Tuesday, May 27, 2008

New Reads!

There are a ton of awesome New Reads for today!


Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
My name is Danielle. I'm eighteen. I've been stealing things for as long as I can remember.
Dani has been trained as a thief by the best—her mother. Together, they move from town to town, targeting wealthy homes and making a living by stealing antique silver. They never stay in one place long enough to make real connections, real friends—a real life. In the beach town of Heaven, though, everything changes.
For the first time, Dani starts to feel at home. She's making friends and has even met a guy. But these people can never know the real Dani—because of who she is. When it turns out that her new friend lives in the house they've targeted for their next job and the cute guy is a cop, Dani must question where her loyalties lie: with the life she's always known—or the one she's always wanted.


Evernight by Claudia Gray
Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.


Picture Perfect by Catherine Clark
Order # 081582
Name: Emily Matthias
Phone: Call me anytime!
Date: I'd love one!
Print Quantity:Um, a billion? I need pictures of everyone and everything. It's the Outer Banks—everything is photogenic here. Especially Blake. And Spencer.
Size: 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10
They're tall. And handsome. Oh, you mean the photos?
Film: Color, B & W
Actually, yes, this summer would make an excellent movie.
Single/Double: Starting the vacation single. But maybe I'll find Prints Charming!


How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt
Harper's dad is getting a divorce from her beloved stepmother, Jane. Even worse, Harper has lost her stepsister, Tess; the divorce divides them. Harper decides to escape by joining a volunteer program to build a house for a family in Tennessee who lost their home in a tornado. Not that she knows a thing about construction.Soon she’s living in a funky motel and working long days in blazing heat with a group of kids from all over the country. At the site, she works alongside Teddy, the son of the family for whom they are building the house. Their partnership turns into a summer romance, complete with power tools. Learning to trust and love Teddy isn’t easy for Harper, but it’s the first step toward finding her way back home.


Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
Johnny’s had kind of a tough life so far, and he’s always been a bit of a freak. His goth look usually includes black nail polish and a little mascara.When he discovers Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, he not only likes her music but realizes that he kind of, sort of, wants to BE her. He’d like to be cool and tough and beautiful like her. He’d like to dress like her. He’s not gay, at least he doesn’t think so. So what does it mean? And what should he tell his amazing new girlfriend? This wise, hip novel introduces shades of gray into the black-andwhite ideas of sexuality and gender. Anyone who has ever wished they could be a little bit tough and a little bit glamorous will recognize themselves in Johnny.


The Humming of Numbers by Joni Sensel
Aidan is poised to take his monastic vows—until a girl enters the abbey, one who hums of the number eleven. Aidan has the ability to hear the humming of numbers, a buzzing energy given off by living things. He is captivated and tormented by the mysterious girl, Lana, who has some unusual abilities of her own. How can he become a monk when his mind is filled with impure thoughts?
Before he can begin to sort his feelings out, the Vikings raid. Only Aidan and Lana can save the village from certain, violent death—and only if they learn to trust in their mysterious talents.


A Pretty Little Liars Novel: Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Behind Rosewood's grand façades, where the air smells like apples and Chanel No. 5 and infinity pools sparkle in landscaped backyards, nothing is as it seems. It was here, back in seventh grade, that five best friends shared everything—Seven jeans, MAC makeup, and their deepest, darkest secrets. For Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, it was a dream come true . . . until Alison, the most beautiful of them all, suddenly vanished.
Now someone named A has turned their charmed lives into a living nightmare. Emily has been shipped off to her hyper-conservative cousins in Iowa. Aria is stuck living with her dad and his home-wrecker girlfriend. And Spencer fears she had something to do with Alison's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse than all of that—she's clinging to life in the hospital, because she knew too much.
With A's threats turning dangerous and Ali's killer still on the loose, the girls must uncover the truth—about A, about Ali, and about what happened to Hanna—before they become A's next victims. But as they unravel Rosewood's mysteries and secrets, will it bring an end to the horror . . . or is this just the beginning?


The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
Kate Sanderson inherited her good sense from her mother, a disciplined law professor, and her admiration for the Bard from her father, a passionate Shakespeare scholar. When she gets dumped, out of the blue, for the Practically Perfect Ashley Lawson, she vows never to fall in love again. From now on she will control her own destiny, and every decision she makes will be highly reasoned and rational. She thinks Shakespeare would have approved.
So when she is accepted to a summer Shakespeare symposium in Verona, Italy, Kate sees it as the ideal way to get over her heartbreak once and for all. She'll lose herself in her studies, explore ancient architecture, and eat plenty of pasta and gelato. (Plus, she'll be getting college credit for it—another goal accomplished!) But can even completely logical Kate resist the romance of living in a beautiful villa in the city where those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet met and died for each other? Especially when the other Shakespeare Scholars—in particular Giacomo, with his tousled brown hair, expressive dark eyes, and charming ways—try hard to break her protective shell?
"In fair Verona, where we lay our scene . . . "


Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel
Having recently discarded her dorky image—and the best friend that went with it—Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQ's, and hopefully, more hook-ups with Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her "crazy" aunt Tally. Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell phone reception, and an aunt who talks to her plants, Colby finds herself worrying that her new friends have forgotten all about her. But when she meets Yannis, a cute Greek local, everything changes. She experiences something deeper and more intense than a summer fling, and it forces her to see herself, and the life she left behind, in a whole new way... One summer changes everything in this poignant young adult novel about best friends, popularity, and an unforgettable summer romance.


The House of Dance by Beth Kephart
Rosie and her mother coexist in the same house as near strangers. Since Rosie's father abandoned them years ago, her mother has accomplished her own disappearing act, spending more time with her boss than with Rosie. Now faced with losing her grandfather too, Rosie begins to visit him every day, traveling across town to his house, where she helps him place the things that matter most to him "In Trust." As Rosie learns her grandfather's story, she discovers the role music and motion have played in it. But like colors, memories fade. When Rosie stumbles into the House of Dance, she finally finds a way to restore the source of her grandfather's greatest joy.


The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
Zach, his Dad, and new stepmother have just moved back to his father’s hometown, not knowing that their new house has a dark history. Fifty years ago, a crazed killer caused an accident at the nearby crossroads that took 40 innocent lives. He died when his car hit a tree in a fiery crash, and his malevolent spirit has inhabited the tree ever since. During a huge storm, lightning hits the tree, releasing the spirit, who decides his evil spree isn’t over . . . and Zack is directly in his sights.

Check out my reviews for Stealing Heaven, Evernight, Debbie Harry Sings in French and The Humming of Numbers..

And don't forget the sign up to win a copy of Evernight! ! The dealine is tonight at midnight!

Do you have a soon to be release and would like it to be featured on New Reads! Please email me at thestorysiren@hotmail.com

Monday, May 26, 2008

Vamps: Vampire American Princesses

Vamps: Vampire American Princesses by Nancy A. Collins

Release Date: July 22, 2208
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult, Ages 14 up
Pages: 256

Lilith Todd is the "queen bee" of her group of friends. Her father is famous in his own right and they are one of the richest vampire families around. She has a too hot to handle boyfriend, Jules, whom she is promised to forever and friends that wish they were her.

Cally Monture is a New Blood, she is half human half vampire. She’s never met her father but somehow he still controls her life. He’s newest scheme for Cally is to send her to the elite boarding school full of Old Bloods, Bathory Academy.

Needless to say these two girls don’t get along at all. A run in with the Van Helsings (vampire hunters) doesn’t improve their relationship either. Is Bathory big enough for the two of them?

I love vampire books, but I have to say I wasn’t very impressed with Vamps. The plot was very interesting, the characters not so much. I find it hard to like a book when most of the characters have no redeeming qualities. Lilith’s character just made me cringe. Her best friend dies and she is only worried about her dad cutting up her credit cards! I mean seriously, how can you like or relate to a character like that. I did find myself growing on Cally, but even at times, I wasn’t too sure about her. I did like the aspect of forbidden love, which was refreshing in midst of the drama. With all the other great vampire novels out there, I would recommend reading them instead.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Contest!

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to tell you about an awesome contest going on right now!! You might remeber Gaby Triana stopped by earlier this month for Author Tales, well she is having a contest that you should totally check out! Here is some more info....

Want to win a $25 Starbucks card?

Here's how the contest works:

Recommend THE TEMPTRESS FOUR by commenting or reviewing somewhere.

Send me the link in a message at MySpace or at my email: gaby@gabytriana.com.

Win an autographed copy in a cute tropical tote bag,

PLUS a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!!

Ready?

2 winners will be picked on June 4th!

Good luck!!
www.gabytriana.com


I haven't had a chance to read The Temptress Four yet, but it is in my never ending reading pile!!!

The Humming of Numbers

The Humming of Numbers by Joni Sensel

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 243

Aiden, a novice monk in tenth century Ireland, is preparing to take his vows and join the abbey. Lana, an unusual girl, is sent to the abbey as punishment. Aiden can’t help his overwhelming curiosity of the new guest, and finds himself drawn to her even though he knows he will only be punished for it later. Surprisingly enough Aiden is charged with Lana’s well being during her stay in the abbey. Although their take on the world and God couldn’t be more different, the pair realize that they alone have talents that make them different from others. Aiden hears a humming of numbers emitted from people and objects, he can use the humming to base a person’s true nature. Lana is a wood witch, she is able to feel and communicate with trees and such. When their village is attacked and destroyed by Viking Norsemen, Aiden and Lana use their talents together to help defeat them.

I enjoyed The Humming of Numbers, but at times I found the story lacking. Aiden’s ability is explained well, but Lana’s wood-witch nature wasn’t elaborated at all. I understood the overall premise of it, but it would have been nice if it was explained in further detail. I liked the plot of the novel as well, but I wish it would have been more refined, it just felt incomplete and improbable. There wasn’t anything in particular that drew me into the story either. I found the characters flat, I would have loved to known more about them. Overall, I think The Humming of Numbers was a good book, but it lacks some of the qualities, that I think would make it a great read.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Release Date: April 2008
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 265

Jenna awakes from an eighteen-month comma unable to remember who she is or those who are the closest to her. All that she knows is, is what she is told, she was in an accident. When her memories do start to come back, they are only in bits and pieces but something isn’t right. Jenna has memories of herself as an infant, and although she can’t remember anything about herself, she knows an unprecedented amount about world history. It doesn’t take Jenna long to figure out that a huge secret is being kept from her.

Here is an excerpt from the book. I don’t usually do this, but this passage just really got to me.

Pieces

Isn’t that what all of life is anyway?
Shards. Bits. Moments
Am I less because I have fewer, or do the few I have mean more?
Am I just as fell as anyone else? Enough?
Pieces.
Allys saying "I like you."
Gabriel snorting out bread, freeing me to laugh.
And Ethan reminding me how much I do know.
Pieces
I hold them like thy are life itself.
They nearly are.

Such a short summary, I know, but I hate to give anything away! The entire time your reading from Jenna’s perspective and you know that something isn’t right. You know there is something that your missing! What really happened after the accident?

This novel is part mystery and part science fiction. The story is told beautifully and it fully captivated me. It unfolds slowly, but it is necessary to understand everything that Jenna is going through. I was also fascinated by the topic of medical ethics, how far should we let science go? Is this the kind of world we’ll be living, in the not so distant future? If you haven’t read this novel yet, I highly suggest that you do. I know that I will be looking forward to reading more from Pearson!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Claudia Gray Guest Blog

Claudia Gray is the guest author for this Thursday's Author Tales. Claudia is the author of Evernight, which will be released May 27, 2008! You can read my review of Evernight, here. Evernight is the first in a series of four books, the next book is called Stargazer.
________________________________________

One of the most common types of posts I see on writers' blogs is the "How To" post – how to become a better writer, a published writer, a "real" writer, etc. Naturally I've pored over a lot of these posts myself, and I've read some fabulous advice.

Yet no matter how helpful these posts are, I doubt I'm going to wind up writing many similar "how to" blogs myself, for one simple reason –

The more I learn about writing, the more I realize that almost anything is possible.

I will always believe that you need to be an avid reader to be a good writer. I will also always believe that writing regularly, even when you don't feel "inspired," is essential. But as sure as I write that, there is some mad genius up in Saskatchewan or down in Santiago who has read only the King James Bible and the backs of some cereal boxes and who spends exactly one Sunday out of ten writing a few pages of what will prove to be the greatest novel ever composed.

The number of people who think they're the exception to the general rules will always outnumber the actual exceptions, of course. Publishing contains so many special snowflakes that it all blurs into a blizzard after a while. That doesn't mean the exceptions aren't out there.

I am very much still learning about my own process as a writer, and I may blog about that from time to time. But my solutions aren't everyone's solutions. The same methods that propel my work (extensive outlining, for instance) might bog somebody else down. The same methods that are effective for others (setting a word quota each day, for instance) might drive me mad. Sometimes I see aspiring writers arguing over methods as though they were holy dogma – friendships have ended over Courier vs. Times New Roman. I suspect that too many of them get hung up on "the rules," the supposed absolutes about what you must and must not do, in the belief that if they get everything right, if they land on every single square on the game board, they can be sure of success.

Unfortunately, that's not true. There's no one right way to be an author. If there is, neither I nor any other writer I've ever known has learned it.

So I won't end up blogging about how to become a better writer. All those posts would boil down to this: Discover what works for you. Don't be afraid to try new methods or to abandon old ones. Listen to what works for others, but trust your instincts. Trust your story. And don't pay any attention to the odds against you – almost anything is possible.
__________________________________________________________


For more info about Claudia and her awesome series check out the following links.
website:
http://www.claudiagray.com/
blog:
http://claudiagray.livejournal.com/
MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/135634980

Claudia was also so extremely nice as to give me a copy of Evernight to give away!! All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address! The deadline will be May 27th at midnight, eastern time. Your entries will also put you into the monthly contest! But remember if you win this copy of Evernight, you'll be excluded from winning the
Monthly Contest.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

New Reads!

Here are the Super Cool New Reads for today!


Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
Some friends fade away....Others disappear.
Imagine you and your best friend head out West on a cross-country bike trek.
Imagine that the two of you get into a fight -- and stop riding together.
Imagine you reach Seattle, go back home, start college.
Imagine you think your former best friend does too.
Imagine he doesn't.
Imagine your world shifting....



Night Road by A. M. Jenkins
For a heme like Cole, life is a tightrope existence in which sunlight is his deadly enemy and one mistake could trap him underground, staring at the inside of a coffin lid, for eternity. After a century of wandering he may still look like a teenager, but he's known in the heme community for being observant, meticulous, and controlled—a master of life on the road. When Cole is asked to take a newly created heme out for training, however, his usual caution may not be enough. If Gordon, the rookie who really is in his teens, can't cut ties with his old life and accept his new limitations, Cole will have to discreetly dispose of the kid—the same way a mad dog would be put down for the safety of society. Cole thinks he can handle it. But no matter how carefully he plans, or how much he thinks he's in control, accidents still happen. . . .


Model: A Memoir by Cheryl Diamond
Every year, hundreds of the most beautiful people in the world come to New York to become models. At age fourteen, Cheryl Diamond was one of them. Living on her own in a run-down apartment, Cheryl spent her days on go-sees, runways, and photo shoots. She watched other girls make mistakes, and swore she wouldn't be a victim...until a career-altering event changed her life and nearly ruined her shot at her dream. This is the riveting, true account of Cheryl's triumphant rise, disastrous fall, and phoenixlike comeback in one of the hottest and most demanding industries in the world.


The Debutante by Kathryn Williams
With SATs and college applications, senior year can be stressful. Throw in a huge move, a best friend's betrayal, and poofy, white dresses, and you have the makings of a Lifetime original movie. Unfortunately, for seventeen-year old Annie McRae, this is no television special... it's her life.Weeks before the start of what's supposed to be the best year of her high school career, Annie’s parents decide to move... to Beaufort, Alabama – land of double names, "debs," and worst of all, her grandmother. It's enough to send this true-blue Connecticut Yankee running for the Mason-Dixon Line. But before she can say "ya'll," Ann Gordon learns she'll be trading in her prippie cords for a debutante dress – or risk losing her ride to college, and out of the South.

Kathryn Williams will also be stopping by The Story Siren on June 19th!




Monday, May 19, 2008

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Release Date: March 2008
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 342

Frankie Landau-Banks is tired of being underestimated. Starting her sophomore year at Alabaster Preparatory Academy, Frankie begins the struggle to finding her true self. She’s snagged herself a very cute senior boyfriend, but is it "better to be alone, than to be with someone who can’t see who you are." Frankie is ready to show everyone just how much they underestimate her! Frankie knows from her father that there is a secret society on campus called the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, and she discovers that her boyfriend, Matthew, is a member. Infiltrating the male only club, Frankie uses the alias thealphadog and devises a series of elaborate pranks. The "dogs" carry out the pranks unbeknownst that Frankie is the mastermind behind them all. But will she get the respect she’s always wanted or will she wish she was simple and sweet?

E. Lockhart is amazing! This is the first of her novels that I’ve read, but I know I will continue to pick up her books and will probably be going back and reading some of her old titles! I absolutely love Frankie. You don’t often find female characters that are empowering the way that Frankie is, it was completely refreshing. I love to read books about strong female characters! The pranks were hilarious and at the same time genius, I found myself laughing out loud! This is an excellent novel on self discovery and self acceptance and I absolutely recommend it!


Sunday, May 18, 2008

Debbie Harry Sings in French

Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, Incorporated
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 232

Johnny turns to drinking after his dad dies in a car accident. His mother is overcome by grief and isn’t much of a mother at all. Johnny takes over the responsibilities of the grocery shopping, paying the bills and caring for his mother the way she should be caring for him. Drinking seems to be the only thing that can relieve the stress. His drinking habits also influence his choice of friends and his appearance. He’s used to being called names in his black clothes, black hair, black nails and eyeliner. When Johnny wakes in the hospital from a possible drug overdose, his mom sends him to live with his father’s brother, Uncle Sam, in South Carolina.

The one thing, well the one person that keeps Johnny on the straight and narrow is Debbie Harry the singer from Blondie. Once Johnny heard her singing in his stay in rehab, he has a slight obsession. He wishes he could be more like her, strong, tough, cool and beautiful. At his new school Johnny meets Maria who also shares in his love of music. He knows he is falling in love with Maria, so why does he want to be Debbie Harry and wear her clothes?

Have you heard of Debbie Harry Sings in French? Well, I hadn't and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this novel ended up leaving a strong impression. Johnny’s story is very interesting to say the least. This books main theme is a teen trying to find his identity, he doesn’t think he is gay, but he likes to feel beautiful and he even wears a dress in one part of the story. Brother’s also incorporates a very real and compelling look into homosexuality and transvetism. I couldn’t help but feel empathetic. He ends up learning more about his father toward the end of the story and Johnny’s musical and artistic style makes more sense. Debbie Harry Sings in French is Meagan Brother’s debut novel. I would recommend it to readers who like music and are looking for something fresh and enlightening.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

The Upper Class

The Upper Class by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne & Caroline Says

Release Date: May 2007
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 276

Welcome to Wellington

Boarding school for society's elite, overachievers, and rich screwups.

No matter who you are, Wellington can be the deepest and most beautiful time of your life, or the loneliest and most difficult. And two new girls are about to find out which it will be for them . . .

Laine Hunt is a Wellington girl by blood: She lives the country club life in Greenwich, Connecticut, she's a field hockey star, and her turquoise eyes and blond hair turn heads wherever she goes. But Laine has a mortal fear of failure that wakes her in the middle of the night with a fever, and she'll do anything to avoid it.

She also wants to avoid her roommate, fellow new girl Nikki Olivetti. Nikki is not Wellington material—she comes from a new-money Long Island family who have sent her away to save her from the bad influence of her friends back home. Nikki's a tease, a loudmouth, and an absolute sweetheart—and she just doesn't belong.

The girls couldn't have less in common. Except, of course, they both have to learn to survive in their new world—a world with no parents, no safety net, and no limit to how much trouble they can get into. No one ever thinks they'll crash and burn, but someone always does.

Will the new girls make it to the upper class?
(summary from barnes and noble)

I’m not usually the type of person that likes reading about drama and catty people. Which is probably why I’ve never picked up a book of Gossip Girl or an It Girl Novel, but I always like to expand my reading horizon, so when Caroline asked if I would like to read her series, I quickly accepted. Now that I’m finished with the book, I have to say I’m truly impressed. Not only with the collaboration by three authors, Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and of course Caroline Says, but also the intense tale of two completely different girls thrown into the same world. Wellington isn’t a watered down version of a private school, it is real and raw, with drugs, sexual suggestions, alcohol, and of course drama. So, if you find that kind of thing offense, I wouldn’t suggest picking up this book. But if you are one of those people that find those elements can make a story that much more real, than this is your kind of novel. I enjoyed the insight from two different perspectives of these very different, yet original characters. I had a hard time putting this book down! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! You can count on my reviews for Miss Educated and Off Campus soon!!



Friday, May 16, 2008

Monthly Contest!

I’ve decided to hold a monthly contest, that will work with my Author Tales feature. This is how it’s going to go down.


Once a week I’ve been having an author do a guest blog and/or interview. I hope that you have been enjoying them, I know I have! So, I’ve decided that I need a contest to celebrate these cool authors that have been stopping by. The contest is going to be a "your choice contest." You get to pick the book you want from the four/five authors that have stopped by.
For example: The month of May has five Thursdays, yay for you!

May 1st was Gaby Triana, so you could pick her new book The Temptress Four, or any of her other titles.
May 8th was Catherine Ryan Hyde, you could pick her new YA release, The Day I Killed James or any of her other titles
May 15th was Heather Brewer, you could pick either Eighth Grade Bites or Ninth Grade Slays!
May 22nd will be Claudia Gray, you could pick her new book Evernight!
And finally May 29 will be Keri Mikulski, you could pick her book Screwball!

So, basically you could pick one of these titles if you are the winner! The only exception will be if the author donates a book and has a contest, that winner will be excluded from winning the monthly Author Tales Contest, since they will already be winning a book.

I know what you are thinking, but how do I win this fabulous prize?? Well it is very simple just leave a comment on the guest blog posts. Yes, you can comment every week and get a total of four or five entries! Please leave a name so you can be identified! And if you commented on the Gaby Triana or CRH posts this month you will be getting not only that entry but an extra one as a thank you for supporting Author Tales!

Those commenters are:
Reviewer X
Reader Rabbit
Liviania
Hope


The deadline for this contest will be the Saturday after the last guest post at 12 midnight eastern time. So this months deadline will be May 31st. The winner will be announced the following day! You still have three more chances to enter this month with Heather Brewer, Claudia Gray and Keri Mikulski!!! One more note, if you go back and comment on the Gaby Triana and CRH guest blogs, that's great, but they won't count as entries! Sorry!