Pale by Chris Wooding

Pale is essentially a story about karma.

 "Pales" are people who died but were given a serum to bring them back to life, but it changes them physically and they are out cast by society. This is a short tale about how people deal with them, and what it's like to become one.

Pale had the potential to be a great story about society's inability to deal with things that are different, but unfortunately it did not live up to that potential. The story (I say story because it's only 67 pages long) could have been this great story that could have taught people something about themselves and others, unfortunately the story and characters were poorly developed. There was hardly any description other than what the pales looked like, and the writing was choppy.

I was really disappointed, I wanted this to be a great story.

Concept: 4/5
Execution: 2/5


Disclaimer: I recieved this book free for review from Stoke Books through netgalley.com

Struggling

I'm really struggling with writing.

I've been blaming it on being busy or because of the disaster my life has been lately, but really, it's because I'm scared. Completely terrified.

I'm finally at a point in my life where writing a book and getting published is a realistic goal.

I've graduated high school.

I don't have to worry about getting my mom's approval to do it.

But I'm so afraid of rejection.

Which is odd because I've spent the last 4 years auditioning for show after show with nothing but rejection, I should be used to it by now.

But at the same time, can you ever truly get used to rejection? There's always going to be that feeling in the pit of your stomach when it happens again...

Book Review: Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Let me start by saying that I am probably the worst person to review historical fiction books, I have yet to meet one that I didn't like. So, my love for historical fiction does not help me be objective, but I'll try.

Prize of My Heart is the story of a man, Brogan Talvis, on a mission to find his son. I found the characters to be realistic and very relatable. The plot and timing were great, I didn't find myself bored and wanting to stop reading like I have while reading some historical fiction novels.

The only negative I have is that the story starts off a tiny bit slow.

Disclaimer: I received this book for review from Bethany House Publishing.

My Youtube Channel

Okay, so you guys have probably noticed that I don't post here any more...

I know I've posted a million "I just don't feel up to blogging anymore" and "I'm back!!!" posts.

But for real, blogging takes a lot more effort than most people would think, trying to come up with topics and then try to say what you want to say in a well spoken way, its a lot of effort.

Which is why I've been doing youtube videos. I can record in 5-10 minutes and if I don't feel like editing then that's as long as it takes, I can upload and leave.

Like I've said before, I might post here occasionally and I'm still accepting guest posts, I still get a fair amount of hits.

Here are some of my most recent videos:

Book Haul

Watch "Book Haul April 21, 2012" on YouTube

Book Review: The Maid of Fairebourne Hall by Julie Klassen

To escape an overbearing step father and an insistent suitor, Margaret Macy runs away disguised as a maid. After many days of travel she finds herself playing the part of a maid at the home of someone from her past.

So, when I first picked out this book I wasn't really paying attention to who the author was, and it wasn't until I recieved the book and looked at the other books she had written that I realized I had read another book by her "The Apothecary's Daughter" which I also really enjoyed.

I enjoyed this book a great deal. Things happen a little slowly and it was hard to get into at first, but eventually it had me hooked. Now when I say things happen slowly, I mean S-L-O-W-L-Y. Multiple times I just stared at the page like "He knows, she knows he knows, let something happen!"

The characters were written in a way that made them believable. Each character had a back story that gave them depth and personality.

A slow pace seems to be a trend with her writing. "The Maid of Fairebourne Hall" is written well and overall enjoyable, despite its slow pace. I will definitely be reading more books by her.

- FTC Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishing sent me this book for free for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Guest Post: Empowering Yourself Through Fashion by Jackie Clark

Empowering Yourself Through Fashion
By: Jackie Clark 

After a cancer diagnosis, your world seems to change.  Priorities are rearranged, nothing is taken for granted anymore, and your eyes seem to be open to so much more going on around you.  In a time when your very identity seems to be in crisis, it is easy to feel as though whatever power you once held has been wrenched from your grasp, leaving you helpless and vulnerable.  Whether you were faced with a prognosis of  HYPERLINK "http://www.mesothelioma.com/" mesothelioma,  HYPERLINK "http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/" breast cancer, or any number of other cancers, the feeling of vulnerability reaches across the board.  But it does not have to take hold of your life or define you as a person.  When so much about you, your life, and your body is changing, it is extremely important to reach for opportunities that remind you of your beauty, grace and power as a woman.    Life after a cancer  HYPERLINK "http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/prognosis/" prognosis is hard, and filled with so many different questions.  But one thing you should never question is your value and allure as a woman.  An easy and fun way to remind yourself of your own beauty is through fashion.  Nothing can display your unique personality and tastes like a great outfit.  A flirty pair of high heels, jeans that look like they were made just for your body, or the perfect blazer can add excitement and joy to your closet and in turn give your attitude a boost.  With any number of trends coming and going on a regular basis, it is important to stock your wardrobe with a few classic pieces.  Jeans, trousers, a great button-down shirt, a solid-colored skirt that emphasizes your body's strengths, a soft cardigan, and a little black dress are some of the most common pieces to be found in women's closets.  But even these basics can have a little flair to reflect your personality.  Interesting shapes on your skirt, or a couple of lace embellishments on your black dress make these timeless clothes cater to your personality.  To really add excitement to your daily look, consider accessories.  These can be traded in and out of your wardrobe as trends change, and are usually less expensive than articles of clothing.  Show off your individuality with a leopard-print ballet flat, or a shimmery lightweight scarf.  A great pair of earrings or funky necklace can change your whole perception of an outfit.  Play with accessories to get more miles out of your staple outfits.  Whatever your fashion sense, your clothes should translate it into something for the world to see and appreciate.  Celebrate your beauty, strength and confidence by what you put on your body every single day.  After all, happiness is only as far away as the next pair of gorgeous shoes...or jeans...or whatever!

Guest Post: Dilpreet Bhagrath

 Recently I was contacted by Dilpreet, she wanted to write a guest post. So, I figured, since I don't really have time for blogging right now, why not have some guests posts? I have since been contacted by three other people, if you are interested just send me an email. fred_the_leaf@yahoo.com

Also, I'm in love with her writing style.

Glam Up Your Bedroom Today
A girl’s bedroom is not simply where she sleeps, but so, so much more. It’s their escape, their sanctuary, a place where they can chill out and listen to their favourite music, delve into their favourite book - or run away from their annoying brother!
As your bedroom is so important, you should decorate it to reflect your personality. There’s nothing too crazy when decorating as you shouldn’t follow the crowd and go for the norm, but create the right mood where YOU feel comfortable.
There are many ways you can glam up your room. First of all, invest in super-soft and comfy duvets and bed linen, as if you don’t like getting into bed, you won’t want to stay in your room. Plus, we all know how cranky everyone becomes if they haven’t had a good night’s sleep.
Next, find one of the many funky and cheap rugs online as rugs are a great way to divide your room into different areas and they add some glamour.
Other great ideas are scented candles, with you choosing a scent to match your personality. For example, you can get a strawberry cheesecake candle if you have a sweet tooth.
If you’re really creative, you could even make your own sketch or painting. Or if you’re not, you can find a cheap one in a second hand shop.
These small changes will glam up your bedroom and give you a fresh and exciting start for the new year!

What the Hell is Going On?

I've gotten like four people offering to do guests posts for me in the past three days...

I'd really like to know what's going on.