Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop and wanted to host a giveaway for a very special book, Loki’s...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop and wanted to host a giveaway for a very special book, Loki’s Wolves. Bestselling fantasy authors Kelly Armstrong and Melissa Marr have teamed up to create this new novel for ages eight and up that has its roots in Nordic mythology, but with a 21st century twist. It’s Book #1 in the Blackwell Pages trilogy. Neither one of these authors needs an introduction, so let me just say that they’re even better as a team. And fantasy fans of all ages will enjoy this one, so it’s one you can read with your kids – a definite plus. Read the rest of my review & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5951.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Shower of Books Giveaway Hop. For this hop, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for bestsell...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Shower of Books Giveaway Hop. For this hop, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for bestselling author M.J. Rose’s new novel, Seduction. I’ve been waiting all year for this book to be published and can’t wait another minute to share it with you! You may recall that we reviewed The Book of Lost Fragrances last year. Seduction reunites Jac L’Etoile with Theo Gaspard in another suspense novel, while adding a strong ghostly, gothic element in the form of Victor Hugo and his very real obsession with spiritualism. Read the rest of my review and enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5840.(less)
When I read the publisher’s blurb about Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon, I knew I had to read it. I’ve always loved stories about Mars and I’m a hug...moreWhen I read the publisher’s blurb about Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon, I knew I had to read it. I’ve always loved stories about Mars and I’m a huge animal lover, so it was a no brainer. Imagine studying to become a veterinarian to alien life forms, on Mars no less! That’s the background for this new YA novel, a novel which I believe is going to appeal to anyone of any age who’s into sci-fi, mysteries, animals or even just the dynamics of small towns. Sound interesting? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5888.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: I knew bestselling author Joe Hill’s reputation, so when I saw NOS4A2 I got chills just looking at the book cover. Normall...moreBook Review & Giveaway: I knew bestselling author Joe Hill’s reputation, so when I saw NOS4A2 I got chills just looking at the book cover. Normally I reserve books like this for the period surrounding Halloween to support me in maxing out the spookiness atmosphere, but I’ve made an exception. I just can’t wait that long to share it with you.
NOS4A2 as a title made me think this was a vampire novel. Hmmm, could it be? Well, maybe or maybe not. NOS4A2 is a genre bender that blends psychological thriller, fantasy, and horror all into one. And thanks to the publisher’s generosity, someone is going to win an advance readers copy (ARC) of it and an extra bonus. Go to http://popcornreads.com/?p=5875 to read the rest of my review and enter the giveaway. (less)
I love good historical mysteries so, once I discovered that Susanna Calkins has a doctorate in British history, I had to check out A Murder at Rosamun...moreI love good historical mysteries so, once I discovered that Susanna Calkins has a doctorate in British history, I had to check out A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate. It’s Book #1 in the new Lucy Campion Mysteries series. I rationalized that Ms. Calkins would either bring 17th century London to life or turn it into a dry historical lecture. Thankfully, she has brought a wealth of realistic period detail without dry and boring exposition. This debut novel is a mystery of the first order with plenty of suspense and twists, as well as a well developed character study. If you like historical novels, whether or not you like mysteries, I think you’ll like this one. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5792.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: When I read the publisher’s brief blurb about The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway, I knew I had to read it. Although thi...moreBook Review & Giveaway: When I read the publisher’s brief blurb about The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway, I knew I had to read it. Although this is a debut novel, you would never guess that from reading it. Bee Ridgeway is actually the pen name of an English Literature professor at Bryn Mawr. Although this story involves time travel, it will appeal to literary and historical fiction fans as much as it will to fantasy and romance fans. It is definitely a genre bending novel, which I love. Read the rest of my review & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5977.(less)
When the news came out that scientists had successfully cloned a pet dog, I remember thinking it might be the same genetically but how could it be the...moreWhen the news came out that scientists had successfully cloned a pet dog, I remember thinking it might be the same genetically but how could it be the same dog? Still, the whole subject fascinates me. That may explain why I was drawn to A Nearly Perfect Copy by award-winning author Allison Amend immediately. I knew if this was a novel about cloning pet dogs then I wanted to read it. Little did I know that A Perfect Copy has a far more intricate plot. Artistic masterpieces, a small cherished son gone too soon, and a beloved pet dog, all feature in this novel but the real story is the people affected by them. What price would you pay to have the one thing you cherished more than anything in the world? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5766.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: I was delighted to receive a copy of The Mystery of Mercy Close by bestselling and award-winning Irish author Marian Keyes...moreBook Review & Giveaway: I was delighted to receive a copy of The Mystery of Mercy Close by bestselling and award-winning Irish author Marian Keyes. If you’re familiar with Marian Keyes, you know her work is an international phenomenon. Women everywhere can’t get enough of her novels, including the Walsh Sisters series. Each Walsh Sisters novel has featured a different sister, so they work well as stand-alone reads. The Mystery of Mercy Close is about the youngest sister, Helen. If you’re a mystery buff or you like warm, funny women’s fiction about second chances then you will definitely want to check this one out. And, thanks to the publisher’s generosity, we’re giving away a finished hardcover copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5936.(less)
Is that a killer book cover or what? Once I saw it, I had to find out what was inside. Curious cats and I have a lot in common evidently (but in a goo...moreIs that a killer book cover or what? Once I saw it, I had to find out what was inside. Curious cats and I have a lot in common evidently (but in a good way). Moonset is Book #1 in the new Legacy of Moonset series by Scott Tracey. As his web site states, Scott Tracey is working to put the super back in supernatural. Whoot! Let’s see – we’ve got witches, fantasy, magic, coming of age, dishonored families, small town, a petty bureaucracy, dark secrets, and villains who look perfectly normal. What’s not to like? Seriously, this is going to be one fun series so be sure to check it out at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5739.(less)
Okay, confession time. I’m allergic to bees, so they kind of give me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I was immediately drawn to th...moreOkay, confession time. I’m allergic to bees, so they kind of give me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I was immediately drawn to the book cover for Stung by Bethany Wiggins. Then I read the publisher’s brief description and knew I wanted to read it. This is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic YA novel with a medical premise that could fit right into today’s “Are Vaccinations Safe” headlines. Mankind is always messing around with things when he has no idea of the ramifications, which makes this story really believable unfortunately. *head-desk* If you’re into medically based thrillers and/or dystopian novels then you’ll want to check this one out at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5713.(less)
Walking Disaster is Jamie McGuire’s follow-up companion novel to the YA novel, Beautiful Disaster. We reviewed Beautiful Disaster in late Summer 2012....moreWalking Disaster is Jamie McGuire’s follow-up companion novel to the YA novel, Beautiful Disaster. We reviewed Beautiful Disaster in late Summer 2012. A link to that review is at the end of this review. Since then it has become a New York Times bestseller. Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster provide a she said/he said version of the same tale because, after all, every story has at least two sides.
In Beautiful Disaster, we got Abby’s take on what happened and, in Walking Disaster, we get Travis’ version. That makes it easier because these two novels can be read in whichever order you prefer without any concerns about spoilers. Although they’re geared toward teens and young adults, this story will appeal to anyone (male or female) who likes a good love story. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5868.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the April No Strings Giveaway Hop, and have a great giveaway for it – Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosma...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the April No Strings Giveaway Hop, and have a great giveaway for it – Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosmatka. His prior book, The Games, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012. In Prophet of Bones, Kosmatka’s world is built by asking the initial question, “What if Darwin’s theories about evolution had been debunked and creationism was the accepted scientific theory upon which everything was based?” If you like stories about an alternate Earth and/or non-stop sci-fi action thrillers then you are going to want to check this one out. And you could even win an advance readers copy (ARC) at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5757.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the...moreBook Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the Hollow World by Martha Wells is a steampunk sci-fi/fantasy adventure novel aimed at YA readers but, since I quickly forgot that our heroine is a teen, I think readers of all ages will enjoy this one. This is another novel that would do Jules Verne proud – that’s two in two weeks! If this sounds interesting then read on. Emilie is a heroine you’re going to love! And one reader will win an advance readers copy (ARC) of it, thanks to the publisher’s generosity! Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5684.(less)
I felt really drawn to the book cover of Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge and had to find out what it was about. Although I try to limit my revi...moreI felt really drawn to the book cover of Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge and had to find out what it was about. Although I try to limit my reviews of amnesia novels to one a year, I realized when I read the concept that this was one I definitely wanted to read. It’s not just an interesting concept but it’s a fascinating mystery and psychological piece that peels back like the layers of a flower. It will also appeal to readers who just like a good weekend read about relationships. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5690.(less)
Book Tour Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Titanic Giveaway Hop and a virtual book tour today. For those, we're hosting a multi-book...moreBook Tour Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Titanic Giveaway Hop and a virtual book tour today. For those, we're hosting a multi-book giveaway of No Way Back by bestselling author Andrew Gross. This thriller is a disaster roller coaster ride, so grab onto your seats because it’s going to get a just a wee bit bumpy! With bestselling novels like Eyes Wide Open and 15 Seconds, not to mention co-authorship of six bestselling novels with James Patterson, Andrew Gross is probably no stranger to any of you who love thrillers. His newest thriller, No Way Back, continues the trend and we’re thrilled to be able to offer 2 advance review copies (ARCs) in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5730.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer Prize for her amazing novel Olive Kitteridge and now she’s back, showing us that she pla...moreBook Review & Giveaway: Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer Prize for her amazing novel Olive Kitteridge and now she’s back, showing us that she plans to continue to be a literary force to be reckoned with. I actually almost didn’t request her new novel, The Burgess Boys, because I wondered how this one could possibly equal Olive Kitteridge. Well, that worry didn’t last long. The Burgess Boys swept me off my feet and knocked my socks off. Its small-town dysfunctional family made me squirm and its lessons had me nodding my head in sympathy. If you’re looking for an excellent read, then check this one out. And you could win an advance readers copy (ARC) in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5645.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: Award-winning author Joseph D’Lacey is probably best known for his horror novels. With Black Feathers, Volume One of The B...moreBook Review & Giveaway: Award-winning author Joseph D’Lacey is probably best known for his horror novels. With Black Feathers, Volume One of The Black Dawn duology, he brings us a post-apocalyptic novel that is a 21st century environmental cautionary tale, with roots strong in myth and folklore. Still, D’Lacey’s horror fans shouldn’t be dismayed since he has not forgotten his horror roots. So gather around my friends and learn about the Crowman. One of you will be fortunate enough to win an advance readers copy (ARC) of Black Feathers at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5671, thanks to the publisher’s generosity!(less)
We’re one of today’s stops on the virtual book tour for Fixer by bestselling author Gene Doucette. Normally we get approached to host a stop on a book...moreWe’re one of today’s stops on the virtual book tour for Fixer by bestselling author Gene Doucette. Normally we get approached to host a stop on a book tour before checking out the book but this time we had already chosen this book when we learned about the book tour. Perfect! Fixer is a genre bending novel that combines science fiction and mystery with a bit of horror and fantasy into its own unique blend of fiction that works very well. Sound interesting? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5602.(less)
In Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the bo...moreIn Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the book cover for Quintessence, it looked like just the kind of adventure I was in the mood for and, when I read the concept from Tor Publishing, I was sold. Are you in the mood for alternate history on a flat Earth with mysterious occurrences, alchemy, strange creatures and courageous explorers? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5661.(less)
How weird that there's no book cover available to show you since this novel is available worldwide...Anyway...The Andalusian Friend may be Alexander S...moreHow weird that there's no book cover available to show you since this novel is available worldwide...Anyway...The Andalusian Friend may be Alexander Soderberg’s debut novel but, as a film and TV screenwriter, he is no stranger to creating suspenseful Nordic crime thrillers. This is Book #1 of a new trilogy and, although it has been likened to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets The Sopranos, I think it falls into a category all its own. Maybe that’s why I liked it so much. If you like international thrillers then you’ll definitely want to take a look at this one. Read the rest of my review (and see the book cover) at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5577.(less)
I didn’t know what to expect when I chose to read The Holders by Julianna Scott. Oh sure, I had seen the beautiful cover and made some assumptions bas...moreI didn’t know what to expect when I chose to read The Holders by Julianna Scott. Oh sure, I had seen the beautiful cover and made some assumptions based on it. I had also read the publisher’s brief description and found it interesting. From both of those, I was expecting some Harry Potter-esque tale set in Ireland. They really didn’t prepare me for the story I found inside, which lays the foundation for a fascinating X-Men style series. Although this is a YA novel, its depth makes it much more than that. If you’re into heroic, paranormal, fantasy novels with a touch of romance then you’ll want to read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5515.(less)
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is Book #1 in the new Steampunk series, The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, by Liesel Schwarz. The book cover pulled me in...moreA Conspiracy of Alchemists is Book #1 in the new Steampunk series, The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, by Liesel Schwarz. The book cover pulled me in immediately and I knew I had to read it. A lot of times I prefer the UK book cover to the U.S. book cover but this one rocks! This debut novel weaves together classic Steampunk elements along with scifi/fantasy, mystery, action/adventure, paranormal creatures, mythology and romance into an exciting alternative historical novel. I could hardly wait to share it with you! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5539.(less)
Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, with Ruth and Jack Gruener, is fiction based on the true story of Jack Gruener. Some stories need to be retold again an...morePrisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, with Ruth and Jack Gruener, is fiction based on the true story of Jack Gruener. Some stories need to be retold again and again so we never forget them. As the often misquoted George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Although this is a historical YA novel approved for ages 10 and up, it’s a story that needs to be read by all ages. Was it hard to read? Yes and no. Was it worth reading? Very much so. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5627.(less)
Ilsa Bick is an award-winning author who’s also a child psychiatrist. I always look forward to her insight into the human psyche and am anxious about...moreIlsa Bick is an award-winning author who’s also a child psychiatrist. I always look forward to her insight into the human psyche and am anxious about it at the same time. I know her novels will delve deeply into topics other authors might only skim. When I saw The Sin Eater’s Confession, the title intrigued me. I didn’t know much about it from the publisher’s brief description but knew if Ms. Bick wrote it then it was going to be a very interesting journey. This mystery delves into bigotry, PTSD, and much more. It was a tough read in places but it was well worth the ride. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5545.(less)
I kept seeing the book cover for Black Irish by bestselling author Stephen Talty in industry publications and it intrigued me. When I read the concept...moreI kept seeing the book cover for Black Irish by bestselling author Stephen Talty in industry publications and it intrigued me. When I read the concept, I decided it was a thriller I wanted to try since it features a deeply rooted Irish community in an area I don’t normally associate with being Irish. I know that may seem like an odd reason to pick a book but I sometimes pick books for odd reasons. If you like psychological thrillers then read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5502 because this one is definitely worth exploring further.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop and are pleased to be hosting a giveaway for Between Two Thorns by...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop and are pleased to be hosting a giveaway for Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman. This is Book #1 in the Split Worlds series and, if it’s an indication, this is going to be a fun thrill ride of a series! It features a world split into two (doh), with humans none the wiser about the other side. The Fae in this novel are not sweet little flower fairies but more the type who would leave a changeling in your baby’s bed if no one were keeping an eye on them. If you like sci-fi/fantasy mixed in with mystery and thriller elements then you’ll want to read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway for an ARC of it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5507.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is Under Shifting Glass by award-winni...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is Under Shifting Glass by award-winning children’s author Nicky Singer. This novel has been rated for grades six and up, and is really targeted toward middle school kids. It deals with the fragile nature of life and friendship, and how those issues affect people. It will make an excellent addition to any school or family library. And we’re giving away an advance readers copy (ARC) to one lucky reader at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5585.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: I’m often drawn to novels by their book covers and The Secret of the Nightingale Palace by Dana Sachs was no exception. I...moreBook Review & Giveaway: I’m often drawn to novels by their book covers and The Secret of the Nightingale Palace by Dana Sachs was no exception. I had to find out who the people were behind the paper parasol. When I read the publisher’s description, I knew it was no accident that I was attracted to this novel. This is a story within a story – a contemporary novel containing historical fiction. In movie terms, it’s a road trip, but it’s so much more. It’s romantic, elegant and will touch your heart in oh so many ways. Sound interesting? Read the rest of our review & enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5421.(less)
Please note: The U.S. book cover differs from this one but that cover isn't available on GoodReads.
I always want to learn more about other cultures an...morePlease note: The U.S. book cover differs from this one but that cover isn't available on GoodReads.
I always want to learn more about other cultures and often think fiction is an excellent way to explore them. I believe what drew me to The Dervish by Frances Kazan was my quest to learn more about whirling dervishes, which have fascinated me since I first heard about them.
What kept me captivated instead was a beautifully written story about the Turkish culture during the last days of the Ottoman Empire. If you like historical novels, adventure stories, cross-cultural novels, or novels filled with political intrigue then this one just might appeal to you as well. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5476.(less)
When I read The Comfort of Lies by bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers, I kept thinking of what Sir Walter Scott wrote in Marmion, “Oh what a tangle...moreWhen I read The Comfort of Lies by bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers, I kept thinking of what Sir Walter Scott wrote in Marmion, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” I was drawn to this novel by the book cover and the title. Curious as a cat, I had to know what it was all about. Although The Comfort of Lies is about the lies that can entangle our lives, it’s also about love and expectations vs. reality. Three women’s lives collide in this very interesting novel. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5426.(less)