In My Mailbox (44)

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren.

It was a week of surprises. I was only expecting one of the books that I got this week, but surprises are always nice.

For review:

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Release Date: Available Now from Point

Synopsis:

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .

This is the book I was expecting. I'm very excited to read it and on Monday, I'll be posting a contest to give all of you a chance to win the book, too.

The Rose of Sebastopol by Katherine McMahon

Release Date: Available in Paperback, February 2, 2010 from Berkley Trade

Synopsis:

The #1 international bestseller about love, war and betrayal from the author of The Alchemist's Daughter

In 1854, adventurous Rosa Barr travels to the Crimean battlefield with Florence Nightingale's nursing corps. For Mariella Lingwood, Rosa's cousin, the war is contained within the letters she receives from her fiancé, Henry, a celebrated surgeon who also has volunteered to work in the shadow of the guns. When Henry falls ill, Mariella impulsively takes an epic journey to the ravaged landscape of the Crimea and the tragic city of Sebastopol. What she finds there, as her world beings to crumble, is that she has much to learn about secrecy, faithfulness, and love...

Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham

Release Date: Available Now from Putnam Juvenile

Synopsis:

Ludelphia Bennett may be blind in one eye, but she can still put in a good stitch. Ludelphia sews all the time, especially when things go wrong.
But when Mama goes into labor early and gets deathly ill, it seems like even quilting won’t help. That’s when Ludelphia decides to do something drastic—leave Gee’s Bend for the very first time. Mama needs medicine that can only be found miles away in Camden. But that doesn’t stop Ludelphia. She just puts one foot in front of the other.

What ensues is a wonderful, riveting and sometimes dangerous adventure. Ludelphia weathers each challenge in a way that would make her mother proud, and ends up saving the day for her entire town.

Set in 1932 and inspired by the rich quilting history of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, Leaving Gee’s Bend is a delightful, satisfying story of a young girl facing a brave new world.


Princess Party by Joy Allen

Release Date: Available Now from Putnam Juvenile

Synopsis:

Celebrate the playful princess inside every little girl!
Princesses are incredible girls—they love to dress up, use their imaginations and play with gusto! These little princesses have fun all day as they put on tiaras and cowboy boots, dance together at the ball, defend the backyard castle, and plan a magnificent tea party.

Joy Allen’s bouncing rhymes and adorable illustrations are full of charming details that are sure to delight. Princess Party celebrates inventive fun and feeling special—the best parts of every little girl’s princess phase.


Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Release Date: May 3, 2010 from Harcourt Children's Books

Synopsis:

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.

I am oh so excited for this one. I literally squealed when I opened the package. I loved Fantaskey's first book and this one is moving up in my TBR pile.

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

Release Date: February 2, 2010 from NAL Trade

Synopsis:

"One of the queens of historical fiction" offers a new take on the mesmerizing young woman and poetess who inspired Shakespeare's most famous female character.

Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep.

The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story...

Purchased:

Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers
Jack: Secret Histories by F. Paul Wilson
Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka