#MMBBR #BlogTourHost Gridley Girls by Meredith First @GoSparkPoint @MeredithFirst @BookSparks

Gridley Girls:

Sometimes you have to go back before you can move forward.

Meg Monahan feels like she was born to be a secret keeper. From the moment she became a peer counselor in high school, Meg has been keeping her friends secrets – from sordid family drama to their sex lives – that she never wanted to know. Flash forward to adulthood when Meg is a recruiter for the world’s hippest (and most paranoid) high-tech company – and now Meg is a professional secret keeper.

When sudden tragedy strikes before Meg hosts the wedding of her childhood BFF, Anne Calzaretta, the women are forced to face their past – and their secrets – in order to move on to their future.

In 1978, Meg, Anne, Jennifer, and Tonya were such close friends, they were known as “The Group” in their hometown of Gridley, California. But in ninth grade, their lives were changed forever. Loss, lies, and secrets separated them, but could not break their bonds of friendship.

Thirty years later, Meg and Anne reminisce about those days—dealing with parents, school, boys, sex, love, and betrayal. Anne remembers their freshman year as an easier time, but Meg, still feeling guilty about a betrayal of Anne’s trust, is haunted. Even now, Meg is keeping a secret she’s not prepared to face, let alone share.

In her debut novel, based on true events, Meredith First tells a timeless story about the bonds of friendship, loss, and betrayal—and the forgiveness that is within everyone.

Can anyone really keep a secret forever?

Meredith First:

Meredith First left an insanely great recruiting career with Apple, Inc. to write the books that had been haunting her dreams — stories for anyone who survived high school with a little help from their friends. Meredith grew up in Gridley, California, and after studying abroad at the University of London, she received a B.A. in Broadcasting from Oregon State University.  She is is hard at work on the second book in the Gridley Girls series, due out in 2016.  10% of all profits of her book sales will be donated to organizations that yelp young people who struggle with issues she experienced.

I adored this book.  It is a book about growing up, friendship, small towns and so much more.  The characters so real that you cannot help but remember all your own personal experiences while you read about the girls exploring being a teenager and beyond.  I laughed out loud, cried a bit here and there and was really moved by the story.   This "real life novel" is one not to be missed.  4.5 stars

#MMBBR #Review The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by @phaedrapatrick @audible_com @HarlequinBooks

In this poignant and sparkling debut, a lovable widower embarks on a life-changing adventure 

Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. 

But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam's death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam's possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he's never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife's secret life before they met--a journey that leads him to find hope, healing and self-discovery in the most unexpected places. 

Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters with big hearts and irresistible flaws, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a curiously charming debut and a joyous celebration of life's infinite possibilities.

Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time. She lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her husband and son. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is her debut novel. 

To find out more, please visit:

www.phaedra-patrick.com

www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick

Twitter @phaedrapatrick

I listened to this book via Audible and I thought it was a very sweet story.  I was instantly drawn to Arthur, he was a character that immediately stole my heart.  It is about rediscovering somebody after you lost them and about embracing the life you still have to live.  It is about grief and hope.  It is funny, heartwarming and so sweet.  This is a perfect book for summer and one I highly recommend!  5 stars  

#MMBBR #Highlight Finding Hope: (A Savage Cinderella Novella) @pjsharon

Finding Hope: (A Savage Cinderella Novella) (Savage Cinderella Novella Series Book 1)

In FINDING HOPE, Book One of the Savage Cinderella Novella series, the story picks up a year after Brinn Hathaway’s return from the wild. As she and Justin struggle to work through her recovery, Brinn must come to terms with who she is and discover her place in this strange new world. When Cody asks for her help in solving a kidnapping case for the FBI, it brings her worst nightmares screaming to the surface. But will it be exactly what she needs to finally put it all behind her and move on? Or will it lead her down a path into a dangerous world? A child is missing...and time is running out.

Follow Brinn, Justin, Cody, and a cast of new characters through a series of novellas (30-40k word short novels). Each story will bring a new adventure, another crime to solve, and more danger for Brinn and company as they delve into the world of human trafficking.

Award winning author of young adult books, including PIECES of LOVE, HEAVEN is for HEROES, ON THIN ICE, and Holt Medallion winner SAVAGE CINDERELLA, PJ Sharon loves writing for teens and teens at heart. Her latest work, HEALING WATERS, completes The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael, a YA dystopian trilogy that RT Book Reviews calls "An action-packed read with a strong female lead." For more info on PJ's books and updates on new releases, sign up for her newsletter or visit her website.

In addition to authoring romantic and hopeful stories for young adults, PJ Sharon owns ABSolute Fitness and Therapeutic Bodywork, a private practice massage therapy and personal training business in East Granby, CT. With over twenty-five years in the health and fitness industry, Ms. Sharon offers a multidisciplinary approach to wellness. Overcome Your Sedentary Lifestyle
(A Practical Guide to Improving Health, Fitness, and Well-being for Desk Dwellers and Couch Potatoes), her debut non-fiction title, is a holistic living, self-help book, sure to motivate readers toward a more balanced and active lifestyle.

As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CPFT), and Yoga Instructor, Ms. Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients and workshops. A graduate of Springfield Technical Community College and the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, Ms. Sharon also holds certifications as a trainer through the NFPT and teaches therapeutic yoga. A Black Belt in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate, and former figure skating and power skating instructor, Ms. Sharon's passion for holistic health and healing comes through in her writing--whether she is penning romantic and hopeful stories for teens, or sharing her wisdom and experience with clients and workshop attendees.

When she's not writing, or spreading the love through her practice, she can be found kayaking in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, and renovating an old farmhouse with the love of her life.

BUY HER BOOKS HERE

#MMBBR Children's Review Round-Up #ChildrensBooks #Reviews #ebooks #picturebooks

With more than 200 gorgeous animal photos of lions, giraffes, ibexes, flamingos, hippopotamuses, and many others, Animal Planet Wild Animals is a fun, habitat-by-habitat guide that provides kids in the first years of schooling with the perfect bite-sized view of their favorite wild animals. Arranged thematically with focus on animal behavior and family relationships, young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. Special book features designed for this age group include Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in the African savannah and Amazon rain forest.

For more Animal Bites books, check out Animal Planet Farm Animals, Animal Planet Polar Animals, andAnimal Planet Ocean Animals.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.) campaign that partners with leading animal organization to make the world a better place for domestic and wild animals.

MY REVIEW:

I adore this book so much.  There is so much to see and so much to learn.  I smile every time I see that lion.  It is captivating.  I cannot stop looking at the cover, it is amazing.  That is only the outside, what is inside is even more amazing!  Animal Bites is a fun way to title this book, as my son pointed out, because this book provides us bites of information.  I adored the fact that there is a key in the front cover as how to use the book.  This allows the reader to easily find areas of interest and go directly to that spot to read.  There are so many categories that there is certainly something of interest for everyone.  Also, the table of content, activities and resources, glossary and index all add to details within this book. These are great components of book that can be discussed and taught to your little ones.

 What I honestly love the most is that the book is great for reluctant readers or those that struggle with reading.  The little tidbits of information are not overly wordy or difficult to read and the tidbits are accompanied by gorgeous, vibrant and fascinating photos. Because of all the various categories it allows the reader to read things that are of interest to them.  They can easily jump around in the book and still be completely entertained.  I must have said "WOW" more than a dozen times while reading this book with my son.

This is one of those books that belongs in a child's home library.  It is great for car ride and to create bonding and snuggle while you and your child delight in the sight and information of nature.  5 stars

With more than 200 gorgeous animal photos of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas, and many others, Animal Planet Farm Animals is a fun, habitat-by-habitat guide that provides kids in the first years of schooling with the perfect bite-sized view of their favorite farm animals. Arranged thematically with focus on animal behavior and family relationships, young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. Special book features designed for this age group include Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in on the farm and at the petting zoo.

For more Animal Bites books, check out Animal Planet Wild Animals, Animal Planet Polar Animals, andAnimal Planet Ocean Animals.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.) campaign that partners with leading animal organization to make the world a better place for domestic and wild animals.

MY REVIEW:
First, are you kidding me with those adorable faces of the horse and piggies!!!  I cannot stop looking that them.  What an amazing book cover.  That is only the outside, what is inside is even more amazing!  Animal Bites is a fun way to title this book, as my son pointed out, because this book provides us bites of information.  I adored the fact that there is a key in the front cover as how to use the book.  This allows the reader to easily find areas of interest and go directly to that spot to read.  There are so many categories that there is certainly something of interest for everyone.  Also, the table of content, activities and resources, glossary and index all add to details within this book. These are great components of book that can be discussed and taught to your little ones.

 What I honestly love the most is that the book is great for reluctant readers or those that struggle with reading.  The little tidbits of information are not overly wordy or difficult to read and the tidbits are accompanied by gorgeous, vibrant and fascinating photos. Because of all the various categories it allows the reader to read things that are of interest to them.  They can easily jump around in the book and still be completely entertained.  I must have said "WOW" more than a dozen times while reading this book with my son.

This is one of those books that belongs in a child's home library.  It is great for car ride and to create bonding and snuggle while you and your child delight in the sight and information of nature.  5 stars

Angels have one job …

To love and care for all of us on Earth, especially children.
Angels are always here for us.
All we need to do is ask them for help.
Angels want us to be happy and to know we are loved.

MY REVIEW:

A beautiful story to help ease children's worries and to celebrate their joys...angels are everywhere watching over us through good and bad.  We loved talking about our angels after we read this sweet book. 4.5 stars

Count down from ten to zero with these quirky and adventurous porcupines as they try out a variety of extreme sports!

MY REVIEW:

An adorable counting down book with zany and bold porcupines doing some super cool extreme sports.  My son thought it was a really cute book too.  I cannot wait to us this book in my classroom.  I know that they kids will love seeing the porcupines skydiving, spelunking, windsurfing and so much more!   There is so much I could do with this for my Art Through Stories class.  I cannot wait for Fall to share it with my students.  5 stars

Michaela loves to dance and twirl. She loves to wear her ballerina tutu and ballet slippers. She loves a lot of thingsbut most of all she loves her daddy! I Will Miss You, Daddy! is a heartwarming childrens story dedicated to members of the armed forces and their families. For every man and woman overseas, there are family members waiting for their loved one to return home. But they have an important job to do, and I Will Miss You, Daddy! will teach young readers just that.

MY REVIEW:

A true and touching story about deployment and how it can affect the children. This book helps children understand their love one have a VERY important job to do when they are gone and that being sad and missing them is OK.  It is about trying to find ways to stay connected and to continue to share your daily joys and sorrows with them when they are gone.  With is about honoring our heroes in the armed forces and offering understanding and compassion to the families that have those heroes deployed.  5 stars

Emma notices that grown-ups are always on their phones.

Follow Emma as she counts her way through the zoo and help her shout PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE!

Find out how Emma learns that there's a time and place to be on your phone.

Don't worry grown-ups...Emma has some compromises to make too, when she realizes that losing hercool doesn't feel so cool!

MY REVIEW:

This story is told through the eyes of a child as she sees that smartphones are taking over her fun day  at the zoo.  Everywhere you look somebody is on one.  This causes her to become very upset, but then something happens that makes her see and understand the need and use for smartphones.  This story brings to light the need to find a balance with phone use.  It is a nice reminder and warning to parents of how children feel about smartphones.
4 stars

Juris "J.P." Prudence always wondered if her parents named her Juris because they knew that she was destined to become a lawyer. Her parents probably never expected that she would become a lawyer at just eleven years old and use her law degree to change history. Last year, JP and her best friends, Sofia “Sofie” Flores-Ramirez, Isabel “Izzy” Carrington, and Madeline “Maddy” Rosenfeld, finished the law program that they started at the National Kids Leaders Academy at the early age of five years old. Despite the fact that they are only eleven years old, they are now real lawyers. Since passing the bar exam, they have not done anything to put their law degrees to use, that is, until the day that J.P. and her best friends form a law firm to change the law for kids.

MY REVIEW:

A great story that keeps children engaged all the way through.  I love that it offers an important message about education and social change.  It allows children to imagine the possibilities that life has to offer and it illustrates that they have a big role in this world and they can do amazing things. It is a sweet and positive book for young readers.  4.5 stars

Kelev, a lively black Labrador retriever, lives with an orthodox Jewish family in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. One-year old Kelev learns of his Judaism from his neighbor beagle buddy, and starts thinking about becoming a rabbi--a natural role because he already wears a black coat. He teaches the other neighborhood Jewish pets about their obligations to make the world a better place and also invents a device, the Yidometer, that measures one's fidelity to Judaism. But Kelev ultimately abandons the Yidometer because he concludes that Judaism, with its richness and complexity, cannot be reduced to a single number. 

Kelev serves as a role model for humans who can learn to curtail their capacity for cruelty by observing dogs' innocence.

EBOOKS

Join Tomas as he rides his beloved horse, Bonito, through his home of Ecuador and see the landscape from the banana plantations to the beautiful wooded hills. Travel with Tomas as he goes on a dream journey to explore the ocean and beach of one of the Galapagos Islands. From riding a green sea turtle and seeing a humpback whale pod and hammerhead sharks, to a lunch of fresh fruits and fish with pirates on the beach and escaping from a volcano eruption, Tomas goes on a grand adventure, and he’s still home in time for dinner with his mama.

MY REVIEW:

Imagination comes to life in the book Tomas & the Galapagos Adventure.  Join Tomas as he explores Galapagos Islands and takes off on a wild adventure.  There is so much to see in the beautiful illustrations that you cannot help but to be swept up in the story.  It is both beautiful and creative.  You will see the landscape, indulge in the native foods, and get to know the animals that call the island their home.  It is a sure fire hit for all young kids who have ever imagined going on an epic journey.  4.5 stars 

With real-life examples of women from a wide range of walks of life, girls learn they can do anything. Would you like to sail the seas as a pirate? Swing, flip and sparkle as a trapeze artist? Solve big problems as the next president? Or simply be happy to be yourself? 

MY REVIEW:
I loved What Would It Be Like? because not only did it encourage the use of the library to find out interesting facts, but it also showcases the ways that woman have contributed to the world through government, adventure, science, art and so much more.  It has beautiful illustrations that bring to life the ways woman have made the world better.   I also loved the adventures page detailing all the woman that were discussed in the book.  A great book to have in the school library and classrooms.  5 stars

Max is a big and beautiful Clydesdale horse who lives in New York City’s Central Park. He patrols the area with Officer Francis and Officer Michael. Together, they keep the park a safe and happy place.

MY REVIEW:

I love positive books about police doing right by their cities and this book is one of those really good ones.  Being a police wife, I love seeing authors and writers capture what it is that police do.  I love that Kronfeld is helping children understated that police are there to keep them safe and to protect the cities they work in.  My kids also appreciated and felt that this story was written for law enforcement officers and their families because it is a positive story about policing. This made them so very happy.  5 stars

Are you searching for a easy read to help a child with the adjustment of change or even a new arrival in the family? Why not try 'Kitty Cat and the New Pet' for a different take on the original 'big brother/sister' stories! 

Kitty Cat is a very happy cat until the new pet arrives and upsets everything. Follow the adventures of Kitty Cat as she tries to outsmart Digger the dog and win over her family. 

'Kitty Cat and the New Pet' is a quick bedtime storybook for beginning and early readers. This free children's eBook with cute and bright illustrations is easy to read aloud. 

'Kitty Cat and the New Pet' is book one in a stand-alone picture book series 'Millie's World' by 

author-illustrator B.J Beeck. Recommended for ages 3-5, 'Kitty Cat and the New Pet' is about family, jealously and unexpected friendship. 

If you like cute cats, silly dogs, kids and animal action adventure books...than this is the picture book series for you. Why not take a peek at the other books in the series, 'My Friend Digger' and 'In Millie's World' to add to the bedtime storybook collection! 

Stay up to date with new books in the series at bbillustrations.com 

tags: bedtime stories, bedtime reading, short stories, books for kids, kids books, children's books bedtime stories for kids, kids ebooks, early reader, beginning reader, ages 3-4, ages 6-8, kids books about animals, kids comedy, preschool, pet books for kids, kitten books for children, funny books for kids, emotions and feelings, Children's eBooks, pet books for toddlers, growing up and facts of life, morals and values, kitten books, ebooks free, animal stories, kittens, cats, cat, dogs, puppy, new baby, new experiences, big sister, big brother, older sibling, jealously, adjustment, transitions, older sister, older brother, expanding family, new family, family life, 

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#MMBBR #Review Esther the Wonder Pig by Steve Jenkins, Derek Walter, Caprice Crane

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR SO FAR

Unlikely pig owners Steve and Derek got a whole lot more than they bargained for when the designer micro piglet they adopted turned out to be a full-sized 600-pound sow! In the bestselling tradition of pet memoirs such as Oogy, Dewey, and Giant George, the story of ESTHER THE WONDER PIG shows how families really do come in all shapes and sizes.

In the summer of 2012, Steve Jenkins was contacted by an old friend about adopting a micro piglet. Though he knew his partner Derek wouldn't be enthusiastic, he agreed to take the adorable little pig anyway, thinking he could care for her himself. Little did he know, that decision would change his and Derek's lives forever.

It turned out there was nothing "micro" about Esther, and Steve and Derek had actually signed on to raise a full-sized commercial pig. Within three years, Tiny Esther grew to a whopping 600 pounds. After some real growing pains and a lot of pig-sized messes, it became clear that Esther needed much more space, so Steve and Derek made another life-changing decision: they bought a farm and opened the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, where they could care for Esther and other animals in need.

Funny, heartwarming, and utterly charming, ESTHER THE WONDER PIG follows Steve and Derek's adventure--from reluctant pig parents to farm-owning advocates for animals.

Anybody that knows me knows that I LOVE pigs, but NOT to eat.  They are smarter than dogs and can be thought so many things.  They are fascinating.  I have only ate chicken, turkey and fish since 2002 because of my love of pigs (and cows).  When the chance to review Ester arose I was so excited!  I follow Ester on Facebook, so I already feel that I know her, but I wanted to read the book too.  This book will make you look at animals in a whole new light.  You may not covert to being a vegan, but you will certainly be more aware of animal practices.  There is a lot of heart in this book.  It is sweet and makes you think.  It is a quick read and so fun.  My emotions were all over the place.  There is something so darn enduring about this pig...I cannot get enough!  4.5 stars

#MMBBR #Highlight One Paris Summer by @DeniseMSwank @BlinkYABooks

Most teens dream of visiting the City of Lights, but it feels more like a nightmare for Sophie Brooks. She and her brother are sent to Paris to spend the summer with their father, who left home a year ago without any explanation. As if his sudden abandonment weren't betrayal enough, he's about to remarry, and they’re expected to play nice with his soon-to-be wife and stepdaughter. The stepdaughter, Camille, agrees to show them around the city, but she makes it clear that she will do everything in her power to make Sophie miserable.

Sophie could deal with all the pain and humiliation if only she could practice piano. Her dream is to become a pianist, and she was supposed to spend the summer preparing for a scholarship competition. Even though her father moved to Paris to pursue his own dream, he clearly doesn't support hers. His promise to provide her with a piano goes unfulfilled.

Still, no one is immune to Paris’s charm. After a few encounters with a gorgeous French boy, Sophie finds herself warming to the city, particularly when she discovers that he can help her practice piano. There’s just one hitch—he’s a friend of Camille’s, and Camille hates Sophie. While the summer Sophie dreaded promises to become best summer of her life, one person could ruin it all. 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

#MMBBR #Highlight The Woman in the Photo: A Novel by @authorMaryHogan @WmMorrowBks

In this compulsively readable historical novel, from the author of the critically-acclaimed Two Sisters, comes the story of two young women—one in America’s Gilded Age, one in scrappy modern-day California—whose lives are linked by a single tragic afternoon in history.

1888: Elizabeth Haberlin, of the Pittsburgh Haberlins, spends every summer with her family on a beautiful lake in an exclusive club. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains above the working class community of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the private retreat is patronized by society’s elite. Elizabeth summers with Carnegies, Mellons, and Fricks, following the rigid etiquette of her class. But Elizabeth is blessed (cursed) with a mind of her own. Case in point: her friendship with Eugene Eggar, a Johnstown steel mill worker. And when Elizabeth discovers that the club’s poorly maintained dam is about to burst and send 20 million tons of water careening down the mountain, she risks all to warn Eugene and the townspeople in the lake’s deadly shadow.

Present day: On her 18th birthday, genetic information from Lee Parker’s closed adoption is unlocked. She also sees an old photograph of a genetic relative—a 19th century woman with hair and eyes likes hers—standing in a pile of rubble from an ecological disaster next to none other than Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Determined to identify the woman in the photo and unearth the mystery of that captured moment, Lee digs into history. Her journey takes her from California to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, from her present financial woes to her past of privilege, from the daily grind to an epic disaster. Once Lee’s heroic DNA is revealed, will she decide to forge a new fate?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Though an Okie by birth, I grew up in Southern California in the era of baby oil tans. Except mine. Mine was a childhood of sunburns. And other red-faced events. Now, I live in the blessed shade of skyscrapers. New York City. Where I was meant to be all along. 

At the risk of sounding bigheaded, I love GOOD books. I like to read writers who inspire me to read their sentences over and over just for the joy of it. You know that feeling? Like, wow, how did she think of that?

That said, I joined Goodreads because I'd become a genre snob. There are good Sci-fi novels, right? Historical? To my delight, I've found that to be true. As in life, when you open up, the world opens with you. Or so said Oprah. Before she abandoned us. :)

On a personal note, I am married to the man of my dreams. We share our home with the lovely Lucy, a Catahoula rescue dog who, frankly, isn't that into us. In another life, she was Greta Garbo. When I smother her with kisses she literally rolls her doggy eyes.

Professionally, I'm the author of nine novels. Seven Young Adult novel (HarperCollins), one bestselling mainstream book (TWO SISTERS) and an upcoming historical novel called THE WOMAN IN THE PHOTO (pub: Summer 2016, William Morrow). Goodreads helped me open up to WRITING in new genres, too. Thank you!!

TWO SISTERS is a very personal book for me. It was inspired by my own sister, Diane, who passed away in 2010. TWO SISTERS is the book that emerged as I struggled to understand why my sister died the way she did. It's a story about secrets and how they can disintegrate a family. 

For another VERY personal story, I wrote an article about my mom's last days for Woman's Day magazine. If you've gone through your mom's passing, or soon will, you may relate. (If you feel like reading it, I posted the link on my website maryhogan.com)

I swear it's all true. 

Finally, I truly appreciate all the friends I've made online. Thank you for not shunning me because I'm an author! Goodreads is my water cooler. See you at the next coffee break...