It doesn't rhyme. 2008 was going to be great. It was. 2009 was going to be fine. It was. What the heck rhymes with 10? The only thing I can come up with is "hen." So, anyhoo, Happy (almost) New Year!



I'm not a resolution person, but I decided to go for it anyway. 10 resolutions for 2010. Ready? Good. Here goes:

1. Read 200 books. Am I insane? Why yes, thank you very much. I am.
2. Have my manuscript accepted by an agent (one particular agent, hopefully!)...I'm on the right track with 2 full MS submissions out. Fingers crossed, eh?
3. Give up Red Bull for good. I'm addicted. It's a disease.
4. Buy 1 pair of really bright shoes per month instead of 5. I'm out of room.
5. Go to 1 concert per month. I don't care about the band, but I need to extend my musical horizons.
6. Escape Alcatraz again. No, I'm not kidding. I've done it before. I'm doing it again in July.
7. Finish writing book #2...I'm getting there. Veeeerrryyy slowly.
8. Stop referring to my cats as my children. I prefer to be called a "Cat Woman," by the way. It sounds way hotter than "Cat Lady."
9. Make my blog even better. Is it possible? Uhhh have you seen it? I think, yes. ;)
10. Sleep more. Sometimes my best work comes from my dreams.

A couple final closing notes - First of all, today is my last day at my current job! The new job starts Monday, so I'm pretty excited. Second, I will have a review of Witch & Wizard by James Patterson tomorrow. Third, I am going to The Dark Divine book launch party at the King's English bookstore this Saturday in Salt Lake City. I'll even get to see the lovely Bree Despain! Also, please check out the great new Meme at A Bookful of Thoughts...I love it.

Last but certainly not least, I figured I'd share this gem with you all. Becca Fitzpatrick of Hush, Hush fame will be doing a live chat on January 11, 2010 to discuss writing, publishing, her story, etc. Want to know more? Go to Fallen Archangel for the full details!



So, that's it. Happy New Year, enjoy the festivities, and I'll see you all in 2010!

Sometimes it can be difficult to be objective when reading a popular novel. In the case of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, It couldn't be more true. Still, I didn't want to get my hopes up...



For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I knew there would be elements in Hush, Hush that were similar to other novels, but the twists and turns throughout the book kept me guessing the entire time. The story follows Nora Grey, her best friend Vee, Patch, Elliot, and Jules, along with various other characters intermingled. Nora is forced to work with Patch in Biology, and she can't help but feel attracted to him - and scared. The one thing that makes her certain that Patch is completely different than any guy she knows is the huge, upside-down V of scars on his back. When she tries to uncover his past, which he's extremely hesitant to share, Nora gets more than she bargained for and plummets into a world of angels, heaven, and hell she never knew existed.

Obviously, there's a lot more to it than that, but I really don't want to give anything away to those who haven't read it yet. Do I recommend it? Highly. I give 5 out 5 stars. It's engaging, exciting, riveting, and you never want to close the book for the night...and that's the type of book I love! I can't believe we have to wait for the sequel, Crescendo, until Fall 2010. Remember - there's still time to review Hush, Hush and enter to win a Nook at The Lateiner Gang Book Review Spot! The contest ends Friday, February 5, 2010!