Book Tour: The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

 

***My review is coming later today, but for now read more about The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark.  Be sure and check out the other tour sites as well. ***

About Elle Newmark

Elle Newmark is an award winning writer whose books are inspired by her travels. She prowled the back streets of Venice to cook up The Book of Unholy Mischief and explored India by car and elephant to conjure The Devil’s Wind. She calls California home.

For more information on Elle or her work visit http://www.ellenewmark.com/

About The Book of Unholy Mischief

It is 1498, the dawn of the Renaissance and Venice teems with rumors of an ancient book that hold the secrets of unimaginable power. Rich and poor alike speculate abouthe the long buried secred tht might be scrawled in its pages and where the book might be hidden in the labyrinthine city. While those who seek the book will stop at nothing to get it, those who know will die to protect it.

As a storm of intrigue percolates in Her Most Serene Republic, Luciano, a penniless orphan, is plucked off the street by the doge’s chef and taken in as the chef’s apprentice. In the palace kitchen Luciano is initiated into the chef’s rich and mysterious world where recipes are more than they seem.

It is not long before Luciano is caught up in the madness. Torn between loyalty to his street friends and his passion for Francesca, a convent girl, Lucianco’s worthiness is tested. Armed with a precicious mind and insatiable curiosity, Luciano embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. What he discovers will swing opent he shutters of his mind, inflalme his deepest esires, and leaven an indelible mark on his soul.

Read the Excerpt

My name is Luciano ― just Luciano. I’m Venetian by birth, old now and chained to my memories, compelled to return, link by link, seeking clarity.

There’s a matter about which I am sworn to secrecy, but times have changed since I took my oath. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed man’s emergence from centuries of darkness. Great thinkers have unlocked our minds, and great artists have opened our eyes and our hearts. Some are calling it a renaissance ― a rebirth ― and it will reverberate far into the future because of a miraculous new invention called the printing press. Perhaps, now, it would be a disservice to the advancement of knowledge to remain silent. Perhaps the pendulum has swung a full arc, and the time has come for me to speak. If I proceed with caution … well, those who have ears let them hear.

The intrigue took place in my youth, when I served as an apprentice to the doge’s chef in Venice. I first suspected some unholy mischief when the doge invited an uncouth peasant to dine with him in the palace. In the time-honored tradition of servants everywhere, I assumed my post behind the slightly open service door to the dining room in order to spy, and I marveled at the sight of them together: the doge, chief magistrate of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, gracious and bejeweled, sat with his guest, a bewildered paesano with calloused hands, dirt under his fingernails, and unwashed hair that had been hastily wetted and pushed off his face to show respect.

THE BOOK OF UNHOLY MISCHIEF’S VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ‘10 TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 7
Guest Blogging at My Reading Room

Wednesday, September 8
Book Reviewed at My Reading Room

Thursday, September 9
Book Reviewed at Andilit

Friday, September 10
Book Reviewed at Must Read Faster

Monday, September 13
Book Reviewed at Marta’s Meanderings
Interviewed at Diva’s Bookcase

Tuesday, September 14
Guest Blogging at Marta’s Meanderings
Book Reviewed at Diva’s Bookcase

Wednesday, September 15
Book Reviewed at Girls Just Reading

Thursday, September 16
Book Reviewed at Rundpinne

Friday, September 17
Guest Blogging at A Book Blogger’s Diary

Monday, September 20
Book Reviewed at The Book Tree

Tuesday, September 21
Book Reviewed at My Reading Table

Wednesday, September 22
Guest Blogging at My Reading Table

Thursday, September 23
Book Reviewed at ‘Til We Read Again

Monday, September 27
Book Reviewed at To Read or Not to Read

Tuesday, September 28
Book Reviewed at 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews

Wednesday, September 29
Book Reviewed at Book Reviews by Buuklvr81

Twitter Party for Firelight by Sophie Jordan

I read Firelight and loved it (my 4.5/5.0 review is here) and hope to participate tomorrow night in this twitter party.  If you haven't done a twitter party before, you should - they are a lot of fun.

Here's the official word straight from A Bookworm's Haven Blog:

I am so excited for this!  The details are all in the button above, but here are a couple  of more things you might want to know:

We are going to meet up on twitter (perhaps use a tweetchat site to make it easier) and we are going to hang out with author Sophie Jordan and discuss her new book ‘Firelight’. There will be trivia, some swag packs to win, and some finished copies of the book to giveaway as well. It’s going to be an evening filled with fun plus you can ask Sophie Jordan your questions.  Be on twitter at 9pm EST and when you are tweeting use the hashtag #Draki in order to participate!  Please spread the word and the button!  Special thanks to Bookalicious and @themarco for the help with building the party and the button!

Guest Post: Author Elle Newmark (The Book of Unholy Mischief)

Please help me welcome author Elle Newmark today to My Reading Room.  She's the author of The Book of Unholy Mischief and is stopping by for the guest post today and I will have a review and tour post up tomorrow.  Elle is touring the blogosphere with Pump Up Your Book Promotions this month so be sure and check out where she will be next.  Thank you so much Elle for joining us today.

   

I’m guessing that women read this blog. Maybe it’s the pink background or the plush book buddy, or maybe it’s just that smart. Anyhoo, I’d like to share a woman’s fantasy.

Imagine wearing a velvet, pearl-studded Renaissance gown, walking into a marble palace on red carpet, and seeing a smiling crowd raise their glasses—to you!

Now imagine this: It happened to me, and it was un-friggin believable.

Last January I went to Venice for the launch of the Italian edition of my Renaissance novel, The Book of Unholy Mischief, where they immediately took me to the Atelier of Venetian costume designer—a fantasy world of silks and brocades, gold masks and feathered headpieces. The first dress I tried was too tight and I felt fat. The second was too big and I felt thin. The third fit and I felt like Goldilocks. It was an extravaganza of royal blue velvet, heavy with pearls and glass gems.

That night my dresser (yes I said, my dresser) slid the pearl and jewel encrusted velvet over my head and I slipped my arms into enormous puffed sleeves. I held onto a chair while she tugged hard at the back laces and asked, “Can you breathe?” I gasped, and she loosened it. With the fabulous gown on I floated through the hotel like a grand lady; I could hear the beaded train swishing behind me as I headed for the waiting water taxi.

At the palazzo, I climbed marble stairs covered in red carpet and lined with flickering votive candles. I entered a high room glowing under Venetian glass chandlers and full of beautiful people. My publisher introduced me: “Signori, l’autrice”—Ladies and gentlemen, the author. The sommelier handed me a glass of champagne while cameras flashed and flashed. It was a Paris Hilton moment, but I am not Paris Hilton. I am the author, and that is fine with me—in fact, it’s a dream come true.

At dinner I sat next to a Prince of Venice (for real) a handsome man in a tux. Naturally, he was charming. The centerpieces were plump green grapes and pomegranates the size of softballs, both fruits that figure prominently in my book. I was touched by this attention to detail, but the biggest surprise came next: A Venetian chef had recreated a dinner from my novel.

We ate warm mozzarella in an exquisite crust, buttered gnocchi in a crisp cheese cup, and veal in the mysterious Sauce Nepenthes—a sauce that did not exist anywhere but in my book until that night. For dessert we were served bones of the dead, delicate Italian cookies tipped in chocolate, and as we ate them, my publisher read the scene in which my characters ate those cookies. The crowd applauded, and the prince turned to me and said, “Brava.” Everyone in that room loved my writing! It was the high point of my evening, if not my life.

After dinner, my escort held my train as I descended the marble steps, but my regal mein was tarnished when I had to hike up the billowing gown and stand on a wooden chair to get into the water taxi. It took two strong men to get me into the boat, but at 1 a.m. I walked into my hotel room exhausted and grateful. I freed myself from the gorgeous gown, took a deep breath, fell into bed and slept like a stone. The queen was dead; long live the author.

What are you Reading Monday - September 6

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information see Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books and join in!

Books Completed Last Week 

• Manifest by Artist Arthur (review) 
• Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler (review)
• Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers (review)
• The Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff (review)
• God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein (review)

Reading Now:

• Definitely Dead (audible on my Kindle)
• Tough Customer by Sandra Brown (audiobook in car)
• The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark (review)
• Crusade by  Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie (review)

Next:

• She's Gone Country by Jane Porter
• Simply from Scratch by Alicia Bessette
• The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
• Candor by Pam Bachorz
• Last to Die by Kate Brady
• Re-read of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins to prepare for:
• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Reviews completed this week (books read before this week):

• Firelight by Sophie Jordan
• A Change of Heart by Shari Mauer
• Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
  

Other books still need to review:

• Wings by Aprilynne Pike (library) 
• The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (mine)  
• The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz
• Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
• Matched by Ally Condie (review)
• Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook) 
• Evermore by Alyson Noel (library)  
• Spells by Aprylynne Pike (library) 
• The Candidates: Delacroix Academy by Inara Scott (review) 
• Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford (review)
• Nightshade by Andrea Cremer  (review)

Summary -

Wow - Hurricane Earl made this an interesting week.  I did get some reading done during the storm though.  Thankfully it stayed off our coast, but there was a day there that I was really worried.  I hope Earl continues to stay off the coast and damage is minimal up and down the east coast.

Earl meant my kids were out of school two days and I worked from home one of those which made for a busy and overwhelming day.  My blogging suffered for sure because after trying to concentrate and work with two boys unhappy with each other, the last thing I wanted to do was compose reviews and blog posts.  Here's hoping that next week gets back to normal and I can get some of my backlog of reviews done.

Best of the week:  Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, oh my this book had it all, hot boys, a girl with spunk, demons, angels and a lot of fun.  Frannie was such a great character, she really made the book and I look forward to  more books from Ms. Desrochers.

Get a Free Book from Author Irene Ziegler

Remember this book I reviewed last week, Ashes to Water by Irene Ziegler (I gave it 4.75/5.0) - I loved this book and now is a great time for you to purchase this book.  Here are the words straight from the author, Irene Ziegler's offer through Goodreads:

Buy ASHES TO WATER, get the prequel, RULES OF THE LAKE FOR FREE.

Is that a deal or WHAT?

From now until September 6, if you purchase ASHES TO WATER, I will send you the prequel, RULES OF THE LAKE for FREE!

BUT WAIT! That's not all!

To sweeten the deal even more, you can save 15% if you buy online at Barnes & Noble. Click on the link below and use coupon code: N7Y9U9J

(Here are their terms: 15% off the highest-priced item in your cart. Not valid on textbooks or nook. Expires 9/6/10.)

Just scan your receipt and email it (along with your address) to iziegler2@gmail.com. I'll pop RULES OF THE LAKE into the mail lickety-split.

OR

If you have Paypal, you can buy from me directly, and I'll honor the discount. That comes to $22.05. Add $3 for media mail postage, we'll call it a day. My PayPal ID is my email address.

Whaddaya got to lose? Nuthin! Check out the reviews on Goodreads and/or my website.

Questions? (What's not to understand about FREE?) Email me at iziegler2(at)gmail(dot)com.

Yep. Free book. That's what I'm sayin.


Message from Irene:
Here's your chance to move ASHES TO WATER from your 'to-read' shelf to your 'own it' shelf. B&N discount is only good through the 6th, but I'll honor it through the 10th. As those cheesy commercials say, ACT NOW! See www.ireneziegler.com for details, reviews, and purty pictures.

See who else going and get more info:
http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/94373?al=MTg0NDQ5Ng==-ac3dca1daacaacbb50e8e81cf7884925916b1531&si=true&utm_medium=email&utm_source=event_invite

Book Review: Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

 
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publish Date: January 5, 2010

Hardcover, 432 pages
Young Adult

My Review:
Why I read this: The description sounded great and I had heard wonderful things about Lisa's books so I wanted to give it a try.

How is the novel driven:  Character, it's all about the development of Brooklyn and Nico.


My thoughts:  I read my first book written in verse a month or two ago and was pleasantly surprised.  So this is my second book read in verse and I have learned I really enjoy novels written in verse.  I am going to make sure I read I Heart You, You Haunt Me also by Lisa soon.  I will no longer pass on a book written in verse, because I might be missing out on an amazing book.

Chasing Brooklyn is an amazing book.  I felt like I was right there with Brooklyn and her grief, and what she was going through as she got to know Nico.  For Nico's parts I felt I was with them as well.  Their grief was obvious and their ways of dealing with it were different and the truth was neither were actually dealing with it until they got to know each other.  The story is haunting and beautiful.  I could hardly put it down because I wanted to know what would happen next and whether these two lost souls could finally find happiness.  The ghost aspect was interesting as well.  It made the story eerie and gave it a little more depth and an explanation how Nico and Brooklyn could get to know each other.

Great characters, real situations, running, ghosts and a wonderful plot make this book a must read for those who love young adult novels.

My Rating: 4.75/5.0

About the Book:
Restless souls and empty hearts

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

About the Author:
Lisa Schroeder is the author of I Heart You, You Haunt Me, Far from You, and Chasing Brooklyn. She lives in Beaverton, Oregon.

Her Website
Blog

FTC Information: I received this book through 1 ARC Tours for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.

Book Review: Change of Heart by Shari Maurer

 
Change of Heart by Shari Maurer

Publisher: Westside Books

Publish Date: April 23, 2010

Hardcover, 294 pages
Young Adult

My Review:
Why I read this: When I saw it on tour, I read the blurb and thought it sounded really interesting, so I signed up.

How is the novel driven:  Character, it's all about Emmi and those around her and how they affect her life.  The character development is wonderful and I felt like I was right there with Emmi.


My thoughts:  I wasn't sure I was in the mood for this one when I started reading it, but mood didn't end up being a problem.  From the beginning of the book I was drawn into Emmi's life.  At times I saw her a very selfish and uncaring person, but then after getting a little further in the book you really begin to understand her and her actions.  How would it feel to be the girl on top of the world, a star soccer player with a promising college career looming.  A new and exciting boyfriend, good friends and a great year ahead when suddenly you are sidelined with a heart condition and a need to have a heart transplant.  Talk about life doing a 180.  Emmi's life does just that.  Change of Heart was a look into Emmi's life just before the illness, during the transplant procedure and after as she is learning to navigate life again.

Add into the equation two boys, Sam the handsome baseball player who develops an interest in Emmi just before all of this happens and Abe, the boy she meets who is a fellow transplant patient.  Emmi's interactions with both boys resonated with me and felt very real.  How she dealt with everything felt real.  No punches pulled, and even though I have never been in this situation I now feel I can understand it a little better.

Change of Heart is a book that will grab you from the first page and leave  you at the end wanting more.  And this is not because the ending is left open, but because you will really like Emmi and want to learn more about her and she will stay with you after the book is done.  The story is one that teaches you and encourages you and makes you thankful for your life.  It's beautifully written and I look forward to more books from Shari Maurer in the future.


My Rating:  4.5/5.0

About the Book:
Shortly after her sixteenth birthday, popular varsity soccer star Emmi comes down with an ordinary virus. But when she doesn't bounce back as always, she gets the worst possible news--she's had myocarditis that's destroyed her heart, putting her into congestive heart failure. This formerly energetic teen can now barely walk across a room without having to stop and rest. And the prognosis is bleak: without a heart transplant, she'll die in a matter of months. It's only her growing friendship with Abe, the funny, smart boy she meets in the cardiac clinic that finally cheers her up. But difficult questions race through her mind while she waits: Will she get a heart in time? Will she even survive the surgery? What if her body rejects the heart? When tragedy strikes close to home, Emmi must rely even more on her inner strength in order to carry on.

About the Author:
Shari Maurer's life has always been full of "heart." Married to a cardiologist, she is the co-author of The Parent's Guide to Children's Congenital Heart Defects. After graduating from Duke University and NYU, she spent six years at the Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) working on International versions of Sesame Street and other kids' programs. Shari lives in New City, New York, with her husband, Mat, and their children, Lissie, Josh, and Eric. Change of Heart is her first young adult novel.

Her Website
Twitter 
Facebook
Blog

FTC Information: I received this book through 1 ARC Tours for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.