Book Review-Scones and Sensibility

22 May, 2010 by in scones and sensibility 2 comments

published December 22nd 2009
by EgmontUSA
details Hardcover, 256 pages
Grade 5–7
isbn 1606840258
4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads…”Polly Madassa is convinced she was born for a more romantic time. A time when Elizabeth Bennet and Anne of Green Gables walked along the moors and beaches of the beautiful land, a time where a distinguished gentleman called upon a lady of quality and true love was born in the locked eyes of two young lovers.

But alas, she was not.

This, however, does not stop our young heroine from finding romance wherever she can conjure it up. So while Polly is burdened with a summer job of delivering baked goods from her parents bakery (how quaint!) to the people in her small beach town, she finds a way to force…um…encourage romance to blossom. She is determined to bring lovers, young and old, together…whether they want to be or not.”

I am a huge Jane Austen junkie who could spend hours watching the old Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) so this book was right up my ally. The main matchmaker is 12 year old little sister and faithful friend, Polly. Let me tell you she is a piece of work. She will only speak in “Austen”esque vernacular befitting of a fine English young lady. Polly spends her summer delivering baked goods on bicycle to her parent’s bakery customers while keeping her eye out for perfect matches for three of her friends in desperate need of her help.

Needless to say her plans go incredibly awry, yet Polly simply will not give up her pre– mediated fairy tale ending. I found myself relating to Polly as the hopeless and dramatic romantic pre-teen who sees the world through rose colored glasses. Readers will laugh at all the quirky things Polly does and says as well as the messes she gets into. Scones and Sensibility is a super read for middle grades and moms alike! I gave it four stars and let me say this…don’t read it while hungry, there’s lots of talk of bakery goodies 🙂


Send us an email if you would like to read Scones and Sensibility as a part of our ARC tour.

Scones and Sensibility Jewelry Giveaway

22 May, 2010 by in etsy, scones and sensibility 34 comments


Today’s’ ETSY giveaway goes along with the book “Scones and Sensibility” by Lindsay Eland and is sponsored by shop owner Jeyam5…”I always loved any kind of art! Since I was little I always loved drawings and painting, when I grew up I began working with the computer and in the last 5 years I had a great success with graphic and web design and photo manipulations. 2 years ago I discovered a new passion: sewing! I sew clothes, dresses, corsets, bags and dolls. Last year I started working with my own fingers with the polymer clay.. This passion is still going on…

Description
This is a great mix good enough to be tasted at every hour of the day!
And now you have them in all their cuteness with 0 calories!
Nice huh?

The Starfish (I changed the brand.. But you know what I mean 😉 ..) Strawberry Cream Frappuccino comes with a realistic whipped cream and strawberry syrup on top.

The realistic raspberry scone comes with a realistic texture, raspberry on both sides with syrup and a white icing on top.

Are you hungry? Yes, me too! 😛 They are complete with details and everybody will love them on your ears! Here’s a challenge for you: Try not to eat them! 😀

—-MEASUREMENTS—-
– The complete earrings are long about 4/5 cm – 1.6/2 in. (from the ear’s hole to the miniature’s bottom).


To Enter To Win: Leave your Name and Email Address below
+3 for each dollar donated to Chile via Paypal at heatoddgardner@yahoo.com or via mail
+2 visit her website: http://www.jeyam-art.com/eng.html and comment below
+3 become a fan on her facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeyam-Fimo-Creations/120189247997475
+2 follow her on twitter: https://twitter.com/JJeyam
+3 for each retweet @fireicephotos
+5 for posting this or our button o n your blog
Total your entries and leave it below
Contest ends June 22, 2010 and is open internationally

Contest Winners

22 May, 2010 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

Congrats to Amy Willingham who won our furry fingers my SweetMellyJane http://fireandicereads.com/2010/04/sweet-melly-jane-furry-fingers-giveaway.html and to all of our Tanya’s Irish Art Winners

Phrannie
Risyaa
Confrosh/ Joyson
Snowflake Day/ Audra
Ludmilochka
Robin K
Katia
http://fireandicereads.com/2010/04/tanyas-irish-art-giveaway.html

Tanya generously donated seven prints for us to give away! Email me your street address to fireandice.heather@gmail.com and claim your prize.

In My Mailbox #11 & ARC Tours

21 May, 2010 by in scott westerfield, shadow hills 3 comments

So, my internet has been down for the last two days and I am BEHIND. Nightmare! Luckily Mr. Mailbox scored!!! And I got this huge box of books. Squee…

Blue is For Nightmares by Laurie Stolarz-currently reading
Specials by Scott Westerfield– bought for giveaway
Uglies by Scott Westerfield-bought for giveaway
The 39 Clues #3– bought for giveaway
The Boy Who Could Fly by James Norcliffe– ARC from Publisher
The Tension of Opposites by Kristine McBride-ARC from Publisher
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes-ARC from Publisher
Siren by Tricia Rayburn-ARC from Publisher
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus-ARC from Publisher
YAY!!!! We are starting ARC tours on all of the new titles. If you are interested in reading and reviewing any of these titles, email me at fireandice.heather@gmail.com You must be willing to read and mail to another person, post a written review and forward us the link. Other ARCS on tour right now are Brightly Woven, The Cinderella Society, The Golden Spiral and The Mark. Email us for more info. THANKS.

Bloodstone Pendulum Necklace

19 May, 2010 by in necklace 36 comments

Today’s Etsy giveaway goes along with Jenna’s bloodstone in the Book “Hex Hall” by Rachel Hawkins and was donated by shop owner Crowning Elements.

The actress in me can’t resist making every outfit a costume. A faerie, a witch, a pirate queen. This is how Crowning Elements grew into a company. I love expressing my creativity in a tactile way. I am always delighted when all the elements come together and make some thing amazing. I hope you enjoy my products as much as I love making them.

Elements of nature to create beautiful one of a kind headbands, garlands, pendulums, and prayer beads. Here I hope you will find the perfect Crowning touch.

I donate a portion of your purchase to The Dizzy Feet Foundation.

If you are looking for therapeutic and luxury oils? Visit my Mom’s new shop! http://www.touchofthegoddess.etsy.com/


To Enter to Win: leave your name and email address below
additional entries
+3 for each dollar donated to the Chile relief fund via PayPal or mail to heatoddgardner@yahoo.com
+3 for visiting her shop and hearting it http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrowningElements
+3 for becoming a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Albuquerque-NM/Crowning-Elements/122484477772108?ref=search&sid=535050499.4222389345..1div>

+3 for each retweet on Twitter @FireIcePhotos
+5 for posting this or one of our sidebar buttons on your blog
+3 for following Fire IcePhotos on Twitter
+3 for becoming a fan of Fire and Ice on facebook
Contest ends June 19, 2010 and is open internationally

Book Review- Hex Hall

19 May, 2010 by in book review, paranormal YA fiction, rachel hwkins 2 comments

published March 2nd 2010 by Hyperion Book CH
details Hardcover, 336 pages
isbn 1423121309

Synopsis from Goodreads…”Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.


By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. “

Readers of Harry Potter will enjoy Hex Hall. Main character Sophie is sarcastic and snarky. Her roommate Jenna is a vampire and love interest a warlock. Add in three evil female witches, a ghost from her past along with Lord Byron… and you have Hecate Hall!
I bought this book after reading so many of LadyHawkins tweets on Twitter. She has that same sassy personality that shines in her debut YA novel. My favorite scenes were the hours spent bantering, fighting and spending suspension between Archer and Sophie. What a combination those two are. I love Archer, he’s a keeper. And I can’t wait for book two so we can learn more. It is a shocker of an ending! I gave “Hex Hall” 3.5 teetering towards four stars. There were references to jewelry in the book Of course, I was all over that! Enter the Jenna inspired bloodstone necklace giveaway below.

Book Review -The Jaguar Stones #1 Middleworld

18 May, 2010 by in ARC tour, Middleworld 2 comments


published April 27th 2010 by EgmontUSA
(first published October 5th 2007)
details Library Binding, 416 pages
isbn 1606840932
3.5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads “In the ancient city of Itzamna, Lord Six-Rabbit wakes up screaming. A great warrior king of the mighty Maya, he has dreamed he was a lowly, flea-bitten monkey. How could this be? Was this some sorcery sent by his half-brother, Tzelok, the evil priest?

1200 years later, in Boston, Massachusetts, 14-year-old Max Murphy is looking forward to a family vacation. But his parents, both archaeologists and Maya experts, announce a change in plan. They must leave immediately for a dig in San Xavier, the tiny Central American country where his father grew up. Max will go to summer camp. Max is furious. He’s always suspected that his parents cared more about the Ancient May than about him and this proves it. When he’s mysteriously summoned to San Xavier, he thinks they’ve had a change of heart. But he’s met at the airport by one of their colleagues, who explains that his parents have gone missing at the remote Maya temple of Ix Chel. He also tells Max the legend of The Jaguar Stones, the five sacred stones of Middleworld (the Maya name for the world of men) which enabled Ancient May kings to wield the powers of living gods.

And so begins Max Murphy’s wild adventure in the tropical rainforests of San Xavier. During his journey, he will unlock ancient secrets and meet strangers who are connected to him in ways he could never have imagined. For fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to this papered teenager. Can Max rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save the world from the Lords of Death, who now control the power of the Jaguar Stones in their villainous hands? The scene is set for a roller-coaster ride of suspense and terror, as the good guys and the bad guys face off against a background of haunted temples, zombie armies and and human sacrifice.

This book was donated as an advanced reader copy from Egmont publishing, and I will say I love the cover. I think it pulls readers in with the rich detail and Mayan stone skulls in the water waves. Jaguar Stones book #1 reminded me a lot of Indiana Jones for middle grade readers.The first chapters revisit a lot of Mayan history and culture and the characters are mysterious and adventurous. I really enjoyed Max’s short stay a the “banana factory” and discoveries in the secret room.
I had a hard time with the main male Max and his spoiled attitude as well was hoping the relationship between him and his female sidekick would have had more lead up and development. I found myself annoyed with some of the dialogue between the two main heroes because of Max’s attitude and her nickname for him, “Hup.”
That being said, though, I do think it is a great read for middle grades and one which will feed your child’s imagination. There are black and white illustrations scattered through the book which I really think add to the story. “Middleworld” is free of any swearing or mature situations which as a mom I truly appreciate. It is a fun book with loads of potential as an interesting series! And it will leave you wanting to learn more about ancient history which is a gift. Thanks so much to the publishers for letting me get a sneak peek. It is available on the shelves now! Please eamil me with your mailing address if you are interested in reading Middleworld as a part of our ARC tour and be sure to enter the Jaguar Stone earring contest below!

Jaguar Stone Earrings

18 May, 2010 by in MeyleeK 24 comments


Today’s ETSY giveaway goes along with the Jaguar Stones book series and was donated by shop owner MeyleeK…Greetings! I’m Jasmine and I enjoy making my own jewelry. I love visiting bead shops and dragging my fiance to each one of them. I admire the work put into making beads and what people can create with them.

It’s always a thrill to discover something new that you never expected to find yourself doing. Making jewelry was one for me. From the time I created my first necklace I was hooked on beads. Bead shops are my version of a candy store. So many colors, textures, appearances…however, I’m afraid there won’t be any edible gems at this shop!

Description:
Jaguars sure don’t look the way they used to, but these lamp work glass beads (14x11x6mm) are sleek and black like the animal with stripes of gold leaf all around. The center of the gold stripes have a line of dark smoky topaz color.

Complemented with a gold-plated spacer bead and a 6mm black onyx bead, these earrings hang 1 1/2” down from the top of each 14k gold-plated ear wire.

To Enter To Win: leave your name and email address below
+20 for any donation made to Chile relief funds via PayPal at heatoddgardner@yahoo.com
+3 for visiting her Etsy shop and hearting it or your favorite item http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeyleeK
+5 for posting this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page
+3 for each retweet @FireIcePhotos
Contest ends June 18, 2010 and is open Internationally

Fire and Ice Fanfic Update

17 May, 2010 by in fire and ice, Twilight Fan Fic Leave a comment

Daniel Jackson of Fire and Ice has released his third Fan Fic update and here’s a teaser…
Chapter 25.5 Misunderstandings
efireandicec
April 27th, 15:50
Bella stared at him in horror. “What do you mean Seth’s gone?!”

“Bella, stay here with Jake. Don’t move him. We need Carlisle,” Edward replied. His voice shook as he spoke, and Bella watched as he solemnly stood up, his gaze still downward at Seth’s still body, his right hand still grasping at his left where Jacob’s bite sunk in.

“Edward! Seth’s not gone! Wolves can’t…” Bella pleaded with Edward, wishing desperately that he’d look at her with his amber-colored eyes to show her some uncertainty, but he did not.

“Stay with Jacob. I’ll be back soon with Carlisle; we don’t have much time,” Edward spoke in a consistent monotone. Before Bella could question him, he was gone, racing with his vampire speed into the trees…

To read more click here: http://efireandicec.livejournal.com/

Contest Winners

15 May, 2010 by in contest winners 1 comment

Photo of Chile by Vanchuck on Flickr

Here are our latest contest winners…

The Mark by Marilyn Bunderson– Congrats 2 @peacelovevegan http://bit.ly/ctc3wF

Hope Whispers- Congrats to Lara from Spain http://www.blogger.com/profile/09578419551319804522 for winning our Hope Whispers Etsy art print giveaway!

Shadow of the Sun Signed Book- Sariya/ @Mom2ABJ won a signed copy of “Shadow of The Sun” by @laurakreitzer!!!

Steampunk Bookmark- amynemz Congrats! http://bit.ly/doWVyN

Marked Books -@FoodisAwesome @Vacilici

Please mail me your street address to fireandice.heather@gmail.com. Any prizes not claimed within 2 days will be re-distributed. We have 20 boxes of aid ready to ship to Chile. But, I am sad to say we have not received any new contributions this week. We will keep trying! Let us know if you have any good fundraising ideas and feel free to enter our other sidebar contests. Good Luck!