by-step manual to being frugal, then this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an entertaining story with realistic savings tips for the average woman, I highly recommend you pick up a copy today. Join Team Frugalista and become a frugal newbie with me.

Title: The Frugalista Files
Author: Natalie McNeal
Published: January 2011
Pages: 192
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Best of 2010

This past year was full of good literature and bestsellers. It is my duty to bring those to the forefront and highlight my faves of 2010. Please note that my list is purely my opinion, and not influenced by the authors, other readers, or publishers that may have provided copies. For your convenience, reviews of each book are available by clicking the title.

#10: HEART OF THE MATTER by Emily Giffin

#9: COLOR BLIND by Precious Williams

#8: SAFFRON DREAMS by Shaila Abdullah
























#7: SUBSTITUTE ME by Lori Tharps

























#6: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR by Kimberla Lawson Roby



























#5: THE PLEASURE'S ALL MINE by Naleigna Kai



























#4: MY FAIR LAZY by Jen Lancaster



























#3: TEMPTED BY TROUBLE by Eric Jerome Dickey

























#2: DECODED by Jay-Z



















#1: 32 CANDLES by Ernessa Carter