Waiting on – A Temptation of Angels
February 22nd, 2012 | 
Author:
"Waiting On" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink
Expected publication: March 20th 2012 by Dial Books for Young Readers
Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance…
When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal
Doesn't this just sound amazing? I can't wait! What are you waiting for this week?
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While I’m Still Myself by Jeremy Mark Lane
Published: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Source: Review copy from author
Find the author: Goodreads || Website
Buy: Amazon || The Book Depository || B&N
~ The Blurb ~
From Goodreads
A passionate December love affair.
The meeting of an unexpected traveler.
The consequences of protecting a young new acquaintance.
A journey into an unknown past.
In the stories of While I’m Still Myself, Jeremy Lane eloquently describes the life changing impact of the brief encounter, showing that life and love are not shaped by an entire lifetime, but by the fleeting moments with unexpected people in unexpected places
~ My Thoughts ~
I usually tend to shy away from reading short stories as I find there is simply not enough exploration of characters to really make me care about what I am reading. I like to get to know who I am reading about and these details help me to become invested in the story.
What surprised me when I began reading While I’m Still Myself is that the focus was on individual moments, as opposed to character development, and it worked well. It was a unique concept that I enjoyed for the most part even though it was out of my comfort zone. Lane beautifully describes those little moments that can change a person’s life and each of the stories was quite well written. There was also a shock value to each of these stories that kept me moving though this collection quickly.
Being given such a small glimpse into a person’s life can go one of two ways, it could become forgettable (as I found some of the stories to be) or it can be so sensational that it stays with you long after you read the last word on the page (and I can think of two stories that definitely fall into this category). I understood the concept of the importance of a single moment in time but some of these stories would have resonated with me more if I saw more of the characters in those moments. The closest that I came to this was in the first story That Winter, which was by far my favorite story of the book.
While I’m Still Myself is a collection of thought provoking and entertaining stories that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of short stories. Lane produced a collection of shocking stories that have the power to make you stop and think about what you have just read. Even though it was out of my comfort zone, in a format that I don’t usually read, I still found this book to be an enjoyable read.
I received a review copy of While I’m Still Myself from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Book Blogger Confessions: Author Relationships (4)
Q. Social networking with authors: Do you interact on Twitter/Facebook/etc with authors? Does it affect how you review their work or do you look at their books differently because you're on friendly terms with them?
So here is the thing with me and social networking. I am actually an incredibly shy person – anyone who knows me in real life might find that hard to believe because once you get to know me you can’t shut me up 
but I find it difficult to reach out to new people and join into a conversation. I still feel like a relatively new kid on the block in the book blogging world even though I have been lucky enough to be a part of it for a year now so that doesn’t help with the shy-factor.
I find it a bit to awkward to reach out to anyone, authors/bloggers etc., so I don’t do it very often. When it comes to Twitter I am so new I’m still a little baffled by twitter etiquette and when it is ok to @someone or join in on a conversation (any tips here would be appreciated! ).
As anyone can probably attest to some authors are just more approachable than others, maybe they reply to tweets or send email responses, or maybe they actively engage readers/bloggers in conversation, but whatever it is these are the authors that I tend to interact with.
Does it affect my reviews? It’s hard to say, I would like to think that it doesn’t but here are a few of the reasons why it might. If I really like what an author has to say on their blog/twitter/facebook I might be more inclined to pick up their book in the first place. Being active and positive in social media is like rolling out the welcome mat to me and I appreciate being able to know the name behind the book. Also the easier it is to interact with an author the more likely I would be to ask questions about their book. Having a question clarified or concern addressed certainly might affect my review but not because I am on friendly terms with the author.
So I guess what I’m saying is being on friendly terms with an author might be an added incentive for me to read their book or engage in a discussion about their work but when it comes down to writing my review I will certainly feel a little sad if I did not love their work, but I would never change my review based on friendly/unfriendly interactions.
Review Copy Cleanup
It is no secret that I have fallen a bit behind on reviews lately. I had to stop accepting books for review until I get caught up and that kind of sucks because…. well… have you seen how many great books are coming out this year? Yeah. I know.
So my goal is to get caught up within the next month or two. But I think I need some encouragement so I joined the Review Copy Cleanup for March 2012 hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea & Nyx Book Reviews. This sounds like an awesome challenge and just the motivation that I need to get working on my review pile!
This past week has been a complete waste and were it not for scheduled posts there wouldn't be anything on the blog. I have been crazy sick for weeks but a monster sinus infection has kept me away from the computer, books, and basically anything at all, so I've got some lost time to make up for!
Wish me luck!
Pictures of the Past by Deby Eisenberg
Published: August 2011
Publisher: Studio House Literary
Source: Review copy for Pump up Your Book Blog Tour
Find the author: Goodreads || Website
Buy: Amazon || B&N
~ The Blurb ~
From the back cover
Pictures of the Past is a compelling saga sweeping through Chicago, Paris and Berlin, reliving events from pre-World War II Europe, but beginning in contemporary times. An Impressionist painting, hanging for decades in the Art Institute of Chicago and donated by the charismatic philanthropist Taylor Woodmere, is challenged by an elderly woman as a Nazi theft. Taylor’s gripping and passionate story takes us back to 1937. Sent to Paris on family business, he reluctantly leaves his girlfriend Emily, a spoiled debutante from Newport, Rhode Island. But once in Europe, he immediately falls in love – first with an Henri Lebasque painting, and then with the enchanting Sarah Berger of Berlin. After Taylor returns home, the Berger family becomes trapped in the Nazi web, and any attempts for the new lovers to be reunited are thwarted.
Interwoven with this narrative is the story of Rachel Gold, a beautiful and bright Chicago girl caught up in the times of the late 1960’s. Pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend Court Woodmere, Taylor’s son, she moves to New York to live with her aunt, a Holocaust survivor. Years later, as the controversy surrounding the provenance of the painting becomes public, Rachel’s grown son is disturbed by his inexplicable familiarity with the world of art. And it is only Taylor Woodmere who can unravel the complicated puzzle of their lives.
With a heart-grabbing ending, Pictures of the Past is historical fiction at its best, giving a personalized window to the powerful events and intriguing venues of the eras. From a world torn by the horrors of war, a love story emerges that endures through years of separation.
~ My Thoughts ~
When I turned to the first page of Pictures of the Past I had no idea that I would be starting the most engaging, heart-felt and character driven World War II era historical fiction that I have ever read. The first few chapters jumped around in time quite a bit and each of the characters were introduced quickly but the fast pace literally threw the reader into the novel and it was impossible to not become completely absorbed in the story from the very beginning. I was concerned at first that I might not be able to keep all of these characters straight and that the jumping in time (sometimes 70 years) would get confusing but I can assure you these quick transitions only fuelled my interest and kept me glued to this novel.
I will spare you a synopsis because the blurb really says it all and this is a book that you just have to read and discover yourself. I don’t know how I could possibly summarize this book without giving away details about how the characters are connected, and discovering these connections is the best part! I will tell you that I was shocked to learn that this is Deby Eisenberg’s first novel because it reads like the work of a polished professional. The writing is beautiful crafted to convey deep emotions, whether they are intended to be of longing, happiness, fear or suspense. I felt a real connection to the characters, Sarah specifically, and found myself quickly invested in her story. I will definitely be reading Pictures of the Past again as I'm sure there is much more treasure to be found within the pages of this magnificently written book. I truly believe that this is a novel to be savored and poured over time and time again.
Sarah was not the only captivating character and equally deserving of attention is Taylor Woodmere. He was so full of passion, conviction and strength in his youth and while not touched as directly, or tragically, by the Holocaust as Sarah was it forever changed the course of his life. My heart went out to this character, and on an emotional level his story was almost as tragic as Sarah’s.
Pictures of the Past is a gripping and unforgettable story and the combination of intense emotion, powerful drama and utterly unforgettable characters makes it not only a beautifully written historical novel but a timeless piece of fiction. It is a story of romance, unrequited and forbidden love, and the ties that bind us together even after decades of separation. I highly…. highly recommend this book to fans of WWII era historical fiction, and everlasting love stories.
What are your favourite types of historical fiction? How do you feel about multiple points of view and novels that jump around in time? Please leave a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts! 
I received a review copy of Pictures of the Past from Pump Up Your Book (thank you!!!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Giveaway Winner – 2-Ebook Romance Bundle!
So the numbers are in and the winner of the awesome Romance Bundle courtesy of M.A. Stacie is Katie @ curseofthebibliophile.blogspot.com! Wooh hooh Katie! I've forwarded your information off to the author and she will be in touch.
Thank you so much for everyone who entered!
Guest Post with Author MA Stacie
MA Stacie, the talented author of Unwritten Rules and Accidental Fate was kind enough to stop by today to discuss how images inspire her writing!
Inspiring Images by MA Stacie
The saying goes that a picture tells a thousand words, and for me that’s certainly the case. Almost every story I’ve ever written, whether published or not, has started life as an image on my screen. I can browse images on Tumblr for hours, thinking of different ideas that relate to them. There invariably will be one that will set my writing mojo ablaze, and I could have an entire novel plotted out in just a few hours.
The picture I find doesn’t always link directly to the whole plot idea. Sometimes it may be one scene, or a single sentence in the entire book. It may seem strange, but even when the image is just a sentence I can reflect back on it when writer’s block sets in, and it will restart my passion for the story. I like having that piece of information to go back to. I suppose it’s a little bit like having a comfort blanket, because the picture that started it all never changes. It’s constant.
The idea for my first novel, Unwritten Rules, came from an image, though I doubt anyone would link the two if I hadn’t told you. It is merely a photograph of two people standing in the corridor of their apartment block, keys left discarded on the floor.
From this image seventy-five thousand words sprang, eventually turning into my first published novel. For anyone who has read the book, I suppose they can see how this picture relates to a certain scene, but it was, in fact a whole book that came from that.
When I saw a submission call from Silver Publishing I went on my picture hunt again. What greeted me was picture after picture of tattooed men holding their small babies. I was hooked. Anyone that knows me is well aware of my love of tattoos, and nothing reels me in faster than a sexy inked arm or torso. Most of the characters in books I write have tattoos, mainly because I have a lot myself, so it’s perfectly normal for me to include that aspect. So after drooling over these images, and loving how it fit perfectly with the submission call, I set to work on Accidental Fate. My love of those pictures is reflected in the front cover.
There have been other stories I’ve written over the last few years that started as a picture on my screen, and I’m sure it will be the same for my future projects. I currently have two WiP’s, both sprouting from a picture I found, and I’m also participating in my first NaNoWriMo. When I decided to do participate in NaNo this year I knew immediately how to get inspired. I went in search of the perfect picture to get those 50 thousand words flowing. I have found it, and have my outline all plotted. I’m ready to fill those pages yet again with words. Writing has become somewhat of an addiction, though one I don’t want a cure for. No matter what mood I’m in I find writing makes it better. I purge myself and spill it onto the screen. A picture just gives me the ingredients, after that it’s up to me.
About the author (from goodreads.com):
She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Along with knitting, listening to loud music and playing the Wii with her children. M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and two sons.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well…. you never know where that next "must read" book will come from.
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?
Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.
While I'm Still Myself by Jeremy Mark Lane
A passionate December love affair.
The meeting of an unexpected traveler.
The consequences of protecting a young new acquaintance.
A journey into an unknown past.
In the stories of While I’m Still Myself, Jeremy Lane eloquently describes the life changing impact of the brief encounter, showing that life and love are not shaped by an entire lifetime, but by the fleeting moments with unexpected people in unexpected places
In the Heart of Grace by Dianne Greco
Love is in the air in the quiet little town of Noyac, Long Island.
In this second installment of the Grace series, In the Heart of Grace, Susan and Tom’s romance has taken off at full speed, and they can’t help but wonder if Grace is up to her old tricks again.
Thanks to a generous gift from her elderly and clairvoyant neighbor Grace and the new love of her life Tom, Susan is thrilled that her yard and the exterior of her little house are getting an extreme makeover.
After losing her well-paying position as a gem broker weeks before, Susan wonders how she could have dealt with the new adventures of the “quiet life” had she still been commuting into New York City.
When Grace struggles with muddled thoughts and incomplete sentences, everyone is worried, but her clairvoyant ability is unaffected. After all, she manages to get her doctor and Susan’s mother together in a convoluted way, and the two widowers take off on a whirlwind romance.
But that’s not the end of Susan’s troubles. When she sees Tom with another woman, she assumes the worst. When Tom confronts her about the cold shoulder she’s giving him, she tries to get rid of him and injures her ankle in the process. Grace agrees to call an ambulance, but calls Tom instead and forces Susan confront her issues with Tom while accepting his help and learning an invaluable lesson.
Add to this a bank robbery and Grace’s desire to make financial decisions while she not quite in her right mind and everyone finds there is nothing “quiet” about this life.
In the Heart of Grace delves deeper into the heart of an amazing woman who teaches Susan and those she cherishes what love is all about.
So what`s on your bookshelf this week?
Feature and Follow Friday
Q. What would you prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?
Without a doubt I would rather read my favorite book over and over again – after all there has got to be something about it that I love otherwise it wouldn't be my favorite!
I love re-reading books that I've loved (even though I don't have much time for that these days). I always discover something new that I missed or glossed over the first time. It could be the subtle mannerisms of a character or a beautiful description of a scene, and I love finding those missed gems! The books that I love evoke so much emotion in me that I can't help but want to get pulled into them time and time again.
I get frustrated reading mediocre books, or it could be a great book but just not my style. I hate investing so much of my time into reading something that ends up disappointing me in the end.
What about you?
Welcome back to anyone who has been here before and hello to the new faces! As I'm sure you know GFC will not be available as of March 1 as I'm a self-hosted blog. The widget is still there… for now but I would greatly appreciate if you chose to follow via RSS or Linky Followers. If you have added Linky Followers to your blog please let me know in the comments so that I can follow you back. And of course if you are a new follower please let me know so that I can follow you back!
Accidental Fate by MA Stacie
Published: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Source: Review copy from author (thank you)
Find the author: Goodreads || Website
Buy: Amazon Kindle
~The Blurb~
From Goodreads
When Leo Sommers opens the door to his record store, the last thing he expects to find is a screaming baby — a baby that turns out to be his. Flung into parenthood, he struggles to care for the one week old. Unable to contact the baby's mother, he battles the incessantly crying baby alone. Until he literally crashes into his savior.
Erin Miles gets out of her car to trade insurance details with the man who has rear-ended her car, she receives more than she expected. Instantly, she's drawn to the tattooed, exhausted man holding the squalling bundle. She sees how much Leo loves his son and offers help. Erin's patient and gentle caring for Leo and Joe soon develops into something far more than either of them had expected.
Caught up in a whirlwind romance, they are on the cusp of exploring their new relationship, when reality hits them in the face
~ My Thoughts ~
Accidental Fate is a steamy and quick read about the most unlikely bad-boy turned father. Leo was a carefree 26 year old who balked at the word commitment until an infant was left on his doorstep with a note calling him daddy. Leo struggled with raising his son until an unlikely encounter brought a woman into his life who would not only help him learn to be a father, but believe he was worth loving as well.
Accidental Fate is a novella that spans a period of about a month with an epilogue taking place 11 months later. The intense relationship between Leo and Erin is hot and definitely moves quickly. I had a difficult time believing their intensity at first because of the sheer speed that it developed, but as the story moved on their romance felt more authentic and any doubts that I had were quickly pushed aside. I could see their emotional and physical draw to each other and the chemistry was definitely there.
M.A. Stacie has a gift for incorporating seemingly small details that help breathe life into her characters. Some of my favorite scenes from this story were the ones that gave subtle glimpses into the personalities of these characters.
“Hi”, she said softly, chuckling at the astonished look on Leo’s face as he spun to face her. Joe snuggled in his arms while he tried to clean up the spilled soup on the floor. The baby was red-faced, his tiny hands clenched tight. Leo spluttered, rocking the baby and sweeping a cloth across the floor with his foot.”
Here is a man who is clearly overwhelmed but trying to do his best. It would have been so easy to have the baby wailing in his bassinet while Leo cleaned up the mess, but the fact that he was rocking the baby in his arms says so much. Even though he is overwhelmed and doesn’t know what he is doing, he clearly cares about this child and is capable of loving with his whole heart – I think this was the moment that I became completely sold on Leo.
While we are speaking of gifts let’s take a moment and recognize M.A. Stacie’s ability to turn up the heat in any room in the span of just a few pages. *sigh* There are a few love scenes that might have you running for a cold shower. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Because of the length of the story I felt as though I didn’t get to know these characters well enough. I know he was a guy with a heart of gold who loved his son and in this way I saw a glimpse of Leo the father but I would have liked to see more about Leo the man. There is enough going on plot wise and in terms of romance that Accidental Fate could have been a phenomenal full length novel. I was invested enough in these characters that I desperately want to read more and am not reading for their stories to end just yet! To me this is a sign of a great storyteller! I’m not pointing out a fault in the novella, on the contrary actually. I loved the story so much that I didn’t want it to end so quickly.
If you are looking for a sexy romance and an absolutely swoon-worthy bad boy turned father-with-an-edge than Accidental Fate should definitely be your next read.
I received a review copy of Accidental Fate from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Giveaway Details
Because M.A. Stacie is so awesome she has put together this fabulous giveaway for Hands and Home readers. It is open internationally and all you have to do is fill out *THIS FORM* to enter. Winner will be chosen on Feb 14 (fitting I think!).
One reader will win:
An ebook of Unwritten Rules by M.A. Stacie
An ebook of Accidental Fate by M.A. Stacie
And Accidental Fate swag pack (pictured below) including:
- Baby-blue neoprene EReader pouch
- Small pacifier charm
- Blue bear button
- Blue chocolate hearts
- Limited edition Accidental Fate print (only 10 will ever be made)
Good luck and thank you for entering!
