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Showing posts from August, 2008

Book Review - Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard

Show No Mercy Author: Cindy Gerard Publisher: Pocket (September 23, 2008) Synopsis The first in Gerard's new  Black Ops Inc. Series,  Show No Mercy takes readers on a breathtakingly fast and furious action-packed adventure from the scorching heat of Africa to coolness of Wyoming and from there on into the Argentina where deadly peril awaits the men of BOI and one courageous woman. Soldiers turned businessmen for hire, the BOIs are in Buenos Aires to provide security detail for an American businessman, Emilio Maxim. At the same time, reporter Jenna McMillan arrives to interview Maxim. By a strange coincidence, they all get caught up in an assassination attempt on Maxim. Rescued in the nick of time, Jenna is furious at being carted away by the BOIs, particularly their field leader Gabriel Jones, with whom she's had a previous encounter. Something happened during that time in the past that has changed them all and left Jenna and Gabe at each other's throats. Ad

Thursday Thirteen - Edition Five

Thirteen Books which have Thursday in their titles: The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton The Sopping Thursday by Edward Gorey Thursdays At Eight by Debbie Macomber Sir Thursday by Garth Nix Thursday's Child by Sandra Brown Black Thursday by Martin Caidin The Holy Thursday Revolution by Beatrice Bruteau The Thursday Kidnapping by Antonia Forest Thursday and the Lady by Patricia Matthews Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck Gettin' Through Thursday by Melrose Cooper and Nneka Bennett Make Four Million Dollars by Next Thursday by Stephen Manes Every Other Thursday: Stories and Strategies from Successful Women Scientists by Ellen Daniell Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Books News, Giveaways and More!

Hi all! Sorry for not posting as frequently this last week. But I had a very good excuse. I was busy coming to the awful realization that my little one needs to go to school even though I want to keep him to myself. That, combined with searching for a school, schools that were still accepting admissions etc etc etc, kept my nose to a grindstone. But now, things have finally settled down a bit. School's been picked. We've registered. All I now need to do is actually drop him off when school starts next week. I hope I can do that - gulp! In the meantime, like an ostrich, I've decided to bury my head in the sand (aka books) and not think about it for a while. So, here are some book news and giveaways that have been piling up in my inbox. ************************ Some Giveaways Author Tara S Nichols invites you participate in the Forbidden Hunt scavenger hunt. She's giving away a silver Byzantine bracelet. For more details, go Play the Game! Why is Eternal Press gi

Innovative Monday - Edition Nine

Another surprising book-related product for today, i.e, Monday. This one is " Fill In The Cat by Nel Studio ". Three characters disappear from large, solid white blocks, and their absence suddenly makes them important. The resulting emptiness is filled with the user’s belongings and through this action the silhouettes’ meaning shifts. The pieces suggest a continuous play between interaction and representation, where daily use generates a continuously changing story: a cat that reads Italo Calvino, a book filled with coins, a living room where birds come to eat the cake’s crumbles… [ via ]

Joy Nash Giveaway Winner

Thank you all for participating in Joy's 50 Days 50 Books giveaway! Your enthusiastic response and thoughtful questions made it a fun giveaway. Many thanks for Joy for inviting this blog to participate in this grand event! And now, the WINNER, as chosen by Random.org : Shari C (scotch2o@c...) who asked : How do you develop your characters for your books? Congrats, Shari. I'll be emailing you for your details. Thanks for participating, everybody. Hope you've subscribed - it's the best way to kept updated of the latest books, reviews, giveaways and winners! .................................................................................................................. Current Giveaway(s) Book Review and Giveaway - Left to Die by Lisa Jackson Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to my Full Feed RSS . You can also Subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your i

In the Mailbox (20 Aug 08)

This week, in my mailbox, arrived these reads: Good reads all of them. Hope I get a chance to read them all! One Bite With A Stranger (The Others, Book 6)  Author: Christine Warren Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (September 30, 2008) When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun. The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a

Badenweiler Waltz Giveaway Winners

Thanks to all of you who participated so enthusiastically in this "Ask the Author a Question" giveaway. It was fun reading your questions and I hope you enjoyed reading the author's responses. And many Thanks to Author G. W. Kroeker for not only writing this courageous book, but also for stopping by often and responding to each question asked. Without further ado, here are the 2 lucky winners as chosen by Random.org 1) Lin who asked - What are the most important differences that we, as Americans, should note in order to truly widen our cultural horizons? 2) Holly who asked - Was it difficult to make the decision to move to a different country? Do you ever plan on returning to America to live? CONGRATULATIONS! I'll be emailing you both to get your details. The author will be sending you your prize books. Alternate winner(s) will be chosen if either of these 2 winners fail to respond within 3 days of receipt of my email. More in the Disclaimer Don't fo

Innovative Monday - Edition Eight

As always, with Monday comes a chance to view a innovative book product here at A Book Blogger's Diary ! Usually these ideas are generally WAY out there. But this one actually interested me! Presenting the Habitual Bedside Table! Usually my bedside table is buried under books. And with so many books, there just aren't bookmarks enough. Or at least, I can't find them half the time. As you can see from the photo, this clever bedside table offers a neat solution for that. Keep your bedside read open to the page where you left off and it's right there, waiting for you the next night. Now that I like!  I don't know if my bedside lamp will fit up there though. What d'ya think? [ via ] .................................................................................................................. Author Guest Post : Jasmin Rosemberg (and a GIVEAWAY!)

New Look!

Well, my blog has it's new skin now. How does it look, folks? I'm still ironing out a few details, but it's almost all done. Let me know if you spot any problems anywhere. .................................................................................................................. Current Giveaway(s) Review and Giveaway - Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman Book Giveaway - The Badenweiler Waltz

Renovation!

Hi, fellow bookworms. I've finally decided to take the plunge and change this blog's template. I'm starting this today, so there will be no regular posts until Monday. Things will be a bit chaotic around here, as I initiate the change, so bear with me please. I hope to get it all done by tonight (or latest by tomorrow), so you can browse peacefully over the weekend. Regular posts will start once again from Monday. Let me know if you like the new theme - I know I do :) And if you're having any difficulties after the changeover, let me know that as well. Wish me luck! .................................................................................................................. Current Giveaway(s) Review and Giveaway - Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman Book Giveaway - The Badenweiler Waltz

Phyllis' Book Giveaway Winner

Thank you all for participating! Author Phyllis Zimbler Miller was gracious enough to stop by and answer the thoughtful questions the participants asked her. She said, and I quote - I must say, you have exceptionally good fans -- these are the best questions I've gotten. So, Kudos to you all! If you didn't win today, then don't worry. You can always pick up a copy of this interesting book at Amazon . And the lucky winner as picked by Random.org is : Debbie Congratulations! Please email me at abookblogger AT gmail DOT com with Miller Winner in the subject line and your full name and address in the body of the email before end of Monday. Don't forget to subscribe and enter the other giveaways going on currently - details below. .................................................................................................................. Current Giveaway(s) Review and Giveaway - Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash Book Review and Giveaway - The Night V

In the Mailbox (13 Aug 08)

This week, in my mailbox, arrived these reads: Due to the blogger glitch, I had some free time which I spent (naturally) reading these books. So here's the list as well as some reviews. On a sidenote, the Phyllis Zimbler Miller Giveaway will be coming to a close tonight. So get those entries in right away! Faceless by Debra Webb Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks Synopsis - Deputy district attorney Carson Tanner has dedicated his life to justice. But he is still haunted by one case that was never solved: the murder of his entire family in cold blood. Back then, the teenage Carson was protected by his girlfriend’s influential father, Senator Randolph Drake. But now, fifteen years later, Carson finds himself facing a whole new world when a man confesses to the Tanner killings. His name is John Stokes. And his confession only scratches the surface of the truth… Carson knows that Annette Baxter uses her brains and bea

Tuesday's Treasures (12 Aug 08)

Finally, over the weekend, the Blogger glitch which had paralyzed the main page of this blog, has gone. So now I can get back to the original programming, so to speak. Here again to delight you is the weekly edition of Tuesday Treasures, in which I post book giveaways. If you have a submission for Tuesday Treasures, just email me (abookblogger at gmail dot com), with Tuesday Treasures in the subject line and the giveaway details in the body. I'll begin with mine. Book Review and Giveaway - Left to Die by Lisa Jackson Book Review and Giveaway - Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman Book Giveaway - The Badenweiler Waltz Guest Post - Phyllis Zimbler Miller (and a Giveaway) Miss Amanda has a book giveaway going on at The Daily Planet . The Queen B is giving away Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner. Check out the Boogers and Book Bucks Giveaway! Author Madeline Kaplan will be giving away a copy of her book,

Innovative Monday - Edition Seven

Monday's here! Time to wake up and feast your eyes on today's innovative book product! Presenting - Pink explosion It's been designed by SmÃ¥nsk, a Stockholm based design studio that brings you happiness, good health and beautiful furniture and interiors, Cra-aa-zzy seems appropriate! And yet, if you're tired of cutesy or boring bookshelves, then you can most certainly shake up things with this *different* book storage solution. Think of the gossip it'll generate among visitors to your abode! .................................................................................................................. *NEW* Author Guest Post : Jasmin Rosemberg (and a GIVEAWAY!) Interview and Giveaway with Author Jean Holloway . Ends July 21.

Blogger Glitch!

Fellow Bookworms, looks like some major Blogger technical snafu is going on. That is the reason why you're unable to see this blog's main page. So when you type in http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/ , and see some error code, that's the reason it's happening. I have not gone offline nor has the blog. Just the blog's main page is affected for some reason -- at least, for now that's the only problem. You can still see individual blog posts. To find out recent happenings, here's a quick fix. Just click this link http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-giveaways.html Then on the right hand side, in the sidebar, you'll see a short list of " Recent Posts " through which you can click through to recent articles. If you scroll down further, you'll find the " Blog Archive " section, where you can get a detailed list of all posts. Clicking on any individual blog post works (at least for now). I've been checking B

Book Review - Vampyres of Hollywood

Vampyres of Hollywood Author: Adrienne Barbeau, Michael Scott Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (July 8, 2008) Synopsis When one by one film stars start getting killed in an unusual manner, terror grips Hollywood. Lead investigator Peter King is born and bred Hollywood and well-versed in it's lore, it's history, and it's major players. Some nifty detecting soon leads him to the conclusion that all murders are somehow connected to horror queen, Ovsanna Moore. What Peter doesn't know is that Ovsanna isn't just a B Movie star, but rather a vampire. And not just any ordinary vampire, but the Queen of them all - the Châtelaine of Hollywood. To protect her secret, Ovsanna is ready to do anything, even conduct her own investigation and woe betide the dogged human detective who steps in her (fang-ish) way. Review It's fun, it's hilarious and overflowing with gore - in short, Vampyres of Hollywood has all the hallmarks of a successful paran

In the Mailbox (6 Aug 08)

This week, in my mailbox, arrived these reads: My Husband's Sweethearts by Bridget Asher Publisher: Delacorte Press (August 19, 2008) When Lucy discovered that her charming, cheating husband was dying, she came home, opened up his little black book, and decided she wasn’t going through this alone. After all, Artie’s sweethearts were there for the good times—is it fair that Lucy should have to manage the hard times herself? In this wise, wickedly funny new novel, Lucy dials up the women in Artie’s black book and invites them for one last visit. The last thing she expects is that any will actually show up. Bite the Bullet by L. A. Banks Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (September 30, 2008) Sasha Trudeau considers herself a soldier first and a werewolf second. But while her secret government-sanctioned task-force faces its greatest challenge so far, Sasha faces something much more primal: the undeniable pull of the moon—and her own d

Book Review and Giveaway- Left To Die by Lisa Jackson

This review is part of Pump up your Book Promotion 's Virtual Blog Tour. Left To Die Author: Lisa Jackson Paperback: 484 pages Publisher: Zebra (July 29, 2008) Synopsis In the Bitteroot mountains surrounding Grizzly Falls, Montana, something deadlier than the winter storms has sprung up. A serial killer. Rescuing female car drivers whom the killer has caused to have an accident on the treacherous mountain roads, this unseen menace keeps them hidden somewhere, then leaves them tied naked to a tree where they subsequently freeze to their death. The absence of sexual violence together with a cryptic message carved in the tree above each victim further baffles Detectives Regan Pescoli and Selena Alvarez together with the FBI. The latest woman missing is Jillian Rivers. Drawn to Grizzly Falls by a mysterious photo of supposedly dead first husband, Jillian crashes over the mountain side when someone shoots out her car's tire. Upon recovering consciousness, an injur

Book Review and Giveaway - Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash

It is this blog's pleasure to participate in Author Joy Nash 's 50 Days 50 Books Giveaway to promote her latest thrilling book, Immortals: The Crossing. The Crossing Author: Joy Nash Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Love Spell (September 30, 2008) Blurb : USA Today Bestselling Author Joy Nash returns with another installment in Dorchester Publishing's Nationally Bestselling multi-author series, IMMORTALS. Demigod Manannán mac Lir (Mac) is on the trail of Artemis Black, a stunningly dangerous woman who's inexplicably able to intertwine life magic with death magic. For the safety of his people, he should destroy the desperate witch—once he learns her darkest secrets. Readers of paranormal romance and urban fantasy will enjoy this adventure filled with black magic, nasty demons, hot immortals, dark humor, steamy sex, and a heart-thumping descent into a modern version of Dante's Hell. Available September 30. 2008. Review I&

Tuesday Trailers - Lisa Kleypas, JA Konrath and Harry Potter

Some more book trailers, this time including one for Lisa Kleypas' Seduce Me at Sunrise , J.A.Konrath's hilarious one for the book Fuzzy Navel and one for the much-awaited Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate. From the Author's Blog: I finally succumbed to the latest trend and sold a kidney for $32,994 to produce a book trailer---the most expensive book trailer of all time. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , J. K. Rowling returns Harry, Hermione, and Ron to Hogworts amidst troubling signs that the Dark Lord and the Deatheaters are gaining strength. Fortunately,

Book Review and Giveaway - The Night Villa by Carol Goodman

The Night Villa Author: Carol Goodman Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 5, 2008) The eruption of Italy’s Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 buried a city and its people, their treasures and secrets. Centuries later, echoes of this disaster resonate with profound consequences in the life of classics professor Sophie Chase. In the aftermath of a tragic shooting on the University of Texas campus, Sophie seeks sanctuary on the isle of Capri, immersing herself in her latest scholarly project alongside her colleagues, her star pupil, and their benefactor, the compelling yet enigmatic business mogul John Lyros. Beneath layers of volcanic ash lies the Villa della Notte–the Night Villa–home to first-century nobles, as well as to the captivating slave girl at the heart of an ancient controversy. And secreted in a subterranean labyrinth rests a cache of antique documents believed lost to the ages: a prize too tantalizing for Sophie to resist. Review Simply put, I f

Book Giveaway - The Badenweiler Waltz

If you guys remember, I'd previously mentioned this book before including an excerpt and the author, G. W. Kroeker, had also graciously consented to do a guest post . While the book is still in my to-review pile, the author got in touch with me regarding a giveaway of this book. More on this towards the end of this post. The Badenweiler Waltz Author: G. W. Kroeker Paperback: 330 pages Publisher: BookSurge Publishing Haunting, beautiful and wise, The Badenweiler Waltz by G.W. Kroeker is a tender glimpse at the healing powers of love and one woman's courage as she learns to celebrate life after she is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Elizabeth Kurz is a shy, easily daunted forty-something woman who has spent the bulk of her life being intimidated. A teacher by trade, she always dreamed of being a writer, and as her final farewell nears she travels to a quaint spa town in Germany's Black Forest where both Stephen Crane and Anton Chekhov spent th