Mailbox Monday - Oct 3

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Here we are again. Hope you all had a nice weekend. Ours was busy.

My youngest niece got married this weekend. She was a lovely bride and we all had a fun time. Food was great.

It was also a soccer weekend. The Lil' Princess was waiting for play to start in that photo. She's having a good year, but her team isn't winning any games. At least she is enjoying herself. 

As far as books go, all the books that arrived were not requested, but they are all books I would like to read.

This first one is from a series I've read in the past. Haven't read the last few, but they are in my pile.

The terrorist organization ISIS is after a deadly toxin that could be the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. The same toxin holds the potential to eradicate cancer. There is a frantic race to see who can get to it first, even as Caitlin Strong begins to assemble the disparate pieces of a deadly puzzle.

At the center of that puzzle is an Indian reservation where a vengeful tycoon is mining the toxin, disguising his effort as an oil-drilling operation. This is the same reservation where Caitlin’s great-great-grandfather, also a Texas Ranger, once waged a similar battle against the forces of John D. Rockefeller.

In her highest-stakes adventure yet, Caitlin Strong faces off against a host of adversaries that just might include the beautiful Comanche girl with whom the son of her ex-outlaw boyfriend Cort Wesley Masters has fallen in love, along with a mythic monster culled from Native American folklore that the tribe believes has risen to protect its land. The lives of those Caitlin loves most are threatened by the villains she’s pursuing; her own moral code is challenged. The fate of both the country and the state she loves are dangling on the precipice of a strong cold death.

For as long as Lottie can remember, the only people who seem to care about her have been her best friend, Eliot, and the mysterious letter-writer who sends her birthday gifts. But now strange things and people are arriving on the island Lottie calls home, and Eliot's getting sicker, with a disease the doctors have given up trying to cure. Lottie doesn't know what she can possibly do—until a door opens in the apple tree. Down through the roots is another world—a world of treacherous, beautiful, impossible magic that just might lead to a cure for Eliot.

Even after escaping from the Southerly Kingdom, Lottie Fiske and her best friend Eliot have returned to the magical Albion Isle, despite the fact that she is a wanted criminal there, because she is seeking answers about her abilities, and her parents--but war is threatening Limn, and the answers she needs seem to lie in the Northerly Kingdom, along a road full of dangers.

Jane Austen's family is eager to secure her future by marrying her off. But Jane is much more interested in writing her novels, and finds every suitor lacking—until the mysterious Mr. Lefroy arrives. Could he be the one? Before Jane can find out, she must solve a murder, clear her family's name, and face a decision that might cost her true love.

That's it for now. I'll be away at a conference part of the week, so not sure how much blogging I'll do. Make it a great one.

Get Ready for the Holidays with Bargain EBooks from Chronicle Books

Chronicle Eye Candy offers the best ebooks every month from $3.99 or less. These special prices are often available in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and Europe too—sweet!

Here are some of the bargain titles for November.

This definitive baking guide is the much-anticipated cookbook from the Model Bakery, a mother-daughter–run baking destination with a huge local following that's been wowing the Wine Country for years. And this book of sensational artisan baked goods makes clear why there are lines out the door! Featuring 75 recipes and 60 photos, it's as luscious to look at as their most-requested breads, classic desserts, and fresh pastries—all arrayed here—are to eat. Pain au Levain, Sticky Buns, Peach Streusel Pie, Ginger Molasses Cookies, and many more glorious recipes make this a mouthwatering read and a reference gem for lovers of bread and pastry, cakes and cookies, and, of course, the Model Bakery!

Available here!

This tantalizing book celebrates the art of cooking slowly with time-honored methods that yield tender, delicious meals with little hands-on cooking time. More than 80 recipes cover everything from slow-simmered soups and stews to hearty braised meats and a lemon cheesecake that cures to a creamy custard in a warm oven overnight. A chapter devoted to the sous vide technique will tempt the technophiles, while the slow-grilling section is a revelation for those who man the grill every weekend. Brought to life with 36 enticing photographs by award-winning photographer Alan Benson, this valuable package sells the dream of cooking and living well and is a must-have for dedicated home cooks.

Available here!

Renowned for her cooking school in France and her many best-selling cookbooks, Anne Willan combines years of hands-on experience with extensive research to create a brand new classic. More than 250 recipes range from the time-honored La Truffade, with its crispy potatoes and melted cheese, to the Languedoc specialty Cassoulet de Toulouse, a bean casserole of duck confit, sausage, and lamb. And the desserts! Crêpes au Caramel et Beurre Sal (crêpes with a luscious caramel filling) and Galette Landaise (a rustic apple tart) are magnifique. Sprinkled with intriguing historical tidbits and filled with more than 270 enchanting photos of food markets, villages, harbors, fields, and country kitchens, this cookbook is an irresistible celebration of French culinary culture.

Available here!

Chronicle Books Offering 75% off 9 Digital Cookbooks

I received this notice in my Inbox from Chronicle Books. Right now they are offering 75% off 9 of their digital cookbooks. That's good news for those of us who will be cooking and baking this holiday season. The New Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan is just one of those great books you'll want to stock up on this season.

Visit http://www.chroniclebooks.com/  and check out this wonderful deal!

You've Got Mail Monday

I can't even keep up with my mailbox, lately. That's why I haven't posted about all the neat things that have arrived. Let's just say, my office is so full of boxes right now, I might need shovel to make a path to my desk.

The girls have been good, though. They haven't bugged about or poked or prodded through the packages. They did, however, ask that question parents never want to hear this time of year, "Is Santa real?"

In addition to the multitude of packages that have arrived via USPS, UPS, and FedEx, I wanted to point out two things. One is Gary's Gray World by Ryan J. Cunningham. Ryan is touring with this book in January, and I'll be reviewing it at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. The Children's Spring/Summer 2013 catalog from Chronicle Books also came in the mail last week.  I haven't browsed through it yet, but I visited their website recently and found the most hilarious book.

I watched the trailer for this one, and though I don't have much of a sense of humor, I really want to buy this book. Now, if I could justify spending $13 on myself after all the Christmas shopping I've done, I would be in business.

Hope your holiday preparations are going well.

Personalize Your Holiday Table with Chronicle Books

Make your Thanksgiving table unique with personalized placemats from Chronicle Books. Now 25% OFF!

Visit them online at http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/personalization and click on "Placemats" in the sidebar. Use promotion code: GOBBLE12!

While you're there, check out the other personalized items they offer that will make great gifts!

You've Got Mail Mondays

Not a ton of stuff in my mailbox this week, but definitely things worth the trip down the driveway.
Chronicle Books--one of my favorite indie publishers--sent me their Fall/Winter 2012 Adult and Gift catalogs. They had sent me their children's one last week (sorry I forgot to mention that). From books to journals to stationery and more, I like browsing to find unique gifts for friends and family. Where else are you going to find Wet Cats Deluxe Notecards?

The Land's End Home catalog also arrived. I've been admiring their Lifetime Teak™ Chaise Lounge and Adirondack chair. I was surprised to see the back of the catalog featured needlepoint iPad®, Kindle® and Nook® covers. It seems we can't go anywhere without seeing devices and their accessories these days.

That's it for this week's edition of You've Got Mail Monday. Hope you have a great week.

You've Got Mail Mondays

I guess the mailman felt he needed to make up for last week, because I got a slew of stuff.

Two catalogs from Land's End arrived--women's and men's. They are currently running a Family & Friends Event that includes 25% off on regularly-priced items and free shipping. But hurry, it ends tomorrow.

Macy's sent me a 16-page catalog for women. It included a VIP Pass for an extra 20% off regular, sale and clearance apparel for her, him and kids, fine and fashion jewelry and select home items. The VIP sale runs from March 7th - 11th so I might see if I can find some pants I desperately need. I love their clothes, but I don't shop there often because I can't afford to. If it's not on sale, I don't buy it.

The hubby and I actually went there this weekend to exchange an overcoat I had bought him for Valentine's Day. Macy's has marked down their winter items, plus we had a coupon for an additional 25% off, so we ended up paying $120 for a Calvin Klein Coleman overcoat (pictured above) that was originally priced $350. Cha-ching!

I hid the Justice® catalog when it arrived on Tuesday. This is another store with products I love at prices I don't feel comfortable paying all the time. What I love most about Justice is that their clothes are fashionable, but modest. I think the Lil Diva (10) will love the multi-color gem sandals below.

Oriental Trading® sent their Fun and Faith catalog last week too. We use them at church for craft and Vacation Bible School supplies.

When I received my gardening packet a few weeks ago, I requested a catalog from Fancy Leaf Caladiums. I was a bit surprised when a folding brochure arrived. I was expecting something larger. We have partial shade to shade on one side of the house and I want to add a bit more color on that side. These caladiums look like they might do the trick. I had tried Bleeding Hearts once, but they expanded too quickly. I'm thinking the Fannie Munson or Rosalie would be a nice addition to the garden.

Has anyone grown these? Do you have any tips?

For books, I received Project Jackalope by Emily Ecton and Tua and the Elephant by R.P. Harris. These came to me unsolicited from Chronicle Books. I don't usually read books that come to me without a formal request placed, but I like Chronicle Books, so I might give them a whirl. Also in the mail came Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard, which I am reading for her VBT.

On the local front, The Wilbraham-Hampden Times that comes on Thursdays, had an article about the new Head of School at Somers Academy in Somersville, CT. Cynthia Flynn used to run the preschool our daughters' attended. I was heartbroken when it closed (though my girls were in grammar school at the time). I am so thrilled for Miss Cindy. She's a dedicated educator and I'm sure she'll do a fabulous job there. We're considering private school for the Lil Princess (8) because she is farther advanced than her classmates and is finding school a bit boring. Her current school has offered her enrichment opportunities, but I think private schooling is the way to ensure she remains challenged.

That's it for now. I already had a neat book arrive today that I am eager to share with you next week.

You've Got Mail Mondays!

This is a take on Mailbox Mondays, which was started by some smart and innovative blogger many moons ago--and I don't know who that was. My hope is that we'll be seeing a lot more products coming through than books (though I love books too). I'm also not going to just talk about books or products that come in the mail. I might mention catalogs or newspapers that might have articles of interest. I hope you'll give me feedback on this new feature, as I truly want this to be a place you enjoy visiting.

On the books front, I received:

• Promise of the Night by Michaela MacColl. This is a middle grade historical--a market I am writing for now--but I won't be reviewing this book. It is for a giveaway I am running at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection on January 26th.
• Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble. I ordered this one to review through the Amazon Vine program. I read Coble's The Lightkeeper's Daughter and have been hoping to read more from her. Though I'm not usually one for kidnapped baby stories, this one sounds fabulous, so I thought I would give it a whirl.
• Popular Clone by M.E. Castle. My oldest daughter (the Lil Diva) loves science. I tried to get this book through the Amazon Vine program, but they were out of stock. This copy was sent by Egmont USA unsolicited. I was thrilled, and the Lil Diva said it sounded like her kind of book.
• I also requested The Innkeeper by John Piper from the Amazon Vine program. Keeping in the Christmas spirit, this story celebrates Christ's birth and the power of His resurrection. Two weeks before His Crucifixion, Jesus visits the innkeeper who made a place for Mary and Joseph on the night of His miraculous birth. I can't wait to read this one!

Also in the mail this week came a late Christmas/birthday present for my daughter-in-law. Her birthday is the 28th, so we usually wrap up everything on Christmas day. With being sick I was running behind, and there was a short delay in getting this to us.

This is the Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light for her Kindle. Our son bought her a Kindle Touch for Christmas, so we thought she would enjoy this. I'll have to see how she likes it and report back on it. Personally, I'm thrilled reading at night is no longer an issue for me thanks to the Kindle Fire Santa brought.

The AAA Times arrived so that we can get started planning our 2012 vacation. This is the newspaper put out by AAA for its members. Not only does it talk about their vacation packages--which we took advantage of last summer for our Disney trip--but it also updates members on other AAA news and offers informative articles.

In this issue, it discusses how RMV services will now be available at their West Springfield branch. Thank God, because budget cuts have forced some of our full and express service RMV branches to close. I don't visit the RMV often, but when I do I don't want to wait in line forever. They now offer AAA driver education at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. There's a fabulous article titled, "5 Ways to Maintain Your Health and Save," an article on Philadelphia, a front page article titled, "Celebrate the Wonders of Winter," that highlights different winter festivals, and an article about the dangers of driving while drowsy.

On Thursdays, the mailman delivers our weekly copy of The Wilbraham-Hampden Times. This is our local paper published by Turley Publications.  The front page, as usual for the end of the year, published photos from the top stories. What tops the list this year? The June 1st tornado--the likes of which hasn't been seen in our area for around 50 years. Though it might seem hard to believe, some families are still picking up the pieces from that mess. Why is that you may ask? Well, it could be thanks to the next two top stories: the October storm that traveled up the Northeast coast, blanketing our area with over a foot of snow and leaving many without power for a week or more, and the July microburst from July 27th, that damaged some of the same areas hardest hit by the June tornado.

What was nice to see is that two of our neighbors made the news as well: one as a hometown hero and the other for leading our high school's football team to the playoffs.

Finally, this week brought my Spring/Summer 2012 children's, adults, and gifts catalogs from Chronicle Books. They are one of my favorite children's publishers. They were the first publisher I began working with when I started The Children's and Teens' Book Connection.

Hope you enjoyed my first of hopefully many You've Got Mail Mondays. Feel free to share something you received in your mailbox last week.


This is an unpaid, unsponsored post.

Chronicle Books 2nd Annual Happy Haul-idays Giveaway at TC&TBC

Visit my children's and teens' book blog, The Children's and Teens' Book Connection for details on how you, a lucky commenter, and your favorite charity can win up to $500 worth of FREE books from Chronicle Books in their 2nd Annual Happy Haul-idays event.

You can find my post at http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/chronicle-books-2nd-annual-happy-haulidays-giveaway/

Good luck to all who enter!