Please Be Kind, Rewind: 12-18 October 2014 October 18, 2014

I am on a roll on reading this week! MAYBE at this rate I can read all the books I’m wanting to read before YALLFest. MAYBE. If the kids keep cooperating. All the reading means not a lot of working on the blog. Everything I read this week was a physical/ebook except for Crown of Midnight. It’s my audiobook read. I am definitely going to reread this series ASAP cause I know I’m not getting the full experience on audio! I’m working hard to get back on track, but I probably won’t be completely back to 100% until after YALLFest. I have about 20 books I need/want to read, Hubby has drill, Bug has a doctor’s appointment, Hallowe’en festivities, AND my birthday are all between now and then. SO. Needless to say. It’s a hopping time! I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I love this time of year!

***I am now an Amazon affiliate. I would appreciate it if you’d consider buying the books through my links if they’re available. (: Helping me helps YOU! October Featured Books or you can click on the book covers.  THANK YOU!!***

 

Completed:

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

The Prophecy by Erin Albert Rhew

The Outlanders by Erin Albert Rhew (Go ahead and pre-order! Only $2.99!)

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

Lost in Time by Melissa de la Cruz

Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

Vampires of Manhattan by Melissa de la Cruz

***********

Currently Reading:

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

 

 

Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor

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Read to the Kiddos:

Pete the Cat: Pete’s Big Lunch by James Dean

New to my shelf:

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf (Punk’s Imagination Library book, got it last week and forgot to add it!)

From the library:

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

We Were Liars by E Lockhart

Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L Armentrout

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

as usual, more audiobooks! (:

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 21 September – 11 October 2014 October 11, 2014

It’s been a while, and I apologise. Blogging lately has felt more like a job/duty than being fun. So. Instead of putting out crap, I continued to take a step back. It’s probably hurt me from getting ARCs, but I’ll deal. Relaxing/spending time focused on my family this summer apparently wasn’t enough of a break of sorts. I have been doing a lot of reading now that I’m over my slump and I have a lot more to read between now and YALLFest. Yup. That’s right. This girl is going to YALLFest for her birthday present! WOOT! I am SO flipping excited. I am hoping to get some books signed to giveaway here. I’ll keep you updated on that! Hubby is supposed to be going with me and I’m going to get him to stand in line with me with the extra books. (: I am very behind on all things blogging, but I feel like I’m ready to start facing the challenge. Hopefully things are back on course!

***I am giving being an affiliate with Amazon a try. I would appreciate it if you’d consider buying the books through my links if they’re available. (: Helping me helps YOU! October Featured Books ***

 

Completed:

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory

The Transfer by Veronica Roth

The Traitor by Veronica Roth

The Initiate by Veronica Roth

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

 

Currently Reading:

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas 

 

 

Read to the Kiddos:

Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin Jr (still Bug’s current favourite!)

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Little Pink Pup

Pouch!

Possum come a-knocking at the door

Ladybug Girl Who Can Play? by David Soman & Jacky Davis

 

 

 

New to my shelf:

Rites of Passage by Joy N Hensley (ARC, Tea Time giveaway)

The Invisible by Amalia Kahaney (ARC, Tea Time giveaway)

Burning Kingdoms by Lauren DeStefano (ARC, author giveaway)

All of Baby Nose to Toes (Bug’s Imagination Library book)

From the library:

as usual, more audiobooks! (:

Please Be Kind, Rewind 13-19 July 2014 July 19, 2014

Wow. This week crawled by, but at the same time, I blinked and it was over. Bug’s teething, so it’s been a rough week. I went from being almost a week ahead of schedule to scrambling again. Go figure. I’m behind on my reading. Or at least the rate I was reading and wanting to get through books. Life happens. I’ve also been working in our office trying to get it together. Again. Seems like every time I’m close, something comes up and it becomes a dumping ground again.

Completed:

Waterfell by Amalie Howard

 

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (yes, we’re still working on it!)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook)

Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris (ARC)

Oceanborn by Amalie Howard

 

Read to the Kiddos:
Read to Tiger by S.J. Fore

Pete the Cat Too Cool for School by James Dean

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by James Dean

New to my shelf:

Rites of Passage by Joy Hensley (ARC, borrowed from Joy. Thanks, Joy!) 

The Perfect Stranger by Wendy Corsi Staub (finished copy, provided by Lauren Jackson. Thanks, Lauren!)

 

From the library:

as usual, more audiobooks! (:

 

 

 

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 6 – 12 July 2014 July 12, 2014

This week was a little slow. I feel like I haven’t really gotten anything accomplished. I scrambled all week on my posts. Been in a bit of a reading slump too. I know I have a copy of Oceanborn on its way to me so… not really wanting to read anything else cause I’m so pumped up for it. (WOOT! It arrived just before this was due to post!!) I did devour Perfect Couple within 24 hours of receiving approval though! Haha. I knocked a few things out today too. Hoping to knock a few more HarperCollins September ARCs out in the next few weeks. (:

Completed:

Ruin & Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Seamonster by Amalie Howard

Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols

The Too Clever Fox by Leigh Bardugo

Little Knife by Leigh Bardugo

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty by Christine Heppermann (DNF 36%)

Kiss of Broken Glass by Madeleine Kuderick 

 

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (yes, we’re still working on it!)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook)

Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris (ARC)

Waterfell by Amalie Howard

 

Read to the Kiddos:
Read to Tiger by S.J. Fore

Pete the Cat Too Cool for School  by James Dean

Ladybug Girl Says Good Night by David Soman & Jacky Davis

That’s Not My Meerkat by Fiona Watt

New to my shelf:

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (YALLFEST prep, clearance sale!)

Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord (Thanks Bloomsbury & Mary!)

Oceanborn by Amalie Howard (Finished copy, Thank you so much Amalie & Harlequin Teen!! <3)

Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard (ARC, Thanks, Susan & HarperTeen!)

 

From the library:

as usual, more audiobooks! (:

 

 

 

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 8-14 June 2014 June 14, 2014

Thought I would be combining two weeks due to a busy trip to VA, but irritating events came up to prevent that trip. This week has been super stressful to say the least. So thankful my mom has been here for me! Getting closer to hubby coming home and that’s exciting! The kiddos have missed their daddy so much. I did start an incredible book and won a giveaway this week so THAT’S a great mood lifter! (: One day at a time. One day at a time! (:

Completed:

Mind Games by Kiersten White. 3 1/4 stars (review to come)

Perfect Lies by Kiersten White. 3 1/2 stars (review to come)

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (yes, we’re still working on it!)

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook)

Taken by Erin Bowman

 

Read to the Kiddos:

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes

Pete the Cat Valentine’s Day is Cool

The Cat in the Hat Clam-I-Am

That’s Not My Meerkat

Tractor Trouble

Pete the Cat Pete’s Big Lunch

That’s Not My Tiger

New to my shelf:

Goodnight Gorilla (Thanks, Imagination Library!)

Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli (thanks, Mom!)

Unforgettable Summer (Thanks, Alison Linsow & HarperTeen!)

From the library:

more audiobooks! (:

 

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 1-7 June 2014 June 7, 2014

Posting this early today since we’ll be busy all day and I know I won’t get my book finished! Spending all day with the kiddos celebrating Punky’s birthday! I am really struggling with hubby gone! Eesh! I was ahead then just squeaking by. The kiddos really miss their daddy and are acting out. It makes every day interesting, let me tell ya. I live for naptimes right now! I’m going a bit crazy! It feels like all I do is say, “Don’t hit your sister. Don’t jump on the couch. Stop climbing. Don’t throw your toys. Don’t sit on your sister. Leave her alone, she doesn’t want to play.” Poor things think if they act up, daddy will come home. /: Sorry, kids, doesn’t work that way!

Completed:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling (audiobook)

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Cinderella’s Dress by Shonna Slayton (eARC)


Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (yes, we’re still working on it!)

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook) 

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Read to the Kiddos:

I was bad and didn’t keep track. ):
I know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman

New to my shelf:

I know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman (Thanks, Imagination Library!)

17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen (finished copy, Thanks HarperTeen & Alison Linsow!)

From the lovely Book Rock Betty:

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Salvage by Alexandra Duncan

Half Bad by Sally Green

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley

Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

The Ring & the Crown by Melissa de la Cruz

No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Top Ten Tuesday #40: Freebie (Kiddos’ Current Favourite Reads) May 27, 2014

 

Each week, the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish think up a fun theme for the week and participating bloggers around the net join in. The theme for this week is:

Freebie: Kiddos’ Current Favourite Reads

These are a few of the books that are read multiple times a week and sometimes a day. What did you pick for today’s freebie topic? Hope you have a great day! (:

Introducing Our New Feature: Tot Time Thursday! May 8, 2014

Today, I’m introducing a new feature that is going to be starting soon on The Whimsical Mama. It’s Tot Time Thursday!  Now, what is Tot Time Thursday, you ask? Tot Time Thursday is where I will read a children’s books with my kiddos, ask them questions about it, and share it here. I know I focus mainly on YA books, but with as many children’s books as I read, I wanted to showcase some of our favourites. Some of them will be advance reader copies, but most will be personal copies or from the library. Right now, it will be up every other week. If it goes well and we get some reviews stockpiled, it may go to every week. We’re excited to get started! Now to introduce the Tots!

Punk is the oldest. He’s my charming, always into mischief, almost three year old. He loves all things Thomas the Train, superheroes, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Pete the Cat. He’s a big helper and loves to look out for his little sister. He constantly begs to go to the “libary” and loves audiobooks. He’s already a Harry Potter fan! He loves the movies and picked out Sorcerer’s Stone as our car audiobook. He wants to be a superhero, a fire fighter, or a pirate when he grows up. But for now, he’s “just a boy.” (He’ll be giving the vocal answers!) His responses will be in red.

Ladybug/Bug is the youngest. She’s my impish, sweet, one year old. She loves all things Thomas the Train, princesses, stuffed animals, Pete the Cat, and Ladybug Girl. She’s big into climbing and getting into sticky situations. (Mainly getting stuck when she climbs) She loves trying to do what big brother does. She loves library day and tries to bring all the books home. Most of her answers will be in smiles, laughs, and claps. She’s not sure what she wants to be when she grows up, but she’s thinking being a Disney Princess sounds nice! Her responses will be in purple.

I’m hoping our first review will be up next week! If we get enough interest, we’ll probably have some giveaways, too! Here are a few books that will be up soon! (:

Do you have any words of advice, encouragement, etc. for the two newest bloggers on The Whimsical Mama? They would love to hear from you!

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 16-22 February 2014 February 22, 2014

I am finally getting ahead of schedule as far as getting things up on the blog. Yay! I’ve been ahead and paper for a while, but now I’m getting things typed up and scheduled. I have some giveaways planned in the next couple of weeks so keep your eyes open! Thanks to a bit of a reading slump and the Olympics, I haven’t been getting much reading done the last few weeks like I would have liked. I just can’t get into any of my ARCs so I decided to jump ship and work on knocking out some books on my TBR. I’m hoping this will lighten up the mood and rekindle that fire to devour every delicious ARC there is in my review pile! I’ve also developed an addiction to The Americans show. I’ve always meant to watch it, but never got around to it. Thanks to a well placed commercial while I had the Sochi Olympics in mind I checked Amazon Prime for it. I’ve been binge watching the first season to prep for the upcoming season. It’s AMAZING. Do you have any good spy book recommendations? It doesn’t matter what era (though the Cold War is always a good one!), just please hook me up!

Completed:

The Ring and the Crown by Melissa de la Cruz (ARC) 4 stars.

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (with the kiddos) 

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Read to the Kiddos:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool by James Dean. 4 stars.

My Farm Friends by Wendell Minor. 4 stars. (Bug’s Imagination Library book)

New to my shelf:

From the library: (all audiobooks) 

Rush by Eve Silver

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan 

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling (Punk wants us to read them so I thought it could also be our car book)

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 12-25 January 2014 January 25, 2014

After a crazy month (holidays, sickness, life, etc) I am getting back on track! Yay! I’m fulling planning on relaunching everything starting today. I have several signing events coming up in the next few months so keep an eye out for potential giveaways! (: I am ready to get back in the swing of things. I’ve gotten quite a bit accomplished this week during naptime. My dad kept Punk for two nights, so only having one kiddo helped a lot too.

Completed:

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd. (eARC) 5 stars

Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott. (ARC) 4 stars 

These Broken Stars by Aime Kaufman & Megan Spooner. (ARC & audiobook) 4 stars.

Evertrue by Brodi Ashton. 5 stars.

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (with the kiddos)

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (audiobook)

Defiance by CJ Redwine

 

Read to the Kiddos:

Little Sisters Are by Beth Norling

Touch and Feel ABC & 123 by DK Publishing

Spot Goes to the Library by Eric Hill (Bug’s Imagination Library)

Baby Sounds by Joy Allen (Bug’s Imagination Library)

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

New to my shelf:

From the library:

Origin by Jessica Khoury 

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick 

Prodigy by Marie Lu (audiobook) 

Champion by Marie Lu (audiobook) 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi  (audiobook)

 Purchased: 

Defiance by CJ Redwine 

Everbound by Brodi Ashton 

Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

Unremembered Ch 1-5 sampler by Jessica Brody (ebook)

Annie and Fia: A Mind Games Short Story by Kiersten White (ebook)

HarperCollins: (Thanks so much!)

Frozen by Erin Bowman (ARC)

Perfect Lies by Kiersten White (ARC)

Won:

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris (ebook)

Unhinged (Splintered #2) by AG Howard (ebook)