Review- Timepiece.....

 Timepiece: An Hourglass Novel by Myra McEntire.

Hardcover:336 pages
Publisher: Egmontusa (12 Jun 2012)

• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606841459
• ISBN-13: 978-1606841457

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.  When i read this synopsis, i went and bought the 1st book; Hourglass.

Book Description.

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

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My Review.

Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle.  Has i said above, once i read the synopsis i knew i had to read this and therefore i had to go buy the 1st book to read prior to this.  The cover was the first thing that hooked me.  I am a person who is attracted to a book by it's cover, i know it's wrong but i do.  This cover is just intense, it is eerie, is she flying? Is she holding on and being pulled away? is she trying to get through the door?  I just love it!  I will be buying it in paperback to match my 'Hourglass' book as i'm hoping it is the same texture cover.  It is obviously of Em, but i wonder why it didn't have any of the other characters on, especially the one who is telling the story from their point of view.

To start off i have to say that i absolutely LOVED this book, i really did and i think that i actually preferred it slightly more than 'Hourglass', well up to the end anyways, but i will discuss that shortly.  It is difficult to discuss this book in too much detail without giving spoilers or mentioning what happened in the first book.  I apologise if i do but the 'blurb' of the book is above so i won't repeat all that.  This book continues on from 'Hourglass' it relates to what happened in the first book so you really do need to read it.  However, it is told from Kaleb's point of view (POV) this time rather than Emerson's (Em), at first i was a bit disgruntled that it wasn't from Em's but actually, it had to be this way to fit the story and it worked perfectly.  This way you get a different view of the characters and a thorough insight into Kaleb- who i have to add i feel in love with during this book!!!!

 Has stated in the blurb, they are looking for Jack and have a deadline in place.  The reasons are all explained and why it is so important.  It really built up the suspense and intrigue and in some places a thriller aspect where i genuinely felt scared for the charcters and i was like "oh quick quick" and got sense of relief when it was ok.  I got way too involved with this book.  The pacing throughtout most of the book was perfect, the way the story played out, the elements that were involved and little sideline stories all came into one.  However, and this is a big however, the ending and the last part was over in the blink of an eye!  I got to the last page and didn't believe it because it was over so quickly with all that led up to it.  It got to a point in the story where they arrive somewhere and literally less than 10 pages later, it was over and in such a simple way!  I will say that near the end, 2 characters are in the time travel 'situation' and people are slightly worried but then at the end, it's 'blink' oh we are back all is okay.  Yes all the ends were tied up BUT too quickly!! In a way that didn't fit the book and this upset me a bit as i felt cheated.  The situation of the end was great just not how it was delivered.

So,as said, Kaleb narrators the story and this fits perfectly for the storyline and you realise what a fantastically awesome guy he really is!  First line of the book cracked me up 

'Maybe getting drunk and dressing like a pirate for the masquerade was a bad idea'

 I mean what an opening line!  In the 1st book i was really unsure about him but now a total change of view.  You find out his inner thoughts, how honest, loyal and sincere he is.  He is caring, a risk-taker, strong, emotional, HOT! funny and intelligent.  His funny little comments in the narratoring made me smile but the constant reference to someone's body and butt and how curvy they are, argh!!! it drove me CRAZY! I know this is what a lot of males probably do but honestly it did grind on me a little.  There is romance in this book too, and it is awww, intense, and nothing like that of Em's and Michael's either! Through Kaleb you still find information out about the other characters and Em is still there so you get to know what is happening with her and they are all working together as a team.

The characters are pretty much the same but with less of Thomas and Dru (Em's brother and his wife),and Cat.  You get more of Lily (Em's best friend) in this book, she was only really touched upon in the 1st book but in this, she is more of a main character.  Her role is vital, her abilities are vital and she really adds to the story.  She is a great little character, similar to Kaleb really- honest,loyal, funny but she is a massive risk taker!  I really liked her character.  Em and Michael are still mentioned quite a bit but more about their exploding relationship really, you see that Em doesn't change and still does really stupid things! but that is how her character is.

There is going to be a 3rd book called, 'Infinityglass', this 'thing' is mentioned within this book and once read you know what it is and you need to know more, hence why we need the 3rd book!!  I hope the 3rd book does relate back to the 1st two books but i hope it is in a way that re-explains things slightly because luckily i read the books close together.  If not when reading this book i would have being like "umm what is this i can't remember" "umm what happened there i can't remember" and i would have had to re-read parts of the first book.

Overall, i truly loved this book, i would receommend these to everyone and i already have!  It is fantastic and they just hook you instantly.  I would have given this book a 5 out of 5 but because of the 500mph ending i had to lower it to a 4 ladybirds/ladybugs out of 5.  Roll on 2013 for the next book!!

Liebster Blog Award

Wow! I am completely over the moon to have received my first blog award - the Liebster Blog Award! Infact i won two of them in the same week.  I am very thankful to the lovely bloggers, 'Einstein' @ 'Think Books' and Kimberly @ 'Love Ya Books'.  I was nominated on their blogs- check them out, they are fantastic!

And for those of you wondering, the Liebster Blog Award is an award given to upcoming bloggers who have 200 followers or less. The word 'liebster' is German in origin and is a term on endearment and means beloved, dearest, sweet, kindest etc. I feel so honored to be thought of that way, I  feel that way about everyone who follows my blog or who comments.

So, here's the rules:

1) Each person must post 11 random facts about themselves

2) Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you, and give 11 questions for the people you have tagged

3) Choose 11 people and link them in your post

4) Tell them you've tagged them

5) Remember, no tag back

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Here are my 11 random facts;

1. I am 27 (28 in October) and live in England.

2. I am a mum of 2 kiddies, James-8 and Amelia-4.

3. I am engaged to be married, we have not set a date yet.

4. I am a qualifed midwife.

5. I have a variety of health problems meaning that i am on large doses of slow release moprhine twice daily and i have lignocaine infusions frequently.

6. My favourite subjects at school; science, maths and art.

7. I am a vegetarian

8. I get obsessed with conspiracy theories! 

9. I am a shopaholic!

10. I have phobia of oranges!!! and banana skins (i cannot peel a banana lol).

11. I would do anything to help people.  I treat people how i like to be treated.

My answer to the questions ( i have answered both sets of questions from the two bloggers who have awarded me the blog).

*****Here are the one's from Kimberly

1) Who are your three favorite authors? JK Rowling, Diane Chamberlain and Cecilia Ahern.  Only 3 that was tough because i have a lot more!

2) What are your three favorite books (links please)? Harry Potter bks! 'A Midwife's Confession' by Diane Chamberlain and 'The Book of Tomorrow' by Celicia Ahern. Arghhh that was difficult!

3) What are your three favorite book series (links please)? Only 3 again, argh lol.  Ummm I already said Harry Potter above, so, Twilight, Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella and Hourglass Trilogy (1st two books are out) by Myra McEntire.

4) Who are your five most "swoon-worthy" characters? Edward from Twilight, Jake from Saving June, Travis from 'The GoodFather', Kaleb from 'Hourglass trilogy,but more so Timepiece) and Oliver from The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

5) If you could make a soundtrack to your favorite novel or series, what songs would you put on it?

A variety, so there would be some slow lovey dovey ones, some fun upbeat ones, some rock ones and some eerie ones hehe.

6) Say you could visit any fictional world for one week. Which would you choose and why?

Harry Potter's wizarding world, because i love Harry Potter and i just think it would be amazing to not be in reality for a while hehe.

7) Which character do you think you could be best friends with, and why?  Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.  I just relate to this character so much and both shopaholic's, how fab! but both having to be 'good' with money.  We could work together to achieve this and the humour that Becky has would be fun to be around.

8) What were five books you loved most during your childhood (links please)? 5? it was only 3 for my favourites now lol.  Doubt i will get 5 here but from what i can remember; The babysitter's club books (there is hundreds!), Chicken Licken, The ugly duckling, the hungry caterpillar.

9) Why do you read? I just love it, it occupies my mind, takes me away from reality and makes me smile- or tear up :)

10) Why did you decide to start blogging? Initially, to keep a record of books that i have read and the thoughts that i had.

11) What blog post are you most proud of (link please)? This one because it has taken a lot of putting together, and these questions are hard-going, it has taken a lot out of me!  oh and this post here because again putting it together took so much from me,lol, it was all to do with the images, argh!! check it out lol.

****and here's the one's from 'Einstein'

1. What is your opinion of my blog content/design? I love it hence i'm a subbie, easy on the eyes, not too complicated, good size font!, informative and interesting posts!  2. Who do you relate to most, Daphne or Velma? Why? Haha, love this question!  Velma for the brains! but Daphne for the hair colour (kinda) lol.3. How much time do you spend blogging vs. blog networking? I probably spend more time blogging! but i do try and do as much networking as possible.  The problem is that when i'm networking i don't feel like i have done much when i'm doing it,lol.4. Mac or PC? Why? PC but that is because i have never being on a mac.5. Einstein Vs. The Beatles: Who had the biggest impact on history? Very different influences and impacts and therefore really difficult to compare but because i'm a brainy geek (or that is how some people thought of me at school!) I would say Einstein!!6. What is the best name you have ever given a pet? Squeak! my guinea pig at age 15 and that was because he squeaked lol.  Oh and with the kids, we called our fish.....Spongebob and Patrick,lol.7. What do you consider your highest achievements in life? Obviously my children!! The next would be my degree in midwifery :)8. Care Bears or Ewoks? Care bears because i love everything cute! I loved these as a kid9. Rainbow Brite or Strawberry Shortcake? Neither lol.10. Who is your favorite musical artist/band? I seriously can never answer this question because i have such a wide variety of likes in music and i have too many favourites.  Right now i am loving Lana Del Rey and Emelie Sande.11. What are your thoughts on the world ending on December 21st, 2012? A load of rubbish! Best not cos i LOVE CHRISTMAS lol x

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NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT BIT~

Here's the lovely award to display on your blog;

and the people i award, in no particular order are;
1.  Jenna @ Little Bird Reads.
2.  Nea @ The Life is a Fairytale That will Never End.
3.  Kaye @ Kaye Makes, Bakes, Creates.
4.  Lauren @ Northern Plunder.
5.  Theta @ Resolution Corner.
6.  Kelsey @ Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf.
7.  Hannah @ The Girl in a Cafe.
8.  Liz @ Five Go Glamping
9.  Karen @ Attack the Stacks
10.  Megan @ Books and Teacups
11. Becky @ A Reader's Devotion.


The questions for the above people to answer;
1. What is your star-sign?
2.  Do you believe in the afterlife and spirits/ghosts etc?  If so, do you have any experiences you would like to share?
3.  Do you have any tattoo's? Would you say what of and where?
4.  Can you drive? If so, what car do you have?
5.  What is your favourite month of the year?
6.  Do you like burning scented candle? If so, what is your favourite scents?
7.  Are you right or left- handed?
8.  Do you have any phobias? wish to share them if so?
9.  What is your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks?
10.  What was your favourite cartoon as a child?
11.  If you were to change your name, what would you change it too? 


Please comment to this post with your link if you do a post in answer to this :) thank you x


No-one needs to participate if they do not want too :)

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW) #4

January First: A Child's Descent Into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her by Michael Schofield.

This is my 4th Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), 

therefore my #WoW may not correlate with the linked post.

This meme is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the spine.

• 
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY) (7 Aug 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307719081
• ISBN-13: 978-0307719089

A brilliant and harrowingly honest memoir, January First is the extraordinary story of a father's fight to save his child from an extremely severe case of mental illness in the face of overwhelming adversity.

At six years old, Michael Schofield's daughter, January, was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia that doctors had ever seen. In January's case, she is hallucinating 95 percent of the time that she is awake. Potent psychiatric drugs that would level most adults barely faze her. January, "Jani" to her family, has literally hundreds of imaginary friends. They go by names like 400-the-Cat, 100 Degrees, and 24 Hours and live on an island called "Calalini," which she describes as existing "on the border of my world and your world." Some of these friends are good, and some of them, such as 400, are very bad. They tell her to jump off buildings, attack her brother, and scream at strangers.

In the middle of these never-ending delusions, hallucinations, and paroxysms of rage are Jani's parents, who have gone to the ends of the earth to keep both of their children alive and unharmed. They live in separate one-bedroom apartments in order to keep her little brother, Bohdi, safe from his big sister--and wage a daily war against a social system that has all but completely failed them. January First is the story of the daily struggles and challenges they face as they do everything they can to help their daughter while trying to keep their family together. It is the inspiring tale of their resolute determination and faith.

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This is not the kind of book that i normally read to be honest, in a memoir format as such.  However, I watched a documentary about January and i was just blown away and could not believe it.  Seeing how brilliant and understanding her parents are and how they live as a family.  It is such a rare thing for a child to have and January has it severe, to see the daily challenges and struggles they go through is heart-retching.  It was such an inspiring documentary and shows the unconditional love of parents, the ability to adapt and survive in life and the sheer determination they have.  I think this book will give more insight into the parents feelings and how they manage.  If i had not watched the documentary, i think i would have over-looked this book, but please, look on google about this beautiful little girl, try and watch the documentary and i'm sure it will make you want to read this book :)   I am really looking forward to reading this book, i will  have the tissues ready, as i believe it maybe emotional.

Blog plans #1..............

kinda like a 'to-do list' really.....

I couldn't do a blogathon that occured recently for several reasons but it did get me doing some serious thinking about my blog.  I realised that i had some organising and sorting out to do- story of my life and is the same story for my house lol.  I have compiled a list and i am planning on updating maybe within a month of what i have achieved and what i need to do.  If i think of anything more then it will be added when i update.

*Create Google calendar. This will make my list so much easier in relation to reviews and planning out my reading and my blogging.  I saw a fantastic blog post about how to use it and for it to be more effective.  This is put together by Amanda @ 'Letter's Inside Out.  I did have a diary to write in but i felt i didn't update it and then i got behind and it wasn't working.

*Add some page tabs. I need these at the top of my page so that i can add information that is required.  I am not 100% yet on what page tabs i will have but i think i am going to have; About me-link with contacts, review policies and also a list of the books i have reviewed (this would be extremely organised and easy to navigate with links).  I do want more than 3 tabs but we will see. I need to learn to use them first :/ lol!

*Do a star rating explanation.  I know i don't have stars now, i have my cute lil ladybirds or ladybugs as some ppl call them, links with my title ;)  My title actually means that i have caught a bug, you know when poorly and you say you got a bug, it is the same thing but this is a good thing as it's a book bug ;) and i'm addicted hehe. Anyways-off topic...... i want to explain what i think for 1-5 ladybirds x

*Check out some new themes. I want to try some new background to my blog.

*Sort out my category labels (here and on Pinterest). I feel like they are all over at the moment and no organisation at all.  I need to overall my pinterest account really.

*Do a TBR list. Right now i have piled of books everywhere, i have review books etc etc and i feel like i keep adding to the list but never feel like i am getting through it.  Therefore, i want to keep them documented.  This will more than likely remain private.

*Sort of the review list-CULL! I am sure other book reviewers will understand this- when you start using Netgalley and Edelweiss, you request a lot of books and then you have far too many to read and it becomes overwhelming.  Therefore, my plan is to go through my list and CULL it down the 'essential'

*Blog award-to do. I received my first blog award (going to be a post shortly) but you can see it in the side bar.  I have actually being awarded with this twice now :) so i need to do a post about that and award some ppl with it :)

Wow, what a list,lol.  Anyone else fancy doing a list for your blog. Feels great to have a plan for the progression of a blog *big smiles*

Stacking the shelves (9) My 4th shelf

This is a meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga Reviews and is to haul all the books we have got this week, whether bought physical or e-book, whether for review,from the library, won in a giveaway as a prize or even borrows from a friend. With this you can supply your link and then see what everyone else has bought.   This is the link for this weeks collection 'Stacking the Shelves 9'.  The meme starts on  a Saturday, but you can join all week.  Because this is only my 4th haul recently, i'm calling it my 4th shelf (kinda) lol. I know i'm odd and weird. So this is my haul;


Before i do just a quick note to say that i do my book hauls over a 2 week period and i am actually meant to be on a book buying ban :/ but i have failed slightly with that ban.  I don't plan on including pictures for every book this week, sorry.

                                Hardbacks/paperbacks-bought.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson.

Eve by Anna Carey.

Kindle.

These books were free from Amazon, the author had contacted me previously and provided me with one to review in e-book format.  She also contacted me recently, along with others on goodreads, to inform us all her books were free for a short time to 'celebrate' her new release.  These are the ones i downloaded onto my kindle.

These books are all my Joanne Clancy;

The Wedding Day.

Unforgettable Embrace.

Unfaithfully Yours.

Secret & Lies (#1-triology) *her new release*

For Review-Edelweiss.

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner.

Somebody Like You by Candis Terry. (not sure i will read this :/ )

For Review-Netgalley.

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves. (Published 11/06/12)

Confessions of a Male Nurse by Michael Alexander. (Published-UK- 31/05/12 -kindle, 02/08/12)

That pretty much sums it up.  Not the bestest book haul ever but i loved the physical covers that i have bought.  I will see what the others are like, there may be some hidden gems amongst them.

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

The Raft by S. A. Bodeen.

This is my 3rd Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), 

therefore my #WoW may not correlate with the linked post.

This meme is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the spine.

Hardcover: 240 pages

• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (21 Aug 2012)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 0312650108
• ISBN-13: 978-0312650100

Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft. 

And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.

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Okay, this is the worst thing EVER to admit; the reason i wanted to read this book was due to the cover <hides face in shame>.  I just found it so haunting and desperate, the look you are given, with her hair all ascrew on the raft, it scares me.  I felt taken in by it and i wanted to know if she got saved, and what happened etc.  On reading the blurb, it cemented my feelings of 'needing' to read this book.  Robie is probably a fun loving, happy, family girl (making assumptions) and this book sounds extremely intense with a lot of action going on.  I know it's going to have a lot of suspense ad i'm wondering if there will be some tears!  I just cannot wait to read it!  I wish i could read it now but i will have to wait until after the publication date and buy the book.  I am so excited to read this.

Review-Hourglass

 Hourglass by Myra McEntire.

• Hardcover: 390 pages
• Publisher: Egmontusa (14 Jun 2011), Paperback May 2012.
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1606841440
• ISBN-13: 978-1606841440.

This book review is LONG LONG over and i really do apologise.  I finished it well over a week ago.  If i would have done this earlier, i feel the content would have been of a higher quality, so again i apologise.

I read this book in paperback version, which i purchased myself!  I had received Timepiece (the sequel to this) for review, and loved the sound of it so i knew i had to get this version.  I could not get it anywhere; library, supermarkets, bookshops.  The only place was Amazon UK (I live in the UK) and it is the most i have ever paid for a single paperback EVER!  I could not get it on the kindle either, much to my disappoint.

Book Description.

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
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Review.

First, let me just talk about the cover.  I always mention covers and since i bought the paperback i need to talk about it.  I loved the actual texture and feel of the cover, it was bizarre, sort of like a waxy effect that left fingerprints and smudges on it and it was one of those 'soft' books where it just flops open and no breaking the spine---FAB!  No the cover is just odd, at first i was like, is she trying to walk through a door?, has she walked through a door backwards?, is she pregnant? I had NO clue, after a while of reading the book and looking at the cover i realised she is actually walking on the walls and what i thought was the door is actually the floor and i felt incredibly stupid!  I don't get how this cover relates to the story, may be in ways (no spoilers give) but then maybe the attraction element of the cover it due to how crazy it looks.

From how naive i am, i didn't realise from the blurb that story was about time travel! If you read the comments on the book from 'famous reviews'  then apparently it is mentioned but i never read those.  I never read a full review before reading a book, i don't want to be swayed with anything.  I am sleepy whilst typing this so I'm sorry for any typos or general rambling rubbish (like now).     I was hooked on this book within the first couple of chapters and i have to say my naivety thought she was seeing ghosts as such and i thought it was to do with the after-life.  When i finally released it was about time-travel, i was not disappointed in the slightest, i just felt slightly dumb for not releasing beforehand.  Has i was saying, i was completely hooked almost immediately and really didn't want to put it down.  For almost half the book i had no idea where this story was taking me but when the pieces clicked together it was like, wow!  I don't like to go through the whole book description again within the review as it is above and it is very easy to give away spoiler information so i try to be careful.  

The storyline is written really well, in a way to keep the reader interested constantly, dropping bits of information but not fully explaining, so it leaves questions and you wanting more.  I kept having so many questions throughout the book and i wish i would have jotted them down as i read because i am not sure they were fully answered.  One major thing which involved past,present,future and characters and is a theory in the book,, a principle (i won't name it but it begins with an Nov-you will know if read the book), which characters knew/learnt 1st, it really is like the age old question- which came 1st, the chicken or the egg?  If you have read the book you will know what i am on about (i hope haha), if you haven't read the book, you'll be skipping this thinking she is crazy.  But honest, read the book, because it will do this to your brain.  Praying this is all answered in 'Timepiece' .  That is the thing with novels which aren't stand alone ones, when there is going to be a series, questions can be answered later on, not within that novel and people forget that.

The concept of time travel can be complex and confusing, if someone would have said to me, "here read this time travel novel" i would not have because i thought it was sci-fi! This isn't a sci-fi book in my opinion.  We learn about time travel as the main character Emerson 'Em' learns about it, and therefore throughout the book we are spoon-fed information to ease us in and to be honest it's quite simple in this book.  So, while Em's head's explodes about it all, ours isn't.  The book has so many uncertainties because you just don't know exactly where it is heading, situations aren't predictable, the anticipation is in overload mode and the ending was a complete wow moment for me as it was a bit of a shocker!  It definitely makes you want to read 'Timepiece.'

There isn't too many characters to confuse the plot and each are explained and their purpose for being within the storyline.  There is Thomas and Dru (Em's brother and sister-in-law) they aren't explained too much, but they are there and serve a purpose and the other being Lily, she's Em's best friend, which we find out a 'secret' about but not much more is really touched upon in any depth at all regarding this 'secret'.  The other characters play a bit more of an important role.  The narrator of the book is Em, therefore in 1st person, which worked perfectly for learning new information, it was then told through her and we were told how she felt and what she thought.  I really felt like i was warming to Em, i felt sympathy for her, she had gone through so much in her young life (only 17 years old) but at times she really did grate on me.  This was probably her whiny attitude and the lusting after the other main character 'Michael'.  Now, yes she is a teenager, but the drooling, swooning and lusting she did was a bit more than enough.  There is only so many times you can hear how 'hot' someone is before it drives you crazy. All this and Michael's body and muscles!! seem to be mentioned almost every time Michael was, now I'm not sure if it's because teenagers can get a bit obsessive around the opposite sex and all that but argh it drove me crazy! There were some really inappropriate comments/thoughts in there given the situation she was in.  Now i would understand if it was just Michael, with him she has a 'connection' but when another male is on the scene who is 'hot', she's swooning after him and goes off with him. Tut Tut.  Also, this special connection with Michael- relating to electricity, really didn't work for me, i mean please.  A hundred times i heard that too and i get it.  Right sorry being a grump there! Love a bit of romance but this wasn't.  Michael, lovely guy, really BUT almost all the way through, i didn't know whether i could trust him, was he dodgy?, did he just want Em's ability to use it?  I just didn't know. I did begin to trust him though and Kaleb, i didn't know whether to trust him and i was just edgy really.  Maybe i was protective over Em.

I have to say that i really really did enjoy this book, i loved it all except the point i mentioned above and for me, that is why it lost a rating.  I was just hooked, i was blown away and i cannot wait to read the next book 'Timepiece' (released 12th June 2012) (i am already reading it but shhh it doesn't add to this review, but let's say it's gooooddddd!! shh).  I really do recommend this book so read read read, you have too.  From a debut author, wow, impressive.

This gets an impressive  4 out of 5 ladybugs/ ladybirds in my ratings system.

• 
  

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer.

This is my 2nd waiting on wednesday (Wow)  

This meme is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the spine.

• US Version & cover.
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: EMILY BESTLER BOOKS/ATRIA/SIMON PULSE (June 26, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451635753
• ISBN-13: 978-1451635751

The UK cover is different but if you look at the book she is holding here and then compare to the UK version, you will see a similar thing.  The UK version fits with the book more and the inside of the book as it has cartoon illustrations. The US cover is infitting with Picoult's other books, which makes me wonder if this is the reason it is like this, so that her 'fans' are interested to read it as such.

UK VERSION-NOTE DIFFERENT RELEASE DATE TOO.

Hardcover: 384 pages

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (5 July 2012)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1444740962
• ISBN-13: 978-1444740967

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

*~*~*~*~*~

Why do i want to read this? Oh gosh, so many reasons. I love Picoult's books, her writing style is just so fitting with the novels.  Also this book, all little girls love the idea of princes, happy ever afters, fairytales, princesses etc.  All this wrapped in a book which isn't aimed at 6year olds, but with romance and mystery and maybe some heartache and tears.  Sounds amazing, i cannot wait to read it :) I hope it lives up to expectations.

Please note; Images of the covers are from Amazon and the 'blurb' from Goodreads.com 

ArmchairBEA- Wrap-up....

Well it's over.....ArmchairBEA has finished.........HOW QUICK DID THAT GO? 
I can't quite believe it to be honest lol.

I have to say that i LOVED it.  It wasn't the best week for me because i was really busy and my health problems were causing me to be really sleepy.  So, that image above is actually me,lol.  Well, i actually had a laptop and fell asleep with it on my knee (not good).  I did this twice and missed the twitter parties :(
It was a chaotic week but fun!; writing posts, the linking, reading LOADS of posts, commenting, checking back on your blog, replying to comments and chatting on twitter. I really could not keep up AT ALL :(  But i know i wasn't the only one!

I have met some amazingly funny and sweet people on twitter and on the blogs, who gave motivation and made you feel positive about everything.  I have discovered some outstanding blogs (i don't always mean all sing and dancing ones BUT the content ;) ) and they have made me think wow!  I have followed about hundred more blogs and gained lots of ideas and thoughts.  It's just brilliant and i'm loving it.  For me, the book community through the blogs and on twitter is what it is all about!  This is why the armchair BEA is successful for book bloggers in a way that the BEA isn't.

I have also gained vast amounts of valuable knowledge from experts in relation to blogging and all the issues around book reviewing.  People gave their time, they shared their knowledge- knowledge that they had maybe built up through lots of research.  It should be about sharing and supporting each other but only if the other individual has done some work themselves and done some research.  You cannot just expect to be spoon-fed.  I am new to all of this and i have known that from the start.

Just because it is the end, it doesn't mean it is over- there is still giveaways going on to enter and you can still comment on people's posts from the last 5 days.

Post links for your last 5days to help people, here is mine;

Day 5; Ask the Experts....

Day 4; Beyond the Blog......

Day 3; Networking.......

Day 2; Best of 2012.....

Day 1; Introductions......

Will you be back next year?  I will definitely be joining in next year, fingers crossed!! 

MANY THANKS to all the organisers of ArmchairBEA and all those who made this happen and possible- including US the participants!!

Stacking the shelves (7) my 3rd shelf.....

This is a meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga Reviews and is to haul all the books we have got this week, whether bought physical or e-book, whether for review,from the library, won in a giveaway as a prize or even borrows from a friend. With this you can supply your link and then see what everyone else has bought.   I think this is a great idea so i am joining and they are on 'Stacking the Shelves 7'.  The meme starts on  a Saturday, but you can join all week.  Because this is only my 3rd haul recently, i'm calling it my 3rd shelf (kinda) lol. I know i'm odd and weird. So this is my haul;


Before i start i will just say it was an ODD couple of week (i haul every 2weeks unless i get loads and the i will do one each week.  Last week i had one book so i didn't bother to do this meme but this week all my requests etc seem to have been accepted. Oh and i'm on a book buying ban right now =/ so this post is mainly reviews and i've requested quite a few that i am not sure about at all, so we'll see if i read them.

Hardbacks/Paperbacks.

The Birth House By Ami McKay (Harback).

I had to get this since i'm a midwife i love to read anything midwife/midwifery later.  As you would notice from my last haul.

Kindle (Review-Arcs)

              

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman. (Pub. 31st Aug)

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang. (Pub. 18th Sept)

Forgotten by Catherine McKenzie. (Pub.  16th Oct)

(There is another cover for this, i prefer the other one to this.)

            

      Over You by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus (Pub. 21st Aug)

Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Nelzer (Pub. 17th July)

Forever and a Day (Pub. 31st July)

Also..........The Reluctant Journal of Henry K.Larsen. (Pub. 11th Sept)

My Love by Joanna Clancy. (The author contacted me to review the book).

And that's all everyone, have a lovely week!

Enjoy your reading =D 

ArmchairBEA-Day5; Ask the experts......

With that title it means don't ask me haha, i'm a novice at this BUT learning quick ;)

This isn't 'my advice' because that means i'm telling you how to do something and i'm not so this is........

Information i have gained; (along the way from many bloggers and a lot of reading blogs and making my own opinions about things.  I am sure a lot of bloggers will be saying similar things here)

*Always quality over quantity. Having post after post to get your blog 'bulked' out will not necessarily add anything to the blog in reality.  The quality of the content is what is important, even if you do post everyday,it's what is in that post that's important.  I honestly believe that it is better to only post say 3-4times a week, enough for people have see regular posts from you but not too much.

*Cite info-If you get inspiration from others then link them, it's a lovely way to say thank you and then people who like the post may go and see what this other blogger does.  If you quote something or take words from another post then cite!  Ask permission if you are doing almost identical or using a lot of their ideas and information.  Citing can be within the post or as a footnote at the end of the post.  Bloggers don't tend to mind.

*Networking-Twitter!  This is fantastic for letting others know about your posts, to met others and have chats.  I recommend this to all bloggers. I have met some GREAT people doing this. I never used this before i did blogging.  Be careful when you tweet your post, maybe twice in a day to cover the different time-zones but doing lots will annoy people.

*Meme's-Are fantastic, great idea, they are fun, get's ideas out there, you learn a lot and it helps you to meet more people a long the way. However, if you did every meme out there, then that is all your blog is about.  It doesn't make it 'your' blog that way, you need original content.  I would say do 2 maximum, maybe 3 at a push.

*Your blog- Following on from the above topic- this is YOUR BLOG.  Be yourself, be truthful to yourself.  Don't think you have to be anything else!!  Don't try and replicate any other blog or their style, don't try and do stuff that you think you have to do, in a way that others expect.  If people don't like something they won't read or follow you, and if they don't then look at it as their loss and there will always be people who like what others don't.  We are all individuals and UNIQUE!  Think why your blog started and keep that in your mind- I started because i wanted to keep a record of the books i was reading,  to review them and to learn of other books i may like.  A long the way i found other things i like- memes, etc BUT also it was the book community and i have met some great people!! With reviews- there is no right or wrong, it is YOUR review! (I should have broken this down).

*Ask for help. Nothing wrong with this at all, contact bloggers; on twitter, on their posts and however you want.  This is how we learn and clarify information.


EXPERTS...HELP HELP HELP........plz........

*Blog tours-What exactly are these? and how do i get authors to use my blog to advertise their books? do you contact them.

*Organisation-How do you keep organised with posts that are coming up? With when to blog and what.  With your review and your books that need reading etc.

*Contacts-I am not at the point yet whether i really want to be contacting publishers etc but i did wonder how do you get on their mailing lists?  How long did you leave it from blogging to contact them in regard to being put on the mailing list?  What are people's experience of contacting publishers...is there alot of rejection out there. At present i receive ARCs digitally- this is great for me! however, how long was it before you requested/were sent physical copies? Was it a case of being on their mailing list to receive physical copies? I know this is way way off for me so please don't think i am planning on doing anything yet. I just want to gain information and to learn more about the blogging world.

Thank you..... =D
Honestly, any bit of information or help would be amazing.  I want to say thank you to all the people who have sent me comments and chatted with me on twitter.  I have LOVED armchair BEA and it has gone by SO fast!! It was a difficult week for me because i have being so busy and also ill but i did it :) I have neglected my reading though ...yikes!! My June TBR list will not be completed now haha.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Thank you so much*~*~*~*~ keep in touch*~*~*~*~*~*~*~