The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens

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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!