Cupcakes for Clara




This is it! You have just one more day to enter for your chance to win one of two cutie-pie keepsies from Cupcakes from Clara. For your chance to win just click here.

We love Laura's work and wish we could win!!
To learn more about Laura you can over at:~
twitter
blog

In My Postbox #16






In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted every Sunday over at The Story Siren. A great meme which allows bloggers to share what they receive/buy/borrow each week.








For review

Title: Stealing Phonenix
Author: Joss Stirling
Published: October 2011
By: Oxford University Press

Yves' story.

This is about getting you out...I'm stealing you.

Phoenix belongs to the Community - a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict - an American student visiting London - is her mark. But Yves turns out to be more than just a target. He is her destiny. Her soulmate. But the Community owns Phoenix's past and it wants her future too.





Title: Pride & Premiership
Author: Michelle Gayle (yes UKers, the actress and singer, Michelle Gayle)
Published: May 2011
By: Walker Books

This is the diary of Remy Louise Bennet, age 17-1/2. Remy Louise Bennet has one goal in life - to be a WAG. And as every true wannabe WAG knows, there are rules. One: pretend you don't know he's a footballer. Two: Don't get drunk (or he won't trust you while he's off on pre-season tour). Three: Never dispute a thing his mum says (they worship their mums). When Remy starts dating Netherfield Park Rangers' Robbie Wilkins (not Premiership, but good for starters), it seems like all her dreams have come true. Or have they? Remy soon realizes that being a WAG isn't all it's cracked up to be, that Robbie's balls aren't quite so golden...and that maybe there are smarter dreams to pursue. Michelle has already participated in workshops with The Reading Agency up and down the country, promoting literacy among teenage girls and encouraging them to aspire beyond the WAG myth. Michelle is an ex-EastEnders star, chart-topping pop diva and popular TV celebrity.





Title: Tempest
Author: Holly Hook
Published: July 2011

Life blows for sixteen-year-old Janelle. Ever since moving to Florida, she’s been accidentally breaking people’s arms just by touching them and yanking steel doors off their hinges. Then her new crush, Gary, sees her gray spiral birthmark and tells her she’s a Tempest, able to turn into a hurricane by touching the ocean. Like him. So that’s why she feels ready to explode when she’s at the beach.

As if that’s not lousy enough, all Tempests have to become storms once in their lives. It’s their law…and it’s Janelle’s turn.

No way in hell is Janelle going to kill people, even by accident. So she does what any sane person would do—she runs away from home.

But it’s not long before the Tempest leader discovers and abducts her. Janelle’s told that she’s destined to become the worst hurricane ever. And now she’s the main weapon in the Tempest leader’s plot to hold the world ransom. No way can Janelle live with herself if she kills thousands. But using the power she fears most might be the only way out.




Title: Unleashed
Author: Ali Sparkes
Published: June 2011
By: Oxford University Press









I won some swag:




I would like to thank author Jennifer Laurens for sending me this book swag!!
Magnets, large signed postcard and signed bag!!
Thank you Jennifer :)

We learnt more about Jennifer's book Heavenly when we featured her playlist which you can listen to here.



Gift




I would like to thank you to author Kiki Hamilton for sending me The Faerie Ring swag. Kiki's book has been featured on my wishlish which you can read about here, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!! After learning I was ill a few weeks ago she sent me a button, postcard with a little get well soon message and signed bookmarks!!
Thank you Kiki :)

So that's what I got this week, what did you get?

Happy reading :)

On My Wishlist #7

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It is a list of the books I want but don't yet have. The books can be old, new or forthcoming.

 





 

Title: Heavenly

Author: Jennifer Laurens

Published: August 2009

Series: Heavenly #1

 

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

 

 

 





 

Title: Rules of Attraction

Author: Simone Elkeles

Published: April 2010

Series: Perfect Chemistry

 

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

 

 

 

 





 

Title: Bad Taste in Boys

Author: Carrie Harris

Published: July 2011

 

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

 

 

 

Solid Review



4 stars


Title: Solid
Author: Shelley Workinger
Published: July 2010

Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy.

Opening Line: As per his nightime routine, he checked the security panel to ensure that the system would alert him of any intrusions on the perimeter he'd set around the lad.

Closing Line: We'd find a way to work things out, because what we had was real, Solid.

Clio Kaid is bought to a home-from-home state-of-the-art compound by the military as they try to discover more about a drug named C9x, as it has had an effect on her and 99 other teenagers, giving them super-human abilities. 17 years prior to this a rogue doctor decided to experiment on 100 unsuspecting pregnant women with a chromosomal drug but when he was killed it seemed all evidence died with him, except for the 100 babies. Now Clio and the other teenagers are ready to learn more about themselves and the drug that altered their very being.

Clio soon makes friends and I really like that there is a real mix of characters, I love Miranda and hope to see more of her in the next book. She is very much for herself and wants to be center of attention, she an all round queen b!! But the group seem to fit together perfectly.

And what's YA without a romance!?! Jack is Clio's love interest and honestly, he's sooooo sweet!! I loved the star scene in the book but I'm not going to say anymore because I don't want to spoil it for you!

We quickly learn that not everyone is who they say they are at the facility and Clio and her new genetically altered friends are on their own mission to discover why they are really wanted by the military.

I really enjoyed Solid! I thought it was obvious who the 'bad-guy' was but I was totally shocked to find out the reason why!

Soild is a great little read and the series has potential! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

Artist Feature~Cupcakes for Clara week 3




As you know we love Cupcakes for Clara so we though we would show you some more of Laura's work.

You can learn more about Laura from the first week of our feature here.

You can enter our international give away here to win one of Laura's handmade cutie-pie keepsies.

We love the cupcakes here at Midnight Reads and can't help but think we shall be buying some in the near future!!

Follow Lauar on twitter

Or over at her handmade website

Tunes for Tuesday



Tunes for Tuesday is a feature which gives us the chance to listen to the songs which influenced authors while writing their books.
As we know, each author is different so this feature has no set rules and it's up to an author how they wish their playlist to be featured.

This week we are listening to the playlist from Cyndi Tefft author of Between. We rather enjoyed Between and you can read our review here.

As always, click on the song to listen.

Over to Cyndi:~

I had a fantastic time coming up with a soundtrack that follows the story of Between!

Crash- Dave Matthews Band
Only The Good Die Young- Billy Joel
Caledonia- Dougie MacLean
I've Been Waiting For a Girl Like You- Foreigner
In Your Eyes- Peter Gabriel
I Could Have Danced All Night- Rogers and Hammerstein
An American In Paris- George Gershwin
Hello Seattle- Owl City
Love Shack- B52s
How Do I Live Without You- Leann Rimes
Bless the Broken Road- Rascal Flatts
Don't Stop Believin'- Journey
Baby Now That I've Found You- Alison Krauss

In My Mailbox #15



In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted every Sunday over at The Story Siren. A great meme which allows bloggers to share what they receive/buy/borrow each week.







For review




Title: The Name of the Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Published: September 2011
By: Putnam

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.




Title: The Flight of the Silver Vixen
Author: Annalinde Matichei
Published: February 2011
By: Sun Daughter Press


The Flight of the Silver Vixen is an all-girl space adventure that is at once an action-packed thriller and an exploration of philosophical themes.

It begins with a group of wild teenagers from an all-girl planet hijacking a spacecraft and accidentally warping to the other side of the galaxy.

It proceeds through deadly battles with space pirates to a landing on another all-girl world where we rapidly discover that something much darker than mere pirates is threatening civilization on many planets.

This is an action-packed page-turner starring a young delinquent-turned-captain who literally knows no fear, a princess-turned delinquent, in whose hands lies the fate of millions and many other remarkable characters.

Swashbuckling space-opera? Absolutely. But as the book progresses we also discover much deeper philosophical and spiritual themes.

The Flight of the Silver Vixen is a first. While there have been "science fiction" books about worlds in which women live without men for over a century, they have all featured human women who, for whatever reason, live and reproduce manlessly. This book is about feminine beings, resembling women in most ways, who have two feminine sexes and have never had any relation to males.

In the course of the adventure, we come to learn more about these all-feminine peoples, their history, their beliefs and attitudes and their fierce struggle for survival in an increasingly dangerous universe.




Title: Reborn
Author: Ley Mesina
Published: May 2011

Lily Westbrook discovers that being half witch and half vampire is more of a challenge than she thought. When her powers mature on her eighteenth birthday, she unlocks a mystery that many witches thought was a legend.

After moving back to her birthplace in Cedar Creek, MA to attend Kensington University, Lily is instantly pulled deeper into the world she was kept from—the world of witches and vampires—uncovering the truth about her past and discovering who she is meant to be.







Title: The Sword Quest
Author: Martin Chu Shui
Published: September 2010

When East and West combine…

Half-Chinese, half-Australian, Liz is not interested in her father’s ancient Tao wisdom, or his cryptic tales. She is more concerned with environmental issues—particularly the plan to mine one of Australia’s great landmarks, Wave Rock. Her father’s latest gift, a Chinese calligraphy pen, seems set to take its place in her bottom drawer forever.
Then Wave Rock is blasted open by something more than a mining operation, and Liz finds that she must battle monsters from ancient times as well as creatures from other worlds, all intent on destroying Earth. She must call on all her powers, from both her Eastern heritage and her Western upbringing, to save her world. Her pen becomes her way into a new and magical world, and Liz discovers she has powers—and allies—that she never could have guessed.
An exciting, fast-paced tale that combines the wisdom of ancient tradition with the pace of a Kung Fu movie and brings them to life in contemporary Australia, this exciting tale takes the best of two cultures and blends them to open up a new world of adventure and mystery.




Title: The House of Sherbet
Author: Simon Dale
Published: March 2011

Thirteen year old Jake spends Christmas with his parents at the Oakhouse, the once grand, now decrepit home to his grandfather. Jake quickly begins to realise that the Oakhouse and Granddad Sherbet are not all they seem. On Christmas Eve, Jake's parents disappear, only to reappear six inches tall and having been turned to wood. ??Granddad Sherbet, together with his octogenarian friends, prepares to steal Jake's youth and nascent magical powers.

So that's what I got this week. What did you get?

Happy reading :)

On My Wishlist #6

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It is a list of the books I want but don't yet have. The books can be old, new or forthcoming.

 

 




Title: Spellbound
Author:Cara Lynn Shultz
Published: June 2008
By: Harlequin Teen

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death? 

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
 
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.




Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Published: June 2011
By: Egmont


One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

What are you wishing for?



Artist Feature~Cupcakes for Clara~Interview and giveaway



Clara


We are so excited here at Midnight Reads to have Laura with us to answer some questions we have about her and Clara.
Thank for joining us today Laura, let's get started!

1) We know Cupcakes for Clara started 4 years ago but how long have you been working as an artist/crafter?

I started crafting properly the day after I drew those first doodles of Clara. I wanted to make a doll of her, and so I got stitching. Before then I have worked as a puppet maker in animation for many years, which I love, but never really on my own projects. Although when I was little, as my mum loves to remind me, I was constantly making things. Blue Peter style of course!

2) Have you undertaken any form of training or study?

I studied art at school, and did an animation degree at university. Getting to grips with the intricacies of animation really taught me to be patient with my work, and developed my love of working with tiny fiddly things. I have certainly learnt a lot of crafty skills working as a puppet maker.

3) Does anything influcence your work?

I’m influenced by so many things! My children, other crafters work, a particular piece of fabric, a combination of colours. Anything! Most of the time ideas spark after Tom and I have a brainstorming session – we seem to bring out each other’s creativity.



Add caption

4) What is a typical working day for you?

I’m still on maternity leave at the moment, so I squeeze in work whenever I can. Usually after the little ones have gone to bed in the evening I’ll get a couple of hours to draw or sew.

5) Do you have a favourite artist/crafter?

I adore Sarah Jane Studios. Her illustrations are just beautiful - she is so very talented. I was lucky enough to receive two of her prints as a gift last year, and I still haven’t found anywhere quite special enough to hang them.

And I have always found Lauren Child’s work outstanding and extremely inspiring. I just love it!

6) If you had to do another job for the day what would it be?

I’m not sure that I could choose a more awesome job than being a puppet maker by day and crafter by night! But if I had to go down a completely different path, I’d probably like to work in a special care baby unit looking after the tiny preemie babies. After having our own baby 10 weeks early last year, I am just amazed at the work those nurses do. That job would be a real honor.

7) Can you share what you are working on with us at the moment?

I have been furiously scribbling away at storyboards for a Clara & Macy picture book for the last few months. I would love to see Miss Bossy Pants Clara published! I nervously sent the storyboards off last week to an interested publisher so I’m currently keeping everything crossed. I’d also like to start re-stocking my little shop over the summer too, so I’m working on designs for that – prints, make your own kits, and possibly Clara dolls.

Thank you very much for stopping by to answer our questions.

I loved answering your interview questions! Thank you so much!

And now for the giveaway :)

Laura has sent us not one but two of her handmade purses which are so beautiful, I wish I could keep them both!! Would it be so wrong if I entre the giveaway myself?

For your chance to win one of Laura's handmade pieces just leave a comment.

Winners will be chosen at random.

The first winner can choose which purse they would like.

You DO NOT have to follow this blog to enter.

It IS International.

Giveaway will end on 30th June

Only 1 comment here will be counted as your entery.

In My Mailbox #14



In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted every Sunday over at The Story Siren. A great meme which allows bloggers to share what they receive/buy/borrow each week.








Won


13 Treasures
Michelle Harrison

No one else can see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, but they are as real to the 13-year-old as anything she's ever known. She cannot rid herself of them, nor can she ignore them. But it is her insistence on responding to them that has her banished to her grandmother's secluded countryside manor.

There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But, the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever.



13 Curses
Michelle Harrison

The 13 Treasures have become the 13 Curses. When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs to be seen before the fairy court where she strikes a bargain: Her brother in exchange for all thirteen charms from Tanya's bracelet.
Back at Elvesden Manor, Red, Tanya, and Fabian begin a desperate hunt, but as they soon find out, the fairies have done more than hide the charms; they've enchanted them with twisted qualities of the thirteen treasures they represent. And the longer the charms are missing, the more dangerous they become.
Can Red, Tanya, and Fabian find all thirteen charms? And if they do, will the fairies keep their promise?

Thank you Michelle :)

Bought




Title: PS, I Love You
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Published: 2004
By: Harper

Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.

The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world.




Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Published: January 2011
By: Egmont

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Review: Between by Cyndi Tefft




3 stars

 
Title: Between
Author: Cyndi Tefft
Published: June 2011

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.

Thank you to Cyndi for providing this review copy.

Opening line: Ravi's lips were soft and familiar against mine, but my mind was elsewhere.

Closing line: "Aye, my love. I can't think of anything else I'd like more," he said, then bought his lips to mine.

Favourite quote: "I understand, Lindsey. Truly, I do. But you've naught to fear from me. I would wait a thousand years for you, more if I had to..."

~Aiden~

Lindsey's life seems rather normal, perfect infact as her boyfriend tells her that he loves her, however, Lindsey doesn't feel the same. Yet there is no time to dwell on the feelings the two have as the car they are traveling in crashes, ripping Lindsey form the world we know.
As Lindsey wakes she soon realises she is no longer living and is introduced to her Transporter, Aiden. For the last 300 years Aiden has had the responsibility of taking the good to heaven, yet he isn't allowed to enter himself. In his 300 years of transporting he never met anyone like Lindsey and the two quickly fall in love.

Their story is rather a sweet one but at times it felt like it moved a little to fast for me. (I won't say anymore on this as it will totally spoil the story.)
I loved the characters and Aiden sure is the kind of Transporter I'd be wanting.
I really liked how the two could change their surroundings and show each other what their lives were like on earth. I really enjoyed these scenes in the book and though Tefft did a great job with them. It was a unique way for us as readers to learn more about the characters.

Just as I was warming to the two characters and their relationship the unthinkable happens! We know throughout the book that Lindsey must enter heaven and therefore have to leave Aiden but she is taken from him in the most unexpected way. I was totally shocked! It was actually gut wrenching!! I really felt for Lindsey but I feel in the second half of the book we really learnt more about her.

Overall I like this book, I got the ending I wanted from this story and I look forward to the next book.

Findout more about Cyndi over at:~
goodreads
twitter @cynditefft
blog

On My Wishlist #5

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It is a list of the books I want but don't yet have. The books can be old, new or forthcoming.




Title: Timeless
Author: Alexandra Monir
Published: January 2011
Series: Timeless #1

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.





Title: Betrayal
Author: Mayandree Michel
Published: April 2011
Series: The Descendants #1

Where there is love and power, there is always... betrayal.

At seventeen, Cordelia is an ordinary teen with an extraordinary and frightening secret. A secret that induces vivid dreams which she not only experiences true love, but crippling fear while barely escaping with her life each night.

After a life altering event, Cordelia has an unexpected encounter with Evan, the mysterious boy from her dreams, who reveals who and what she is, a descendant of the Greek gods. At that moment everything she knows of her world is a lie, and she must leave the present and go into the past to assume the role she was put on this earth for, safeguarding her ancient empire amidst evil forces that toil hastily to destroy it.

In a race against time, Cordelia must decide if she is truly a part of this dangerous world, or risk defying the gods, and ultimately lose the boy who has put a claim on her heart.

Tunes for Tuesday #5

Tunes for Tuesday is a feature here at Midnight Reads where each week a playlist from a book we have read or want to read will be featured.

This week we are pleased to have Jennifer Laurens playlist for Heavenly. We LOVE this playlist here at Midnight Reads and would like to here what you think.

Over to Jennifer:~

Heavenly Playlist

Music plays an integral part of my writing. I adore mood. Music helps me add depth and emotion to moments that are especially significant. One of the songs I didn't include on the soundtrack is itself a soundtrack song, the love theme from the television show, Beauty and the Beast. Stunning. If you can find it, listen to a clip.

Mostly, this soundtrack is a good example of the mood and tone of the book. I especially like David Arnold's music for Matthias.

Lose Control, by Evanessence is perfect for Zoe's conflicting feelings at the party. She wonders if Matthias could ever lose control?

Somewhere, by Barbara Striesand is an old favorite of mine. The haunting arrangement is perfect for Zoe's insatiable want of Matthias.

These are some of my thoughts.

Click song title to listen

Death of Vesper - David Arnold

Solange - David Arnold

City of Lovers - David Arnold

Lose Control - Evanessence
Calling All Angels - Train
Haunt You Every Day - Weezer
Escape - Muse

 She Floats - Vanessa Carlton

Scarlet - Brooke Fraser

Your Guardian Angel - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Soulmate - Natasha Bedingfield
Somewhere - Barbara Streisand





I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

Playlist originally posted here

Jennifer on goodreads

twitter @jenniferlaurens

Jennifer's website

Artist Feature~ Cupcakes for Clara




This week Midnight Reads would like to welcome artist/crafter Laura to the blog. We love Laura's work and actually came across her on twitter. Laura is the wife of author Tom Clempson we love his book but we're not here to talk about Tom today, this is Laura's feature!

Laura's main creation is Clara who we love!!!

Cupcakes for Clara was born one lunchtime at work, I was just doodling and Clara stumbled onto the page. A cheeky, bossy little red-head with a great need for attention. Since that day four years ago, she has never given me a moment’s peace, and has become the basis for my range of handmade goods.



  Cupcakes for Clara features handmade toys, stationary, fabric illustrations, home wares, and ‘make your own’ kits. And several pieces of my work have been published in books and magazines. I love designing/sewing soft toys. There is something so wonderful about creating soft toys - they seem to develop their own personalities as you sew them - it’s almost like you’ve created a little person!







You can find out more about Laura, Clara and the rest of her creations over at her:~

Blog:~ http://cupcakesforclara.com/
Twitter:~ @cupcakes4clara
Shop:~ http://cupcakesforclara.etsy.com/

We are looking forward to our interview with Laura next week to learn more about her work. We are also excited to be able to do two giveaways so make sure you join us next week for your chance to win :)

In My Mailbox #13





In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted every Sunday over at The Story Siren. A great meme which allows bloggers to share what they receive/buy/borrow each week.

For Review









Title:Tiger's Quest

Author: Colleen Houck

Published: June 2011

By: Hodder

Series: The Tiger Saga

goodreads says:~

Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, and the mystical realm of Shangri-la, this suspenseful tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption is not to be missed.

Gift





Title: Monster High

Author: Lisi Harrison

Published: September 2010

By: Poppy

Series: Monster High #1

goodreads says:~

From Lisi Harrison, the New York Times bestselling author of The Clique and Alphas, comes a new series with a fresh twist on high school, romance, and the horrors of trying to fit in.

They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same.
Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.
She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret?

Been really ill this last week so only managed to get my hands on these two.

What did you get this week?

Happy Reading :)



The Iron King Review



3.5 Stars


Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Published: February 2010
By: Harlequin Teen
Series: Iron Fey


Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
 
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
 
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
 
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Opening Line:~ Ten years ago, on my sixth birthday, my father disappeared.

Closing Line:~ I waved to Ethan, nodded forgiveness to Mom, and shut the door, following Ash into the silver moonlight.

Favourite quote:~ I licked my lips and whispered, "Is this where you'll kill me?"

~Meghan~

I rather enjoyed The Iron King and I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series. What I like about The Iron King is that Kagawa takes the typical Summer and Winter courts along with an element of Shakespeare and adds a new dimention with her introuduction with the Iron Court.

I loved the characters!! Of course, Meghan was scared at times, who wouldn't be with what she goes through but she is also a girl who knows her own mind and isn't afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in. And then we have the boys, well I should say men when we concider their age. Puck and Ash!! I now understand the whole Team Puck vs Team Ash but I'm not sure I have read enough to make my mind up yet. That said both characters are compelling and I look forward to learning more about each of them.

I really like that Kagawa's writing style is easy and accessible, It gets right to the point with out stumbling over what she wants to say. Although at times I wondered if her writing is a little too simple.

I've gone for 3.5 stars because I think there is room for the characters and story to grow and I can only see this series getting better!!

On My Wishlist #4

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It is a list of the books I want but don't yet have. The books can be old, new or forthcoming.

 




Title: Immortal Embrance
Author: Charlotte Blackwell
Published: July 2011
By: World Castle Publishing

Sophia Pierce has suffered since her brother left, and is unsure if she will ever get over it. That is until her family decided to move to Wenham, Massachusetts. Her and her siblings have been ordered to protect their little sister, and must return to High school. This is where Sophia finds her soul mate Nathanial and life as she knows it is about to change.

As a vampire, Sophia has always kept to herself, but as a high school student will she learn to step out of her comfort zone a little? Sophia has found a best friend in a powerful witch and a love to call her own. That is until something tragic happens and blood is spilled. Will Sophia be able to resist the sweet scent of her beloved’s blood?

This is Sophia’s story, a story of a girl who finds herself, love and everlasting friendship. The excitement of this story wraps mortals, vampires, witches, and shape shifters all into a romantic tale of young love, friendship, the meaning of family. The story of a girl who tries to finds herself when she thought it was all lost.



  
Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon
Published: March 2011
By: Greenwillow Books
 

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.
The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.
Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.
But there is a cost.
The Keeper likes to keep things.
Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.