Review-Something Like Normal

Trish is my debut author to interview for June so I wanted to read her book before it came out. I think she's the only contemporary author I have in the line-up so far but it really doesn't matter. You know those books that pull you in and make you go "Woah"? This was one of those books, and the more amazing part of it is the fact that Trish is a debut author and she's writing a contemporary novel. Travis was SO great, because he wasn't too over the top. He wasn't extraordinary and he wasn't perfect,but that's what made him all the better. If you've read any of the Perfect Chemistry books then I think you'll really enjoy this one, because it has that same style.  The other part I loved was that it was told entirely from Travis' POV.  There are not enough books out there that are told from a Male POV, and even though this book is a little girly I still think that guys could enjoy it.  I read this book in less then 24 hours, and I was so pleased with it.  Yeah, there were vulgar parts (I mean, we're inside a teenage boy's head [no offense to all the teenage boys out there]), and yeah, there were war parts, and yes there was kissing (squee), but there was also depth to it.  It made me think about all of those teens coming back from the war and how they have so much to cope with.  Part of this book is about love and finding something normal in your world when it's been turned upside down, but the book is also about grief and about being a solider who has to come back to the real world for a while.  The book was so real and so good.  Those last few pages almost made me cry, and I can't wait to see what Trish comes up with next.  I'll be buying myself a finished copy of this book and I suggest that you all do the same.  Trish is yet another debut author I'll have my eye on from now on, and I hope that that book she teases us all with on Tumblr will be her next book on the shelves.

Out June 19, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Liesl & Po

I bought this book because it was the book that brought Lauren to the store I went to go see her sign at, and I meant to read it right away, but time got away from me and before I knew it I had so many other things to read this one fell to the wayside.  Thankfully I managed to find a little time between books I HAD to read to read this one, and I'm really glad I did.  When I was talking with Lauren she said that this was her favorite book that she has written, because it wasn't just a made up story, it was part of her life.  While reading this book I was well aware of the fact that it was a middle grade novel, and that I am NOT in the middle grade by any means anymore, but I found that it was still a very magical book.  For me, this book goes so much deeper then what's just on the outside.  To call it good is a gross understatement. It's beautiful (like all of the books by Lauren that I have read) but this one holds a much deeper meaning that almost pulls at the how and why of the universe.  Call me crazy but sometimes I think that the novels with the most meaning, the ones that make you think the most, aren't the classics that we've filled our shelves with or the ones we have to read in class, but the ones that have just been written and that are for young people.  This is one of those novels, one that makes you think and one that makes you happy you're alive, and one that makes you feel even a little bit better about the people that you lose.  A beautiful book that's not only for middle graders, but adults and teenagers too. I think that everyone should read this book because it brings back sunlight into the world when everything is dark and grey.  I'm so glad I was able to read this book, it is no disappointment to those of you who have read Lauren's other books, and if you haven't read this one (or any book by her) this should be one of your next reads.  I can't wait for Lauren's next middle grade read because if it's anything like this one I'll love it too.

4.5/5



Review-The Last Echo

First let me tell you that even though the title of this book has the word "last" in it, it is not the last book in the series.  There will be at least one more book, for which I am thrilled.  Now, onto the review.  I read Kim's first novel, The Body Finder, back when it was out in hardback and Borders was still alive.  I picked it up because of the title and ended up reading and loving it.  When it comes to my subjects of interest serial killers are actually high up there, with crazy diseases that kill people in strange ways, and cannibals (I can't be the only one who finds them fascinating), but unfortunately all of those things are rather...sparse in YA fiction.  Derting, to my great pleasure, doesn't shy away from the first (and maybe in the future the last) and that's what I love about her novels.  That and the fact you get to see into the killers mind.  Her books are like a written version of the show Criminal Minds (on CBS) more geared towards teenagers, with a touch of Medium (that's just an assumption, I've never actually seen that show).  Sometimes when authors write more them one book about something that doesn't exactly have a series feel to it it can seem like they're just trying to make money (can anyone say House M.D.?) but Kim is not one of people.  Yes all these books are about a girl who can find dead people, and yeah, poor Violet usually ends up in some sort of trouble, but it's not boring!  That's the thing that makes those other books bad, is that they're boring because everything happens the same exact way, but when you're an author coming up with ways that people can die the great part is there is no limit to the imagination (well...Final Destination my have gone a LITTLE too far, but as far as killers go there's always another crazy out there that wants to be noticed).  Kim's third Body Finder novel is still as fresh as the first one was (and there's kissing, YAY!) and the way it ends leaves you with a tingly feeling (if you've read the book you'll get the joke) and makes sure there is no doubt about another book on the way.  With heart stopping action, some good kissy scenes, and a few parts that make your heart race The Last Echo is everything I hoped it would be and more.  I'm very excited for the next book, I really loved this book, and if you like creepy things give this series a chance.  I'm almost tempted to re-read the series because I love it so much, but unfortunately I have other books I need to read.  When book four comes out I'll be pining for it just like I was with this one, and pretty much the only thing that could make it better would be cannibals.  Got that Kim, add people eating other people and we're good. 

Out April 17, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Cinder

I bought this book when it came out because Marissa is a local author and she was doing a signing here, but until last week I hadn't picked it up.  There were so many people talking about this book and how amazing it is, but I had other books I needed to read.  Now I'm very glad I picked it up.  It's such a magical book.  I'm sure you're all going "it's just a retelling of Cinderella, how great can it be?" But let me tell you, this is not your ordinary Cinderella story.  First, Cinderella (although her name is just Cinder, hence the title) is a cyborg.  The other thing I'm sure you're all thinking is "if it's about Cinderella how come there are going to be four books?  Cinderella's story can not possibly take that long."  But Marissa has put such a lovely spin on it (that I guessed all the way through, mind you) that it WILL last that long, and it will be even better then the Cinderella story you know and love from Disney.  I was so enchanted by every part of this story.  The way that it slips into the future, and not the past, the way that Marissa designed the story, all of the twists and turns that make it a surprise, and the fact that she didn't really stick to the original story at all.  Cinder was so much more fierce then Cinderella ever was, and the cast of characters? Move over mice we have a robot thank you very much.  Iko was one of my favorite characters in the book because she was such a funny little robot.  I keep imagining her to look like Eve from Wall-E but that's not actually what she's supposed to look like, if you read the description given of her.  There was so much emotion in this book, so much mystery, and even a plague!  And yes, there was kissing, gosh, you think I would forget the kissing?  There was even a wicked queen, an evil step mother (well...an evil guardian), people on the moon, and one or two pretty ball gowns.  If you have this book pick it up now, if you don't have this book go buy it ASAP, and once you finish it I dare you not to be mesmerized.  I can't wait for Scarlet, 2013 seems like such a long ways away.  Basically what I'm saying is this book is amazing and the world better not end in 2012 because I need to know what happens to Cinder and all of her friends.  Bravo Marissa, you have crafted a truly magical story that will stay with me for quite a long time and I can't wait to see what happens next.

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Pandemonium

If you've been with me since the beginning you'll know how much I enjoyed Delirium, so when I got an ARC of this book I was very happy.  Delirium was so amazing, whenever I describe it to someone I call it "lyrical" and that's really what it was, and as excited as I was to get the sequel I was a little afraid to read it.  Because the first one was so good I was afraid this one would let me down, but it definitely did not.  Yes, it was different from the first one, and it wasn't exactly lyrical it was still such a good book.  The formatting was also different, switching between present time and right after Delirium ended, and you think that would be a confusing but I actually liked it.  Oliver uses such grace and has so much skill it doesn't seem like there's a difference, and it really doesn't matter which time you're in the story is gripping either way.  There was also some worries about having a new boy in the series, but I like the new boy as well.  As a sequel this book really doesn't disappoint in any way.  The new Lena is even better then the old one, and the new characters are perfect for the setting.  The lies run even deeper, and the stakes are even higher as things spiral out of control for Lena again.  There was more adventure in this whole book, it really starts out from the beginning, then there was in Delirium but given the circumstances and where she is I think that this was the perfect thing to do.  The ending will leave you screaming for more, just like the first one did.  I can't wait to see how Lauren will end the series, but this is a worthy sequel if I've ever read one.  If you've read Delirium you should pick this book out when it comes out, and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend it. 

Out March 28, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Born Wicked

I was rather reluctant about this book at first because of the fact that it was set in the past.  Yes, it was an alternate past, but I am generally not a fan of novels set in the past because they don't hold my interest.  This one was very different though, I was highly intrigued, even with all of the fancy dresses and the frippery.  I'm not a fancy person nor am I one for fancy things but Jessica manages to make even fancy things fascinating to someone like me.  The story was so original, especially in the setting. I was intrigued by how she managed to craft such a great world that was so real and as well as being different from what really happened.  The characters were really great.  Three head-strong sisters who are hiding a secret that could get them killed.  Two guys, one of whom is hotter then the other.  Jessica has managed to craft a magical novel with a plot that will have you riveted until the last minute even if you don't like period novels.  It was elegantly written and reminded me of Cassie Clare's Infernal Devices Trilogy.  There were twists and turns (I saw most of them coming) and very steamy kisses that would not have been acceptable had anyone found out about them.  The spells really reminded me of those in Harry Potter because the names seemed magical but easy enough to remember that anyone could hold onto it.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes period novels, enjoys books with magic, and really likes the kissy scenes.  I know I really like the kissy scenes and the ones in this book were great.  This whole book was just fantastic, I can't wait to see what happens next in the series (and I really hope there will be more kissing in books two and three!).  Jessica is a debut author to look out for, and she really shows that women can get things done!

Released February 7, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Under the Never Sky

I recently made friends with the amazing author of this amazing book so I decided that since the book is coming out in 11 days, YES ELEVEN, I should read it because I received it for review.  This book has been pitched for people who loved both Graceling and The Hunger Games, neither of which I have actually read (although I've started them both) but now I might need to give them a second chance.  Veronica's book was so good, the world building was amazing, and what made it even more amazing was the fact that she managed to make a whole new world and most of the story took place in a space that wasn't like the world we live in today.  I admire her great skill at the art she has ended up calling her profession.  This book had it all, adventure, danger, some blood thrown in, a cute boy, a strong girl, a super power or two (you'll understand what I mean when you read it), some kissy scenes, and cannibals (and you all know how much I love that last one!).  There's a clear villain in the book, even though he's not in play most of the time, and the choices Aria has to make are life changing.  There have been mixed reviews about this book, and I can understand that because some people could say it starts out slow.  I think for me it wasn't that it started out slow but that we were thrown into the story with no background so I was rather confused, but I just pushed through it (with a little help from Veronica every now and then).  So to clear this up a little for those of you who read the book (so you don't give up and miss out on the awesomeness) there is the sun and then there is the Aether.  The Aether, according to Veronica is "a new layer of atmosphere that sort of acts like electricity, but it moves like water, up in the sky."  And those are her words, not mine, so now you know why they sound so much better then anything I could have come up with.  Be warned, there are a few hot scenes in the book so it's probably not a good gift for someone under the age of 14 (probably a lot like The Hunger Games, which some people say are good for 5th graders, but really, I don't think so.).  If you like dystopian novels definitely give this one a try, and keep in mind, the future may be closer then you think.  Also, GOD that tag line, isn't it great!?

Released January 3, 2012

4.5/5 dust spirits

Review-Legend

With dystopian novels becoming the new trend in YA there are bound to be some flops out there, but Legend is not one of them.  As a debut novel Lu knocks the socks off my feet, and I'm so glad that she is a new edition to the YA world.  Her characters are fierce and her plot is nothing short of awesome.  The world she created is completely new, but I could see it happening one day.  The images in her books are so startling, and the interaction between characters is so perfect that it makes you not want to put the book down when you pick it up.  With some of these books everything is packed into the very end, and while it's true the end is a good punch to the gut there are also some good jabs in the middle and the very beginning.  And there's a plague in the book, which, if I would have known sooner I would have been ALL OVER it the moment I got it in the mail.  If dystopian is the new vampire I can't say I'm upset with the trend.  Legend is fast paced and well written, and the fact that Day's chapters are in gold print makes it that much cooler.  Day is also now one of my favorite dystopian boys because, I mean, who doesn't want a boyfriend who would do anything for his family, is really smart, incredibly agile, and the corrupt government's number one enemy?  And I secretly wish I could be June sometimes too, because even though she's been through so much she's still so strong, and even though she could easily become a bad guy, she has the courage to do what's right in the end, even though it costs her so much.  If you are a fan of any dystopian novel out there, or if you just want a change you should definitely pick up this debut. I'm sure that by the time you finish you'll want the second one just like me.  And just so you know, I want the second one now. ;)

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Shatter Me

Here's another book that people have been talking about recently, saying it's really good, they can't wait to read it, etc.  Believe all of these things because they are all true.  The pitch of this book is "The Hunger Games meets X-Men" and I think that's really what you get.  I will say there are going to be some people that won't love this book.  I'm sure there are going to be some people who hate it because of the way it's written, but in my mind the way it was written only made it better.  It was almost lyrical in a way, kind of like a poem but at the same time a novel as well.  A very unique style of writing that I personally just loved.  Tahereh was descriptive and somehow even made the ugliest things sound enticing.  Just the idea of this book was new and fresh, and the story really doesn't disappoint either.  Juliette is such a great character and I think she's someone that ALL girls can relate to.  No not on every level, because obviously no one has the problem of hurting people with a touch, but I feel that there's so much more to her story then just that.  With Juliette I also saw something deeper, a self loathing and a wanting to be different and normal.  She was SUCH a great character because of her imperfections, and because she refused to give into the immense pressure she was put through, which is more then I can say for some characters.  The romance is so sweet and there are passages in it that take your breath away.  I have no doubt that if you are a fan of books in verse and dystopian novels you will just eat this book up.  And all the twists and turns, it's like a WELL WRITTEN action movie, when they make this movie they better do it justice or I will hurt them all.  I can't WAIT for the next one to come out but in the mean time I will most likely feel the need to re-read this book, which is something I don't say very often.

Released November 15, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

*Note; when you read the book make sure you read the parts that are crossed out or you may miss something.

Review-Chain Reaction

I have to say, this has been one of my favorite contemporary series and I'm really sad to see it end, but at least we got a series and not just one book.  For some reason Simone makes her characters perfectly, and no, that doesn't mean they're perfect, it just means that despite all of their flaws (and they have many, believe me) you still just want to...well, we'll just say kiss them, but we all know we want to do WAY more than that with them, especially the Fuentes brothers.  Most of the time it's hard to top the first book in a series, and if you do the end will suck, but I have to say, the third and final installment could quite possibly be my favorite out of all three.  I was also really taken by Nikki.  I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book because from the synopsis I wasn't sure how relateable Nikki was going to be, and even though I don't stutter or have the perfect life with a less than perfect home life, Kira and Brittany were both characters I could relate to.  In the end though, like always, Simone did a perfect job at making Nikki a character I grew to love because, honestly, it's what she does.  Now Luis, I knew Luis was going to be amazing but not THAT amazing.  He might be my favorite Fuentes brother just because he's everything I wish I had in a guy (minus the whole, trouble with the gang thing).  He was so much like his brothers (which we also got to see, and I LOVED) but he was also fully his own person and even though that doesn't make sense it's true.  The one thing that makes me not give this book a perfect rating is the Spanish, and it's not because I hate Spanish, or the Latino population, but because I take Japanese and not Spanish and I didn't want to stop reading and look up the phrases and such on the Internet I was forced to either guess what meant or just skip it all together because I knew in the long run it wasn't THAT important.  Maybe a nice Spanish glossary in the back of the book for those of us who don't speak Spanish, but other than that this books was, as all the others, amazing and maybe if we all wish hard enough Simone will write more about the Fuentes brothers (or their children) in the future because I just can't seem to get enough of them!

4.5/5 dust spirits

Review-The Near Witch

Part fairy tale, part romance, and part bedtime story The Near Witch is fully amazing.  There's that spark of recognition in the story that makes you swear you had heard it before but once you read it you know it's all new.  Schwab's debut novel is outstanding and truly beautiful in every way imaginable.  Almost haunting in a way Lexi's story will have you wanting to know if there's a happily ever after in her future.  I was happily pleased by Lexi's character because even though she's a girl she's the kind of girl I like to see in YA literature, the kind that really doesn't take crap from anyone and somehow still manages to stay true to herself while doing it.  She doesn't seem bitchy or whiny and manages to assert herself as a strong lead character and I just loved that.  The description was really amazing and even though I felt it was set years ago I didn't care because it was just such a beautiful story I couldn't seem to bring myself to even be bothered by that, which is usually something that happens to me quite frequently.  I'm sure that this book will quickly become a hit and my advice is to go out and buy it or borrow it from a friend or your local library as soon as possible, because it's just a really great read.  The only reason I don't give this book a full 5 stars is because I just felt like there was something missing.  It was magical and lovely, haunting and romantic, but I just feel that there was that one thing missing.  I can't put my finger on it, and if I could I would tell you what it was, but it was still a really great book and something I think that all fans of the Disney movies and those who like fairy tales should read, because you won't be disappointed.  I can't wait to see what Victoria writes next because I will definitely be checking it out.

4.5/5 dust spirits

Review-Thirteen Reasons Why

Asher's debut novel is an amazing show of literary genius and I don't think I've ever been as awestruck by a first novel as I was by this one.  It was shocking and unforgettable and if you haven't read it I highly recommend you go pick it up now.  There are no words to explain how amazing this novel is, but if I had to choose some they would be "beautiful", "lyrical", and "haunting" and with this novel Jay really made a splash.  The feature on the back of the dust jacket was an added bonus, being able to see the map that Hannah referred to all throughout the book was really great and I found myself looking at it right along with the main character as I read the words that were being spoken through the tapes on the pages.  When I finished this book I found myself in awe of the writing and astounded by the story that Asher had woven in such a short novel.  Fans of Ellen Hopkins and the novel Cut will love this book and eat it up.  I'm sure that it has been ban in a few schools around the country but I think it's really important that every child (or even adult) read this book at one point in their life because the impact it has is huge.  Even the reluctant reader will find themselves glued to the pages as the story unfolds and you read on to see the reason a teenage girl decided to end her own life.  The whole idea of this book, that just one person could have changed the outcome of a situation and saved her life, really hits you hard and makes you think about all of those times you've insulted someone, and all the poor things that you've done to others will come back into your mind.  This novel has a great air of mystery about it as well and I think that's the other thing that fascinated me, you needed to know what happened to Hannah and why she took her own life.  The question is, if you were the reason someone killed themselves would you have the courage to find out why, and what would you do to change yourself once you knew why?

5/5 Dust spirits

*Note, this review has been redone from the original because it was short and I didn't feel it did the book justice.  Some of my older reviews will be redone but I'll let you know the ones I do change.

Review-A Need So Beautiful

To start out I just have to say that there are very few books that have made me cry, and even fewer paranormal-ly books that have made me cry, but this book was one of those very few.  I think it takes a great author to make a reader cry, and an even better author to make a reader cry when the whole idea of the book is not something that people have gone through before (i.e. more fantasy than contemporary) so in this case Suzanne Young is truly a great author.  Not only did this book make me tear up but it also had some great parts to it that I think will definitely make people think.  Not many fantasy books now a days make people go "wow, what would I do if that happened to me, and how can I make the world a better place" but this book really does.  Maybe it's the idea of the book but in step with the title Beautiful is exactly the right word to describe this book all together.  The last 30 pages or so are definitely going to make you emotional if you have EVER cried because of a book before, so make sure you're not in public (or you don't care what other people think of you), you've been forewarned.  Now, other than making me cry (and not in a bad way) this book was really amazing.  I honestly hadn't heard of Suzanne Young before this book even though she's written some other books that were published before this one but now I need go read those ones because, man, she is some writer.  The story was amazing, the characters were impressive, and the idea was just phenomenal.  I can see how some reviewers might see Charlotte as winy and somewhat of a poor character, but in my eyes that's not the way it is at all.  Yeah, there are some characters like that, but I don't think she is one of them because if you were to put yourself in her position I'm not sure you would be much better, so if you think she's a bad character put the book down, because it's obviously not for you.  This book was so amazing and I feel that everyone should read it because even though it does have that fantasy air about it I think that everyone could learn something important from Charlotte and take something away from the book.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and I hope that Charlotte and Harlin are in it because I want to see what happens next.

5/5/ dust spirits

In Which I Talk About Amazing Authors I Know

Being a blogger is hard work, and I pretty much started with no connections at all.  I still have very few and I work my butt off to get all the ARCs I do and I buy almost all of the prizes I give away that aren't ARCs.  Now I know authors always say how amazing bloggers are, but in my mind it's totally the other way around.  Yes, I know that bloggers spread the word about books and such, post reviews and all that, but without authors there would be no books for review.  It's really a circular thing, without one there wouldn't be the other, and vice versa. I have met so many authors since I've started blogging and I can never thank any of them enough for all of their help.  Some of the ones I know the best are as followed;

Kimberly Derting author of The Body Finder, Desires of the Dead, Skin Contact in Enthralled, and the upcoming The Pledge, as well as two more Body Finder novels. 

Kimberly has been so great to me and it's even cooler that she lives in my state.  She puts up with all my silly stalker moves and she never seems to get mad when I pester her about whatever it is I might have on my mind at the moment.  She's also really sweet, and not just to me, but to pretty much everyone I've ever seen her meet!  She was so nice to my dog and her writing is awesome.  If she ever comes to your city definetly try and go see her, cause she's really a great person and without her I might not have started blogging!  Authors like Kimberly really do make it possible for bloggers to keep doing what they're doing, and she is such a great person to talk to, I could just talk to her for hours, maybe pick her brain for a story or two.  I think I won my first ARC that I reviewed from her too! She was also my first book signing if I do recall correctly!            http://kimberlyderting.com/

Selene Castrovilla author of The Girl Next Door, Saved By the Music, By the Sword, Upon Secrecy, Evolution, and the upcoming Melt.

Selene I met through facebook and she's just been a great person to talk to about all sorts of things.  She really understands the teenage mind and she's just a great person to talk to.  Her books aren't as well known as they should be, but that doesn't mean that they aren't amazing, because they are.  Thankfully she is recognized in the literary world and gets to go out and about to places I've never been.  Her books are so deep and down to Earth, and so emotional you can't help but fall in love with them.  She was the first author to offer to send me a copy of her book to review all on her own and I'm glad I took her up on the offer.  She's been branching out and her neweset novel is half formated in verse form.  It's been so much fun talking to her and she even picks me up some cool thing ever now and then when she goes to all those cool conventions.  Unfortunetly her books aren't on the Nook yet and you can't buy them in many stores, but I would deffinetly reccomend all of them, especially The Girl Next Door.         http://www.selenecastrovilla.com/

Gae Polisner author of The Pull Of Gravity and a member of Class of 2k11. She's currently working on her next novel (or at least I really hope she is).

I met Gae over facebook and even though it was a bit of a disaster at first (Gae knows what I'm talking about) we managed to work it out.  She really is a great person, and I've gotten to know her so well, even only after a few months.  Her debut book was really amazing and althoug she can be a little crazy at time she's still amazing.  We talk constantly and honestly I love her to death.  Gae is so much fun to talk to and we just get along so well.  She was kind enough to give me one of her author copies, you know, the ones that authors get just because they publish their books, and she gave me saw, and also puts up with my crazy tweets and random bombardments of her facebook page.  She is one of the most supportive people I've ever met and I really hope I get to meet her some day in person.  So you all need to go out and buy her book so that she will make it onto the New York Times bestselling list and come to Seattle, cause she's all the way in New York!!!  http://gaepolisner.com/   Also, her website has hidden trolls all over it, and when you move your mouse over them they give you secret messages, but you'll have to read her book to find out why it's trolls.

Other mentions;

Janet Gurtler author of I'm Not Her and the upcoming If I Tell.  She has put up with me spelling her name wrong on twitter countless times and even sent me a copy of her book because of a silly mixup with publishers and such.  http://www.janetgurtler.com/

Nova Ren Suma author of Imaginary Girls and Dani Noir.  She has a great new voice to the YA genre and she puts up with all of my insane tweets about how much I love her book, and all the bugging that goes along with me trying to schmooze out a signed copy.  http://novaren.com/

Leigh Fallon author of the upcoming Mark of the Carrier.  Also one of the authors who puts up with my crazy nagging about getting an ARC of her book, she's really nice and a pretty great person all together.  http://www.leighfallon.com/

Andrea Cremer author of Nightshade, the upcoming Wolfsbane, and the last book in the series Bloodrose.  She was nice enough to do an interview with the page when it was just a tiny little thing, and even offered up THREE of her own personal stash of books for winners.  http://www.andreacremer.com/

Last but not least;

Eileen Cook author of The Education of Hailey Kendrick, Killing Lauren Wook, What Would Emma Do?, and the upcoming Unraveling Isobel.  She has also written a few middle grade novels about faries.  Eileen and I talked on facebook and when I asked for some signed postcards she sent me a whole bunch to give away, along with a nice letter, and a signed copy of Lauren Wood because of a conversation we had on Facebook.  I also got her to come to Seattle for a signing.  http://www.eileencook.com/

This isn't even close to all of the great authors I've met while being a blogger and hopefully one day I'll get to meet all of these great authors in person.