Review - The Song Remains the Same

by: Allison Winn Scotch

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
One of only two survivors of a plane crash, Nell Slattery wakes in the hospital with no memory of the horrific experience-or who she is, or was. Now she must piece together both body and mind, with the help of family and friends, who have their own agendas. She filters through photos, art, music, and stories, hoping something will jog her memory, and soon, in tiny bits and pieces, Nell starts remembering. . . .

It isn't long before she learns to question the stories presented by her mother, her sister and business partner, and her husband. In the end, she will discover that forgiving betrayals small and large will be the only true path to healing herself-and to finding happiness

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Nell gets to reflect on the question of who we are without our memories. Does it give us a chance to start over and fix parts of ourselves that were not working right? Well maybe if you are surrounded by family who care about you more than themselves. I felt her frustration that she couldn't get a straight answer out of anyone around her. And I was supper annoyed with her sister and husband...you'll have to read the story to find out why.

The characters were very complex, and the story was so well written that hours disappeared as I read this. I liked Nell and her ability to roll with complete amnesia. The lady chose to change how she behaved based on what her sister and mother told her about who she was before. Then there was the actor she survived the plane crash with. He remembered the crash and had another fight on his hands - getting over the mental trauma. He said that Nell saved his life and forged an everlasting friendship with her. He stood up for her more than anyone else did.

The only thing I had a hard time with was her creepy husband. I didn't like him from the beginning, and neither did she but she gave into pressure even after learning they had been separated. I mean, if you knew you were heading for divorce would you allow someone in who you couldn't remember and disliked on sight? But I gave her the benefit of the doubt, because I've never been in the situation.

These Girls

by: Sarah Pekkanen

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.

Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.

Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.

Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.

Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.

Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.

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That was a long synopsis! LOL Perhaps I should keep the review short. Well the cover is classic chick lit - flows with Sarah's other novels too. Lone female staring out a window in New York. I'd bet on Abby - I do wish they would have put all three women on the cover.

The story does go from Cate, to Renee and then to Abby. It follows their messed up love lives, and mistakes they have to overcome. I really connected with Renee, having my own issues with weight. The fact that she's in that industry at all proves her worth. And she's not even fat, but compared to all the models and fashionistas she works with, she feels every pound more than anyone else would. She even realizes that when thinking about going back home.

Cate feels the need to prove herself because of a big mistake she made back in college. She comes across as cold and guarded to other people - even she realizes this. But what happened to her in college has to do with it.

Abby - her story makes me want to curl up and cry. You won't find out what is going on in her life until the end. But it keeps you so addicted to the story, along with the other 2 that you won't be able to put it down.

Sarah's writing is so smooth, and the flow is fairly fast - never boring. I truly was sad when the story ended. I fell in love with each and every character...well I'm talking the 3 main ones. There were a few outside ones I wasn't too crazy about, but they were written that way. :o)

Product Review - Feather Hair Fascinator

Artwork by Benita Winkler

First a shoutout to Mina of Green Witch With Sprinkles because she had this image on her blog the day I received my Feather Hair Fascinator from Lisa Brawner in the mail. It's this awesome feather art on a barrette and it looks like something from the flapper era or even the 40s, women would wear this on a night out to see a big band.

Isn't that pretty? She also included this ring made with feathers for my left pinky. And yes that matters, it hugs the left side of my hand, and feels pretty magical. CW has claimed it for show and tell at school.

I was afraid of the hair piece being too delicate - it's all feathers. But it's actually pretty solid. Not that I'm going to go abusing it, but it's stood up to my fumbling attempts to get it on. Don't get me wrong, it's easy to get on, I am just clumsy. I've tried it on both sides of my head and I think either side is the best way to go with this. But I bet I could wear it anyway I wear a barrette.

I love Lisa's quality and joy that she puts into all her creations. You can find her items here:

• Etsy
• E-Bay

You can also follow her blog here - http://www.tribalhorsedesigns.com/

Guest Blog - Where the Buffalo Roam

by: Emily Cale

Okay, time for a poll. Raise your hand if you've actually been to Wyoming. Okay, now put your hand down if that visit was to go to Yellowstone. Anyone still with me?

The number one thing I hear from people when I tell them I'm from Wyoming is that they've never met anyone from there before. Well, you've all met me (at least electronically), so you can no longer say that. Growing up, I hated it there. There was nothing to do at night and my friends and I spent all our time driving around aimlessly and drinking coffee at the all night diner.

As an adult, I've found I actually miss the area. Yep, that's right, I said it. No one tell me mom, okay? I love the open feeling of it and the fact that you can drive for miles without seeing another person. It's a nice change from the city life I've grown accustomed to. It's also nice to not have people cutting you off in traffic all the time. In fact, it would incredibly rude not to let someone in if they have their blinker on.

I've also found that it's nice to be able to see the mountains. Real ones, not the hills people call mountains in Pittsburgh. There's something about it that makes you feel small and helpless and yet makes you feel powerful when you stare up at the Rockies.

This feeling is exactly why I enjoy writing about the area. I miss it a lot and while I don't live there anymore, I can visit whenever I write characters who are experiencing it for themselves.

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Getting Ahead Blurb:

Colton is exactly the kind of distraction Amber doesn't want, but he might be exactly what she needs to get back on track.

Recovering from a bad fall during competition, Amber McDonald decides to spend her last week of training before her next rodeo at a Colorado ranch, away from any and all distractions. It'd be the perfect arrangement—if only her fear wasn't stopping her from getting back on her horse.

Then Colt Riley steps in. He's sexy and seems to have incredible insight into her situation, but he's everything she's been trying to stay away from.

Colt knows exactly what Amber is going through...because he's been there before. Forced to give up his riding career after an accident, he sets his mind to helping her get back on track. All that's easier said than done, especially when she discovers his hidden past. Will his efforts be enough to help her get ahead?

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Buy Links:

• Breathless Press
  
• Amazon
  
• Barnes and Noble
  
• All Romance ebooks

Author Bio:

Emily Cale spent the majority of her childhood as a visitor to the worlds of her favorite authors. With encouragement from her English teachers, she put pen to paper and began imagining her own stories. Preferring the fascinating lives of her characters, she majored in creative writing. When not lost in a manuscript or a good book, she enjoys crocheting, rock climbing, and playing board games. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and a very spoiled cat. You can find Emily online on her blog (http://www.emilycale.blogspot.com) or on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/emilycale.