Monday, August 26, 2013

Highlight + Guest Post: Dream of Time by Nancy Price

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About the book

Each night, when Robin drifts off to sleep, she finds herself dreaming about the life of a woman in the Victorian age. She soon realizes it’s not a dream at all, but she is truly slipping into San Francisco’s past.

While living two lives — one as a mom in the modern day, the other as a proper young lady at the turn of the century — she discovers *how* she’s being sent back to a bygone era is only the first mystery. A much more important question is *why* she’s there.

With the help of a rookie police officer, Robin takes off on a spellbinding adventure, sifting through a century’s worth of clues to untangle the past — and to put love to the test. History, though, proves itself a worthy opponent, and she comes to experience firsthand how destiny can be kind and cruel in the same stroke.


Nancy J. PriceNancy J Price started self-publishing music fanzines at age 14, graduating to interviewing major-label rock bands at 16. Not quite a decade later, she earned bylines in Parents and the San Francisco Chronicle, among other publications. 

Together with her best friend, Nancy co-founded SheKnows.com, and helped turn it into a top lifestyle website for women, reaching more than 30 million readers per month. Nancy also helped launch five national newsstand magazines, including ePregnancy and Cooking Smart.

A fourth-generation San Francisco Bay Area native, Nancy now lives in Arizona with her four kids, husband and their menagerie. Because of her youngest son, she works to advance autism awareness and understanding.



In books -- just as in movies, television, and every other form of media -- it’s a universal truth: Sex sells.

But I’m not sold.

When I finally started to write my first novel, I had a thousand different choices to make. Some concepts required days of consideration: characters, setting, plots, pacing. Others were easier, but still took effort. A precious few options were clear from the outset. The name of the character in the past? Named her for my great-grandmother. The lifestyle of my modern-day heroine? Taking a page from my own life story, she’s a mom and works from home.

And that decision went hand-in-hand with one other that was easy to make -- even though I know that it will most likely greatly diminish my book’s success: There are are no sex scenes.

Although there's love and romance -- and the main character would hardly be considered prim and proper -- Dream of Time has no graphic physical descriptions and no "real" swear words. While its themes are realistic and geared toward adults, the book is generally PG-rated.

Some people have asked why I didn't make it "edgier" -- and, in particular, decided not to venture into the (clearly lucrative) Fifty Shades market.

It’s a good question -- but one that's easy to answer, and goes right back to being a mom.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to write a book my kids could read without being mortified -- and might even be proud enough to share with their friends and teachers, rather than feeling the need to mumble something about not being related to the author.

Same goes for my parents. I can't imagine either of them recommending the literary equivalent of, "Hey, my kid was Playmate of the Month!" (Now, that said, I have no problem at all with authors who have made different choices. But writing hot, graphic love scenes is just not my thing... and believe me, the world is better for it.) To me, it only makes sense that my greatest legacy -- my kids -- are comfortable with my more public legacy -- my books.

Overall, my writing methodology is really simple: Do what feels right.

Each time I had a choice to make in Dream of Time about Robin and her adventures, I went with the flow -- surrendered to the pull of the story, allowing it to take me wherever it needed to go. That means for better or for worse, in joy as well as in sorrow... and definitely for richer or for poorer.

A tale rich with details of the Victorian age, a love that transcends the decades, and a long-ago mystery solved with the help of the modern era -- that’s what my book is about.

So while it’s true that sex may sell, there’s no doubt that a good story fires the imagination... and from there, you can take it anywhere your heart desires.



Book website: http://DreamOfTime.com

Amazon page:

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Review: The Whole Enchilada By Diane Mott Davidson

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Caterer and sleuth extraordinaire Goldy Schulz jumps from the frying pan into the fire as she tries to solve a puzzling murder that is much too close to home, in this latest entry in the New York Times bestselling series from "today's foremost practitioner of the culinary whodunit" (Entertainment Weekly)

The Whole Enchilada 

Goldy Schulz knows her food is to die for, but she never expects one of her best friends to actually keel over when she's leaving a birthday party Goldy has catered. At first, everyone assumes that all the fun and excitement of the party, not to mention the rich fare, did her in.

But what looks like a coronary turns out to be a generous serving of cold-blooded murder. And the clever culprit is just getting cooking.

When a colleague—a woman who resembles Goldy—is stabbed, and Goldy is attacked outside her house, it becomes clear that the popular caterer is the main course on a killer menu. With time running out, Goldy must roll up her sleeves, sharpen her knives, and make a meal out of a devious murderer, before that killer can serve her up cold.


The Whole Enchilada is the 17th book in the Goldy Schulz Culinary Mystery Series.  It is a fun mystery that is wonderful for a fun escape into the pages of a book.  I love how there are twists and turns and the excitement of shenanigans mixed in.  This is a great Fall read.  I enjoyed it and rate it 3.5 stars!



Saturday, August 24, 2013

Mr. Mommy Booknerd's Review: The Eye of God by James Rollins



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The crash of a U.S. military research satellite in the remote wilds of Mongolia triggers an explosive search for the valuable cargo it holds: a code-black physics project connected to the study of dark energy, the energy connected to the birth of our universe. But the last blurry image from the falling satellite captures a chilling sight: a frightening look into the future, a view of a smoldering eastern seaboard of the United States in utter ruin.

At the Vatican, a mysterious package arrives for the head of Pontifical ancient studies, sent by a colleague who had vanished a decade earlier. It contains two strange artifacts: a skull scrawled with ancient Aramaic and a tome bound in human skin. DNA testing reveals both are from Genghis Khan—the long-dead Mongol king whose undiscovered tomb is rumored to hold the vast treasures and knowledge of a lost ancient empire.

Commander Gray Pierce, and Sigma—joined by a pair of Vatican historians—race to uncover a truth tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, to a mystery bound in the roots of Christianity's origins, and to a weapon hidden for centuries that holds the fate of humanity.

REVIEW:


Rollins is back!!!!!!!!!! Well at least for me.   My last try at a Rollins book he co-wrote just couldn’t keep me intrigued long enough to get through the first couple of chapters.  THE EYE OF GOD the latest saga in the SIGMA FORCE series puts me right back into the globe trotting near death experiences of Commander Pierce and his colleagues.   In the spirit of Sigma Force novels multiple story lines occurring on different fronts all collide at the end of this novel.  I know I have read a great book when at the end I continue thinking about whether or not what occurred could become our reality.  Rollins weaves natural history, foundational components of Christianity and its recorded history, physical science, with the tactics and adventure of spec op operators into an action based novel that still requires critical thinking to follow and truly embrace what is written.  Triads, body hacking with magnets, dark energy, space-time continuum, Genghis Kahn and Attila the Hun, the apostle St. Thomas, plus characters developed with such depth you can vividly picture them in your mind should make your next move easy.  If you need a break from memoirs and protagonist based in tragedy, embrace your inner warrior, scientist, adventurer and pick up the THE EYE OF GOD.     




Friday, August 23, 2013

Elisa Kleven's Children's Books: Review~ Welcome Home Mouse

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Children’s book author and illustrator Elisa Kleven has touched the lives of thousands of kids and their parents over the past two decades with stunning storytelling accompanied by gorgeous drawings in her more than 30 published books!
Elisa KlevenHer newest title, Glasswings features Claire, a glasswing butterfly whose transparent wings reflect her lush home, finds herself lost in the city after being separated from her family. She doesn’t know how they will ever see her, but she finds new city friends, a pigeon, an ant, and a ladybug, who search for the flowers Claire needs to live. They come upon a tiny urban garden, and as Claire drinks from the flowers’ nectar, she pollinates more flowers. Soon the garden—and Claire’s clear wings—fill with color, allowing her family to recognize her at last. Together they create an oasis for all to enjoy.  Facts about glasswing butterflies and pollination complete this beautiful and educational picture book. Kleven’s latest offering is as colorful and delicate as a butterfly’s wings—a treasure that can be cherished for years.
About this author:

Elisa Kleven is the author and/or illustrator of over 30 childrens picture books. Favorites with children and adults alike, Elisa's books have received awards and honors from the American Library Association, The New York Times , The Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Her pictures from Abuela are part of a traveling show organized by the Minnesota Children's Museum, and her story The Paper Princess has been adapted for two theater productions, one in Ireland and the other in California. Elisa lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and pets. To learn more about Elisa and her books, please visit her web site:www.elisakleven.com


Author Website: http://www.elisakleven.com/

Amazon: 
Glasswings

Welcome Home, Mouse: 



This book is so adorable.  It is about what seems to be a clumsy elephant, who turns out to so much more...he turned out to be a considerate and compassion friend  With the brilliant storytelling and beautiful illustrations that Kleven is known for, this book is another masterpiece!  I have become such a fan of these adorable books with heart! 5 stars and a must read for you and your children!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Review: Keeping Score by Jami Deise

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When her 9-year-old son wanted to play summer travel baseball, Shannon had no idea the toughest competition was off the field.... When her son Sam asks to try out for a travel baseball team, divorced mom Shannon Stevens thinks it'll be a fun and active way to spend the summer. Boy, is she wrong! From the very first practice, Shannon and Sam get sucked into a mad world of rigged try-outs, professional coaches, and personal hitting instructors. But it's the crazy, competitive parents who really make Shannon's life miserable. Their sons are all the second coming of Babe Ruth, and Sam isn't fit to fetch their foul balls. Even worse, Shannon's best friend Jennifer catches the baseball fever. She schemes behind the scenes to get her son Matthew on the town's best baseball team, the Saints. As for Sam? Sorry, there's no room for him! Sam winds up on the worst team in town, and every week they find new and humiliating ways to lose to the Saints. And the action off the field is just as hot. Shannon finds herself falling for the Saints' coach, Kevin. But how can she date a man who didn't think her son was good enough for his team ... especially when the whole baseball world is gossiping about them? Even Shannon's ex-husband David gets pulled into the mess when a randy baseball mom goes after him. As Sam works to make friends, win games and become a better baseball player, Shannon struggles not to become one of those crazy baseball parents herself. In this world, it's not about whether you win, lose, or how you play the game... it's all about KEEPING SCORE.

I was very intrigued by this book, as I am a baseball mom 9 months out of the year. I read this book while away at a state baseball tournament and could not put it down. 

The author paints such a vivid picture and does a fantastic job of bringing out Shannon's feelings as she watches her son become more independent. This is a very quick read and you live the mother-son relationship with her. I give this a 5 star review.


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

BOOKTRIB BLOG TOUR: Three Little Words by Susan Mallery + GIVEAWAY!


http://booktrib.com


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can first love turn into the real deal in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery? Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again.... 

Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same....

Follow the your HERE, to read interviews and enter giveaways!!!


With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. 
Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.



Three Little Words by Susan Mallery

This was a really charming story about a long ago crush that becomes love.  Ford Hendrix time in the military was hard on his soul but the letters he received from Isabel Beebe kept him sane.  The meet up again after years of not seeing one another and the crush is still there for Isabel.  Susan Mallery is a masterful story teller.  Her stories a witty, lovable and sweet romances.  I love how the story gives us the background on the crush and brings their love together at the end.  You can always count on Susan Mallery to deliver a wonderful book, every time.  I give this book 4 stars.  A must read!!!!

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GIVEAWAY!!!!

Thanks to the generosity of our hosts, there is a special giveaway I get to bring to all of you!  ONE LUCKY WINNER from my site will receive a Susan Mallery Foolproof Bridal Kitvalued at more than $40!  Sound good?  Wait til you see what's in it...



A wedding-themed bottle of OPI nail polish


Manicure set (includes emery board, small and large nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle stick and nail polish remover pad)
Heart-shaped compact mirror
12-piece E.L.F. eye shadow kit
Travel makeup brush set
Makeup remover wipes
Lip gloss
Travel sewing kit
Kleenex®
Secret® deodorant
Razor and Gillette® Shave Gel
Wisps toothbrushes
TRESemmé® hairspray



Buy the book:


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Review: Recipe For a Happy Life by Brenda Janowitz

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There’s more than one recipe for a happy life.

Hannah Goodman doesn't grow up like most kids on the Upper East side. Her mother, Gray, is an award-winning photojournalist with little time for the banalities of child-rearing, and when she's not jetting off to follow the latest scoop, she's camped out at the Hotel Chelsea. The closest thing Hannah's got to a traditional matriarch is her grandmother—a glamorous widow six times over with a sprawling Hampton’s estate. But Gray is determined that her daughter resist the siren song of the trust fund set, and make her own way in the world. So Hannah does just that—becoming a successful lawyer in New York City, and dating a handsome musician. Hannah has it all, or so it seems, until one hot June day the carefully constructed pieces of her life break apart. When she throws it all in and seeks solace at her grandmother's estate, she discovers that where happiness is concerned, you don’t have to stick to the recipe.

From Brenda Janowitz, the author of Jack with a Twist and Scot on the Rocks, comes a charming, clever, and romantic novel about three generations of women with a culture all their own.


I adored reading this book and being part of these characters lives, even if only for a short bit.  I dove into this book and found myself lost in the world within the pages.  The grandmother is one to be adored!  This story is about so many things, love, family and moving on!  You may laugh, you may cry, but you WILL feel something in this well written and beautiful story!  4.5 stars!

*Read my interview with Janowitz, HERE




Buy the book!


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