Bloggiesta June 11-13 (Sticky Post – all new posts are below)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)68 Comments

Bloggiesta has come and gone.  My wrap up post will be up later on Monday

It is that time of year again and I am ready!  Up until a few days ago I was not planning on participating as I had a weekend bike ride commitment.  Well, life happens and my schedule changed where I needed to work today and could not find enough help to cover my Sunday commitment so I had to take a pass on the bike ride.

What is Bloggiesta? (In Natasha, Maw Books words)

In short, it’s a blogging marathon.  An opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing.  Break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two!


In my words?  It is Blog Housekeeping and I am ready!  Below is my list of plans to do this weekend and I will cross them off as I accomplish them.  I will post my updates on Twitter (bookjourney) #Bloggiesta .  On Monday evening I will post my wrap up.

1.  Write reviews and catch up 100% (Reviews completed  1 2 3 4  5 6  7  8  9  10)

2.  Write back up/ rainy day posts (those ideas I have had for a while but have yet to put in print)

3. Prep my Michael Sullivan weekend post idea

4. Contact the authors who have agreed to Author Chats and submit my questions

5.  Prep Author Posts

6. Update my side bar books

7. Update the challenges

8.  Update my giveaways link

9.  If I am brave I am going to change my back ground color of my blog because for me that is Bloggiesta tradition.

10.  Play around with my header a bit (ooh I am loving my new header!)

11.  Visit at least 20 new blogs (40 visited so far)

12.  Bloggiesta – Blog Buddy Time (Hi Lydia – thanks!)

13.  Do all of the mini challenges


Morning Meanderings…. (and Blogiversary Winners!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)12 Comments


Good morning Bookish people!  😀  I totally mean to announce my Bloggiesta winners Thursday evening but after word press was missing in action for a while I moved on to other things and then it was just too late.  So I will do it now.

First of all I have to thank each and every one of you who stopped by and wished me a happy Blogiversary.  I had a wonderful time and your comments made me smile all day long.  It really had a party atmosphere to the post and I felt like I was mingling and passing the avocado dip.

So thank you everyone for participating.  I used random.org to choose the winners and here they are:

Jo Jo!  From Jo Jo Loves To Read!

Raelena – Through The Haze!!!


Patty From Books and Thoughts and Adventures – Oh My!

Bonnie from Bonnie’s Books!!!

Congratulations winners!!!  You have been notified by email!


Yesterday I mentioned I was going biking with a girl I graduated with who I had not seen for over 20 years.  We biked 18 miles and had the best time catching up.  I am not a big user of Facebook, but that is where she found me and we reconnected.

Today – I am working a shift and this weekend I am prepping for our week of housing the homeless.  A group of us do this once a quarter and our week starts on Sunday.  In between these commitments I am planning to spend some time participating in the Bloggiesta.  It’s not too late to sign up!  🙂


Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)37 Comments


It starts with a package from UPS that arrives at Katherine Givens door.  The timing is impeccable, Katherine’s favorite bra has finally after much use, developed a hole that is unrepairable. That’s just great.  What else could go wrong?  And why does a bra seem to bug Katherine so much???

Katherine opens the box and sees the unmistakable, always recognizable, red high tops of her friend Annie.

Annie.

Annie, Katherine’s oldest and dearest friend who touched the lives of so many. But Annie had died, and inside the shoes are Annie’s ashes and a note – that’s about to change everything – because in typical Annie style, Annie has one final request….

and she needs her best friends to be the “pallbearers.”

♥

I was drawn to this book as I always am to books on strong friendships.  And a book on a friendship so strong that it even breaks down the barriers of death?  Count me in on that read.

Katherine’s task (beyond purchasing a new bra), is to call the women that Annie has requested to gather in her name and take her ashes to the places she has mapped out for them.  Everything is paid for, all the flights, hotels, food…. all they have to do is show up.

I loved the idea of this book.  What a fun way to celebrate a life, and Annie did have a life as these women, who have never met before embark on this journey.  It is a book about friendships – new and old, it is a book about healing, and a book about remembering.  As the women travel to the places Annie has mapped out, not only do they learn a little bit more about who Annie was, but also about themselves.

The book…. had great potential.  I imagined it would take me on a journey of friendships, the joyful parts, and the bitter-sweet.   In parts, it did just that, but in other ways it missed the mark.  Parts of the book were just too over the top for me.  At times I just had to stop and think that the author had went too far and made some of the trip to unbelievable.  I found this unfortunate because the idea behind the book is wonderful.



BOOKIES Review:

This book was also our book club read for June.  For the most part, the girls agreed with what I mentioned above.  For different reasons, most of us found something in the book that just went a bit too far.

There is a character in the book that is introduced mid way through the book and many of us felt that was an odd choice for the author, but on the other hand, maybe what was trying to be represented was an openness and grace that Annie would herself had extended had she been there.

On a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the greatest), the Bookies as a whole rated this book a 2.5.


This book has been added to my Book Journey map (later today)

Amazon rating (coming soon)

Cover Story:  The cover is truly eye-catching and draws you in wanting to know more.

I purchased this book from Amazon

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)28 Comments


Good morning!  I have to say thank you to everyone that stopped by yesterday to send well wishes on my first official blogiversary.   I was overwhelmed with the response and laughed a lot at your fun comments.  A+ for creativity!  People arrived by row boats to cruise ships,palanquins,trains, parachutes, limos, on the Black Pearl, bikes, dog sled,  roller blades,  water bomber,  horses, rainbows and more.  Seriously – if you have some time  just read some of the comments…. I laughed all day long.  And I haven’t even mentioned the yummy food!  I also did what I always try to do and that is respond to your comments, after all – it was a party and I had to mingle with the guests.  😀

Personally I would have taken the flu powder way…. but that’s just me 😉

And maybe next year it will be interesting to see who traveled the farthest to get here.  Petty Witter came from England, and Book Whisperer from UK, or is it CCQDesigns who came from the Galapagos Islands?

Today I am thankful to be past this milestone and moving a toe into year 2.  This afternoon I am really excited to meet up with a friend I have not spent time with for 20+ years.   I graduated with Ann and we connected on Facebook.  She is meeting me today to go biking on the bike trail after I get off work.  It will be so fun to hang out and catch up on the years.

And tonight…. I may do nothing.  I need a nothing night.  I look forward to a nothing night.  The nothing night will be mine… My Precious….

Ok… hopefully I don’t look this bad in the mornings.  Maybe this is my hint to exit stage left and go get ready for work.  Have a super day – review up later along with book club discussion!

It’s my Blogiversary!!!!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)264 Comments

I made it!  The balloons are hung, the cake has arrived, grab a party hat on your way in and join in on the fun!!!

If you follow this blog you probably know the story of how I began so I will try to just give the bullet point details:


  • I did blog before June 9th but did not know I was blogging.  Thought I was journaling.  June 9th 2009 is when I discovered book blogging and never looked back.
  • There are wonderful bloggers out there and if it were not for them I probably would have stumbled and fell, but I read a lot of blogs, found what I liked and didn’t like, and tweaked my own.  If I didn’t know how to do it, I asked.  And tweaked… and tweaked.
  • After a few months I had picked up my own style, tried different themes and meme’s – worked the kinks out, dropped what I didn’t like and kept what I did.

That is the short version of my year in blogging memory lane.  I have said it before, and I will say it again, last year about a week after I came out of my blog cave (I have this vision of me stepping out like a caveman and discovering other book bloggers was like discovering fire)…


…  Natasha at Maw Books held the first Bloggiesta.  I read up on everything I could and participated to the fullest.  The Bloggiesta was (and is) all about improving your blog, learning how to do new things, organizing your reviews, etc….  Timing could not have been more perfect for this newbie.  I mention it now not only because it was a huge help to me in the early days, but because as timing would have it, the next Bloggiesta is this weekend and if you have any time to participate – I highly recommend it.  My blog looked completely different last year after the Bloggiesta.

Anyway – let’s get to the party.  I really would have nothing to party about if it were not for you, the readers who pop in and read my reviews and leave your comments.  I really do look forward to chatting with you when I can and am so happy to see how that has really developed over here.  I like the feel that you can stop in anytime and hang out for as long as you want.  My goal is to have created a warm inviting atmosphere where hopefully you are finding good content and honest book reviews that make it worth your while.

And when I throw a party, the gifts are for you!  Readers I have 4 giveaway packages that you can comment here to sign up for.  This giveaway will run starting now until Thursday evening – a little over 24 hours.  Be sure to read at the bottom of this post on how to sign up for this one.  🙂

Gift Package 1:  A beautiful hard cover copy of The Air Between Us, See’s Chocolates, A book-plate for Little Bee signed by author Chris Cleave and an EBook of Chosen by Chandra Hoffman.

Giveaway #2: A copy of Stand The Storm, A bag of Amaretta Coffee from my winter trip to Honduras, a book-plate signed by Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, and an EBook of Adam and Eve by Sena Jeter Naslund.

Giveaway #3:  The cozy package.  Three cozy mysteries, a journal, Footnotes (sticky notes), chocolate rocks from Minnesota, a book plate from Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, and an EBook:  Djibouti by Elmore Leonard.

Giveaway #4:  Enjoy a couple Darcy books, a box of Lindt chocolates, and an EBook of What Happened On Fox Street by Tricia Springstuff.


To sign up to be entered for a chance to win one of these packages, simply leave me a comment here.  If you want to get creative I would love to know how you arrived at the party and what you brought (IE.  You flew your personal jet and brought an avocado dip to die for).

Winners will be chosen using Random.Org and announced either Thursday evening or Friday morning

Thank you to all of you who take time to read my crazy meanderings and discuss books with me.  I truly enjoy our discussions and look forward to many more!

Sheila

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)34 Comments


OOH!  Still stretching wiping sleep from my eyes.  I am happy and exhausted all rolled into one.  Yesterday was a marathon day and while I finished…. I feel I dragged myself across that line.

I had left my home at 7:30 am for a conference in Elk River, MN.  My friend Wendy and I made the drive so it wasn’t too painful as we chat chat chat all the way.  A little after 9 am we are at the conference and I am there until 5, where I bow out early as I have book club back in Brainerd at 6:30 and know I am going to be late late late.   I arrive at book club and we discuss Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral (more on that tomorrow when I review).

After book club wraps up around 8:30 pm I rush with my friend Laura to another location where it is our friend Chad’s birthday.  My hubby had already been there and left (missed him!) but I still wanted to make an appearance.

10:30 pm I roll back into my yard and instead of going to bed I listen to That’s How I Blog with Nicole (Linus’s’ Blanket) and Amy (My Friend Amy) discussing BBAW – Book Blogger Appreciation Week.  Click on the link and learn more about it! Then I read the comments from yesterdays BEA Giveaway bag which are awesome and if you haven’t signed up yet -there is still time to get in on this win!

So…. anyway – I am tired.  And today is my Blogoversary so I am going to drink my coffee and remember what a fabulous year this has been.  Please stop back in for the all day party!  😀

BEA Swag Bag Giveaway!!!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)128 Comments

This one is for all of the book lovers out there who did not make it to New York the end of May for the BEA (Book Expo America) or BBC (Book Blogger Convention).  (This bag was handed out at the Book Blogger Convention and is filled with goodies from authors and publishers).  Each attendee received this bag, and they had extras and the wonderful bloggers who put BBC together offered an extra bag for those who wanted one.  I picked up an extra one for you!


Here is what is inside:

OOH!!!  AHHHH!!!

This giveaway is open until Saturday June 11th.  USA or Canada entrants only please (sorry, it just gets really expense to sent items beyond that).  Please only sign up to win if you did not attend either BEA or BBC.  To enter – leave me a comment here telling me if you were to attend this event, what would be something that would be one of the biggest draws for you (IE.  authors, books, meeting other bloggers, site seeing…)

Have a great day!!!

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)43 Comments


Good morning!  I think I will have Coffee Cup do the talking this morning because my head is pressed into the keyboard.  Ok, not really…. but I am tired.

Yesterday morning I participated in my Group Power Class for the first time in two weeks.  Today, I feel like I was ran over by a truck.  (Since I have a business conference today I can only be hopeful that I do not look like I was hit by a truck as well…)  After class, Justin (my 20 year old) and I road tripped to MPLS. for the day to go to IKEA to look for ideas for his apartment he will have when he goes back to college this fall.

We had a great day of hanging out together and … of course I did stop at The Mother Ship (B & N) and picked up…. The Short Second Life of bree tanner.

Ok I admit it.  I am a closet Twilighter.   For the most part I liked the books and do plan on seeing all the movies.  There.  It’s out there.  What a weight off my shoulders.  (*as I cross my arms across my chest to cover up the Team Edward T-Shirt).

Funniest thing… on the book cover there is a sticker that says one dollar from each book sold will be donated to The American Red Cross.  That – is just plain brilliant.  Hey, it had to be said.  Think about it.  That’s just great marketing.

Ok…. but enough about my super fun but lllloooonnnngggg day.  I do not have a bunch of time today as I leave here in an hour and a half, hopefully showered and fresh-faced (hoping I have dri-cleaned my spare fresh face because the one I have on I think looks tired).  Tomorrow…. is my Blogoversary.   YES!  I am planning a party here like its 1999.  Mmmmm hmmmm…. and you are going to want to attend because there will be a 48 hour giveaway and if you seen last years Blogoversary, it was a lot of fun.  It’s going to look a lot like that.  😀

As for today – The BEA Swag Bag Giveaway will start a bit later so watch for that.  You are going to want to be a part of this.

Leaving you with a little Kool and The Gang, Celebration.  (ahhhhh…the 80’s…… we really had good dance moves didn’t we?  ;D  )

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)129 Comments

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I love being a part of this and I hope you do too!  As part of this weekly meme I love to encourage you all to go and visit the others participating in this meme.  I offer a weekly contest for those who visit 10 or more of the Monday Meme participants and leave a comment.  You receive one entry for every 10 comments, just come back here and tell me how many in the comment area.

Last weeks winner (using Random.Org) was:


Joy Renee

Congratulations!  Please choose an item out of the PRIZE BOX and email me your choice with your mailing address as well!   journeythroughbooks@gmail.com

It doesn’t feel like I have been a week already from BEA.  I am still sleeping more and napping (see what happens when you take the small town girl to the big city of new York?)  I did finish a couple reads and have kept up on the posting this week so here is a recap:


Time Square Video (The start of the BEA/New York posts….)

BEA Recap On A Stick


BEA Slide Show of the New York Pictures

Tea with Adriana Trigiani (Oh wow – I mean… oh wow…..  seriously – wow)


The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkenen (review of the book and my story of meeting her in New York!)

The Girls From Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow (review)


The  Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini audio (if you only have time to look at one post from the last week this is the one.  This audio knocked me for a loop and I RAVE about it!)

The Last Christian by David Gregory

Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch audio giveaway

Bride Collector by Ted Dekker audio giveaway (I reviewed this book and found it very good!)

Ok…. honestly, there are a lot of good posts from last week so I cant pick a fav…..  you are on your own.  😀


What’s Coming Up This Week?

This I am actually excited about!  Last week was so busy that I did not get much reading in and my week in New York was pretty much – forget about picking up a book.  So as I look through the books… what to read… what to read…

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Dreaming of Dior by Charlotte Smith

Clementine, Friend Of The Week

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

That’s the plan.  I have several books I am finishing up and still writing reviews for books I have finished. Oh and please make a note that Wednesday is my one Year Blogoversary and you are all invited to come back and join in on the giveaways and the fun!

I am actually excited to see what you are all reading this week so be sure to use Linky to share your It’s Monday What Are You Reading?

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker audio giveaway

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)47 Comments

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the opportunity to give three copies of this audio to my readers

He loves them because they are beautiful. He kills them because he loves them.


A virtuoso killer is carving a path of death across the west, intent on killing only the most beautiful women, all in the name of love. He has claimed six victims and slipped through the FBI’s fingers, each time leaving behind a handwritten note and a bridal veil.

Now, with the help from an unlikely group of four, special agent Brad Raines must enter the killer’s deadly game. But the Bride Collector is supremely gifted and he has a distinct advantage over them all: this is his game.


I reviewed The Bride Collector book here

How To Enter this Giveaway

To enter this giveaway leave a comment here with something you collect.  (You much complete this task to be entered)


Want more chances to win?

For two extra chances to win, become a subscriber  (or be a current subscriber) of this blog (do this in the upper right side bar) and let me know in a separate comment

Blog about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment and receive two more entries

Twitter about this giveaway or link tot his giveaway on Facebook and let me know here for another entry

This giveaway is open to USA and Canada only.  No po boxes.  Ends June 30