Thursday, September 30, 2010

Venom by Jennifer Estep

Book Description:
What kind of assassin works pro bono?
It's hard to be a bad ass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most.
To the public, I'm Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland's best barbecue joint. To my friends, I'm the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab's right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I'll take my chances. Then there's Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland's finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I'm a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.


My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book. Not the norm for me but interesting. Gin is an elemental who is also a retired assassin who is on a mission of vengence. Right off you meet her nemisis Mab and her goons as they beat Gin up. Jonah wants Gin 'to get dead' for the murder of his son, which he can't prove she did, but he is after her anyway. Bria is Gin's long lost baby sister now a cop working the streets with a reputation for standing up against the bad guys. After having one straight laced cop in her life Gin isn't sure how she and her sister will get along but is determined to let no harm come to her, no matter what....
You've gotta like that this book starts out with action, ok so it starts with a cold but still! Gin is a strong character but has a few weaknesses including family and friends! Owen is hot, but then again most of the characters in the book are good looking. I liked the character Finn, he is like a brother to Gin and is completely focused on sex, but he adds his sense of humor to the story and I enjoyed that. Honestly I liked most of the characters but the plot seemed kind of flat to me. Maybe it was because this was in a series and I haven't read the ones before it, but I just didn't get into this book.
I rate this book a 3/5. It was a nice change of pace for me but nothing I would read again.


Thank you to Gallery Books for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Postcard Killers Audiobook by James Patterson

THE POSTCARD KILLERS
(Unabridged)
by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Read by Katherine Kellgren, Eric Singer and Reg Rogersy

Paris is stunning in the summer.
NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him—he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the
eyes of his daughter's killer.
The killing is simply marvelous.
Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.
Wish you were here.
Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm—and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, THE POSTCARD KILLERS may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

My Thoughts:
This book was ok. Jacob is on the hunt for what the media has dubbed the Postcard Killers. His daughter was one of their victims and now he can't rest until they are caught and brought to justice. In Sweden, he meets newspaper columnist Dessie Larsson, they work together to bring the killers down and after several mishaps, manage to convince the local police of a plan that must work!
Honestly, I didn't really like this book. It seemed very unrealistic. Jacob is a NYPD cop who is chasing these killers around other countries and flashes his badge everywhere he goes like it is going to do him any good in another country! There really were no surprises or twists and turns, I found it to be very predictable and unoriginal. The gun shots and sirens at the end of the book were slightly startling when you are driving down the road and will have you looking in your rear view mirror! I did like all the voices from the audio book, the readers did a wonderful job.
I rate it a 2/5. I did finish it but was not impressed in the least.

Thank you to Hachette Books for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Giveaway The Postcard Killers Audiobook by James Patterson

Book Description:
Paris is stunning in the summer
NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him--he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.
The killing is simply marvelous
Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.
Wish you were here
Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm--and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, The Postcard Killers may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

Thanks to Hachette AudioBook Group I have 3copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until October 20, 2010
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
  • Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Giveaway The False Friend by Myla Goldberg

Book Description:
From the bestselling author of Bee Season comes an astonishingly complex psychological drama with a simple setup: two eleven-year-old girls, best friends and fierce rivals, go into the woods. Only one comes out . . .
Leaders of a mercurial clique of girls, Celia and Djuna reigned mercilessly over their three followers. One after­noon, they decided to walk home along a forbidden road. Djuna disappeared, and for twenty years Celia blocked out how it happened.
The lie Celia told to conceal her misdeed became the accepted truth: everyone assumed Djuna had been abducted, though neither she nor her abductor was ever found. Celia’s unconscious avoidance of this has meant that while she and her longtime boyfriend, Huck, are professionally successful, they’ve been unable to move forward, their relationship falling into a rut that threatens to bury them both.
Celia returns to her hometown to confess the truth, but her family and childhood friends don’t believe her. Huck wants to be supportive, but his love can’t blind him to all that contra­dicts Celia’s version of the past.
Celia’s desperate search to understand what happened to Djuna has powerful consequences. A deeply resonant and emotionally charged story, The False Friend explores the adults that children become--leading us to question the truths that we accept or reject, as well as the lies to which we succumb.

Thanks to Double Day I have 2 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.


  • You must be a follower to participate

  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)

  • US Residents only

  • No PO Boxes

  • Double Day will be sending the copies to the winners

  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.

  • Contest is open until October 20, 2010

  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Unwanted (The Unwanted Trilogy Book 1) by Daniel L. Carter

Book Description
An explosion shatters the night sky...
Smoke and flames erupt over the city of Chicago. FBI Agent Nick Catlin watches helplessly as their only lead straps on a glider and leaps off a high rooftop, soaring toward Lake Michigan. They've lost him, again. The crimes scenes always fit the patter - five babies are among the casualties. Fourteen months later, though, in New York, no infant bodies are found. Nick's gut tells him the killer was somehow interrupted in his work and won't stop until he tracks down those children and finishes what he started.
Oklahoma rancher Leigh Barrus is barely making ends meet when his estranged niece, Janet, shows up at his ranch with five babies in tow. The terrifying tale she tells him about genetic experiments is only the beginning of the shocking truths...
A gripping sci-fi thriller for all ages.

My Thoughts:
I now have a new obsession! This book was AMAZING! I started reading and just got pulled into the story and couldn't put it down. FBI agent, Nick, is tracking down basically a 'serial' killer, only not in the normal sense. Each crime scene has a number of bodies and always five infants...except the last one. The infants are missing and that is his big break, only he can't find them and there is a traitor in the FBI. Janet is a nurse who saves the five children, along with a colleague, and runs home to her uncle, Leigh. Leigh has enough difficulties without adding to them but he gladly helps her and the babies. As the story unfolds, truths are learned and amazing things happen to show how unique these children are and why someone wants them back so much....
I am in love with this little family. I now have a picture of each of them etched in my mind. The author did such a wonderful job with his descriptions that I could 'see' the whole thing happening. Janet is such a strong woman taking on these five special kids. Leigh is so giving and caring, he shows what a real Christian should be. Each of the kids is so endearing and unique. Sampson has to be my favorite, or maybe Anna, or Angie, could be any of them really! Marcus and Zach are wonderful and so hard headed. I laughed, got angry, felt their fear, and even cried while reading this book. The best thing about it, is it is a Christian Fiction. Amazingly fun but heart wrenching, brilliant mix of characters and emotions. Perfect set up for the second in the trilogy and I can't wait to read it!
Hands down a 5/5. I have this book on ebook and am going to order a paper copy to put on my keeper shelf!

Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Book Description:
ONE BOY... ONE DRAGON... A WORLD OF ADVENTURE.
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy -- until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save -- or destroy -- the Empire. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.


My Thoughts:
This was a delightful book. Eragon is a simple farm boy goes where others fear to venture. While hunting to supplement his family's food supply, he finds a beautiful blue 'stone', which turns out to be a dragon egg. He quickly loses the life he knew and is pushed into a life he was destined for. Braum, the village story teller as his guide teaches him of the evil powers, magic and leads him through his first confused days as a dragon rider! He makes an enemy of the King and his evil magician and may just be the only one who can save the Empire!
I did a first with this book and watched the movie before I read the book. I wasn't overly impressed with the movie but read the book anyway! I think I fell in love with every character in this book! There are so many characters and adventures, but they flow so well together and are easy to keep up with. Eragon is so simple and unassuming. His cousin is strong and stable. His uncle is the caretaker. Braum is a wonderful story teller and teacher. There are elves, dwarfs, dragons, and all kinds of magic! The story takes hold of you and just pulls you along for a magical ride! This is going on my keeper shelf to stay!
I give it a 5/5. Any age would enjoy this story and get caught up in the magic of it!

Miraculous Deception by P.I. Barrington

Book Description
Payce Halligan is nearly dead -- comatose, at the least -- when she disappears from her hospital room with no clue where she's gone. Even as he searches for his missing partner, Gavin McAllister must deal with a new, 'temporary' and hostile partner and rival for Payce, a seductive journalist, and the return of the deadly cult The New Creation.

My Thoughts
I am so glad to have read this book! This book picks up where the first in the series, Crucifying Angel, ends. Payce is hooked to the machine that has been 'tampered' with and someone is actively trying to kill her. Her partner, Gavin, is now searching for answers to more murders and having to do so with a new partner, Nick. Gavin and Nick stumble upon information that links everything back to The New Creation and Amy, a news reporter, is thrown into the mix. Payce disappears and Gavin struggles to find her and the would be assassin before it is too late.
I still love Gavin. He is such a tortured soul, but a good guy. I didn't see as much from Payce as I wanted, but she was still in the book just not the main focus. I loved the scenes between Gavin and Nick, they are so emotion filled and dramatic. Amy was a new twist as was Logan. All the characters are well developed and the story just pulls you along until you are ready to read the next book!
This is a 4/5. I very much enjoyed the book but you have to have read the first in the series for it to make any sense at all!

Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

Book Description:
The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jake fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jake? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?


My Thoughts:
This was a great book! Katie is a woman who knows what she wants in life. She wants a husband that isn't controlling and to be a lawyer. Jack is her boyfriend and he is exactly what she thinks she wants. He has money, connections and his father is a lawyer. Luke is exactly the opposite of what she thinks she wants. He was the bane of her existance as a child and has since grown into a man that doesn't fall for her charms, is an attorney, and is an all around good guy. The question that spins you through the book is which man will she choose...the one good for her career or the one good for her?
I have to tell yo that I didn't like Katie in the beginning, or Jack for that matter. The writing is really what kept me going. The author is wonderful at spinning a story that is so vivd and most all the other characters drew me to them. Luke I loved from the first and Patrick reminded me of my grandfather so I really enjoyed his character! The setting was so real to me, I could see the house and feel the character's emotions, most especially Katie's. I didn't enjoy her defiance and desire to sneak around, but she 'grew up' and grew on me and now is a beloved character! A wonderful emotional ride and one I plan to take again!
This book is ranked 5/5 for me. It was a good read and going to stay on my keeper shelf. I also look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Cape Refuge Audio Book by Terri Blackstock

From the Back Cover:
Mystery and suspense combine in this first book of an exciting new 4-book series by best-selling author Terri Blackstock
Thelma and Wayne Owens run a bed and breakfast in Cape Refuge, Georgia. They minister to the seamen on the nearby docks and prisoners just out of nearby jails, holding services in an old warehouse and taking many of the "down-and-outers" into their home. They have two daughters: the dutiful Morgan who is married to Jonathan, a fisherman, and helps them out at the B & B, and Blair, the still-single town librarian, who would be beautiful if it weren’t for the serious scar on the side of her face.
After a heated, public argument with his in-laws, Jonathan discovers Thelma and Wayne murdered in the warehouse where they held their church services. Considered the prime suspect, Jonathan is arrested. Grief-stricken, Morgan and Blair launch their own investigation to help Matthew Cade, the town’s young police chief, find the real killer. Shady characters and a raft of suspects keep the plot twisting and the suspense building as we learn not only who murdered Thelma and Wayne, but also the secrets about their family’s past and the true reason for Blair’s disfigurement.

My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book. The town of Cape Refuge is rocked when two 'pillars of the community' are murdered and their son-in-law is arrested for the crime. Their two daughters are confused and determined to solve the crime themselves. The police chief is doing the best job he can but has too many suspects. Sadie is a run away who needs hidden and protected. The city counsel is trying to shut down Hanover house....the whole thing is spinning out of control and the murderer is now focusing on the two sisters!
My favorite character in this book was Cade. He is an honest man who despite his feelings is doing his job to the letter. I love that there are so many stories going at once and they all flow together in the end. You actually feel the sadness of Morgan and Blair's hurt and determination. Jonathan's frustration at being jailed. There are just so many feelings and emotions in this book! A few twists and turns, unexpected duplicities and heart wrenching decisions. All together a great Christian Suspense read!
I rate this book a 4/5. It was a good read and a great 'who done it'.

Giveaway Winners for Seduced by a Highlander!

And the Winners for this giveaway are:
Cheryl F, orangecandycows & Sue K! Congratulations! I will now send the winners emails and they will have 24 hours to respond to me with their info so I can send it in to Hachette and they can get their book(s). If one or more fail to respond by the deadline a new winner(s) will be chosen.

There were 20 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.19. Cheryl F
2.11. orangecandycows
3.2. Sue K
4.12. HeadlessFowl
5.4. Jennifer
6.13. SusanB
7.10. Shannon
8.14. hendy
9.9. k_sunshine1977
10.15. Loretta Canton
11.6. kathypatrick1
12.20. Linda Henderson
13.18. vhubler
14.1. Johanna J Johum
15.3. Melissa
16.16. Elizabeth
17.5. tabbysdesigns
18.7. rubynreba
19.8. elaing8
20.17. lolah
Timestamp: 2010-09-21 16:00:33 UTC

Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Healer (O'Malley Book 5) by Dee Henderson

Product Description
Rachel O'Malley works disasters for a living. Her specialty? Helping children through trauma. When a school shooting rips through her community, she finds herself dealing with more than just grief among the children she is trying to help. One of them saw the shooting, and the gun is still missing.
Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit.


My Thoughts:
I am so in love with this series and this is a wonderful addition! Rachel is the psychologist of the family and everyone leans on her, especially the children she loves to help. She is helping with the clean up and recovery from a flood when life starts getting really interesting. Cole is the fire chief and friend of the O'Malley family. Cole and Rachel have been getting close for a while now, but the disasters they face will test their friendship and see if it can be more. Rachel and her sisters are having some much needed and deserved bonding time when they get caught in the middle of a school shooting!
I love Rachel's soft spirit and comforting nature. She is the 'soul' of the family and doesn't stop to think of herself when she is helping others, they get her complete focus. Cole is a rock. He is strong, stable, not to mention a strong Christian. Rachel leans on his strenth when her's isn't enough to support her and he shows her how a Christian leans on God. It is an emotional roller coaster, but so wonderful. The children in the book are so REAL and the story so sad. The author is great at showing you the emotions her characters are feeling and making you feel them. There are several unexpected twists and suspense! It was a wonderful read that I couldn't put down!!
I rate this book 5/5. It can stand alone but the whole series is worth getting and putting on your 'keeper' shelf.

Giveaway of MY book


I've offered up 2 copies of my book on a new blog A Little Sanity, go over and enter to win and I ship directly to the winners!!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Giveaway Last to Die by Kate Brady!

Book Description:
A ruthless killer hides in plain sight, someone no one believes is capable of murder. Within a week, six women will be murdered, all punished for their dark pasts. Detective Dani Cole is determined to track down this serial killer whose victims include a young woman she pulled out of a life of crime. Her investigation leads her to a photography foundation and the renowned photographer Mitch Sheridan, a man she she fell in love with years ago but has tried to forget. Dani and Mitch are instantly attracted to each other again, though their troubled pasts keep them from getting too close. Together, through the course of the investigation, they unearth a dark chain of deception that leads to a killer who is closer than they think.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

You must be a follower to participate
Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
US & Canadian Residents only
No PO Boxes
Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
Contest is open until October 2, 2010
Winners will be chosen using a randomizer

Last to Die by Kate Brady

Book Description:
A ruthless killer hides in plain sight, someone no one believes is capable of murder. Within a week, six women will be murdered, all punished for their dark pasts. Detective Dani Cole is determined to track down this serial killer whose victims include a young woman she pulled out of a life of crime. Her investigation leads her to a photography foundation and the renowned photographer Mitch Sheridan, a man she she fell in love with years ago but has tried to forget. Dani and Mitch are instantly attracted to each other again, though their troubled pasts keep them from getting too close. Together, through the course of the investigation, they unearth a dark chain of deception that leads to a killer who is closer than they think.


My Thoughts:
This book was good. Dani is a detective who has just burried her father and is having issues proving that she isn't the crooked cop that he was. When a woman she had helped winds up a victim of a serial killer, she is hot on his trail. The trail however, leads to a former 'fling' Mitch. He owns a foundation and his friend Russell runs it and was murdered right as Mitch arrived in town. Dani is heading the investigation and now has the killer's attention focused on her...
I picked this book up and just couldn't put it down until the end. I loved how it got to the 'action' right off the bat with the vivid scene of the murder. The author has a way of showing you the twisted mind of the killer and the insights are scary! Dani is a very well developed character whose feelings you feel. Mitch is a rich man who is every woman's dream. He is troubled, maybe even tortured, good looking, rich and loyal...a woman's dream man! The sparks between the two are quick and hot. There are a lot of unexpected twists and the ending is well written and not disappointing!

This book is a 5/5. Good 'by the fire' read to get lost in for a while. I'm looking forward to her next book.


Thank you to Hachette Book Group for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Simon's Crossing by Charles William Asher and Dennis Patrick Slattery

Book Description:
Enter the biblically historic world of Simon of Cyrene, where a world of grief, revenge, and tender devotion awaits. There, families are torn apart, marauding soldiers enact their violent ways, and random events suddenly disrupt life. Along this journey there will be encounters with Pontius Pilate, Veronica, Mary, and the sons of Simon, Rufus and Alexander, as they seek to grasp the mystery of a compassionate Nazarene, serenely putting into practice the kingdom of God.
Forced to carry the cross of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, a little known biblical figure, reluctantly yields to his task. At the same time, Simon struggles with personal loss and a fiery desire for revenge. In Simon's story, the vulnerability of our own journeys is laid bare as we cross paths with a simple wooden cross and a redemptive twist of fate.
In Simon's Crossing, this ordinary man, from Cyrene, steps boldly out of the pages of the Bible. He senses that his own life depends on the Nazarene staggering just ahead of him. Persuaded by sacrificial love, we too discover what it is like to cross over into the imaginal power of a story well-told, where salvation lies close at hand. Simon's story compels us to carry on as well.


My Thoughts:
I'm honestly not overly sure what to say about this book. It wasn't bad, it was intriguing, I just didn't care for it. It is fictional account of the Biblical character Simon of Cyrene. It takes him through heartbreaking losses of his wife and son. You FEEL his need for revenge. The sex scene was a bit much, I understand that it was between husband and wife but in what is supposed to be Christian Fiction, that level of detail made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
I did very much like the interaction between Jesus and Simon as he carried the cross. I know this is fiction and if you read the book, you have to remember that because some of what is described isn't even remotely likely to have occurred. It does make you wonder why Simon was in city when Jesus was being Crucified. It also makes you wonder about what a lot of the others in the Bible at that time were thinking and doing.
I rate this book 2/5. It is not so great, it is interesting but not one I would ever want to read again.

Thank you to bostick and the author(s) for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Blogfest Giveaway Winners

I'm super sorry about the delay!!! I've never had that many entrants into a giveaway :) (add to that I've got my nephew this week :) :) ) But without further delay here are the two winners:
1. Mbreakfield
2. Amy J-Book Addict

I will email Mbreakfield now. When they chose which option they want I will then contact Amy J-Book Addict and tell them what they've won. Congratulations winners and thanks to all who participated!!!

List Randomizer
There were 257 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.211. Mbreakfield
2.87. Amy J- Book Addict
3.108. Bluerose
4.180. Adge
5.251. Shala_darkstone
6.9. Mae
7.242. A Fairy Good Mommy
8.71. Mary (BookHounds)
9.38. Connie Black
10.14. Bahnree
11.11. Ashley
12.224. Danyale N.
13.94. Fab Find Foodie
14.19. Brizmus
15.117. Pamela Keener
16.244. Brendajean
17.49. Katsrus
18.45. J.L. Jackson
19.46. Michelle
20.174. Melanie
21.16. Tikilights
22.66. Rex Robot Reviews
23.143. Diabetic Snacker Reviews
24.58. Straylights
25.122. Kelsey
26.162. Kailia Sage
27.237. AEKZ2
28.51. Allison
29.227. Kika
30.135. Christine
31.131. Lisajo85
32.27. Fickleinpink
33.65. Freedom37803
34.164. Nicolesender
35.179. Kelly L.
36.216. Cathy W
37.114. Stephanie
38.81. K_sunshine1977
39.195. Joder
40.115. Tamara B.
41.2. BlueberryMuffin
42.168. Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
43.113. Stuck Between The Pages
44.52. Jenn S.
45.156. Bonita12
46.24. 3 Cuzins @ Cuzinlogic
47.145. Mandy
48.79. Rebecca Wells
49.5. Elise
50.196. Karen
51.230. Ewhatley
52.112. Kjovus
53.243. Kate
54.50. Scoot
55.41. Skgaff
56.144. Quynh Phan
57.125. Booksnob
58.232. Tawania
59.90. Linda
60.100. Lindsay Blogs
61.36. Momma Teri
62.96. Ellie
63.72. Sablelexi
64.219. Arceli
65.228. CindyWindy2003
66.20. Addison K.A.T.
67.210. LB
68.222. Variety
69.169. Paperback Dolls
70.104. BookMarc Blogpants
71.171. Carrie Rundhaug
72.146. Buried In Books
73.63. Karenk
74.257. Sophia
75.10. Tanya904
76.29. Kate
77.15. AmeliaB
78.106. Patsy
79.92. Patrice
80.256. Deb K
81.173. Kritter
82.158. Lablue Crew
83.21. Vicki
84.103. Lexigurl
85.99. Elizabeth Briggs
86.83. 2kidsand8cats
87.188. Shannon
88.166. sharon54220
89.246. Alicia715
90.53. Hannah
91.220. Fiction State of Mind
92.119. Dina
93.18. Baba
94.56. DforDarla’s Definite Reads
95.185. Allison
96.151. Linda Kish
97.198. Kristi
98.127. Regina Ross
99.159. Crazy Cat Lady
100.74. Donna
101.249. Hendy
102.186. Cscottdraw
103.85. Becky
104.253. Starliss
105.200. Jocelyn
106.239. Library Cat
107.190. MarthaE
108.245. Katklaw777
109.8. Bitten By Books
110.247. Breanne
111.236. Melissa
112.111. Tribute Books
113.217. Icedream
114.254. Caitrin
115.250. Lady_Graeye
116.54. Ashley
117.226. Melanie Jane
118.183. Nicole
119.252. Joann
120.207. Shaiha
121.120. Liz
122.80. A Musing Mother
123.47. Megan @ Inspired by Fiction
124.221. Aik
125.110. PoCoKat
126.172. Stephmartin71
127.191. Dakota
128.43. Melissa (Books R Us)
129.155. Lisa R/alterlisa
130.235. Tiffany HArkleroad
131.238. Karen
132.138. Beverly
133.215. Tiffany D.
134.163. LAMusing
135.150. Novel Reaction
136.206. Misskallie2000
137.68. Stephanie Bruce
138.133. Bethie
139.88. Isi and Jas’ mom
140.218. Stephanie Skidmore
141.165. vokalchick
142.160. Librarypat
143.157. Stefany
144.4. JHS
145.142. Jessi E.
146.189. Brandy
147.192. Allison
148.95. Amanda
149.148. Karla
150.121. iLabyrinth
151.204. Lisa
152.3. Moocows53
153.229. Jen the bibliophile
154.28. Heather Kuehl
155.93. Emmi
156.154. Mare/TommyGirl
157.25. Debbie
158.140. Sarah Lynne
159.176. Jackie
160.40. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog
161.107. Bethany C.
162.67. Pixie13
163.178. Jennifer
164.225. Tiffany
165.44. Flufferwuffer
166.136. Lisa
167.203. Tore
168.241. Brenda
169.182. Ashley
170.234. BK Walker’s Muse
171.35. Lorielle
172.34. DarcyO
173.91. Melanie L
174.105. April
175.197. SusanB
176.201. Brooke
177.167. Kaye
178.134. SiNn
179.147. Amethyst Princess
180.75. Donnetta
181.153. Pamsoo
182.89. Nikkii
183.137. Missie
184.33. Stilettostorytime
185.64. Inspired Kathy
186.223. Crystal
187.202. Loretta Canton
188.32. Mom2anutball
189.141. Lulilut
190.208. Tabathia
191.118. Joy Tamsin David
192.184. Jennifer
193.199. Tabbylewis
194.149. Jkrowyn
195.209. Tawnya
196.76. Chrissy
197.59. Angel28140
198.193. Brennan
199.48. Atypical Girl
200.98. Tetewa
201.57. Rebekah
202.22. Heather@actingbalanced.com
203.212. Fdigsy
204.130. Kristina
205.214. Miss Lissy
206.213. Angela McClanahan
207.139. Lili
208.7. Audrey
209.30. Kristin
210.187. Ree
211.55. Mmafsmith
212.101. Stacythemagnificentmommy
213.86. Ivy
214.13. Mystee
215.12. Autumn
216.132. Lora1967
217.175. Jellybelly82158
218.39. DK’s Book Reviews
219.116. Raonaid Luckwell
220.70. Maryjaco1
221.61. Elizabeth
222.1. Beth
223.231. Caitlin
224.126. Maddie M.
225.240. Chaotic Karma
226.129. Karen Michelle Nutt
227.6. Kim @ Chubby Cheeks Thinks
228.77. Meg
229.69. Tara W
230.82. Sharon @.
231.109. AllTheWiser
232.152. Martha Lawson
233.124. Emma
234.84. Becky
235.123. Jules@OneBookShy
236.73. Beet
237.161. Elizabeth
238.170. Life with the Levedas
239.233. Vhubler
240.255. Sarah Z
241.194. Linda Henderson
242.26. Izzy
243.78. NikkiH
244.17. Moridin
245.205. Princess Z
246.248. WulfLuva
247.97. Mrsshukra
248.23. Becky
249.60. Maureen
250.37. Betty: Reflections with Coffee
251.128. JoAnna
252.181. Katie
253.102. Heather
254.177. Cindy W.
255.42. Agnste Mel
256.31. Steve Capell
257.62. Benita
Timestamp: 2010-09-16 00:09:32 UTC

Rules of Betrayal by Christopher Reich

Book Description:
The most riveting novel yet in Christopher Reich’s New York Times bestselling series—featuring Dr. Jonathan Ransom and his undercover-agent wife Emma, a dangerous woman with a mysterious past who has gone rogue in the high-stakes, serpentine world of international spies.
In 1980, a secret American B-52 crashes high in a remote mountain range on the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Nearly thirty years later, and spanning locales from those peaks to New York City, a terrible truth will be revealed.
Jonathan Ransom returns as the resourceful doctor thrown into a shadowy world of double and triple agents where absolutely no one can be trusted. To stay alive, Ransom must unravel the mystery surrounding his wife—an enigmatic and lethal spy who plays by her own rules—and discover where her loyalties truly lie.
Rules of Betrayal is a masterfully plotted novel that cements Christopher Reich’s reputation as one of the most admired espionage thriller writers today.

My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book. Jonathan is a doctor who is going out into areas where there is much poverty in order to help as many people as possible. His assistant is trying to learn more about becoming a doctor and is willing to go into areas where no one else is willing to go. Jonathan is out in the middle of no where trying to make amends because he feels it was his fault that his former wife was able to use his status as a doctor to promote her career as a spy & assassin. In a turn of events that he is completely unable to control, Jonathan ends up making an enemy of a major crime lord, survives the following flight to safety, and is recruited by the mastermind who had been his wife's superior in order to go under cover and help to rescue her. He manages to stay alive, but things are not all what they seem and his enemies pile up quickly. He has to thwart a plot to cause havoc on the world, but will he make it in time?
This book started quickly and kept my attention to the end. The main character is easily likable....one of those guys we ladies wish would come along and sweep us off our feet. He's trying to help make the world a better place--and because of things that have happened in the last few months--he's on a mission to make things even better. You can feel sorry for him because he's been 'used' by his former wife in her career choice without his knowledge....and then he lands right back in the middle of a new mess brought on by the same group his wife worked for. He becomes embroiled in a life that he finds himself challenged to become good at doing. When his wife's boss proves that she isn't dead and that he is the only one who has a chance of helping her stay alive--he agrees to become an employee of this group that has been running his life without his consent anyway. He manages to become better at the job than anyone ever expected and help save the country from possible disaster. I wasn't as happy with the ending as I would have liked....it leaves ya thinking there could be another book coming along soon.
I rate this a 4/5. Definitely worth the read, but expect there to be some 'loose ends'.
Thank you to for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Island Giveaway Winners

And the winners of the Island audiobook giveaway are:
My Name Is Patricia and Kathy H. I will now send them an email and they have 24 hours to respond. If they fail to meet the deadline a new winner(s) will be chosen.

There were 14 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.11. My Name Is Patricia
2.2. Kathy H.
3.4. Pamsoo
4.9. Melissa
5.6. rubynreba
6.8. BlueberryMuffin
7.12. Dina
8.13. Elizabeth
9.7. cparkins14
10.10. Lilk13
11.5. D.A.
12.3. PoCoKat
13.1. Cindy W.
14.14. Michele
Timestamp: 2010-09-11 13:33:44 UTC

Guest Blog Wayne Farquhar author of Blood over Badge

Good afternoon everyone! Please join me in welcoming Guestblogger Wayne Farquhar!


Bio: Wayne Farquhar is a 28-year veteran working with the San Jose Police
Department in California. He has worked through the ranks from officer to
lieutenant with detective assignments in Sexual Assaults, Homicide
and Internal Affairs. He has also worked undercover assignments in
Child Exploitation, Child Pornography and Vice. He spent 10 years as a
street cop and hostage negotiator. Wayne has worked on Federal Task
Forces with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). He has appeared
on national television, /America’s Most Wanted/ on a murder investigation. BLOOD
OVER BADGE is his first effort in crime-thriller
fiction, and he hopes to write more books and speak to larger
audiences about his experiences in law enforcement. Wayne lives with
his family in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you would like to formally invite Wayne to speak about BLOOD OVER
BADGE or law enforcement to your organization, association, conference
or expo, please send an email to info@bloodoverbadge.com.

Synopsis:
TWO SEEMINGLY UNRELATED CRIMES –
TWO SEEMINGLY UNRELATED KILLERS –
AND TWO MYSTERIES WAITING TO BE SOLVED …

The murder of the Mayor of San Francisco’s daughter sets the stage for
this intriguing and spellbinding crime thriller. Two police detectives, Jack
Paige and Casey Ford are assigned to catch a cold-blooded rapist and killer. In
this gritty, realistic tale of homicide, unrelated mysteries of two murderers
seem to come together and make little sense. What does a man rotting away
behind the stench-enclosed walls of Angola Penitentiary have to do with an evil
and cruel rapist and killer now on the run from California to Texas? What is
the relationship to the killing of the Mayor’s daughter? BLOOD OVER BADGE, an
intense, taunt and brilliantly told crime thriller, takes readers on a realistic,
gritty and real-world tour de force exploring the underbelly of police and detective work.

How the idea for Blood Over Badge came about:

Asian Boyz gang members were on trial in Los Angeles for several murder and attempted
murder charges. One witness, cut a deal with the prosecution. Meaning he “flipped” and
promised to testify. The ABZ gang put a “green light” on him: They wanted him “hit.” LAPD
Homicide detectives tucked him into hiding.

Kirby, my homicide partner, and I were on our way out the door of the San Jose Police
Department Homicide Unit when we got the call of a killing on the north side of the city.
Minutes later, I stood on the porch of a nice single-family home in a quiet neighborhood, looking
at the body of an elderly gentleman. He’d been gunned down by two Asian males pretending
to deliver a package. My cell phone rang: Police Communications patched me a call from the
frantic son of our victim. He quickly explained he was; in custody, in the protection program and
planning to testify against his former gang, Asian Boyz. They “hit “his father to get to him.

It was a hot Los Angeles night. The cool air-conditioning of the rental car made it bearable.
We were exhausted from sweltering days, no sleep, chasing leads and tracking down witnesses.
The story of Blood Over Badge suddenly popped into my head. It made sense: the crazy plot
came while I was in the middle of a homicide investigation. The mind is ripe because solving
murders pushes one’s limits. We lived on the edge and stretched our imaginations for solutions
to obstacles. Why wouldn’t a twisted plot come to mind? The story has absolutely nothing to do
with the Asain Boyz murder case. But, I turned to Kirby and said “Hey, what if …”

And there you have it: It just took me 7 years to write it.

Thank you so much Wayne! The book sounds wonderful...I'm going to have to pick up a copy soon :)

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker

Book Description
This story is for everyone--but not everyone is for this story.
It is a dangerous tale of times past. A love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.
Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.
With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.
Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.
Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.
But remember, not everyone is for this story.

My Thoughts:
This book was so not what I was expecting! It isn't a typical Dekker book, and it isn't a typical Christian Fiction. This book is completely original. It isn't a clean, crisp Christian Fiction. The book talks about lust, power struggles, and evil. If you read this book be prepared the author holds nothing back and there are some 'sensual' parts, but they aren't for anything other than to make points.
Toma is a soldier and the Empress', Catherine the Great's, man. He and his friend Alek are sent to guard a Moldavian countess and her daughters. The Empress charges Toma with the family's safety but also orders him not to get involved with the notorious daughters. Along the way to the countess, Toma is warned that he is riding toward evil, but dismisses it as the ramblings of an old man. He is determined to follow the orders of the Empress to the letter, even if his heart has other ideas...
The empress has always taught her daughters, Lucine and Natasha, to live life to the fullest and enjoy EVERY aspect of it. Lucine was an eager, quick learner of her mother's teachings, but now she also bears the scars from it. As Toma is guarding the family, Vlad van Valerik begins to court Lucine and it is Toma's job to make sure the wedding goes off without a hitch. When Toma realizes the Russian is not what he seems, it is a race against time to save the woman he loves, but at what price?
This book was so vivid and thought provoking. The characters are amazing and well developed. The story flows wonderfully. I will warn that it is a 'vampire' book. There is a wonderful good vs. evil plot and the imagery is outstanding! The love in the story comes on quickly but I believe it is supposed to show how they are being drawn together. The best thing about the book is the picture it paints of how much God loves us and what he has done.
Having said that, there were a few small things in the book that I disagreed with in principle but if I tell about them it would be a spoiler and I'm not going to do that. Just remember it is a fictional interpretation of God's love for us.
This book is a 5/5! If you are squeamish at all, this book isn't for you and if you read it, you will forever be changed!
Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

I was asked to answer the question 'what is sacrificial love?'. My answer is simple and complex at the same time. God's love is sacrificial love. But that doesn't explain why. God's sacrificial love was never shown any more than when Jesus died on the cross for us. He CHOSE to come to Earth, leaving God's presence, and be spat upon, tortured, and murdered. He did all this for ME. He did this for YOU. He did this out of love for us. There was no greater love from both God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) than was shown through the crucifixion. God the Father gave up His son for us and God the Son gave up His life.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Outlive Your Life You Were Made to Make a Difference by Max Lucado

Book Description
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My Thoughts:
This is an amazing book! Max Lucado takes you on a walk through the first few books of Acts as he talks about God and his path for every life. Each chapter starts with a story that relates to the verses he uses and the points he is making. The discussion questions at the back for classes or self study are an added bonus.
I read this book in record time. It was wonderfully written and made me stop and think. I loved how in one of the chapters he talked about how different people were called toward one thing or another. All the chapters honestly make you reflect on how you are living your life and what you want to do with it. God has a plan and we need to follow where he leads. This book made me want to do more and be more.
I rate this book 5/5. It is easy to follow and a wonderful book that will make you think and reflect on your life.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Blogfest Giveaways!!!!

Hi Everyone and welcome to Blogfest!
Ok so Blogfest is massive group of giveaways. We link our blogs and YOU enter to win whatever is offered that you want :) Giveaways run 12:00 am EST on the 10th through 11:59 pm EST on the 12th. Simple huh? I am stop 165 and here is my giveaway

Option 1: All trade size paperback!
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson
Red Helmet by Homer Hickam
Red, White, and Blue by Laura Hayden
Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler








Option 2: All trade size paperback!
Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
Auralias Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
The Night Watchman by Mark Mynhtir









Here is how my giveaway works:
  • There will be 2 winners chosen by a randomizer.
  • The first winner will get their choice of the two options above and the second winner....well you get the other one!
  • It is not necessary for you to follow my blog to enter (but it is appreciated)
  • US Only & No PO Boxes (sorry!)
  • To enter, you simply have to leave your email address in the comments for me to contact you if you are the winner!
  • Good luck and have fun looking at all the other blogs...I know I will :)

The next blog on the hop (166) is Book Dads so swing on over and check out what's going on over there.

Also, be sure to check out A Journey of Books the full list of blogs is here as well as the link to the website where participants can track their progress. Anyone using this tracking site will be entered for our massive giveaway!! The participants will have to use an email address to register to use the site, but these are only going on our server and will be promptly deleted after the massive giveaway winner has been notified!

Guest Blogger Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield author of The Sorcerer's Dream

Good Morning Everyone! I would like you to help me welcome my guest blogger today Ms. Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield author of The Sorcerer's Dream!

Book Synopsis
This autobiographical adventure is about a journalist who meets the enigmatic sorcerer, Running Deer, and her initiation into the sorcerer's world and mastering conscious dreaming. This book, that follows in the traditions of Carlos Castaneda and others, takes the reader through the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers. It takes place not in some fantasy world, but in a contemporary society, and addresses the things we face on a daily basis in our everyday lives.

Bio: Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield
I live in the Netherlands (Europe) and I’m a mother of a 6-year old daughter. I've studied social work and the last ten years I have worked as a (freelance) journalist and publisher. Besides that I have a healing practice and I give workshops about the Art of Dreaming.
The Sorcerer’s Dream is my first book. The theme of the passed years have been the sorcerers tradition and mastering conscious dreaming. I have carefully recorded my personal experiences which has finally led to this first book.
Excerpt:
‘She runs with wolves’
In the next excerpt you can read about the romantic feelings I have for the shaman Vidar, my dreaming teacher. It describes also a phase of my learning process in which he unfolds more about traveling to the second reality after taking magic mushrooms (named: the entity Mateeë) in a special ceremony which is presented to those who are following the teachings of Totality. And one of the teachings of Totality is the Art of conscious Dreaming, the topic of my book.

”I found it exciting to see how bluntly you took Mateeë.” Vidar throws a kitchen towel over his shoulder, walks toward me and places his hands on the back of his chair.
“Exciting? What do you mean exciting?” Am I mistaken or is he giving me hungry looks.
The other day when we were talking on the phone, I had no reserves when I told him I wanted to continue the training, but now I begin to doubt. Vidar returns to the kitchen counter, takes the mugs of red-hot chai tea, places one on the table in front of me and sits down.
“You might also call it courageous.”
“What do you need courage for?” I ask him annoyed, “It’s part of the training isn’t it? Tell me, what do you mean?” I hardly find myself courageous, rather impulsive, but never without feeling right about something.
Mateeë taught you during the first encounter the art of the warrior. And the warrior has the attitude of courage and deals with everything as though it’s the most ordinary thing, but you are of a higher level,” he says presumptuous, “to be exact you are one step higher, because you have the courage of a person of knowledge and you only reach that through spiritual bravery.” Vidar goes over it again: “You are past the level of warriors and are still in the stage of early infancy as far as a woman of knowledge is concerned.”
The only courage I can think of is admitting to him earlier on the phone that I have feelings for him, more than I can bear. I finally put my fear of rejection aside. I was whining on the phone, telling him that I found all these feelings extremely confusing, but I was proud of myself that I finally dared to admit it. I can still hear myself say with a trembling, peeping voice, “I have such strong feelings for you!”
It was terrible to have to do, but there was no way around it. After the last session I felt an overwhelming love, my love no longer felt scattered, but glued together like a whole, as though at that moment I knew how love truly feels. Yes, in the end I had faith he would react in a positive way, what would it matter anyway. In the worst case, he would reassure me by saying it was part of the whole process and that things would blow over spontaneously. At best, he would say he shared my feelings.
I felt greatly relieved to hear Vidar requite my feelings. I was in heaven. “Of course,” he said, “we are united on a spiritual level and are part of the same spiritual family.” However, for the time being I had to put my feelings aside, because he was going to visit family at the Southeast Coast of the States for a month. Of course, this trial left every room for doubt. Impatiently I kick the table leg with my foot.
Vidar sits down and watches me radiantly. A warm wave runs through my heart and I abandon my built up reserves. “Are you familiar with the expression ‘she runs with wolves’?” he asks.
“It sounds familiar.”
“It’s important to show your true feelings, like a wolf breaking free from the pack, running across the tundra. The wolves play together and our feelings do the same. ‘She runs with wolves’ is one of the biggest compliments one can get, we need it to get to the second reality. We travel to the second reality through the lines of intent stretching out in front of us. Or it’s actually different,” he corrects himself, “you will see that the second reality comes to you instead of you going there.”
Without any reserve, he says, “It’s important your true feelings are free and are no obstruction.”
I understand our love is definitely no coincidence. I suddenly remember I dreamed about a wolf the other night. From a safe distance, a hunched wolf watches me in a scene of clouded skies and green hills. I do not move, because with every step he will be scared off, I am sure of that. After I have waited patiently and won his trust, he dares me to follow him. He waits for me further down, in a farmyard, underneath the roof of a shed. Very carefully, I come closer until he is ready for me to stroke him and he starts to roll over in the dry grass. Only then, I see it is a male.

The Sorcerer’s Dream
An initiation into the Sorcerer’s world
By Dreamshield

ISBN: 978-1-60910-156-5

Here’s a short pitch on where to buy my book, my web site, blog, etc.
The Sorcerer’s dream, an initiation into the sorcerer’s world and mastering conscious dreaming. Buy it at: http://www.booklocker.com/books/4654.html
The book can also be ordered on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561 and everywhere they sell books
Please visit my website: http://www.dreamshield.nl

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Guest Blogger Meredith Cagen author of Size Eight in a Size Zero World

Good Morning All! Please join me in welcoming guestblogger Meredith Cagen author of 'A Size 8 in a Size 0 World'.

Title: A Size 8 in a Size 0 World
Author: Meredith Cagen
Genre: Women Contemporary Fiction/ ChickLit/NYC ChickLit
ISBN: 978 1440169748
Copyright: 2009

Author's Bio
Meredith Cagen is a working wife and mother living in New York City. She works as a freelance writer and registered nurse. Her family has awarded her the “Queen of the Multi-taskers” title. In her free time she goes to the gym and out to eat.

Meredith returned to school to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Finding the subject dry, technical and boring, she had a difficult time focusing on her studies. Easily distracted, and prone to daydreaming, she wrote Size Eight in a Size Zero World.

Synopsis

Meet Lindsay Chandler--a 32 year-old New York City working wife and mother with old-
fashioned values who thinks she's living a fairy tale life (she's not). She's too busy navigating
between her job, husband, home, children, friends and other obligations to acknowledge her
loneliness. Then an unexpected friendship with her upstairs neighbor (he is smart, successful,
sophisticated and sexy-- she's not) unleashes her passion and re-ignites her sparkle.

This liaison causes her to realize what she is missing. Yearning for a storybook ending, she
decides to make changes in her life, embarking on a quest for self re-invention in this hilarious,
witty, heart felt story.

In the tradition of Sex and the City, Size Eight in a Size Zero World, is a modern-day story of a
good girl trying to do the right thing and the wrong thing simultaneously, while remaining true to
herself, whoever that is.

With the help of a believable cast of characters, Lindsay embarks on a plan to better herself and
plight. This novel is a wickedly funny social commentary on the lives of average women in New
York City's posh Upper East Side.

What happens when the road to happily ever after takes an unexpected detour?

Blog:
Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go
When I was younger, I had a relationship that broke my heart. Adverbs, adjectives and accolades did not do him justice. He was the perfect man. No matter how many times he showed his true colors, I was steadfast in my belief that he was perfect. I languished in my illusion (actually delusion) of his perfection. I was in love.
I didn’t know what to do. There was no expert who could guide me. No published Q & A pertinent for my situation. I searched for a plan, a guidebook, and a path to success: how I can get the storybook ending with Mr. Perfect.
Every “what not to do while dating” offense a girl can make, I embarrassingly made. I was available for him. Running to see him when he beckoned, accepting last minute dates, and accepting last minute cancellations. I telephoned him, I initiated contact, I showed I was interested. I accepted his lies, I had no self respect. I threw myself at him. I was insane! Where were my friends when I obviously needed them? An intervention was called for but no one restrained me.
Unwilling to consider the possibility of his rejection, I changed myself to meet his requirements.
Yes, Mr. Perfect had criteria. His personal preference was models, blonde skinny models. His office was loitered with photographs of Mr. Perfect with his choice of arm candy. It was a shrine to his ability to attract these trophy girlfriends. A medium height, curvy size eight brunette didn’t seem to be a worthy enough prize for a man of his considerable talents.
I tried my best to meet his standards. I dieted, exercised, groomed, involved myself in his interests. I told him and showed him that I wanted him…………………and then I committed the biggest sin a girl can. A don’t so whopping that I am banned from giving advice forever. A mistake so huge, there is no known recovery. I committed a felony. I told him, I was in love with him. Yup, the girl police should have come and thrown me directly into prison or a padded cell on the spot. No trial was necessary. I was guilty of extreme stupidity and whatever else is beyond.
My idiocy haunted me for years. If only I had a second chance. What could I have done while staying true to myself. In my fantasies, I would still be me, but smarter. What was I thinking during this period of being in love? How did I permit myself to act like a fool?
One day, I looked back at my past actions, those silly schemes, idealistic beliefs that if I loved him with a pure heart, he would love me back. I started to laugh. It was funny, very funny. Telling this story would be my second chance and shot at redemption
My reality hit me as I lay pen to paper, Mr. Perfection was my upstairs neighbor, he was The Man Upstairs.
That was the original title for my book, The Man Upstairs, but people thought it was a religious book. Next title was What Was I Thinking? To this day, I am uncertain what was going through my head during that dark period of time. Maybe I wasn’t thinking? People thought that was a self-help book.
I will never fit into his model sized world. I wasn’t who he wanted. My size (thin not emaciated) didn’t matter because it is what is on the inside that truly matters. It’s a cliché but true. Over time looks fade, have you ever swooned over an eighty year old? You need that intellectual/emotional connection. The older I get, it’s my sense of humor that gets me through the days. I was/am a Size Eight in a Size Zero World. And very happy about it!


Reviews
This book is everything Sex and the City 2 should have been -- smart and witty with a lot of heart! I've already bought a bunch of copies for so many friend who could relate to Lindsay.

This is Meredith Cagen's debut novel and I hope she writes more. A LOT more!

As soon as I read the first page, I knew I would love this book! Size Eight in a Size Zero World: A Novel by Meredith Cagen is written in a voice that resonated with me. The author's smart, witty style moves along at a good pace and it kept me turning the pages. I could relate to the conflicted heroine and I kept hoping she would wake up and smell the coffee.

Lindsay Chandler is thirty-two, a working wife and mother, who lives in New York with her family. In the highfalutin' Manhattan society, she's an oddity, a woman who has a real day job, does not have a nanny and does her own cooking and cleaning. Lindsay's life looks perfect on the outside, but she's miserable on the inside. Her husband Grant, a divorce attorney, treats her like a servant, ignores their two kids and is an overbearing jerk.

One day Lindsay gets into the elevator of her building and meets a man who gives her goose bumps. They strike up a friendship. He appreciates her, asks her for advice and befriends her kids. Lindsay falls hard. She loves the way they interact; he seems to accept her, perceived flaws and all. The more she sees him the more she realizes all that she's missing in her marriage. She questions her life with Grant and decides to reinvent herself and make some changes. It all leads to a satisfying conclusion.

A wonderfully witty social commentary on the New York scene, this is also an endearing story of relationships, love and infidelity. The characters are believable and many women will be able to see themselves in Lindsay. Sometimes I wanted to scream at her and sometimes I wanted to cheer her on, but always she kept me reading. I highly recommend it

Going Green

Recycling is in. The new millennium introduced a new generation of tree huggers. These sophisticated environmentalists have a vision of an eco-sensitive life made possible by choices about what to buy and how to use those products responsibly. Our past excesses haunt us. Landfills covered by tires, disposable diapers, plastic bottles and products are a reminder of our insensitivity to the future. It is our descendants who will be forced to handle our abuse of the environment. Creative minds and technology attempt to transform yesterday’s garbage with second lives as new products. This is usually accomplished at a considerable cost to consumers, which assuages our guilty consciences. We need to learn how to allocate and use our natural resources for considerate optimization. There is only one earth, with limited resources. Remember Mark Twain said, “Buy land, they don’t make it anymore.”
These reincarnated resources given another life as politically correct products inspire us. We can adapt this new found strategy to our personal lives.
From the generation of wanting what is next, because next is inevitably better, how do we manage our expectations for our love lives. Is your current relationship as good as it gets. Or is a pit stop on your relationship highway because someone in the future might make you happier. Compared to the fixed amount of natural resources of our planet, do we have a love quota? Only so much love to give, and when it is gone, we become empty. Are those emotions reusable? Or should we recover a deleted relationship from our personal recycle bin?
When is enough – enough? When a woman can “never be too rich or too thin,” is a Size Eight in a Size Zero World fat? When a relationship ends, where does the love go?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Whisper of a Witch by Suza Kates

Book Description:
Shauni Miller has no idea why her life is changing, but she must answer when an unknown force summons her to a mystical island. She also harbors a secret, one that has the potential to alter her life forever. Dr. Michael Black helps Shauni in her time of need, but sees more in the raven-haired temptress than she ever meant to reveal. He knows she's hiding something, but then, so is he. Only the fates know what role they will play in a centuries-old prophecy. Or if one of them has to die.

My Thoughts:
This book was good! Nine women are 'called' to Savannah, Georgia where they learn about each other and themselves and as it turns out they are witches. Together they make up a coven that has been awaited for centuries. This is the first book in the series and focuses on Shauni. She has a gift that she rarely tells anyone about, as do each of the others that are called to the island. Shauni meets Michael Black, a vet, in Savannah and they are immediately attracted to each other. He knows she isn't telling him everything but he has his own secrets to keep! She has much to learn and experience if she is to help save the world from evil.
The visual descriptions in this book are amazing. All the characters are completely unique and I loved how some of the coven were surprised by the proclamation of what they were and others just accepted it like it was expected. Shauni's gift intrigued me from the start, talking to animals is so cool! Dr. Black has had his own issues but he is immediately attracted to Shauni when she brings in a puppy to his vet office. The mix of good and evil characters is wonderful. Thankfully this is just the first in the series and I hope to read the second one soon!
I rate this book a 5/5. If you like paranormal or fantasy you will enjoy this book. I'm ready for the next one.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Magic Kingdom For Sale--Sold! by Terry Brooks

From the Inside Flap:
Landover was a genuine, out-of-this-world magic kingdom, complete with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement had promised. But after he purchased it for a million dollars, Ben Holiday discovered that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention.
The kingdom was falling into ruin. The dragon Strabo was laying waste the countryside and the evil witch Nightshade was plotting to destroy everything. Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician, Questar Thews, and Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor. Of course, there was the lovely and devoted Willow -- but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree.
To put the final touch on the whole affair, Ben learned that the Iron Mark, ugly and terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to a duel to the death -- a duel which no human could hope to win.
The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn.
A gripping story of mystery, magic, and adventure -- sure to delight fantasy readers everywhere.


My Thoughts:
This book was just plain fun! Ben Holiday is going slowly insane after the death of his wife and after some odd events decides to buy this 'magical' kingdom for a million dollars. He leaves our world and travels through to Landover and is shocked to discover that it is a real magical kingdom. There were a few things left out of the description he was given, like he would have to fight a demon, but he with his trusty followers are determined that he survive all the new world has to throw at him.
I loved pretty much all the characters in this book. My favorite is Questar Thews. He is an incapable wizard but his heart is always in the right place. He and Abernathy are great friends. Ben is confused and has those two to guide him along with the River Master, a dragon, two cobalts, a witch, and a woman who claims she is 'his' and turns into a tree! The magic of the land grabs you and pulls you into the story and it has some unexpected twists that explain several things!
I rate this book 5/5. It was a fun, clean book that is wonderful to read!

Friday, September 3, 2010

She's Gone Country Giveaway Winners!!

And the winners for this giveaway are:
Man of La Books, BlueberryMuffin, My Name Is Patricia. I will now send them an email and they have 24 hours to respond. If they fail to meet the deadline a new winner(s) will be chosen.

There were 17 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.12. Man of La Books
2.13. BlueberryMuffin
3.1. My Name Is Patricia
4.3. Laura Fabiani
5.10. CindyW.
6.9. Shelia Deeth
7.11. Sharon54220
8.8. D.A.
9.5. Pamsoo
10.14. Heather
11.16. Chase LLL Reviews
12.15. PoCoCat
13.2. RebeccaJVickery
14.17. Melissa
15.7. Ali
16.6. Lilk13
17.4. JoanneR
Timestamp: 2010-09-03 20:14:26 UTC

Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Recessionistas Giveaway Winners!!!!!

The Winners of this giveaway are:
Writesprite, Teresa, Melissa!!!
They now have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing address. If they fail to meet the 24hour deadline, a new winner(s) will be chosen!

List Randomizer
There were 16 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.14. Writesprite
2.1. Teresa
3.15. Melissa
4.10. BlueberryMuffin
5.7. Ali
6.13. Leslie
7.11. Suzie
8.5. Vicki
9.4. Lilk13
10.12. PoCoKat
11.16. Twifanheather
12.8. D.A.
13.3. JoanneR
14.6. Skkorman
15.9. Shelia Deeth
16.2. Marjorie
Timestamp: 2010-09-02 16:35:57 UTC

Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay

Book Description
Detective Charlie Madigan returns in this stunning new urban fantasy! As Charlie and her partner, the siren Hank, move forward in their case to apprehend a serial killer stalking Atlanta—one with powers far beyond those seen by mortals—Charlie must desperately find a way to dispel the living darkness that that threatens to cloak her beloved city forever more, even as she protects those she loves the most from an overwhelming evil engulfing all of their lives....

My Thoughts
This was an interesting read. It starts apparently where the first book in the series left off. I was a little lost with things that were assumed you know from the first book but it quickly fell into place. Charlie is the star of the book and kicks serious butt! She and her partner Hank are tracking who is killing the Adonai, some very strong beings. Charlie's world, now covered in darkness, is smothering her and she has to hunt down the evil that is stalking the city!
I loved Charlie! She is so strong, loyal, independent, but lonely too. Hank is a sexy siren who has a strong sexual tension with Charlie. Charlie is also a (basically) single mom, afraid her attraction to Hank is because of what he is, and her daughter Emma thinks a hellhound is a great pet! There is such a mix of characters and wonderful twists and suspense, it really is a unique book.
I rate this book 4/5. It was good, but you need to read the first one to completely understand. I am going back to read the first one in the series and am ready for the next one!
Thank you to for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Giveaway Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

Book Description
Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.
Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She's horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?


Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.
  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until September 20, 2010
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer

Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

Book Description
Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.
Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She's horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?

My Thoughts
This was a wonderfully romantic read! Tristan is a rogue and is happy to have that title. Isobel is a lady, but has to work because her family has no workers. Tristans' family and Isobel's family are sworn enemies, but when they meet, not knowing each other, the sparks begin to fly. Isobel is determined to hate Tristan because his father killed hers, but slowly she realizes he is breaking down her defenses and she is letting him!
I adore Tristan! He is a rogue but wants to be a knight and Isobel brings that out in him. Isobel is a strong, capable woman who works hard to take care of her family and is such a wonderful example! Isobel's whole family is very lovable. The romance is sweet and yet hot. Tristan is relentless in his pursuit of Isobel and she is powerless to hold out against him. This was just a great romantic book with wonderful characters.
I rate this book 4/5. It is a good read that you'll enjoy!
Thank you to Hachette Book Group for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Despirate Deeds Giveaway Winners!!

And the Winners are:
RebeccaJVickery, Rubynreba & Spynaert!
They now have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing address. If they fail to meet the 24 hour deadline, a new winner(s) will be chosen!

List Randomizer
There were 22 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.8. RebeccaJVickery
2.2. Rubynreba
3.19. Spynaert
4.21. Melissa
5.1. Benita
6.3. Elaing8
7.11. Pamsoo
8.22. Twifanheather
9.7. Sandra
10.14. Sheila Deeth
11.10. Corrine
12.9. JoanneR
13.17. Heather
14.20. Simply Stacie
15.13. Skkorman
16.6. Lois
17.5. CathyM
18.18. Mary
19.4. Andrea
20.15. CindyW.
21.12. Lilk13
22.16. Suzie
Timestamp: 2010-09-02 14:48:20 UTC