Who is on the edge of your Cup of Tea? Author, Character, Celebrity

If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. - Quote by ~Gladstone, 1865
I found this and had to laugh, it is produced by a German company.

Who would you like to see on the edge of your Tea Cup? 

Author - Mary Higgins Clark, many would recognise her and I like to be known as a Mystery fan.

Character - Janie from the Wake trilogy, won't mind having tea with her, I'll be sure not to fall asleep on her.

Celebrity - David Beckham,  I can look at him all day and night, yummy

NOTE - I'm celebrating my Blogoversary all week, go here for my Giveaway and New Meme


Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Table Talk Meme with CMash

Post 3 tidbits, questions and/or comments on your blog and add your link over to CMash Loves to Read.. Then you are on your way to meeting new and old bloggers for coffee.



Welcome to Tea Time with Marce, have a cup of tea and today's treat is powdered mini donuts.  Enjoy

My 3 tidbits......

1)  I had an MRI last week, have you had one?  It sounds like a big drum and drilling going on right next to your head.  100% louder than I expected.

2)  I have protruding c4-c5 disks in my neck, it is the worst pain I have ever had, my neck, shoulder and numbness going down my arm.  I am in day 10 of agony, so I really shouldn't be on the computer, but that means more reading :-)

3)  I love the talk show Ellen, she is the best, loves to dance and is just to funny.  Did any of you watch So You Think You Can Dance when she performed, you must watch it.  I was crying with laughter.

Go here to watch on You Tube

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce for Table Talk

Also, I am celebrating my 1st year of blogging all week, check out my giveaway and new meme starting on Thursday.  Blogoversary Giveaway

Authors - A Special Thank you

I am celebrating 1 year of blogging this week and wanted to do a special thank you post to all the Authors that have taken the time to come and visit my blog or email, I truly appreciate it.

Blogging Friends, to read my Blogoversary, Giveaway and New Meme Post go here.............

In no specific order, I have included the author, the book, my review and the comment from them.

Michelle Zink "Thank you so much, Marce, for the lovely review of Prophecy. I hope you enjoy Guardian of the Gate just as much!  MZ"

Prophecy of Sisters Review

&

Guardian of the Gate








Pamela Samuels Young "Wow! Thanks so much for the great review of my fourth novel, Buying Time. Reviews like yours make all the late nights worth it.  Hope you enjoy the others!" Pamela Samuels Young

Buying Time



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jason Wright "What a kind review, thanks Marce! Glad you enjoyed it :) "
 
 

The Wednesday Letters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bill Walker "Marce: Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a wonderful way to greet the new day. I also enjoyed your "casting" choices. Anyway, I hope you have fun in Boston. I will be going back in November to visit relatives for Thanksgiving. While I'm there I intend to soak up some more of the city's intoxicating atmosphere in preparation for the sequel.... Thanks again."
 

 
 
I couldn't find a picture of Bill Walker
 
A Note from Old Acquaintance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jean Holloway "Hey Marce, You really made my day! Thanks for the great review. So glad you enjoyed 'Ace of Hearts'. If I made you want to yell out loud, my job is done! LOL"
 
 

 
 
 
 
Ace of Hearts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vincent Zandri "Thanks guys you make me blush:)) Vin"


 

 
 
 
 
The Remains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jennifer Margia "Thanks for featuring my book!" (From Teaser Tuesday)

 
 
 
 
Angel Star
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heather Gudenkauf via email "Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I especially love how you described my writing as musical. Thank you!"
 

 
 
 
 
The Weight of Silence
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And my favourite of the year so far.........
 
Heath Sommer via email "Hi Marce, I read and really appreciated your review of my novel, The Manufactured Identity, and also your comments on Reading With Tequila's guest blog. It is wonderful when people get what you are writing and trying to do....and as you may have noticed I seem to draw a dichotomy of lovers and haters for my work, so again it was so meaningful to read your positive comments, and I sincerely thank you."
 
 

 
 
 
 
The Manufactured Identity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And my Honorable Mention is.......
 
Tracee Gleichner, PR Specialist and Virtual Book Tour Coordinator from Pump Up Your Book Promotion


http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/

Tracee, I appreciate your professionalism, organisation and the way you approach me for reviews.



Again, thank you, I appreciate you, the blogging community appreciate you.  All of you continue to add more great books to our Wishlist and long To Be Read lists.
 
I look forward to reading many more of your written works of art.
 
 
Marce

Celebrating 1 year of Blogging & Announcing New Thursday Meme

What an exciting moment for Tea Time with Marce.  A whole year, I can't believe it went so fast.

I want to say thank you to everyone that has became a follower,  my Tea Time commenter's, those that gave me assistance by email when needed and the authors that take the time to stop by.  And of course all the great recommendations that has led me to have a Wishlist way to long, but i'm not complaining.

I am going to celebrate all week, my first post was Aug 29 but I had my 1st comment on Sept 6 so that is when I will announce winners for my international giveaway.

I will choose 2 Winners, 1 for my blogoversary and the other for getting to 200 followers..  The 1st winner gets a book of their choice and a book from my 2010 read so far list, which you can see on my sidebar.  The 2nd winner gets to choose from my sidebar.  Books will be new and sent from Book Depository.  You only have to leave a comment with your email and tell me what book you would be interested in.  I enjoy having giveaways, it is a way of saying thank you, so you have to be a follower.  I promised myself to never have giveaways to gain followers.

Also, here it goes, announcing my meme that will start this Thursday, hope you participate.

Title Talk on Thursday

Title Talk on Thursday is a NEW weekly bookish meme, hosted by Tea Time with Marce. A time to share opinions on how the title represented the story, while networking and adding to your Wishlist. All Genre's of Books are Welcomed.

Comment and leave the following:

*Title
*Author
*Genre
*Summary of the book
*Include a Teaser sentence the Title was used in if it is NOT a SPOILER
*Opinion on Title, is it a clever title, a grab your attention title, is it original, does it match the genre,etc
*Link to Your Review

Thank you for visiting Tea Time with Marce, I appreciate all comments and participation. Have fun with the Title Talk this week.

EXAMPLE

Comment and leave the following:

Title - The Remains
Author - Vincent Zandri
Genre - Thriller
Summary of the book - Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape.


Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead.

Now, it’s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year.

But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He’s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

Opinion on Title - The Remains suits this thriller, I think it was a great metaphor for the remains of the past which was haunting Rebecca and also The Remains that the investigators couldn't find.
 
My Review of The Remains

 What Title stood out to you this week? 
 
****
When I read a book and come across the title, it always brings a sense of accomplishment and I think clever, interesting or I just smile with that ahh moment.  So I decided to start this meme hoping it starts great conversation on each others blogs especially when we have read the same book.
 
I hope you visit and celebrate my year with me, you have been a huge part of why I love blogging.
 
 

Thriller Review - The Remains by Vincent Zandri on Kindle

Book Summary


Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape.

Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead.

Now, it’s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year.

But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He’s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

 My Review - 4 Great to the last Drop
 
Another author for me that can throw a punch, a scary punch that is.  This story makes you pay attention, you don't want to miss anything and you just want to keep reading until the end.  The book has very short chapters so you don't realise how much you have actually read.
 
Imagine being abducted as a child and 30 years later feeling like you are being stalked and realise it might just be from the man you thought had died. 
 
I loved how VincentZ had Rebecca in the present while also having blow by blow memories of the horrific past, that dynamic was a great way to tell this story.  At times you couldn't tell if she was paranoid, having a nightmare or actually living, experiencing the horror.

There is a huge reference to many reading fans classic, To Kill a Mockingbired, you won't believe what happens to the book.  In this story the favourite character is Boo.
 
I felt like I was reading a horror and in my head heard Beethoven's dark classical music, dun dun dun dun!!!!
 
I look forward to reading his other works now.  Right now this is only $2.99 on Amazon.  I read his digital short to get a feel for his writing first and he met my expectation.  See it here.......
 
I totally recommend this one for all Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Suspense fans, it is greatness.  I am including this one for the Thriller & Suspense Challenge.
 
 
Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Book triggers real life memory

I work in Human Resources and about 6 months ago I met a young men that looked familiar but I couldn't figure it out.

Well I am reading Remains by Vincent Zandri and reading this bought back the memory.

Just because no visible evidence of a break-in existed didn't mean that it hadn't happened.  I remember him as a small man.  Maybe even small enough to fit through that open window.

Guess what........ I was the head juror approx 3 years ago and I (the jurors) sent this man to jail for 2-3 years on a drug related crime and trying to flee out the window was a part of the case.

OMG

I can't believe it, the hairs on my arms rose when I figured it out.  I never thought I will see them ( it was 3 men) again, I mean how crazy is that.  During our 30 minute meeting I didn't remember, I wonder if he does.

Thanks for reading I just wanted to share that. 

Marce

Book Blogger Hop, About Rating Books

Welcome to Tea Time with Marce, it is wonderful to have you stop by.

My favourite genres are Suspense, Mystery, Thriller and Adult Fiction.  I would like to start getting into Memoirs also, that is next years goal.




This weeks question is:

Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

I had a post a few months ago about having 1/2 points and the majority did prefer them.  I also add reviews to LibraryThing and Amazon.  Amazon doesn't allow 1/2 points and I find it really hard sometimes between a 3 or a 4 so I decided to keep 1/2's.  I made my rating system personal to my blog.  See below.

Go Join in...........

Review - Hunger Games on Kindle

So I have completed Hunger Games.  Note, I read this quickly because I have been home with a pinched nerve in my neck, so reading is all I have done.  No work, toddler in school and no teaching my classes, it has been torture.

The one thing I can confirm is dystopian genre is not for me.  So friends I enjoyed it and understand why many love this genre but something about it just isn't my cup of tea.

I enjoyed how the book was categorised - Part 1 The Tributes, I loved this and thought oh ok I like the characters it is not to far fetched and then Part 2 The Games start.  It reminded me of the movie Gladiator, so much action and excitement but then I got a little bored instead of being excited on what was next, maybe just like the Capital watching the whole scene.  It is to quiet so lets spice it up. Then Part 3 The Victor, by this time I am ready for it to end.

Katniss was my favourite character, she was strong, brave and I like the way she thought.

So just like Uglies, I think the author is talented as the writing and stories are unique but it's not for me.  If this was a horror thriller which I think is possible I may have loved it.  I can't imagine this being a movie that young adults can watch, it would lack the gruesome fights that make it exciting, in my opinion.

I am glad I know what the hype is but I won't be reading on, I will live through all your reviews of Catching Fire and MockingJay.

I give it a 3 1/2 because I loved everything about Part 1.

Teaser Tuesday - Hunger Games and Guardian of the Gate

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MixB of Should Be Reading. Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MixB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following and go here to participate: Teaser Tuesday

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Hunger Games - yes I jumped on the hype wagon and I'm impressed so far.

On Kindle at 33%

You see an elderly person, you want to congratulate them on their longevity, ask the secret of survival.  A plump person is envied because they aren't scraping by like the majority of us.  But here it is different.

&

Guardian of the Gate - click on the cover on my sidebar to read my review

pg. 209

"We come from different places, Lia, and in many ways, different times as well.  But now, here, I want you to know that I honor the laws of your place and time."


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Hunger Games - I am going for it, Wish me Luck

I am not one that goes for they hype, a friend recommended this one to me before I start blogging and then after blogging I became overwhelmed with even trying.

A year into blogging and many of my trusted blogging friends are saying go for it so tonight I will be starting, remember it takes me approx a week to read a book so I will post my review right after.

I wish I would have kept track of a few reviews, one specifically I thought was so original and creative but honestly there have been so many I could never figure that out now.

WISH ME LUCK


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Review - Guardian of the Gate

Summary: (from Goodreads)

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

My Review

I loved Prophecy of the Sisters and was on pins and needles waiting for this one.  The few issues I had with Prophecy, Guardian of the Gate answered quickly so I was extremely pleased with Michelle Zink. (Thank you MichelleZ)

Michelle Zink has became one of my new favourite authors and I will read everything she writes.  She takes me on a visual journey through her artistic writing.  I feel like I am watching a movie while reading, everything feels so real, this is the ultimate reading escape.

Now about Guardian of the Gate, hmmm, because I love her writing and the characters I enjoyed it but it was quite different from Prophecy of the Sisters.  This one didn't have me on the edge of my seat waiting for new discoveries.  I enjoyed seeing Lia mature so much from the responsibility but still there were times they reminded us she was only 16, which was a good thing.  Oh and the love interest, can I just say I can't wait for James and Dimitri to meet, ooh la la, that is going to be dramaful greatness.

Overall I did enjoy Guardian of the Gate but I look forward to the next in the Trilogy as now it will be about the interpretation of the next part of the Prophecy and how they get to the end.

I give this one a 4 because the writing is amazing, in my opinion, and it is the 2nd book in the series.  If it was a stand alone I would have gave it 3 1/2 stars.  You must read this in order.

Have any of you read it yet please share your review.

My Review of Prophecy of the Sisters


Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce




 

Mini Review - Pathalogical by Vincent Zandri (A Digital Short)

Digital Short Summary

The serial killer takes on many guises. But what happens when you unknowingly take him as your most trusted and loyal husband?


Pathological is proof that even though you think you know your spouse inside and out, you might not really know him at all.

This is the first of many Digital Shorts from Vincent Zandri.   I first heard of him from Cheryl at CMash blog

My Review

I had no idea what a Digital Short was but I said let me see what the 1st chapter is about and I read the whole thing, only 7 chapters.  I definitely look forward to reading Vincent Zandri's books, his writing gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go.

Opening Sentences.....

Call me parasite.
Call my father-in-law the necessary evil.  Or just plain call him ugly.
But please allow me to correct myself.
Ugly is not my father-in-law yet.  But if all goes according to plan he will be dead by sundown tomorrow evening. Also, he's not really all that ugly and I'm not sure about the evil part either.  He's only ugly and evil when he's angry.  And right now, he's seething.

Are you hooked yet?  I downloaded on my Kindle for 89c

So I downloaded The Remains by him, look forward to reading this one now that I know his writing style is for me.

Book Summary

Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape.


Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead.

Now, it’s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year.

But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He’s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.
 
Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Friday Finds - (Thriller) & (Paranormal Suspense)

 

Friday Finds with MizB - to participate, network and get some ideas to add to your TBR list go here http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

I consider Amazon to be great at making recommendations according to what I buy for my Kindle and rate. So these books came up and I have never heard of this authors, have you? BTW - both of these are less then $6.

The bodies are found in towns and cities around Puget Sound. The young women who are the victims had nothing in common--except the agony of their final moments. But somebody carefully chose them to stalk, capture, and torture. . . a depraved killer whose cunning is matched only by the depth of his bloodlust. But the dying has only just begun. And next victim will be the most shocking of all. . .

Some doors are better left closed . . . In Barrington House, an upmarket block in London, there is an empty apartment. No one goes in, no one comes out. And it-s been that way for fifty years. Until the night watchman hears a disturbance after midnight and investigates. What he experiences is enough to change his life forever. A young American woman, Apryl, arrives at Barrington House. She's been left an apartment by her mysterious Great Aunt Lillian who died in strange circumstances. Rumours claim Lillian was mad. But her diary suggests she was implicated in a horrific and inexplicable event decades ago. Determined to learn something of this eccentric woman, Apryl begins to unravel the hidden story of Barrington House. She discovers that a transforming, evil force still inhabits the building. And the doorway to Apartment 16 is a gateway to something altogether more terrifying . . .

What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Booking Through Thursday - Responses to Reading Questions

This is a fun one in order to get to know each other better BUT 55 is way to many, I will answer what I feel like and I do not use library's so those are out.



1. Favorite childhood book?


Corduroy - The Little Bear loses his button story

2. What are you reading right now?

Almost done with Guardian of the Gate


4. Bad book habit?

Buying to many books.  I am a mood reader so I buy to my mood and then when I am finished a book 80% of the time the book I bought is no longer the choice.

6. Do you have an e-reader?

I own a Kindle, here are my posts on them if interested.

I confess... Love my Kindle more than books 
&
Kindle Product Review
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

One at a time and I read approx 1 book a week with my busy life, possibly 2.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

My reading habits are less time reading more time blogging :-0 but I love it because I add new books to my Wishlist all the time and I had no idea about all the fabulous books before.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)

This may shock many but Uglies by Scott Westerfield.  It was my first try at Dystopian Genre and it is just not for me at all.  He is a great writer the genre is the issue.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?

The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer - My Review
(Psychological Suspense)

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?

Never before blogging but I have tried memoirs now and I would say I would try 4 books a year out of my comfort zone.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

Suspense, Thriller, Mystery hands down

13. Can you read on the bus?

Yes but I am never on a bus.

14. Favorite place to read?

In my bed when no one is around to distract me.

15. What is your policy on book lending?

NO DOG EAR'S, funny that this is next question, it is a pet peeve.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?

Never

20. What makes you love a book?

Believable characters and when a book makes me emotional - angry, shocked, sad, inquisitive....

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

It depends on the story and who I am recommending to.  I would recommend Still Alice by Lisa Genova to everyone.

22. Favorite genre?

Suspense

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)

If I wished I did I would.........

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?

Out of my Mind review

28. Favorite reading snack?

Earl Grey Tea

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.

I take longer to read them.  eg. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Hunger Games, I still haven't read these.  I am sure I will the Girl but still deciding about HGames.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?

I listen to blogging friends, they are the critics I am concerned with.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

It is my opinion as a reader, I am not a professional or try to come across as one so I give my review but I feel I say why and usually I will say I cannot recommend this one but the average rating is *.........

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?

Portuguese

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?

I get intimidated by Chunkster's and I can't think of an answer.
35. Favorite Poet?

Don't have a favourite but I do enjoy Poetry.  Lisa Schroeder is an amazing Verse Novel Author, if that counts.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Time Traveler's Wife, I really tried.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

My 3 year old daughter

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

The Notebook hands down

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?

My Sisters Keeper

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?

$140 but this included books for myself and Christmas presents.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

Not often

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

Being confused or it is just boring, if I feel tortured to cont' I stop.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?

A little - All Mary Higgins Clark are together, TBR together and read that I loved together.  I donate others.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

see above

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?

The books that have to most hype.  Hunger Games, Book Thief and Dragon Tattoo.  I even included them on a challenge this year and I have 4 months left, I'm not to sure about them being completed.

52. Name a book that made you angry.

Angry in a good way - Ace of Hearts by Jean Holloway My Review
          (Thriller, Suspense)
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?

This is hard to answer, I wouldn't read anything that I didn't expect to enjoy.  The Verse Novels intrigued me this year and I am enjoying those more than expected I guess.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?

Shutter Island

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

I consider Verse Novels my new simple pleasure.


Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce