Lilac Wolf and Stuff

Bloodstone

2012-02-08T11:49:00.000-05:00

by: Barbra Annino

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
Book Two of the Stacy Justice Series has more magic, more mystery and more twists and turns than your average amusement park.

A long-lost sister.
A missing mother.
And murder.

Stacy Justice finds herself caught in a web of deceit, betrayal and family secrets that run deeper than the Mississippi in this follow up to Annino's debut novel, OPAL FIRE.

Not only must the reluctant witch determine if the teenager on her doorstep is her sister--she's forced to confront her mother's disappearance--again. Add to that a dead guy in the kitchen and Stacy's at her witch's end. She's pretty sure the Blessed Book of her family's ancestry holds the key. Except she can't find it. And if the killer does--it may be over Stacy's dead body.

Is Ivy really her sister? Where is Stacy's mother? And what does the dead guy have to do with it all? Find out in Bloodstone.

You all know I love these covers. I wonder if the authors are creating them or paying for a service. Well either way it's eye catching and you can recognize Stacy Justice from the Opal Fire. And yes, please read Opal Fire first, this is the 2nd book in the series.

The story is so fast paced that you barely catch your breath before the next thing happens. But it's not a very long book, so it works for a fast read. Just a couple minor errors, so it's well edited.

What I really, really, really love though is the humor. Stacy makes me laugh, so much so that my husband started asking me what I was reading. And sometimes I just piped up and read it to him.

This book really has it all. Little bit of romance, a big mystery, witches, and humor. Again, make sure you read Opal Fire and then this. I think teens can handle this as well. I didn't feel it ever got so gory, violent or sexy that a teenager couldn't handle it.

Witch Hunt

2012-02-06T08:39:00.001-05:00

by: Devin O'Branagan

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Leigh has been married to a Hawthorne for a decade, but never knew the family secret: the Hawthornes are witches. When the dynamic Preacher Cody instigates a new, world-wide witch hunt, Leigh must choose sides. Will she stand with her husband and children, or will she run? This isn't the first witch hunt the Hawthornes have faced, but it could be their last. Will anyone survive?

A classic novel, updated for the 21st Century!

I've been dying to read this book since I read Magaly's posts - even a guest post by Devin O'branagan. Apparently since last June. Feels longer...

Anyway, Ms. Branagan graciously sent me an e-copy of Witch Hunt. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. And it really terrified me. I was finishing it yesterday at my in-laws' house and I had to go sit by my husband, I was shivering. And it's never gory, but Devin so perfectly captures the evil in people. It's chilling how easy it was to sway people to violence with a little fear. But it's not the first time it's happened and the witches aren't the only ones to suffer from it.

I think I was profoundly affected by having been so recently reminded of the holocaust. The other thing that set me shivering was how it so closely matched up with the current rise in the fundamentalist christian movement. These people are seriously scary, without an ounce of the love that Jesus was supposed to teach them. That's what's scary, how can you reason with someone who can't even figure out they aren't following their own religion?

The story is about the Hawthorne family, centering on the modern day but going back and giving us the family history starting at the Salem Witch Hunt. This was my favorite part of the book too. I cried as I read the story Devin wove about these women and the few men who were tortured and murdered.

Great book, something that I found terrifying, and so well written I couldn't put it down no matter how upset I was (you have to love a book that is passionate). Fully worth the $4.99 price.

Dragons Away!

2012-02-03T18:05:00.001-05:00

by: K.D. Berry

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
It seemed like such a good idea at the time ... a wager with the devious, dangerous and probably quite deranged King Davkosh of the Southern Realms. Half the kingdom staked in a race between mystery contenders. Ten leagues, point to point as the –er– crow flies.

Drewdop the Illusionist is quick to point out the flaws in this plan and is tasked with a secret spy mission - to find out just what kind of invincible champion Davkosh has training at home.

Travelling in magical disguise causes unforeseen complications for Drewdop, while his half-ogre bodyguard, in the guise of a beautiful woman, certainly turns a few heads.

But Drewdop soon discovers that the great race is the least of their worries. Davkosh's glamorous, fiery and ruthless queen, Gunora, is massing an army ready for attack whatever the outcome.

Meanwhile, deep in the dark forest, one of Davkosh's elite royal messengers is facing his own perilous destiny - how to become the world's first and only surviving dragon rider...

Look at that cover! Who can pass by such a magnificent looking dragon without being just a little curious? I've read some bad fantasy recently though so I was leery. Boy was I surprised, this book is awesome!

Both the writing and the story progression are smooth. The story is fairly fast paced. I can't tell how many pages it is...I haven't figured out how to do that on the Kindle yet. It's not a short novel, but reads easily in a few days. It is occasionally silly, and sometimes deadly serious.

I loved the name Drewdop...I still call him Dew Drop in my head. He's a magician, set up to look like a cliche wizard but the only magic he can do are illusions. It comes in handy, but there are more than a few occasions where he is frustrated by his lack of magic. He is, however, smart...at least more intelligent than the king. King Credos, while being a bit naive, is a nice person and treats his subjects well. His kingdom is doing well and is full of happy people.

King Davkosh and his wife Gunara are really not any more intelligent than King Credos, but meaner than a crabby rattlesnake. They regularly feed people to their alligators - especially if they need an influx of cash. Queen Gunara also thinks she is invulnerable.

Urkhart, the half-ogre was my favorite character. He was really a sweetheart, but people shunned him because he looked mostly like the ogre half. His ogre half did come to the front when he was in the heat of battle, though!

This is honestly the best piece of fantasy fiction I've picked up in a long time. And K.D. Berry is a penname for a husband and wife team from New Zealand. Oh and the best bit of news, looks like there could be another one for these characters. At least the ending gave a strong hint. Yeah!

Three Girls and a Leading Man

2012-02-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

by: Rachel Schurig

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Annie Duncan has never put much stock in true love. Sure, she loves dating, but she gets more than her share of drama working as a struggling actress—she can live without the romantic kind, thank you very much.

Instead, Annie focuses her energy on her two best friends, Jen and Ginny. And now that she finally appears to be getting her big break, Annie couldn’t be happier with the way things are going. When she meets Nate during a weekend away in Vegas, she figures she'll just have an exhilarating fling—even if he is totally adorable and clearly into her. But when Annie finds herself falling for Nate, she's faced with a choice she never wanted to make.

In Three Girls and a Leading Man, Annie Duncan attempts to chase her dreams and keep her heart under control. Her heart, however, may have different ideas!

*fist pump* Yes! Yes! Yes! I was so happy to get this one. I received a really early version in order to beta read...but busy holidays and a rush by Rachel Schurig meant I missed it. But yesterday I figured I'll read it anyway and review it. Luckily my Nook allows me to read word documents...only I can't make any notes or changes and it doesn't remember where I'm at if I close it at anytime.

Regardless of my issues with Microsoft and Nook, I was hooked. Even though I was as sick as a dog I couldn't put it down. I literally read it all yesterday afternoon. I followed the boys as they played in their room and played in my room, I was buried in my Nook. (**update - I wrote this weeks ago! lol**)

The flow is perfect. You can really feel what is going on with Annie. And really she's a mess, and even though she refuses to get that, you pick it up from how she treats people around her and their reactions to her. I knew from the first 2 books (Three Girls and a Baby and Three Girls and a Wedding) that Annie has issues getting close to men. What struck her in this book was watching her friends deepening their relationships with their boyfriend and husband. Jen moves in with Matt, Gina talks about how she loves being married and it's a partnership. Annie just assumed Gina would resent having to take Josh into consideration when making decisions. No, it's good to be with another person and it means you have to give and take.

Well a free trip to Vegas and Annie meats Mr. Maybe. She clicks with him, he gets through her tough girl exterior. He's also unlike anyone she has ever dated before. He scared the crap out of her, that's how you know he was good for her. He took her so far out of her comfort zone. But will she drop the act and let him all the way in or will she run away?

You'll have to read, and really for $2.99 can you go wrong? I'd call this a romantic comedy, and she recently changed the covers - love them! I wonder what she's going to write now!

Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story

2012-01-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

by: Ingrid Ricks

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
What would you do if your Mormon stepfather pinned you down and tried to cast Satan out of you? For thirteen-year-old Ingrid, the answer is simple: RUN.

For years Ingrid has begged her free-wheeling dad to let her join him on the road as a tool-selling vagabond to escape the suffocating poverty and religion at home. When her devout Mormon mother married Earl―a homeless Vietnam vet who exploits the religion’s male-dominated culture to oppress and abuse her family―she finally gets her wish. Ingrid spends the next few summers living on the margins while hustling tools with her dad and his slimy, revolving sales crew. He becomes her lifeline and escape from Earl. But when her dad is arrested, she learns the lesson that will change her life: she can’t look to others to save her; she has to save herself.

Catchy cover - when I saw it on my Kindle...I had forgotten downloading it. But the cover grabbed me one afternoon when I was bored to tears waiting for my son's bus. And then I couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting such a great story...and so mild.

For some reason I was expecting a really twisted, out there tale. But it was fairly vanilla. Which is good, I think teens on up can enjoy this book. Even with nothing really terrible happening, it holds your interest. Ingrid is a great story teller. I think that this being a memoir helps. To be fair I thought this was fiction when I read it. I didn't realize it was true until I read the Author Notes at the end.

It's a story about a girl and her Mormon family. Her mom is just about insane about church, while her father (who was raised Mormon) is excommunicated. When her mom remarries, the man is about as appealing as anthrax. He eats nothing but meat, which along with his lack of bathing (I'm assuming) leads to a very, very bad smell. Plus he's a leach, a jerk and just generally creepy.

My heart breaks for her because, really, neither parent treats her like she is worth much. Her dad is her hero, and she loves spending her summers traveling around with him. During the school year she lives with her mom and her stinky step-dad, plus 2 sisters (1 older and 1 younger) and 2 younger brothers. The timeline goes from when she is 9 yrs old until 17, and it really is a coming of age tale.

It's not free anymore, but it's only $1.99 for the Kindle - not bad, right? Ingrid Ricks does a great job weaving this tale of her childhood/teenage years.

Holocaust Events Set the Stage for 1970s Family Drama

2012-01-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

by Leon H. Gildin

There are few events in history that have been so thoroughly written about and dissected as the Holocaust. So when one comes across a little piece of this historic tragedy, attention must be paid and credit must be given.

The Polski Affair, winner of the 2010 International Book Awards for historic fiction, is a story about just such a little-known piece of the Holocaust and is based upon The Case of the Hotel Polski, a research work written some thirty years ago by Abraham Shulman. Published by the Holocaust Press and distributed by Schocken Books, Shulman's work tells a story about a small group of people who survived an incomprehensible (and to this day, not understood) scheme conceived by the Nazis after the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto in 1943.

Surviving Jews living on the Aryan side of Warsaw, in hiding or with false papers, could come to the Hotel Polski and buy passage out of Poland. Hundreds of people came with whatever funds they had. Some hid in caskets, packing crates and pickle barrels—anything that wouldn’t result in their being arrested if discovered on the street.

Once at the Hotel Polski, they were matched with other survivors and given new names to correspond to the visas, exit permits and other identification documents that were found on the bodies of Jews who perished in the Warsaw ghetto. While Jews made it out of the Hotel Polski with their new identities and exit papers in hand, few made it out of Poland alive. Shulman’s work included interviews with those who survived.

The historic portion of The Polski Affair tells the story of not only what the Nazis planned in order to accomplish their goal, it speaks of existing sites such as the Hotel Polski; Pawiak, a prison built by the czar of Russia in the 19th Century which was located in the center of the Warsaw ghetto; the Jewish cemetery on the outskirts of the ghetto; and the city of Vittel in France where foreigners were confined. The characters, their relationship to each other and their experiences in the Hotel Polski and elsewhere are fiction.

The book gave me ample opportunity to speak before book clubs and at book signings. At these events, many people asked me the same question, "What became of these characters, of their families, of their problems, of their guilt at having survived?"

The Family Affair was born. In writing it, my intent was to carry you away from the Holocaust and into a world of family drama set primarily in Israel in the 1970s. The story picks up years later with the heroine’s secretive past, a forbidden love, catching up with her in ways she never could have expected, affecting her family for years to come. It’s a story of survival and secrets—and the things in families that are sometimes better left unsaid.

The Family Affair

2012-01-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

by: Leon H. Gildin

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
After the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto in 1943, Anna Adler, who was then known as Rosa Feurmann, was asked by the partisans to infiltrate the Hotel Polski. Rumor had it that the Nazis were attempting to lure Jews out of hiding by the sale of exit visas from Poland.

Although some thirty years have passed, Anna’s memories of the Hotel Polski remain conflicted by sorrow, guilt and passion. It is some two years since Anna returned from a reunion of the survivors where she was applauded for her courage in testifying against the Commandant of the Polski at his War Crimes Trial. Nevertheless, despite the accolades, her obsession with what took place at the hotel during her period of imprisonment continues to haunt her.

The Family Affair a sequel to The Polski Affair tells of the fortuitous discovery of new members of Anna’s family, bringing her both joy and torment. For Anna, the ties that bind run deeper than she cares to admit and result in explosive revelations that both divide and unite her family for years to come.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. The cover is simple and appealing, so I was initially intrigued. The story is captivating. It's about a fairly small Jewish family living in Israel. The story is told from Sholom's point of view for most of it, but Anna, Josef and Liese join in as well. (You'll have to read the book to find out who those people are.)

Anna and her husband are both survivors of the Holocaust in Poland. They were housed in the Hotel Polski where they met and also lost their spouses and children. Just thinking about that makes me want to sob. Can you imagine your little ones ripped from you, knowing that they would likely be killed? But she survived, and her and Chaim married and had children of their own.

Sholom is their oldest and he was working on his doctorate thesis on the Hotel Polski. What he uncovers will change his family forever. (That's good, right? Makes you want to rush out and read it?)

The story itself is captivating. I really couldn't put it down. But that being said, there was too much emphasis on the dialogue. Lots of he said this, she said this, then she told him that. It made the flow fairly awkward. And they ate ALL THE time. I also felt the relationships were unrealistic. Lots of embracing and kissing that just didn't seem appropriate. I can't really share an example, I don't wish to reveal too much of the plot. I just want to warn you that even though it is a fascinating tale, and I would recommend giving it a go, sometimes it's unpolished and waffling.

This book is a sequel to The Polski Affair, but you can read this without reading the other one first. There is some adult language but for the most part the book stays clean. The story really rushes through any kind of activity going on. There was a war in this story and he breezed through it in a couple of pages. The main character was in the war, and it was still completely glossed over.

The Baby Trap

2012-01-23T07:43:00.000-05:00

by: Sibel Hodge

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Based on her own experiences with infertility and two attempts at IVF, Sibel Hodge’s latest novel The Baby Trap will have you laughing and crying at the ups and downs of modern baby-making…

When Gina turns thirty-three her body clock unexpectedly begins clanging in her ear with annoying persistence. The only problem is, having a baby isn’t as easy as she thought. Whether she’s feng shui-ing the house to death with fertility symbols, throwing out her husband’s tight boxers in favour of baggies, swapping wine and chocolate for green tea and yams, popping fertility drugs like M&M’s, or having sex so precision-timed it makes international warfare manoeuvres look unorganized, her life is turned upside down. And when nothing seems to be working, her quest for the B-word turns into an obsession.

Can Gina stay sane, get pregnant, and keep her marriage together? Or will her baby trail become a baby trap?

Very classy cover, definitely eye catching with the pink and all the baby items. I love that font too. :)

The story is funny and gripping. I really couldn't put it down once I started. You know it's bad when you are laying in bed thinking, "I could get up and finish that book right now."

I never had an issue with infertility, although we were expecting me to. Hodge does such a great job with her descriptive writing that you really felt what Gina felt all through the tracking of her temperature, the planning of sex, ovulation, doctors, hormone shots and finally the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment. I stopped reading last night before the treatment and I was dying to know what happened. I really didn't know what I would do if it didn't work. Well you'll have to read for yourself to find out.

The character Gina really does have a great husband and father...however she has a super-rude step-mother and step-sister. I love it when she goes off on people who mistreat their kids. Even just complaining about their existence is enough to set her off, and I'm fully in her corner. If you hate kids so much, then why have them at all? Is adoption not an option when you are a professional?

Get yourself a copy today. This is comedic chick-lit gold! :)

I Accept this Double Witchy Cat Dare!

2012-01-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

Magaly of Pagan Culture tagged me for...well I don't know what it is. But I have to tell you some random stuff about me and answer a few questions. Then I'll pick a few to torture.

It's always hard to figure out what to impart about myself. I have to think up something interesting, and quite frankly I feel I'm a boring person. lol So let's do this!

11 random things:

I love baking, I've really been going crazy lately. And when I'm bored, I find myself thinking about whipping up a cake to practice my decorating skills or cupcakes. I gotta find something to do with it, though because eating it isn't working for me.

I gained back all the weight I lost...which leaves me feeling like a failure...which leads me to overeat more.

Along the same line, I'm thinking I should join an Over-eaters Anonymous group, inspired by the TV show Mike & Molly.

I miss going for long walks when the weather was nicer and we actually had the time to spare.

My middle name is Rachelle (not Rachel, ra-shell), it was going to be my 1st name but apparently I have a cousin by that name. Yeah haven't seen her in YEARS so I'm sure that would have been confusing for everyone! lol

I love Facebook and the social sites because it removes my body issues from my interactions. It also allows me to think about what I'm saying before I say it. (I'm not a quick thinker).

I'm addicted to the Sims 3.

I long to knit socks.

I'm afraid of the dark - I don't believe in monsters under my bed, but I'm still convinced something is going to grab me.

I'm horribly disorganized. I have poor time management skills, and I say "yes" way too often to the indie authors. lol

I adore Mexican food. I had to move away from Alma so I'd stop eating at El Vaquero every other day.

owning a fixer upper that we had to sell when I got pregnant hasn't soured me on the idea of doing it again. (has my husband though - lol)
Where is your favorite place? Why? Alone at a coffee shop (usually Biggby) with a great book and good coffee. Why? Because it's quiet, and I'm alone.

What was your worst date, and why? All right, I'll answer this one. I met this guy online, I met all my guys online. He drove up from Flint to meet me at Bennigan's. I instantly disliked him. He smoked (and smelled of it) and he was the most annoying man I've ever met. He was whimpy and tough all at the same time...it quickly became obvious the tough was covering up for the whimpy. He was also just getting out of an abusive relationship. He didn't pay and he whined when I said it just wouldn't work out. Do I really need to explain why it was my worst date?

Now I'm supposed to choose who to pass this onto. Well I'm going to go the lazy route. ;) All of you go ahead and do this on your blog so I can come see.

Now the winner of My Place or Yours or We Interrupt This Date is...Mina from Green Witch with Sprinkles. Such a sweet lady. Everyone go congratulate her. *grin*

We Interrupt This Date (re-post)

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

by: L.C. Evans (*originally posted 10-05-2011*)

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
Since her divorce a year ago, Susan Caraway has gone through the motions of life. Now she is finally coming out of her shell. Just when she decides on a makeover and a new career, her family members decide she's crisis central. First there’s her sister DeLorean who has come back from California with a baby, a designer dog, and no prospects for child support or a job. As soon as DeLorean settles in at Susan’s home, Susan’s son Christian returns from college trailing what Susan’s mama refers to as “an androgynous little tart.” Then there’s Mama herself, a southern lady who wrote the book on bossy. A secret from Mama’s past threatens to unravel her own peace. But not before Mama hurts her ankle and has to move into Susan’s home with her babies—two Chihuahuas with attitude. Susan would like to start her new job as a ghost tour operator. She would like to renew her relationship with Jack Maxwell, a man from her past. But Jack isn’t going to stand in line behind her needy family.

Goodreads had a different cover, actually pretty bland, a large white house. I like this cover, with the 2 chihuahuas. The dogs are actually very annoying, and are her Mama's babies. Her sister shows up with a Golden-Doodle, completely untrained and full of fleas and matted fur. Poor guy, the sister doesn't take care of him and Susan or "Nic" is not attached to any of the dogs moving through her house.

The story starts off with Susan, living alone after her divorce now a year gone by. She hates her job, but after being a stay at home mom for the last 20 years, doesn't have a great skill set to offer in this competitive market. That's one thing I like in this story, maybe it will date it but L.C. Evans didn't sugar coat what our economy is like. In fact, the character realizes that considering her options, the miserable job at the pawn shop is better than some alternatives.

Then her friend Victoria shows up and offers her a job running her new Ghost Tours operation. And sweetened the deal saying Susan could live in her Bed & Breakfast and either sell or rent the house that is just too big and expensive for 1 person. Susan wasn't about to gamble and lose the only steady paycheck she has. But her boss finds out and uses it as the excuse he's been looking for to fire her and hire his niece. This part bothered me because she really should have stopped taking his abuse right then. After all, he'd already fired her.

Then her sister shows up with a baby, a huge dog and no money. Moves in with Susan. Then Mama falls and sprains her ankle...and moves in with Susan. Then her son comes home for the weekend with a girl-who-is-a-friend from school. The girl is all piercings, purple hair, grunge but proves to Susan that there's a responsible person underneath it all. So when Jack shows up, he is frustrated to discover the same old "drop anything for her family" Nic he used to know. Susan is in tears because she can't figure out what is wrong with Jack until FINALLY she blows.

So, will the Ghost Hunting job be a success? Who knows, but you'll see what offers Victoria gives her to keep her interested. Will she smooth things over with Jack? Maybe...you'll have to read and see.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to shake sense into Susan. lol

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for either this eBook or My Planet or Yours. You still have time to enter. Click here to go back to Monday's review.

My Planet or Yours

2012-01-16T08:32:00.001-05:00

by: L.C. Evans

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Nora Bryant is a single Earth woman out to ban men from her life after a recent breakup. Triskam is a strikingly handsome extraterrestrial, who crash lands near her remote Arizona home. Add to this mix, a couple of misguided thugs looking for a gold rush, an overly friendly, not-so-guard dog, and a communications device that thinks it's a nanny, and you have My Planet or Yours?, a delightful new romantic comedy by LC Evans, author of the Kindle bestseller, We Interrupt This Date.

I was planning to review this book and We Interrupt This Date, because I knew I had that one to review. LOL - I already reviewed it. I will be reposting that review this week, though. I did purchase this book for my Nook to pump up her sales. L.C. Evans passed away this last week. She was a great writer and deserves it.

Now onto the review. The cover is cartoonish, honestly I love all these cartoon covers. I think they are cute and so much less serious than the ones using real people. I especially love the dog. In the story, Nora adopts Chance just before he was put down. He was supposed to be her guard dog, since she was back to living alone. Chance is not a guard dog...he's a lover, happy to see anyone.

When she gets back home she finds Triskam hiding in her shed, and as they are talking in her kitchen, some real bad guys show up. Nothing like getting held hostage to really bring people together. There was amazing chemistry between them from the beginning. Really from the moment Triskam laid eyes on her.

Since Nora had recently broken up, her friends weren't real supportive of her "dating" a new guy. But really, it was too late to spare her feelings...I think her friends should have minded their own business.

Minimal mistakes in this one - I love seeing that in the indie books. Plus L.C. Evans seems to write whatever she damn well pleases. This book has similar flow to We Interrupt This Date, but the characters and location and even the plot are all unique. She does write, strong and independent women...even if the women don't realize they are.

This book has about 469 pages, and I read it in a day. Can we say very fast pace? I started it on Saturday and finished early Sunday morning before I went to work. I would encourage anyone who likes romance with some humor thrown in to get this book...and I'm someone who doesn't really like romance as a genre.

And to honor L.C. Evans, to thank her spirit for sharing such warm stories...I'm going to buy one of you readers your very own copy of My Planet or Yours OR We Interrupt This Date. Just leave a comment on this blog for your entry. And the usual - grab my button and blog about this giveaway/review to get extra entries. Good luck! I'll draw the winner on Friday (Jan 20, 2012).

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever

2012-01-12T11:09:00.002-05:00

by: Jeff Kinney

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of.

The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

I have to admit to loving these books. When Cabin Fever came out, I sent off an e-mail begging to review it. No such luck, but my library had it. Have I mentioned that I love my library?

So I was at last able to get my Wimpy Kid fix. I have to say, Greg is a jerk. Seriously self centered with delusions of grandeur. But what I like about the stories are that Greg receives the natural consequences of his behavior. He doesn't get the lesson but anyone reading the book does get it. Actually I should say he usually gets the consequence. There wasn't anything really bad that came out of him putting a wish on the Christmas Tree at church - he asked for money to be left under the recycling box. I did use that as a teachable moment with CW, though.

Age to read this: 6-adult. It's a super-fast read with just enough cartoons to keep the younger crowd interested. My son has enjoyed me reading this one and now wants me to go back and buy the rest of them. He actually came home upset that he couldn't find them in the library at his school. Good news is our local library does so we are all good. And I do enjoy them. They are light hearted and funny, and as a mom I do love it when Greg gets his just desserts.

The Dress

2012-01-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

by: Sophie Nicholls

Available at Amazon - The Dress

Synopsis:
Meet Ella and her mother Fabbia Moreno who arrive in York, one cold January day, to set up their vintage dress shop.

The flamboyant Fabbia wants to sell beautiful dresses to nice people and move on from her difficult past. Ella just wants to fit in. But not everyone is on their side.

Will Fabbia overcome the prejudices she encounters? What's the dark secret she's hiding? And do the silk linings and concealed seams of her dresses contain real spells or is this all just 'everyday magic'?

Among the leopard-print shoes, tea-gowns and costume jewellery in Fabbia's shop are many different stories - and the story of one particular dress.

This is a full-length novel for lovers of vintage and readers of contemporary romance/fantasy.

This cover caught my eye, it's so classy. And you know how much I love chic-lit. It's not without it romantic moments, but that's not the driver of this tale. This story is centered around Ella and her mother Fabbia. Fabbia is originally from Iran and Ella is the daughter of Fabbia and her Italian husband, Enzo.

Enzo died many years ago, so he isn't in the story. Fabbia and Ella begin this tale in York where they arrive to open a vintage shop. It's Fabbia's dream, but she has a hard time staying in the same place. It reminded me of the movie Chocolat.

The characters are all very intriguing, each with their own story and their own motivations. When Fabbia and Ella arrive, they meet Billy who befriends Ella right off. Katrina, who seems to grudgingly accept Ella as a part-time friend. We also meet up with Katrina's mother, Jean Cushworth who is a mess of a rich woman. Can we say "bored housewife?" Jean is in a drugged up stupor most of the time, rather than deal with her lonliness and boredom. Well she can't even admit that's what her problem is, she feels like she is very important and feels threatened by Fabbia and Ella.

I love the little bit of magic in the story as well. Again this plays in as a side-item. The story isn't driven by it, but it's there nonetheless. Ella and her mother have a bit of psychic ability. They call it the Signals. They get visions, warnings whenever there is trouble. The Signals were going crazy whenever Jean was around, and all through her house.

My heart breaks for Ella, when only 6 months into their stay Fabbia decides it's time to go. Ella has found her home, and is done with running away. She doesn't want to leave Billy, to change schools, and mostly to not go to the middle of no-where in Scotland.

It's a very great story. Reading this felt a little like floating on water. Your body is rocked with small waves, but mostly it just feels comforting.

Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead

2011-12-30T19:49:00.001-05:00

by: Christiana Miller

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
A little magic can go a long way -- to really screwing things up. Mara is having the worst month of her life. At least, that’s what her cards tell her and they’ve never been wrong. She's evicted from her apartment, loses her job and is banned from Beverly Hills. So when the tarot cards predict her imminent demise, she uses a little magic to make her world right.

Suddenly, an aunt she’s never met dies, leaving Mara as her sole heir. But when Mara moves into her inherited home, she discovers Aunt Tillie never moved out. She’s still one pissed-off old lady, even post-mortem, and she blames Mara’s magical meddling for her death.

When Mara accidentally releases a demon and awakens the spirit of the most powerful witch in history, Tillie’s ready to kill her -- literally. It’s the only way she can think of to save the girl from herself. The witch and the demon, however, have other plans for Mara’s body.

The cover is cartoonish and eye catching. In fact it was the cover that caught my eye on one of those free-ebook pages on Facebook. So yes, I downloaded this for the Kindle. I don't have a Kindle so I read this on my phone. I actually couldn't put it down, my phone went with me everywhere for a few days. My oldest asked me last night, "Why are you reading on your phone???" Because Mommy has to finish this book and it's not on the Nook. Nope, but I did just request it.

The characters are a hoot and a half. Mara and Gus are the only two that get really in-depth treatment. Mara being the main character, and it's all from her perspective in the first-person. And of course Gus is her best friend, he is a gay witch. So he's perfect in all ways but that one. He's also very aggressive and pro-active, which is the opposite of Mara. If it weren't for him she never would have made any movement in the story. It works really well, is all.

She moves from L.A. when her overly-Christian apartment manager evicts her and her Aunt Tillie dies. It's a tiny town on the northern end of Wisconsin. I think it was called Devil's Point. She finds the cottage gorgeous but slightly haunted. Against all her instincts, she decides to move in.

She finds a love interest and lots of fun and creepy things happen. I won't give any more away but I was shocked more than once. This book was not at all predictable. The paperback is a few bucks, but the Kindle version is only $3.49. If you have a Nook like me, you can request it be made available in Nook format as I just did today.

Seriously fun paranormal read. Romance is in here a little but it's not anywhere near the main story line. I would call it quirky paranormal...mystery? Maybe...anyway, it was a really good read.

Taking 1960

2011-12-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

by: Rosa Sophia

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
An envelope addressed to Katherine Maslin stood out amongst the pile of bills. It is her notice from an attorney… the rights to her grandparents’ farmhouse and adjacent property.

She believes that a change will rid her of the strange dreams she’s been having, wherein an oddly familiar woman visits her, begging for her help. But when Kat realizes that the woman in her dream is her dead grandmother, she begins to have doubts about moving to the farm.

Rumors and nightmarish tales fill her mind, stories of the five men who lost their lives in the late 1950s to a heartless murderer. A man had been convicted, but was he the one the police had been looking for, or had he been framed?

Kat is thrown backwards through time on a journey to discover a terrible truth. The ghost of her grandmother is always one step ahead of her, leading the way. But will she find the killer before he finds her?

Cover was fairly freaky, I probably would have read this much sooner had I ever seen that cover. I don't remember there being a ghost kid, but trust me there was a lot going on to make this a thriller.

As the synopsis stated, Kat inherited her grandparents' farmhouse. Seems like a dream come true, Kat is an artist and was eager to live in a farmhouse. So Kat and her fiance pack up their meager belongings and make the move. The thing about this I found distracting about this was where they were getting their money. It was very unclear until the book was nearly over that either of them had been to college. It sounded like the went wandering after high school and settled down together. But even so, where did they have the savings to draw from? They were both very young and unemployed. So a few more details would have been great.

The next part I found that took away from the story was Kat's constant battling with her mother. Seriously every single conversation ended up with Kat yelling...and it was really unclear why in many cases. When she had been missing for so long, and her fiance told her to let her mother know she just refused to deal with her. Her mom wanted her to move closer, and it was blown up into how controlling her mother was. It was pure teenage perspective, the high school romance was too. But then I found out Rosa wrote this book when she was 17 and it really changed my perspective. Kat still bugs me, but I think Rosa is a fantastic author.

The writing and editing of this story are really well done. The things that bothered me were really the teenage perspective that Rosa wrote this story from. I think anyone can enjoy this story, but the younger 20s crowd will really get it.

If you'd like to win a copy for yourself head over to Pagan Writers Community to enter Rosa's New Year's giveaway of a paperback copy of Taking 1960.

The Chronicles of Marr-nia

2011-12-18T16:31:00.001-05:00

by: Karen Cantwell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Four funny and touching short stories featuring soccer mom and movie lover, Barbara Marr who made her debut appearance in the hilarious murder mystery, Take the Monkeys and Run. Also, just for fun, the author has included two BONUS shorts with different themes. All-in-all - a collection sure to entertain.

Barbara Marr is fast becoming my favorite mystery solving character ever. The best part about this collection was the switch in genre that completely fit with who Barbara Marr is all around. There 2 mysteries, but there were also stories about being a wife and mother - those things that are also a huge part of her day to day life. Added to this, 2 bonus stories that had nothing to do with Barbara Marr.

The one, Sherman's Purpose haunts me still. I hate to say anything, because it will tell you all. But it's just a short story about an old man and his purpose in this last stage of his life.

The other one, The Recollections of Rosabelle Raines left me speechless. It had an bit of the paranormal mixed in but it was set in the South just after the civil war. Honestly it was amazing. It says to keep an eye out for the Novella in 2011, so after I write this I am going to go bug Ms. Cantwell about it.

It's 99 cents, 6 short stories and all of them well-written and tasty.

It's a Dunder-Bull Wife

2011-12-18T16:30:00.001-05:00

by: Karen Cantwell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Dunder-Bull – the perfect little town bordering Barbara Marr’s not-so-polished Rustic Woods. Everything in Dunder-Bull is five-star rated, including the wives. As Barb puts it, “Dunder-Bull Wives make Stepford Wives look like couch potatoes.” Succumbing to the need to “measure-up,” Barb decides to prepare a grand and luscious Christmas feast for a party of twenty. The problem? Barb can’t cook her way out of a turkey-roaster bag. In usual Barbara Marr fashion, chaos ensues. Will she survive? Will her family fall victim to salmonella food poisoning? Will Martha Stewart ridicule her publicly?

A Barbara Marr Holiday short story, sure to tickle your funny bone and touch your heart at the same time.

A very short story just in time for Christmas. Barbara Marr, beloved character of Take the Monkeys and Run and Citizen Insane, is ready to host the perfect Christmas. The kind of Christmas that one of the perfect Dunder-Bull wives would put on.

The Dunder-Bull area reminds me of Desperate Housewives. You know the type, they parent and host parties with what seems like flawless perfection and endless patience. Their kids are never dirty or rude, their houses are immaculate and their dinner parties tasteful and gourmet. How on earth do they do it all?

Well if nothing else Karen Cantwell gives us a Christmas tale for the ladies. And it's only 99cents. I had my Mother in Law read it yesterday and whenever the Nook freaked out on her, she freaked out on me, so it's not just my opinion that it's good. ;)

Giveaway alert! Magaly of Pagan Culture has a gorgeous set of Tarot Cards up for grabs. Click on the picture to go enter.

Knit One, Pearl One

2011-12-18T16:10:00.002-05:00

by: Gil McNeil

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Knit one...It's been a busy few years since Jo Mackenzie lost her husband. Life has brought adventure, surprises, unexpected pleasures, and, of course, lots of knitting. Jo's seaside yarn shop, with a brand new cafe, has taken off, keeping her busier than ever. And being a single mum to two boys and headstrong toddler Pearl is just as exhausting and enchanting as she thought it would be. On top of all that, celebrity diva Grace has a secret; Jo's firecracker best friend Ellen is launching a new television series; and lovable but hapless Martin continues his oft misguided attempts to woo Jo. Just when Jo thinks she has about all she can handle, Daniel, Pearl's globe-trotting dad, turns up out of the blue . . .

Purl one...But with a little help from her friends, and her beloved Gran, Jo is building a new life for herself by the sea, stitch by stitch. Warm and witty, Knit One Pearl One will delight new readers to the Beach Street series and give the legions of existing fans a chance to visit the British seaside again, without having to worry about the weather.

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a love affair with yarn. Even if my hands don't cooperate. So the cover filled with so many balls of yarn would catch my eye in the bookstore. Win!

If I'm not mistaken, this is the 3rd book in the continuing saga of Jo Mackenzie's life in the small seaside town of Broadgate. Jo is working on raising her 2 boys and Pearl, her surprise baby from an affair with Daniel when she was in Italy after Nick died. She is still seeing Martin but there isn't much passion there.

Funny thing is, Jo seems fine with the way things are. She doesn't like drama, even if it does seem to find her anyway. I respect this. We all make mistakes.

Connie, her Italian friend is pregnant and Mark (Connie's husband) is Mr. Perfect. He knows how to cook and he patiently takes all the pregnancy crabbiness his wife can dish out. Connie's family has also been sending up young girls to learn the language. Cinzia has been helping out as a part-time Nanny for Jo. She is very beautiful and stirs up some mild trouble wherever she goes. Cinzia isn't a central character, but she does add some sizzle.

Ellen finally married Harry and they have a little boy as well. Little Eddie. And Ellen hasn't changed a bit. Harry takes care of Eddie and works freelance when he can and Ellen has just gotten her own talk show. So of course she's after Jo to get Grace on her show. It all works out, and I'm happy to see Jo doing so well in her shop. I wish we saw more of that. A small town shop selling local and beyond but using local help for the excess. We would all be better off, don't you think? More little shops instead of giant Wal*Marts everywhere?

Anyway, it's a great story. Very laid back with lots of ups and downs. I was terrified when Connie had her baby, but you'll have to read about that yourself. Great book to buy with all the Barnes & Noble and Amazon gift cards you all got for Christmas.

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part Two

2011-12-11T12:45:00.001-05:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

26) Are you happy with the person you've become? Somedays...

27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love? hate - my kids whiny voice, love - my kids giggles

28) What's your biggest "what if"? What if I met Chris when we were both in college. Cause we were actually at the same school at the same time but didn't meet until years later.

29) Do you believe in ghosts? Yes

30) How about aliens? Of course, I'm not sure they've been here but there has to be other life in the universe.

31) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? Staying home with the boys. It's not always easy or affordable, but damn they are well adjusted and happy.

32) What's the worst place you have ever been to? Detroit

33) Can insanity bring on more creativity? Yes, insane people usually murder their inner critic. ;)

34) Most attractive actor of your opposite gender? Ok I'm tired of answering this one. Who you do you guys like?

35) To you, what is the meaning of life? To create a decent human being to take my place when I die.

36) Define “Art”. Anything a person creates.

37) Do you believe in luck? Yup, I do. I wish I had more of it.

38) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? honesty, true utter honesty not only with your partner but with yourself. Like I'm under no allusion that Chris lusts after other women, hell I lust after other men so it's only fair. That relieves a huge amount of tension right there. I did have to grow up to reach that point though.

39) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? Norwegian Wood

40) Where were you yesterday? I was at work in the morning, then I came home and didn't leave again until I went to work again this morning.

41) What's the worst injury you've ever had? I guess it would be when I was 3 years old. My babysitter was ironing and she left the iron on the board to answer the phone. Me, being a curious toddler, reached up and the iron fell on my hand. I still have scarring on my 3 fingers of my left hand from that. I feel worse for my babysitter, my mom said she was so upset she was crying and tried to quit but my mom wouldn't let her. It was just an accident.

42) Do you have any obsessions right now? I don't think so. Well maybe one but my husband doesn't seem to mind. lol

43) What's up? The sky.

44) Ever had a rumor spread about you? Probably...don't care (and yes, I'm happy to be in THAT mood now.

45) Do you believe in real magic? Tricky, tricky. I believe in making magic, but that it's really more of a prayer ritual, you can do the spell but there's not guarantee it will work.

46) Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? Yes I do...if I'm being honest. I do wish I were better at letting stuff go. I'm trying to teach the boys to do that, hope it works.

47) What's your favorite (non-pet) animal? Wolf then Tiger

48) What is your secret weapon to get people to like you? I don't have a secret weapon. I try to be nice and listen without judgement. It really doesn't work much. People open up to me and then I think they get embarrassed and I never hear from them again. Oh well, I'm mostly happy at home in my own little world.

49) Where is your best friend? Probably home with her family, or out shopping.

50) What do you think is Satan's last name? Smith - what??? It had to start somewhere!

Textual Healing

2011-12-08T17:07:00.001-05:00

by: Eric Smith

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Few people have to deal with a haiku-speaking flower-shop-owning ninja every day on their way to work. Unfortunately for Andrew Connor, he is one of those people.

And poor Andrew, his week has been a rough one. His former bestseller, Chasing Fireflies, is on clearance at Barnes & Noble for $1.37, his girlfriend left him for a corporate America action figure, and he's been tricked into joining Textual Healing, a support group for writers who can't seem to write anymore.

Dealing with his employees at his failing used bookshop, a strange new love interest from the Midwest, and a pet sugar-glider that has somehow managed to destroy his entire apartment... when will he ever find the time to put pen to paper again?

A quirky comedy set in present day New York and New Jersey, Textual Healing follows the story of Andrew, a self-deprecating, once famous author, his small bookstore in Hoboken, and the colorful characters that surround him.

The fact that this is a self published book always surprises me. The cover is professional and the editing is superb. I only saw one error that I remember.

The characters aren't too in depth. Really the only person you get to know is Andrew (aka Ace), which makes sense as it's from his point of view. And the timeline is one week. It will shock you as much as it does Andrew when he asks himself if it's really been only one week toward the end of the book. I actually stopped reading and went back. lol

It's a light fast read. The story is well developed all the way through, and it has plenty of quirky moments. Nothing really beats the haiku speaking, Ninja Orchid lady. She sneaks up on Ace all the time and when she leaves, she always does some Ninja move in the middle of the street. Always good for a laugh.

The story is complicated but treated with an easy manner. I don't want to give too much away, but really it just illustrates why I was blown away that the timeline was only a week.

So yeah, it's a fairly light, quirky love story. Romance written by a guy...bromance? No that sounds wrong...LOL. It's good fiction, enough said. I saw a review that said it's romantic comedy...yeah that fits.

And I just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous giveaway happening over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom. It's a Green Faery Pendulum Board and a gorgeous pendulum to use with it. They are both made by Brynn McCullough.

Westmore: The Aftermath

2011-12-06T21:02:00.001-05:00

by: Carol Cassada

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
In the eagerly anticipated sequel, a car accident changes the lives of the families of Westmore. One family comes together as one of their own fights for survival. While another family rallies together to protect a relative from prison. What happens when secrets are revealed? Find out in Westmore: The Aftermath.

I really enjoyed the first book in the Westmore series. I gave it 4 stars, and I couldn't wait for the next book in the series. And here it is.

The writing jumps around from being too formal to being too casual. And the story lines are moving too fast. There is something big going on in the story and then poof, the conflict is over. Like Jeff, Marie's husband has been a jerk for years and Catherine tells him he's a tool and he just says "yeah you are right" and starts acting sweet and apologetic.

The other problem is the reactions of people. When Alicia shows up at Marie's house when she should be at the trial, Marie simply things to herself that Alicia must have something important to say and then politely offers her tea or coffee as if it were a regular visit. Realistically Marie should have met Alicia with "What are you doing here?" and some measure of shock.

Those are just a few examples. I'm feeling let down after the first one. But I still think Carol Cassada has potential as an author. In fact, if she just took some more time editing this story it could be as good as the 1st one. Right now it has a feeling of something published too soon.

I was still invested in the characters and wanted to know what happened, I just with the issues around the main story lines would get cleaned up. There was a great flow, it's not a short story but it moves fast and easy. One of those beach reads - although I guess this isn't the season for that. lol

I'm sorry to have to give this 2 stars, but it just needs more work.

Guest Post - Gregory Allen

2011-12-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

Can Authors Write in Different Genres?

Whenever I’m interviewed, I’m always asked what genre I write in. It’s the toughest question I seem to get as an author because I’ve never been able to say “I write vampire books” or “I’m a sci-fi mystery man’. The truth is: I write whatever story comes to me at that moment. But mainly, I write about people overcoming obstacles and adversity – and there are numerous settings and genres those stories can play out in.

My debut novel Well With My Soul has been classified as literary fiction as well as gay fiction (because one of the characters was gay). So people would begin to assume I only can write gay-themed novels. My novelette Proud Pants: An Unconventional Memoir was a book about addiction and a dying man coming to terms with his life (who happened to be my real-life half brother). Next year readers will be able to get a sense of feminine side when Patchwork of Me comes out (about a woman who is driven to therapy because of an invisible rash and discovers a past she never knew she had). All of these deal with adversity, but each have a different writing style and genre attached to them.

I understand that many readers want to be able to return to a beloved author and know exactly what they can expect from them, but I tend to think giving the unexpected can also be a great thing. There is no need to treat readers as simple-minded people who can only ‘handle’ one thing from an author. I love reading different types of books and as Jonathan Lethem points out in this interview; really only care about good quality writing.

My background as an actor and writer was in children’s theater. All of my first musicals were written for the stage and I received my equity card (the actor’s stage union) from doing children’s shows. So to write a book for children seemed second nature to me when I wrote Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero With Autism. And to add to that, my godson has autism and I knew I wanted to bring attention to the subject told through a different way. Most books I found were all from the perspective of a sibling and not the child. So his older sister and I worked on this story, submitted it to MeeGenius Publishing for their author challenge and the public is able to vote on it until December 18. (Shameless plug: I’d love for all readers to click on the link to see the story and please vote: http://meegenius.com/challenge/chicken-boy-the-amazing-adventures-of-a-super-hero-with-autism-by-gregory-g-allen )

So the next time you think an author must always write in the same genre, just remember this: Ian Fleming (James Bond stories) also wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And where would we be without that story?

More information on author Gregory G. Allen can be found at www.ggallen.net

Thank you so much, Gregory. I think if an author can tell a great story, I'll read anything he or she writes. I love the mysteries Janet Evanovich writes, but I've also enjoyed her romances.

Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero With Autism sounds like a book that our children today need. With more and more children being diagnosed with Autism every year, there needs to be resources for those of us without the inside scoop...so that we can teach our children what is going on. I can teach my children to be patient with people who are different (after all everyone is different), but it's also great to be armed with as much real information as possible.

I already voted, please readers go vote on this one and tell all your friends.

Dead in a Flash

2011-12-05T14:29:00.001-05:00

by: Alain Gomez

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
One moment you're here, the next moment you're gone. "Dead in a Flash" examines those last few precious seconds flash fiction style. That short amount of time where you experience your last... everything. Flash Fiction collection, approx. 2,300 words

Wow! I read this in less than an hour. I really feel like I know flash fiction now. Each story had to do with death, either the main character's death or someone that person was close to. One was the last thoughts of a man who fell off a roof. Another was a courtesan who was accused of treason and sentenced to beheading. I loved the pirate who was hanged. He was sad they covered his face, losing the sun and fresh breeze before his death.

I can't go on and on, seriously it's like 8 pages long according to the e-book. There are a bunch of stories, it moves so very fast you barely catch your breath before starting the next one. Great for a "bathroom reader" or a short trip...it will keep you occupied and entertained. Plus it's only 99cents. :-D

A Reckless Witch

2011-12-05T14:06:00.001-05:00

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
With great power comes great responsibility. So says the tradition of witching. One teenage witch missed that lesson...

As a child, Sierra Brighton traveled the world. She swam with the baby whales, danced in storm funnels, and lived in complete magical freedom. And then Momma died and Sierra ended up in foster care, an unhappy and very secret witch.

Fetched by Nell's spell, she'll no longer need to do magic on lonely beaches - but can Sierra learn to use her power safely? Or will her reckless blood put Witch Central at risk?

A Reckless Witch is book three in the top-rated A Modern Witch series. While each book tells a complete story, you'll enjoy the characters far more if you start at the beginning of the series. Debora Geary is working on several more books expected out in the next year, if the kids don't spill any more water on her laptop.

I love it! The cover is the same as the other "Hidden Witch" books but this one is purple. It's a great picture and it gives continuity to the series.

As for the characters, they are all so sweet and loving. There is no lack of love, fun and banter. They all love to tease each other. Sometimes it's a little high on the cheese factor but there are others when the characters are so sweet I would tear up.

The main character, Sierra, in this story is a powerful witch, but her mother was the reckless one. Sierra was never taught any safety precautions, and had no idea how her playing with the weather and water cause any backlash in other places in the world. When she found out, she was beyond discouraged. She was going to give up practicing magic. Everyone tried really hard to realize that she wasn't the reckless one and give her the care, support and training she needed. The first thing everyone did was give her a home and family who love her. Wouldn't the world be nice if we all did that.

Not to get all political, but this is what being Christ-like is. I just wish people who make the most noise about being "Christians" got that.

There are other big things in this book - but you have to figure them out for yourself. And you don't have to read them in order, but it helps with the characters. The real trick is meshing this with the other series she has started. :)

I adore these books, this one is no different. They are like comfort food. Perfect for a light read, and it will just lift you up.

Sounds of Murder

2011-12-05T11:14:00.001-05:00

by: Patricia Rockwell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
When Psychology Professor Pamela Barnes discovers her department's star researcher strangled to death in the computer lab, she's determined to find out who did it. Will an accidental recording of the murder allow Pamela to use her expertise in acoustics to identify the killer? A unique cozy mystery--set in the world of academia and high-stakes research--full of excitement, humor, and romance.

Cozy Mystery...I really like that. Yes, this would be a cozy mystery. You have a psychology professor who specializes in sounds (I never knew there was such a thing) and when her colleague is murdered, she feels she is the only one who can crack the code of the recorded murder.

Her husband is the perfect man, knows what Pamela needs and delivers. Plus he loves to cook fancy gourmet meals ALL THE TIME. As I said, perfect...it's your first clue that this is a work of fiction. lol Her teenage daughter is excited about the murder...proving she is still a teenager. I was really bothered by her when she walks into her parents room and gives actually tells them to "get a room." HELLO! They were in their ROOM!

The characters are fairly easy to read, and while it never gets too deep, Patricia does a good job of keeping you in suspense. I think that's what they mean by cozy mystery...it doesn't take too much to get through it.

As for the writing, it's without fail and sometimes too perfect. But hey, at least it was easy to follow and well edited. I'm giving this one 3 stars, it's a good story but the characters really didn't do it for me this time around.

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

2011-12-04T11:32:00.001-05:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Relax!

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? My biological father.

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? New Zealand and I'm not comin' back, baby!

4) What do you think about most? My kids...what they are doing, what they need to do, what we could do...etc.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be? My husband. Damn, a date with that man would be so much fun. Right now we don't get to go out...at all...and that stinks. He plays the guitar and has mad skills with amplifiers and tubes used in musical gear...so he counts.

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? College, skip the MBA and instead of Child Development, English or Journalism.

7) What's your strangest talent? I can't talk about that here. ;-)

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on? The one above.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you? Sure, haven't you heard that song by the Rolling Stones? lmao

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar? Couple weeks ago I guess. Occasionally break out my "guitar" to make the boys laugh.

11) Do you have any strange phobias? No, I don't think so. Heights and spiders...oh and things that sting, wasps and bees.

12) What's your religion? Leaning toward pagan but still searching...which I guess makes me a perfect pagan. lol

13) What is your current desktop picture? My boys sitting with Santa Clause.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing? Watching my kids play at the park.

15) What's the last song you listened to? Ummm....I can't remember.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band? The Beatles...without a doubt.

17) What was the last lie you told? Oh like I'm telling you! I'd be busted!

18) Do you believe in karma? I want to...but sometimes it's hard with so many bad people out there.

19) What is a saying you say a lot? Well right now it's "'Cause Honey Badger don't give a shit!"

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength? Weakness - self doubt. Strength - husband says "organization skills" but I think that has TONS of room for improvement. Maybe my ability to see through BS...yeah I'm too good at that. lol

21) Who is your celebrity crush? Patrick Warburton...his voice and body...my husband says I could just watch him read the phone book and be happy...yeah pretty much. lol

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart. I see a picture of a red heart.

23) How do you vent your anger? Bitch to my husband about it...unless he's the one making me mad...then I yell at him. lol

24) Do you have a collection of anything? Not at present, I used to collect tins, until they kind of took over my ability to display them. I was a teenager. No I have nick-nacks, but they are all from special people in my life.

25) What is your favorite word? That's the hardest question I've ever seen...Brilliant...that's my favorite word. And I think it's a shame that only the brittish seem to use it with any regularity. Wouldn't it be nice to have a good idea, and instead of someone saying "yeah, good idea." They said "Brilliant!"

Free E-Books December 1, 2011

2011-12-01T10:59:00.001-05:00

Here are some eBooks I found that are free to download. I looked at Barnes & Noble first, I will link there and Amazon if they have it as well. I have not read these books, so this list isn't one of recommendations, just a list of free books I thought looked interesting.

1. A New Home by Ninamaste MaTuri - B&N

2. Last One Out by Americo Figliolini - B&N

3. The Eight by D Link - B&N.

4. Haunted Destiny: A Midnight Dragonfly Bonus Short Story by Ellie James - B&N and Amazon

Teenage mystic Rachelle Dugas knows to expect the unexpected when she fills in for a friend leading a Haunted New Orleans tour. But when she decides to check out a haunted house on her own, nothing prepares her for the secrets lurking in the shadows—or the twist of destiny about to unfold. For more from the Midnight Dragonfly series check out Shattered Dreams, on sale December 2011.

5. Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classic Seasonal Novellas: And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree\Seduced by the Season\Evidence of Desire\Season of Wonder by Leslie Kelly, Merline Lovelace, Debra Webb, Marta Perry - B&N and Amazon

Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classic Seasonal Novellas

A struggling B&B owner scrambles to hide the dead body wrapped in her Christmas tree from a visiting camera crew—and from her still-irresistible reporter ex. A waitress and a sexy FBI agent mix business with pleasure while investigating a crime over the holidays. A crime lab worker finds herself in danger six days before Christmas...and only her off-limits but oh-so-attractive coworker can help. And two childhood friends rediscover their sense of wonder—and love—when reunited for the holidays.

Discover these four classic seasonal novellas:

And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree by Leslie Kelly

Seduced by the Season by Merline Lovelace

Evidence of Desire by Debra Webb

Season of Wonder by Marta Perry

Explosive Eighteen

2011-11-29T12:06:00.001-05:00

by: Janet Evanovich

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum’s life is set to blow sky high when international murder hits dangerously close to home, in this dynamite novel by Janet Evanovich.

Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127 Hawaii to Newark, she’s knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, and she’s flying back to New Jersey solo. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now he’s dead, in a garbage can, waiting for curbside pickup. His killer could be anyone. And a ragtag collection of thugs and psychos, not to mention the FBI, are all looking for a photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying.

Only one other person has seen the missing photo—Stephanie Plum. Now she’s the target, and she doesn’t intend to end up in a garbage can. With the help of an FBI sketch artist Stephanie re-creates the person in the photo. Unfortunately the first sketch turns out to look like Tom Cruise, and the second sketch like Ashton Kutcher. Until Stephanie can improve her descriptive skills, she’ll need to watch her back.

Over at the bail bonds agency things are going from bad to worse. The bonds bus serving as Vinnie’s temporary HQ goes up in smoke. Stephanie’s wheelman, Lula, falls in love with their largest skip yet. Lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanie’s apartment. And everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?

Morelli, Trenton’s hottest cop, isn’t talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isn’t talking about Hawaii. And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is . . . It’s complicated.

I can't believe there are 18 of these books! I adore them all. Stephanie Plum and her crazy crew of friends and family make each and every story a hilarious ride, and this one is no different.

Stephanie still bumbles at her job, can't decide between Ranger and Morelli, and has more than a few family dinners. Lulu is as strong willed as ever. My favorite part was when she pulled a rocket launcher out of her trunk, apparently she bought it at a garage sale in the projects. Ok, is Jersey really this colorful? I can't imagine why anyone would have anything against such a place.

The big case in this story is a picture someone put in her bag during her flight home from Hawaii. She didn't know what it was and threw it away. Then the FBI, some fake FBI, a totally crazy man named Razzle Dazzle and a hair dresser all show up wanting the picture. Well it's in a landfill for all Stephanie knows. So she deals the best way she can, with all her spunk and help from her love interests.

I loved it, and I can't wait for the next one. I thought Janet was getting ready to wrap this up, because Stephanie was really getting fed up with being incompetent at her job. Not sure if she'd quit or finally take some action to get trained, though. Course if she keeps sleeping with these guys, something else might end her career entirely!

Sing You Home

2011-11-29T11:48:00.001-05:00

by: Jodi Picoult

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.

Sing You Home is about identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. It’s about people wanting to do the right thing for the greater good, even as they work to fulfill their own personal desires and dreams. And it’s about what happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family.

(Includes a compact disc of original songs.)

Music by Ellen Wilber

Lyrics by Jodi Picoult

The cover shows Zoe walking alone. I think that's fitting because she is such a unique person. I've never even heard of Musical Therapist, but I think it's awesome! She works with patients who are old, young and in between. Dying or depressed or just in need of a pick-me-up. She works very hard for very little money, but as she said she didn't get into this for the money. She likes helping people, she likes seeing people respond to the music.

When the book starts, Zoe is blissfully pregnant. She is getting ready for the baby shower her mom planned, and after so many miscarriages and fertility treatments, she knows this is it. Her baby will be here in a few months. But at the shower tragedy strikes. After losing the baby, Max tells her not only does he not want to try again, he wants a divorce. I felt terrible that she was ditched during this heart wrenching time.

Max goes on to show what a selfish doofus he can be. He falls back into drinking and is living in his brothers basement. After nearly killing himself in a drunk driving accident, he finds Jesus at his brother's evangelical church. It's so annoying, because he replaces one for another.

Meanwhile Zoe meets Vanessa and they become the best of friends, even though Vanessa is gay and Zoe is not. Until she realizes that she really is in love with Vanessa. I love how this book takes the black and white out of our human sexuality. No Zoe wouldn't have called herself gay, and even is reluctant to after she gets with Vanessa. She is in love, end of story.

The battle comes in over the 3 embryos Max and Zoe have left, she wants to have them put in Vanessa and since his church thinks being gay is an abomination the church gets a zealous lawyer and turns it into the fight of the century.

You will laugh and cry, but this book really tackles some tough issues that make many people feel uncomfortable. I think Jodi did a brilliant job with this well written tale of love and family.

MyMyemories Tuesday

2011-11-28T19:43:00.001-05:00

Today's freebie can be found here - http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. If you decide you wish to purchase MyMemories software, please use the code STMMMS94433 to save $10 off and get an additional $10 to use toward kits.

That being said, you don't have to purchase the software. Feel free to download the free kits and use with your favorite photo editing software.

Well With My Soul

2011-11-25T17:13:00.001-05:00

by: Gregory G. Allen

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Jacob and Noah Garrett are brothers harboring a lifelong resentment towards each other while dealing with their own compulsive obsessions. One is a liberal gay man who forsakes his family and moves to New York City from Tennessee where he travels deep into a labyrinth of sex and drugs while fighting the fear over his homosexuality. The other is a southern conservative who is left at home holding the proverbial family bag.

The story follows their loosely intertwined lives through the wild times of the late seventies and the restraint of the Reagan years in which one brother ends up becoming a minister and preaching his doctrine while the other believes there are some things people are born with and not meant to change. Well with My Soul is told through the perspective of both brothers and shows how misguided choices can drastically affect those around you for years to come; and family may be all that one has when looking for peace to stifle the embers that smolder beneath the surface.

I'm pretty sure the guy on the cover is Jacob Garrett. He's a good looking gay-man who believes he is destined for greatness. He talks his boyfriend into moving from Tennessee to New York so he can be famous. He is successful as a male model, but can't catch a break in acting. Actually if he'd bother to tone down his ego and lay off the booze and pills, he may have made it.

Noah, on the other hand is a good ol' boy who stays back in Tennessee with their mother, who dies of lung cancer after a few years. Noah, not wanting to be in that small town either, moves to Nashville and finds work. He also starts writing, and turns out he has a great deal of talent. When his career takes off, Noah ends up in New York as well, happy to be living closer to his brother. Family is a big theme in this book.

After nearly dying, Jacob trades coke for Jesus. The going back and forth between brothers highlights what a self centered person Jacob really is, even after sobering up. It's who he was from the beginning, and he breaks the hearts of everyone around him. The addiction was played out perfectly here, because he never truly is cured. He gives it up, but the behavior that led him there remains.

Truly this is a heartbreaking story, but I couldn't put it down. So even though it made me sad, it is a great story.

Head over to Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom to enter the contest to win this baby!

Good luck!

11/22/63

2011-11-25T16:59:00.001-05:00

by: Stephen King

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? Stephen King’s heart-stoppingly dramatic new novel is about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination—a thousand page tour de force.

Following his massively successful novel Under the Dome, King sweeps readers back in time to another moment—a real life moment—when everything went wrong: the JFK assassination. And he introduces readers to a character who has the power to change the course of history.

Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.
A tribute to a simpler era and a devastating exercise in escalating suspense, 11/22/63 is Stephen King at his epic best.

Man - hard to call that a synopsis. But considering the book is over 800 pages, I guess it's fitting. The cover is epic. On the front is the newspaper from the assassination of Kennedy. On the back is a new paper where Kennedy escapes assassination. Which one will it be?

Jake Epping is the central character in this story about time travel and changing the past for the great good, but is it really better? Jake was moved by a story from one of his adult students whose family was brutally murdered by the father, and he was the only one to survive. Jake tested the effect of changing the past by saving this mans family and coming back to see what happened. Turns out the man, without the handicap inflicted by his father, was sent off to die in Vietnam.

But it's possible to change the past, so he steps back into September 1958 to try it over. He saves the little girl shot in the woods, he saves the man and his family, and then moves to Texas to start working on saving Kennedy. He is ready to follow...stalk...Oswald, but since there are so many years to kill, he accepts a job teaching in a small town not too far from Dallas. He also falls in love.

The main lesson, the past does not want to be changed. It's an amazing tale following Jake's time in the past, a time he comes to really enjoy. And he thinks that by saving Kennedy the future will be better. You'll have to read the book for yourself to see if he wins over the past and succeeds in his mission...and if he does...was it really for the better?

It will take you awhile to read it, but hundreds of pages will fly by without you even noticing. I loved it, and would recommend it to any Stephen King fans.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

Due to illness (my boys) and holidays (Thanksgiving), I am taking the week off. This week is going to be spent catching up on my new job, taking boys to the doctor and driving all over Mid-Michigan for turkey day.

Feel free to go through the archive and check out some of my Hidden Gems there on the right.

See you all next week. Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!

And if you go out for Black Friday...good luck and godspeed!

(image from Slap Upside The Head)

Sunday Stealing: The TV Meme

2011-11-20T11:36:00.001-05:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

1. Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice: Roseanne

2. Name a show you can't miss: Raising Hope

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show: Brendan Fraser

4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show: Tom Cruise...guy kinda creeps me out. Has for years!

5. Name a show you can, and do, quote from: Scrubs

6. Name a show you like that no one else enjoys: XX Kids and Counting...seriously where are they at now?

7. Name a TV show which you've been known to sing the theme song: Malcom in the Middle - "YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME NOW!"

8. Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch: Once Upon a Time

9. Name a TV series you own: I have no idea what the point of this question is...

10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting chops in television: I guess it would be John Lithgow...I reviewed his book here. Actually I was more surprised to learn he is a regular Broadway actor...tv I knew he was on.

11. What is your favorite episode of your favorite series? I can't answer this...I don't have a favorite episode...it's hard enough to pick a favorite show.

12. Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven't gotten around to yet: The Tudors and TrueBlood.

13. Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad? You know, I'm really not keen on that new show Broke Girls, but it's right there between my Monday night favorites.

14. Name a show that's made you cry multiple times: I don't know, I can name some that have made me cry once...

15. What do you eat when you watch TV? my husband's Pepper-Bacon Fat Popcorn. YUMMY!

16. How often do you watch TV? Daily...thank God for Netflix.

17. What's the last TV show you watched? Warehouse 13

18. What's your favorite/preferred genre of TV? sitcom

19. What was the first TV show you were obsessed with? The Muppet Show...my mom and I watched it together.

20. What TV show do you wish you never watched? The Young and the Restless...my brain is eternally fried...and I still want to know what's going on!

21. What's the weirdest show you enjoyed? I don't know...ok, you tell me what you think is a weird TV show and I'll tell you if I've seen it or not.

22. What TV show scared you the most? I can't think of one, so either there isn't one or I blocked it out.

23. What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched? Malcom in the Middle...I just love that show.

Winner

2011-11-18T15:15:00.001-05:00

And the winner of the

is roneeappleby of 7 Apples Living Simple and Loving it!.

Thank you roneeappleby for taking the time to stop by and enter. Oh and roneeappleby - please e-mail me your address.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Still working on 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I don't think I realized what I was signing up for. I will get this reviewed by Monday and be back on schedule. Happy Thanksgiving my American friends.

Free E-Books November 17, 2011

2011-11-17T14:43:00.001-05:00

Here are some eBooks I found that are free to download. I looked at Barnes & Noble first, I will link there and Amazon if they have it as well. I have not read these books, so this list isn't one of recommendations, just a list of free books I thought looked interesting.

1. Salads for Every Season: 25 Salads from Earthbound Farm: A Workman Short by Myra Goodman - B&N, Amazon

Myra Goodman knows salad. Founder with her husband, Drew, of Earthbound Farm—the largest grower of organic produce in North America—she is the author FOOD TO LIVE BY and THE EARTHBOUND COOK, sumptuous cookbooks built on the idea of fresh, seasonal cooking. From those books, she has culled a useful and inspiring ebook short filled with 25 recipes for salads that showcase the best produce of spring, summer, fall and winter.

Colorful, healthy, and packed with delightful textures and flavors, these are what salads should be. For Spring and Summer: Strawberry-Tarragon Salad with Aged Balsamic Vinegar; Chopped Summer Vegetable Salad; Farro Salad with Edamame and Arugula; Summer Salad with Butter Lettuce, Raspberries, and Hazelnuts. Fall and Winter: Jicama and Orange Salad with Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette; Escarole with Walnuts, Dates, and Bacon; Roasted Beet Salad alla Caprese; Autumn Salad with Persimmons and Pomegranate Seeds. Plus a Field Guide to Salad Greens, sidebars exploring ingredients and salad basics, how to grow your own sprouts and infuse your own oils, and a chapter dedicated to versatile dressings and dips.

2. The Glass Case: A Short Story by Kristin Hannah - B&N, Amazon

In her classic short story THE GLASS CASE, Kristin Hannah explores the heart and mind of a young mother. April Bannerman is a young mother of three, married to her high school sweetheart & living in the same small town in which she grew up. Although she loves her children and husband, April is plagued by the growing doubt that she has not lived up to her mother's expectations for her---until one day when something terrible and unexpected happens, and April must face the truth about her own life and discover what really matters.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED: 1st chapter of Kristin Hannah’s newest novel HOME FRONT, coming January 2012.

3. The Myth of the Garage And Other Minor Surprises by Dan Heath , Chip Heath - B&N, Amazon

From Chip and Dan Heath, the bestselling authors of Switch and Made to Stick, comes The Myth of the Garage: And Other Minor Surprises, a collection of the authors’ best columns for Fast Company magazine—16 pieces in all, plus a previously unpublished piece entitled “The Future Fails Again.”In Myth, the Heath brothers tackle some of the most (and least) important issues in the modern business world:
Why you should never buy another mutual fund (“The Horror of Mutual Funds”)
Why your gut may be more ethical than your brain (“In Defense of Feelings”)
How to communicate with numbers in a way that changes decisions (“The Gripping Statistic”)
Why the “Next Big Thing” often isn’t (“The Future Fails Again”)
Why you may someday pay $300 for a pair of socks (“The Inevitability of $300 Socks”)
And 12 others . . . Punchy, entertaining, and full of unexpected insights, the collection is the perfect companion for a short flight (or a long meeting).

4. Snow for Xmas by Oksana Vasilenko - Smashwords

Christmas is a magic time when dreams come true. But are some dreams too crazy to come true? Can one wish for snow as a Xmas present? This is one story from my book 'Star Children' which contains two other short stories for children: 'Star Children' and 'The Lost Marble'.

5. The 99% by Hope Sullivan McMickle - Smashwords

Owen Stephens is a man with nothing left to lose. Since the Great Collapse, inflation has spiraled out of control, unemployment has skyrocketed, and hunger, homelessness, and despair is the norm for 99% of Americans. Desperate to protect and provide for his family, Owen is out of options and almost out of time. Until he discovers that he's worth more undead than he is alive.

Next week I'm just going to Smashwords. Much easier to find a freebie. Don't forget to go to yesterday's blog and enter the giveaway for the Christmas necklace.

Yule Jewelry Contest

2011-11-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

Being ill and choosing to read the latest Stephen King tome has left me on a Wednesday with no review ready to go.

Don't fret, loyal readers! My friend Lisa Brawner of Tribal Horse Designs (blog) and Shadows of the Goddess (Etsy store) has graciously donated this unique holiday necklace for a fun Holiday Giveaway.

Isn't that fantastic? A Christmas Goose!

Bad news - due to the high cost of shipping, this contest is only open to the continental US. Sorry - sometime next year I'll host something open to the world...promise.

First entry - share your favorite holiday memory. Doesn't have to be Christmas, Yule or even Hanukkah. Any holiday will do.

Additional Entries (one comment per entry):

Tweet about this giveaway - one per day - leave a comment for each tweet with a link
Blog about this entry - leave a link in the comments
Become (or be) a follower of Tribal Horse Designs
Become (or be) a follower of this blog
Grab my button (worth 2 entries)
Grab Lisa's button from Tribal Horse Designs (worth 3 entries)

Entry period will end Friday at 11:59 pm (EST). I will post the winner Saturday.

Good luck!

MyMemories Tuesday

2011-11-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

Today's Freebie Kit can be found here - http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2

I used a quick page and then added the lettering on a resized purple page that is part of this kit. Enjoy!

Below is a tutorial on how to use the MyMemories Software. You do not need the software to use the kits, but if you do want to purchase it, use the coupon code - STMMMS94433 - to save $10 off the price and get $10 in free kits.

*Using outside content in your My Memories Suite software* from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.

Check out MyMemories on Facebook - they have challenges, giveaways and ideas from other members.

The Pentacle Pendant

2011-11-13T20:00:00.001-05:00

by Stephen M. DeBock

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
“On the last day of his life, Royce Williams met a woman who literally took his breath away …”

When Claire Delaney’s lover confesses he’s a werewolf, she laughs; when he begs permission to turn her, she laughs again—kinky sex, anyone?—and tells him to go for it. When she regains consciousness, she isn’t laughing any more.

As Claire learns to adapt to her new life, her lover finds his integrity compromised: by a lusty and mysterious female who seduces him into sharing his lycanthropy in return for a special gift of her own. But when he insists they share this gift, the woman realizes his loyalty remains with Claire—and knows she must destroy them both.

As if Claire’s conflicted morality at her own righteous kills aren’t enough, she now finds herself pursued on two fronts: by a covert agent who seeks to protect her and by the seductress who wants to kill her. All three paths will ultimately cross…..and the battle for Claire’s soul will climax at the intersection.

The title Pentacle Pendant certainly catches your attention, but the cover seems a little stiff. It really left me unsure about the story. Here is proof of the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover."

The characters are all deeply written, there is no black and white within the story, except for the woman who demands revenge on Claire...and for something Claire had no control or knowledge of.

The story takes place almost exclusively in New England. Claire is getting ready and graduate college with an English degree and no idea what to do with it. She finds a boyfriend and a job in the same night. Sure then he turns her into a werewolf, but no relationship is perfect. Claire hates what she has become, but loves her new career and friends that she meets through work.

The story was intriguing and consistently built in intensity to the climax of the story. The only thing that left me wanting more were the few times the author dragged out a description and never really made it clear. In fact, the word vampire was never used, and werewolf was rare. It was hemophage and metamorph. Interesting words, but occasionally it did cause frustration.

All in all, DeBock is a good author and I had a hard time putting this story down. Even when I was so tired I could barely think, I had to know what was happening to Claire. By the way, don't read this when your husband is freeway driving in the rain...the two situations don't mix well. LOL

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 2

2011-11-13T15:50:00.001-05:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

23. Do you ever walk around the house naked? sure, not often though. Mostly at night after the boys are asleep and I'm just running from the shower to my bedroom. STREAK!

24. If you were an animal what would you be? Why? God I hate these questions. I don't know....I know I like wolves...can I be a wolf?

25. Hair color you like on someone you’re dating? Dark brown or black.

26. If suffering an injury, would you rather be left blind or deaf? Again...what a dumb question. If I lost my sight, I'd miss reading and watching my kids play. If I lost my hearing I'd miss music and my kids laughter. Seriously choose between those???

27. Do you have any special talents? Nope, not a single one. I'm ordinary girl! Freakishly normal in every way.

28. What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? kick off my shoes. I hate shoes.

29. Do you like horror or comedy? comedy. I used to like horror but really only the bad ones that my friends and I laughed through.

30. Are you missing anyone? Not right now, right now I'm missing my bed and my pillow.

31. Where do you want to live when you are old? Near my kids, grandkids, etc.

32. Who is the person you can count on the most? I guess my husband. He's not always perfect, but he tries harder for me than anyone else on this planet.

33. If you could date any celebrity past or present, who would it be? Cary Grant...and yes I know he was gay but he was still hot and funny. Besides, it's not like reality was part of this question. lol

34. What did you dream last night? I dreamt about werewolves...reading a book about them before bed probably not the best idea.

35. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ugggg...ok anything my kids are playing. I'm not into sports but if it's to support my boys I can make it through it.

36. Are you named after anyone? Not that I'm aware of.

37. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Rum and cranberry juice over ice....god I love that at the end of the day.

38. Non alcoholic drink? Iced Mocha from Biggby...god I love that at the beginning of the day!

39. Have you ever been in love? I'm in love now...3 men here hold my heart (1 husband and 2 sons).

40. Do you sing in the shower? No, but I do sing in the car.

41. Have you ever been arrested? Nope...

42. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas, especially since we go see Chris' family and spend the night with his brother and fam...they are awesome!

43. Would you ever get plastic surgery? I have...a breast reduction. Worst thing I ever did. But would I get more surgery? If I found a good doctor who could fix the mess the other left behind I would.

44. Have you ever caught a fish? Yes, I used to go fishing with my dad all the time. When I was 8 and he started dating my mom, he took me fishing just the 2 of us. He was my favorite guy ever after that. He actually talked to me, listened to me and wasn't just using me to get to my mom. Course then he knocked her up, had a boy, married her then adopted me. And we all lived dysfunctionally ever after. ;)

Past, Future, & Present Danger (Book Two of The Absurd Misadventures of Captain Rescue)

2011-11-10T19:44:00.001-05:00

by: Joshua Price

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords

Synopsis:
When Captain Rescue discovers that tyrannical apes are capturing forest-goers, he jumps into action in a valiant attempt to stop them, more or less.

As the hilarious adventure goes everything but according to plan, the hero finds himself transported into the future, where the apes have gone a bit beyond mere abductions. The shock sets in, and Captain Rescue and his time-displaced friends conclude that the only way to prevent a future that has already happened is to go back in time and rewrite it.

Will Captain Rescue somehow be able to set things right, or will these apes make a monkey out of him?

"Past, Future, & Present Danger" is the hilarious continuation of Captain Rescue’s absurd misadventures, and the sequel to “Not Everything Brainless is Dead”.

The cover art is very comic book campy, and that fits. This isn't a comic book, but it's super hero silly all the way. There are a lot of bigfoots in the story, thus the "dirty ape" on the cover. I wonder if this is George, one of the bad bigfoot leaders.

This is the 2nd novel with this close gang of heroes. There's Dr. Malevolence, the inept super-villain. Freight who has married Courtney since the last book (Courtney is his shotgun) and they have a cleaning rag as a son. Charlie, guy in a big, blue and magical bunny costume. And Captain Rescue, the even more inept super-hero.

They are brought together again by the nagging of Captain Rescue who has decided since the great Zombie adventure that they are all the best of friends. He plans a camping weekend. They run into the bigfoots and the adventure takes off from there. Watch out for those dolphins!

As I said for the first book, it's pure silliness that tickles my funny bone to the core. The humor is outlandish, not even a little subtle.

If you like the Batman, Spiderman, even Superman stories and have a wicked sense of humor you will have fun with these books by Joshua Price.

Free eBooks November 10, 2011

2011-11-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

Here are some eBooks I found that are free to download. I looked at Barnes & Noble first, I will link there and Amazon if they have it as well. I have not read these books, so this list isn't one of recommendations, just a list of free books I thought looked interesting.

1. Black Market Billions: How Organized Retail Crime Funds Global Terrorists by Hitha Prabhakar - B&N, Amazon

Black Market Billions blows the lid off the world’s fastest-growing illicit industry: organized retail crime. Hitha Prabhakar reveals how criminals with ties to terrorist groups around the world are committing huge product thefts, and using the profits to fund terrorist acts. Prabhakar connects the dots and follows the money… from consumers “dying for a deal” to terrorist cells eager to do the killing.

2. Angelic Voices by Deb Logan - B&N, Smashwords

Twelve-year-old Deanne Lawyer has a beautiful voice and a problem — her choir director just reassigned her descant solo to Sucky Susie Emerson! Deanne will have to use all the wiles her life as the little sister of five brothers has provided to reclaim her rights in time to wow the director of the adult choir for the annual Easter Cantata. Better watch out, Susie. Deanne is on a mission!

3. Wraiths of Caledonia by Damian Foyle - B&N, Smashwords

The night cycle falls on the mining planet of Caledonia. Only minutes away from the sundown Colonel Maser must embark on a rescue mission, racing against time and harsh oncoming conditions as the only native inhabitant of the planet starts to surface from their nests.

4. Haunted by Willow Cross - B&N, Smashwords

Have you ever heard something go bump in the night and wondered if someone was there? Only to go looking for the cause of the noise and find nothing at all. Or how about unexplainably feeling like you’re being watched when you’re completely alone? Things disappearing for no reason or strange ghostly footsteps in the hall?

This book is a collage of short stories about a few of the otherworldly experiences I’ve had. Although they are not movie worthy, you may find them interesting. All the stories are 100% true. Nothing has been added for dramatic effect.

5. Ignite by Brina Courtney - B&N, Smashwords

Ignite is a bonus short story from the Cryptid Tales Series

Jeremy has no last name. His family has left him at Marksville Orphanage in rural eastern Virginia, hoping to find work during the end of the Great Depression. Unfortunately Jeremy is never adopted, because HE intervened before Jeremy ever had the chance. Ignite is just a piece of his story.
Don’t miss Reveal, the next installment in the Cryptid Tales available December 16, 2011.

The Witches' Book of the Dead

2011-11-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

Available at Weiser Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Synopsis:
In The Witches' Book of the Dead, modern-day Salem Warlock Christian Day shows how the spirits of our beloved dead can be summoned to perform such tasks as helping you to discover hidden opportunities, influence the minds of others, seduce the object of your affection, and even reach into the dreams of the unwary. According to legend, the Spirits of the dead can confer magical talents, fame, love, and wealth on those brave enough to summon them.

The Witches' Book of the Dead explores the enduring relationship between witches and the dead and teaches rituals and incantations to help readers open doorways to the spirit world.

Topics include:
Legendary Witches who have raised the dead, including The Witch of Endor, Circe, and Erichtho
Creating ancestral altars and building relationships with spirits
The tools of Necromancy: the bronze dagger, yew wand, iron keys, graveyard dust, the offering cauldron, spirit powders, the human skull, and more.
Methods of spirit contact, including automatic writing, scrying mirrors, spirit boards, pendulums, and spirit mediumship
The ancient arts of necromancy as a method of conjuring the dead to assist in magic
Ridding yourself of unwanted spirits using rituals of cleansing, banishing and exorcism
Ghost hunting techniques that combine psychic wisdom with modern technology
Communing with the dead in dreams
Sacred holidays and powerful celebrations of the dead
Resources on where to ethically obtain the tools of the trade
An overview of the feared deities of the Underworld
Rituals, recipes, exercises, and more!
Dare to walk between the worlds with Christian Day as he guides you across the River Styx into the shadowy realms where the dead long to connect with us once more!

I started this book with all sorts of misconceptions. Christian Day - and this is no secret to him - is kind of out there on the fringe. He is testing limits, making people uncomfortable. Nothing he does would be considered "normal." There's a skull on the cover - and I learned this guy has a name, Robert. And in his author picture he is holding Robert and an Anubis rattle.

Once I got through the first chapter my mind was blown away. The forward was written by Raven Grimassi, another well known witch author. And the respect he has for Christian was impressive. As for the book, it is full to bursting with rituals, information and stories. There are 6 pages for the bibliography and a few more for notes. There's even an index and an appendix. Appendix A has recipes for Spirit Powder, Necromancy Incense, Anointing Oil, and Food for the Dead. Appendix B lists several "Deities of the Dead." And Appendix C lists several resources to find the needed items to perform any of the rituals in the book.

The writing itself was entertaining and insightful. Even if you have no hint of desire to explore necromancy, you could still enjoy this book. I was fascinated by the rituals and the anecdotal evidence throughout the book, but the myths he scattered through as background gripped me. Christian Day gets kudos for being a great author as well as informed. I swear I love this guy now!

This is a very serious book. It is light reading for some parts, but Christian doesn't hold back on the warnings. These rituals are serious and dealing with the dead is extremely serious. He tells you things you need, but follows them with fair warning. Like obtaining a skull, he gives you a website where you can obtain skulls legally and reminds readers that desecrating graves is illegal and will land you in jail. There is call for blood offerings (only ever a few drops), but over and over and over again he tells readers to use a clean lancet from the drugstore. And also when working in groups to avoid the blood all together. There is balance within these pages.

He takes the free-love hippie out of Wicca and brings back a bit of the witchcraft and necromancy (divination through communication with the dead) of old, along with a healthy dose of common sense. Next thing I am doing with this book is reading it again. Sorry you are going to have to get your own (it is available as an eBook).

MyMemories Freebie Day

2011-11-08T09:15:00.001-05:00

I created this scrapbook page using this week's Share the Memories Freebie. Click on the picture to get the freebie for yourself. It includes 2 quick pages, 2 papers and 3 elements.

I had fun making this one. I used the red paper as my paper, and added the 2nd paper as an embellishment and twisted it for extra color. I added a diamond shape for the picture of Ivan with his trains. The ribbon element made a great frame, and the zipper tag as a title embellishment. I used the red paper as the background area for the journaling. The buttons on the picture are not included with this kit, but they are included with the software as embellishments.

You do not have to own MyMemories software to create these pages, you can download the kit and use it with your favorite editing software. But if you do want to purchase the software, use the code - STMMMS94433 - to get $10 off and $10 in free kits. And yes I get $20 for myself as well, but I'm not in this for the money. I really like the software and the kits. It's a lot of fun.

Go see MyMemories on Facebook for challenges and giveaways. They are often hosting giveaways for software and kits, so come join the fun and maybe you'll win the software.

Opal Fire

2011-11-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

by: Barbra Annino

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
This is book one of the Stacy Justice mystery series--laugh out loud crime fiction with a paranormal twist.

Stacy Justice is a small town reporter who was raised by witches. They believe she has a far higher calling than writing articles about the local lizard race. She's just happy she doesn't have to live with them anymore. But when her cousin's bar catches fire and she barely escapes with her life--family squabbles no longer matter. Something cryptic is uncovered in the rubble that changes everything. Stacy is thrust into a cat and mouse game as she seeks to unveil the cause of the blaze that nearly destroyed her family. Suddenly, she finds herself running from a killer that will stop at nothing to keep a secret.

This story centers around Stacy, called Anastasia by her grandma Birdie. She is a reporter in a small tourist town, dating the police chief. She has a Great Dane named Thor, who is a big goofy puppy but a well trained one thanks to her cousin Cinnamon. Cinnamon is half Italian and Cin's mother is 100% Italian, always cooking and yelling at her creepy brother from the old country. As if it weren't goofy enough in Stacy's family with Grandma Birdie and Birdie's sisters. The town is also full of quirky characters, such as every small town has.

Opal Fire was a wild, silly, well-written tale. I have heard it described as a mystery with a paranormal bend. I would say that's the best description. Stacy is a reporter and wants to get to the bottom of who burned down the bar and murdered the girl discovered there. Very much a mystery novel. She is dating Leo, the police chief who butts heads with her at every turn. I felt that part was a little too romance novel, but I was still rooting for them. I felt like Stacy didn't know how or if she even wanted to embrace her witchiness.

Barbra did a great job keeping the story flowing and the writing consistent. There were a great many conversations that turned into silly banter and made me giggle.

I love the title, Opal Fire. Opal Fire has a catchy cover in dark orange. Kind of a twilight kind of color, but fits in with the overall fire and Imbolc theme as well.

This novel as a fast read. At times I did wish it would slow down, but that was only because I didn't want to finish so fast. Seriously, it was super fast. An occasional slow down would have been nice, just to let the poor girl get her breath. But at the same time, when I think about that, that may not have worked. A murder is serious business and isn't going to let you get a dinner date in before the next thing happens. Poor Stacy is so busy, she barely sleeps as it is.

The story takes place in Amethyst, Illinois, which is a fictional town. But the description is a good one. A town that fully depends on the tourism they catch from people traveling east and west. There are far too many towns in that boat. They can't afford to put off the tourists, and try to keep the bigger crimes quiet. Stacy feels the pressure to keep the murder and fire out of the weekend editions - which are printed with visiting tourists in mind.

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 1

2011-11-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work? EWWWWW, no I get my glasses cleaner or peanut butter.

2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? Oh goodness, I think the one guy was 10 years or so my senior. Which is weird because I've had crushes on much older men. But then again they probably aren't trolling the internet looking for a date with me. lol

3. Ever been in a car wreck? Just a few very minor ones.

4. Were you popular in high school? Good god no! I was invisible as long as I stayed out of the way.

5. Have you ever been on a blind date? Not really, although I was finding my dates online, so it was sort of blind.

6. Are looks important? Not really, looks fade with time so it's better to have someone you can stand to be around.

7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more? Yes, my friend from High School, although we parted ways for awhile we are talking again. And my BFF Peggy who I met 11 years ago...

8. By what age would you like to be married? Well I've been married over 6 years now so I don't think this question really applies.

9. Does the number of people a person’s slept with affect your view of them? Nope, mostly I don't want to know.

10. Have you ever made a mistake? No I'm a totally perfect person in every way. Ok now pick yourself up off the floor and read the next question. ;-)

11. Are you a good tipper? Yes, as long as our server is friendly and attentive we are very good tippers. We even forgive kitchen problems, but if the server is neglectful, then we will reflect that in the tip.

12. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut? I don't know. Mostly now if I go for a haircut I go to the beauty school and it's only $7.

13. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Oh yeah, my high school history/economics teacher. He was so enthusiastic about the subjects he taught, for some reason I found that smokin' hot.

14. Have you ever peed in public? What the hell does this mean? Like did I ever drop trow in the middle of the mall? Who does that? Public restroom, yeah-who hasn't?

15. What song do you want played at your funeral? I don't want a funeral.

16. Would you tell your parents if you were gay? Yes I would. Although I don't want to share my ideas about religion or politics, so figure that one out. lol

17. What would your last meal be before getting executed? Black and Blue Burger from Mountain Town and then an ice cream cookie.

18. Beatles or Stones? Beatles, although Stones don't suck.

19. If you had to pick one person on earth to die, who would it be? I don't want that responsibility. I guess if I had to choose it would be me. I'm not taking anyone else's life in my hands.

20. Beer, wine or hard liquor? hard liquor, I love my rum and cranberry juice.

21. Do you have any phobias? Well I already told you about the dark, I'm also afraid of heights and spiders and bees/hornets.

22. What are your plans for the future? A nap...yeah I want to take a nap. After that, who knows. Ok, seriously I want to work in the book industry. A proofreader, copy-editor, something like that.

Feeling a little wicked?

2011-11-05T10:11:00.000-04:00

Me too. I think it's because I am coming out of a fall induced funk. And also my good friend Magaly has inspired me. Magaly if I ever make it that way again, we are so going out for coffee. On the other side of probably not ever going to happen - if you ever make it to Michigan I'll get you some Biggby. lol

So onto how she inspired me. She talked on her blog Pagan Culture about her friend who is getting divorced after years of marriage...a marriage that had stepchildren. What an awful place to be, children she's taken care of all that time are understandably upset and taking out their hurt by using angry words on her. It stinks that she is just supposed to walk away from them and it's breaking everyone's heart. Then Magaly spoke of her own experience with her own stepdaughter. There's lots of love, but love brings pain. It's unrealistic to expect anything else. But it also brings unbridled joy.

Along with this she was given...and I think stole...a few blogger awards and then insisted we all do the same. I am going to follow through on that because I feel like it. See? Feeling a little wicked. When I am done, feel free to go visit Magaly and steal them for yourself.

Which actually comes from another blog I love - MagicLoveCrow - see that crow picture up there? She painted that for me.

There's math involved here too. Magaly did 13 things about herself. But the 1st award says to do 7, the 2nd says 5, and the third calls for 2. That's 14. Hmmm...but since you get to make your own rules, I think I'll go with 7...the max number.

I let my boys sleep with us for the first 6 years...they still join us occasionally but their growth demanded we all get our own sleeping space.
I am afraid of the dark...most especially mirrors and under my bed. I have to force myself to stand next to my bed in my dark bedroom without screaming and jumping into bed.
I can't sleep in a lit room. Ironic right? I'm afraid of the dark but it must be dark in order to sleep. LOL
I wish I could go back to school for computer programming...but my already outrageous student loan debt prevents that.
I had a hard time breastfeeding my boys. It's why I think you should never judge a woman for not breast feeding. I tried my hardest, it took 2 months to get CW to latch on and after 2 1/2 months with Ivan I finally gave up the fight. I was drying up. It broke my heart, it still does. And passing judgement on a woman who might be going through that is just mean.
I think anyone should be allowed to marry. At this point it's more a government thing than a religious one anyway. It gets you on your partners insurance, helps if there's a death, and cements a family that very well may have children in it.
I have a raccoon skull and an alligator head (dried out of course) in my house. CW found the raccoon skull out in the ditch behind our house. The alligator head I won from Me vs. College...which is now All Rocks go To Heaven.

And now onto you my lovely readers. Explore, go visit the links on this page. Feel free to steal the awards for yourself. Post your link in the comments so people can visit your page too.

Three Girls and a Wedding

2011-11-04T17:19:00.000-04:00

by: Rachel Schurig

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
Jen Campbell loves weddings. In fact, she loves them so much that she became an event planner in the hopes that she would one day get the chance to help women create the fairy tale day of their dreams...Unfortunately, the only thing Jen has been allowed to plan so far are boring restaurant openings and children's birthday parties.

When Jen’s big break finally comes, she realizes that wedding planning is a heck of a lot more complicated than picking out the perfect flowers and cake.

Add to the chaos a pair of fighting friends, a totally pressuring mother, and a ridiculously gorgeous (but moody) best man, and Jen has her work cut out for her.

In Three Girls and a Wedding, Jen Campbell will try to plan the perfect wedding and maybe—just maybe—create her very own happily-ever-after.

This is the story that continues the lives of Ginny, Annie and Jen. 3 girls...now women...who have been best friends since High School. After college they rented a small house in Ferndale. The first book, Three Girls and a Baby, was centered around Ginny who had broken up with her long-time boyfriend and found out she was pregnant. This one is from Jen's view. Jen is a very organized event planner. She just received the opportunity of a lifetime, plan the wedding (and all the events relating to it) for Kiki Barker, daughter of a rich real estate investor, David Barker. At the same time her best friend Ginny gets engaged. Can Jen plan both without losing her mind?

Jen's boss takes away all of her current projects and tells her she will be assisting newly-promoted partner Jason Richardson. While excited by the opportunity, she is less than thrilled at the prospect of working with smarmy Jason. Jen is determined to make this a success, knowing if she does everything right she will get a promotion and be allowed to work on the events she wants to work on. Jason leaves her with almost all the work, and the next 5 months are spent in a haze of overwork and sleeplessness. Ginny's wedding is barely on her radar.

There are also 2 love interests. When the first one was introduced, Matt - the best man and groom's brother, I thought I knew exactly what would happen. But then she kept getting mixed signals and started dating Jason, reluctantly of course. I didn't know what was happening until the very end. It wasn't predictable at all!

Rachel Schurig uses a light, conversational tone throughout the story. For example, I kept seeing the word "gonna." At first it bothered me, very poor grammar and all. But then I realized if I were talking that's what I would say. Does anyone actually say "going to" anymore?

The title is long, but catchy. The first book was Three Girls and a Baby, about Ginny. This book is Three Girls and a Wedding, about Jen. The third book will be titled Three Girls and a Leading Man, about Annie. The cover art is so cute, and it fits in with the first book. Rachel is making it obvious that these three books are connected. It doesn't always work, but in this case it is both necessary and fun.

The story was a very fast read, even at 198 pages. I started reading Sunday afternoon and finished it Monday morning. I couldn't put it down. The story doesn't slow down for a minute, but it's not too fast either. It does, however shift pace. When tensions are high, the story moves faster. When Jen hits the wall and slows down, so does the story. It forces your own feelings to play along.

These stories are set in Metro Detroit, so I actually recognize a lot of the places mentioned in the book. Like the RenCen, which is the Renaissance Center in Detroit. It's a beautiful and large building right in the city.

I was so excited to read this story. As soon as I heard it was out, I wrote the author begging for a copy. I couldn't wait to read it and after the first book I knew I would love it. It did not disappoint. Rachel is a great author and this is a great piece of chick lit.

And now, sadly I must wait for that third book. I swear, I want to volunteer to be a beta reader just so I can read it sooner.

Free eBooks November 3, 2011

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

Darryl's life was humming along. Great job, good friends and a solid family. Until the Akamak made their presence and intentions known.

American political folly and selfishness are portrayed in this dark tale of one man's trials and tribulations in the aftermath of first contact with an advanced alien race.

2. Star Wars Lost Tribe of the Sith #7: Pantheon by John Jackson Miller - B&N, Amazon

When the Sith ship Omen crash-landed on Kesh two thousand years ago, the crew encountered native barbarism and superstition. Now a violent millennium has reduced the Lost Tribe of the Sith to a similar state. While Sith teachings are remembered, honored, and violently practiced, knowledge of the Lost Tribe’s true origins has all but vanished. With a dark age imperiling the Sith, the future rests in the hands of the unlikeliest of people: Caretaker Hilts, the official keeper of lore. Mild-mannered by Sith standards, the aged Hilts hopes to use the wisdom of the ancients to reunite his people. But the truth he uncovers becomes anything but the Tribe’s salvation. Rather, he may have set loose forces leading to its destruction—and his own. BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Ascension.

3. Viridis - A Steampunk Romance by Calista Taylor - B&N, Amazon

In steampunk Victorian London, where airships dot the sky and tinkerings abound, Lady Phoebe Hughes develops an herbal elixir, Viridis, unlike any other. London’s elite flock to her club to experience the euphoria and heightened senses the drink brings, an orgasm brought on by a single kiss. But when Lord Hawthorne is murdered after leaving her club, Phoebe is shocked to find that not only was he working for the Special Services to infiltrate the Cause, a movement fighting for the city's poor, he was also in possession of her secret formulation for Viridis.

Adding to her difficulties is the unexpected return of Mr. Seth Elliott, a brilliant tinkerer who stole her heart and imagination, only to abandon her when she needed him most. Unable to ignore all that is between them, Phoebe finds herself falling for Seth once again, only to have a powerful rival for her affections wrongly accuse Seth of attempted murder. As Phoebe struggles with a way to free her love, revolution, conspiracy and murder threaten to ruin it all.

*** Author's note: Some scenes may not be suitable for those under 18 years of age. ***

4. Axel the Truck: Rocky Road by J. D. Riley (Author), Brandon Dorman (Illustrator) - B&N

Axel is a little truck with big, big wheels, and he races off to explore the rocky mountain roads. VROOM!

In this NOOK Kids Read to Me book, children can choose to hear the story read aloud, tap to enlarge text and pinch & stretch to zoom in on pictures.

5. Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather Wardell - B&N, Amazon

When Candice's in-laws died in a car accident eight months ago, she lost her husband Ian too. After only two years of marriage their guilt and pain have left them living together but apart. During Ian's month-long trip overseas, Candice plans to decide if her marriage can be saved, but when the first man she ever loved is the new client at work, she wonders what she truly wants from life and love.

Microcrafts - Tiny Treasures to Make and Share

2011-11-02T11:24:00.001-04:00

compiled by: Margaret McGuire, Alicia Kachmar, Katie Hatz and Friends

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
It is a small world, after all!

Here are step-by-step instructions for making tiny teddy bears, little ladybugs, petite porcupines, itsy-bitsy bikinis, and much, much more! Microcrafts shows crafters how to create dozens of miniature treasures, each no larger than a spool of thread. No previous crafting experience or pricey materials are necessary—just a love of all things small!

I'm still enthralled by all the tiny crafts in this book. There are pictures, traceable patterns and step-by-step instructions to walk you through whichever craft you'd like to attempt. There weren't too many that were my style, but I saw many that I want to try or that I think friends would make.

There are candy charms made with clay, tiny felted cats and dogs, boats, microtaxidermy (little deer heads, bears, birds, etc), fabric buttons, tiny flower pots with a tiny plant, greeting cards and even books. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Things we all love making, with a tiny makeover.

I want to try making the cats and dogs and teddy bears...in fact I think that would be a great Christmas gift for the kids in husbands family. If I can find the tiny pots, I think the little plants would be cute for adults.

The tiny cat next to the spool of thread on the cover really gives you a clear idea on what this book is all about. It's ironic that its a fairly large hardcover book. Not thick but tall.

Each project has a small tag on the page sized picture with the actual size and who designed it. Considering that this is a "compiled by", it is interesting to see who is involved in each craft.

So the question is, do you like exploring your crafting skills? This book will challenge even the most talented crafter - and it's a fantastic way to use up all your odds and ends!

Drama - an Actor's Education

2011-10-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

by John Lithgow

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Through the vivid stories in "Drama", John Lithgow shares a backstage history of his struggle, crisis, and discovery, and the scenes of his early life and career that took place before he became a nationally-known star. Above all, "Drama" is a tribute to the most important influence in John Lithgow's life: his father, Arthur Lithgow. An actor, director, producer, and great lover of Shakespeare, Arthur brought theatre to John's boyhood, where performance and storytelling were a constant and cherished part of family life. Lithgow brings the theatre worlds of New York and London to life as he relives his collaborations with renowned performers and directors including Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, Liv Ullmann, Meryl Streep, and Brian De Palma. Lithgow's ruminations on the nature of theatre, performance, and storytelling cut to the heart of why actors are driven to perform, and why people are driven to watch them do it. At once hilarious and reflective, "Drama" pulls back the curtain on the making of one of our most beloved actors.

For such a mundane and simple cover, I was dazzled at the direction the book and Lithgow's life took. He moved around a lot because of his father, who had this dream of starting the next great Shakespeare festival. So for all the goofy roles you've seen Lithgow in, he's been acting in Shakespeare plays since he was a child. John writes of the excitement of acting as a child, but his real dream was to be an artist. His parents were so supportive, they even sent him to an art class for teenagers in New York when the high school's class was too rigid.

But he continued to act, for his father and in high school. If you've ever seen Buckaroo Bonzai, you will remember Dr. Emelio Lizardo. He says that not only was this his favorite role, but he played it based on Dr. Pinch whom he played way back in high school.

While doing the art and acting, he was also a model and active student. Graduating with honors, he attended Harvard on a full scholarship. He had planned on pursuing art, and his father took him to see a respected artist and the guy's question to Lithgow was "If you want to be an artist, why the Hell are you going to Harvard?" It opened Lithgow's eyes, it really didn't have a program that would take him where he thought he wanted to go. When he got there he fell in love with the Drama area. There wasn't an actual program, but there was a theater and students working in it. He majored in English and went to town with the other Drama students.

He married before he finished college and went to London on a Fulbright scholarship to study acting. It had been decided, he would be an actor. His wife was a special education teacher, 6 years his senior. She went where he went, working to support them and occasionally acting with him. He worked for his father first but then moved on to pursue more challenges. He really had a slow start, but by the 70s he was a Broadway actor, in fact he was in 12 plays through the 70s. He's done some movie work, and some TV but he absolutely adores the theater.

I had no idea I would enjoy this book so much. He didn't have a terrible childhood, his parents loved him. The only trauma that shaped him was the constant moving around. But it certainly helped his acting career - he knows how to fit in. He didn't spiral out of control on a drugged-out bender. The worst period for him was in his 30s when adolescence finally hit. He was an ass, and he admits he was an ass. I finished this book with a lot of respect for the man, even though some of his actions I didn't like or agree with.

I also learned that I really enjoy a well-written autobiography.

Sunday Stealing: The W.T.F. Meme

2011-10-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. One of my favorite TV shows recently changed the actors who played two characters. Have you ever been bothered by a TV show or movie series changing actors who play a character you love? I think Bewitched handled it best, the actors looked similar. But today they can look totally different, like Roseanne's 2 Becky's...similar hair color and that's about it. They couldn't have looked more different and that bothers me.

2. A coworker recently shared a link to a blog listing the "five things you should know before dating a journalist." As a journalist, I can honestly say the writer was spot-on. What are some things people should know before spending time with you? At some point I'm going to make a stupid joke, or in some other way sound like an idiot...please bare with me I'm not good at this whole socializing thing. :) And if I seem stuck up, I'm not...just really, really shy.

3. What is something you often do without realizing that you're doing it? fidgeting with my feet.

4. Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry? Me, and just repeating the same stupid behaviors over and over.

5. If a fairy waved a magic wand and gave you the house of your dreams, where would it be and what features would it have? In the country on a big plot of land with lots of trees. It would have a huge kitchen and master bath/bedroom. The boys would each have their own rooms, and there'd be a large living room with space for the family to hang out and all our computers. And a big basement with storage and laundry room.

6. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree? I won't mourn people I don't know. It's not that I'm happy, I'm not celebrating either. But I'm not going to pretend to be all broken up when I didn't know the person (or people).

7. I used to talk in my sleep. In fact, I could carry on a conversation with someone when I was fully asleep, and my mom used this fact when I was a teenager to find out if I did anything wrong and was hiding it from my parents. If you were talking your sleep tonight, what do you think you would say? I don't know. My dreams are so inconsistent, it would change all the time.

8. The fourth installment of the "Twilight" movie series ("Breaking Dawn Part I") will be released in theaters soon. Movie theaters started selling advance tickets for midnight showings months ago. Have you ever attended a midnight premiere showing of a movie? No, that is a fairly new phenomenon and with the boys I don't like to be up that late anymore. Plus I know it'll be crowded. I'd rather wait a few weeks so I don't have to touch people I don't know.

9. On Tuesday, tigers, lions and bears were let loose in Zanesville, Ohio, by their owner before he committed suicide, leading to a hunt in which 49 of the animals, including 18 endangered Bengal tigers, were killed. How would you react if you saw "Caution exotic animals. Stay in your vehicle" being displayed on a road sign? Safari!

10. If a company opened a theme park aimed at adults, what would you name one of the rides? Huh? God this meme today is annoying.

11. Imagine you just moved onto Sesame Street. Which puppet would you want as your new roommate? Mr. Snuffleupagus, people tend to leave him alone, so we'd have some quiet.

12. Have you ever had a weird crush on a famous person that didn't make sense to you? No, what a strange question. It's not like sexuality is this set thing that never changes. You can like lots of different people, male, female, short, tall, thin, fat....and all at the same time. Why would that be strange?

13. If you get ten minutes to interview any celebrity of your choice, who would you like it to be? Helena Bonham Carter

14. You've just won the complete DVD collection of all the movies starring one actor or actress. Which actor/actress would you pick? Johnny Depp

15. Actor George Clooney recently told People Magazine that he doesn't use Twitter "because I will drink in the evening and I don't want anything that I could possibly write at midnight to actually end my career." What is something you've said through social media and then regretted it? It's not anything for myself. But I have put my foot in my mouth on my friends' pages. And I'm not about to tell you what it was!

16. VH1 has re-introduced its hit show "Pop-Up Video," which gives behind-the-scenes facts for popular music videos. What musician would you be most interested in learning behind-the-scenes facts about? Eh, I could care less. I just want to hear the music I enjoy. I don't need to know the biography of all the musicians. Oh, ok I guess it would be Weird Al. His stuff is always interesting.

17. If you stumbled across someone's personal written journal that was accidentally left in a public place, would you read any of the content? I'd love to say I wouldn't...but I would. Well if I knew the person I wouldn't but a stranger...yeah I'd read it all.

18. What is the title of a self-help book that you'd never want to see on a store bookshelf? Let Loose your Inner Stripper?

19. Many media outlets have been asking this question a lot this week... Which Halloween costume do you think will be overdone this year? I don't know...Don't care.

20. Should a marriage license have a renewal date or expiration date, like a driver’s license? No, marriage is a commitment. If you know before you get married that you won't make it, then don't get married. I'm not saying I'm against divorce, mistakes happen, but we shouldn't completely let go of the institution of marriage. And yes we should allow gay people the right to marry AND make divorce something possible without lawyers.

Mile 81

2011-10-28T07:14:00.000-04:00

By Stephen King

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles (e-book only I'm afraid)

Synopsis:
With the heart of Stand By Me and the genius horror of Christine, Mile 81 is Stephen King unleashing his imagination as he drives past one of those road signs...

At Mile 81 on the Maine Turnpike is a boarded up rest stop on a highway in Maine. It's a place where high school kids drink and get into the kind of trouble high school kids have always gotten into. It's the place where Pete Simmons goes when his older brother, who's supposed to be looking out for him, heads off to the gravel pit to play "paratroopers over the side." Pete, armed only with the magnifying glass he got for his tenth birthday, finds a discarded bottle of vodka in the boarded up burger shack and drinks enough to pass out.

Not much later, a mud-covered station wagon (which is strange because there hadn't been any rain in New England for over a week) veers into the Mile 81 rest area, ignoring the sign that says "closed, no services." The driver's door opens but nobody gets out.

Doug Clayton, an insurance man from Bangor, is driving his Prius to a conference in Portland. On the backseat are his briefcase and suitcase and in the passenger bucket is a King James Bible, what Doug calls "the ultimate insurance manual," but it isn't going to save Doug when he decides to be the Good Samaritan and help the guy in the broken down wagon. He pulls up behind it, puts on his four-ways, and then notices that the wagon has no plates.

Ten minutes later, Julianne Vernon, pulling a horse trailer, spots the Prius and the wagon, and pulls over. Julianne finds Doug Clayton's cracked cell phone near the wagon door — and gets too close herself. By the time Pete Simmons wakes up from his vodka nap, there are a half a dozen cars at the Mile 81 rest stop. Two kids — Rachel and Blake Lussier — and one horse named Deedee are the only living left. Unless you maybe count the wagon.

Classic King. Boys doing boy things you don't even want to think about (especially now that I'm a mother of 2 boys), man-eating cars, and only the kids smart enough to stay back from said car.

I was leary buying this - I'm not special enough to get review copies of King books yet (lol), but I am a die hard fan. This is only available as an e-book so I decided to give it a chance. Hell, Christine scared the snot out of me when I was 16, and the description felt like it was sort of in that spirit. The last e-book short story he did, I think it was UR was awful. Like I quit reading it because it was just boring and not going anywhere...that's why I was arguing with myself. Well the Christine side won and I pushed the button to purchase.

Yup, straight up classic King. Very scary, kind of gooey and really, really stupid people. I love how he dives into people's heads as they are dying. The fact that they think things that are so absurd and down to earth makes you feel like you'd probably think the same things. I really don't want to give too much away, but the one thought that stuck with me was "Oh, that's what she meant by sticky."

If you like scary stories then go ahead, it's only $2.99 and I read it in about an hour. Plus there's a preview of his newest book 11/22/63: A Novel.

Pagan Writers Presents Samhain

2011-10-26T08:18:00.000-04:00

Edited by: Camenæ deWelles, Angelique Mroczka, Rosa Sophia

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble (also in paperback)

Synopsis:
Samhain marks the end of summer and the preparation for winter. To many, Samhain is merely Halloween, but to Pagans, it is a day when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, and we can reconnect with our beloved deceased. Samhain is a joyful celebration where we invite the spirits of our loved ones into our homes to remember and honor them.

Pagan Writers Presents Samhain is a collection of articles, poetry, and short stories. Forty Pagan writers have come together to express how we celebrate the holiday, to share their thoughts and feelings, and to entertain with stories that take place on or around the last week of October.

Leave your broom by the door and join us at the hearth as we tell you about the Sabbat known as Samhain.

Pagan Writers Presents Samhain is the first anthology in the Pagan Writers Press Sabbat collection.

All proceeds from the sale of this anthology further the mission of the Pagan Writers Community, an organization that seeks to educate, inspire, and promote artists, authors, bloggers, musicians, poets, and writers who follow alternative-faith spiritual and religious paths.

Well let me get the bad out the way first. There are some words cut off and the separations between pages isn't always the best. I don't think there was enough time taken for the editing process.

That being said, I still loved it. It's a collection of articles, rituals, poems and short stories. I know 3 of the contributors from Facebook. There's our beloved Mrs. B of Confessions of a Soccer Mom who writes out a great article on making your own runes using nothing more than Pumpkin seeds and a marker. I just bought pumpkins on sale yesterday, I think I'll have to try this one. Anyone want a set?

Angelique Mroczka of The Balanced Witch and The Pagan Writers Community leads us through a guided meditation appropriate for this season.

And Kallan Kennedy of The Secret Life of the American Working Witch who shares with us a Samhain Chant called "Homage to My Ancestors."

It's like a collection of blog entries all tied together. There is a lot of writing about ancestors and altars, and an altar for ancestors. There are recipes, family traditions, ancient traditions. And as I mentioned before, poems and stories that feed off all of that. Definitely an entertaining read, and only 109 pages, so it's fast as well.

All profit on this book goes into the coin purse of The Pagan Writers Community - which seeks to help, inspire and promote artists of alternative faiths. Considering I can only think of 2 publishers that work with pagan material, this is a needed program.

Double Dexter

2011-10-24T08:33:00.000-04:00

by Jeff Lindsay

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Dexter Morgan is not your average serial killer. He enjoys his day job as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department . . . but he lives for his nighttime hobby of hunting other killers. Dexter is therefore not pleased to discover that someone is shadowing him, observing him, and copying his methods. Dexter is not one to tolerate displeasure . . . in fact, he has a knack for extricating himself from trouble in his own pleasurable way.

Like the previous five best-selling novels in the Dexter series, Double Dexter showcases the witty, macabre originality that has propelled Jeff Lindsay to international success. Double Dexter is raucously entertaining . . . full of smart suspense and dark laughs.

Silly me - I had no idea Dexter was based on a series of books. My husband and I saw most of season one, when it aired on CBS. I don't think it came back because with all the censoring of language and gore, each episode was only 5 minutes long.

The cover, with the double blood-covered knives sets the creepy stage. I was actually surprised how creepy Dexter really is. In the series you get the feeling that he really is a decent guy with a serial killing bend. But no, he's a psychopath all the way. The only reason he follows the rules is to stay out of jail. The only person he really loves is his daughter. He married his wife basically because it helps him blend in more and she's a great cook. The kids are psycho too, and Dexter is taking them in hand to mold them to be like him. That's what creeps me out - instead of getting them help he is encouraging them. The baby girl is the only one with a chance of growing up normal.

The story is from Dexter's perspective, so it does leave all the other characters slightly 2 dimensional. It works in this case. The point being, Dexter doesn't know how to read other people, remember he's psychopathic?

In the beginning Dexter is "playing" with a guy who dresses up like a clown to prey on children. Dexter does pick people you don't mind him killing. The clown had been taking boys from the park near his hotel/apartment. When he was done with them, he disposed of their bodies nearby in a sewer tunnel. Dexter knew this was a bad egg. He's all set up and working in an abandoned house (isn't the foreclosure crisis grand?) when someone happens in and sees him. The witness leaves so fast that Dexter can't catch him. He then spends most of the book tracking this guy down.

Mostly I enjoyed the story. But if Dexter was really worried about this guy, he would have made it more of a priority to find him. Instead it was a spare time hobby, most nights spent doing nothing more than seeing his family. Although perhaps Rita's erratic behavior was puzzling him. Even though he doesn't get people, there is enough description that we readers can guess what is going on. Trust me, you'll know Rita's problem LONG before Dexter does.

Oh and Dexter's brother makes a comeback. He comes over every Friday for dinner and puts on the charm for Rita. He wants Dexter to join him. I thought Dexter had murdered his brother, but then again I can't really remember and the books and the TV show aren't exactly the same. Honestly I like this book better than the show. I may find Dexter extra creepy but it made for a tense, thrilling story.

So yes, if you like Dexter, then read this book. And as someone who has not read any other Dexter book, you can just pick it up and read it. You might get a little confused when he talks about the rules of Harry. Well when Dexter was little his brother and he witnessed the very brutal murder of their mother (parents?) and were locked up with the mess. Harry, a police officer on the case, adopted Dexter. He saw what Dexter was going to be, and shaped him to only go after bad guys and only after he had proof they were indeed guilty. So Dexter has his outlet but in a useful way...kinda...even Dexter realizes it's wrong he is powerless to stop himself. So I guess if you have to better to go after people who are truly wasting air?

Sunday Stealing: The Questions Galore Meme, Part 3

2011-10-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

41. What is a quote that you love? "You may not get hurt, but huff-puff you won't get loved either." It's from the 10th kingdom and it really speaks to my own inner trust issues.

42. Do you think of pure hate as something humanity created? Yes, I really do.

43. When was the last time you wanted to scream? While I was watching Life Unexpected (and yes the 2 seasons are streaming on Netflix), it's deliciously bad tv. A soap with less people. :)

44. Do you ever at times see the world in black and white? Not often, there is so much gray that I try really, really hard to not pass judgement.

45. Have you ever thought that cell phones are too obtrusive? Always...I still have one though. lol I just don't like when I see parents with their kids and the cell phone is glued to their ear and the kids are ignored, that really bothers me. Well I'm less bothered when it's a group or pair of older people. I just think that's rude. Could you imagine being on a date and the other person kept talking on their cell phone? I had one like that once and he told the person he wasn't doing anything important. OUCH!

46. In your life, where do you thank the rainbow will end? Am I on a rainbow? If so it really blows! It will probably end in the Bog of Stench.

47. What is something that you never want to do again? Oh I don't know, I've done so many disgusting things in my life. Ok at the top of that list is to clean up someone's vomit. Considering my oldest is 5 and the youngest is 3, that's probably a pipe dream. :)

48.When was the first time you realized the world was small? I don't think the world is small now. It's massive.

49. How you spend your time contemplating life’s mysteries? Far too much, too bad you can't get paid doing that.

50. Ever discuss your political beliefs with people? Pretty much just with my husband. I don't like to make waves with people and that leaves off religion and politics.

51. Do you care about the environment? Yes, in that I'd like there to be a planet for my kids to live on when they grow up.

52. What’s your motto for life? If you aren't hurting anyone, it's no one else's business.

53. Is progress destroying the beauty of the world? Yeah, I think that a lot. I live in a state that used to be all trees...and sometimes I try to imagine what it was like and it makes me sad.

54. Do you believe there is life somewhere else in the universe? Of course, a infinite area life has to have been repeated a million times over. Do I believe they are traveling here to give anal probes to farmers? No - that one I don't buy. lol

55. Would you like to rule a country? Good GOD no! I wouldn't want to be in charge of a township, much less an entire country. Look at the president, all the way back in your memory. Anytime something bad is going on, it's the presidents fault. People never seem to remember that the president only has so much control and most decisions are made in congress and the senate. But it's the president's fault. And if a new guy comes in and it doesn't get fixed fast enough, then people forget the last guy who they previously thought caused the mess.

56. Do you believe everything has a purpose? Not everything but sometimes it's surprising. Last week I nearly bought a Thomas costume for Ivan at Wal-Mart. He was fussy and I put it back and he was ok with that - and if you knew how obsessed with Thomas Ivan is you'd know how shocking that really is. Then a few days later we are at Merchandise Outlet and find a James costume for less money and Ivan was thrilled.

57. Is war ever for the best? I really don't think so. So many innocent lives are lost, people that could care less about politics and just want to live their lives and watch their families grow and change. Why do they have to pay the largest price while the guys making the decisions sit in their comfy homes and offices and never see the results of those decisions.

58. Could you kill anyone in defense of self or loved ones? I don't know, if someone was trying to hurt my boys I'm not sure how far I could go. I don't want to be in that situation, I can say that one for sure (yeah like anyone would!)

59. How do you react to people (Such as Governor Rick Perry) who don't believe global warming is really our fault? I don't, they aren't worth the attention or the breath it would take to react. The fact is when people are like that, no matter what you say it won't make a difference to them. They will dismiss anything you say, even any facts you present.

60. Does love conquer all? No, it doesn't. It is nice, though. It makes life bearable.

61. Is euthanasia morally acceptable? Depends, honestly look at what we do with our animals. If our beloved furry pet is at the end of their life and suffering, we put them down. But when a human is in the same position, then it's murder and illegal. I don't think that's quite right that we treat our pets better than our fellow human beings. Shouldn't it be the persons choice? And yes I do see the other side of people not being mentally capable of making that decision. Or bad guys committing murder, but those are things in any situation. If a person is going to kill themselves, they will make it stick. I just think they should be able to go peacefully if death really is the only outcome.

62. Is world peace impossible? Yes, people suck, the end.

63. Is pride a good or a bad thing? Depends, people being jackasses about it is when it is bad. A little self confidence never hurt anyone.

64.What do you think is the purpose of your life? I have no idea, but i hope I find it soon. Then again maybe it's just to be a mother to these little guys and a good wife to my husband, maybe I'm not making a huge mess of that.

65. Do you believe in karma? I don't know, I'd like to but far too often total dicks are getting everything they want. We try so hard to be good people, to work hard and it's never enough.

Not Everything Brainless is Dead

2011-10-21T07:26:00.001-04:00

by: Joshua Price

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
Captain Rescue and his arch nemesis are always at each other’s throats, but this time, Dr. Malevolent’s criminal caper goes horribly awry. The two are forced to put aside their differences and form an unlikely alliance to thwart mankind's undeadliest threat—zombies!

Great cover, but I don't remember any zombies coming out of the ground. The first part of the book is pure wackiness as Captain Rescue dashes in to save the day when Dr. Malevolent decides to rob the Bank...yes The Bank...biggest bank in town...actually from the way it sounded the ONLY bank in town.

Captain Rescue is a complete idiot...like Batman without the brains...or stacked body. Dr. Malevolent can't believe who she has to work with. It takes nothing to put him in their truck and head off. But even a broken clock is right twice a day, and somehow he gets lucky when the truck crashes at the police station.

No one is super smart, or strong, or even coordinated. Everyone is normal. Dr. Malevolent's father was killed when she was a little girl, and in her mind it was a big faceless corporation that took him out (ignoring the fact that he was a street vendor and probably just hit by a car). And Captain Rescue's parents were killed by dolphins, he swore to protect people from the dangerous mammal and grew up to meet this goal only to discover that they are actually quite docile. LOL And his cave? Under a urinal cake factory.

So the police confiscate all the evidence and Dr. Malevolent and her crew are put in jail. The guys inventorying the bank goods were not any better. One of them actually drank a dangerous green liquid, and yes that's what started the zombie apocalypse. I about died when Captain Rescue realized what was going on and unlocked the jail cell, shut the door behind him and then threw the keys outside the cell. Actually thought Dr. Malevolent was going to kill him.

So they band together, along with a psycho police officer named Freight and a talking zombie they nick-named Stubs (ok that was Captain Rescue) to save the world. Dr. Malevolent realizes that there has to be a world in order to take it over.

This book really tickled me. It was absurd, farcical, down to earth, and occasionally realistic (when that was an absurd concept). You will never find a zombie apocalypse this hilarious! And you know Dr. Malevolent has a large group of lackeys to take on death for the rest of the heroes - once Freight even throws one through a door to make sure it's not a trap - LOL.

MyMemories Wednesday

2011-10-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

What are little boys made of?
Frogs and snails
And puppy-dogs' tails,

That's what little boys are made of.

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice
And everything nice,

That's what little girls are made of.

Today's entry was made using MyMemories free designer kit that can be accessed here - www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1.

Remember if you do want to purchase the software - use this code at checkout - STMMMS94433.

And now for an added bonus. 5th commenter wins an additional free kit. Just make sure I can contact you.

Meowmorphsis

2011-10-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

by Cook Coleridge, Franz Kafka

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
“One morning, as Gregor Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that he had been changed into an adorable kitten.”

Thus begins The Meowmorphosis—a bold, startling, and fuzzy-wuzzy new edition of Franz Kafka’s classic nightmare tale, from the publishers of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Meet Gregor Samsa, a humble young man who works as a fabric salesman to support his parents and sister. His life goes strangely awry when he wakes up late for work and finds that, inexplicably, he is now a man-sized baby kitten. His family freaks out: Yes, their son is OMG so cute, but what good is cute when there are bills piling up? And how can he expect them to serve him meals every day? If Gregor is to survive this bizarre, bewhiskered ordeal, he’ll have to achieve what he never could before—escape from his parents’ house. Complete with haunting illustrations and a provocative biographical exposé of Kafka’s own secret feline life, The Meowmorphosis will take you on a journey deep into the tortured soul of the domestic tabby.

This review is very hard for me to write. The cover is cute, and this is another of the Quirk Classic mash-up, and Kafka is a big name. Hey, I like cats, I was looking forward to this one. A way to get my classic lit into my reading diet.

I like the cat change...in the original the guy turned into a big cockroach. So what Cook Coleridge did, worked.

However, Kafka...what were you writing? I think he is a writer that intellectuals say they love so they don't look stupid. The book didn't make any sense right from the beginning. The character is working for this awful company as a traveling salesman to work off his parents debt. Yet they live in a nice house with a servant girl??? And why would he HAVE to work for the company, just get the job you want and pay it off. Here's a thought, since Mom, Dad, and sis don't work, let them cook and clean. You would pay off that debt even faster!

So he wakes up one morning and he's a kitten. More afraid of losing his job than anything else. I'm pretty sure the morphing into a kitten would be my TOP priority. And even with the original cockroach I'm not sure what the point here is. Unless he's saying all salesmen are the most disgusting bugs...I think lawyers and politicians are worse. lol

I hate writing a bad review, but I do think I'd give Cook Coleridge another chance on his own work but Kafka...you and I are done. (Ok my husband just told me that it's an Absurdist novel and it's not supposed to make sense so I guess...job well done?)

Sunday Stealing: The Questions Galore Meme, Part 2

2011-10-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. What was the last song you listened to that wasn’t sung in English? *chuckle* how would I know???

22. One of our SS players generally leaves a critical comment on our memes. Which is fine. All's fair. Do you let meme authors know when you hate their memes? no, I don't generally read the others...sorry I have a HUGE list of blogs to read already...guess I know what I'm doing next!

23. What TV show would you like to be on? Raising Hope...or another sitcom, I love those shows, I think they make people relax and laugh especially when times are tough.

24. What was the last video game you played? The Sims 3...I need a 12 step program for that game...

25. Have you ever been in a musical? If yes, do tell. Nope, never ever ever...and you should be thankful.

26. Do you follow your own style or everyone else’s? I don't think I have a style. I try to buy what I like but sometimes I wear whatever I have.

27. What’s the last store you bought from? Soldan's - I needed to buy crickets for the tree frog.

28. In retrospect, have you ever let a person use you a lot? No I don't think so. If I have to cut off a relationship then I do. I probably do let people use me more than I should but it's also my choice.

29. What are you doing two days from now? Getting CW to school, taking care of Ivan, probably laundry...

30. Did you ever believe there were monsters in your closet? No, but I'm still convinced something from under my bed is going to grab me.

31. When you graduated high school, did you let random people sign your yearbook or just close friends? Friends, not always very close but I didn't just hand it around, I don't think most people in my high school even knew who I was.

32. Would you consider adopting a child that had a mental illness? Wow! This is the deepest, most difficult question yet! I don't know, depends on what illness you are talking about here. Delayed, yes. Emotional, I'm not so sure. That would probably push a lot of my own buttons and I'm not sure I could really help that child.

33. Does thinking about death scare you? Scares the hell out of me, especially cancer. I don't have insurance and I'm terrified of having something and not being able to find out until it's too late or treat it.

34. If you died, do you believe that you go to Heaven or Hell and where would your spirit go? I prefer to believe in reincarnation. Honestly if there is a heaven and only Christians are allowed in...well that's just mean. Plenty of good people of different religions, and I just can't believe in a God who has that much of an Ego.

35. Who did you last write a snail mail letter to and why? I have no idea...

36. Do you care what people say or think about you? I really can't think about that. It's never good and that sends me on a spiral to dark places.

37. Have you ever been threatened? Well yeah, but by bullies when I was a kid...I once had one tell me to kick my friend or they were going to beat me up. Luckily at that point in my life (at least in this instance) I'd known enough untrustworthy and unstable people to realize that was BS and either she was going to beat me up or not and what I did to my friend didn't matter. I flatly refused and she actually left me alone and I became friends with her friend...or would lackey be the term?

38. Which side of your family do you get most of your qualities from? I know my biological dad's family but not that well. Honestly I don't know my mom's family that well either. Guess I'm just me and that's it.

39. What was the last thing with alcohol that you drank? Knowing me a cranberry and rum...it's my fav drink.

40. Have you ever kept a relationship a secret? Oh hell yes! When I was 14 dating a 22 yr old! Actually my mom did meet him once, but I swore he was 17 and we were only friends. She said I wasn't allowed to see him anymore, so I saw him in secret. Not like he actually took my anywhere - God he was a loser. Anyway, he grabbed me and forced me to kiss him in front of my friends once and I dumped him the next time I saw him. That scared the crap out of me - my friends didn't get it, but I said "if he did this in front of you, what would he do when we are alone?" I'm not that dumb!

All Hallow's Grim Blog Party

2011-10-13T11:09:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my entry in Magaly's All Hallow's Grim Blog Party 2011. For my entry, I created 2 scrapbook pages using the MyMemories software and wrote a couple Haiku. I occasionally write poetry, but my inner critic generally keeps it well hidden. Yesterday when I hit a major roadblock in my short story about a witch named Maggie, I challenged myself with this structured form of poetry. So as to not let Magaly down, I'm forcing myself to share it with the world. LOL - be kind.

It's our fascination and fear of death that makes this holiday so much fun. It's scary, it's dangerous, but oh what a rush! Have a mostly safe and happy All Hallow's Eve everyone!

My Memories Wednesday

2011-10-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

MyMemories has started a freebies offer for Share the Memories Affiliates. Every week I will be posting a new freebie link for all my readers.

And while I do enjoy the software - and find it easy to navigate - you don't HAVE to purchase the software to use the kits. They have them in 3 different formats for download, I know a lot of people who use PhotoShop. Personally I have been using the software and find it super easy to use, but I'm sure in a pinch I could make my Photo Explosion do the trick.

Anyway here's the link for today's freebie - http://mymemories.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2db59f577e9668b002ca5c0af&id=0a9aef7f92&e=ebcec27bf7.

What I did above was use one of the quick pages as an embellishment, added my picture and some text - viola! It only took me 5 minutes. Maybe 10, but half that was spent looking for the right picture. I love going through all my digital photos and getting inspired. If I actually had money, I'd be unstopable. lol

If you want to purchase the software I have a coupon code here for $10 off and it also gives you another $10 to buy kits. Follow the freebie link above, and it'll have links for software. The code is: STMMMS94433 (and for the record they pay me $20 for every software purchased using this code, but I am plugging it because I really am having fun with it).

Lucifer's Odyssey (Primal Patterns)

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-04:00

by Rex Jameson

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords. (*Note from Rex Jameson - ebook on sale for $0.99 through October*)

Lucifer languishes in an earthly prison, awaiting the apocalypse that will finally free him after 200,000 years. Before breaking loose, he discovers that the Armageddon he set in motion will destroy the capital of Chaos, his home universe.

He travels back to Chaos and stumbles upon a bloody civil war devastating his homeland. The realm’s magic wielders are firmly under the control of a rival clan, and without their protection, Lucifer's family is in mortal peril. As old demon clan rivalries blossom and a new hostile universe expands across the known multiverse, Lucifer is faced with not only protecting Chaos from annihilation but also saving his rightful place on the throne.

When Rex asked me to read this book, the name Lucifer was enough for me. Come on, who doesn't love a great scary Satan novel?

So wrong. Rex has done something so unique I'm actually giddy as I write this. He took some spiritual names we are familiar with, characters even and put them in new roles and new places.

Lucifer is the crowned prince of Chaos, trapped on Earth. Remember the archangel Michael? He's Lucifer's twin brother. And Jehovah? He's Lucifer's cousin...a rule-breaking scholar who left the Chaos Primal to create Order. And I LOVE that Jehovah, kind of an arrogant tool, is married to Gaea. And yes, she is mother earth to his cool scientific God.

There are also ~~Goblins~~ Elves...they don't like to be called Goblins. They live in a 3rd Primal. The Elvin and Chaos primals were created by Archimedes. They can speak with him and also with the primals. Well in theory, in the book only the Chaos one speaks.

It's all so intense. There is magic, immortals, and really no holds barred on theories or physical laws.

Lucifer has to fight to win back the respect of the elves, to get back his rightful place on the throne, to save his kingdom and the elves. To stop not only Jehovah, but Eranos. And as much as a egotistical and evil as he seems in the beginning, you end up rooting for the demon. And yes, he is a demon, wings and all.

So get a copy, it's a fascinating and fun read!

Rex Jameson informed me of a Kindle giveaway over at Red Tash - last day to enter is October 16, but don't wait because you can enter as much as you'd like before then.

Sunday Stealing: The Questions Galore Meme, Part 1

2011-10-08T19:36:00.002-04:00

I decided to do this different today. I'm going to fabricate someone to answer the questions. Like a fictional character. And we'll see where I am when it's done.

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Is there someone in your life you know you’d be better off without? Sam at work, he's a bodyguard, but he's weird, you know? He always just stares at all of us, sure he does his job I just wish he wasn't so creepy.

2. Do you get criticized because of your body? Who doesn't? It's what you make of that criticism that counts. Do you let it define you or define the person the person who says it? Trust me, it defines the person spewing that garbage.

3. Did you kiss the last person you called? Sure but not often, my ma lives 1,500 miles away.

4. When was the last time you danced? Last night, and it felt great!

5. Do you keep in mind other people’s feelings? No, I can't control other people's feelings so why bother?

6. If you have a hang nail, do you pull it or clip it? I don't get hangnails...I get a manicure and pedicure twice a week, think of it as an investment.

7. Who do you want to forget? My uncle Race.

8. Who was the last person to send you a letter? Letter, like in the mail? Who does that anymore?

9. Who did you last tell to shut up? My boss, he needs to mind his own F***in' business.

10. What’s the last thing that you smelt that smelt bad? The dumpster at work, it's always rank. But the guys sure do love all that fried food.

11. What’s your favorite cereal? Malt-o-Meal....the chocolate kind. I make it with milk on a cold night, it's comfort food.

12. How do you feel when people lead you on, but they don’t even like you? Happens every night, you learn to be careful who you let in. Never the dudes at work.

13. Could you live without sunlight? I feel like I already do.

14. What’s something you know is bad, but you want to do it anyway? LMFAO - my job...it's bad but I do do it anyway. And I think that qualifies as want to because I don't want to live without that kind of cash.

15. What was the last thing you lied about? How much I made last night, but only to the other girls. Never tell the truth there, if you do too well they'll jump you and if you don't do well enough they'll start talking about you and feeling sorry for you. Just keep it in the middle.

16. Do you regret anything you’ve done in the past week? Well, yeah. But it's really private.

17. What was the last movie you bought? Don't laugh, but The Little Mermaid. It reminds me of happier times, you know?

18. What is a sport you would like to do? Teamwork is not my thing.

19. When was the last time you felt like crying? Almost every day...

20. Have you ever wanted to kill someone (not that you actually do it)? Daily...not that creepy Sam guy...him I just wish would stop coming around. But my boss...oh now there's a mean SOB! The world would be a better place without him.

You got any other questions???

Yeah that was kind of fun. Totally fake - please don't take any of this seriously and think I'm crazy. lol Well I am crazy but that stuff still isn't true.

Zonta's Applefest 2011

2011-10-07T21:02:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, thinking of something to do with the boys on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, we ended up at Papa's Pumpkin Patch in Mount Pleasant, MI.

We looked at the crafts, and the boys played in the pumpkin maze.

CW found a sand bucket in the parking log so we had to visit the sandbox to return it.

And then they were arrested for molesting the gourds.

After that we spent about an hour playing with the Thomas toys inside the barn. They have 3 tables FULL of Thomas the Tank Engine trains and tracks, of course it helps sell the hundreds of items they have available. (No, was not paid for this...I even had to buy my own food!)

After CW whined to the point that even Ivan was annoyed, we went back outside. Bought a bag of Doritos for each of us, and then a fresh doughnut for each of us, we headed out to the Corn Maze. On our way out looking for the way in (which was actually more difficult this year than finding out way out!), CW had to stop and see if he could find a ripe tomato.

And no, the hunt was unsuccessful, the tomatoes out there were there for a very good reason. YUCK!

So finally we got in and I let the boys choose which way we turned, hoping to stay in there longer.

After a few minutes, we were done. Although we did get some ears of corn. The boys were far more impressed with the corn than the maze and would have loaded the stroller if I had let them. We picked up 3 off the ground and that was it. In response CW ran away to the mount of Mount Pleasant.

This picture is much worse because he really was so far away. No way I'm going up a mountain after him, he'll get hungry or light headed and come back down.

Which he did - because he wanted to play on the fallen tree. Ivan was not that impressed and had me take him off IMMEDIATELY after I shot his picture.

I attempted one last photo shoot, but no one would cooperate:

so we gave up and went to Sam's club for pop and free samples.

We Interrupt This Date

2011-10-05T14:29:00.000-04:00

by: L.C. Evans

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
Since her divorce a year ago, Susan Caraway has gone through the motions of life. Now she is finally coming out of her shell. Just when she decides on a makeover and a new career, her family members decide she's crisis central. First there’s her sister DeLorean who has come back from California with a baby, a designer dog, and no prospects for child support or a job. As soon as DeLorean settles in at Susan’s home, Susan’s son Christian returns from college trailing what Susan’s mama refers to as “an androgynous little tart.” Then there’s Mama herself, a southern lady who wrote the book on bossy. A secret from Mama’s past threatens to unravel her own peace. But not before Mama hurts her ankle and has to move into Susan’s home with her babies—two Chihuahuas with attitude. Susan would like to start her new job as a ghost tour operator. She would like to renew her relationship with Jack Maxwell, a man from her past. But Jack isn’t going to stand in line behind her needy family.

The Terminal Diner

2011-10-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

by: MaryPat Hyland

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
"Men like pie." Who would know the truth behind those words better than Elaina Brady's mother Maria? Months after she showed her teenage daughter how to bake perfect pie and hours after offering that culinary wisdom, Maria abandons Elaina, her sister Dee Dee and their father Walt. All it took was a lingering, lusty look from a Missoula trucker who stopped by their family's diner and ordered a slice of lemon meringue. Maria hitches a ride west with him, and with that impulsive decision, sixteen-year-old Elaina loses her mother and gains a job baking pies at the diner.

A decade after Maria's departure, Elaina is still working at The Terminal Diner, just around the bend from an upstate New York airport. Her humdrum life is defined by pie-baking routine. Elaina realizes painfully that all she still knows about the opposite sex is summed up in the three last words her mother spoke to her. Then one deceivingly beautiful morning in September 2001, horrifying acts committed by terrorists a hundred miles away upset her world, bringing new influences into her life and inspiring her to be like her mother-impulsive. Will Elaina survive the consequences of her actions?

The cover is so bright, that's what caught my attention in the Facebook group, Review Seekers when author MaryPat Hyland asked for reviews for her book. I looked it over, but for some reason I was expecting something different from this tale. Right away it goes into the tragedy of 9/11 and I admit that my eyes rolled and I nearly put the book down. Honestly I can't take the rabid patriot behavior surrounding that day, and was afraid this book would be full of it. Pleasantly surprised that she dealt with it in a way that it was a fact of life, and was honest about the way that so many people became paranoid and even more racist against people of Arab decent than ever before.

Elaina, even though she has lived a VERY sheltered life, was upset and horrified by the events, but refused to judge all people by that one day. In fact, across the street 3 cousins opened a car dealership/repair shop. Elaina became good friends with Zahir, the young man who ran the repair business. One day when Elaina was stuck by the side of the road, Zahir was the only one who stopped by to help her. They became fast friends and Elaina and her father defended and recommended Zahir to all their customers.

Elaina also befriends Rhey, a homosexual (yes this is an important characteristic because it's the only thing keeping them from being a couple - lol) artist from New York, who has returned home after a recent break-up to open a gallery at the old drive-in theater. Rhey is a lively character, and brings out the best in Elaina. He is constantly pushing her to be more spontaneous. When he goes on a month long cruise with his aunt, Elaina meets a sailor and elopes. Oh, poor Elaina has no idea who she just married. Part of her decision was based on her sister eloping with a friend and fellow cellist from Germany. It gets bad really fast, and the guy uses the "I'm a vet" line far too often that people start wondering if he really is.

I could not like Elaina's mother. She ran off without a word to anyone with the first nice guy to walk in the diner because she felt trapped. Did she bother discussing that with Walt - seems like he only bought the diner because it was in her family. That really annoyed me because she ditched not only him but her 2 girls. And while she said it was just because of feeling trapped, did she write the girls, call them, send them cards and gifts? Nope, not a thing until DeeDee (the sister) calls her to invite her to the marriage party Walt is throwing. And even then she was reluctant about returning, it just came off as so selfish. And I'm not sure if that was intentional or not.

The Terminal Diner has a great pace and while it is only 162 pages, it all fits in perfectly. Although I would have liked more romance between Walt (Elaina's father) and Angie - a long-time waitress in the diner.

I enjoyed the story, one of those coming of age tales that we all love so much.

Sunday Stealing: The Lucky 33 Meme

2011-10-02T13:00:00.002-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Can you cook? Yes, not fantastic but good enough.

2. What was your dream growing up? I don't know, I know I wanted my own family so I guess I achieved that one.

3. What talent do you wish you had? singing...I love to sing, I wish I were talented in it.

4. Favorite place? In the woods

5. Favorite vegetable green onion, although it doesn't love me so much

6. What was the last book you read. We Interrupt this Date by L.C. Evans

7. What zodiac sign are you? Virgo

8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? no tatoos, just regular single set of ear piercings.

9. Worst Habit? Making excuses for people who treat me badly.

10. Do you personally know anybody on Blog? Yes I do.

11. What is your favorite sport? I love to play raquetball, but I don't know the rules.

12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? Negative but I wish I were optomistic

13. What would you do if you were stuck in an lift with someone of the opposite sex? I'd be friendly but nothing sexual would happen...unless it was my husband. ;)

14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Something that I'm not going to discuss here.

15. Tell me one weird fact about you: I don't have any weird facts that I can think of.

16. Do you have any pets? one golden retriever.

17. Do you know how to do the macarena? Yup

18. Is the sun shining where you are now? yes, it's gorgeous out.

19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? neither...not a fan but not scared either.

20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I'd be much thinner.

21. Would you be my good angel or bad angel? Who are you???

22. What color eyes do you have? Blue

23. Ever been married? Twice, that's enough.

24. Bottle or Draft? I don't like beer...root beer, bottle.

25. If you won £10,000 today, what would you do with it? Cry because I live in the US and I don't know where I'd have to go to exchange it. ;)

26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? I'm not a big fan of gum.

27. What's your favorite bar to hang at? I don't really go to the bar.

28. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes I do.

29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? read or crochet while watching tv

30. Do you swear a lot? No, not in front of the kids...well I try not to.

31. Biggest pet peeve? self centered behavior...really that's encompasses everything else that bothers me. People who think they are more important than anyone or anything else.

32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Bitchy

33. In two words, how would you describe yourself? Moody bitch

Pink Snowbunnies in Hell: A Flash Fiction Anthology

2011-09-30T08:13:00.001-04:00

Edited by Debora Geary

Available as an e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis: A sleep-deprived author mixes up her metaphors.

A graphic designer has too much time on his hands.

Twenty writers, fueled by copious amounts of chocolate, dream up quirky, funny, and occasionally creepy stories.

And the Pink Snowbunnies in Hell Flash-Fiction Anthology was born.

These are very short stories, under a thousand words each. Some have actual bunnies. Some take rather offbeat trips through the underworld. And some just have a character that shares the sleep-deprived author’s mixed metaphors.

All proceeds from this anthology are going to local animal shelters. Pink snowbunnies can take care of themselves, but thank you for helping us support those animals who do need a little assistance.

Pink Snowbunnies in Hell is a collection of very short stories (flash fiction) with one thing in common – Pink Snowbunnies skiing in Hell. There are some that take that literally and make a comic spin on it. There are some (more) that use it as a line, “pink snowbunnies will ski in Hell” instead of “when Hell freezes over.” Debora Geary, our beloved Modern Witch writer has a story at the end, with Jamie picking out a gift for her baby girl for the shower. You know Aervyn is in this one too, giving his uncle Jamie assistance.

Now I am going to highlight a few of my favorites in this anthology. When, a poem by Robin Reed about all the “whens” that have to happen before “pink snowbunnies will ski in Hell!” I like “When all war has truly ended,” and I giggled at “When solar panels are installed for all to see, on the headquarters of Exxon, Mobil and BP.” It’s a fantastic poem, and I’m not much into poetry.

It Finally Happens…by Heather Marie Adkins. It’s about Hell finally freezing over, which Satan isn’t that surprised by given God’s sick sense of humor. It’s our fault for always saying “when Hell freezes over.” And even Hitler joins in with a great line, “this is going to kill my daisies.” LMAO – this perfectly tickled my funny bone. And yes pink snowbunnies showed up to start skiing and Satan sighs thinking of the paperwork he has to do.

Careful What You Wish For by Barbara Annino. I think this was the longest story by far, but it also made me laugh. It was about George and his genie Eugene who can’t seem to get a wish right. Someone sees Eugene’s lamp and points out it’s a bong…poor Eugene is stoned! *giggle*

Of Demons and Bunnies by Nichole Chase is another one that takes a literal bend on the theme. Pink snowbunnies are in Hell because someone took what Gary said literally about “pink snowbunnies will ski in Hell before Tom gets the promotion.” Ooops, and the pink bunnies came from purgatory…pink bunnies that guaranteed promotions. Yeah I can see purgatory being full of silly stuff like that. LOL This isn’t everything, you have to read this one!

And finally another poem, Pink Snowbunnies Acrostic by Molly Black. It is a fine poem, I really enjoyed it. What really got me though, was at the very end in the “author” section it states that Molly Black does not exist. No one wrote this poem. (Yes I know someone did but a very well hidden pen name was used.)

Rex Jameson (author of Lucifer's Odyssey) has a story in the book but he sent me a link to read one he thinks is much funnier. In the Anthology he wrote "Don't Mess with the Meadow" where a pink snowbunny bounty hunter goes down to hell to deliver some payback. Good story but the one on his blog is funny. Go here to read the story by Jeanne Miller and Rex Jameson.

Only 99 cents for this book and all the authors are using the proceeds to help animal shelters. A great time and a good deed all for one small price.

And the winner of the software from MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software is Sosanna of Confessions of a Modern Witch.

MyMemories Software Review

2011-09-28T15:07:00.000-04:00

I was contacted by Liz of MyMemories.com to write a product review, plus she offered to host a giveaway. So that's 1 software pack for me and 1 for a lucky reader.

At first I was skeptical, after all it was in my junk e-mail folder. So I went to the website (no I did not click the link, usually I type a link into Google to see what comes up) and it looked like a legitimate site. So sure, why not? I've been looking for a way to do scrapbooking on my computer - I swear I'm not just saying that. I love getting creative with my pics, but all my pics are digital! You see the issue?

Liz sent me a coupon code to enter when I checked out, it popped up saying it was for $50 so I was also able to get a couple of packages to play around with as well. Yeah - and then the confirmation e-mail gave me another $10 for making a purchase. Let me just say that they do make it easy to get started. If I had bought that with my own money I would have been happy - getting it all for free has me ecstatic!

I downloaded the My Memories Suite software and installed it, then each of the packages. It was very easy, not a lot of effort on my part was required.

I really had fun looking through all the Digital Scrapbooking Kits. The prices seem very reasonable as well. Lots of kits are on sale, there are a number that are free, and if you are really die hard, they have a Design Club for $5.99 per month.

Would I recommend this software? Yes, if you enjoy scrapbooking this is the best software I've seen. Would I have paid for it? Yes, once I had the money this is the software I would have invested in. It has exactly what I was looking for. The pics in this blog entry were all created using My Memories scrapbook software.

The software lets you either start a new album or work on existing albums when you start. It's easy to add new pages, then it's step by step to add paper, photos, an embellishments. You can use all your own stuff as well, just open the file using the software. And if you run into trouble, they are really good about helping their customers find solutions - just go here: https://www.mymemories.com/support.

Ready to win? For the first entry go to MyMemories.com and after you look around, come back here and leave a comment on what scrapbooking kit you are interested in.

Extra entries:

Be or become a follower on this blog
Grab the button and put it on your blog (share a link to your blog) - and share the link if you already have the button.
Share this contest on Twitter (leave a link)
Blog about this contest (leave a link)
Become a follower of the MyMemories blog
Follow MyMemories on Twitter

I was not paid for this review, but if you decide to purchase the software and enter the code: STMMMS94433, I will get $20 and you will save $20 - $10 off the software and $10 in digital scrapbooking kits. That's a win-win for both of us!

J'Adore New York

2011-09-26T09:32:00.001-04:00

by: Isabelle Laflèche

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Offered the chance to transfer to her law firm’s New York City office, stylish Parisian lawyer Catherine Lambert jumps at the opportunity—a fashion devotee with her finger on the pulse of style, she sets her sights on conquering Manhattan’s high-flying worlds of glamour, law, and love tout de suite. But soon, the non-stop New York minute filled with monster bosses, lecherous clients, and vindictive secretaries begins to take its toll. That is, until one handsome and powerful client begins to change her world for the better…only to throw it all into jeopardy with one surprising request. Perfect for fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary, The Devil Wears Prada, and Sex in the City, Isabelle Laflèche’s breakout novel J’adore New York is a rollercoaster of struggle and romance from the city where dreams come true.

The cover shows a gorgeous woman with the most stylish pink suit-dress I've ever seen, you know you are in for a style conscious character. And yes, Catherine Lambert loves fashion! It plays an important roll to the plot as well.

So you know Catherine finally lands the transfer to New York she has been working so hard to get. She wants to become partner and is determined to work herself to death to get it. Okay not literally, but she works such crazy hours I lose the ability to see what the point it. If lawyers really work like that in the big firms, how very sad for them.

She has to keep learning the lesson that she can't trust anyone but a few clothes friends. The competition is beyond fierce, these guys make lions look tame...enough plot you have to read it to learn more.

The characters are all well written, the plot is thick. It's a great story. My only criticism is Catherine's voice. She is supposed to be French, but her name is pretty white-bread and the voice used in the story is written in regular American English with well-known french phrases thrown in here and there. I think it should have been written as someone from who had been living in France their entire lives would have spoken. It looks like the author is at least French-Canadian so I was a little surprised by this. (update: after thinking about this I wonder if the editors didn't take change the voice)

But after all that I don't regret reading it for a minute. It was a fantastic tale that I couldn't put down. Catherine must learn life lessons, fight for her survival and maybe...just maybe she will find love.

Sunday Stealing: That Meme That's Going Around

2011-09-24T13:54:00.001-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

A. Age: 37

B. Bed size: King

C. Chore that you hate: putting the dishes away...I can wash them but I really, really hit the wall when it's time to put them away.

D. Dogs: one golden retriever

E. Essential start to your day: iced tea....usually red rose. Used to love Tazo but got a bad batch and can't get in touch with the company to save my life. Kinda ticks me off

F. Favorite color: Blue

G. Gold or Silver: Silver or better yet, white gold or platinum

H. Height: 5 feet 2 inches, although it's actually a bit under 2 inches. lol

I. Instruments you play: Nope, not a single one. In the 6th grade when band was mandatory I played clarinet. I do love to sing but I'm not really any good at it.

J. Job title: Mama

K. Kids: 2 boys, CW is 5 and in Kindergarten, Ivan just turned 3 and is in preschool.

L. Live: and let live.

M. Mother's name: Camela, rhymes with Pamela. I think she has the coolest and most unique name, I've never met another Camela.

N. Nicknames: Peaches...and that's stretching it. Nicknames never stick. I was Sissy for a bit when my brother was little and that dropped off too.

O. Overnight hospital stays: that's personal, couple of lady things and a couple of c-sections. :) Oh and probably when I had my tonsils out.

P. Pet peeve: People who refuse to use their turn signals...it's not that hard! It's right by the steering wheel!

Q. Quote from a movie: "You don't trust no one, you might not get hurt but huff-puff you won't get loved either" - Wolf, The 10th Kingdom

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: I have a half brother with my biological dad, but I haven't met him. We've barely spoken and I've since lost touch. And another half brother with my mom but since his dad adopted me and is my "dad" I don't really think of him like that.

T. Time you wake up: 6:00 am during the week and 7:00 am on the weekends.

U. Underwear: Yeah, i wear 'em!

V. Vegetable you hate: Is watercress a vegetable? That's the only thing I can think of that I out and out hate!

W. What makes you run late: 2 little boys...

X. X-Rays you've had: Oh my neck awhile back after we were rear-ended. No biggie, I wasn't hurt but you know hospitals.

Y. Yummy food that you make: My husband and oldest boy really liked the Quiche I made last night, and my sausage gravy (I think my biscuits need work) and hubby really loves my Blackening spice.

Z. Zoo animal: Tiger! I've been dying to share these pics. From our zoo trip last summer. And I don't care what you say, I think CW looks great with long hair.

Witches on Parole: Unlocked

2011-09-23T08:36:00.000-04:00

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

Synopsis:Two pendants. Two students. And it's entirely possible they didn't volunteer.

World-famous (and now retired) photographer Jenvieve Adams has a debt to repay, and a soft spot for witches who have lost their way. Or so she thinks, until they actually show up.

Join some of the cast of characters from the very successful A Modern Witch series as they take on a new kind of journey as guides for WitchLight. What happens when an obsessive psychologist and a wordsmithing delinquent get dropped into Witch Central?

The cover on this book really sets it apart from the main A Modern Witch series. It is a spin off and can be enjoyed on it's own. However, if you want more back-story on some of the characters then you can start with A Modern Witch and A Hidden Witch. Actually A Modern Witch lets you in on the characters you see again in Witches on Parole.

So we have Aunt Jennie, who I think was a fairly minor character - since I barely remember her. She has been roped into being a mentor in WitchLight, because she used to be a member. She messed up pretty bad, and Melvin helped get her back on track. She leans on her own mentor and his wife Vero heavily during this journey which helps her as much as it does her students, Lizard and Elsie.

Lizard is a tough girl who has had a rough go of it. She's used to being hard on people to protect herself. But she's a very good mind witch and wickedly smart too. Can Jennie help get Lizard into the community of witches and get her some viable options for her future? She enlists Lauren - realtor and mind witch from A Modern Witch - to help Lizard find her niche.

Elsie is a tightly wound therapist who has been having issues with boundaries and her patients. She volunteered (Lizard really was on parole) for WitchLight to give back to the community and perhaps find an appropriate outlet for getting involved. She is really pushed to the brink because Jennie senses there's a Fire Witch hidden in the dungeons of Elsie's mind. She enlists Nat (not a witch but very wise and mellow) to help and included Jamie (a fire witch and husband to Nat) to help pull her out of her shell.

I truly felt for both characters and the way the witching community pulled together to help both women made me tear up more than once. Debora Geary hit a home run with this book. The only bad thing I have to say is...I have to wait until 2012 for the next book.

Galaxy Girls

2011-09-21T08:30:00.001-04:00

by Edie Ramer

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
Genetically created to be broodmares, Phyrne Galaxy and her mother, aunt and cousin don't need men, they need freedom. They escaped from the warring planet of Kergeron to Earth, where Phyrne’s aunt's vision of winning money in a New Jersey casino comes true. Too bad her aunt's precog didn't show the hoods waiting outside with guns. But Phyrne has her own weapon, more powerful than bullets. She's ovulating.

Phyrne turns up the heat, taking out more than the crooks in her wave of sexual torture. FBI Special Agent Hawk Higgens, running to protect the women, is brought to his knees, too. Caught in her procreative spell, Phyrne ravishes Hawk.

Being seduced by an alien and left half naked and unconscious in the back of a surveillance van changes Hawk's life. He joins the Foundation, a privately funded agency that hunts aliens. Six years later, the reason for his career change pops back on the radar in a tea shop in Kentucky. The woman whose face still haunts his dreams has an addition to her family – a five-year-four-month-old daughter.

At the same time, two Kergeron warriors are sent to Earth to bring the women back to their home planet. With an ex-FBI agent and two alien warriors on her trail, Phyrne's calm life running the Tea & Comfort shop is about to get shaken, stirred and screwed.

This book was sweet! It pulled me right in, another paranormal novel but leaning closer to sci-fi than actual witches. The Galaxy girls are really 2 sisters and their daughters. The story mainly revolves around one of the daughters. She is ovulating with a vengeance when they get to earth. Turns out it's a better weapon than a gun.

Phyrne uses her pheromones to allure and distract the guys with guns, she then turns it onto an FBI agent who comes on the scene and it gets away from her. They must copulate...SHE must copulate with him. And as she was bred to do, she gets pregnant. 6 years later in the story she has a gorgeous little girl and Hawk has spent the entire time looking for Phyrne, not even considering there might be a child involved.

When he finds her, she needs his help to save her family from the FBI and Kergeron males who have come to take them back home. Hawk thought he wanted revenge, but really he wanted more Phyrne and now that he knows he has a daughter he must decide what to do with his life.

I really enjoyed this book, it was sexy and fast paced, even though at first I thought it was long with 350 pages. I read this in a couple of nights, and enjoyed it all. The story doesn't ever slow down for a minute, not once in all those pages. And let me say I can enjoy a long story, The Stand by Stephen King is my favorite book of all and it's wordier than the Bible. But sometimes with all the independent e-books coming my way, anything over 250 has good odds to get a little slow in spots.

Very pleased with this novel, and I have to add Edie Ramer to my growing list of fabulous authors that are writing stories better than you find on the New York Best Seller List. I really should start a list and call them the "Hidden Gems" - don't steal that, that's mine! (lol)

Convergence

2011-09-19T13:41:00.000-04:00

by: Joseph Gellene

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
How do you stop a killer who remembers everything you're about to do?

John Smith greatly enjoys his unusual life. He's wealthy, long-lived, and very well traveled. He jumps to the 21st century expecting to be reunited with his daughter but finds she has been brutally murdered. Under normal circumstances it was a simple matter to undo an untimely death but, in this case, the killer remembers multiple fact patterns and easily thwarts John's attempts. To save his daughter, John must overcome shifting fact patterns, a determined detective, and three versions of the killer. His research shows that he fails, but facts can be fluid.

This book is The Time Traveler's Wife and The Matrix all rolled into one. It's full of suspense and action and lots of different "fact patterns" due to numerous "fact shifts". The way it is supposed to work is there are people who go from birth to death with no jumping around, they are called linears. Then there are people who jump all over the place through infinite possibilities and probabilities. Toss in some physics - ok I really don't fully understand it but in the story it does make sense.

When the people who jump around...the Ordinals...and enter a new fact pattern, they generally forget anything else. They only know what is real where they are at. It saves their sanity. A few people can remember it all, all the shifts and possibilities, and these people wind up insane - there just isn't any other way.

The plot? An older Ordinal named John Smith finds his daughter murdered and while avoiding run ins with the police finds an abandoned little girl who is a new ordinal. He takes her back to his safe house where she is cared for by the caretakers. As an adult she is back to exact revenge against the man who murdered her parents...whoever that is. Then there is the police officer, a rookie who meets up with - or has a convergence - with his older and much older selves.

Criticism? Like the Time Travelers Wife, it gets hard to follow when all the characters and the facts of the story are shifting, it constantly changes throughout the story, and really kicks up toward the end.

You get to know the characters just enough. I'd have loved more background information on John Smith and Parker, two central characters that just don't get enough history or personality into the story.

That being said, I enjoyed the story. I had a hard time getting started, but by the time I reached the end I couldn't put it down. It's a great story if you can keep the facts straight. But don't feel bad if you can't, sometimes the characters couldn't either. lol

Sunday Stealing: The Lower 40 Meme, Part Two

2011-09-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21) Have you ever flown a kite? Yes - it's lots of fun.

22) Do you wish on your fallen lashes? No, just those dandelion things in the summer.

23) Do you consider yourself successful? Didn't I answer this last week? Not really but I feel like my kids are.

24) When was the last time that you made an obscene phone call? Well I wouldn't really call it obscene but when I was a teenager I crank called a couple of people pretending to be from our local adult bookstore about certain late movies...one guy got really upset because he swore he returned them! We laughed our butts off and decided to quit while we were ahead.

25) Have you ever asked for a pony? Yes, have I ever gotten one? no...

26) Plans for tomorrow? Work for friends in the AM, church, then the Andersons for Chris' birthday dinner. C is getting him a cake.

27) Can you juggle? we learned to juggle the light scarves in high school, it would take practice to do even that much now.

28) Missing someone now? Yes, always.

29) When was the last time you told someone "I love you"? I think last night.

30) And truly meant it? Last night. I never say it if I don't feel it.

31) How often do you drink alcohol? daily...most days I have just a shot of rum in a big glass of juice. If we have it on hand.

32) How are you feeling today? slightly sickish, definitely tired.

33) Have you every tried to write a meme? No, I can't even think of interview questions for authors, that's why I just tell them to write anything.

34) Have you ever been fired from a job? Once but it was because I quit. Yeah, figure that one out!

35) What are you looking forward to? A hot bubble bath

36) Have you ever crawled through a window? Yup, many, many times. And yet I still forget my keys.

37) What's the most recent bad meal that you had to endure? I remember in college I went home with a friend and her mom made pig's feet for dinner. It was so GROSS...I chocked down a few bites, said I really wasn't hungry as we ate a big meal earlier in the day and then after dinner made my friend take me to Burger King because I was starving.

38) Can you handle the truth? yes, but can you?

39) Whose to blame for what's going on? Probably Satan, doesn't he do all the bad stuff?

40) What will it take to fix it all up? Kill Satan? Oh no that's not possible. I know, everyone quick, grow up and be respectful and responsible!

The Mockingbirds

2011-09-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

by: Daisy Whitney

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

Funny little story - you all know I do reviews here, hunting down publishers to get review copies. I'm at the Salvation Army with my boys and I find an "Advanced Reading Copy - NOT FOR SALE" for $0.49. The title reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird, and this is referenced in this book quite often. My cover has a redish tint to it, and I have to say I like that better than the blue. But that's the only difference.

One reviewer at Amazon criticized the quote on the cover which says "Hush little students, don't say a word..." and says that this made him expect a thriller. So not too surprising to see where his disappointment came from. And I think he makes a valid point, it takes away from the actual plot of the story.

Alex wakes up in a boys room, with no idea how she got there, where her clothes went or even who the boy is. It does come to her slowly through the story. But basically she got really drunk and was date raped. I loved how Alex's friends gave her unwavering support and helped her get help.

I hated that the school was useless. The teachers want the school to be full of the best of the best so they ignore anything bad that happens. The students take matters into their own hands by creating a group that doles out justice among the students. It has amazing checks and balances and both parties agree to take the punishment whatever the outcome.

I really, really loved the teacher that told her that it didn't matter if she had the time of her life with Carter, she was too drunk to give consent and what he did was wrong. I don't think teenage girls should read this, I think ALL teenagers should read this. I don't think we do enough to teach personal responsibility. Carter thought since they were making out prior that she wanted it. Even though she said she wanted to go home, even when she tried to push him off. She was too drunk to fight back and his only defense was that she didn't say "no." Well she didn't say anything, she was mostly sleeping.

I also found it amazing to find the author herself is a victim of date rape. Something that is really the hardest form of rape to prove and prosecute. I think this book is a great addition to the fight.

The Sniffles for Bear

2011-09-14T11:20:00.000-04:00

Story by: Bonny Becker
Illustrated by: Kady MacDonald Denton

Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
Bear has a terrible cold. In fact, Bear is quite sure that no one has ever been as sick as he is. So when Mouse comes tap, tap, tapping on his front door eager to make Bear "as good as new" by reading a sunny story, singing a rousing chorus, and plinking a twangy tune on his banjo, the pitifully coughing Bear—growing weaker by the minute—is convinced that his tiny friend does not appreciate the gravity of the situation. Can there be any saving Bear from his certain demise? Welcome the world’ s most lovable curmudgeon and his endearing, unstoppable sidekick in a wry new comedy sure to have even red-eyed, sniffly nosed readers rolling with laughter.

I was so excited when I received this book in the mail. The Andersons bought A Visitor for Bear when CW had his tonsils taken out and it is one of our favorite books now. We checked out A Sleepover for Bear from the library and enjoyed that too. I saw this (due out September 13) I hunted down the publisher.

The Bear books are great at demonstrating how to be a good friend. They show that it takes hard work and determination. It also shows that it's not always perfect. Bear can be downright cranky at times, but Mouse doesn't waver.

In this story Bear is sick and convinced he is dying. Well we've all been there. It does get silly when he asks mouse to help him to bed (up stairs! lol) and then has Mouse take down his will. Mouse doesn't leave Bear's side, except to make him some soup. He does everything Bear asks and does his best to cheer him up.

I love the writing, it's a very comfortable flow that never feels awkward being read out loud. The pictures are muted in color and just so pretty. It's the other reason I like the books so much. The pictures have a calming sensation, the kids enjoy looking through them on their own. When I read this book for the first time, the kids looked like they were watching TV. lol

So yes, if you have young children you need to add this to the library.

Foxy's Tale: The Relunctant Vampire, Book One

2011-09-12T09:12:00.001-04:00

by: LB Gschwandtner and Karen Fraunfelder Cantwell

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
A comic, chick lit tale wherein former beauty queen Foxy Anders has fallen on hard times and rents an apartment to mysterious, bumbling Myron Standlish who’s arrived in the city looking for a long lost trunk containing who knows what. When Foxy’s teenage daughter, Amanda hooks up with Nick, a cute guy at school, while getting cooking lessons from Foxy's new assistant Knot, they’re all in for some romance with a dash of suspense and a sprinkle of supernatural. And laughs ... as an added bonus.

Let's see, cover has that cute cartoon thing going on again. It's a paranormal novel but it's so unique. Really that's the best word I can think to use here. I've read so many over the last two years that sometimes I cringe for the first few pages. Thank God for the good paranormal writers out there - you know who you are!

There is just a hint of vampires in this book, nothing out in the open. Foxy is running an antique business, luckily one of the first tenants Knot Knudsen (pronounce the Ks) has a flair for her business and really she would have been lost without him. Next comes in this old Jewish man Myron Standlish. You know I spent half the book reading Standish until a character pointed out that Standlish was a little off if he was hoping to sound more American. I almost went back to re-read the book. I probably will someday. LOL

Amanda hates the new house, living with strangers and mostly her mother. I don't blame her. Foxy gets on my last nerve. She spends money as fast as she gets it and doesn't try to connect to her daughter and just tries to change her. Amanda has this Goth thing going on and I love the point made in the story that Amanda is hiding her true self, not trying to make some obnoxious statement. I'll never look at a strange teen the same again.

She becomes friends...and a little more...with Nick, a normal teen boy. Until we find out some crazy lady vampire and her sisters are trying to make him a vampire and have been feeding off him. The only person he can trust is Amanda.

Well you'll never believe how this works out. First I was in shock...it was so unexpected...I mean you'll never ever guess. And then after I got over my shock I laughed and laughed. It's a different book, very quirky, very fun.

Sunday Stealing: The Lower 40 Meme, Part One

2011-09-10T20:05:00.000-04:00

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) Who is the last person you high-fived? CW...rather than kissing him goodbye in front of all the bigger kids at school. He is growing up way too fast for my taste.

2) If you were drafted into a war, would you survive. If I was drafted into a war we must be really desperate!

3) Do you sleep with the TV on? Yes, I used to do that all night long when I was single. I don't like being alone at night.

4) Have you ever drunk milk straight out of the carton? We do it regularly, but from the jug not carton. Cartons of milk are way to expensive and don't last long in a family of 4 with 3 boys.

5) Have you ever won a spelling bee? Never been in one, and I don't think I would win. I need to write down a word; the part of the brain required to spell out loud is damaged in me apparently.

6) Have you ever been stung by a bee? I don't know, hornets yes...I hate those nasty buggers!

7) How fast can you type? about 70wpm on a good day.

8) Are you afraid of the dark? Yup, I jump into bed and I really can't look in a mirror in the dark...thanks to my friend's mom when I was 9!

9) Eye color: Blue

10) Have you ever made out at a drive-in? Not lately, I remember seeing Ghostbusters when I was little and then my brother and I were to go to sleep and my parents watched Tootsie...is that right? Yes, that is correct.

Speaking of Dustin Hoffman, I recommend watching Little Big Man. It's one of my favorite comedies.

11) When was the last time you chose a bath over a shower? Yesterday, give me an hour and I'll take a book into the tub.

12) Do you knock on wood? Yup, never tempt fate!

13) Do you floss daily? Is my dentist reading this? Then yes, of course and I brush 3 times a day too! ;)

15) Can you hula hoop? Oh god no!

16) Are you good at keeping secrets? Yes, I'm also good at minding my own business. Which I think sometimes makes me seem aloof, if someone wants to share something with me, I will listen but I don't always get nosey. But back to the question, yes I can keep a secret. I love to listen to gossip but I don't share it very much.

17) What do you want for Christmas? A comforter so I can save my quilts, comforters for the boys so they can be warm. Oh and a Kindle because I just do!

18) Do you know the Muffin Man? Yes I know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane.

19) Do you talk in your sleep? I don't know, I don't think so.

20) Who wrote the book of love? Aphrodite? Ironic that her personal life was as messed up as anyone else on Earth.

The Kitchen Daughter

2011-09-09T18:57:00.000-04:00

by: Jael McHenry

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Synopsis:
After the unexpected death of her parents, painfully shy and sheltered 26-year-old Ginny Selvaggio seeks comfort in cooking from family recipes. But the rich, peppery scent of her Nonna’s soup draws an unexpected visitor into the kitchen: the ghost of Nonna herself, dead for twenty years, who appears with a cryptic warning (“do no let her…”) before vanishing like steam from a cooling dish.

A haunted kitchen isn’t Ginny’s only challenge. Her domineering sister, Amanda, (aka “Demanda”) insists on selling their parents’ house, the only home Ginny has ever known. As she packs up her parents’ belongings, Ginny finds evidence of family secrets she isn’t sure how to unravel. She knows how to turn milk into cheese and cream into butter, but she doesn’t know why her mother hid a letter in the bedroom chimney, or the identity of the woman in her father’s photographs. The more she learns, the more she realizes the keys to these riddles lie with the dead, and there’s only one way to get answers: cook from dead people’s recipes, raise their ghosts, and ask them.

The cover art is phenomenal on this one. It's a mesh bag holding red peppers, but it's shaped in a way to look like a tank top on a woman. It feels comfortable.

I knew before reading that this is a book about a young woman with Asperger's Syndrome, but I was shocked to see that she had no idea. Her parents had always told her she had a "personality" and sheltered her probably more than they needed to.

She loves to cook and is actually great at it. She makes her Nonna's bread soup for comfort during the wake after her parents funeral - all the people touching her and talking to her just push it too far. She flees to the kitchen and finds her Nonna's recipe and when she makes it, her Nonna comes to the kitchen. And that starts the journey...she makes a person's recipe, a recipe written in their own hand, and the ghost of said person shows up.

In doing this, Ginny starts a journey where she learns secrets in her family she never would have guessed. When she finds a letter of apology from her father to her mother along with pictures of a strange woman, she thinks he had an affair. The truth is so far from that mark...it rocks her to her very core.

She gets diagnosed with the syndrome, and being so smart she takes the advice of her doctor and makes her way out of the house and into life. Proving to herself and her sister that she really can make it on her own. And maybe someday she really will get married and have children of her own.

I think this book also highlights the dangers of refusing labels. Yes labeling can be bad, but when you avoid it too much, you can miss out on the help your child may need. Ginny's mom wouldn't let the teachers label her, but in doing that Ginny never got the extra help that would have allowed her to fit in more and function outside the house.

This is exactly the kind of story that I love. And I especially loved Ginny because even though I have never been diagnosed with asperger's syndrome, I can relate to her difficulty with people. I'm not big on touching and I never know the right thing to say or do. Ginny really touched me...this whole story and all the characters touched me.

How to Dump Your Boyfriend in the Men's Room

2011-09-06T21:41:00.000-04:00

(And Other Short Stories)
by: Sibel Hodge

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Synopsis:
A collection of five humorous short stories – what I like to call true fiction. Are you ready to find out “how to dump your boyfriend in the men’s toilets”, why “yoga is bad for your house”, what the “S-Word has to do with your lady garden”, why you need to “follow that goat”, and whether “kismet” does really exist?

Cute cover! It's one of the reasons I enjoy chick-lit, the colorful and cartooney covers.

Now Sibel Hodge mentions in the Author's Note that these books are unrelated. Some are true and some aren't...that's the clue! I forgot because they are all written from the 1st person. I was 3 stories in and feeling really confused before I remembered. So - just letting you know up front, read each story as it's own separate work.

The stories themselves are all quick and fun. I think I loved the Yoga is Bad for you House story best. She is too impatient to do the more difficult poses and ends up blasting her foot through the wall. Turns out for the best as the living room is redecorated due to their inability to find matching paint during the repair. lol

Right now this e-book is 99cents, not a big investment. And it also has chapters from a few of her other novels as a special preview.