Tales of Whimsy...

Alert! Free Kindle eBooks: Branded & Eden

2012-05-20T10:14:00.007-04:00

It's Kindle freebie alert time! Branded and Eden (both by Keary Taylor) are both currently available for FREE for the Kindle. I haven't had a chance to check out Branded yet but I did really dig Eden. So run over and grab yours before while the offer lasts. Happy Sunday.

Click here for my review of Eden by Keary Taylor.

Click here to learn more about Eden at Goodreads.

Click here to learn more about Branded at Goodreads.

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.

News Flash: Coupon for Tales of Whimsy Readers

2012-05-19T13:12:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday! I have got some great news! The nice folks at Litographs.com were so jazzed by your interest on my post about their lovely literary lithographs that they are offering $5. off to my readers. Just enter the word WHIMSY. Offer good on any order between now and midnight May 26th.

Book-to-Recipe: Perfect Ten Dauntless Chicken Skewers

2012-05-18T00:01:00.008-04:00

Love books? Like cooking? Then you're like me and have been itching for a peak inside The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook. Well I have a treat for you. Straight from the 2012 edition, I bring you an easy chicken recipe (called the Perfect Ten Dauntless Chicken Skewers) that is perfect for summer. Enjoy! We sure did. Mr. Whimsy and I will definitely be making this recipe again.

Have you ever made or created a recipe inspired by a novel?

The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook features all sorts of recipes (soups, meat, baked goods). To learn more about it and read some reviews, visit the other stops on The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook Tour.

To purchase The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook visit Amazon.

To learn more about Christy Dorrity visit Christy Dorrity.com.

Please note: This skewers picture was taken by and for Tales of Whimsy.com. The book has much clearer photography.

Eureka! Litographs

2012-05-16T15:39:00.008-04:00

Grab your pocketbooks ladies 'cause what I'm about to show you is not only lovely and perfect for any reader, but it's affordable! The website is called Litographs.com and they sell lithographs made of the text from the book. Thus, the term litographs. Get it? Cute and seriously cool right? Below is an example of the Moby Dick and Alice prints with a zoom in on the words.

They come in your choice of pretty muted colors (like above) or black and white. So check them out! So far I can't decide which one is my favorite and I can't wait to see what the Mary Poppins print will look like (due out next month).

Yackety-yak: Mother's Day & New Header

2012-05-13T20:00:00.007-04:00

Mr. Whimsy surprised me today with a three month subscription to Audible.com, flowers, french toast, and has been watching Breakfast at Tiffany's with me. (Can you believe I've never seen it?) I hope you had a beautiful day today either celebrating your mom and/or being a mom. Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. Check out the new header! Thank you Blogging Bella Designs. Button coming soon.

Image source unknown. But I do know I am SO going to have to reproduce this one day with Baby Whimsy.

Well Said: Wondering

2012-05-08T20:08:00.008-04:00

"He reads histories and mythologies and fairy tales, wondering why it seems that only girls are ever swept away from their mundane lives..."

- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Good question isn't it? The Night Circus audio book has been enchanting me thus far. How is your current book treating you?

Eureka! Love in the Stacks

2012-05-01T17:52:00.021-04:00

Today, I'm wishing I could buy this print.

Isn't it lovely?

It's called Polka Dots in the Strand.

Prints are available for purchase at the illustrator's Etsy shop Sophie Blackall.

To see more of her work visit her blog at MissedConnectionsNY.blogspot.com or check out her book Missed Connections: Love, Lost & Found.

Children's Book Review: Garmann's Secret

2012-05-01T16:20:00.006-04:00

2¢ Worth: Garmann's Secret is unlike any kid's book I have ever read. The art is funky, bright, detailed, and has a distinct cut and paste collage feel. But what makes it unique is the way the story and the art coalesce. In the story a boy and a girl, through their secret hideout, explore their friendship. Over time that friendship buds into a sweet romance. Which leads me to this coalescence I mentioned. I noticed that as the story progressed, the girl became prettier. Kids will probably miss this message. But to me it was a subtle hidden Easter egg for the adults. Reminding us that loves makes us see things sweeter.

Whippersnappers: There is a kiss and the book does mildly address bullying.

Wind-up: Garmann's Secret (written and illustrated by Stian Hole, published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, and available as a 11.5 x 9.4 inches hardcover) is a fun coming of age story with a My Girl feel. 4 stars

Audiobook Review: The Language of Flowers

2012-04-23T23:08:00.012-04:00

2¢ Worth: The Language of Flowers is not something I would have chosen for myself. It is for the most part sad, slow moving, and quite frankly I spent a good portion of the story wishing I could shake some sense into Victoria. But then I had an ah-ha moment and from that point forward I began to sympathize with her. My fascination and annoyance turned into hope. You see, up until that point, I had been listening to this story like one might listen to a tragic retelling of a train wreck. I shook my head a lot and marveled at the deep sadness and anger. But after what the story reveals near the end of part two, I found myself on baited breath for Victoria and all those around her that she had harmed. I found myself wishing desperately for peace, forgiveness, redemption, and perhaps even joy. The ending doesn't disappoint. Some reviewers say she walks away from what had previously mattered so much to her and that the ending was too neat. I respectfully disagree. I believe Victoria merely takes a break to concentrate on what is really important and the ending promises that while the road won't be easy, it will get easier with time and perseverance. So while I only listened to The Language of Flowers for a book club meeting I missed, it did make an impression on me, I enjoyed it, and I do look forward to seeing the film.

Words aloud: Narrator Tara Sands does an excellent job as distant icy Victoria. She even does a good tone for Grant (the only male character) and Renata (her employer, a Russian immigrant). This was my first time listening to Tara and I will seek her out again.

Whippersnappers: There is sex and a childbirth scene. There are also mentions to psychological child abuse and mental illness.

Wondering: Am I the only one with a new appreciation for moss? Oh and will you ever look at bridal bouquets the same again?

Wrappings: I love all The Language of Flowers covers, but I think it is the girl on the gray background that really conveys the tone of the story. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Wind-up: The Language of Flowers was written by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, narrated by Tara Sands, and consists of 9 discs (10 hours and 50 minutes). An audio sample of The Language of Flowers is available at Audible.com. Audiobook rating: 3 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.

DIY Baby Room Book Art

2012-04-18T11:57:00.031-04:00

When it came time to decorate Baby Whimsy's room,

I knew I wanted a whimsical shabby chic mix she could grow into.

I also knew I had to work in some bookish elements.

So today I wanted to share two pieces of her room with you.

Old frames, inexpensive photo mats from Walmart,

pictures from an old broken book,

and quotes printed on card stock.

Easy peasy art!

So tell me, have you ever framed book pages? Do share.

Quotes & Notes: The quotes featured are: "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." & "Travel far! Pay no fare! A book can take you anywhere." It's hard to see but image two is of a little girl, under a tree, reading a book. The pages are from a book called A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You by Joan Walsh Anglund.  I stenciled the birds and branch with craft paint and a stencil I purchased from the discount bin at my local craft store. If you like the stencil idea, I encourage you to search your local craft store for something that compliments the space and page(s) you're working with. The sky really is the limit. I bet some Peter Rabbit pages with the silhouette of tiny animals would be positively darling and sweet in a boy or girl's room.

What We've Been Listening To...

2012-04-15T19:25:00.005-04:00

Mama Whimsy has been listening to The Language of Flowers written by Vanessa Diffenbaugh and narrated by Tara Sands

Baby Whimsy has been listening to Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! written by Dr. Seuss and voiced by Mama Whimsy

What books have you been reading or listening to this week?

DIY Headboard for Bookworms

2012-04-11T17:00:00.002-04:00

I saw this and knew I had to share it with you ladies.

A curtain panel, curtain rod, fabric markers, and your favorite quotes.

Instant headboard!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens.

Audiobook Review: A Grown Up Kind of Pretty

2012-04-06T11:10:00.014-04:00

Book indifference is so much easier than book love. Book love is hard. Hard because honestly sometimes you can't find the words to convey how much you love a book. The words for how it held you spellbound and made you hold your breath, laugh, ache, cry, and cheer just refuse to come to you. How when it all ended you sincerely missed the book. How you wish you could call those characters up in real life and go over for dinner. You're left with an ache in your fingers to go online and tell all your readers but then you marvel at how inadequate your words seem to feel. That, and then some, is how I feel about A Grown Up Kind of Pretty.

2¢ Worth: Joshilyn Jackson has officially made a fan out of me. This glorious multigenerational story about teen pregnancy, redemption, and motherhood (with a good dose of mystery) truly blew me away. I was held captive by the mystery that begins with the bones found in a yard, amazed by the slow unraveling of Liza's twisted history, and transfixed by what Big (Ginny) is willing to do for her child. These flawed, brave, spunky characters tackle real issues and ultimately, when the truth is revealed, they realize just how much they need and love each other. I may be nothing like these ladies, but they really moved me and I want to be just like fierce mama Big.

Words aloud: Joshilyn Jackson does a marvelous job as Big, Mosey, and Liza. She tweaked her voice slightly for fifteen-year-old Mosey and it was perfect and felt unauthentic and natural. Her southern accent is easy to listen to and gives the characters part of their charm. I appreciated that every chapter begins with the name of the character so you know which POV (point of view) is next. I cannot wait to try another of her audiobooks.

Whippersnappers: Sex, sexuality, infidelity, teen pregnancy, drug usage, occasional profanity, and mentions to abortion, rape, and death. Oh and Big is pretty mad at God for the hand she has been dealt.

Wind-up: A Grown Up Kind of Pretty was written and read by Joshilyn Jackson and consists of 10 discs (12 hours 25 minutes). An audio sample of A Grown Up Kind of Pretty is available at Audible.com. Audiobook rating: 5 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.

Thank you Bermuda Onion for introducing me to this book and Joshilyn Jackson. If you get a chance, visit her video of Joshilyn discussing A Grown Up Kind of Pretty. It convinced me.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com 

Well Said & That's a Wrap! White Cat by Holly Black

2012-04-03T10:40:00.034-04:00

I listened to White Cat by Holly Black recently and these are the quotes stuck with me...

"We are largely who we remember ourselves to be.
That's why habits are so hard to break."

"Now I just want revenge. After all I'm already a murderer.
No one really expects a murder to stop killing."

"I don't want to be a monster but maybe it's too late to be anything else."

Sounds good right?
Now tell me, have you read or listened to it?
Which cover do you like best?

1.Hardcover 2.Paperback 3.German 4.UK Hardcover 5.UK Paperback

Book-to-Movie: The Hunger Games The Movie

2012-03-25T15:15:00.006-04:00

Even though I read the book, it still made me cry.

Even though I knew exactly what was going to happen, I was still transfixed and my heart still ached when I saw Peeta put his heart out there like that.

Even though I knew how Gale would react, I still felt for him having to watch.

Even though I've already seen it, I can not wait to see it again.

Have you seen it? What did you love and/or hate?

The only thing I would add is a bit more of the connection between Peeta and Katniss.

Click here to read my review of the Hunger Games book.

Images courtesy of HungerGamestheMovie.com.

Library Wanderlust: Keith Richards

2012-03-21T11:27:00.005-04:00

I am totally smitten with Keith Richard's dark library. I love the colors, all the beautiful wood, and the protective den like vibe it gives off. Plus, he appears to have the same appreciation for leather-bound hardcovers that I do. This is definitely the look I will be going for when Mr. Whimsy and I purchase a home. Except in my dream library the accents are a deep dusty pink.

Do you have a celebrity library you're crushing on?

Wishin' and Hopin': The Repurposed Library

2012-03-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life by Lisa Occhipinti

Doesn't this look awesome? As a junk shop junky, I feel like I am always coming across old textbooks, cookbooks, encyclopedias, and Reader's Digests that need homes but don't exactly appeal to many book lovers. I am positively itching to get my hands on this one.

What books are you wishin' and hopin' for this week?

Contest Winner! Demons at Deadnight

2012-03-14T21:17:00.082-04:00

More great news! Unabridged Andra has won my Demons at Deadnight contest!
Congratulations dear! I will be emailing you for your mailing address.

Unabridged Andra was chosen with help from Random.org.

"Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.

The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.

The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway."

Demons at Deadnight Book Trailer

Demons at Deadnight on Goodreads

Demons at Deadnight at Barnes and Noble

Demons at Deadnight at Amazon

Image courtesy of Taylor Swift.com

Contest Winner! The Reeducation of Cherry Truong

2012-03-13T10:08:00.011-04:00

I've got good news for Mrs. Bermuda Onion! You my dear have won my Reeducation of Cherry Truong contest! Congratulations darling! I will be emailing you for your mailing address. Bermuda Onion was selected with help from Random.org.

"Cherry Truong’s parents have exiled her wayward older brother from their Southern California home, sending him to Vietnam to live with distant relatives. Determined to bring him back, twenty-one-year-old Cherry travels to their homeland and finds herself on a journey to uncover her family’s decades-old secrets—hidden loves, desperate choices, and lives ripped apart by the march of war and currents of history.

The Reeducation of Cherry Truong tells the story of two fierce and unforgettable families, the Truongs and the Vos: their harrowing escape from Vietnam after the war, the betrayal that divided them, and the stubborn memories that continue to bind them years later, even as they come to terms with their hidden sacrifices and bitter mistakes. Kim-Ly, Cherry’s grandmother, once wealthy and powerful in Vietnam, now struggles to survive in Little Saigon, California without English or a driver’s license. Cherry’s other grandmother Hoa, whose domineering husband has developed dementia, discovers a cache of letters from a woman she thought had been left behind. As Cherry pieces their stories together, she uncovers the burden of her family’s love and the consequences of their choices.

Set in Vietnam, France, and the United States, Aimee Phan’s sweeping debut novel reveals a family still yearning for reconciliation, redemption, and a place to call home."

The Reeducation of Cherry Truong on Amazon

The Reeducation of Cherry Truong at Goodreads

Aimee Phan

Image from Deliriant.

What We're Listening To...

2012-03-11T17:07:00.007-04:00

Mama Whimsy is listening to A Grown Up Kind of Pretty written and narrated by Joshilyn Jackson

Baby Whimsy is listening to Pat the Bunny written by Dorothy Kunhardt and voiced by Mama Whimsy

What books are your reading or listening to this week?

Eureka! Out of Print Clothing

2012-03-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

Eureka! OutofPrintClothing.com is downright AWESOME. I first spotted their coasters in March's Good Housekeeping Magazine but you can only imagine my delight when I discovered their website is FULL of lovely bookish tote bags, t-shirts, phone covers, greeting cards, note cards, and journals. Check them out. But make sure to check out their blog and What's Your Story page featuring their fans wearing their bookish t-shirts and fleeces. I'm thinking me and Baby Whimsy need matching Pride and Prejudice t-shirts.

Cover Wonderment: Agorafabulous!

2012-03-06T12:05:00.020-05:00

I seriously want to walk up to her, help her out of that box, and then ask if I can borrow that fabulous dress.

Agorafabulous! *Dispatches from My Bedroom
by Sara Benincasa was released last month as a hardcover and ebook. I do hope an audiobook is in the works.

Passing the mic:
Check out Toothy Book's review of Agorafabulous!

Free eBooks Alert: Sixty Acres & Love Amid the Ashes

2012-03-05T11:25:00.038-05:00

Good morning cupcakes! How was your weekend? I have some great news for my fellow Christian Fiction fans. Thanks to Revell and Bethany House these two ebooks are currently FREE for the Kindle and the nook: Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews (Kindle, nook) and Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings (Kindle, nook). Ya gotta love starting the week with free reads. As always, I urge you gals to get out there and grab these while the offer still stands.

Passing the Mic: Check out the review of Love Amid the Ashes at Southern Sassy Things. And review of Sixty Acres and a Bride at The Overweight Bookshelf. Along the Way also has a review of Sixty Acres and a Bride.

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

*UPDATE: Sorry gals. These offers have expired. I do hope you had a chance to grab them in time.*

Contest: The Reeducation of Cherry Truong

2012-03-01T12:51:00.014-05:00

Guess what gals! I have another contest for you.

"Cherry Truong’s parents have exiled her wayward older brother from their Southern California home, sending him to Vietnam to live with distant relatives. Determined to bring him back, twenty-one-year-old Cherry travels to their homeland and finds herself on a journey to uncover her family’s decades-old secrets—hidden loves, desperate choices, and lives ripped apart by the march of war and currents of history.

The Reeducation of Cherry Truong tells the story of two fierce and unforgettable families, the Truongs and the Vos: their harrowing escape from Vietnam after the war, the betrayal that divided them, and the stubborn memories that continue to bind them years later, even as they come to terms with their hidden sacrifices and bitter mistakes. Kim-Ly, Cherry’s grandmother, once wealthy and powerful in Vietnam, now struggles to survive in Little Saigon, California without English or a driver’s license. Cherry’s other grandmother Hoa, whose domineering husband has developed dementia, discovers a cache of letters from a woman she thought had been left behind. As Cherry pieces their stories together, she uncovers the burden of her family’s love and the consequences of their choices.

Set in Vietnam, France, and the United States, Aimee Phan’s sweeping debut novel reveals a family still yearning for reconciliation, redemption, and a place to call home."

Sounds good right? Since my parents immigrated in the 70s, I love immigrant stories. Some of my favorite films (The Namesake, Under the Same Moon, and Shades of Ray) delve into the challenges immigrants and their children face. Personally I have always felt that being the child of immigrants means having one foot in each country. Now let me tell you how to enter.

If you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada and would like to win a paperback of The Reeducation of Cherry Truong, comment with your email address below. A winner will be selected and announced March 13th.

Contest & Cooking with the Authors of Demons at Deadnight

2012-02-29T00:00:00.022-05:00

I am SO incredibly excited to be featuring some of my favorite folks today. The Kirks of Teens Read and Write are here sharing a recipe from the new book Alyssa and Eileen Kirk cowrote called Demons at Deadnight. Yay! Check it out:

Aren't they the cutest? Don't these cookies look delicious?
I can almost smell them and can not wait to try this recipe.

Now let me tell you more about the book Demons at Deadnight...

For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle.

DEMONIC DESTINY
Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.

CHARISMATIC KILLERS
The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.

LETHAL ALLIES
The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway.

The Bookish Brunette called it, "AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!"

In the Hammock Book Reviews called it, "a no holds barred adventure."

Mindful Musings called it, "well-worth the read."

YA Book Queen called it, "so fun...constantly grinning."
The Unread Reader called it,"so clever...I lost count of how many times I highlighted paragraphs and bookmarked pages."

So I have just one question for you: Are you ready to read this book yet?

Thanks to the lovely Alyssa and Eileen, one of my readers will win a paperback copy of Demons at Deadnight. To enter simply comment with your email address below. You must be a resident of the U.S. to win. A winner will be selected and announced March 14th.

A&E Kirk on Facebook
Alyssa's Twitter
Eileen's Twitter
A&E Kirk Author Website
Goodreads
Book Trailer
Barnes and Noble
Amazon

Now it's time for my secret word: "Infiltrates"

What the secret word for?

If you visit all the tour stops and collect all the secret words, starting March 9th you can enter to win a Kindle fire with a Demons at Deadnight skin! Visit the AEKirk Blog Tour Page for details and a list of tour stop locations.