Review of House on Plunkett Street

hey everyone!
So i have been slacking so bad when it comes to posting reviews. Been going through some stuff and also just been so busy. Here is my review though! Also my next post will be a guest post by Airika Phoenix:)
she has been way too good for me.

My Review:
How many of you like ghost stories that are creepy? I do, but this is a different type of ghost story. It is fun and cheerful! Phoebe the main character needs a change. She moves into an unusual apartment, I say unusual because instead of it feeling like haunted house, she sensed happiness. There she meets three ghosts by the names of Isolda, Polly, and Hazel.

All three of them teach Phoebe how to live life. Three ghosts, who almost feel like the best friends I never had. Why oh why can't I meet three friendly ghosts?

In this heartwarming tale of starting over and finding yourself, I found myself laughing and crying. Cheering Phoebe on all along the way. I think every girl can relate to Phoebe in some way or another. Even if she couldn't see her beauty, I could through the pages of the books. Bathey did a great job with bringing such an interesting character to life the way she did. I feel like Phoebe is real and I know I could easily be friends with her.

I wanted to thank Lorena again for introducing me to such a fun loving book. I look forward to reading more books.

Interview with Lorena Bathey

 House on Plunkett Street

Author Interview

                                       Biography

Growing up in the Bay Area of Northern California, Lorena Bathey attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga graduating with a degree in English. Then she traveled, learned about life, and developed great fodder for a book. Losing her mother to cancer and her own marriage’s demise brought her to find herself. She wrote Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother and found speaking and empowering others was her passion.  

 

Lorena Bathey found after writing her first book that characters were visiting her mind and wouldn't leave. She was introduced to Marissa, Andrea, Lily, Deidre and Beatrice and her first novel, Beatrice Munson, came to life. After finishing that book she was inspired to write more novels and she knew that pursuing her passion was the best way to live her life. So a writer she became.

 

After meeting the love of her life, they embarked on the thrilling life to follow their dreams bringing their families along for the ride. Today Lorena has nine novels in her writing queue all with screenplays in the works.  

 

But writing isn't the only muse that inspires Lorena. She has become a passionate photographer and likes to push the envelope taking shots while learning how to navigate Photoshop. Travel, walking, enjoying new restaurants, and Italy are other loves and things she makes sure she has time for.

 

Interview Time

1. Thank you for joining The Lovely Books today, first and foremost, how are you doing today?

I am doing fantastic. It's a bit rainy here but I like that.

2. When did you first start writing?

I started officially when my first book came out in 2005. My first book was a memoir, Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother. The story came about as I started writing about the changes my life was taking after losing my mother to cancer and my husband leaving me. It was earth shattering losing everything I really knew within three years, so I started writing about the loss, myself, and who I wanted to be. The story was about starting over and how women really get lost in roles and forget to put their happiness as a priority. While writing my memoir I began a novel called, Beatrice Munson. I wrote half of it and put it away. In 2010 I picked up Beatrice Munson again and finished it in nine months. It was the beginning of my career as a novelist.

3. How did you come up with the title to House on Plunkett Street?

I knew the story was going to take place in this apartment and I don't know, the name just sort of popped into my head and it worked.

4. Are you a cat person or dog person?

Dog...my dream dog is a brown Newfoundland.  I already have a name picked out for him, George.

5. Tell us a little about House on Plunkett Street.

It is the story of a woman in her late twenties, Phoebe Bertram. She's always been ignored and overlooked. She's bland and just has a mediocre life. Then things start getting shaken up and she has to move into the apartment on Plunkett Street. Everything begins to change when she moves in. The house seems to have energy of its own. Then one night she dreams of three women from different eras sitting on her couch. Amazingly enough, these same women come back and begin visiting Phoebe. They become like life coaches and teach her about how to not merely just exist in her life, but live it.

6. Do you see a little of yourself inside of Phoebe?

Not so much myself, as a lot of young women I know. It seems these women in their late twenties to early thirties aren't quite sure what they want. And this story is about how easy it can be to simply float along letting life pull you without engaging in what happens to you. Phoebe isn't a bad person; she's just not sure who she is. These ghosts that come back have learned a thing or two and the show what steps to take to change. But the work is done by Phoebe. I guess I felt it would've been nice to have had someone guide me. There is so much possiblity but yet not always the support to make daring decisions.

7. Who are your literary heroes?

I love Stephen King. I love his amazing way of building, developing, and incorporating characters in a story. He's a master at it.

I love Shakespeare. His words are so beautiful at times and raunchy at others. When they are heard as a play, they take on such unbelievable dimension.

I also love Jane Austen. I know...so girly. But Jane was able to create characters with great balance and stories that made you hate people in them. That's a talent.

8. What are your favorite books to read? Have a secret spot you read them at?

I have very eclectic taste. One night I'm reading Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books the next Stephen King's The Stand. I like to read books that are interesting and different. I hate being able to figure out the whole plot of the book in the first few chapters.

I like to get comfy on the couch with a cup of tea and a lot of pillows to prop up my head. As long as I don't fall asleep, it's great.

9. Pink or purple?

Deep purple. It's actually one of the colors I've chosen for my wedding.

10. What is your idea of the perfect man?

My fiancée. I know that sounds so corny huh, ugh! But it's true. He is the perfect man....for me.

That is the most important thing that women need to know. There is no perfect man, but there is a perfect man for you.

Mine is smart, strong, gentle, adores me, understands me, makes me laugh like crazy, and is my best friend.

11. Any future projects in store?

Oh yes. I have nine novels in my writing queue. My next book is a thriller called, The X. It's about a woman whose happy life in suburbia is shattered one day when her husband files for divorce and then lures her teenage boys away. She finds out there is more going on than she could know and has to become strong to find out what's going on and get her boys back. She teams up with an ex-FBI guy and it's a wild ride.

12. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes, write. It is that simple. Don't worry about whether people will like it or what you're trying to say. Just write what you want and keep writing. Eventually it will all come together. That's when you can go back and get a professional editor to help you clean things up.

Second piece of advice. Get a thick skin. Not everyone will like your books and plenty will tell you why. Take that criticism and use it to make you a better writer, and then keep writing.

13. What are some words you would like to share with your fans?

 

First, thank you for being fans and buying my work. I like to tell stories and I love to bring new and interesting characters to the page. Please write me at Lorena@LorenaBBooks.com if you have anything you want to say. I love critique that makes me better. Or if you have an idea, need some support in the writing process, or just want to be friends.

 

Being a writer can be lonely, so we authors have to stick together.

 

But mostly, remember to follow your dreams. Because when you do you'll be amazed what life brings you.

 

Thank you, Jessica for the opportunity to answer these fun questions. I am so glad to be able to connect with individuals like you who give such support to us authors. You bring our work to light and I am eternally grateful for that.

 

My closing remarks:

Thank you so much Lorena, it was such a pleasure getting to know you and read your book. Your answers were very honest and heartfelt. I look forward to working with you in future projects.

 

My review will be up tomorrow because I want all the spotlight to be just on Lorena for tonight. Tomorrow all the sportlight will be about her book House on Plunkett Street. Which reminds me, go and sign up to win a free ebook! The giveaway ends on 21st of this month.

 

So if you have not yet entered please do asap, and help spread the word about this wonderful author.

 

Find her at Lorena@LorenaBBooks.com or at http://www.lorenabbooks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorena-B-Books/138014032926011?ref=tn_tnmn and at www.twitter.com/lorenabbooks

House on Plunkett Street Giveaway

Hey y'all! 

    Long time no write, I have been MIA! Have no fear though, I have some exciting news:)

Lorena Bathey, author of House on Plunkett Street, is offering FIVE free ebooks to five lucky winners who enter the giveaway. How cool is that! The interview and review will not be up until later this week, possibly the weekend. But the giveaway is starting tomorrow! Get ready to tweet and win some books.

"Phoebe Bertram is boring, bland, and unexciting. She works a job that is inadequate of her abilities. She has a boyfriend that is a dud. She is on the treadmill of her life and doesn’t know how to get off. 

With changes in her job and her apartment going condo, she must find a new place to live. Her friend Meghan brings her to the perfect apartment and the moment Phoebe steps in the door she knows there is something atypical about this perspective residence.

What she never expects are the three ghosts that arrive on her couch to teach her how life is really meant to be lived"

Enter the Giveaway Lovelys:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Taken by Charlotte Abel

So I can't find a summary anywhere! hahah. I wanted you all to see an overview of the book. But I guess you will just have to read my review instead.

The Review

**Spoilers**

If you havent read Enchantment yet, I suggest you do not read my review:)

Thanks!

       Charlotte has done it again! NO seriously she has. An amazing writer, and a great friend. Yes, Charlotte I consider you a friend. It is so funny because the name of the book was changed so many times. Once upon a time it was called Finding Valor, then it was called Empty, and finally it's name was found. Taken FTW!

          Taken starts off with a bang. Of course Channie and Josh are now husband and wife. Yay, so sweet. Josh is so cute and such a good guy, but I think my heart lies with Hunter. He is so stinkin' redneck that I find myself eagerly awaiting his scenes in the book! Do I want him with Channie? Of course not, I definitely see them as just friends. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a love triangle. I know I have said I hate love triangles, but honestly if it is done right, I like it. Channie and Josh have a perfect relationship in my opinion. Too perfect. Or so Charlotte has us think. Because in Taken, Channie and Josh have a big fight, the first as a married couple. Josh was a tad bit melodramtic if you ask me. And in the second book I started finding myself getting annoyed by him.

       Yes, I do like Josh, but he definitely showed his immature side in Taken. Which is to be expected since he is a teenage boy. I forgot what they could be like at that age! Anyways, they got in a fight and of course made up later. Love..especially at the honeymoon stage, it really was very sweet. They have a sweet sweet love.

        Guess who comes back in the second book? Abby, her beloved sister who I was not very fond of in the first book. She came back with Diego, who was actually a decent guy who loved Abby and The Trips. Channie's Mom...umm. Yeah..I pretty much hate her with a passion. A PASSSION! She has never been a character I liked. She treats Channie bad, and in Taken its worse. What is even more worse than that, is Channie lost her powers in the first book. So she can't defend herself against her own mother.

    The only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that I felt Josh was throwing away everything for marrigae and Channie. I am all for marriage and love, I believe in love at first sight and destiny. I just wish they didn't have to get married so young. He had a lot going for him and I hated to see him chunk it out the window. But this is where I give praise to Charlotte because it is realistic. So many young adults and teens let their feelings get the best of them and in the end it usually does not work out. 

Not saying that Channie and Josh will end up like that because their love is pure and true. Just saying that people do these kinds of things and end up regretting what they did in the end. 

Taken was such a good story. I have fallen in love with all the characters(except her mama) and I absolutely love the world Charlotte has created. I want MORE. Well more of Hunter that is:)

Which by the way, is a stripper now! hahaha. I think it suits him well.

Taken is available at Amazon

twitter:@Charlotte_Abel

Thanks everyone:)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway hosted by Michelle Madow to help her in telling Taylor Swift how inspiring her music is. Here is the link:

http://jessicaslovelybooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-tell-taylor.html#links

The rest of the information is on the post. Hope you join in the fun!

Project Tell Taylor

Project Tell Taylor<3

 

What is all this about you may ask?

Michelle Madow's debut novel Remembrance was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. She even wrote a letter to Taylor Swift and sent it to her, along with a signed book!

It's been a few months now, and she has yet to hear back from Taylor that she received the letter and book. She really wants to tell Taylor about how inspiring she and her music have been to her, but since Taylor Swift is an international superstar, she’s a little hard to reach. This is where YOUR help comes into play! Michelle is giving away the biggest prize pack she's offered yet, and the ways to enter to win are by telling Taylor Swift about Remembrance.

PLEASE help out and be apart of this amazing event. We all love Taylor and of course we all love books! What can be better than both together??

http://www.stevensplanet.com/MichL/Remembrance/ProjectTellTaylor/bannersmall.jpg)
*Go add this button to your blog and support Michelle and everyone on telling T-Swift about how inspirational her songs are.*

The Goal: Get Taylor Swift to Tweet about Remembrance!

Summary:

"Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy."

Go find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12177772-remembrance

Watch this video of Michelle announcing what will be in the prize pack. AHHH so exciting!!

Here is a picture quality version of all the SWAG you can get. Awesome, am I right?

Want to know what inspires me?

1. 
   My beautiful son, Tyler. 
2. Books of course. Books about love, books with action, books that are sci fi, fairy tale books! You name it:) I mean thats kinda sorta why I have this blog.
3. My Parents and Grandparents. They do so much for me and I love them so much for it.
4. I am LDS, and I am inspired by the people of my church every day of my life. I want to be a better person.
5. Music. Especially Taylor:) I have each and every single CD on my Ipod.

***ENTER GIVEAWAY***

Starts Feb.1

Interview and Review of Meeting Destiny

Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight

Published June 26th 2010

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always lived with the idea that when I’m dying, I never want to say, “I wish I would have . . .”  One day I woke up and decided I would write a book.  When I was done I liked it so much that I decided to write a whole series.

How did you come up with the title?

The theme of the series is all about two people being brought together by Destiny.  The title of the first book, Meeting Destiny, just seemed to fit. Destiny’s Revenge and Destiny’s Wrath also seemed to fit the circumstances of the book

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The main character, Lauren, makes some unconventional choices when faced with tough situations.  She has an exceptional moral compass, and always does the right thing for the right reason.

How much of the book is realistic?

The story is very believable.  The paranormal parts are sprinkled in, not overwhelming.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

In a very small way, yes.  I met my husband in Virginia in 1991, saw him in Hawaii in 1993, Orange County California in 1994 and San Diego California in 1995.  It wasn’t until 1996 that we went on our first date.  I believe some people are just meant to be together and those people will keep crossing paths until it’s the right time in their life to “meet” the other.  The story and characters are all fictitious, but my belief in destiny is what inspired the story. 

What books have most influenced your life most?

I read for enjoyment, so I can’t think of any books that have influenced me.  Authors are another story: Shelly Crane, Charlotte Abel, Susan Firtik, Nicole Williams, Addison Moore and Charity Parkerson are all authors that I admire.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Shelly Crane.  She has gone out of her way to give me advice and to help my series be successful.  She is a wonderful author and all of her books rock!

What book are you reading now?
I just bought Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott 

What are your current projects? I just released the last book in the Destiny Series, Destiny’s Wrath on 1/23/12.  I am starting a new series, but for now most of it is still in my head screaming to get out. 

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My friend, Rebecca.  She has been an endless bucket of encouragement since she first found out I was writing a book. 

Do you see writing as a career? That’s entirely up to the fans.  I think I am a better writer than I am a marketer.  So far book sales are going better than I had expected.  This is due entirely to the people that have read the series and spread the word to others.  If I could make a living at it, yes, I would love to write as a career. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always enjoyed writing.  I read an interview with Stephanie Meyers and she described waking up one morning and deciding to write a book.  I think reading that interview is probably the catalyst that made me want to write.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding time and a quiet place is the most difficult.  I have a pretty full life and squeezing in more than eight hours a week is difficult.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? No, that’s the joy of being an Indie.  A computer and a connection to the internet are all that is required.

Who designed the covers? Dreamscape Covers did the design and I love them!  They offer custom and pre-made covers.  All three of mine were custom.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I think my writing has improved with each book I’ve written.  I imagine it’s like anything, the more practice, the better you become.  I’m far from an English major but I am fortunate to have an exceptional editor.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Edit, edit, edit and edit some more.  Get a twitter account and make friends.  Don’t take criticism of your work as an attack on you – someone willing to take the time to point out opportunities for improvement, cares enough about you to help make your work better.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you.  I wrote the Destiny Series because I wanted to write.  I never dreamed others would want to read them.  All the wonderful messages, comments, tweets and reviews have swelled my heart and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you. 

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

Logistics were the most challenging.  I work full time, I have two amazing kids and a husband that I adore.  My writing happens when all other commitments are complete.  I think this is a challenge nearly every writer faces. 

Also – the verb "to lay" was a huge challenge: lie, lay, laid, lain.  I think I was sick that day in fourth grade because at every opportunity I use the wrong tense.  Thank goodness I have a patient editor.  She had to make a cheat sheet for me so I didn’t screw them up!  J 

My Review

"Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities."

       Meeting Destiny was phenomenal. It was full of romance, mystery and spunk. Lauren was definitely the hero type and was a very strong and independent woman. I have said this before and I will say it again, I am so happy that the books out there are starting to have more kick butt women. Instead of the damsel in distress types. Which can get very boring. I am by no means a feminist, but there is something about seeing a girl kick butt and being independent that makes me want to be just like them. Lauren, the main character is just that, a kick butt hero.

      Throughout the book we learn that Lauren is a clairvoyant. She senses when bad things are about to happen and she can also sense "bad" people.

      Lauren is working at a restaurant when a man walks in andgets a bad feeling about him. Sure enough he is there to rob the place. To makes matters worse, he has a gun and in a matter of life and death, Lauren jumps over the counter when a little boys life is in jeopardy. In return, Lauren about ends her own life by getting shot in the leg and losing a bunch of blood. But in the end she becomes the town hero.

       Lauren's life will never the same...

      She then meets Max, the paramedic, and also the man of her dreams. Literally! They have that instant connection and life is good. Or is it? Turns out Lauren has a boyfriend who she has basically been betrothed to since before she was even born. Her boyfriend, Seth, is the son of her mother's best friend. Did you catch all that? Ha Ha Ha. So of course Max doesn't want to get in between the two who have been "together" their whole lives. I mean who can blame the guy? As fate would have it though, Lauren has pretty much never felt anything for Seth and wants Max. Its Max, Max, Max in her head.

     Max is great! Although I really did not like his jealous side. While it was realistic the way he was acting, I still did not like seeing his jealous side when Lauren would talk to guys that he did not approve of her talking to. Aside from that little pet peeve of mine, Max was a great guy. Who was just as in love with Lauren as she was with him. If I had to ever picture the perfect man, Max would be at the top of the list. Plus he is a paramedic! How more amazing could anyone get?

The story ended so AWESOME! It had so many surprises that I will not tell you about, but were so good that it even had me fooled. Meeting Destiny has mystery in it, and everyone can appreciate a well written mystery. I have so many questions now that I finished the book, but I believe it will all be solved in the sequel, Destiny's Revenge.Which is apparently better than the first. And the first was great, so I am very excited to sink my teeth into the second installment.

This is a book for people who believe in love and destinies. I believe in both. I wanted to thank Nancy for taking the time to be interviewed and for being so sweet to give away a free book of Meeting Destiny. Click on the link below to sign up. The giveaway ends tomorrow. If you do not win the book, it is okay, go buy it. I promise you will not regret it.

Twitter: @nancystraight
Website: http://authnancystraight.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114202.nancy_straight

Books available at B&N, Smahswords, and Amazon





http://www.jessicaslovelybooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/hey-guys-here-is-start-of-awesome.html#links

Review of Bonded With Love by @tiffany_heiser

Bonded With Love by Tiffany Heiser

Never in a trillion years did Rena really think vampires existed...or that she had enemies among them.

Beginning of senior year, and Rena Vesten is hoping for something incredible to happen. She never expected that the dark-haired, blue-eyed man of her dreams-literally-to suddenly appear as the new student at school.

The gorgeous mystery guy, Cryder, has more secrets than his inexplicable presence in her dreams. Soon Rena's world takes a turn into the supernatural when she finds out Cryder is a vampire king with a deadly rebellion on his hands, and a destiny irrevocably tied to Rena's...

...'till death do them part

My Review:

             I enjoyed Bonded With Love and was a tad bit sad when the book ended. I grew accustomed to the whole gang, especially Cryder. And that name just sounds exotic and mysterious. I love it. Rena was a different story. I can't really say I liked her too much at the beginning of the story. There were times when she was rude for no apparent reason and I would find myself cringing because of it. But I guess I am being heartless. I can empathize to an extent with her because her parents had passed. I really can, I am not that rude! Do I like her now when I am all finished and done with the book? Well, I will say this, it can only go up from here. I see that she can make a strong Queen for the vamp community.

          I like stories that involve the characters being in high school, don't ask me why, I just do. Rena and her friend, Cecile, are in high school when in walks the beautiful, mysterious guy that haunts her dreams. Cryder is sexy, there I said it. He is. I so want for a beautiful vampy guy to walk into my life and make it interesting! He is next in line to be King and Rena of course is his Queen, the one he has been waiting for his whole life. They had been betrothed when they were younger but they would not be able to meet until Rena became of age. Her own vampire soulmate. Soumates:) I like that idea!!

Every story must have a villian, in this case it is a guy named Bristol. Why couldn't they dispose of him? They had numerous amounts of time to do jus that but never did. Annoyed! I can't wait until he is taken care of. And by taken care of i mean killed! ha ha.

        Tiffany's take on vampires was refreshing and creative. When Rena starts having dizzy spells, the only way she felt better was when she drank a fruity drink that Cryder gave her. Little did she know it had his blood in it. Um yuck or yum? To me it sounded good! And according to Rena, it was!

        Reasons why I think anyone will love Bonded With Love. Because it had a twilighty feel of course. Twilight used to be my favorite book series until the movie came out. Blahhhhh! Now I can honestly say the books have lost that magical touch. So of course here I am looking for the emptiness I feel to losing love for my favorite book. I have found it! Through Bonded With Love, I can be happy, just like I was when I read Twilight. If Tiffany ever gets a movie deal, I hope they don't butcher it. And even if they did butcher it, I would still be there opening night:) Even though I hate the Twilight movies, I still go to every opening. I know it sounds crazy, but deep down I am still a true fan at heart.

If you are a big fan of vampires and paranormal romance in general, then this is your book. Why are you still sitting there reading the review? Go...NOW and buy it!!

Available at Amazon people! Go nowwwwww<3