4 Free ARC's and 3 Non ARC's to anyone interested in!

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Hey everyone!


Sorry for not updating for so long, I've been insanely busy, working on my other blog but I am going to be trying to fit more time in for this blog to keep you guys in the know with all the great YA books coming out! Plus...I have an idea that I will be introducing soon that I know you guys will love!

Anyways, as for now, I have 4 ARC'S that I would love to give away to any of my readers to review on their blogs. All you have to do is pay shipping! As of now I have:

"Prom and Party Etiquette"
"Firelight"
"Wildthorn"
"The Ruby in the Smoke"

I also have three books that are NOT ARC's that are looking for a home....

"Snow Queen"
"Perfect Shot"
"Jennifer's Body"

If you are interested in any, please leave a comment and I will email you! Otherwise you can email me at countrystars95@yaho.com!

5 Health Benefit decisions to make in an hour

Right now, our world is experiencing higher and higher rates of obesity. Not just in adults either, it is happening in our children and teens as well! Adults, we all need to set good examples for the younger generations to help them live a longer, healthier lifestyle. By setting good examples, you will not only be helping yourselves, but you will be helping our country! Way for an incentive! We find it hard sometimes though, to find the right health care plan, and to find ways to save money and think smart when finding one. Think about these tips in your search!

1. Is being healthy important to you?
Did you know that 25% adults have skipped their annual physicals? Or how about that about 10% have canceled their gym memberships? And all of the adults were insured? (Stats) Are you one of them? While you might be thinking that your saving money at time, you actually aren't in the long run! A lot of health plans pay for your physicals and even sometimes offer a discount for your gym membership. It's healthier to stay healthy.

2. Generic VS. Prescription
Switching to generic from prescription can save you possibly over $1000 a year, and it is recommended by many doctors. This is an easy option worth looking into if you have a lot of prescriptions, that have very similar generic options. (consult doctor first with this decision)

3. Compare
It's always a great idea to compare your health care plan with others. Take a look around at other plans, one plan isn't for everyone! Even though your current plan might be great for you sister, it might not be the one for you! There are many different benefits that different plans offer, find the one that's right for you!

4. Talk
One thing you don't want to do when your searching for a new health care plan is quickly choose one and be done with it. Go over the different options carefully with your spouse and really think it through - it's for your family, everything has to be as perfect as possible, take the time to make it possible!

5. Use your benefits!
When you have a health care plan, it is important to use your benefits! If your health plan offers free check ups, dental cleaning, eye checks, and more, be sure to use them! Always know what your plan offers and be sure to take use everything to the extent. By doing this, you will be using the benefits that you are paying for, and keeping yourself healthy at the same time!


See, it's not so hard to make simple changes in one hour to help save money with your health care plan. It's always important to check things over and make sure they suit yours and your family's lifestyles. Remember that it's ok to change things if other things in your life change as well! And don't forget, to take advantage of those benefits, it will lead to a healthier YOU!

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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Every Little Thing in the World

Book: Every Little thing in the World
Author: Nina De Gramont
Rating: 5 out of 5
Cover Rating: 5 out of 5
Disclosure: I rented this book from the library
Purchase

Sydney is one of those girls who everyone has high expectations for. She lives a nice life, and goes to a nice private school. However, she soon starts going to parties because her best friend, Natalia's boyfriend is always going, which results in her meeting Tommy. After sneaking away to Natalia's families cabin with Tommy, Natalia, and Natalia's boyfriend, she comes back and soon realizes that she is pregnant. It doesn't feel real to her yet, she doesn't feel anything changing inside her and she isn't having any cravings, plus, her stomach is still flat, she really can't be pregnant, can she? She tells herself these things, but deep down, she knows that she got herself into some big trouble and is going to have to figure out a way to make it better. On top of all this, her and Natalia got caught "borrowing" Natalia's moms car and going to a party, and are in big trouble with their parents. As punishment, their parent's send them of to a camp in Canada where they will be canoeing for weeks. Sydney looks forward to not having to worry about her current situation, and while on her trip she grows and becomes a better person, and has to make some hard choices along the way.

This book was - amazing. I read it from start to finish in one day, and that is uncommon for me! The characters are believable and very well written in the book. Between Mick, the bad guy, that everyone begins to learn really does have a sweet side, to the counselor who never talks, there is such a variety in personalities, it really makes it all the more interesting. I found myself really hoping for Sydney to make the right decisions throughout the book, though it was hard for her with pressure from Natalia. This book was very well written and I am really looking forward to reading more from Nina!

Earn free Amazon Giftcards Easily!!

It seems like us book bloggers are always spending money on Amazon - it is the hot spot for buying books as they are much cheaper than purchasing them at places like Barnes and Noble or Borders - even Walmart or garage sales sometimes! Thats were Swagbucks comes in handy.


I have been eyeing a few things on Amazon lately - a new ipod dock, a few different books, and most of all a Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Telephoto Macro ED Lens for E1, E300 & E500 Digital SLR Cameras!! I can hardly wait to finally buy this lense, it is amazing! Anyways - back on topic. This lense costs $438.99 on Amazon - and thats way cheaper than if you bought it at a retail store, BUT it's still just a wee bit expensive for my budget (ok, more than a wee bit!) and so I've been saving up my Swagbucks to earn enough Amazon gift cards to buy it for free - or at least a lot cheaper!

I am already up to I think close to $60 in free Amazon gift cards that I've earned from swagbucks! This is the only place that I've stuck with to earn giftcards - and the only place I've actually earned a gift card with! All you have to do is use Swagbucks to search - pretend its Google, type in the same things as you would in Google and randomly, you will earn swagbucks! This is a great way to earn a few extra dollars to spend on Amazon! I've even heard of bloggers earning enough gift cards to get a free Wii on Amazon!

~ The Ivy ~

Book: The Ivy
Author: Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
Cover Rating: 1 out of 5
Book rating: 3.5 out of 5

Harvard - you either get in or you don't and when your in, it's not just homework and learning, its everything else in between. From new friendships, to those new friendships vanishing quicker than they began. Love, parties, and everything in between, will Callie survive as the blonde girl from LA that seems to be getting all the boys attention? One things for sure - when one of the most popular girl gets jealous, she'll do anything to get revenge.

"The Ivy" was a questionable book for me. I liked it, but then I didn't. I really didn't like how Callie seemed to make the same bad decisions over and over again, expecting that she can just say sorry and then going out and doing it again! On another note though, it kept me reading and wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I didn't feel like I could really "get" most of the characters, except for Mimi, the French girl. Everything seemed so unreliable, but in the end it seemed to work!

Win one of two copies of "The Clearing"

Remember this wonderful book that I posted a review on a few months back about?

Well, here is your chance to win a copy!

I am giving away two copies of "The Clearing" to two lucky readers of this blog!

How do you enter?

Tell me what your favorite book of the summer has been!

+1 Entry: Visit Venetian Masks and come back and in a separate comment tell me which mask was your favorite!

That's all you have to do! Feel free to tweet, blog, or email about it, but I want to make it easy for you to enter so I'm only doing one way to enter!

Ends: August 19th

Disclosure: I was given copies of "The Clearing" to giveaway at no charge

Like this? Follow me on Twitter for more!

I am looking forward to...

I can't wait for "My Unfair Godmother" to be released! I'm sure its going to be amazing! And isn't that a great cover design?

It will be out sometime in 2011!

What upcoming books are you looking forward to?

The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens

I receive a commission if a book is purchased from this link

Book: The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens
You will like if: You enjoy watching the "Secret Life of the American Teenager" series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Cove rating: 5 out of 5

From watching the TV show, viewers will notice that Ashley Juergons is somewhat secret, a little naughty, and greatly sensible and has a lot of wisdom that many her age - or older - do not. Because the TV show is so focused on Amy and how her life goes as being a pregnant fifteen year old, we often don't see Ashley's side of the story and what she is feeling. That is why this book is so good for Secret Life fans, as Ashley writes in her "journal" her thoughts and points of views on things.

I have watched the entire series of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and so I was excited when I received Ashley's diary to review at no cost and with my honest opinion from (Hyperion) publishers. I really did enjoy reading through her diary because it gave a fresh perspective on things. However, I wished that maybe it was more current rather than starting before she even knew Amy was having a baby. Maybe Hyperion will make it a series and we will see a book #2?

Have you watched "The Secret Life of the American Teenager?"

Fast Twitter "The Clearing" Giveaway!

I have a copy of "The Clearing," thanks to a wonderful publicist from Graphia, to give away to one lucky Twitter follower!

How do you win it?

Follow my on Twitter at polopony95 and tweet out this message:
Win "The Clearing" by Heather Davis by following @polopony95 and RT'ing this message! 30th RT wins! http://bit.ly/dkVvfK

Good luck!

Also, stay tuned because I'm going to be having more great giveaways going on for copies of "The Clearing!"

Disclaimer: I was given copies of "The Clearing" to giveaway at no charge

"Plain Paradise" Guest Blogger

Plain Paradise, by Beth Wiseman does not disappoint. This is the 4th Daughter's of the Promise Novel, yet you do not have to read the previous books to understand the story line.

Imagine being 17 and forced to give up your child. Then imagine finding out that you are going to die in under a year. Meet Josie, who is working through pain and suffering and moves to be closer to the daughter she never met. Linda wakes one day to a stranger on her front porch, learning soon that this is her birth mother...when she never knew she was adopted. Linda feels betrayed, yet becomes friends with Josie and comes to terms with the betrayal from her family. As the book progresses so does Josie and Linda's relationship, an unexpected twist happens which only makes the story more delightful. Will Linda be able to love two mom's and what about her beau who worries about Linda leaving the Amish, hope and love can conquer many things, will hope and love conquer in this story?

This was a great book, I love learning about the Amish and it always amazes me how similar their lives are to the rest of ours outside the Amish community. This is a light read, but a good read and quite entertaining!

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Planning a "Fancy Nancy" Tea Party

Little girls go wild over "Fancy Nancy" and would be thrilled to have a "Fancy Nancy" tea party. Can you imagine? Bright colors, frills, cupcakes, and little girl smiles? Oh, and we can't forget the tea! Perfect!

When looking for the perfect tea cups, be sure to check thrift stores. You can find some adorable ones that are funky! You could even find white ones and have the girls decorate them with special paint.

There are a lot of different ways you can incorporate Fancy Nancy into your party. Look for feather boas at thrift stores and garage sales. You could also host a mini fashion show and provide them clothes to dress up with! Another fun project would be to purchase straw hats at a craft store (Joans or Michaels) and have the girls decorate those.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a Fancy Nancy prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-tips-for-planning-a)

Fancy Nancy Poetry Party IdeasFancy Nancy Books

The Bad Queen

Book: "The Bad Queen"
Author: Carolyn Meyer
Rating: 5 out of 5
Cover Rating: 5 out of 5 (love her hair!)
Read if: You are fascinated with historical stories or/and would like to learn more about Marie Antoinette.

In "The Bad Queen" you will travel outside of the comforts of the 21st century, and into the entirely different world that Marie Antoinette lived in the 18th century. The difference between this book and the many biographies on Marie Antoinette is that you are reading from the point of view of the Frenchwoman, Marie Antoinette. She has been given a bad name - hence the name of the "Bad Queen" - however, by reading this book, you see her story from a completely different point of view. You will begin to realize that Marie Antoinette really wasn't as bad as everyone made her out to be and though she may have made many bad mistakes, she was only human.

"The Bad Queen" was amazing. It sucked me in and kept me reading. I loved the history in it and how realistic it seemed, I could envision myself in the story. I loved hearing Marie Antoinette's side of everything and couldn't believe some of the things that she was put through. It also makes you realize how unfair people are, even today in these times. "The Bad Queen" was a wonderful book that I enjoyed greatly.

Also be sure to check out this post here on a Marie Antoinette inspired bedroom!

"The Clearing" by Heather Davis When Love is really Timeless...

Book: "The Clearing"
Author: Heather Davis
Book Rating: 5 out of 5
Cover Rating: 5 out of 5

Amy has faced a lot of struggles with her previous boyfriend, Matt, and now she is living away, safe, with her Aunt Mae. However, she is confused, and wants to be different than her previous self. She wants to be someone new. One of the first days at her Aunt Mae's house, while playing with her aunts dog, she notices a large foggy hazy area. She decides to explore some more and realizes that there is a boy at the other side of the clearing, Henry is his name. Soon she is falling head first with Henry and along the way, learns some unbelievable secrets that will change her life forever.

"The Clearing" was such a good read for me. I really enjoyed it. The plot was so unique and most of the characters were relatable to. Sometimes I did feel like I didn't "know" Amy very well, but I still wanted everything to work out ok for her and Henry. I really enjoyed "The Clearing" and found it was a book that kept me reading.

"Boys, Bears, and a serious pair of Hiking Boots" Perfect Summer Read!

Book: "Boys, Bears, and a serious pair of Hiking Boots"
Author: Abby McDonald
Also author of: "Sophomore Switch"
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Cover Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I think it is adorable and suits the book well!

Jenna is a huge activist that wants to make the world better and more eco friendly through the "Green Teen Teem" in her school. Her and her best friend Olivia make all kinds of Summer plans to help the world become more Green. However, she soon realizes that this won't be possible when her parents announce that her mom is going to get a job and live with her Grandma while her Dad is out of country with work. However, Olivia quickly comes up with a solution. Jenna is to go live with her aunt Susie in natural Canada for the Summer. Jenna quickly realizes that Cananda is a little more rustic and woodsy than she though - and the people there aren't as eco friendly as she would hope, but then she begins to make some friends, learn some secrets, and realize that theirs so much more than just trying to make the earth eco friendly through campaigns. Jenna grows a lot in so many ways during this summer, and becomes a better person because of it.

I really enjoyed "Boys, Bears, and a serious pair of Hiking Boots!" It was everything that a light summer read needs. An interesting storyline,romantic troubles,friend troubles, and learning more about yourself. I for sure would suggest this book! Makes for a nice beach read and kept me reading!

Revolve 2010 Review

The thing about Revolve is that the interesting little tips, ideas, and quizzes, aren't really related to the bible - at least the magazine doesn't let the reader know how they are related. There is a lot of scripture in the magazine, and there are little boxes with tips on different things that girls are interested in, however, I wish that they would explain how they relate to what was being discussed in the bible chapter then. Revolve was an interesting magazine, and I did enjoy it though!

Heartbreak River

I am in denial - I still haven't read "In a Heartbeat" ~ one of the books that I have been looking so forward to reading! I must purchase a copy using one of those Amazon gift cards I've been earning on Swagbucks - I'm up to $35! :)

Have you read it? What did you think?

The Loveliest for Writers...

After coming across this lovely little pencil made out of wood and with a carved flower on top...

...I just new I had to share it with my lovely blog readers whom so many love to write!

Plus...I was surprised that it sells for only $5 at Antrhopologie! If you think about it, that's crazy cheap! Especially for Anthropologie!

"Love and War" Adult Guest Review

Thank you to Lauri from Knits and Reads for this guest review! Be sure to check out her blog and say hi!

John and Stasi Eldredge write another great book, Wild at Heart was for men, Captivating for women, and now, Love & War for married couples. The authors write with openess and discuss their own marriage, true at heart this book is wonderful because they admit and talk openly about their marriage problems and what they have done to overcome them.

Marriage is not easy, we all know that, but John and Stasi help us learn how to look to God and be able to work through problems. Marriage is real there are going to be ups and downs adn this book will help you grow and work to make sure your marriage is strong, beautiful and full of deep joy. Sometimes we have to fight for what is good in life and Love & War teaches us how to do just that, this is a great book perfect for the upcoming Valentine weekend!

To purchase this book go to:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Great Barnes and Noble Coupons {Thought you would like to know!}

Barnes in Noble is having a great sale right now, and there is also an extra 10% already reduced prices!! Don't you just love great deals?

Here is the link:

{Enjoy!}

Magic Under Glass {A Review}

Book: Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Rating: 4 out of 5
Cover Rating: 4 out of 5

"Magic Under Glass" was a book that I was really looking forward to reading, and I had high expectations for it. I am so happy that my expectations were met! "Magic Under Glass" is about a girl who suddenly finds herself in an expensive palace hired to dance with an automaton. The reason that she was hired, was because all of the ladies that had been hired before were scared away. At first, the girl believes it was just silly nonsense. However, she begins to see that it is so much more than that, but rather than running away like the other girls, she stays and begins to uncover the secret of the automaton.

"Magic Under Glass" kept me reading and was so different than the average young adult book! It had the elements to make it a great read - a little bit of romance, a great plot, interesting twists, and a whole lot of mystery! At times it was a little bit creepy as well! This is a book that I really enjoyed.

Cover:

I love the cover of this book..it has a very historical feel to it and the colors are great! However, I do wish that they would have portrayed the girl on the cover as the same ethnic as the girl in the book. What do you think?

The BEST Bookshelf for Book Lovers!

I'm sure my fellow book lovers can agree with me that we have soooooo many books, for me, my room is over flowing with them! I have books in almost every corner! I have even started using them as decoration!

This bookcase would be a simple solution to make a room more interesting, add a decor element to your room, and of course, store your books!

Love at first sight.

Purchase Here
Found via

Guest Post! Higher Hope

Guest Review from Knits, Reads, and Reviews!

Enjoy!

Robert Whitlow's second book in the series is one that you can read and easily follow without having read the first book of the series. One may not think you can easily find humor in a religious based book, but Robert Whitlow succeeds in doing just that, this book is not in any way humorous, but yet leads one to chuckle from time to time. Tami Taylor has strong religious beliefs and does not let living in a big city keep her from following her beliefs. To some, Tami's strengths may be seen as weakness, but in the case of Ramona Dabney vs. Jason Paulding Tami is seen as one who can shed light on the beliefs of strongly if not strangely religious Ramona. Tami struggles with moving away from her family, caring for an elderly woman and facing the love of two charming men, but through it all she keeps her head on straight and in the end leaves you waiting excitedly for the next book to appear on the shelves of the corner bookstore!

I would recommend this book, but not for those who are 'squeamish' over religion or find religion somewhat of a difficult subject. This book is truly a Christian story written for those who believe. When I first began the book I was a bit unsure, but after reading a chapter or two I was entirely wrapped up in the lives of the characters. Can't wait to read the next in the series, and I will also go back and read the first book!

Need some Party Tips?

Book: Prom and Party Etiquette
Author: Cindy Post Senning, ED.D., Peggy Post
Rating: 3 out of 5
Cover Rating: 3 out of 5
Release date: January 26th, 2010
Disclosure: I received this book to review, however, all opinions expressed are of my own.

Going to a holiday party? Prom? Homecoming? Or even just a small birthday party hosted by a friend? Then you will need to know some of the common party etiquette rules. Don't talk with your food wide open, don't announce how much money was in a gift that you were given, and be sure to wash your hands before you sit down to eat! These are just a few of the many tricks and tips that you should know and that you can find in "Prom and Party Etiquette."

While this seems like it could be a great book with someone who goes to a lot of parties or as a gift to someone who is starting to go to more and more parties, I didn't really have an interest in it. A lot of the facts seemed commonly known. There were however a few neat tricks, such as one on how to remember which bread plate is your so you don't by accident eat someones elses bread that's not yours! If you are looking for a book on party tips then this one is for you!

Lovestruck Summer Review

Book: Lovestruck Summer
Rating: 3 out of 5
Cover Rating: 3 out of 5

Priscilla is ready for an exciting summer, away from home, down in Austin Texas. Yeehaw! She was planning on spending the summer working as an intern at Amalgam Records and hopefully finding an indie boy to date as a summer fling. However, much, much, more happens than she expects.

Priscilla doesn't expect to fall head over heels with a total cowboy. He is not her taste at all. Or so she thought. After dating a indie boy, she soon finds that she was missing what she really wanted all along, and judging people in ways that she shouldn't be....

"Lovestruck Summer" was a fun, fast read. I found it pretty predictable, but sometimes that's OK. I did get frustrated with Priscilla quite a bit, however, I just wanted to tell her that she is completely missing something! "Lovestruck Summer" was a cute and enjoyable read.