Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Monsters by Ilsa J. Bick

Monsters
by Ilsa J. Bick

Visit Ilsa:
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter

Just released: September 2013
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Genre: Dystopia, YA, Zombies
Hardback: 688 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

The Changed are on the move. The Spared are out of time. The End...is now.

When her parents died, Alex thought things couldn't get much worse—until the doctors found the monster in her head.

She headed into the wilderness as a good-bye, to leave everything behind. But then the end of the world happened, and Alex took the first step down a treacherous road of betrayal and terror and death.

Now, with no hope of rescue—on the brink of starvation in a winter that just won't quit—she discovers a new and horrifying truth.

The Change isn't over.
The Changed are still evolving.
And...they've had help.

With this final volume of The Ashes Trilogy, Ilsa J. Bick delivers a riveting, blockbuster finish, returning readers to a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where no one is safe and hope is in short supply.

A world where, from these ashes, the monsters may rise.


Series:
Ashes
Shadows
Monsters

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
big booga booga supernatural mystery
Whoa! The action. The drama. The kinda-love quadrangle.

Loved how the stories about Amish culture, soldiers and soldiering, survival and moral dilemmas are presented.

The main character, Alex, is now officially part of my top five favorite fictional kick-ass heroines.

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--

WIN a copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: November 10, 2013

TO DO:

Select at least ONE of these to do:

Follow Egmont USA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EgmontUSA
Follow Egmont USA on Twitter: @EgmontUSA
Follow Ilsa J. Bick on Twitter: @ilsajbick

TELL me what you did and leave your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

Talk Like Jane Austen Day - 2013

Dear Readers,
Have a Happy
Talk Like Jane Austen Day!


~*~

The more I know of the world,
the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love.
I require so much!
- says Marianne of Sense And Sensibility by Jane Austen

~*~

See how Marianne's sister, Elinor, reacts to this man...



I-I've come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is, and always will be, yours.
-Edward Ferrars to Elinor in the 1995 film version of Sense & Sensibility


~*~

Check out these Jane Austen-ish words...

Sense & Sensibility
by Joanna Trollope
just released: October 29, 2013

From Joanna Trollope, one of the most insightful chroniclers of family life writing fiction today, comes a contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s classic novel of love, money, and two very different sisters.

John Dashwood promised his dying father that he would take care of his half sisters. But his wife, Fanny, has no desire to share their newly inherited estate. When she descends upon Norland Park, the three Dashwood girls—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—are faced with the realities of a cold world and the cruelties of life without their father, their home, or their money.

With her sparkling wit, Joanna Trollope casts a clever, satirical eye on the tales of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

Reimagining Sense and Sensibility in a fresh, modern new light, she spins the novel’s romance, bonnets, and betrothals into a wonderfully witty coming-of-age story about the stuff that really makes the world go around. For when it comes to money, some things never change....


~*~


fyi: Joanna's book above is part of The Austen Project in which six bestselling authors have been commissioned to rewrite one of Jane's completed works.

Other authors include:

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid - coming March 2014
Pride & Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld
Emma by Alexander McCall Smith

Persuasion and Mansfield Park are not yet announced.

To find out more about The Austen Project, you can signup for their newsletter here.

~*~


I could not be happy with a man whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own. He must enter in all my feelings; the same books, the same music must charm us both.
― says Marianne of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen


~*~

* Talk like Jane Austen day is in celebration of the 202nd anniversary of the publishing of Sense & Sensibility. You can find out more about this day here and here.

* image source Sense & Sensibility comic #1, Sense & Sensibility cell phone

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The Mona Lisa Speaks by Christopher Angel

The Mona Lisa Speaks
by Christopher Angel

Visit Christopher:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Twitter

Published: May 2013
Publisher: Over The Edge Books
Genre: France, Thriller
Paperback: 363 pages
Rating: 4

Amazon | BarnesNoble

Brilliant & confident Robertson Ross, an outdoorsy Canadian computer expert hired to update the Louvre’s security system, falls in love with Mathilde, a classic beauty & cultured Parisian art dealer. But, when he discovers that she’s deeply in debt to Jacques Renard, a powerful & dangerous lord of the French criminal underground, he has to embark on the risky & thrilling theft of the Mona Lisa to save her – & their unborn child.

Rob’s biggest problems actually begin after he successfully steals the Mona Lisa & replaces her with a perfect copy. Facing betrayals at all turns, he needs every bit of his intelligence, cunning, courage, & computer skills to stay alive & reunite with his true love. This is a story of thrills, danger, & a Canadian from the frozen North falling in love with Paris.


PeekAbook:



Quote to note:
Women have been the reason for many of the greatest feats in human history.
-chapter 20, page 105


My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
reckless
Loved the mashup of art, computers and Paris in this thriller.

Also, learning about the inner workings of a museum (in this case the Louvre) was fascinating.

And yes, Mona Lisa speaks ;-)

~-~-~-~-~ guest post ~-~-~-~-~
by Christopher Angel
~-~-~-~-~ guest post ~-~-~-~-~

Robertson Ross is my fictional version of that new breed of person - the charismatic, outgoing computer genius. I know some of these types personally (but I will not name them here). The old cliche of the expert computer programmer as the ultra-nerd, not good with people, is outdated in this age of internet billionaires and the allure of Silicon Valley. Thus, I created Rob, an example of this new breed of well-rounded computer experts. And I feel the book has come out at exactly the right time - since Edward Snowden, a real life example of this new type, continues to grab headlines.

So, how is Rob different than the old cliche of the computer nerd? First, he’s a Canadian, and not just a “regular” Canadian, he grew up in the Yukon, the Canadian neighbor to Alaska. His father was a bush pilot, so Rob grew up comfortable both around the extreme of the Yukon wilderness and also around mechanical machines. I wanted to write a Canadian character because I wanted him to be a little different, and also because I am a Canadian myself, and thought I could master his voice more smoothly for my first book. I also was fortunate to spend some time in the Yukon as I was starting to write the novel, and fell under the spell of the place and the people I met there. It requires a certain amount of self-reliance to live there, especially given the long winters.

One of the traits that I imagined in Robertson was his curiosity. I pictured him watching American television and old classic movies with his father in his house during the long winter nights, and imagining living what he was seeing. He also read a lot as a child, but always had a natural affinity towards computers and programming. He lost his mother when he was still young, so he formed a very close relationship with his father. Through his father, he discovered good food, a love of jazz music, and French films. Through these classic French films, of Truffaut and Goddard, he fell in love with the Paris of old. But he’s always dreamed of living there and discovering the Paris of today.

This upbringing also made Robertson a bit of a romantic. He has had some relationships at college, but never anything too serious - part of the problem with focussing so much on computer science, and working so much. So, when he meets Mathilde, he was primed to really fall head over heels for her.

Ultimately, I think Rob’s defining characteristic is his loyalty. He’ll do anything for the people he loves, and he’s very dependable. These are not unique Canadian qualities, but I like to think that they are quite common in Canadians. Rob is the kind of guy you can count on in a crisis. He’s been through some life and death situations with his dad out in the Yukon wilderness, so he knows how important it is to stay calm and keep his cool. And he’s conditioned to be able to do that.

Rob is a modern Renaissance man. He’s an outdoorsman, a computer scientist, and a romantic. He’s a little like how I might imagine Leonardo da Vinci might be if he existed today!"

~-~-~-~-~ guest post ~-~-~-~-~
by Christopher Angel
~-~-~-~-~ guest post ~-~-~-~-~

~*~

About the Author:

Emmy nominee Christopher Angel was inspired to write The Mona Lisa Speaks, his first novel, during a visit to the Louvre, where he dared ask, “why is the Mona Lisa so famous?” The answer, in part, surprised him: few know that the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, and went missing for two years. Wondering what happened in those intervening two years launched his own fictional update of the story.

A professional film-maker, Christopher’s most recent movie as a writer/director is This Is Not A Test - a satire about domestic terrorism that aired on Showtime. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work on James Cameron’s documentary, Expedition Bismarck, and won a student Academy Award for his short film, Mr. October. Christopher received his B.A. from Yale University, where he was a Humanities major, and an MFA in film-making from the University of Southern California.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

WIN my review copy of this book!

Open to all.

Offer ends: November 10, 2013

TO DO:

VISIT the author, Christopher Angel.

RETURN here and tell me something you found of interest there.

AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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~*~

* review copy courtesy of Mona Lisa Speaks tour - check out the other stops for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by France Book Tours.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick

Shadows
by Ilsa J. Bick

Visit Ilsa:
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter

Published: 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Genre: Dystopia, YA, Zombies
Paperback: 528 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

The Apocalypse does not end.

The Changed will grow in numbers.

The Spared may not survive.

Even before the EMPs brought down the world, Alex was on the run from the demons of her past and the monster living in her head. After the world was gone, she believed Rule could be a sanctuary for her and those she'd come to love. But she quickly learns that there are no safe havens anymore.

Torn apart from Tom and Ellie, she's on her own and desperate to find her friends.


Series:
Ashes
Shadows
Monsters

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
kaboom
More details about the zombies are revealed in this second book to the trilogy. They are not like the slow-moving ones with one thing on their minds. Well actually they still have that one thing on their mind, but the way they go about it is... interesting.

I like the subplots and mix of characters - keeps you guessing and nail-biting until the end.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

signup to win this book trilogy


~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Ashes
by Ilsa J. Bick

Visit Ilsa:
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter

Published: 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Genre: Dystopia, YA, Zombies
Paperback: 496 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.


Series:
Ashes
Shadows
Monsters

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
zapped
I was impressed with how this zombie-like world was created and described.

Also, the human dilemmas are presented well with a main female character who can surely hold her own.

Wouldn't mind seeing this book adapted to film ;-)

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

signup to win this book trilogy


~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

Stacking the Shelves - 10.26.13

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Bought:

Allegiant
by Veronica Roth
-dystopia, YA

Got this signed copy while she was in town and speaking at the Castro Theatre - she was a hoot and awesome!

Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets:
A Real-Life Scottish Fairy Tale
by Jessica A. Fox
-books, memoir

The Night Guest
by Fiona MacFarlane
-thriller

Stay tuned: this will be featured in the upcoming Night Night virtual book event

For Review:

The Gangs of Suburbia
by Stuart R. West
courtesy of author
Thanks Stuart!

Tex, Witch Boy
by Stuart R. West
courtesy of author
Thanks Stuart!

Tex and the God Squad
by Stuart R. West
ARC courtesy of author
Thanks Stuart!
cover and release date: tba

When Adam Lacroft Met Death
by Carlos Paolini
courtesy of Authoright
Thanks Diana!

~*~

* most of these will be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, October 25, 2013

Steampunk Giveaway HOP: signup

Steampunk
Giveaway HOP

November 25 - December 1, 2013
hosted by vvb32 reads

SIGN UP on this post for: Steampunk Giveaway Hop

Featuring Books and Goodies with a steampunk theme - please, no gift cards as this is to promote this specific theme.

The hope is to see actual images of steampunk books and/or items to help spread the awareness of this genre.

What is STEAMPUNK?
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. Steampunk perhaps most recognizably features anachronistic technologies or retro-futuristic inventions as people in the 19th century might have envisioned them, and is likewise rooted in the era's perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. -per wikipedia

For example: lists of steampunk books can be found here...

Goodreads
Wikipedia
Amazon (YA steampunk)

~*~

HOP RULES:

You must host a giveaway on YOUR site.

You must giveaway either a book (print or ebook) or an item in keeping with the steampunk theme (no gift cards).

You are responsible for obtaining a prize for giveaway and taking care of the shipping. I have found it pretty easy to send books directly via Book Depository.

YOUR GIVEAWAY POST must include the Hop image and Title info as posted above AND Linky list (grab the code below).

Please only 1 mandatory entry (up to 2 optional extra entries) for a maximum of 3 entries per person.

Your post must be live November 25, 2013.

HOP ends on December 1, 2013.

Feel free to email me if you have questions vvb32 @ yahoo.com

WANT TO JOIN IN?

Authors as well as Bloggers are welcome to join this HOP.

Please complete Linky sign up below.

ALSO, let us know who are eligible for the giveaway. Include the following after your Blog URL:

(US)
(US/Canada)
(Intl)

HOP participants:
note: I will update these links with actual post link during the event.





~*~

* source: badge image steampunk gal

* this HOP is part of the event TEA on the Filigree - steampunk style that starts November 17



Thursday, October 24, 2013

Speak Out against domestic violence - FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid by Joshua Safran


Note from Joshua: “The award-winning documentary Crime After Crime told the story of my seven-year struggle to free Deborah Peagler, a battered woman who was wrongfully imprisoned for more than 20 years. I was inspired to help her because of the years of abuse my mother and I endured at the hands of my stepfather when I was a boy. My representation of Deborah grew into a deep friendship, and she gave me the courage to finally write about those experiences in my memoir, FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid. My biggest hope is that by telling my story, others will be inspired to speak up, and we can work together to end the wall of silence and finally break the cycle of violence.”

In recognition of October being National Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are proud to speak out with BookSparks, book lovers and author Joshua Safran against domestic violence.


Free Spirit:
Growing Up On The Road and Off the Grid

by Joshua Safran

Website - Amazon - Goodreads - Excerpt

An Unforgettable Journey Through an Unconventional Childhood

When Joshua Safran was four years old, his mother--determined to protect him from the threats of nuclear war and Ronald Reagan--took to the open road with her young son, leaving the San Francisco countercultural scene behind. Together they embarked on a journey to find a utopia they could call home. In Free Spirit, Safran tells the harrowing, yet wryly funny story of his childhood chasing this perfect life off the grid--and how they survived the imperfect one they found instead.

Encountering a cast of strange and humorous characters along the way, Joshua spends his early years living in a series of makeshift homes, including shacks, teepees, buses, and a lean-to on a stump. His colorful youth darkens, however, when his mother marries an alcoholic and abusive guerrilla/poet.

Throughout it all, Joshua yearns for a "normal" life, but when he finally reenters society through school, he finds "America" a difficult and confusing place. Years spent living in the wilderness and discussing Marxism have not prepared him for the Darwinian world of teenagers, and he finds himself bullied and beaten by classmates who don't share his mother's belief about reveling in one's differences.

Eventually, Joshua finds the strength to fight back against his tormentors, both in school and at home, and helps his mother find peace. But Free Spirit is more than just a coming-of-age story. It is also a journey of the spirit, as he reconnects with his Jewish roots; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.


PeekAbook:



Here’s how you can speak out, too!

Post it: Post the Speak Out badge on your blog on October 24th along with the book cover and info pasted below on Joshua Safran’s book FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid. We understand you have other obligations/plans for your blog that day, however, whatever you can do on October 24th to stand up for victims of domestic violence everywhere would be much appreciated.

Tweet it: Speak out with @BookSparksPR, book lovers and @JoshuaSafran today against domestic violence! #SpeakOut #DV http://bit.ly/1fEdISr

Facebook it: Share the badge, this campaign (http://bit.ly/1fEdISr), #SpeakOut #DV, and your words against domestic violence via Facebook and tag us (BookSparksPR) so we can share, too!

Rate it: Head over to Goodreads and rate Joshua Safran’s FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid (http://bit.ly/16IioTChttp://bit.ly/16IioTC). It’s a book about Joshua’s journey of the spirit; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.

Buy it: If you buy Joshua Safran’s book, FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid, let us know and we will match with a donation to a domestic violence awareness organization. On October 24th only, if you buy the book for you, a friend, a holiday gift or all of the above, send us your receipt(s) and we’ll be donating up to 20% of book sales that day (based on emailed receipts) to the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women in support of BookSparks Speaks Out: Domestic Violence Awareness and victims everywhere. Buy on Indie Bound; Buy on Amazon; or Buy on Barnes & Noble. Send receipts to erin@SparkPointStudio.com.


~*~

* part of BookSparks tour



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday - 10.23.13


I'm waiting for...

Dreams and Shadows
by C. Robert Cargill
-fantasy
Release date: October 29, 2013

Screenwriter and acclaimed film critic C. Robert Cargill makes his fiction debut with Dreams and Shadows, taking beloved fantasy tropes, giving them a twist, and turning out a wonderful, witty, and wry take on clash between the fairy world and our own.

Something is missing from Ewan and Colby’s lives. Residing in the corners of their memories is their time in Limestone Kingdom, a realm filled with magic and mystery, a world where only some may travel amongst the menagerie of mystical souls and sinister demons.

Cargill offers well-crafted characters and an absorbing, intricate plot that will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman and Lev Grossman. Dreams and Shadows pulls you into an extraordinary universe of darkness that exposes the magic and monsters in our world, and in ourselves.


~*~

Again like last week, I picked this one as it is in keeping with my upcoming virtual book event, Night Night that starts November 1.

~*~

* Waiting on Wednesday is sponsored by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

~~~ NIGHT NIGHT schedule ~~~

Winners for October pt3


Here are the winners for giveaways that
ended October 20, 2013
during the Gone Girl Girls event

Thanks to all contestants!

~*~

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Winner: Jared of Infinite Bookshelf

Longings of Wayward Girls by Karen Brown
Winner: Lisamarie

~*~

* to see the original giveaway offer, click on the prize title links

* I will email winners for mailing addresses within two weeks.
Winners, feel free to contact me with your info if you don't get my email
or if you are just too darn excited and want to let me know -- like NOW ;-D

* contest policy

* keep in touch with my giveaways and learn about other book giveaways by subscribing via email on my sidebar (you may want to go digest mode)

* if not this time, maybe next time

--> check out the current giveaways and upcoming events on my sidebar

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Exotic Guest Post: An Introduction to Marriages

An Insurable Insanity
by Simi K. Rao
Paperback, eBook, 376 pages
Just released: October 8, 2013 by Tate Publishing

Goodreads * Tate Publishing * Blog * Barnes & Noble * Amazon

Join the #Talk daily on Simi's Facebook
as she walks us through the beautiful backdrop to her amazing book...

"In Rao's debut novel an arranged marriage sets the stage for an intimate look at the exasperating madness of love....An often intoxicating...will-they-won't-they tale."- KIRKUS REVIEWS

Book Description:
Her heart fluttered when she heard the sound of the key turn in the lock. She quickly adjusted her maroon silk sari with the yellow border, the one that had caught his eye, and waited eagerly for his footsteps.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven... Yes, exactly seven steps before he stopped, hesitated for a few moments, then removed his shoes one by one and arranged them neatly side by side on the shoe rack.

She smiled. He had been mindful of taking his shoes off every day now. "I am not used to it, but I will if you want me to. It's probably a good thing to do anyway."

As he settled down, he would pick up the TV remote and, without looking at her, would say in his smooth baritone, "So how did you spend your day, anything interesting?"

Shaan Ahuja found himself bowing to tradition and agreeing to an arranged marriage to the beautiful Ruhi Sharma. He went through the motions but had no intention of carrying through on his vows. His last foray into matters of the heart with an American girl had left him scarred and unwilling to try again. Thoroughly disillusioned and disgruntled he wasted no time in making his intentions clear to Ruhi on their wedding night. But, he was completely unprepared for what his new wife had in mind.


Excerpt:


An Introduction to Hindu Marriage (Vivaah)

Indians in general are deeply rooted in tradition. Our culture gives us our identity. Most of us (especially those living away from the homeland,) cling to it, even though several aspects especially in these modern times, make no sense at all.

Why do we do so?

Perhaps because it brings us together as a community and provides us comfort in a foreign environment. The same I think applies to immigrants from all across the globe.

Let me start with a subject which continues to baffle a lot of people in the west: Arranged Marriages. 

I have been asked by some of my friends to elaborate on the tradition of arranged marriages and explain why they continue to be so popular, as well as describe the various rituals which take place during a typical wedding.

As a part of Hindu culture, arranged nuptials remain resilient even today despite the invasion of modern thought into every aspect of  Indian society. Times are definitely changing but many young Indians still prefer it.

Why?

Because your work is done for you. When you have reached a certain age (early twenties in women and mid to late twenties in men on an average,) the hunt for a suitable match begins. After a lot of deliberation, one is chosen for you by your parents with advice from the elders in the family, taking into consideration among various other things; caste and social class. Marrying outside one’s caste is frowned upon and in some rural communities it can even lead to dire consequences.

The horoscopes (very important for suitability,) are matched. The girl and the boy can get to know each other. They are often able to express reservations if any and sometimes also have the veto power. But if all the I’s are dotted and the T’s crossed, who would want to say no?

Why do arranged marriages succeed?

I’m not sure about the answer, but as one of my colleagues suggested, perhaps they succeed because there are zero expectations on both sides, in addition to a willingness to compromise and make it work. There is also considerable social monitoring.

More on the culture of marriage:
In Hinduism, marriage is an essential stage of life. It is the sacred responsibility (Dharma) of each and every individual in the society, unless the individual has accepted a life of renunciation (Sanyasa) due to an intense yearning for liberation.

Marriage is a sacred relationship. It is not just the meeting of two individuals but of two souls. It’s purpose is for the continuation of family and to practice one’s Dharma. There is no concept of divorce. Once married, a couple are wedded for life. Divorce is a modern concept introduced through the Hindu Marriage Act of India.

Wedding traditions vary according to the different regions in India (North, South, East and West.) But in essence the basis of the rituals is mostly the same.

~*~

About the Author:

Simi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several years. The inspiration for An Incurable Insanity came from what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community. Some of the experiences included are her own; some have been garnered from friends and casual conversations with acquaintances...

I am a physician–and to many I may appear serious and solitary. But once people get to know me better, they often think that I am frank, down to earth, with quite a quirky sense of humor. And that is what I bring to my writing—read and you shall see.

I was born in the dead center of India, but had the privilege of spending time both in the north and south. Therefore I have been able to sample and absorb to some extent the vastly diverse cultures and languages of both these regions (the very quality that imparts tremendous richness to our country’s heritage,) —a phenomenon perhaps not seen anywhere else in the world.

After immigrating to the United States in my early twenties and spending several years in this country, whenever I travel back to my homeland now, I find that I appreciate my roots a lot more. Still there is so much to see and learn, that a lifetime won’t suffice.

A Casual Fling with the Keyboard * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

~*~

Giveaway:

$100 Gift Card to Amazon
5 eCopies of An Incurable Insanity

October 18 - November 11, 2013. International giveaway. Must be able to download winnings. Must be 18 to enter. See Rafflecopter for additional restrictions.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*~

* part of event: An Insurable Insanity tour - check out the other stops for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by Prism Book Tours - now booking tours for 2014 here.

Tomorrow visit The Wonderings of One Person who continues this theme with "The Seven Vows".


~*~

Welcome to The Exotic Tour...


We offer flowers in traditional welcome.
You are our honored guest...


      10/20: Launch
      10/21: #Dawat-Recipe Intriguing Reads
      10/22: #Desi-Marriage Ritual The Wonderings of One Person

      10/22: #Shakti-Indian Culture vvb32 reads
      10/23: #Dawat-Recipe Deal Sharing Aunt
      10/24: #Desi-Marriage Ritual Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia
      10/25: #Shakti-Indian Culture Christy’s Cozy Corners
      10/26: #Dawat-Recipe Book Babe
      10/27: #Dawat-Recipe Brooke Blogs
      10/28: #Dawat-Recipe Living a Goddess Life
      10/29: #Shakti-Indian Culture Sun Mountain Reviews
      10/30: #Desi-Marriage Ritual Mel’s Shelves
      10/31: #Shakti-Indian Culture Shannon McDermott
      11/1 – 11/5: Grand Finale

Monday, October 21, 2013

Gracianna by Trini Amador

Gracianna
by Trini Amador

Visit Trini:
Website
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Published: July 2013
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Genre: Historical, WW2
Hardback: 269 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

The gripping story of Gracianna--a French-Basque girl forced to make impossible decisions after being recruited into the French Resistance in Nazi-occupied Paris
Gracianna is inspired by true events in the life of Trini Amador's great-grandmother, Gracianna Lasaga. As an adult, Amador was haunted by the vivid memory of finding a loaded German Luger tucked away in a nightstand while wandering his great-grandmother's home in Southern California. He was only four years old at the time, but the memory remained and he knew he had to explore the story behind the gun.

Decades later, Amador would delve into the remarkable odyssey of his Gracianna's past, a road that led him to an incredible surprise. In Gracianna, Amador weaves fact and fiction to tell his great-grandmother's story.

Gracianna bravely sets off to Paris in the early 1940s--on her way to America, she hopes--but is soon swept into the escalation of the war and the Nazi occupation of Paris. After chilling life-and-death struggles, she discovers that her missing sister has surfaced as a laborer in Auschwitz. When she finds an opportunity to fight back against the Nazis to try to free her sister, she takes it--even if it means using lethal force.

As Amador tells the imagined story of how his great-grandmother risked it all, he delivers richly drawn characters and a heart-wrenching page-turner that readers won't soon forget.


PeekAbook:



Amusing quote:
Every Basque marriage should have two elements," Mikolaus had said, his eyes sparkling. "One spouse must be a lover, and the other, a fighter. For years in our culture, this has worked well." Mikolaus had smiled broadly but had not explained further.
-chapter 11, page 119


Zombie sighting:
She was a zombie. Walking dead like the others.
-chapter 17, page 155


My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
troubadour
I love how this story of the past is told with a perspective of Paris during WWII. It is like listening to a grandparent with proverbs thrown in here and there along with introduction to Basque and Parisian culture of the time period.

I was also taken with the main characters' work ethic and drive to go to America - inspiring.

Note: Black and white photos are included in the book as seen in the book trailer above.

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of tour ~--

WIN a copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: October 31, 2013

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Goodreads Want To Read list.

OR

Tweet about this giveaway.

2. TELL me what you did in comments.
AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* review copy and giveaway courtesy of Gracianna tour - check out the other stops for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Burial Rites
by Hannah Kent

Visit Hannah:
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Just released: September 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Genre: Iceland, Thriller
Hardback: 336 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

A brilliant literary debut, inspired by a true story: the final days of a young woman accused of murder in Iceland in 1829.

Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution.

Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tóti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.

Riveting and rich with lyricism, BURIAL RITES evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?


PeekAbook:



Imagery to note:
That dress was my last possession. There is nothing in the world I now own; even the heat my body gives out is taken away by the summer breeze.
-chapter 3, page 74


Quote to note:
Blind is a man without a book.
-chapter 7, page 180


My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
bleak
Life on a farm in Iceland during the autumn and winter seasons are portrayed with such loneliness and harshness that coincides with this mystery thriller tale. Even though this is based on a true story of which we already know the ending, the author tells this story like a traditional icelandic saga that keeps you engaged to the very end.

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--

signup to win this book

FYI:

A "complete Hunger Games reunion" is in process for the film adaptation of Hannah Kent's novel Burial Rites, according to Deadline.com. The team of Jennifer Lawrence, screenwriter Gary Ross and producer Allison Shearmur will be joined by Lionsgate, which "has started negotiations for the package. The deal isn't done, but I'm betting that it gets done this week. This comes after Kent got a seven-figure deal for her first novel from Little, Brown," Deadline.com wrote. -per Shelf Awareness

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* review copy courtesy of publisher

* part of event: Gone Girl Girls

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Stacking the Shelves - 10.19.13

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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Bought:

BabyLit had a special package deal which inspired me to finally pick up these cute gems...
Friend Babylit on Facebook to find about their book releases, discounts and special package deals here.

Little Master Shakespeare
romeo & juliet
A Counting Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Miss Jane Austen
Pride & Prejudice
A Counting Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Miss Jane Austen
Sense & Sensibility
An Opposites Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Miss Bronte
Jane Eyre
A Counting Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Miss Bronte
Wuthering Heights
A Weather Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Master Melville
Moby Dick
A Ocean Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Master Carroll
Alice in Wonderland
A Colors Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Little Master Stoker
Dracula
A Counting Primer
by Jennifer Adams

Free from Kindle: beware some free offers are limited

Hans & Greta:
a Zombie/Fairy Tale
by Nicki Elson
get your free copy today here

For Review:

Owlet
Society of Feathers #1
by Emma Michaels
-YA fantasy
courtesy of Tribute Books Tour
Thanks Nicole!
(tour will be in January)

Eyrie
Society of Feathers #2
by Emma Michaels
courtesy of Tribute Books Tour
Thanks Nicole!
(tour will be in January)

Before I Die
by Candy Chang
-street art
courtesy of St Martin's Press
Thanks Kym!
and Shelf Awareness
Release date: November 5, 2013

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Library:

Doctor Sleep
by Stephen King
-paranormal, thriller

Listening to the audio version to get into the spooky Halloween spirit.

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* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, October 18, 2013

Venice in the Moonlight by Elizabeth McKenna

Venice in the Moonlight
by Elizabeth McKenna

Createspace | Amazon | BarnesNoble

Paperback: 194 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-13: 978-1492720195

A Story of Vengeance, Forgiveness, and Love
After her husband’s untimely demise, Marietta Gatti is banished from the family’s villa by her spiteful mother-in-law. She returns to her hometown of Venice and her only kin—a father she hasn’t spoken to since her forced marriage. Her hope of making amends is crushed when she learns she is too late, for he recently has died under suspicious circumstances. Grief-stricken, Marietta retraces her father’s last night only to discover someone may have wanted him dead—and she may be next. When the prime suspect turns out to be the father of the man she is falling in love with, Marietta risks her future happiness and her life to avenge the death of a man she once hated.
Elizabeth McKenna’s latest novel takes you back to eighteenth century Carnival, where lovers meet discreetly, and masks make everyone equal.

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About the author:
Elizabeth McKenna works as a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. Though her love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read romance novels until one Christmas when her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). She had always wanted to write fiction, so when a psychic told her she would write a book, she felt obligated to give it a try. She combined her love of history, romance and a happy ending to write her debut novel Cera's Place. Her short story, The Gypsy Casts a Spell, is available for free on her website. She hopes you will enjoy her latest novel, Venice in the Moonlight, as much as others have enjoyed her previous works. 

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and sassy Labrador. When she isn't writing, working, or being a mom, she's sleeping.

Visit Elizabeth:
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Excerpt
Nico shrugged in the French wingback chair they had placed by the fireplace for his portrait. He looked regal in a black silk suit trimmed in gold and a waistcoat of burgundy and gold leaf-patterned brocade. It seemed Raul had excellent taste in men’s fashions.

Marietta rolled her eyes before she settled in a chair behind the easel. “Please keep still while I draw.”

“May I talk?”

“I’d rather you didn’t.” Looking at him was going to be enough distraction. She didn’t need to listen to him also.

He ignored her request. “I have to ask—why Palladino?”

Marietta blew out an exasperated breath. “I can’t sketch you properly if you talk.”

“You could have chosen any man at the Consul’s villa. Casanova himself expressed interest in you, yet you leave with that pig.”

“It’s not what you think.” She compared her drawing to Nico and frowned. His shoulders were no longer in the same position.

“You didn’t have to suffer the man’s dismal lovemaking. What were you thinking?”

“We did not make love,” she replied through clenched teeth.

He continued as if not hearing her. “You’re the first woman in years that he didn’t have to pay, though he would never admit to his need for courtesans. I just don’t understand how you could find him appealing.”

“We did not make love.” She practically shouted it this time. “I’m not attracted to Palladino or any other man for that matter.”

This silenced him, gratefully, but only for a few moments. “Well, in that case, I know of a few courtesans that can accommodate you. I am told they are quite beautiful and skilled.”

Marietta threw down her charcoal and marched over to him. She grabbed his shoulders and repositioned him. “That is not what I meant and you know it.”

He smiled up at her innocently. “I didn’t mean to offend you, but you have refused my charms, so what should I think?”

She glared at him for her own benefit, knowing it would have no effect on the man. “You need to stop talking and moving.”

When he didn’t respond, she said, “That’s better.”

He lasted almost fifteen minutes. “So, what kind of man are you attracted to? Perhaps, I could suggest a few potential lovers.”

“How about one who has fewer conquests than fingers and toes? Or one that values honesty and fidelity over all else? Do you know any like that?”

From the thoughtful look on his face, he took this as an earnest question. “I’m afraid, Kitty, a man like that will be hard to find in Venice, especially this time of year.”

“Well, then, I guess I’ll have to go without.”

“How depressing. What will you do for amusement if you don’t take a lover?”

Marietta rubbed at her temples and decided she deserved more than the coins she’d already been paid. “There’s more to life than pleasuring oneself.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Signore, really.” She placed her stub of charcoal on the easel’s tray and rolled the stiffness from her neck and shoulders. “That is all for today. I have another appointment.” It was a lie, but she felt the need to rest and the bed in the corner was tempting her tired body.

~end

--~ Giveaway courtesy of tour ~--

1 Winner will get a $10 Amazon Gift Card

3 Winners will get to choose between Paperback or Digital Copy of Venice in the Moonlight

(International Giveaway)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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* part of event: Venice in the Moonlight tour - check out the other stops for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by b00k r3vi3w Tour.






 
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