tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90599260405359990452024-02-07T18:27:48.715-05:00A Leisure MomentA Casual Conversation about our Love for LiteratureTwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-55010578520566810792014-02-20T12:31:00.000-05:002014-02-20T21:47:22.484-05:00{A LEISURE MOMENT HAS MOVED}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />ALeisureMomenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07861246854278306579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-59329246132851455002014-02-13T10:45:00.000-05:002014-02-13T10:45:42.104-05:00{Book Review} About Birds: A Guide for Children / Sobre los Pájaros: Una Guía Para Niños by Cathryn Sill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">About Birds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Sobre los Pájaros</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Guide for Children | Una guía para niños</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Author: <a href="http://peachtree-online.com/index.php/author/cathryn-sill.html">Cathryn Sill</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Illustrator: John Sill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Translator: Cristina de la Torre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pub. Date: March 1st 2014 (English/Spanish Bilingual Edition)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Age Level: 3 - 7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: <a href="http://peachtree-online.com/index.php#">Peachtree Publishers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">ISBN: </span><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">978-1-56145-783-0</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Page Count: 40pp</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561457833/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1561457833&linkCode=as2&tag=oncupoatwi-20" style="background-color: white; color: #993366; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="6c7b94746a33f492a9a21ac5ba465ab89_amazon[3][3][3]" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0p02_vZv8ko/UerGVZ07QxI/AAAAAAAASbY/5gx7N05S2NI/6c7b94746a33f492a9a21ac5ba465ab89_amazon%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="44" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding: 0px 0px 4px;" title="6c7b94746a33f492a9a21ac5ba465ab89_amazon[3][3][3]" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18581609-about-birds-sobre-los-pajaros" style="background-color: white; color: #6abcc7; font-family: Arial, Georgia, Trebuchet, Courier, Times, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><img alt="add-to-goodreads-button31[4][3][3]" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-el75vUosXNU/UerGWWnBDdI/AAAAAAAASbw/bjZBOODQV-k/add-to-goodreads-button31%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="45" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding: 0px 0px 4px;" title="add-to-goodreads-button31[4][3][3]" width="134" /></a></div>
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About Birds: A Guide for Children / Sobre los pájaros: Una guía para niños offers a thoughtful first glimpse into the world of birds from eggs to nests, from song to flight in this English/Spanish bilingual edition<br />
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In this delightful book, teacher and birder Cathryn Sill explains to children what birds are, what they do, and how they live. Accompanied by beautifully detailed illustrations from noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, About Birds is a first thoughtful glimpse into the world of birds, from eggs to nest, from songs to flight. Simple and enlightening, About Birds tells children what is essential for understanding and appreciating birds. An afterword provides further detail for youthful ornithologists and their parents regarding bird identification.<br />
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About Birds will faithfully answer the first questions of young ornithologists and charm adults with the wonder and diversity of this important species.<br />
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About Birds is the perfect book to have on hand if at home you have a dual language child. This book works great if they have to read every night in English and Spanish, you can get both languages taken care of in just one book. My 7 year old enjoyed reading the book and finding out about all the different birds mentioned in this story. He also liked learning the birds species in English and Spanish. About Birds will introduce the child to not just reading in English and Spanish but they will learn all about this birds with beautiful water color illustrations. They won't realize they are practicing reading both languages because they will be engrossed in the birds themselves. For the younger readers this book will inspire them to look outside to find these birds or inquire where they can be found. The older readers once they finish the story they will enjoy also the more detailed information in the back of the book about each bird. </div>
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My son has come back to reading the book over and over again, that just proves how much he loved the book. As a parent I highly recommend. I will be sharing this book with the dual language class, so as a whole they can all enjoy About Birds too. I will be checking out all the other About animal series books that Sill has written too. </div>
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Once Upon a Twilighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010087756189825160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-60779327184994625892014-02-12T01:00:00.000-05:002014-02-12T20:08:07.777-05:00{Book Review and Giveaway} My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Suhana-Friendship-Cerebral/dp/1615992111/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1387550668&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="My Friend Suhana by Shaila & Aanyah Abdullah" class="alignleft wp-image-16539" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MyFriendSuhana_lg-300x300.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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By Shaila Abdullah & Aanyah Abdullah </div>
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<strong>Publication Date:<strong> </strong> </strong>December 16, 2013<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong> Publisher: <strong> </strong> </strong>Loving Healing Press<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong> <strong></strong>Recommended Ages: </strong>3+<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong>Summary: </strong>A simple tale of love and friendship to warm your heart. Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. </h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I simply love it when I read a picture book and it tells a story that I can truly connect with. As a special educator this story really touched my heart. <u>My Friend Sahana</u> is about a little girl named Sahana. Sahana has cerebral palsy. Written in first person, Suhana's friend does a beautiful job of telling the reader about Sahana and how she lives with cerebral palsy. The author offers a very authentic job of describing cerebral palsy. </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">What I love most about this picture book, is that the descriptions and tone is so student friendly, that it truly gives the since that Sahana, is not different. She just expresses herself differently than her peers. The illustrations in this book are extremely colorful and vibrant. The illustrations allow the reader to paint a true picture of the friendship of these two girls. This picture book is just right for the young or old</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">to help explain the characteristics of someone living with cerebral palsy.</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6XSmXiX4Z5PdyvI6jLZ2_9HdnZwXMIcY4apAdNbN8XP5hYbiFEvBGsAOnfL_IpBIi4W1gIL8CtYswGiHiXHOUZzAR6CQntqlqoWeTxB6ntx6hh5AJLvqXS5e3QMRrXIO1e0SLyIXcWtz/s1600/Deitre2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6XSmXiX4Z5PdyvI6jLZ2_9HdnZwXMIcY4apAdNbN8XP5hYbiFEvBGsAOnfL_IpBIi4W1gIL8CtYswGiHiXHOUZzAR6CQntqlqoWeTxB6ntx6hh5AJLvqXS5e3QMRrXIO1e0SLyIXcWtz/s1600/Deitre2.png" height="138" width="200" /></a></div>
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About the Authors</h2>
<a href="http://myfriendsuhana.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Shaila & Aanyah Abdullah" class=" wp-image-16548" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/AanyahShaila-300x191.jpg" height="151" width="238" /></a> <strong>Shaila Abdullah</strong> is an author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She is the author of two award-winning books: <em><strong>Saffron Dreams</strong></em> and <em><strong>Beyond the Cayenne Wall</strong></em>. The author has received several awards for her work including the Golden Quill Award, Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction, Patras Bukhari Award for English Language, Reader Views Award, Written Art Award, and a grant from Hobson Foundation. <em><strong>My Friend Suhana</strong></em> is Shaila’s first children’s book. In her free time, Shaila loves to run around with her children–Aanyah and Aaliyana.
<strong>Aanyah Abdullah</strong> is a creative and compassionate 10-year-old, who is drawn to children born with physical and mental disabilities. When she was in second grade, Aanyah along with her mother Shaila, started volunteering out at a local community center where they helped assist special needs children. Later Aanyah wrote an essay about her friendship with a girl in the class who had cerebral palsy. That essay is the inspiration behind <em><strong>My Friend Suhana</strong></em>. Aanyah dreams of establishing a special school for children with disabilities one day. She is known to always stand up for what is right and is-–in her parents’ and teachers’ eyes––a perfect role model for her baby sister.
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://myfriendsuhana.com/" target="_blank">Book Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ShailaAbdullah" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaila-Abdullah-Author/140181920333?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Suhana-Friendship-Cerebral/dp/1615992111/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1387550668&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></h3>
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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *</h2>
<strong>Prize:</strong> $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) <strong></strong>
<strong>Contest runs:</strong> February 12 to March 12, 11:59 pm, 2014
<strong>Open:</strong> Internationally
<strong>How to enter:</strong> Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
<strong>Terms and Conditions: </strong>NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Shaila Abdullah & Loving Healing Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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Be sure to check out the My Friend Suhana Blog Tour</h2>
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(coming Mar 4 to 11, 2014)</h2>
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-37437051257824065772014-02-12T00:00:00.001-05:002014-02-12T20:07:43.514-05:00{WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK} CHECK US OUT!!! <h2>
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<br />TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-38839741339907374732014-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-10T13:49:40.094-05:00{Book Review} The One and Only Ivan By: Katherine Applegate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The One and Only Ivan</span></div>
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Author: <a href="http://theoneandonlyivan.com/">Katherine Applegate</a></div>
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Illustrator: Patricia Castelao</div>
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Pub. Date: January 17, 2012</div>
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Age Level: 8 - 12 • Grade Level: 3 - 7</div>
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Publisher: HarperCollins</div>
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ISBN: 978-0-0619-9225-4</div>
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Page Count: 320pp</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>2013 Newberry Medal Winner | ALA-ALSC Childrens Notale Book | A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year | Kirkus Reviews - Best Children or Starred Review</b></span></div>
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Ivan is an easy going gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.<br />
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Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.<br />
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Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.<br />
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Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.<br />
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One of my favorite childrens' books to date. The best part is that <i>The One and Only Ivan</i> can be read by all ages and enjoyed equally. The book is written for ages 8 to 12 but older middle graders and adults will love it just the same. I guarantee that. The story is heartwarming with such honesty even when told from a gorilla's point of view. When you begin to read you are immediately drawn in by Ivan's voice. Yes the story is told from Ivan the gorilla's point of view. So the kids will love that as much as I did. The plus side for parents is that each page has a few sentences that are short and simple and in journal type style writing. As far as the story itself there are moments of sadness when a character dies and gets mistreated. With all that you will see that the story is not depressing and does end with a happy ending. Think Disney movie and that's is how the book flows. Back to the sad parts, even though they are sad, I don't feel that they are too sad for children to read. It's like when you read <i>Charlotte's Web</i> or watched <i>Finding Nemo</i> style of sadness. This book is definitely a great choice for a young reader, it will be easy for them to get through the pages and story without having difficulty. And if your a teacher, I would recommend this book to be read out loud in class. </div>
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Ivan has been in a cage for over 27 years in a mall, he lives alone inside that cage. Ivan is a Silverback Gorilla that did come from the jungles of Africa when he was young but now Ivan has accepted his life. Ivan loves to paint and create artwork which sometimes he might eat. He does have animal friends that also live in the mall and recently a new baby elephant joins them called Ruby. And this is about the time that Ivan realizes that something must be changed while retelling some of the horrible things that has happen to him. You will cheer Ivan and Ruby the whole time as he is set on getting Ruby back home. </div>
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Overall, this book will teach whoever reads this heartwarming story about love, loss and hope. </div>
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You can <a href="http://theoneandonlyivan.com/ivan/">read all about the gorilla that inspired Ivan's story in The One and Only Ivan</a>. </div>
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Once Upon a Twilighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010087756189825160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-31575496528810877622014-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-08T08:00:02.074-05:00{Book Review} Proxy By: Alex London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Author: <a href="http://www.calexanderlondon.com/">Alex London</a></div>
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Reading Level: Young Adult</div>
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Science Fiction/Dystopian</div>
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Publication Information</div>
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June 18th 2013</div>
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Philomel</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><b><i>goodreads summary</i></b> Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In the age of Hunger Games we find many dystopian-based novels trying to glean a lot of the fame from the HG success. Like with Twilight and Harry Potter we also find many books with the same basis like supernatural love and magical coming of age. But it’s when you find a novel that can use one of those bases to its advantage as a means to create an amazing story then you truly have a fantastic book. Alex London, a new author on the rise, takes on the dystopian genre and gives his own fresh twist. With a blazingly fast writing style, dramatic suspense, and of course gripping action, Proxy has the foundation to be an immense series.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Starting us off in Proxy we find a daunting world that could be a premise for ours in the future. On future earth we find a world built around debt. With a high upper class using the poor to deal with their crime and follies you have a system bound to fail. Which brings us to the main character Syd who sadly is a poverty and debt stricken guy. Known as a proxy, Syd has a debt in which he pays of by receiving physical punishments for crimes committed by his patron. One day however, his Patron goes to far and someone dies starting an unimaginable journey filled with lies and danger. In Proxy, London creates a dark and gritty world but fills it with characters that bring somewhat of a light to the darkness. With diverse people and unique settings it’s easy to loose yourself in the pages of this book. In fact, my only qualm is that London almost goes to fast through the novel and I wish there was more description and detail. That though remains a very trivial setback to an otherwise stunning book. This book shall be the vision of what’s to come from the sensational author that is Alex London.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-73376282592392136432014-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-07T21:10:13.585-05:00{Book Review} Forever By: Karen Ann Hopkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">By </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenAnnHopkins" style="color: #993366; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Karen Ann Hopkins</a></span></div>
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<b>goodreads summary </b>I want is my happily-ever-after. That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller. From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation. If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever. But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.</div>
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I waited patiently for the story of Rose and Noah to come full circle. I waited to read what life would throw at them. The wait is over and my feelings are torn in two directions. When a series ends it's hard on the reader. When an awesome series ends, it's devastating to the reader. This is one of those series where I've followed the author from the beginning to the end. First direction, I had to come to the realization that the love story is over for Rose and Noah. It will forever be in my heart that their love story has ended. Karen Ann Hopkins, author of the Temptation series has created a novel with twists and story lines that I never saw coming. All wrapped up in a page turning novel, where I silently hoped that the last page would never come. Second direction, is the notion or glimpse of hope that something else may come out of this love story of determination and coming of age into to the world of adulthood. Some doors have been left open. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Doors that I believe Ms. Hopkins can walk right through with more stories to tell and with new character focuses. I hope she will. I hope she'll be an author that won't stop, but will keep giving her readers novels that leave a lasting expression on the soul.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Rose and Noah have come to a part of their life where change is coming. Change has arrived. It's here and there is no turning back. There is very little I can say without ruining all of the great moments in Forever. If you know their story well, you know that they are meant for one another. The only thing that holds them back is that they live in two different worlds, but not for long. Will Rose become the humble Amish girl that she longs to be? Will their love be such a strong link that it will carry them through what the world throws at them? Karen Ann Hopkins captures her readers with endless descriptions of life, tragedy, healing and love. All components that makes for a series that is unforgettable.</span><br />
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-83726028615129990992014-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T08:00:07.489-05:00{Book Review} Belonging By: Karen Ann Hopkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">By </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenAnnHopkins" style="color: #993366; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Karen Ann Hopkins</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Tempted by a love from a girl he couldn't have. Tempted by a love from a boy that was so different. Belonging to one another with a love so strong that neither one could deny, priceless. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Noah and Rose are inseparable. Faced with many challenges and extreme roadblocks ahead, they are each headed down a path with a common destination, however the path must be traveled alone. Belonging is the next chapter in this story of love and determination. Rose has found herself in a situation where she is excepted by many, however not all. The Amish community have given her the chance to prove herself. She has to prove that living the simple life is enough for her. She is willing to do this, because deep down inside she knows that the end of the path, means reaching Noah, her one and only love. Rose is up for the challenge. She strives to go above and beyond to prove herself worthy of the Amish way. The novel begins with a sense of comfort that the challenge may be an easy one however she learns quickly with the introduction of new characters and old, that the path to travel may be rocky.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">An observation that I made very early regarding Belonging, was the cover. I understand that many authors do not have 100% final say on book cover picks. However, in the first book of the series, Temptation, it was left up to my imagination what Rose and Noah looked liked. The cover projected a shadow of true hidden passion. With Belonging, my visualization of what they look like has changed. This cover portrays a very older Noah and Rose. Her attire also threw me off a bit as well. Was the cover a deal breaker for me, NEVER!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Belonging was filled with many unexpected story lines, twist and turns that I didn't see coming. Karen Ann Hopkins has truly captured her audience by providing a novel that is filled with well thought out character development and a descriptive plots that is sprinkled throughout the novel with just enough hope to push the reader on. I'm invested in Rose and Noah's story. Belonging is a novel that you won't put down until the last page. Thank you Karen Ann Hopkins for putting their world down on paper for all readers to enjoy. I shall wait patiently for 3rd book in this wonderful series.</span><br />
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Stop by tomorrow for Book 3 in the Temptation Series.</div>
TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-87502141018431386192014-02-05T08:00:00.001-05:002014-02-05T08:00:11.277-05:00{Book Review} Temptation By: Karen Ann Hopkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">By: </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5386283.Karen_Ann_Hopkins" style="color: #993366; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Karen Ann Hopkins</a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Young Adult</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> June 26th 2012</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR19BGR9kL1YCo8fNgOr6-PWA3hIHJkM_lhnVTZYdS0oAZf3YXhg7POz_hVNREx6uowH3r2npADU-1GMKeO94xwEibMz9JYxmqkN4jM28J8Hk8Sepfj6Y98wQPOIJy57EHoTKKgH6N95a/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR19BGR9kL1YCo8fNgOr6-PWA3hIHJkM_lhnVTZYdS0oAZf3YXhg7POz_hVNREx6uowH3r2npADU-1GMKeO94xwEibMz9JYxmqkN4jM28J8Hk8Sepfj6Y98wQPOIJy57EHoTKKgH6N95a/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+4.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Temptation By Karen Ann Hopkins has stolen my heart, with her calm and smooth love story of two teenagers who fall in love within the first sight of each other. I truly do not know where to </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">begin with this review. When the words don't come easily for me, it's because I want to make sure that every line is crafted just right. </span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Noah is a young man from the Amish faith, and Rose as he states, is English. In our words, just a normal American girl. Rose knows from the moment that she lays eyes on Noah, that he is the one. When the butterflies flutter forcefully in your stomach and a soft ache creeps up when days go by of not seeing the other, you know their the one. So it only seems natural, that two people who have found a sweet attraction, would give love a try. Unfortunately, this trial wouldn't come without heartache and true pain along the way, ultimately tearing them apart.</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I read the pages of Rose and Noah's love story through their eyes only. The author switches back and forth through each chapter, with a new voice, quit effortlessly. I could feel the pain, sorrow, desperation and love, as I read. I could hear their conversations clearly through each page. The author's description of the setting of the story was so vivid that I could truly visualize every single scene. For twenty-four hours, I lived on endless acres of land, where one, somewhat modern home was just moments away to a home that was built and maintained on order, traditions, expectations, faith and the way of life that could not be deviated from. It was Noah's way.</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">It's been a long time since I've read a novel that earned the coveted 4 or 5 tree status that OUaT issues with our reviews. I give this novel 4 trees, for its passion, love, realistic characters and the overall feeling that I got when I read Karen Ann Hopkins words. This isn't the first novel that I've read centered around a deeper look into the Amish faith, and certainly will not be my last. Hopkins is no longer an unknown author for me. As I for see her realistic approach to fiction in this novel, is just a beginning. </span></span><br />
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<b>Stop by tomorrow for Book 2 in the Temptation Series.</b></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-61521445532773685452014-02-04T20:07:00.001-05:002014-02-04T20:07:33.830-05:00{Book Review} Slide By: Jill Hathaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;">Author: </span><a href="http://jillscribbles.blogspot.com/" style="color: #993366; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;">Jill Hathaway</a><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;">Young Adult Fiction </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;">Publication Information<br />March 27th 2012</span><br />
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<b> goodreads summary</b> Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn't actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else's mind and experiences the world through that person's eyes. She's slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed "friend" when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie's slashed body. Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can't bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting distant lately, especially now that she's been spending more time with Zane. Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again. </div>
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Suspenseful, page turner, “who did it” feel is what you get when you read the pages of Slide by Jill Hathaway. This type of genre in the young adult literature world is currently very small in number, but quickly on the rise, with Slide as a very nice addition. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">The main character Vee is faced with a unique ability, or disability, whichever way the reader views it. It is an action that Vee is very reluctant to share, with anybody. When surrounded by just the right amount of emotions, feelings, or the constant simple contact of an object, once exposed, Vee can slide into the body, soul and mind of that person. Many times her body alerts her quickly, but within seconds, to those surrounding her, she passes out into an unconscious state. However, to Vee she has entered another person, looking at the world through their eyes. Looking at what is happening at that exact moment in time. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Unfortunately, for Vee, that moment in time is death. She looks at her sister Mattie’s best friend Sophie and realizes that this is a murder. The entire community feels that Sophie’s death was by suicide, however Vee knows better and makes it her mission to prove it. This story is filled with many supporting characters, her sister, her father, her best friend Rollins, and the new kid in town, Zane. Don’t expect a lot of love interest in this novel, as this is truly suspenseful through and through.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Jill’s writing flows very smoothly from the beginning to the end. Her strengths in her writing is truly attributed to the descriptions that she offers the readers when describing her characters. Just like the title, the reader can slide into each character and see the plot thicken with each page turn. The climax is a shocker, so be prepared, I never saw that one coming. Just when I thought it was going to be a predictable ending I was proven wrong very quickly. The events of this novel were truly planned out and presented in such a way that when reading this, I could not wait to get to the end to find out the answer to the question that you are faced with right from the start. Need a brief getaway to a genre less traveled, slide into Jill Hathaway’s novel. You won’t come out until you are finished!!!</span><br />
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-30352751832665949742014-02-02T16:08:00.001-05:002014-02-02T16:54:49.303-05:00{Book Review} Never Too Little to Love By Jeanne Willis Illustrated By Jan Fearnley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books Provided by <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/">Candlewick Press</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candlewick Press<br />First U.S. Small format edition 2013<br />Ages 3-7</td></tr>
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<b>goodreads summary</b> Whimsical watercolors illustrate a comical, cumulative tale of an amorous mouse who aims impossibly high -- and learns that you're never too little (or too big) to love.
Tiny Too-Little loves someone who's very, very tall, and Tiny wants a kiss. What if he stands on his tiptoes on top of a thimble? What if he stands on his tiptoes on top of a matchbox on top of a thimble? Clever cut-away pages show Tiny's precarious pile growing higher and higher, while the object of his affection stays just out of reach. When the teetering stack finally falls with a crash, will his hopes be dashed? How can a tiny mouse get the kiss he needs?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbLEPv6M7N8RnUJ9C77f0f2m8szMFWHdyzHraZAfpOVj67yF0vuIJKiu3puW9lvGp2uUVeaa9T69UCAyK0nTxshyphenhyphenYhbAVaMVw2KHmTT9Ll6sDxOkvGpnKSpzEW5paJHod2xoUXigVAdZl/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+5+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbLEPv6M7N8RnUJ9C77f0f2m8szMFWHdyzHraZAfpOVj67yF0vuIJKiu3puW9lvGp2uUVeaa9T69UCAyK0nTxshyphenhyphenYhbAVaMVw2KHmTT9Ll6sDxOkvGpnKSpzEW5paJHod2xoUXigVAdZl/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+5+%25282%2529.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
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Never Too Little to Love was one of the cutest and sweetest books that I've read in a really long time. It begins with the determination of a sweet little mouse, bound and determined to give his love a tiny little kiss. But there is just one dilemma, getting there would be hard. She is a little out of reach. So Tiny Too-Little puts his thinking cap on and decides that he will make it happen. One of the strengths that stands out the most in this little book is it's shape. It is just the right size for any young and budding reader. It is presented in stages with card stock type pages that actually keep the reader engaged in the story line until the very end. The illustrations are colorful and vibrant. Lastly, I could hear the silent cheers for Tiny Too-Little as he makes his way to his love!<br />
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<br />TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-79437031258862811232014-01-31T18:56:00.000-05:002014-01-31T18:56:01.578-05:00{February Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-4867717485558237512014-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-31T00:00:01.089-05:00{Book Review} Black Out By: Robinson Wells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360690254l/17332588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360690254l/17332588.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.robisonwells.com/">Robison Wells</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Young Adult</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Science Fiction</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Publication Information</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> October 1, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> HarperTeen</span></div>
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<div class="summary-content">
<b>goodreads summary</b> Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.
Jack and Aubrey are high school students.
There was no reason for them to ever meet.
But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTMFcMU_do0bRo4cfO9oy4E2owmLM61UWeF2Nst6E8p-j-KZyyM_zEk0uX8gIw8VA9Yvgp1V05nUQCPXuTAm-Yo7x3Njh9VLPknUWRPrx8ePkiQ2P8Z2rj6DDo9mGkGWjS8L00QG_CaLq/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+5+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTMFcMU_do0bRo4cfO9oy4E2owmLM61UWeF2Nst6E8p-j-KZyyM_zEk0uX8gIw8VA9Yvgp1V05nUQCPXuTAm-Yo7x3Njh9VLPknUWRPrx8ePkiQ2P8Z2rj6DDo9mGkGWjS8L00QG_CaLq/s1600/Stars+for+Dee+-+5+%25282%2529.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Known for his inception like style of writing, Robinson Wells provides an interesting novel dealing with America and terrorism. Filled with suspension and haunting scenes, Black Out is a dramatic blend of realism and science fiction. Using characters that come alive, Wells creates very complex relationships. These relationships add to the daunting twist and turns that he creates along with thrilling shocks that seem to come from all angles haunting the reader.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In Black Out we follow the perspective of four young people. Two are somewhat normal teenagers while the other two happen to be teenage terrorists. Working in a group, the trained teenagers also each happen to have a special power that aids them in their deeds of terror. The two sets of teenagers meet up later in the novel amidst turmoil in the country. Written with amazing originality, Robison Wells provides the literature world with the perfect book that reflects the times. Similar to how movies reflect the state of the country. Black Out plays somewhat on the fears of the people, which in turn creates such a strong emotion in readers. Finally, Wells uses a blistering pace in his writing style causing readers to rarely want to put this book down. He provides readers with a chillingly balanced novel that does a great job of making you think about the future throughout the entire novel.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-87514220708323137882014-01-25T23:10:00.001-05:002014-01-25T23:11:12.493-05:00{Book Review} Don't Turn Around By Michelle Gagnon + Giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhaS_p5729epYNJga9NH00XdvCKpZM7_HmP8cNAswIn4TRVu5Oxky3GGdvXP7P6X3vB6oTwyMEvO0u2N7Rhjo8PsAKGca9iNRvibdSVYnym2s2mHNWfpMtUqnKVKZlIBKVNwQioKAvnXgwTgcYTW4I0YFRcak8rQ1oX=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhaS_p5729epYNJga9NH00XdvCKpZM7_HmP8cNAswIn4TRVu5Oxky3GGdvXP7P6X3vB6oTwyMEvO0u2N7Rhjo8PsAKGca9iNRvibdSVYnym2s2mHNWfpMtUqnKVKZlIBKVNwQioKAvnXgwTgcYTW4I0YFRcak8rQ1oX=" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Adult<br />
Mystery/Thriller/Science Fiction<br />
Publication Date: August 28, 2012<br />
HarperTeen<br />
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As readers we are always searching for the hidden gem in the sea of books available. A book that is unique and leaves the reader satisfied, with all the books out there, is sometimes hard to find. That’s why I’m glad I had this book sent to me. Michelle Gagnon’s first young adult novel is a fantastic debut to the genre. With well-developed characters and an interesting storyline this new series has the potential to be something very big.<br />
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In Don’t Turn Around the main protagonists are teenagers Peter and Noa. Peter is a funny and witty guy whose seemingly posh life isn’t as it appears. Noa is a girl whose led a harsh life and has had to care for herself. The meeting between these two is initially kicked off by Noa awakening to find herself in a strange lab leading to an intense adventure like no other. Dealing with a mysterious disease that is consuming teenagers and a company’s sketchy dealings with cops and the government, Don’t Turn Around is a great thriller. Gagnon writes in a modern style allowing the action to flow seamlessly with the times of peace. The characters each have a personality that I’m sure any reader can relate to. The development of the characters were not forced and came together nicely. Certainly a book that leaves a lot of room for a sequel, Don’t Turn Around is a new addition to the must read list for the year.<br />
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I must admit that I was originally turned into a L.M. Montgomery fan through the movie series of Anne of Green Gables. I wanted to visit the world that I saw on the television screen. The little one room school house, where Gilbert would first tease Anne regarding her red hair and later, much later, become her life, pulled me in deep. Of course I would love to enter this contest and try to win everything all for myself, but I just had to share! If you are a fan of L.M. Montgomery, then you know how I feel. If you aren't a fan yet, then you must pick up Anne of Green Gables. This series is truly a coming of age series, that the reader can experience from the beginning to the end.<br />
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<a href="https://app.e2ma.net/app2/survey/28888/213034147/eee40f8671/?v=a"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Enter sourcebooks' contest here.</span></b></a></div>
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sourcebooks Author Bio</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.399999618530273px;">L.M. Montgomery achieved international fame in her lifetime that endures well over a century later. A prolific writer, she published some 500 short stories and poems and twenty novels. Most recognized for </span><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anne of Green Gables</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.399999618530273px;">, her work has been hailed by Mark Twain, Margaret Atwood, Madeleine L’Engle and Princess Kate, to name a few. Today, Montgomery’s novels, journals, letters, short stories, and poems are read and studied by general readers and scholars from around the world. Her writing appeals to people who love beauty and to those who struggle against oppression. - </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20.399999618530273px;"><i>See more at: http://www.sourcebooks.com/index.phpoption=com_egdauthors&view=author&aid=A2613#sthash.15WNysyW.dpuf</i></span></div>
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<br />TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-86511561747279824682014-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-18T10:02:49.025-05:00{Book Review} Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel By James Patterson + Giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327886387l/7885091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327886387l/7885091.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;">Young Adult Fiction</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;"> Fantasy/Science Fiction</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;">February 7th 2012 (Deluxe Limited Edition)</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: left;">Little Brown Books for Young Readers</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">James Patterson is one of the most famous authors who is continuously able to produce amazing novels by the bucket load. In the Maximum Ride series Mr. Patterson uses his witty and humorous dialogue combined with fast paced action to create a trend setting young adult series. In the seventh installment, </span><i style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Angel</i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">, Patterson portrays the old saying of “If ain't broke, don’t fix it” with </span><i style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Angel</i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> feeling like other books in the series. While in most cases this would be a negative, the author uses it to his advantage, making the book just as entertaining as the one before. What </span><i style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Angel</i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> does is take that well used formula and broadens it into something richer.</span><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">In Angel we find Max reeling from the lost of her best pal and soul mate Fang who has decided to start his own flock of mutant kids. As always though there is no time for relaxation and our heroine is thrown another apocalyptic problem. New characters are brought in and some secrets of the past are somewhat revealed. While </span><i style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Angel</i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> is a very fast paced and entertaining book there are points where the flow of the book starts to get repetitive to a point where you can quickly predict how a character will react to certain situations. Despite this, James Patterson has once again added a great addition to the Maximum ride series. Nevermore, The final Maximum Ride Adventure installment is due out in Aug. So there is plenty of time to catch on a great series if you haven’t started.</span></span><br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-19097035395760821092014-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-17T20:08:29.263-05:00{A Mid-Week Moment} The Copernicus Legacy-The Forbidden Stone: The Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So my youngest wanted to share with me what he was currently reading. I love it when he gets so excited about reading. He then asked if I had something new for him to read. I'm thinking I'll be checking this series out for sure! <br />
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<b><i>Deitre</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 30px;"><b>The Quest Begins </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b>in THE COPERNICUS LEGACY: THE FORBIDDEN STONE, the first book in the middle grade series from bestselling author Tony Abbott. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b>With intrigue, puzzles, and action, The Copernicus Legacy is a thrilling experience not to be missed.<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://thecopernicuslegacy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #019192;">http://thecopernicuslegacy.<wbr></wbr>com/</span></a><span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 30px;"><b>Do You Have What it Takes </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 15px;"><b>to find the relics and save the fate of the world? </b></span><span style="color: #1f497d;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Join the Relic Hunt and become part of the adventure! </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Four lucky winners (and their chaperones) will win a chance to compete in The Copernicus Legacy Relic Hunt—a real-life quest inspired by Book 1 in the series: </span><span style="font-size: 15px; text-transform: uppercase;">THE FORBIDDEN STONE</span><span style="font-size: 15px;">. </span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://thecopernicuslegacy.com/relic-hunt-sweepstakes" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: teal;">http://thecopernicuslegacy.<wbr></wbr>com/relic-hunt-sweepstakes</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b><span style="font-size: 30px;">Crack The Copernicus Code</span><span style="font-size: 20px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b>using the cypher to solve as many coded messages as you can before time runs out!<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://thecopernicuslegacy.com/code-cracker-game" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: teal;">http://thecopernicuslegacy.<wbr></wbr>com/code-cracker-game</span></a><span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 30px;"><b>Watch Tony Abbott </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><b>play a word association game with the Copernicus Legacy!</b></span></div>
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-80020208436011932042014-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-17T20:08:46.983-05:00[Book Review] Ashes to Ashes By Melissa Walker<div class="post-body entry-content">
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Publication Information<br />
December 23, 2013 <br />
Katherine Tegan/HarperCollins</td></tr>
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Ashes to Ashes felt like something I have read before. However, I really could not put my finger on it. The story begins with a smooth introduction to the main character Callie. It is here where the reader begins to learn about her family, her friends, and her social life. Very quickly she is taken from our world and enters another world. The Prism. A world in between two worlds. She is now a ghost fighting against new dilemmas. Learning things she has not learned before. Entering her old world with a new agenda. She’s not alone to help her through this transition, if that is what you can call it. She has Thatcher, her ghostly guide. Who becomes someone more than just a friend. Totally committing himself to Callie.
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Melissa Walker offers readers a very quick and easy read into a setting of 3 distinct worlds. Her attention to details and character development truly allows you to live in those worlds as you read. Her descriptive use of words is very specific. Ashes to Ashes receives a 3 tree review for originality. Although, it was smoothly written, the plot did not appear completely original. Something, that I feel is truly a must with so many titles in the Young Adult Genre being introduced daily. This is the first book that I have read by Melissa Walker. I do plan to check out some of her other titles as well. <br />
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-56040302527113072492014-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-11T00:00:04.478-05:00{Book Review} The Darkest Path By: Jeff Hirsch + Giveaway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Adult Fiction<br />
Dystopian<br />
September 24, 2013<br />
Scholastic Press</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Including a country at war with its self and a cultish regime that threatens to tear apart two brothers, the Darkest Path strikes you as a hauntingly original novel. With Darkest Path being his third book, Jeff Hirsch shows improvement in his mastery of storytelling. On a whole, Hirsch’s writing really shines when he creates scenes of tension and turmoil. It’s the dramatics that pull the reader in and invoke such strong emotions. But lets not forget about how he also manages to create great characters that helps set his writing apart.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Set in a modernistic world, America struggles in a civil war between the US government and a crazy cult regime named the Glorious Path. Caught at a young age by the regime, Callum and his brother James struggle to sustain loyalties. Callum works hard to earn a role in the regime with a viscous dog trainer to support James who has an asthma problem. One day Cal befriends a dog that forces him to act against his boss who wants to turn the dog into a monstrosity. This forces Cal and James to go on the run sending them on a journey that will change his life forever. Through out his journey Cal faces terrible obstacles that ultimately shows him where his true path lays. Jeff Hirsch shows his writing talent in his best book yet, demanding a share of the limelight in the young adult genre. With his extreme character and dramatic writing Hirsch leaves me after reading his book, hoping for a sequel.</span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1629e1/" id="rc-c1629e1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-60414484396241155182014-01-08T20:55:00.000-05:002014-01-08T21:57:54.134-05:00{A Little Mid-Week Moment}<br />
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Teen Simon and Schuster<br />
12 and up<br />
Middle and Secondary Level</td></tr>
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Receiving books in the mail, is like receiving a birthday present when it isn't your birthday. When books come in the mail, I'm always excited and eager to find out what's next to read. When I was the Great EST by Jayson Reynolds is coming out this month. I must say that the cover of this one threw me off a bit, but that's perfectly fine. I'm going to give it a go this weekend. Never heard of this author, but I like reading books by those unknown to me. Many times there is a treasure waiting to be found. <br />
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Tor Books/Macmillan<br />
Secondary Level</td></tr>
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So here is a classic, first published in 1986. This is what I caught Josh reading tonight. I have a good feeling there will be a review coming real soon! Be sure to stop by on Saturday, where I will announce our first A Leisure Moment giveaway! Until then...<br />
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TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059926040535999045.post-86441461268450071212014-01-03T12:43:00.001-05:002014-01-03T12:45:20.111-05:00{The Beginning of Something New}A Leisure Moment consist of reviews ranging from children's books, middle level and young adult fiction. We may include an occasional inspirational title, however all books will be elementary, middle and/or secondary level appropriate. <br />
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A book and a blog brought us closer together in this literary world of amazing reading. All of our young adult reviews and other genres can still be found at our sister site, <a href="http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/">Once Upon a Twilight</a>, founded by Yara Santos. However, A Leisure Moment is an answer to the many requests that I've received. <i>"Where can I also send my students for the latest and greatest, as well as classics?" </i> We hope this is an answer!<br />
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This blog will be a hobby of what Joshua and I love to do, <i>Read, Reflect and Review<b>.</b></i> Our overall goal will be to continue to present to our readers quality and meaningful reviews and reflections about literature. As time goes by we hope to add more features. But for now reviews are the main focus. Our work and school schedule will limit our postings, but always know that <a href="http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/">OUaT</a> is just another click away. <br />
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Lastly, the picture to your right (and below in its original color) was taken by my childhood friend Michael Shaffer, many years ago while he was stationed in Germany. From time to time, I would incorporate his natural photos into writing lessons for my students. This was one of my favorites. For me, it is the symbolism of beauty within one simple stem and its petals. It reminds me of a book. We examine it. The cover. The back. The spine. Then we capture it. Page, by page. It's preserved in our mind, in many cases staying with us forever. Just like the flower, captured by the lens of a camera. Words are captured by the pen. Crafted just right for readers to enjoy.<br />
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Deitre<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer: Michael Shaffer</td></tr>
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<br />TwilightWildflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728258033394611889noreply@blogger.com3