Rebel (UK)/ Wayfarer (US)

Title: Rebel (UK)/Wayfarer (US)
Author: RJ Anderson
Publisher: Orchard UK
Reading level: 9-12yrs old
Rating: 2/5
Other titles in the series: Knife (UK)/Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter (US)

Summary:
No ordinary fairy tale...
Linden is a feisty faery with a lot on her mind. She her fellow faeries are under threat: their magic is fading, and if they do not act fast, they will die...
When Linden meets Timothy, a human staying in the house opposite her Oak, she knows he can help. Together they embark on a dangerous journey to seek more magic ­ and discover that there is more to fear from other faeries than they could ever have imagined.

Review:
This books isn't even suppose to come out until January 7th. I've been waiting for it. I went for a stroll in Waterstone's the other day and look to my side and there it is, Rebel, the book I've been waiting for! I grabbed it quickly and bought before anyone could realize their mistake and take it off the shelf!

I'm NOT sure what I think about this book. It's NOT as good as Knife. I was expecting something MUCH more for this series. It didn't even seem like the same author. I had to check the cover once while reading just to make sure! I'm a faery lover and this book did nothing for me as it's predecessor, Knife did. I wouldn't say it's a sequel. It seems more like a companion novel. It was just OK. Not really a great faery tale. I'd say skip reading Rebel and just read Knife. It's a GREAT faery story, one I LOVED! I just LOVE LOVE LOVED Knife! You don't need to sequel to enjoy it anymore.

Quote:
"Stay away from the Oak...I saw you poking at it yesterday, when you first got here. It's very old and fragile, and you're big enough to know better. So you can just keep to the house from now on and leave to Oak alone."

My Favorite Gifting Books 2009

Need some book gifting ideas for Christmas? Look no further! Here is a list of my favorite books to gift this year!

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

It is: The best books on earth. No really...a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance.

I'd give it to: Anyone really. My brothers-in-law love it, my sisters love it, and my friends are obsessed with it. Teens and adults alike will LOVE this series!!

Quote: "Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor"




Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella

It is: Hilarious chic lit about a girl who can't keep her secrets to herself.

I'd give it to: Book Clubs, Sisters, friends, females really.

Quote: “And we’ll tell everyone you got your Donna Karan coat from a discount warehouse shop.”






Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

It is: A Werewolf love story

I'd give it to: Any fantasy and paranormal lovers. Older teenagers.

Quote: "Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?"





Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by RJ Anderson

It is: Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Knife sets off to find it and save her species.

I'd give it to: Any 9-12 yr old girl, or any adult who loves faeries or fantasy.

Quote: "I only wanted to go out for a little, little while," the faery child pleaded.




Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull

It is: A secret nature preserve protecting the beings of myth and legend from the outside world.

I'd give it to: Any 9-12 year old who loves Harry Potter. Any adult who loves an adventure!

Favorite Quote: "FABLEHAVEN: None who enter will leave unchanged. Trespassers will be turned to stone."


The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

It is: The story of a Time Traveling man and his beloved wife.

I'd give it to: Book Clubs, Best Friends, Mothers. Anyone who loves a good love story with a dramatic twist.

My favorite quote: "Long ago, men went to sea, and women waited for them, standing on the edge of the water, scanning the horizon for the tiny ship. Now I wait for Henry. He vanishes unwillingly, without warning. I wait for him. Each moment that I wait feels like a year, an eternity. Each moment is as slow and transparent as glass. Through each moment I can see infinite moments lined up, waiting. Why has he gone where I cannot follow?"

What books are you GIFTING this Christmas?

Christmas Books

I really love everything about this time of year. I love all the decorations and the music, movies, and the family time. I even love the Christmas books! They really help me get into the season. Here are a list of my favorites to read this time of year! Along with some new ones I can't wait to read.

Allison is a beautiful young woman, looking for love but never quite able to find it. And even if she could find it, she fears the dark side of her past might ruin everything. On the other had, Christmas is a time of miracles. . . When Allison decides to stay in Provo rather that go home to Australia for Christmas, she has no way of knowing that this holiday season, her life will be changed forever. Oh, yes, love is in the air . . . but so are lingering doubts and ghosts of past regrets. Will the love Allison finds be strong enough to overcome the secrets of her rebellious youth – or will romance once again slip through her finders as it has so often before? Home for Christmas . . . a tender story that illuminated the power of love and shares the miracle of Christmas.


Mark your calendar. It's the Christmas Cookie Club! Every year on the first Monday of December, Marnie and her twelve closest girlfriends gather in the evening with batches of beautifully wrapped homemade cookies. Everyone has to bring a dish, a bottle of wine, and their stories. This year, the stories are especially important. On this evening, at least, they can feel as a group the impulses of sisterly love and conflict, the passion and hopefulness of a new romance, the betrayal and disillusionment some relationships bring, the joys and fears of motherhood, the agony of losing a child, and above all, the love they have for one another. As Marnie says, the Christmas Cookie Club, if it's anything, is a reminder of delight.






Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house... for decades families have gathered together to read Clement C. Moore's eternally enchanting holiday poem.










A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night. If the experience doesn't change Scrooge's ways, he will end up walking the Earth forever being nothing but an invisible and lonely ghost, like his deceased friend Jacob Marley. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/moneychanger who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth. He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love, and the Christmas season.




Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth - four "little women" enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England The charming story of the March sisters, Little Women has been adored by generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's death, and dreamed of traveling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Future writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, both parts of which are included here, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.





This is the story of a young girl who came from a totally disfunctional family. She thought she hated Christmas, because her family never celebrated it, and she always felt left out at Christmas time. She met her prince charming and through his loving ways, and the influence of his family, she grew to love Christmas, as well as to love him.

Book Blogger Holiday Swap

I am participating in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap. I got my presents today!! I couldn't wait to open them. I tried. It didn't work though. I HAD to know what my gifts were.

I got Tithe by Holly Black, I have been REALLY wanting to read this one!! I also got some awesome book marks! One for every month of the year with a little calendar on it! I love them!!!!! They are so cute!!!!!


Thank you so much Kathrin @ Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic!

The Newsstand {5}

The News Stand is a weekly feature.
Here we will dish on tidbits, news, and important things
bookies should know. So scroll down to hear what you can glean from this week.

• Borders UK are seeking a buyer for their 45 stores while they have started closing down procedures. Sales have started and lets hope they find a buyer. I don't want to lose Borders UK!
• Prospera Publishing has FREE International shipping this month on all their titles. Some are even signed by the author!!
• Check out Britain's smallest library! It's in a Red Phone Booth!!
• Want to meet the 2010 Debut Authors? Check out the Debutantes Ball.
• Melissa Marr just released the cover of Radiant Shadows, the 4th book in the Wicked Lovely series! I love it!!
• Who's on the NY Times Best Seller List this week?

What news do YOU have for us?

MIA

I know I've been MIA (missing in action) lately. I've had a disturbing comment or 2 on my blog, and then emails from a BIG book blogger...a REALLY BIG one...that weren't very nice. So it has put me off a bit and made me a bit sad about it all.

I started this book blog because I love to read and my family & friends were always asking me for recommendations. I decided to just put them all in a blog so they could come to one place and see my choices for them. I'm not doing it to copy anyone or try to be the biggest. I like it the way it is. If no one came I'd still do it. I'd do it for myself and my family. I love reading. I want to give away books, even if I have to pay for them, because I want everyone to have the opportunity for good books.

Some people can be mean and hurtful. I promise I'll be better at posting. I've just not felt like it for fear of criticism and rude comments.

Winners!

...And the books go to...




1. Becca and Fam
2. Kelly DeGarmo














1. Adrienne
2. Becca Pierson








Please send me your mailing address asap so I can get your books out to you. Congrats and enjoy!!

Didn't win? You can order these titles from Prospera Publishing for a limited time for FREE postage! Naked in Knightsbridge is even signed if you order from them!!!!!

UPDATE: Link fixed!

OK, I must have had a brain fart and didn't add the right link. I'm so sorry guys! The problem is now fixed and you can enter the 2 International giveaway's I've got going on! I'm so excited about them!

I've got a total of 19 books to giveaway so far in DEC!!! Who doesn't love free books?!

Keep checking back for more giveaways!

Giveaway: The Dresskeeper

Thanks to Prospera Publishing I've got 2 copies of The Dresskeeper by Mary Naylus to giveaway! How lucky are we!

What do you have to do to be entered? It's easy here at The Sweet Bookshelf!

Just enter your name and email in the link below and you'll be entered.

This is an International giveaway!
Anyone can enter!

Ends: Wednesday 2nd December

Summary:
When Picky's Mum forces her to look after Gran, who has dementia, Picky is accidentally transported back to the year 1685, where a man in a wig insists she is someone called Amelia and tries to kill her. Managing to get the dress off just in time, Picky returns to the present with the dress covered in blood. Who is Amelia? Is she dead? Will wearing the other dresses in the chest take Picky back in time too? And does she dare put herself in danger again?

Giveaway: Naked in Knightsbridge

Thanks to Prospera Publishing I've got 2 copies of Naked in Knightsbridge by Nicky Schmidt to Giveaway! We are so lucky!

What do you have to do to be entered? It's easy here at The Sweet Bookshelf!

Just enter your name and email in the link below and you'll be entered.

This is an International giveaway!
Anyone can enter!

Ends: Wednesday 2nd December

Summary:
With mounting debts, threats from a crazy landlord and a cleaning business that was going well until she set fire to someone s house, Jools Grand is about to find herself homeless. She has to come up with a plan, and fast. So with an acute sense of desperation, Jools decides to auction herself online in a marriage of convenience. Who knows, she might even find romance? What Jools isn t banking on is a bidding war between two not-so-eligible bachelors a wealthy, gay, would-be politician who needs a wife as a cover; and a deranged loner with a newly-refurbished basement prison. Add to that a lecherous father, some soon-to-be-exposed secrets and an addiction to pastries, and Jools is set to discover that nothing comes without a price.

The Littlest Detective in London

Title: The Littlest Detective in London
Author: Suzy Brownlee
Publisher: Prospera Publishing
Reading Level: 9-12 yrs
Rating: 4/5

A special thank you to Prospera Publishing for sending me this book to review.

Summary:
The first in a series of eight books, the continuing story of The Littlest Detective in London follows Clementine Cordelia Bird's mission to locate her missing mother. At the same time, a wealthy crime princess from fictitious Slakistan - the evil, designer-clad teenager Natasha Commonov - attempts to free her father from prison. Somehow, the two become inextricably linked - Natasha knows something about Clemmy's mother but refuses to say. And Clemmy manages, often accidentally, to thwart Natasha's nasty plans. Other characters include the food-loving retired spy, Mrs Mackleberry, a paper-folding Japanese policeman, Origami Pete, and a rather unfortunate creature called Ratcat.

Review:
I just know my niece will love these books! I know I did! They have a Nancy Drew feeling to them, and they are full of mystery and adventure. A darling book for any age! I can't wait to see what Clemmy's going to get into next.

Library Loot

Went to the awesome library! Picked up these 2 lovelies...even though I have a HUGE TBR pile. I can't resist the library.


Set in Talia, a parallel world very similar to 16th-century Italy, the narrative follows Lucien, who in our world is very ill. Given a marbled notebook to use as a diary, the notebook is the unexpected means that transports Lucien to this dangerous new world; a world that thrills to the delight of political intrigue and where a life can be snuffed out with a flash of a merlino blade. The city of Bellezza (Venice in our world) is astonishingly evoked, with a filmic eye to detail, from the sensuousness of silks and velvets, to the thrill and danger of assassination attempts both and foiled and successful. The world of Talia is unforgettably and convincingly real.







When Dr Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons during an archaeological dig in southern France, she unearths a link with a horrific and brutal past. But it's not just the sight of the shattered bones that makes her uneasy; there's an overwhelming sense of evil in the tomb that Alice finds hard to shake off, even in the bright French sunshine. Puzzled by the words carved inside the chamber, Alice has an uneasy feeling that she has disturbed something which was meant to remain hidden...

Eight hundred years ago, on the night before a brutal civil war ripped apart Languedoc, three books were entrusted to Alais, a young herbalist and healer. Although she cannot understand the symbols and diagrams the books contain, Alais knows her destiny lies in protecting their secret, at all costs. Skilfully blending the lives of two women divided by centuries but united by a common destiny, 'Labyrinth' is a powerful story steeped in the atmosphere and history of southern France.

Featured Author: Melissa Marr

I was in the bookstore this summer when I saw a group of shiny books about faeries that I knew I HAD to have. I knew I would love them. I just knew. I wasn't disappointed. I entered Melissa Marr's world of Faeries and have been in love with faeries every since!

Let me introduce you to Melissa Marr!

Bio:
Melissa has never been good at choosing just one path. After finishing high school with the dubious honor of being voted "most likely to end up in jail," she went to college and graduate school. There curiosity (and tuition bills) led her to the dual jobs of teaching and slinging drinks at a biker bar. During the daylit hours, she indulged in long literary chats; at night, she lingered with intriguing people with one word names.

Eventually, she went on to bartend at a number of other weird little bars, teach lit both live and online, and discover the joy of tattoos. All three have been great rushes. The latter borders on addiction, but is held in check by the desire to attend the opera without flashing too many tattoos.

After marrying someone who shares the love of ink--on the page and on the skin--Melissa began moving around the country. In the process, she discovered how vast the Mojave really is, how many incredible museums are out there, and how hard it can be to think about settling in one place. She's continued teaching along the way, but traded beer-slinging for book writing.

Minutia:

I buy the theory that who we are is reflected in the minutia, so here are my pieces and parts--

Music-- I love most anything acoustic, traditional Irish & Scottish music, old blues (preferably in bars, live), old punk, rock, or reggae. Honestly, I've yet to find a genre I can't like.

Current Playlist-- Jem, Sugarcult, Ramones, Damien Rice, Tegan & Sara, Linkin Park, Poe, Sex Pistols, AFI, Marilyn Manson, The Used, and Shivaree

Literary authors-- Faulkner, Christina Rossetti, R. Browning, Rilke, Baudelaire, and Kate Chopin.

Recent Reads that Made me Pause in Awe -- Szymborska (in translation) and Laurie Halse Anderson's YA novel Speak.

Repeat Reads -- Eliot (The Wasteland), Conrad (Heart of Darkness), Dillard (The Writing Life), Browning (dramatic monologues), Shakespeare (comedies &/or tragedies, no histories please), Chaucer (C. Tales), and the list just keeps growing.

Books in General--I read an average novel in a few hours, so I have stacks of paperbacks tilting precariously all over the house. My shelves are filled with everything from a biography of Chesty Puller to murder mysteries and folktales. Except for inspirational novels and self-help books, I read most everything I can get my hands on.

Dessert-- tiramisu, still-hot brownies, fresh raspberry pie

Food-- fresh bread, beef stew, green peas, sliced cucumbers, potatoes, clementines . . . I'm a "kick" eater. I want one specific food non-stop for days on--living on heaping plate of peas for meals--and then I move on to something else for a while.

Place-- tidepools, the beach off-season, the Mojave, ghost towns, abandoned buildings, ruins, museums, small dying cities, Sundays downtown in cities where I can wander around towering buildings with few people

Flowers/Plants-- Weeping Willow, Joshua Tree, Calla Lily, Ivy, Iris, wild flowers, cactus, plants that sprout where it seems impossible to thrive, plants that sway, flowers that leave the air thick enough to taste . . .

Tattoos--6 stargazer lilies, a very lengthy vine, a religious symbol in a washed water-colour palate, and a full back piece of Ms. Muse dancing on bones and flowers (in progress). Sigh. It's not nearly enough, but I'm trying to pace myself.

FAQ's

Melissa's Books:






Other Works

How Melissa got Published and Blurbs

Melissa's Blog

Melissa's Website


All info can be found on Melissa Marr's website

Shiver

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
Grace is fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house; one yellow-eyed wolf in particular. Every winter, she watches him but every summer, he disappears. Sam leads two lives. In winter he stays in the frozen woods, with the protection of the pack.n summer, he has a few precious months to be human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. When Grace and Sam finally meet they realize they can't bear to be apart. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human - or risk losing himself, and Grace, for ever

Review:
Wow. Great book! Just what I needed. It was a quick read and I was into it immediately. I'd never read a book with wolves in it before, other than Twilight. I enjoyed the love story. I'm a sucker for those. I dreamed of Sam last night *sigh* The story was focused on Grace and Sam with him a werewolf being the backdrop to their story. It was great! You need to pick this up! I love werewolves now!!! I can't wait for the second installment, Linger, out next year.

Caution to parents: There is one instance of teen sex. It is not explicit. No details. But it's there.

The Newsstand {4}

The News Stand is a weekly feature.
Here we will dish on tidbits, news, and important things
bookies should know. So scroll down to hear what you can glean from this week.

• Aprilynne Pike has released the cover for her new book in the Wings series, Spells! Released May 4, 2010!!
• What's on the NY Times Best Seller List? Did your favorite make it to the top?
• An overdue library book was returned after 51 years! Check out the fine!
• Author Melissa Marr has a contest going to get an ARC of her new book Radiant Shadows, the next book in the Wicked Lovely Series. Good luck!
• Want free ebooks? Gutenberg has a library of 25,000 titles for you to read for free! If it's free for me!
• Stephen King fans join in gigantic hide and seek to mark book launch.

What book news do you have for us?

Winner!

The Winner of a hardback copy of
A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve is:

Alicia

I've emailed you, please send me your mailing address
asap so I can get your book out to you.

Congrats!

Last Chance

Last day to enter
the International Giveaway for
A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve.

Anyone can enter!!

Good Luck!

Naked in Knightsbridge

Title: Naked in Knightsbridge
Author: Nicky Schmidt
Publisher: Prospera
Reading Level: Adult
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
With mounting debts, threats from a crazy landlord and a cleaning business that was going well until she set fire to someone s house, Jools Grand is about to find herself homeless. She has to come up with a plan, and fast. So with an acute sense of desperation, Jools decides to auction herself online in a marriage of convenience. Who knows, she might even find romance? What Jools isn t banking on is a bidding war between two not-so-eligible bachelors a wealthy, gay, would-be politician who needs a wife as a cover; and a deranged loner with a newly-refurbished basement prison. Add to that a lecherous father, some soon-to-be-exposed secrets and an addiction to pastries, and Jools is set to discover that nothing comes without a price.

Review:
If you like The Shopaholic series, you'll love Naked in Knightsbridge. This book is fantastic! An essential if you just want to sit back, relax and escape from the world. Jools is quite the character, one of my favorites, and she'll keep you laughing till the end.

Life Changing Books

You know that book? The one that started your love affair with reading? What is it and why did it have such an impact on your life?


Mine would have to be Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I was in the 6th grade. My sister Katie loved these books and I wanted to know what she loved so much. My best friend Jessica and I both decided we would read them. There are 8 books in the series and I finished in 7 days. I read up in a tree, stayed up late reading in the bathroom (I shared a room with Becca and Amy), read on the tire swing, and did basically nothing else that whole week.

My eyes opened to another world. I could live in another place and time. I could be someone different. I could have new experiences. I couldn't get enough of Anne's story. Thank goodness there were plenty of books in the series.

There have been many of those books along the road where I have felt myself come alive while reading. Those stories where I have been deeply affected by the circumstances I was reading about.

I think reading is for everyone. If someone doesn't like reading, I believe they just haven't found "that" book yet that will open their eyes to what reading can really do for you.

What is that life changing book for you?

Christmas Once Again

Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas without my Hilary Weeks Christmas CD. It's a staple in my life. I've already brought it out and I'm enjoying it during these autumn months!

Hilary has a NEW Christmas CD out, Christmas Once Again! She has written 3 brand new songs. I've heard the sample CD on Deseret Books and I LOVE IT!! She also has a free download of her singing Simple Gifts.

What a perfect gift for myself! I mean for others of course...

Bring on Christmas! I'm ready!!

Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor

Title: Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor
Author: Willow
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Reading Level: 9-12 yrs old
Rating: 3/5

A special thanks to the author Willow for sending me her book to review.

Summary:
One day twelve-year-old Tirissa discovers that everyone in her village is under a spell. Everyone but her! Then she sees a mysterious stranger change into a huge bird, a bird with a beak like a sword. Did he cast the spell? Desperate to find someone who can break it, she flees, leaving her village behind. An old herbwoman tells her to seek help from a wizard who lives far away, and her journey takes her across the Three Kingdoms. Along the way she's joined by a kindly troll and a short, fat palace guard. They are pursued by the twin princes of Kellayne, the best hunters in the Blue River Kingdom, as well as by the huge, dangerous bird. Meanwhile, an evil wizard watches Tirissa and her friends in his magic mirror and plans a second spell that will kill everyone in the Three Kingdoms.

Review:
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised! I'm a sucker for any fairytale style books. A unique story and it is well written. I probably never would have picked this one up if the author Willow wouldn't have sent it to me. I'm so glad she did! It was so good!

Join Tirissa's Facebook fan page for a chance to win a free copy of the book!

The Newsstand {3}

The News Stand is a weekly feature. Here we will dish on tidbits, news, and important things bookies should know. So scroll down to hear what you should glean from this week.

• Brandon Mull has released the cover of the 5th and final book Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison!!! Out March 23, 2010.

• Shannon Hale, one of my favorite authors, is on a book tour! She will be in Utah and the East Coast in November! Check out her calendar to see if she is coming to a city near you!

• In need of a good book? Check out the NY Times Best Seller List. You might find your next gem and see who made the top this week.

• Check out the list of NEW release books for Nov & Dec at B&N Books.

• Always dreamed of working in a library? Check out the ALA's list of library jobs around the country!

• Save Our Pittsburgh Libraries! Check out what local officials are doing to keep them open.

• Want FREE shipping when you buy a book? Check out Better World Books and help contribute to Global Literacy and Save Books From Landfills at the same time! What's NOT to like?

Until next week!

International Giveaway: A Change in Altitude

As promised, I've got an International Contest!

A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve

What do you have to do to be entered? It's easy here at The Sweet Bookshelf!

Just enter your name and address in the link below and you'll be entered.

International giveaway!
Anyone can enter!

Ends: Sunday 15th November


Good Luck!

Summary:

Margaret and Patrick, married just a few months, set off on a great adventure ? a year living in Kenya. While Patrick practices medicine, Margaret works as a photojournalist, capturing a dizzying and sometimes dangerous city on film. When a British couple invites the newlyweds on a climbing expedition to the summit of Mount Kenya, they eagerly agree. But during their arduous ascent a horrific accident occurs. In its aftermath, Margaret struggles to understand what happened on the mountain and how it has transformed her and her marriage, perhaps for ever. With stunning language and striking emotional intensity, A Change in Altitude illuminates the irrevocable impact of tragedy and the elusive nature of forgiveness.

Featured Author: R J Anderson

This summer I grabbed up Knife by RJ Anderson and was quickly swept up in her faery world. I can't wait for the second installment to her series coming to the UK in January! I want all of you to know about her. You MUST pick up her debut book! She is a hidden gem.

Let me introduce you to R J Anderson!

R J Anderson (known to her friends as Rebecca) was born in Uganda, raised in Ontario, went to school in New Jersey, and has spent much of her life dreaming of other worlds entirely.

As a child she immersed herself in fairy tales, mythology, and the works of C.S Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien and E. Nesbit; later she discovered more contemporary authors like Ursula LeGuin, Patricia A. McKillip, and Robin McKinley, and learned to take as much pleasure from their language as the stories they told.

Now married and a mother of three, Rebecca reads to her sons the classic works of fantasy and science fiction that enlivened her own childhood, and tries to bring a similar sense of humor, adventure, and timeless wonder to the novels she writes for children and young adults. She currently lives in the beautiful theatre town of Stratford, Ontario.

Rebecca's Official Website
Rebecca's Journal: Welcome to Oakenwyld


RJ Anderson's Books:

Knife-UK cover
Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter-USA cover

To Be Released:

Rebel- January 7, 2010 (UK)

Wayfarer- April 2010 (USA, cover not available yet)

Little Women

Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Reading Level: Young Adult, Adult
Rating: 5/5

Summary:
In picturesque nineteenth-century New England, tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy come of age while their father is off to war.

Review:
This is one of my very favorite books of all time. When I read it in high school it just really fit with me. I have seen all the different version of the movies way before I ever read the book. I didn't want to read it because I always felt like Jo & Laurie should be together. I didn't like the ending. Until I read the book I never understood. I totally believe that the books ending is how it should be. This is such a classic for me. I love to read it every winter. Helps me get into the season. It is a classic for a reason. Enjoy!

The Newsstand {2}

The News Stand is a weekly feature. Here we will dish on tidbits, news, and important things we think bookies should know. So scroll down to hear what we think you should glean from this week.

• DreamWorks have picked up the rights to teen novel series Wicked. Writers Aaron and Matthew Benay are attached to adapt the bestselling books - Witch, Curse, Legacy, Spellbound, and Resurrection.

• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is #1 on the NY Times Best Seller List! Where the Wild Things Are has also made it to #1 this week!

• CBSnews.com says In The Recession, Libraries are booming. Check out the article.

• Folks are flocking to the libraries to look for a job. Check out what The Wall Street Journal has to say about it.

• Walmart.com has the Top New Release books for under $10. They also have the top 200 books for 50% off!