Review: Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Thank you to BookSneeze.com for letting me review this book.



About the Book

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

For more information on Outlive Your Life please visit Thomas Nelson's website.

Visit the Max Lucado Community's website.

You can "like" Max Lucado on FaceBook.

Follow Max Lucado on Twitter.

Follow the Lucado Team on Twitter.

My Review

In Outlive Your Life Max Lucado once again has an inspirational message for us all. He wonders what might the world be like if each person gave what they could to make someone else's life better. He understands that we all don't have the same ability (money, time, etc.) to give, but we all have something. It is these little things that he thinks might make the big difference.

I loved the message in this book. When we see the poor starving children on TV we wish there were something real that we could do. We wish we could send them tons of money to help out, but in reality most of us don't have tons of money. But we can do something. Even something as little as inviting someone over for dinner is helping someone who may be eating alone. It just takes a little effort and the compassion to not turn a blind eye.

The main idea of the book is that we are all God's people and by helping others we are doing God's work. There are many versus that Lucado uses to show how helping those less fortunate (or the Gentiles as the Bible refers to them) is doing God's work. Jesus was not turning a blind eye to these people, and if we are to do God's work neither should we.

As always the writing was great. The chapters were fairly short and the book was a quick read. I loved how each chapter had a verse that it focuses on, and what I took to be, a prayer for us to let God help us help others. This really was an inspiring book. And as usual Lucado shows us how easy it can be to really help others.

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference

Review: Audiobook: Fever Dream by Preston & Child

Thanks to Anna at Hachette for letting me review this one.



About the Book

Yesterday, Special Agent Pendergast still mourned the loss of his beloved wife, Helen, who died in a tragic accident in Africa twelve years ago. Today, he discovers she was murdered. Tomorrow, he will learn her most guarded secrets, leaving him to wonder: Who was the woman I married? Why was she murdered? And, above all . . . Who murdered her? FEVER DREAM Revenge is not sweet: It is essential.

For more information about Fever Dream please visit Hachette's website.

You can also visit the authors' website.

My Review

There were so many things going on in this one I don't even know where to start... It was such a good book. I can truly say that I didn't see anything coming.

The characters were pretty good. Being that this was an audio book I didn't get the same connection to the characters that I do when I read the book myself. But they were well developed characters none the less. Pendergast was an odd person, and that's putting it lightly. I liked Hayward the most I think. She seemed to be the most level-headed.

The story itself was fantastic. Right from the beginning the action starts and it doesn't really let up. Like I said it wasn't at all predictable. There were so many twists to the story that I was shocked by many of them. The twists weren't cheesy either. Each of them really added something to the story. It wasn't like they added a twist just for the sake of adding a twist.

The narrator was great. Rene Auberjonois did a great job with this one. I loved his voice, even when I used to watch Deep Space Nine I always liked his character, his voice was soothing then. Again he is fairly well known, but I didn't "see" his known characters while he was reading.

Again I LOVED this one. Although it was a little long I was kept drawn into the story the whole way!

Fever Dream

Blog Tour Review: The Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman

Thanks to Gallery Books for letting me be a part of this blog tour.



About the Book

THE DOOR IS OPEN . . .

For young widow Ellen Wood, her Victorian home is a refuge—a place to feel safe with her eleven-year-old son, Charlie. But when money grows so tight that Ellen could lose the house, her sister, Hannah, makes a radical suggestion . . . rent out some of the rooms. Soon Ellen has three lodgers: Sabine, a German coworker of Hannah's, recently separated from her husband; Allegra, an eccentric but wise novelist; and Matt, an up-and-coming young journalist in search of his voice, who has just landed a plum job in London.

Ellen thinks three strangers are the last complication she needs, but they make her realize just how isolated she has become. Their presence exposes a secret she's been keeping hidden, as well as a conflict with her sister that is both shocking and revealing. And while a love affair with a younger man seems like a fantasy powered by her imagination, Ellen can't deny her deep connection to Matt, or the changes he inspires in her and her relationship with Charlie. Outside her home's sheltering walls lies a world of opportunity as well as danger. Now that she's had the courage to open the door, does Ellen dare step through?

Witty, moving, and deeply insightful, The Home for Broken Hearts celebrates everything that makes life worth living, from an author who knows just how to speak to the heart.

To find out more about The Home for Broken Hearts please visit Gallery's website.

You can also visit Rowan's webiste.

Also "like" Rowan on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

My Review

I sometimes find it hard to get into books about England because even though they are written in English the slang and differences in language make it difficult for me to fully grasp what the characters are saying. While I did experience a bit of that with this book for the most part it was pretty easy for me to pick up on. I'm finding that the more I read from English authors, the easier the language differences are to decipher. Having said that I really thought this was a great book.

The whole premise of the book is that Ellen's life is ripped apart by the death of her husband and she is trying to rebuild. What ensues in that rebuilding is a great story of family and friendship. The relationship that Ellen has with her young son and her sister are already strained and the fact that a year after Ellen's husband's death she is still not sure on how to "recover" make the relationships even more strained. Then the lodgers come into the story and everything Ellen has thought about her life, her future, her ability to cope are turned upside down.

The characters are very well developed. I really liked Ellen, she needs some work, but who doesn't... And given that her husband was her life she's very lost. She comes off as being meek and weak-willed, but as the story gets going she finds her strength and her ability to live a life without her husband.

I really liked the writing. It was humorous at times, not poking fun at the situation, but humorous none the less. It was also very emotional. Understanding what emotions Ellen is feeling is almost painful at times. I could feel the grief she was dealing with. Although the main plot was a bit predictable there were more than enough twists thrown in to make the story really stand out.

I think I'm going to have to pick up some of Coleman's other novels. And I have to say that as I'm writing this I'm thinking of ways that the story could continue into a series with all these characters. It was truly an engaging story.

The Home for Broken Hearts

Guest Blogger: Kurt Frenier

Today I have a special guest. It's been a while since I've had any guest posts, but rest assured they're on their way again :-)

So today author Kurt Frenier is going to share with us. Kurt has written Reunion of the Untouchables. So here's Kurt!

People tell me two things when they find out I’m a published author. The first is a question: “OMG, how can you possibly combine this with your heavy day job?” The second is (nearly always) a confession:”You know, writing was always a dream of mine, but I just never got to it1”

Let me talk a bit about those, and use that to give you some insights in who I am and why and how I think about writing.

Combining work with writing
I must admit, this is a rare phenomenon. I am not an author that lives of his work. My writing is very much in the fringes of my life right now. Most people who know me, know the “professional” (read: work) side of me, not the author’s side. In the twelve years that I’ve worked at PepsiCo, I haven’t met anyone that has published a book. There are of course a lot of people in the company, and I obviously haven’t met them all. I do have a heavy day job, yes, being a senior director in the company, covering a large geography (Middle East and Africa). But here is what makes it work for me: writing is my #1 hobby! I don’t watch sports on TV, don’t go out much (yep – I’m a family man), don’t have excessive hobby’s – so not much else to do really. Writing is my choice of hobby. I could have done something else. So, I write, write and write. It took me a while to come to a stage where I can actually balance work and writing and make it worth it. For many many years, I have to admit, I did focus only on work. And I’m glad I did. It got me where I am now. But I always kept writing in some form or other, (and that is key), even though very irregularly: from music, to poems, to scribbles with plot ideas. The good thing: I kept everything I every put on paper! And I kept going! Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to write more. Now, it is my second life. I write whenever I can: on planes, in airports, in hotels, and in the weekend if family activities allow it.

Why I can combine it with work? Simple – I just do it. I want it, so I do it! And I have found a place in my head for it as well: I know it is the perfect escape from work, the perfect way to let go. As a writer, you need to be able to get into that cocoon, to step into that fantasy world that helps you put ideas on paper. That’s exactly what I do. And for those who say: I want to write, but just can’t find the time, my answer is: GET A LIFE. You need to find something that makes you tick. If that is writing, create the time. It’s not that difficult.

The dream of writing.
It is sad, to hear so many people say they have dreams they don’t pursue. What’s holding them back? I dreamed of being a published author when I was fifteen or sixteen. I was already writing at that time, from philosophy (in search of myself), to poems (venting frustrations of love and all), to short novels (when I read them back now, they are obviously worthless), to music (I’ve been in several bands; playing the guitar). Creativity is obviously somewhere in my blood. That’s why I loved playing music, that’s why I dressed differently as a teenager, that’s why I have a marketing job, and a gazillion ideas for books and movies! It was my first daughter that reignited my urge to pick up my writing again, after a long long period of career-only focus. That was beginning of 2006, when my wife was pregnant. As of then, I took away the barriers that I built into my head, and just wrote away. It seemed I had and still have a lively imagination! When in 2007 a small publishing company in Holland said they were interested in my work, I was in heaven. Since then, more and more, roles are turning around: I feel more of a writer first, then a manager/director. I try to write every day. I LOVE IT > AND ... I am living my dream! And so, I believe that anyone can go after their dream. You just have to take the first step, and then keep going – slowly but surely. One day, without really realizing it, you’ll be there. Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not “there” yet; not by a long a shot. And frankly speaking, I don’t really care, as long as I can do what I love. Now, selling a million copies of remains a dream – and I’ll continue chasing it! Dream big, and make your dream a reality; that’s my message.

Kurt Frenier Factoids
I was born Aries, in Belgium, on the 2nd of April 1969, year that man set foot on the moon. I am happily married and have two lovely daughters, Julia and Emilie. Since 2007, I live in Dubai, on assignment for my company, Pepsi-Cola, where I am regional Marketing Director for M.East and Africa. My website: http://kurtfrenier.webs.com

Thank you for reading!

Thank you Kurt for sharing with us. I think your belief in just do it, can be applied to any facet of a person's life. If there is something you want you just have to go for it. I hope that you do sell a million copies of your book, and you seem to have the drive to make that dream a reality! Working, taking care of a family, and having a life seem to get in many people's ways. But where there is a will there is a way!

Wind Warrior Promotional Fall Blog Tour Sept. 1 ~ Sept. 30

This is a giveaway that is going on through multiple blogs. There will be 5 winners from my blog to go into the grand prize drawing!

For this blog tour giveaway comment entries will be accepted because the entrants have different requirements than my regular giveaways.

Please read the rules below to be entered into the grand prize drawing.

To find other participating blogs please visit Cynthia Roberts website.

Wind Warrior Promotional Fall Blog Tour Sept. 1 ~ Sept. 30
Contest Rules Below

Grand Prize ~ $125 value - Romantic Picnic Basket for Two



Two-lid willow picnic basket with deluxe service for two. The exquisitely handcrafted Barrel picnic basket was designed for the picnicking elite. This uniquely designed, double-lid rattan basket is lined with a colorful leaf print canvas, and is very versatile as well as stylish. Ideal for any gift giving occasion while supplies last or a substitute will be chosen comparable to the one above.

Components:
2 Plates, melamine 9"
2 Napkins, cotton 14" x 14"
2 Handblown wine glasses 8 oz.
1 Tablecloth, cotton 44" x 44"
2 Ea. knives, forks & spoons (stainless steel)
1 Set salt/pepper shakers (frosted glass)
1 Corkscrew, waiter style (stainless steel)


Second Prize ~ $75 value ~ Succulent Godiva Chocolate Tier



Chocolate Indulgence Tier by Godiva Chocolates ~ always elegant, and simply sophisticated it includes a 19 pc. Nut and Caramel Gift Box, 15 pc. Milk Chocolate Gift Box, 8 pc. Truffle Gift Box and 4 pc. Gold Ballotin.

Third Prize ~ $50 value ~ Exquisite Pearl & Crystal Necklace



This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic while supplies last or a substitute will be chosen comparable to the one above.

Product features:
Pristine petals conjure a luxurious, feminine necklace
Handmade jewelry combines pearls with faceted glass beads
Neck chain will add elegance to any day or evening outfit
Lobster claw clasp
Necklace measures 17.3 to 18.9 inches long (maximum) x 0.7 inches high
Pendant measures 3.9 inches high x 4.3 inches wide x 0.6 inches deep

Fourth & Fifth Prize ~ $25 Gift Certificate from Amazon


Contest Rules:

Contest begins Wed., Sept. 1 and ends on Thurs., Sept. 30. Winners will be selected randomly by a company not associated with this author on September 30th and notified by the author via their email. All gifts will be delivered directly to the winner's home through either UPS or postal service no later than Oct. 30, 2010.

To register you must visit one, all or any blogs of your choosing and:

1. Leave a comment at the end of their post, a must.
2. Tweet the following text:
Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts A story of longing, wanting & a love so strong it conquers human evil. On sale now at Major Book Retailers.
3. Post the same tag on your Facebook and/or Myspace Profile (Don't have - Don't Worry - Will not Disqualify You.
4. Become a fan/follower/subscriber of the site, a must.
5. You may enter on each of the blogs registered below, however, only one family member may do so in a household.
6. Open to ALL not just the US & Canada
7. Each participating blog will randomly choose five entrants from their list of participants to be placed in the grand pool where 5 winners will be randomly selected
8. Winners will be chosen on Sept. 30th and notified via email by Cynthia
9. All finalists must provide their name and official delivery address at the time of finalist selection to the site owner who chooses them randomly as a finalist.

There will also be a separate drawing of duplicate prizes for those site owners who have graciously participated as hosts of this promotion.

REMEMBER: you can enter on every blog but only one member from each household may do so.

GOOD LUCK!

Closed: Giveaway: Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund

Thanks to Anna at Hachette I can giveaway 3 copies of this one.



About the Book

NYPD detective Jack Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him--he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each restaurant through a killer's eyes.

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have become victims of the same sadistic killers. Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson. Every killing is preceded by a postcard to the local newspaper--and Kanon and Larsson think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, THE POSTCARD KILLERS may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

To find out more about The Postcard Killers please visit Hachette Book Group.

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 9/22/10 at 11:59pm (EST)

From here on out I will only be taking form entries. Comment entries will no longer be accepted. Thank you everyone for helping make the forms a success!

Rules:
1) Only winners from the US and Canada
2) No PO boxes

To enter:
1) Fill out this form.
2) Get an extra entry for following my blog.
3) Get a third entry for mentioning this giveaway: On your blog, facebook, twitter... anywhere (Make sure to leave me a link or your SN so I can verify!)
5) "Like" Just Jennifer Reading on Facebook.

Please RT: @JustJennReading: New Giveaway: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson ends 9/22/10 http://tiny.cc/trccb

Remember to use this form. Comment entries will no longer be valid entries into the giveaways.

You can see the current entries here.

The winners will be randomly drawn and notified by email.

Good Luck and thank you for reading my blog!

Closed: Giveaway: Last to Die by Kate Brady

Thanks to Anna at Hachette I can giveaway 5 copies of this one.



About the Book

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

To find out more about Last to Die please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can read my review.

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 9/22/10 at 11:59pm (EST)

From here on out I will only be taking form entries. Comment entries will no longer be accepted. Thank you everyone for helping make the forms a success!

Rules:
1) Only winners from the US and Canada
2) No PO boxes

To enter:
1) Fill out this form.
2) Get an extra entry for following my blog.
3) Get a third entry for mentioning this giveaway: On your blog, facebook, twitter... anywhere (Make sure to leave me a link or your SN so I can verify!)
5) "Like" Just Jennifer Reading on Facebook.

Please RT: @JustJennReading: New Giveaway: Last to Die by Kate Brady http://justjenniferreading.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-last-to-die-by-kate-brady.html

Remember to use this form. Comment entries will no longer be valid entries into the giveaways.

You can see the current entries here.

The winners will be randomly drawn and notified by email.

Good Luck and thank you for reading my blog!

Blog Tour Review: Last to Die by Kate Brady

Thanks to Anna at Hachette for letting me be a part of this blog tour.



About the Book

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

For more information about Last to Die Please visit Hachette's website.

You can also visit Kate Brady's website.

Like Kate Brady on Facebook.

My Review

I LOVED Kate Brady's One Scream Away. It was such a well-written book. So I had really high expectations with this one. I was blown away. I didn't think Brady's writing could get much better, but I was wrong.

I love the way Brady can get into the mind of the killer and give us a peek as to what's going on in their heads. Why they are doing what they're doing, why they think they are justified, all of it... It makes for a great story.

I liked Dani, and I think her nickname Nails was perfect for her. She was so tough, but as with all strong heroines in romance she had a soft spot, and his name was Mitch. I liked Mitch, but I didn't really connect all that well with him. I didn't really come up with a "picture" of him in my head. As I'm reading I play the scenes out in my head and anytime Mitch was in the scene he was just a dark shadowy figure to me. Not sure why, as he was a well developed character.

I love Brady's writing and was so excited when I was given the opportunity to review another of her books. I really enjoyed it, and because I had been anticipating it for so long, was kind of sad when it ended. I will be on the lookout for her next novel.