"Merlin's Harp" Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Merlin's Harp
By: Anne Eliot Crompton
Published: First published in 1995, re-published March, 2010 by FIRE (Sourcebooks)

Book Synopsis:

When I was yet a very young woman I threw my heart away. Ever since then I have lived heartless, or almost heartless, the way Humans think all Fey live.

Among the towering trees of magical Avalon, where humans dare not tread, lives Nivienne, daughter of the Lady of the Lake. Her people, the Fey, are folk of the wood and avoid the violence and greed of man. But the strife of King Arthur’s realm threatens even the peace of Avalon. And while Merlin the mage has been training Niviene as his apprentice, he now needs her help to thwart the chaos devouring Camelot. Nivienne’s special talents must help save a kingdom and discover the treachery of men and the beauty of love…

My Thoughts:

Seeing I'm near the very end of the tour, I'm going to try and keep my "thoughts" short and sweet.  I was so excited to get my hands on this book! Everything about it said "ME".  The Knights of the Round Table, Merlin and Magic all told by a woman and not just any woman, a Fey? I counted the days until my book came.  But, as I waited and read many reviews that were less than flattering to say the least, I began to worry.  What would I do if I hyped it up too much in my mind?

So, here's the deal.  Nivienne, is the daughter of the Lady of the Lake, and when her very dear friend  Merlin is counting on her to help fight alongside the humans, she's not so sure.  See, as a fey, she's always wanted to steer clear of humans and their greed.  It was like asking her to fight with someone she already thought an enemy?  Why would one do that? Well, if they lost, Nivienne loses her home as well.  The beautiful forest that she's always known as home. 

Many reviewers that I highly respect found that the language was too "flowery for them", many couldn't get into it and the majority found it to be a slow read.  I was amazed at how well I know myself and what I know I'll like.  I thought the language was beautiful and actually quite poetic. I loved how Anne Elliot Crompton took the legend and made a unique version of the story her own without losing the actual classic story.  I do want to say that if you have knowledge of the original story, it will make it easier for you to follow.  I also want to make it known that this book could easily be a YA/Adult crossover. I feel some younger YA may not know the original story and most adults will.  I thought it was amazing.  The Fey lore is perfect and just so spot-on!  I'm absolutely glad I took a chance with this book and am giving it four tiaras!  Why four and not five if I liked it so much? The characters, I wish I could've known a little more about the characters within this story.

So? Is this book for you? I've got one copy to give away...you decide for yourself!

Read Chapter One - HERE!

Back Cover:

Nivienne never thought she'd be in direct contact with barbaric Humans - let alone help them. She's only heard stories of the evil that occurs outside the forest. But her dear friend Merlin has brought word that Arthur's kingdom - where Humans dwell - is threatened by the Saxons. If Nivienne doesn't help it, it could be the end for her own peaceful home. Nivienne must now learn to trust the Humans and her heart. Even more difficult than going to war alongside your enemies is discovering you are falling in love with them.

I have ONE copy of Merlin's Harp to Giveaway!  You can make your own decision. Is it too flowery or does it take Arthurian Legend and turn it into something unique and the author's own?

This has been a part of the TEEN FIRE MERLIN'S HARP BLOG TOUR.  I did receive a copy of the book from the publisher, so that I may give an honest and accurate review according to my own opinion. I was not monitarily compensated in any way.

MERLIN'S HARP GIVEAWAY!!

Rules

This book will be sent by the publisher

so, the contest is open to ALL of my followers that have a

US address where they can recieve the book if they are chosen as a winner!

The only other rule is that you must FOLLOW this Site

through GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!

Not Sure if You are? The Duchess has written up a

wonderful tutorial for anyone that need help!

You can find that HERE!

I ask that you leave your name/nickname in each post you leave.

Something that separates you from everyone else so that it will be

clear if you are chosen as the winner.

You must also leave me with your emailing address so that you

can be contacted! (Even if it's in your profile)

*This Contest ends 4/21/10*

Extra Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail

+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

For the Huge 1000 Follower Celebration!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower and

Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you

signed up for is finished!

Although, I'd love it if you to stay signed up forever!

I have some really AMAZING prizes and books coming up!

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

KISSES and TOODLES!

And The Winners Are...

I promise NOT to ramble, but I just want to say, that this is more than ONE WINNING NAME pull for some of these.  The Duchess asked in the last round to watch for winning names here because I wouldn't be able to mail, and many of you missed BIG prizes, which made me sad.  This is the last time I will be emailing for these books so if I don't get your response within 48 hours, I'm going to put them up for others that may want them. I'll let you know more about that if and when this happens.

I WILL be emailing everyone this last time around. Before this, the Duchess asked that the winners email me their names and addresses to PrincessPrizes@yahoo.com.  But, for some reason, not many actually checked who won. 

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Lonely Hearts Club - 3 Winners

AURORA
MELISSA
CINDYWINDY2003

Fallen by Lauren Kate - 3 Winners

KATIE DOLL
NATALIE
TERIL

How to Say Goodbye In Robot - One Winner

CYNTHIA

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep - One Winner

BINGO

My Soul To Save - 3 Winners

JUST PEACHY
LADY TINK
EMMA MICHAELS

Wherever Nina Lies - 3 Winners

BOOKNERDD (STACY)
LISA R.
KRISTI

There you have it! And that's One HUGE LIST of WINNERS! More Giveaways will be coming up shortly and for now, there are still giveaways going on.  I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to all the WINNERS and THANK YOU to all of you that have been so sweet over these past few months!

THIS MONTH'S LIZZY BLEU GIVEAWAY WILL BE LISTED VERY SOON!  SO, MAKE SURE YOU STOP BACK!




KISSES and TOODLES!!

"St. Patrick and The Three Brave Mice" by Joyce Stengel

St. Patrick and The Three Brave Mice
By:  Joyce A. Stengel
Illustrated By:  Herb Leonhard
Publisher: Pelican Publishing
Date January 21, 2009
Hardcover
Pages: 32
Level: Ages 4 - 8
ISBN: 10 1589806638

 Rating - Five Tiaras!
 
 
About the Book -
 
St. Patrick settles in for a much-needed nap after driving the evil snakes from Ireland; however, one clever snake escaped the ring of his miraculous bell. Just in time to witness the sneaky snake stealing the bell from St. Patrick's side, Tulla mouse knows something must be done. She calls upon the help of her brothers, Ryan and Brian, because she realizes she cannot accomplish such an important task on her own.
 
The three mice work quickly to devise a plan to return St. Patrick's bell, but they know it will not be easy. Despite the fact these mice are no match for the snake in size and wit, the desire to right a wrong encourages the mice to work together. The siblings are successful in returning the bell to St. Patrick and all rejoice when Ireland is finally free of all snakes.

This endearing story provides a big lesson from characters of a very small size. Playful language accompanied by Celtic-inspired illustrations makes this hopeful tale of three brave mice a great lesson of teamwork and the ability of good to triumph evil.

From the Inside Flap -

One sleepless night, with the moon high, the little mouse Tulla scurries from her nest. As she quietly enjoys the evening, the peace is interrupted by Snake slithering from the forest. He is the only snake left in Ireland, the lone creature who has been clever enough to escape St. Patrick and his miraculous bell--and he has a taste for mouse meals. Her whiskers quivering with fright, Tulla watches Snake as he stealthily steals the bell from a sleeping St. Patrick. Despite her fear, Tulla devises a plan just as crafty as Snake's. With the help of two brave mice, she will restore the bell and help St. Patrick rid the Emerald Isle of its last snake.

My Thoughts -

When I first saw St. Patrick and The Three Brave Mice, I thought how wonderful it would be to review this book with St. Patrick's Day coming up! That was in January and it's already here!  This book is the perfect way to introduce the story of the real St. Patrick to your children and maybe help answer some questions on why many people of Irish decent (or not) celebrate this holiday.  As with many children's books, there is a lesson to be learned as well, and Joyce does a fantastic job weaving a tale that will keep the attention of even your littlest reader.  Because, as you will soon see, it doesn't matter how big you are, but what you can do when you  put your mind to it and follow your heart.

One night while Tulla Mouse just can't sleep, she leaves the nest where her two brothers Ryan and Bryan lay sound asleep.  Tulla is looking at the beautiful moon rising high while cuddled up in a single leaf listening to the sounds of night when out of the darkness she hears a very loud snore coming from a man fast asleep under the tree.  Not only that, she sees a glowing bell resting by this man's side and immediately wonders if it could be the "Real St. Patrick" with his miraculous bell.  You see, St. Patrick rang his bell and rid Ireland of all the snakes.  Well...all except one VERY clever snake that escaped the sound.

With Tulla Watching, that night the snake decides to stuff the bell with grass and steal it! No more ringing would be very good for this sneaky snake.  Tulla as small as she is shows that size doesn't matter when she runs to the nest to wake Ryan and Bryan to concoct a plan and get that bell back to St. Patrick!  Like most brothers, not too happy to be woken up, blame it on a "nightmare" or Tulla's "imagination".  But, when she insists and they see for themselves, the three little mice spring into action on a mission to get the bell.

Even though Tulla is so very afraid, Ryan and Bryan remind her that she is the lightest, the tiniest and the quietest  and that she is the perfect one to lead the pack. Shaking with fear, she knows what she must do to help save Ireland.  With all the commotion, it doesn't take St. Patrick long before he's on his feet.  Once he begins to ring his bell, in no time he and the three very brave little mice see to it that the last sneaky snake slithers toward the sea,  never to be seen again. 

If you love a well-told story with gorgeous illustrations then I suggest you pick up "St. Patrick and The Three Brave Mice".  The Illustrations of the mice are too cute for words and the emerald greens and ocean blue tones that are used will certainly get he attention of even the little ones that like to "read" mainly for the pictures.  In the back of the book on the last page Joyce gives you some history on Ireland and St. Patrick in her "Author's Note".  So, to make my long review short, I absolutely loved this book and have highly recommended it to everyone since I've finished it.  A wonderful way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the children.

I've recently had the pleasure of corresponding with Joyce and I'd like you all to keep an eye out for either an interview or guest post with this very talented author. Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Kisses and Toodles

Hourglass by Author Claudia Gray ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway

I can't say enough  about Claudia Gray's Evernight Series.  Just when I think I have it figured out or know what one of the characters are going to do, I'm delightfully surprised as to what comes next!  This is one exciting read that you will not be able to put down. I was seriously shocked with "Hourglass" and it seemed to go by all too quickly!

About Hourglass  by Claudia Gray-

Hourglass (March 2009) After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, an elite group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar--all her secrets threaten to come out.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas have orchestrated Balthazar's escape and are on the run, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they run, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything--but can it survive what's to come?

Look Inside!

I recently had the chance to ask Claudia some questions and I thought I'd share them here on Park-Avenue Princess with you! At the end of the Interview, ONE very lucky reader will WIN their very own copy of HOURGLASS!
Princess:  Where did you get the idea for the Evernight Series?

Claudia:  I’ve always been interested in vampires, ghosts and anything supernatural, so it was probably inevitable that I’d wind up writing paranormals someday. But when I began trying to write professionally, I thought I’d never write for young adults, because I had a fairly atypical high school experience. But then I asked myself, well, what if I didn’t try to write the “typical” situation? What if, instead, I tried to come up with the most bizarre situation possible? A boarding school for vampires seemed like a good way to do that, and my agent (Diana Fox) was savvy enough to realize that the current YA paranormal boom was coming. So she told me to drop everything else and work on that, and the rest is in bookstores.

Princess:  When you wrote the first book did you already map out what was going to happen or did it just develop as your wrote?

Claudia: I outlined EVERNIGHT in advance, just as I outline everything I work on. There’s no right or wrong way to write – some people get a lot out of outlining, and others find it paralyzes them – but for me, planning ahead is the only way to go. In fact, the more books I write, the longer and more detailed my outlines are becoming. There are still surprises in the writing process, things the characters will say or feel that come across differently than I originally imagined them, etc. But I like knowing where I’m going and figuring out the best possible way to get there.

Princess:  Do you have a favorite character to write? Why?

Claudia:  On any given day, my favorite character is the one who’s giving me the best reactions/dialogue to work with, and that changes all the time! But I can say that three of the characters who do this for me a lot are Balthazar, Ranulf and Mrs. Bethany. And I honestly love pretty much all of my characters, even the nasty ones, because I have so much fun writing and they’re each a part of that.
Princess:  What's your advice for aspiring writers?

Claudia:  The main advice I always give is (A) read everything you can get your paws on, because avid readers are always the best writers; (B) write as regularly as you have to in order to make it a habit and to make meaningful progress on the project you’re working on; and (C) educate yourself about the business while you’re still teaching yourself how to write, so that by the time you have a manuscript you’re actually proud of, you’ll know where to turn and what to do. There are a ton of great resources online for learning more about the industry, such as Backspace, Preditors & Editors, and Absolute Write.

Princess:  What was the last book you read that you loved?

Claudia:  Oh, I wish you’d caught me right after I finished an awesome YA. But having phrased the question in this way, you get me to admit that the last book I read was LITTLE DORRIT by Charles Dickens. I’ve been on something of a Dickens kick the last couple of years.

Princess:  Any juicy hints about the next book in the series?

Claudia:  Juicy hints for HOURGLASS? Let’s see – Bianca and Lucas are in real trouble when the story begins, but Balthazar gets into bigger trouble pretty fast. Even though Bianca and Lucas are far away from Evernight Academy during most of the story, a lot of old friends find their way into the drama, including Vic, Ranulf, Charity, and even Mrs. Bethany. And if you thought getting away from haunted Evernight would mean getting away from the wraiths – well, so did Bianca. And she was so, so wrong.

To Visit Claudia's Web Site - Click HERE!
Prologue & First Chapter - Click HERE!

Claudia is on Tour - She may be near you! Stop by and say Hello!

Tuesday, March 9
Anderson's Bookshop
7:00 PM
123 West Jefferson
Naperville, IL 60540
Wednesday, March 10
Barnes & Noble
7:00 PM
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #3008
The Woodlands, TX 77381

Thursday, March 11
BookPeople
7:00 PM
603 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78703

Saturday, March 13
Barnes & Noble
2:00 PM
7660 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022

Thursday, April 1
Borders
7:00 PM
1 N. La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525

HOURGLASS GIVEAWAY!!

Rules

This book will be sent by the publisher

so, the contest is open to ALL of my followers that have a

US address where they can recieve the book if they are chosen as a winner!

The only other rule is that you must FOLLOW this Site

through GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!

Not Sure if You are? The Duchess has written up a

wonderful tutorial for anyone that need help!

You can find that HERE!

You MUST do this to QUALIFY!
I ask that you leave your name/nickname in each post you leave.
Something that separates you from everyone else so that it will be
clear if you are chosen as the winner.
You must also leave me with your emailing address so that you
can be contacted! (Even if it's in your profile)

*This Contest ends 4/01/10*

Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail

+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

For the Huge 1000 Follower Celebration!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower and

Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you

signed up for is finished!

Although, I'd love it if you to stay signed up forever!

I have some really AMAZING prizes coming up!

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

KISSES and TOODLES!!

Guest Post & Giveaway ~ "Token of Darkness" by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Token of Darkness
By: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Publisher - Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages - 208
Level - YA
Giveaway - Five Copies

About the Book -

Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.

No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible.
 
If you're now hooked and HAVE to know what happens, I have FIVE copies of this amazing book to give away! Stay Tuned (I'll fill you in at the bottom) after Amelia's Guest Post that she's written for Park-Avenue Princess!  I aslo wanted to make it a point to say that this week Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is over at RANDOM BUZZERS this week! Do stop by if you'd like to ask her any questions!  Without futher ado, Please make Amelia Feel Welcome!
 

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Guest Post

 

 

I signed my first publishing contract when I was fourteen; I wrote my first complete novel when I was ten. I graduated high school, undergraduate and graduate school, went to Texas for a semester, have frequently worked full time, and maintain both a social- and love-life, all while continuing to write and publish. So it is not surprising that one of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “How do you do it all?”

 

I wrote Token of Darkness in November, 2007. At the time, I was a full-time student at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. I wrote the rough draft in 30 days as part of National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org), which is part of the answer: I need pressure in order to get anything done. 50k in 30 days (the goal of NaNo) is possible for me. I couldn’t do it every month, because I need to maintain the other parts of my life, but I can rise to the challenge of a goal and the friendly competition of NaNo.

 

What I cannot do is ever get anything done when I have too much time. Summer has always been a difficult time for me, because I tend to be under-scheduled once school lets out (and I am not really a fan of heat and humidity unless I am on vacation with a pool or the beach nearby). If I work out a schedule to organize what needs to be done in a logical form that eliminates stress, I will violate the schedule, or add something to it; too much time kills my inspiration, which tends to come up when I am moving quickly, tackling difficult tasks, problem-solving, or moving from point A to point B in the moments between work. I tend to solve plot problems in the car between appointments, not when I actually sit down to focus on them.

 

It is only recently that I have ever created a schedule or established a specific time for writing. In January, I started a job that I hope to turn into a long-term career. My fiancée and I have also been in the process of buying a house and planning our wedding, and I have finally discovered what might be my limit for how much I can do at one time: full time job, plus writing, plus editing, plus graduate class, plus wedding and house-buying plans. Apparently that combination is difficult (go figure), so I decided I needed to make some kind of plan to ensure I did not lose my writing focus while developing other parts of my life. I have set up 5:30 to 6:30 in the morning as a time for writing projects. This schedule has worked for me since the beginning of January- the trick is to make the coffee and start work before I am awake enough to wonder why I am awake at five in the morning- and I hope I can hold onto it as time moves on, especially as summer months arrive.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Visit Amelia at her website - HERE!
More About Amelia HERE!

Interested In The Rest Of the Tour?

Monday, March 1st  - Tales of the Ravenous Reader

Tuesday, March 2nd -  Park Avenue Princess

Wednesday, March 3rd - The Story Siren

Thursday, March 4th - Cynthia Leitich Smith

Friday, March 5th  - The Book Butterfly

Monday, March 8th -  Books by Their Covers

TOKEN OF DARKNESS GIVEAWAY!

I have a total of FIVE copies to give away!

One copy to FIVE LUCKY Followers!

Rules

These books are not being sent by me

so, the contest is open to ALL of my followers that have a

US address where they can recieve the book if they are chosen

as a winner!

The only other rule is that you must FOLLOW this Site

through GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!

Not Sure if You are? The Duchess has written up a

wonderful tutorial for anyone that need help!

You can find that HERE!

You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! The only other thing I ask you do is that you leave your name/nickame in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else

so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave

me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).

*This Contest ends 3/29/10*

Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail

+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

(All will be checked BEFORE they count!)

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!

80 New Followers to be Exact!

For the Huge 1000 Follower Celebration!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower and

Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you

signed up for is finished!

Although, I'd like you to stay signed up forever!

I have some really AMAZING prizes coming up!

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

So...SPREAD the Word! It's ONLY A Click & a Follow!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

KISSES and TOODLES