Teaser Tuesday: Kitty's Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn

TEASER TUESDAYS :
hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading ~

She turned around after setting down Marina's supper and tripped on the catwalk. No, she didn't trip - Marina had reached through the bars, grabbed her ankle, and tipped her over.

~ page 112 “Kitty's Greatest Hits ARC" by Carrie Vaughn

*** Note - this teaser was taken from the ARC, so may be different from the final version.

About Kitty's Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn:

The first-ever story collection from the New York Times bestselling author, including two all-new works!

Kitty Norville, star of a New York Times bestselling series, is everybody’s favorite werewolf DJ and out-of-the-closet supernatural creature. Over the course of eight books she’s fought evil vampires, were-creatures, and some serious black magic. She’s done it all with a sharp wit and the help of a memorable cast of werewolf hunters, psychics, and if-notgood- then-neutral vampires by her side. Kitty’s Greatest Hits not only gives readers some of Kitty’s further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters.

In “Conquistador de la Noche,” we learn the origin story of Denver’s Master vampire, Rick; with “Wild Ride,” we find out how Kitty’s friend T.J. became a werewolf; and in “Life is the Teacher,” we revisit Emma, the human-turned-unwilling-vampire who serves the aloof vampire Master of Washington, D.C.

This entertaining collection includes two brand-new works: “You’re On the Air,” about one of Kitty’s callers after he hangs up the phone; and the eagerly awaited “Long Time Waiting,” the novella that finally reveals just what happened to Cormac in prison, something every Kitty fan wants to know.

:) I always look forward to reading everyone's teasers! ~ Wendi

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up and use to buy more books! :)

DVD Review: Zhu Zhu Pets: The Quest for Zhu (Available Sept. 27th)

Zhu Zhu pets have become a huge part of our kids play, both when they play together, and when they play with friends. The creativity and interaction they promote and the fun that is had is great, and it was just made even better by the addition of a brand new Zhu Zhu movie: Zhu Zhu Pets Quest For Zhu, which comes out tomorrow, September 27th, 2011.  The movie has its own website where you can check out the quest, videos, pictures and downloads, so stop by and check it out!

We had the privelege of having a small Zhu gathering at our house today to watch the movie (courtesy of MomSelect and Zhu-niverse™) so that we could help share our experience with you.  Let me tell you that as a parent, the movie far surpassed my expectations!  The characters came to life and the kids had us pause the movie so they could go get the hamsters, and the movie quality itself was superb, with beautiful settings and wonderful music.

The storyline itself was cute, with little life lessons the kids can pick up on pertaining to friendship and teamwork.  Pipsqueak runs away from home, traveling on a shooting star across the Zhuniverse, where she meets many other Zhus and begins a quest to make their wishes come true.  Along the way they run into trouble, make new friends, and work together to help others.

Kids will love this movie as they follow Pipsqueak, Mr. Sqiggles, Chunk and Num Nums.  The kids faces were priceless to watch as they were so engaged in the movie.  It did a great job of keeping their attention.



Zhu Zhu Pets: Quest for Zhu
Universal Studios ~ 73 minutes
Cartoon ~ Kids

Edition Reviewed: Standard DVD - Review copy received courtesy of MomSelect and Zhu-niverse™ ~ many thanks!

About the Movie: Zhu Zhu Pets: Quest for Zhu

The heartwarming tale of four lively young teens (who just happen to be hamsters) on a quest to find the Palace of Zhu where they believe all their dreams will come true. Join the feisty and lovable Pipsqueak as she gets swept away to the other side of the Zhuniverse. On her adventure she befriends Chunk Num Nums and Mr. Squiggles and when they arrive at the Palace of Zhu they realize it is just the beginning of their remarkable journey. A mean-spirited and controlling reptilian creature Mezhula tries to stand in the way of making all of their dreams come true but by working together our true Zhu heroes save the day! Pipsqueak realizes she already had everything she ever dreamed of and all she really wants is to find a way back home. Directed by: Bob Doucette

Excerpt: Short Video from the Official Zhuniverse on YouTube


*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

OneHopeWine.com: $25 Gift Code For The First Five People To Claim One!!

I've got an exciting opportunity for the first 5 people to claim! Klout has teamed with OneHopeWine.com to offer 5 of my readers each a $25 gift code to use on their site! Their wines start at $18.99 (of which $4.90 is donated to charity).  This is a great opportunity for you to buy a nice wine for yourself or for a gift!

 I just purchased this for a Christmas gift for my husband (shhhh - hopefully he won't read this)

2010 ONEHOPE California Cabernet Sauvignon

$3.00 per product goes to Fight Against Autism

$1.90 per product goes to Wounded Warrior Project

Subtotal$18.99

Shipping & Handling (Shipping Options - Standard Shipping)$9.96

Tax$1.23

Gift Card (GMN1HX1FDX1X)-$25.00

Grand Total$5.18

As you can see, after using my gift code, I only paid part of the shipping and handling, and the majority of that went to the donation to Fight Against Autism and Wounded Warrior Project (which I got to choose)!

They have many wines to select from, and each supports a cause.  Along with the primary cause, when you make a purchase, you get to select from a list of additional causes to support!


About The 2010 ONEHOPE California Cabernet Sauvignon

CAUSE
Fight Against Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that afflicts children between birth and the age of three. Kids with autism have issues with social interaction, communication, and a host of other behavioral manifestations. Unfortunately, more is unknown about autism than is known. Every year, the number of children diagnosed with autism rises. Most recent studies conclude that an estimated one in every 92 children in the United States has autism or a closely related disorder. The number of cases has risen dramatically since the 1980s. Genetics, vaccines and environmental circumstances are cited as potential causes, but consensus is hard to come by. What is known is that much more needs to be done in the area of research, diagnosis and treatment. That’s why 50% of the profits generated by every bottle of our ONEHOPE Cabernet goes toward grants for underprivileged families coping with autistic children. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability affecting as many as 1 in every 92 births. Anywhere from 1 to 1.5 million Americans have autism and 3 out of 4 of these are male.

DESCRIPTION & RATINGS
WINEMAKER ROB MONDAVI JR. - ONEHOPE Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-crafted and made from a blend of grapes sourced from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and California’s Central Coast in partnership with Rob Mondavi Jr. The dark, ruby red Cabernet Sauvignon is a pleasure for the senses with the aromas of lush black cherry, cassis and a hint of tobacco. Aged in American and French oak, its complex layers of spice are balanced by soft tannins making it the perfect wine to pair with roasted and grilled meats such as lamb, prime rib, or porterhouse steak.

ONEHOPE donates 50% of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to benefit ACT Today! to help autistic children achieve their highest potential. The partnership between ONEHOPE and ACT Today! helps provide funding and support for families who cannot afford specialized care for their autistic children. From social skills groups and referrals to biomedical treatments, ACT Today! is making positive change and providing hope to individuals with autism and their families.

50% of profits from ONEHOPE California Cabernet Sauvignon sales are donated to charities who support the fight against Autism.

FEATURES
Vintage: 2010
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker: Rob Mondavi, Jr.
Red Wine

I hope you will join me in taking advantage of this great opportunity and also supporting some great causes!

~ Wendi

PS - Feel free to let me know if you take this opportunity - I'd love to hear what cause(s) you supported!

Check This Out: Nerdy Day Trips

I was Stumbling this morning and Stumbled Upon a site called Nerdy Day Trips that I simply have to share!

You can use the site to find day trips in any given area (looking at the map, it looks like day trips are particularly popular in the United States, Canada and Europe, with many other countries included).

As you browse for day trips on the map, you can get details and visit the site from the 'pin'.   You can also add your own 'pin' to the map to share your favorite nerdy places!

Stop by and visit the site (its free and easy) at www.nerdydaytrips.com ... let me know what you think!

~ Wendi

Teaser Tuesday: Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

TEASER TUESDAYS :
hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading ~

He hesitated, then went on, "Admittedly, once back in England, as long as we saw them coming I could use my title to have them taken up. However, if we don't see them closing on us - and given their experience, I'm not confident we would - then that won't save us." Save her. If Fletcher and Cobbins caught up with them, they'd at the very least incapacitate him and steal her back - and then make absolutely certain she was without delay placed directly into the hands of their mysterious laird.


~ page 120 “Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue ARC" by Stephanie Laurens

*** Note - this teaser was taken from the ARC, so may be different from the final version.

About Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster . . . but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge

Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London’s staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.

But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal—and straight into danger, when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.

Now it’s up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she’s been searching for all along . . .

:) I always look forward to reading everyone's teasers! ~ Wendi

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up and use to buy more books! :)

#Giveaway: TNT's Rizzoli and Isles Season 1 DVD (EZ Rafflecopter Entry)

Giveaway Details:

One lucky Wendi's Book Corner reader will win TNT's Rizzoli and Isles Season One on DVD, courtesy of TNT!

This is a fun show (see my review here)!

Entry is easy - just click through the easy Rafflecopter form! If you have any problems, feel free to leave a comment and I'll try to help out!

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada, 18+.

The Drawing will be held October 1st. Winner: I will send you an email. You have 48 hours to reply with your contact information.

~ Wendi





*Disclosure: I have not been compensated in any way for this post or the Rizzoli and Isles review. I have a sponsor who will be sending out a copy of Season one to one lucky winner!

Rizzoli and Isles Brings Smarts and Adventure to Women Crimefighters on TNT!

I am a huge fan of shows like NCIS and CSI, so I was shocked to learn that I have let not one... but TWO entire seasons of Rizzoli and Isles slip by unwatched!

The show is actually based on best-selling crime novelist Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles series, and stars Angie Harmon as Detective Jane Rizzoli, and Sasha Alexander as medical examiner Maura Isles.

This past Monday night marked the finale of Season 2, and much as I wanted to watch it, I was determined to watch the other available episodes first, so I started off with one called Bloodlines (season 2, episode 7), in which Jane and Maura meet a small coven of witches after one member is found murdered.  Both Jane and Maura go about crime scenes in a professional way with a somewhat comical banter that comes from working so closely together.  The way that Maura spouts out odd and helpful facts pertaining to the case, sometimes on downright strange subjects, was a fun way to learn and be entertained!

I loved the 'office talk' between the two ladies at the diner owned by Janes mother (played by Lorraine Bracco), and found the addition of Jane's mother and brother in the show to be great.  I loved the family feel it gives, and the undertones of ongoing story lines.  Ha!  I actually laughed when Jane's Mom brought her out a bunny pancake!

In addition to the episode plot-line, as a new fan, I was introduced to Jane's mom and her brother, who happened to have his own visitors during this episode causing some minor family friction.  Additionally, I loved the character of Detective Vince Korsak (played by Bruce McGill, who I've seen in so many great shows and movies).

The entire cast of characters is great.  I'm especially happy to see Sasha Alexander return to a regular tv series after being killed a few seasons ago on NCIS.

Bottom line: I have to admit that I was really impressed that Jane and Maura (played by Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander) are straight-forward characters, who are strong, smart and pretty.  The show is one that I look forward to watching regularly going forward.








Rizzoli and Isles  
 TNT
Warner Home Video (June 28, 2011) ~ 440 Minutes (Season 1)

Edition Reviewed: OnDemand episode from season 2 available via my cable provider!

The Evolution of Jane Rizzoli: Courtesy of TNT



About the Show: Rizzoli and Isles: (provided by the Turner Influencer Network)

Based on characters created by best-selling crime novelist Tess Gerritsen, RIZZOLI & ISLES stars Angie Harmon as Jane Rizzoli, a tough-as-nails Boston police detective, and Sasha Alexander as Maura Isles, a smart, impeccably dressed medical examiner from a privileged background. Despite being complete opposites, the two women share an offbeat chemistry and strong working relationship that has helped them bust some of Boston's most notorious criminals.

Lorraine Bracco stars as Jane's demanding and intrusive mother, Angela. Lee Thompson Young is Detective Barry Frost, Jane's somewhat green partner. Bruce McGill plays Detective Vince Korsak, Jane's seasoned former partner who resents her being paired with Frost. And Jordan Bridges is Jane's brother, Frankie Jr., a patrol cop who hopes one day to become a detective.

Jane and Maura will take on a number of intriguing cases this season, including a murder carried out during a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a killing in a professional baseball team's locker room, a complicated case involving a surrogate mother and a case involving the Salem witch trials. Jane will also face the return of serial killer Charles Hoyt (Michael Massee - Flash Forward), who takes a special joy in tormenting her.

Among the guest stars lined up for the second season of RIZZOLI & ISLES are Ernie Hudson (Oz, Ghostbusters) as Frost's father, a Navy admiral; Matthew Del Negro (United States of Tara, Parenthood) as a mechanic who catches Maura's eye; and Bill O'Reilly (The O'Reilly Factor) as a potential murder suspect.

Mondays 10|9c on TNT

Learn more, get exclusive content, enter the sweepstakes and more at http://www.tnt.tv/series/rizzoliandisles

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Warn Your Friends!! Ice is LETHAL!

Facebook Funnies: I don't generally copy/paste all those funny status postings on Facebook, but thought this was funny, so I'm sharing on here...

NEW DRINKING WARNING, JUST RELEASED: Vodka and ice will ruin your kidneys. Rum and ice will ruin your liver. Whiskey and ice will ruin your heart. Gin and ice will ruin your brain. Pepsi and ice will ruin your teeth......Apparently ice is lethal!!! Warn all your friends!! Lay off the ice!! Copy & paste immediately!!!! You can save a life...

:) Hope this made you smile! ~ Wendi

Teaser Tuesday: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

TEASER TUESDAYS :
hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading ~

Her platinum blonde hair was cropped short and a cigarette hung from black painted lips. I was surprised to see the young man was even more heavily made up than his female counterpart. His eyes were boldly outlined and there was black polish on his nails.



~ page 68 “Hades ARC" by Alexandra Adornetto

*** Note - this teaser was taken from the ARC, so may be different from the final version.

About Hades by Alexandra Adornetto:

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her New York Times-bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

:) I always look forward to reading everyone's teasers! ~ Wendi

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up and use to buy more books! :)

Review, Tour and #iPad #Giveaway Details: Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is one of my favorite times of the year because I start to see Christmas stories coming out, and A Lancaster County Christmas is one of the first for 2011! ... and it is certainly one you shouldn't miss.

An unusual toy left behind at the doctor's office brings together an Amish family and a very regular couple for an unforgettable and heart-touching holiday.

I found things to adore about both Mattie and Jamie, two women from such different worlds who may not be as different as they think.  Jamie is suffering from the loss of her mother, while Mattie is saddened by the loss of a baby and the fear that her dreams of a big Amish family may not happen.

The story flowed very smoothly and made for an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

The thing that makes Suzanne Woods Fisher's books so special is the gentleness with which she writes and the subtle inspirational truths woven throughout the story.



A Lancaster County Christmas  
by Suzanne Woods Fisher  
Revell (September 1, 2011) ~ 208 pages
Fiction / Inspirational / Holiday

Edition Reviewed: Hardback - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review for this LitFuse Publicity Tour!  Litfuse Publicity Group

About the Book:

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.

About Suzanne Woods Fisher:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Giveaway Details:

It’s Christmas in September!

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).

Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway! 




Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

• A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to iTunes
• A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click one of the icons below. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Giveaway: Win a Kindle!! Entry is Quick and EASY (Rafflecopter Entry)

Win a Kindle from the Blog & Social Media Boosters! Fill out the Rafflcopter Form Below. The first entry is to like all of the Facebook pages and counts as 50 entries. Like buttons for Facebook can be found here to make it easy. All of the Twitter buttons for 50 entries can be found on The Reynolds Mom . Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below:

This is FUN, EASY and QUICK!!

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