In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme started by The Story Siren. It gives people a chance to share what they got in the mail, in a shopping bag, from the library, or from a friend. You can get more information, or share your posts here.

It was a really good week for me this week. My small smiling box arrived on Monday, and I’ve already enjoyed half of my new books. So, here’s what I bought:

Forgive my Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

About a mermaid who’s half human, and chooses a mate based on the first person she kisses. Too bad she’s taken by surprise and kissed by her archenemy!

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

The Christopher Killer

A forensic mystery involving a serial killer.

The Karma Club by Jessica BrodyFor anyone who’s been dumped and was waiting for the guy to get just what he deserved…

Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney

The Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry (Author of The Amaranth Enchantment)

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie DickersonA retelling of sleeping beauty set in the middle ages.

Review of Let it Snow

by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today's bestselling teen authors John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

Summary from Goodreads.com

Let it Snow was a re-read for me, for the Holiday Reading Challenge at All About {n}. I originally read it last fall, and can attest that it doesn’t have to be Christmas to enjoy it. I read Let it Snow expecting it to be like other compilation books (Prom Nights from Hell, Vacations from Hell, etc.). I was pleasantly surprised when I moved on to the second story and realized that the setting and characters overlapped. Stuart from the first story was being talked about in the second story. Elements like Waffle House, cheerleaders, and a Christmas Eve blizzard were constant throughout. Each author had their own voice which worked when they transitioned to a new, yet related, group of characters.

I liked the first story Jubilee Express the best, by far. It was light, the characters were easy to relate to, and some of the plot elements were downright hilarious. I liked that through the linked stories I could still hear more about Jubilee and Stuart (even though their story was technically finished). The other two stories were enjoyable too, and led to a neat resolution.

Let is Snow is a great read for a snowy day, or a clear one when you need a good laugh.

Cover 7/10 It seems a bit plain for the wonderful book contained inside

Characters 10/10

Plot 9/10

Ending 9/10

Overall Enjoyment 9/10

88% B+

Rating: PG, light swearing

2010 Holiday Reading Challenge

Coming from a person that has already been listening to Christmas music, I was very excited to hear about the Holiday Reading Challenge.  You can find more information, and sign-up at Holiday Reading Challenge at All About {n}.

Here are the rules:

1- The challenge will start Monday, November 15 and will end Friday, December 31.

2- You can read anywhere from 1 to 5 books for the challenge.

3- And now, here's the clincher... they must be holiday related books. That's right, the holiday doesn't really matter, but it would be more "jolly" if your choices were Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

4- The size of the book does not matter, nor does the genre. It is also okay for the book to overlap with other challenges. The only thing I ask is that they are not children's books. YA is okay. And so are re-reads.

5- To sign up - leave a link back to your challenge post. There will also be a post for review links as well as one for challenge wrap-ups.

6- And.... there will be goodies. That's right, we'll call them presents. At the end of every week that the challenge is running I will choose one winner from the review links. Meaning the more books you read, review and link up, the more chances you have at winning a "present".

 

I’ve been counting the days until I could start reading for this.  So far, my book reading plans include:

1. Let it Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle

2. Home for Christmas by Anita Stansfield

3. Christmas by the Book by Beverly King

4. Ex-Mas by Kate Brian

 

What Made Your Day Today? (1)

I was checking out a newer blog, http://coconutsandcream.blogspot.com, and really liked Amber’s segment, What Made Your Day Today.  I like that it’s simple, positive, and just what the title says.  So, for me:

 

My two year old now recognizes and gets excited about the color pink!  (Living in rural Alaska, I like seeing anything that girlyifies her.)