Free eBook Alert: Jane and Elvis

According to Jane by Marilyn Brant

Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb

Are currently FREE for the Kindle!

Don't have a Kindle but still interested? Consider downloading the Kindle reader (for free) for your for PC, BlackBerry, or iPhone. Own a nook? Check out Free Friday at Hott Books.

Cover Wonderment: Dreadnought

Isn't it gorgeous? It is the sequel to Boneshaker. Ok so I haven't read Boneshaker. But I want to and this is just the little shove I needed. Doesn't the robot look a bit like the Iron Giant?

Click here to learn more about Dreadnought.

Over the Moon | Book Review & Contest Too

Book: Over the Moon

Authoress: Diane Daniels

Tagline: "What do you do when an alien abducts your heart?'
Pages: 254 Publisher: Tate Publishing
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Goodreads: Over the Moon
Genre: YA Fantasy Sci-fi

My say: I really really really wanted to like this book. I have been enamored with the concept of a "human girl falling in love with an alien" ever since I saw Earth Girls Are Easy in the 80s. But the plot seemed too much like too many other books on the market right now. Girl meets boy, boy harbors secret, girl and boy fall in love, boy's secret endangers girl...you get the picture. If you like this formula, then you will probably like this book. For me it was just too much déjà vu. My other issue with the story was her inner voice. Her inner dialogue seemed too mature and didn't feel like a teen.

My cover thoughts: I love this cover and the title. Her expression, the colors, and the moon make it the sort of lovely cover I can gaze at and get lost in.

My star rating: 2 stars

My kiddie-o-meter: The best part about this book is that there is no sex or profanity. Violence is minimal and the story holds good morals. Also, while it is in no way a Christian story, faith is a nice matter of fact for the heroine. It was also refreshing to read about a character who has loving parents and a good relationship with her brother. I would feel completely comfortable offering this one to a young teen.

My contest: Want to give Over the Moon a try? If you're a resident of the US or Canada, comment with your email address below. I will announce the winner of my gently used paperback October 29th.

My final say: What is your favorite alien tale? Do you prefer your aliens mean or friendly?

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Well Said: Sizing Us Up

"Courage was hard to come by, especially with the denizens of the castle creeping closer to get a better look at us, no doubt sizing us up for the cooking pot."

Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers

Unbidden Magic #3

So far I have not been able to put this series down. Oh and just in case you were wondering (cause I was), denizen means inhabitant, resident, or regular.

Free Christian Fiction Reads!

The following CF books are currently FREE on Amazon for the Kindle:

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig & Elvis Takes a Backseat by Leanna Ellis

Don't have a Kindle but still interested? Consider downloading the Kindle reader (for free) for your for PC, BlackBerry, or iPhone. Own a nook? Check out Free Friday at Hott Books.

Whimsy Update: Finally

Finally our new home has come together. Things are slowly normalizing. Now it is time for the delicious little bits like art. While scoping Etsy, I found so many adorable book related prints. I ended up picking the foxes at sea for my office (she's carrying a book while he navigates) and the pointing hand for my hallway.

Featured shops: Winterberry Cottage and Jean Cody FauxKiss

First Words: Rain

"Kate had been traveling the road for hours, the rain her sole companion. It was an entertainer, the Irish rain, performing an endless variety of tricks for her amusement. It blew sideways, pounded and sighed and dripped. It hailed neat little balls of ice that melted off her hood and shoulders. She did her best to ignore it. She knew the type. She was from Seattle, after all, the city of her birth, life, and heartbreak."

The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri

Isn't that a beautiful beginning? Despite the moisture, it makes me long to visit Ireland more.

Well Said: Choices

"I have no idea what I'm capable of doing. I'm only half-human. What if I do something really awful?" "You won't, I said. "It comes down to making choices, and it doesn't matter if you're fully human, half-human, or like me, some hick chick with a magic moonstone."

Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers
Unbidden Magic # 2

Discussing The Last Song

I rarely read Nicholas Sparks. I know he is one of the most prolific adult/drama romance writers of our time, but he's always breaking my heart. I do however, love to watch when his books are made in to films. Yesterday I watched The Last Song.

While Miley should stick to singing (I love her singing, but I can't take her acting nor my eyes off her overbite), Greg Kinnear, Bobby Coleman, and Liam Hemsworth are worth it.

Have you read The Last Song? Is it better than the movie? Does it end sadly?

'Cause frankly I like my sugary endings and thought the film ended perfectly.

Great quotes:

• "We're not perfect. Any of us. We make mistakes, we screw up but then we forgive and move forward."
• "Love is fragile. And we're not always its best caretakers. We just muddle through and do the best we can. And hope this fragile thing survives against all odds."

Made in the U.S.A. | Book Review Mini

Book: Made in the U.S.A.

Authoress: Billie Letts

Pages: 355 (Hardcover)

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Goodreads: Made in the U.S.A.

Subject: Orphans | Lost childhood | Child exploitation

Genre: Adult Fiction | Drama

My summary & say: When their caretaker dies in a Wal-mart, 15-year-old Lettie and her 11-year-old brother Fate are instantly orphans. Petrified of Child Protective Services, they steal her car and flee to the last known location of their deadbeat alcoholic dad. What happens along the way, is realistic, gritty, and often left me cringing. While Billie always sends humanly angels to assist her characters, this isn't a tale for the faint-of-heart; Lettie is exploited in many ways before help finally arrives.

My kiddie-o-meter: While the story refrains from clear descriptions, please note there is sexual exploitation, a near rape, and drug addiction.

My star rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I found my self several times ready to give up on this book. As an older sister who helped raise her younger siblings, I hated Lettie and her selfish childish decisions. But, I loved her little brother Fate. I wanted to adopt him.

My final say: If you're a fan of Billie Letts, get this one from the library.

Review © copyright of Tales of Whimsy.com

Mr. Postman: I Am Number Four

Oh Mr. Postman!

Please bring me...

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

What are you hoping you will find in your mailbox today?

Toodles! I am off to listen to Mr. Sandman by The Chordettes now.

Contest Winners: Pearl in the Sand

Here are the winners of my Pearl in the Sand giveaway:

Renee from Black n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

Shannon O'Donnell of Book Dreaming

Marjorie

Congratulations ladies!

I love a day I can start with passing out books! *squeal*

I will be contacting you all via email.

The winners were selected with help from Random.org.

Click here to view the Pearl in the Sand trailer on YouTube.

Click here to read Chapter One of Pearl in the Sand.

Click here to visit Pearl in the Sand on Goodreads.

Click here to visit Pearl in the Sand on Amazon.

Thanks again to Moody Publishers for making this contest possible.

New Flash: Any New Books?

Bloggers bloggers I have something you should see! You know how we are always looking for ways to stay up-to-date with new releases? Or how sometimes we are so busy looking at future releases that we miss a release day? Well there is a new web page in blogland that is perfect for us. At Any New Books? you sign up for the category you want updates for and ta-da; your updates arrive via email. I signed-up for Teens and Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

AnyNewBooks?

AnyNewBooks? Twitter

First Words: Risk & Rules

"Gazing out at the quiet lake,

I know the risk is worth it."

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

"I've been wondering...is there a normal way to become paranormal? Like, go to Google, type in "Make me magic," click on a website and wait for a list of rules to pop up?"

Moonstone by Marilee Brothers

I am totally struggling to choose which to read this weekend.

They both have strong beginnings but I love the snarky tone of Moonstone.

Happy weekend darlings! Any lovely plans?

Almost to Die For | Mini Book Review & Commentary

When it comes to books, I'm prudish and suffer from Casper Syndrome. Yes, I totally made that up the other day. What is Casper Syndrome, you ask? I tend to like my ghosts (and other paranormal beings) like Casper the Friendly Ghost; friendly, trying to do good, and basically just in need of friendship and/or love. Call me a goody-goody paranormal optimist if you will. *wink wink*

Which leads me to why Almost to Die For was a bittersweet read for me...

The good: There is no denying what a light easy read this one is.

The bad: The first three chapters were so drab, that I basically skimmed them.
The ugly: This story contains nudity, demons, mentions to sex and sexuality, and is peppered with curse words.
The tasty: Great characters, a wickedly delicious concept, and a cool unforseen plot twist ending, made it hard to put down.

So basically, this book affected me like Marilyn Manson's cover of the 80s tune Tainted Love; I didn't want to like it, I didn't buy it, but I couldn't help enjoying it.

Book: Almost to Die For

Authoress: Tate Hallaway

Tagline: "When it comes to inheriting the throne, it's all in the blood."

Pages: 241 (Paperback)

Publisher: New American Library

Goodreads: Almost to Die For

Genre: YA Witches Vamps

My star rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Review © copyright of Tales of Whimsy.com
Thank you to Kim of The Book Butterfly for making this review possible.

Wishin' and Hopin': Your mama's ghost

Amazon blurb: "When Holly's mother dies unexpectedly, she thinks things can't get much worse. But then her dad starts dating again. And his new girlfriend is Holly's aunt her mom's sister! Aunt Claudia is known in Hollywood as the Queen of B Movies. Horror films, zombie flicks, she's made them all. Holly never liked her aunt, but now she positively can't stand her. Especially once the ghost of her mother appears and tells Holly that Claudia was to blame for her death. Inspired by Hamlet, this funny novel about the danger of family secrets is a modern comic take on a classic Shakespearean tragedy."

A Girl, A Ghost, and the Hollywood Hills by Lizabeth Zindel

Scheduled publication date: October 14, 2010

Doesn't it sound a bit like Hamlet meets spunky Nancy Drew? I love that this one is scheduled to release right before Halloween. I adore ghost stories around Halloween.

Well Said: Choices

"Grannyma always said, she who has a choice has

trouble. Sometimes your choices aren't good ones,

but you have to choose something."

The Shifter by Janice Hardy

News Flash: An Author's Video Essay

I have never read anything by Katherine Center.

However, after seeing this beautiful video essay by her,

I am pretty sure I need to change that. I am not a mother,

but I challenge any woman to watch this and not feel the sudden

overwhelming desire to call or hug her own mother.

Katherine Center is the author of The Bright Side of Disaster, Everyone Is Beautiful, and Get Lucky.

*

Credit: Thank you Lisa from The Lisa Porter Collection for sharing this with me.

First Words: Arsonist

"Cold here in the alley, but things will get hotter soon. The Arsonist moved deeper into the shadows, orange shopping bag in hand."

Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle

A Coffeehouse Mystery

Christian Historical Fiction Contest: Pearl in the Sand

From the first moment I saw this breathtaking cover, I knew I had to read this book some day. While my copy is still in the mail, thanks to Moody Publishers, I have 3 copies to giveaway to my readers.

Teaser blurb courtesy of Goodreads: "At the age of fifteen Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father. In her years as a courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walks Salmone, a respected leader of Judah. Through the tribulations of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth in God and find healing from fear and rejection."

To enter to win Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar all you have to do is comment with your email address below. The contest is open to residents US or Canada and the winners will be announced September 20, 2010.

Click here to read Chapter One of Pearl in the Sand.

Click here to visit Pearl in the Sand on Goodreads.

Click here to visit Pearl in the Sand on Amazon.

No One Lives Twice | Book Review

Book: No One Lives Twice

Authoress: Julie Moffett

Publisher: Carina Press

Format: eBook

Goodreads: No One Lives Twice

Genre: Mystery | Cozy Mystery

The bad: Choppy beginning

The good: Fun & quirky

The great: Action-packed & original

My summary and say: I really enjoyed the characters and world of computer hacking and international spies that basically landed on Lexi's lap. One minute she was heading to dinner with her folks. The next minute she has a gun in her face and hired thugs threatening her life. Lexi is easily to relate to and root for.

My whodunit verdict: The best part of this story was the incredibly original story line. It will keep you on your toes and the plot is both timely and completely believable.

My recommendation: Think cozy mystery with a dose of Killers (2010). I haven't seen it but every trailer reminds me of Lexi. Cozy lovers and fans of clean mysteries are sure to enjoy this one.

My star rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My cover thoughts: Perfect! So cute! Even the hot ethnic guy in the background suits the story.

My love-the-love take: When it rains it pours. Lexi goes from no options to a sexy Irish attorney, a steamy Italian spy, and her best friend the brilliant yet nerdy computer hacker.

My kiddie-o-meter: While this one is written for adults, it has minimal violence and no sex.

My final say: Ahhhh she didn't kiss the guy I realllly wanted her to kiss. Grrrr. Now, I'm really anxious for book two. Besides her love life, I need to know if she is going to make this spy thing a permanent gig?

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

*

No One Lives Twice is my 9th entry in the Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge 2010 hosted by Book Chick City.

New Flash: Another Kids Tale Goes SyFy

Remember SyFy's Tin Man & Alice? I just heard they have a Peter Pan spin-off in the works. Neverland should premiere next year. While I sort of hated Tin Man, I totally loved Alice. So I will definitely be keeping tabs on this one.

How about you? Seen them?
Love them? Hate them?

Click here to read my review of Alice.

{Photo credit: Annie Leibovitz | Dream Portrait Series}

Well Said: Imagination

"Oh, my mind wanders down odd paths. But I don't care. Some of the paths of my imagination are so much more interesting than the one I'm really on." - Made in the U.S.A. by Billie Letts

News Flash: NYT on Grown-ups & YA

When I spotted this article at Book Love, I knew I had to share it with you!

Essay: The Kids' Books Are All Right

Highlights/Quotes: "The Harry Potter generation has grown up".
"A lot of adult literature is all art and no heart. But good Y.A. is like good television. There’s a freshness there; it’s engaging. Y.A. authors aren’t writing about middle-aged anomie or ­disappointed people."

As a 34-year-old book blogger addicted to YA, I say: Amen!

{Image source: New York Times | Image artist: Ross MacDonald}

Musical Match: Deadly Angel Crush

The book:

The song:

#1 Crush by Garbage

The connection:

Despite the dangers of their love and attraction, Luce and Daniel can't fight their pull.

Making the lyrics of this song absolutely perfect for this possibly ill-fated pair.