Debs Desk

The Blessings of the Animals by Katrina Kittle

2010-08-29T07:57:00.008-05:00

About the book: Veterinarian Cami Anderson has hit a rough patch. Stymied by her recent divorce, she wonders if there are secret ingredients to a happy, long-lasting marriage or if the entire institution is outdated and obsolete. Couples all around her are approaching important milestones. Her parents are preparing to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. Her brother and his partner find their marriage dreams legally blocked. Her former sister-in-law - still her best friend - is newly engaged. The youthfully exuberant romance of her teenage daughter is developing complications. And three separate men - including her ex-husband - are becoming entangled in Cami's messy post marital love life.

But as she struggles to come to terms with her own doubts amid this chaotic circus of relationships, Cami find strange comfort in an unexpected confidant: an angry, unpredictable horse in her care. With the help of her equine soul mate, she begins to make sense of marriage's great mysteries.

Katrina Kittle is the author of Traveling Light, Two Truths and a Lie, and The Kindness of Strangers, which received the Great Lakes book Award for Fiction. She lives in Dayton, Ohio.

My thoughts: Katrina Kittle is one of my favorite authors and The Blessings of the Animals did not disappoint me. If you're an animal lover then this books is for you. I loved that when Cami's marriage is falling apart she turns to the animals on her farm, which include several horses, dogs, a cat, a goat and a pregnant donkey. This book made me laugh and made me cry. This book made me think differently about the institution of marriage and what it truly takes to make a great marriage. I was really sad to read the last page, I wanted to know more. This book is going on my keeper shelf and I will be reading again.

The Life You've Imagined by Kristina Riggle

2010-08-10T12:57:00.032-05:00

Book Description from Amazon: Is the life you're living all you imagined?

Have you ever asked yourself, "What if?" Here, four women face the decisions of their lifetimes in this stirring and unforgettable novel of love, loss, friendship, and family.

Anna Geneva, a Chicago attorney coping with the death of a cherished friend, returns to her "speck on the map" hometown of Haven to finally come to terms with her mother, the man she left behind, and the road she did not take.

Cami Drayton, Anna's dearest friend from high school, is coming home too, forced by circumstances to move in with her alcoholic father... and confront a dark family secret.

Maeve, Anna's mother never left Haven, firmly rooted there by her sadness over her abandonment by the husband she desperately loved and the hope that someday he will return to her.

And Amy Rickart - thin, beautiful and striving for perfection - faces a future with the perfect man...but is haunted by the memory of what she used to be.

About the Author: Kristina Riggle lives and writes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, two kids, and a dog. She's a freelance journalist, a published short story writer, and co editor for fiction at the e-zine Literary Mama. This is her second novel her first was Real Life and Liars.

My thoughts: I know that growing up I imagined my life many times, I am sure everyone has. Not much of what I imagined turned out to be a reality. I loved The Life You've Imagined. I felt like I was apart of each of these stories, I mean after all who has not waited for that one true love to come back, wanted that perfect man or had to deal with alcoholism. I could relate so much to these character they could have been my mom, or my best friend or even my crazy old aunt. This is one of those book that you will be thinking about for along time, maybe even have you questioning some of the choices you have made in your life. I think this is a book that women will love and can't wait to share it with my mother. I highly recommend it, it gets five stars from me.

The Publisher is: Avon A

Publishing date: August 17, 2010

Paperback: 352 pages

The review copy of this books was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Make-Ahead Meals by Jane Doiron

2009-10-07T19:14:00.004-05:00

From Amazon: Make Ahead meals are not just for Moms who work outside of the home. It's a way of cooking that helps all families, big and small. It all comes down to a little planning. Make a meal or two in advance when you have some extra time. Then you'll be rewarded with quick, delicious home-cooked meals when you really need them!

My Thoughts: I love how simple these recipes are and I love the big print. This book is easy to read and easy to understand. I made the Chicken Stroganoff for dinner on Saturday night. I did the Day Ahead stuff on Friday since I was going to be in a hurry Saturday. The Chicken Stroganoff was a big hit at my house and did not take long at all.

I have a friend who is having a party next week and called to get some ideas on the food. I pulled out the Make-Ahead Meals and suggested a few. She is going to make Crab Melts and Pizza Bites, both can be made in advance and frozen - then cooked the day of the party. That will save a bunch of cooking time.

I think Make-Ahead Meals is a hit and I am going to buy a couple for Christmas gifts this year. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is busy and on the go.

Indigo Awakening by Dr. Janine Talty

2009-09-21T17:52:00.004-05:00

From Amazon: Dr. Janine Talty, today a successful osteopathic physician, as a child found herself bewildered by a world full of challenges that she could not understand. She felt isolated, unable to cope with the regular life issues that other children managed easily. She could not comprehend math or spelling-yet she could see energies that others could not see, and had levels of awareness than no-one around her possessed. She exhibited unusual artistic and healing talent. She spontaneously remembered and drew pictures from 'old memories' of places her family had never visited. Only as she grew into adulthood, painfully learning to cope with her challenges, did she realize she was an 'indigo,' one of a generation of people with unusual talents and abilities, yet who rarely fit neatly into societal roles.This book is the inspiring story of how she overcomes these challenges, finds her voice and identity, and discovers a channel for her healing abilities as an osteopathic physician.

About the Author: Janine Talty, D.O., M.P.H. Is board certified in Family Medicine by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. She specializes in clinical biomechanics, orthopedic medicine, and Osteopathic manipulative medicine. She holds two masters degrees. The first in the field of Public Health, double majoring in Health Resources Management and Community Health Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health and the second in Clinical Biomechanics from Mic higan State Universi ty, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Talty attended medical school at Des Moines University and completed her internship and residency in Family Medicine and fellowship in Clinical Biomechanics at Michigan State University.

My Thoughts: I've heard about the Indigo children for a number of years now. I found the book very interesting and I thought about it a lot. I am not sure what I believe but think that a lot of the book does make sense. The facts are that some children's (and adults') minds work differently from the norm, and you can't put them all into one group. I think anyone with a child that does not fit the norm, should read this book. Overall I think the book was good and very informative.

Winner - Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

2009-09-19T09:03:00.002-05:00

I have drawn the winner for Megan's Way - It is Beth from Beth's Book Review Blog. Congratulations Beth, I have sent you an email. Please send me your address so I can get the book in the mail. I am sure you will enjoy the book it is one of my favorites.

A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker

2009-09-15T17:37:00.016-05:00

About the Book: Brian Weller is a haunted man. It's been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega- selling thrillers, Brian's life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife's prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair. Everything changes the morning an e- mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short- lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book- signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart. Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love.

About the Author: Bill Walker is a graphic designer specializing in book and dust jacket design, and has worked on projects by Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Between his design work and his writing, he spends his spare time reading voraciously and playing very loud guitar, much to the chagrin of his lovely wife and two sons. Bill makes his home in Los Angeles.

My Thoughts: I thought the book was good and written very well. This is a very touching book that I will stay with me for along time.

Winner - Cleopatra's Daughter

2009-09-12T16:16:00.009-05:00

We have a winner for Cleopatra's Daughter - The winner is Kimberly B. - Way to go Kimberly and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Debbie

Review: Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

2009-09-08T17:37:00.003-05:00

From Amazon: Moran's latest foray into the world of classical history (after The Heretic Queen) centers upon the children of Marc Antony and Cleopatra . After the death of their parents, twins Alexander and Selene and younger brother Ptolemy are in a dangerous position, left to the mercy of their father's greatest rival, Octavian Caesar. However, Caesar does not kill them as expected, but takes the trio to Rome to be paraded as part of his triumphant return and to demonstrate his solidified power. As the twins adapt to life in Rome in the inner circle of Caesar's family, they grow into adulthood ensconced in a web of secrecy, intrigue and constant danger. Told from Selene's perspective, the tale draws readers into the fascinating world of ancient Rome and into the court of Rome's first and most famous emperor. Deftly encompassing enough political history to provide context, Moran never clutters her narrative with extraneous facts. Readers may be frustrated that Selene is more observer than actor, despite the action taking place around her, but historical fiction enthusiasts will delight in this solid installment from a talented name in the genre.

My Thoughts: I devoured Cleopatra's Daughter in one sitting. The book is very well written and the characters are extremely strong in their impact. So I encourage any lover of historical fiction to read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Click here for your chance in win Cleopatra's Daughter.

Interview with Melissa Foster - Author of Megan's Way and a Giveaway

2009-09-05T08:06:00.023-05:00

About the Author: Melissa Foster has an on-going column in Women Business Owners Magazine, she has painted and donated several murals to a local hospital for children, and is the Founder of The Women's Nest, an on-line community for women. Melissa lives with her husband and their children in Maryland along with their three dogs, and two cats.

Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

1. What was the inspiration behind Megan's Way? Megan's Way festered for a long time. My mother had surgery about 15 years ago to have her ovaries removed. When she had the surgery, she had told me that she was having it because of fibroids. What she told me years later was that there was an oncologist in the operating room because they thought she had cancer, and that if it had been cancer, she had decided not to get treatment. I shrank back a little girl instantly in my mind - What? How could you leave me?! That thought festered for years, and thus, Megan's Way was born.

2. How long did it take you to write Megan's Way? I actually went back to my notes to look this up for you :-) I started my notes on the story in mid 2006, but didn't really start to put the story together until about a year later. It took me about 9 months to write the story, as I was also writing another book at the same time. Then I reworked the storyline and characters a bit for another 6-8 months. When I worked with my editor, I decided to rework the presentation of some of the backstory - so all in all, it took me about 2 years start to finish.

3. Are experiences in Megan's Way based on someone you know, or events in your own life? No, they are not, except for the idea I described in your first question. Attitudes and personalities are somewhat taken from people around me, but not events - except shopping in Provincetown - That IS my favorite place to shop! LOL!
4. Is there a message in Megan's Way that you want readers to grasp? There are so many. I would love for people to never give up hope of being in touch with those you love, even beyond the grave. I don't mean that in a paranormal way, I mean it in a spiritual sense. I also would love for readers to come away with the feeling that life is beautiful, and that everyone makes mistakes in life. Mistakes don't make people "bad" or "unlovable," mistakes are what help you create your own personal path, they are what help you grow and learn and evolve.
5. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Megan's Way?Not a thing. I'm happy with the characters and the outcome of their lives.
6. What have you just finished reading, and what is your all time favorite book? You can't say your own.I have just finished Sarah's Key, which was a very lovely story. I have a few all-time favorite books - The Lovely Bones, Confessions of Max Tivoli, and Snowflower and the Secret Fan are just a few. But I think tastes change as we change, so those favs could change in another year! LOL!
7. Do you have a schedule for writing or do you write whenever you have time? I waited for about 15 years to write, so I treasure every second I have! We have six children and I had to wait until our youngest went to school full-time to make it work. I'm not one of those lucky people who can write for an hour here or there - I live each scene I write, I feel it, therefore, I become entrenched in the "mood" of the scenes. In other words, I need oodles of time! I write from the second I arrive home from dropping the kids at school until the minute I have to leave to pick them up. If I'm in the middle of a scene that I can't shake, I'll do it when they go to bed and write until two in the morning if I have to. My schedule is basically my children's school schedule.

8. Do you use an outline? Never. I wish I could, it would make things easier for my editor! LOL! I have tried, but I don't think that way. My characters and their stories evolve as I am writing. For example, I had no idea that Jack would be an animal activist until I found he and Holly drawn together. I didn't know Jason existed at all until he showed up at the funeral.
9. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? That is such a hard question, because I don't know enough writers personally to choose from. I love Jennie Shortridge and her writing style. She's artsy and sort of no-holes-barred, and I think she'd make an excellent mentor. I also think Stephen King has a wonderful obsessiveness about his writing, and that alone might make him a great mentor.
10. At what age did your begin writing? I wrote some poetry as a teen, but nothing wonderful. I really began writing when Zach, my second son, was about nine months old, and he's almost nineteen.
11. What does your family think of your writing, and have they read your book? I have an enormous and very supportive family. I have six brothers and wonderful sister-in-laws, I'm married to the man of my dreams, and I was given a real gift when I was born into my mother's arms. They are all very proud of me and excited to see what comes next with my writing. I think most of my family has read Megan's Way, except for my sons.
12. Megan's Way is your first novel. Are you working on a second? Megan's Way was really the second novel that I wrote, but the first one published. The Knowing, a mystery about the abduction of a seven-year-old girl, was the first. Megan came around with her bold personality and took the foreground, and now I am working on rewriting The Knowing.

Now for the giveaway: I am giving away my very gently read copy of Megan's Way. It will be very easy. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me, you want to read this book. Be sure to leave an email address or your comment will not be included in the drawing. This giveaway is open to US and Canada only. This giveaway will end on September 19th.

Check out the trailer for Megan's Way

2009-09-04T20:24:00.002-05:00

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

2009-09-04T10:44:00.017-05:00

Description From Amazon: What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she'll be faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. She'll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she'd made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.

Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.

Megan's closest friends are caught in a tangled web of deceit. Each must figure out how, and if, they can expose their secrets, or forever be haunted by their pasts.

My Thoughts: This is Melissa Foster's first book and I hope there will be many more to come. If you've ever lost someone to cancer or have cared for someone going through chemo, this is a very emotional and sensitive book to read, it's so dead-on to what you feel and go through when you're involved in something like that. I started crying on page 90 and did not stop until the end of the book, I am sitting here crying as I try to type my review.

The characters in this book are so real, they become like friends. I worried about what would happen to Olivia, I wanted to be best friends with Holly. I wanted to be in the backyard, laying on a blanket during the bonfire. Melissa Foster displays a talent for drawing the reader's senses into each scene, allowing vivid mind pictures where the story plays out. The characters' actions and reactions are natural, and the various plot lines are nicely woven throughout.

I can not recommend this book enough. I think it is great and everyone will enjoy it. Come back tomorrow and check out my Q&A with Melissa Foster as well as a giveaway. That is right I will be passing my very gently read copy on, I want someone else to get a chance to read this great book. This is with out a doubt my favorite book this year.

If you would like to read more about Megan's Way or buy the book please check out this website.

http://www.megansway.com/

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and enter for a chance to win a copy of Megan's Way.

Cleopatra's Daughter Giveaway- My First Giveaway!!

2009-08-29T08:10:00.020-05:00

I am so lucky, I have been given the opportunity to giveaway a copy of Cleopatra's Daughter. This book will be out on September 15, 2009. I will be posting my review next week, but I wanted to get the giveaway started.

Description from Amazon: Moran's latest foray into the world of classical history (after The Heretic Queen) centers upon the children of Marc Antony and Cleopatra . After the death of their parents, twins Alexander and Selene and younger brother Ptolemy are in a dangerous position, left to the mercy of their father's greatest rival, Octavian Caesar. However, Caesar does not kill them as expected, but takes the trio to Rome to be paraded as part of his triumphant return and to demonstrate his solidified power. As the twins adapt to life in Rome in the inner circle of Caesar's family, they grow into adulthood ensconced in a web of secrecy, intrigue and constant danger. Told from Selene's perspective, the tale draws readers into the fascinating world of ancient Rome and into the court of Rome's first and most famous emperor. Deftly encompassing enough political history to provide context, Moran never clutters her narrative with extraneous facts. Readers may be frustrated that Selene is more observer than actor, despite the action taking place around her, but historical fiction enthusiasts will delight in this solid installment from a talented name in the genre.

Now for the Giveaway: This giveaway will end on 9/12/09 and is open to residents of US and Canada. No PO boxes.

In order to win all I ask is that you follow me and then leave a comment with your email address. So there we only be one entry each, with an email address. If you do not follow or do not leave an email address you can not win.

Giveaway is now closed!!!!!!! Thanks to everyone who entered.

No Mad by Sam Moffie

2009-08-19T16:52:00.004-05:00

Book Description: Racing home to share news of a long awaited book deal, Aaron Abrams unexpectedly finds his wife and beloved brother TOGETHER. Tossing a few mentionables into the car, along with his golden retriever, Churchill, his now only trustworthy lifelong companion, Aaron embarks on an odyssey like no other. With his own music as a backdrop, while guzzling his favorite Newman's Own Virgin Lemonade, Aaron begins in Youngstown, Ohio, travels interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, and continues into Gettysburg, Pa., Boston Ma., Roswell, NM., to name a few, ultimately ending his road trip in scenic Niagara Falls. Along the way, he continues to embrace each moment, every situation, all relationships and brief encounters. Never losing his zest for life, Aaron stays positive, upbeat and open for adventures, not letting his ex-wife-to-be interfere with his new found freedom, while at the same time rediscovering and recreating bonds that will never be broken. The game of Jinx has never gotten so much attention; what that means the reader is soon to discover.

A Little About the Author: A lifelong baseball fan, Youngstown, Ohio resident Sam Moffie graduated from Wittenberg University. He manages two sports bars, serving on the front lines of America’s most heated debate topics: sex, sports and politics. Sam has three children, one son-in-law, one granddaughter, two dogs, two cats and one strike-out at marriage.

My Thoughts: This book was entertaining and humorous, it had laugh out loud funny parts and serious parts. Mr. Moffie uses the soundtrack of the 70's to help narrate the story, well that just made me feel more like a part of the story. Mr Moffie did a great job developing his character's and was able to move from one character to the next without missing a beat. I thought it was a great book and men as well as women will love this book. It is very easy to read and will stay with you for along time. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Check out this contest!!!

2009-08-14T19:18:00.002-05:00

Cindy's cleaning out the shelves and has a great giveaway going on! One winner gets all this!!

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS.

It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it) Head on over to Princess Bookie and get your chances in before its too late!! Oh! Please, tell her that I sent you :)

Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe

2009-08-12T18:13:00.010-05:00

Description of book: Do you dread going to work because of your boss? Quitting is not always an option and feeling like a victim of a bad boss only robs you of productivity, job satisfaction, and—ultimately—power. Career strategist and workplace guru Tony Deblauwe has spent years coaching weary employees how to be more effective with difficult bosses, and he has compiled his experiences into this indispensable guide. Tangling with Tyrants®: Managing the Balance of Power at Work offers practical techniques that show you how to build a communication process that will turn things around to help you build successful outcomes. You’ll get guidance on addressing direct and indirect bad boss behaviors, developing the right approach, and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. By applying the techniques in this book, you will be equipped with the right tools to handle your boss and create the results you want.

My thoughts: Boy, did this book come along at the perfect time for me. I think this is a great book for people who struggle with a boss who is constantly criticizing and putting them down. The book is written well and is easy to follow. There will be options in this book that you may not have considered, and a few that may make the difference between success and failure on your job. I love how the books goes through each chapter with exercises to help you identify if you work for a tyrant, what triggers tyrants behaviors, your ability to change and control the situation, reading non-verbal ques, and understanding power, and that is just a few of the things this book touches on. I think this is a great book for anyone in the work force it will truly help your communication skills with good and bad bosses. This is a book I will definitely be referring to in the future. Great book, highly recommend.

The Missing Keys To Thriving In Any Real Estate Market by Eddie Godshalk

2009-08-05T17:44:00.007-05:00

Book Description: The Missing Key to Thriving in Any Real Estate Market is broken down into parts. The first part examines the real estate market. It explains what happened to the market and why creditors are not lending as much money. Too many people were given too much credit and ended up in disaster. Foreclosure is high. It also explains how builders did not help the market by building too many houses. However, Eddie Godshalk believes that with careful planning and more consideration, the market can turn around.

The second part shows the different tools real estate agents have available. It explains the advantages along with the disadvantages. He believes that he found the tool to give agents and their buyers all of the right information. He believes that too much of the wrong information is just as bad as not enough information. He details all that a program should have and the program that works for him. The Home Value Predictor is the way of the future in real estate. He also explains how realtors, bankers, and lenders can change real estate.

My Thoughts: Eddie Godshalk is an exceptionally clear and insightful thinker. He does a brilliant job of organizing and presenting material in such a way that his reader can more easily understand it and then put it to effective use. This book can be read quickly and it will become an excellent reference book to refer to in the future!

For Cory's Sake by Carolyn Wada

2009-07-22T05:30:00.003-05:00

Book Description: Reality, for Roci, is bleak. His planet of Cory is enslaved by Fear of a Bomb. He has never had a family. His nearly perfected passive-aggressive behavior keeps him in constant trouble at the factory.Roci copes by inventing stories-about the family in which he might have lived had there never been a Bomb, or about the people who might "at this very moment" be trying to save Roci's planet of Cory.For Cory's Sake is the story of a family trying to save Roci's planet of Cory.

My Thoughts: I have been looking for something different to read, and man was this it! This story has a lot of details to grasp, and many characters. I found this book to be very difficult to grasp at first. Once I got into to it, it seemed to pick up. I am glad I finished and I would rate this book 3.5 stars of 5.

Win $1,000 at TheCuttlebugSpot.com!

2009-07-12T07:45:00.001-05:00

I have just discovered that The Cuttlebug Spot is having a contest - "The Journey to 1,000"! They are trying to reach 1,000 followers by the end of July and need your help. To enter all you have to do is go to their site, sign up as follower and complete a few easy steps and you could win a $1,000 gift certificate to Custom Crops (www.CustomCrops.com)! GO NOW and check it out at www.TheCuttlebugSpot.com

Visions on America by Jean Koning

2009-06-26T13:25:00.003-05:00

Book Description: Visions provides the year 2006 in columns. Jean Koning investigated the American Way of Life through European Eyes for an American Magazine during the promotion of his personal vision of the American Song Book presented on the album Notes from Purgatory.In these unique tales Koning mixes politics with sexuality, humor with tragedy and intelligence with complete naivety.The stories are touching and thrilling, and offer a unique glance at America from an artist s point of view. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

My Thoughts: Visions is a collection of columns written for the e-zine The Noise. A surprisingly intimate portrait on life and every day politics, accomplished with a fierce manner of writing. I found the book very humorous and easy to read. I was able to read it in a couple of hours. I look forward to read more books by Jean Koning. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

Chemical Cowboys by Lisa Sweetingham

2009-06-15T18:35:00.002-05:00

About The Book: For nearly a decade, Ecstasy kingpin Oded Tuito was the mastermind behind a drug ring that used strippers and Hassidic teenagers to mule millions of pills from Holland to the party triangle--Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Chemical Cowboys is a thrilling journey through the groundbreaking undercover investigations that led to the toppling of a billion-dollar Ecstasy trafficking network--starting in 1995 when New York DEA Agent Robert Gagne infiltrated club land to uncover a thriving drug scene supported by two cultures: pill-popping club kids and Israeli dealers. Gagne’s obsessive mission to take down Tuito’s network met unexpected challenges and personal discoveries that almost crippled his own family. Weaved into the narrative are the stories of Tuito’s underlings who struggled with addiction as they ran from the law, and the compelling experiences of a veteran Israeli police officer who aided Gagne while chasing after his own target--a violent Mob boss who saw the riches to be made in Ecstasy and began to import his own pills and turf warfare to the U.S.
Chemical Cowboys offers a taut, behind-the-scenes glimpse into an international criminal enterprise as daring as it is deadly.

My thoughts: I love non-fiction and this book was perfect for me, I read it in two sittings. When I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. I felt like the book was very entertaining and very informative. Sometimes it seemed I was reading a novel instead of true crime. I think this is a must read for any True Crime buff. I am looking forward to Ms. Sweetinham's next book.

Goneaway Into The Land by Jeffrey B Allen

2009-06-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Book Description: John, a twelve-year-old boy, travels into a place where he will battle his father (the beast) and rescue Marney, his younger sister, and in the process save the Land from its own demise. John's journey to find his sister and seek ultimate revenge on his abusive father will lead you into a wonderland that happens to also be experiencing the abuses of greed and tyranny, yet on a much grander scale. He and his mother find themselves embroiled in a civil war that threatens both the Land and the World. John's harrowing struggle will embrace the child within you, while challenging the philosophical and spiritual unknowns of those who have Goneaway. Yet, for all of its upheaval, Goneaway into the Land, will leave you with a feeling of hope, and a yearning for more.

My Thoughts: I was not sure if I was going to like this book - it is not typically the type of book I read. I must say that I was really surprised it is a combination of fantasy and real life and I loved it, it kept my interest from the first page. I love how Mr. Allen weaved the real story and the fantasy story together. I think the characters are very well developed and I felt the emotions that they felt. Not until the end do you understand what really happened to this family and I for one can't wait for the Mr Allen's next novel. This is a book that you will be thinking about for days after you read it. I don't think there are many people that would not enjoy this book. I think it is suitable for older teens and adults.

Too Hot to Handle by Robin Kaye

2009-05-03T14:21:00.005-05:00

Dr. Mike Flynn's single mom taught him early how to cook and clean, and there's nothing like vacuuming or doing dishes to help a guy relax. Annabelle Ronaldi is an artist without a domestic bone in her body. Since her fiance's death, she can't paint, and life looks hopeless. Until the day after her sister's wedding, when she wakes up with Mike next to her in bed, and then she's really beside herself - because the handsome stranger is a dead ringer for her dead fiance. After their mind-blowing one night stand, Mike is sure this is the woman he wants to take care of forever, but she acts like she's seen a ghost. While Mike sets to work wooing Annabelle, she sets to work sniffing out the truth of the convoluted family secret that turns everybody's lives upside down.

My Thoughts:
Well, I have to say that I love Robin Kaye's writing style, she is not inhibited at all. This story sizzles with sex appeal as does Dr. Mike Flynn. This book had me laughing so hard, I could not put the book down. The story was very light and easy to read. I loved the characters and plot and cant wait for Robins next book. This book gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.

Dispatches From The Edge by Anderson Cooper

2009-05-02T09:55:00.010-05:00

In this gripping, candid, and remarkably powerful memoir, Anderson Cooper offers an unstinting, up-close view of the most harrowing crises of our time, and the profound impact they have had on his life.

After growing up on Manhattan's Upper East Side, Cooper felt a magnetic pull toward the unknown. If he could keep moving, and keep exploring, he felt he could stay one step ahead of his past, including the fame surrounding his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, and the deaths of his father and older brother. As a reporter, the frenetic pace of filing dispatches from war-torn countries, and the danger that came with it, helped him avoid having to look too closely at the pain and loss that was right in front of him.

But recently, during the course of one extraordinary, tumultuous year, it became impossible for him to continue to separate his work from his life. From the tsunami in Sri Lanka to the war in Iraq, the starvation in Niger, and ultimately Hurricane Katrina, Cooper gives us a firsthand glimpse of the devastation that takes place when the normal order is ruptured on such a massive scale. Cooper had been in his share of life-threatening situations before -- in Sarajevo, Somalia, and Rwanda -- but he had never seen human misery quite like this. Writing with vivid memories of his childhood and early career as a roving correspondent, Cooper reveals how deeply affected he has been by the wars, disasters, and tragedies he has witnessed, and why he continues to be drawn to some of the most perilous places on earth.

My Thoughts:

Wow - I listened to this on audio. First let me say I am not a fan of memoirs, they have just never been my thing, but this is without a doubt one of the best audios I have listened to this year. Anderson Cooper is a journalists who put his heart and soul into his reporting. I love Anderson's reporting style he comes across as very honest and vulnerable. I don't think anyone will be disappointed with this book and I hope he continues to write more. I do want to say one word of warning if you lost someone in hurricane Katrina this might not be right for you. Anderson is very honest and does not hold back and talks about what he saw. The devastation and loss of life during hurricane Katrina is talked about and is very gut wrenching. I had to stop listening a couple of time, I was in tears and was at work. Anderson get 5out of 5 stars from me.

aberrations by Penelope Przekop

2009-03-29T13:11:00.002-05:00

At first glance, Aberrations is the story of a young woman who learns to live with her narcolepsy, and who struggles immensely to understand how her mom died when she was born and to discover who her mother really was. But the debut novel of Penelope Przekop moves insightfully into a whole other dimension, showing the reader how each of us lives a life of aberration, that we each have some kind of stigma or conflict or handicap to overcome. We also discover that having the strength to first seek out the truth and then to live with it can be quite challenging.

My thoughts: Penelope Przekop does a great job making you feel like you are part of the story, I love her writing style. I will be watching for her next book. I highly recommend this book.

The Quiet Game by Greg Iles

2009-03-29T10:43:00.005-05:00

Some seven months after his wife's death, best-selling author and former prosecuting attorney Penn Cage returns with his four-year-old daughter to his home town of Natchez, Mississippi. He manages almost at once to stir up long-moldering racial tensions in the small town with a chance remark he makes to an ambitious and unusually persuasive journalist, Caitlin Masters. Penn soon finds himself investigating the thirty-year-old murder he had mouthed off about, but many people--among them the director of the FBI and Natchez's most fearsome resident, the corrupt Judge Leo Marston--would prefer that the 1968 car bombing of black factory worker Del Payton remain unsolved.

Iles has done it again. He has written a book that I couldn't pull myself away from. The characters in this book are so well written they seem real. You really get into the mind of Penn Cage, and Iles makes you feel what he feels. The dialogue (as always in a Greg Iles book) is so well written you feel like you are eaves dropping on a real conversation. This guy just has an amazing grasp of humanity and the events of everyday life. The details that he puts into his books about his character's daily lives is enough to set him apart from other authors. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

2009-03-19T18:09:00.004-05:00

Three women arrive at the local airport, observed by Josh, a Nantucket native home from college for the summer. Burdened with small children, unwieldy straw hats, and some obvious emotional issues, the women-- two sisters and one friend--make their way to the sisters' tiny cottage, inherited from an aunt. They're all trying to escape from something: Melanie, after seven failed in-vitro attempts, learned her husband was having an affair, and then discovered she's pregnant; Brenda embarked on a passionate affair with an older student that got her fired from her prestigious job as a professor in New York; and her sister Vicki, mother to two small boys, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Soon Josh is part of the chaotic household, acting as babysitter, confidant, and, eventually, lover.

Elin Hilderbrand has a wonderful way of making you feel like you are right in the book. I cried, laughed, and got ticked off, all in one book. My one major criticism of the book is that the writing towards the end seemed to change in style and the book felt a bit rushed to me. I still loved the book and would highly recommend especially if you or someone you love is struggling with cancer or chemo.

Tallgrass (Audio) by Sandra Dallas

2009-02-28T16:48:00.002-06:00

After the surprise attack of Pearl Harbor during WWII, President Roosevelt signed an act that forced Japanese American's to be relocated to interment camps. One such camp, built on beet field land in Colorado, brought much change to the small town of Ellis. Rennie, 13, and her family of 5 own the beet farm close to the camp and through this innocent, yet wise little girl we learn the perils of such a blatant act of prejudice.

Rennie and her family find the Japanese American's to be good people, thus hiring them for farming and help within their home to the chagrin and chastising of many residents of Ellis. Much upheaval brews, including the rape and sodomy of a Susan Riddick, a young friend of Rennie's. Enraged that something this heinous hadn't happened in their little town before the "Japs" came, many Ellis residents blame the Japanese American internees. There in lies a mystery entwined into a book about people unnerved by change and riled by ignorance.

Sandra Dallas's characters seem like everyday folks to me. Adding a mystery to her plots keeps the reader engrossed, unsettled, angered and ultimately richer in knowledge. That is what a great book is suppose to do and Sandra Dallas delivers. I cant wait to read Prayers For Sale, which is getting great reviews.

Debbie