Review: The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook by Jennifer Appel

September 25, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook

Author: Jennifer Appel and Allysa Torey

Publishing Information: November 3, 1999 by Simon & Schuster

Genre: Cookbook

Format: Hardcover, 128 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

Recommended For: Anyone who enjoys baking or eating delicious treats!

Sometimes, I do things besides read and blog, like bake! Though sometimes that baking experience is so delicious and amazingly enough can be rerouted back again to blogging so here we are.

A few weeks ago, I checked out The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook from my local library. I don’t know if any of you have ever been to Magnolia Bakery in NYC (or heard about it on Sex and the City), but let me tell you, the treats there are DELICIOUS. The best part (for lazy Alyssa) is the fact that they are now also located in Grand Central Station! This obviously means that every time I step foot in Grand Central I must buy something (see: cupcakes) and all three days that my aunt and I were in NYC for BEA resulted in A LOT of Magnolia Bakery purchases.

I have to be honest and tell you that although I enjoy baking and have made a plethora of breads and cookies from scratch; I have yet to try cakes or frosting! I was so excited and also quite nervous to try these recipes for the first time, but overall I think they were a success, at least, no one became sick and I heard lots of yummy noises!

My first attempt was the Devil’s Food Cake (except I made cupcakes) with Mocha Buttercream Frosting and let me tell you, they were delicious! I have now made these for multiple parties – including a luau bridal shower – and everyone raves about them. The frosting is especially a hit for both lovers and non-lovers of coffee (or espresso) and I’ll tell you a secret – I’ve even plastered it on top of a cake made from a box recipe, blasphemous, I KNOW, but it even enhances the most boring cupcake recipe.

I checked this book out before purchasing it because some of the reviews made me wary. I am thrilled to say that I will definitely be purchasing this cookbook very soon and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn some secrets of the perfection that is Magnolia Bakery. Yum!

Review: In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

September 21, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: In a Glass Grimmly

Author: Adam Gidwitz

Publishing Information: September 27, 2012, Dutton Children’s Books

Genre: Middle-Grade, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

Series information: Companion novel to A Tale Dark and Grimm

Format: Paperback, 312 pages

Source: ARC from the publisher (BEA 2012)

Recommended For: Fans of fairytales, and fairy tale rewrites, anyone looking for a fun read

Take caution ahead—

Oversize plant life, eerie amphibious royalty, and fear-inducing creatures abound.

Lest you enter with dread.

Follow Jack and Jill as they enter startling new landscapes that may (or may not) be scary, bloody, terrifying, and altogether true.

Step lively, dear reader . . .

Happily ever after isn’t cutting it anymore.

It’s no question that I loved A Tale Dark and Grimm, it was one of my favorite reads of 2011 and I recommend it every possible chance that I get. So imagine my surprise as I am stalking the Penguin booth at BEA and I see a HUGE poster showcasing the cover with artwork that looked suspiciously like that on the cover of A Tale Dark and Grimm. I stop in my tracks and my mouth hits the ground “HEIDI!” I scream, “DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A NEW GIDWITZ BOOK?!” People stared, I was nicely pushed along in the crowd and Heidi was all “Duh they are giving away ARCS on Thursday.” (Except a lot sweeter and more Heidi-like) so we did our best and FAILED to obtain one in the end. However, my awesome boss knows that I am slightly obsessed so when she obtained a copy for summer reading prizes she pressed it into my hands lovingly and said, “Go forth, and read to your heart’s desire.” And I did.

Like A Tale Dark and Grimm, this story focuses on two children who leave their homes due to humility and lack of positive parenting. They are joined by a frog, who has a story of his own to tell, and they all set out on some pretty interesting adventures. Through these adventures the story of Jack (and Jill) and the beanstalk are told, as well as Jack Jill the Giant Killer and we learn just how Jack broke his crown after tumbling (very far) down. There is also a pretty sinister mermaid story, which I utterly adored, some rather hungry goblins and an absolutely loveable yet terrifying salamander named Eidechse von Feuer, der Menschenfleischfressende, or Eddie, for short.

The hilarious narrator was back again to help sooth us through those tough moments and more importantly, to help explain what goblins really look like and not just what we think they look like due to the desensitization of video games. This brought a sense of humor to the already interesting and somewhat dark storylines that I really loved.

For those of you who enjoyed A Tale Dark and Grimm, In a Glass Grimmly does not disappoint. For those of you wondering if this is the book for you I urge you to give it a try, it was interesting, witty and all around fun. It was a joy to read and I thoroughly hope Adam Gidwitz continues writing these twisted tales as he really does a phenomenal job.

Top Ten Tuesday (26)

September 18, 2012 by Alyssa

Top Ten Bookish People I Would Love to Meet!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish which I adore and therefore chose to adopt into my weekly blog posts!

William Shakespeare – An obvious one and though I totally believe he is the real deal it would be nice to find out for sure, I suppose!

Juliet Marillier – Another obvious one, she is my favorite author! However, I have to admit that if I ever did meet her I would probably just keel over and/or look like an idiot because I could have nothing compelling to say to her!

Edgar Allen Poe – I would love to see his “madness” in real life!

L. Frank Baum – Just to hug him. He wrote my favorite books!

Isaac Marion – I follow him on Twitter and he seems like quite an awesome guy, and he makes me laugh out loud on a daily basis.

J.K. Rowling – I just fear I would bore her with the same questions about HP that she has probably heard a thousand times.

Adam Gidwitz – I’d like to give him a book of my favorite fairy tales and have them read them aloud while interjecting with his own narrations.

The Bloggess – She’s amazing. She is inspirational and hilarious.

Brom – I might be a little scared to meet him because he has to have a very deep and dark imagination but I would love to know if he is going to delve into another fairytale rewrite anytime soon.

Ransom Riggs – I would enjoy looking through his photograph collection for sure!

One Year Blogoversary!

September 14, 2012 by Alyssa

Pardon me guys for this is sure to be a post where I get all sappy-pants on you but I promise it will be short(ish) and to the point.

Today is my one year blogoversary and I just have to say that before starting my blog, I really wasn’t prepared for what having a blog entailed. I knew that I would have to work to keep up with my reviews and so on, but if you told me a year ago that I would obsess over comments, and Tweets, I would have laughed in your face. I had no idea that I would fall into a schedule regarding what books I read so that I could review them and I had no idea that the whole idea would burn me out. A few months ago I was so burnt out by the whole ordeal that I kind of pulled back on my blog for a while. I wasn’t happy with what I was doing and I didn’t like that it was feeling like “work” when it started out as something I was so excited about. I took some time off, moved to WordPress and read some books that I wanted to read, books I knew I wouldn’t be reviewing and you know what? It renewed the whole idea for me. I no longer feel controlled by my blog or compelled to read and review things because I “have to post something today!” Instead, I read and review because I want to, and because I want you take something from my work.

I have blogger friends who have commented on the change in my reviews since my move to WordPress and this is my explanation: I love what I am doing now. I get excited to write my reviews and I feel proud when I know that the finished product is not something contrived, but something that really came from within me. I mean every word I say and when my readers comment and tell me they appreciate my words, that is the best feeling in the world.

A few weeks ago I posted a review on The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom and the author, Christopher Healy tweeted me to tell me how humbled he was after reading my review. I honestly can’t even explain my elation over this message. The author of a book that I utterly ADORED, told me he was humbled by my words. I danced around the house, I got a little teary, I ate some chocolate and told my cat all about it. Then, just this week, a fellow blogger, Janice, mentioned me in her appreciation post for Book Blogger Appreciation Week. She mentioned that while reading my reviews she can genuinely tell how a book has affected me and this is probably one of the nicest compliments I have ever received because that is exactly what I long to do. I want you, the readers, to know that books affect me. They make me feel feelings. Strong ones…and I know you all feel the same.

Blogging has led me to meet new friends, some that I am lucky enoung to have met in real life and who I know will be my friends for many years (Oh! HAI, booksoulmate!) It has also led me to new authors, and genres and honestly, it helped me define myself in a new way.

Basically what I want to say is thank you. Sincerely. Thank you all for being people who understand me. When a certain quote hits me just the right way or when I am so angry at a character that I want to scream, thank you for all being there on the other end ready and willing to listen and understand why it is affecting me so. Thank you for thinking of me when you read a novel, knowing that it is something I would love (or hate) and thank you for taking me out of my comfort zone when you know it’s necessary. Thank you for being you, while you help me be me.

The main thing that I have learned over this past year is that though some think that reading is just a hobby, it is so much more for me, and I am not alone.

Review: Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

September 14, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Carnival of Souls

Author: Melissa Marr

Publishing Information: September 4, 2012 by HarperCollins

Genre: Young-Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Series information: Book 1 in a planned series

Format: Paperback,

Source: ARC from the publisher (BEA 2012)

Recommended For: Lovers of dark and paranormal fantasy

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures–if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live. (Via Goodreads)

I am always up for a dark tale, and thus far, Melissa Marr has excelled at delivering them. Carnival of Souls was my second book by Melissa Marr and the epic world building, intricate characters and weaving storylines that I loved in Graveminder, were also evident in Carnival of Souls.

Carnival of Souls is unique in the way it is told in three different points of view, from Mallory, Kaleb and Ava…

Mallory is anything but normal; her life isn’t too stable as she is constantly moving from town to town with her adoptive father, Adam. Adam is a witch and is on the run from the daimons because he stole something from them long ago, and their leader would do almost anything to obtain what has been lost to him. It is the constant vigilance of Adam and Mallory that has kept them alive and safe for so many years. Mallory obeys her father’s wishes and doesn’t get too close to anyone, knowing that she won’t be able to spend much time around them anyway. However, things change quickly for Mallory when she meets Kaleb. She is instantly drawn to him and finds him intriguing in a way that she has never felt before. However, she does her best to resist getting to know him because she believes him to be human and knows she can’t risk him by drawing him into her chaotic life.

The Carnival of Souls takes place in The City and occurs once in every generation. It consists of fights to the death between daimons, and the prize is a raise in the caste, and a chance to join the ruling class.

Kaleb is not at all what he seems to Mallory, he is a lower caste daimon and is one who wears a black mask. The black mask sets him apart and showcases his skills as a fighter and a killer. It are these skills that lead him to be hired to find Mallory for an upper caste daimon. It comes as a surprise to Kaleb when he is drawn to Mallory in a way that he had never imagined, she immediately becomes “pack” to him, and you die to protect those in your pack.

Ava is also a daimon in The City. Though unlike Kaleb, she is part of the upper class. Ava chooses to compete in The Carnival of Souls for a different reason than to raise her status. Instead, she fights to win her freedom – the freedom to choose her own future. Female daimons in the upper caste are forced to marry and breed, and Ava would rather die.

At first the relationship between Mallory and Kaleb seemed to lean toward the insta-love we find in many paranormal romances. However, Marr made me believe in it in a way I have been unable to in the past. The moment Kaleb described Mallory as pack was the moment I believed fully in their relationship and began to become invested in their reliance on one another as a couple. I also became very interested in Mallory’s growth through the novel, Adam keeps many secrets from her and though she is physically stronger than most females her age, she begins as a very naïve character. She grew fabulously throughout the novel, and by the last paragraph I was metaphorically giving her a high five. I enjoyed the vastly different emotions I felt toward both Mallory and Ava, where Mallory had to grow on me, I loved the strength behind Ava and her utter devotion to fight for herself. I felt angst and sorrow over her decisions because she had no choice but to fight for herself.

“They were pack. She was meant to be in his life, and now that he knew it, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”

Melissa Marr again delivered a world that I cannot stop thinking about; I loved the darkness and the blurred lines between good and evil. The caste system, the masks, and their representation throughout The City provided amazing imagery that I had no trouble picturing in my mind.

Carnival of Souls was fantastic and delightfully dark. I felt a deep connection to each of the characters and thought the relationships to be intricate and overly exciting. The plot of this novel is fast paced and I devoured it, desperately needing to find out what was going to happen next. I am eagerly anticipating book two in this series, I can’t wait to see who will excel in fighting for what they believe in.

Extra: I was lucky enough to meet Melissa Marr at BEA – and not to brag, but she totally hugged me – and she was so incredibly nice and just..well…awesome! She also signed my book (with what I think is the best signature ever):

Thank you so much for the ARC, Melissa (and HarperCollins), I doubt I was able to express my gratitude and love for this novel in this short post. In a nutshell: you rock!

Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

September 7, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Shadowfell

Author: Juliet Marillier

Publishing Information: September 11, 2012 by Random House

Genre: young adult, fantasy, romance

Series information: Book one in a planned series

Format: Nook edition, 416 pages

Source: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

Recommended For: Fans of myths, legends, lore and those looking for a deeper and darker young adult novel filled with adventure and romance.

Its name is spoken only in whispers, if the people of Alban dare to speak it at all: Shadowfell. The training ground for rebels seeking to free their land from the grip of the tyrannical king is so shrouded in mystery that most believe it to be a myth.

But for Neryn, Shadowfell’s existence is her only hope. She is penniless, orphaned, and utterly alone – and concealing a treacherous magical power that will warrant her immediate enslavement should it be revealed. She finds hope of allies in the Good Folk, fey beings whom she must pretend she cannot see and who taunt her with chatter of prophecies and tests, and in a striking, mysterious stranger, who saves her from certain death but whose motives remain unclear. She knows she should not trust anyone with her plans, but something within her longs to confide in him.

Will Neryn be forced to make the dangerous journey alone? She must reach Shadowfell, not only to avenge her family and salvage her own life, but to rescue Alban itself. (From Goodreads)

So I have been one of those gals who has refused to name a favorite author for as long as I can remember. However I finally realized that I’m not really fooling anybody and that it’s blatantly obvious to anyone who even casually mentions Juliet Marillier in my presence that I am just head over heels in love with this author and her work. This was a scary thing for me to realize because as I was reading Shadowfell I was holding it to a ridiculously high standard, which means there was a pretty long way to fall if this book didn’t meet my expectations. Fear not my friends, as I began reading I was reacquainted with the familiar feelings I have grown to love. I fell right into the story as easily as one snuggles under their favorite blanket and was left needing more as the story concluded.

The characters are quite loveable, Neryn is younger than most of Marillier’s heroines and she is significantly different than those we have met before. Instead of leaving the comfort she knows to set out on a journey like many of Marillier’s past heroines, the story begins with her at rock bottom. She is left with nothing. No family, no home and only an inkling of where to go next. She was written in a much more naïve voice than I was used to and it really reflected the difference between the young adult and adult novels by this author. I appreciated the fact that this character didn’t seem too “old” and that the reader was able to watch her grow as the story progressed. I loved Flint (no surprise there) and I love the extreme duality of his life and both the angst and honor that made up his character. I am hoping that the secondary characters become more fleshed out in book two (and I’m sure they will) because the glimpses we have been given are extraordinary!

“You don’t like it that I am the one you need to keep the wolf from the door; that comes as no surprise. But I am the one you have. At some point we’ll both have to risk telling the truth.”

I’ve reviewed a few Juliet Marillier novels while working on this blog and it always boggles my mind how the author manages to make me feel comforted with her words yet also blown away at the different worlds and characters. Like Wildwood Dancing and Heart’s Blood, this novel was reminiscent of the world of Sevenwaters, yet at the same time it was profoundly different and glorious in its own way. The biggest difference found between Shadowfell and her previous novels is the fact that all of Juliet’s other “series” are made up of companion novels and not sequels. Shadowfell is different. I turned the last page and was met with a blank canvas, an ellipsis, if you will. This left me feeling an entire new range of feelings over the story. Never has Juliet left me wondering just where those characters were going and more importantly, what would happen to their love!! Marillier has a knack for slow burn romances but this one was left hanging just as the reached it’s peak! I wanted more, I needed more and I was left with my mouth dangling open in a “Touché, Ms. Marillier” moment.

It’s a new world Marillier brings to life in Shadowfell, we are taken away from the lush green that we readers are used to while in her world. One of the things I loved it the introduction of new “Other” characters. I immensely enjoy reading about these characters and I really appreciated the way that this book represented a different type than I had read of before. I was impressed by the intricate storyline and constantly found myself wondering what was going to happen to these characters in a way that excited to me to no end.

Though this story was reminiscent of Marillier’s other pieces of literature, it was not my favorite, and I believe this is because I found that my heart wasn’t breaking and mending as much as when I read her adult novels. This is in no way a negative aspect of the novel, it was merely a different journey than what I was used to from this author. This novel is a story of hope and desire on many levels. It showcases the journey one must make to become the person they are meant to be and it was a beautiful beginning to another trilogy that I am sure to love.

Top Ten Tuesday (25)

September 4, 2012 by Alyssa

Top Ten Books on my Fall To Be Read Pile!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish which I adore and therefore chose to adopt into my weekly blog posts!

I had to go literal and only pick books that are being published during the literal autumn to winter timeframe because I can’t narrow them down, and I also only added books that I have not read with the exception of one because it was too great not to add. So, here we go…

Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell – “When dashing American explorer Ral Conrath invites Jane and her father on an expedition deep into West Africa, she can hardly believe her luck. Rising to the challenge, Jane finds an Africa that is every bit as beautiful and fascinating as she has always imagined. But she quickly learns that the lush jungle is full of secrets–and so is Ral Conrath. When danger strikes, Jane finds her hero, the key to humanity’s past, and an all-consuming love in one extraordinary man: Tarzan of the Apes.” I have had great luck with retellings of historical fiction lately, I hope this one is just as awesome.

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh – “Before Jepp can become the master of his own destiny, he will need to prove himself to a brilliant and eccentric new master—a man devoted to uncovering the secrets of the stars—earn the love of a girl brave and true, and unearth the long-buried secrets of his parentage. And he will find that beneath the breathtaking cruelty of the world is something else: the persistence of human kindness.” I met the author and rec’d a signed copy at BEA and she was wonderful, I have high hopes for this one!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin – “In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?” Ummm I LOVED the first book in the series and have her that this book is filled with epic amazingness so I NEED to read the sequel now please.

Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier – “When Maeve finds one of the missing travelers murdered in the woods, she and her brother Finbar embark on a journey that may bring about the end of Mac Dara’s reign — or lead to a hideous death. But if she is successful, Maeve may open a door to a future she has not dared to believe possible..” I feel like I don’t even have to explain this one. Quite easily my MOST ANTICIPATED READ ever (or of 2012).

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes – “In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power–brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined..” WHEW, just made the cut for this one to be on the list for autumn! I showcased this one on my Waiting on Wednesday post a few months back, I really hope it is as awesome as it looks.

Amber House by Kelly Moore – “Sarah Parsons has never seen Amber House, the grand Maryland estate that’s been in her family for three centuries. She’s never walked its hedge maze nor found its secret chambers; she’s never glimpsed the shades that haunt it, nor hunted for lost diamonds in its walls…But all of that is about to change.” This is the only one I added to the list that I have already read and I CANNOT WAIT to review it for you guys. It was creepy and really rather amazing. Perfect for Halloween time!!

Sacred by Elana K. Arnold – “A grieving girl meets a boy with mystical powers in this passionate love story” Sounds creepy with potential to be pretty great!

Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm: A New English Version by Philip Pullman – “From much-loved stories like “Cinderella” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Rapunzel” and “Hansel and Gretel” to lesser-known treasures like “Briar-Rose,” “Thousandfurs,” and “The Girl with No Hands,” Pullman retells his fifty favorites, paying homage to the tales that inspired his unique creative vision—and that continue to cast their spell on the Western imagination.” Uhhh guys? It’s Grimm’s Fairy Tales rewritten…by Philip Pullman…

The Turning by Francine Prose – “Where does reality end and insanity begin? The Turn of the Screw reinvented for modern-day teens, by National Book Award finalist Francine Prose.” Yet another creepy book perfect for this time of year!

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence – “Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City’s two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents’ sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn’t remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory…” For fans of The Hunger Games and Matched…hmm I’ll give it a try..

The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann – “For fans of Patrick Suskind’s classic Perfume comes a dazzling debut, set during Stockholm’s opulent Golden Age that brilliantly interweaves history, romance, and intrigue, in which one man’s fortune holds the key to a nation’s precarious fate…” I am extremely intrigued by this one, the cover is brilliant and it has real potential to be a unique read.

WOO! Autumn has the best releases!! What books are on your To Be Read pile for Autumn?

Books Take You Places

Author Archives: Alyssa

Review: The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook by Jennifer Appel

Review: In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

Top Ten Tuesday (26)

Top Ten Bookish People I Would Love to Meet!

One Year Blogoversary!

The main thing that I have learned over this past year is that though some think that reading is just a hobby, it is so much more for me, and I am not alone.

Review: Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

“They were pack. She was meant to be in his life, and now that he knew it, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”

Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

“You don’t like it that I am the one you need to keep the wolf from the door; that comes as no surprise. But I am the one you have. At some point we’ll both have to risk telling the truth.”

Top Ten Tuesday (25)

Top Ten Books on my Fall To Be Read Pile!

Top Ten Bookish People I Would Love to Meet!

Recommend A…Book That Reminds You of Summer!

My choice this week is: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

The main thing that I have learned over this past year is that though some think that reading is just a hobby, it is so much more for me, and I am not alone.

“They were pack. She was meant to be in his life, and now that he knew it, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.”

Recommend A…Book You Read on a Vacation!

My choice this week is The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

“You don’t like it that I am the one you need to keep the wolf from the door; that comes as no surprise. But I am the one you have. At some point we’ll both have to risk telling the truth.”

Top Ten Books on my Fall To Be Read Pile!

Recommend A…Blog That is Similar to Yours!

My choice this week is my dear friend Heidi’s blog: Bunbury in the Stacks.