Naked in Knightsbridge

Title: Naked in Knightsbridge
Author: Nicky Schmidt
Publisher: Prospera
Reading Level: Adult
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
With mounting debts, threats from a crazy landlord and a cleaning business that was going well until she set fire to someone s house, Jools Grand is about to find herself homeless. She has to come up with a plan, and fast. So with an acute sense of desperation, Jools decides to auction herself online in a marriage of convenience. Who knows, she might even find romance? What Jools isn t banking on is a bidding war between two not-so-eligible bachelors a wealthy, gay, would-be politician who needs a wife as a cover; and a deranged loner with a newly-refurbished basement prison. Add to that a lecherous father, some soon-to-be-exposed secrets and an addiction to pastries, and Jools is set to discover that nothing comes without a price.

Review:
If you like The Shopaholic series, you'll love Naked in Knightsbridge. This book is fantastic! An essential if you just want to sit back, relax and escape from the world. Jools is quite the character, one of my favorites, and she'll keep you laughing till the end.

My Life in Scotland

I have a blog about my life in Scotland. It's my way of keeping friends and family updated with what is going on so far away from them. I take pictures of Scotland, let them in on any observations I've made about this country from the perspective of an American living among the land of the Scots.

Maybe you'd like a taste as well? Here is what is happening in Scotland.

Last night was Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night. Last year I had no idea what was happening when we drove through town and there were all these bonfires and fire works displays. We were prepared this year. Here is the history behind Guy Fawkes Night.

For 400 years, bonfires have burned on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot. The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. On the night itself, an effigy of Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.


My hubby, LD, planned a romantic getaway for us, to PARIS! We are leaving on Tuesday and will be staying in a hotel so close to the Louvre that we can throw a rock and hit it, we also get a complimentary breakfast in bed!! We are attending a light show at the Eiffel Tower and we'll be stopping by some of the highlights of Paris! I can't wait!


Let me know if you'd like to see more!

Life Changing Books

You know that book? The one that started your love affair with reading? What is it and why did it have such an impact on your life?


Mine would have to be Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I was in the 6th grade. My sister Katie loved these books and I wanted to know what she loved so much. My best friend Jessica and I both decided we would read them. There are 8 books in the series and I finished in 7 days. I read up in a tree, stayed up late reading in the bathroom (I shared a room with Becca and Amy), read on the tire swing, and did basically nothing else that whole week.

My eyes opened to another world. I could live in another place and time. I could be someone different. I could have new experiences. I couldn't get enough of Anne's story. Thank goodness there were plenty of books in the series.

There have been many of those books along the road where I have felt myself come alive while reading. Those stories where I have been deeply affected by the circumstances I was reading about.

I think reading is for everyone. If someone doesn't like reading, I believe they just haven't found "that" book yet that will open their eyes to what reading can really do for you.

What is that life changing book for you?

Christmas Once Again

Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas without my Hilary Weeks Christmas CD. It's a staple in my life. I've already brought it out and I'm enjoying it during these autumn months!

Hilary has a NEW Christmas CD out, Christmas Once Again! She has written 3 brand new songs. I've heard the sample CD on Deseret Books and I LOVE IT!! She also has a free download of her singing Simple Gifts.

What a perfect gift for myself! I mean for others of course...

Bring on Christmas! I'm ready!!

Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor

Title: Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor
Author: Willow
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Reading Level: 9-12 yrs old
Rating: 3/5

A special thanks to the author Willow for sending me her book to review.

Summary:
One day twelve-year-old Tirissa discovers that everyone in her village is under a spell. Everyone but her! Then she sees a mysterious stranger change into a huge bird, a bird with a beak like a sword. Did he cast the spell? Desperate to find someone who can break it, she flees, leaving her village behind. An old herbwoman tells her to seek help from a wizard who lives far away, and her journey takes her across the Three Kingdoms. Along the way she's joined by a kindly troll and a short, fat palace guard. They are pursued by the twin princes of Kellayne, the best hunters in the Blue River Kingdom, as well as by the huge, dangerous bird. Meanwhile, an evil wizard watches Tirissa and her friends in his magic mirror and plans a second spell that will kill everyone in the Three Kingdoms.

Review:
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised! I'm a sucker for any fairytale style books. A unique story and it is well written. I probably never would have picked this one up if the author Willow wouldn't have sent it to me. I'm so glad she did! It was so good!

Join Tirissa's Facebook fan page for a chance to win a free copy of the book!

The News Stand {3}

The News Stand is a weekly feature. Here we will dish on tidbits, news, and important things bookies should know. So scroll down to hear what you should glean from this week.

• Brandon Mull has released the cover of the 5th and final book Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison!!! Out March 23, 2010.

• Shannon Hale, one of my favorite authors, is on a book tour! She will be in Utah and the East Coast in November! Check out her calendar to see if she is coming to a city near you!

• In need of a good book? Check out the NY Times Best Seller List. You might find your next gem and see who made the top this week.

• Check out the list of NEW release books for Nov & Dec at B&N Books.

• Always dreamed of working in a library? Check out the ALA's list of library jobs around the country!

• Save Our Pittsburgh Libraries! Check out what local officials are doing to keep them open.

• Want FREE shipping when you buy a book? Check out Better World Books and help contribute to Global Literacy and Save Books From Landfills at the same time! What's NOT to like?

Until next week!

International Giveaway: A Change in Altitude

As promised, I've got an International Contest!

A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve

What do you have to do to be entered? It's easy here at The Sweet Bookshelf!

Just enter your name and address in the link below and you'll be entered.

International giveaway!
Anyone can enter!

Ends: Sunday 15th November


Good Luck!

Summary:

Margaret and Patrick, married just a few months, set off on a great adventure ? a year living in Kenya. While Patrick practices medicine, Margaret works as a photojournalist, capturing a dizzying and sometimes dangerous city on film. When a British couple invites the newlyweds on a climbing expedition to the summit of Mount Kenya, they eagerly agree. But during their arduous ascent a horrific accident occurs. In its aftermath, Margaret struggles to understand what happened on the mountain and how it has transformed her and her marriage, perhaps for ever. With stunning language and striking emotional intensity, A Change in Altitude illuminates the irrevocable impact of tragedy and the elusive nature of forgiveness.