Monday: Getting Ready for BEA

In the place of my other posts for Mondays.  I thought posting something about BEA every week or so would be better!  So on Mondays I encourage you to join us as Brooke and I (Jessica) count down to BEA 2013 and give you some info on what each of us are doing to get ready!!

So first off here is some info about BEA

ABOUT BOOKEXPO AMERICA:

BookExpo America (BEA) is North America’s largest gathering of book trade professionals attracting an international audience. It is organized with the support of association partners including the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the American Booksellers Association (ABA).  BEA is recognized for the media attention it brings to upcoming books as well as for the notable authors it attracts to the convention itself.   

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organizer. In 2007 Reed brought together over six million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held in 38 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 39 fully staffed offices.  Reed’s portfolio of over 500 events serves 47 industry sectors. 

Jessica-
So this year when I decided that going to BEA would be a wonderful Idea and if I didn't go I would die.  I didn't realize that I would end up driving instead of taking Amtrak.  In the end it will be way cheaper to drive.  However, driving from Florida to Brooke's house in New Jersey will be a trip!

So what have I been doing to get ready for BEA?  Well first off I registered as Professional Media so I could at least try to get in for free.  That would save me some money in the end.  And so far so good.  I haven't heard anything back so I guess I'm home free! (at least according to their customer service)

Second was to try and plan what to do when we get there. Which I figured out was a waste of time.  There is so much there that I think it will be easier to just go booth by booth.

Third I started saving money for the car ride.  Gas is in no way cheap and I want to make sure I have as much money as I can get to take with me. Just incase anything would happen.

Fourth I got my some very nice luggage. This was before I found out that I would be driving ugh. But hey my Vera Bradley wont mind being in the back seat instead of a train.

With only 92 days left I think I will be running around ramped trying to get everything done!  With being married and having two kids. And one car (that I will be taking lol) Its a lot to get done. 

Creepy as Hell: Dark Skies

OMG if you want a creepy movie. Then this one will deff. Fit the bill. From edge of your seat creepiness to just plain being scared ****less. This one will make you want to sleep with the light on......and buy a dog if you don't have one.

Friday: Night Owl Reviews

Welcome to the second week of Night Owl Reviews Friday! I thought that I would do this post every other Friday to make sure that I had a few books to bring you!

The Exemeus By: Folami Morris

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 2012

Hyalee Smith is dead, she just doesn’t know it yet. Her short life was devoted to love and to hate. Love of the man who stole her heart, hate for the man who stole the world. Murdered by the government she swore to destroy, fate has given her another chance to make it right. But to save the planet, she needs the help of the most powerful mystic the world has ever seen—unfortunately he hasn’t been born yet. In a world where fear is the only currency, Dephon has committed the ultimate crime: inspiring hope. His only goal is to make it safely through ninth grade, but on a post-apocalyptic Earth run by the Treptonian government, it isn’t that simple. Heir to a legendary power, Dephon Johnson is the only threat to the government’s rule. And on Trepton, all threats must be eliminated. When hundreds of assassins are dispatched to neutralize him, Dephon is forced to fight back. His only chance of survival is to enlist the aid of the greatest warrior the world has ever known. The only problem is, she's been dead for 13 years.

2.0 out of 5 stars Didnt Sit Well With Me February 8, 2013

By Crossroad Reviews

Format:Paperback

Well this one just didn't work out! I thought it was confusing and rushed in parts. With being just over 500 pages I think more time should have been spent on Hayalee's full warrior mode since it is her book. All in all it did keep my attention but it just wasn't for me in the end.

This review is 100% my own.

Dreams of Fire and Gods By: James Erich

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2012

Library Edition

Dreams of Fire and Gods: Book One

A thousand years ago, two factions of gods, the Stronni and the Taaweh, nearly destroyed the Kingdom of Dasak by warring for the land and the frightened humans who lived there. Then suddenly the Taaweh vanished and the Stronni declared victory.

Now, as tensions escalate between the emperor and his regent, Vek Worlen, the vek's son, apprentice mage Sael dönz Menaük, finds himself allied with a homeless vagabond named Koreh. Together they flee the capital city and make their way across a hostile wilderness to the vek's keep, mere steps ahead of the emperor’s assassins.

But Koreh has dreams—dreams of the ancient Taaweh—and he knows the looming war between the emperor and the vek will be nothing compared to the war that is about to begin. The Taaweh are returning, and the war between the gods may destroy the kingdom once and for all.

4.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT February 8, 2013

By Crossroad Reviews

Format:Paperback

So it seems that this book is only the second one that this author has written. And let me tell you it is good! He build such a great fantasy world that you just cant stop reading it! I just cant get over how good this book was! I cant wait for more from this author and I will deff. be buying my own copy of this one!

This review was 100% my honest thoughts.

Overshadow By: Brea Essex

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2012

Life has returned to normal for Rae Davenport. She and Logan Conner are finally together. The nightmarish dreams have stopped, and she's happier than she's been in a long time...or so she seems. A grave mistake is made when Rae and Logan return to the beach where it all began. Now it's Rae's turn to save Logan. Can she do so before she's lost him forever?

5.0 out of 5 stars AAAA IT WAS GOOD February 8, 2013

By Crossroad Reviews

Format:Paperback

Ok so I have no idea HOW I am going to write a review. I guess I could just tell you that you NEED to read this one! (READ BOOK 1 FIRST!) Anything I say about this book will be a spoiler so I really cant go into details. You just need to read this one! It will grab you from the first page to the last page! You wont be able to put it down I know I didn't!!!

This review is 100% my honest thoughts.

Tour: Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.




Praise for Baked Alaska
Josi Kilpack has done it again. You would think that all these events that occur in Sadie's life wouldn't be natural, but Josi Kilpack has a way of making you believe that it just "happens" and it is normal. I have grown to love Sadie's character, even if she is a busybody, you can't help but cheer for her as she attempts to solve a mystery or crime. One of my favorite series. :)
~Goodreads Reviewer Lacey McNeill

Purchase
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series

Author Josi S. Kilpack

Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until she was thirteen and her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped since. Her seventh novel, Sheep’s Clothing, won the 2007 Whitney Award for Mystery/Suspense, and Lemon Tart, her ninth novel, was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist. Josi was the Best in State winner in literature for 2012 and currently has two books (Banana Split and Tres Leches Cupcakes) as finalists in the 2012 Whitney awards.

Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her family.

Website * Twitter

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/17/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Thanks for stopping by we are giving away one print copy of Unravel Me by: Tahereh Mafi

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Moon Mondays: Invoking Hestia

Each Monday I will be sharing a spell with you from this wonderful book!   

Make every day magical with a spell from Llewellyn’s Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac. Spellcasters of all levels can enhance their daily life with these easy bewitchments, recipes, rituals, and meditations.

Susan Pesznecker, Tess Whitehurst, and other experienced magic practitioners offer simple spells for every occasion that require minimal supplies. For convenience, the 365 spells are cross-referenced by purpose: love, health, money, protection, home and garden, travel, and communication. Beginners will find advice on the best time, place, and tools for performing each spell. With space to jot down notes, this unique spellbook can be used as a Book of Shadows. There’s also astrological data and daily color and incense recommendations to enhance each day’s magic.

   About the Author

Llewellyn Publications has grown and expanded into new areas of personal growth and transformation since it began as the Portland School of Astrology in 1901. Along with the strong line of astrology books the company was founded upon, Llewellyn publishes books on everything from alternative health and healing, Wicca and Paganism, to metaphysics and the paranormal-and since 1994 has published a growing list of Spanish-language titles.

Llewellyn has long been know as one of America's leading publishers of New Age books, producing a wide variety of valuable tools for transformation of the mind, body and spirit.  Reach for the Moon-and discover that self-help and spiritual growth is what Llewellyn is all about. 

Color of the day: Silver Incense of the day: Rosemary  Presidents' Day (observed)
Invoking Hestia Mid-winter, a time when pantries are emptying out, is a time to invoke Hestia, the Greek goddess of hearth and home, the "keeper of the reserves." Take stock of home and hearth. What's needed for comfort, protection, and nourishment? It's cold outside, and time to create warmth within.  Cook hot oatmeal and invoke Hestia. As the oatmeal warms you, be with Hestia:

Hestia, make this house a home, a santuary to all who enter. 
Bless this doorstep. All who cross, come in peace. 
Bless this home. Family and friends feel welcomed and nurtured. 
Bless this kitchen, the spiritual heart of this home. 
Bless this stove, warm center of sacred space, creator of nourishment for body and soul.
And bless this pantry, with reserves to see us all through winter, Warmth to provide comfort and respite from the outside world, And your sweet spirit to warm us within. 
Blessed Be, Hestia. Dallas Jennifer Cobb