Thursday, March 29, 2012

Binding Arbitration Book Review




This book used a lot of big words. I don't mean to make it sound trite as it was one of the very things that drew me to it. I adore vocabulary and all too often I find things are "dumbed" down so it was refreshing to read something that was verbose in the very way I like it. However, there seemed to be a fair amount of editing issues as well as the fact I didn't get the point of having an ump occasionally being a voice in Aidan's head. I think the story was good enough on its own and would possibly have been better without.

I also had issues with how the relationship went back and forth from hot to cold and back again so easily. I suppose though that it is possible but it just seemed to be to extremes.

I liked this book but I didn't love it. The story was intriguing and kept me interested but there seemed to be some holes in the plot that distracted me from enjoying it more.


Windy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.

Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.

Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Death on Heels Book Review


Death on Heels was a lovely witty read. Fast paced, it definitely kept my attention and entertained me far into the night. Populated with unforgettable characters who all have their own distinct flair, I really was surprised just how much I enjoyed this book. Almost a whole film noir ensemble and feeling, the descriptions had me lose myself in the story. I would highly recommend this book for anyone but especially someone with a love of a good adventure.




Meet the Author

Ellen Byerrum writes the popular Crime of Fashion mysteries, set in bustling Washington, D.C., The City That Fashion Forgot. Featuring style sleuth Lacey Smithsonian, who solves crimes with fashion clues, the eighth book, Death on Heels, takes Lacey out of her comfort zone and into the Wild West where she confronts her past and an old boyfriend who is accused of murder.

While researching fashion, Byerrum has collected her own assortment of 1940s vintage dresses and suits, and the occasional accessory, but laments her lack of closet space. She has been a D.C. news reporter in Washington, a playwright, and holds a Virginia P.I. registration. Although she currently resides in Denver, fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian will continue to be based in Washington, D.C.

Byerrum is currently at work on the ninth book in the Crime of Fashion series, Veiled Revenge. You can find more about Ellen on her Web site or on Facebook.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Favorable Conditions Book Review


The story of Pat was a frustrating one for me because I could see, and relate to, how people tried, and succeeded, in manipulating her. I could relate how it can sometimes be difficult to express your true feelings when feeling trapped and also how it could be difficult to put a family member in their place, though I can't relate how you would act with your daughter since I don't have children.

I enjoyed this book as it seemed like a realistic portrayal of a woman in transition.




Born in Edmonton AB, Kathleen began storytelling in grade school. She has many fond memories of passing summer afternoons, out on the swings in her backyard, creating tales that entertained her neighborhood friends.



When she finally decided to venture from her backyard, Kathleen pursued a career in storytelling. She graduated from college with a Diploma in Radio and Television Arts and traveled the path of freelance writing for numerous local newspapers.


Many years later, too many to talk about without seeming rude and nosey, Kathleen has channeled her imagination to the pages of her novels. She hopes that you enjoy her tales and encourages you to feel free to read her stories on the swing set in your own backyard.


Kathleen has traveled from Edmonton, to a new backyard with a lovely mountain view. She spends time there with her beloved husband, adored son and silly dog. They let her tell them stories and always laugh in all of the correct places. She’s lucky, and she knows it.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

She Tells All Book Review


I LOVED THIS BOOK. Period. It was a surprising delight for me as I'd yet to have discovered this author. Written EXACTLY the way I like it, with short story sort of format (therefore keeping my short attention span very happy), this book had me laughing, cringing, smiling and I read through it in one sitting. So I guess that means my attention span isn't that short, though perhaps it's just a testament to the amazing writing!

I can't possibly say much more about the book without saying too much because I honestly loved everything about it. I'm definitely looking forward to Judah Lee Davis' next release and I hope it's VERY soon! Go and pick this book up - it's a must read!


After graduating in Journalism in 2001, Judah Lee Davis has furthered her career as a corporate writer for the past decade. As a result of her training in media, her non-traditional writing style is simple, easy-to-read, and accessible to adult readers at all education levels.
Her debut novel, She Tells All, is written from the hilarious collage of ideas that could only come from living in a small town. From strong Pentecostal undertones to vulgarity of the crudest nature, Davis contrasts the war between good and evil as she chronicles the struggles of a promiscuous girl looking for love, (or something similar) in a sleepy southern town.
Her sequel, Every Woman’s Hero keeps the funny coming with even more laughter, more fun, and an even bigger dose of can’t-put-it-down humor.

While Davis is hoping to make waves in the world of fiction with her sexy, hilarious series, she currently enjoys lavishing her two kittens with an unreasonable amount of affection, spending time with her family, and keeping up with her day job.

" At 21, I thought I had it all figured out. Despite my love for writing, I chose a field that was more lucrative, and I was poised to apply for medical school that fall. I had a serious boyfriend, and I could easily wear my size seven CK jeans.
Two months later, my boyfriend dumped me and I gained fifteen pounds worth of jelly roll that poured out over the button of my once-so-friendly jeans. Throwing my hands up in the air, I canceled my plans for graduation, took a good long look at the jelly roll in the mirror, and began to notice some important truths about myself.
I realized that deep down inside, I had strong desire to tip the couch over in search of change for the rest of my life. I wanted to live off of Ramen noodles and take toilet paper from the gas station. I wanted to be that person who came back for a free refill six hours later, but yet wrote stories for a living and could maybe even be considered happy. So I became an author."

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Write From The Heart Book Review


Write From The Heart was an enchanting story about changing your life and making yourself happy. Main character Samantha does just what all of us should probably end up doing by realizing what a rut she is in and taking the steps to change things and achieving her dreams.

Bravely changing everything in her life and taking a chance on many levels, I felt inspired by the character to step back and take a look at my life and what my dreams are. Hopefully I'll also be able to take action and find the happiness she did. (And I'm hoping it will be as seemingly easy as it was for her.)

Meet the Author:


Heather Hummel is a "photonovelist" who blends her love for photography with her award-winning career as an author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention

Heather's books have appeared in newspapers such as: Publishers Weekly, USA Today and the Washington Post; and in magazines that include: Health, Body & Soul, First, and Spry Living, a combined circulation of nearly 15 million. A graduate with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, Heather holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and Secondary Education. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences.





Monday, March 12, 2012

Chasing Rainbows Book Review


Chasing Rainbows was a bittersweet tale of loss and love that I could definitely identify with. Bernie is in a terrible spot, having just lost her father as well as having her husband leave her for someone else. I could feel her pain and the utter desolation that such a time in her life must have made her feel.

The messes she got herself in to, simply because she was overwhelmed and not thinking clearly were definitely things I could envision myself having to deal with. Despite it all though, she was a good friend to Diane and her daughter Ashley who also showed that true friends can be closer than family.

I really enjoyed this book as I found it to be a very realistic portrayal of what a life can be like at times. It made me laugh and even cry a little bit and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

MEET THE AUTHOR


A long time ago, in an elementary school far, far away, a very young Kathleen scribbled a story idea in her journal. Then she wrote another, and another. She added several poems, the lyrics to a song or two, a love letter to David Cassidy, and so on and so on. While her early writings never saw the light of day, many of her later works did. And while she did not marry David Cassidy, Kathleen did marry her own Prince Charming. Together, they are raising one drama queen and one obedience-challenged border collie mix in a kingdom divided between suburban Philadelphia and the Jersey shore.

Kathleen is the RITA® nominated, RIO Award and two-time Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winning author of fourteen novels of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Her additional honors include National Readers Choice, Holt Medallion, and Booksellers Best award nominations.

She divides her time between plotting her next book, bribing her little one to pick up her toys, and begging the dog to heel. Life is good. Very, very good.

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Sunday, March 4, 2012

One Pink Line Book Review


One Pink Line was a great read that I couldn't put down. I already suspected what it was about due to the name and I could only imagine where the book was going to take me. I wasn't disappointed.

Following the life of Sydney and her daughter Grace, this book alternates between their perspectives of an unplanned pregnancy. I think it was a quite unique way to tell the story as usually anything I've read or seen has only been in the voice of one side of this situation.

The characters were completely realistic and personable - though I don't think I'd have been as brave as Sydney was!

This is supposed to be based on a true story and I'm really wondering about what details had been changed and which ones were true... Definitely pick up this book!

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Meet the Author




A graduate of Purdue University, Dina Silver has spent the past fifteen years feeding her red wine habit by working as a copywriter in the advertising industry. After seeing the bulk of her professional prose on brochures and direct mail pieces, she is delighted to have made the transition to novelist. She currently lives with her husband and son in suburban Chicago, where she is working on her next book. Inspired by a true story, One Pink Line is Dina’s debut novel.

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