♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Princess Bookie♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: July 2010

Friday, July 30

Happy Birthday To Me

Monday August 2nd is my birthday.

Happy Birthday To Me Happy Birthday To Me!

Happy Birthday Dear Cindy!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Here Are Presents that are made of awesomeness!

Books Of Course, duh! Giftcards are awesome too! LOL

To Be A Kid Again Thinking It's Awesome To Have My Birthday Party At Alladin's Castle! (nerd alert)

Or Thinking Its Cool To Have My Sister Dress Up As A Clown At My Party?

Uhhhhh, can I have Chad Michael Murray? Pretty Please?

A Red Mustang To Help Me Win Chad M. Murray (Oh yeah)

Chicken Lips! (Because they are oh so yummy)

I will be absent this weekend because I will be laying back, enjoying movies, reading books, and enjoying my birthday weekend!

In My Mailbox (46) 7/31/10

In My Mailbox Is Inspired by Kristi@The Story Siren

Rumors by Anna Godbersen
The Secret Society Of The Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

What Did You Get This Week?

Thursday, July 29

It's time for another Re-Create A Cover Contest!

Official Rules:
Open To US Only (unless you have a friend who will ship to you OR your willing to cover shipping via paypal and I will ship to you)
One Entry Per Person
Open Until August 1 unless we hit 50 before that!
First 50 participates In Mr Linky
We will be voting in rounds!
Mandy will comment on top 5!

Signed Prize Pack
by Mandy!

Link Your Recreation!

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Summary: Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

My Thoughts: I know I'm going to have a hard time writing this review. I just finished Leaving Paradise a few days ago and I had the chance to read Return To Paradise. Return to Paradise finishes up the storyline where Leaving Paradise stopped. We are reunited with Maggie and Caleb and I fell just in love with Caleb all over again. There is just something about him that truly amazes me. He acts tough on the outside but Caleb is truly Maggie's soulmate! It's been 7 months since they last saw each other. A lot has changed in those 7 months. Maggie is a stronger person. She is friends with Caleb's sister again. Caleb has been busted for living in a drug house. He hasn't touched the stuff but he had to have a roof over his head somehow. But fate brings them together once again. Caleb and Maggie are once again in a situation where they have to be around each other. This time it is for the RE-Start Program. It is basically a program where teens who have been in car accidents go around and talk to other teens in juvenile detention facilities, etc. I also really liked all the side characters such as Lenny and Matt. They helped the storyline a lot. I enjoyed reading more about Maggie and Caleb and I liked seeing where the relationship went. I loved the scene where Maggie and Caleb were in bunks across from each other. This book is also told in both perspectives again, which I really liked. All the feelings Caleb and Maggie have been holding inside start to come to the surface and things finally start to be out in the open. This was a delight to read!

Overall: I loved this book! I might have even liked it more than Leaving Paradise. I've heard a few other people didn't enjoy this book. I guess it all has to do with tastes, if you like the different points of views and if you liked the writing or not which I really did. I loved Return To Paradise!

Cover: Love it. Isn't is so amazing? I love everything about it! I love how they are about to kiss, I love the girl and guy, I love the colors. Its stunning!

What I'd Give It:

Wednesday, July 28

CSN Review

I got my bookcase from CSN!

There were many Positives and a few Negatives about this bookcase!

The Positives, it came fast! It was delivered within a week of ordering it by Fedex! The box was also very sturdy. After it was built, it is a very sturdy bookcase! Once its assembled it was also very easy to fold up and move around. If you are a college student and don't have many people helping you move, this is the bookcase to have. You pick it up, put it under your arm and your good to go. It also isn't very heavy so if your single, you don't need a big grizzly man to help you move it. You can also fit a good number of books onto each shelf.

The Negatives, there weren't many. I think the biggest negative is that it isn't already built. It says foldable so I figured some of the pieces would be put together already but they weren't. It took about an hour to put together but that isn't too bad. And, I doubt it would have fit in the box if it was put together! LOL

Overall: I really like it. Its a good bookcase to have and it fits pretty much anywhere. And you can also see the titles of your books very easily. It holds them and also doesn't move around if the floor shakes. I don't see it tumbling over very easily! I'm very satisfied with it!

If your interested in buying this shelf, purchase one HERE

Winner's Winner's

I have a bunch of winners for you! You will be receiving an email from me shortly!

Someday My Prince Will Come: Jessica T From California

Linger: Sab from TX

Whats Your Status: Amy From California

Freak Magnet- Katie From Kentucky

Queen Of Secrets- Christie From Ohio

Thanks for entering everyone!

Waiting On Wednesday (56)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

Wake Into Me by Lisa Cach

Summary: A haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate! -- all await 15 year old American girl Caitlyn Monahan when she earns a scholarship to a French boarding school.

There are secrets behind the stone walls of Chateau de la Fortune, buried for centuries along with the mystery of who killed Raphael, the charming ghost who visits Caitlyn at night. But as Caitlyn unearths the history of the castle, nothing scares her as badly as the secret she learns about herself, and the reason she was chosen to come to the Fortune School.

And nothing breaks her heart as badly as falling in love with a dead guy.

My Thoughts: That sounds awesome! And look at that cover, soooo gorgeous! Can't wait for this one!

Sunday, July 25

Cover Contest Winner

Winner Winner Winner

It was a close one! 144 Votes VS 127 Votes
Please contact me!!!!

I also have contacted my favorite! They want to remain anonymous until they announce it on their blog that they won my contest (for my favorite)!

I especially loved all the cool covers! So many talented people!!!!

We have Holly here today to comment on the top 5 Recreate A Cover Images!

First off, I have to say how incredibly impressed I was with *all* of the entries. There is some real talent out there—maybe you should think about graphic designs as a career! Thanks to every one of you who entered your beautiful recreated covers. I am in awe. And I’m gushing over the gorgeousness of these top five!

I really loved how this one captured the sweetness and romance, with the symbol of hope behind the title script. Actually, it reminds me a little bit of some images in the TELL ME A SECRET trailer, coming soon! I also thought the color gradation was beautiful.

Such gorgeous, saturated colors in this one, and it hints at some of the darker emotions in the story. The script is really pretty, too, and gold is a great choice to contrast with the violet in the background. Lovely.

The color gradations in this one are so eye-catching and glowy, and the birds give it a hopeful feeling. Such a heartbreaking image of a pregnant girl holding a teddy bear. It reminds me a little of the original cover of Rachel Cohn’s Gingerbread.

This one is so striking and high contrast – great use of fonts to suggest the idea of the story, definitely a cool idea and very unique. Plus the model has the most flawless skin ever. I love using type to create images. Great job!

I really like the tagline this entry included: One girl. One boy. One secret. It looks very innocent and Sarah Dessen-y with the girl holding the daisies. It’s also a cool design element to bring in the contrast band and the sepia tones. Very nice!

Thank you to every one of you who entered! I awarded TELL ME A SECRET sneak previews to the first 15 cover entries—check it out here (http://www.hollycupala.com/2010/07/tellmeasecret-swaaaaag-weeks-4-5.html) and contact me here (http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhRWjZWV2FxSzg0QTNIYUczQThQM1E6MA) with your info if you’ve won. I hope you enjoy the book!

Friday, July 23

Glimmerglass

By Jenna Black

Summary: Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .

My Thoughts: Wow, wow, wow; that is all I can say! I loved this book! As of late, every single book related to faeries I have enjoyed very much. We meet Dana who is a 16 year old girl who lives with her mom. Of course her mom has a problem, she's an alcoholic so Dana has to take care of everything. She just wants to be a teenager. She doesn't want to have to worry about the bills getting paid or if her mom is alright. That is supposed to bet he parent's job. She loves her mom very much but she wants to know what else is out there. Or whom-else, such as her father. She does not know much about him though. She ends up finding him and takes off to go meet him. She figures, what does she have to lose?

Boy, does she get a surprise. Nothing is as it seems and she is in a world of trouble. She runs into her aunt Grace, a boy named Ethan and his sister Kimber. Of course Dana is attracted to Ethan but he is kind of a ladies man, and even though he annoys her she finds herself quite drawn to him. Than of course there is Keane, bad boy who you just can't help but be hot over. Right now, I am undecided on who I like more. I hope in book 2 we get to see more of their personalities so I can make a better choice.

I am so excited for the next book. I hope to see more of Ethan and Keane and explore Dana's relationship with them both. I can't wait to see what is in store for Dana and her power.

Overall: Loved this one! This is my first Jenna Black book but I can't wait to read more from her.

Cover: Like it, its really pretty and it also is really shiny in person!

What I'd Give It:

Wednesday, July 21

Final Round

Yep, that is right! It is the final round for the Tell Me A Secret Cover Contest!!!!!

Monday, the winner will be announced! Holly will also be commenting on the top 5 on Monday! I have also contacted the cover I liked best- so be sure to check your email! As long as she gives me permission, I will also be announcing that on Monday!

Get Your Vote In Now!!!!!!

Voting Open Until Monday Morning!!!!!

Tuesday, July 20

Waiting On Wednesday (55)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Tansy Piper moves with her grandfather and her mother, a horror writer, to the setting of her mother's next book--a secluded house outside of a tiny, desolate West Texas town. Lonely and upset over the move, Tansy escapes into her photography and the dark, seductive poems she finds hidden in the cellar, both of which lure her into the mind and world of a mysterious, troubled young man who died sixty years earlier.

My Thoughts: Hmmmm, a guy who died sixty years ago? This could be very interesting. I wonder if I'll like it?

______________________

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
Summary: The first book in a dark, edgy new angel series about a girl who finds herself forced to choose sides in the battle between fallen angels, even if that means going against the boy she loves.

When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase she feels an instantaneous connection. But she does not realize how much they have in common, including the ability fly and to see what others are thinking - not to mention a taste for blood. Reveling in their new powers and their growing feelings for each other, Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way ... together.
But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul-mates, supernatural powers and a truth that will change Ellie and Michael‘s world forever.

My Thoughts: Wow, another angel book! Love these! Angels are hot! Think about it! Even on Supernatural some of the angels are hot (ok only some, LOL). I can't wait to read this!

BLOG TOUR-Linger-CLOSED

by Maggie Steifvater

Summary: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole. At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

My Thoughts: After reading Shiver, I did not think I could be more blown away! I was wrong! Linger is even better! We are reintroduced to Sam and Grace. I love how the story shifts back and forth between four different point of views! We also get to know Cole and Isabel better. With each word of Linger, it brings me back to the beautiful love story between Sam and Grace from Shiver. Throughout this book we learn more and more about each character. Sam is working at the bookstore, living in Beck's place. Cole is shifting from wolf to boy. Cole was chosen to take Sam's place in Shiver. We learn more about Cole such as he used to be in a band, a really popular band. Isabel and Cole have really good chemistry. Part of me hopes they end up together. I love the first time they met, he was naked in her house!

Grace's parents catch Sam in Grace's bedroom and forbid her from seeing him. Like she doesn't have enough to deal with, she starts to get sick and faces problems of her own.

I can't really say much else without giving away spoilers. Linger was just as brilliant as Shiver and you need to read it as soon as possible. You'll never believe the ending. Part of me was happy, part of me was sad. The tables are turned and its devastating to the say the least.

Shiver and Linger are such beautiful books!

Overall: Loved it! Just as great as Shiver, maybe even a tad better. I still love Sam and Grace together. I am even starting to like Cole!

Cover: Its cute, green isn't really my color, but its still neat.

What I'd Give It:

Do you want to Win Linger?

How To Enter:
-Provided By Publisher
-Must be a US Resident
-Contest Ends July 29th
-All you have to do is comment with a way to contact you!

Sunday, July 18

Voting Round 4

Its Time For Round 4
Top 5 went through to this round!
Top 2 Will Make it through!

Voting Open Until Wednesday night!!!
-Holly will be commenting on these soon!

Saturday, July 17

In My Mailbox (45) 7/17/10

In My Mailbox Is Inspired by Kristi@The Story Siren

I did get a few others as well this week but a buddy borrowed them so I'll include them when I get them back!

Here is what I got:

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips
Kitty Goes To War by Carrie Vaughn

What Did You Get This Week?

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Summary: I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoë's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoë lost in her broken life. Zoë escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoë's autistic sister. After Zoë is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

My Thoughts: I haven't read too many books that focused on the subject of guardian angels or just angels in general. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book but I have liked everything else I've read by Laurens so figured I'd give it a shot. We meet Zoe who comes from a 2 parent household with a sister and a brother. Her sister is autistic while her brother has some personal issues. Zoe is just your average girl who has to help take care of everyone else's problems. It seems like now a days, this is a common situation in YA books. We are than introduced to Matthias, the angel sent to watch over Abria and help her get through each day. He seems to pop up whenever Abria gets herself into trouble. Only Abria and Zoe can see him. She is caught talking to him aka herself and people wonder if she's ok. Zoe starts to have real feelings for Matthias, and Matthias knows its pretty much forbidden but he starts to develop feelings too.

Heavenly, was a sweet emotional roller coaster. I wasn't sure how it was going to end and it threw me for a little bit of a loop. I really enjoyed it and will soon be starting Penitence.

Overall: I liked it a lot. I really liked Matthias and the way his dialogue was. You could tell he was a lot older.

Cover: I really like the clouds, and if you look closely you can see the face.

What I'd Give It: