#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #TheFamily by @fab_fiction via @GrandCentralPub

The Family by Louise Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine - Fears.

This book was very interesting and thrilling. I never really knew what was going to happen and was unsettled from start to finish. It was one of those stories where you think you know where it is going to lead, but then you are pushed off that train of thought and pulled another direction. I could see this book being made into a movie or a mini series because it has all the elements to translate well to the screen. A very good read and one I finished over a weekend!

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #OneInThree by @tessjstimson via @Harper360

One in Three by Tess Stimson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ His blood is all over both of us.

Wow, this one was a great read. From that first line I knew I was going to love this book and I was not wrong. It was both thriller, fun and engaging. It was twisty and turny. It was original and very character driven!

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #Covet by @TracyWolff @MBeatie @EntangledTeen @entangledpub

Covet by Tracy Wolff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ This isn't how it was supposed to happen.

I know I have said this with the other two books in this series, but I will say it again...I am not a young adult and I am am so digging this series. It is so good. It has a perfect blend of magical elements, humor, romance, friendship, coming of age, adventure, heartbreak/loss and triumph and so much more! It is the best there is to escape from reality into a world filled with so many wonders and mystical creatures. I am so glad I picked up this series and gave it a shot because it is, simply stated...the BEST!

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#MMBBR #Review #5stars #ABoobsLife by @LeslieLehr1 @Pegasus_Books

From her prize-winning fiction to her viral New York Times Modern Love essay, exploring the challenges facing contemporary women has been author Leslie Lehr's life-long passion. In her highly praised upcoming book, A Boob's Life: How America's Obsession Shaped Me-and You (March 2^nd, 2020), her first project since breast cancer treatment, she continues this mission, taking readers on a wildly informative, deeply personal, and utterly relatable journey. No matter your gender or age, you will never view this sexy and sacred body part the same way again. The book has already caught the attention of the literary and entertainment industries alike, with Publisher's Weekly saying that the book is a "witty and incisive look at American attitudes toward women's breasts," and Kirkus Reviews stated, "Thoughtful and honest. Our verdict: GET IT." Salma Hayek fell in love with the book and is now turning it into a TV series that was just picked up by HBO MAX!
 
Lehr is a prize-winning novelist and non-fiction writer whose books include What A Mother Knows, a Target Recommended Read, Wife Goes On, and 66 Laps, winner of the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Prize. Her nonfiction books include Welcome to Club Mom, Club Grandma, excerpted on FisherPrice.com, and Wendy Bellissimo: Nesting, featured on Oprah. Her personal essays have appeared in the New York Times Modern Love column (narrated by Katie Couric on NPR), HuffPost, Yourtango, and in anthologies Mommy Wars, The Honeymoon's Over, and On Becoming Fearless. She wrote the original screenplay for the romantic thriller, HEARTLESS, and the comedy-drama, "Club Divorce", for Lifetime. Lehr is a member of PEN, the Authors Guild, WGA, Women In Film, and the Women's Leadership Council. She has a BA from the School of Cinematic Arts at USC and an MFA from Antioch. Lehr is a breast cancer survivor, the mother of two daughters, and lives in Southern California. 

I am not sure I will fully be able to capture how much I loved this book. Not only because the content is told with raw honesty, humor and vulnerability, but also because Leslie is simply stated, an amazing human. I had the opportunity to interview her and it was one of my greatest honors of my book blogging career. It was like talking to a friend about anything from family, to boobs, CV19, to work and everything in between. I think we must have covered every possible topic and it was such a great conversation. I feel like I really have found a new friend in Leslie! 

I must be honest and that I wasn't able to capture how amazing the hour plus conversation was with any formal notes or documentation, but I have a Q&A below that Leslie was kind enough to fill out and send along. As a book reviewer there are moments when you really understand what a humbling honor it is for writers to share their work with you pre-publication. They care about what you think and want to hear about it. I can say that this book is one for all woman, and men, should read. It is that good and that important. I loved that Leslie did not shy away from anything and is a force when it comes to clearly explaining what a complicated relationships women have with their bodies (boobs). I am calling for action...get this book and then share your love of it everywhere!!

PLEASE NOTE: 

Salma Hayek is turning the book into a TV series with HBO MAX which was just announced: HERE

Author Leslie Lehr wants to talk about boobs. She's gone from size AA to DDD and everything between, from puberty to motherhood, enhancement to cancer, and beyond. And she's not alone-these are classic life stages for women today. A Boob's Life explores the surprising truth about women's most popular body part with vulnerable, witty frankness and true nuggets of American culture that will resonate with everyone who has breasts-or loves them. At turns funny and heartbreaking, A Boob's Life explores both the joys and hazards inherent to living in a woman's body. Lehr deftly blends her personal narrative with national history, starting in the 1960s with the women's liberation movement and moving to the current feminist dialogue and what it means to be a woman. Her insightful and clever writing analyzes how America's obsession with the female form has affected her own life's journey and the psyche of all women today. Lehr explores the duality of today's women to navigate a new path between sexy and sacred.

LESLIE LEHR Q&A

 

Q.  What inspires your writing?

A. Frustration. For instance, A Boob’s Life was prompted by my husband’s accusation that I’m obsessed 

with breasts. First, I was insulted. Then I realized it was true, but I wasn’t alone. The notion was so frustrating

 I had to learn why. My previous novel, What A Mother Knows, was prompted by the question of how much 

I would risk for my daughter - it grew from being worried about my own daughter. This started with my first book,

 Welcome to Club Mom, when I was frustrated about the challenges of motherhood.

 

Q.  What is your favorite thing about being a writer? 

A. Having a voice in the world, a voice no one can quiet because it’s on paper.

 

Q.  What is the toughest part of being a writer? 

A. The writing! It’s a love-hate relationship.

 

Q.  If you could not be a writer, what would you do/be? 

A. I would be telling stories in another form. I started in tv and film production, so

 I would go back there. In fact, I’m executive producer of the A Boob’s Life TV 

show being developed by Salma Hayek for HBOMax… so I guess I’m going full circle now.

 

Q.  What would the story of your life be entitled?

A. You Don’t Know the Half of It.

 

Q.  What is your favorite book of all time? 

A. Now that others talk about it, this sounds cliché, but A Wrinkle In Time has always been my go-to, 

I’m misfit Meg, wanting to save my family and the evil It with love. I read it aloud to both of my daughter’s classes, 

week by week, when they were in elementary school. I embarrassed them both by crying at the end.

 

Q.  Which character from ANY book are you most like? 

A. Tough one. I’m drawn to Lillian, the main character of Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here. 

She’s responsible for two kids who spontaneously combust with emotion. She struggles to figure 

out how to make them happy, how to show the importance of love and acceptance, and at the same time, 

she’s trying to find her own place in the world.

 

Q.  What character from all of your book(s) are you most like? 

A. The main character is always based on me – and the one making the worst mistakes.

 

Q.  Which book would you love to take a weekend vacation inside of? 

A. Any story set on a tropical island.

 

Q.  What is your favorite season? 

A. Spring. I love the scent of orange blossoms. Even in California, where I live on purpose, after 

growing up in Ohio, there is a change of season. I love the new flowers, the longer days, the hopefulness. 

Both of my daughters,’ my mother’s, and my birthday are all in the spring. Of course, by the time mine rolls around, 

mid-May, we are all sick of birthdays.

 

Q.  What inspired your book cover(s)?  Or what is your favorite book cover and why? 

A. A Boob’s Life has my favorite book cover of all time. The artist at Pegasus Books really understood how women 

are represented by our breasts and the vintage pin-up style of the red cone bra (that feminists in the 60’s called an

 “instrument of torture”) on a woman’s torso, with just a int of her red lips on the bright blue patriotic background

 is my absolute favorite.

 

Q.  Tell me something funny that happened while on a book tour or while promoting your book. 

A. A Boob’s Life is for women of all ages, because it’s the only book that connects the dots of living with breasts

 for a woman’s entire life. But with the word “boobs” in the title, I’m getting an awful lot of friend request from men 

on social media. Which is ironic and also my point. We can’t find biological attraction, but it’s important to be aware 

of how it can further shape our experience.

 

Q.  Are you working on something new? 

A. Yes! A novel set in the late sixties. It’s a fictional account of a real events with an intersection of family and race 

and love and betrayal. It’s a story I’ve been thinking about for many years.

 

Q.  Anything you want to say to followers of this blog or those that are just stopping by? 

A.  Please buy A Boob’s Life and let me know what you think. We all wake up every morning and have to 

decide whether to wear a bra or not and whether to show our boobs or hide them. Whether to feed our babies 

with them or keep them from killing us. I’d love to hear your stories. And: love your boobs!

 

#MMBBR #BlogTourHost #Review #FirstLine #ThePoet by @lisareneejones via @tlcbooktours and @entangled_publishing #LisaReneeJones #ThePoet #thriller #pageturner

About The Poet

Mass Market Paperback: 368 Pages

Publisher: Entangled: Amara (March 9, 2021)

“The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.” -Jean Cocteau

Some call him friend or boss.
Some call him husband or dad.
Some call him son, even a favorite son.

But the only title that matters to him is the one the media has given him: The Poet.

A name he earned from the written words he leaves behind after he kills that are as dark and mysterious as the reason he chooses his victims.

One word, two, three, a story in a poem, a secret that only Detective Samantha Jazz can solve. Because he’s writing this story for her.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

#FirstLine ~ I sit in the back row of the theater-style Austin, Texas speakeasy, the air conditioner cranked on high, soothing the heat of a hot August night.

This book was so good. I loved it so much. It was one of those reads that captured me right away and kept me buzzing through the pages. I was drawn into the story and the characters. It was paced well and held my interest from start to finish. A must read for thriller lovers and those that want to be lost in the pages of a captivating read!  

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

 Entangled Publishing

About Lisa Renee Jones

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, Lisa has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa’s other bestselling series include: DIRTY RICH and WHITE LIES.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Connect with Lisa

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review tour:

Monday, March 8th: @shobizreads

Tuesday, March 9th: Blunt Scissors Book Reviews and @bluntscissorsbookreviews

Wednesday, March 10th: @lifeinlit

Thursday, March 11th: @readerofthewrittenword

Saturday, March 13th: @kraysbookclub

Saturday, March 13th: @aimeedarsreads

Monday, March 15th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, March 15th: @the_boozy_baking_bibliophile

Monday, March 15th: Books & Bindings

Tuesday, March 16th: @books.cats.travel.food

Wednesday, March 17th: Nurse Bookie and @nurse_bookie

Thursday, March 18th: Jessicamap Reviews and @jessicamap

Friday, March 19th: Mrs. Mommy Booknerd

Friday, March 19th: Girl Who Reads

Saturday, March 20th: @suethebookie

Sunday, March 21st: The OC Book Girl and @theocbookgirl

Monday, March 22nd: Helen’s Book Blog

Monday, March 22nd: @hooked.by.books

Tuesday, March 23rd: @as_seen_in_life

Wednesday, March 24th: @always_reading1

Thursday, March 25th: @blondethrillerbooklover

Friday, March 26th: Kahakai Kitchen

#OnceUponaWardrobe by @pcalhenry #coverreveal #narnia @hapermusebooks

#OnceUponaWardrobe by @pcalhenry will be in stores Oct 19, 2021 from @hapermusebooks. Mark your calendars and plan your #fallreading early. Pre-order NOW! 

https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/once-upon-a-wardrobe 

#coverreveal #historicalfiction #narnia 

 

SYNOPSIS: Megs Devonshire’s younger brother George, whom she loves with all her heart, doesn’t have long to live. When George becomes captivated by a brand-new book called The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and begs her to find out where Narnia came from, she can’t refuse. Despite her timidity about approaching the famous author, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with the Oxford don. While seeking answers, what she receives instead are more stories, which she brings home to George. The gift she thought she was giving to her brother—the story behind Narnia—turns out to be his gift to her, instead: hope. 

#MMBBR #Showcase #RosieLovesJack @DarbonMel @mediamastersbks

 

Rosie loves Jack. Jack loves Rosie. So when they're separated, Rosie will do anything to find the boy who makes the sun shine in her head. Even defy her parents’ orders and run away from home. Even struggle across London and travel to Brighton on her own, though the trains are cancelled and the snow is falling. Even though people might think a girl like Rosie, who has Down syndrome, could never survive on her own.

Introducing a strong and determined protagonist with Down syndrome, debut author Mel Darbon gives readers an underrepresented but much-needed point of view with a voice-driven, heartfelt story of finding your place an often big and intimidating world. 

#MMBBR #Review #ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #SpringTitles @mediamastersbks

 

While You're Sleeping by Mick Jackson and illustrated by John Broadley (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654650; Hardcover $19.95; Ages 4-8; 40 pages) is a beautifully illustrated picture book about what happens at night time by a Booker shortlisted author.

There's a whole world of activity out there while we're asleep in our beds, from bakers preparing bread and cakes and firefighters waiting patiently for a call, to hospitals caring for those who are ill and postal workers sorting our mail. There is also wildlife such as foxes foraging, bats flying, and owls hunting for prey. And around the world there are children who are playing, learning, eating, and reading while we're tucked up asleep.

Perfect for bedtime, this book opens up a whole world of wonder and imagination for children and provides solace if they wake in the early hours. In his first children's book, illustrator John Broadley works in a limited palette, moving from soft dusk colors to warm dawn tones. 

REVIEW: This book is an adventure of night and all the things that happen when most of us are sleeping. This book is a way to create conversations with your young reader about all the roles that exist that make the world go round. Such a pretty book too! A super original and fun book!!!

The Greatest Show Penguin by Lucy Freegard (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1-84365-483-4; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a heartwarming story about overcoming fears and the meaning of success

Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. However, Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her, as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle--it's telling her mum that she doesn't want to perform any more. Her bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role--organizing and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be! This tale of overcoming shyness and lack of confidence is both a funny and sensitive parody of the record-breaking movie The Greatest Showman, and a celebration of girl power!

REVIEW: This is a great book to read with our children who are active in activities. There are times when our young ones no longer feel the drive to do the things that they have always done. This book always young readers to discover that there are many ways to stay involved. A great book to create dialogue and space for children to share how they are really feeling about their activities. In addition to the wonderful story, the illustrations are beautiful; so bright and vibrant!

Alone! by Barry Falls (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654858; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a richly illustrated laugh-out-loud tale with a gentle message.

There once was a boy called Billy McGill
who lived by himself at the top of a hill.
He spent every day in his house all alone
for Billy McGill liked to be on his own...

One day Billy hears the squeak of a mouse, which destroys his peaceful existence. So he gets a cat to catch the mouse. But the cat and the mouse make friends. So he gets a dog to chase the cat. But they all play together. So then he gets a bear... then a tiger... and on it goes, until Billy's house is so filled with animals that he has to move out. Will he find that he still craves peace and quiet, or is it better to have company and friends? This a laugh-out-loud story of growing chaos, with a subtle message about how it's good to have friends.

REVIEW: A beautiful story about friendship and love, but also about self care and knowing what you need to be happy! A delightful story about earning to find balance in life! Beautifully told with beautiful illustrations.

The Last Tree by Emily Haworth-Booth (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654841; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 4-8; 32 pages) is hailed as a "thought-provoking picture book" by Guardian and "beautifully executed" by The Sunday Times.

This second picture book from Waterstones Children's Book Prize nominee Emily Haworth-Booth is an eco-fable with the feel of an instant classic, while also being topical in the current environmental and political climate.

The story follows a group of friends seeking a place to call home. The desert was too hot, the valley too wet, and the mountain too windy, but the forest was perfect. The friends soon wanted to build shelters, which became large houses. All too soon they wanted to control the environment and built a huge wooden wall around the community, which shut out the wind, but also created problems. And gradually the forest became thinner, until there was only one last tree standing. It was down to the children to find a solution...

REVIEW: In loved this book so much. It was one of those books that tugs at the heart and fires up your spirit. It is a book about caring, being hopeful and doing what you think is right. It is about the environment and how we interact with it. Such a beautiful book with a big lesson.