Book Review- The Baby Planner

I just finished reading The Baby Planner by Josie Brown for a Gallery Book Tour.

From Goodreads:

The Nanny Diaries meets The Wedding Planner in this smart, dishy novel from the author of Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives—featuring a woman who runs San Francisco’s premier baby planning company and the mommies-to-be who seek out her services.

Katie Johnson may make her living consulting with new moms on the latest greatest baby gadgets no parent should be without, or which mommy meet-ups are the most socially desirable, or whether melon truly is the new black, but the success of her marriage to her husband, Alex, depends on controlling her own urges toward motherhood.

He's adamant that they stay childless. Sure, Katie understands that he's upset over the fact that his out-of-town ex-wife rarely lets him see their ten-year-old son, Peter. But living vicariously through her anxious clients and her twin sisters' precocious children only makes Katie resent his stance more deeply.

While helping a new client—Seth Harris, a high tech entrepreneur who must raise Sadie, his newborn daughter, as a single parent after the tragic death of his wife in childbirth—maneuver the bittersweet journey from mourning husband and reticent father to loving dad, Katie’s own ideals about love, marriage, and motherhood are put to the test as she learns ones very important lesson about family: How we nurture is the true nature of love.

At first, I dove into this book.  A baby planner job?  Maybe I should have gone that route!  I sympathized with Katie.  I wanted her to get pregnant and have a baby.  And from the very first page, I absolutely HATED Alex, Katie's husband.  I couldn't see what Katie saw in him at all.  How was he her "Mr. Right?"  They didn't have anything in common and he was always such a jerk to her.  Ugh.

But I loved how the new job grew.  And how Katie became so close with the women who were pregnant.  I was so absorbed in the book.  Until about two-thirds of the way in.  Then it just got too much for me.  Too much happened all at once, and while I definitely think that every good story needs a climax, there was too many in this book and it kind of turned me off.  And while Katie had every right to turn as bitter as she did, she didn't do it in a way that still had my sympathizing for her (if that makes any sense--I'm trying not to give it away).  And the ending just kind of...ended.  I don't feel that there was any real conclusion to one of the biggest issues.

Oh well, I liked that I learned about the baby planner job and still like the way that Josie Brown writes.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 27

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free Gallery and Pocket Book Blog Tours for an honest review.

The Teen Book Scene: Top Tens List: The Lipstick Laws

Today I am honored to host Amy Holder, author of The Lipstick Laws, on my blog today as part of a The Teen Book Scene Blog Tour. She is presenting us with a top tens list!

You can read my review of The Lipstick Laws here.

What are your top ten "must have" beauty essentials?

1. My CHI hair straightener! I’d look like a deranged poodle without it. It’s my most trusted beauty confidant, unless there’s a power outage.

 2. It’s a 10 hair products (to help tame the deranged poodle look).

 3. Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Expresso Eyeliner. I have a confession with this one… I’ve used the same type of eyeliner since I was a teenager! We’ve had a very steady, long-term relationship…I’m talking common-law marriage at this point. I pray it’s never discontinued. I wouldn’t be able to handle the grief of being an eyeliner widow.

4. Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mini-brush Mascara. This is the only mascara I’ve used that never clumps. Need I say more? Case closed.

5. A good moisturizing lotion…I don’t have a favorite kind, just anything that works well and smells good!

6. SLEEP! I’m a deranged poodle zombie without sleep! Things get very scary when I’m running on little sleep.

 7. Acqua Di Gio Perfume for Women – my absolute favorite scent!!!

8. Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths. They cleanse, remove makeup and moisturize all in one. How could you not love them?

9. e.l.f. Cosmetics Caramel Candy Liquid Lipstick – love it! It’s not quite lipstick, but it’s not quite lip gloss…. it’s the perfect blend of both!

 10. Laughing – I don’t think there’s anything more beautiful than a sense of humor. Laughing is essential for a happy, fun, beautiful life. I don’t care if laugh lines come from it; it’s worth the wrinkles!

Thanks, Amy! (And this post made me laugh--a beauty essential!)

Also, there is a weekly giveaway for The Lipstick Laws.  If you comment on this tens list, then you're automatically entered to win the book with one entry available for each blog that posts that week.!

Waiting on Wednesday- April 6, 2011

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Corsets & Clockwork
edited by Trisha Telep
Publication Release Date: April 16, 2011

From Goodreads:

Dark, urban fantasies come to life in the newest collection of Steampunk stories, Corsets & Clockwork. Young heroes and heroines battle evils with the help of supernatural or super-technological powers, each individual story perfectly balancing historical and fantastical elements. Throw in epic romances that transcend time, and this trendy, engrossing anthology is sure to become another hit for the fast-growing Steampunk genre!

This collection features some of the hottest writers in the teen genre, including: Ann Aguirre, Jaclyn Dolamore, Tessa Gratton, Frewin Jones, Caitlin Kittredge, Adrienne Kress, Lesley Livingston, Dru Pagliassotti, Dia Reeves, Michael Scott, Maria V. Snyder, Tiffany Trent, and Kiersten White.

Book Review- Fins Are Forever

I just finished reading Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mer girl, true, but signing the renunciation paperwork will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer-bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up. Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her dreams?

This was a great, fun sequel to Forgive My Fins!  I had been so looking forward to reading this book, and it didn't disappoint!  Lily is still such a fun character (and I love her little quips and sayings that have to do with the ocean...although I think there was more in the first book and would have loved there to be more in this one.)  And Quince.  Sigh.  Another "bad boy" type that isn't really a bad boy.  Loved him!

This book is definitely a light, fun read.  I'm not sure if there is going to be a third book in the series, but if there is one, I'll definitely be picking it up!

Fins are Forever will be released on June 28, 2011.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 26
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 24
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 22

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

The Teen Book Scene: Top Tens Post: Then I Met My Sister

I am honored to host Christine Hurley Deriso, author of Then I Met My Sister, on my blog today as part of a The Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.  She is presenting us with a top tens list!

What are the top 10 things you know now that you wish you'd known in high school?

1) I'll never use calculus or geometry, so stop sweating it
2) Pay as you go (a pox on credit cards!)
3) Ignore the naysayers in your life
4) True love can't be rushed
5) Everyone has wisdom to share
6) Proms are highly over-rated
7)  It's okay, and sometimes a hidden blessing, to lose a jo
8) Humility, discretion and modesty are highly under-rated
9) You can love your parents without needing them to love every decision you make
10) Spirituality should spring from love and kindness, not fear and shame.

Thank you so much Christine!

Mailbox Monday- April 4, 2011

Mailbox Monday: Here's what came in my mailbox this week

TUESDAY

The Baby Planner- Josie Brown--review for Galley Blog Tour

WEDNESDAY

The Girl in the Steel Corset- Kady Cross--from publisher for review

Fins are Forever- Tera Lynn Childs--review for an Around the World Tour

Book Review- Haven

I just finished reading Haven by Kristi Cook for a Book-It Forward ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future.

But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven.

Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.
 
I was immediately drawn into this story.  I loved how everyone in the boarding school had a super power (um, I want one please!).  And I loved how at this school, it was completely normal. 
 
Violet and her friends were all great.  They seemed like such a great group of normal girls (not the mean cliquey type that you usually read about when it comes to groups).   Then add in Aidan, the mystery guy.  I liked him right away.  His relationship with Violet was very on and off, which bothered me a little bit until I realized that high school relationships are often like that. 
 
 But after we find out Aidan's secret, the book turned very Twilight-ish.  Which was good and bad.  I loved Twilight so on the one hand I loved the story.  But for some reason, at this point, I felt that the story went a little downhill.  Or became a little too familiar maybe.
 
Anyways, I enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to the sequel!
 
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 25
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 23
2011 Debut Author Challenge: 10
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 21
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tours.

The Sunday Salon- April 3, 2011

The Sunday Salon

This week was Spring Break and man, was it needed!  But it seemed to fly by waay too fast!  I read a bunch, got a massage, and got a manicure and pedicure.  And then, this weekend was my bridal festivities!  On Friday night, we had my bachelorette party.  We drank around the world at Epcot then went to Epcot.  Unfortunately there was a little drama, which I am slightly bitter about, but oh well.  We had fun!  Then today was my Beauty and the Beast inspired bridal shower on the beach at the Yacht Club.  So much fun!  68 days and counting!!

I finished and reviewed the following books this week:

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Drought by Pam Bachorz



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I fulfilled items in the following challenges this week:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 13, 21, 22, 23, 24
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 11, 19, 20, 21, 22
2011 Debut Author Challenge: 3, 7,8, 9
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 11, 17, 18, 19, 20
2011 A to Z Challenge: H
2011 YA Contemporary Challenge: 2

I am currently reading Haven by Kristi Cook and up next is Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs.

2011 YA Contemporary Challenge-- April Update

2011 YA Contemporary Challenge

What is contemporary? It's the genre wherein the events can happen in real life at the present time. The characters in the novel can be present in real life.

Goal: To read a minimum of thirteen young adult contemporary novels published in 2011.

Rules:

- All contemporary books must be in the Young Adult genre

- Books have to be published in 2011

- Open to everybody. Please fill in the form to enter.

- You can join whenever you want

- If you want to enter with your blog link, you have to post about the challenge.

- Link your reviews of 2011 Contemporary books in the MisterLinky below.

1.   Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors 
2.  The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
3.  The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
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2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge-- April Update

2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Create a post about the challenge and link your challenge post up in the linky below.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.

2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
--The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
--The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. The Challenge starts on January 1, 2011 and goes until December 31, 2011.

* I will be participating in the Mega size YA Reading Challenge

1.  Entice by Carrie Jones
2. Starstruck by Cyn Balog
3.  The Lying Game by Sara Shepard
4.  Mercy by Rebecca Lim
5.  Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
6.  The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
7.  The Chaos by Rachel Ward
8.  Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
9.  The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
10.  Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors 
11.  The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
12.  Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
13.  Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
14.  A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
15.  The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
16.  Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris 
17.  Clarity by Kim Harrington
18.  Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
19.  Forgotten by Cat Patrick
20.  Drought by Pam Bachorz
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