About Me...


I love books and I like to share what I'm reading so that's why I'm here. I'll give you my thoughts and you give me yours. I'm always looking for book recommendations in any genre. I am also the co-host of #sixtybooks on Twitter and participate in multiple reading challenges throughout the year.

At home, I am a mom with two kids who are growing up too fast.  I was a 4th grade teacher and now I am a technology resource specialist for K-5th grade and love my job.  I started blogging about three years ago and immediately loved it. I love everything bookish; reading reviews, writing reviews, browsing book sites and stores, and adding to my TBR list; which is way too long... :)

Ten things about me:

1.  I love to read! (obviously) I especially love historical fiction, paranormal, young adult fiction, and fantasy.
2.  I like to knit but I'm not particularly good at it. 
3.  X-Files was my all time favorite show.
4.  I am love technology and all kinds of digital tools.
5.  I am a Google Certified Trainer, Google Educator level 2, Seesaw Ambassador and Apple Teacher.
6.  I like to play video games. 
7.  I love to send funny (and usually completely inappropriate) e-cards and memes.
8.  I wish I had more time to plan recipes and cook. 
9.  I am not crafty... I need explicit directions to make anything and I usually still mess it up.
10. I can be gullible at times and my friends and family enjoy taking advantage of this.

9 comments:

  1. Laura,
    Beautiful blog. I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. For more information, visit http://inspiredbooksguide.com/liebster-award/.

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  2. Hi, Book Junkie I'm an active member of the Horror Writers Association with
    my first novel being published by an independent, Larry Czeronka
    Publishing. INK is a horror novel, coming out at the end of June,
    co-written with my writing partner, Dale Pitman. As for my background,
    I've been a professional screenwriter up until this point with two films directed
    by acclaimed horror director Wes Craven. Would you consider looking at an
    Advanced Review Copy? Here is the blurb:

    His studio has become his refuge and his prison - a place of boundless imagination and lonely isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.

    But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep.

    The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.

    Thanks for your consideration. All the best, Glenn Benest

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    Replies
    1. I would love to read it if the offer is still open. Let me know.
      Laura :)

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Dear Laura Agnella:

    I came across your site via The Book Blogger List website. You may find it interesting to know that I was born under the sign of Aquarius, and I love cats and dogs equally.

    In any event, I can tell that you enjoyed enjoyed Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas. Anyway, based on your amazing online and social media presence, it is obvious that you take books seriously but enjoy them. Your reviews are thorough and thoughtful. And, you clearly appreciate a variety of books as well as many other aspects related to books. These qualities are admirable ones in a book blogger.

    Might I convince you to take a look at my upcoming book? Here is a brief synopsis: As part of the unbook series, YES, I NAMED MY DAUGHTER GAYLORD FOCKER. SO FOCKING WHAT! (OVER 1,000 REAL NAMES OF REAL PEOPLE, ALL WEIRD), is a "book" of lists. It lists many of the weird names that people have such as Martina Moron, Jesus Christ, Santa Claus, Dick End, and Candy Cane. These are names that people were given by their parents at birth, or in some cases, they are names that people legally had their names changed to. Impossible? Consider the oddball and myriad tattoos that people have. Anyway, it is not a book that will probably change the world, and it is a book that people are more likely to skim than to read, but it is worth a few bucks and it will produce a hundred smiles.

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  5. Dear Laura:
    As an educator I think this is right up your alley.

    Quetzalcoatl is designed to engage kids who "HATE TO READ" or have challenges, special needs, to listen... And ENTICE them to ACTUALLY WANT to READ the UNABRIDGED E-BOOK version 187 pages.((The script for Quetzalcoatl is only 80 pages.) "GARRETT AND THE FEATHERED SERPENT QUETZALCOATL". There is a 52 page workbook and READ-ALONG digital download for computers, tablets, smartphones.

    I have a money back guarantee for my customers." If your children are NOT SILENT FOR 2 HOURS IN CAR... I WILL GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY BACK!

    Would you be interested in reviewing "Tales of Davy Jones - Quetzalcoatl"? I have 37 yrs. experience in film, video and audio production.

    2 hours. Audio Adventure.

    -Full cast of 22 actors
    - Fully Orchestrated Original Music
    - Film Quality Sound Effects
    - Winner "Mom's Choice Award"
    -Currently in-flight entertainment on AIR CANADA - CATHAY PACIFIC - DELTA & LUFTHANSA AIRLINES.

    Garrett Spencer has 1 good leg, no friends, never been to a real school, lives with his family in a cave. The family has moved to Shiloh's Island, known for pirates, treasure caves and legendary sea monsters. Shortly after they arrive, Garrett rescues the legendary feathered sea creature, Quetzalcoatl, from the ravages of a hurricane and certain death. For the first time in his life, Garrett has a best friend. Together they will attempt to battle the bullies of the island - find treasure - survive multiple attacks by Sea Dragons and save his father's career, and remain on the island with his BFF Quetzalcoatl.

    I hope you are interested in listening to children's audio adventure. If not then perhaps your kids at home or at school would like it.
    On my website, you’ll see testimonials for kids with hearing challenges - Autism and kids with no real big issues like these below.

    My kids get so excited when I tell them about your new books and projects you are working on. You have become such an inspiration to them. Orion has begun writing short stories all on his own. This is huge for a 10-year-old with ADHD and Autism. Getting his thoughts from his head down on paper or computer is a HUGE step.
    Angela Glunt.

    If you liked the Lion, the Witch, the Wardrobe, you will love Quetzalcoatl.
    Chris Dalley

    This Christian tale does a wonderful job of teaching love and hope.
    School Library Journal Review

    About me and Quetzalcoatl:

    I wrote, directed & produced the entire project. If you would like to know more you can go to my film website www.theilluminator.biz

    carl.tdj@gmail.com
    www.theilluminator.biz
    www.talesofdavyjones.com
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHncQSDOYGE
    https://youtu.be/_8Fbym1Sg58
    http://buildagoodhood.wix.com/midascreek

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  6. I was wondering if you would be willing to review and/or promote a newly-published (April) Christian romance novella, Heaven Shining Through.
    A synopsis of the book ...
    Samantha is dreading her return home. Throughout her life, she had a rocky relationship with her mother – and now her mother is all she has left.
    Through a nostalgic look back, Samantha recognizes the presence of God in an ordinary life. She learns more about herself as a wife and mother who has had her share of sorrow and blessings.
    As her faith increases, she is able to see her mother through new eyes, leading to reconciliation … and is reminded of that every time she sees Heaven
    Shining Through
    If interested, please let me know about your procedures. Hard copy or Kindle copy available upon request. I can send my bio and a launch press release. Website/blog/social networking links: https://www.facebook.com/joe.siccardi; https://wisdomfromafather.wordpress.com/; @revblt (twitter)
    Thanks
    Joe

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  7. Hi Laura,

    I’m the author of the new Young Adult novel An Authentic Experience (Sara Camilli Literary Agency, February 12, 2018, 252 pages) and I’m looking for Amazon reviewers/bloggers who would like a free review copy. Here’s a little bit about the book…

    Fifteen-year-old Silver Abelli’s life has been as tumultuous as the punk rock she was raised on. Her divorced parents just don’t get along, even though they’re both musicians who stubbornly spurn the mainstream but secretly crave the limelight. Silver has always lived with her mom, Nicola, but when Nicola is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she must go to live with her obnoxious, hard-partying father, Renz. Because her family is so traumatized by Nicola’s condition, Silver doesn’t know where to turn when she suffers her own trauma. Will the truth set her free, or will it only make a bad situation worse? Find out in this story of family, friends, and young love.

    …and here’s what Kirkus Reviews has to say about it: “Wittmann writes in a sharp, funny prose that perfectly captures the angst and humiliation… A clever, well-crafted tale about parents and children.”
    I’d love to send you a free review copy of An Authentic Experience in PDF or Kindle, or you can access it on Kindle Unlimited if that’s easier for you. Goodreads link is here. (CW: Rough language and one violent scene)

    Thanks so much for your time,

    Kelly Wittmann
    www.kellywittmann.com
    kellywittbooks@gmail.com
    @kellywittbooks

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  8. Hi,
    Would you be interested in reviewing my linked short-story collection 'Treading the Uneven Road'? It will be released at March 15th by Fomite Press. It is approx. 50000 words.

    The stories in this linked collection are set in a small village in the Northwest of Ireland in the early 1980’s and 90’s. A by-pass around the village has rid them of their once busy traffic. The residents feel forgotten by the world. The need to reach out and be heard is explored in every story, from the young woman who starts to have phone conversations with her husband’s gay lover, to the dyslexic man who confronts his cruel teacher years later.
    The collection is not only about the characters need for salvation but it is about a society that is unraveling. In Amends, we hear about the Bishop who has fathered a child. A priest is beckoned by a dying man to be mocked. The world inside and outside the village is changing. In every story the characters need to make a choice on how they might carry on.

    The blurb from Pamela Painter, author of Getting To Know The Weather, and The Long and Short of it--
    Set in Ireland, the wonderful stories in TREADING THE UNEVEN ROAD are connected with bands of steel and heart. Their unforgettable characters weave in and out of each other’s lives, acting on impulses that are sometimes misguided, occasionally dangerous but often beautiful. A great read.

    My novel Debris was released last April. I have a master in creative writing and my stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines.


    I will look forward to hearing from you, best wishes Lorna

    ReplyDelete