Coffeehouse Angel Contest & Vacation Time!

It's contest time, just as I promised! In honor of the release of Suzanne Selfors' upcoming novel, Coffeehouse Angel, I'm going to be having a coffee-themed giveaway! OK, here's the deal:

   2 lucky winners will receive copies of the book and special Coffeehouse Angel coffee-cup sleeves, courtesy of the awesome Anna Dalziel of Walker Books for Young Readers (thanks, Anna!).

Here's how to enter:

- Comment below with your email address and answer this question:

What's your favorite kind of coffee drink?

-Extra Entries:

+1 for following Bookworm Readers

+2 for linking to your blog (sidebar, post, anything just as long as it's there!)

+2 for commenting on my review of Coffeehouse Angel here

+2 for commenting on my review with Suzanne here

Good luck! This contest will end on August 1.

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Meanwhile, I'm going on vacation tomorrow and I won't be back until the 27th! I won't have any computer access until then, but when I return, I'm jumping right back into reviews (especially since I'll be reading a lot on my trip, hopefully), author interviews, In My Mailbox and Cover Love. See you then!

PS. Sorry about the weird spacing. Blogger is being funky!

Cover Love (5)

Cover Love is a weekly feature that I started recently here on my blog. It is open to anyone and everyone who wants to participate (just as long as you post a link back here to Bookworm Readers). The rules are simple: each Tuesday, post two covers of old, new, or upcoming YA, MG, picture, or adult books!

Here are my picks for this week:

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Eyes Like Stars is one of my favorite covers. It's just so gorgeous and mysterious and perfect for the book, which actually just came out on July 7! (Look out for a review coming soon here) Jason Chan, who is the artist of the cover, has also worked on the UK Hunger Games and various other projects! Check out his blog here.

Donut Days by Lara Zielin

The colors on this cover are so cute and fun. I love the donuts and how they hint at humor. I have a copy of this on my shelf and I am so excited to begin! I just adore this cover, it's eye catching and vibrant and fun!

The Monday Muse: Interview with Suzanne Selfors

Today's Muse: Suzanne Selfors

Author of: Coffeehouse Angel (review here)

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Bookworm: Welcome, Suzanne! Let's start off with this question: how did you get the idea for the story? What inspired you?

Suzanne: I spend a lot of time in coffeehouses, writing. And I've always wanted to own one, a real funky one with great music and retro furniture and changing art exhibits. So one day, while I took a moment and looked up from my laptop, Katrina popped into my head. I called her "coffeehouse girl" and couldn't get her out of my mind. I knew that I had to write a story about her. That's how it often happens with me. I'll see a character first.

Bookworm: How are you and Katrina alike, and how are you different?

Suzanne: Katrina and I are a lot alike. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life for a very long time. I drifted from interest to interest. I didn't have an actual "closet of failure" but you should see my basement! And Katrina and I are both Norwegian. The people who surround her are very much like people from my own family.

   We are different in that I've never actually met an angel. Or, at least, I don't think I have.

Bookworm: What would you wish for if you had a magical coffee bean?

Suzanne: Well, peace for the world would be the wish but quite honestly, at this very moment in time, I'd love it if someone would finish writing my next book. I'm stuck and it's driving me crazy.

Bookworm: Favorite coffee drink?

Suzanne: Single tall nonfat latte is what I drink most every day.

Bookworm: Who was your favorite character in the book to write?

Suzanne: I always have fun with my secondary characters. Like the old men who hang out in the coffeehouse. But I have to admit that I got attached to Ratcatcher. I'd like to write a picture book  about her.

Bookworm: Is there a sequel for Coffeehouse Angel in the works? 

Suzanne: No sequel planned at this point, but it's always a possibility. I'll have another teen novel coming out next year, I just have to finish writing it. It's another girl-meets-"otherworldly"-guy kind of story, but that's all I'm saying. 

Bookworm: Angels or vampires?

Suzanne: Am I the only person in the world who's not into vampires? Being undead just doesn't appeal to me. I know. What's wrong with me?

Bookworm: I kind of agree! What YA book have you recently read and loved?

Suzanne: Ooooh, loved, loved, loved Catching Fire. Hate it that I have to wait a whole year for the third book.

Bookworm: What are your plans for this summer?

Suzanne: I'm writing like crazy, but I get three weeks in August to play. Yeah! We're going to Canada to spend time at a lake resort, bike ride, horseback ride, and I hope to laze around and read some good books. 

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Thanks so much, Suzanne! Coffeehouse Angel comes out on July 21, but watch out for a contest coming here first! (Details to be posted tomorrow). Suzanne's trying to get in touch with the model on the cover of Coffeehouse Angel, so if anyone knows who she is, please get in touch with Suzanne. Contact info is on her gorgeous website here!

In My Mailbox & Blog Updates

Hi everyone! Sorry for being so MIA this week....Anyway, it was a great week in mail!

Here's what my mailbox had for me (meme created by the Story Siren):

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland (ARC, Egmont December 2009)

   Polly Madassa is convinced she was born for a more romantic time. A time when Elizabeth Bennet and Anne of Green Gables walked along the moors and beaches of the beautiful, wild land. A time when a distinguished gentleman called upon a lady of quality, and true love was born in the locked eyes of two young lovers.

   But alas, she was not.

   This however does not stop our young heroine from finding romance wherever she can conjure it up. So while Polly is burdened with the summer job of delivering baked goods from her parents' bakery (how delightfully quaint!) to the people in her small beach town, she finds a way to force...um...encourage romance to blossom. She is determined to bring lovers, young and old, together...whether they want to be or not.

I was so thrilled when this came in the mail! Just the whole plot sounds so sweet, and I loved the cover! Thanks so, so much, Lindsay!!

The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander (ARC, September 2009, Feiwel & Friends)

   Almost 15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing at the curb and watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she'll ride on the hood of a shiny pickup truck in the annual parade, waving to the crowd and finally showing the town bully that she's got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.

   But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin will do almost anything to become Sweetheart, and has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including the reigning Sweetheart, and a quiet, cute cowboy), an evangelical Elvis impersonator, a mysterious Cajun outcast, and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her, and start letting Austin live her own life. But Austin can't move on until Momma moves on, too--and lets the grief of losing Austin's daddy several years before out into the open.

This sounds so amazing! The plot really reminds me of The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts. 

And I just adore the cover--it's so adorable! Thanks so much, Jill!! 

The Clique #11: Boys R Us by Lisi Harrison

Massie Block: After disbanding the Pretty Committee, Massie takes charge like Visa, forming OCD's hawtest clique yet: Massie and the Crew. Even though money can't buy you love, it can buy new friends...or at least model-actresses who will act like your besties until you get real ones. Lights, camera, MACtion!

Alicia Rivera: Hearts her new role as alpha of the Soul-M8s, BOCD's first ever boy-girl clique. But when the boys head back to the newly renovated Briarwood Academy, will the remaining Soul M8s become 4Squares?

Dylan Marvil: Is happy times ten to finally have a crush who's crushing back, especially since they luh-v all the same things: marshmallows, lip-kissing, and chugging Red Bull. Buuuurp!

Kristen Gregory: Scored three goals on the soccer field last week--and Massie's crush...which earned her an ejection from her ex-BFF's heart. Can Massie forgive and forget, or is Kristen out of the game forever?

Claire Lyons: Has declared herself neutral in the battle of the cliques. But dividing her time between Massie, the Soul M8s, and Cam has left her stretched thinner than an extra-small Spanx. Can she get her friends to reunite, or will she be forced to pick a side once and for all?

...Whew, long summary. One word to describe getting the new Clique book: yyyyyyayyyyy! They're kinda shallow, but I love 'em!

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Here's what's being going on around the blog this week (meme created by Reviewer X):

Monday: I posted a review for Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Tuesday: I was in San Diego, so on Wednesday I...

Wednesday: Posted my weekly "Cover Love" feature. This week, I was loving the covers of Amanda Marrone's Devoured and Cherry Cheva's DupliKate

Friday: I reviewed 30 Days to Finding and Keeping Sassy Sidekicks and BFFs by Clea Hantman! 

Other news: 

-I'll be going on a 2-week vacation on Wednesday, July 15, so after that you won't be seeing me until July 21! 

- Tomorrow I'm getting back to my weekly Monday Muse author feature. Tomorrow's interview is with Suzanne Selfors!

- Bookworm Readers is almost at 200 followers--yay!

Have a great Sunday!

30 Days to Finding and Keeping Sassy Sidekicks and BFFS

Author: Clea Hantman

Pages: 176

Published: Delacorte Press, 2009

Genre: Non fiction/Interactive

Cover Score: A

Overall Rating: B+

   30 Days is a fun, interactive guide for girls jam-packed with friendship tips and  step-by-step instruction in the basics of meeting new friends and keeping the old, even through sticky situations and fights.

   My thoughts: I must admit, I'm not a big interactive/nonfiction book fan. I found this book to be a little preachy and obvious sometimes in content and felt that sometimes the author was trying too hard to sound "hip". However, all the different activities were very fun, and even though I didn't do any of them, I'd say that 30 Days would provide a lot of entertainment on a rainy day! My favorite part was all the little boxes that listed things like "famous frenemies", and of course, "song of the day", which I really liked. 

   The interior was so cute and pretty in pink and black, which gave it a girly touch and makes it more personal and cute. 

   A field guide appropriate for girls and women young and old, 30 Days is a great gift for your BFF!

Cover Love (4)

Week 4 of my latest feature, Cover Love, is here! Want to participate in book-cover judging? Here are the rules:

- Each week, I pick two covers that I love. These covers can be from old, new, or upcoming YA, adult, or picture books!

- This meme is open to anyone and everyone, just as long as you remember to post a link back here to Bookworm Readers!

Here are this week's picks:

DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

I just love the Andy Warhol-ish colors and simplicity of this cover! Plus the title is awesome. I couldn't find a summary on Amazon, but I can't wait to check this one out!

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Oooh, this one is just so pretty. The dark colors and the apple just make me wonder what the story's about. It just gives off such a mysterious vibe that makes me want to read it!

...See you next Tuesday for more Cover Lovin'! 

PS. Oh, and I'm sorry that I didn't post this on Tuesday, when I was supposed to. I was in San Diego all of yesterday and came home really late!

Coffeehouse Angel

Title: Coffeehouse Angel

Author: Suzanne Selfors

Pages: 288

Published: July 21 2009, Walker Books for Young Readers

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Fantasy

Cover Score: B+

Overall Rating: A

   Katrina's grown up around coffee. As the granddaughter of Anna Svensen of Anna's Old World Scandinavian Coffeehouse, she's used to waking up at 6:00 AM to brew coffee. But one morning changes everything for Katrina, when she spots a homeless man sleeping in the coffeehouse's alley and decides to leave him some coffee and pastries. Little does she know, the homeless man is actually an angel named Malcolm, who is around her age and has an important message to deliver in Katrina's town, Nordby. But he insists he must pay back her good deed. Katrina could ask for anything--customers for their slowly sinking business, her friendship troubles to be resolved, the popular rival Java Heaven coffee shop next door to go out of business, her parents to come back, or for her grandmother's health to improve. But what happens when what she really wants is for Malcolm to stay?

   My thoughts: I was so pleasantly surprised by Coffeehouse Angel! The summary on the back totally mislead me, making it seem like the whole book was a light story about an angel and romance, etc. However, I found the plot to be quite different! I loved how Ms. Selfors combined lots of different conflicts into the story (coffeehouse closing, angel, friendship issue, love, finding yourself...) into one delicious, satisfying combination.

   The characters in this book were phenomenal. Katrina was so realistic and relatable, and I loved how clever, determined and creative she was in trying to keep the coffee shop open. And who couldn't love Malcolm?

    The only issue I had was that Katrina and Malcolm's relationship seemed very quick. At first she hates him and then she adores him? It didn't really make sense to me.

   I was so sad when this book ended. It was magical, charming, and a super-quick and enthralling read--I couldn't put it down! Coffeehouse Angel is one of those books that makes you feel warm and fuzzy like you're drinking a hot cup of coffee. (: Ms. Selfors writes with love and honesty, making her book enjoyable and lovely. I can only wish for a sequel, and that Nordby isn't fictional!

In My Mailbox & Weekly Roundup

Missed all the action? Here's what happened over here at Bookworm Readers this past week (meme created by Reviewer X):

Monday: ...Was my birthday! Yay! I'm taking a short break from Monday Muse author interviews, but we'll be back up and running by July 13 for a chat with Suzanne Selfors!

Tuesday: Posted the third installment of my new weekly feature, Cover Love. This week I was majorly loving the covers of Secrets of Happiness by Sarah Dunn and The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley (Happy release, Suzanne!).

Wednesday: This week, I'm waiting on Bedeviled by Shani Petroff and Boys R Us by Lisi Harrison!

Thursday: Posted a review for Bratfest At Tiffany's by Lisi Harrison.

Friday: I reviewed the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Saturday: Came down with strep throat. Didn't feel like doing anything but eating cough drops and Popsicles. Ick. Happy 4th of July, late! (:

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And here's what was in my mailbox this week. It was a short week, but a good one! (Meme created by the Story Siren).

Me My Elf and I by Heather Swain

   It's not easy fitting in when you're the new girl in a strange school, especially when you're a tall, blonde, gorgeous elf. That's Zephyr Addler's dilemma when she finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a prestigious new York City performing arts school, worlds away from the secluded woodland community she knows so well. Luckily Zephyr's new friends Mercedes and Ari are there to help her look and act the part of a normal teenager. Until they talk her into auditioning for a role against Bella Dartagnan, the most popular--and meanest--girl in school, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Pushed to her limit, can Zephyr out-maneuver the mean girls (and catch the eye of a certain cute boy) without exposing her secret and betraying her elfin self, or will the wilds of Brooklyn send her running back to the woods?

I was so excited to order this off of Amazon because it sounds so cool! I mean--elves? Can't wait to begin!

The Treasure Map of Boys by E Lockhart

   Ruby is back at Tate Prep, and it's her thirty-seventh week in the state of Noboyfriend. Her panic attacks are bad, her love life is even worse, and what's more: Noel is writing her notes, Jackson is giving her frogs, Gideon is helping her cook, and Finn is making her brownies. Rumors are flying, and Ruby's already sucky reputation is heading downhill. 

   Not only that, she's also: running a bake sale, learning the secrets of heavy metal therapy, encountering some seriously smelly feet, defending the rights of pygmy goats, and bodyguarding Noel from unwanted advances. In this companion novel to the Boyfriend List and The Boy Book, Ruby struggles to secure some sort of mental health, to understand what constitutes a real friendship, and-if such a thing exists--to find true love.

This doesn't sound like the kind of book I'd normally read, but it seems like a cute, funny summer read, so I'll definitely give it a try! Plus, how could you NOT love that adorable marshmallow snowman on the cover? (:

Thanks to Random House for sending me a finished copy! This is a repeat, so watch out for a contest coming soon! 

Confessions of A Shopaholic Movie Review

Title: Confessions of a Shopaholic

Rated: PG

Overall Score: A-

(Out on DVD June 23, 2009) 

Rebecca Bloomwood is a born shopaholic. Shoes, clothes, accessories....she just can't stop herself when she enters a store, especially when it's designer and way too expensive. So when Becky finds herself up to her ears in a $16,000 credit card debt, she knows she's got to get a job. But instead of landing a spot in her dream position as a columnist at a famed fashion magazine, Becky accidentally and ironically lands a job at Sucessful Savings, where she's supposed to write about personal finance. Surprisingly, Becky's column, "The Girl With the Green Scarf", is a smash hit! In between falling for her boss and trying to avoid her debt collector, Becky's keeping a hefty secret ($16,000 of a secret, in fact) that's going to cause tons of hilarious issues...

   My thoughts: I haven't read the book, but I found the movie version of Confessions of a Shopaholic to be absolutely adorable and funny! Isla Fisher did an awesome job of playing Becky, who herself was a charming and lovable character. I loved how down-to-earth and relatable she was, Ms. Fisher totally got into character and was so darling! All of her schemes were so amusing and overall hilarious! Of course, Luke (Hugh Dancy) was well-cast and great opposite Ms. Fisher as well!

   The plotline was predictable, but the whole thing was so clever and funny that I just couldn't help but think, Why didn't I think of that?

   This movie was 1 hour and 45 minutes and seemed to drag on a bit for me. Some parts seemed a little unnecessary, but overall I loved the whole atmosphere of the film: light, sweet, but with a good overall message (and lots of cute clothes!). 

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PS. I'm going to be trying to post more movie reviews up on my blog in the future, but of course my blog will always be primarily book reviews!

   

Not-So Mini Review: Bratfest At Tiffany's

Title: Bratfest At Tiffany's (The Clique, #10)

Author: Lisi Harrison

Pages: 227

Published: 2008, Poppy/Little, Brown

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommended to: Girls 12 & up

Cover Rating: A-

Overall Score: A-/B+

   The Clique is back, and in the 10th book, they're ready for change as they enter a new year at OCD as eighth grade alphas. Unfortunately, they've got a problem. Ever since the boys from OCD's brother school, Briarwood, have been moved in to the girls' school (due to an unfortunate flood), they've been more popular than anyone--even the Pretty Committee. How can they be alphas if everyone is paying attention to the boys? So leader Massie comes up with a plan: the girls will be going on a boyfast, while she hatches a genius plan to get the attention back where it belongs--on them. But problems quickly arise: Claire's itching to get Cam back, and Alicia's crush Josh is cuter than ever. But is it worth betraying Massie and getting kicked out of the Clique for good?

   My thoughts: I love this series. They are totally my guilty pleasure: quick, easy, and totally light. The characters in these books are awesome and well-developed. All of Massie's plans and dialogue (including all the "ehmagawds" and "ah-mazing"s) are so clever, and I especially love the style of this writer, who makes everything that her characters do sound glamorous with sparkling descriptions. She totally gets eighth-grade girls! 

   My one problem is that these books tend to be shallow, and I wish that Ms. Harrison would focus on real issues like she did in the first few books (ie bullying, fitting in...). I am also getting annoyed with Massie's character. After 10 books, her character hasn't changed in any way, and I'd like to see her grow and become a better person instead of continually being a snob. There just seemed to be something missing in this plotline, maybe because it moved too quickly, it seemed. We were plunged back into Westchester, but I think there should've been more action around the middle and end. However, I'm definitely picking up the next book, PS I Loathe You, and can't wait for Boys R Us to come out on July 7!

Wishlist Wednesday!

...Because I have two books I'm "waiting on" this Wednesday! (:

The first one is...

Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel by Shani Petroff (Comes out August 20)

   "Mom always said my dad is the devil. I never knew she meant it literally!"

   All Angel's father (aka the Devil) wants is to be a part of her life. And in return he has the power to give her anything she wants--including popularity and a date with her long-time crush, Cole Daniels. But Angel will only accept him on her terms: get out of the devil business and leave his special powers out of the equation. Is Angel condemning herself to an eternity of lunch at the losers' table? Or can she and Daddy Dearest strike some kind of deal?

I LOVE how this book sounds, very ironic, light, and funny. It almost reminds me of Demon Princess. Hmm....are demons the new vampires? I sense a new trend...(Love the cover of this one, too!)

Boys 'R' Us by Lisi Harrison (Comes out July 7)

...Aka the 11th book in the Clique series: yayyyy! I couldn't find an official summary, but all I know is that I'm definitely making a trip to the bookstore on July 7!

Cover Love (3): Double Feature!

   Here we are, Week 3 of my new feature, Cover Love! For those of you who don't know, "Cover Love" is a weekly meme I've created that features cover that I love of new, old, or upcoming books!

   Just to clarify, this meme is welcome to anyone and everyone to participate in, just as long as you remember to post a link back here to Bookworm Readers and let me know you're participating! I'll be posting a new cover every Tuesday, and this week I've picked two awesome covers that I adore:

    Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn

After all, who can resist that adorable puppy? 

I love how bright and simple this one is...it totally catches my eye!

And....

Cover #2: In honor of its release today is...

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley 

I love how vibrant the colors are for this one, it's just so gorgeous!

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What covers are you loving this week? See you next Tuesday! (:

Today Is My Birthday!

I'm officially the Birthday Girl!!! I think I'm going to take a short break from blogging (sorry, no Monday Muse...again!) to celebrate! I'll see you guys tomorrow! (: 

xx

Claire

Week in Review!

...And tomorrow is my birthday! Monday, June 29, to be exact! Happy birthday to me. (:

This week wasn't the busiest...

Monday: Didn't post a Monday Muse interview like I should've. I probably won't tomorrow, either. I might take a nice break from blogging for my bday!

Tuesday: I posted the second installment for my newest feature, Cover Love. This week I'm majorly loving the cover of Tera Lynn Childs' Oh.My.Gods. Check it out and vote for your favorite--hardcover or paperback?

Wednesday: This week's "Waiting on Wednesday" post featured The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler. I want to read this one soooo bad! After all, who can resist cupcakes? (:

Thursday: I posted a review for Secrets of my Hollywood Life: Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita.

Saturday: A nice, big "In My Mailbox" post went up. It was a great week, book-wise and mail-wise!

As always, this "Retrospective" weekly post was created by the oh-so-awesome Steph of Reviewer X!

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See you guys next week, and have a great Monday!

In My Mailbox!

A great week with a bunch of great summer reads! *TBR pile grows...*

Here's the loot:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

I'm excited to read this one, seeing as I've never read any of Sarah Dessen's books before (shocker, I know). Thanks so much to Laura for sending me a copy and some cool bookmarks!

Poseur by Rachel Maude

I won this in a contest over at Readergirl Reviews. I've flipped through this one a few times, and I just love the cool/amazing illustrations! The plot sounds like fun, too! Thanks so much, Readergirl! (:

The Cupid Chronicles by Colleen Murtagh Paratore

This book is the second in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series. Both Greenbeanteenqueen and I love these books--they're so completely addicting and adorable! I had to get this at my library!

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen by Dyan 

Sheldon

I recently saw the movie again, and knew I had to read the book! I'm in the mood for a really funny book, and so when I saw it at the library, I just snatched it up.

 Plus I've talked to Dyan before via email and she's totally awesome!

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

I loved Oh.My.Gods so when I 

heard about the sequel coming out, I ordered it on Amazon with a gift card that my uncle gave me for Christmas (thank you!! and yes, I've been saving it this whole time). I'm so excited to read this one. Yayyy! Except the order got screwed up and I got 2 copies in the mail accidentally....So if I can't return one there might be a C-O-N-T-E-S-T!

Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus

Yes...yes...before y'all start laughing, I'm just going to say that I actually do want to read it. Apparently this is her big "autobiography", and even though I'm not a fan I'm intrigued by the cool pictures and want to know Miley's whole story. So I'll give it a try...And no, don't worry. I did NOT pay $24.95 for this, as it is marked (ridiculous!!!). It was on sale at Amazon for $11.20. So I splurged with my gift card!

Accidentally Fabulous by Lisa Barham

From Borders. Just because I've read the first two fashion and humor-filled books in the "Fashion-Forward Adventures of Imogene" and need to catch up! (:

...As always, "In My Mailbox" is brought to you by The Story Siren, inspired by Alea over at Pop Culture Junkie! See you guys next week!

Secrets of my Hollywood Life: Paparazzi Princess

Title: Paparazzi Princess

Author: Jen Calonita

Pages: 294

Published: March 2009, Little & Brown

Recommended/Not recommended

Genre: Realistic fiction/Chick-lit

Cover Rating: B+

Overall Score: A-

   Hollywood superstar Kaitlin Burke is back in the fourth book of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series by Jen Calonita! This time, seventeen year old Kaitlin's preparing to say goodbye to the show she's been on since she was four years old, Family Affair. The show has ended, and Kaitlin feels like she's being pushed by nearly everyone (her parents, publicist, friends, and assistant) to move on when, in truth, she's not ready at all to bid farewell to the show she's starred on for more than a decade, and all of the people on it that feel like second family. Even worse, Kaitlin's career stress is seeping into every part of her life, leading to a pointless fight with her best friend (and non-Hollywood star) Liz. As a result, Kaitlin even begins to befriend two of Hollywood's biggest party girls, whose idea of fun is to spend loads of money on clothes and to have pictures in all the tabloids, but who could also put Kaitlin's career in big trouble...

   My thoughts: Yay, another Secrets of My Hollywood life book! I honestly don't have a lot to say about this one. Once again, Ms. Calonita has written a realistic and vivacious novel. Ever since I started this series, I have been addicted to the glowing descriptions, fast-paced and delightful plots, and wonderful creativity that has been put into this series. To say quite simply, these books sparkle. Not everything that happens in the book is a picture-perfect Disney moment, which makes these books different from the usual Hollywood-star type of books. I loved how Ms. Calonita wrote a realistic novel about Hollywood that features a down-to-earth, wholesome, and relatable character who has her own struggles and makes quite a few mistakes. 

   Why some may think that these books could be trashy based off of their flashy (and may I say cute and clever!) covers and glamorous-sounding Hollywood-based plotlines, I can assure those who have not read the series that these books are quite the opposite, featuring strong themes that revolve around family, friends, work, and, of course, spattered with fun throughout. Even though this book wasn't the most serious read, it certainly was as good as the previous three in the series, with a quick pace and enjoyable story unique from the rest of the series.

   I strongly recommend Paparazzi Princess for some light summer reading, and I'm so excited for the next book in the series, Broadway Lights, which comes out in March 2010!

Other books in the series:

Secrets of My Hollywood Life (review here)

On Location (review here)

Family Affairs (review here)

Waiting on Wednesday

What books are you waiting for this Wednesday? This awesome feature was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine blog!

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The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler

Coming out September 17, 2009

   When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny's life isn't what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn't talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there's Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog's Hollow--like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again.

   A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life's unexpected turns.

   Well, since this book is about cupcakes (the cover, title, and summary hint to that), I'm definitely going to have to check this one out come September! This book sounds like something I'd love to read--fun, light, and sweet. I'm definitely excited for this one! (Plus, the cover is seriously making me want cupcakes! )  (:

Cover Love (2)

     Welcome to week 2 of my new feature, Cover Love, a weekly meme that I've created that features covers that we love of new, old, or upcoming books!

   Once again, this feature is welcome for anyone and everyone to participate in, just as long as you post a link back here to Bookworm Readers to let me know you're participating! I'll be posting a new cover every Tuesday! Feel free to join in the cover-judging fun! (:

   This week's pick for me is...

Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs! 

Hardcover                                  Paperback

     

    I just love these covers! Seeing as Greek myths and gods and running are major aspects of the book, I love, love, LOVE the hardcover! But I also adore the adorable winged shoes on the paperback cover...

   Which cover do you prefer, hardcover or paperback?

   See you next Tuesday for more Cover Lovin'!

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Read my review for Oh.My.Gods. here

See last week's Cover Love pick, Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson here