Book Giveaways in Blogworld (01-30-10 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

By request, as of 1/30/10 I will also try to make note when I can whether a giveaway is International or US only.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

Chick with Books is giving away 5 copies of Seduced By a Rogue. Deadline is January 30.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away a copy of What He's Really Thinking? Deadline is January 30.

The Book Faery Reviews is giving away Breakfast in Bed. Deadline is January 30.

The Book Faery Reviews is giving away 3 books. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away a $25 gift card if she reaches 200 followers (which she already has), and another one if she reaches 300 by the end of the month. Deadline is January 31.

Starting Fresh is giving away a copy of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is also giving away Holly's Inbox. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away a copy of Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away Tea with Hezbollah. Deadline is February 2.

Drey's Library is giving away 2 copies of Veracity. Deadline is February 3. US Only

A Circle of Books is giving away a copy of American Rust. Deadline is February 5. US/Canada only

Savvy Verse and Wit is giving away a copy of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Deadline is February 5. US/Canada only

A Park Avenue Princess is giving away a copy of How To Say Goodbye in Robot. Tell her nfmgirl sent you! Deadline is February 6. US only

Beth's Book Review Blog is giving away 3 audiobooks of Absolute Power. Deadline is February 6.

A Sea of Books is giving away 3 audiobooks of The Swan Thieves. Deadline is February 6.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of Try Darkness. Deadline is February 6.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies of the audiobook Unnamed. Deadline is February 11. US/Canada only.

A Sea of Books is giving away 3 copies of How To Not Look Fat Again. Deadline is February 13. US/Canada only.

A Sea of Books is giving away 5 copies of Denise's Daily Dozen. Deadline is February 15. US/Canada only.

Jo-Jo Loves to Read is giving away 3 copies of Drood. Deadline is February 15. US/Canada only.

Libby's Library News is giving away 5 copies of Denise's Daily Dozen. Deadline is February 17. US/Canada only.

A Sea of Books is giving away 3 copies of Try Darkness. Deadline is February 19.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an e-reader of your choice or $150 to a bookstore of your choice. Deadline is February 28.

The Book Rat is giving to 5 winners their choice of one of fifty books. I can't find a deadline listed.

Princess Bookie is giving away 4 ARCs. 3 will be randomly won, and one is a total mystery. Contest will end "when she says it ends".

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Vegas Interlude

Where the heck have I been? HERE. Where the heck have you been?

One World One Heart 2010 Giveaway

It's time for the OWOH worldwide giveaway event, and I'm joining in with a "book related" giveaway over on my other blog Heather's Eden. Feel free to pop in over there and enter to win!

Book Giveaways in Blogworld (01-23-10 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

Chick with Books is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 23.

A Sea of Books is giving away 5 copies of Prime-Time Health. Deadline is January 23.

At Home with Books is giving away your choice-- 1 of 4 books. Deadline is January 24.

Library Girl Reads is giving away your choice-- 1 of 5 books (gently read). Deadline is January 25.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 25.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of Drood. Deadline is January 29.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of Black Hills. Deadline is January 29.

All About {n} is giving away a box of read ARCs. Deadline is January 29.

Chick with Books is giving away 5 copies of Seduced By a Rogue. Deadline is January 30.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away a copy of What He's Really Thinking? Deadline is January 30.


The Book Faery Reviews is giving away Breakfast in Bed. Deadline is January 30.

The Book Faery Reviews is giving away 3 books. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away a $25 gift card if she reaches 200 followers (which she already has), and another one if she reaches 300 by the end of the month. Deadline is January 31.

Starting Fresh is giving away a copy of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is also giving away Holly's Inbox. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away a copy of Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away Tea with Hezbollah. Deadline is February 2.

Beth's Book Review Blog is giving away 3 audiobooks of Absolute Power. Deadline is February 6.

A Sea of Books is giving away 3 audiobooks of The Swan Thieves. Deadline is February 6.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of Try Darkness. Deadline is February 6.

A Sea of Books is giving away 3 copies of Try Darkness. Deadline is February 19.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an e-reader of your choice or $150 to a bookstore of your choice. Deadline is February 28.

The Book Rat is giving to 5 winners their choice of one of fifty books. I can't find a deadline listed.

Princess Bookie is giving away 4 ARCs. 3 will be randomly won, and one is a total mystery. Contest will end "when she says it ends".

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Book Giveaways in Blogworld (01-16-10 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

Historically Obsessed is giving away Notorious Royal Marriages. Deadline is January 16.

Readaholic is giving away a copy of Snow Angels. Deadline is January 17.

Redlady's Reading Room is giving away a copy of Spice Up Your Life. Deadline is January 17.

The Tome Traveler is giving away 2 copies of The Burning Land. Deadline is January 18.

Drey's Library is giving away the entire Kitty series, and 3 more will win the new Kitty's House of Horrors! Deadline is January 18.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 3 copies of Cowboy & Wills. Deadline is January 18.

Thrifted Treasure is giving away Flea Market Style. Deadline is January 18.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 2 copies of Ace of Cakes. Deadline is January 19.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of Hearing from God Each Morning. Deadline is January 19.

The Review Broads are giving away 5 copies of The Swan Thieves. Deadline is January 19.

In Which a Girl Reads is giving away 6 books to 3 winners: 25 books to choose from! Deadline is January 19.

Mindful Musings is giving away your choice of book! There will be as many as 3 winners! Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies of When Will There Be Good News. Deadline is January 20.

The Review Broads are giving away 2 copies of Denise's Daily Dozen. Deadline is January 20.

Hist-Fic Chick is giving away a copy of Notorious Royal Marriages. Deadline is January 20.

Tara's View on Books is giving away 5 copies of Say You're One of Them. Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies the audiobook Dear John. Deadline is January 21.

Luxury Reading is giving away The Girl with Glass Feet. Deadline is January 21.

Libby's Library News is giving away 5 copies of Totally Toned Arms. Deadline is January 22.

Booksie's Blog is giving away the audio book Permission Slips. Deadline is January 22.

The Review Broads are giving away 5 copies of The Unnamed. Deadline is January 22.

Chick with Books is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 23.

A Sea of Books is giving away 5 copies of Prime-Time Health. Deadline is January 23.

At Home with Books is giving away your choice-- 1 of 4 books. Deadline is January 24.

Library Girl Reads is giving away your choice-- 1 of 5 books (gently read). Deadline is January 25.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 25.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of Drood. Deadline is January 29.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of Black Hills. Deadline is January 29.

All About {n} is giving away a box of read ARCs. Deadline is January 29.

Starting Fresh is giving away a copy of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is also giving away Holly's Inbox. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away a copy of Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an e-reader of your choice or $150 to a bookstore of your choice. Deadline is February 28.

The Book Rat is giving to 5 winners their choice of one of fifty books. I can't find a deadline listed.

Princess Bookie is giving away 4 ARCs. 3 will be randomly won, and one is a total mystery. Contest will end "when she says it ends".

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration!

It hurts.

My gf met her favourite ‘BABA’ today. I knew that after that things are going to become even worst as I was always expecting this to become worst though was hoping for it. And her 1st text came in saying she feels like crying again but she doesn’t wanna cry. Felt the stab already but tried to endure it and just went on till she called me.

She started crying and I knew it was me. Talking to me was painful for her. What can I do? I needed her. I didn’t mean for things to be like this. Really! But yea prolly none would trust me but that’s the truth whether wanna believe me or not. I was very attached to her. No, too attached to her.

It’s not easy for me to deal with everything and I know that her friends and herself would have told her that try to contact me lesser to cope with it and I had to accept it. But I was really stupid by asking her back straight away that she misunderstood me. Yea she thinks I treat her like trash!

That’s the worst ever thing I could have got accused off. She was like my guardian angel, my baby, my bestie, my friend and like how I always felt my wife. She meant the world to me. To be said that I treated her like that, no no I already felt like I wanted to faint already then she was just asking me to let her go and contact her lesser.

I have to. But at the same time I am gonna try to cope with depression and everything else that comes together. I wanna win her back but will she be there then? That’s the most scary thing. I’d bravely say that my heart wont budge from her but I can’t expect the same thing from her, no? She has her own rights to choose what she wants.

With much heart pain I leave things wishing I could practically bash my ownself up for throwing it away. I am lost now. No place to whine, no place to hide, no one to run to when I felt hurt or anything, practically I feel alone. I suppose this is what they wanted me to be like. I always had a phobia of being alone but at the moment that’s all I have.

Yet still she’d always be my everything though it’s over at the moment. I wonder what I could do when I need her so badly. Told her that I won’t cry too much. But I feel like I wanna break down so badly. I love her so much and I know that she loves me too. She cares for me just that she doesn’t know whether she can trust me again or not. That’s why she wants to break up.

I understand how it is. I been through that. It’s painful to even make such decision. I really want her back. I need her. I would do whatever I could to earn her back. I love her and she is all I want. I could sound pathetic or anything but it least concerns me. I love her and I don’t care being pathetic or what to admit it.

Hoping to find the strength to breathe atm. Every breath I take is painful and everything reminds me of her. Ok I think I’d better stop for now. So yea, hopefully I could find some more courage to write about how things are going. Till then.

Confession of The Guilty Heart

I know I haven’t been blogging since the past 2 post that I made. Actually I wanted to blog a lot about what I was cherishing the most in my life but then I lost the stuffs that I wanted to blog about in my old lappie which dieded on me. All pics and everything else gone just like that. But that’s old story. Am writing this at the moment in the wake of a single day spree that kicked up since last Tuesday night when my gf broke up with me.

Here I want to confess that it’s all my fault that I she decided to dump me. Though some people would be actually thinking that they finally took revenge on me by taking away my most precious thing from me but, No ur wrong. It was all my fault. I was so stupid and childish to be so so so dumb!

Yea I really feel like kicking myself. I practically made such mistake that kinda threw away a year long relationship in which I felt I was home. But yea, I lied. I didn’t tell her that I met my ex while I told her that I was meeting with a friend during that time. How stupid of me right?! Just the thought of me meeting my ex itself was already full of dumbness already and lie sumore! Damn wtf of me right?! Sigh~! I realize it now. But what’s the point?

I remember I was just thinking that I didn’t want my gf to feel insecure and all that’s why I lied plus I was meeting someone who cheated on me when I was with her! So yea that was it though it seemed that we (me and ex) were having something going on to others as we seemed like close but yea it was just more like how we used to be even when we were friends. That’s about that particular thing. I do say nothing happened between me and my ex as I was pissed of with her for telling me that she needs both guys (me and the other guy) to go on in her life and she wants me back.

WTF?! What am I? I told her to fuck her ownself and help the other guy to fuck himself too! Was really damn pissed off and hurt and what so ever but I deserved that for actually taking her plea to meet me into consideration in the 1^st place! Sigh~

2^nd but the most biggest lie ever I told her was about smoking. She didn’t want me to smoke as it was bad for my health and all. I did quit smoking and picked up back on and off I should say. I don’t know how to say why I picked it back but yea throwing it away was quite easy but certain times it was really tough. Prolly am just giving excuses again. SHIT?! I don’t want to give excuses again!!!

Ok I picked it back cz I was dumb! OK! I know! I was stupid but i still wonder where my brains went when I lied to my gf saying that I quit when I was practically playing on and off with the habit. Yea, that was the worst ever thing I could have done. What was I thinking? I just didn’t wanna tell her I was still smoking on and off when I was depressed cz I didn’t wanna see her cry or upset. That was the only reason it wasn’t anything else. But yea why didn’t I think of the time when she will find out about it right?

I know I made a mistake which I really really regret at the moment bcz she asked me a question with which I could literally go kill myself with! She asked me if she was so worthless that a year long when I told her I loved her so much if that was a lie itself. That was really a thunderstrike. But still I got no complains about it cz I know what I did and I deserve even worst punishment.

Then comes career stuff. Whole year been battling in and out of works yet financially never really looked any stable. Prolly if I had taken her advice when I told her I wanted move out of my house I might have been better off. As u see I have certain so called responsibilities to play at home when I have to give a certain percentage of my earnings to my parents. Then due to various types of problems, I was changing jobs to find a proper place to start doing work and then came a thought that I could use my old plans to get my own company going!

Yea, mainly the idea came back when I literally went through shit in my previous work place from the pay till every other thing. Leaving that aside a friend said to have plans of doing some youth work so that kinda rekindled my old plans where I wanted to set up my own event company where I get to deal with youth developing while I could develop myself by doing it.

So, I resigned my job before I get thrown out of the job and go payless! I get my pay and another friend borrows money from me saying would pay me back in 3 days. I was actually wanted to keep that money to pay back my debt with my gf which at that time stood at RM400. I know most of you guys would be like WTF is wrong with this dude?! Borrowing money from the gf?! Yea I know. It was shameful and guilt and everything else that I could relate to it. Though I didn’t say anything about bcz I didn’t know what was I suppose to do.

Since the friend said 3 days so I gave him and though till today I didn’t see the money being promised today, tomorrow and what ever, I don’t know whether I even want that money back now.

Coming back to the company thingy, we started doing stuff and recruited people without checking their background fully and I paid the ultimate price for it as now they have practically become like strangers to me as they hate me now and think I played them out or what so ever. Like drama hor? Thought so.

So this people told my gf about my lies and then there u have it. What they wanted prolly, my gf dumbed me saying that if I want her back I got to earn her back. Most prolly u guys might not wanna do that again but this is my only chance of showing her that I really really really love her. That’s how I see it atleast. I told her that I would become a better person in all aspect (financial, career, attitude and whatever included) and then I would win her back.

But saying is simple than done right? Was already scared that might lose her all the while went we were together now since I am not going to be around, just imagine the feeling. I don’t know what’s wrong with me as I felt so numb since that day felt like crying and laughing at the same time! Even right now, she is on the phone though sleeping. she didn’t wanna cut the line so I let her listen to me while I type this. I know things would never be the same.

I screwed up super big time. I should have known better and I realize what I did wrong and I want to redo everything. Though am scared to look forward for tomorrow, I should go get some rest. Really can’t take this headache anymore.

Poetry Sunday (01-10-10 edition)

This is one of my favorites by Petronius. There have been many translations of it. This particular translation is by Ben Jonson.


Doing, a filthy pleasure is, and short
by Gaius Petronius

Doing, a filthy pleasure is, and short;

And done, we straight repent us of the sport:

Let us not then rush blindly on unto it,

Like lustful beasts, that only know to do it:

For lust will languish, and that heat decay.

But thus, thus, keeping endless holiday,

Let us together closely lie and kiss,

There is no labour, nor no shame in this;

This hath pleased, doth please, and long will please; never

Can this decay, but is beginning ever.

Book Giveaways in Blogworld (1-09-10 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

Luxury Reading is giving away 3 audio book copies of Say You're One of Them. Deadline is January 9.

Jo-Jo Loves to Read is giving away your choice of one of three books. Deadline is January 9.

The Book Butterfly is giving away 5 copies of Scones and Sensibility. Deadline is January 10.

At Home With Books is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 10.

Drey's Library is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 10.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 5 copies of Exit Music. Deadline is January 12.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 13.

{Go Green Street} is giving away Easy Green Living. Deadline is January 13.

Books R Us is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 13.

Radiant Light is giving away 4 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 14.

Readaholic is giving away 5 copies of The Magician's Book. Deadline is January 14.

The Review Broads is giving away The Mayo Diet Book. Deadline is January 15.

Readaholic is giving away 5 copies of The Swan Thieves. Deadline is January 15.

Readaholic is giving away 5 copies of The Good Talk. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 3 copies of The Burning Land. Deadline is January 15.

Booking with Bingo is giving away 5 autographed copies of More Drive-ins, Diners and Dives! Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 2 copies of Wildflowers. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away Geography of Love. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 5 copies of Totally Toned Arms. Deadline is January 15.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 5 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 15.

MomStart is giving away four Chicken Soup for the Soul books to one winner. Deadline is January 15.

Bookworming in the 21st Century is having a big 600 followers giveaway (well now it's almost up to 750!) The more followers, the more she's giving away! Deadline is January 15.

Readaholic is giving away a copy of Snow Angels. Deadline is January 17.

Redlady's Reading Room is giving away a copy of Spice Up Your Life. Deadline is January 17.

The Tome Traveler is giving away 2 copies of The Burning Land. Deadline is January 18.

Drey's Library is giving away the entire Kitty series, and 3 more will win the new Kitty's House of Horrors! Deadline is January 18.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 3 copies of Cowboy & Wills. Deadline is January 18.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 2 copies of Ace of Cakes. Deadline is January 19.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of Hearing from God Each Morning. Deadline is January 19.

The Review Broads are giving away 5 copies of The Swan Thieves. Deadline is January 19.

In Which a Girl Reads is giving away 6 books to 3 winners: 25 books to choose from! Deadline is January 19.

Mindful Musings is giving away your choice of book! There will be as many as 3 winners! Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies of When Will There Be Good News. Deadline is January 20.

The Review Broads are giving away 2 copies of Denise's Daily Dozen. Deadline is January 20.

Hist-Fic Chick is giving away a copy of Notorious Royal Marriages. Deadline is January 20.

Tara's View on Books is giving away 5 copies of Say You're One of Them. Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies the audiobook Dear John. Deadline is January 21.

Chick with Books is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 23.

A Sea of Books is giving away 5 copies of Prime-Time Health. Deadline is January 23.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 25.

Starting Fresh is giving away a copy of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is also giving away Holly's Inbox. Deadline is January 31.

The Book Resort is giving away a copy of Beautiful Creatures. Deadline is January 31.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an e-reader of your choice or $150 to a bookstore of your choice. Deadline is February 28.

The Book Rat is giving to 5 winners their choice of one of fifty books. I can't find a deadline listed.

Princess Bookie is giving away 4 ARCs. 3 will be randomly won, and one is a total mystery. Contest will end "when she says it ends".

Bookin' with Bingo is having a huge Blogiversary celebration! Giveaways are going on until January 15, but only those that enter all of the giveaways this weekend will be entered to win the Grand Prize-- all 12 books!

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Shipping Delays

I believe that I may have a couple of books waiting to be shipped out. Unfortunately I don't even know right now what may need to ship, as everything from my bedroom is packed in boxes in my spare room.

Late November-Early December was consumed with holiday preparation. Mid-Late December we packed up my bedroom and began painting, and we just finished that a few days ago and are slowly going through the boxes and moving things back into the bedroom along with the furniture.

So at the moment, all of my TBR books and those that were for giveaways are packed up while I slowly work through things.

So long story short (TOO LATE!), if you are waiting on a book from me, please be patient. Since I am shipping these books, it sometimes takes longer to get them out than if they were shipped by a publisher. Just know that I haven't forgotten and am just spinning my wheels and trying to get caught up. But, if you are waiting on a book from me, please feel free to check in with me and make sure that it has not gone out yet.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Friday Spotlight

I'd like to thank justpeachy36 over at Debbie's Book Bag for shining her Friday Spotlight on my blog! I certainly appreciate the recognition. I would have mentioned it sooner, but I've been tied up since just after Christmas with my first painting project. We just spent a week painting my bedroom walls, ceiling, trim and doors-- including an accent wall. What a project! Boy, am I glad that's over, and that I can sleep in my bed again!

Thanks again, justpeachy (Debbie?)! I'm glad that you enjoy the blog, and I'm just having fun getting back into reading again...

What's Releasing (01-06-10 edition)

Here's "what's releasing" the week of January 11th:

Synopsis

Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe, devoted to his profession and the painting hobby he loves, has a solitary but ordered life. When renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient, Marlow finds that order destroyed. Desperate to understand the secret that torments the genius, he embarks on a journey that leads him into the lives of the women closest to Oliver and a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism.

Kostova's masterful new novel travels from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, from young love to last love. THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve human hope.

Synopsis

Dekker and Healy follow their collaboration in Kiss with another odyssey into the paranormal that transports readers into another dimension and returns them head spinning, never to see their own world in quite the same way. Two young friends are propelled out of their Gypsy clan when shady characters burn their kumpania (community). The girls lose family and friends in the fire and grow up separated from each other and the boy they both loved. One is faced with an impossible choice that haunts her until the girls meet 15 years later, where a reality-bender twist is revealed. Readers who enjoy allegorical stories that are rooted in the Bible will find dozens of connections, some force-fed (“He was the Jesus to Janeal’s Judas”) and others unorthodox but mind-zinging (“ 'Who can imagine what God and Satan discuss? Certainly Job had no idea God was gambling with his life.’ ”) Christian fiction lovers who enjoy romantic interest, frantic chases by sinister figures of biblical proportions, suspense, and the old-fashioned joy of suspending disbelief will find this new dynamic writing duo, once a writer-editor combo, fiery hot.

Also available:

• 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction by Rebecca Goldstein
• Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin
• Beneath the Lion's Gaze: A Novel by Maaza Mengiste
• Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
• Death of a Valentine by M. C. Beaton
• The First Rule by Robert Crais
• Fun with Problems by Robert Stone
• The Hope You Need by Rick Warren
• Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
• Sleepless by Charlie Huston
• Treasure Hunt by John Lescroart
• Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom

Mailbox Monday (01-04-09 edition)

Mailbox Monday is brought to us by The Printed Page. I had said that I was taking a break from this in December, as I was simply putting all packages received under my tree. So In my mailbox last month I got:

Run for Your Life by James Patterson
Won from He Followed Me Home...Can I Keep Him?

A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful, the arrogant, the don't-give-a-darnst-about-anyone rich. For some New Yorkers it seems that the rich were getting what they deserve at last. For New York's social elite, it is a call to chaos and terror. The Teacher's message to the wealthy is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! Detective Mike Bennett is assigned the case. Managing the pressure from his Commissioner, the Mayor, and the New York media would be enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-who are all under 12 and who all have the flu! Detective Bennett discovers a secret pattern in the Teacher's lessons-and realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author who introduced readers to Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club-comes the continuation of his newest, electrifying series. Run for Your Life is his most heart-stopping thriller yet.

Sex, Drugs and Gefilte Fish: The Heeb Storytelling Collection by Shana Liebman
Won from Simply Stacie

Scoring weed for your uncle...Hanging out with porn stars on Christmas Eve...Eating nachos with the Mossad...Observing the Dyke Days of Awe...Getting held up at a Weight Watcher's meeting...Spying on your naked Hebrew School teacher. From Heeb magazine--the definitive voice of a proud, searching, and irreverent new generation of American Jews--this first-of-a-kind fast and fun showcase spotlights the hilarious and heartful raconteurial gifts of many of today's leading writers, comedians, actors, artists, and musicians. Laura Silverman, Michael Showalter, Andy Borowitz, Joel Stein, Ben Greenman, Darrin Strauss, and others navigate sex, drugs, work, youth, family, and, on the lighter side, body and soul. You'll never bleach your arm hair again.

The Werewolf's Guide to Life: A Manual for the Newly Bitten by Ritch Duncan and Bob Powers
Won from Bookin' With Bingo

Have you been attacked by a wolf-like creature in the last 30 days? Was it after the sun had set and under a full moon? If you answered, “yes” to both these questions, there’s a very good chance that you were bitten by a werewolf. You now have less than a month before the full moon returns and with it your first transformation into a savage, bloodthirsty beast.
Survival is an option, but first, know this:
* Werewolves are real.
* The majority of lycanthropes who do not have access to this book die during or shortly after their first transformations, generally due to heart failure, gunshot wounds, exposure, drowning or suicide.
* Hollywood horror movies are NOT to be used as guides to living as a werewolf. Their goal is not to educate, but to entertain. As a result, they are largely ignorant of the realities of the condition.
* Ignorance creates monsters; lycanthropy does not.
* You are not a monster.
The Werewolf's Guide to Life cuts through the fiction and guides you through your first transformation and beyond, offering indispensable advice on how to tell if you’re really a werewolf, post-attack etiquette, breaking the news to your spouse, avoiding government abduction, and how to not just survive, but thrive. You cannot afford to not read this book. Your very life depends on it.


A Century of Flavor: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Won from A Wrestling Addicted Mommy
The deliciously interesting cookbook combines recipes from the Nielsen family collection as well as recipes from chef friends attracted to Nielsen-Massey's quality vanilla extract. Contains a delightful collection of bakery and pastry recipes and teaches how vanilla can be essential in a savory dish.


Thanks so much to all of the giveaway hosts! Additionally I also got my books from my Secret Santa Somer. Thanks again, Somer!

Holy Cannoli! What a giveaway!

Thanks to a generous benefactor, there is an awesome giveaway going on over at The Bibliophilic Book Blog! She is giving away an e-reader (of your choice!) or a $150 gift card to a bookstore (of your choice!). Also for every 50 followers she gets, she will have a Twitter contest for a book of your choice. Wow!

Enter Now for your chance to win! The contest runs until March 1, 2010.

Book Giveaways in Blogworld (1-02-10 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

A Circle of Books is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 2.

All the Pretty Pages just opened its doors, and to celebrate is giving away 10 books to a single winner! Deadline is January 2.

Readaholic is giving away 3 copies of the audiobook I, Alex Cross. Deadline is January 2.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of the audiobook Dear John. Deadline is January 3.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 3.

All About {n} is giving away 3 copies of When Will There Be Good News? Deadline is January 3.

All About {n} is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 3.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of When Will There Be Good News? Deadline is January 3.

Readaholic is giving away 3 copies of The Imperial Cruise. Deadline is January 8.

Luxury Reading is giving away 3 audio book copies of Say You're One of Them. Deadline is January 9.

Jo-Jo Loves to Read is giving away your choice of one of three books. Deadline is January 9.

The Book Butterfly is giving away 5 copies of Scones and Sensibility. Deadline is January 10.

At Home With Books is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 10.

Drey's Library is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 10.

Bookin' with Bingo is giving away 5 copies of Exit Music. Deadline is January 12.

Simply Stacie is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 13.

{Go Green Street} is giving away Easy Green Living. Deadline is January 13.

Readaholic is giving away 5 copies of The Magician's Book. Deadline is January 14.

Bookworming in the 21st Century is having a big 600 followers giveaway (well now it's almost up to 750!) The more followers, the more she's giving away! Deadline is January 15.

The Tome Traveler is giving away 2 copies of The Burning Land. Deadline is January 18.

Drey's Library is giving away the entire Kitty series, and 3 more will win the new Kitty's House of Horrors! Deadline is January 18.

In Which a Girl Reads is giving away 6 books to 3 winners: 25 books to choose from! Deadline is January 19.

Mindful Musings is giving away your choice of book! There will be as many as 3 winners! Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies of When Will There Be Good News. Deadline is January 20.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 3 copies the audiobook Dear John. Deadline is January 21.

Chick with Books is giving away 3 copies of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 23.

Books and Needlepoint is giving away 5 copies of The Survivor's Club. Deadline is January 25.

Starting Fresh is giving away a copy of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Deadline is January 31.

Peeking Between the Pages is also giving away Holly's Inbox. Deadline is January 31.

Froggaritaville is giving away a TON of books in four giveaways combined into one! Deadline is February 5.

My Own Little Corner of the World is giving away a copy of The Last Surgeon. Deadline is February 6.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an e-reader of your choice or $150 to a bookstore of your choice. Deadline is February 28.

The Book Rat is giving to 5 winners their choice of one of fifty books. I can't find a deadline listed.

Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! is giving away their ARC of The Maze Runner. I don't see a deadline listed, but I assume that it is probably the end of the month.

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration!

2009 Wrap-Up

I'm a little late getting up my "wrap-up" post for 2009, but here is a list of the books that I read in 2009, my rating for each, and a link to my review. The bolded ones were the 10 books that I enjoyed most. I didn't start this blog until April 2009. So I only got through 29 books during that time.

1. Invasion by Robin Cook (4/10)
   
2. Castaways by Brian Keene (6/10)
   
3. The Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg (9/10)
4. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (7/10)
5. Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea (8/10)
6. Hot Blooded by Lisa Jackson (6/10)
7. The Rising by Brian Keene (8.5/10)
8. Horse Boy audiobook by Rupert Isaacson (8/10)
9. Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan (9/10)
10. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (8.5/10)
11. BoneMan's Daughters audiobook by Ted Dekker (7/10)
12. The 6th Seal by J.M. Emanuel (6.5/10)
13. Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell (9.5/10)
14. The Scarecrow audiobook by Michael Connelly (8/10)
15. The Imposter's Daughter by Laurie Sandell (7/10)
16. Lori's Song by Lori Foroozandeh (8/10)
17. Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank (8.5/10)
18. Cemetery Dance audiobook by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (7/10)
19. Daniel X: Watch the Skies audiobook by James Patterson and Ned Rust (7/10)
20. Mother of the Believers by Kamran Pasha (8/10)
21. The Juror audiobook by George Dawes Green (7.5/10)
22. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran (8.5/10)
23. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (9/10)
24. Swimsuit by James Patterson (8/10)
25. The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond (9.5/10)
26. City of the Dead by Brian Keene (7.5/10)
27. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (7/10)
28. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (8/10)
29. All of Me by Lori Wilde (7/10)
    

I also joined lots of challenges, and don't think that I successfully completed a single one, although a came close on a couple. I've joined a ton more challenges for 2010, so we'll see if I do any better on them! I've been excitedly holding off on reading some books, because they were scheduled for challenges that didn't begin until 2010. So now I get to dig into them. Yeah!