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2011 End of Year Survey

Saturday, December 31, 2011



I saw this survey on a bunch of the blogs I follow, so I thought I'd fill it out. :) Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-Turner created this survey last year, so it's now the 2nd annual END OF YEAR BOOK SURVEY! This is my first time participating, and if you want to participate in it, too, click on the links and go check it out for yourself, and don't forget to link-up your post. :)


1. Best Book You Read In 2011? 

Oh gosh! It's so hard to pick just one. I would have to say my favorite book in 2011 would be Carrier of The Mark by Leigh Fallon. It is AMAZING! If you haven't read it yet, you should!

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

*sigh* I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack for this one, but Shatter Me by Tahera Mafi. Yeah...umm, no comment. lol

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

Ohh...thats a good question! I love those books that suprise you and turn out totally amazing. Hmm...I think I would have to go with This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel. I was excited to read this because it was a pre Frankenstein story. Altho, I wasn't expecting to be blown away by it, and I totally was! I recently heard it has been optioned for film and I am so excited! It is gonna be AMAZING on the big screen!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Jane by April Lindner I gushed about this book to everyone, and they loved it just as much as I did. AMAZING! Can't wait for her next book to come out!

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

Well, most of my favorites were actually books in a trilogy. So, if I had to pick books from a series I would go with The Flapper series by Jillian Larkin and Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. And yes, I am just NOW getting around to reading those! lol

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Leigh Fallon, Angie Frazier, Jane Lindner, Kenneth Opel, Sarah Tregay, Lynn Weingarten, Jay Asher, Holly Cupolla, Wendy Wunder, Aly Condie, and Ransom Riggs!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Matched was my first dystopian book. I was actually kind of scared to read it, haha But I LOVED it! And ever since have been hooked on dystopian. Fantasy books were another genre I was afraid to try, but its quickly becoming one of my favorites as well!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

There are actually several for me in this category. I'm gonna have to go with Everlasting by Angie Frazier, Miss Peregrin's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon and Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

Hmm...not really sure. I hadn't really anticipated many this year. I didn't start blogging until the end of 2011. So I never really saw a book until it was in stores. Most likely it was a Nicholas Sparks book that I was anticipating. lol Since I started blogging...probably Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Entwined by Heather Dixon. Absolutely GORGEOUS cover! Altho I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. 

11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

Oh gosh...another toss up for me on this one. But I think I'm gonna go with any and all characters in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Read it, its totally amazing, and you will understand this statement!

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala enough said!

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 

Emotionally, I'm gonna have to go with Stay by Deb Caletti

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS!!! What is WRONG with me???

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011? 

I am sooo bad about remembering actual quotes from books. So sadly I have nothing to put here. I promsie next year I will do better with this!

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012? 

Everlasting by Angie Frazier. I already want to read it again!

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers! 

Jane by April Lindner. Hands down! I remember talking to EVERYONE about this book. To the point where all my friends wanted to read it. lol So they would borrow it, and they loved it just as much as I did. They would text me as they were reading be like "OMG I can't believe he just did this!" lol It was amazing!

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 

Oh goodness...SO many this year...Candace's Book Blog totally mesmerized me! 

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2010? 

I know a lot of people look back on their first review, and cringe. I actually LOVE my first review, and I absolutely LOVE that book! Still one of my all time faves! The False Princess of Eilis O'Neal

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? 

Hmm...quite a few actually. But I think I'm gonna go with Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers on this one

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog? 

Oh gosh, my brain is total mush right now. Can't think of a thing! Altho I'm sure tomorrow something will hit me. #facepalm

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I went to the Austin Teen Book Fest for the first time and had a blast! There were so many amazing authors there. My favorite book signing by far was Mauren Johnson. She is super funny and entertainment all on her own! Her books are awesome on top of that!

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?

My first giveaway! Signed copies of one of my favorite books, The False Princess provided by Egmont. My first author interview with Lynn Weingarten. TOTALLY blew me away! Her book was incredible and she was so nice and super sweet! Reading my first comment! haha I remember seeing I had a comment and totally expecting it to be from my mom, and it totally wasn't! And last but not least, reaching 100 followers. Still can't believe it! Made me very  happy and proud!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Hmm..not sure and I'm too tired to go look . lol Usually my highest commented posts are my IMM posts. lol Don't know what it is but yep

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My review for This Dark Endeaver. I don't think it got any comments, which made me sad because it was sooo good! So go read it now! They are making it into a mooovvvieeee!!!

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

NetGalley! Eeek! LOVE them! Goodreads! *sigh* If I could buy stock in their site I think I would! lol 

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I didn't discover goodreads till halfway through the year. I did sign up for their reading challenge in June and set my goal for 40 books. I honestly wanted to read 100 books this year, but with half the year over it was impossible. Plus, I hadn't had a way to keep track of what I read before I discovered Goodreads. So I set my goal for 40, and am happy to say I read 51! YAY!!!

Looking Ahead... 

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

Only one? haha There are really so many. I'm gonna say Delerium by Lauren Oliver


2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!! 


3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

Reading -- I am hoping to read 100 books in 2012. That would be a HUGE feat for me! Make a good dent in my tbr pile. I'd be happy with those two things!

Blogging -- I honestly have met some amazing people through my blog. And I am so happy and proud of all my work on it. The only thing at this point that would make me any happier than I already am is to just see more comments from my readers and have more of a discussion and banter with them. I'd love to do some author interviews in 2012 as well!

I had a total blast in 2011 and I hope you guys did too! I read some totally epic books and met some amazing people! Thank you so much an incredible year and I hope you all have an amazing 2012!

XOXOXO

100 Follower Giveaway

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Hello Lovelies!

I can't believe I actually reached 100 followers! Eeek! I honestly never though that would happen. When I started this blog, it was mostly just for me, and I never thought anyone but my mother would read it. I am so excited, and proud. I would like to thank all you amazing followers for your wonderful comments and support! This 100 follower giveaway is my thank you, to all of YOU!

Now on to the giveaway! I had a hard time picking just one book, so I decided to give you your choice of my favorite books I read in 2011. The winner will be able to pick one of these books listed below, if I somehow happen to reach 200 followers by the end of the giveaway I will pick an additional winner. 

Matched (Matched, #1)JaneThe Lying Game (The Lying Game #1)Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy, #1)All These Things I've Done (Birthright, #1)Vixen (Flappers, #1)The False PrincessStayEverlasting (Everlasting, #1)Girl, StolenLove & LeftoversThe Future of UsThe Probability of MiraclesThe Butterfly CluesMiss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar ChildrenDon't Breathe a WordShineThis Dark Endeavor

Tempest

location: home
mood: still sick with a cold. Double boo!
watching: Jersey Shore season 1 GTL!
music: none

Tempest by Julie Cross
Release Date: January 17,2012
Publisher: St. Martin's
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Source: ARC Tour
Intrest: Young Adult
Challenge: 2011 Reading Challenge




The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

When I first heard about this book, I thought the premise of it sounded so interesting and I was immediately intrigued by it. When I got my copy for review in the mail, I saw that this book has already  been optioned for film. That's crazy right? It's not even out yet! Within the first few pages of the book, I totally understood why!

Tempest is a crazy good story! It is about a boy named Jackson who can time travel. He can only travel a few hours back in time, and mostly just does it for fun. One day his girlfriend Holly gets fatally shot, and in his panic, Jackson accidentely travels back in time, 2 years. The only problem is, Jackson can't seem to find his way back. Desperate to go back in time, and save Holly, Jackson will do anything he can to get there. But the question is, will he be too late?

I was immediately excited about this book when I heard about it. I honestly can say, I have never read a YA book about time travel. So I was naturally really excited to read this one, and it did not disappoint. It is full of action, plot twists and turns, suspense, mystery and intrigue, true love, and family drama, It has a little bit of everything!

I honestly was so wrapped up in this book from the first few pages, and found it so hard to put down. It was so action packed, and full of suspense that it made it a super fast read. I really enjoyed the characters, their development and growth. My favorite for sure was Jackson's best friend, Adam, that computer geek stole the show!

Jackson has some pretty heavy family drama. His mother died when he was young and he doesn't even remember her. His twin sister died of cancer 4 years ago, and his father isn't really around. I think Jackson is a character that so many teens can relate to. I think all of us at some point have lost a family member, or felt really alone. It definately made his character more personable and really made you feel for him!

My only complaint about this book is that in the first few chapters, there is a LOT of time travel going on. He may time travel 5 or 6 times in the course of 3 or 4 pages. It got a bit confusing at times, as soon as you adjusted to where he was and why, you were off somewhere else trying to adjust all over again. Thankfully about 70 pages in things settled down and I was able to follow along a lot better. That is honestly what is keeping me from giving this a 5 star review, because other than that, it was amazing!

Tempest was a great, action packed, suspenseful book. I am dying to read book two in this trilogy and even more excited to see this one on the big screen!


Pretty Little Liars

Sunday, December 25, 2011

location: home
mood: sick with a cold. Boo!
watching: Hart of Dixie
music: none

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback, Box Set
Source: Own- Gifted by Loretta :)
Intrest: Young Adult
Challenge: 2011 Reading Challenge



Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.

Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. And Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.

But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.

How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were and the naughty girls they are now. And guess what? I'm telling.

I have been dying to read this series since it first came out! Unfortunately I didn't catch on in the beginning, and before I knew it, there were almost a dozen books in the series, and I felt like I'd never be able to catch up. So instead I jumped on the television series from the very beginning. It totally blew me away and rekindled my interest in this series. My friend, Loretta at Between the Pages gave me the last push I needed, by sending me a box set of these books. Do you think she was trying to hint at something?

I decided to break open the set and I quickly devoured the first book. It was a really quick read, fueled by mystery, intrigue,  and suspense. It has a little bit of everything from family drama, mystery, boys, and friendship.

I'm sure all of you know the basic idea of the story by now. Five friends who are bound together forever by a secret, aka "the Jenna thing", until one of the girls, Ali, goes missing at the end of seventh grade. The series starts us off in eleventh grade, with Aria returning from Iceland. The girls have grown up, and apart from each other. But nothing can bring them back, except for maybe threatening text messages from A. Who is A, and will the girls find out before A destroys their world?

I initially thought that these girls, were just your typical "mean girls" . Rich, entitled, and oh so very spoiled. But I couldn't be more wrong! They each have their own problems that make them more personable and real. Emily, who is battling with the fact that she likes girls more than boys. Spencer, who is never good enough for her family and is constantly in her sister's shadow. Aria, who is living with her father's secret, that he cheated on her mother, and the fact that she's dating her super cute, and slightly older english teacher. Hanna, who is dealing with her parents divorce and her own personal image issues that send her on a downward spiral of eating problems, and a slight shoplifting problem or two!

This book will definatlely hook you, so grab a copy and get reading!

eBook Steals and Deals

Friday, December 23, 2011

Hello Lovelies!

During this holiday season there are some amazing deals, and steals going around. So if you have an ebook reader you will definately want to take advantage of these awesome deals! So let's get started.

First up,and probably my favorite is Epic Reads, Epic Deals. And boy are these deals EPIC! There are 10 amazing ebooks for 99 cents each! If your still buying your gifts, or even if they are just for you these are an incredible deal. 10 amazing YA books for less than $10! You can't beat that! You can check out their facebook page advertising the sale HERE .

Here are a few of the books you can find on sale from Epic Reads. These will be on sale through January 31st. So if your like me on a tight budget, you can purchase a few every week until you have all 10!




Next up are a few ebooks I found on Amazon. So make sure you check these out as well!

A Blue So Dark

99 cents!

Cinderella's Secret Diary (Book 1: Lost)

99 cents!

Small Town Sinners

$2.99

Insatiable

$2.99!!! Can you believe it? I <3 Meg Cabot!

Delirium: The Special Edition

Lauren Oliver fans rejoice! Delirium is now $2.99! Squeee!

Sophie & Carter
$2.99

Brightest Kind of Darkness, YA Paranormal Romance (Brightest Kind of Darkness Series, Book #1)
99 cents! LOVE the gorgeous cover!

The Hedgewitch Queen
$2.99

Tangled

Yay for Carolyn Mackler! $1.99

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Amazon and take advantage of these amazing deals before they are gone! 

Don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know which ebooks you have bought, or are planning to buy. I'd love to hear it!


Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

XOXO



Waiting On Wednesday (4)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011



"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill atBreaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week what I am eagerly awaiting is Enchanted by Alethea Kontis



It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?

Lynn Weingarten Author Interview

Monday, December 19, 2011



I recently recieved a copy of The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten for review and was completely blown away by her amazingly stunning book!

I was so thrilled to be able to do an author interview with her, that I totally couldn't even sleep that night! This is my first author interview, and I am super excited about it! So now on to the interview!


I absolutely loved the plot of the story! Where did you come up with such a unique idea for your book?
Thank you so much! My original inspiration came from a non-fiction guide to picking up women. In the book, groups of guys would go out and hit on women together, using specific tactics and tricks. It was a very interesting read and got me thinking how fun it would be to write a book about a group of girls who did the same thing.

I’m actually not really sure where the rest of the idea came from to be honest! Brainstorming is a funny thing, and one minute you’re sitting there eating too many Skittles and wondering if anyone would buy a book with an edible candy cover and the next minute you have your book idea.


(Sounds like a really ineresting book, and just for the record I would totally buy a book with an edible candy cover!)

In your book Olivia tells Lucy the world is made up of heartbreakers and the heartbroken.  When you were in highschool, which category did you fall under?

Both.


If there was a Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers when you were in highschool, would you have joined?

I would have felt way too guilty to do that!


They way The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers ended, there is definitely room to do more with the story if you chose. Will there be a sequel in the future? ( please oh please!)
There will indeed a sequel and it will be out at the end of 2012. I’m currently in the process of revising it and also trying to think of a title. So if anyone has any suggestions . . .



Squeeeeee! Oh, excuse me. *ahem*

In your book, Lucy has an amazing set of pipes. Can you sing and what are some of your favorite artist's to listen to?
I can carry a tune, but definitely don’t sing as well as Lucy. I do tend to sing a lot just while I’m walking around doing stuff, in the apartment, cooking, etc. I will pick one song and sing it constantly until my boyfriend goes crazy, and then I will pick a another one. I am currently singing the song “Walking in the Air” from The Snowman. It’s festive!

As for what I like to listen to: it totally depends on my mood but lately I’ve been putting on a lot of Florence + the Machine, Cathy Davey and Adele.


(I just discovered Florence + the Machine and I am totally addicted! )

Also, Amazon asked me to make a Heartbreak playlist for The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers Amazon page and that should be up very soon in case anyone is curios to see it.

(Oooh, I will definately check that out!)


The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers is definately one of my all time favorite books! What are some of your favorite novels?
Thank you so much!! Some of my favorite authors are: Tom Robbins, Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, Jennifer Egan, Alice Munro and Lucy Ellmann. And my favorite novels are anything by any of them!

Thank you so much to Lynn Weingarten for stopping by my blog to do an interview and I can't wait to read the follow up to The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers! 

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers

location: home
mood: content
watching: Cake Boss season 3 ( and now I'm hungry for cake! )
music: none


The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: Hardback
Source: Own- Received for Review
Intrest: Young Adult
Challenge: 2011 Reading Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon



If there’s an upside to having your heart broken, it’s this: A broken heart makes you brave.

The first day of sophomore year doesn’t go the way Lucy planned. After a summer apart from her boyfriend, she’s ready to greet him with a special surprise and instead gets a shocking one in return: He’s breaking up with her. Beyond devastated, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life.

Enter three stunning girls with the unnatural ability to attract boys and an offer Lucy can’t refuse: They can heal her heart in an instant. And then she’ll be one of them—a member of a sisterhood that is impervious to heartbreak and has access to magic distilled from the tears of brokenhearted boys. But to gain their power, Lucy must get a guy to fall in love with her the old-fashioned way, and then break his heart in the next seven days.

While the sisterhood may need another Heartbreaker, Lucy’s only desire is to get her ex back. But how far is she willing to go, and who is she willing to cross to get what she wants?

Alex was Lucy's first boyfriend, her first love, her first everything. After spending the summer apart Lucy couldn't wait to see Alex on the first day of school, and share her special surprise with him. Only instead of reacting the way she thought he would, Alex breaks up with her!

Lucy is completely devestated, and utterly heartbroken. Then she meets Olivia, a striking but mysterious girl, who gives Lucy the oppurtunity of a lifetime! Olivia is part of a secret sisterhood of heartbreakers, a group of girls who are immune to ever having their hearts broken. If Lucy joins the secret sisterhood, not only will her own heart be healed, it will never be broken again! The rules are simple, make someone love you in the next seven days,  and then break their heart.

But Lucy has another plan in mind! What if instead of using the secret sisterhood of hreatbreakers to win a heart and break it, she used it to win a heart and keep it? With the clocking ticking away will Lucy be able to win Alex back, or is she destined to be heartbroken forever?

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers completely blew me away! I was hooked by the first page, and got sucked in even further as I read on. I devoured the entire thing in one day and was left completely breathless.

My heart literally broke for Lucy when she was devestated by her breakup with Alex. When she wept, I wept. So can a girl blame her when she decides to use the Secret Sisterhood of Hreatbreakers to her own advantage, and win Alex's heart back forever? I couldn't!

Lynn Weingarten delivered a stunning and captivating hit with The Secret Sisterhood of Hreatbreakers! So make sure you check it our when it hits stores on December 27th. You wont' regret it! I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!


In My Mailbox (12)

Sunday, December 18, 2011


In My Mailbox is a weekly Meme hosted by Kristi the Story Siren. This is where us bloggers get a chance to show you what we got this week! Bookish related of course!

Hello my Lovelies! Hope you all had a fantastic week/weekend! Mine was a bit on the crazy side, again! So its not up as early as I would have liked it to be. But as promised, I am BACK with another vlog, and hamming it up with stills in true Princess of Storyland fashion! *cheers and throw confetti* Yes I know, you missed my stills didn't you? You can admit it! It's ok, I missed them too! 



For Review
Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne 
check out her awesome site HERE
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

Gifted
Descended by Blood by Angelina Kace
Thank you to my good friend Amy check out her blog HERE

And don't forget to stop by Lori's design site Imagination design's and check out her amazing work!

ACK! I look like I"m going to eat my book!

ahhh! Now THAT'S more like it!

What? She's doing it toooo!

*sigh* I <3 this book so much!

Well, that's it for me this week. I hope everyone had an amazing weekend! Leave me a comment and let me know what you got in your mailbox this week or leave me a link to yours! I LOVE IMM's! Don't forget to stop back by tomorrow aka Monday, and let me know what you think of my new blog design!

Happy Reading!

XOXO

Love & Leftovers

Friday, December 16, 2011

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About me

  • This blog is a little bit of everything!
  • Hi! My name is Cristina, I am 29 years old and from Texas! I love my bunnies, books and blogging about my favorite things!
My favorite scarf in the whole wide world! :) photo 10363858_10152526761926237_5252620513132971013_n.jpg

Cristina

Founder of the website