Chasing Brooklyn By Lisa Schroeder

09 Jul, 2010 by in simon schuster 1 comment

book data Chasing Brooklyn
published January 5th 2010 by Simon and Schuster
details Hardcover, 412 pages
literary awards YALSA Best Fiction Nominee for Young Adults (2010)
isbn 1416991689
4 stars
Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe’s ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn’t Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they’re being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

Lisa Schroeder is an amazing and inspiring author that I discovered in January when I picked up “Far From You” off of our local library shelves. It was one of my very favorites so far and I was thrilled she had more books out there. Chasing Brooklyn is written in her signature style of poetic verse which makes for a short and emotional read. I am amazed at how deeply one can connect to the story in so few words. Truly each of Lisa’s books are a masterpiece.
This one was a bit more creepy and eery with a paranormal element. Brooklyn and Nico’s alternate writing journal entries about their joint loss of Lucca. Both are haunted by their dead friends and each has a journey of healing from the loss. You will sympathize with their grief and deep longing to resolve nightmares and the sense of being haunted. Schroder writes in a way that teens will understand. The voice is resoundingly one of healing and endurance. She teaches that thick in the midst of loss there is hope through love, through learning to trust again.
What I like:
  • the musical references in the book
  • the picnic scene and description of how Nicco and Brooklyn feel towards each other as feelings start to develop. The kiss!
  • That the two main characters are training for a triathlon together. They have something they are working toward and they are strong, each in their own way.
  • Nicco is an incredible person. He does his best to pull Brooklyn out of her depression while holding onto himself. It’s admirable that neither one of the main characters jumps into love quickly. It is a slow going process of getting to know each other and supporting one another.
Would love to have seen more of:
  • an ending. I was so disappointed when I turned to the last page. I wanted to know more about Brooklyn, Nico and Lucca and less about Gabe. He was just a little too creepy for me. In short, once you’ve started this story, you can’t get enough! Truly hoping Lisa writes another companion novel to complete what was started with “I Love you. You Haunt Me.” If you haven’t picked up any of Lisa Schroeder’s books, you must! They are a guaranteed good read.

Blogmania Spotlight

08 Jul, 2010 by in etsy, Heather Gardner Photography Leave a comment

Special thanks to “Writing is a Blessing” for spotlighting Heather’s Etsy shop this week! We’ll be hosting a giveaway with them soon so hop on over and read her blog at http://writingisablessing.blogspot.com/2010/07/blomania-sneak-peek-heather-zahn.html

Heather’s photographs and handcrafted items have been featured in several Etsy treasuries this month. Wow! Thanks so much to the crafters for choosing us! 40 % of our sales go to families in Chile who are recovering from earthquakes.

Please stop by the shops at HeatherZahnGardner and LittleRedReads on Etsy and take a look. In the meantime, feel free to browse the fun treasuries in our shop announcement while you can 🙂

City of Angels by Sheralyn Pratt

07 Jul, 2010 by in rhea jensen, sheralyn pratt, utah authors 25 comments

book data: City of Angels (The Rhea Jensen Series, #1)
published: June 8th 2010 by Bonneville
details: Paperback, 224 pages
url: http://www.sheralynpratt.com/
isbn: 1599554046
4.5 stars
Rhea Jensen is your typical twenty-something single girl if by typical you mean a private investigator who studies ways to escape from handcuffs while waiting to take down another serial sleaze. But when a seemingly open-and-closed embezzlement case goes awry, her on-again-off-again boyfriend starts fooling around behind her back, and some Mormon missionaries stop her on the street during a stakeout, Rhea realizes her life is anything but typical even by her standards. This exciting first installment of the Rhea Jensen series by Sheralyn Pratt boasts a fair bit of suspense, just enough romance, and a whole lot of heart. City of Angels is a great read for the amateur detective in all of us

I picked up this book by sheer luck at the Eclipse movie premier Party on the Plaza hosted by Twilight MOMS and Events by Alice. Sheralyn was there signing books and I was there taking pictures. When I stopped by her booth she generously offered two signed copies of her book for our site. Must say that once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down. (No matter that I was already in the middle of another read) The first chapter sucks you right in with snarky and sassy detective Rhea Jensen. We meet her on the scene of a bust in her every day job as a Private Investigator. Rhea is a force to be reckoned with…brain and brawn meet a fun sense of humor. Reading her life story from start to finish will be easy for anyone. Sheralyn Pratt’s writing is brilliant and funny. The characters are well developed and even thought they have flaws like the rest of us; you will fall in love! Ben, Rhea’s main interest is one worm his way deep into your heart.
The plot is full of twists and turns as our heroine meets a set of Mormon Missionaries on one of her stake outs. Her path towards religion is a believable one. Readers of all walks of life will be able to relate. When I read the end of the book I thanked my lucky stars it is a series, because I want more! Book two “Welcome to Stalk Lake City” comes out in August.
Meanwhile, we have one signed copy of City of Angels to give away! Simply comment below to enter to win. Contest ends August 7, 2010.
Thanks so much to Cedar Fort Books and Sheralyn Pratt for introducing us to the Rhea Jensen series. This is one amazing author to watch! Check out her website for an excerpt from the first chapter and to hear Rhea’s music playlist. http://sheralynpratt.blogspot.com/p/playlists.html

Book Giveaway Winners

07 Jul, 2010 by in book giveaway Leave a comment

Congrats to Michelle at Ramblings of a Book Crosser http://ramblingsofabookcrosser.blogspot.com who won a copy of “River Secrets” by Shannon Hale.

and Congrats @Bibliosoph who won “The Path” ARC on Twitter.

Email us your mailing address and we will send you the books. Thanks to all who entered 🙂

This past two weeks we have been able to send four boxes to earthquake victims in Chile, which brings us oh so close to 50! Keep shopping at our shops on ETSY. If you are willing to contribute straight funds towards shipping the relief we would appreciate it! See the donation info on our sidebar. Thanks All!

Dungeons and Dragons Series

05 Jul, 2010 by in middle grade reader, monster slayers 20 comments

Monster Slayers
published May 11th 2010 by Mirrorstone (first published 2010)
details Hardcover, 256 pages
url http://jeffsampsonbooks.com/?p=125
isbn 0786954841
3 stars
For as long as Evin can remember, he has dreamed of being a real hero. And when his entire village is kidnapped by evil monsters, he finally gets his wish. With the help of his friend Jorick, a young elf wizard named Betilivatis, and an ancient guidebook of magical beasts called A Practical Guide to Monsters, Evin treks through ancient ruins and faces all kinds of strange and terrible creatures on his quest to find his family.

But soon, Evin realizes that not everything is as it seems. Why is Betilivatis sneaking off to report their every move to someone only she can see? Why can’t Evin remember anything before the day of the kidnapping? Why does it seem as if someone—or something—is controlling the monsters and drawing the three friends deeper into a battle they might never win?

A Companion Novel to The New York Times Best-Selling A Practical Guide to Monster

If you have a middle grade boy this is the series for you. Dungeons and Dragons fans can follow the adventures of two boys and an elfin wizard out to save their village. Along the way they encounter ruins, troll-like creatures, all sorts of monsters and men that are really machines. Can Evin and Jorick battle the seen and unseen forces that work against them to save their families? Who is Betilvatis speaking to and what is she really up to? Does magic win out over sheer force and the sword? Find out by reading the Monster Slayers!

We are currently touring Monster Slayers and Nocturne, both Dungeons and Dragons companion novels. Email us if you are interested in reading and reviewing either of them.


Comment below to enter to win this prize pack of Dungeons and Dragons Goodies which includes two hardback books and a Young Wizards Handbook. Contest ends August 6, 2010 Good Luck!

Contest Winners

05 Jul, 2010 by in contest winners, sandra vargas 2 comments

Congrats to Mevurah, Entre_libros, Megabygc, WinterBabe98, SoulFulKeisha, Jade Teo, DeeaNeagu, and Candace Henderson Hilton who all won Twilight Inspired CD featuring Daniel Jackson and Heather Zahn Gardner of Fire and Ice! http://www.etsy.com/listing/35277088/origins-twilight-musical-cd-charity-for

Dayda won our Mermaid Postcard pack from Sandra Vargas http://fireandicereads.com/2010/06/mermaid-postcards-by-sandra-vargas.html

and LostinBelieving won the Spicy SIREN roll on perfume http://fireandicereads.com/2010/06/spicy-siren-perfum-giveaway.html

Email me your mailing address so I can send out your prizes!

Matryoshka Doll Giveaway

03 Jul, 2010 by in etsy, matryoska doll, mi castia house, shannon delany 59 comments

Once you read “13 To Life” By Shannon Delany you’ll see how central the matyroshka doll is in the plot. We found a little plushie one and in connection with Etsy shop Micasita House she can be all yours!
A bit about my shop… Micasita house™ is Rosy Palma, a design artist who have a great inspiration to create one-of-a-kind, uniquely handproduced items,with great care and special details.

Carminitas™ (matryoshka’s russian dolls)are an original design, uniquely handcraft with lots of love and attention to detail.

A customer’s feedback:
” My lovely doll arrived safe and well. Thank you so much for the thought and care you put in to the parcel, and all the lovely extra presents in there. Everything had so much thought put into it, it made it really special. The doll is beautiful and I wish you every sucess with your craft and your Etsy shop. x “

To know more about me and my creations,
please visit my website at www.micasitahouse.com or simply send me an email if you are interested to adopt any of my handmade dolls,if you have any questions or just want to say hello, I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy your visit!! ^__^


To Enter To Win: leave your name and email address below
+1 for hearting her shop on ETSY http://www.etsy.com/shop/micasita
+1 for visiting her (blog)> http://micasitahouse.blogspot.com/
+1 for commenting on her (flickr group)> http://www.flickr.com/groups/micasita/
+1 for visiting our Matryoshka gallery on Flickr and commenting on your favorite photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherzahngardner/galleries/72157623220637057/
+1 for following her on (twitter)> http://twitter.com/micasitahouse
+1 for each retweet @FireIcePhotos
+ 5 for posting this our our button on your blog
Total your entries and leave the total below
Contest ends August 3, 2010 and is open Internationally

Book Review- 13 To Life by Shannon Delany

02 Jul, 2010 by in paranormal YA fiction, shannon delany, St martins griffin Leave a comment


published June 22nd 2010 by St. Martin’s Griffin
details Paperback, 320 pages
isbn 0312609140
4.5 stars

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide–secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early


Warning: Minor spoilers.
There are so many things that intrigued me about this book. It is deep. In fact, when I get a little time I’m going to have to go back and re-read it a second time. At the end of it all I was thinking…”Wait, What?!” Russian mafia, Wanda, CIA, more wolves? So many unanswered questions and references are alluded to but not resolved, it will keep you guessing.
From the second we are introduced to Pietr and his blue eyes I was in love. I really would have swooned to see him speaking more Russian. You know, complete sentences more than “Da” and “Nyet”. Something about a mystery man who can speak another language is a pull. I love that he is strong, straight forward and yet guarded with his past. My favorite scenes were the kisses he stole from Jess. I mean, WOW!
Jess…come on! Please stop letting him date Sarah. What is wrong with this picture? I know she suffered head trauma and all but… The evil twin she used to be is bubbling beneath her surface ready to surface any second now. I can see it coming. And meanwhile, in her innocent state, I think better to have her know the truth than get strung along and lied to. Okay, I have ranted.
What do I love about her? I think Shannon Delany has written a lot of her own strengths and personality into the heroine. She is great with horses, isn’t afraid to muck, can shoot a gun, packs a punch, tries to redeem a lost soul and has some guts. Jess and her friends are intellectuals. There are lots literary references in this book. So many I lost track: Pride and Prejudice, War and Peace, Homer’s Odyssey, romeo and Juliet, and the Merchant of Venice. Plus the book is poring in Russian folklore, history and heritage.
Overall I really enjoyed 13 to Life. The setting has a small town feel butted up against commercialism and shallow societal snobbery. There is a definite dislike of cheerleaders. My other favorite characters in the book were Amy and Max.
I predict: Derek is a werewolf. He can smell and taste Pietr’s kisses and I am thinking he has something to do with the break in at the school
  • Sarah loses it sometime soon and turns to the dark side.
  • There is more to Jessie than meets the eye. She is somehow tied to Pieter’s family and their past or parnormal.

Other books you may enjoy: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble and Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda.

We shall see! I will definitely be reading the sequel.

Pietersite Ring Giveaway

02 Jul, 2010 by in etsy 15 comments


After reading Shannon Delany’s “13 to Life” I was fascinated by the idea of finding some Pietersite like Jess’ worry stone. Found this cool ring on ETSY which I thought goes perfectly with the book! Thanks so much to Epic Loot Guild for donating the awesome piece 🙂

We are a small crew of artists out of Seattle. We love tinkering with different clothes and stones and creating the very best stuff we can dream up.

My name is Marisa, I run our Etsy site and am sort of a ring leader of the Guild. I’m so excited to be get to have my hats up with all this awesome stuff on Etsy!


To Enter to Win: leave your name and email address below

+1 for hearting their shop on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/EpicLootGuild
+1 for visiting our 13 to Life shop and picking your favorite item http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleRedReads?section_id=7026193
+1 for each retweet @FireIcePhotos
+5 for posting this giveaway on your blog
+5 for adding one of our right sidebar buttons to your blog
+1 for following us on twitter
+3 for new followers to our blog or Facebook Fans
Total your entries and leave below

Contest ends August 2, 2010 and is open internationally