Weekly Geeks!

Hi Everyone! * *Waving * *

Ok, I found a great new CHALLENGE for my book loving community. Don't sigh and roll your eyes yet! This isn't going to make your book pile ANY larger. Then how is it a challenge you ask? (Go ahead...ask it) Well, it's a BLOGGING CHALLENGE and it's called "WEEKLY GEEKS"! This challenge was created by Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf and we're waiting for some buttons to be made. If you're interested, you may head on over to her blog to sign up and it will always have something to do with blogging and most likely, yes, you guessed it - BOOKS! What's not to love? It's a great way to meet new friends and stumble upon some GREAT BLOGS! The following it taken DIRECTLY FROM DEWEY'S BLOG:

It’s the very first Weekly Geeks theme! Thanks to everyone who joined.

This week is Discover New Blogs Week!

1. Look through the list of blogs on the Mr Linky below and see if you can find five that are new to you. If you can’t, find as many new blogs as possible and then some you don’t read super regularly.

2. Visit those new blogs. A comment would be nice; people like comments.

3. When you’re ready, at some point by Friday if you want to be included in the blurbs next week, write a post in your blog featuring those new blogs you visited.

4. Don’t forget to come back here and leave a link to your post, so that I can get it into the blurbs!

Ok, so the first FIVE blogs chosen by ME, The Princess, are as follows:

1. Trish's Reading Nook - Trish's blog is a gorgeous warm sage spring green! I loved it immediately and it's filled with informative reviews and the challenges that she's participating in. She also lists the book that she's currently reading so that you know which review will be coming up! This is not my last visit there. As a matter of fact, all of my new friends will be added to my Blog Roll , which it over to the right and it's under "Attending the Ball".

2. Next up is This Redhead Reads . A bright blog that's filled with her thoughts and reviews. Cute and informative! Two of my very favorite things!

3. My third random pick is Maw Books Blog. This blog has a very nice set up and it's quite easy to follow. I'm surprised I didn't find Natasha's blog sooner! I now have a new book that I'm getting to read because of her review for "Number of Stars" by Lois Lowry. It's a really cute blog ... and I believe I read that she's celebrating her 100th post with a contest. So, go and check her blog out as well.

4. Then I visited Books, Memes, and Musings "thoughts about life". Wow this a bright blog with blue hues. (Sorry that I have to comment on the appearance, but I love how everyone expresses their individuality through their blogs...it's SO wonderful)! Anyway, Book Gal lives in CA and she's a mother and wife ... also a teacher, reader, and writer (according to her profile). Also, she participates in memes such as BTT and reviews the books that she reads. A really wonderful blog! I'm glad I stopped by!

5. And last but not least, So many book reviews... ... what a "homey" blog! It reminds me of a rich chocolate wallpaper that I love. (or just plain chocolate that I love) Her only complaint "So many books and SO LITTLE time" We can certainly ALL relate to that! She's a reader that reviews whatever catches her fancy and she's super sweet. So, drop by and show her some luv!

So there they are ... my five blogs (chosen at random) and I had such a great time, I think I may check in on many more this week! What a great idea Dewey! And to anyone that wants to join, it's super-easy and a lot of fun!

That's all for now! Thanks for listening and stopping by the castle!

XXX ~ KISSES

The Princess

Odds and Ends!

I just wanted to remind you that Saturday night at midnight (EST) is the last time that you can enter for any of this weeks book raffles, there are two of them, so come by, read and check them out. If you're interested, all you have to do is make a comment or leave me a question and it's yours! (or it could be yours if there is more than ONE person that wants it) This week, I think these two books pertain to a limited audience so, I understand totally. The Tao of Fertility was extremely helpful and a huge amount of information.

On the other hand, I have "Dream Lucky", which I didn't feel so lucky to get. But that's up to you. If you like Swing and that era, you may love this book. You can check out my review below if you'd like to see my thoughts. And again, they're just my thoughts so I hope that does not stop you from wanting to read it. Both are ARCs and can NOT be sold. So, I'm giving them to YOU!

My mother always did teach me to share. Awe, and speaking of my mother, Maureen, she's never stopped being a wonderful mother and I'd like to say Thank you to her for that. She's a big fan of my blog..(I wonder why) and she reads, but never comments. I went through something just TERRIBLE this week that NO ONE should have to go through and then the childish behavior that followed was STRANGE to say the least. Some of you know what I'm talking about and some of you don't. I'm still deciding WHAT I should say. Anyway, back to my mom. She was so sad to see me upset on top of everything else I am going through. This reminds me of a great quote that I came across the other day. So, for ALL the moms out there, I'm going to post it right here! It's just TOO cute not too!

Bottom line, ALL parents hate to see their children hurt, no matter what their age. I also want to thank a few of my wonderful author friends that stop by the blog regularly. They were quite a big help and always full of care and kindness!

I LOVE authors! They're really gotten me through some tough times (medically). I always take comfort reading with me to the hospital. I need to. I thank each and every one of my favorites!

And Thank ALL of YOU, my Readers, for stopping by and always being full of friendship and friendly advice!

That's it for now (I'm done rambling)...

Oh no, wait, maybe I'm not! Mother's Day is coming up soon. I just got mom her gift today and I hope she's going to love it! She is an Amazing and Sweet Woman. She helps everyone and even volunteers her time! I guess I'm just lucky!

Ok...that's really it! (for now)

XXX ~ KISSES

The Princess

Royal Reviews: Dream Lucky By: Roxanne Orgill

Dream Lucky: When FDR Was in the White House, Count Basie Was on the Radio, and Everyone Wore A Hat... By: Roxane Orgill



Product Details:

• ISBN-13: 9780060897505
• Format: Hardcover, 256pp or Ebook
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Pub. Date: April 2008
• Author's site: Roxane Orgill

From the Publisher:

The time: 1936-1938. The mood: Hopeful. It wasn't wartime, not yet. The music: The incomparable Count Basie and Benny Goodman, among others. The setting: Living rooms across America and, most of all, New York City.

Dream Lucky covers politics, race, religion, arts, and sports, but the central focus is the period's soundtrack—specifically big band jazz—and the big-hearted piano player William "Count" Basie. His ascent is the narrative thread of the book—how he made it and what made his music different from the rest. But many other stories weave in and out: Amelia Earhart pursues her dream of flying "around the world at its waistline." Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., stages a boycott on 125th Street. And Mae West shocks radio listeners as a naked Eve tempting the snake.
Critic Nat Hentoff praises the "precise originality" with which Roxane Orgill writes about music. In Dream Lucky, she magically lets readers hear the past.

THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE OF MY FAVORITES, IT'S HARD TO FOLLOW AND POORLY WRITTEN. (See Review Below) FOR THIS REASON, I GIVE IT 2.5 TIARAS!

My Thoughts and Review:

Remember when "Swing was King"? No? Neither did I! The era was quite a bit before my time. Over fifty years before. But like any good book that tells a tale of our past, I was eager to read and learn! While "Dream Lucky" has a catchy popular fiction-type title, it's far from it! Dream Lucky is a book that tells about the people and events between 1936 and 1938.

As I opened this book and began to read, I was ready to go back, way back in time. And before I knew it, just like pushing a button on a time machine, I was there! Starting off with the beginnings of William Basie, the big band leader from Kansas. He's in a dive and is hardly known the journey follows him through time where he's finally in Manhattan on 52nd Street and now known as Count Basie, with his grand orchestra. The book is told mostly through his perspective. The prose will make you swing and sway to the music of the times, and you can almost hear Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Roxanne Orgill's descriptive writing technique takes us on a colorful journey that teaches us all about pre-World War II America. An era gone-by. A time when African Americans were trying to forge ahead, be seen and heard, and most importantly respected. A time now forgotten, when blacks wouldn't be helped, hired or served because of the color of their skin.

You'll remember a time before television, where your grandparents would huddle around the radio to hear popular radio shows like Burns and Allen, Charlie McCarthy and Jack Benny. You peer into the White House where President FDR and Eleanor were dealing with the times and troubles in their own way. But most of all, this book is about the music, the music of the time that consisted of Count Basie, Chick Webb, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington.

I did find one major fault in this book. As much as I wanted to love this delightful story, it was hard to read. Not in the manner of say an over-extended vocabulary. (That's not a problem for me, but would definitely stop me from making it a "recommended book" to some) but it seems like a bunch of notes that are held together by only a string of words. Each block of notes tells a tale, but it's almost as if the author researched this, took notes and copied them down not relating it directly to any specific part of the story and without order. It's clear that Roxanne Orgill did research the subjects, but there is no proof, links to works or references of such. In short, it's written like a high school report. Because of this aspect, I didn't fully enjoy the work as much as I could have.

Dream Lucky reads like a dry history book, and the black and white photos reminded me of just that. And while the prose, descriptive and thought provoking, the story itself is just poorly written. Instead of turning pages, I had to keep flipping back like I was studying for a history quiz. Many paragraphs are quoted extensively, but there are no notes to let you know where these quotes came from and they do not tie in well with what the author is trying to convey. I see her vision, it's just made very cloudy.

About the Author ~ Biography

Roxane Orgill is the author of a number of notable books for children and young adults, including the recent Footwork: The Story of Fred and Adele Astaire. She has also been an award-winning music critic whose reviews and articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Billboard. She lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

****NOTE: This book is an advanced reader copy (Uncorrected Proof) Trade Paperback Edition that was sent to me from HaperCollins. If you are interested in reading and reviewing this book, please leave me a message in the comments section, or email me directly at IAmHiMaintenance@aol.com. The give-a-way will end on Saturday night at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Winners of this weeks books will be on Sunday of this week, which is the 27th of April. Good Luck! And if you have any question, please feel free to contact me!.

That's All For Now!

XXX ~ KISSES

THE PRINCESS

The Castle has a NEW Look!

Being the Fickle Female that I am, I've decided to change the look of my ever so beautiful castle!

Be prepared (this won't be the last change made) I'm trying to decide on looks and banners and ughhh I just can't get it to LOOK the way I want it to (to say the least).

So what do you think? Ya' like it? Be honest...is this the dark elegant castle that I'm looking for?

That's all for now!

XXX ~ KISSES

The Priness

WINNERS of Sandy Patsy's Autographed Book!

As Promised, I'm listing the two lucky winners of Sandy Patsy's Autographed Book! Each winner will get ONE autographed copy! Please everyone stop back for the interview and there just may be more surprises then!

TRUST ME! SANDY PATSY IS *FULL* OF SURPRISES

Without Further Delay:

BKCLUBCARE and CHRISTYJAN!!

OK ... and the winners for my Relaxation and Name Suggestion Give-A-Way are

BUNNY B. and WENDY

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!!!!

I need you all to send me your names and addresses. OK? Thanks again for everything. I do want you to know that I'm STILL stumped on the name and I'm FAR from relaxed...LOL

Bunny B. I have a copy of a book that I recently read and loved (you have a new copy) and I will get that out to you as soon as I can.

Wendy - I'm trying to decide what I want to send to you...LOL They're both good...Oh who knows, maybe I'll let you choose! (Only because this was NOT like my typical give-a-way!)

Again, congratulations and please check back this week if you'd like the chance to make comments and participate in the give-a-ways on the reviews. Each one will only be good during the week of the review. Starting with Today's, The Tao of Fertility! So, any this week, you make comments or ask questions and then I will post the winners NEXT SUNDAY!

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!

That's All For Now!

XXX ~ KISSES!

THE PRINCESS

***As for this contest, I have emailed or contacted each member through their blog, you have 48 hours to contact me! ( OR your prize will be given to the next number pulled! ) Also, and I don't know if I want to put this restriction on my give-a-ways or not, but, I may have to say that from now on, it's U.S.A. and Canada participants ONLY. The shipping will kill me. I know, it's so unfair and I really don't want to do this, but if I'm going to give-a-way books weekly, it may be the ONLY way to keep them going. ANOTHER thing. IF you get a book and you like it, please try to leave a review for it somewhere on the net. It's NOT a requirement. It's yours to do what you want with. I just think it's a nice way to give back to all the wonderful authors in the world! Why not spread the word??

The TAO of FERTILITY

The TAO Of FERTILITY: A Healing Chinese Medicine Program to Prepare Body, Mind and Spirit for New Life By: Daoshing Ni and Dana Herko

• ISBN: 0061137855
• ISBN-13: 9780061137853
• Format: Paperback, 277pp
• Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
• Pub. Date: April 2008
• Web site:Los Angeles Acupuncture Clinic - Alternative Medicine Chinese Herbs - Dr Mao Dr Dao

Message from the Publisher:

An esteemed doctor who has helped countless women achieve their dream of having a child offers his program for enhancing fertility through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Dr. Daoshing Ni, descended from more than 70 generations of Taoist masters, has achieved renown among high-tech infertility specialists, TCM practitioners, and his many devoted patients. The Tao of Fertility is the first book combining a practical plan for conceiving using TCM with empowering Taoist principles that can carry you through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

My Review:

After I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of twenty-three, my oncologist suggested that I go to see a fertility specialist. This being that my ovaries were affected by the chemotherapy and my chances of conceiving would be drastically lowered. The fertility specialist immediately recommended many types of drugs, needles and having IVF and then an FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer). I was devastated to say the least. Few doctor's have mastered how to handle this delicate problem that plagues women today. Dr. Dao is one of them. He doesn't shy away, as if it only exists in the minds of the women facing it, instead he leads the way to hope and promise of fertility.

This book is a blessing! It speaks volumes with both knowledge and information that is easily readable and understood. Dr. Dao, Being a Taoist with their full understanding of balance, mind, body, and nature, many of these concepts were new to me and I was pleased to find that all the information given seemed logical, easy to follow and most importantly, achievable! An important aspect to women searching through the seemingly endless amount of information on this subject.

From the diets to detoxify to the daily meditation to relax the mind, there is something for everyone struggling with fertility in this book. Included are recipes, suggestions for herbal supplements, questionnaires, and charts that are easy to follow and bring hope to those trying to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant! This is an astonishing turn around in fertility books. I've read many books on this very subject and most jump into the available drug treatments, IVF, and surgical solutions used to help women with this problem.

This book includes more than the usual doctor's message of eating a sensible diet, not smoking, exercising and staying positive. Dr. Dao discusses Traditional Chinese Medicine with an equal scale toward Western Medicine. He never says one is better than the other and helps you to understand the way of the Tao and the Traditional Chinese Methods. This is the first book of this type where I've actually had the doctor prepare your body for pregnancy in both body and mind. ,

The second half of this book was beautifully done with touching vignettes of previously infertile women who now have conceived and have happy, healthy children. I find these stories not only touching, but helpful in coping with my own infertility. Hope is the first word that comes to mind.

A massive amount of information is placed in this single volume book. It's not just a self-help guide to women and couples, but an outstanding source of information that I will turn to time and time again. This book is a must-have for any couple embarking on this long journey to parenthood.

I found this book INFORMATIVE and ENJOYABLE. This book is FIVE TIARAS ALL THE WAY! THE BEST IN IT'S CLASS!

About the Authors:

Daoshing Ni:

Daoshing Ni, D.O.M, L.Ac., Ph.D., is a noted doctor of Oriental medicine and a licensed acupuncturist. Co founder of the Tao of Wellness, Inc., he lives in Los Angeles.

Dana Herko:

Dana Herko has written for both television and film. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.

****NOTE: This book is an advanced copy given to me from HaperCollins. If you are interested in reading and reviewing this book, please leave me a message in the comments section, or email me directly at IAmHiMaintenance@aol.com. It's quite thick, heavy and full of information. The paper used in this book is beautiful. I left the charts and questionnaires blank in case you need them for the 28 day program. (You have a full week to leave your comment/request).

Surprise Satruday! Give-A-Way Deadlines!

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that Sandy Patsy's autographed book give-a-way will end tonight at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) So, if you'd like the chance to win ONE of the TWO AUTOGRAPHED books I have up, please comment or leave Sandy a question or two for her upcoming interview right here at the castle, with me, (The Princess) and most of all have fun! This book is a fun read ... it's short and to the point! Plus, you'll have Sandy's best wishes to you written in the book!

As you know, I haven't been feeling well at all and also, I've been asking everyone for their sexy penname ideas. That one ends tonight at the same time as Sandy's give-a-way. Midnight tonight, EST.

I'm sorry I've been slow with the reviews this week, but I got in a ton of good ones that I can't wait to share with you! Also, I'd love to have you as MySpace friends as well. So far, I was only able to find Nymeth. Let me know where you are!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS! I appreciate your caring thoughts and warm words.

That's all for now!

XXX ~ KISSES

The Princess

What's Your Secret? (Give-A-Way)

What's Your Secret?

I know you have one. So... Why won't you share it with The Princess? Hmmm? Okay, as you may or may not have read in yesterday's post, I'm having a terrible time relaxing and sleeping lately. I'm nervous and I'm scared and most of my own "relaxation techniques" are not working lately.

What are yours? Your relaxation techniques...spill 'em! I need to know what you do to relax. What do you do to calm down? You tell me and I'll BOOK you! If you think you have just the trick, share it with me. It doesn't even have to be something you do. Maybe it's something that your friend does or something you've "heard" works well. I'm THAT desperate for new ideas!

Here's something else I'd like your ideas for. And this will be FUN! The Princess thinks her real name is much too boring. I'm looking for a new name to possibly write and review under. So, if you submit a name, please be aware that I may use it! Well what SEXY name suits me? Be original and unique! I LOVE this. I promise to have a very special gift for the winner IF I pick one of your ideas! I have quite a few of my own ideas, but none of them have POPPED out at me... YKWIM?

That makes TWO ways to WIN and TWO different PRIZES that will be given away! So, help your friend the princess and think SEXY & RELAX!

I think it will be a really easy and fun give-a-way! (The book is of MY choice because I'm The Princess and this is MY castle) The good news is, I promise it will be a good one and I will pay the postage *of course! The Sexy Pseudonym will be given a separate SURPRISE gift! All you have to do is:

1. Give me your idea or ideas

2. Make sure I have your email address to get in touch with you

3. Be willing to give me your snail mail address (for shipping)

Easy! Right? Oh, and don't forget that Sandy Patsy's Comment and Question Give-A-Way below is still going on until the 20th. That's when this one will end as well.

Best of luck to you (and me) *smile*

That's all for now!

XXX ~ Kisses

The Princess

Mundane to Marvelous Monday!

Hi Friends!


I'm not sure I feel well enough to put up a review today, but I just wanted to let you know that I have to books coming in for review that are just *MY* thing! They are two Thrillers that are from my favorite author in this genre, RICK R. REED and I couldn't be more excited. They are "HIGH RISK" and "DEADLY VISION".

I was absolutely scared to death reading "IM" and I haven't had that happen in I don't know how long. I honestly can't get enough of this fabulous author. If you like horror, I mean real horror and to be scared. He's a great one to check out. Plus, I think he's a really good lookng guy! That never hurts, right?

So, I know there are a lot of you out there that share my love of this genre, and in case you haven't heard of him, I really recommend RICK R. REED. He totally ROCKS! And in MY world (and it IS my world) that's what counts!


That's it for tonight!

XXX ~ Kisses

THE PRINCESS


**** P.S. I'm having a hard time relaxing...I think I'm going to post about it tomorrow. The person with the best idea for me to relax and help me sleep will win a book courtesy of *Moi!
So, think about it and then tomorrow, let me know!

Review & Give-A-Way for the Power of Pussy By: Sandy Patsy

The Power of Pussy By: Sandy Patsy

• Publisher: Xlibris Company
• Pub. Date: February 2008
• 128 pp.
• Author's Blog: POWER OF PUSSY
• MySpace: MySpace.com - SANDY PATSY - 63 - Female - Kansas - www.myspace.com/powerofpussybook
• POWER OF PUSSY: Enter my CONTEST at AuthorIsland.com

A Note From the Author:

This mind-boggling journal-of-sorts was borne out of love. True love that had not yet existed for a 60-year old, still hot, simmering woman. I already had a full stressful life with a demanding & money-making career, a millionaire boyfriend, two beautiful daughters and grandchildren that I all loved well.

Enter Peter Straat. Our lust-driven relationship that has made my life the most sex-filled time is recorded for you to read by incredible open lovemaking to verbal warfare. Here´s the key to our relationship, just understand one thing: HE MUST BE THE LION KING. That's how I started and am still continuing this journey with Peter Straat. I worshiped his dick. We had sex anywhere anytime he wanted. We are both so passionate, it also came out in bad ways including the biggie: jealousy.

If you can relate and want to know more, read my book. -Sandy Patsy

*I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK! It's honesty and raw emotion got me from the very start. Sandy opens up her life for all to view and to me, that's a bold move on her part and it takes guts! I hope I have half the energy Sandy does when I'm 60! A truly amazing woman, with a truly amazing story.

My review and thoughts:


"man can have sex with no love"
"and man can have love with no sex"

With a unique writing style all her own, Sandy Patsy's debut title "The Power of Pussy" is witty and insightful. Packed with information that I wish I my mother told me when I first started dating and fell in love. But this certainly isn't the information your mother's going to hand you freely in a heart-to-heart! Sandy's journal is sinfully sexy. All of her thoughts and emotions are laid out on the line.

Informative, seductive and straight to the point, from cover to cover this book is full of surprises and fun! As we take a trip through the course of Peter and Sandy's relationship, not a single juicy detail is spared. Have you ever wanted to read someone else's journal or ddiary? Or maybe said "Oh, I wish I could be a fly on that wall, right now!"

Well, now you can! Sandy's kept meticulous notes about her thoughts, feelings and desires and she shares them openly with a style that pulls no punches Each and every one of us become not just a guest in her bedroom, but in her mind. Sandy's thoughts provoke questions and those questions leave you thinking long after you close the book.

Do women really keep a man in their lives unhappily jut because they don't want to be alone? Or Should a woman make a man feel he's always right even when he's wrong? Yes or No? Do you think men are constantly on the prowl searching for a better or perhaps love that's new? Or just any woman, without a care which, as long as she keeps him believing he's "King of the Castle". Judge for yourself as you read their private online instant messages to one another and the incidents that seem to occur on each date.

A true story of want, need, lust and love by THE woman who lived it and then told all about it.

WHO IS SANDY PATSY?

Get to know her through her intriguing book, Power of Pussy. Follow her, as she records her mind-boggling journal on the world of sex and the Power of Pussy. She chronicles her intimate and passionate moments, frank and blunt thoughts, raw and deep emotions in this book. Get inside the reality of what her book speaks --- see how she strongly feels of the ultimate Power of Pussy through this book.

***GIVE-A-WAY Notice: I will be GIVING AWAY an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of SANDY PATSY'S BOOK!! If you are interested, please leave me a comment, in the comments section. Also, because Sandy Patsy would like to stop by for an INTERVIEW really soon, I will give away a SECOND AUTOGRAPHED COPY to the person that comes up with the best question and/or questions for Sandy to answer! I will post the winners ONE WEEK from today, which is the 20th of April.

Good Luck & Have Fun!!

That's all for now and Thank You for stopping by!

XXX ~ THE PRINCESS

Not Feeling Well...

It's late to be posting and I apologize for that. I haven't been feeling well at all this weekend. I have a migraine and I'm in some pretty serious pain itself. I hope that you don't mind if I skip one day of reviews.

There are so many cool things going on throughout the blogs this week. New Challenges, Questions, Book Tours and just things to do galore!

Please stop by tomorrow when I actually get up out of bed and put on my glass slippers. Tonight, it's just me, my warm blankie, a good book and some tea...

one of my favorite night time plans.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and I promise to return with new reviews and even two give-a-ways this week. : )

So... It's a date?

That's all for now.

XXX-Kisses

The Princess

Firefly Lane (Thrilling Thursday)

If you haven't read "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah yet, I highly recommend you do! But be prepared to sit for a while (since you won't want to put it down) grab a box of tissues (yes, a whole box) and have some way to reach your best friend the moment you're through! (Any method will do... phone, cell, email, *gasp* snail mail...a drive over) You get the picture. Here's a little about the book. And then, my news!

Firefly Lane by: Kristin Hannah

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Pub. Date: February 2008
• Available in: Hard Cover, Large Print and Amazon's Kindle
• pp: 496
• Author's site:KristinHannah.com

From the Publisher:

In the summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all - beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn; Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate.

Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the mainstay of their lives.

From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success...and loneliness.

All Kate really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn't know is how being a wife and mother will change her...how she'll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she'll envy her famous best friend....

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship - jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayaltears them apart...and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone's Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it's the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It's about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you - and knows what has the power to hurt you...and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you'll never forget...one you'll want to pass on to your best friend.

I loved this book so much and it will NEVER leave my shelf (unless I'm re-reading it) : )

So as you can guess:

This book is a FIVE CROWN READ - Which means that "THIS BOOK LIVES HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON MY BOOKSHELF!!"

About the Author:

I was born in September 1960 in Southern California and grew up at the beach, making sand castles and playing in the surf. When I was eight years old, my father drove us to Western Washington where we called home.

After working in a trendy advertising agency, I decided to go to law school. "But you're going to be a writer" are the prophetic words I will never forget from my mother. I was in my third-and final-year of law school and my mom was in the hospital, facing the end of her long battle with cancer. I was shocked to discover that she believed I would become a writer. For the next few months, we collaborated on the worst, most clichéd historical romance ever written.

After my mom's death, I packed up all those bits and pieces of paper we'd collected and put them in a box in the back of my closet. I got married and continued practicing law.

Then I found out I was pregnant, but was on bed rest for five months. By the time I'd read every book in the house and started asking my husband for cereal boxes to read, I knew I was a goner. That's when my darling husband reminded me of the book I'd started with my mom. I pulled out the boxes of research material, dusted them off and began writing. By the time my son was born, I'd finished a first draft and found an obsession.

The rejections came, of course, and they stung for a while, but each one really just spurred me to try harder, work more. In 1990, I got "the call," and in that moment, I went from a young mother with a cooler-than-average hobby to a professional writer, and I've never looked back. In all the years between then and now, I have never lost my love of, or my enthusiasm for, telling stories. I am truly blessed to be a wife, a mother, and a writer.

***NOTICE: I will be doing give-a-ways of certain books. They will not be my copy nor will I be able to do it if the book is in ebook form, such as this. SO, this book is NOT part of the give-a-way. Books to be given away will be noted in the review or at the bottom...like SO : )

NOW FOR MY THRILLING NEWS!!

Ok, after I read this book, I went to the author's site to find out what other goodies I could read. She was holding a contest where you had to write an essay. "Who is your best friend, and Why?" I couldn't resist. This story was so much like my friend Kim and I... We've been friends since we were five! So, I entered and was notified that I won second place!! Here's where you can see and read my entry:

KristinHannah.com - Contest

I won a $50.00 gift certificate to Nordstrom's and I'm going to get a personally autographed copy! : ) I'm SO excited! Thanks everyone that interested in my THRILLING THURSDAY!

Second Place: Amy Santos "Another letter that touched me deeply. This friendship is the very embodiment of Kate and Tully."

This Thrifty Thursday is THRILLING THURSDAY

I have WONDERFUL news!! So, I'll be changing this week's Thrifty Thursday to Thrilling Thursday because I'm just SO excited!!

I'll be back a little later in the day to fill you in... PROMISE!



That's ALL for now.


XXX- Kisses


THE PRINCESS

Booking Through Thursday! Writing Challenge!

Hi Everyone it's time once again for "Booking Through Thursday"!

This weeks directions are:

• Pick up the nearest book. (I’m sure you must have one nearby.)
• Turn to page 123.
• What is the first sentence on the page?
• The last sentence on the page?
• Now . . . connect them together….(And no, you may not transcribe the entire page of the book–that’s cheating!)

OK... LOL

My two sentences are:

1. She was so tired she was weaving around like a drunk.

2. And she has your credit cards.

(I hope I'm doing this right!) ...nevermind, I can't do it right. LOL I need sleep!

She was so tired she was weaving around like a drunk (and, what's worse, she has YOUR credit cards!) LOL

Wait...You're not telling my father on me AGAIN...are YOU? : P

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

That's it! I'm getting RID of this book right NOW!! How dare you make my BTT hard! I'm not playing! I'm taking my things, and I'm going home! And don't eve TRY to follow me!

So *THERE!

That's all for now...

Thank you for stopping by!

XXX - KISSES

THE PRINCESS

Wicked Wednesday with J. Scott Savage!

Wicked Wednesday with J. Scott Savage!

Farworld 2008 Blog Tour!

OK, I am SO excited to hear about this and knowing YOU, like I KNOW I DO, you will be too!

J. Scott Savage is officially kicking off the Find Your Magic, Farworld Blog Tour! He's promoting the first book in the FARWORLD series, FARWORLD - WATER. He will be using these books for a blog tour that will run from July 1 - August 31. The official release date of the book is scheduled for September 5Th!

Here's we you and I come in...Scott is willing to send 200 bloggers who sign up to take part in the tour an ARC, and will also drop ship a second copy for us as a part of any type of contest we would like to run!

Now, what you have to do after receiving the ARC is agree to review the book and do a Q & A Interview with him as well.

All you have to do is send an email to Scott if you're interested any time after 7:00 am MST Friday, April 11Th telling him the name and URL of your blog, the mailing address where you'd like the book sent! You can find all the details by visiting his blog : Find Your Magic: Marketing Part IV—The Blog Tour. You can also find out about the book and more about Scott! So, spread the word!

Thanks for stopping by!

XXX- KISSES

THE PRINCESS

Royal Reviews - Heart-Shaped Box By: Joe Hill

Heart-Shaped Box By: Joe Hill

• Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
• Pub. Date: February, 2007
• Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Large Print, and Audio Book
• 384 pp.
• Excerpt from Harper Collings: Excerpt from Heart-Shaped Box A Novel by Joe Hill
• Author's Site: Joe Hill Fiction

From the Publisher:

Judas Coyne is a collector of the macabre: a cookbook for cannibals . . . a used hangman's noose . . . a snuff film. An aging death-metal rock god, his taste for the unnatural is as widely known to his legions of fans as the notorious excesses of his youth. But nothing he possesses is as unlikely or as dreadful as his latest discovery, an item for sale on the Internet, a thing so terribly strange, Jude can't help but reach for his wallet.

I will "sell" my stepfather's ghost to the highest bidder. . . .

For a thousand dollars, Jude will become the proud owner of a dead man's suit, said to be haunted by a restless spirit. He isn't afraid. He has spent a lifetime coping with ghosts—of an abusive father, of the lovers he callously abandoned, of the bandmates he betrayed. What's one more?

But what UPS delivers to his door in a black heart-shaped box is no imaginary or metaphorical ghost, no benign conversation piece. It's the real thing.
And suddenly the suit's previous owner is everywhere: behind the bedroom door . . . seated in Jude's restored vintage Mustang . . . standing outside his window . . . staring out from his widescreen TV. Waiting—with a gleaming razor blade on a chain dangling from one bony hand...

A multiple-award winner for his short fiction, author Joe Hill immediately vaults into the top echelon of dark fantasists with a blood-chilling roller-coaster ride of a novel, a masterwork brimming with relentless thrills and acid terror.

THIS IS AN AMAZING HORROR BOOK - FULL OF THRILLS & CHILLS! I LOVED IT!

This book is a FIVE CROWN READ - Which means that "THIS BOOK LIVES HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON MY BOOKSHELF!!"

Thoughts and My Review:

Joe Hill is absolutely NOT afraid to step outside of the Box, even if that box IS heart-shaped. This is an amazing book that I couldn't seem to put down. I love horror, thrillers, mysteries and anything that will make me wonder about that noise that goes "bump" in the night. I've been that way all my life.

This book doesn't disappoint. It's a page turner in every sense of the word! Something I wish for in all books that catch my eye or take my breath. With a unique story-line and writing all his own, Hill makes for one terrific terrifying tale.

Jude Coyne is an aging rocker. He's had his fun. His "flavors of the week" whom he lovingly refers to by the State that they are from. Currently he lives at home with Georgia and his two loving dogs. Hill makes characters that you immediately feel for, love and hate, cheer for and wish the worst upon. The story is never flat and never filled with things we just do not need to know. Jude is crude, mean and even a little on the rude side, after all, he's a spoiled rock star with fans that just can't seem to get enough of him. (It reminds me a lot of the late 80's and early 90's...which were always great times for me!)

When Jude Coyne wins an on-line auction (sort of an Ebay buy-it-now kind of thing) for a suit that has a ghost attached, he gets more than he bargains for! Jude thinks he's adding to his morbid collection given to him mostly by his loyal fans, pieces of the macbre that he owns and is quite proud of collecting. But how did his loyal assistant find this auction? Who was selling and why? Better yet, why would a suit arrive in a black heart-shaped box? Jude's past is about to catch up with him via UPS.

It's all there...all packed in one unique, unusual, story that will keep you guessing until the very end. A great read!

Pick it up, you'll be glad you did!

A little bit about the author: Joe Hill

Joe Hill is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller Heart-Shaped Box, a two-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award, and a past recipient of the World Fantasy Award. His stories have appeared in a variety of journals and Year's Best collections. He calls New England home.

That's ALL for now...

XXX - Kisses

THE PRINCESS

***NOTICE: I will be doing give-a-ways of certain books. They will not be my copy nor will I be able to do it if the book is in ebook form, such as this. SO, this book is NOT part of the give-a-way. Books to be given away will be noted in the review or at the bottom...like SO : )

Royal Ratings! on Teaser Tuesday!

This is my cute new reviewing system...

Thank you SO much J.Kaye! (She's SO talented)

I can't figure out how to shrink it just a little bit though. The computer shrinks it a whole lot as you can see on my side bar... I really just want to make it a *tiny* bit smaller. Here's what it looks like and says at regular size! I'm SO excited!






So, if ANYONE knows how to shrink it just a little (because it's SO cute. I'd greatly appreciate the help! Thank you!

That's all for now!

XXX- Kisses

The Princess

Mundane Monday's Royal Review

Another Man's Baby By: Kay Stockham

• Another Man's Baby By: Kaye Stockham
• Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
• Pub. Date: March, 2008
• Available in both paper back and ebook (Amazon's Kindle)
• First in the "Tulane's of Tennesee" series
• 248 pp.
• Series: Harlequin Super Romance Series, #1477
• Except from eharlequin: Another Man's Baby
• Author's Website: Kay Stockham

From the publisher:

Garret Tulane is Darcy Rhodes's personal knight in shining armor. Not only did he rescue her from being stranded in the middle of a snowstorm, but he's also given her a place to stay. His close family ties and his caring support create the secure home life she wants to give her unborn child.That security is an illusion, however. Despite the growing closeness between Darcy and Garret, she knows he has obligations and commitments that don't include her—or another man's baby. But feeling as she does, when the time comes, will she be able to walk away?

A Note From Kay Stockham (on Harlequin re: this book)

More about this book...

Dear Reader,

With my pregnancies I experienced the terror of premature labor pains and all the thoughts and fears that run rampant in a new mother's head. I had the loving support of my husband (and, yes, our children were both fine), but Darcy Rhodes isn't so lucky. She's pregnant, alone, stuck in a strange town with an uncertain future.

But the one good that happens to her is meeting Garret Tulane. Garret is an all-around nice guy. Of course nice guys have problems, too, and since he's already dating his boss's daughter, well, complicated doesn't begin to describe things. Is it possible to care for and love two women? I didn't think so, but then I saw a real-life example of this and realized with the right hero, it's entirely possible. Eventually a choice has to be made, but by the time Garret makes it, will Darcy be gone?

I hope you enjoy Another Man's Baby. It's the first of a series titled THE TULANES OF TENNESSEE, and I'm looking forward to writing about many more Tulanes in the future. Nick is coming up next with all his sexy brooding and secrets. Who isn't curious about a guy with secrets?

Your letters and comments mean the world to me, so please keep writing. I love to hear from you. E-mail me at kay@kaystockham.com, write to me at P.O. Box 232, Minford, OH 45653 and check out my Web site by surfing to www.kaystockham.com.

I hope you'll join me.God bless and enjoy the romance,

Kay Stockham

THIS IS A REALLY WONDERFUL ROMANCE BOOK AND I FULLY ENJOYED IT! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT STORY ABOUT THE TULANE'S OF TENNESSEE!

I give this a FOUR TIARA RATING! "Magical - Like A Kiss From Prince Charming!"

My Comments:

"What if the one you love is two?"

Darcy Rhodes is left stranded after her Volkswagen slides off the road during a snow storm in a small town in the middle of Tennessee. Her car totaled, and Darcy, like anyone else in this situation, begins to panic. Finding herself single and pregnant just didn't sit well with her. She wanted to give this baby a wonderful life, a life that she never had. With no help in site, she closes her eyes and begins to pray. She pleads for help...

And soon realizes that there is nothing she can do now but wait, wait for help. Help, she got..

Garret Tulane quickly becomes Darcy's white knight. More than she could ever ask for. He not only rescues her but he wisks her off to the local hospital, where he just so happens to be gainfully employed. After all, what kind of a gentleman would he be if he left this beautiful woman alone and in labor?

Once Darcy is released from the hospital (after her contractions have ceased), she's left without a place to stay. Not a vacancy in town due to the storm. Her mind racing with worry, and her heart on her sleeve, she turns to Garret. He sees the need in her eyes and quickly succumbs to her every need and takes her home with him. She notices how close his family and circle or friends are. She also can't believe how caring and supportive he is. In her mind, this makes for the perfect and secure life that she wants, and desires for both her and her baby-to-be.

Kay Stockham does a great job with these characters, they are not only believable, but they are likeable, even loveable at times and you find yourself caring about what will happen to Darcy next. I found myself crying one minute and smiling the next. Garret and Darcy are easy to relate to.

Until Darcy met Garret, she believed that she was destined to a life of poverty and lonliness, gut now she can see her future much brighter. Garret is successful, stable and strong, and better than all of that, he's always there for her, giving her more than she needs.

Could all this be real? Darcy and Garret feel the passion growing between them. So much so that it can no longer be debied. She also knows that he has commitments in his exsisting life and obligations that don't include her or another mans baby.

This story is about what happens when you find the one you're supposed to be with and love, even when it comes in a package you don't expect. Heartwarming from beginning to end, and if you ask any romance reader, it doesn't get much better than this.

A solid Four Tiara read. Pick it up and get some tissues ready...

A little on the author:

Kay Stockham sold to Harlequin's Superromance line February 11, 2005, and celebrated her long-awaited dream come true while tagging along with her husband to a pharmaceutical convention in Vegas. Kay's debut novel, Montana Secrets, was released in October, 2005, and hit number seven on Waldenbooks Series Bestseller List. Within ten months of that first sale, she sold three more stories to the Superromance series, and attributes her success to perseverance and a true love of the romance genre.

You can find Kay hanging out online at eHarlequin.com's Make Mine Super! message board, www.Noveltalk.com and in her cyber home at www.kaystockham.com where she hosts a monthly contest giveaway and blogs about what it's like to be a newly published author.

That's ALL for now...

XXX-The PRINCESS

***NOTICE: I will be doing give-a-ways of certain books. They will not be my copy nor will I be able to do it if the book is in ebook form, such as this. SO, this book is NOT part of the give-a-way. Books to be given away will be noted in the review or at the bottom...like SO : )

Royal Reviews

She's On Top By: Susan Lyons

• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation


• Pub. Date: April, 2008


• Pages: 304pp


• Available in both paper back and ebook (Amazon's Kindle)


• Book 4 in the "Awesome Foursome Series"


• First three inclue: "Hot in Here" "Champagne Rules" and "Touch Me"


• The Author's Site is here: Hot Books by Susan Lyons

From the publisher:

They call themselves the Awesome Foursome-four girlfriends who share everything except their men. Three have found the ultimate in lust and love and now it's Rina's turn.

PLAY ME

Music is Rina Goldberg's passion and she can never forget the sensual rhapsody she experienced in the arms of Giancarlo, her first lover. Ten years later, Giancarlo is sexier and more romantic than ever. His masterful fingers still know how to create the most intimate melody of pleasure and he understands every nuance of a woman's sensuality. And Rina is the only woman he wants. Their passionate encore takes her to a glorious, unforgettable climax and there's more where that came from. Much more.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED "SHE'S ON TOP" !

and I gave it a 4.5 TIARA RATING...but is it really fair to beak up thie tiaras? I think not so, I round up and that gives Ms. Lyons book a FIVE TIARA RATING!

This means that "She's On Top" will live Happily Ever After on MY bookshelf!

On with my review:

"Here's to Old Friends and New Beginnings"

SUSAN LYONS can definitely write a HOT story, and "She's On Top" is nothing but a scorcher. This book has a plot that goes beyond ordinary erotic literature. Rina and Giancarlo both show a strong and genuine attachment to one another, making them incredibly realistic. As a matter of fact, the entire cast of characters have been meticulously penned with such realism that any one of them, if not all could be your friend. More than once I had that "night out with the girls" feeling and I didn't want it to end!

Finally Rina's found love! Or has she? When her current boyfriend Al proposes, Rina knows she should feel different, you know, that "certain something" a girl feels when she's in love. Why isn't it there? Being a total romantic at heart, Rina always hoped this day would be all she ever wanted. More importantly, why is she dreaming about HIM? No, not Al, her first, hottest and most-remembered love, Giancarlo. Why him? It's been ten years? What should she do? That's easy....wait until Monday night with the girls. Suzanne, Jenny and Anne soon have her convinced that she MUST contact Giancarlo to find the answer, and that's just what she does. Rina soon realizes that the dreams she has about Giancarlo aren't about to end, they're just beginning.

SUSAN LYONS has done it again! Not to disappoint, "She's on top starts out on a high note and flows seamlessly through to the end. This book has it all, from sexy and steamy to funny and flirtatious. You will LOVE "She's on Top" from cover to cover. A page turner in every way. I highly recommend "She's on Top" without reserve. Pick it up and beware that you won't want to put it down! You'll be glad you did!

A little on the Author:

SUSAN LYONS grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and now lives in the amazing city of Vancouver, where many of her stories are set. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite. Writing gives her a perfect outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship and a sense of humor.

That's ALL for now!

XXX - The PRINCESS

***NOTICE: I will be doing give-a-ways of certain books. They will not be my copy nor will I be able to do it if the book is in ebook form, such as this. SO, this book is NOT part of the give-a-way. Books to be given away will be noted in the review or at the bottom...like SO : )

Princess' Premiere Royal Give-A-Way!!

I'd like to thank everyone that participated in my very FIRST but NOT LAST give-a-way. I want you to know that the reviews will be starting soon and probably my weekly give-a-ways. I'm not sure if those will start this week or next and of course it depends on wether or not we have enough people visiting and posting to make my give-a-ways worth while. Because basically if I love a book, you can not have one of my "friends" I make you get your own and will send you a copy of the book I review, but not MY copy.

Yes, The PRINCESS is SPOILED and YES the Princess knows what she likes...she likes books and is quite selfish with hers. I know, I'm making this post rather long because *I* know the winner...you don't ...Devin picked it out of the hat about two hours ago.

I want to ask your opinion on something before I give-a-way your free book. Maybe there will be something in this for you if you have any really good ideas. Maybe this will be a contest for this week ... unless I can think of cute ones all on my own. So, think and help me ... why? because I'm your friend and I'm Stuck! You know how you rate a book one star through five. Well here in the castle we will be rating them by TIARAS...what I need is wording. Be creative. An example would be ONE TIARA - A ROYAL MESS! TWO TIARAS - NOTHING TO LEAVE THE CASTLE OVER (I like those two...see you're losing already..lol THREE TIARAS.....FOUR TIARAS....you help me RIGHT THERE) and say FIVE TIARAS - THIS ONE WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON MY BOOKSHELF. OK, I think those three stay. Unless yours are better.

Enough about that one.....

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

BREENI BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!

Breeni, you have 48 hours to contact me or you give up your prize...so email me at IAmHiMaintenance[at]aol[dot]com. I really wish I could buy a book for each and everyone of my new friends, but my pocketbook simply won't allow it. : ) Please stop back as I will be giving a-way often and with my weekly reviews. I'll probably make me needing help a contest in itself like with the above wording. So PLEASE help me with that!! Breeni, you email me with your wish and your address. Thank you all for playing.

XXX-KISSES

The Princess

Fairytale Friday!

Hi all!

I'm writing to you regarding Fairytale Friday. On this day, I'll either be reviewing a fairytale type book or celebrating in some way that it's the end of the work week and school week for most...so it's our day for "Happily Ever Afters". If anyone has any cute ideas for my blog or any ideas for the days that I will be having such as Mundane Monday, Teaser Tuesday (either subject to change), Wicked Wednesday, Thrifty Thursday and Fairytale Friday. Those are the ones that I've come up with so far and I'm still working on some cute ones for the weekend. Also, I will be having a few more surprises as well. Maybe interviews with reviews and more than likely a give-a-way. Although for the give-a-ways I think winners will be chosen based either on questions they have for the author or why they liked the book, maybe even questions for me. We'll see how I iron out future give-a-ways...the Princess SO hates to iron.

>ICK!<

Congratulations to Eva! Her blog is "A Striped Armchair". She won Care's Contest for "A Book and A Look" which I posted about and wanted to win! LOL So YAY Eva!! Everyone here at the castle is very happy for you! (A little envious as well) : )

Well I need a nap. I hate to take one now, but if I don't, I won't make it through the day! Still sick and it stinks! Until later...

XXX - KISSES

The Princess *** Ohhh...Maybe I'll dream about my "Frog Prince"

Thrifty Thursday

Hi all! I knew I'd come up with something "TH" related by today. I'm still icky sicky though. Now, maybe on Thrifty Thursday's I'll do a review of a book and raffle it off (thus making it really INEXPENSIVE for you) or I can list some new releases that are on sale....I haven't got down every detail that I'd like yet, but it's definitely going to be fun : ) Trying to get this blog off the ground has been a blast so far. I'm meeting new people and coming up with new ideas.

I just did my first review for the online site that I now work for. It's for SUSAN LYONS new book called "She's On Top". I also have some books coming in directly from two authors and two from a publisher. I always try to make room for special requests or for things that I obviously asked to be a part of. So once I get those in and start to read them, I'll definitely be posting reviews. I have to anyway. Plus, I have a ton (not exactly a whole ton) of books to read for the romance site. OK, the books that I am getting directly in are "And the whippoorwill Sang" by Micki Peluso, "The Tao of Fertility" by Daoshing Ni/Dana Kerko, and "Dream Lucky" by Roxane Orgill. I can't figure out how to put pictures in different areas on here. They all either stay at the top or go down either side of my text. I'm not sure how to do this...but J.Kaye, I know you can, I'm just not sure how.

The last two of these books mentioned are Arcs, but "And the Whippoorwill Sang" is out now. It sounds really good. I'll post a blurb for it in a bit along with her site and her blog that tells a lot of interesting facts about the book. I can't wait to read it. It has a really nice cover, is out in a nice trade paperback size, nice paper and not too tightly bound! YAY (those were all my requirements for last weeks BTT.

Ok, I wanted to read "The Tao of Fertility" for my own personal reasons. Some of which I will share with you now. (This is incase I have to take a break to go into the hospital. which happens to me quite often.) While I have one son (Devin Jacob) whom I couldn't be more proud of. Not just because he's extremely intelligent or handsome, but he has compassion and caring and he just sees the world so beautifully. He's my gift. This I know. My problem comes to me in my very early twenties, I find out that I have cancer (it's returned three times since then) and because of the chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries, I will not be able to have any more. I had to go to a specialist and I now may have an option in the future, but it's doubtful (sorry, I can't go into this yet, but most likely I will open up more in time) . I dislike discussing this....it makes me teary-eyed. It ruins my day. I've been in a ton of pain lately and it really scares me. This is what happened all the other times.

The type of cancer I have is malignant tumors called "Ewing Sarcoma" and it's very rare. They have no idea how or why I have this ... no one else in my family has it now or has ever had in the past. (Ok...this is way off topic) So, back to the third book, "Dream Lucky". It' s also an ARC and looks like a really informative and fun. About when FDR was in the white house and everything that goes on in that period. So, I may be able to pass those along as well (not "And the Whippoorwill Sang, because it's signed by the author TO me...cool huh?) I'd really like to support her, so I will probably purchase a copy for an upcoming raffle when I review it. She may even be able to give me an interview for the blog.

It's so much fun doing this on my own. I've done reviews for quite sometime and it's always been for someone else. (That's why I think PUMP UP YOUR BOOK is ignoring the Princess) They just don't think I have the skills I bet. I bet they think...her blog is NOT going to work as a BOOK BLOG...well I don't happen to think they're right. So *THERE!

OK...that's enough of an update for now. Of course I just read "A Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill for fun and I think I may just post a review on it, even though it's an older book. Is that OK?

XXX- Kisses

The Princess

Wicked Wednesday!

Welcome to Wicked Wednesday! Today I was going to post my first romance review.

I know. I know. Where is it? I didn't get to write one...

I'm so disappointed, I am STILL sick. REALLY REALLY sick. Fever and all. So forgive me if Wicked Wednesday lived up to it's name today. The weird thing is that I feel like I let myself down. Not to mention all of you, my book blogging friends, that post reviews or thoughts every day.

I apologize and I hope to be back tomorrow with a new post and review. For now, I have to keep it short. My head is POUNDING. I hate migraines. This day was just not what I planned.

Here's to tomorrow! (Sorry...I can't think of any cute "TH" starting words to go before Thursday right now...but, maybe later) Trish, I definitely didn't forget about Booking Through Thursday! I'll be there. (....with tissues)

XXX - Kisses

The Princess

Why I'm Giving Away A Book Of Your Choice.

Someone asked me why I was giving away a book of their choice and not mine or one that I've read. There really is no short answer for this. I'll try to sum it up for you though. (Because there are way too many contests going on to listen to me babble, right?) Why? Because I LOVE to read and I LOVE books. That could be the really shortened version of it. (Wait...really, there's more) I want EVERYONE to share this love with me. When I decided to do a contest, I couldn't even think of parting with one of my books. One that I've read and loved. My family and friends laugh at me! They do! Not like Ha-Ha-Ha while pointing, but they ask me what I've read lately and as soon as I start to ramble, they all exchange those looks. Then I know what's coming next. First, they smile and then say "I know, it's your new favorite, right?" I think that's just because they don't understand me fully...lol Each one of the books on my shelf that I've read has in some way become an old friend. I live with them, know their story, and I LOVE them. I also admire them for both their beauty and the knowledge they hold. And when I need comfort, like an old friend, they're always there. BOOKS are wonderful things. So, I let you choose your own friends. In this particular case, when you read the one I send you, think of ME as well. So, if you're still interested, scroll down and comment on that post and you're in for the book of your choice and if you link, you get two chances!

You didn't think I was the only one holding a CONTEST did you? Definitely not! I know where to find some, and I'm going to share one with you. I have a whole list of contests. Please stop by these wonderful blogs and remember, they are not just "CONTEST" sites, they are my NEW FRIENDS!

It's Dewey's Blogiversary! Did you know that? One WHOLE YEAR! If you're interested (and I know you are), the give-a-way is here at The Hidden Side of a Leaf » BAFAB and Blogiversary go over and say HAPPY HAPPY! : ) Chartroose is also having a FIVE book give-a-way and that one you will find over here at Bloody Hell, It’s a Book Barrage! You may also want to stop by Bell Literary Reflections there are SO many reviews and books there you could stay all day, not to mention the contest! Wait...that's not all, although, I am so tired of typing : ) Katrina over at Stone Soup is letting you browse her bookshelf AND you get to pick the book of your choice...very cool! Go right here Monday Book Giveaway! (March 31, 2008) « Stone SouP for your own chance to win! Chris also has a give-a-way going on for buy your friend a book week, and she's also opened up her own Etsy store which she talks about right here book-a-rama: Good Karma: Free Book. Be sure to check out both, you'll be glad you did! My Bookish Kitty is having a Give-a-way as well...so go over and say hi to Wendy right here Musings of a Bookish Kitty! She's got a great blog, you'll LOVE it! Tanabata is holding a Give-A-Way over at In Spring it is the Dawn! This contest gives you your pick of one of three books that is being given away to three people. (So one book per person, you put your choice in the post), Also, I know that Jenclair is having one too! and she can be found over on her blog (which you will find by rolling over here A Garden Carried in the Pocket: Next Week's Give-Away (sticky post), she's very sweet and I love to stop by her blog daily as well! My NEWEST friend, The Story Siren is having a great give-a-way over on her blog and if you're a fan of Meg Cabot, you're going to LOVE it! Go over here The Story Siren: Win a Copy of Airhead! and get ALL the needed details! She has a great blog by the way! And last but not least, There's trish who you can find by visiting here Break-ins and Giveaways « Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’? . As you can see, she's taken up a new hobby. B & E...It's really not so bad, she's trying it out on her own condo first before she tries it on someone else's. Tryin to find out how likely it is that someone will call the police. Go over and find out why she's picked up this new "habit" and also a chance to win a book that she's chosen (as your friend) or a book that you've chosen. It's really great. Check out all the details while you're there! So there you have it ... my found lists of contests. There are several others that I've come across as well. If I left you out and you're here, drop me a post and I'll link you up! : )

Well that's it for now! Thanks for stopping by and I'll chat with you soon!

XXX - Kisses

THE PRINCESS

Royal Reviews

Once Upon A Time there was a VERY Beautiful Princess. This pincess was extremely excited because she got a reviewing position this month for an online Book Site. (I Love a story that starts out like this and has a happy ending!) Seriously, I am SO EXCITED about my new position.

Most of the books that I will be reviewing for this company will be part of the different romance genres, but we do other types as well. I've read two books this week that I think I will post about. One is Contemporary Romance and it's called "Another Mans Baby" by Kay Stockham and the second is also Contemporary Romance/Erotica and it's "She's On Top by Susan Lyons. If you enjoy either of those genres, you might want to check back. They were both pretty teriffic! I'll be back later today with both of those reviews, right now, it's LATE and this Princess is missing out on her BEAUTY SLEEP.

Goodnight my SLEEPING BEAUTIES. Till Dawn...

XXX- Kisses

THE PRINCESS

.....AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER - The End.


**If there are any AUTHORS or PUBLISHERS interested in knowing about me or WHERE I REVIEW, Please contact me by the email listed in my profile. I'd LOVE to REVIEW YOUR BOOK!!**

Princess' Premiere Royal GIVE-A-WAY

NEW INFO: OK, Up to Today @ 6 pm EST is the LAST POST that will be taken. The winner is going to be drawn by my son, who has done a wonderful job cutting out the papers and copying your names onto them. (Cute huh?) The names (yours may be in there more than once and are in there if I told you that I got your name when I posted) A few things for this give-a-way. It is open to anyone. That may change for furture give-a-ways, especially if they are going to be weekly with reviews and interviews. I feel awful for that, but I simply can't do it. If I could buy all of my new friends a book for BYFAB week, I would. You are all so wonderful and supportive and I appreciate the warm welcome.

ALL OF THE NAMES HAVE BEEN PLACED inside of the Pricess' pointy pink hat, as shown in one of the pictures below and will be drawn by my son at random. The FIRST name he picks out is the winner. I will post your name here! You have 48 hours to claim your prize. If I do not hear back from you, your prize is forfeited and given to the next name drawn and so on and so on (until we have a winner) ... In your email to me, you must include your adrress and the title of the book you would like. Good luck to all that have participated and THANK you for making my new blog a success. Please do continue to stop by for more daily fun and weekly prizes.

XXX- Kisses

The Princess




Hi All! As I promised, here it is, my very first ROYAL GIVE-A-WAY! Why am I doing this you ask? Well, I'm making major changes to my blog in the next few weeks, and not only that, it's Buy Your Friend A Book Week. And because I see all of you in our Book Blogging Community as my group of new and highly respected friends, it's that simple!


The major changes being made are going to be reviews or books that I've read and reading, blurbs about new books out, and hopefully MANY more book related topics. I'll be renovating the castle, so to speak! : )

About the GIVE-A-WAY, all you have to do, is post HERE, ON this POST ONLY, and link it up to your blog (for two entries) Please put something about me starting my new book blog and to stop by and see what's up! OK? The WINNER will be listed back here on Sunday, April 6th. I know a lot of you do the Sunday Salon, so you can stop by when you're done. I'm also trying to work on getting a Feed Burner thingie on here (Lord knows I'm NOT a TECHNO-Wiz! If anyone can help me with this, let me know!

On with the PRIZE.....(Drumroll PLEASE!)

You may pick ANY title (a brand new copy) that you would like! That's right, ANY Book Title may be yours. Just follow the directions, POST and LINK for two chances and then EMAIL me when you see that you are the winner with your information! It's your choice, you're MY friend and it's Buy MY friend a BOOK week! (OK, YOUR friend, technically...)

So, nothing fancy YET, just because it's my first one : ) But I would like a free book of MY choice, wouldn't you? Oh yes and if you POST about it on your blog, please leave the link for two chances! That's it!

(If anyone knows how to make this a "Sticky Post"...PLEASE inform the Princess! Thank you!) Good Luck!!