Blogger Hop and Follow Friday

 I like the cupcakes. It is just one of my things. If you pop over to my http://bookgirlinthekitchen.blogspot.com/ site, you will see even more. Cupcakes are just the best things in the whole world. I love to sit and read with a nice cup of coffee or hot tea and a tasty cupcake by my side. Sadly, I am out, so I am dreaming about them while blogging.

Welcome to another Follow Friday and Book Blog Hop. Thanks for stopping in for a visit. Please feel free to leave some comment love and tell me what you love to muncy on while you are reading. Or blogging for that matter.

Our two host sites are:

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/
http://www.parajunkee.com/

Please stop over and get the deets on the blog of the week and follow a new blog or two. Share the love.

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING.

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 
RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
 

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below

In your link, please state the main genre that you review:  eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.

Example:  Crazy-for-Books (contemp. adult fiction) 

2. Post about the Hop on your blog.  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!  In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).  

 

This week's question comes from Mia who blogs at Girl About Books:

 "Who's your all-time favorite book villain?"

My favorite villain lately is the girl from Let Me In. She is sort of a monster, eating all of her neighbors at the apartment complex, and sending out her "father" to get more victims. She may be homicidal, but she is vulnerable too. She protects the boy from his passel of bullies and loves him when no one else can be bothered. In the end I wanted her to win and them to be together.

Who did you pick?

Late breaking additional question:

What embarrassing thing have you done on cold medicine?

As for me, I don't have anything on cold medicine other than nightmares. The weirdest thing I ever did at night was to wake up with teeth marks on the table next to the bed, with blood in my mouth where it had bit me back. Go figure.

In my mailbox

This week has been a busy one for new releases and recent publications. All books were sent by the publisher for review.

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Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

Hey everyone! Welcome to another fun Follow Friday and Blog Hop. Our blog of the week is:

Stop by http://www.parajunkee.com/ for more information on how to follow this cool site.

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

Weekly questions:

1. What is your favorite TV show?

2. Are you happy with the name of your blog?

Let's start with the second one. Yes. I am happy with the name of this blog. It sprang out of my love for books and yarn. They are my two obsessions. Piles of books and yarn on my writing desk should give it away.

Needless to say, not much writing actually happens at the writing desk.

The answer to the first question is:

I love this show. Every week (except this one! Argh!!!) I Tivo it and watch it with the hubby. We usually eat in front of the TV, and this show makes our night.

Thanks for stopping in and celebrating Follow Friday with me. Stay a moment and leave some comment love and maybe follow along. Let me know what cool things you are reading.

Best in reading,

Dana

In my mailbox this week...

What is in your mailbox this week? Drop me a comment. I would love to hear. (Not about your bills.) :)

Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

Hello everyone and welcome to another Follow Friday, hosted by our extremely wonderful hostess, Parajunkee. This week's guest is Dreaming About Other Worlds. Pop over to www.parajunkee.com/ to sign up on the linky and follow this great blogger. Also follow the blog hop over at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/


Question: Have you ever read Science Fiction? What is your favorite book?

I personally like fantasy much better than hard core science fiction. Some of my favorite series are True Blood, The Rachel Morgan series, Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series and there are several others. I tend to like the monsters. Robots and the futuristic space ship novels. Not really me I guess.

Thanks for stopping in. Hope to see you back as a follower. Stay a moment and leave a comment. If you are here, you are wonderful! Happy Follow Friday.

Best,

Dana

What I'm Reading Now...

Big things are about the happen at Maple's house. Mama's going to have a baby, which means now there will be four Rittle sisters instead of just three. But when baby Lily is born too early and can't come home from the hospital, Maple knows it's up to her to save her sister. So she and Dawn, armed with a map and some leftover dinner, head off down a river and up a mountain to find the Wise Woman who can grant miracles. Now it's not only Lily’s survival that they have to worry about, but also their own. The dangers that Maple and Dawn encounter on their journey makes them realize a thing or two about miracles–and about each other. (Goodreads)

So far, this book is great. Love of family and lyrical mythology made my heart smile as I am reading it.

Finished:

My initial thoughts are the same. Great middle grade adventure book with strong female characters learning how to face adverse situations and prevail. This book stresses family bonds and learning to work with one another to get things done. Great book for kids.

In my mailbox this week.

Duvall, Texas.
A small town that’s about to be in some big trouble.

Pastry-chef-turned-unexpected-action/adventure heroine Tammy Jo Trask is finally ready to embrace her mixed-up and often malfunctioning magic. Too bad not everyone wants her to become all the witch she can be.
First, there are the local residents who form a scripture-spouting posse and kidnap Tammy to “defend” Duvall against witchcraft. Next, someone saddles her with a secret package chock full of dangerous visions, just as the president of WAM—the World Association of Magic—arrives with his entourage to investigate her. And who worse to examine Tammy’s entanglement with off-limits and drop-dead gorgeous wizard Bryn Lyons than his ex-girlfriend? Not to mention that the clash between the locals and the magical visitors leads to a series of unnatural disasters that may doom them all.
Will Tammy Jo’s magical synergy with Bryn be enough to help her save the town or will her enemies succeed in putting Tammy out of commission for good? One thing’s certain: this would-be witch is ready to rumble, Texas style…

This series by Kimberly Frost is full of spice and Texas flair. The first two books kept me reading late into the night and I can't wait to start reading the third. I recieved it from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Hop!

 Hello everyone! It is time for another Blog Hop! Join me in supporting other fellow book bloggers in our love of reading and reviewing books. Just pop over to our amazing host's website at http://crazy-for-books.com/ and sign up on the linky list and follow some new book friends. Leave a link in the comment fields for us to follow a great post that you made this week.

Stay a moment, follow if you like and share some comment love. Nice to see you here.

Floating on Mams's Song

I enjoyed this book. The illustrations are lovely and the story enchanting. It is about the power of being yourself. 

Hands Off, Harry!

This wonderful book will be coming out in June 2011 from Katherine Tegen Books. It is about a young alligator named Harry and his inability to play nice and respect the space of other children in his kindergarten class.  Miss Harmony sure has her hands full! Will she get Harry to see that personal space is important, and that hands should be used for helping and not hurting? Check out this great book. It has all the elements of a good story time, complete with interactive questions to get kids engaged in the storyline and bring in people from their own lives. 5 out of 5 stars.

Author Rosemary Wells (Harpercollins) 

A String of Hearts

I enjoyed this book very much. The illustrations are lovely and the Valentine's Day story is sweet. It makes kids of all ages think about the people in their life and appreciate the little things about each and every one of them. Sometimes you never know just how many friends you have! The last page gives a recap of how Valentine's Day came to be and how the holiday has changed over the years. Great information! 5 out of 5 stars.

Valentines come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are homemade and some are store-bought. Some are funny and some are not. Sam wants to give just the right valentine to the most popular girl in the class, Tiffany. But what kind is the right kind? Mary Ann helps Sam figure out how to make all sorts of valentines. But will Tiffany even notice Sam if he gives her a special valentine?
Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger’s charming story shows how the best friends are often the ones you may not know you have—until Valentine’s Day!—and even a simple string of hearts can show a friend how special he is. (Goodreads)

Ami Ami Dogs

The first in a series, Mitsuki Hoshi’s crafty collection is packed with four-color photographs, patterns, and instructions on how to craft a tumbling litter of adorable canine Amigurumi—the wildly popular crocheted stuffed animals from Japan. The perfect go-to guide for every stripe of crochet artist, from the crafting commuter to the full-time hook-and-needler (and the perfect gift for anyone who could use an extra dose of over-the-top cuteness in their life), Hoshi’s Ami Ami Dogs is sure to knit smiles and tail-wagging into the fabric of any home it joins.

Book Description

 

This Amigurumi handbook is filled with adorable photographs of puppies and easy-to-follow patterns to help you create them. Treat yourself to a darling friend to cuddle up with, make an entire family of puppies, or gift one to a loved one.

The world needs more Ami Ami Dogs
(from Harpercollins.com)

I found this book when one of my fellow booksellers pointed it out to me. It was love at first sight. Gone went the coffee money. In came Ami Ami Dogs. The projects are small and are primarily single crochet, so even a novice like me can do them. I am excited to learn that this is just the first in a line of these books. How wonderful!!! If you are interested, this book can be found at Barnes & Noble, both on the website and in stores.

Bookgirl in the Kitchen: Twinkie Chan

Bookgirl in the Kitchen: Twinkie Chan: "Twinkie Chan Cupcakes Take The Cake is the coolest with all things in the world of cupcakes. Playing on their site today, I encountered thi..."

In My Mailbox

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What I'm Reading Now...

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.(Goodreads)

I have literally just started this book today and already I can tell it is a pageturner.

Library Issues & Taking Action

Library Issues & Taking Action

I had been hearing a lot about Texas Libraries losing much of their funding. Yesterday a wonderful friend of mine who works in the library system sent me over a link from Facebook that explained it all and showed how I as a concerned library patron, and citizen could make a difference.

Some of you may think that it has nothing to do with you. You never use the library. A couple of years ago, I might have agreed with you. After finding out all the programs the libraries in town offer, the amount of ebooks and eaudios I can check out to read for my IPad, Nookcolor and IPod, the computer training, the programs for kids...I could keep typing all day. My library is like a community center. I take free knitting classes there and honestly, I wouldn't know what to do without it. The librarians there are as much of a part of the library as the books. They care about the patrons they serve and become part of their lives. I know they have become a part of mine. With the proposed budget cuts, I can't even imagine how many librarians are going to find themselves out of a job.

Our country prides itself in education and the future. What kind of future will there be without libraries? I don't want to even image it. Where anyone, no matter their economic status, can go and check out a book. Where patrons can learn about computers to further their careers. Where social knitting types like myself can go and connect with like minded individuals in a safe environment? Yes, the library I go to is attached to a school. It may not have as many budget cuts as another branch, but maybe it will be the branch you might need to go to sometime in the near future. You just never know.

A very excellent blog with two great contests.

 Lafemmereaders.blogspot.com has a great contest. Check it out!" Head over to http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/

Across the Universe contest.

Author Beth Revis awesome contest! Across the Universe is her new book.
Check out her contest and giveaway! Go to http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/ Make sure you refer  Elise at Bookish Delights as the person who told you about the amazing contest. http://bookishdelights.blogspot.com/

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Check out this amazing arc contest!

An amazing arc contest at Bookish Delights! Check it out. http://bookish-delights.blogspot.com/

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Louise Knits: Crochet scarf with flowers

Louise Knits: Crochet scarf with flowers

I love the idea of this scarf. Check out her site for more creative fun.

Dog-Eared & Bookmarked: My New Obsession [Part Deux]

Dog-Eared & Bookmarked: My New Obsession [Part Deux]

L. K. Madigan's Feast of Awesome Giveaway!

L. K. Madigan's Feast of Awesome Giveaway!

Follow Friday

http://parajunkee.com/

Welcome again to Follow Friday. Please join our host at http://parajunkee.com/ to join the linky and see the featured blog of the week. I hope you will stay a moment and leave a comment and a follow.

Best wishes!

Dana

Tadpole, the superviser of my blog posts.

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My latest bookpile.

My writing desk. Well, sort of. It has become a home for all of my arcs, galleys, yarn, knitting and crochet books, tulips and yes, the bag of caramel corn you see poking out behind the flowers.

Lately, most of my writing and blogging has been supervised by my hysterical dog Tadpole. Love him to death. He, above all my other rescue dogs, is my best friend. So, I write on the bed, with him tucked next to me, fondly looking at my desk and sighing. I have tried. Over the holidays I even managed to clear some space with clear intent of working. I sat down, computer in place and even started to type. It lasted two seconds. Something scrabbled at my right leg. Then my left leg. Then I felt the wet nose poking at my kneecaps. It was Tadpole. I lifted him up and into my lap. Try to type and hold a dog. It isn't easy. Finally I gave up and planted him and myself in bed with all of my blogging and writing supplies.

Even now, here we are, huddled under quilts and blankets, listening to audio books and typing blog posts. I have one thought.

Life is good.

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The Stylish Blogger Award

A big thanks to Selena over at The Enchanted Book for giving me the Stylish blogger Award. Thanks for thinking of me!

To receive this award, I am listing seven things about myself and sharing the love to fifteen bloggers who have made an impact on me and my blogs.

About me:
1. I have five blogs.
2. Rescue dogs are my passion.
3. Crocheting has taken over my life for the past few weeks.
4. One of my favorite movies is Fido.
5. My writing table has become a giant bookpile. Pictures to follow...
6. Audio books are one of my favorite things to listen to while cleaning house, knitting or crocheting.
7. As a kid, I used to barracade myself in my room, reading. Not much has changed today.

Blogs I love:
1. The Art of Crochet by Teresa (http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com)
2. Bakerella (http://www.bakerella.com/)
3. A Friend to Knit With (http://a-friend-to-knit-with.blogspot.com/)
4. Jane Deere (http://janedeereblog.blogspot.com/)
5. Reading Without Restraint (http://readingwithoutrestraint.blogspot.com/)
6. The Book Butterfly (http://thebookbutterfly.com/)\
7. Monster Crochet (http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/)
8. Cats and Cardigans (http://catsandcardigans.blogspot.com/)
9. Cupcake Bakeshop by Chockylit (http://cupcakeblog.com/)
10. By the Book (http://deborahannwarner.blogspot.com/)
11. Book Purring (http://www.bookpurring.com/)
12. Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books (http://snifflykitty.blogspot.com/)
13. The Frenetic Reader (http://www.freneticreader.com/)
14. Baking Without Borders (http://www.bakingwithoutabox.com/)
15. A Cupcake Blog (http://www.acupcakeblog.com/)

Each of these blogs has given me inspiration for books, crochet or cooking. I award each of you the Stylish Blogger Award. To claim it, please list seven things about yourself and list 15 blogs you love. Then notify each of the recipients that they won.

Happy Blogging!

Dana

What I'm listening to....

What would you do if you were the last living human in a world full of hungry vampires? Sharpen your stakes, make garlic necklaces and board your house against nightly assaults? At the very least.

I checked out this audio from the Harris County Library e-branch system and am playing it while I type. What an excellent story! As a fan of World War Z, The Walking Dead and The Passage by Cronin, I love this book.

Parajunkee's View: Book Blogging 101 - Setting Up Progress Bars

Parajunkee's View: Book Blogging 101 - Setting Up Progress Bars: "Today for BB101 I would like to welcome The Book Vixen...she has kindly offered to teach everyone how to do the progress bars. Give a warm w..."

Dana's YA Bookpile: No Sticks. No Stones. No Name-Calling Week

Dana's YA Bookpile: No Sticks. No Stones. No Name-Calling Week: "Bullying. It pretty much sucks. Almost all of us have been there at one time or another. To bring fresh awareness, Barnes & Noble is pa..."

Gothic Reading Challenge

Good morning all and hoping your new year is starting off wonderfully. I am participating in the Gothic Reading Challenge, which can also share book space with the Vampire Challenge.

My first book selection that fits both categories is iDrakula by Bekka Black.

This book was sent to me from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

What I liked about it:

This is a cell phone novel, entirely written in texts, emails, IPad screens and the like. Technology brings the classic tale of Dracula into the modern age. What would we ever do without cell phones? I myself can't fathom it. My new Droid Incredible and my IPad are attached to my hands night and day. So is this net book if you want to know the truth. Don't forget my Nookcolor either. Technology. It rocks, and Bekka Black's new and amazing book showcases it to it's finest without actually having moving parts and flashing screens. That will be next.

But funny we should talk about moving screens...There is an IPad app for IDrakula too. Very awesome, I have to say. Great job Bekka. I love the concept and the delivery.

What I didn't:

It felt like it could have gone on a little longer, because I was enjoying myself so much. I can't wait to see what other cell phone novels Ms. Black has in store for us in the future.

Overall:

This book is a great melding of technology and the classic tale of Dracula. It is updated to fit our times and some of the plot is switched around as befits a girl of today. Very good!!

4 out of 5 stars.