Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Nightshade

This book had a razor edge and kept me turning the pages. Loved the werewolf action and plot. Check it out!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A great read for Halloween!

If you haven't checked out the Splat books, you are in for a treat this Halloween! The illustrations are beautiful and the story endearing.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4

Monday, October 18, 2010

Batik quilts.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
The colors of this book drew me in from the start. I love the combinations of the batik designs. The photography from Bali adds depth to the story behind the quilts. It brings to life the culture and majesty of this land that is rich in tradition and craftsmanship.
Pamela Mostek was asked to give a textile tour to Bali. So she brought her traveling companion Susan Nelsen with her and the rest is history.
Follow Pamela and Susan as they talk about the weaving methods used to create the unique batik patters.
There are eight gorgeous patterns to delight quilters of all levels of skill. A keeper for my library shelf.

My rating is 5 out of 5. Love this book. Beautiful!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tadpole being cute.

It is way too early to be awake today, but the bookstore awaits. Lots of Christmas cards to stock and new books to play with.

This little guy is my inspiration. Tadpole is a little miracle rescue puppy with a heart of gold.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Saturday, October 16, 2010

A note on bullying

Were you ever bullied? How did you deal with it? What would you tell kids that are dealing with it in today's world? What would you say to the kids who recently committed suicide as a result of it? Check out the ongoing conversation on Dana's YA Bookpile.http://danasyabookpile.blogspot.com/

A Myriad of Books: ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS

A Myriad of Books: ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS: " My first blog review ever... but here it goes!! Right down to business... ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS published October 2010 OVERALL RATING: 9, ..."

Friday, October 15, 2010

Delicious desserts on display.
Me and Erin Hicks Miller

Having fun with Erin Hicks Miller...

Tonight I got to spend some time with the amazing Erin Hicks Miller, author of Houston Classic Desserts. Her book signing and release party was held at Arturo's Uptown Italiano Restaurant in the Post Oak section of Houston, TX.

The desserts made their grand entrance and I was mesmerized. In the picture to the left you see the mini Fresh Pear Bundt Cakes from Dacapo's in the Heights, Fluffernuters by Rebecca Mason and Pecan Pralines from Molina's Cantina.

I also sampled the mini Blueberry Tart by Mark's, White Chocolate Bread Pudding from Ruggles Grill (my favorite), Crema Catalana from Arturo's Uptown Italiano, Creole Bread Pudding with Rye Whiskey Sauce from Brennan's and finally the Tres Leches Cake from El Tiempo Cantina.

These desserts were created by Houston's favorite chefs and the city's most celebrated kitchens. This book is a great gift for the holidays and a must for anyone who loves to bake. Everything I tried was wonderful and worth investgating one recipe at a time.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Tadpole sleeping.

This little guy is my knitting partner, writing inspiration and at the moment, asleep on my knitting. Today is a quiet day for writing my YA book, doing some work around the house and reading. I am currently reading Angelfire by Courtney Moulton. What are you reading today?
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Great new titles!

If you are a blogger or book reviewer, I encourage you to sign up for Net Galley.  It is the best! Kind of compare it to checking out an e-library book, but for longer.  It is easy to download the books into Adobe Digital Editions and you can even side load them onto a nook. (I have one and it is great to be able to use product from other sources to take with me everywhere.)You read, review and pass along your thoughts to publishers. All on books that aren't even out to the general public, so you can blog and talk about titles early. There are more publishers participating than ever before. I had to admit I was impressed with the selections.

Teen has a good array of titles and the cookbook section had me kind of drooling. Okay, yes I totally was. Some of the titles I saw are going to be big this holiday season. Very cool indeed.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Monday, October 4, 2010

Libraries...physical book vs. e-branch.

I work in a bookstore. What do I need a library for? Well, a lot of things actually. Last March I drove up the street to our local library here in Tomball, TX and was completely surprised at how it has changed. The updated computer systems have replaced the old card system I remembered from my college days when I worked behind the circulation desk. Interlibrary loan emails you when your books come in. Amazing! But the best was saved for last. They now have an e-branch. Who knew?

Some of you may be asking, "What is an e-branch?" Well, it is the ability to sit at home in front of your computer (in your nightgown) and check out library books and build wish lists. They have books and audio books. You can use your IPod to listen to books and if you have a Nook (everyone should), you can read and listen to audio books at the same time. What could be better?

If you live in Texas, all you have to do is come to a Harris County Public Library and sign up for a card. My suggestion is to head up to the Tomball branch and ask for the wonderful Monica Colson, who can walk you through the entire process.

For those of you who do not live in Texas, check with your local library branch and see if they have a program. Many large cities are in contact with Overdrive Media and are setting up digital programs. They are easier for the libraries to maintain.

In summary, the library is still an important part of our community. They need all of our support, so visit your library today and check out what it has to offer you. Maybe they will have a knitting class!

To contact the Harris County Public Library system: http://www.hcpl.lib.overdrive.com/