Grammar Girls Review and Giveaway!

Jennifer at Macmillan was kind enough to offer me complementary copies of the Grammar Girls Quick and Dirty Tips.  Please click HERE and check out their site! You can click HERE to go to the series site!
In exchange for my review, I am able to have my own copies and also offer two books for giveaway!  

Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again 

Amazon Product Description:

Millions of people around the world communicate better thanks to Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, whose top-rated weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 30 million times. After realizing her fans were asking the same questions over and over, Mignon decided to focus her attention on those words that continuously confound the masses. You’ll learn
·         When you should use affect and when effect is right
·         Whether you should you say purposely or purposefully
·         What the difference is between hilarious and hysterical
Packed with clear explanations, fun quotations showing the word used in context, and the quick and dirty memory tricks Mignon is known for, this friendly reference guide ends the confusion once and for all and helps you speak and write with confidence.

Grammar Girl's 101 Words Every High School Graduate Needs To Know

Amazon Product Description:

Millions of people around the world communicate better thanks to Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, whose top-rated weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Now she’s turning her attention to improving our vocabulary—one word at a time.

Not sure whether your post-high school vocabulary is up to snuff? This handy reference guide is a great starting point for ensuring you know the words that will help you impress your college professors, hold your own among your peers, write killer papers, and simply sound articulate--a skill that will benefit you for years to come.

Full of clear, straightforward definitions and fun quotations from luminaries such as J.D. Salinger and Susan B. Anthony, to characters such as Marge and Homer Simpson, this highly-useable guidebook gives you the confidence to succeed and sets you up for a lifetime of success.  

My thoughts:
     Both these books were enlightening!  I will be keeping both these books on my desk at school.  I am planning to use the 101 Words book to post "Word of the Day" in the media center and I am sure that there will be more than one student who will benefit from the Misused Words book throughout the school year.
Misused Words book:
     I love that the tip for each set of words is in a box at the bottom of the page.  It draws your attention and helps you to remember it.  
     There are so many times, especially as a book reviewer, that I wonder about my word choices!  I was surprised at some of the misused words, but I hear students struggle with many of them regularly.  One that I deal with almost daily (that I didn't find in Misused) is many/much.  Perhaps it is because I work in a 6-12 media center that I hear it a lot.  Students are always asking, "How much books can I check out?"  My response is always, "Many, how many books."  They look at me sideways and say, "Yea, that's what I want to know."  They always seem to miss the correction.  
     I saw some words that I struggle with myself:
Because of/Due to is one such example.  After reading, I realized that there have been occasions where I have misused this one!
Desert/Dessert is one that I remember from childhood.  I remember being told, "Dessert has two s's because you always want more."  I still hear that phrase in my head when I write or type both desert and dessert.
My favorite from the Misused Words book is Irregardless versus Regardless.  The author writes, "Irregardless may be the most hated word in the English language. Don't use it. Trust me. Just put down the ir and back away."  I laughed out loud when I read that page.


101 Words book:
I like that the words are listed alphabetically.  I was impressed that each one also has background as well as a definition.  All the words have samples, but I was excited to see that most have a quotation listed in which the word is used correctly.  I was surprised at some of the words included in this book.  Words such as canard, fungible, and xeriscape I have never heard used. Meme, as is stated in the book, is a new word.  I was surprised to see it only because of that newness.  As a blogger it is a word used regularly so I was pleased to see it.  

And now - - - the Giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Thanks for entering - good luck!

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: The Lost by Caridad Pineiro (two giveaways - Int'l and US)

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

It is my pleasure to feature: The Lost by Caridad Pineiro.

Caridad Piñeiro® is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of the written word developed when her fifth grade teacher assigned a project – to write a book that would be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since.

Caridad was born in Havana, Cuba, and settled in the New York Metropolitan area. She attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship and graduated magna cum laude. Caridad earned her juris doctor from St. John’s University and became the first female partner of Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, an intellectual property firm in midtown Manhattan.

When not writing, Caridad teaches workshops on various topics related to writing and heads a writing group. Caridad is also an attorney, wife and mother.

With THE LOST, I’m introducing a much darker paranormal series I’m calling SIN HUNTERS. The stories are still set along the Jersey Shore and you’ll have the beloved Carreras, but now you’ll also get to meet an exciting new race of people: The Light and Shadow Hunters.

Why the change? There was something about Bobbie Carrera, the heroine in THE LOST, that needed something different and something very special. Someone very special. Bobbie is an Iraq war veteran and she’s home from battle, but wounded both physically and emotionally. She’s busy trying to put her world back together and the last thing she needs is more conflict in her life.

But I’m a bad girl, you know. I love to challenge my characters into facing their most extreme hurts because that only makes their happiness that much sweeter. I think you love that as well because there is nothing more uplifting than seeing how love can truly conquer all.

Bobbie’s challenge comes in the form of sexy millionaire Adam Bruno. Adam is different from any man she has ever met and Bobbie feels an immediate connection to him. There’s just one problem: Adam has no idea who he really is and why he possesses the ability to gather energy. That ability allows him to do a myriad of things, shapeshifting, to traveling at super speed, to wielding energy and light like weapons. But those powers are challenging Adam, because as they become more powerful, the also grow harder to control and deadly.

Enter Bobbie Carrera. Bobbie brings peace to Adam’s soul. Adam feels lost in the human world, but in Bobbie’s arms he finds love, acceptance and the possibility for a future he had never imagined.

But before he can reach that future, he must deal with the present, and that means battling the evil Shadow Hunters and facing the shocking truth about his real identity.

I hope you will enjoy the Sin Hunters series. Look for THE CLAIMED in May 2012 which will feature someone you meet in THE LOST. Not going to spill as to who it is just yet, but keep in mind I just love stories of redemption….

Thank you all for your continued support.

Also, many thanks to our military men, women and their families for safeguarding our Liberty and our country.

THE LOST is dedicated to you for all the sacrifices you make on our behalf. God bless you and keep you safe.

The author is offering two giveaways!

International giveaway: ecopy of The Rookie of the Year.

U.S. Only: a Lost t-shirt!

To enter: Please fill out the form(s) below.

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy Reading!

It's the Tour de Force and it's all about YOU!

Click HERE to go to the Tour de Force site!

Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour!

It is with great pleasure that I present Belinda Boring and her newest book Cherished!

Author Bio

     A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob. 

     With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. 

     Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

I am thrilled to have the opportunity today to introduce you all to this amazing woman!  

Be sure to check out her fantastic new series: The Mystic Wolves.  

Review clip:

This is a wonderfully written piece of work.  Descriptive wording,  clever plot, interesting and carefully created characters, a smooth flowing storyline, and an ending that both satisfies and leaves you wanting MORE stories from the author.

Now - how is it all about you?  

Giveaways my friends, giveaways!

Everyone who comments on THIS post will win an ecopy of Cherished (book 2 in the Mystic Wolves series)

Yes, you read that right - - - EVERYONE!

And...as if that wasn't great enough!  You also have a chance to win a fantastic prize package at the author's site!

Go to Belinda's blog - The Bookish Snob 

and you are automatically entered into the drawing for her giveaway. 

A Mystic Wolves Prize Pack (book mark, books, poster, book bag, stuffed wolf and goodies!

Cherished Blurb

For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved. 

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

And...there is still MORE!

Belinda will be having another author "masking" on her blog with a guest post and they'll be commenting. If you go to HER BLOG and guess correctly, you're entered to win a KINDLE! Lots of give aways. And still, there is MORE!  The Tour de Force event is covering 12 authors so you have the chance to get 12 books! 

Praise for the Bestselling Mystic Wolves series

“The emotions are so raw and powerful, amazing in such a short piece. You could

practically taste them rolling off of the characters: the fear, the anger, the rage, the grief,

and even the love.” – Kim Deister, The Caffeinated Diva Reviews.

“Without Mercy is fantastic! The first sentence grabbed me and never let go! This is

a wonderfully written piece of work. Descriptive wording, clever plot, interesting and

carefully created characters, a smooth flowing storyline, and an ending that both satisfies

and leaves you wanting MORE stories from the author.” – Beverly Sharp, The Wormhole

Reviews.

“From the very beginning, Without Mercy is action packed and had me filled with

intrigue as to where the story would lead. I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat

waiting to read what the characters did next and what the outcome would be.” – Naomi

McKay, Supernatural Bookworm.

“Loved this story and I'm eagerly awaiting more in this series! Belinda has created a

world I want to sink my teeth into!” – Deena Remiel, author of the bestselling Brethren

series and Picture Perfect.

Book Buying Links

Amazon -  http://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Mystic-Wolves-ebook/dp/B005JJDG3U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317155143&sr=8-2

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cherished-belinda-boring/1105137151

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84426

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy Reading!

Born of Blood by Sherry Ficklin ~ Author Interview and Giveaway!!!

Welcome to The Wormhole!  Today I am pleased to feature Sherry D. Ficklin and her newest book Born of Blood!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I never really thought I wanted to be a writer, per se. I have always had a deep love of books and writing. It was something I’ve done all my life. I actually started writing fan fiction for books I love on the internet about six years ago. I’d fall in love with a story or a character and I’d take it and create my own stories in that world. It was my husband who first incouraged me to try creating something wholly my own.  So I did, and I never looked back. It’s been amazing!

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

So many. I’ve done just about everything. Worst jobs ever: Telemarketing and fast food. Lame.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

Wow, that really depends on the book. If I’m only working on one book at a time, I can do a book in about three months, that’s concept to finished first draft. If I have multiple projects going, it can take much longer. Born of Blood actually took me a really long time to write because during that time I was finishing another series and promoting other releases at the same time. Born of Blood took me almost a year to get on paper. But it sold very quickly so it sort of evened itself out in that way.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I do these crazy things to help get into my characters head. There are things I wear, music I listen to, and food I eat that is specific to each character. For example, for Sophie I listen to a lot of Jazz (specifically Harry Connic Jr) and ate a lot of Chineese food.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Just the above things. There are book specific props that I keep in my office too. Things that I write into the books, like Sophie’s purse (from the new Palmetto Moon book) and jewelry, trinkets. I try to surround myself with them. It helps me stay in world.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

Everywhere. Some characters are completely form my brain and others are based on people I know. God bless my friends and family for being so understanding with me. I do take specific personality traits and sort of magnify them for my characters, sometimes someone will ask me about something one of them does or says and I’ll have some serious explaining to do. But for the most part, they are great about it.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I don’t. Ha! People think we just sit down and decide what words come out. That is so not the case, at least not for me. Inspiration strikes me at usually the most inopportune times and I have to scurry to get the idea down before it vanishes. I feel like when I’m writing that I am 90% vessel. The story runs itself, I’m just the sorry sap trying to record it.

? What books have most influenced your life?

 I think the single most influincial book I think I’ve ever read was The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker. It was this amazing story that was smart and frightening and epic. It was the first book I ever read that literally took my breath away.

? What are you reading right now?

I read a lot of YA, and I just read Juliet Immortal. Wow. It was brilliant. Anytime a book can take a classic story or theme and completely turn it on it’s head, it gets my vote. But more than that, it was literally the most gracefully written modern book I think I’ve ever read.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When am I not writing? Ha! No, I love being outdoors and spending time with my family. I live to travel. Seeing new places, meeting new people, it’s the best. I spent some time in Europe with my mother recently, and it was a blast. I’d love to go back. I still want to see London and Greece. Those are my next big adventures.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Depends on what I need comfort from. I tend to rely on the old standbys, chocolate and Arbys.

? What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is one that you can’t stop thinking about, even after it’s over. If you can make people love/hate your characters, than that makes them immortal.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

I think JK Rowling is the writer I admire most. She had a really hard go of it, but she managed to make her life everything she wanted it to be and her stories will literally live forever. When that many people love your characters as if they were real people, that’s about the most a writer could ever hope for.

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Cats.
• Coffee or tea? Tea, Earl Grey Green.
• Dark or milk chocolate? I don’t discriminate.
• Rocks or flowers? Orchids.
• Night or day? Sunset and sunrise.
• Favorite color? Black.
• Crayons or markers? Finger paint.
• Pens or pencils? Pencils.

Her newest book is Palmetto Moon: Born of Blood, Book One.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

You can buy a copy HERE.

You can enter to win a copy by filling out the form below!

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Good luck in the Giveaway - Happy reading.

Giveaway Blitz! Diamonds and Toads!!!

This Giveaway Blitz is presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

To enter to win a copy please leave a comment with your name and email address!

The giveaway is international and you don't have to be a follower!

One lucky commenter will win an ecopy!

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole for this great giveaway!

Good luck to all who enter!

Author Bio:

K.E. Saxon is a third-generation Texan and has been a lover of romance fiction since her first (sneaked) read of her older sister's copy of "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. She is a member of the West Houston Chapter of Romance Writer's of America and is a devoted subscriber to the Romance Divas online forum. She has two cats, a 24-year-old cockatiel, a funny, supportive husband, and a garden that's been fried by the recent drought. When she isn't in her writer's cave writing, you can find her puttering in her organic vegetable garden or in her kitchen trying out a new recipe. An animal (and bug) lover since before she could speak, she made pets of all kinds of critters when she was a kid growing up. Her mother even swears that she made a pet of a cockroach one time (but K.E. doesn't believe her). She likes to write funny, sexy romances.

Website: http://www.kesaxon.com

Blog: http://www.kesaxon.com/blog.html

Twitter: @KESaxonAuthor

FB: http://on.fb.me/nqScVw

Blurb for Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale:

Once upon a time, there were two sisters, one blessed, and one cursed by fairy magic...

      So each sister's story begins.

      Delilah Perrault is blessed with riches beyond her wildest dreams and the man she's had her eye on for ages--even though he secretly has designs on her newfound wealth instead. Delilah's half-sister, Isadora, is cursed with having her every utterance come out as an obscene and humiliating quip, just when the gorgeous hunk she dumped years before under pressure from mama swaggers back into her life.

      If you like Bewitched, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, if you like stories with humor and sexual heat, try out this modern girl's fairy tale.

Read an excerpt: http://bit.ly/nfUcPi

My Buying Links:

Amazon.com: http://tiny.cc/j2t6k

BarnesandNoble.com: http://bit.ly/qiQDpV

Smashwords.com: http://tiny.cc/c1c9v

Review: Embers by Laura Bickle

EMBERS
Anya Kalinczyk #1Pocket Juno Books
Mass Market Paperback, $7.99
ISBN: 978-1439167656  
April 2010


Unemployment, despair, anger--visible and invisible unrest feed the undercurrent of Detroit's unease. A city increasingly invaded by phantoms now faces a malevolent force that further stokes fear and chaos throughout the city.

Anya Kalinczyk spends her days as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department, and her nights pursuing malicious spirits with a team of eccentric ghost hunters. Anya--who is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern--suspects a supernatural arsonist is setting blazes to summon a fiery ancient entity that will leave the city in cinders. By Devil's Night, the spell will be complete, unless Anya--with the help of her salamander familiar and the paranormal investigating team --can stop it.

Anya's accustomed to danger and believes herself inured to loneliness and loss. But this time she's risking everything: her city, her soul, and a man who sees and accepts her for everything she is. Keeping all three safe will be the biggest challenge she's ever faced.

My thoughts:
(short version:)
Original.  Well written.  Unique.  Strong characters.  Anya is incredible!  The idea of a Lantern (Elemental) was totally new to me.  Sparky is fabulous - a salamander familiar! Intriguing. Clever.  Fast paced story.  Can't wait for more!

(longer version:)
I was pleasantly surprised by this story! Ghost hunting is not where I usually go when looking for a paranormal read, but I am thrilled to have found Laura Bickle and Embers.  She has built very believable characters for the reader. I found myself invested in the lives of those characters quickly.  I enjoyed that the characters were all such "real" people.  Of course Sparky is my favorite!  The whole idea of Sparky is fantastic.  Imagine a salamander the size of a large dog that was usually invisible, and loved to eat technology!   I thought the story moved smoothly.  I found it easy to read, language for the average reader.
The originality of the story was both refreshing and appreciated.  I can't wait to read Sparks to see where we are taken next!