Happy New Year!!!

I can not believe that the next time I write on this blog, it will be 2012!!! 

I don't think I'll be able to get online over the weekend, so I'm wishing everyone a fantabulous New year!!! 

Me? I'll be writing New Year's Eve... and probably reading... I'm halfway through Foretold, so I'll be doing a review of it hoping next week. 

Talk to everyone next year!!  Can't believe 2012 is literally two days away!!!

Sophie & Carter

While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbour Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from reality, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, will their friendship become something more?

Totally wasn't expecting to read this last night, but I read it all in one night!  I loved this book!  It's a sad but endearing story, and I love the relationship these two have.  They've learned the hard way, that they have to rely on themselves and one another.  

Sophie has a lot to deal with, taking care of her siblings, and Carter is fighting a losing battle with his mother's mental instability.  


Very good read!  I can't believe I read it one night!!!! 

The Craziness of Christmas is over...

Well, both boys were up yesterday morning at 6:30am.  Me?  I was awake at 4:30am expecting to be woken up... as I have been woken up that early before.

The boys loved everything; Dylan was carrying around his transformers everywhere.  Sadly, my dad and brother could not come, as my dad put his back out picking up some plants during the week.  They are coming this coming weekend to do Christmas instead.  It's New Years Eve, but whatever.  The kids loved my dad's gifts.  Dylan got a 3DS from him, and Colin got a Kindle.  I've downloaded a few books for him to put on it. 

Now, I'm hoping to get back to normal... which for me means getting some writing done.  Couldn't get any done over the weekend, as it was just crazy at the house.  Between going to my MIL's and then Christmas Day, there was just no time to sit and get lost in my imagination.  So, tonight, I'm going to be playing catch up with my characters! 

Also, would love to get some reading done.  Haven't done in a long time, and would love to do some.  With the chaos of shopping for Christmas and the dinner... didn't have a lot of time to do much of anything!!

A Very Merry Christmas!!!!

I won't be able to get online over the weekend, so I'm wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!! 

I can not believe it's here already... and it looks like we won't be having a white Christmas this year, but still, I can't wait!! 

I'm Done!! I'm Done!!

I am done all of my wrapping!!!  Finished last night with the last four more presents to wrap.  I just have some last minute things to get for Christmas dinner and some stocking stuffers to buy, and then I will 100% done and ready for Christmas!! 

I don't know how I did it, but I did it... I'm never this efficient, but I'm so happy it's all done.  All I have to do put out the gifts and fill the stockings, and I can relax!

I love it when this happens... because it's never happened before.  So happy I don't have to spend four hours wrapping on Christmas Eve!!!

Added These to my Library!!

I've gotten to know both of these amazing women on Twitter!  Raine, I consider one of dearest friends, even though I have never met her!  I'm reading Foretold at the moment, and I will finish it!  I'm so hyper focused on my writing right now, that reading is on hold at the moment.  I've gotten so much great advice from Raine regarding my own book, that at times, she is a lifesaver for a really hard scene that's giving my problems!  She was the one who gave me the final push to decide to write my book!

I feel so blessed to have met both of these awesome women!  Angeline has offered me so much support and given me advice on writing, and been just plain sweet to me!  I never thought that when I decided to publish my own work, that I would get support from such amazing people!  These two women are such great people, and I feel blessed to know them!!

Can't wait to start both of these books!!!

Almost done...

We went shopping on Friday, got everyone done but my Dad, who is getting a gift card.  The good thing?  We got $60 in gift cards from Target.... hello Christmas pressie to me!!  Now... I just have to think about what I want!

I spent two evenings wrapping, and now have almost all of it done!!  I'm never this efficient!!  Usually I'm spending four hours wrapping on Christmas Eve, and I don't have to do that this year!  All I'll have to do is just put everything out!!  I can't wait!  I've bought stuff for dinner, and stuff for my apple pie that I'm making, and the ham that I'm cooking that night.  I am just happy that everything is getting done before the big day!  I'm usually out on Christmas Eve buying stuff for stockings, or last minutes gifts.  I don't think I have to do that this year!!

It's more wrapping tonight, and then writing!!  Writing, writing, and more writing!!  I'm making changes to Chapter One, and then continuing on Chapter Two.  Also, the stalker is telling me who he is, so I'm changing the prologue just a little bit.  I love this... I love how they are all talking to me... don't like that they talk to me just as I'm about to go to sleep, but I still love how the story is going!!

Christmas Shopping Tonight....

Nick and I are going to be Christmas shopping tonight.  A week before the big day... yes I am crazy!!

I started Chapter Two of my book... and have changed it around because it wasn't working for me.  Well, it wasn't working for my character.  She was telling me to go a different way, so I had to listen to her.  She's telling me where the story is going, and I have to follow her.

I'm hoping to get some more done this weekend.  It shouldn't be too busy, as we did all the decorating last week.  I only have to pick up the boys tomorrow morning from my MIL's, and not much else... only some mild cleaning and then some writing.  Hopefully...

Have a great weekend everyone!  I'll talk to you all Monday!

I finally bought it!!!

I went to BJ's and checked to see if they had it.  To my absolute happiness, they did, and I grabbed it!!  I'm so happy, as I've been wanting this since I've heard about it.  I love this author, and love the Mortal Instrument Series. 

Can not wait to start this book!  I love it when books make me this happy!!!!

I was right...

I said it Friday... I was in for a hectic weekend!!  I was right.  Friday was quiet, and I was happy for that.  I got some writing done, which was good, as that's the only time I had to get any done all weekend.  Saturday, Nick was painting the living room, then we went and got our Christmas tree.  Other then mud, it was a nice time out with the boys.  We decided to put it up and let it fall over night, then we were off to Wal-mart for some shopping.  Another nice time out with the boys, but by the time we got home, I was tired; and I still had dinner to make!

Sunday, it was time for Christmas decorating.  Nick put on the lights, and the boys and I decorated it.  Of course a lot of the ornaments needed to be relocated, as Dylan put a lot of them in the same area.  Nick put up the little village that we put up underneath the tree, and then we decided to go out and see some Christmas lights.  A friend of Nicks has like 20,000 lights set up to music, so we went out to go and see them.  On our way through the village, we heard a log of sirens, only to see one of the apartments on fire.  It makes me sad... two weeks before Christmas, and there is a family now with no place to live.  We saw one person in an ambulence, so I'm hoping no one was majorly hurt by it.

Tonight, I'm not planning on doing anything.  I am going to sit down with my tea and my computer and relax.  I'm going to write a little bit, as I didn't get as much as I wanted done over the weekend.  Got some reading, but I noticed when I would sit down and open a book, Nick would be needed something!!  I'm thinking he timed that...

Busy Weekend Ahead

I have a busy weekend ahead of me.  Nick is planning on painting the rest of the living room.  He decided the living room had to be green, and has got it three quarters of the way done.  He brought up two rolls of tape up, so I know the taping may... MAY get done tonight.  There's been reasons all week as to why he couldn't finish it, as he originally told me he wanted it done by the middle of the week.  That never happened.... surprise surprise....

Sunday, that is the day we are getting our Christmas Tree.  We go to a tree farm every year and cut it down ourselves.  It's a family day out, and the kids love going.  They really like the ride back on the big tractor.  It's a fun day out, but it is exhausting... a lot of walking looking for the perfect tree!

Two big things on my list of things to do this weekend... getting some writing in and definitely some reading!  If I have to, I will make time to do both.  I'm on a roll with my writing so far, and I never really need an excuse to read anything.  It's just finding the time to do it.  My boys keep me busy most of the time, but I have to be diligent about scheduling myself properly.

Have a great weekend everyone!!! I'll talk to you all Monday!

The Iron King and The Iron Daughter

I broke down and bought these... along with the two ebooks that go with them.  Love that one of them was free!!  Wasn't expecting that, and I love it when that happens!!

I love my writing!!

Now that I've decided on what my story is going to be, what characters are going to be in it, I love doing it!  I have all these ideas coming to me that I'm going to be using in another book.  The fact I'm thinking of writing another one after this one, is awesome to me.  I've never believed my writing has been good enough, and sharing it with people never happened.  It's something that has always been very close to my heart, and extremely personal to me. 

I love being called a writer!  Even though I haven't been published yet, I love that I'm called a writer!  I get excited at the thought of turning on my computer at night and getting lost in my imagination!  Publishing a book is something I've wanted since I was a kid!  Since I wrote my first story at twelve I have wanted to be a published author.  Who knew it would finally be coming true!?!?! 

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

What pisses me off with this... is that this isn't the first book in the series like I thought when I bought it.  It's #4.  So, now I have to buy the first one before I even start this one!

Sigh... oh well... from what I read on the inside cover, it's a really good story.

So, I'm going to go and buy the The Iron King, and start reading that.. after I'm done with Foretold.  I am going to finish it!  I'm just so focused on my writing right now...

Girls Night Tonight!!

Tonight is Breaking Dawn night!!  I have been looking forward to this night for weeks!!  My best friend is coming up and we're going out to dinner and a movie. 

EDWARD!!!  I love him....

Then, after that I'm going to be spending the weekend doing some writing.  I'm going with a whole new angle (yes AGAIN!) on my book.  Thinking of writing a thriller romance, instead of just a romance.  Loving this so far, and have even started writing the sinister prologue for it.  It's hard, as I'm not that type of person, but I have to get in this guy's head to do it. 

Also, am going to be getting some reading done.  Would love to finish Foretold.  I've been focusing so much on my own writing, that it's kind of been put to the back burner.  Sorry for that Raine! 

Happy Birthday Colin!

I cannot believe you are eight already!!  How did this happen??  It seems like yesterday I was just in the hospital having you!  Time certainly flies...

So, Happy Birthday to my amazing little boy, and please don't grow up too quickly...

I love you so much!!

More Research....

I'm eye deep in research for this book.  I changed the first chapter again... and I finally have it at a place where I like it. 

I've been doing constant research on wedding planning, beach houses, West Palm Beach, Florida, and various other things.  Once I'm done with her, then I'm going to focus on his career.  He's going to be a cop, and I may have to call my local Police Department, which may not be so bad.... Don't know what kind of cop he's going to be... K9 or a Detective... not quite sure where he's going to take me.  I'm sure he will tell me, as he's a very vocal guy! 

So, tonight is Zumba, and then home to do some reading and writing.  My favorite three things to do on Tuesdays!!

I'm stuffed!!

Had a good Thanksgiving dinner last night!  We went to MIL's for dinner, and had a great time.  Dylan wanted Colin's birthday cake for dinner, as we celebrate his birthday with the family each year.  His birthday will be on the 1st of December, and he will be eight... OMG... how did he get to be 8???

This weekend I'm going to be writing my book more, and going to get some reading done.  I've been focusing an hour at night for reading and writing, and it seems to be working.  I've been so tunnel visioned on my book for the past few days, that reading has been put to the back burner.

Doesn't help that I've got this cold, and I now have no voice.  Every time I talk, I start coughing up a storm.  So... I've decided just to stop talking altogether!  I can't sleep because the coughing affects me at night, so I'm up pretty much all night.  I'm screwed either way...  Plus, I have never ending laundry to do. 

There is always that to do...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I know it's a day early, but I won't be able to get on tomorrow to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!  I can't believe it's here already...

So, I wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday tomorrow!

It's coming along...

So, I've started again with my book... and still I've changed it again.  I'm not that far into it that I have lots to change, but still I'm changing things around.  My characters are fighting me, so I have to go with them.  My hero has been fighting me on what profession he wants, and I think we've finally settled on him being a cop.  This means I have to interview a police officer about being a cop.  Which may not be too bad....

My Heroine, she's decided she wants to be a wedding planner.  She decided to tell me that last night as I was laying down to go to bed.  It's funny how they speak me to just as I'm about to go to sleep.  Probably because I'm finally relaxed and they can get through to me.  I just love this process... as annoying as the changes that keep coming in, I still love the process.  I love taking the time for research, I love taking the time for character bios, and most of all, I love writing it out. 

I've always loved writing. I love that I'm able to finally make my dream of writing a book come true!!!

Quiet Weekend... hopefully...

My husband has gone hunting this weekend, so that makes it a quiet weekend for me.  At least I'm hoping that it does.

I'm going to be reading this weekend, as I'm not going anywhere.  We had a bad snowstorm yesterday, so I think I just want to relax for the weekend.  Take things easy... hang out with the kids.  My dad is coming on Sunday to take the kids to the train show.  I think it will be a nice day.

I'm also going to plan on writing a bit in my book.  I like the fact that I started it over again.  Gets my creative juices working, so I can lose myself in the book.  I tried to get lost last night, but Nick came in earlier then I thought from his meeting, and my concentration was gone after that.  I hate when that happens, as I'm into a scene and it's gone!!  Just like that!

After that, I just closed the computer and got up.  I couldn't get back into it after that.  So, I'm hoping to get lost this weekend in my imagination, either with my reading or with my writing.

It has started...

Began writing my new book... second start as the first one didn't work out.  Going to keep doing the character bios at the same time as the book.  As I think of more, I'll add to them.  I was just so excited about starting it, I had to stop with the bios. 

Really excited about doing this.  The first one didn't work out for me, as it wasn't moving like I wanted it to.  Plus, the characters were fighting me.  I'm going to keep it, as I might use it again at some other point.  Who knows???

Another Monday...

A new week begins again... Dealing with a sick child is always interesting.  Especially when you're trying to clean up the house!  Colin is doing great... still stuffed up and coughing, but the strep seems to be going away.  He's still on the antibiotics, and is wondering how long he's going to be taking it.  I've told him that he's taking it at least until next week.  He didn't like that he couldn't sleep over at my BIL's house, but I told him that he would feel bad if he got the other kids sick with this. 

I spent most of Friday night and part of Saturday cleaning up my bedroom.  We've moved the old entertainment center out and the one from the living room in.  It's a lot bigger then the last one, so there is some moving around for me to do still.  To make more room for laundry... which is the baine of my existence. 

Was hoping to get some reading done and hoping to get some writing done as well, but no luck on either front.  I've thought a new angle to go on my book.  This is going to completely change the storyline, but it's going to be a good change.  The one now is getting hard for me to write about.  The characters are telling me to go a different way, so I'm following their lead.  I'm thinking that this will be a better way.  I've written so much of it, that's it's going to take some time to change things around.  I gotta start somewhere, right?? 

He's on the Mend...

Well, after about 12 hours and two doses of the antibiotics, Colin is now on the mend.  He wasn't really moving last night and this morning, but now he's like a new kid!  Bouncing off the walls! 

I have a hectic weekend in order.  First I have to clean up my bedroom and dresser to get the entertainment center from the living room in it.  I have to clean out the old one in our room, and get it ready to be moved.  So much work.... Saturday, we have a birthday party to go to, and then after that??  Nothing.  I'm going to relax and try and get some reading and writing in.  I have been lax in doing both, so I want to catch up!!  It's about time I caught up! 

I would like to get a good portion of Foretold done, so I can get the review done next week.  That's my goal I have set for myself.  If I stick to it, I'll get it done!!  If my family doesn't stress me out too much, I can get it done!!  Crossing my fingers on that one....

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

One Sick Boy...

Colin is sick... he's got a cold and really bad cough.  He's going to see the doctor today, because he feels pressure in his chest.  I'm hoping the give him something for it, as it's really bad.  It's gotten worse since Tuesday, to the point I sent Halls to school with him today to help with the cough. 

My hope is that Dylan doesn't get it now.  This type of thing will be hell on Dylan.  He's going for his flu shot tomorrow, so that should be alright.  Colin probably not, because he's sick.  Once he's better, then I'll make the appointment for him to get his. 

Monday again....

Another week is here.  Kind of a hectic weekend for me.  I was planning on getting some laundry done and then some writing done on Sunday.  No luck on either. 

Colin woke me up at six in the morning yesterday to tell me that the tv wasn't turning on.  Just wonderful, I thought, as I staggered out of bed.  Tried to turn it on for ten minutes, with no luck, then had to be the bearer of bad news to my husband.  We had no tv in the living room.  When I was finally able to get it back on, I left it on, as I knew if I turned it off, it wouldn't be coming back on again.  The children were going crazy not being able to watch it, although I had Cars on in Dylan's room.  Why I thought they would sit nice and watch it, I don't know... but there is always hope. 

Nick then had to go buy a new tv... an expence we weren't prepared to pay, but we had to get one.  So, now we have a new flatscreen tv with a new entertainment center.  The old one was cleaned out and is ready to be put in our bedroom.  We threw out a lot of stuff we hadn't seen in a long time... like cassette tapes that we don't even have a player for anymore.  A lot of VHS tapes that we don't have a player for anymore.  Who knew we had so many!!  My living room was a disaster for the pretty much the whole day, but between him and I we cleaned it up pretty quickly.  Also, he and I have a lot of CD's.  Those went in a rubbermaid bin, as it wasn't all of the ones we have. 

Something like this, makes you realize how much crap you store away.  Makes you feel so much better when you're able to get rid of it all! 

My new additions....

I have a serious problem... I really do!  I have a book obsession problem!  I saw these and had to get them!  What am I to do when I get an ereader at some point??  I have so many physical books as well as the books that are in my computer. 

I saw Matched awhile ago, and thought it looked like a good read.  When I saw there was a second book, I had to get it as well.  I read the first few pages and was hooked... a good sign to me.  These will be on my review list, once I'm able to start them.  Can't wait!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

The day my children have been looking forward to is finally here!!  Colin has even been counting down the days!!  He went to school in his Mario costume today, and Dylan went as his monster on Friday.  Didn't want to take the costume off, as they had to convince him to take it off.  That meant putting it back on when he got home!

Colin, on the other hand, waited until this morning to put his on.  He loves Mario... Luigi was a close second, but it was Mario as his first choice.

I wish I could have gotten pics of Colin at school for his party, but I'll get more tonight when he goes out with his cousins!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Weekend is almost over...

Here I am, working Saturday night, wondering where the weekend went.  All of my well made plans went awry this weekend, as usual.  I didn't get anything done... probably because I was so tired.  I'm working night shift tonight, and that means very little sleep for me.  It usually takes me about a week to recover from working one shift... being able to catch up on sleep is hard.

I'm trying to teach myself crocheting.  It's not going too well... I can't seem to get this one stitch... I'm sure I will figure it out though.  It's just a matter of practicing over and over.  At the moment, it's frustrating.  I've left it, and then gone back to it, and still get the same problem.  I don't know what I'm doing wrong!!

So, I'm going to go now.  I have to get breakfast started for the guests.  I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!  I'll talk to everyone again Monday morning!

Another Week Gone....

Wow, how time flys!  Friday is here again, and another week is gone.  I have so many things on the agenda this weekend.  I'm  planning on working out tonight then focusing on reading Foretold by Raine Thomas, and then hoping, as I cross my fingers, that I can get some writing in as well.

I'm working Saturday overnight, so maybe I can focus on some of the time on that.  I'm thinking it won't be that busy that night.  At least I'm hoping it won't be.  I've got a head cold, so I'm not feeling my best.  I hate working night shift when I'm sick, as it's hard for me to focus and concentrate.

Oh well, I'll get through it.  Like I always do... nothing like being in my own bed though.

Have a good weekend everyone!  I'll talk to you all Monday!!

Steve Jobs Biograghy

I'm not a biograghy kind of person.  I don't usually like to read them, as I find them a bit boring, and totally not what I usually read.  This one, I had to get.  I have always found Steve Jobs to be an interesting person, and this is the closest I'll get to finding out about him.  What made him tick, so to speak. 

So, it may not be next on my list of books to read, but I will be reading it. 

Winter is Coming....

Heard this morning on the news that it is expected to rain/snow tomorrow.  I'm from Toronto, I know snow... and living where I'm living, I've been known to have six feet of snow at any given time.  I just didn't expect it so soon. 

On top of it, I'm getting a cold now... I can feel it coming on.  My head is cloudy, and I'm getting stuffed up.  I hate this time of year.... can't go outside and do anything because of the rain and the cold, so the kids are going crazy in the house. 

Was just not expecting snow so early.... it's Fall!!  Oh well, guess that gives me more time for reading and writing...

So....

Some good news about me... I am officially 30 pounds lighter!  I achieved it over the weekend, and am loving it!  I started this diet in July, and it has been hell to stick to, but by God, I'm am sticking to it. 

I took a little break from reading this weekend.  From all the reading I did over the last week or so, I thought I just step back from it for a couple of days.  So, it's back to the grind stone of reading and maybe getting some writing in.  I've been lax in writing my book, because I'm focusing so much time on reading, so I'm going to try and be more diligent about giving more time to it... if my family life will just go along with that plan, I should be ok!

So, Happy Monday all!!  I hope your week is great and not too stressfull... I'm hoping the stress stays at bay, but that never really happens... it pops it's ugly head in at some point....

Friday.... How I Love Thee....

Oh Friday... you come at the same time every week, and I so look forward to seeing you!!  It means that after you comes my friend Saturday, and everyone loves Saturday!!  Then... sadly, Sunday comes around and that means the new week is coming closer and closer....

It is the end of another week, and hoping for time to relax and get things done.  Laundry is the first thing on my list to do, and after that is cleaning... then hoping for some time to read and maybe write some. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Side note:  Two years ago today, we lost my FIL Kenny.  Kenny, we miss you everyday....

Next on my list....

 

Since I've just finished Central, this is next on my list.  A little bummed, because it's the last one in the series, but I am so looking forward to reading it!!!

Review of Central by Raine Thomas

For avid student Olivia Murdoch, life on the Estilorian plane is filled with wondrous adventure. Every lesson about her new existence is both exciting and challenging. Along with her sisters, she embraces this non-human half of herself.

Helping with her lessons is her Gloresti, James. Teacher, scholar and distractingly attractive, James takes on his roles of Olivia’s guide and protector with equal dedication. As he learns the human emotions that Estilorians no longer experience, he starts to see Olivia as much more than just an assigned pairing.

The physically weakest of her sisters, Olivia trains hard to learn things that no typical human classroom can impart. When they travel to “Central,” the Estilorian base, she comes to understand why she must become strong enough to defend herself. She and her sisters are targets.

Not all Estilorians welcome them. In fact, more than one would see them dead.

***SPOILER ALERT***

 Another five star rating for Raine!!  I was so excited about reading this book!  

What I loved most about this book was James.... I loved Olivia, but I loved discovering the different emotions with James as he felt them for the first time.  You feel all of them... anger, jealousy, happiness and finally... love.  The way he feels about her is endearing to read, because he's so very honest and real about it.


While Becoming was the story of them discovering who they were, this is the story of them becoming who they are.  It is the journey they take from being humans to being Estilorians.  


Olivia is a gentle soul, who is able to communicate with animals around her.  Aurora, her feline friend from the human plane, transitions with her into the form of a white panther.  In this book, you really see the depth of their relationship.  


There is a small twist in the book, that totally took me by surprise, and I loved it!  I actually cried out when I read it!  It was a happy surprise, but a surprise nonetheless.  


As the relationship starts to grow between James and Olivia, and they discover their feelings for each other, it is tested when Olivia is kidnapped by the Mercesti.  Through the help and love of her family, she is able to fight her way through it, and get back to safety, getting back to James, and the people who love her.  


Like Becoming, I could not stop reading it!  My only wish was that my everyday life didn't get in the way of my reading it!  My first thought yesterday was... I have to finish this tonight!  The ending was pulling me to finish it, so I sat down, pulled out my laptop, and read it to the end!  I loved it, and again, like Becoming, it brought tears to my eyes!  Such an awesome series so far! 

Giveaway after 20 Followers

So... I've decided to do a giveaway!  After 20 followers, I'm going to be giving away Becoming by Raine Thomas.  I love this book, and want to share it with one lucky follow!! It's easy... all you have to do is follow my blog for a chance to win!!

Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.

As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.

To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.

Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.

Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk.

Another Week Starts....

Another week is starting... and I must say my weekend was pretty good.  Other then it being cold and rainy, and Dylan getting over a stomach bug, the weekend was alright.  I managed to get some reading done, plus get some laundry done.  Cleaning... that's a different story altogether.... but laundry is good.  Even managed to get some quilting done as well, which is always a good thing!!

I have managed to get over half of Central done, and am hoping to finish either this afternoon, or tonight.  Then get the review for it up tomorrow.  I'm so excited to read more of it.... I stopped reading at a very good part in the book, and can't wait to get lost in it again!!

I finally got it.....

I was at Wal-mart yesterday, and saw this on the shelf... and I had to physically stop myself from buying the other two.  Man... I have so many books, and very little time to read them.  I'm just really happy I bought this, as I've been wanting it since I downloaded the widget on my first blog!!  Seeing that alone, made me want to read this book!!

When I'm done with Saraqael's Daughter's Trilogy, I'm starting on this trilogy.  Hey... I never need a reason to buy a new book!! 

Mad at Myself...

The first thing I thought I would be doing this morning was posting my review for Central by Raine Thomas... but as usual, nothing I thought I would get done, got done.  I got some reading in Saturday night, and was hoping to finish the book then, but alas... no. 

I hate when I set goals for myself, and I don't get them done.  I feel that I let myself down a little bit.  I was hoping to write the review Saturday night and finish it Sunday, but nope... I'm just so mad at myself.  Also, disappointed... because I really wanted to finish it, and make myself take that time I need to read the book, and maybe do a little writing afterwards. 

Hoping tonight will be different.... I just have laundry to do, so I can read in between loads... crossing my fingers!!

Weekend time...

It is Friday, and time for the weekend.  Aside from the normal stuff to be done around the house such as laundry and cleaning up... taking care of the kids... I'm hoping to get some writing done.  I haven't been able to write much on my book, as I'm trying to read some books to get them on my blog, and taking care of the house chores.  Plus... dealing with Dylan relapsing in his potty training... but that's a whole other entry...

My to-do list is to get Central by Raine Thomas finished, and get that review done and then to start Foretold which is the last book.  Then, hopefully not at the same time, get some writing time in for my book.  This is what I'm hoping is going to happen, but with my children anything is possible. 

So, I hope everyone has a great weekend.  Happy reading to all!!  Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian Brethren. 

Trying to Catch Up...

So, after a busy weekend of quilting and running around with my cousin, I'm fighting to get back to the norm of my routine.  I'm trying to get some reading and writing done while, at the same time, getting dinner ready, laundry done, and just day to day stuff in my house...

It's been a struggle... on top of it being tired from the weekend, and trying to catch up on sleep.  I'm wondering how I can have just a few more hours in the day... that would help me out so much.... I could get a lot done then!!

Central by Raine Thomas

This is what I'm starting today!!  The first one was so good, that I can't stop myself from starting this one! 

Can't wait!!!!

Becoming

Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.

As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.

To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.

Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.

Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk.

                                                           **** SPOILER ALERT****

            If I could put more stars on here for it, I would. It deserves more like ten!! 
            First let me say, that I knew of this trilogy when I started talking to Raine Thomas on Twitter.  I’m not sure who followed who first, but I’m so glad I started talking to her.  I met Raine as she was finishing up the series, and getting ready to launch them.  I hadn’t started my book yet, and she was one of the people cheering me on to start it.  I don’t think I can thank her enough for giving that slight push for me to start! 

When I first went on her website, and read the description of Becoming, I was hooked.  I needed to read it now.  I’m not a patient girl when it comes to a book that I know is good, and I want to read it.  I had seen the trailer for it as well, and my impatience for it got worse… I’m pretty sure I watched it at least five times!  I was totally hooked.  When I saw that all three books were on sale on Amazon, I proceeded to buy all three. Yes… I mean it when I say I was hooked! 

Becoming is the story of Amber Hopkins.  She is Esiltorian, and one of the three daughters of Saraqael, an elder who had to come to the human plane to research human emotion.   

Since she has met him, at the age of twelve, she has had an unbreakable bond with Gabriel Reid.  He protects her, accepts her, and is extremely loyal to her.  Amber has led a hard life, going from foster placement to foster placement, she feels she’s not worthy of anyone’s love.  There is a reason for the placements though.  Every three years her body has power surges, and she doesn’t know why.

It is while on a trip to Alaska with Gabriel, celebrating her birthday, that everything starts to change for her.  First it is there that she and Gabriel vow to love each other forever.  Second, she meets her sisters Olivia and Skye.  She’s confused at first, but then it is explained she is Esiltorian, and was sent to live as a human on thee human plane for protection.  At this point, I did not want to stop reading the book, because the story was that good!

Gabriel finds out he’s also an Estilorian, and the Head of the Gloresti, which is similar to a bodyguard.  After the four of them go back to the Estilorian plane, where they had originally come from, the three sisters have a Becoming ceremony and are given their full powers. Gabriel takes his place as an elder, and his position of Head of the Gloresti. 

It is at the end of this ceremony, the three sisters are put in danger, and all three are injured because of the battle that takes place.  There is someone who wants to kidnap one of the sisters for his own gain, Amber herself, is hurt the worst.  I have to say I had tears in my eyes reading Gabriel’s grief thinking he was losing her. 

This book has you wanting to read more and more… when it ended I didn’t want it to end.  I was actually sad to see it vend, but was happy that Amber and Gabriel had their happy ending, and she finally got the family she had been wanting so desperately.  I cannot wait to start the next one in the series!  Very well done Raine!!!

This Weekend...

Didn't get any reading done this weekend.  I was hoping to get get some done on Friday night, but my cousin came for the weekend, and we quilted all weekend.  It was a lot of fun, and she taught me a few things.

Looking forward to getting back to my routine, and back to doing the things I love.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Happy Monday (I hope)!!! 

The First Day of the Rest of my Life

I got this book today as a to-read.  It's out of my norm, but with this blog, I'm making myself read authors I don't normally turn to.  My first choice is always Nora Roberts, but I want to extend my reading choices.  I don't want to limit myself to only one or two authors.

So... when I'm done One Day, I'll be starting this one.  From what I read on the side covers, it's sounding pretty interesting!!

Thoughts of Randomness

I thought I would put this page in to put in various thoughts I'm having... maybe talk about various things going on in my life... like the adventure my SIL and I went looking for a transmission place this morning.  Having a sign at the road would probably be a great idea, because there wasn't one!! 

Also, if I just want to write something that's bothering me... somethings on my mind... this is the page for it.  Maybe if I'm having issues with my story, the characters... maybe I'll put here.  As a way to sort things out in my head. 

One Day by David Nicholls

 

This is what I'm reading now... I'm finding that it's an ok book.  It's very slow in the beginning, but I do like the storyline. The interaction between Emily and Dexter is quite funny at times.  I find Emily to be down on herself alot, who doesn't know her potential as of yet.  

It's one of those books, that if I find myself with a few extra minutes, I'll sit down and start reading it... it's not really catching my attention yet.

Review of Archangel's Blade

 

 The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

The Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh, is a favorite of mine.  When I saw this coming out, I got excited because Dimitri has always fascinated me.  When I saw it at the store, I bought it that day!  I read it in about three days.  Literally could not put it down.  This is how I am with all her books in this series! 

Dimitri is a haunted man.  He's almost a thousand years old, and still loves his wife and children who were killed many years ago.  He's fought to keep their memories from coming into his mind, but after meeting Honor, they can't stay at bay.  She is haunted, but for a very different, very tragic reason.  She had been kidnapped and held hostage for two months by a group of vampires.  Dimitri assists her in getting vengence against the ones who hurt her.

At the same time, Honor is assisting him in solving a case of a vampire killed at the beginning of the book.  In doing this, Dimitri finds out someone is trying to raise the angel who had Made him.  The angel responsible for killing his family; the angel who he had killed. 

By working together, Dimitri helps Honor gets over her terror of vampires, and she helps him find love again.  Filled with suspense, and romance, I was so happy I bought it!  I would have loved to see more of Elena and Raphael, but it wasn't their story.  It was Dimitri's, and it was amazing.  It makes you see there's more to him then meets the eye. 

New Look

So... my blog has had a make over!!  It looks amazing!!  I haven't been posting as I knew it was getting made over.. but now it's done, and I'm ready to start blogging!  I've finished one book so far, so I'll be putting a review of it up soon. 

Thank you so much Janice Foy for making it so much better then I could make it!!

So... I've bought a new book...

I don't really ever need a reason to buy a book.  In my opinion, I can never have too many.  I remember having to go through my books to give them away, and it was like cutting my arm off.  It was really hard for me to do.

I went to the store the other day, and saw Nalini Singh's Archangel's Blade.  Of course I had to buy it!  I've read the other two books in the Guild Hunter Series, so just had to have this one!  

The series is based around Elena, a hunter born vampire hunter.  She falls in love with Raphael, the archangel of New York. Dimitri is his second.  He's a very old vampire.. like close to a thousand years old!  

This current book is his story.  You learn he had a wife and two children, who he loved desperately, and never ever forgot.  

To help him on a current case, he meets Honor, who is deathly afraid of Vampires.  She was kidnapped by a group of them and held for two months.  After meeting her, he is instantly interested in her.  She, of course, is attracted, but wants nothing to do with him.

I haven't finished the book yet, but I haven't been able to put it down, so it will be soon!  Once I'm done, I will put a better review of the book then this one. 

My New Blog

This is the first post in my new blog... I have been thinking of starting this for awhile, and got really interested in doing it after I started writing my book.  

I've written in my spare time for years, but this is the first time I've taken the leap to publish anything!  It's always been so private to me, that sharing it with the world is a little intimidating.  Maybe this blog will be a cathartic for me, an attempt at getting out my fears.  

I'm planning on putting my Work In Progress on here.  Please, be kind when you read it.  It is my first attempt, and the first draft.  I'm already second guessing certain scenes that are in it, but they can be changed once I'm done.  I'm going to write it out first, and then worry about the changes after.  The characters are always speaking to me, and that's a good thing and a bad thing at times... I may not post the whole thing, just excerpts of it.  I haven't decided yet... it changes from day to day.  

I'm also going to put Book Reviews on here.  I've been reading for years, and am addicted to the written word.  There is nothing like escaping into Medieval Scotland with Lairds, and then next week escaping into 18th Century England with Dukes and Lords.  I love books, and my love has grown as I've gotten older.  

So, I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I enjoyed created it.