Review: The 2012 Book Blogger Cookbook (Blog Tour)

Title: The 2012 Book Blogger’s Cookbook

Author: Christy Dorrity

Summary:

“Great books, bloggers, and recipes meet in this second volume of a fresh and unique cookbook that helps you experience books, not just read them.  This year's volume features even more tasty reads, recipes and book bloggers.

Books were selected from the author’s book review blog and paired with delectable recipes like “Caramel Crack” from Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi, "Everliving Soup" from Brodi Ashton's Everneath, and "Jagged Ham" from Elana Johnson's Possession.

Mouthwatering photos complement every recipe.

The 2012 Book Blogger’s Cookbook includes a foreword by David Farland, award winning, New York Times Bestselling author, and showcases more than one hundred reviews with links to book review blogs and author websites.

Whether you're a food lover, an avid reader or a book blogger, there’s something for you in The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook.”

The purpose of this cookbook is to flawlessly combine: fantastic must-read books, delicious can’t-wait-to-try recipes, and some enthusiastic opinions that taunt the reader to delve deeper.  Personally, the only thing I like better than reading is eating, and to see all these recipes that compliment my favorite books is sheer perfection!

The book choices: I really like that almost all of the teen books that were chosen are familiar titles to me.  The fact that many are books that I have read and loved really makes me anticipate all the other books listed even more.  Though I am less familiar with the middle grade and adult books mentioned, I can still make the recipes even if the books don’t turn out to be my thing! 

The recipes:  I LOVE all the recipes that are presented in this cookbook.  Seriously, I want to eat them all RIGHT NOW.  I am pleasantly surprised to find that this cookbook contains more than one different type of dish.  It doesn’t just have frou-frou deserts or only appetizers.  No.  This cookbook has a variety of different delectables ranging from ribs, to cakes, to bubble tea.  The other thing I like about the 2012 Book Blogger Cookbook is the layout and presentation of each section which is especially helpful for the books I have already read.  The recipes aren’t just randomly thrown together.  For each recipe/book combination there is an explaination as to why they fit together.  This really makes them seem that much more enticing.

The bloggers:  Having direct quotes from bloggers for each individual book is honestly a really good idea.  It really helps bridge the gap between author and reviewer, as well as provides some great new authors and bloggers that I can stalk!

Overall: I really like this book as a whole, and I think all of the different parts are very well thought out and executed making this entire book shine.  This cookbook was truly a pleasure to read, and I cannot wait to try out one (or two or three) of the recipes!

The Cover:

I‘m a little disappointed that the cover of the 2012 Book Blogger Cookbook leans more towards a cookbook type cover rather than a fantasy whimsical type cover.  But, it certainly does fit the book, and the cover goes beautifully with book one, the 2011 Book Blogger Cookbook.

I give this book 5 out of 5 hearts: Very Highly Recommended!

See more about Christy Dorrity on her website here: http://www.dearestdreams.com/

See more about the book blogger cookbook here: Amazon

You can also enter to win over $200 in books on this tour by commenting on the stops and leaving your email! More info here.

*Yes I AM listed in the cookbook :) if you would like to see my quotes they are under Bound, Divergent and Carrier of the Mark*

So, what do you guys think... is this cookbook for you? 

Weigh in Wednesday (#3)

*I do ask that if you would like to participate please site me and my blog somewhere in the post.*

Todays topic: Contemporary Vs. Fantasy 
 

My Answer:  Personally I prefer fantasy over contemporary in fiction work.  I think it's because I myself am in high school and I really don't need to read about other people's realistic  high school experiences. Yes, many fantasy books are about high schooler's who have problems. I get that.  But when you add in something like Unicorns, Fairies, Elves, Ect. it draws enough attention away from all the "regular, everyday" drama that I can enjoy the story more fully.  So Fantasy is my choice... though I do read and enjoy purley contemporary work on a

What about YOU? Do you prefer Contemporary or Fantasy? 

Next weeks topic: Love Triangles Vs. Insta-love 
(and yes they both kind-of suck, pick your favorite anyway!)

Please email me with any topics you would like to see here on WiW at Epiloguereview@yahoo.com I would really appreciate any ideas you guys have!!

 If you would like to grab my picture to use here it is:

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Review: Kevin's Point of View

Title: Kevin’s Point of View

Author: Del Shannon

Book Summary:

“Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary 12-year-old dealing with the aftermath of his father's death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado.  To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally.  While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics on an average Wednesday morning, his ability to escape inside a character's head become critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father's death.  A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin's teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin's whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected.  Del Shannon's imaginative story, appreciation for the powers of family and the desire of young boys to both escape reality and prove themselves within it, and fast-paced, adventure-filled storytelling style make this a book with wide appeal for readers of all ages.”

I like to think of myself as a creative person… but even I have nothing on Kevin Tobin and his seemingly infinite store of creativity.  Kevin is a young boy who deals with the death of his father in a very unique way… he pretends to be someone else.  These little pretend sessions of Kevin’s are not typically dangerous, and everyone assumes he will grow out of them.  His many personas provide Kevin a hiatus from his life for a brief time and, more than once, these “alter egos” help him and his friends out of sticky situations.  Don’t be fooled however; the “alter egos” also get Kevin into many difficult situations, especially with his mother!

            When I first read the premise for Kevin’s Point of View I’m not really sure what to expect.   It looks like an interesting plot, but I worry it will be too childish of a writing style for my taste.  Luckily, my fears turn out to be unnecessary.  The one thing that really grabs me when I see Kevin’s Point of View is the cover… it is HYSTERICAL.  I love it.  The cover is made even better when a naked Kevin mimics the picture in the first couple of chapters!

            When I first start to read, I am instantly pulled into the story.  The description Shannon puts into it is amazing, and I can fully envision everything that is happening.  I instantly feel like part of Kevin’s family, and I understand Kevin’s mischievous nature and his pride in annoying his sister.  At the same time, I can connect with both his sister, Betsy, and his mother in both their roles. Kevin annoys Betsy with his antics and, like all good big sisters, she is very vocal with her frustrations.  Kevin’s mother is obviously trying to be patient with Kevin and his unique way of dealing with grief.  I really feel like I know all of them, as if we’ve been friends for ages!

            Tony is Kevin’s best friend and fellow (reluctant) adventurer.  I can really see the push and pull of Tony and Kevin’s relationship… it’s easy to see how these two young boys are so close.  I do admire Tony’s high tolerance of Kevin.  It makes me happy that Kevin has someone who cares enough to stick by him through everything.  Kevin himself is so unique; I really don’t think I can capture his character accurately enough to do him justice. 

The Cover:

            Well, as I said before, I find this cover HYSTERICAL.  Seriously, anyone not finding this artwork funny must be crazy!  But, even if the cover isn’t for everyone (for whatever reason) I would definitely recommend reading the book anyway!

I give Kevin’s Point of View 5 out of 5 hearts: I LOVED it!

5 May releases I can't wait to read!

Here are my top 5 most anticipated books of May... it is purely a coincidence that they all have STUNNING covers. :)

 

Sweet Evil

"What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?"

 Of Poseidon

"Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance. "

Taste

"At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud."

Hemlock

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Struck

"Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything "

Dangerous Favor book blast

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romanti...more "Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?"

About the Author: Author Joyce DiPastena

I am the author of three "sweet" medieval romances, Loyalty's Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist), Illuminations of the Heart (past RWA Heart of the West Winner, and a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), and Dangerous Favor (2012 release). I've also written a short medieval Christmas story titled "An Epiphany Gift for Robin" published in the Christmas anthology, Stolen Christmas and Other Stories of the Season, also available as a "single" on Smashwords.

(Personally I LOVE her Renaissance look :) It's AWESOME!)

Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Code
Open to anyone who can legally enter and use an Amazon.com gift code
Ends 5/11/12