Book GiveAway-The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner

If you visit The Book Connections you can enter a chance to win the historical fiction book The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C. W. Gortner

Here is a synopsis of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici:

The truth is, none of us are innocent. We all have sins to confess.

So reveals Catherine de Medici in this brilliantly imagined novel about one of history’s most powerful and controversial women. To some she was the ruthless queen who led France into an era of savage violence. To others she was the passionate savior of the French monarchy. Acclaimed author C. W. Gortner brings Catherine to life in her own voice, allowing us to enter into the intimate world of a woman whose determination to protect her family’s throne and realm plunged her into a lethal struggle for power.

The last legitimate descendant of the illustrious Medici line, Catherine suffers the expulsion of her family from her native Florence and narrowly escapes death at the hands of an enraged mob. While still a teenager, she is betrothed to Henri, son of François I of France, and sent from Italy to an unfamiliar realm where she is overshadowed and humiliated by her husband’s lifelong mistress. Ever resilient, Catherine strives to create a role for herself through her patronage of the famous clairvoyant Nostradamus and her own innate gift as a seer. But in her fortieth year, Catherine is widowed, left alone with six young children as regent of a kingdom torn apart by religious discord and the ambitions of a treacherous nobility.

Relying on her tenacity, wit, and uncanny gift for compromise, Catherine seizes power, intent on securing the throne for her sons. She allies herself with the enigmatic Protestant leader Coligny, with whom she shares an intimate secret, and implacably carves a path toward peace, unaware that her own dark fate looms before her—a fate that, if she is to save France, will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, her reputation, and the passion of her embattled heart.
From the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the battlefields of the wars of religion to the mob-filled streets of Paris, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is the extraordinary untold journey of one of the most maligned and misunderstood women ever to be queen.


If you visit The Book Connection not only can you enter to win the book but you can also read an intreview of the author, C. W. Gortner

Class is over!!!

Hi, everyone I am back. I have been silent for two months. Between work, class and family I barely had time to read and let alone blog. I have read two books since the last time I posted. I know two books is not much but I am pleased because my class was taking so much time. I was writing my assignments Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nothing like the last minute, since everything was do on Sunday.

My family was at Border's browsing books. I had no intention to buy anything; when my husband picked up Monster by A. Lee Martinez and joking said "Here is a book for you." I took the book and read the back cover and I decided that a book about monster hunter with a girlfriend from Hell would be a fun read. My husband was a little surprised that I actually liked the book. So I bought the book and started to read it.

This is from the back cover: Monster runs a pest control agency. He's overworked and has domestic troubles -like having the girlfriend form hell.

Judy works the night shift at the local Food plus Mart. Not the most glamorous life, but Judy is happy. No one bothers her, and if she has to spell things out for the night manger every now and again, so be it.

But when Judy finds a yeti in the freezer aisle eating all the Rocky Road, her life collides with Monster's in a rather alarming fashion. Because Monster doesn't catch raccoons: he catches the things that go bump into night. Things like ogres, trolls, and dragons.

Oh and his girlfriend from hell? She actually is from Hell.

This book was a fun read. I read it in one night. LOVED IT. It was the right book to help distress after a day of writing about infant and toddler development. Everybody in my household was surprised that I read Monster and actually liked it. My youngest kept asking me what monsters were being captured as I was reading. My husband was very proud that he actually picked out a book for me and I like it. I am going to try and read other books by A. Lee Martinez.



Diamond Willow by Kathleen Eagle was a book I had laying around the house. My mom gave to me awhile ago. When I was in college, I read Harlequins and Silhouettes books as a quick read. So I picked this book to read because it should have been a quick read.

From the Back cover:

His name was John Tiger, but the few who truly know hem called him the Cat. Th Indian rancher was locked in a bitter struggle to save the land that was his birthright, standing his ground against outsiders who cared nothing for the traditions of his people.

It was hard for this proud, solitary man to admit he needed help-and even harder to ask it of Teri Nordstrom, the woman whose memory had haunted him for so many years. But this was one battle he could not win alone.

Then, suddenly, there was for more at stake than land. Suddenly he was fighting to claim a love he had thought was lost forever-and a child he had never known was hie.

This was an average romance. I can usually read these types of romances in about 2-3 hours, this one took a couple of days to finish. This book was OK, nothing inspiring or made me feel that satisfied feeling that one can get after reading a romance.

During the past four months, I have lost touch with the book world and I will be spending time catching up.

Happy Reading.

Where Have I been?

I am still here. I have just been busy with my infant/toddler on-line class. I usually have three assignments due in a week and after spring break I will be having four assignments due in a week. My class involves a lot of writing. So it has been taking a lot of my time.

I have read some books before my class started.

I finished Emperor: The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden. This book is about the early years of Julius Cesar and Marc Anthony.

I did not enjoy it. It was not a bad book. It just was not my type of book. I hate to be sexist, but I kept thinking that this book is geared for men.

For the Historical Fiction Challenge, I read The Triumph of Deborah by Eva Etzione-Halevy. This book was about Deborah a famous bible prophet, and Barak, a Jewish General. My only issue with this book is that I cannot see God picking a general who sleeps with any female, and a prophetess who sleeps with her general. To save the Jewish people from their enemies the Canaanites. It just did not fit with my idea of biblical fiction. Otherwise, I liked it.

My goal is to read one book a month as long as my class is in session. The sad thing is I am already behind. I did not read any books in February. So I will have to finish Flowers in The Rain by Rosamunde Pilcher, a book filled with short stories about love and relationships, and another book in March. So hopefully when I am on spring break, I can achieve this goal.

Even though I am not writing on my blog, I am still thinking of everyone. I will try to write in about a month or so. I guess I can always put my essay's form my class up on my blog. Just a thought.

Happy Reading.

The Tudor Book Challenge

The Tudor Challenge is my fourth challenge of the year. I just love the Tudors. This is a must challenge for me.

Here are the guidelines as posted by Benedictionary:

The Challenge:
From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010 The Tudor Book Challenge challenges you to read books about or inspired by the Tudor era of the English monarchy.

The Challenge Rules:
You may read your books in any format – e-books, audio books, electronic reader books, and printed books are acceptable.

You are welcome to use the books you read for the Tudor Book Challenge in other challenges (where applicable).

Books can be fiction or non-fiction, but they must be about or inspired by Tudor England.

You are not required to post a list of the books you intend to read. You may choose them as you go.

Bloggers and non-bloggers alike are welcome to participate in the challenge. If you do not have a blog, you will need to review the books you’ve read on some book-related website: i.e. GoodReads, Amazon, Borders, etc. and send in the links (via comments) to be eligible for the prizes. I need to be able to verify that these books were read by you.

The Registration Rules:

All registrations must be received by midnight (EST) on December 31st, 2009 to be eligible for the prizes. If you do not register by the midnight deadline, you may still participate in the challenge but you will not be eligible for the prizes.

To keep things official and time-stamped, you will need to comment on this post if you wish to participate in the challenge. Please provide me with the following information:

YOUR NAME or ONLINE ALIAS YOUR BLOG or BOOK SITE YOU’LL BE REVIEWING FROM – Remember, if you do not have a blog you will need to post reviews on GoodReads, Amazon, Borders, B&N, or some other site that allows for book reviews.YOUR CHALLENGE LEVEL – This is very important, so please include it in your comment.

The Challenge Levels:

(I have lowered the required books for each level at the urging of my better half. Feel free to change your selection before the deadline.)

King or Queen – You are the ruler of your dominion. You will read at least 11 Tudor-related books.

Nobleman or Noblewoman - You are honorable, indeed. You have earned your title by agreeing to read at least 9 Tudor-related books.

Courtier – You are a rising star in the royal court. You have decided to read at least 7 Tudor-related books.

Commoner – Your role in the kingdom is small but mighty. You are going to read at least 5 Tudor-related books.

Visit The Tudor Book Challenge if you want some more info.

My Challenge level is commoner. I will try to read 5 books. I have searched my shelves and have come up with at least 4 books.

1.The Sixth Wife by Suzannah Dunn

2. The Life of Elizabeth I by Alison Weir

3. The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

4. The Autobiography of Henry VII by Margaret George (This one my be a killer)

5. ???????? (I was think something to do with Queen Mary)

That is my plan anyway. But it could change.

American Civil War Reading Challenge

This is my third challenge for this year.

Here are the guidelines as posted by Marny:

1. Read books about the Civil War, either fiction or non-fiction
2. There are four levels of participation-
Private: Read three books-
Sergeant: Read six books-
Lieutenant: Read nine books-
General: Read twelve books

3. Read the books between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010
4. Overlaps with other challenges are allowed
5. Ebooks and audiobooks are okay, too
6. You don't have to have a reading list ready to participate in the challenge but please let Marny know which level you're doing.

If this challenge interests you please sign up at American Civil War Reading Challenge.

I will be doing the Private Level. Here are the books I plan on reading.

1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
2. Rebel by Benard Cornwell
3. Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

Here's hoping I can finish.

I will post another challenge tomorrow.

2010 TBR Challenge

OK I am going to try this challenge again. I did really good the first year I did this challenge, but last year I read only one book off of the TBR list. So lets see what happens this year. Maybe I can finish the list this year.

Here are the MizB's TBR Challenge rules:

** Pick 12 books – one for each month of the year - that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31. )

Additional rules/guidelines for this challenge:
* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months — you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.

* you should have a list posted somewhere for others to see

* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, of the current year!!!

* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).

* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed

* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren’t TRUE “TBRs”* you CAN overlap with other challenges

* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you’re doing!

If this challenge catches your eye go to Miz Bs Reading Challenge

Here is my list. It is the same list as last years minus one. So I had to add a new TBR book.

1.This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
2. Rebel by Benard Cornwell
3. Queen Bees & Wanna Bes byRosalind WiseMan
4. Flowers In The Rain by Rosamunde Pilcher
5. Hide and Seek by James Patterson
6. East and West by Gerald Green
7. Savage Sunrise by Cassie Edwards
8. The Seventh Stone by Nancy Freedman
9. Air Force Wives by Ruth Walker
10. To Touch The Earth by Fran Kendall
11. In Broad Daylight by Harry N. Maclean
12. Comeback by Dick Francis (moved up)

My Alternatives:
1. The Samurai's Wife by Laura Joh Rowland (new TBR book)
2. The Daughter of the Pangaran by David Divine

3. Midwives by Chris Behjalian
4. Life Of Pi by Yann Martel
5. Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel
6. Circle of Friends by Meve Binchy
7. A Purrfect Romance by Robin Lee Hatcher, Susan Wiggs
8. Potter Springs by Britta Coleman
9. The Gambling Man by Catherine Cookson
10. Cat-A-Lyst by Alan Dean Foster
11. The Baker's Apprentice by Judith Ryan Hendricks
12. Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

I will post another challenge tomorrow.

2010 Historical Reading Challenge

This is from Royal Reviews:

To kick off our challenge week for 2010 we are starting with a favourite at Royal Reviews. If you've been participating in our Historical Fiction Challenge for the past 2 years then you'll notice we've made some changes. Firstly the challenge will go for the full year as opposed to 3 months that it ran for previously. Then we have different levels for participants. If you're like me you'll dive straight into the Obsessed but then I am a bit of a HF fan!

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:--

Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.--

Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.--

Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.--

Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.6.

To sign up visit Royal Reviews: Historical Reading Challenge

I will be doing level 1 Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.

Here are my choices:

1. The Triumph of Deborah by Eva Etzioni-Halevy

2. The Empire of Darkness by Christian Jacq

3. Duchess: A Novel of Sarah Churchill by Susan Holloway Scott

Here's hoping I can do it.

I will put up another challenge tomorrow.

Challenges?

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I know that I did.


I was not going to commit to any challenges this year, but I found some interesting to me challenges. I kept putting off the decision; should I or shouldn't I. I decided sure why not. I will commit to the lowest number of books to read for the challenges and have fun with them. If I finish them awesome. If I don't oh well, we will try again next year.

My personal reading goal is to read 50 books this year. The goal for this year is no pressure and try to keep everything low keyed. Let's see what happens.

Tudor Romances

I have read the Tudor Rose Trilogy by Susan Wiggs. These are reprints of books that she wrote in the nineties. They center around one family for three generations.

Book one was originally called Circle In The Water; the reprint is called At The King's Command. It is set in the time of Henry VIII. The heroine is a Russian Princess named Juliana Romanov. She has to escape Russia after seeing her family murdered. A group of gypsies take her in and learns the traditions of the Gypsies. After stealing Stephen de Lacey's horse, King Henry VIII forces the two to marry.


Book two was originally called Vows Made In Wine; the reprint is called The Maiden's Hand. It is set in the time of Queen Mary. It is about the son of Stephen de Lacey, Oliver de Lacey and the Mistress Lark. Mistress Lark saves Oliver from the Hangman's noose. Little did she realize that after saving Oliver how much a part of her life he would become.


Book three was originally called Dancing On Air. The reprint is called At the Queen's Summons. It is set in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This book focuses on Pippa de Lacey the Daughter of Lark and Oliver and a Irish chieftain Aidan O'Donoghue. Pippa does not know that she is a de Lacey or that she even has a family. She had lived as sharp tongue street performer. Which gets her in trouble and she seeks mercy from Aidan.

Book One was very enjoyable. Book Two was not so much. It seemed to drag. Book Three picked up a little bit. I found it entertaining. Book One was my favorite out of three.

Another book I read recently is The Winter Queen By Amanda McCabe. It is set during the time of Queen Elizabeth I during the time of when the Thames froze over and the Court had a Frost Fair during the Holiday Season.

The story is about Queen Elizabeth's Lady-in-waiting Lady Rosamund. She sent to court to avoid a suitor that was not suitable for her. She meets Swedish Lord Anton Gustavson, who came to England to claim an inheritance from his grandfather.

This was a nice lite read. I enjoyed the fictionalized peak into Queen Elizabeth's court during the Holiday Season.

These romances may be your thing if you like historical romances set during the Tudor time.

Happy Reading

Blogging Ramblings

Wellll, I have not written a lot lately, I have been taken a break. I am trying to decide if I should keep blogging or not.

I have been blogging about books off and on for the past two years. The first year was fun and wonderful. I found myself enjoying the world of book blogging. I met some great people and read some awesome blogs. I was able to push my doubts about reviewing and writing aside.

Through other bloggers I found Pump up Your Book Promotions. Cheryl and Dorothy are wonderful. Through them I have discovered some great books and awesome authors. If you are interesting in reviewing books, you should check them out. Pump up Your Book Promotions Tour Host. They are always looking for good reviewers.

But as time went on, my self doubts about reviewing continued to resurface and it was becoming harder to push them back. I could tell others to go for it, but it was becoming harder for me to go for it. It was just becoming harder for me to write my thoughts because I kept questioning myself if my reviews were good enough. I am not sure what I am going to do.

The good bloggers also spend a lot of time on their blogs. Not just writing their thoughts but interacting with the people who comment. I don't have the time esp since I discovered social networking. Let me tell you playing those apps on Facebook are very addictive and time consuming. If you are on Facebook stay away form those apps.

I am not sure what I am going to do. I guess in my heart I do like it, because I don't want to give it up completely. I am still soul searching as to what I want to do, but I am guessing I will keep writing. I just won't write as often, maybe focus on book spotlights or maybe do one word reviews. I am not sure how this blog will evolve.

Thanks for letting me ramble. If you have any advice please feel free to give it.

Silk Flowers Never Die

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Silk Flowers Never Die is an important and intensely personal memoir, powerfully showing with humanity and humor, the difficulties that exist for any family trying to cope with schizophrenia and mental distress. In a compelling story that reveals how much stranger than fiction fact is, Stella Mazzucchelli describes her determination to preserve her son form the worst effects of mental illness, while his young wife is dying of cancer.

In the process of trying to rise to these challenges, Stella is transformed from a beautiful, over-protected Society woman with alcohol issues, to an impressive, courageous earth-mother who now campaigns to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness by using her privileged position to positive effect. This moving book is informative on a host of subjects, ranging from the lifestyle of the International Super-Rich to the profundities of facing terminal illness and mental disease. Due to its intelligence, insight,and compassion the appeal of this amazing story and struggle should be universal.


MY THOUGHTS:

It would have been wonderful if I had Silk Flowers Never Die when my husband went through his mental breakdown. Stella writes with such truth about her feelings and her thoughts when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia that I would have found it helpful with what I was dealing with.

With all that Stella had to deal with she has come through with flying colors. Given one hope that if she can live through all that has happened to her and her family so can I. No matter what ones economic background very rich or very poor, I think one can find this book very relatable.

Silk Flowers Never Die is a book with a wonderful message of hope and courage. I think that this book should be given out to family members of people who have had a mental issues so that they can know that they are not alone and others have gone through this too and felt the same way.

Silk Flowers Never Die is an awesome read. I highly recommend it to everyone, esp to those who have to cope with mental illness in the family.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stella Metaxa Mazzucchelli was born in Athen, Greece and married, aged eighteen, Riccardo Mazzucchelli, the famous Italian businessman. During their twenty-two year marriage, they lived in Zambia and London, where she became a well-known figure on the social scene,and had a brief and successful modelling career at the unusual age of 28. Fedele is their only child. After their divorce, Riccardo married Ivana Trump in 1995, though the marriage was short lived. Stella now lives in Athen where she brings up her grand-daughter Katerina. As well as being involved in the property and renovation business, which ensures she maintains connections with London, she is also a tireless campaigner for the better understanding of schizophrenia and mental illness. Silk Flowers Never Die is her first book.

You can visit her publisher online at http://www.dynastypress.co.uk/ .

Happy Reading

Daughter of Narcissus

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Daughter of Narcissus is a stunning analysis by Lady Colin of her own dysfunctional family positioned at the heart of upper class Jamaican society from the middle of the 20th century to the present day. Covering the end of the British Colonial Age and the rise of a liberated generation, whilst addressing the narcissistic personality of her mother, the author brilliantly interconnects the sociological, political and personal. As she dissects the family dynamics lying beneath the appearance of wealth and power, Lady Colin’s understanding of personality disorder is revelatory: compelling the reader to comprehend the destructive and tragic reality concealed by rational language and behavior.

Set against a backdrop of glamour, wealth and fame, this compulsive book is both a fascinating history of one socially prominent family, and a uniquely detailed analysis of narcissism, its manifestations and how to survive them in order to lead a purposeful and affirming life.

MY THOUGHTS:

Gloria Ziadie was a extremely abusive woman both physically and verbally to her husband, her children and her servants. It is amazing that her children were able to persevere and have successful adult lives growing up in that type of atmosphere. But also growing up in that type of household gave them strength esp Lady Colin Campbell or Georgia to deal with the difficulties that she encountered in her adult life.

But this book is not for diagnosis but to give a glimpse of what this disorder is about and how it effected Gloria and her family and friends. As I was reading it, I saw similarities between Gloria and my mother-in-law; especially encouraging her husband to do her dirty work in beating the children. Also the manipulation of people and situations to get what they want. Because of these similarities, I wonder if my mother-in-law has this disorder. Sorry if this is to personal, but as I continued to read Daughter of Narcissus that is what I was thinking.

After a slow and difficult start, I found Daughter of Narcissus to be an intriguing read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lady Colin Campbell is a highly successful and prolific author of several books, including London and New York Times bestsellers, and has been a prominent and often controversial figure in royal and social circles for many years. She perhaps is best known for her international bestselling book Diana in Private, 1992, and her subsequent extended and revelatory biography of the Princess of Wales, The Real Diana published in 2004. She has written books on the Royal Family, been a long term columnist and appeared numerous times on TV and radio as an experienced Royal Insider and expert on the British aristocracy. In 1997 she published her autobiography, A Life Worth Living, which was serialized in The Daily Mail. Born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, she was educated there and in New York, where she lived for seven years. She is connected to British royalty through common ancestors and marriage. She has two sons and lives in London.

You can visit her publisher online at http://www.dynastypress.co.uk/.

Happy Reading

Rain Dance

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jonica is infertile. Stacie chooses an abortion. One is prolife the other prochoice. Both are suddenly alone in misunderstanding, facing hypocrisies in their belief systems, and grieving – one the death of a dream and the other the death of her child. As their hearts break where in the world will they find healing and grace? Can shattered dreams be part of the plan?

MY THOUGHTS: When I was reading Rain Dance, I kept thinking how was I going to review this Christian Fiction. Not because it was not well written, it is. But it is a controversial issue. Abortion. This book's viewpoint, of course, is prolife.

I started to focus on the relationship between the Jonica and Stacie. And I liked how the friendship developed. Two different people finding that they have more in common then they realized. DeKok writes this book from both of their viewpoints. It is nice to see how both ladies see the same event and their interpretations of the events.

DeKok adds a touch of realism to Jonica because she herself is infertile. She puts herself into the character of Jonica. Jonica has to deal with insensitivity's of others. Which makes one sad that people can be so cruel and they don't realize that they are.

In a twist the Christians are portrayed as hip and exciting and the liberals as rigid thinking. She is trying to break stereotypes about Christians but by doing this she does not put liberals in a good light. I think it is great that she is trying to break stereotypes but why put others in a negative light. I understand that is part of the storytelling and it is important to the plot but it did not sit well with me.

Jonica and Stacie's stories and their friendship did touch me. Overall, I found Rain Dance to be a nice read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joy DeKok and her husband, Jon, live in Minnesota on thirty-five acres of woods and fields. Joy has been writing most of her life and as a popular speaker shares her heart and passion for God with women. In addition to writing novels, she has also published a devotional and several children’s books.

Visit Joy online at: http://www.joydekok.com/, http://www.believe4kids.com/, and http://www.gettingitwrite.net/.

Happy Reading

My Son, John

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Murder. Could there be a more chilling word? Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive? When Liz Peterson’s elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

And then a second blow—more devastating, if possible, than the first—rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother’s murder. As what’s left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons’ longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?

My Review:

This christian fiction was a very emotional story about a family's unconditional love and their difficult journey to forgiveness. I was drawn into My Son, John from the very beginning.

I really felt the families sadness and despair especially the mother's. Having the viewpoints of the different family members really added to the emotional quality of the story.

This is a definite read whether you read christian fiction or not.

EXCERPT:

Prologue:

“I was in prison and you came to Me…” (Matthew 25:36).

Tick, damn it, tick! I cried silently, oblivious to the fact that I had just thought a word I would never say out loud. I glared through bloodshot eyes at the large, round, schoolroom-type clock that was the sole decoration on the cold gray wall behind the metal chair where John sat, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and holding a phone to his ear, while gazing at me through a glass partition, no doubt knowing that I was avoiding eye contact because the pain was just too great.

Still staring at the offensive timepiece on the wall, I demanded silently, Do you think just because you don’t make any noise that I don’t know what you’re doing, that I don’t realize that with every sweeping circle you’re stealing more and more of my son’s life?

Oh, God, if only there were a window in here! If I could just reach through this glass and touch him…!

The tears came then, and there was nothing I could do to stop them. I pulled my vision from the clock and caught a glimpse of John’s anguished, sweat-beaded face before squeezing my eyes shut in a vain attempt to block out the swell of emotions that threatened to drown me. I had to stop this denial and refocus my efforts and energy on my son. He would never survive this nightmare if I didn’t; none of us would.

I forced my eyelids open, wiping the tears from my cheeks and wishing I had been allowed to bring my purse in with me. But, of course, everything personal had been left behind before I had been admitted to the visiting area. You’d think those in charge would realize a mother’s need for a tissue in such a situation.

Slowly, I cracked my lips into what I was sure was a wooden smile. “You look good,” I lied, knowing he knew better but hoping to convince myself. “Are they treating you all right…feeding you, and—”

Trembling but quite obviously trying hard not to show it, he pressed the palm of his free hand against the glass in what was doubtless an attempt to cut off my pointless questions. “I’m fine, Mom. Honest. I told you that last time. And…please, you don’t have to come here. I don’t want you to come here. Can’t you understand that?”

How could I understand that my son didn’t want me to visit him and support him when he’d been accused of something so horrific it was beyond comprehension? How could I understand anything anymore? Not only had John been falsely imprisoned, but he was losing weight and I could see he wasn’t well. He needed me….

“I want to come,” I answered. “I have to. I’ve never abandoned you before. Why would you think I would now—especially now?”

The pain and fear in his dark blue eyes flickered before fading to dull. He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “I have to go, Mom. Time’s about up anyway. I…hate talking to you like this…seeing you this way.”

I watched his Adam’s apple bob slightly as he swallowed and then said, “I love you, Mom. You know that. Dad and Sarah, too.” Then, after only a brief hesitation, he removed his palm from the glass, hung up the phone, and stood to his feet. Immediately a corrections officer was at his side, escorting him from the room.

Still pressing the receiver to my ear, I whispered, “You didn’t even say goodbye, John. You didn’t say goodbye….”

At the thick metal door, just below and to the right of the silent wall clock, John stopped, turning slightly as his armed escort unlocked the heavy barrier. Glancing backward, his lips spread ever-so-slightly in that frightened, little-boy smile he’d had since he was a little boy, the one he’d worn when he walked on skinny, shaky legs into his kindergarten room on the first day of school, assuring me that he was all right. As I had that day when I stood in the hallway outside his classroom, I now did my best to return his smile. Then he turned his back to me and shuffled on shackled ankles through the passageway.

So little had changed in the eighteen years since that first day of school—and yet the world my husband and I had known since our oldest child was born twenty-three years earlier had exploded and vanished, washed away in tears…and in blood. Nothing would ever be the same again.

John’s kindergarten smile had been his signal to me that he could handle things and I should leave. With legs of lead and a heart even heavier, I forced myself to honor his wishes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.

Visit Kathi’s website at http://kathimacias.com/.

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Dispel The Mist

Welcome to Marilyn Meredith's
Pump Up Your Book Promotion's Virtual Book Tour

About The Book:

A Tulare County Supervisor, with both Native American and Mexican roots, dies under suspicious circumstances. Because of Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s own ties to the Bear Creek Indian Reservation, she’s asked to help with the investigation. To complicate matters, besides the supervisor’s husband, several others had reason to want the woman dead.

Tempe has unsettling dreams, dreams that may predict the future and bring back memories of her grandmother’s stories about the legend of the Hairy Man. Once again, Tempe’s life is threatened and this time, she fears no one will come to her rescue in time.

My Review:

Dispel the Mist is the eighth book in the Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the other books in the series, but I am looking forward to reading the series from the beginning. I was not lost when I read Dispel the Mist, Meredith is able to incorporate what happened in the past books nicely in the story line.

I found Dispel the Mist to be an entertaining read. I thought the characters were beliveable. I enjoyed the interactions between Tempe and her husband, Hutch. I liked how Tempe is exploring her heritage and how it is weaved into the story line. The ending was very dramatic and intense. I think any mystery lover would enjoy Dispel the Mist.


About the Author:

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over twenty-five published novels, including the

award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest, Dispel the Mist from Munda

nia Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series. No Sanctuary is the newest from Oak Tree Press.

She is a member of EPIC, four chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, WOK, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville CA, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com/.

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Emily Waits for Her Family

Welcome to Carol Zelaya's

Pump Up Your Book Promotion's
Virtual Book Tour

About The Book:Follow the true story of the special bond between a tiny bird and a little girl, from first meeting to leaving, from new life to old friends. This story is told in a timeless, three-part series, with an easy-reading rhyme, and is certain to delight and touch your heart.

Excerpt:

As I look closer, what do I see?

In the nest there seems to be,

The little bird named Emily,

And a big surprise of one, two, three!

Yes, three little eggs for me to see.

You’ll soon be a mommy Chickadee!

My Review: Emily Waits For Her Family is a sweet tale about a girl and a little Chickadee. Not only do we see the girl and Emily, the Chickadee develop a very special friendship; we also get to learn about the importance of watching and observing nature. I especially loved the Chickadee log at the end of the book. It made me wish that I had a backyard and a bird feeder so that my daughter could complete the log. Hmmm maybe I will change it to a squirrel log. That is what is great about the log, you can use it for almost any creature.

The rhyming and word repetition is great for a beginner reader. When I read this book to my 7 year old daughter that was the first thing she said to me. "Mommy, it rhymes." I read this book to my two year old classroom and they kept repeating Chickadee. They really loved that new word to them.

I also want to add that Kristen Metcalf, the illustrator, did a beautiful job with the drawings. She really brought the story to life. The children really loved looking at the pictures.

I will be reading Emily Waits For Her Family to my class over and over and some how incorporating the log into my lesson plans, maybe for squirrel observations.

There are two more books in the Emily The Chickadee series: Caring For Emily's Family and Emily's New Home. I look forward to reading the other two books in this series. I want to see what happens with Emily The Chickadee.

If you know a preschooler or a beginner reader Emily Waits For Her Family would be a great book to give them.

About the Author: Carol Zelaya is a former nurse, recently widowed, and mother of two grown children. She grew up in the Chicago area, where she eventually met and married her husband and where they raised a family. Having relocated to Oregon in 1996, Zelaya began her love affair with nature and its beautiful creatures. Inspired by her surroundings, she started taking pictures and writing. Writing poetry led to writing three children’s books, of course, in rhyme. Zelaya’s Emily the Chickadee books are the true story of the special bond between a tiny bird and a little girl and the true meaning of family.

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Book Spotlight-Dying Scream by Mary Burton

It's the last sound you'll ever make....Dying Scream. Doesn't that tag line give you chills at least it does to me.

Dying Scream is the new book by southern novelist Mary Burton.

From the Back Cover: An aspiring artist. A high-school senior. A stripper. Three missing women with only one thing in common-wealthy-Craig Thornton knew them all. For that, they paid the ultimate price. When Craig's widow, Adrianna, begins to receive cards and flowers from her late husband, she assumes it's someones cruel joke. Then grisly remains are found on the Thornton estate.

Detective Gage Hudson believes the bodies are linked to Craig. But the biggest shocks are yet to come. A psychopath has resumed his work, each death a prelude to his most cherished target. The only way to stop him is to uncover a family's dark past-and a twisted love someone will kill for, again and again....

For more info you can visit Mary Burton's website.

Dying Scream
Mary Burton
Zebra Books
Fiction/$6.99 ($8.99 Canada
On sale November 24, 2009

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Homer's Odyssey

Welcome to Gwen Cooper's Pump Up Your Promotions

Virtual Book Tour

About the Book: Once in nine lives,something extraordinary happens...

The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight.

Everyone warned that Homer would always be an “underachiever,” never as playful or independent as other cats. But the kitten nobody believed in quickly grew into a three-pound dynamo, a tiny daredevil with a giant heart who eagerly made friends with every human who crossed his path. Homer scaled seven-foot bookcases with ease and leapt five feet into the air to catch flies in mid-buzz. He survived being trapped alone for days after 9/11 in an apartment near the World Trade Center, and even saved Gwen’s life when he chased off an intruder who broke into their home in the middle of the night.

But it was Homer’s unswerving loyalty, his infinite capacity for love, and his joy in the face of all obstacles that inspired Gwen daily and transformed her life. And by the time she met the man she would marry, she realized Homer had taught her the most important lesson of all: Love isn’t something you see with your eyes.

Homer’s Odyssey is the once-in-a-lifetime story of an extraordinary cat and his human companion. It celebrates the refusal to accept limits—on love, ability, or hope against overwhelming odds. By turns jubilant and moving, it’s a memoir for anybody who’s ever fallen completely and helplessly in love with a pet.

If you are a cat lover, animal lover or a person with a heart you will enjoy this inspirational story about a blind cat and his owner. Homer does not let his blindness limit him. He plays with the other cats in the household even when they just want to be left alone. He climbs and leaps into the unknown without any fear.

This book is not only a tale about the relationship between Homer and his owner, Gwen; it is also about not letting fear hold you back. If Homer can take a leap into the unknown without fear then so to can you. Which is what Gwen did when she moved to New York. She took a leap of faith like Homer.

This book made me laugh, like the airplane ride to New York, and cry, for a cat that no one wanted. I worried with Gwen as she relates what happened to her and her cats on 9/11 and I celebrated with her when Homer did something new and exciting.

Homer's Odyssey is a very heart-warming tale. 4.0 stars.

Now for an added bonus, I have my 12 year-old(soon to be 13 as she tells me) daughter's review of Homer Odyssey. We were at Target and saw the book there. I pointed it out to her and said Hey, I am reading this book now and it is very good. I said it a little loud, because there were some other people there and I wanted them to know that I was reviewing it. I know what a nerd. But I find it thrilling to see a book in the stores that I am reviewing or reviewed. Anyway she goes can I read it and I say sure. I also added that if she finishes before my review has to be up she can write one as well(again kinda loud). So without further ado her is my daughter's review.

From the first chapter, Homer captured my heart. Homer is a cat that people can learn from. Even through all his hardship, Homer still becomes a strong, optimistic, caring cat. When I read the book I pictured Homer right there in my room, curling up on my left side. Even without eyes Homer sees the world for what it is. A place where anything can happen and miracles can find you. People should follow Homers ideas and learn from them. Homer’s Odyssey is the perfect book about love, friendship, hardship, and so much more. I loved every page of this book. Everyone should read Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Copper.

About The Author:

Gwen Cooper is the author of the novel Diary of a South Beach Party Girl. A Miami native, she spent five years working in nonprofit administration, marketing, and fundraising. She coordinated volunteer activities on behalf of organizations such as Pet Rescue, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, the Miami Rescue Mission, and His House Children’s Home. In conjunction with Hands on Miami and Barnes & Noble, Gwen initiated Reading Pen Pals, an elementary school-based-literacy program in Miami’s Little Haiti. Gwen currently lives in Manhattan with her husband, Laurence, and her three perfect cats—Scarlett, Vashti, and Homer, who aren’t impressed with any of it.

You can visit Gwen online at http://gwencooper.com/.

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The White Queen

I orignially wrote this review for W&M Sneak peak program. I am not sure if they used it, but since this is my blog I am going to use it. So here it is.

I have found that when I have read a book by Philippa Gregory; the book is either a hit or a miss. The White Queen is a hit.

The White Queen is set in England during the last years of the War of The Roses. This is a tale about Elizabeth Woodville from the House of Lancaster and King Edward IV from the House of York. How they met, feel in love, the events that occurred during their marriage and the events that happen after King Edward IV dies.

This historical fiction about Elizabeth Woodville is a fantastic read. I was drawn into her story from the very beginning. Elizabeth is a complicated character. There were times when I felt sorry for Elizabeth and times when she made me angry.

Gregory incorporates witchcraft and magic into Elizabeth’s story. Elizabeth and her mother have some magical powers which they use to help their cause. Gregory ties in the Melusina, a water fairy myth very well. This myth helps explain how Elizabeth and her mother have their magical powers.

Elizabeth Woodville is the mother of the Princes in the Tower, Prince Edward and Prince Richard. Gregory puts forth a plausible theory about what happened to The Princes in the Tower. Since no one knows for sure what happened to the Princes, her theory could be true.

For your Tudor fans out there, Elizabeth Woodville is the Grandmother of Henry VIII. So I believe that you will find this a nice addition to your Tudor reading.

I am looking forward to the other two books in this series. If you like your historical fiction to be about royalty, intrigue, and conspiracy then this book is for you. 4 and half stars.

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Mailbox Monday Aug 31

I have not participated in Mailbox Monday in awhile. One reason is that I have not been getting books in the mail and another was finding time to blog. I am trying to do better, but we will see.

I have gotten three books from giveaways.

*Reckless by Selena Montgomery

*Silver and Gold by David Sakmyster

*The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

I also have three books for review.

*Emily the Chickadee by Carol Zelaya (a children's book)

*Silk Flowers Never Die by Stella Mazzucchelli

*Daughters of Narcissus by Lady Colin Campbell

Marcia over at The Printed Page is sponsoring this weekly event.

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