The Books that Shape Our Lives

I love being a reader and a writer! It is who I am. But, I also love being a teacher and helping students learn that they can be readers and writers, too. This past week, I had my students create several sections in their readers notebooks. As their teacher, I like to DO what I ask, so I have put examples of MY work. After doing this assignment, I thought it would be fun to share with you all and to hear back from you.

First, I created a READING TIMELINE. Starting from grade 1 until my senior year in college, I created a timeline represetenting the books that have shaped me, are important to me, or just made me love reading. some of my favorites on my timeline include:

The Outsiders - I think I've mentioned this before, but this is what got me reading in the first place. Stay Gold, Ponyboy!

Any and ALL Lois Duncan books - She was the ultimate suspense and mystery author. Remember the movie, "I Know What You Did Last Summer?" Well, the book is SO much better and I read it years before the movie was made. The first book I read was Locked in Time and it took place in Louisiana (where I was born). Then I found out that Lois Duncan lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico (where I grew up). So, that made an even tighter connection. 

Harry Potter Series - Although I read these books (and re-read so many times) in my adult years, they are favorites and I love them. 

Second, I created a page about the LAST 5 BOOKS I'VE READ. If I were completely honest with my students, I would have had 5 contemporary romance books, and I wasn't about to put the Fifty Shades of Grey series. Since I'm a pre-teen teacher, I kindof felt compelled to have a variety of books, so I added 5 I read over the summer. The list should show a lot about a person. What does your list show about you?

So, my dear readers, what are the books that shaped you? What book woke you up to reading? What book  can you read and reread (It's ok if it's Harry Potter!)? Please comment below. I'd love to hear!

Thanks for stopping by,
Melinda

Slow Summer Kisses Giveaway: Romancing the Hop

What is your favorite thing about Romance? Well, we authors are ready to share our romantic tips and favorite romance reads! Starting on Friday and ending on August 31st, over 100 Authors and Bloggers will share their favorite things about romance, reading romance, and dating.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

Yep. ALL of that! Whoot! Be sure to come back here on Friday and over the weekend to enjoy some stories and facts about our favorite Romance events and reads and enter to win!

Why I Love Romance?

It's been a part of who I am since my teen years! I love reading the beginning of a romance and how it evolves. My favorites are friends to lovers and opposites attract.

Romance can also be super funny! Have you read Jill Shalvis or Shannon Stacey? They are my faves! Here is a funny romance cartoon:

In honor of Romance and all the books that have brought me to life, I am giving away a Kindle copy of my fave author's first summer release, Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey.

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go,Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.

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Please visit the other participants in this blog hop using the links below:

Sizzling Books of Summer Giveaway Hop

Welcome to another Summer Giveaway! Summer is ending, and since I'm sure you are as sad about that as I am, I will be giving away an e- book that made me sizzle. 

Grab some sun tan lotion, sun glasses, bathing suit and a yummy drink, this hop is sure to be a hot one! 

The books that made me sizzle this summer include:

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

She thinks he's stuffy. He thinks she's spoilt.
Then the gloves come off and so do their clothes!

For six years Violet Sutcliffe has known that Martin St Clair is the wrong man for her best friend. He's stuffy, old before his time, conservative. He drives Violet nuts - and the feeling is entirely mutual. Then, out of nowhere, her friend walks out just weeks before her wedding to Martin, flying to Australia on a mission of self-discovery. Back in London, Violet finds herself feeling sorry for suddenly-single Martin. At least, she tells herself it's pity she feels. Then he comes calling one dark, stormy night and they discover that beneath their mutual dislike there lies a fiery sexual chemistry.

It's crazy and all-consuming - and utterly wrong. Because not only are they chalk and cheese, oil and water, but Martin once belonged to her best friend. A friend Violet is terrified of losing. What future can there be for a relationship with so many strikes against it? (taken from www.sarahmayberry.com)

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her.

Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine — even her name turns him on — with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies.

When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime? (taken from www.ruthieknox.com)

To help you cool off with these SIZZLING reads, why not make a drink? This drink included Peach Schnapps, in honor of Martin St. Clair. If it wasn't for the Schnapps, they wouldn't have gotten together!

White Sangria

Ingredients

1/2 cup peach schnapps

1/2 cup cognac

1/4 cup white sugar

4 oranges, sliced into rounds

2 mangos, peeled and sliced

4 bottles of dry white wine, chilled

1 liter ginger ale, chilled

Directions

1. In a pitcher, combine peach schnapps, cognac, sugar, sliced oranges and sliced mangos. Chill for at least an hour. 

2. Pur fruit mixture into a large punch bowl. Stir in white wine and ginger ale.

Choose which book you would like to win and tell me why in the comment section below. Make sure you also enter again through the Rafflecopter below.




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Tuesday Tea 5/8/12

It's been a while since I gave a decent book review. This past weekend, I found myself reading more than writing or editing. I have loads of books downloaded on my kindle and I can't wait to read them all. In fact, I am reading 3 books at once, right now. LOL! I don't know why I do that to myself. So, instead of sharing a review this week, I will share my TBR list. These books have been highy recommended by my favorite authors or good writing friends. Have you read any of these books? Which should I start next?

Currently Reading:

Jennifer Crusie is always on my book shelf.

I listen to this audiobook while I cook or do homework with my kids (audiophones required around the kids!) Jill Shalvis is my favorite author right now! So funny, sexy and unexpected.

Written by one of my critiquers at www.critiquecircle.com . A great Christian romance.

 My To Be Read List:

Highly recommended by my fave authors and readers everywhere.

Also recommended by friends. This is .99 on Amazon right now.

A favorite author from Harlequin. This book is free right now at Amazon!

Just downloaded this last nigh. Kristen Higgins is one of my favorite authors ever and the book was only 1.99 on Amazon!

Another fave Harlequin author.

That's it for now. I have a lot of reading to do. Have you read any of these books and what would you suggest to read first?

Thanks for stopping by!
Melinda

Booking Through Thursday 3/29/12

Today is Booking Through Thursday. Each week a question related to reading is posted and bloggers answer on Thursdays. Click the link above to participate!

This week's question:

Are there any fictional characters whom you have emulated? What literary character do you feel is most like you personality-wise, and why?

What a difficult question! I often read books and wish I was like a character.  I mean, who doesn't want to be like Scarlett O'Hara? Or dare I say Katniss Everdeen?

One of my all-time favorite characters is Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. I love her feistiness and "pride." Despite her mother's need for her to marry, and the various proposals, she surges forward with the power and persistence of only marrying who she pleases. Thank God!

Then again, as I ponder, perhaps Elizabeth can be like me. I think of her quote: “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”  I have to agree! Reading is my salvation! Now, if I could just work on that library.

But, I would have to say, I am most similar to Bridget in Bridget Jone's Diary. Doomed to be a little over weight, clumsy, and oh so sarcastic! I love her!

Happy reading!

Melinda