• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Language: English

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again. 

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

First, how can you not be drawn in by this gorgeous cover. 

Secondly, the print in the book matches the cover of the book with the blue, grey and red scheme - I loved that ! 

 Shiver is book one in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. This book seems to be the "it" book of the moment in the YA genre. I had never heard of this book before, but kept seeing rave reviews for it online from all the fabulous book bloggers I follow. I've really enjoyed finding new authors and following recommendations I wouldn't normally read. This was one I decided to try based on others opinions. 

I've never read anything by Stiefvater before and she really is a master with her words. She does a great job of describing the atmosphere and settings. She makes you feel like part of the story without being overly wordy or too descriptive. 

This story was an easy read and captured my attention right away. I wasn't sure I would like it, but found myself breezing through this book. The characters and their relationships all could have used a little more development in the beginning but it didn't take away from the story too much. I did see some similarities to the Twilight series. In the beginning I had a hard time pushing that out of my head as I read but soon got over it and enjoyed the story for itself. 

I loved how this story told both sides of the story. You get to see both Grace and Sams perspective. Not enough novels give you this opportunity and I found I enjoyed it. 

I don't think it should be described as a Twilight knock off, but if you enjoyed that series I think you'll like this one as well. 

 Maggie Stiefvater's new book in the series Linger is being published July 20, 2010 and I already have it on hold at the library. Can't wait to continue this series and see what unfolds for these new characters. 

 
If you haven't already head over to One Person's Journey through Books. Sheila is the new host for It's Monday, What are you Reading? She has an incredible blog that I love to read ! I enjoy participating in this weekly meme. It keeps me accountable for my reading. 

This was a busy week for me and my reading again got pushed a little to the side. Hopefully this week, I'll get caught up on a few more books. 

I decided to set aside The Other Boleyn Girl and save it for later. I just wasn't getting into it like I thought I would. 

This week I read and completed Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. What a breath of fresh air for me. Just what I needed ! It's been awhile since I've read any "chic lit" that I enjoyed as much as this story. 

I've also started reading Living Dead in Dallas. The 2nd book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I liked the first one but this 2nd book might be the one that gets me really hooked on this series. What a fun read so far. 

This week I'd like to finish both Living Dead in Dallas and also Mine Til Midnight by Lisa Kleypas. I've only read one novel by Lisa Kleypas and I really enjoyed it so I'm looking forward to this novel. I love the cover ! 

 
 
 I hope everyone has a great reading week ! 

This is a fun chart ! Where does your state rank ? It looks like Colorado is a pretty hot twittering community. 

We bought our first home last winter and it has very little landscaping done to it. The yard will also need quite a bit of work done to it when the weather gets nicer. We have alot of research and work to get done - we don't even own a lawnmower yet ! All of this is a little scary for  me because I can't even keep houseplants alive. You know the houseplants that live 20 years and only require you to water them once in a blue moon ? Yes, I kill them every time ! I don't have a green thumb, I have a black one ! 

I've started doing my research in hopes I can learn a thing or two. My favorite nursery in all of Colorado isn't too far from us. It's called Tagawa Gardens. It's the nursery that's puts all the others to shame. They hold all kids of activities, projects, classes, ect. 

I noticed when I was on their website last week that The Denver Orchid Society was holding a show and event there. I love Orchids and decided while out for a girls day with my mom and daughter we should stop buy and scope them out. 

I'm so glad we went ! The Orchids were beautiful. They don't even look like real flowers ! I decided to speak with one of the society members about their care and if they were easy to grow in Colorado. He told me they were a pretty easy flower to grow. He then proceeded to tell me a little about how "easy" the process would be 

Only a South or East Window with filtered light. They should only get a few hours of light and then they prefer the light to be through a sheer type of curtain. You can also buy them florescent lights. They need humidity so you can buy them a cheap humidifier at Target. While you're there, don't forget to buy a small fan - orchids really enjoy fresh air and this will help the circulation. 

I nodded politely, thanked him for talking with me,  picked my jaw up off the floor and wondered what a "high-maitenance" plant might be !! 

If I ever feel the need to have an Orchid in my house, I'll go to Michaels and pick up a pretty plastic one ! 

I may not have any desire to grow Orchids but we really enjoyed looking around at all the plants being prepared for sale later this spring !