Vegas, Baby by Sandra Edwards

Kindle Edition
Published: January 29, 2011
Series: Soul Searchers
Source: Kindle edition from author for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the author: Website

Book two of the Soul Searchers series picks up where Broken Wings left off. Rio Laraquette's back in Vegas and settling into her normal routine--except that Eddie LaCall has invaded her space. The two share a mutual attraction and an undeniable connection.

When Eddie's scarred past comes back to haunt him his attachment to Rio strengthens even though neither completely trusts the other. Just when it looks like a poker tournament is bringing them together, their budding relationship gets backburnered when a stalker goes from creepy to dangerous, making several attempts on the reluctant lovers' lives.


Will these two souls--who've been searching for each other across eternity--finally get to share a lifetime together, or will they once again end up as star-crossed lovers? 

Sandra Edwards made her way onto my favourites list when I read her paranormal romance,  Incredible Dreams and she has continued to blow me away since! When I finished Broken Wings I could not wait to get my hands on Vegas, Baby. I was dying to know what was in store for the fascinating characters that she created. She did not disappoint!

Vegas, Baby takes you on one wild adventure, full of jaw dropping twist and turns. It was a thrilling reading experience to not know what was going to happen next. It made for a 'flying through the pages' read. Sandra knows exactly how to satisfy your reading appetite. She created the perfect balance between characters and plot. Vegas, Baby was packed with romance, suspense and action along with gripping characters that come alive off the pages. I absolutely love the characters that Sandra Edwards creates. If I was forced to pick one, I honestly don't think I could. Every book and character offers so much and is full of heart.

Vegas, Baby packs a lot of punch. A rare moment when a book's sequel is just as good, if not better than the first. If you are a fan of reading, then I highly recommend picking up Broken Wings and Vegas, Baby. This book has something to offer every bookworm.

Sandra Edwards is kicking off her Incredible Dreams Blog Tour and the first stop is here, at The Crazy Bookworm. So be sure to stop by on May 4th to check out her guest post and a chance for you to win a Kindle 3!

Hoppin' time!

Question of the Week:  "Summer is coming quickly - what 2011 summer release are you are most looking forward to?"


I am really looking forward to The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder. And Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris.

  Question of the Week: Keeping with the dystopian and apocalypse theme that seems to be running rampant on parajunkee.com, I have one very hard question for you: If you were stocking your bomb shelter, what books would you HAVE to include if you only had space for ten? Yikes! This is a tough question! I would definitely have to say anything by Nicholas Sparks. A little romance during a bad time like that wouldn't hurt. The Twilight Saga. Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler. A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler. And... Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. Phew! That was hard! 
Be sure to check out my giveaways that are going on right now. You can find them linked at the very top of this post, above the title. Leave your link in the comments so I can hop back. Have a great weekend everyone!

Giveaway-Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

A zombie who yearns for a better life ends up falling in love—with a human—in this astonishingly original debut novel.

R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

Thanks to the publisher I have an extra advanced readers copy of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. You can see my review for Warm Bodies below or by clicking here.

Giveaway Rules:

Giveaway is open to Canada and U.S only.

Must be 13 years or older to enter

Giveaway ends May 20th, 2011

Fill out THIS FORM to enter.

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

256 Pages
Published: April 26th, 2011
Publisher: Atria
Series: None
Source: Finished copy from publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon |Book Depository
Find the author: Website |Blog

A zombie who yearns for a better life ends up falling in love—with a human—in this astonishingly original debut novel.


R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

"Writing isn't letters on paper. It's communication. It's memory."

The tag line for Warm Bodies is "Romeo and Juliet...with Zombies" I was immediately intrigued! I love Zombie books, they are like vampires to a pre-teen for me. In Warm Bodies we are introduced to "R" a zombie who doesn't remember his name, or how he came to be a zombie, but he does know he is different than the others that he shares space with in an abandoned airport. On a routine "hunting" trip "R" meets Julie, and his motives change. He doesn't want to eat her, he wants to save her. Protect her from his brain-eating companions.

The fact that this is written from the Zombie's point of view was enough for me to devour the novel. It was a page-turning experience to read what goes on inside the mind of a zombie. A creature most of us think to be emotionless and soulless. "R" may be dead but his character was very much alive. He was one of the most fascinating characters I have read, and he will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

There are so many wonderful qualities inside this book. So many reasons why you should run out and get the book now. Not only is Warm Bodies charming and unique but it is packed with an incredible message. It truly is a rare gem.

This really is a Zombie book, there is blood and gore, brains and goo but it has something that most Zombie novels don't have. Charm, romance and passion...Love.

Isaac Marion created a flawless story and a unforgettable character cast. This is a book that I will re-read and one that I would recommend to everyone. Even if you not a fan of Zombie fiction, step out of you comfort zone for this one and you'll be glad you did!

Interview with a Blogger-Ruby Reads

The Crazy Bookworm is happy to welcome Ruby from Ruby's Reads!

How long have you been blogging?

I started in September of 2010, with absolutely no idea how it would take over my life.

What inspired you to start a blog?

Lots of reasons. I wanted to be part of the blogosphere, and I wanted to be in the book in-crowd. I admit that the idea of being sent ARCs didn't hurt. Mostly, I wanted to be like Scrooge McDuck, but swimming in the book world instead of money.

Tell us 5 things about yourself

1. I'm afraid of heights. And spiders. Ugh.


2. At the moment, my toenail polish is sparkly purple.


3. I got a cherry red KitchenAid stand mixer for my birthday and it is made of awesome.


4. I am a complete dark chocoholic. White chocolate is an oxymoron.


5. If you touch my ears, I will deck you. Or, to be more accurate, I will try.


Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."

The obvious answer here would be books or Chapstick. But the truth is that the only thing I truly couldn't live without is my mom.

If you could bring to life any book character in history and have dinner with them, who would it be and why?

This changes, depending on the book I'm reading. At the moment, I'm leaning towards Gabe from the Chicagoland Vampires, but only if he's broken up with Tonya and there's an "after dinner".

Is there a book you could re-read over and over again?

Tons.

If you could only keep 5 books from your bookshelf, which 5 would you keep?

Aw, crap. I hate this question. How could I pick? I love all my books. I will, however, try to narrow it down. Keep in mind I have a lot of books and this is just a first draft:


1. The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson


2. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart


3. The Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer


4. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh


5. Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

What is your favourite Genre to read?

Absolutely anything with a smidge of romance.

Your favourite 'Book turned film' movie?

I've always thought they did an awesome job adapting the Anne books--they didn't do things exactly to script, but it captures the spirit of them. Not the third installment, though. Gag me with a spork. Oh, and Elizabeth Gaskell's Wives and Daughters is so, so wonderful.

Have you ever read a book that changed your opinion about something?

Well, until I read Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson books, I was pretty indifferent about werewolves. Now, they get me every time.

Where is your favourite reading spot?

I can read anywhere, anytime, but I really, really love to read on my couch.

Aside from reading and blogging, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like long walks on the beach...No, I really like to cook. Hence the KitchenAid mixer. I used to be a traveler, but the economy has kind of put the kibosh on that.


What are you reading now?

The Fitzosbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper



Crazy Quiz

Favourite book as a child?


This would depend on my age. At six, I loved Tasha Tudor's A Time to Keep. By ten, you wouldn't have been able to pry Ask Me If I Care from my dead, cold hands.

Favourite ice cream flavour?

I have two: Chocolate fudge brownie and mint cookies and cream.

Favourite book hero?

Vidal, from The Devil's Cub.


Favourite book villain?

Heh. Same.


If you could have any superpower, what would you want?

Time travel--because who wouldn't? I mean, as long as you could come back to now and use modern plumbing and medicine.


Thanks, Ruby! It was a pleasure having you!

Be sure to head on over to Ruby's blog and say Hello!

*If you would like to submit your blog for 'Interview with a Blogger' click HERE*
*Want to interview The Crazy Bookworm? Submit your question HERE and I'll answer them in a future post!*

In My Mailbox

Books Mentioned:

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Shine by Lauren Mryacle

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

Forever Summer by Alyson Noel

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

Laney: A Brookehaven Vampires novel by Joann Martin Sowels

Then I met my Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

(Links go to goodreads)

Links Mentioned

Then I Met My Sister Review

Read the first 3 chapters of Laney: A Brookehaven Vampires Novel

Happy Easter!

What's in your mailbox?

Hippity Hoppity

Question of the Week: "If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"

Yes! I recently read my first Deb Caletti book and have already made of list of her other books. Same with Sarah Dessen. I love discovering new authors.

 Question of the Week: What is on your current playlist right now? A little bit of everything. I have Adele, Eminem, Florence against the Machine, Bruno Mars, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lil' Wayne, Beyonce...Quite the variety lol. 

*Have a great weekend! Be sure to check out my 600 followers giveaway, open internationally. It is linked at the top of this post. Happy Easter everyone!*

Then I Met My Sister by Chrstine Hurley Deriso

Young Adult: 264 Pages
Published: April 8th, 2011
Publisher: Flux
Series: None
Source: Finished copy from publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon | Book Depository
Find the author: Website

Shannon has been the backdrop of my life since the moment I was born.
Summer Stetson lives inside a shrine to her dead sister. Eclipsed by Shannon's greatness, Summer feels like she's a constant disappointment to her controlling, Type A momzilla and her all-too-quiet dad. Her best friend Gibson believes Summer's C average has more to do with rebelliousness than smarts, but she knows she can never measure up—academically or otherwise.


On her birthday, Summer receives a secret gift from her aunt: Shannon's diary. Suddenly, the one-dimensional vision of her sister becomes all too solid. Is this love-struck, mom-bashing badass the same Shannon everyone raves about? Determined to understand her troubled sister, Summer dives headfirst down a dark rabbit hole and unearths painful family secrets. Each revelation brings Summer closer to the mysterious and liberating truth about her family—and herself.

It was the cover of Then I met my Sister that caught my attention, then it was the synopsis that drew me in, and then it was the incredible storyline that hooked me.

I immediately felt a connection with Summer because I could relate to her. I understood what she was going through when it came to having a sibling that passed away before you were born. It was great to have that personal connection with her. Summer was always being compared to her dead sister, Shannon. An over-achiever, pretty, popular, near perfect teenager. But all those thoughts Summer had of her sister being the perfect, golden child changes when Summer receives her sister's journal as a birthday gift from her aunt. Summer soon realizes that her sister isn't exactly who she thought she was. It was an incredible reading experience reading the journal along with her. Not only is Shannon meeting her sister for the first time, we are as well.

The flow of the writing was perfect. It was simple and not overdone. There are so many great qualities of this book that make it a great read. It takes you on an emotional journey of self discovery, not only with Shannon but with Summer and her family. I love reading books about self growth and transformation and this book is just that.

The cover of this book alone is enough to peek your interest but there is so much more behind the pretty cover, there is a lovely story.

What I liked: Cover, characters and storyline
What I disliked: The beginning and ending felt a little rushed to me.

Blog tour: Author interview with Holly Schindler

The Crazy Bookworm is thrilled to have Holly Schindler stop by to talk about herself and her incredible books. Enjoy!

What was the hardest / best part of having your first book published?


The best part was getting to that first acceptance. Because of incredible financial support from my family, I was able to ditch the idea of a full-time job after obtaining my master’s. I was able to devote full-time effort to my writing—which was my lifelong dream! But it still didn’t come quick or easy—took seven and a half years to get to the first acceptance!


The hardest part came a few months after landing the deal for A BLUE SO DARK—it suddenly hits you, after a while—you think, “Okay, so when this book comes out, anyone who wants can pick this thing up off the shelf, sift through the contents of my brain, and then pass judgment on it?” Releasing the first book is exciting—but scary, too…


But bloggers couldn’t have been more supportive and fellow authors more welcoming. All-in-all, the debut process was utterly fantastic.

What is the perfect writing environment for you?


I do have a home office, but will write anywhere:



If you could have dinner with any book character in history, who would it be?


Mr. Darcy. (What love-story fanatic wouldn’t, right?)

What was your favorite book as a child?


I read all the time as a kid—even when I was really, really small. When I went to the grocery store with my mom, I couldn’t leave without a new Little Golden Book.


I adored Judy Blume growing up—and Beverly Cleary. I read a lot of character-driven books, really. I remember reading FALL INTO DARKNESS, a Christopher Pike book, when I was about twelve or so. The novel read exactly like a movie to me—I remember thinking, “You can do this in a BOOK?” The idea of writing so much action was new and exciting…

Were there ever times when you just wanted to give up while writing?


There were definitely moments of serious frustration—days when the rejection just seemed to be mounting up on fast-forward. It was hard to watch my friends from college make strides toward what they wanted—they were finishing up PhDs, becoming professionals, and I was still banging my head against the wall.


But it wasn’t as though I had a pile of straight “no”s before I signed my first deal. For a few years before inking the first contract, I was in contact with agents and editors. I wasn’t just getting rejected, I was having conversations about my work. I was getting closer and closer. I believed that if I just hung on a little longer, I’d finally get that first “yes.”


What’s one thing you can’t live without?


Music…or coffee.

Where did the inspiration for your books come from?


My books always start with a scenario, rather than a character. And everything—the plots and the characters—are always fictitious. I don’t write about people I’ve met OR about things that have personally happened to me.

With A BLUE SO DARK, I knew I wanted to write about the possible link between mental illness and creativity. With PLAYING HURT, I knew I wanted to write about the difference between loving someone and really being head-over heels in love with someone…Which is a lesson Chelsea learns on her vacation—her feelings for Clint totally eclipse her feelings for Gabe. But the first draft of PLAYING HURT actually didn’t even feature Clint’s voice—the entirety of the book was written from Chelsea’s POV. And the sports subplot didn’t exist until the last revision, either!

What is your favorite / dream vacation spot?


I’d love to take a few days at the lake—rent a cabin where I could bring my dog…I actually think it’d be fun in the autumn, when the Missouri summer heat’s broken, and the leaves have all turned…


Describe the feeling you got when you fist found out your book was going to be published.


After seven and a half years of trying to snag that first book deal, I felt—well—relief. And after I let out that sigh of relief? Pure elation…

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?


Honestly? Write. It’s truly a lifelong dream come true…

Bio:

I can’t remember the last time I left the house without a spiral notebook or some pages folded up in a back pocket. And I don’t think I've ever returned without fresh ideas, titles, or poetry fragments climbing every one of those pages, racing up the margins, crisscrossing in as many different directions as the highways and interstates on a road map of Missouri (my home state).


I’ve spent my life making these notes in the margins—even as a little girl, my favorite summer activity was to write books bound by strips of red ribbon…and to scrawl comments next to my paragraphs like the most critical of editors. (Lessons learned from this childhood pastime served me well, even in graduate school, as I attempted my first novel.)

After college? I kept scribbling as I taught piano and guitar lessons to pay the bills, this time jotting character sketches, mannerisms, phrases all inspired by my students. It soon became clear to me that I wanted to write for the children and teens who filled my home with music.

Even now, as I delight in spreading the news of my publications, I recognize that the steadiest constant in my life has been those illegible margin notes. That blissful inch of space where novels are born and revision plans are hatched, where titles are brainstormed and closing sentences are finalized.

Where to find Holly: Website | Blog | Twitter

About her books:

Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.
As a graduation present, Chelsea’s dad springs for a three-week summer “boot camp” program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she’s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who’s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Read my review here 

Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura’s dad left them. Convinced that “creative” equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears. Read my review here 

Blog tour: Shades of Atlantis and Giveaway!

Young Adult: 308 Pages
Published: 2010
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Series: None
Source: Finished copy from Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn't quite fit in...in Camden, or anywhere else.
Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona's small town. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous...and deadly.


When tragedy strikes, Triona flees to London for solace and to start her life anew. It's there she discovers from an unlikely source that her family has been keeping secrets from her - secrets about not only her birthright, but her ultimate destiny as well. Armed with this knowledge, Triona finds herself thrown into a whole new world and into a battle to save the lives of everyone she loves.

The premise for this book captured my interest right away. I knew it was going to be a refreshing read because of it's original storyline. I was not disappointed!

There are books that are great because of the plot, or their are books that have a good balance of both. However, for me, I loved this book because of it's character cast. Carol Oates created such riveting characters, that it made the book nearly impossible to put down. The first half of the book is the character development, but it was tastefully done, not overwhelming at all. The way characters were introduced and developed held my interest throughout. Triona's character was so entertaining. She starts off as your average teenager, but her transformation throughout the book is dramatic. It was a wonderful experience to read.

Caleb seems to be another typical character, the hot new guy in town, that is mysterious and secretive. But that's all I will say about him. I feel he is a character that should be discovered on your own.

As the storyline unravels and the plot thickens, I began to devour the book. This book followed me everywhere because I just could not put it down. Any moment, that I had a spare time in between reading, I would pick it up and read a page or two. Carol Oates takes you on a wild adventure. The twist and turns in this book drove me nuts!(in a good way, of course).  The writing style is simple and just right. The author doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary details or descriptions.

Shades of Atlantis was a fantastic read! One full of jaw-dropping twist and turns, romance and passion.

What I liked: The original plot. Character development
What I disliked: I thought the ending was a little rushed.


Now for the giveaway!

Giveaway 1) Signed copy of Shades of Atlantis, a lined spiral notebook with SoA cover, bookmark, keyring, SoA 2011 calendar, and SoA mug.

Giveaway 2) Signed copy of Shades of Atlantis, a lined spiral notebook with SoA cover, bookmark, keyring, SoA 2011 calendar

Giveaway 3) Ebook copy of SoA

Giveaway 4) Ebook copy of SoA

All giveaways are open Internationally. Participants do not need to be followers of blogs.

To enter the giveaway you must leave a comment on each blog stop. To see the full list of tour stops click HERE

About Carol Oates:

Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her parents' mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Young Adult: 288 Pages
Published: October 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: None
Source: Personal copy
Buy the Book: Amazon | Book Depository
Find the author: Blog

Jay Asher's brilliant first novel is a moving, highly original story that focuses on a set of audiotapes made by a girl before she committed suicide, and which explain to 13 people the reasons why she decided to end her life. Told in a highly effective duel narrative -- alternating between the girl s voice and the thoughts of a boy who is listening -- this honest, poignant story reveals how other people's actions shape, and by extension can ruin, an individual's faith in people. Intensely powerful and painfully real, Thirteen Reasons Why reveals how brutal high school can be, the consequences of spreading rumors, and the lasting effects of suicide on those left behind.

"You can't go back to how things were. How you thought they were. All you really have is...now."

13 Reasons Why is one of those books that grab you from the very beginning. The moment you lay your eyes on the mesmerizing cover, and read the blurb. The book hooks you in and does not let you go. I absolutely loved how this book was delivered. It was written in 2 narratives but instead of breaking up the point's of view through chapters, it is done all together. Clay's thoughts and reactions occur the very same time Hannah's tapes are playing. You are getting the best of both worlds without having to wait for the next chapter to find out which character is thinking what.

Clay Jenkins comes home from school one day to find a package waiting for him on his doorstep. In this package are cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker who just 2 weeks before committed suicide.On these tapes are the 13 reasons why Hannah decided to end her life. Clay is one of them, but he must listen through the tapes to find when and where his name pops up...and why. The intensity of this book is like no other. There were times that I laughed, and many times that I cried. I felt for Hannah the moment I began reading/listening to her story. Although deep and brutally honest, the book comes with a message that needs be told. It is scary to know how much people can effect one another. The snowball effect as Hannah calls it. A spiderweb of events. It all starts with one person then grows bigger and harder to handle as times goes by.

As the tapes go on so does the intensity and the suspense. 13 Reasons Why turns into an "Un-put-downable" book. You will stay up till the wee hours of the morning to finish and find out how it all unfolds. Another aspect I loved was the journey Hannah takes her listeners on. She includes a map with the tapes so that the person listening knows when and where they made their mark on her. The map is included with the book, on the back of the cover jacket, so I would pull out the map when Hannah instructed and would follow along.

13 Reasons Why is a compelling novel with a powerful message. One that shouldn't be missed.

What I liked: The message this book tells. The bonus features like the map and an option to listen to the tapes. (Contains spoilers)

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair

Young Adult: 435 Pages
Published: April 18th, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: None
Source: Review copy from publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the author: Website

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.

Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process.

Originally published in the UK, this book has a powerful blend of heart-stopping action and thought-provoking themes.

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair was a heart-wrenching but beautifully told story. The book takes place in 17th century Scotland. The religious beliefs the characters live by in this book are very strong. You are fined or imprisoned for being in debt, missing church or being suspected of witch craft. And if proven guilty of witch craft your are hanged and burned at the stake. I devoured this book, it immediately grabbed my attention and didn't let me go. Elizabeth Laird penned such a gripping story. Maggie is a wonderful character. She wasn't blessed with the best of life. Her mother died during child birth and her father died a few years later. Her and her grandmother were left poor and forced to work for whatever they needed. Maggie's grandmother is a tough, stern lady but Maggie didn't inherit that at all. She is a sweet, kind girl that loves to tell stories. But Maggie goes through a dramatic transformation throughout the book. After being falsely accused of witchcraft and having to run, she grows into a strong-willed character.

The setting of the book is absolutely stunning. Laird created such an enchanting place. Her descriptions of the world inside The Betrayal of Maggie Blair come alive while reading it. A lot of times a book can get overwhelming with descriptions and details but that didn't happen at all with this book. The authors simple writing style and the language of 17th century Scotland were weaved together perfectly.

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a gripping historical fiction novel that transports you back in time until you've finished the very last page.

What I liked: The beautiful cover.
What I disliked: Started off a little slow at first.

Followers Giveaway!

The Crazy Bookworm has reached 600 followers! Thank you to everyone for helping to make The Crazy Bookworm the best it can be!

I am giving away a copy of Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter to one lucky winner. Now I know some of my followers may not live in the Canada or the States so this giveaway is open internationally!

Rules

*You must be 13 years or older to enter

* Open internationally

*Giveaway ends May 6th, 2011

*To enter please fill out this FORM

Good Luck!

Blog Update

Hey everyone!

I know The Crazy Bookworm template has gone wacky today. My template's images are hosted by Photobucket and I guess they are doing some maitenence, so please bear with this wackiness. I hope it won't be much longer. If it should last a longer than today, then I will upload a temporary template until they are done with whatever it is they are doing.

Thanks!

Hoppin' away! The Non-Weekend Edition!

Question of the Week: "Outside of books, what is your guilty pleasure?"

My boyfriend hates me for this, but my guilty pleasure is MTV. I watch The Jersey Shore, The Real World, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant... If it's on MTV I watch it. I love reality T.V so that means American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, too! I also have a new guilty pleasure, although I don't think anyone should be guilty about this...Adele. Her newest album 21 just came out and...Wow!

Weekly Wrap Up/ Giveaway news

Another weekend has flown by! We had some GORGEOUS weather here in Ontario, Canada. It felt like summertime. I hope all of you enjoyed your weekend.

In case you missed what went on this week at The Crazy Bookworm, here is an update:

Interviews:

Elizabeth Scott

Reviews:

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

In My Mailbox

Hey everyone! I hope you've all had a great weekend. We had some gorgeous weather this weekend so I spent a lot of time outside, which is the reason why there is no vlog this week. But I did have time to sqeeze in a post!

I didn't buy any books this week becasue I am on a book buying ban. But I received 3 for review:



On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi is gunned down by two Sikh bodyguards. The murder sparks riots in Delhi and for three days Sikh families are targeted and killed in retribution for the Prime Minister’s death. It is into this chaos that sixteen-year-old Maya and her Sikh father, Amar, arrive from their home in Canada. India’s political instability is the backdrop and catalyst for Maya’s awakening to the world. KARMA is the story of how a young woman, straddling two cultures and enduring personal loss, learns forgiveness, acceptance and love.

Michelle Cooper combines the drama of pre-War Europe with the romance of debutante balls and gives us another compelling historical page turner.Sophia FitzOsborne and the royal family of Montmaray escaped their remote island home when the Germans attacked, and now find themselves in the lap of luxury. Sophie's journal fills us in on the social whirl of London's 1937 season, but even a princess in lovely new gowns finds it hard to fit in. Is there no other debutante who reads?!And while the balls and house parties go on, newspaper headlines scream of war in Spain and threats from Germany. No one wants a second world war. Especially not the Montmaravians—with all Europe under attack, who will care about the fate of their tiny island kingdom? Will the FitzOsbornes ever be able to go home again? Could Montmaray be lost forever?



 

Shannon has been the backdrop of my life since the moment I was born.

Summer Stetson lives inside a shrine to her dead sister. Eclipsed by Shannon's greatness, Summer feels like she's a constant disappointment to her controlling, Type A momzilla and her all-too-quiet dad. Her best friend Gibson believes Summer's C average has more to do with rebelliousness than smarts, but she knows she can never measure up—academically or otherwise.

On her birthday, Summer receives a secret gift from her aunt: Shannon's diary. Suddenly, the one-dimensional vision of her sister becomes all too solid. Is this love-struck, mom-bashing badass the same Shannon everyone raves about? Determined to understand her troubled sister, Summer dives headfirst down a dark rabbit hole and unearths painful family secrets. Each revelation brings Summer closer to the mysterious and liberating truth about her family—and herself.


That's it for me this week! What's in your mailbox?

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Young Adult: 312 Pages
Published: March 8th, 2011
Publisher: Flux
Series: None
Source: My personal copy
Buy the Book: Amazon | Book Depository
Find the author: Website | Blog

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

"Wounds of the heart are the hardest to medicate. The slowest area of the body to heal" Cecilia Morgan

Have you ever come across a book that was just so amazing that it left you speechless? You can't seem to find the right words to describe it? Like all the words you come up with like amazing and incredible don't even do it justice? Well that is exactly the problem I am having with Playing Hurt. I could easily sum up this book by saying "It's awesome. Go buy it...NOW!" but I owe it to my readers to try and muster up the right words to explain to you why this book was just so...Stunning.

It is no secret that Holly Schindler had me hooked with her writing when I read her awe-inspiring book A Blue So Dark. She only proved to me even more what an incredible author she really is. She penned one of the most romantic, touching, painfully beautiful books I have ever read.

The Characters. I don't even know where to begin to describe the incredible character cast she created. Chelsea was just perfect, she was stubborn and at times hard headed but was also very vulnerable. I fell in love with her instantly. Her hard times are not of the ordinary that I read in Young Adult books, so that alone was very refreshing. But there was just something about Chelsea, she came alive off the pages. You are immediately drawn to her, just as Clint was. And he is another one of a kind character. He is facing his own hardships that make you care for him deeply. Chelsea and Clint will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

The Setting. Schindler created such a vivid setting that I could almost hear the trickles of water coming from the Lake of Woods resort. I could almost smell the pine-trees and earth. She pulls you into the world of Chelsea and Clint in Lake of Woods and doesn't let you go.

This book is just utterly amazing. Simple. I would recommend Playing Hurt  to everyone I know. I actually miss the book now that I'm done reading it. This will be a reading experience like no other. Playing Hurt takes you on a wild journey of love, heart ache, self growth and acceptance.

What I liked: The refreshing story line, and the beautiful cover
What I disliked: I honestly can't think of one single thing that I disliked about this book.

Hoppin' away!

Book Blogger Hop coming soon!

 Question of the Week: Do you judge a book by it's cover?

I wish I could say no, but I do sometimes.When I'm in the bookstore all the pretty covers jump out at me and sometimes I find my eyes scanning for them. BUT that doesn't mean that I haven't bought a book because it has a simple cover.
*Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave your link so I can hop back. Have a lovely weekend!*

Author Spotlight- Elizabeth Scott

Books
*Between Here and Forever-Coming May 2011
*Love you, hate you, miss you
*Grace
*Stealing Heaven
*Something, Maybe
*Bloom
*The Unwritten Rule
*Perfect You
*Living Dead Girl

Buy her books: Amazon | Book Depository

Bio:
Though I ran from anything and everything having to do with writing, I didn’t run from books. From the moment I learned to read, I was never far from a book, and I loved them with an intensity that persists till this day. I love the smell of books, the weight of them, the dizzying anticipation of opening one and looking at the words that hold out their hands, beckoning you into another world, into someone else’s life, or new ideas. Read full bio here


Tell us 5 things about yourself
1. I hate going to the doctor. This has caused some problems because if you're sick, just trust me on this one and GO!

2. I'm left-handed

3. I met my husband while trying to get away from an annoying guy at a party when I was 18

4. I never thought about--or wanted to--write fiction until I was 27

5. I've never had a cavity

Where does that inspiration for your books come from?
All kinds of things! Reading, talking, listening, driving, in the shower, cleaning toilets, in dreams--you name it, and I've probably been inspired during it somehow!

I've read your bio, and you have quite the list of past jobs- Did you ever think 'Published author' would be in your future?Never! I hated fiction writing when I was growing up--I didn't like to make stuff up, I just wanted to read books, and so finding out that I liked writing them? Total shock!

What is a day in the life of Elizabeth Scott like?
Right now, it's getting up, seeing how I'm feeling, and then doing as much work as I can!
Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."
My husband. (I know, but it's true! I adore him.)

Where is your favourite writing place? And do you have any 'must haves' while writing?
I can write just about anywhere, and I do like to be wearing comfy writing pants, but that's not 100% necessary. Oh, and I need something to write on/with :-)

If you could bring to life any book character in history, who would you choose?
I wouldn't do it! They wouldn't be like they were in the book because they'd be--well, in this time, in this now, and it just--I don't know. I like my fictional characters to stay fictional!

When your not reading or writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Celebrity gossip, for sure! I also like watching TV and movies and hanging out with my friends and family.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you share a little?
I have a book coming out in May called Between Here and Forever. It's about Abby, and how she's dealing with life after her older sister's accident, one that has left Abby's sister in a coma. It's got a cute guy (isn't that a must??) and as a bonus, two characters from Bloom, my first novel, show up in a very unusual way!

 Crazy Quiz!
Favourite/dream vacation spot?
NYC!!!

Favourite all-time movie?
I can't pick just one!

Day or Night?
Day

Coffee or Tea?
Water :-)

One guilty pleasure you have?

Potato chips. Oh, how I love them!

Thanks for stopping by! It was a pleasure having you at The Crazy Bookworm!

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

Young Adult/Paranormal: 384 Pages
Published: April 5, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: None
Source: From Publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Browse inside the Book: Through Her Eyes

Find the author: Website | Blog

Every ghost has a story to tell.

The last place Tansy Piper wants to be is stuck in Cedar Canyon, Texas, in the middle of nowhere, with a bunch of small-town kids. But when her mother decides to move to the desolate West Texas town, Tansy has no choice but to go along. Once there, Tansy is immediately drawn to the turret of their rickety old house, a place she soon learns has a disturbing history. But it's the strange artifacts she finds in the cellar—a pocket watch, a journal of poetry, and a tiny crystal—that have the most chilling impact on her.


Tansy soon finds that through the lens of her camera, she can become part of a surreal black-and-white world where her life is intertwined with that of mysterious, troubled Henry, who lived in the same house and died decades earlier. It seems their lives are linked by fate and the artifacts she found, but as Tansy begins spending more and more time in the past, her present world starts to fade away. Tansy must untangle herself from Henry's dangerous reality—before she loses touch with her own life forever.

Through Her Eyes was different for me. Overall I enjoyed it but there were parts throughout the book that fell flat for me. At first, I had a hard time connecting with the story. It was inconsistent. It started off slow, then picked up, but then slowed down and it continued like that throughout the book. However there was some great traits about the book.

The Cover. The cover of Through Her Eyes is stunning. The Pale white face jumps out at you and the boldness of her eyes are haunting but beautiful. The cover alone will attract readers.

The main character. Tansy was a great main character, she was well written and likable. She was very easy to relate to. She is constantly moving around because her mother is a best-selling author and likes to live in the various places she writes about. The minute Tansy begins to feel like she is "Home" and makes friends, her mom is ready for another book which means another move. I immediately felt how lonely Tansy was, and felt sad for her. Henry was a great character as well, his poems were beautifully written and whenever Tansy and Henry's world collided it was quite fascinating.

Although at times it felt a little dull and boring, I really did enjoy the book. The small, slow gaps were easy to overcome once the book did pick up. I love a good ghost story, and this book gave me that fix. There were times that gave me goosebumps and had my heart beating a little faster. If your a fan of paranormal, and ghost stories, then I would recommend you give this book a try!

What I loved: The beautiful cover. The refreshing storyline
What I disliked: I wish it was tad more exciting. A little boring at times.

Giveaway Winners!

Emily and Einstein Winner...

The Winner was randomly chosen using http://www.random.org/. And the winner is...Elisabeth G. #17

An e-mail will be sent to you.

Born at Midnight Winners

The winner for the copy of Born at Midnight was randomly chosen using http://www.random.org/. And the winner is....Elizabeth P #20. I have e-mailed C.C. Hunter with your information!

Swag Giveaway

The winner was randomly chosen using http://www.random.org/. And the winner is...Leah T #28. I have e-mailed C.C. Hunter with all your information

Congratulations to all the Winners!

In My Mailbox

Books Mentioned

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

Links Mentioned

A Blue So Dark Review

Interview with C.C. Hunter

Midnight Bloom Reads Blog

What's in your mailbox?

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too!

Zombies Vs Unicorns by Holly Black

It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths—for good and evil—of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

Across The Universe by Beth Revis

 

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves

Kit and Fancy Cordelle are sisters of the best kind: best friends, best confidantes, and best accomplices. The daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, Kit and Fancy are used to feeling like outsiders, and that’s just the way they like it. But in Portero, where the weird and wild run rampant, the Cordelle sisters are hardly the oddest or most dangerous creatures around.

It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities….

Hunger by Jackie Kessler

“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons

What's on your wishlist?