Hot Water Preview & Giveaway

Hot Water by Erin Brockovich: Chapter 1
By Erin Brockovich with CJ Lyons,
Author of Hot Water

After enjoying this preview of Hot Water by Erin Brockovich, please leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.  1 copy available from the publisher to those with a US or CAN address.  Giveaway ends 11/11/11 at 11pm CST.  Good Luck and enjoy the first chapter!!

Summer in the mountains of West Virginia has a magic of its own, like a fairy tale come true. For me, it was a fairy tale paid for with blood.

It was August. After five months back home in Scotia (population 864) I'd just about gotten used to folks looking away from me and mumbling about how I'd gotten the man I loved killed and almost got my dad and son killed and just about drowned the entire valley in toxic sludge.

"That's AJ Palladino," they'd say, crossing to the other side of the street as I passed, in case I rubbed off on them. "Yeah, that AJ Palladino."

I ignored them. Didn't much care what people said about me as long as they didn't take it out on my nine-year-old, David. And, I have to admit, Scotia did treat David like the hero his dad had once been. They embraced him despite his two disabilities (or abilities, depending on your point of view): having cerebral palsy, which left him mostly wheelchair-bound, and being a genius.

Despite the town's acceptance of him, David still wasn't so sure about Scotia. He was hit hard by the death of his dad. I tried everything, even enrolled him in some online courses. Stuff I didn't understand but he was interested in, like the Phonology of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20th Century. He'd bury himself in them, working like a fever, finishing a semester's worth of material in a few weeks, and then would promptly slide back into boredom and despair.

Given my family's tendency for obsessions -- addictions, really, holding on too hard, too long -- I was more than a bit worried.

My friend Ty Stillwater, a sheriff's deputy K-9 officer, and his partner, Nikki, a beautiful Belgium Malinois, finally broke David free from his mourning.

Ty somehow found a way to make wheelchair accessible every mountain adventure that a boy could love. He and David would leave at first light and show up again for dinner at my gram's kitchen cov­ered in battle scars. Once, Ty took David rafting down the New River, and they came back half-drowned, sunburned, and sporting matching black eyes that they refused to tell us how they got. They would burst into laughter every time they caught sight of each other.

I loved hearing David laugh but couldn't help but worry each time he left. For too many years I'd raised David alone, and it was difficult getting used to sharing him with others who loved him as much as I did. Not to mention the fact that I was and am a total control freak, especially about David. But I suffered in silence­ -- David hates it when I try to rein in his independence.

Hometown Girl

Author: Mariah Stewart

ISBN: 978-0345531216
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Source: TLC Book Tours
Rating: Highly Recommended

Synopsis:

Life was always just about perfect for Brooke Madison Bowers. She was the prettiest, most popular girl in small-town St. Dennis, Maryland, a prom queen, local pageant star, and the pride and joy of her loving parents. She even married the man of her dreams. But the promise of happily ever after fell to pieces when her husband was killed while serving in Iraq. Brokenhearted and longing for the solace of better days, she returns to the idyllic world of St. Dennis, and the familiar comfort of the family farm. Surrounded by her loving family and friends, she’s determined to build a new life, complete with her own cupcake bakery. She’s equally determined never to fall in love again.

For Jesse Enright, life has been a challenge. A fourth-generation attorney, he’s spent his life fighting to escape the shadow of his irresponsible father. Now he’s moved to St. Dennis to run the family law practice, and he’s ready to find the right girl, get married, and settle down. But his carefully laid plans go out the window when he meets Brooke and finds himself caught between the unbreakable law of attraction and Brooke’s resolve to go her way alone—despite the undeniable feelings Jesse stirs in her. But just like catching lightning in a bottle, is it possible to fall head-over-heels, heart-and-soul in love all over again?

My Thoughts

I immersed myself in this story!   I love stories that show happily ever after is not always like the movies.  Things happen in life, nothing is perfect, bad things happen, sad times come and go, but you can still be happy and have your fairy tale in the midst of life.  In the midst of a wonderful story, though heartbreaking at points, this novel includes cupcakes!!  Who wouldn't want to own a cupcake bakery??  Though I must admit, I would also have to include a variety of other delicious desserts.   I enjoyed this romance.  It hits every aspect of life as a woman.  Mariah Stewart is a wonderful writer.  I enjoyed her style.  The novel flows effortlessly and swept me away, keeping me rooted in the story.  I felt a part of St.Dennis and its residents.  I love that Brooke moved back home to heal and begin her life again.  Family and friendship are a huge part of this novel and I connected with that.  This book is a mellow read, with very little to surprise you, but its great for a cold or rainy day and your favorite warm beverage!  Every one needs a book to cuddle up with and relax to.  That was Hometown Girl for me.

Highly Recommended

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Win a signed copy of "All the Numbers"

“How much do you love me?” Daniel asked his mother.
“I love you all the numbers.”

What begins as a sunny August afternoon on a bucolic lake turns into a tragedy when a Jet Ski swerves fatally close to shore. It’s a day Ellen Banks could never have prepared for, a day no mother should ever have to live through.

The moment her son James is killed, Ellen must face the unimaginable while trying to remain strong for her older son, Daniel, who witnessed the fateful accident and blames himself. Ellen’s shock and grief soon give way to defiance as lawyers and policemen who once vowed to support Ellen’s desire for justice succumb to political pressure and back away. Still, Ellen is determined to see the reckless young man pay for his crime and to heal her family’s deep wounds. But first she must heal herself.

An unforgettable journey of power and emotion, All the Numbers poignantly depicts a woman’s reckoning with her own vulnerability and finding in the wisdom of motherhood the redemptive grace to begin again.
_________________________________________________________________

I have 4 signed copies of All The Numbers to give away to the first four lucky readers who complete the following steps!

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Once the purchase is complete, I will be notified.  Christmas is coming up, use this chance to shop for that special someone and get a little something for you too!!

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Thoughts from Amanda Strong

When I decided to embark on this amazing journey of writing my first novel, I think I automatically knew there would be some funny stories or mishaps along the way.  With two small children, finding the time to write a novel was difficult.  I ended up carving out time after everyone, including my husband, was in bed. Writing a novel between 10 pm and 2am most nights, I found myself tired and half asleep.  A few times throughout the process, I'd review where I left off the night before and would end up reading things I didn't even remember writing.  Funny thing was, I think some of those chapters were the best-- maybe being tired and exhausted worked for me.  Following the idea of a mishap, I'd just received the final edit and emailed my contact the go-ahead to finalize the project--turning back from that point would've been a big deal. Right after, I went to a friend's house, and we were all talking about various topics.  One person asked me about the book, and I gave them a short synopsis.  One character lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, but instead of saying that, I said Greenwich Village.  I started panicking, because I knew I made the same mistake in the book.  Even with all the edits and proofreading, a small mistake like that slipped through the cracks.  I quickly went home and emailed my contact and crossed my fingers he hadn't sent the final project to print.  Thankfully, he received both my emails at the same time and there was time to fix the problem. If I hadn't been discussing the story that day, I would've had to endure a costly mistake which would've delayed the book.  These stories, along with many more, reaffirmed my belief that you're always learning and growing from your experiences.

Amanda Strong is the author of With Just One Click. 

After living in typical suburbia, Amanda realized sometimes the most captivating and intriguing stories are ones that are right under your nose. Mix in the recent phenomenon that is the brave new world of social networking, and Strong delivers a bright new voice in her debut novel, with just one click. Amanda Strong graduated from Ithaca College and resides outside the Boston area with her husband and two children.

You can find her on her blog http://byamandastrong.blogspot.com/

The Nine Lives of Christmas

Sheila Roberts-ISBN: 978-0312594497-Audio Clip and Book Excerpt: LISTEN or READ HERE

About the Book:

Bestselling author Sheila Roberts brings us a humorous, heartwarming Christmas novel about a matchmaking cat who brings a couple together just in time for the holidays.When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea.  He’ll do anything—anything!—if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him, and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a fire fighter named Zach, the quintessential commitment- phobe who’s in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it’s bound to earn him a healthy ninth life.  Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever anticipated.  Now it’s going to take all his feline wiles—and a healthy dose of Christmas magic—to bring them all together in time for the holidays.

Review:

There is more to come with this review, but let's just say I completely enjoyed this book!  I love Christmas novels and this one was both a pleasure to read and listen to!  Yes, I read the hard copy of this book as well as listening to the audio version.  Both kept me highly entertained and hooked on the story.  Though I'm not a fan of cats due to allergies, I enjoyed this book.  It is safe to say cat lovers everywhere will love this novel, but I think there is so much more to it than it's title.  The main characters are pleasant and easy to like.  I imagined them as being someone I could be friends with.  This novel has plenty of charm, smooth writing and entertainment for book lovers everywhere.  Full of romance and pets with personality, it's a book you won't want to miss this Christmas.

About Sheila Roberts:

Writing since 1989, Sheila Roberts has had 26 books published, both fiction and nonfiction, under different names. Her books have been chosen for book clubs, Readers Digest Condensed books, and her popular novel ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS was made into a movie and appeared on the Lifetime Movie Network. Her novel ANGEL LANE was named one of Amazon’s Top Ten Romances for 2009.

However, before she settled into her writing career, she did lots of other things, including owning a singing telegram company and playing in a band.  Writing and helping others to find ways to better themselves are her greatest passions and her popular newsletter SUPER YOU, is dedicated to helping women improve their lives.

When she’s not making public appearances or playing with her friends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate. Drop in for a visit at her website: http://www.sheilasplace.com or connect with her at Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/pages/Sheila-Roberts/76502579853?ref=ts and Twitter athttp://twitter.com/#!/_Sheila_Roberts.

Her latest book is the women’s fiction novel, The Nine Lives of Christmas (St. Martin’s Press).

Sheila Roberts lives in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children.

Highly Recommended

With Just One Click

Author: Amanda Strong
ISBN: 978-1-257-09241-3
Publisher: Self-Published
Source: CLP Book Tour
Rating: Don't Miss, Must Read

About the Book:

Reluctance was matched with a pit in my stomach; once I joined, anyone could randomly find me...did I really want to be found?" Chloe, a successful movie reviewer and serial dater, finds herself added as a friend by her first love. The one who left her at seventeen standing with a note in her hand as he simply walked away. Will she allow herself to open old wounds? Morgan, a loyal stay-at-home mom and wife, discovers one of her husband's friends is his very single and flirtatious ex-girlfriend from high school. Will obsession and jealousy tear her solid marriage apart when she hunts for the truth? Brynn, a lonely forty year-old living with her two distant teenage children and workaholic husband, fights temptation while revisiting the past with one of her friends. Will her deception destroy her family? Three lives changed forever WITH JUST ONE CLICK. Confirming a friend isn't as simple as it seems... but do these women have more in common than just Facebook?

My Review:

I have just one question...Are you on Facebook?  If your answer is yes, this book is a must read for you!  If your answer is no, I have to ask... Where are you?  Regardless of where you can be found, this book is a great read.  For those on or off Facebook, this book has plenty of entertaining characters and real life situations that bring up a host of topics for discussion. It is an enticing and irresistible read.  I loved Chloe, Morgan and Brynn's stories.  All three women are in different places and stages in their life, yet they have one key social media platform in common, Facebook.

The novel follows these three women on their different journeys with Facebook.  Chloe, who is still looking for love, friends a man who broke her heart by breaking up with her via a note because of his parents.  The spark is still alive, but they live on opposite sides of the country.  Will they have a second chance?  Chloe's journey reminds me of the many choices I've had to friend or de-friend an ex or other person from my past.  It also reminded me of how easy it is to connect with people all over the world through social media platforms, yet it makes me question the connection how real is it?  How deep?

Morgan, a happily married wife, discovers her jealous nature when her husband accepts the friendship of an ex-girlfriend.  The ex-girlfriend constantly writes on his wall in a flirtatious manner.  Morgan's happy marriage has turned into paranoia central.  Fed up with her Facebook stalking, Morgan's husband de-friends her.  This made me laugh.  I can't tell you how many times I have noticed someone who post on a friends wall constantly.  Regardless of ex, friend, lover, parent or anything else, we all notice when attention isn't focused on our self.  If you aren't in touch with your jealous side, Facebook can easily put you in touch with it.

Brynn, a once happily married woman is no longer happy in her marriage.  She is bored with her workaholic husband.  When she finds an old boyfriend on Facebook, Brynn comes dangerously close to having an affair.  her story shows how easy it is to go to far with the open communication and easy access of Facebook.

I loved this novel.  Through each story I could identify with my own experiences with Facebook.  Though somewhat different, the general topics cover a large portion of issues revolving social media platforms along with the good, bad and the ugly of them.  I thought this novel was entertaining and hard to put down.  it is a must read for book clubs due to its high level of topical conversation.  This one will have you talking and sharing Facebook stories with friends, family, co-workers and anyone else you may know!

Don't Miss, Must Read

One Call Away

Author: Brenda Warner

ISBN: 978-0849947193

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Source: Book Sneeze

*I was provided with a copy of this book as part of the BookSneeze program.  The book was given in exchange for my honest review and all thoughts are my own.*

About the Book:

Brenda’s life has taken twists and turns that are stranger than fiction. It always seemed as if she was just one phone call away from the next explosive change. Each time her plans fell apart, she had a choice: would she give up, or would she press forward and learn from the unexpected? One Call Away is the inspiring story of a woman who has prevailed through many of the circumstances that discourage women: tragedy, poverty, betrayal, and humiliation. But unlike most women, her life has been on display in the media.

Brenda’s faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Through food stamps and funerals, Super Bowls and serving others, Brenda’s strength is unwavering. Her determination to dream new dreams, willingness to learn from her mistakes, and commitment to giving back to her community make her a role model for women of all backgrounds.

Her dreams haven’t materialized as she had imagined, but Brenda has found that God has a much bigger plan for her. Conversational and candid, One Call Away invites readers facing their own difficulties to trust God and discover hope in the future.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book.  So often we make our lives look great to everyone and don’t reveal any of the trials or hardships that we all go through.  I enjoyed Brenda’s willingness to be vulnerable and share her life, trials and times of confusion and uncertainty with me, the reader.  This made her faith more evident, believable and a wonderful example of hope and trust in God.  I really enjoyed this book, though parts were hard to read because of the crushing content.  I really connected with Brenda.  I’m not sure I have the faith and success she has had under the same circumstances.

Overall this book was honest, forthright, and an example of vulnerability in a person.  By doing this the book becomes a trustworthy source, making Brenda a wonderful role model for women who have gone through trials and need a renewed sense of hope or faith.  It’s also very uplifting for any believer because you don’t feel like you’re going through your trials alone.  I would recommend this book.  I think it is well written and honest.  I never felt like Brenda put herself on a pedestal.  She admits to going through rough times that don’t make it easy to trust God or have hope, but she does and for a reason. 

Highly Recommended

Proof of Heaven

Author: Mary Curran Hackett
ISBN: 978-0-06-207998-5
Publisher: William Morrow
Source: TLC Book Tours
Follow the Tour

About the Book:

A mother’s faith, a child’s courage, a doctor’s dedication—a moving and thought-provoking tale of hope, love, and family

He might be young, but Colm already recognizes the truth: that he’s sick and not getting better. His mother, Cathleen, fiercely believes her faith will protect her ailing son, but Colm is not so sure. With a wisdom far beyond his years, Colm has come to terms with his probable fate, but he does have one special wish. He wants to meet his father who abandoned his beloved mother before Colm was born.

But the quest to find the dying boy’s missing parent soon becomes a powerful journey of emotional discovery—a test of belief and an anxious search for proof of heaven.

A magnificent debut novel, Mary Curran Hackett’s Proof of Heaven is a beautiful and unforgettable exploration of the power of love and the monumental questions of life, death, and the afterlife.

My Thoughts:

In a novel that shows the power of love, faith, hope and family, Mary Curran Hackett unveils the story of Colm, a young boy who has come to terms with his own death, his fate.  Colm is a very sick child who understands he will not get better.  His mother, Cathleen, believes her faith will protect Colm but despite her feelings, Cathleen attempts to make Colm’s last wish come true.  The only problem lies in finding the father who abandoned Cathleen before Colm’s birth.  The journey is difficult, the quest is hard, and the emotions are high but the novel is unforgettable and a powerful example of love.

This novel left me speechless.  It’s a thought provoking story full of amazing and wonderful characters.  The strength Colm had in regards to his own fate was stunning to me.  I don’t know that I could face the same reality and be so understanding.  What shocked me about this book is how Hackett tackles the tough questions we all face at some point in our lives.  Life, death, and the afterlife are topics with a high difference of opinion but yet they all have a common factor that everyone will face.  Hackett’s writing was wonderful.  This novel is full of faith, courage, dedication, hope, love, family and discovery.  It was emotional yet wonderful.

This novel is for every mother, every woman, anyone who has faith, hope, love, courage or dedication in their life.  I was hooked from the beginning and didn’t stop reading until the end.  It is thought provoking and touching.  It makes you appreciate life.


About the Author:

Mary Curran Hackett is an adjunct English professor at the University of Cincinnati. She lives with her husband and children in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Find out more about Mary on her website, like her on Facebook, and connect with her on Twitter.

Highly Recommended

A Watershed Year

Author: Susan Schoenberger

ISBN: 978-0-8249-4856-6

Publisher: Guideposts

Source: TLC Book Tours

Follow the Tour: A Watershed Year

Two months after the death of her best friend Harlan, Lucy remains haunted by the things she never told him including her deep love for him. Then she begins receiving emails he'd arranged to be sent after his death, emails that will change the course of her life. One email in particular haunts her -- he tells her he is certain she is destined for motherhood. Thus begins her watershed year.

It is said that out of despair comes hope and in her grief, Lucy finds that the possibility of adopting a child offers her a new chance for a fulfilled life. When she travels to Russia to meet four-year-old Mat she sees in him a soul that is as lonely and lost as hers. Slowly they learn to trust one another and each begins healing. It is when Mat's father comes to America to reclaim his child that a truth about Mat's past is revealed, a truth that might shatter Lucy's fragile little family forever.

A Watershed Year takes a poignant look at the life of Lucy who deals with loss, love, motherhood, self-discovery and second chances.  Lucy is a wonderful character, whose story is beautifully told.  While reading this novel, I felt as if I was sitting with a friend over coffee instead of reading the story off the pages.  When Lucy’s best friend dies she is thrown into a pit of despair and decides to quit thinking and start acting.  This starts her “watershed” year, in which she discovers more about herself than she has in the past.  Though everything starts to spiral out of control, Lucy takes control and finds her way out, moving on with her life.

The main character in this novel drove me crazy with how she tries to please everyone.  Regardless of this minor issue, this novel is a highly dramatic and a very sad read.  It sticks with you long after you finish reading it.  The characters are complex and well developed.  I enjoyed this novel because it is thoughtful, insightful and well written.  Though it’s emotional, Lucy learns about herself.  The story drew me in despite the emotional topics.  I could identify with Lucy’s grief over the loss of her best friend and the discovery that her life isn’t all she wants it to be.  It would be a wonderful book for book clubs, due to the level of discussion available. 

The author's website: http://www.susanschoenberger.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Schoenberger-Author/140050966055510
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#%21/schoenwriter

Highly Recommended

The Book of Life

Stuart Nadler

ISBN: 978-0-316-12647-2

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

Source: Crazy Book Tours

Synopsis:

Forced together on a trip from Manhattan to Rhode Island, a father and son attempt to renew their bond over lobster, cigarettes, and a buried secret. A pure-hearted artist finds his devotion cruelly tested, while his true love tries to repent for the biggest mistake of her life. Unwittingly thrust into an open marriage, a man struggles to reconnect with his newly devout son. And in the book's daring first story, an arrogant businessman begins a forbidden affair during the High Holidays.

Review:

This novel was unexpected.  From the given synopsis (above) I didn’t expect a book of short stories, but that’s exactly what this book contains.  I enjoyed these short stories for two reasons.  First, it made the book’s pace quick.  Before I knew it, I was finished.  Secondly, it presented me with different stories focused around the same topics, giving a well-rounded understanding of what the author is trying to get across to the reader.  I enjoy short stories once in a while and this book came at a great time, for me.

The stories presented involve characters dealing with conflict in their life.  Most are Jews. The issues include family, love, grief, faith, temptation and forgiveness.  The author has a beautiful writing style that grabs your attention quickly.  The book opens with the story that gives the book its name.  In it, the story introduces a man involved in an affair.  The affair is quite messy since it entangles so many aspects and people within his life.  I simultaneously despised and understood the main characters.  It was quite rare for me to feel this way.  In addition to a set of intriguing stories, the author provides a clear, concise description of his characters, their feelings and the situations they find themselves in.

Each of the stories has things in common, mostly dealing with nationality and infidelity that tie them together in different ways.  The tension is realistic between the characters.  Their vulnerability is obvious and their mistakes, unintended.  The characters in these stories aren’t intentionally setting out to hurt one another, the book really echo’s life in its vulnerable and imperfect forms.  While it is not my normal type of read, this book surprised me.  Stuart Nadler has a wonderful writing style that creates an ease within the flow of the book and hooked my attention.  Overall, I enjoyed it.

Recommended

Wings

Karl Friedrich

ISBN: 978-1-59013-570-9

Publisher: McBooks Press

Source: TLC Book Tour

Follow the Tour: TOUR STOPS

About the Book:

Sally Ketchum comes from dirt-poor farm folk. She has little chance of bettering her life until a mysterious barnstormer named Tex teaches her to fly—and becomes the first person worthy of her love. But Tex dies in a freak accident, leaving Sally to make her own way in the world. She enrolls in the U.S. military’s Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, and in a special school located in West Texas begins learning to fly the biggest, fastest, meanest airplanes the military has to offer. She also reluctantly becomes involved with Beau Bayard, a flight instructor and aspiring writer, who seems to offer her everything she could want. But many people see no place for a “skirt” in the cockpit, and Sally soon finds herself pitted against a high-powered Washington lawyer who wants to disband the WASP once and for all.  Their battle is a story of extraordinary women who broke society’s rules and became heroes, and of men who stood in their way.

Review:

“This book is dedicated to every woman who defies convention in order to live her dream.”

The above quote is the dedication found in this book.  Yes, I read each dedication and I loved this one.  It might be my favorite one yet.  The dedication sums up the book better than I could.  It simply impressed me from the start.   Luckily, while finishing my read, I was left with the same impressed state as I entered the book with.  Here’s why….

There was a time when women in the military were acceptable, if they were taking care of the men.  For example, women were the cooks, the nurses, the laundry maids and home support.  While the phrase “The military is no place for a woman” sounds charming and heroic, I can’t help but think it’s not.  Were women being protected by their men or were they simply not deemed intelligent or capable enough?  Regardless of the reason, there have always been the women who wanted to do more.  These women are the ones who became known as Fly Girls.  They are the women who paved the way for others.  They are the first women to fly military aircraft despite those who thought they were incapable.  Not only did they prove to be capable, they in many ways surpassed their male counterparts with their flying abilities.

During WWII Fly Girls were given the opportunity to be civilian aviators in order to free men up for combat.  These women Air force Service Pilots or “WASP” were under no contract and allowed to leave their post at any time, though they were paid half the salary of their male counterparts.  The women delivered airplanes for the military after training for five months. 

Wings focuses on the main character, Sally and her story.  Sally, who came from a life of poverty and insecurity has no reason to stay in Texas and decides to join the WASP program.  Among the daily activities and duties involved with her WASP training, Sally deals with teasing among the women, harassment from the male pilots and a lawyer who was commissioned by Congress to shut down the WASP program. (Which shows you how much our country has changed)  Despite it all, Sally prevails and in the end is known as the best pilot in the army.

This novel captures the 1940’s era beautifully.  Based off true stories, the novel takes a realistic and believable look at this time in our nation.  Just as Martin Luther is remembered for racial rights and working towards equality, Fly Girls and the 1940’s begins the process of equality between men and women.  It was interesting to read the sexist attitudes that are so apparent in this book.  I enjoyed reading about our country during this time period in a new way.  This novel is a step outside the box in regards to WWII fiction.  The story is fascinating and educational.  It’s a great debut and a wonderful piece of historical fiction.  It captured the time period beautifully, making me feel as if I opened a time capsule.  The characters are full of charisma and rooted in history.

I highly recommend this novel.  It grabs your attention from the beginning and flows easily.  It simply makes you proud to be a woman.

Highly Recommended

Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique

Author: Jane O’Connor
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-06-123592-4
Source: Review Copy

Fabulously Fun Reading!

It’s Fancy Nancy’s little sister’s birthday! While on a shopping trip for fabulous birthday supplies and presents, Nancy’s mom lets her stop at Belle’s Fabulous Fashion Boutique where one of the beautiful lace fans Nancy wants is on sale! Nancy doesn’t have enough money for the fan because she bought her sister’s birthday gift, so she decides to open her own fabulous fashion boutique and sell some of her gently used items to fabulous buyers! Fancy Nancy’s store is a huge success but will she have enough for her fan? When it rains on her sister’s party day, Fancy Nancy comes to the rescue and turns and outside pirate party into an inside fashion extravaganza!

4 year old's “Reading” & Thoughts:
Fancy Nancy and the fashion show. Fancy Nancy went to the store to buy her sister a black eye patch. Then she got her purse and bought it. Fancy Nancy built her own fashion store to sell stuff and buy a fan. People bought stuff. Her little sister wanted her rhinestone necklace but a friend bought it. Her sister through a fit. She felt bad so Fancy Nancy went to the twins’ house and gave a necklace and bracelet to get the necklace back. She gave it to her sister on her birthday with the eye patch. Her sister got the rhinestone necklace. At the party it starts to rain and they go inside. Her little sister says my party is not fun. Then they have a fashion show and walk like models with bananas on their head. Then they have the birthday cake!

I loved it so much. I like to read it again and again. I want to get more Fancy Nancy books for Christmas. The pictures are pretty! I like them. Fancy Nancy was nice to her sister.

Two year old’s Version:
Fancy Nancy! She has an umbrella in case it rains. This girl Jo Jo goes to store with Fancy Nancy girl. They go to Hy-Vee. [Grocery store we have] Jo Jo doesn’t have an umbrella. They are playing in the yard. The daddy climbs the ladder. The mommy does not. They dress up in the princess room. Why is Jo Jo Crying? She’s crying on the ground. She has a necklace, she’s happy. Their having a birthday party. They sing happy birthday to Jo Jo. They play dress up. They put bananas on their head!

Mom’s Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. The book is meant for children ages 4-7 however I think children that are 3 years could also enjoy this book. Hailey is only two and she plops herself down to read this book often! Her version of the story is bits and pieces of what she hears along with her very keen interpretation of the illustrations, which are beautiful. I have seen and heard about Fancy Nancy but this is the first copy of a Fancy Nancy that we have read together. I really wish I had introduced the book earlier instead of waiting until my daughter fit the age category. Both my two (soon to be 3) and four (soon to be 5) year olds enjoyed this book!

I particularly loved the way the book uses “big” words and then explains them in smaller words. For example is the text below.

“Welcome to my boutique,” I say. “That’s French for fancy store.” Or “I demonstrate-that’s fancy for show-how to do it.”

Examples like the two above are throughout the entire book. My husband even commented on it while we were reading the book. My girls really enjoyed learning the “fancy” words and I was thrilled for them to learn larger words with the same meanings as the simple words they use daily. This was an impressive aspect of the book for both my husband and I.

I also enjoyed the illustrations immensely. Ms. Glasser is very talented. We all enjoyed the pictures and there is quite a lot to enjoy. I would recommend this to anyone who has little girls. The book had fun, values, education, and a high interest level. The combination of all of these things makes for a great book! We have started adding to our Fancy Nancy collection and will keep doing so.

Must Read, Don't Miss It!!

My First Hands-On Bible

Author: Group Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4143-4830-8
Publisher: Tyndale
Purchase link:
Source: Tyndale for Review
Ages: 3-6

About the Title:

My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

Review:

This is my first expierance with the Hands-On products and I really enjoyed the My First Hands-On Bible!  My two children (ages 3 and 5) love hands-on projects, crafts, and anything that helps them explore their world through their senses.  This Bible gave creative and easy to learn solutions for teaching the Bible stories in a hands-on way.  I didn't have any problem finding the common household items the book calls for. The Bible gives parents simple ways to help children understand and make sense of the story they are reading.  It uses all the senses and is written on a kid friendly level.  It really was a fun way to spend time with my children while teaching them important and valuable lessons!

Whispers From the Heart

Author: Heather Hummel
ISBN:978-0983030836
Publisher: Pathfinder Publishing
Source: Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours
Link to Tour Reviews: http://chicklitplusblogtours.wordpress.com/authors-on-tour/heather-hummel/
Authors Website: http://heatherhummel.net/

Synopsis:

Whispers.  The heart’s way of speaking…

Madison Ragnar is a high school English teacher determined to connect with her students, to finish the next running race with a respectable time, and to avoid ever falling in love again. But life has other plans for Madison. A man named Michael shows himself in the most unexpected places, raising questions from her best friend, Olivia, and issues around Madison’s last relationship. In the classroom, the death of a student prompts her grieving ninth graders to depend on her for answers. They turn to journal writing as a form of understanding the weight of what’s happened in the walls of their teenage existence. When Madison meets Phil, who throws a wrench in her declaration to not fall in love, it seems that her escape through miles of running is the only real footing she has in life. Will fate determine Madison’s life? Or will she have a say in its outcome?

My Review:

Wow!  I didn’t see that coming….

The above phrase could be used for multiple different elements in this book.  Whispers from the Heart tackles tough issues, from Madison’s rocky marriage that comes complete with a creepy ex-husband, to a possible stalker and student who commits suicide, this book is full of heartache yet it includes a lot of happiness too.  The novel definitely has some twist that I never expected.   In order to not reveal too much about this book I’m going to touch on a few key topics and leave the rest for you!

Flow & Pace – Great!!  This book hooks you from the beginning and keeps moving.  Though it has some tough topics, the mystery and suspense elements keep the book edgy.  I wouldn’t classify this book as a mystery or suspense but there is a slight sense of both due to the subject matter and mysterious characters.  The novel doesn’t take long to read because you simply can’t put it down.

Writing Style – I really enjoyed Ms. Hummel’s writing style.  It’s easy to read, clear and intriguing.  In short, I stayed with her throughout the book.  I never felt lost or displaced. 

Storyline – Wow, okay this one has quite a lot going on.  First, you have Madison’s ex-husband and the marriage that went along with it.  Anyone who has had a divorce will be able to relate to Madison.  If you’ve had a divorce from a crazy ex that has left you fearful, let it be duly noted that you will understand Madison even better.  Second, is the topic of the possible stalker.  Having been stalked this section creeped me out.  I felt myself siding with Madison’s best friend just because I don’t trust people easily.  I was surprised with the outcome of Michaels story, but pleasantly so.  I enjoyed the fact that I didn’t see it coming.  Hummel does a great job distracting the reader so they don’t easily figure out her twist.  The third topic you must be warned about in this book is the death of Madison’s student.  If suicide is a sensitive topic for you, be forewarned.  Though I’m not sorry I read this book, I would have rather been prepared for the topic.

Characters- They are wonderful, well developed, likeable, relatable, and a pleasure to read about. 

Overall – this novel is about life in the raw.  It’s not sugar coated and it doesn’t hide anything.   It simply is what it is.  Life throws things at us that we can’t change, but we can make the best of what we have, learn from our mistakes and help make the world a better place for those around us.  I felt Madison did all three of these things.  I really enjoyed this novel despite some of the more emotional topics that wouldn’t have affected me the same way if my past didn’t include experiences surrounding them.  This book has a little of everything in it and is well written.  It’s a great chick-lit, written by a talented author.  I would read more from Hummel based on this book.

Highly Recommended

Love on the Line

Author: Deeanne Gist

ISBN:978-0764204098

Publisher: Bethany House

Source: Litfuse Book Tour

About the book:

It's a Battle of Wills ... and Love Is on the Line!

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

My Thoughts:

I can't not recommend a book that makes me laugh!  This historical Christian fiction is not only humorous and romantic, its clever and well written.  Georgie's career as a switchboard operator was entertaining and realistic.  After working at a call center, I have had a taste of what people will say over the phone!  I can't imagine being an operator in a town where everyone knows you.  This novel was hard to put down and flowed well.  I enjoyed the characters who were well developed and likable.  Though I personally couldn't relate to the heroine and her love of birds, I did enjoy the romance between Georgie and Luke.

Though I'm not a western type of gal, I can appreciate a good, well written, thought out story from that era.  Love on the Line is just that!  It's sweet, funny, romantic, historical and interesting.  The characters are well developed and entertaining.  They are the type you can imagine being friends with despite their flaws or annoyances.  The story made me feel as if it truly could have happened which is always great!

About Deeanne:

Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.

She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.

Buy the Book!

Blog Tour Schedule

Love on the Live iPad2 Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party!

Enter to win an iPad2 & RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/8!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand New iPad2
• A Autographed Hardback Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7^th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8^th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

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Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Highly Recommended

*This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review*