Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"I've never been the kind of person who could sit still," David says.

Review: Fairies at Bedtime by Karen Wallace and Lou Kuenzler

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Offers children the wisdom and guidance of fairy folk, elves, spirits and sprites in an enchanting collection of 20 calming bedtime stories, full of positive energy and told in a warm, inspiring and contemporary voice.
Fairies, devas, spirits and sprites – every culture around the world has recognised that nature is alive with positive and powerful energies. From mysterious elf kings and queens to will o’ the wisps, there are forces at work ready to help us to connect with our environment and enrich our experience.
This book presents a delightful collection of stories to enchant and inspire every child. While each tale is rich with magic, featuring creatures such as a moonbeam fairy and a friendly Cherokee fairy, there are also helpful messages at work. Here, your child will learn, for example, that change doesn’t need to be frightening, that we all have valuable talents and abilities, and that patience and faith are often rewarded. There are also messages to help children to better understand the natural world, including the importance of wilderness, why we should respect natural cycles and the need to conserve what is precious and irreplaceable. Affirmations at the end of each story help to highlight its positive message. Designed to be read either by parents with their children or by children on their own, these compelling narratives focus the child’s mind and provide a soothing transition into sleep or give food for thought during daytime reading. 

MY TAKE:
I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting children's books and this one fit the description.

Fairies at Bedtime is a collection of stories wherein fairies are either the protagonists or they help the main character out on in some way. There are also some background information about different types of faeries.

I'm not particularly fond of faery stories, but you don't have to be to appreciate this book. Parents will appreciate that this book will teach their kids things like being nice to others.

I really liked that at the end of each story there are affirmations or things that kids and parents can learn from the story they have just read.

The illustrations, on the other hand, are cute, although the coloring seems like it was done digitally. I prefer illustrations that mimic art medium like paint or colored pencils.

Thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the e-ARC.

THE GOOD:

1. The affirmations will help emphasize the value of the story.
2. The stories teach different things.
3. There are information on different kinds of faeries.

THE BAD:

1. The coloring style might not be everyone's cup of tea.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"Often it is the jobs no one notices that make the most difference," said the Queen.

READ IT IF:

1. Your kid likes faeries.
2. You like children's stories that have a positive message.
3. You like stories that have educational value.

RATING:


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In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

FROM NETGALLEY:

The Worm Whisperer by Betty Hicks
Ivy In the Shadows by Chris Woodworth
Shadows on My Wall by Timothy Young

Review: The Science Magpie by Simon Flynn

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

From the Large Hadron Collider rap to the sins of Isaac Newton, The Science Magpie is a compelling collection of scientific curiosities.

Expand your knowledge as you view the history of the Earth on the face of a clock, tremble at the power of the Richter scale and learn how to measure the speed of light in your kitchen.

Skip through time with Darwin's note on the pros and cons of marriage, take part in an 1858 Cambridge exam, meet the African schoolboy with a scientific puzzle named after him and much more.

MY TAKE:
For science geeks and those with short attention spans like me, this book is the ultimate leisure read.

The Science Magpie is a collection of science tidbits and anecdotes about topics ranging from genetics to quantum physics.

This book reminded me of the Uncle John's Bathroom Readers series, in that the articles are really short and aren't really related to each other. This makes for perfect bathroom reading for science nerds.

This book isn't just for science lovers, though. The topics are easy to understand and explained well, so even those who aren't too familiar with the subject or haven't read about the topic since college, will be able to enjoy this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Icon Books for the e-ARC.

THE GOOD:

1. You learn and relearn a lot of science tidbits.
2. You don't have to be a scientist to understand the articles.
3. The length is perfect for those who are only looking for short reads.

THE BAD:

1. Some parts may seem boring to some, especially if read in one sitting.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa Banyan during my Freshman year, that "... it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you" and take into account the fact that I still have not succeeded in having sexual relations with her, then, #2 cannot be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and will not freeze.

READ IT IF:

1. You are a science geek.
2. You have a short attention span.
3. You like reading in the bathroom.

RATING:


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Review: The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Tony loves reading creepy stories about vampires. But when one night he finds a real vampire sitting on his windowsill, he is very surprised and terribly frightened. Luckily the little vampire turns out to be friendly. Thus begin the adventures of Tony, Rudolph, Anna the Toothless, Gruesome Gregory, and Nightwatchman McRookery.

MY TAKE:

For the younger kids who like vampires but aren't interested in Twilight, this book could be for you.

In The Little Vampire, Tony befriends a young vampire and his family after the little vampire sneaks into his room.

The story is set in an older time in Europe, when televisions had to be turned on by pressing a button on the television. I wasn't too sure if I was going to enjoy the book when it first started as it started a little slowly and dryly, but as the book progressed, I got more and more into it.

Tony and Rudolph are the stars of this book and their friendship is what makes the story shine. There aren't a lot of books wherein the friendship between two young boys plays a big part. I wasn't a fan of Rudolph's sister Anna, though. I guess I just really dislike female characters that practically throw themselves at the hero.

As for the illustration style feels a little bit too old for the story. A cuter, more childish style might make the book seem happier.

Thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Young Readers for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. The characters are more accessible to kids than the usual vampires in books and on television.
2. The plot is interesting enough considering it's only the first book in a series.
3. The book is entertaining.

THE BAD:

1. The illustration style might not appeal to everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"What am I going to do with you now?" it asked.
"We could listen to records," suggested Tony.

READ IT IF:

1. Your child likes vampires.
2. Your child has an active imagination.
3. You're looking for a book that your little boy will like.

RATING:


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Review: Haunted Places by Dr. Hans Holzer

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Travel to all corners of the world in search of ghosts with Dr. Hans Holzer, one of the worlds foremost experts on the subject and the author of over 100 books on parapsychology, the supernatural, and paranormal phenomena. In this book, readers visit haunted houses from around the world. From Greenwich Village to Vienna, "The House of Evil" to the famed "Amityville Haunting," Holzer takes the reader on a spooky tour, and explains the real nature of ghosts and they places they haunt. Just in time for Halloween, this book is a must read for all would-be ghost hunters and fans of the otherworldly. 

MY TAKE:

Halloween is over, but a good spooky book doesn't get old.

In Haunted Places, Dr. Hans Holzer shares stories about several haunted places, as well as results of his visit there with a psychic friend of his.

I liked that for each haunted place, Holzer describes the place, its history and the stories of the people who have had experiences there. It was also interesting to read about his psychic friend's statements, which were usually accurate. The best part, though, I think, is when Holzer goes out of his way to learn more about the ghosts. In several stories, he actually comes up with the possible identities of the ghosts.

A lot of the stories are from several decades ago, but it shouldn't be a problem as the narration makes you feel as though it happened very recently.

Thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. You can find out the possible identities of the ghosts.
2. You learn the history of each place, as well as the experiences of the locals.
3. The stories are spooky but not too scary.

THE BAD:

1. The history parts can get boring sometimes.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Naomi did not know that the tea roses had been on that spot for there had been nothing left of them. But she was glad to hear about it.

READ IT IF:

1. You like scary stories.
2. You like visiting haunted houses.
3. You like learning about the people who are behind the stories.

RATING:


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Blog Tour: To Catch a Bad Guy by Marie Astor

EXCERPT:

“The last thing you want after,” Lisa paused, making a quotation sign with her fingers, “‘getting out of a relationship’ is to take it easy.Just because you’re working for me does not mean that things have to change; I always got you dates in high school, didn’t I?” 

Yes, you did, Janet thought, even when I didn’t ask you to.
Lisa glanced at her watch. “We’d better get a move on. A man like Tom Wyman should not be kept waiting. Put some makeup on, and let’s go.”
Janet raked through her handbag for her makeup case. She obediently ran a powder puff over her face and applied a quick coat of lipstick to her lips. Then she ran her comb through her hair in an attempt to tame it – a futile effort, since she still looked like she had just ridden a motorcycle without a helmet. Oh, well. At least her wild hair would compensate for her overly conservative outfit.
Bostoff Securities was located on Park Avenue and Fifty Third Street, and Aquavit, the restaurant for the rendezvous with Tom Wyman, was on Fifty Fifth Street, between Madison and Park. Despite her monstrous heels, Lisa nimbly maneuvered her way down the street, while Janet struggled to keep up in her kitten pumps. After four years of working downtown, midtown felt like a foreign country: she’d forgotten how disorientingly touristy and crowded the streets there could get.
“Ah, here we are.” Lisa motioned at the screened restaurant entrance.
Just as they were about to go inside, a man smoking nearby hurried to open the door for Lisa – a concrete demonstration of the power Lisa had been wielding over men ever since she had entered her teens.
Inside, the décor was Nordic minimalism, with wooden paneling accompanied by slender white fixtures hanging low from the ceiling. It was Monday afternoon, and the atmosphere was all business: financial and advertising types sporting expensive suits loitered by the bar, waiting for their clients.
“There is a reservation for three under Tom Wyman,” Lisa addressed the hostess.
“Oh, yes.” A rail-thin blonde smiled at them. “Mr. Wyman is already here.”
“Lisa!” A velvety baritone called from across the room. A man rose from his seat by the bar and walked toward them.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Janet Maple's stellar career ended with a layoff and her boyfriend of almost five years told her that he wants to be just friends. When she lands a job at one of New York's premier boutique investment firms, Janet begins to hope that her luck is finally turning for the better. Not only is she happy with her new paycheck, but things also seem to be looking up on the personal front, as the company's handsome attorney expresses keen interest in Janet. However, her euphoria is short-lived, as Janet soon discovers alarming facts about her new employer's business tactics. When her boss dismisses her suspicions as groundless, Janet finds herself confiding to a cute IT engineer, Dean Snider. The closer she gets to Dean, the more Janet is tempted to break her rule of not dating co-workers, but what she doesn't realize is that everything she knows about Dean, including his occupation and even his name, is a lie.

Dennis Walker is a top-notch white collar crime investigator who will stop at nothing to put culprits away. When an opportunity for an undercover assignment at one of New York's premier boutique broker dealers comes up, Dennis jumps at the chance, adopting a persona of geeky IT engineer, Dean Snider. While he may be an ace at his job, years of experience fail him when Dennis meets Janet Maple and finds himself torn between his professional obligations and his personal desires. Will he have to choose between his feelings and duty, or will he find a way to satisfy both?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Dance Me to the Stars, On the Rim of Love, and Lucky Charm, and a collection of short stories A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.
Marie’s latest contemporary romance novel, Dance Me to the Stars, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.
Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – a first installment in her romantic suspense series.

Websites and Social Media:

Author Website: www.marieastor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/MarieAstor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor
Twitter: @marieastor

Books by Marie Astor:
This Tangled ThingCalled Love– a contemporary romance about overcoming one’s inhibitions,learning to tango, and finding one’s true love match.
http://www.amazon.com/This-Tangled-Thing-Called-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1337972977&sr=1-3

Lucky Charm– a humorous contemporaryromance about love, luck and friendship.
http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336842915&sr=8-1

On the Rim of Love– a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.
http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

A Dress in a Window– a collection ofshort stories about love, coincidences, and fate.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Dress-Window-ebook/dp/B004E112TO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Over the Mountainand Back –young adult fantasy adventure novel about a boy who takes hissnowboard for a ride and finds himself in a magical, hidden world he never knewexisted.
http://www.amazon.com/Over-Mountain-Back-Adventure-ebook/dp/B008WF1Y78/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1350684616&sr=1-6

GIVEAWAY:

**Anyone who purchases their copy of To Catch a Bad Guy before November 19 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five entries in a drawing to win a $10 Amazon gift card!!**

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