Book Blogger Con took place on Wednesday, May 28th. And this time mom and I decided to come in a day early and really experience the full day of Book Blogger Con.
Usually, I am an overtly positive person and especially so on this blog, as I like to spread positive vibes, but this post may be a little on the negative side, so just sending out a warning!
Let's start with the negative so we can end with the positive! Most of the panels at Book Blogger Con were not the most productive for me as a blogger of 4 years. There was a panel that I attended, no need to name names, but was more beginner than it was advertised.
BUT the panel that I was probably both most looking forward to AND most disappointed by was the vlogging panel. First, let me say I am a huge fan of vloggers and love watching booktube, so I couldn't wait to see the relationship between vlogging and blogging and would really putting time and effort into my youtube channel affect this blog - my big question wasn't answered. And you want to know why? Because there were no stinkin bloggers on the panel NOT A ONE. The panel was full of a podcaster and three booktubers but NONE had a blog to help answer the big question about the relationship between each and would putting the time into one affect the other. Why at a BLOGGER conference was not a panel member a true blogger?
The panel that I loved most was the one that I went just to confirm the information I already had - the advertising piece. I have done a little advertising here and recently joined Litbreaker ad network, so I was a bit familiar, so attending the panel wasn't for new information, but to confirm my current information. This panel met my expectations which sadly was the best I got at BEA Book Blogger conference. All of the members of this panel did a fantastic job of presenting information in the perfect way.
I spent most of the time brainstorming ideas for my blog which is the most positive thing I can say. I have a lot of great ideas, some of which you may see on this blog and others have to do with my social media connected with this blog.
Book Blogger Con - I am not sure I will be in attendance next year. Maybe if experienced bloggers were on the panel to give real hard advice from the trenches then I may reconsider.
Did you attend Book Blogger conference? Thoughts?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Review: The One and Only by Emily Giffin
The One and Only
by Emily Giffin
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 432
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.
But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.
Kritters Thoughts: A young woman is a major fan of football and because of this may have forgone romantic pursuits to instead pursue her career and passion. I loved how setting it in Texas, and not ever having been there Giffin sets a great stage for a small town where football is the core of the town. There was no doubt that Walker, Texas cared more about football than most anything else.
The arc of this character was fantastic and may have been predictable at times, the sweetness of the story won out. I wanted her to find happiness on the job, life and love - I love it when I am rooting for the character, makes the book so much better. The secondary characters were just as great as the main, I wouldn't mind a follow up book that took the story further in one of their view points.
I am a fan of Emily Giffin and this book kept her still on my favorite list! I am going to be headed to her signing for this book and my one question will be the title - let me know if you have read this one and have thoughts on the title!
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Ebook 2014 Challenge: 32 out 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Review: The Heiresses by Sara Shepard
The Heiresses
by Sara Shepard
Publisher: 320
Pages: Harper
Format: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: The series follows one of the most prestigious and wealthy families on the Upper East Side who have built their entire fortune on the business of diamonds.
Due to a clause the grandfather placed in his will, only his granddaughters are set to inherit his massive fortune…these are the heiresses. After the death of their cousin, the remaining heiresses try to figure out if the family curse is real or not, and if not, who killed their cousin, and more importantly, which one of them is next on the hit list?
Kritters Thoughts: A family that reminded me of the Kennedy's has a diamond empire in New York City and with 5 female cousins ready to take over the business, there must be drama as it always does! The family must deal with a curse that has plagued them and members are killed in mysterious ways.
The feel of New York was amazing in this book, I almost wish I was in New York when I read it! (When this review goes up, I will be in New York for BEA!) I loved how these cousins almost felt like sisters and neither were fighting for each other's role in the company, but instead they were banded together to get to the bottom of the curse. I loved the drama and the final twist at the end was pitch perfect.
From the author of Pretty Little Liars, I went in knowing that she does a good job of twists and turns, but didn't know if this would feel adult or more YA - I was pleasantly surprised with her characters and how adult they felt. If you were a reader of the Pretty Little Liars and have graduated beyond that age group, this book is perfect for you to pick up next.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
(rumor has it we will!)Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Review: The Witch of Belladonna Bay
The Witch of Belladonna Bay
by Suzanne Palmieri
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 368
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Bronwyn "BitsyWyn" Whalen hasn’t set eyes on the red dirt of Magnolia Creek, Alabama, for fourteen years—not since her mama died. But with her brother, Patrick, imprisoned for the murder of her childhood best friend, and her eccentric father, Jackson, at his wits’ end while her eleven-year-old niece, Byrd, runs wild, Bronwyn finds herself once again surrounded by ancient magnolia trees and the troubled family she left behind. She becomes immersed in a whirlwind of mystery and magic as she tries to figure out what really happened that fateful night her friend died. And as her bond with Byrd deepens, Bronwyn must face the demons of her past in order to unravel her family’s uncertain future.
Kritters Thoughts: Told from multiple perspectives - two of those being Bronwyn the daughter who ran away years ago to try to find a different path for herself and her niece Byrd who is in adolescence and just trying to find herself in general. Bronwyn's deceased mother gets a few chapters/moments to tell her side of the story.
I loved the combination of prodigal daughter and who dun it mixed into one. Bronwyn is called home to take care of her niece Byrd while getting to the bottom of the murder of her best friend and her brother is accused of the murder. With help of her niece's magical senses and her way with tarot cards they are able to find the murderer and redeem her brother. Although I thought the murder came a little out of left field, I was satisfied with the outcome.
A Southern tale with a bit of magic was different than my normal read, but still ok. I don't tend to read books with a ton of magic, but I enjoyed how the story felt like a fable passed down from generation to generation.
Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row
Ebook 2014 Challenge: 35 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Review: Cure for the Common Breakup
Cure for the Common Breakup
by Beth Kendrick
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 336
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t stay with the same man for too long and never stay in one place. She’s about to break rule number one by considering accepting her boyfriend’s proposal—then disaster strikes and her world is shattered in an instant.
Summer heads to Black Dog Bay, where the locals welcome her. Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and meanest resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s the opposite of her type. She probably shouldn't be kissing him. She definitely shouldn't be falling in love.
After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found a home. But Hattie has old scores to settle and a hidden agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced with an impossible choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them everything...
Kritters Thoughts: Summer is a flight attendant and a function of her job is to always be on the go. She has never really put down roots and after a tragic accident and a relationship misstep she wants to find a place to heal and decide where the next place will be. On a funny whim she ends up in Delaware in a community that is known for being a haven for recent breakup victims.
From the very beginning, I loved Summer, she was a fantastic character that was enjoying life when she was sent a curveball and instead of wallowing, she picked up and did something about it. I love how she made an impression on the town, just as much as the town made an impression on her. It was easy to root for here, which made the book perfectly sweet.
I read this book right before I headed to a weekend beach trip and I am actually disappointed that I didn't save it for a day at the beach - I would add this one to your beach bag immediately.
Rating: perfect beach read
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Penguin. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Review: The Unfinished Child by Theresa Shea
The Unfinished Child
by Theresa Shea
Publisher: Brindle & Glass
Pages: 304
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Intertwined throughout the novel is the story of Margaret, who gave birth to a daughter with Down syndrome in 1947, when such infants were defined as "unfinished" children. As the novel shifts back and forth through the decades, the lives of the three women converge, and the story speeds to an unexpected conclusion.
Kritters Thoughts: Part current story, part a little historical and a completely fantastic book! Dealing with the social issue of how developmentally disabled children were treated in the past and thankfully the societal changes that have been made - I loved this book!
Three women tell their parts of the story and eventually it all intersects! The historical character is a woman who gives birth to her first child who ends up having Down Syndrome and at that time most children were signed over to a treatment center and raised there. Two other women are life long friends, one has two children and a whoopsie on the way while the other has battled with infertility and has decided to try to live with life as it is.
I loved the flow of this book, it read so easily. It was a simple and great book. I was entranced by the characters so quickly and was completely invested in them and their stories. I wanted to know how these friends would survive this life speedbump.
I read it in two sittings and would recommend it to all readers, it isn't too historical if you aren't into that genre.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Review: The Care and Management of Lies
The Care and Management of Lies
by Jacqueline Winspear
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: By July 1914, the ties between Kezia Marchant and Thea Brissenden, friends since girlhood, have become strained—by Thea’s passionate embrace of women’s suffrage, and by the imminent marriage of Kezia to Thea’s brother, Tom, who runs the family farm. When Kezia and Tom wed just a month before war is declared between Britain and Germany, Thea’s gift to Kezia is a book on household management—a veiled criticism of the bride’s prosaic life to come. Yet when Tom enlists to fight for his country and Thea is drawn reluctantly onto the battlefield, the farm becomes Kezia’s responsibility. Each must find a way to endure the ensuing cataclysm and turmoil.
As Tom marches to the front lines, and Kezia battles to keep her ordered life from unraveling, they hide their despair in letters and cards filled with stories woven to bring comfort. Even Tom’s fellow soldiers in the trenches enter and find solace in the dream world of Kezia’s mouth-watering, albeit imaginary meals. But will well-intended lies and self-deception be of use when they come face to face with the enemy?
Kritters Thoughts: Kezia, our main character didn't pull me in and I had a hard time connecting to her. Thea her friend and sister-in-law was easier to relate to and get to know, I enjoyed each time she was given a voice to tell her side of things.
A slow going historical fiction that moved at such a slow pace that it was hard to keep my interest. I am not saying there wasn't action because there was as the author greatly captured the anticipation of war before it begins, but for some reason it felt as though things were repeated that weren't worth repeating and feelings were told over and over when once was enough.
Towards the end there were scenes from war intermixed with scenes from home and it was an interesting look at the way war not only affects those who are out fighting, it but those who are at home trying to keep up the home front. The end made the book a little better for me, but had to get through the slow start first.
Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Review: Spun by Catherine McKenzie
Spun by Catherine McKenzie
Pages: 110
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Life has been rough for starlet Amber since leaving rehab. She’s been two years sober, but no one seems to believe her -- not the gossip media, not casting agents, and most certainly not her spotlight-loving parents. With her friendships ruined by betrayal and her career at a standstill, Amber’s just trying to get her life back on track. It doesn’t help that her former love, movie star Connor Parks, keeps trying to draw Amber back in, not just to their relationship but to his hard-partying ways. One fateful night, Amber breaks down and agrees to join him on board his private jet as it readies for take-off -- a decision that will change her life forever and expose her to a whole new level of scrutiny and heartbreak.
Kritters Thoughts: The star that Katie followed to rehab to get the inside scoop narrates this novella that takes place after the first book ends; after they left rehab. Amber is trying to pick up the pieces and really move on as a starlet must do when they are overcoming some personal speed bumps, but a major tragedy hits and she must reevaluate everything.
I loved reading this one right after read the first - Spin (review was up an hour ago). Katie told the full story in the first book and I agree with the author taking Amber's voice because I think Katie's story was complete in the first book. I wouldn't have minded if this novella had gotten the full version treatment and a whole story told through Amber's point of view.
A follow up novella to the book Spin and using a different character to move the story further along was fantastic! If you are new to Catherine McKenzie or a longtime fan, you will enjoy this little extra to the story Spin.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel (or at least another one!)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review: Spin by Catherine McKenzie
Spin by Catherine McKenzie
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 448
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Kate's To-Do List:
1. Go to rehab
2. Befriend/spy on "It Girl"
3. Write killer expose
4. Land dream job
Piece of cake!
When Kate Sandford lands an interview at her favorite music magazine, The Line, it's the chance of a lifetime. So Kate goes out to celebrate—and shows up still drunk to the interview the next morning. It's no surprise that she doesn't get the job, but her performance has convinced the editors that she'd be perfect for an undercover assignment for their gossip rag. All Kate has to do is follow "It Girl" Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop—and complete the thirty-day program—they'll reconsider her for the position at The Line. Kate takes the assignment, but when real friendships start to
develop, she has to decide if what she has to gain is worth the price she'll have to pay.
Kritters Thoughts: Katie Sandford may not admit to having a drinking problem, but throwing up in the interview of a lifetime due to an evening out the night before may warrant a second evaluation. Thankfully the magazine is willing to give a second chance and challenges her to enter rehab where a well known starlet is also getting treatment and she must get the inside scoop. Challenge accepted!
Sadly, I am a celebrity news junkie! So this book appealed to me on many levels - I love this author, I love the concept and I like a little celebrity behind the scenes (even if it is fiction!) I loved Katie for her naive sense of taking the job and not admitting to herself, although it is obvious to the reader that she needs just as much help as the rest of the patients around her.
Even though no certain celebrity is pinpointed as filling the shoes of the character Amber, I think we can all name a few that have had some issues and had to take a breather to get things straight. I loved that Amber portrayed how a celebrity is surrounded by people all the time that want things from them and it may be hard to sit back and really prioritize your own life.
A Catherine McKenzie book that I have had on my shelf for far too long and when I was offered to read and review a novella sequel, I jumped at the chance to read this first one first and the sequel! I don't keep many of my books, they are usually sent on and on, but this one and the novella will be staying on my shelf for the long haul!
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel (review up later today of novella sequel)
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Bout of Books 10.0 Wrap up
My total page count for the week was 1325 pages.
My total book completed count 5 books completed!
Here is what I read for this Bout of Books 10.0!
Day 1- Monday, May 12 Total 224 pages
Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro (read 125 pages)
The Revealed by Jessica Hickam (read 99 pages)
Day 2- Tuesday, May 13 Total 118 pages
The Revealed by Jessica Hickam (finished, read 118 pages)
Day 3- Wednesday, May 14 Total 131 pages
Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro (finished, read 51 pages)
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran (read 80 pages)
Day 4- Thursday, May 15 Total 100 pages
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran (read 100 pages)
Day 5- Friday, May 16 Total 120 pages
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran (read 120 pages)
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran (finished, read 49 pages)
The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri (read 152 pages)
Day 7- Sunday, May 18 Total 431 pages
The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri (finished, read 100 pages)
Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan (finished, read 331 pages)
It's Monday, What are you Reading?
With the bout of books this week, I made an effort of putting more time to reading than the other things this week! So a little better than normal, but this week was still packed with other happenings!
Finished this past week:
Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick
(pre Bout of Books)
The Revealed by Jessica Hickam
Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran
The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri
(pre Bout of Books)
The Revealed by Jessica Hickam
Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran
The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri
Currently Reading:
Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan
Next on the TBR pile:
All Day and a Night by Alafair Burke
Saturday, May 17, 2014
BEA - books books books!
The amount of books promoted at BEA is beyond what you can imagine!
Here are just a few that I am excited to see and maybe get while at BEA.
I am a huge fan of Randy Susan Meyers, so not only am I glad that she is coming out with another book, but that she will be at BEA so I can fangirl!
Mary Alice Monroe may have a long line, but I am going to be right in it because I am excited to grab this book at the end of May and take it with me on a much needed beach trip!
I am a fan of the thriller, so I had to find at least one in the schedule to get giddy over and put on my must find list! I have been eyeing this book for awhile and may do about anything to get it!
And maybe for a nephew or niece!
Here are just a few that I am excited to see and maybe get while at BEA.
I am a huge fan of Randy Susan Meyers, so not only am I glad that she is coming out with another book, but that she will be at BEA so I can fangirl! I am a fan of the thriller, so I had to find at least one in the schedule to get giddy over and put on my must find list! I have been eyeing this book for awhile and may do about anything to get it!
And maybe for a nephew or niece!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Review: Return to the Beach House
Return to the Beach House
by Georgia Bockoven
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 384
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Alison arrives at the beach house in June to spend a month with her restless grandson before he leaves for his freshman year in college. Over a decade before, Alison lost her beloved husband, and has faced life alone ever since. Now she discovers a new life, and possible new love.
August brings together four college friends facing a milestone. Across summer’s final days, they share laughter, tears, and love—revealing long-held secrets and creating new and even more powerful bonds.
World-class wildlife photographer, Matthew, and award-winning war photographer, Lindsey, arrive at the beach house in January, each harboring the very real fear that it will mark the end of their decade-long love affair. Alone in the house’s warm peace, they will be forced to truly look at who they are and what they want, discovering surprising truths that will change their lives forever.
Kritters Thoughts: Returning to the beach house where each renter rents for a month and usually has some significant reason for taking a month long vacation. As the previous two books have been re-released with new covers, this one was new and you could tell that the issues that were being dealt with were more on the modern side. With 9/11 and PTSD as two of the big things, I absolutely loved this one and its characters.
I don't want to say too much in this review and ruin the entire series, but I absolutely love the set up of having owners of the beach house that are present in each of the three books and then renters for the months of June, July and August who are different in each book. It makes it almost a collection of short stories, but still a cohesive book.
The third in the series and I have no clue if there will be any more books at this point, I wouldn't mind more! I reviewed the two previous books in this series over the last two days, check them out!
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Ebook 2014 Challenge: 31 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.