Waiting On Wednesday #144: THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH by Ali Benjamin

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH

by Ali Benjamin

Expected release date: September 22nd, 2015

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

A stunning debut about how grief can open the world in magical ways.

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory - even if it means traveling the globe, alone.

Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe... 

and the potential for love and hope right next door. 

BOOK TRAILER
 

Why I'm waiting for THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH... 

First, the book's cover caught my eye immediately... 

the yellow font and how the sky is made to look like the sea is brilliant and pretty.

Secondly, the summary is very brief, but, I can already feel Suzy's heartache and need to make sense to what has happened to her friend. This little girl is desperately trying to make sense as to why this tragedy happened; she is doing what she has to do in order to grieve.

Lastly, there aren't many books out there that explore and help children through grief. Death is a very difficult subject to talk about in general, to anyone. As a parent, I am always looking for the right words to use, how to keep it 'short and straight' and then give them cookies and a funny movie so they don't dwell on the difficult subject that we just discussed. It's hard not to sugarcoat things for them. They need to know that things can happen. That things do happen. And having books like this really helps us to help them come to their own understanding. 

Now, please tell me, what are you waiting for right now??? 

August 2015 Book Haul #100, Wrap-Up, September TBR and HUUUGE Update!

Hello, bookworms!!!

It's been way too long since I've chatted with all of you! I haven't even been able to keep up with twitter lately... but that might be because I'm an Instagram-addict, lol! 

Every time I think life is going to be one way, it goes in the opposite direction - not a bad thing, but, it is unpredictable! My energy isn't what it used to be (don't worry, I have a doctors appointment coming up soon) and, as you all know, my boys and family come first! And then the baked goods, books and my creative adventures...

Here's a (somewhat) quick recap of all the things that have happened in the past month - lots of changes will be happening around here, including on my blog! Take a peek and let me know what you think! xo

* * * 


First - all the books I received in the last 6 weeks... 

I am participating in Stacking the Shelves, 
hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews!!!

*What I received for review...

- GAIA (The Wings of War #2) by Karen Ann Hopkins (eBook) from the author.
- EDGAR AND THE TREE HOUSE OF USHER (HC) by Jennifer Adams (Children's Picture Book) from Gibbs Smith. 
- DREAM ON, AMBER (ARC) by Emma Shevah (MG) from Sourcebooks. 
- CONCENTR8 (ARC) by William Sutcliffe from Bloomsbury. 
- INTO THE DANGEROUS WORLD by Julie Chibbaro from Penguin Random House.
- LITTLE MASTER LOUIS STEVENSON: TREASURE ISLAND 
and EMMA: An Emotions Primer Book (BabyLit) by Jennifer Adams from Gibbs Smith. 

*From my new #OTSPSecretSister...
- THE ASSASSIN's BLADE (Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas (PB)
- THE SHADOW PRINCE (Mortal Enchanment #1) by Stacey O'Neale (PB) 

*From an instagram giveaway... 
- A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT by Sandy Hall (PB) from Randi @sweetlittlepenpals :)

* * * 


My August Wrap-Up

- The Wanderers by Kate Ormand (YA - eARC)

- Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer (YA - Audiobook) 

- A Whole New World (A Twisted Tale) by Liz Braswell (YA - ARC)

- Edgar and the Tree House of Usher by Jennifer Adams (C - HB)

I am SO sad that my pile is SO small this month!

I usually read 8 to 10 books... it's been a very busy time around here. And with my boys new schedules for school this year, it doesn't seem to be getting any slower. I don't want to disappoint myself anymore, so I am lowering my monthly reading goal to half, 4 to 6; in hopes that I can review more and also keep up with my new creative adventures :) 



* * * 



My September TBR

Well, being that we are already on the 12th, my pile has changed a bit, lol!

Here's my updated TBR for September: 

- Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer (YA - HB)

- Under His Skin by Stacey O'Neale (Adult - eARC) 

- The Dream Thieves (Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater (YA - HB)

- Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid (YA - ARC)

- First & Then by Emma Mills (YA - ARC)

- Max the Brave by Ed Vere (C - ARC)

- Always There Bear by Trudi Granger (C - HB) 

- The Red Car by Tim Hoppey (C - HB)

- Tito, the Firefighter (Tito, el Bombero) by Tim Hoppey (C - HB)

* * * 


MORE UPDATES... 


If you follow me on Instagram (@thebumblegirl), you'll know that I have a new obsession with getting creative in planners and travelers notebooks! 

I'll be sharing a lot more of my creative ventures on the blog, starting today!!!
Many of you know already that I am a papercrafter and mix media artist... I create greeting cards, scrapbook and started project life. 

I've recently teamed up with two amazing small shops to not only help my new found obsession, lol, but to help promote their products! 


I am so very happy to say that I am a part of the
Mrs Brimbles Creative Planner & Journal Design Team!!! 

Mrs Brimbles Shop and subscription boxes offer a variety of papercrafting needs - 

you will find all things planner, stationery and project life/scrapbooking related. 

"Bits and bobs" can also be used for greeting cards, mix media art and anything your creative heart desires!!! 

Mrs Brimbles Personal Planner Subscription Box contents

Follow Mrs Brimbles on her Blog / Instagram / Facebook / Facebook GROUP

and don't forget to check out her SHOP!!!

* * * 

I'm also so very happy to say that I am also a part of the
THAT MOXIE CHICK STUDIO PR!!!

For all you sticker lovers! This is the place to go to get the cutest stickers right now :) 
Follow on Instagram - there's a giveaway going on that ends on September 19th!

ALSO... 

SAVE 15% OFF your entire order (no minimum purchase required)
when you use coupon code: 

THEBUMBLEGIRL15

Happy shopping :) 

* * * 

A few pics from the last month... 

Hubs gave me flowers for our 12th anniversary :) 

Brothers <3 

Back-to-School shopping! 

BEEish card/stickers and bookmarks from the very sweet, Marie Landry!!! 

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL pics!!!

* * * 

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Please leave a comment with your link so I can visit your blogs, book hauls, creative posts and anything you'd like to share!!

xoxo

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: UNDER HIS SKIN (An Alien Encounters Novel) by Stacey O'Neale (A)

UNDER HIS SKIN

by Stacey O'Neale

Expected release date: September 21st, 2015

Published by Entangled: Covet

Genre: Adult Science Fiction - Romance

Format: eBook

SUMMARY

Earth girls are never easy. But they're worth it.

Bakery owner Annabelle Sparks' business is booming ever since she won reality TV's Cupcake Wars. The one thing deflating her happy soufflé? The extremely sexy Kaden Chance only sees her as a best friend-and Annabelle wants so much more. After waiting a year for him recognize their chemistry, she's giving up and dating other people.

What she doesn't know is Kaden's heart doesn't actually beat. He's not human. Heck, he's not even from Earth. To retain his intergalactic immunity, no one can ever know he is an extraterrestrial. But when Annabelle starts dating, something strange happens to Kaden's unmoved heart: it begins to beat. 

Now he faces an impossible choice-tell Annabelle the truth and be deported - or lose his last chance at love.

PRE-ORDER

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

CONTEST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Stacey O'Neale

Stacey O'Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers.

Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance.

Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

Blog Tour (Review and Giveaway): A WHOLE NEW WORLD (A Twisted Tale #1) by Liz Braswell (YA)

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

A Twisted Tale Series #1

by Liz Braswell

Release date: September 1st, 2015

Published by Disney Press

Genre: Young Adult Retelling (Aladdin)

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher. 

SUMMARY

What if Aladdin had never found the lamp? This first book in the A Twisted Tale line will explore a dark and daring version of Disney's Aladdin.

When Jafar steals the Genie's lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.

What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.

A Whole New World (ARC) by Liz Braswell

MY REVIEW

A magical novelization of one of Disney's most loved movies, Aladdin! Full of what we love and expect from Disney - characters we love, surprising twists and giving us exactly what we want...

As, I believe, that the majority of us has seen the movie, Aladdin, I am not going to go into a detailed summary of the book. The first part of the story reads just like the movie - I got reaquainted with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. But once the twist of the story happens, it's all new territory. Cryptic, grim and unsuspecting. We get to see a different side to Aladdin, which I truly enjoyed.

Jafar is seriously dark and twisted, just like all of Disney's villains, this guy has some serious issues. He is such an intricate character. I'm really glad to have been able to see more of him, and get a better feel as to why Jafar is such a terrible person... if you didn't like him before, you'll despise him even more after what he does in this book.

As I have come to know and love, Disney's movies and books are heavy on visualization and world-building, I found the details amazing and capturing. But if I had just one wish, it would be that they would have given the secondary characters more depth. There were a few new characters, and a few cameos - I would have liked a few more pages with each and every one of them...

A Whole New World is exactly what I expected, and enjoyed it so much!... However, I do feel that the book reads for a younger audience. Even with its darker notes, it's not intimidating or frightening. 

A definite quick and enjoyable read for all Disney lovers! The ending is perfection!

You will not be disappointed!

*An ARC was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review.
All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

- FIVE winners will receive a FINISHED copy of A WHOLE NEW WORLD!!!
- U.S. only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Liz Braswell

After the sort of introverted childhood you would expect from a writer, Liz earned a degree in Egyptology at Brown University and then promptly spent the next ten years producing video games. Finally she caved into fate and wrote Snow and Rx under the name Tracy Lynn, followed by The Nine Lives of Chloe King series under her real name, because by then the assassins hunting her were all dead.  

She lives in Brooklyn with a husband, two children, a cat, a part-time dog, three fish and five coffee trees she insists will start producing beans any day.  

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Tour Schedule: 

Week One:

8/24/2015- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Interview

8/25/2015-Book Briefs- Review

8/26/2015-Fiktshun- Guest Post

8/27/2015- Addicted Readers- Review

8/28/2015-Me, My Shelf and I- Interview

Week Two:

8/31/2015- Bumbles and Fairy-Tales- Review

9/1/2015- Nerdophiles- Guest Post

9/2/2015- Pandora's Books- Review

9/3/2015- Novel Novice- Interview

9/4/2015- A Backwards Story- Review

Waiting on Wednesday #143: The Wanderers, Black Widow and Eternal Sacrifice!!! (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

*Note: These have all been mentioned before many months ago, and now that their release dates are approaching, I need to exclaim again as to why I need these in my life as soon as possible!!!

WHY I'M WAITING FOR... 

THE WANDERERS 

by Kate Ormand

Expected release date: September 1st, 2015

(Published by Sky Pony Press)

BECAUSE... a circus full of SHAPESHIFTERS!!!

_ _ _ 

WHY I'M WAITING FOR... 

BLACK WIDOW: FOREVER RED 

by Margaret Stohl 

Expected release date: October 13th, 2015

(Published by Marvel Press)

BECAUSE... it's BLACK WIDOW!!! 

A more indepth look into Black Widow, her past and present and what she's all about!!!

_ _ _ 

WHY I'M WAITING FOR... 

ETERNAL SACRIFICE (Mortal Enchantment #4) 

by Stacey O'Neale

Expected release date: October 2015 

(Published by Phoenix Reign Publishing)

BECAUSE... ROWAN!!!

And, it's one of the best fae series I've ever read!!!

SO, what are you all waiting for this week?!?!?

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS???

The wonderful ladies, Andi (Andi's ABCs) and Brittany (The Book Addict's Guide) have come up with a brilliant way to share and help our book obsessions and collections!!! 

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS is a new feature for those of us searching hard-to-find editions of books, primarily older copies of ARCs, early or foreign editions, etc...

Hosts: Andi (Andi's ABCs) and Brittany (The Book Addict's Guide)

*Updated 8/19/2015*

A huge THANK YOU to Brittany and Andi for not only putting this together but continuing it to allow us to easily find what we desperately are looking for :)

And a big thanks to all the wonderful booknerds who have fed my geeky heart! My collections have grown so quick, I am in book heaven :)

You can see my original posts here and see how much my shelves have grown :)

And now, there are a few more that I am still hoping to find...

* * * * *

I am a HUGE Stiefvater fan!!! HUGE!!!

I just can't explain just how much I love her writing, her art, and everything about her - she is so unique, inspiring and real. 

Here is what I am looking for: 
- LAMENT, ARC and Hardcover
- BALLAD, ARC and Hardcover 

- SHIVER (ARC) 

I'm also looking for:

- International copies of THE SCORPIO RACES!!!
So far, I have the UK paperback :)

- International copies of SHIVER!!!
So far, I have the Italian paperback :)


* * * * *

I love Lauren Oliver's writing!

She is one of the first authors I was introduced to when I first started book blogging.
I have so many fond personal memories that are connected to when I read her books.
I've been considering creating a post about this... maybe one day.

I am still looking for an ARC of DELIRIUM!!! 

- Any international copies of Delirium

* * * * *

Other books I would love to have in my collection... 

One of my favorite contemporary authors!!!
All I need to complete this Jennifer E. Smith collection is: 

- ARC of THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 


* * * * *

Another favorite contemporary!

I'm looking for...
- ARC of THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS


* * * * *

And last, but certainly not least!
I'm looking for Jess Rothenberg's... 
- ARC of THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME

This was the book that not only kicked off my book blogging, but it was the very first book signing I had ever gone too! Lots of good memories here :)  
* * * * *

If you have any of these and you are willing to let it go, please contact me...
thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com

I'll be more than happy to work something out with you!!!

Thank you to Andi and Brittany for putting this together!!!

And thank you to all of you who take the time to peek at my list and help me find my long lost loves!!!

Waiting On Wednesday #142: THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY by Lauren Morrill (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY

by Lauren Morrill

Expected release date: December 8th, 2015

Published by Delacorte (RandomHouse)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

SUMMARY

It's not about the destination, it's about the journey...

With her trusty baton and six insanely organized clipboards, drum major Liza Sanders is about to take Destiny by storm - the boat, that is. When Liza discovered that her beloved band was losing funding, she found Destiny, a luxury cruise ship complete with pools, midnight chocolate buffets, and a $25,000 spring break talent show prize. 

Liza can't imagine senior year without the band, and nothing will distract her from achieving victory. She's therefore not interested when her old camp crush, Lenny, shows up on board, looking shockingly hipster-hot. And she's especially not interested in Russ, the probably-as-dumb-as-he-is-cute prankster jock whose ex, Demi, happens to be Liza's ex-best friend and leader of the Athenas, a show choir that's the band's greatest competition. 

But it's not going to be smooth sailing. After the Destiny breaks down, all of Liza's best-laid plans start to go awry. Liza likes to think of herself as an expert at almost everything, but when it comes to love, she's about to find herself lost at sea. 

Why I'm waiting for THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY...

First... it's another book from Lauren Morrill! 

I quite enjoy her books :) 

Second... let the battle of the bands begin!!!

Lastly... romance!!!

Possibly a love-triangle???

SO, what are you dying to get your hands on this week?!?!?

Waiting On Wednesday #141: THE SHADOW QUEEN by C.J. Redwine (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

THE SHADOW QUEEN

Ravenspire #1

by C.J. Redwine

Expected release date: February 23rd, 2016

Published by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Genre: Young Adult Fairy Tale Retelling

SUMMARY

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. 

To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common - magic. She'll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen. 

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol's father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic - and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman... and bring her Lorelai's heart. 

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected - beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable - and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman - who she likes far more than she should - Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn't going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lost. 

Why I'm waiting on THE SHADOW QUEEN... 

First... don't you know me at all?!?!? 

It is a retelling of SNOW WHITE!!!

A darker retelling - with dark magic, ogres and dragons?!

Secondly... that bookcover is to die for!!!

Seriously! Everyone always uses a red apple, and I am loving the black dark vibe this has!

Lastly... it's a fairytale retelling!!! 

Don't you know me at all?!?!? lol

WHAT are you waiting for this week?!?!?