Just Jennifer Reading

One of my reviews has been published!!!!

2011-11-19T15:22:00.000-05:00

I got an email from Claire Avery yesterday letting me know that a blurb of my review for Hidden Wives was published in the mass market version of the book! How awesome is that? I'm so excited about it!!! I loved the book. And in the e-mail I was told that a sequel is in the works - so now I can't wait to get my hands on that...

In case you're new to JustJenniferReading, or don't remember my review of Hidden Wives you can read my full review here.

You can get more information about Claire Avery here. You can like Claire Avery on Facebook.

You can buy a copy of Hidden Wives here. (Note this link is to the mass market edition on my Amazon store.)

I'm so glad that things are going good for Hidden Wives and I can't wait for the sequel to be finished! And once I get my first paycheck (I FINALLY FOUND A JOB!!!) I will have to buy a copy of the mass market version so I can see my review in print!

Thanks to all my readers who helped make Hidden Wives a success! I think it's awesome to know that through my blog I was able to help an amazing author, but I couldn't have done it without you!

Call for followers

2011-11-10T00:59:00.000-05:00

For those of you that don't know Just Jennifer Reading isn't my only blog. I actually have two other blogs: Just Jennifer Talking and Just A Healthier Jennifer. My other two blogs could really use some followers. So to all of my great Just Jennifer Reading fans I would LOVE for you to check out the other two and become a follower if you are so inclined.

I'm hoping to get a big enough following on those two to be able to start offering giveaways there.

Just Jennifer Talking focuses on everyday life. I am starting to do product reviews there also.

Just A Healthier Jennifer is where I'm going to share with you my weight loss journey. It's a struggle for sure, but having support from the blogosphere might make things a little easier for me. And you never know, maybe I can help you too!

I know you're here because you are interested in books and literature, but I would love to have you join me on my other two sites!

Book Giveaway Linky

2011-11-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

I've entered my giveaways on other blog's linkys but I'm not 100% sure on how it works. So I'm going to try it.

Enter your book giveaways. I'm new to this, so I think I'm going to put up a new linky every week. I'll have to see how it works.

In the name field please leave the book title and the giveaway ending date.

Thanks!

Review: Curios by Richard Marsh

2011-11-09T01:38:00.000-05:00

I won a copy of Curios in a member giveaway on LibraryThing.

About the Book

"The most effective shocker yet invented by the author of The Beetle. Grim, fantastic and humorous in an original fashion." - The World

"Weird, grotesque and comical. Told with the spirit and vigour that we have learnt to expect in the work of Mr. Marsh." - The Speaker

Curios is a series of seven short stories narrated alternately by Mr. Pugh and Mr. Tress, rival collectors of "curios", who are sometimes best of friends and often worst of enemies. Pugh is superstitious, tending to believe every antique he comes across is haunted. Tress is cold and cynical and will stop at nothing - even theft or murder - to add to his collection.

Ranging in tone from horrifying to mysterious to darkly comical, these stories follow Tress and Pugh as they come in contact with an array of strange objects, including a poisoned pipe that seems to come to life when smoked, a 14th century severed hand bent on murder, and a phonograph record on which a murdered woman speaks from beyond the grave.

Curios was first published in 1898, the year following Marsh's greatest success, The Beetle. Owing to the poor quality materials of which it was made, only a handful of copies of the first edition of Curios have survived. This edition reprints the unabridged text of the first edition, restoring this delectably gruesome and hilarious book to modern audiences.

For more information about Curios you can visit Valencourt Book's website.

My Review

I didn't really care for this book. The main two characters Mr. Pugh and Mr. Tress weren't really all that developed. I found it hard to understand how they felt about each other. They kept talking about being friends and yet they were so underhanded and deceiving with each other. The stories themselves were really odd. They items that the two collectors find were very unique, but that's about where the interest ended for me.

I couldn't get into the writing, I couldn't connect to the characters, and the stories were just too odd for me.

Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

2011-11-09T01:11:00.000-05:00

I bought this at a book sale in the lobby of my therapist's office.

About the Book

The World's Bestselling Mystery

"Ten . . ."
Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious "U. N. Owen."

"Nine . . ."
At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.

"Eight . . ."
Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . as one by one . . . they begin to die.

"Seven . . ."
Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?

For more information about And Then There Were None visit Harper Collins.

My Review

This was the first Agatha Christie novel that I have read. I was very impressed and wished I'd actually taken the time to read her in the past.

And Then There Were None was a really good whodunit mystery. The ending kind of amazed me. The murder wasn't who I expected it to be, and the explanation of how they pulled off all the murders was pretty clever. I liked the premise, that all the people on the island were made to be suspect. Through their guilt of things they had done in their past they all had the ability to pull off the murders.

The writing was really good. It was very fast-paced but it didn't move so fast that I was lost in what was going on. The murders happened in a way that as soon as I "recovered" from one another one had happened. That was the greatest part of this book, that it kept the suspense going and didn't really have any down time.

I am very glad that I decided to pick up this one. I really enjoyed it and will be getting my hands on more Agatha Christie soon!

Review: The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold Myra

2011-11-03T23:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for letting me review this one.

About the Book

The One Year Book of Encouragement is a collection of insights from assorted Christian authors, past and present—from Oswald Chambers and Philip Yancey to John Calvin and John Wesley. Draw encouragement every day from the wisdom of the ages with this One Year book—it’s bound to be a classic!

For more information about The One Year Book of Encouragement please visit Tyndale House's website.

My Review

I really liked this one. Some of the people in the stories were extraordinary people - Mother Teresa, C. S. Lewis, Martin Luther, etc. However, the stories that were shared showed that even though they were extraordinary their situations were very normal.

Each story is followed with a prayer and a Bible verse. The prayers deal with things that we all deal with - struggling at work, dealing with temptation, houseguests, being gracious. It was nice to have these prayers. I know I sometime struggle with what to say in my prayers. I know God knows what I'm praying for but I can't exactly articulate it to myself. These short prayers sum things up nicely.

The only thing I would have liked to see with this is a "glossary" of the different problems. I think it would have been nice to be able to look for work in a glossary and find a few different prayers that will help you with what you're going through.

Overall, I thought this was a very a good book. It was kind of a nice reference for dealing with life through your spiritual growth.

Giveaway: The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

2011-11-03T04:17:00.001-04:00

Thank you to Sabrina @ Little, Brown for letting me give a copy of this one away!

This has to be my favorite Patterson book yet. It was fun to read and it was quick! But it really got me thinking about how quick my baby sister's wedding is going to be here. May really isn't that far away now. At least we all know who she's marrying :-) But there's so much more to be done. Nothing crazy has happened yet, but with my family it's only a matter of time, believe me.

You can read about the book and see my review here.

Now for the giveaway :-) Thanks for entering!

Review: The Gods of Greenwich by Norb Vonnegut

2011-11-03T03:51:00.002-04:00

Newman PR sent me a review copy.

About the Book

Forget about Bernie Madoff or Gordon Gekko—there’s a new villain on Wall Street…

Norb Vonnegut didn’t realize how close he skirted to non-fiction when he was writing his spectacular debut Top Producer. Penned before tumultuous revelations and scandals rocked the financial world in late 2008, Vonnegut’s novel depicts, with an insider’s solid knowledge, the tricks that the industry’s real top producers pull in their frenzied pursuit of billions. Now Vonnegut sets his electrifying follow-up in the high-rolling world of hedge funds, lending his seasoned perspective to a riveting thriller.

Jimmy Cusack is the tough kid from a blue-collar neighborhood who made good on Wall Street. Well, almost. After a sterling start to his career, things have soured. His hedge fund has collapsed. The bank is foreclosing on his upscale condominium. And his wife is two months pregnant. That’s the good news. When Cusack takes a “must-have” job with Leeser Capital, a Greenwich fund impervious to the capital market woes, his real troubles begin.

Vonnegut’s unique insider’s perspective and his intuitive, darkly humorous writing are once again on full display in this fast-talking suspense thriller. A high-stakes poker game of a book,The Gods of Greenwich is a timely and gripping read that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat until the last card is played.
For more information about The Gods of Greenwich please visit Macmillen's website.

You can also visit Norb Vonnegut's website or follow him on Twitter.

My Review

I have to admit that when the opportunity to review this book was presented to me I did it simply because the name Vonnegut was on it. Now I know he's just a distant cousin, but how great would it be for two (even distant) members of the same family to be great authors??

I really liked Cusack, the main character. He was so likeable. He has charisma and could probably sell anything to anyone, but he never was out to get anyone (well at least until the end of the book, but I can't give that away!). His wife Emi I saw as being so cute and innocent looking, the kind of person you couldn't hate if you wanted to. I didn't care for Cy, his wife Bianca, Victor, or Rachel. But I think that was the point. Although I wouldn't do it, what Bianca does to Cy was fun to read. She went about things in the wrong way, but revenge is awesome :-)

This one kept me guessing all the way through. We know Rachel is a murder but we don't really figure out how she's tied into the story for quite a while. We're told about the Art dealer and the Banker in Iceland are in huge problems of their own, and while we're clued in a bit to what's going on between them and Cy I didn't really catch on completely for quite a while. This one was so well written that I gave up even trying to guess how it would end because I was so engrossed in what was going on right now. I really liked the ending. It tied everything up pretty well, it wasn't cheesy, and it wasn't a "everyone is happy" ending.

Even though this was about Wall Street, which is something I have very little interest in, the story was so engaging that even when I didn't understand what the characters were talking about I didn't feel bored by it. There was so much going on, so many different parts to the story, that it was hard not to get caught up in the middle of everything.

So I picked this book because it had the name Vonnegut attached to it. Was I disappointed? NOT AT ALL! I think there's something in that blood line somewhere. I can honestly say after reading The Gods of Greenwich that two of my favorite authors share the same last name. Even though the writing was totally different it was written so well that there's really no comparison. It's like comparing your favorite jeans to your favorite desert. They're both great, which is why they're your favorites, and it would be really hard to pick which one you like better.

Review: Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby

2011-11-03T03:09:00.001-04:00

I bought this one at the dollar store. Can't beat a good book for a buck!

About the Book

Theodore Mead Fegley has always been the smartest person he knows. By age 12, he was in high school, and by 15 he was attending a top-ranking university. And now, at the tender age of 18, he's on the verge of proving the Riemann Hypothesis, a mathematical equation that has mystified academics for almost 150 years. But only days before graduation, Mead suddenly packs his bags and flees home to rural Illinois. What has caused him to flee remains a mystery to all but Mead and a classmate whose quest for success has turned into a dangerous obession.

At home, Mead finds little solace. His past ghosts haunt him; his parents don't understand the agony his genius has caused him, nor his desire to be a normal kid, and his dreams seem crushed forever. He embarks on a new life's journey -- learning the family business of selling furniture and embalming the dead--that disappoints and surprises all who knew him as "the young Fegley genius."

Equal parts academic thriller and poignant coming-of-age story, LIFE AFTER GENIUS follows the remarkable journey of a young man who must discover that the heart may know what the head hasn't yet learned.

For more information about Life After Genius please visit Hachette Book Group.
My Review

This was a weird one for me. I liked the story, even though it was a bit odd, but I didn't really connect with the main character. But the mystery of why Mead came home was pretty engaging. I just wanted to know why. The story jumps around through different times in Mead's life. It got to be a bit confusing at times, as Mead also seems to be having a bit of a nervous breakdown throughout the story. But the jumping around really adds to the mystery of what happened and if Mead really is starting to loose his mind.

Mead appears to have had a rough social life growing up. Being so smart and so much younger than the kids he's in school with made him a bit of a target for bullies and such. So it's really no surprise that once Mead goes to college young he's still an outcast. Herman, Mead's best friend/mortal enemy tries to befriend Mead for a while and has to take a HUGE step to get Mead to really open up. But as the story progresses we learn that while Herman seems to have been born with the silver spoon his life wasn't really all that easy.

Even though I didn't particularly care for either of the main characters there was something about this story that I couldn't walk away from. It was so out there at times and yet so "normal". It's so hard to describe. Even the ending was a bit odd, and it left more questions than it answered. But at the same time most of the really important stuff is cleared up before we get to the end. Like I said it's hard to describe... Overall I have to say I enjoyed it.

Review: The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M, Auel

2011-11-03T02:39:00.000-04:00

This one has been sitting on my bookshelf for about 10 years now...

About the Book

The epic journey begun in The Clan of the Cave Bear, and furthered in The Valley of Horses continues in this stunning, vivid adventure. Once again Jean M. Auel opens the door of a time long past to reveal an age of wonder and danger at the dawn of the modern human race.

Riding a horse called Whinney and accompanied by Jondalar, the man she saved when wounded by a cave lion and has grown to love, Ayla comes to the land of the Mamutoi--the Mammoth Hunters. She has finally found the ones the Clan called “The Others,” people who look like her.

Though Ayla must learn their different customs and language, she is adopted because of her remarkable hunting ability, singular healing skills, and uncanny fire-making technique. Bringing back the single pup of a lone wolf she has killed, Ayla amazes the Mamutoi by demonstrating how she tames animals. Even though she faces some prejudice when it is revealed that she lived her early years among the Clan–the ones called “Flatheads”–Ayla at long last finds women friends and begins to put the pain of her past behind her.

As Ayla becomes more a part of Mamutoi society, she meets Ranec, the dark-skinned master carver of ivory. She becomes enamored and her passion for this new man makes Jondalar fiercely jealous. He compensates by avoiding her. Because of her early life with the Clan, his behavior is mystifying to her. She mistakes his anger and hurt for disinterest, and turns more fully to the charismatic Ranec. Throughout the icy winter she shelters with the Mamutoi, while Jondalar broods over his disappointment.

Then it is summer again, and as the great mammoth hunt approaches with its annual Matrimonial ritual, Ayla must finally choose: to stay with the Mamutoi who have become friends and mate with Ranec, or to choose Jondalar, and leave this sanctuary for the hardship of a journey toward his home
many miles, and many adventures, away.

For more information about The Mammoth Hunters of Jean M Auel you can visit her website or like her on Facebook.

My Review

I've been working on this series off and on for about 12 years. I bought them right after I graduated high school and didn't realize at the time the mental fortitude this series takes to read. At 18 I just didn't have the patience to read 700 pages. But now that I'm a bit older I can really appreciate this series.

Since I did start the series 12 years ago I feel like Ayla's been a part of my life for quite a while. She pops in to say hello every few years. So I've really become attached to her. It's hard for me to criticize this book at all because I do love Ayla and Jondalar so much. But it took me forever to read The Mammoth Hunters. I started this book in the summer of 09 and had to put it down about half-way through. Partly because I had just finished reading The Valley of the Horses and partly because the romance scenes were becoming a bit too much for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm far from a prude (believe me) but it just felt like all Ayla and Jondalar did was make love.

I'm glad I picked it back up. As it really is a great story. Again, I do seem to have a bit of an attachment to Ayla and Jondalar so I may be a bit biased here, but I really do like this series. There are times when I think the descriptions go a bit more into detail than necessary, but they also create such a vivid picture as to where the characters are and what is going on. The Mammoth Hunters introduces us to so many new characters I didn't think I'd ever get them all straightened out, but as the story goes on I really didn't have any problems keeping track of everyone.

I obviously like the main characters but I really liked the Mammoth Hearth. Tulie, Talut, and Frebec are probably my favorite new characters. Frebec comes off as being a bit of a jerk at first but he's really loyal and protective. He also seems to have a bit of a soft side that, like most men, he was trying to hide. Tulie and Talut are great characters. They are strong, wise, serious, playful, and humorous all at the same time. They just seemed so real to me.

While I don't think I'll be reading Plains of Passage anytime in the near future, knowing it's sitting on my bookshelf is a bit of a comfort too me. When I decide I need to see what Ayla and Jondalar are up to I can just pick it up and start reading it. It's like a having one of those great friends that even if you don't talk for awhile you can sit down and have a conversation and it feels like no time has passed at all.

Review: The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

2011-10-29T04:58:00.003-04:00

Thank you to Sabrina at Little Brown for letting me review this one!

About the Book

The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise--she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.

For more information about The Christmas Wedding please visit Hachette Book Group. You can also visit James Patterson's website or like him on Facebook.

My Review

This book was pretty good. The story was interesting - a mysterious wedding, a few unexpected twists and turns, and a good mix of mushy and humorous. The character development was a bit lax, but I think that added to this story a bit. There were so many important characters that had they all been well-developed, like Gaby, this book would have been horrendous to read. And the lax in development added even more to the intrigue of who is Gaby going to marry? I did like the children. Claire was probably my favorite though. I'm not sure why I connected with her, even more so than with Gaby, but I did. I've never really been through any of what Claire goes through in this book, but the connection was there nonetheless.

I have to say I was a bit shocked that Patterson was doing a romance story, or "Love Story" as it says on the back cover. Although that's probably more from my lack of following his works, as it appears he has a few of them. In true Patterson fashion there was mystery and intrigue surrounding the whole thing. It was very well balanced between the mystery story and the love story. In the past I have been a bit critical of Patterson's novels because they, while entertaining and engaging, tend to be a bit predictable. I thought I had a good idea of who Gaby was going to marry about halfway through, but I was wrong. She picked my second guess :-)

Overall it was a pretty good story. I enjoyed reading it. It was a very quick read also. It took me less than two days to finish it. Partly because I wanted to know who she was going to marry and partly because it was pretty fast paced.

Smiley360

2011-10-26T14:36:00.001-04:00

I'm kind of glad the leaves are changing colors around here. While I hate the S word (Snow.... Yuck!) Summers are always crazy for me. I feel like there's too much to do, and no where near enough time to do it! But now that things are calming down I can get back to doing the things I enjoy. Not that I haven't been doing them, I guess it's more that I haven't been sharing them. And since I love to tell people what I think about what I've been doing I'm going to try something new. I found a site called Smiley 360. They'll hopefully let me do just what it is that I love, tell companies what I think about their products! I've just signed up, and so far it's been pretty easy to figure out. Now I'm just waiting for companies to ask me what I think...

Just Jennifer Reading will still be for books, reading, literature, etc. But I'll be more active on my other two blogs: Just Jennifer Talking and Just a Healthier Jennifer.

I'll keep you posted as to how things are going. But in the mean time why don't you head over to Smiley 360 yourself to see what it's all about! Smiley360

Started another blog (not a reading blog)

2011-07-07T01:33:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to pass along a link to my new blog: Just A Healthier Jennifer

This other blog is going to follow my weight loss journey. So stop on by over there. I'll still be here reading, but I've always felt weird posting personal (non-book related stuff) on this blog.

Thanks!

-Jennifer

Review: A Line Blurred by Bryan Healey

2011-06-25T14:33:00.000-04:00

I won a copy of this book from Library Thing.

After getting a copy of Shattered Wings direct from Bryan imagine how excited I was when I won a copy of his first book on Library Thing!

About the Book

A couple caught in a boring life deviate from their routines to devastating and exciting result. Now unable to pull themselves from their newfound happiness, they rationalize their actions to satisfy their guilt, coming ever closer to an emotionally shattering end for both themselves and their children, who are unwillingly swept into their downward spiral.

For more information about Shattered Wings you can visit Bryan's blog. You can also follow him on Twitter.

My Review

After reading Shattered Wings I had high hopes for this book. And I have to say I was not at all disappointed! Again Healey writes a story that was so emotional, and yet didn't leave me feeling emotionally drained.

In this one we're following Kevin and Kylie, a couple who are part of a marriage that just isn't working anymore. Kevin is all about his routine: get up, go to work, come home, have dinner, go to bed. Not much in his life deviates from that routine. What I liked about Kevin is that he isn't a boring person by nature, he's just living the life that was given to him. He knows he wants more, and he tries to be spontaneous, but life gets in his way and he falls back into doing what he's always done. Kylie I didn't really like in the beginning of the book. She came off as a bit prissy and heartless. But the more the story followed her the more I began to feel sorry for her. She's worried about her life: her husband, her kids, herself. But Kylie is pulled by responsibility to keep her thoughts to herself. She wants the appearance that everything is ok. She really grows through the story to become such a strong character.

The story starts with twists almost right from the beginning. I didn't see any of the things that happened coming. It was so exciting to read to see what was going to happen next. Even when there wasn't something "exciting" going on the story was still exciting. I really didn't want this one to end. I wasn't disappointed by the ending, as I think it was exceptionally done, but I just wasn't ready to give these characters up. Healey has an ability to capture your emotions almost right from the word go. That connection really makes his books special to read.

A Line Blurred

Review: Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

2011-06-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the author Bryan Healey for letting me review Shattered Wings.

About the Book

John holds the American dream: A man he loves, a beautiful little girl, a suburban home and a well-paying job... And then a sudden layoff brings about unexpected financial and emotional strain. As he struggles to find new work, a growing sense of despair triggers a relapse into alcoholism and causes him to face his demons of addiction, discrimination, and regret as he tries desperately to recover before it's too late...

For more information about Shattered Wings you can visit Bryan's blog. You can also follow him on Twitter.

My Review

This one I thought would be a bit difficult for me to read. So many of us right now are struggling with losing our jobs, not having the money to make ends meet, and all the other stresses that come along for the ride. It's a difficult subject to talk about, let alone get emotionally attached to in a story (as I almost always get emotionally attached to the stories I read). My fear was that I would be emotionally drained after reading this. Healey masterfully pulled off a story that let me get attached, but didn't drain me, and actually let me wanting to keep reading.

The character development was so great in this book. John comes off as a bit of a jerk (sometimes a lot of a jerk) but he was still likeable. I really attached to him and even though I felt like he needed a swift kick in the you know what I still felt the pain and anguish that he was going through. I just wanted things to work out good for him. As the book progresses we are taken back through important moments in his life that give us a little more insight into how his life has progressed. We get to meet Charlie with him, we get to see him when his daughter is born, we get to see all the important events that have gone on in his life. Being privy to these moments really helped to form the bond that I built with John.

I think it takes a great author to be able to pull of flashbacks in a story without making the story feel choppy. The flashbacks sometimes confused me, as I would get lost in the story and I wouldn't realize that I was in a flashback. I think that is my only criticism of this book, while the flashbacks didn't deter from the story I didn't always pick up on the fact that I had jumped into the flashback. But I think this is more due to my reading habits rather than an error on the author's part.

But overall it was a great book. I really liked the characters, even when I didn't want to. There were some great twists that really made John's situation that much more desperate. The ending was great, I had part of it pegged, but the last twist really threw me for a loop. I was left with a few questions, but I didn't feel like I was left with an unfinished story. Enough was answered to keep me satiated, and enough was left unanswered to make the ending quite intriguing.

Shattered Wings

Review: Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia

2011-06-02T01:11:00.002-04:00

I have to thank Reader Spoils for alerting me to the fact that Phil needed reviews (and was offering swag). And I also have to thank Phil for letting me review this one.

About the Book

Is it true that nice guys finish last? It sure seems that way as a divorced man fights his way through a comedic dating scene. Will he ever find his soul mate?

Phil has been called the male version of Carrie Bradshaw. Enjoy his humorous essays about relationships and the struggles we all have finding and keeping lovers. Women appreciate his open view into the minds of men.

Artist Mike Swaim adds to the hilarity with his brilliant sketches, giving another dimension to Phil's quest for love.

You can like Phil on Facebook or follow him on Twitter or take a look at his website.

My Review

As I was loading this into my e-reader and getting ready to read I was thinking to myself "What does go on in the minds of men?" My immediate answer to myself was "sex". After reading this book, what is my new answer "mostly sex". It's an age old problem, women want to know what men think, and men want to get into their pants...

I really enjoyed this book. It was witty, comical, and entertaining. There were quite a few times when I would laugh, then have to read the passage to my boyfriend so he didn't think I was starting to go crazy (why is she sitting there laughing to herself?) Some of my favorites include the commitment tests, Creepy, the conversation with the cats about the obsession with women, and the Twelve Nights of Christmas. (There were more, but if I just list the table of contents you would probably quit reading this review.)

Before reading Phil warned me in an e-mail "PLEASE make sure you have a liberal sense of humor and are not offended by coarse language or sexual content." I would say that was a fair warning. So take head... If you're easily offended you probably will not like this one. I found it to be highly offensive and hilarious. Not that I was offended by it, but I could see how it would offend others. I've found in my life that if I can find the humor in something I should laugh, because without laughter life is so boring. I think this book proves my point.

It was a very fast read, and had I not been so busy I probably could have finished it in two sittings. I think I'll have to pick up some of Phil's other books.

Just a Nice Guy

Review: The Secrets of Newberry by Victor McGlothin

2011-05-23T00:39:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

Two lifelong friends are about to discover the hard side of life in The Big Easy after a heinous crime is committed . . .

1950s New Orleans couldn't be sweeter for Ivory "Bones" Arcineaux and Hampton Bynote. Friends since meeting at an illegal gambling house outside Newberry, Louisiana, they indulge themselves with all the fine women, good food, and wild nights they can handle. All seems good in N'awlins-especially for Hampton, who plans to make a clean break from riotous living after falling for the woman of his dreams, classy Magnolia Holiday. But the love of a good woman may not be enough to pull Hampton from the brink of disaster when his pal Bones murders a white city councilman during a simple robbery gone wrong.

Now with the local police and FBI hot on their trails, Hampton and Bones must decide whether friendship is worth losing their freedom-and possibly their lives

For more information about The Secrets of Newberry please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

My Review

Wow, what a story. I couldn't put this one down, it was so intriguing. I really liked Hampton and wanted to see everything turn out ok for him, even though he kept getting himself into trouble.

The story was really well written. Hampton is looking for something more than life on a plantation can offer a black man in the 1950s. Things seem to be going fairly well for him and then he meet Bones. Bones becomes Hampton's ticket to the life he wants while at the same time being the one thing that can take Hampton's dreams from him.

The story moves pretty fast, and at times I felt a bit too fast. Some things just seemed to me that they needed to simmer a bit more before coming to conclusion. There was a lot that happened in the story though and I think that's part of why everything moved so fast. Had it been a slow story it either would have been too long to hold my attention or it would have been missing so many pieces.

It was a pretty good story and I really enjoyed it. I really didn't want to put it down because I wanted to see how Hampton was going to get him (and his family) out of the binds that they've gotten into. While things don't always go the way Hampton planned he was pretty quick on his feet and was able to at least put band-aids on the situations that arise.

I liked Hampton and really wanted to see good things for him. I also liked Magnolia (Hampton's love interest). But I think my favorite character was Pearl Lee, see just seemed to be so level headed. Although she does have some moments when her heart takes over and she throws that level-headedness out the door.

The Secrets of Newberry

Review: Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder by Steve Lehto

2011-05-23T00:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my sister for letting me borrow this. And yes you would have enjoyed it had it not been required reading for school.

About the Book

On Christmas Eve 1913, more than six dozen people were crushed to death as they scrambled to flee the Italian Hall in Calumet, Mich. Someone had cried "Fire" at the top of the stairs that led to the meeting hall on the building's second floor. There was no fire. The entire event was over in a flash, but the tragedy would scar the psyche of the region for decades. Was the call of "fire" a tragic error or a calculated action designed to cause chaos?

In Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder, author and attorney Steve Lehto wades through the conflicting news reports, transcripts, and other documentation to set the record straight.

For more information about this book please visit Momentum Books' website.

My Review

This was a pretty interesting story. Having lived in Michigan my entire life I was surprised that I'd never heard of this incident before. It seems that with all the lore surrounding these murders that it would still be something that people would bring up, at least occasionally.

Since I've never heard of the incident at the Italian Hall before I do not know how well the information presented in this book meshes with popular opinion. However, Lehto does mentions many times where his findings do not support popular belief.

The book was very informational and I think it was fairly unbiased. However the only complaint I have is that once I got towards the end of the book I felt like I was just rereading the same information over and over again. It became somewhat monotonous. But it was still interesting, and I liked that it gave quite a bit of the back story to the Italian Hall Tragedy. I felt that having the back story gave the tragedy a bit more depth than if the book had just covered what happened the day of the tragedy.

While this was interesting I wouldn't say it read like fiction. For you to enjoy this one I think you'd really have to be interested in real-life stories. There were a lot of facts in the book, things that you wouldn't normally see in a fiction book. But overall I have to say it was worth the read.

Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder

Review: The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark

2011-05-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Hachette Book Group for letting me review this one.

About the Book

Early in the history of English, the words "grammar" and "glamour" meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, engaging alternative to stuffy instructionals. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. THE GLAMOUR OF GRAMMAR gives readers all the tools they need to"live inside the language"--to take advantage of grammar to perfect their use of English, to instill meaning, and to charm through their writing. With this indispensable book, readers will come to see just how glamorous grammar can be.

For more information about The Glamour of Grammar please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

My Review

What I liked the most about this book is that it wasn't written like a grammar book. It was written more like a story that had grammar tips added into it. It was kind of like a copy of Writer's Inc. with a story behind it. And while I'd never get rid of my copy of Writer's Inc. I think this will make a nice addition to my grammar tools arsenal.

I have to admit that I'm not the best grammatical writer. I don't remember most of the rules I learned in school (frankly I didn't care to really remember them). So while I was reading this some of it seemed new to me. The greatest thing about this book is that it taught me something without making me realize I was being taught. Since I'm finishing up my degree, reading for learning isn't something I want to do with my spare time. After reading this I have to admit that I didn't get that feeling even once throughout the book. I think that was a great feat within itself, writing a book that is meant to teach something not feel like it was teaching anything at all.

I still don't remember all the rules that were in this one, but I think I have a better understanding of why some rules of grammar exist and why some are breakable. I'm sure this one will be quite worn out before I finally finish my degree. It's already helped me write a few papers.

The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English

Review: Lipstick in Afghanistan by Rboerta Gately

2011-05-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Gallery Books for sending me a copy of this to review.

About the Book

Roberta Gately's lyrical and authentic debut novel—inspired by her own experiences as a nurse in third world war zones—is one woman's moving story of offering help and finding hope in the last place she expected.
Gripped by haunting magazine images of starving refugees, Elsa has dreamed of becoming a nurse since she was a teenager. Of leaving her humble working-class Boston neighborhood to help people whose lives are far more difficult than her own. No one in her family has ever escaped poverty, but Elsa has a secret weapon: a tube of lipstick she found in her older sister's bureau. Wearing it never fails to raise her spirits and cement her determination. With lipstick on, she can do anything—even travel alone to war-torn Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11.
But violent nights as an ER nurse in South Boston could not prepare Elsa for the devastation she witnesses at the small medical clinic she runs in Bamiyan. As she struggles to prove herself to the Afghan doctors and local villagers, she begins a forbidden romance with her only confidant, a charming Special Forces soldier. Then, a tube of lipstick she finds in the aftermath of a tragic bus bombing leads her to another life-changing friendship. In her neighbor Parween, Elsa finds a kindred spirit, fiery and generous. Together, the two women risk their lives to save friends and family from the worst excesses of the Taliban. But when the war waging around them threatens their own survival, Elsa discovers her only hope is to unveil the warrior within. Roberta Gately's raw, intimate novel is an unforgettable tribute to the power of friendship and a poignant reminder of the tragic cost of war.

My Review

I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much that I can't think of the right words to describe it, at least not any that would do it justice. The story was so heartwarming, sad, happy, and touching. It was so sad and yet was filled with so much joy.

When I started reading it I didn't really expect the story that unfolded. At first I didn't understand the whole thing with the lipstick, but as the story progressed it was such a great way of tying the characters to each other.

The story jumps a between Elsa and Parween until their lives cross. The tragedy that follows each of these women seems almost unbearable, but yet they've pulled through it and made the most of their lives. Both women are so strong and give all they have to help others. Even putting their lives on the line to help those in need.

The romance that blooms throughout the book is such a great addition to the story. With so much devastation and sadness in the story adding the different romances kept the story enjoyable. Without the romance added in the story would have been so full of grief and sorrow that it would have almost been oppressive to read.

Overall I would say this is one of the best books I've ever read. Gately's writing is amazing. Her ability to tell a story like this is nothing short of amazing. It really makes you think. And it shows that just because people are surrounded by hatred, war, and fathom doesn't mean you have to fill your heart with those things. Happiness is what you make of it and these characters really made me realize that.

Lipstick in Afghanistan

Review: A Writer's Engagement by Robert Wacaster

2011-05-22T02:36:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Robert for sending me his book to review.

About the Book

Robert and Katie have met and fallen in love. But that may have been the easy part. After promising to propose and marry her, Robert convinces Katie and her sister Jill to drive to Florida so he can meet Katie's parents. Her disapproving father, a retired New York Police Officer, may not even approve of their relationship, let alone a marriage. And along the way, Jill may have possibly met the man of her dreams. But she may be too shy to even talk to him. With some marriage counseling and family interference, can Robert and Katie actually survive A Writer's Engagement?

My Review

I really like Robert Wacaster's books. He does a great job with making the characters believable. I also like that in each of the books of his that I've read he's made himself a main character.

In this one Katie and Robert have now fallen in love (in A Writer's Love Story). This book picks right up where the last one left off. I really liked that. Sometimes I've found with series that some time passes between the stories, which makes me feel like I've missed out on something in the story. So I like that there's not a "break" in the stories.

I still liked the characters. Katie was still a drama queen, but now that I've read through two books with her she's kind of grown on me. Jill was still a great character. She does have some moments in this one where she's not the level-headed Jill from the first book, but I think that just makes her more human. And Robert is still Robert in this book. He's sarcastic, thoughtful, and in love. We also get to meet Jill and Katie's parents in this one. I loved Jim, their father. If my own father wasn't the greatest dad ever I'd have to pick Jim to be my father.

The story was a bit slower than the other two Wacaster books I've read, but it wasn't a detriment to the story at all. I think the things that were going on in this story needed the "time" to develop. If the story had been fast I think I would have felt like I was missing something.

I have to say that Robert Wacaster has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more of his books soon!

A Writer's Engagement

Review: Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah

2011-05-15T05:38:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Hachette Book Group for letting me review this one.

About the Book

Modeled after Maria Shriver's Just Who Will You Be, Queen Latifah's goal with Put On Your Crown is to help young women build a strong sense of self-esteem. A US Dept. of Justice survey found that females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to partner violence than any other group, almost triple the national average. Cases like Chris Brown's assault on pop star Rihanna showed an ugly side of adolescent life. However, Queen Latifah has always been a shining example of a woman happy with herself and unwilling to compromise to fit into the "hollywood ideal" of what a confident beautiful woman should look like. The result: She's one of the biggest A-list celebrities in Hollywood.

For more information about Put on Your Crown visit Hachette Book Group's website.

My Review

While I don't necessarily think of myself as a young woman anymore (which is who the book is geared towards) I do think that this book contains lessons that any woman, and even men, should learn. The basic ideas of the book are love yourself for who you are, take time to care for yourself first, and love the people around you for who they are.

I've always liked Queen Latifah. She's always seemed to me to be fairly grounded. I think my favorite thing about this book is that she proves to the reader that she's just a normal person. She makes mistakes, she's not perfect, and she realizes that. I think she's a great role model. (Side note I LOVE her fashion sense. I have for a while, but my love for her eye was solidified when I read How to Never Look Fat Again and it says something to the effect that if you're a plus size woman dress like Queen Latifah, she knows what she's doing.)

I've been going through some tough times mentally in the last year or so and reading this book did help me. While it's mostly stuff I already knew (like I said it's geared for young women, and I have left that arena a bit ago) it was information that I needed to remind myself. Somehow reading that "The Queen" was and had been going through some of the same things really helped me find the strength I needed to kick my own butt and get myself back on track again.

If you're having some self doubt, about anything in your life pick this one up. If you know a young woman pass it along. It can't hurt to try and teach a young woman the lessons we've all had to learn the hard way! It also could be beneficial for some young men. It's written for a woman, but I think the lessons are great for men or women.

Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom

Review: Audiobook Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons

2011-05-15T04:48:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine picked this one up for me at a library book sale. Support you local library, they can really use the support and you can find some great gems.

About the Book

The young heroine of Nora, Nora comes from a long line of angst-ridden adolescents, stretching back through Holden Caulfield and Frankie Addams to Huckleberry Finn. Yet Peyton McKenzie certainly has good reason to be unhappy. Her household, in the small Georgia town of Lytton, is shadowed by the deaths of her mother and older brother. Her father, meanwhile, has withdrawn into mournful distraction: "When Buddy died in an accident in his air-force trainer, when Peyton was five, Frazier McKenzie closed up shop on his laughter, anger, small foolishnesses, and large passions. Now, at twelve, Peyton could remember no other father than the cooled and static one she had."

To withstand this mortuary atmosphere -- not to mention a touch of small-town claustrophobia -- Peyton has founded the Losers Club, where she and two other misfits share their daily doses of unhappiness. But everything changes when her cousin Nora shows up for a visit. This jaunty outsider is unlike anybody else in Kennedy-era Lytton, circa 1961:

The first thing you noticed about Nora Findlay, Peyton thought, was that she gave off heat, a kind of sheen, like a wild animal, except that hers was not a dangerous ferality, but an aura of sleekness and high spirits. There was a padding, hip-shot prowl to her walk, and she moved her body as if she were totally unconscious of it, as if its suppleness and sinew were something she had lived with all her life.

At first Nora's high spirits have a tonic effect, jogging both Peyton and her father out of their torpor. But her involvement in racial politics eventually rubs some of Lytton's citizens the wrong way -- and puts her young cousin's loyalty to the test. Anne Rivers Siddons handles the narrative with a deft touch for local color (right down to the perpetual "three Coca-Colas in an old red metal ice chest"). But her feeling for her cast of characters is even better, mixing just the right proportions of delicacy and Southern discomfort. --Anita Urquhart

My Review

I don't even know where to begin with this book. The writing was excellent, the story was so good, the themes in the story were so important (and so well handled), and it was very enjoyable.

I loved Nora. She just didn't care, but at the same time she cared so much. I know that sounds weird but I don't know how else to describe her. She stood up for herself, and prided herself on simply enjoying life however it's handed to you. Peyton on the other hand was such the opposite. And while Nora had a huge impact on Peyton's life and the changes in Peyton were drastic Peyton will always be Peyton.

The story touches on so many different issues. First it takes place in the south in the 60s, so there's the racial issues. Then Peyton is in a place in her life where she needs the guidance of a woman, but Nora is so unconventional it is question whether her ideals should have influence on Peyton. I can't really give any more because it would take away from the web of the story.

The narrator did an excellent job. While I tend to think it would have been really hard to have a bad narration for such an amazing book Cristine McMurdo-Wallis did a really good job. She had such a dramatic voice and since Nora was such a dramatic person it fit perfectly together. Cristine's voice was just perfect for this one. She was very pleasant to listen to. She also did a great job of staying in character so you always knew who was talking.

Nora, Nora

Review: Pearl A Life Too Short; A Death Too Long by Darlene Cox

2011-05-15T04:16:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Darlene Cox for letting me review her book.

About the Book

When Pearl Sutton's brutally beaten body is found in Jacobs Gully by two young boys playing hooky that day, it uncovers secrets of the small town of Faircloth, Virginia. Was Pearl a "loose" woman? Or merely a flirt. While many men tried to tame her, it was only one who had--in her words--knocked her socks off. But, she was married to a man almost twenty years older than she. That didn't stop her, though. Every red-blooded man between the ages of 17 and 47 wanted to "get to first base" with her. Before Sheriff Atherton and his deputies could identify the person who killed Pearl, the body of another young woman is found. One homicide in a town as small as Faircloth was a plate-full, two was over-kill. This homicide will be more difficult to solve because of lack of identity of the victim. There are clues galore, but none that highlight the perpetrator. It's said that trouble comes in threes -- which it did when an assault occurred in the home of Deputy Aikens. The deputy himself is so traumatized that he has no memory of the event, and can't say what happened. His wife is missing. When she's finally found beside a remote highway early in the morning, by a motorist on his way to work, she's in what the doctors call "catatonic" state, Sheriff Atherton has to reach for another plate. And,he has no suspect in sight for any of the incidents. It is when secrets of the small town and its inhabitants come together, that all three incidents are solved.

My Review

I've actually read another of Darlene Cox's books before. The book I was privileged to read was Web of Deceit. After flipping through it real quick I thought I saw my name in the back of the book. So I look more closely and sure enough, there my name is in print! My review was printed in the back... I was so excited. I've worn the spine out of my copy showing it to people! But back to the review of Pearl.

I liked Web of Deceit, but it has a few things that didn't sit well with me. So when I got Pearl in the mail I wasn't sure what I should expect from it. When I finished I can honestly say I was very glad I read it. Cox's execution of certain elements really came together in this one.

There are a few mysteries going on in this one. Not only was I trying to figure out who killed Pearl, but I was also trying to figure out who Pearl was. After all knowing why Pearl was killed is as important and knowing who did it. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that although everyone knew Pearl, there was very little that they really knew about her. Which I think makes the mystery that much more enjoyable.

I can say I figured out most (not all) of this one pretty early on. But there were so many twists and turns that I would never have been able to guess it all. And with the other mysteries that are laced into the story it really kept me on my toes.

I have to say that this was much better than Cox's first book. I really think she hit the nail on the head with this one. It was very enjoyable to read and all the elements came together to make a really interesting story.

Pearl: A Life Too Short; A Death Too Long

Review: Still the One by Robin Wells

2011-05-15T03:37:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

Robin Wells takes us back to Chartreuse, Louisiana, for a deeply moving story of forgiveness and second chances.

STILL THE ONE

After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.

Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?

For more information about Still the One please visit Hachette's website.

You can visit Robin Wells' website. Follow Robin Wells on Twitter.

My Review

I absolutely loved this story. Katie's inability to let go of her husband was so sad to me. I've lost family members before, but I think loosing someone who you've decided to spend your life with must be devastating. However, I think that at some point you do have to move on with your life. Zack and Gracie were just what Katie needed to move on. I got the sense that she was really ready to move on, but her heart was standing in the way. Which is all understandable.

I didn't really "relate" to any of the characters, as I've never been in any of their situations. But they were still great characters. Zack was so head strong and thought he would be able to come in "fix" what was wrong and go back to his normal life. But Gracie and Katie, unintentionally, set his life on a different path. And Gracie, wow, what a work of art she was. But again, with every thing going on in her life, how could she not be a mess emotionally.

As with most all romance stories I knew how it would end, but with this one having pegged the entire end of the story was not at all a disappointment. It was such a great ending. There weren't many loose ends with this one, but I would love to read a book that focuses on Gracie and the struggles that come with being a young mother. I think that would be a great addition to the story.

I don't give out 5-star ratings that often, and I'm not 100% sure what it was about this one that compelled me to dole one out this time: I think it was a mixture of great writing, a touching story, believable characters, and situations that most anyone could picture themselves in. Plus this book just left me feeling so warm and happy.

Still the One

Review Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden

2011-05-15T01:57:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

She wants to hide the past
FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy is haunted by memories of the serial killer who abducted her. To keep the darkness at bay, she pretends to be a different, more confident woman. This Samantha doesn't fear every unknown face. So she throws caution to the wind and shares a night of unbridled passion with a handsome stranger.

He needs to uncover the truth
One night isn't enough for successful entrepreneur Max Ridgeway. He wants more of the sexy, smart, mysterious woman who slipped away before dawn. When they meet again, their attraction is undeniable-until his stepbrother goes missing, and Max realizes that Samantha isn't who she seems. But they must trust each other to trap a ring of bloodthirsty kidnappers before the nightmares that terrorize Sam become irrevocably real.

As a merciless criminal spins a web of . . .
DEADLY LIES

For more information about Deadly Lies please visit Hachette Book's website.

You can also visit Cynthia's website, like Cynthia on Facebook, follow Cynthia Eden on Twitter, or friend Cynthia on Myspace.

My Review

I jumped right from Deadly Heat into this one. So it almost seemed as if it was just an "extension" to the other book. The story line is different, but the characters are from the first two in the series. So by the time I made it to this third book I was so familiar with them that it was as if I really knew who they were and how they operated.

This book follows Samantha, who has some serious problems in the first book. But she's dealing and is back to do what she can to help her team. I really connected with Samantha. She's very smart, and although she's a bit timid at times she can be strong when she needs to. She kind of reminds me of myself. While I like the rest of the characters in the series, and both of the previous books were really good I have to say that this is my favorite so far.

I've become kind of attached to these characters and I really hope that Eden keeps this series going. It can be a bit difficult to read, as (I've said before) Eden's ability to get inside the head of the killer is a bit creepy. But the writing is great and the story keeps you guessing. With this one I thought I had it figured out, boy was I wrong!

Deadly Lies

Review: Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden

2011-05-15T01:43:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

She wants revenge . . .
Six months after her lover died in an arsonist's blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI's elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned - not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance.

He wants her . . .
Kenton's interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can't get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case - and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can't hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer's sadistic, fiery game.

A vicious killer wants only . . .
DEADLY HEAT

For more information about Deadly Heat please visit Hachette Book's Website.

You can also visit Cynthia's website, like Cynthia on Facebook, follow Cynthia Eden on Twitter, or friend Cynthia on Myspace.

My Review

I was actually able to read the first in this series, Deadly Fear, and I really enjoyed it. So I was expecting quite a bit from this one. I have to say I was not disappointed. Cynthia has an ability to really get into the head of a killer. And while her ability is sometimes a bit creepy, it makes for an awesome story!

I like that this story follows one of the characters from the first story. Although Kenton wasn't the main character in the first book he did play a part and so he was a "familiar face" so to speak. But in addition to the "old" characters Eden does a great job of adding new characters to the mix.

The story, like Deadly Fear, is a bit on the disturbing side. But it's a great read. This one really keeps you guessing. I actually had guessed who it was early in the story, but then other things kept happening and I changed my guess a few times. I love when a book does that.

This was also a very fast read. The writing style and pace of the story are done so well that I got so caught up in the story it only took me two sittings to finish the whole thing.

Deadly Heat

Review: Audiobook: The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace

2011-04-09T01:33:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Anna at Hachette for letting me review this one.

About the Book

The "dazzling, exhilarating" (San Francisco Chronicle) debut novel from the bestselling author of Infinite Jest, available for the first time as an audiobook.

At the center of The Broom of the System is the betwitching (and also bewildered) heroine, Lenore Stonecipher Beadsman. The year is 1990 and the place is a slightly altered Cleveland, Ohio, which sits on the edge of a suburban wasteland-the Great Ohio Desert. Lenore works as a switchboard attendant at a publishing firm, and in addition to her mind-numbing job, she has a few other problems. Her great-grandmother, a one-time student of Wittgenstein, has disappeared with twenty-five other inmates of the Shaker Heights Nursing Home. Her beau (and boss), editor-in-chief Rick Vigorous, is insanely jealous. And her cockatiel, Vlad the Impaler, has suddenly started spouting a mixture of psychobabble, Auden, and the King James Bible, which may propel him to stardom on a Christian fundamentalist television program.

Fiercely intelligent and entertaining, this debut novel from one of the most innovative writers of our generation explores the paradoxes of language, storytelling, and reality.

For more information about The Broom of the System please visit Hachette's website.

You can also "Like" David Foster Wallace on Facebook.

My Review

This was another odd one, and I really don't know what to say about it. It was pretty good, but at times it made no sense whatsoever.

Lenore seemed to be a bit dense at times. She just didn't seem to grasp what was going on most of the time. Her boyfriend Rick was teetering on crazy! Her therapist was nuts himself. Her brother and Wang Dang Lang were the most down-to-earth people in the story. And with one being a genius and the other with the name Wang Dang Lang... how down-to-earth can they really be?

I don't know if my lack of connection with this one was because it was an audiobook or if it was because it was just a little to out there for me. I understood the basic theme to the book, but even with the "broom" sweeping the system the story was just plain odd. The characters were really not believable, and the short stories interlaced throughout were distracting. They did serve a purpose in giving insight into how Rick was thinking/feeling, but I think it could have been done much more effectively.

The narrator was ok in this one. A few of the voices he did were off as to how I had them in my head, but he wasn't monotonous to listen to and he did use voices to help differentiate who was talking.

The Broom of the System: A Novel

Review: ebook The Last Key by Rob Steiner

2011-04-09T01:04:00.002-04:00

I won an ebook copy of this title from Library Thing.

About the Book

Raven Byrne is a novice dahkshari warrior-priest about to complete his training when his mentor, Jelan Drummond, is killed by a mad war hero named Thallan Brael. With the death of his mentor, it falls to Raven to to stop Brael from using an ancient, destructive magic called the Reaping Key to avenge the deaths of his family and commit genocide against an innocent nation.

My Review

This was a pretty good book. Although I did get confused a few times keeping all the characters and their roles straight I did enjoy this one. It was pretty full of action and it was beautifully written. The scenes were so vivid in my mind while I was reading this.

I really liked the story. It was obviously a fantasy but it was believable. It wasn't way out there like some fantasy stories I've read. I didn't have trouble picturing the beasts and such that were in the story. It was written very well.

I loved the characters. Raven was a great hero, even though he didn't always believe in himself and he took a risk or two, he always had everyone's best interests at heart and really believed in his mission. Raven was great but I loved Seala. She was a bit hard-headed, but she was strong and reasonable (as the story progressed). I liked the bit of a love story that was developing also. It added to the story and I think it would have been lacking without that little detail.

Overall this was a pretty good story. I liked the writing and would love to read something by Steiner in the future.

Review: No Hope for Gomez! by Graham Parke

2011-04-09T00:43:00.001-04:00

I had been wanting to read this one for a while so I went ahead and bought this one for myself.

About the Book

It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.

We've seen it all before, many times, but this time it's different. If only slightly. When Gomez Porter becomes a test subject in an experimental drug trial, he is asked to keep track of any strange experiences through a blog. What Gomez isn't ready for, is so many of his experiences suddenly seeming strange; the antiques dealer trying to buy his old tax papers, his neighbor boiling salamanders on his balcony at midnight, the super sexy lab assistant who falls for him but is unable to express herself in terms outside the realm of science. But when one of the trial participants turns up dead and another goes missing, Gomez begins to fear for his life. No longer sure who he can trust and which of his experiences are real and which merely drug induced illusions, he decides it%u2019s time to go underground and work out a devious plan.

Now, years later, his blogs have been recovered from a defunct server. For the first time we can find out firsthand what happened to Gomez as he takes us on a wild ride of discovery.

For more information about No Hope for Gomez! please visit Graham Parke's website.

My Review

I was intrigued by this book from the first time I'd heard of it. It sounded as if it would be an interesting read to say the least. It was interesting, but it was also weird. I've read this twice now because I felt like I'd lost something along the way. And while the second reading did help me figure it out a little more I was still kind of confused with the whole thing.

Gomez was an odd character. His downstairs neighbor was odd, the employee that worked for him at the antiques store was odd, the guy that was shopping at the store was odd. His doctor/girlfriend was the most "normal" person in the book, and even she was a bit odd at times.

The things that happen in Gomez's life aren't really all that odd, but the way in which he deals with them is odd. Falling in love with the researcher, perfectly normal. Becoming her stalker stalker, odd... I can't really give anymore examples without giving some of the story away.

The writing was humorous, I laughed quite a few times throughout the book. And like I said the things that happened to Gomez weren't all that abnormal, but the way he deals with life was a bit strange. It was an entertaining read, and it didn't take me long to read it. I actually read it twice within a few days.

No Hope for Gomez!

Review: Journey on the Estrada Real by Glenn Cheney

2011-04-08T22:52:00.000-04:00

Thank you to the author Glenn for letting me review this book.

About the Book

Glenn Cheney began a love affair with Brazil when he impulsively hitch-hiked there from Connecticut in 1974. Less than a decade later, disillusioned with the hectic New York lifestyle, he and his wife bought a rural banana farm in the state of Minas Gerais, the region through which the Estrada Real road winds its mountainous way. Cheney's familiarity with the area adds richness and depth to this travelogue, the compelling story of his journey on foot through one of the most remote areas of Brazil. The author makes his way through rural but populated areas, writing about people and an archaic way of life almost forgotten by the rest of the world. Throughout his journey, he is constantly aware of the fragility of the way of life he documents, and the extent to which the region lies under the threat of globalization. The personal connections he makes with the people of Minas Gerais are invaluable for our understanding of how these mountain people live; so far at least, untouched by the modern world.

My Review

The other book that I read of Cheney's was a historical book about the Pilgrims, and while I did enjoy that one I wasn't quite sure of what to expect with this book. This is more of an autobiography of his life, as well as the real story of road in South America.

The book started out a little slow, but the further along the Estrada Real we were taken the more interesting the story of this road becomes. The people he meets while walking each have such great stories. They're not amazing people, they're not rich and famous, they're just real people living the lives that they were given. While some of the people have high hopes, they aren't any different than anyone else. Everyone had dreams right?

While I don't know that I would ever try and tackle the feat that Cheney did I would at some point in my life like to see some of the places that Cheney visited on his journey. Some of the cities seem so vibrant and some of the wilderness was described so beautifully. By the time Cheney makes it to the end of his journey I was so enthralled with the journey that I didn't want it to end. I could feel the happiness, tiredness, and humbleness that Cheney experienced while on his journey.

When Cheney first described some of the places he was staying I thought to myself "I could never stay someplace like that". But the more he travels and the more commonplace these accommodations become I realized that for these people this is what they know. I can't imagine not having electricity and my luxuries and these people can't imagine having them. I was truly humbled by the lives of these people and by the fact that they have stuck to their way of life despite the fact that the whole world is changing around them.

Journey On The Estrada Real: ENCOUNTERS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF BRAZIL

Wild Legacy by Fern Cook

2011-04-08T22:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the author for letting me review her book.

About the Book

In book III, Dan Tucker's passion for the wildlife runs through the veins of his offspring, but 'his curse' also courses through the veins of his child. Only he knows why his child is different from all the other children.

Like every parent, Dan is challenged with teaching his child how to fit into this world. In Dan's case the dilemma is taken up a notch.

But like every new soul that arrives on this planet, they must make their own way, no one else can do it for them.

For more information about Wild Legacy please visit Fern Cook's website.

My Review

This is the third in the Wild Series. I've had the fortune of reading the first two in the series and again had high hopes for this one. I wasn't disappointed, I just wished for a little more.

This story still follows Dan for a bit, but the majority of the story focuses on Dan's daughter Lizzy. Dan had hidden the fact that he is a werewolf from everyone, including his wife. So when Dan's twins are born he is worried to see if his curse is passed along to them. Lizzy happens to the be one afflicted. And despite Dan's guidance Lizzy is a teenager, and one with a special ability, so she learns about her abilities in her own way.

I really like Dan and his wife from the first two books. I just wasn't that crazy about Lizzy. The story was good and it kept me reading, but I really just didn't like Lizzy. She's hard-headed and strong-willed, which does lead to some good story lines, however her stubbornness to not see things in a different way made her some one I loved to loathe. I didn't hate her, but there was something about her that just didn't sit well with me. I felt she means well, but didn't agree with her means.

I did however like her boyfriend. Stephen is very level-headed and tries to keep Lizzy on the "straight-and-narrow". His family, who Lizzy gets to know very well were all fairly level-headed and at times pose a bit of a problem for Lizzy and her plans.

While I did like the story and the writing was good I would say this is not my favorite from the series. I just didn't care too much for Lizzy, although she did bring quite a bit of "drama" to the story. She just wasn't for me.

Wild Legacy: Book III of the Wild Series (Volume 3)

Review: Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

2011-04-08T22:10:00.000-04:00

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

About the book

Their lives were perfect . . .
Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Until they met each other.
Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

For more information about Notorious Pleasures please visit Hachette's website.

You can also follow Elizabeth Hoyt on Twitter, "Like" her on Facebook, or visit her website.

My Review

Notorious Pleasures is the second in the Maiden Lane series. I was fortunate enough to have been able to read Wicked Intentions, the first in the series. I really liked Wicked Intentions so I have very high expectations for Notorious Pleasures.

Book two follows Lady Hero and the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children. But Hero is the main character in this book. The book starts just about where the last book left off. Hero is due to marry the Duke of Wakefield, but she has her secrets, like the foundling home. And then one big secret comes to the forefront of the story. Hero has fallen in love, and not with her fiance...

I liked Hero and was glad to see her as the tie-in from the first book. She was so strong, but yet she knew her place in society and tried to ensure she stayed within the confines of that place. Although she is not always as proper as she appears to be. Her secret of helping with the Foundling home is one that she's kept from all of the men in her life, except one. Then when her romance with Reading becomes more than just flirtatious her position in society is very much in danger.

This, much like the first book, was such an engaging read. Hoyt has a great command of language and makes the book so enjoyable. After now reading two of Hoyt's books I would imagine she could write a book about paint drying and make it interesting. So needless to say I will be waiting for book three in the series, which is due out later this year.

Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane)

Blog Tour & Review: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

2011-02-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Anna at Hachette for letting me participate in this blog tour.

About the Book

Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!

Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.

Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

You can get more information about How Sweet It Is by visiting Sophie's website.

Or you can get more info on Hachette's website.

You can also Like Sophie on Facebook.

My Review

This was a very "cute" book. I don't know how else to describe it. It wasn't cheesy or anything, but it was a really nice book to read.

Lizzie and Paige are living like most mothers and daughters do. They love each other and are making their way, but there's a bit of a strain. And while I'd commit most of their issues to the fact that Paige is a teenager there's something more to the strain in their relationship. It makes me remember all the things I went through with my parents when I was a teenager... And how I always thought the world was going to end when I didn't get my way (if only someone would have told me, right? LOL)

Lizzie ends up falling in love with Tay, all the while trying to keep the peace with her daughter. So her love interest doesn't show up at the most opportune of times, but is love ever easy??? And it's not as if Tay is in the market either. He's dealing with his own issues and is scared of falling in love.

This was a pretty good story. It was so sweet, and even though Lizzie didn't want to fall in love with Tay I was really rooting for them. I really liked Lizzie, and her "Enemy Club" seems like it will be a great tie for more stories in the future. They all seem to be characters that could support their own stories. Lizzie was so down to earth, and I think she made a good introductory character for the rest of the series.

Gunn's writing was so easy to read. It flowed so smoothly, and even though there were a few different characters I was never really confused as to who they were and how they tied to the overall story.

How Sweet It is

Giveaway: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

About the book

Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!

Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.

Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

For more information on this title please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can also read my review here.

Giveaway info

The giveaway will end 2/23/11 at 11:59pm (EST)

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: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

Remember to use this form.

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: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

2011-01-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

Here is another new romance for you to check out!

About the Book

TEMPTED BY REVENGE...

Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.

BOUND BY DESIRE...

Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?

You can get more information about My Immortal Assassin by visiting Carolyn's website.

Or visit Hachette Book Group's website.

You can Like Carolyn on Facebook and follow hew on Twitter.

My Immortal Assassin

Giveaway: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

2011-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

About the book

TEMPTED BY REVENGE...

Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.

BOUND BY DESIRE...

Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?

For more information on this title please visit Hachette Book Group.

Giveaway info

The giveaway will end 2/23/11 at 11:59pm (EST)

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: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

Remember to use this form.

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!

Challenge: 100 books in 2011

2011-01-20T03:11:00.022-05:00

This is the third year I've tried this challenge, so let's see how I do this year! I got closer last year...

I got this challenge from the 100+ books in 2011 group on GoodReads

1. How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
2. How Sweet it Is by Sophie Gunn
3. Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt
4. Wild Legacy by C. Fern Cook
5. Journey on the Estrada Real by Glenn Cheney
6. No Hope for Gomez by Graham Parke
7. ebook: The Last Key by Rob Steiner
8. The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
9. Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden
10. Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden
11. Still the One by Robin Wells
12. Pearl: A Life too Short; a Death too Long by Darlene Cox
13. Audiobook: Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons
14. Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah
15. A Writer's Engagement by Robert Wacaster
16. Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately
17. The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark
18. Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder by Steve Lehto
19. The Secrets of Newberry by Victor McGlothin
20. Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia
21. Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey
22. A Line Blurred by Bryan Healey
23. Hull's Landing by
24. The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
25. The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel
26. Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby
27. The Gods of Greenwich by Norb Vonnegut
28. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
29. Curios by Richard Marsh

Giveaway: How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

2011-01-20T03:01:00.001-05:00

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

About the book

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

For more information on this title please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can also read my review here.

Giveaway info

The giveaway will end 2/9/11 at 11:59pm (EST)

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: How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling http://tiny.cc/4eqlg

Remember to use this form.

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: How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

2011-01-20T03:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Anna at Hachette for letting me participate in this blog tour.

About the Book

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

For more information about this book please visit Vicky's website.

Or you can visit Hachette Book Group's website.

You can also Like Vicky on Facebook or Follow her on Twitter.

My Review

This was another great romance. I loved the story. It was such an interesting idea, and it was pulled off superbly! A matchmaker falling in love with a client? How scandalous!

Tessa was a great character. She was so independent and strong in a time when strong women were frowned upon. And yet she still managed to make a fairly decent life for herself. She kept her feelings bottled up, because that was what was expected of her, yet she knew that to be truly happy she would have to do things that went the status-quo, but since that was how her whole life had been when she realized what she had to do she went for it. Tristan was a great hero. He made all the women swoon, and how could he not? The most eligible bachelor and handsome to boot! He seemed a bit superficial at times, but then the more we learn about his intentions he becomes such a sweetheart and you really begin pulling for him to get what he wants, which is ultimately Tessa.

Tessa's secret, which she thought had be successfully kept hidden comes to play and things get a bit hairy for both Tessa and Tristan as they try to find Tristan the perfect wife. It makes for a great story. It was a great love story. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in this series.

How to Marry a Duke

Blog Tour: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

2011-01-13T10:00:00.008-05:00

Here is a new romance for you to check out!

About the Book

The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to insure peace.

In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.

You can get more info about Sins of a Highland Devil by visiting Hachette's website.

You can also visit Sue-Ellen Welfonder's website.

Sins of a Highland Devil (Highland Warriors)

Giveaway: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

2011-01-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

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

About the book

The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to insure peace.

In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.

For more information on this title please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can also visit the authors website.

Giveaway info

The giveaway will end 2/2/11 at 11:59pm (EST)

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: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Remember to use this form.

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!

Review: Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

2010-12-18T04:43:00.001-05:00

Thank you to the Blogging For Books group for sending me a copy to review.

About the Book

Laurie had her own shattered dreams before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. Reaching out to save a dog in need, Laurie soon realized that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discoverd the transforming power of God’s selfless love even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she has ever known.

“Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is.” --Kim Meeder, Blind Hope

My Review

Since I love animals I was again destined to fall in love with this story. And since one of my dogs just happens to be an Aussie I was even more attached to Mia's story.

Not a whole lot of information was given about Mia's background, other than she was malnourished and was living under a rusted out car. But the story doesn't really need her background info as she creates such a great story without it.

Mia could easily have been put to sleep, and even though Laurie's intentions in saving Mia might not have been honorable at first Mia soon changed her heart. I've always been a firm believer that dogs are smarter than we give them credit for and if we just "listen" to what they have to tell us that we will be amazed. Laurie and Mia's story just strengthens that belief.

Mia, who despite all her problems, was just a dog who loved her owner and was happy to be alive. Many times throughout the book it is mentioned how she is so content with her life the way it is, and that her faith that her master will do no wrong by her is enough to keep her content. Laurie, who had struggled with her faith in God learns from Mia how to truly have faith and live in the light of God.

So while this is a story about a dog it is also a story about faith and finding your path to God. It is really inspirational. I cried many many times reading this one. I think the struggles that Laurie went through are not uncommon to struggles that many of us have gone through at one point in our lives. Her connection with Mia helps her to see how her relationship with God is not unlike Mia's relationship with her.

Seeing Laurie change was inspiring, and seeing how Mia is able to persevere through her obstacles is even more inspiring to me. And while I've said it before it is worth saying again: even though I know not all abused/abandoned animals can be saved it is so refreshing to read about one with a happy ending.

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued

Review: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin

2010-12-18T04:22:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Anna at Hachette for letting me review this book.

About the Book

In the bestselling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home.

Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own.

My Review

Being an animal lover I'm a little biased to how great this book was.... But I think it'd take a person without a heart to be at least a little touched by the story of Oogy.

Oogy is a rescue dog who was horribly disfigured, apparently as a bait dog to train fighting dogs. The poor dog suffered through his pain and despite the odds was nursed back to health by a vet who did all Oogy's work for free!

Oogy's story is full of mischievousness, love, compassion, and sadness. As Levin explains what he's learned of Oogy and how he got to be where he was I cried. Animal abuse is so heart-wrenching. And while I know they can't all be saved it warms my heart to read stories like this, ones with happy endings.

Oogy's antics are sometimes hilarious, as I can see my dogs trying some of the same things (although I must admit they're not yet smart enough to open the refrigerator, but I wouldn't put it past them). The story doesn't just follow Oogy but it follows the entire family as they grow as a unit.

This was a very quick read. I finished it in one setting and it only took me two hours. It's so well written that I could envision exactly what Levin is describing (although the pictures at the beginnings of chapters did help me to build an image in my mind).

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

Review: Just After Sunsent: Stories by Stephen King

2010-12-18T04:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Book Cove Reviews for sending me a copy of this to review.

About the Book

Stephen King -- who has written more than fifty books, dozens of number one New York Times bestsellers, and many unforgettable movies -- delivers an astonishing collection of short stories, his first since Everything's Eventual six years ago. As guest editor of the bestselling Best American Short Stories 2007, King spent over a year reading hundreds of stories. His renewed passion for the form is evident on every page of Just After Sunset. The stories in this collection have appeared in The New Yorker, Playboy, McSweeney's, The Paris Review, Esquire, and other publications.
Who but Stephen King would turn a Port-O-San into a slimy birth canal, or a roadside honky-tonk into a place for endless love? A book salesman with a grievance might pick up a mute hitchhiker, not knowing the silent man in the passenger seat listens altogether too well. Or an exercise routine on a stationary bicycle, begun to reduce bad cholesterol, might take its rider on a captivating -- and then terrifying -- journey. Set on a remote key in Florida, "The Gingerbread Girl" is a riveting tale featuring a young woman as vulnerable -- and resourceful -- as Audrey Hepburn's character in Wait Until Dark. In "Ayana," a blind girl works a miracle with a kiss and the touch of her hand. For King, the line between the living and the dead is often blurry, and the seams that hold our reality intact might tear apart at any moment. In one of the longer stories here, "N.," which recently broke new ground when it was adapted as a graphic digital entertainment, a psychiatric patient's irrational thinking might create an apocalyptic threat in the Maine countryside...or keep the world from falling victim to it.

Just After Sunset -- call it dusk, call it twilight, it's a time when human intercourse takes on an unnatural cast, when nothing is quite as it appears, when the imagination begins to reach for shadows as they dissipate to darkness and living daylight can be scared right out of you. It's the perfect time for Stephen King.

My Review

After reading the fist few stories in this one I was thinking to myself "King has lost his touch". The first few stories were so predictable. But then it started getting really good. There were only a handful of the stories in this one that I didn't love. It wasn't that they were bad, they were just predictable.

I think my favorite stories were Stationary Bike, The Things They Left Behind, and N. I really think that they could have been turned into full-length novels. But they were still really good as short stories. N kind of had a IT feel to it. The Things They Left Behind was just weird, but in a good way. Stationary Bike was also weird. I thought it would be kind of like Thinner when I started reading it.

I usually don't like to read short stories, as I don't get enough time to connect with the characters and it's hard for me to get a real feel for things. With a few exceptions in this collected that was not the case. King's ability to write a short story that doesn't seem abrupt was great. And the characters were all fairly well-rounded.

This one did take me a while to read. Although at 539 pages it didn't take me nearly as long as I thought it would. The short stories were fairly fast paced and so they lent themselves to be read very fast.

Overall it was pretty good. The preview of Under The Dome in the back has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on that one.

Just After Sunset: Stories

Review: The Lion by Nelson DeMille

2010-12-18T03:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Books for sending me a review copy of this title.

About the Book

In this eagerly awaited follow-up to The Lion's Game, John Corey, former NYPD Homicide detective and special agent for the Anti-Terrorist Task Force, is back. And, unfortunately for Corey, so is Asad Khalil, the notorious Libyan terrorist otherwise known as "The Lion." Last we heard from him, Khali had claimed to be defecting to the US only to unleash the most horrific reign of terrorism ever to occur on American soil. While Corey and his partner, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, chased him across the country, Khalil methodically eliminated his victims one by one and then disappeared without a trace.

Now, years later, Khalil has returned to America to make good on his threats and take care of unfinished business. "The Lion" is a killing machine once again loose in America with a mission of revenge, and John Corey will stop at nothing to achieve his own goal -- to find and kill Khahil.

You can get more information about The Lion by visiting Hachette's website.

You can visit Nelson DeMille's website.

You can also "Like" The Lion on Facebook.

My Review

This was a great story! I wasn't instantly drawn into it, but once it got going I couldn't pull myself away from it.

I hadn't read the first in this series, so there was a bit that I think I was missing from this one, but I don't think it deterred from the story at all. I was able to piece together what had happened in the first book and pieced together the back story.

I've never read DeMille before, but I'd heard great things about his writing. I wasn't disappointed! There is quite a bit of wit in the writing. I don't know if it was just the nature of the main character, John Corey, or if it's a common thing for DeMille, but it made this story easier. I think without the witticisms this could have been a very difficult and dark book.

I really liked Cory. He was witty, he was strong, and (like us all) he had faults. His drive to finish what The Lion started was so strong. While not all of The Lion's actions were meant to egg on Corey, Corey seemed to take them all quite personally. Although since The Lion promised Corey that he would be back to finish what he started I guess there was a vendetta to settle, and since Corey knew what The Lion's plans entailed I can see how he took everything personally.

The story was pretty intense. But again, the wit helped to break it up. It didn't make the story any less serious, but it made it not so dark and hopeless.

The narrator was pretty good. He wasn't mundane, but he wasn't the most lively narrator I've ever listened to. He gave the characters their own voices, and did a pretty good job at helping the listener to differentiate who was talking.

The Lion

Review: The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley

2010-12-18T03:09:00.000-05:00

I won a review copy of this title from a giveaway on LibraryThing.

About the Book

Frey has spent his life as a slave mining ancient ruins left behind by a lost race, the Anunai. But when an explorer comes searching for a powerful relic, Frey joins him on an adventure that spans worlds. From floating cities to cloud ships, every step of Frey's journey takes him closer to battle with the evil Dravikos, whose quest to control the Mask of the River King threatens all life.

My Review

I've been reading this book for a long time. It's got a good premise, and the world that Jules creates in this one is beautiful. I just can't seem to keep things straight in this one. I don't know why, but it's been very difficult for me to read. Every time I pick it up I have to go back and re-read a bit of it to re-orient myself as to what is going on.

I really want to like it. I like Frey, the main character. He really seems to be coming into his own. The other characters are so neat. The way some of them are mixed breeds is a cool concept. They're not mixed like characters we're familiar with, from mythology or something, they're really unique mixes.

The idea of the Nexus is a really cool idea. It gives the book endless possibilities.

I just, for whatever reason, can not get situated with this one. I really want to like it, and I've been trying to. I just can't get there...

It's got some great qualities. The world(s) that Wellesley creates are amazing. I would love to give this a much better review, as I think it has the potential to be a great book.

Giveaway: Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry

2010-12-07T23:10:00.001-05:00

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

About the Book

Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective.

Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .

To find out more about Tempted by Fate please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can also read my review here.

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 12/21/10 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: Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry Ends 12/21/10 http://tiny.cc/txhis

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!

Review: Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry

2010-12-07T23:03:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group for letting me be a part of this Blog Tour!

About the Book

For more information about Tempted by Fate please visit Hachette's website.

You can also visit Kate Perry's website or her blog.

Kate Perry is also on MySpace and Twitter.

My Review

This was a really good story. I'd kind of gotten burn out on historical romance so I'd left romance alone altogether for a little while. This is the first romance I've read in a few months and it was refreshing to get back into the genre with such a well written specimen.

Willow was a great main character. She was spunky, witty, independent, and everything else you could want from a heroine. I liked her. Ramirez was nice... I used the model on the cover as a basis for what Ramirez looked like, and he is very nice :-) But my favorite character was Morgan and Lita was a close second. But Morgan is a computer genius. While I'm far from a computer genius I am a bit of a nerd so I was able to connect with her. She also plays as Willow's better judgment, as Willow doesn't always use her own good judgment... And Lita was such a sweet character. She was so knowing (beyond just the knowing the comes with being a grandmother) and was able to see what the future was going to hold for Ramirez and Willow.

I haven't read the first two in this series and I didn't feel lost in this one. While I do want to go back and read the first two I didn't feel like I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

The story itself was a good one. Willow, a guardian of the wood scroll, is trying to find the bad man who killed her mother when she was a young girl. The search has lead her to San Fransisco where she meets Ramirez. The chemistry between them is great, even though they both try to fight it.

I liked the story and I loved the characters. I really do want to get the first two in the series and get the background of the guardians and then I want to see where the next book is going to go, as this one set the stage for something really big. I can't wait to see what it is!

Tempted by Fate (The Guardians of Destiny)

2010-12-07T02:14:00.001-05:00

Today we have a guest post from author Mark Hersberger author of Tokyo Lives. Today he's going to talk a little about his book and the setting of the book.

Welcome to Shibuya, Tokyo’s hippest, most happening neighborhood. By day teenagers and young adults from across Japan flock to the trendy department stores and boutiques. Schoolgirls in their “sailor suit” uniforms roam in packs, while well-manicured office ladies tote $1,000 handbags. The silver, cylindrical Shibuya 109 presides as a youth fashion Mecca and Shibuya’s literal and figurative epicenter.

As night falls the vibe transforms and Shibuya re-casts itself as one of Tokyo’s raunchiest, most decadent red-light districts. In a tangle of alleys known as the Dogenzaka—or Love Hotel Hill—bright neon signs glowing pink and red light the maze of streets. Fleshy female images tease passersby. The strip clubs, porn shops, and prostitution houses cater to every sexual fantasy imaginable—and some that are unimaginable. Salarymen, Japan’s black-suited army of corporate warriors, canvass the alleys in small groups as they look to blow off steam after another 14-hour day. And the Dogenzaka is ruled with an iron fist by the yakuza, Japan’s shadowy, secretive network of organized crime families.

I chose to focus on Shibuya for this blog post because it is essential to the plot of Tokyo Lives, my mystery novel. The neighborhood is as unique as any character in the book, and in many ways plays a dual role of setting and character. Shibuya has its own life and pulse, its own identity and personality. Shibuya breathes, it shows emotions. It lusts, it desires. When Megumi, a teenage runaway turned prostitute is murdered, Shibuya weeps and mourns her passing. Shibuya is by turns tragic hero and ruthless villain.

Shibuya’s personality is as layered as any character’s in the book. By day it’s young and fanciful, even innocent. At night it’s dark and foreboding, electric and energizing. Its mood can change day by day, minute by minute, block by block.

Each character has a unique, personal relationship with Shibuya. Megumi flees her rural roots, lured to Shibuya by the chance at money and a new life. Shibuya is to be her savior, though it ends up killing her. By contrast, The Snake, a grizzled, whiskey-swilling gangster, is from Shibuya and will do anything to escape. Corruption, greed, and family in-fighting drive him to the brink of emotional despair. But there’s too much holding him back. Shibuya and its rag-tag collection of gangsters, mama-sans, and hustlers will never let him leave.

Everyone who’s visited Shibuya has a deeply personal relationship with the neighborhood. For me, Shibuya was the ultimate microscope through which to study Japan. The clash of teenage innocence and exuberance colliding with the adult word’s deepest, darkest secrets left me fascinated. A casual stroll through the back alleys reveals glimpses of all its characters: teenage runaways huddled in corners using their backpacks as pillows; slick-suited yakuza prowling for their next scheme; thrill-seeking salarymen looking for an escape. Simply put, there’s nothing like Shibuya in the United States. The neighborhood served as my muse, and I had to write about it.

I love that you let the location "tell" the story. I have lived in some seedy places in my life (like my first apartment with the 6-ft barbwire fence around the property and bullet hole in the window) so I was able to get some of the location, but I don't think even with my experience I can fully appreciate Shibuya. I also think that using the location as the catalyst for the story was a great idea. There was so much in this one that related to the city, it was (as you said) as if the neighborhood was a character.

You can read my review of Tokyo Lives here on justjennifereading.

Party Today! "No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win kindles, iPods, and get free books!

2010-12-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

“It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come!

Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:

Exclusive short story collection
No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters
Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
Signed hi-res poster + bookplate

(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

Oh yeah, you can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE

"No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win kindles, iPods, and get free books!

2010-11-28T02:59:00.002-05:00

“It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

Exclusive short story collection
No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters
Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
Signed hi-res poster + bookplate

Review: A Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart

2010-11-24T17:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Barnes & Nobles's First Look Book Club for letting me review this one.

About the Book

One moonless night in February 1895, a young landowner in Texas cow country loses his wife in childbirth. In the lonely years that follow, his new son, his fourth, grows to become a skillful, aggressive jockey and his father, with equal fervor, stakes his land and fortunes on his success. In 1910, father and son, distant, yet strangely joined in this venture, race to a point of no return for the entire family. What happens to the son beyond that juncture will not reconfigure his past, but it will burnish him into unexpected maturity. (Hand-selling tip: Of this first novel, one early reader wrote, "If Evan S. Connell, William Faulkner, and Norman Maclean had been born as one person, he might possess the extraordinary gifts of Bruce Machart.")

My Review

This one took me a while to get into it. The writing was very "slow". Since I read this as part of a book group I didn't want to get to far ahead. So I'd read and get into the story, then when I got to the stopping point I found I had a hard time getting back into it. Had I read it straight through without stopping I probably would have liked it much more.

I loved how the author gave everything a feeling. The landscape, the animals, everything was described to have a sens of feeling. It was a nice change, but I think it became a little to much, as it just seemed to drag the story down some.

I didn't really get to connect with any of the characters. In fact there were some places in the book where I was confused as to who was talking, who was doing what, what was being done to who. I was just so lost at some points that it really frustrated me.

The story, if you take out the "extra" was pretty good. And it was an endeering story about lost love, in many forms, and how that can affect a person their whole life. The relationships between the characters was sad, and that sad feeling was the tone of the entire book. Everything was just sad.

I think if I had sat with this and read it straight through without taking breaks I would have liked it more. But as I said each time I picked it up I had to "get back into the story" and I think that took so much away from it for me.

The Wake of Forgiveness

Review: Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger

2010-11-24T16:44:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Mark Hersberger for sending me a copy of his book to review.

About the Book

When a teenage runaway-turned-prostitute is found murdered in the dark alleys of Tokyo's raunchiest red-light district, no one seems to care...except The Snake, a grizzled, whiskeyswilling yakuza. It's an affront to his authority: No one gets away with murder on his turf.
Determined to render justice and restore his reputation, The Snake juggles his investigation amidst an impending gang war and an effort to get the Governor of Tokyo elected Prime Minister. The victim's former best friend holds the key to the mystery, and a romance blossoms while they chase the killer.

As the couple wades through their familiar milieu of ruthless gangsters, elite hostesses, and corrupt politicians, they reveal a cover-up that threatens the highest levels of power. Ancient yakuza codes of honor give way to betrayal as The Snake is torn between lifetime loyalties and justice.

The seamy back alleys of Tokyo come to life in this thriller folded as tightly as origami. These Tokyo lives aren't the ones you read about in travel guides-they're the ones that prey on the flaws and indiscretions of a nation.

For more information about Tokyo Lives please visit the book's website.

My Review

This was a really good book. It had a bit of everything in it. There was a hint of a love story. There was a really good murder mystery. It had emotions. And it was just exciting to read. I really liked it.

The main character The Snake was a great character. He is a gangster who is loyal to his "family", he is also ready to be done with the life he leads. That internal dilemma leads to some great twists in the story. While some of the other characters play fairly large roles in the book I connected the most with The Snake.

The story was really good. It was so suspenseful. While I thought I had the "whodunit" figured out at the beginning I kept second guessing myself, and I wasn't even close as to the why!

I've never been to Tokyo, but Hersberger does a great job of painting the pictures for me. Using my experience living in various "not so nice areas" I was able to paint a pretty good idea of how the neighborhood looked. Even the smells were ones that I could easily draw from my experiences...

The story itself was really good. The twists that the story takes really keeps you guessing through the whole book. Given the predictability of some of the recent mystery novels I've read this was quite refreshing. The twists weren't anything that seemed to "out there". Everything was plausible and fit really well into the story line. Even tying up the ending was done well. I felt like everything that needed to be "finished" was and the things that you were supposed to keep guessing about were left open. The ending also didn't feel rushed.

I really liked all the different stories that were going on. There was the murder mystery. There was the changing of the guards, so to speak, within the yakuza. There was the governor's race going on. The seedy lives of the prostitutes and call-girls. And everything just melded so well together. It took me a while to pick it up, but once I did I didn't want to put it down.

Tokyo Lives

Review: Audiobook: The Brave by Nicholas Evans

2010-11-24T16:11:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Hachette Audio for sending me a copy of this title for review.

About the Book

Tom Bedford is living alone in the isolated wilds of Montana. Having distanced himself from his own troubled past, he rarely sees his ex-wife, and his son, Danny, is away in Iraq and hasn't spoken to him for years. Tom hasn't always been so removed from society. As a boy, his mother was a meteoric rising star in the glitzy, enchanted world of 1960s Hollywood. There, she fell in love with the suave Ray Montane, who played young Tom's courageous onscreen hero, Red McGraw, the fastest draw around. Tommy and his mother lived in a glamorous, Hollywood version of the Wild West. Everything was perfect, until the gold flaking on their magical life began to chip away, revealing an uglier truth beneath. Ray was not who he seemed. Tommy and his mother fell into a deadly confrontation with him, and they fled Hollywood forever, into the wilderness of the real West.

As a man, Tom has put all of that behind him--or so he thinks. Unexpectedly, his ex-wife calls, frantic: Danny has been charged with murder. In the chaos of war, his son has been caught in a violent skirmish gone bloodily awry. The Army needs someone to pay for the mistake. Tom, forced into action, is now suddenly alive again and fighting to save the son he'd let slip away. To succeed, he must confront the violence in his own past, and he finds that these two selves--the past and the present--which he'd fought so long to keep separate, are inextricably connected. As father and son struggle to understand one another, both are compelled to learn the true meaning of bravery.

Beautifully interlacing the past and present, the author of The Horse Whisperer reminds us that we are tied to the glories and mistakes of our own history. The Brave lives up to its name, as one the most courageous and full-hearted novels of our time.

For more information about The Brave please visit Hachette's website.

Watch the Trailer for The Brave on You Tube.

Visit Nicholas' website.

You can also "Like" Nicholas Evans on Facebook.

My Review

This book was beautiful. Which sounds like a weird way to describe a book, especially one with a few murders in the plot... But beautiful is such a great word for it.

The characters were all great. I loved Tommy and Diane. Cal was another great character. The story follows Tommy through his life growing up in England, moving to Hollywood, and eventually "settling down" in Montana. The whole way through I was so captivated by what he was going through. The opening scene with Tommy and his mother is so captivating that I couldn't help but care what happens to Tommy through the rest of the story.

The writing was beautiful in this story. Since it was an audiobook that I read I can imagine some of the imagery was as much from the writing as it was from the narrator's voice. But either way I could see everything that was going on. The descriptions weren't long and drawn out, but everything I saw in my head was on a large scale. I didn't just see where the action was happening, if they were in a room I saw the whole room, if they were outside I could see the whole scaling landscape around the area. I think the writing and the narration were such a perfect fit for each other that this book really was able to take on a life of it's own for me.

The story itself was great also. The story jumps around in Tommy's life. Each part of the story answers one question and then raises another. Even when the story jumps forward it somehow is able to answer the questions from the past... The story wasn't always fast-paced, but it wasn't boring either. Everything about this story just hit that perfect balance.

The narrator for this one was amazing. I don't like to see who narrates before I start and audiobook because then as I'm listening to the book all the characters take on the narrator (especially if it is someone famous). While I was listening I kept thinking to myself this voice is so familiar, and when I finished and looked to see who it was I realized why I liked the narration so much. Michael Emerson has such a great voice. I loved Lost, and even though I didn't so much like Ben I do like the guy who plays Ben. He was able to give each of the characters their own voice, without making them sound fake or "put on". I loved the narration as much as I loved the story.

The Brave: A Novel

Review: Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund

2010-11-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Hachette Book for sending me a copy to review.

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.

For more information about The Postcard Killers please visit Hachette's website.

My Review

I've only read a few James Patterson novels. I've always heard great things about his writing and I really wanted to start reading some of his stuff. My only problem thus far is that everything of his I've read has been so predictable. I've had such high expectations for each of his books and I've been let down with each one.

Having said that I don't hate his books. I think that the sheer number of books that he has released, with co-authors, has lead to a bit of overkill. I like the story lines, I like the characters, but it's so easy to predict the end of the book.

This one was no different. While it did have a bit more of an emotional connection than I've felt with the other Patterson novels it was still predictable. I liked the characters. Dessi was a great character. She was very well rounded, she had such a great back story, and as her past starts popping up she becomes even more likable. For her to come from where she came from and be able to do what she's done it was very touching. Jack wasn't an unlikable character, but I didn't really connect with him. I did feel sympathy for him, but that was about the extent of my connection.

The story was pretty fast-paced. Things happened pretty quickly in this one. It didn't take long for the killers to get going, actually that's how the book opens. As the reasoning behind the killings come out, it is pretty shallow. But I guess a killer doesn't really have to have a good reason to kill (killers are crazy after all).

Since this was an audiobook I have to talk about the narrators. There were actually three of them in this story. I liked the differences in the narrators. It helped me to keep track of when the story changed. When I'm listening to an audiobook I find it easy to get lost as far as what's going on, and who's doing what but the three different narrators would at least keep me on track as to who the story was following. I have to say that I wish more audiobooks were read like this, I really liked it.

The Postcard Killers

Review: Healing With Words by Diana Raab

2010-11-24T14:55:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Diana for sending me her book to review.

About the Book

Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey is a memoir and self-help book highlighting Diana’s cancer journey. In 2001 at the age of forty-seven, happily married and the mother of three, she was diagnosed with early breast cancer and five years later, diagnosed by seemingly unrelated and incurable blood cancer—multiple myeloma. The book candidly chronicles in a wry and inspirational tone, her experiences, using reflection, poetry and journal entries. At the end of each chapter writing prompts and blank journaling pages are provided for readers to express their own personal story. The book also contains extensive appendices with support organization and writing tips.

Raab considers journaling to be like a daily vitamin—healing, detoxifying and essential for optimal health. Since early childhood, Raab has found solace in writing after her mother gave her a journal to cope with the loss of her beloved grandmother. In lieu of allowing cancer to destroy and take over her life, she has gracefully embraced the experience and views it as a positive turning point in her life.

Get more information about Healing With Words from Diana Raab's website.

Read the guest post Diana posted here on JustJenniferReading.

You can also "Like" Healing with words on Facebook.

My Review

I think everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. I've lost a few family members to cancer and there are also a few survivors in my family. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. While I've never had cancer I know what the fighter is going through in their battle. Most people have their own way of dealing with cancer, but for those who don't I think this book could be very helpful.

The book is both a biographical story and a journal. I liked the format that it was written in. Raab talks about different points in her cancer journey and then gives prompts for the reader to write about their journey. She gives small prompts like "Describe your admission to the hospital". I think these are the kinds of things that are difficult for people to talk about, but I also think that keeping all these feelings bottled up inside is not the way to deal with them.

I also liked the poetry that Raab wrote through her journey. She talks in the book about the different emotions she was feeling and these emotions come through in the poetry she has dispersed throughout.

For someone who is dealing with cancer I think this book could be a beneficial tool to help the cope with what they are going through. While I've never written anything significant I used to keep a journal and also wrote poems and short stories. I've always found writing to be therapeutic. And while cancer is a disease of the physical body the medicines and treatments do little to heal the mind and soul.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with cancer I would recommend this book. It was sometimes difficult to read and it was very emotional. But at the same there were moments of hope and I think that those are the things that we all need to hold on to, regardless of what kind of struggle we are going through.

Healing With Words: A writer's cancer journey

Review: Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry

2010-11-09T23:50:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Glass Road PR for letting me participate in this blog tour.

About the Book

Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him. However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.

Get more information about Almost Heaven on Chris Fabry's website.

My Review

This was a great book! The story was so touching. It's got so much love, and yet so much pain inter-weaved into the story of Billy Allman.

Right from the beginning of the story both the love and pain show through. We first met Billy as an adult, and he really doesn't come off as being anyone special. But as the story goes back to the early part of his life it starts to get pretty interesting. There were so many times in this one that I wanted to cry for Billy. He had such a difficult life. It seemed that just as things would get good something horrid would happen to him.

I really liked to double narrative in this one. It helped move the story along when there wasn't much going on. The angel in this story was a great addition. I liked being able to see a different side of what happened and how Billy ended up where he did.

When I started this one I knew it was a work of fiction. However, as I was reading I kept thinking that this would be even more inspiring if it were true. The way some of it was written it had a feeling of a true story. So I decided to look at the author's website and found that while it is fictional it is also loosely based on the story of a real person.

Almost Heaven

Review: A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

2010-11-06T20:26:00.001-04:00

I won this book in a giveaway on Library Thing.

About the Book

The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. The town’s top detective, perplexed by a complete lack of leads, calls in FBI agent Leia Bines, an expert in cases involving children.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Gram, a psychiatrist at Newbury’s hospital, searches desperately for the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings’s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya’s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope.

The situations confronting Leia and Peter converge when Naya begins drawing chilling images of murder after being bombarded by the disturbing images in her dreams. Amazingly, her sketches are the only clues to the crime that has panicked Newbury residents. Against her better judgment, Leia explores the clues in Naya’s crude drawings, only to set off an alarming chain of events.

In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.

You can find out more about Circle of Souls by visiting the book's website.

My Review

This was a really gripping story. I was drawn in right from the beginning. The story is so fast paced that it kept my interest and I finished it in almost one setting. Even the "down-times" in the story were interesting. The author's background (culturally and educationally) lent themselves really well to this book. Nothing that happened in the story seemed far fetched, as tends to happen in murder mysteries sometimes. I could tell that the author knew the intricacies of the story he was telling. I didn't get the feeling that he was just making stuff up to keep the story more interesting.

The characters in this one were so well developed. I fell in love with Naya. She was such a sweet little girl. As soon as she was brought into the story I liked her. The characters were so well developed that I could picture them and was able to "predict" their reactions. Not that the story was predictable, but similar to how when you've known someone for a while you can kind of guess what they might say or do.

The story itself was very well written. The dialog was real. The story was plausible. And it was really a mystery. I thought I had it figured out a few times. And even despite the possible endings my brain was coming up with I didn't expect it to turn out the way it did! The book was able to create a mystery without going into overly gory detail. It wasn't a gratuitous use of gore, it was done with taste.

I have to say that this is one of the best books I've ever read. It really was a quick read, at almost 350 pages it only took me 3 settings to finish it. It was just so captivating and fast paced that I didn't want to put it down.

A Circle of Souls

Toy Stories Reading Challenge

2010-11-04T03:43:00.013-04:00

I'm going to try this one. It might be a bit of a challenge with everything else I have going on, but I really liked the idea of this one so I'm going to try it!

I got this challenge from the GoodReads Group Romance Readers Reading Challenges

Toy Stories Reading Challenge

Put together by Valorie and the ever active members that contribute in the Challenge Suggestions thread, here is a reading challenge inspired by popular toys.

Read 10 books plus an option of bonuses within a six month period. You may begin anytime you want, as long as you put your start date and end date.

Duration: 6 months
Total No. of books: 10 required + 2 bonus of your choice

Earliest start date for this challenge is its launched date: October 10, 2010.

Enjoy playing, everyone.

1. Barbie: Read a book with a character that is a fashion designer, interior designer, writes about fashion or is just really into fashion.

2. GI Joe: Read a book with a character that is in the military or was in the military, or the story takes place during a war of some kind.

3. Easy Bake Oven: Read a book with a character that is a chef or baker, owns a restaurant or bakery, or there is a type of food in the title or on the cover.

4. Hot Wheels: Read a book with a character that works on cars or races cars, or there is a car, motorcycle, or some type of vehicle on the cover.

5. Lite Brite: Read a book with a colorful cover (3 or more colors) or has a color as part of the title.

6. Rock'em Sock'em Robots: Read a book with a character who is a boxer, fighter, or warrior of some kind.

7. Cabbage Patch Kids: Read a Young Adult novel or a book with a character that is a child or teenager.

8. Etch-A-Sketch: Read a book with a character that is an artist of some kind, draws, or is a graphic artist or read a graphic novel.

9. Connect Four: Read the 4th book in a series or has 4 words in its title.

10. Raggedy Ann & Andy: Read a book with a red cover or a book with a character that is a red head.

Bonus two: Pick your favorite toys and post your own book categories!
11. Playing House: A book about a marriage, or a wedding
12. Pound Puppies: A book about a dog, with a dog on the cover

My List:
1. A Writer's Engagement by Robert Wacaster 4/31/11
2. Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately - 4/16/11
3. Happy Hour by Michele Scott
4. Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons - 3/11
5. Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger - 11/24/10
6. The Last Key by Rob Steiner - 1/11
7. Wild Legacy by C. Fern Cook - 2/11
8. No Home For Gomez by Graham Parke - 1/11
9. How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn - 2/11
10. Islands of Instability by MC Miller
11. How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
12. Oogy by Larry Levin

Review: Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook

2010-11-03T02:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks to C. Fern Cook for sending me a copy of her book for review!

About the Book

In book #1 of the Wild Series, Wild Evolution, Colorado rancher Dan Tucker's life is turned upside-down. After surviving a mutant canine attack, Dan discovers the animal he killed is not a wild dog, but a man. To protect himself even though it was a self-defense killing, he covers up the murder. With his quiet life as bachelor rancher transformed into a constant battle of wits to keep his deep, dark secret safe, Dan finds himself at odds with everyone, including his girlfriend and his former best friend - and most of all, himself. In book #2 of the Wild Series, Wild Justice, we find Dan worrying about keeping his nocturnal life a secret as his wedding gets closer. He soon discovers that's the least of his worries...

You can visit C. Fern Cook's website.

You can also read the two guest blog posts she's done here on JustJenniferReading: post 1 post 2

See my review for book 1 in the Wild Series Wild Evolution.

My Review

After reading the first book in this series I was excited to get this one read. The cliff-hanger at the end of the first book really had me anticipating how the second book would deal with that issue. I have to say I was not disappointed!

My favorite character in book one was Angela, so I was hopping she had a larger role in this book, which she did. The new characters introduced in this book were fairly good characters. Kyle I despised... Which I think was the point, and Cathy I felt sympathy for. She was caught in a seemingly loveless marriage, her only true companion is her pot-bellied pig, Miss Piggy. While I would have liked to gotten "inside" Cathy's head a little more I did think these two new characters were a great addition to the story. Dan I'm still not sure of. He comes off as being a bit of a jerk at times still and at other times he's so sympathetic and understanding. But this second book had led me to lean more towards liking him.

There was a lot going on in this book. Dan's got a whole new set of obstacles to deal with. Angela, being Dan's rock also has a lot to deal with. Then there's the animals that Kyle acquires. There were a few times when I had to put the book down because some of what happens to the animals in this one is hard to read. Being a lover of all animals made it that much harder. But the treatment of these animals justifies the end of the book and I think that just deserts were in order!

As with the first book we're left with a cliff hanger in this one and I can't wait to get to the third book! Another great story from C. Fern Cook!

Wild Justice: Book 2 of the Wild Series (Volume 2)

Guest Blogger: David Trotter

2010-10-26T10:00:00.004-04:00

Today's post isn't necessarily a normal guest post for me. Normally I let authors write about whatever they want to write about. However today's guest blogger, David Trotter, asked me to give him a question to answer. Because I had a question I was really wanting to ask I did (just remember that I'm a bit long-winded when you read my question!). So here is today's guest post, and be aware there is a bit of a ***SPOILER***!!!

JustJenniferReading:
The emotion in this book was so raw, I am honestly surprised that I didn't cry many many times (as I too have been on the "giving" end of an affair). When writing a fiction book that carries this emotion I would imagine that the author is able to disassociate themselves from what is happening in the story. Being that this wasn't a story, this was your life, it had to be such an emotional ride to bring all this back to the surface, for both you and your family. So my question is, was it difficult to write this, not only for you but for everyone involved, Laura, Kurt, Ron, Dyno, your kids, etc? Did the pain lessen because of writing, or did writing make it new and raw again?

David Trotter:
From the day the ‘other woman’ left me in April of 2008, I had a sense that I’d share my story one day. I have lived a rather public life, and I don’t mind allowing people into the inner recesses if there is possible benefit for their own lives. As I hit rock bottom, I was coming to a realization that I lost my 14 year marriage, 10 year career, and the woman I left it all to pursue. I had no clue how my life was going to unfold, but I knew it would be a wild ride nonetheless. Thankfully, it ended up including a reconciliation with my wife and children as you read in the “Lost + Found.”

In December of 2008, I was flying back from a humanitarian trip with some friends in India, and I felt like it was finally time to capture the story in an outline format so that I would have ‘breadcrumb memories’ to re-trace my steps. I spent a couple of hours on that flight typing up the entire outline for the book, but I didn’t look at it again for an entire year. Every time I even thought of starting to write the memoir, unbearable pain would gush toward the surface...the guilt of harming my wife and children, the remorse of hurting so many people who trusted me, and even the wounds of being left by the other woman. It was just too much to bear.

A year later, I was feeling stronger and more confident in my ability to re-visit the story of my own life in detail. Although I had been processing the events with my wife, our therapist, and close friends since the moment it all began, writing about it in story form seemed to feel like such a daunting task. In fact, I felt like I needed someone to walk with me in the process, and I ended up hiring a writing coach (Stacey Robbins) who my wife and I both trusted with the crafting of the story. My coach’s help on a regularly basis provided me with the needed encouragement to allow the depth of the memories to come to life...not as a mere recounting of events, but as a true-to-life experience for the reader.

Each time I would sit down to write, I would close my eyes and allow my memories to transport me back to the very moment in time. A great deal of the book was written with my eyes closed as I replayed the scenes over and over in my mind’s eye. At certain points, I would draw upon collateral materials that I kept in a special envelope which helped me tell the story in more detail...correspondence, photos, blog posts, etc. Although it would have been easier to keep a ‘safe distance’ from the emotion of my story, I truly wanted the reader to experience every moment along the way. I wanted them to feel the highest highs and the lowest lows...even if they hated me in the process.

In the process of crafting the book, I would write for large blocks of time...up to an entire day. At first, I tried writing for shorter periods of time, but I found it difficult to re-enter my ‘new normal’ with my wife and kids. It tweaked my mind and heart to go back and forth in the midst of all the emotions. As each chapter was written, I found that my own raw pain began to dissipate. I started to feel a deep healing radiate through my soul as I was willing to take a look at my own hurtful actions and process the painful results. Toward the final chapters, I was giving myself at least an hour of down time to allow all those thoughts, memories, and emotions to settle before re-engaging with my family. Otherwise, I found that it was too difficult to bounce between the two lives...my old life and my new one.

Please know that this memoir wasn’t written as a proof of my transformation or to gain the approval of others. I wanted to share the story of my redemption against the backdrop of my own depravity. It was written to inspire people to invest in the relationships they already have and challenge them to re-think the allure of an affair. Ultimately, I wanted to give hope to those who have experienced an affair and shine a light down the road of forgiveness. Grace and transformation are available.

JJR:
Thank you so much for that response. I love to get "inside" the heads of authors, especially when it's a subject so dear to their hearts

Again, thank you David for writing this book. Many of you will never know the heartache that goes on inside a person who is committing an affair (and I pray that you never will be on either side of that situation). It's a difficult situation for all parties involved.

I want to clarify to my readers that the reason this book resonates so much with me is that I have cheated in my past. In my situation I was not married, but I was engaged which doesn't make it any less hurtful to the man I cheated on. Admitting I've been in that situation is different from sharing the circumstances that lead to it and I do not think I could ever open myself up in this way for everyone to see. I know I regret to this day my actions and wish I could take them back. I hope that none of my readers think less of me for admitting this act from my past. I can not rationalize my actions, I can only ask for forgiveness from those I have hurt.

If you would like more information about Lost + Found please visit David's website.

You can also read my review of Lost + Found.

Giveaway: Lost + Found by David Trotter

2010-10-26T10:00:00.003-04:00

Thank you to the author David for letting me host this giveaway!

About the Book

After 10 years as a pastor, David was burned out and stuck in a life and marriage that lacked passion. His desire for an intimate partnership led him to leave his mistress of ‘ministry’ and run into the arms of a real-life mistress — his wife’s best friend. After moving in with one another and spending forty days together, the woman abruptly left to go back to her husband and four kids, and David’s life hit rock bottom.

This first-hand account of what led to his burnout and life implosion takes the reader on a raw and intimate journey…from illicit affair to hospitalization and ultimately to reconciliation with his wife and family. This is a powerful story of redemption that will leave the reader both challenged and inspired

Visit David Trotter's website.

Follow David Trotter on Twitter.

You can read my review and also a guest post from David.

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 11/9/10 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: Lost + Found by David Trotter

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!

Giveaway: Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron

2010-10-24T01:36:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

How much of an impact can an animal have? How many lives can one cat touch? How is it possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save a classic American town, and eventually become famous around the world? You can't even begin to answer those questions until you hear the charming story of Dewey Readmore Books, the beloved library cat of Spencer, Iowa.

Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. Only a few weeks old, on the coldest night of the year, he was stuffed into the returned book slot at the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most.

As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state, and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming town pulling its way slowly back from the greatest crisis in its long history.

To find out more about Dewey please visit Hachette Book Group.

You can Like Dewey on Facebook.

Deweygreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 11/9/10 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: Dewey ends 11/9/10

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

You can see the current entries here.

Review: Principle of the Path by Andy Stanely

2010-10-24T00:53:00.001-04:00

Thank you to Book Sneeze for allowing me to review this book.

About the Book

Your Direction, not Your Intention, Determines Your Destination.

There is often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. Like Charlie Brown, we wrongly believe there’s something to be said for trying hard. We need to understand why, in spite of our good intentions, we may have ended up at the wrong destination with our finances, our marriages, our careers, or a host of other dreams. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? The Principle of the Path is a road map to proper direction and discipline.

My Review

The message in this book was a great one. Good choices and intentions are not all that lead a person to where they want to be. Not being a very spiritual person (in the sense that I don't go to church) I sometimes forget that if I do not let God into my life then my choices aren't what God wants me to choose. And even though I'm not spiritual I do realize that if I block God from my life than my life will not take the path I am supposed to be on.

Having said that I have to say that this one took me forever to read (literally I think I've had this for a year and a half). It has a good message, I didn't feel it as being "preachy", and I agreed with most of what the author was saying. The problem was that I got so bored with reading it. It wasn't stimulating enough to keep my interest very long. I would read a few pages, set it down and dread coming back to it. The other day I realized I only had 50 or so pages left so I made myself set down and finally finish it, and even 50 pages took me forever.

Again, I liked the message I just didn't connect with the writing.

The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Review: Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook

2010-10-23T23:26:00.002-04:00

Thanks to C. Fern Cook for sending me a copy of her book for review!

About the Book

The night Dan Tucker defends his livestock against a wild canine attack, he is put in a 'kill or be killed' battle. Planning to take the head of the wolf-like creature in to be tested for rabies, Dan discovers he has the head of a man instead of an animal. Fearing no one will believe the human head was taken from a wild dog he killed in self-defense, he is forced to cover up the murder. As a werewolf by contamination, Dan's strength and senses are heightened, including his passion for the wild. When his cantankerous neighbor plans a new housing development that threatens the habitat of local wildlife, Dan has no choice but to try and stop construction. But things don't go according to plan, and now Dan has a second body to dispose of. This edgy eco-thriller is fast-paced, full of suspense, and guaranteed to surprise.

You can visit C. Fern Cook's website.

You can also read the two guest blog posts she's done here on JustJenniferReading: post 1 post 2

My Review

This was definitely not a "normal" werewolf story. I don't know if it is my lack of reading werewolf stories, but I don't ever remember reading a werewolf story in which the reader is let into the mind of the werewolf while he/she is in werewolf form. Most of the ones I've read the person is not "conscious" of their actions while they are in wolf form. I really liked that angle in this one. But like I said, don't know if it is my lack of experience with the genre or if it is a new way of writing.

Being an animal lover I really enjoyed Dan's connection with nature and animals. Even in his wolf form he is aware of other animals and is careful of his actions. The pain that was caused to him and his dogs in the beginning of the book is brought back to memory a few times. And while it was sad and difficult to read (I cry while watching ASPCA commercials) it really made me like Dan as the main character. I think without that "link" to him I would have easily been able to find him despicable. Even knowing that it wasn't really him it was the change from becoming a werewolf that made him so rude sometimes, I still could have easily disliked him.

I liked Angela, she reminded me of me. She was a warm and caring person and she was willing to put up with Dan and his behavior because she is in love with him. I'm the same way with people, loyal to a fault at times. While she wasn't a huge focus in this first book I'm hoping that she has a larger part in the rest of the series.

Like I said earlier, I haven't read many paranormal stories so this may be a lack of experience on my part but I thought this was a very different take on the normal paranormal story. It was refreshing to read. And once I got the time to really sit with the book it was a very fast read.

Wild Evolution

Review: e-Book Follow the Money by Ross Cavins

2010-10-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you to the author, Ross Cavins, for allowing me to review his book.

About the Book

From one of America's most unknown authors comes a book so humorous, so vile, so inane ... it could only be a cry for help.

If you're searching for a refreshing style that's a tad demented, with characters that burrow deep into your mind and never leave, you've found the right book. "Follow the Money" is a collection of ten interconnected short stories that will grab you, wrestle you to the ground and squeeze you until your funny bone snaps in two.

A botched kidnapping, a money scam, a not-so-average convenience store holdup ... each story flows (with the money) through a series of interesting, and sometimes bizarre, plots. Layered and interweaved with seamless complexity, recurring characters and everyday motifs bind the ten stories into a single universal plot*.

Ingenious in its conception, flawless in its execution, "Follow the Money" is a hilarious, detailed study on the many facets of the human condition. Greed, Pride, Lust ... the seven deadly sins have never been so entertaining.

Prepare yourself for a raunchy, gritty ride you'll never want to end.

* (Note: Not one single vampire, zombie or sorcerer was thought about during the writing or editing of these stories)

For more information please visit Ross Cavins' website.

My Review

This book was hilarious. Right from the dedication through to the end. I still hate to admit that I have a sick and dark sense of humor, but the fact that I laughed through most of this book I think just sets that even more in stone...

The stories were so weird. They all seemed to revolve around, what most people would consider, "trash". Sadly though there were a few characters that when I started reading them I thought to myself "This is just like ..." It was both a frightening and liberating, it meant I could laugh at it because I was part of it.

For being short stories the characters are very well developed. The fact that some of them carry through one or two of the stories helps build them even more. I think the ability to create such developed characters within the limitations of a short story is a sign of a great author.

The stories are well written. Sometimes it took me a minute to find the "connection" to the previous stories, but once I figured it out it all really started to make sense. Again I have to mention the humor that was so well-placed in the stories. I don't want to give anything away but my favorite bit of humor is the toe/thumb... (That's got you thinking doesn't it???) Like I said, it's kind of dark twisted humor.

While I didn't get lost in the story, and the characters were all fairly despicable I do have to say that I really enjoyed myself while reading this book. I really hope Cavins writes something else because I think I'm going to have to read this a few times. Not only to pick up some of the things I may have missed but also because I enjoyed it so much.

Review: e-Book Common Sense by Thomas Paine

2010-10-22T03:31:00.000-04:00

I bought this to help my sister with a paper she had to write.

About the Book

Thomas Paine arrived in America from England in 1774. A friend of Ben Franklin, he was a writer of poetry and tracts condemning the slave trade. In 1775, as hostilities between Britain and the colonies intensified, Paine wrote Common Sense to encourage the colonies to break the British exploitative hold through independence. The little booklet of 50 pages was published January 10, 1776 and sold a half-million copies, approximately equal to 75 million copies today.

My Review

I can't say that I liked this one, but I didn't hate it and I actually found it fairly interesting. It was intriguing and as Paine made his arguments for why we should revolt I kept having to remind myself of the time that this was written. It really made me think had we not had people like Paine in our history where would we be today? How different of a world would we live in if there had not been revolutionists?

The language took me a bit to get used to. I realized how nice the dictionary feature on the nook really is... There were quite a few times that I had to look something up because I was lost as to what Paine was trying to get across.

Overall I think it was a compelling piece of literature. At the very least it was thought provoking and gave me a better idea of the place America was in politically and socially before the revolution.

Review: Audiobook: When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub

2010-10-22T03:14:00.000-04:00

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

About the Book

Here is the story of Jerry Weintraub: the self-made, Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised impresario, Hollywood producer, legendary deal maker, and friend of politicians and stars. No matter where nature has placed him--the club rooms of Brooklyn, the Mafia dives of New York's Lower East Side, the wilds of Alaska, or the hills of Hollywood--he has found a way to put on a show and sell tickets at the door. "All life was a theater and I wanted to put it up on a stage," he writes. "I wanted to set the world under a marquee that read: 'Jerry Weintraub Presents.'"

In WHEN I STOP TALKING, YOU'LL KNOW I'M DEAD, we follow Weintraub from his first great success at age twenty-six with Elvis Presley, whom he took on the road with the help of Colonel Tom Parker; to the immortal days with Sinatra and Rat Pack glory; to his crowning hits as a movie producer, starting with Robert Altman and Nashville, continuing with Oh, God!, The Karate Kid movies, and Diner, among others, and summiting with Steven Soderbergh and Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.

Along the way, we'll watch as Jerry moves from the poker tables of Palm Springs (the games went on for days), to the power rooms of Hollywood, to the halls of the White House, to Red Square in Moscow and the Great Palace in Beijing-all the while counseling potentates, poets, and kings, with clients and confidants like George Clooney, Bruce Willis, George H. W. Bush, Armand Hammer, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, John Denver, Bobby Fischer . . .well, the list goes on forever.

And of course, the story is not yet over . . .as the old-timers say, "The best is yet to come."

As Weintraub says, "When I stop talking, you'll know I'm dead."

With wit, wisdom, and the cool confidence that has colored his remarkable career, Jerry chronicles a quintessentially American journey, one marked by luck, love, and improvisation. The stories he tells and the lessons we learn are essential, not just for those who love movies and music, but for businessmen, entrepreneurs, artists . . . everyone.

You can Like Jerry Weintraub on Facebook.

My Review

I liked this book. I had heard the name Jerry Weintraub before but I never really knew who he was. After hearing all of the things he has accomplished in his life I now realized that I've probably heard his name a million times but since he's not the star of anything I've never really paid that much attention to who he was.

This book is like sitting with your grandfather listening to the stories of his life and taking in all the advice he has to give. It was very enlightening. Jerry never really had a formal education, he just had the mindset that if he wanted something he was going to get it. His entire life he made things happen for himself, weather he was "prepared" for them or not. I wish I would have kept a pen and paper near by while listening to this one as there were so many nuggets that I can't even begin to remember them all.

I think this without realizing it this book has started to make subtle changes in my life. Since I've finished this I've had a bit more of a positive outlook and have been stepping outside my comfort zone to get things accomplished. Jerry says throughout the book that if a kid from the Bronx can do it... And while I don't think being from the Bronx is a detriment in life I do get what Jerry is trying to say. That he's nothing special, he's just another person, and if he can accomplish these things there is no reason that anyone else wouldn't be able to reach their goals.

What I really liked was that Jerry has such a great sense of humor. There were so many times in this one where he was able to laugh at himself. Even though he is a millionaire and has worked with Sinatra, Elvis, John Denver, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Brad Pitt, and so many others he gives off the feel that he is a truly humble person.

As I first started listening to this book I thought Jerry's voice would get a bit irritating, but the longer I listened the more I was endeared to Jerry because of his voice. I know it was his story, but he read the book like he was just sitting down and having a conversation. You could hear the emotion in his voice as he talked about the moments that really changed his life. He made a great narrator.

I really liked this book. It made me want to meet Jerry. And I keep calling him Jerry because after spending 8 hours with him and his life story I feel like I know him. I feel like if I were to be given the chance to speak with him it would be like catching up with a long lost friend.

When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man

1 Star Books

2010-10-22T00:53:00.003-04:00

The Disappearance of God by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Extraordinary by John Bevere
Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin

2 Star Books

2010-10-22T00:52:00.042-04:00

Curios by Richard Marsh
GateKEEPERS by Sheldon Robert Stone and Rudolf B. Schmerl
The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley
Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
When That Day Comes by Louise Alberto McAtee

3 Star Books

2010-10-22T00:52:00.041-04:00

Audiobook: The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
Boots and Pieces by Emily Ecton
Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan
The Chameleon Conspiracy by Haggi Carmon
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Cult Fiction by Chancery Stone
Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder by Steve Lehto
Donkeys Can't Sleep in Bathtubs by Susan Dach
Eternal Craving by Nina Bangs
Faithful Heart by Al Lacy
The Forgotten Man by William Graham Sumner
Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer
Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson
Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory
The Liberation Diet by Kevin Brown and Annette Presley
Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby
Audiobook Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
No Hope for Gomez! by Graham Parke
Obama's Blackberry by Kasper Hauser
Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Audiobook: Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown
Shooting and Albatross by Steven R. Lundin
Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black
Stray Affections by Charlene Ann Baumbich
To Surrender To A Rogue by Cara Elliot
Unfaithfully Yours by Anthony C. Patton
The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul
The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart
The Web of Deciet by Darlene Cox
Wild Legacy by C. Fern Cook

4 Star Books

2010-10-22T00:52:00.040-04:00

Audiobook The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
Audiobook: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date by Caroline Shearer
Alexandra, Gone by Anna McPartlin
Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
Barely A Lady by Eileen Dreyer
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer
Audiobook: The Brave by Nicholas Evans
Audiobook The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden
Audiobook Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
Desire Me by Robyn DeHart
Desperate Deeds by Dee Davis
Duma Key by Stephen King
An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage
Eyes Wide Open by Jud Wilhite
Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham
Frigate: November by Robert Wacster and Paul DeGeorge
The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark
Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
Healing With Words by Diana Raab
Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman
Hot House Flowers and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin
How Perfect is That by Sarah Bird
How Sweet it is by Sophie Gunn
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp
I'm Perfect You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams
In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan
Journey on the Estrada Real by Glenn Cheney
Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
The Knight Life by Keith Knight
The Kwame Sutra
ebook: The Last Key by Rob Steiner
Last Light Over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe
Lost + Found by David Trotter
The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn
Audiobook Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt
One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado
Pearl: A Life too Short; a Death too Long by Darlene Cox
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C. Maxwell
Ravens by George Dawes Green
Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
Salem the Safety Seal by Otto Scamfer
The Secrets of Newberry by Victor McGlothin
Sexaholics by PYNK
Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey
Shawls Two (Vogue Knitting on the Go)
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoos by Robin Jones Gunn
A Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller and Andrea Billups
Something Blue by Emily Giffin
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Soul Harvest by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Street Boners by Gavin McInnes
Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle
Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry
Thanksgiving: The Pilgrim's First Year in America by Glen Cheney
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman
Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger
Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson
Audiobook When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub
White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook
Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook
A Writer's Engagement by Robert Wacaster
A Writer's Love Story by Robert Wacaster
The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas
You Wanna Go to Willard by Linda M. Holbrook
Your Name Here by Michael Rosenbaum

5 Star Books

2010-10-22T00:51:00.016-04:00

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Between Us Baxters by Bethany Hegedus
Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace
Fearless by Max Lucado
Audiobook: Fever Dream by Preston & Child
e-Book Follow the Money by Ross Cavins
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch
The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila
The Gods of Greenwich by Norb Vonnegut
Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson
Hidden Wives by Claire Avery
How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly by Connie May Fowler
How it Ends by Laura Wiess
In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia
The Last Christian by David Gregory
The Last Goodnights by John West
Last to Die by Kate Brady
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
A Line Blurred by Bryan Healey
Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately
Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel
The Moon Looked Down By Dorothy Garlock
Audiobook: Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice
Still the One by Robin Wells
Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur

Genre: Romance

2010-10-21T23:56:00.008-04:00

Barely A Lady by Eileen Dreyer
Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan
Cult Fiction by Chancery Stone
The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden
Desire Me by Robyn DeHart
Eternal Craving by Nina Bangs
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer
How Sweet it is by Sophie Gunn
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson
Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory
The Moon Looked Down By Dorothy Garlock
Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt
Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice
Sexaholics by PYNK
Shooting an Albatross by Steven R. Lundin
Still the One by Robin Wells
Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
To Surrender To A Rogue by Cara Elliot
Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry
Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
A Writer's Engagement by Robert Wacaster
Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

2010-10-21T23:52:00.003-04:00

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher
The Disappearance of God by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Extraordinary by John Bevere
Eyes Wide Open by Jud Wilhite
Fearless by Max Lucado
Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham
In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
Audiobook Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
Lost + Found by David Trotter
Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado
Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C. Maxwell
Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle
Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
Touched by a Vampire by Beth Felker Jones

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

2010-10-21T23:50:00.021-04:00

Alexandra, Gone by Anna McPartlin
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
Audiobook: The Brave by Nicholas Evans
Audiobook: The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
Cult Fiction by Chancery Stone
Audiobook: Fever Dream by Preston & Child
e-Book Follow the Money by Ross Cavins
Frigate: November by Robert Wacaster and Paul DeGeorge
GateKEEPERS by Sheldon Robert Stone and Rudolf B. Schmerl
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch
The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila
Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson
Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman
Hot House Flowers and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin
How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly by Connie May Fowler
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer
Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
The Knight Life by Keith Knight
Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby
A Line Blurred by Bryan Healey
The Lion by Nelson Demille
Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately
Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel
No Hope For Gomez! by Graham Parke
Audiobook: Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons
Obama's Blackberry by Kasper Hauser
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Ravens by George Dawes Green
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown
The Secrets of Newberry by Victor McGlothin
Sexaholics by PYNK
Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey
Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger
Unfaithfully Yours by Anthony C. Patton
The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart
The Web of Deciet by Darlene Cox
When That Day Comes by Louise Alberto McAtee
Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook
Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook
Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur
A Writer's Love Story by Robert Wacaster
The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas
You Wanna Go to Willard by Linda M. Holbrook

E-Books

2010-10-21T23:44:00.008-04:00

Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Follow the Money by Ross Cavins
Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia
The Last Key by Rob Steiner
A Line Blurred by Bryan Healey
The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley
Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey
The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas

Genre: Spiritual/Religious Non-Christian

2010-10-21T23:43:00.001-04:00

Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date by Caroline Shearer
Hidden Wives by Claire Avery
I'm Perfect You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

2010-10-21T23:42:00.014-04:00

Audiobook The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
Audiobook: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Audiobook: The Brave by Nicholas Evans
Audiobook: The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
Audiobook: The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
The Chameleon Conspiracy by Haggi Carmon
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
Curios by Richard Marsh
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden
Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden
Audiobook Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
Desperate Deeds by Dee Davis
Duma Key by Stephen King
Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace
Audiobook: Fever Dream by Preston & Child
The Gods of Greenwich by Norb Vonnegut
Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson
Last to Die by Kate Brady
The Lion by Nelson DeMille
One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Pearl: A Life too Short; a Death too Long by Darlene Cox
Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Audiobook: Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Ravens by George Dawes Green
A Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller and Andrea Billups
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman
Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger
Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson
Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook
Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy

2010-10-21T23:38:00.008-04:00

Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date by Caroline Shearer
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
Eternal Craving by Nina Bangs
ebook: The Last Key by Rob Steiner
The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black
Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman
The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul
Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook
Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook
Wild Legacy by C. Fern Cook

Genre: Knitting

2010-10-21T23:37:00.001-04:00

Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
Shawls Two (Vogue Knitting on the Go)

Genre: Non-Fiction

2010-10-21T23:36:00.011-04:00

Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer
e-Book Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Death's Door: The Truth Behind Michigan's Largest Mass Murder by Steve Lehto
The Disappearance of God by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage
Extraordinary by John Bevere
Eyes Wide Open by Jud Wilhite
Fearless by Max Lucado
Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham
The Forgotten Man by William Graham Sumner
The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark
Healing With Words by Diana Raab
How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp
I'm Perfect You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams
In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan
Journey on the Estrada Real by Glenn Cheney
The Last Goodnights by John West
The Liberation Diet by Kevin Brown and Annette Presley
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
Audiobook Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
Lost + Found by David Trotter
The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn
Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C. Maxwell
Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
A Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller and Andrea Billups
Street Boners by Gavin McInnes
Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle
Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
Thanksgiving: The Pilgrim's First Year in America by Glen Cheney
Touched by a Vampire by Beth Felker Jones
Audiobook When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub
Your Name Here by Michael Rosenbaum

Genre: Biography and Current Events

2010-10-21T23:30:00.006-04:00

Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer
Healing With Words by Diana Raab
Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia
I'm Perfect You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams
In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan
The Kwame Sutra
The Last Goodnights by John West
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
Lost + Found by David Trotter
Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah
Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
A Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller and Andrea Billups
Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle
Audiobook When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub

Genre: Self-Help

2010-10-21T23:28:00.003-04:00

Extraordinary by John Bevere
Fearless by Max Lucado
Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham
Healing With Words by Diana Raab
How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp
The Liberation Diet by Kevin Brown and Annette Presley
Audiobook Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn
Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado
Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C. Maxwell

Audiobooks

2010-10-21T23:26:00.007-04:00

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
The Brave by Nicholas Evans
The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace
Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
Fever Dream by Preston & Child
The Lion by Nelson DeMille
Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons
The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub

Genre: Chick-Lit

2010-10-21T23:23:00.002-04:00

Between Us Baxters by Bethany Hegedus
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch
Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman
How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly by Connie May Fowler
How Perfect is That by Sarah Bird
Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
Last Light Over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe
Audiobook Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoos by Robin Jones Gunn
Something Blue by Emily Giffin
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Still the One by Robin Wells
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Christian Fiction

2010-10-21T23:20:00.002-04:00

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace
Faithful Heart by Al Lacy
The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila
Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson
The Last Christian by David Gregory
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black
Soul Harvest by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Stray Affections by Charlene Ann Baumbich
Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson
The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul
White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur
Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin

Genre: Childrens and YA

2010-10-21T23:17:00.001-04:00

Children's
Boots and Pieces by Emily Ecton
Donkeys Can't Sleep in Bathtubs by Susan Dach
Salem the Safety Seal by Otto Scamfer

YA
How it Ends by Laura Wiess
Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black
The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

Challenge: 100 books in 2009

2010-10-21T20:58:00.002-04:00

This was a challenge I did last year from Goodreads. Didn't quite make it...

1. Cult Fiction by Chancery Stone
2. Soul Harvest by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
3. Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
4. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
5. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
6. A Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller and Andrea Billups
7. Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
8. Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
9. In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan
10. Something Blue by Emily Giffin
11. GateKEEPERS by Sheldon Robert Stone and Rudolf B. Schmerl
12. Shawls Two (Vogue Knitting on the Go)
13. Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch
14. I'm Perfect You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams
15. The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila
16. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
17. The Noticer by Andy Andrews
18. Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
19. Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C. Maxwell
20. Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace
21. Eternal Craving by Nina Bangs
22. Boots and Pieces by Emily Ecton
23. In My Own Words by Mother Teresa
24. Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer
25. The Chameleon Conspiracy by Haggi Carmon
26. When That Day Comes by Louise Alberto McAtee
27. The Liberation Diet by Kevin Brown and Annette Presley
28. You Wanna Go to Willard by Linda M. Holbrook
29. The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
30. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
31. Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoos by Robin Jones Gunn
32. Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black
33. Eyes Wide Open by Jud Wilhite
34. The Disappearance of God by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
35. Between Us Baxters by Bethany Hegedus
36. The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul
37. Hot House Flowers and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin
38. Obama's Blackberry by Kasper Hauser
39. How Perfect is That by Sarah Bird
40. Last Light Over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe
41. One Scream Away by Kate Brady
42. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson
43. Duma Key by Stephen King
44. Ravens by George Dawes Green
45. Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall
46. Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
47. Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer
48. Fearless by Max Lucado
49. Stray Affections by Charlene Ann Baumbich
50. The Forgotten Man by William Graham Sumner
51. Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham
52. Extraordinary by John Bevere
53. Thirsty by Tracey Bateman
54. Touched by a Vampire by Beth Felker Jones
55. Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie
56. Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur
57. White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
58. An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage
59. Shooting and Albatross by Steven R. Lundin
60. Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
61. How it Ends by Laura Wiess

Challenge: 100 books in 2010

2010-10-21T20:57:00.015-04:00

This is the second year I've tried this challenge, so let's see how I do this year!

I got this challenge from the 100+ books in 2010 group on GoodReads

1. The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn
2. Your Name Here by Michael Rosenbaum
3. Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
4. Salem the Safety Seal by Otto Scamfer
5. Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
6. Donkeys Can't Sleep in Bathtubs by Susan Dach
7. Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin
8. Faithful Heart by Al Lacy
9. Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
10. Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson
11. Unfaithfully Yours by Anthony C. Patton
12. The Kwame Sutra
13. The Moon Looked Down By Dorothy Garlock
14. How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp
15. Sexaholics by PYNK
16. Alexandra, Gone by Anna McPartlin
17. How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly by Connie May Fowler
18. Thanksgiving: The Pilgrim's First Year in America by Glen Cheney
19. Frigate: November by Robert Wacster and Paul DeGeorge
20. The Web of Deciet by Darlene Cox
20. Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
21. Audiobook: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
22. Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
23. Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
24. The Last Christian by David Gregory
25. The Last Goodnights by John West
26. A Writer's Love Story by Robert Wacaster
27. Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory
28. Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
29. Desire Me by Robyn DeHart
30. Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown
31. Street Boners by Gavin McInnes
32. To Surrender To A Rogue by Cara Elliot
33. Barely A Lady by Eileen Dreyer
34. Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle
35. Audiobook Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
36. Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
37. The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas
38. Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice
39. Audiobook The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
40. Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
41. Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan
42. Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date by Caroline Shearer
43. Desperate Deeds by Dee Davis
44. The Knight Life by Keith Knight
45. Audiobook The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
46. Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson
47. Last to Die by Kate Brady
48. Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman
49. Audiobook: Fever Dream by Preston & Child
50. Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado
51. Hidden Wives by Claire Avery
52. Audiobook Live Long, Finish Strong by Gloria Copeland
53. Audiobook: Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
54. Lost + Found by David Trotter
55. Audiobook When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub
56. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
57. e-Book Follow the Money by Ross Cavins
58. Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook
59. Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
60. Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook
61. A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
62. Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
63. Healing With Words by Diana Raab
64. Audiobook: The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
65. Audiobook: The Brave by Nicholas Evans
66. Tokyo Lives by Mark Hersberger
67. The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart
68. Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry
69. The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley
70. The Lion by Nelson DeMille
71. Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
72. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
73. Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Guest Blogger: Diana Raab

2010-10-19T10:00:00.002-04:00

Today Diana Raab, author of Healing With Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey is going to share with us how keeping a journal helped her deal when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Journaling Has Saved My Life

for Stories of Inspiration on the Breast Cancer Site

by

Diana M. Raab, MFA, RN

At age forty-seven, I received a diagnosis of early breast cancer and five years later another, yet incurable form of bone marrow cancer—multiple myeloma. Instead of letting cancer become my life, I have allowed both my cancer diagnoses to rivet my life and make me appreciate the health I do have.

Earlier this year, my new self-help memoir, Healing With Words: A Writer’ s Cancer
Journey, was released where I share my story about refusing to allow cancer to conquer my spirit. I try to inspire others with a cancer diagnosis to embrace their experience by writing about it and allowing it empower them so they can forge ahead with their lives.

My lifeline during turbulent times has been journaling. I call myself a “ journaling advocate” and teacher in UCLA Extension Writers' Program and use my own journal to as a confident and a place to validate my feelings. I view the journal as a daily vitamin— in that it heals, detoxifies, and is essential for optimal heath. My book, Healing With Words is a mélange of memoir, journal entries, poetry, and writing exercises for readers to chronicle their own experiences.

What I have learned through journaling and in writing this book is :
The importance of early cancer detection
How journaling and early care helps you to take control your own health
How the process of journaling can facilitate healing
How a cancer diagnosis can renew and uniquely change a person

I am so indebted to the care I received, that I am donating author proceeds for each copy purchased will be donated to the Mayo Clinic.

For those interested in writing for healing, I offer the following tips:

Ten Tips on Writing For Healing by Diana Raab, MFA, RN
Find a quiet uninterrupted time and place to write
Choose an inspiring notebook and pen
Create a centering ritual (light a candle, meditate, play music, stretch)
Breath deeply
Put aside your inner critic
Date your entry
Begin by writing your feelings and sensations
Write nonstop for 15-20 minutes
Save what you have written
Write regularly

BIO NOTE:

Diana M. Raab, MFA, RN, has been a medical and self-help writer for the past thirty-
five years. In 2003, she earned her MFA in Writing from Spalding University. Diana
is the author of eight books, including her first memoir, “ Regina’ s Closet: Finding My Grandmother’ s Secret Journal” the recipient of the 2009 Mom’ s Choice Award for Adult Non-Fiction and the 2009 National Indie Award for Excellence in Memoir. Her poetry collection, “ Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems For You” won the 2009 Next Generation Indie Award for Poetry. Diana teaches in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She frequently moderates panels at conferences across the country, with a focus on writing for healing.

You can get more information about Diana Raab on her website or her blog.

Thank you Diana for sharing with us. I haven't used a journal in many years but it is something that I used to do on a regular basis. I know that it was a useful tool for me to work things out and helped me keep my emotions (which at times get very overwhelming) in check. I was a much more relaxed person when I was keeping a journal. I can only imagine how beneficial keeping a journal would be when dealing with the aftermath that comes with a cancer diagnosis. I haven't had the chance to read this book yet but I have perused through the copy Diana sent to me it looks to be a great tool that would help someone dealing with cancer. Again thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm sure that your advice in Healing With Words has and will help many people.

Giveaway: The Wild Series by C. Fern Cook

2010-10-12T10:00:00.004-04:00

Thank you to Fern for doing another giveaway this week. She has also graciously offered to give another lucky reader a set of the Wild Series books!

About the Wild Series:
Wild Evolution:
"Wild Evolution" could be described as a paranormal-thriller or horror-police procedural, either category you pick would work fine.

A brief description of "Wild Evolution":
When Dan defends his livestock against a wild dog attack, he is put in a 'kill or be killed' battle. When he takes the head of a wild dog in to be tested for rabies he discovers he has the head of a human male instead of a wild dog. Now he is forced to cover up a self-defense killing because no one would believe he killed a wild dog when he has a human head.

A werewolf by contamination, Dan's life spins out of control. All his senses are heightened including his passion for the wild. His passion for the wild compels him to try to stop a new housing development that threatens the local wildlife from loss of habitat, but things don't go according to plans and now he has a second body to dispose of.

While under investigation for murder, Angela gives Dan her unflinching trust. Because of an abusive father, Dan has never been able to trust anyone, but now he has someone he wants to start a family with, someone to build a future with.

Wild Justice:
In Book II, Wild Evolution, Colorado rancher Dan Tucker’s life is turned upside-down.

After surviving a mutant canine attack, Dan discovers the animal he killed is not a wild dog, but a man. To protect himself even though it was a self-defense killing, he covers up the murder.

A werewolf by contamination, Dan finds his attitudes and appetites changing. His love of nature and the wild increases as he runs at night with a wolf pack in the nearby national forest. As a man, he becomes more bold and amorous, winning the heart of Angela Connor, a waitress at the local café.

Meanwhile his best friend, Grand County Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Ramirez, becomes increasingly suspicious, especially after Dan has several public run-ins with his cantankerous old neighbor, and the man later turns up missing. When the remains of two bodies are discovered some time later in a remote cave, Tony ceases to be Dan’s friend and goes to great lengths to prove him a murderer.

With his quiet life as bachelor rancher transformed into a constant battle of wits to keep his deep, dark secret safe, Dan finds himself at odds with everyone, including his girlfriend and his former best friend – and most of all, himself.

Narrowly escaping Tony’s murder investigation, Dan goes about eliminating threats to his future. Now all he wants is to pursue his dream of running a dude ranch with his soon-to-be wife, Angela. But as the wedding gets closer, he wonders how he’ll keep his nocturnal life a secret. He soon discovers that’s the least of his worries…

You can also get more information by visiting Fern's website.

Giveaway Info

The giveaway will end 10/26/10 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: Wild Series by C. Fern Cook

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!

Guest Blogger: C. Fern Cook

2010-10-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

I am again excited to have Fern Cook guest blogging! This time she's talking about the characters in The Wild Series. So again let's see what insight Fern will share about The Wild Series!!!

Building believable characters.

In today's book market the big money is selling books to aspiring writers. You'll find a many books or seminars like 'build a fast paced exciting plot' or 'build believable characters for your novel'. I have had a few writer friends here and there and some of them have a complete library on these how-to books. I will admit to having a few myself; 'Everyday Grammar' and 'The Writer's Guide to Copyright Laws' sit on my bookshelf.

I am not a lawyer or grammartarian that is why I choose those books but I think the best characters come from real life not fill in the blanks worksheets. Making three-
dimensional characters might come a little easier for me from all the different jobs I have had and all the states I have lived in.

As a child, we moved every couple of months to keep ahead of the bill collector; I didn't know that then but I loved going to new towns and meeting new people. It was like a brand new start every time. Then I married an army man, we were stationed all over. We even lived in Germany for three years. It really widens your prospective when you live in a different culture, I would recommend it for everyone.

With every transfer my husband got, it meant a new job for me too. I have worked in restaurants, hospital, factories, jails, and construction. Who knew that meeting all these different people from different parts of the country would come together to make me a better writer someday.

The most memorable characters from 'Wild Evolution' are the law enforcement personnel. These characters are as true to life as I can get without naming names. I am going to take the Fifth on this and not name names. I used a friend's experience with coming to terms with an abusive father in Dan's character. Angela is a tribute to all those underpaid, goodhearted women I met working in restaurants. Frank is from all those small towns we lived in and the shop owners really did know everyone in town. As for Dr. Jackson, I worked in a doctor's office that had generations of patients, from one generation to the next he delivered the babies. I am sure everyone has met someone like Jack Donaldson, a mean and nasty person that everyone loves to hate.

I'll admit that I have not known anyone that ran a canned hunting facility but I have known people who had no respect for this planet or any other living creature except themselves. This is where I drew the character in Wild Justice from; Kyle Eckhart is all that and more, he is a narcissist. Cathy is the sweet, gentle person that usually gets hooked up with these horrible people. I have always found it interesting that we always want to be someone else. That's what Cathy's character is; she admires the legends and folklore of the Native Americans; this is her escape from the life she lives with Kyle.

In Wild Legacy, the Hoegh family is little from my own past. Moving around all the time did have one drawback; we never really fit in anywhere. People never really wanted to get to know us; it was more like they wanted to know about us. The lab director and his office personal come from the most dysfunctional work place I ever had the displeasure of working at. I'm sure many people can relate to working with an abusive boss. Again, the law enforcement personnel come from my years as a street cop.

I hope you enjoy the characters from the Wild series. The next book in the Wild series there will be a mix of old and new characters.

Fern, I hate when a character (specifically a main character) isn't well-developed. It seems that to really write a great character the writer needs to have had experiences with the kind of people he/she is writing about. Given the life you have led I can see where you would get the chance to meet lots of interesting people. I think knowing that these characters are at least loosely based on real people makes the even more believable to me. Thank you again for sharing with us!

You can get more information about The Wild Series and Fern Cook by visiting her website.