Classic Book of the Week: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

I almost forgot to post my Classic Book of the Week. Since I'm cutting it close, I'm going to be brief. Oscar Wilde is another one of my favorite authors.  The Picture of Dorian Gray is a great story. I remember the first time I read it, I  was completely enthralled by it.  The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a man who is willing to sell his soul so the portrait of him is the one that ages, while he himself remains young.  If you've never read this book before, you should. It's a brilliant story that you won't forget.

Click Here to purchase a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray.



 

Cover Reveal: Pretty Instinct by S.E. Hall

Pretty Instinct

By S.E. Hall

Release Date - May 15, 2014

“If opposites attract, then I am nothing. Because you, you are everything.”

There’s no easy road traveled to such an intense sentiment, one I never dreamt I’d feel….

But I also never planned on Cannon Blackwell climbing aboard my tour bus.

He rubs his chin between thumb and forefinger and considers me, but in a classy, eyes above the neck kind of way. This time the right brow lifts in contemplation as he slides his tongue back and forth across that enchanting bottom lip. This guy- women worldwide would pay top dollar but for the chance to watch him do anything, Algebra even; trust me. And I’ve learned another telling habit of his, I’m cataloguing strictly in case he does end up on the bus. Left eyebrow up is playful and joking, right brow means serious and analyzing.

“Why don’t you let me try this, since you suck at it? Cannon Blackwell, not a hitchhiker.” He offers his right hand. “And you are?”

S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 4 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing. She's also being clutch at Baggo, when it's warm outside!

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon

Hosted by:

Classic Book of the Week: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is one of my all-time favorite books. I remember reading this in school and loving every single page of it. I loved reading about Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill's curiosity of Boo Radley. I wanted to know as much as them who Boo Radley was. What I really was drawn to in this book was the issue of race. Atticus Finch, who is one of the greatest characters ever written, defends Tom Robinson, a black man who has been accused of raping Mayella Ewel, a white woman. Atticus gets flak for defending Tom Robinson. Even Scout and Jem are taunted because of it. I don't want to give anymore away and spoil anything for those who haven't read it. To Kill a Mockingbird, is a fantastic piece of literature. This is Harper Lee's only published book. Even though you always wanted something else from her, To Kill a Mockingbird is perfect. Just having one amazing book to your name is all you need, when it's work like this.  It's a book everyone should read.

Currently you can only get To Kill a Mockingbird in a physical format. News just came out yesterday, that it will finally be released as an e-book  and audiobook on July 8th.

To order a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird Click Here



 

Review: The Baby & The Bride by Laura Barnard

The Baby & The Bride is the hilarious follow up to The Debt & The Doormat. Laura Barnard gives us another fun book that you won't be able to put down. The story picks up eights months after the first book. Jazz is getting ready to have a baby and Poppy is engaged to the dreamy Ryan. While it should a be a happy time for both they discover that trying to balance their new lives is going to be a little harder than they thought. Poppy's new job is demanding and while she loves it, it's means that the wedding planning details are left to her mother. She also questions at times why Ryan wants to be with her. This happens more so when someone from Ryan's past reappears. Jazz is having trouble handling the baby and starts to doubt herself as a mother. It's a complete 180 from the life she was used to. As always with these two best friends, they  share their journeys together and it isn't without a ton of laughs. I didn't think it was possible to laugh more, but The Baby & Bride delivers them, from changing  diapers to three Hen outings. The great cast of supporting characters return from Poppy's mother and Aunt, to Izzy, Lilly and Grace. While this book  is a comedy, it does have some serious parts which balances out extremely well.  The Baby & The Bride is a great follow up that you don't want to miss. You'll fall in love with these characters all over again.  I can't wait to read more from Laura Barnard.

Click here to buy The Baby & The Bride.

Review: The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard

The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard, is one of the funniest Chick Lit books I have read in a long time. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed reading about Poppy and Jazz.  They are best friends who decided to switch living styles and living arrangements to help the other out. Jazz is in debt after her mother refuses to give her the money to pay her bills. Poppy is used to just rolling over and letting people tell her what to do. After a night of drinking they devise a plan where Jazz will live like Poppy and save money, and Poppy will go out and live life like Jazz. The catch is they each have to do what the other tells them.  What follows is a great, funny story about friendship and the people you meet. Poppy, is thrown out of her comfort zone. She’s been content just hanging out at home. When she is forced to move into her friend Jazz’s home and live with her three roommates, she has to step out of that zone. No one pushes that more than Ryan. The back and forth banter between these two will hook you. They have a great love/hate relationship going on. The little moments they share are some of my favorite parts. Jazz on her mission to save money is just as funny. It’s her relationships during this time that leave you waiting for her next parts. Barnard also gives you great supporting characters as well.  You know they’re good when you can’t wait to read more about them as well. The adventures and misadventures  Poppy and Jazz have throughout this book keep you reading. The ending sets up the second book in the series perfectly. I don’t want to give anymore way, you just have to read it.

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t stop laughing. If you’re looking a book for the beach or anytime for that matter, you can’t go wrong with The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard.

It’s you’re lucky day, because right you can get this book for free on Amazon. Click here to download your copy now.



E

Classic Book of the Week: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

For the first installment of Classic Book of the Week, there was only one choice that was fitting to start it off. With the passing of the great, Gabriel García Márquez last week, I've chosen One Hundred Years of Solitude as my Classic Book of the Week. This is a book I read a long time ago. It is one of those books that you never forget about. It is beautifully written story about the Buendía family, and the town Macondo, José Arcadio Buendía founded. The Buendía family story over several generations is captivating. After you finish it, you'll know why García Márquez is revered as a great writer, and why this book is considered a masterpiece by many.  This is truly a brilliant book. Pick up a copy of this classic book and enjoy.

Click Here to buy One Hundred Years of Solitude

Book News: Last Chance to Get The Suicide Princess by Anthony Bryan for Free on Kindle

If you haven't read The Suicide Princess by Anthony Bryan you only have a little more than a day left to get it for free on Kindle. This is definitely a book you don't want to miss. It is a sexy and steamy, romantic thriller that is full of twists and turns you won't see coming.  Anthony Bryan wrote a story that keeps you hooked from begging to end. So don't waste anymore time and get your free copy now.

Click here to get The Suicide Princess by Anthony Bryan