After Dark Review of Return to Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

 

Synopsis: "In this final book of the Shanhasson trilogy, Shannari dal’Dainari has won the Rose Crown. She has her beloved Khul at her side. Yet shadows crowd closer than ever. Political machinations and assassination attempts have crippled her ability to protect the land and the people. When her children are endangered, she has no choice but to send them to safety.

Away from her.

Surrounded by grief, danger, and turmoil on all sides, the last thing she needs is another enemy threatening to destroy all she holds dear. Yet a Black Dragon stirs in the deserts of Keldar. He haunts her dreams, while a Keldari army amasses on her border. When he soars over the Shining Walls of Shanhasson, will she put a knife in his heart…or will Shadow devour her at last with dragon jaws?"

My Review: Well that was quite the conclusion to this trilogy! Similar to the second book it got a little drawn out, there are just a lot of elements to this series and more and more just keep getting brought in. I believe there was a branch off series that would have helped understand the Keldar portions better. I do love that the author isn't afraid of death or what may happen to our favorite characters. There are definitely highly emotional sections of this book that will bring you to tears, not a book for people looking for a happy little romance where everyone gets what they want in the end. I also like that this book closed up the series beautifully and didn't leave me wanting to know more, not to mention turned me into a blubbering mess.

 

My Rating: This was a very nice conclusion to the series, while it did get drawn out, my love for the characters kept me reading.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

 

Bedtime Story: Pooh's Halloween Pumpkin

 

Synopsis: "On a stroll through the Hundred-Acre Wood, Pooh stumbles upon a giant orange pumpkin. With the help of his friends, Pooh comes up with a perfect plan for the pumpkin. This shaped book with a braided cord handle is sure to become a favorite at Halloween and beyond."

My Review: So this is our first Winnie the Pooh book and I forgot how adorable the illustrations are! This was a fun little short story about Pooh finding a pumpkin. I think Winnie the Pooh might be a little advanced for Munchkin yet, but even as he gets older I see a lot of questions coming about the vocabulary. Some of the words are quite advanced but hopefully it will lead to some thinking and learning. I also like how they didn't cut into the pumpkin but decorated it on the outside.

 

My Rating: I really enjoyed this one even though Munchkin is still a little young. I look forward to reading this again during the season next year!  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

 

 

 

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

 

 

And Happy Halloween!

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 34,317 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 5,811

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

The Last Mountains - 13,468 (handwritten) = 15,766 (typed)

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

All in the Company
A business that keeps to itself, employees marry employees and live on company property. Lissandra is ordered to marry Cody but both are always on business and don't know one another.

Little Wind Guides
Little Wind must lead her clan to new territory as the gods of the Fire Forest are cleansing their home with wrath.  Will they follow her while she holds so many secrets.

 

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So I am starting to freak out about not planning for Nanowrimo this year! I usually plot and plan within an inch of my life but this year, I only have a vague idea of where I am going to start!

 

I have gathered some supplies to help me along the way . .

I have a handy little notepad, pen and some sticky notes for ideas. 

The super awesome USB memory stick that is also a bracelet to carry my story everywhere (for sale here)

Some plot bunnies (for sale on etsy)

Some writing prompts, sealed with little book stickers for a reminder of the end goal (writing prompts for sale on etsy)

I also have some encouraging stickers to put on my calendar when I reach my word count for the day.

 

 

 

I have decided that while the official Nanowrimo goal is 50,000 words, I wanted to set a goal that is a little more attainable in my busy life. I am going to shoot for 25,000. I know it seems small but it will be a big achievement for me.

 

 

Best of luck to all my fellow nanoers!!

 

Review of If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz

 



Synopsis: "They say all it takes is one wrong move and you lose the game. One false step and you’re trapped. One slip-up in your choice of words and you ruin a friendship forever. That is what they say. They say I lost.

I do not believe them.

At the end of the summer after graduation, Adrienne wonders what happened to cause her life to be in ruins. She isn’t getting along with her mom, her stepsister isn’t talking to her, and, to top it off, the boy she’s been in love with doesn’t want anything to do with her. She believes the turning point was a choice she made at graduation. When she wakes up the next day, she has been transported back three months to that moment, the one where everything started to fall apart.

Adrienne realizes she has been given a second chance—and this time she doesn’t want to mess anything up. Reliving the entire summer, though, turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. As the same days and weeks go by, she starts to see how simple decisions can make a huge impact on the world around her. Despite knowing some of what lies ahead, there are some things she didn’t anticipate. She thought she knew what mistake led her to where she ended up the first time. She was wrong.

And by the time summer is over, she discovers what was really at stake."

My Review: A wonderful Debut novel! Full of well developed characters and a very thought out storyline. It is a real page turner, once you start reading it is hard to put down. I loved watching Adrienne develop and grow through out the book, how she slowed down and starting thinking about how her actions and words would affect those around her. Jessica did a great job of not letting the romance overshadow the other important elements of the story, at the end you feel very fulfilled even though not everything turns out the way you expect.

  My favorite quote from the book: "He chuckles. “Where did you go just now?”
I shake my head. “Just somewhere in my head.”
“Where in your head?”
“The part that is extremely grateful to have you in my life.” "

 

My Rating: I really enjoyed the way this story progressed, some romance but not the instant make believe kind and it didn't take over the story where there were so many bigger issues to work through for the characters. A great debut novel!! I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

 

 

 

 

 Don't forget to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway!

If Only We Tour: Playlist

I always find it very interesting what other people either enjoy listening to or what inspires them to write, so when Jessica asked for someone to feature a playlist for her new book I jumped at the chance.  This is what she had to say . . .

 

 

 

In If Only We, Adrienne goes to karaoke night at a coffee house with her friends. Like Adrienne, I'm not so much for singing in public, BUT, I am working on that. I absolutely love to pretend like I'm singing for an audience though... especially in my car. And also like Adrienne, I have the tendency to pick songs that aren't the usual karaoke kind of song.

Here is a list of the top ten songs I love to sing to now AND would love to sing in front of others someday.

Karaoke Playlist

1. Geek In The Pink by Jason Mraz ~ This one's a lot of fun! I enjoy Jason Mraz and his music, but especially when the the singing is quick.
2. We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel ~ I must be crazy, right? If you've never heard it before, listen to it and see. I actually do know all the lyrics. It took a long time to memorize, and if I don't listen to it once in awhile, I do lose my place.
3. Bye Bye Boyfriend by Fefe Dobson ~ The perfect song that every girl should sing when they need to get over a guy.
4. How To Be A Heartbreaker by Marina And The Diamonds ~ I just discovered this one more recently on accident and couldn't stop listening to it, or singing it.
5. We Are Broken by Paramore ~ There's so much depth to the lyrics, I love the passion in the song.
6. Arrow Through Me by Wings ~ I ended up hearing this one after deciding to listen to the whole album on the record player. It became my favorite Wings song.
7. Careless Whisper by Wham! ~ One of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. It's in the top ten. Okay, probably top five. I used to put this on repeat when I was younger.
8. Take Me Under by Three Days Grace ~ This is my favorite band and one of my favorite songs by them. There's a lot of emotion in the words.
9. I Want A New Duck by Weird Al Yankovic ~ How could I not sing at least ONE Weird Al song? I always go back to this one because it makes me laugh every time.
10. Abracadabra by Sugar Ray ~ The strange thing is, I heard this version before the original by Steve Miller Band. And it has an edgier feel to it, which is nice.

 

 

 

No don't forget to stop by Jessica's blog or check out the rest of the tour (there is a Rafflecopter giveaway ).  And of course go out and get your copy of If Only We!

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

 

The Palace Library by Steven Loveridge
Shadowed Blood by Joely Sue Burkhart
The Marriage Merger by Jennifer Probst (After Dark)
Five Black Cats (Bedtime Story)

Books Finished Last Week:
Reviews will be posted at a later date

The Unbelievable Story of How I Met Your Mother
The Tale of the Taconic Mountains
A Tricky Game
Northlanders Vol. 2 The Cross and the Hammer
Johnny and the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin
Little Nemo's Wild Sleigh Ride
A Lifetime
 

Currently Reading:

Dark Chatter by Andrew Branch - Kindle - 17%
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen - PB - on Page 40 of 383
The Christmas Jars Reunion by Jason F. Wright - Audio - 17%


 Books to be Read Soon:

 

Water Harvest by Eric Diehl (Requested Review)
Knightmare by Deborah Valentine (Requested Review)
One Boy, No Water by Lehua Parker (Requested Review)
Catching Barramundi by Rebecca Burns (Requested Review)
The Lover from Hell by Rob Palmer (Requested Review)
The Clock of Life by Nancy Klann (Requested Review)
Clara Claus by Alexandra Lanc (Advent Reads)
Christmas in Wine Country by Addison Westlake (Advent Reads)
The Christmas Wish by Alexandra Lanc (Advent Reads)
Bah, Humbug! by Heather Horrocks (Advent Reads)
Judgment by Jade Varden


 



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I got a little more reading done last week, but need to do a lot more in preparation for the start on Nanowrimo on Friday!! I have enough reviews scheduled to cover at least half the month of November. Munchkin did start daycare last week and will be adding hours this week so hopefully after a busy start to the week, things will calm down and I can clear some of my desk before having to start my crazy writing!


Boy oh boy! I can't believe how fast the month and year are flying by! On a positive note I have completed both the Series Challenge and the Goodreads Challenge!! I am on my last book for the Audio Challenge too and only two more to go for the Mental Illness Advocacy Challenge!


Happy Week to you all!!

Release Day: If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz

 

Another very exciting day! A good friend of mine, Jessica has her book coming out today. It is her debut novel and I want you all to join me in congratulating her. Well that and go purchase her wonderful book.

 

Here are the details for you:

 

Title: If Only We

Author: Jessica Sankiewicz

Release Date: Today! October 27, 2013

Format: Digital - Ebook

Publisher: Self-published

Price: $0.99 (Limited Time Only)

Goodreads Link: If Only We Goodreads Page

Where To Purchase:  Barnes & Noble - Nook Book

Amazon - Kindle Book

Kobo - TBA

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/368168

Apple iStore - TBA

 

Cover:

 

Synopsis:

They say all it takes is one wrong move and you lose the game. One false step and you’re trapped. One slip-up in your choice of words and you ruin a friendship forever. That is what they say. They say I lost.

I do not believe them.

At the end of the summer after graduation, Adrienne wonders what happened to cause her life to be in ruins. She isn’t getting along with her mom, her stepsister isn’t talking to her, and, to top it off, the boy she’s been in love with doesn’t want anything to do with her. She believes the turning point was a choice she made at graduation. When she wakes up the next day, she has been transported back three months to that moment, the one where everything started to fall apart.

Adrienne realizes she has been given a second chance—and this time she doesn’t want to mess anything up. Reliving the entire summer, though, turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. As the same days and weeks go by, she starts to see how simple decisions can make a huge impact on the world around her. Despite knowing some of what lies ahead, there are some things she didn’t anticipate. She thought she knew what mistake led her to where she ended up the first time. She was wrong.

And by the time summer is over, she discovers what was really at stake.

 

 

 

About the Author:

Jessica is the 28 year old author of IF ONLY WE, a YA contemporary coming out in October 2013. You can often find her either reading or marathon watching TV on DVD, her favorites being Castle and Veronica Mars. She frequently mismatches her clothes and giggles uncontrollably. She knows almost every Billy Joel song by heart. She collects books and toys, and she has an intense love of cats and lemurs. Currently in the midst of her quarter-life-crisis, she is still takin' names and getting very close to reaching an epiphany.

Author Links:

Goodreads Page

Blog

Facebook

Twitter
 

On this tour there is also a Rafflecopter giveaway so make sure you enter!