Because my daughter keeps telling me she is not a baby anymore, I decided it was probably time to try to potty train her more seriously. So when we had the chance to try out Pull Ups, I jumped on the chance. We both love the Disney characters, who she calls her friends, and finally we are getting way closer to saying #ByeByeDiapers - so Thanks, Influenster!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Juggling Act Review
The Juggling Act was a book that I could really relate to. As the mom of a toddler, with a full time government job and a spouse that isn't always the most helpful, I could definitely put myself in Claire's shoes. A bit more involved than my entire life is, I definitely enjoyed exactly how extreme her circumstances were at times. It helped me put things into perspective!
A delicious read that I could not gobble up fast enough, I loved the Juggling Act and now must definitely read the others in the series!
Now that her dating days are finally behind her, Claire is enjoying a blissful life with her new husband and baby boy. Gone are the drunken nights in impractical shoes, and Internet dates with men who lose their hair…and their pants.
Unfortunately, she’s discovering that life as a married, working mom isn’t turning out to be the perfect happily ever after she dreamed about. She adores her little boy, but her husband’s behavior is about to make him eligible for the Most Disappointing Spouse of the Year Award.
His unwillingness to help around the house and his slacker work ethic are frustrating enough, but the constant parade of beautiful, single women in his life has Claire in a constant state of distress. Didn’t she realize that the cute front man of a popular cover band would attract hot, young women with perfect cellulite-free legs? And whose idea was it to hire the curvy nanny with the sexy accent?
When an unexpected business trip pops up – with a super-hot, much-too-young former love interest, Claire’s own loyalty is put to the test. A publishing conference in Key West may be the ideal escape from her troubles, but will she be tempted by the forbidden in a town full of swingers and breakfast alcohol consumption? And why does everyone they meet think the business colleagues are on their honeymoon?
Scrambling to cover up innocent, but suspicious circumstances, the couple struggles with honesty, loyalty and what to share with each other. As they sink deeper into their marital gloom, will they find their way back to wedded bliss, or finally succumb to the enticement of new…and uncomplicated romance?
THE JUGGLING ACT is Book 3 in the Rom-Com on the Edge series. All books are standalone novels, however read in order for maximum fun!
Author Bio
Carol
Maloney Scott, author of the Rom-Com on the Edge series, is a frazzled
new bride and wiener dog fanatic. She is a lover of donuts, and a hater
of mornings. Recently unearthing a childhood passion for writing, she
can once again be seen carrying around a notebook and staring into
space. Her stories are witty, fresh and real, just like life.
Join her on "The Edge" for giveaways, cover reveals, excerpts, contest and members-only content atcarolmaloneyscott.com/
Join her on "The Edge" for giveaways, cover reveals, excerpts, contest and members-only content atcarolmaloneyscott.com/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TQvrqN
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
White Dresses: A Memoir of Love and Secrets, Mothers and Daughters
An utterly unique memoir, this book was not was I expected it to be. Though it got off to an almost excruciatingly slow start, the book was a very touching and heartfelt look into the love that can exist despite and sometimes even because of a dysfunctional environment.
The story was one that had difficult moments but I feel like it was an important story for Mary to share. One that might give others hope even or at least help them to accept that we are all a product of our experiences. Not for the faint of heart, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like life was stranger than fiction but couldn't help but embrace those there.
Plan Bea Reveal!
Author: Hilary Grossman
Series: (book 1)
Release Date: October 2015
Genres: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Booktrope
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Blurb
How well do you really know the people in your life?
Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.
Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision.
In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.
Goodreads Link
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26230669-plan-bea
Author Biography
Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addition to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island.
Social Networking Links
Blog: http://www.feelingbeachie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilaryGrossmanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/feelingbeachie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Hilary_Grossman/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilary_grossman/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7266769.Hilary_Grossman
Amazon Author: http://www.amazon.com/Hilary-Grossman/e/B00F4WT2R6/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/brIroD
Friday, September 4, 2015
A Remarkable Kindness
I was quite intrigued by the concept of a burial circle as it was not something I had previously heard about yet I found utterly compelling. I found the idea very touching and something that I felt was a great central focus of the story with the individual stories revolving around it.
This book was one that I can definitely recommend to anyone who loves a good story with a lot of emotion. It was a heartfelt and great story that was very easy to read.
Purchase Links: Amazon | IndieBound | B
Diana Bletter is a writer whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Commentary. Her first book, The Invisible Thread: A Portrait of Jewish American Women,
with photographs by Lori Grinker, was shortlisted for a National Jewish
Book Award. In 1991, she moved from New York to a seaside village in
northern Israel where she lives with her husband and children, and
volunteers in a burial circle.
Find out more about Diana at her website, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Center of Gravity Review
Center of Gravity was just the kind of heart pounding suspenseful novel that I just love. I suspect that this genre is fast becoming my favorite type of book to read and this book just helped reinforce that. I really felt for Ava and could not wait to find out what would happen next. I honestly was so upset with everything that she was going through and the story drew me in this intensely from the very beginning.
This story had all the great elements of an amazing oeuvre. I loved how little by little, we learnt more until piece by piece everything came together. I could not put this book down and read late into the night anticipating the next shocking twist.
Laura adores hot coffee, good manners, the color pink, and novels that keep her reading past midnight. She believes in the beauty of words, paying it forward, and that nerds rule the world. Laura is a fan of balmy summer nights, fireflies, and pristine mountain lakes. She lives in Mobile, Alabama with her two sons.
You can find Laura Tweeting @Lauramcneillbks and blogging at lauramcneill.com. After July 14th, Laura’s suspense novel, Center of Gravity, can be found wherever fine books are sold.
Book Links
http://amzn.to/1H5ahOo
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Love at First Flight
This book was much different from what I expected so I have to say it somewhat affected my enjoyment of it. I was expecting more of a modern love story and less of a romance novel but that is what I found myself reading. I wouldn't say that it was not a good book because it was just that my personal expectations were different.
The story focused on Mel and her life especially after meeting an irresistible stranger on a plane. I am not sure if I believe that in so short a period of time that your life could be so changed forever but I there is a part of me that loved that it may be possible. Who doesn't want to believe that the love of your life is out there to be stumbled upon at any moment? So this novel definitely had its appeal in regards to that.
I found the book somewhat frustrating but it was probably more that the situations Mel found herself in were completely frustrating at times so upon reflection, I can say that the author was probably very adept in describing the situations so well so that the general mood of the scene was very apparent.
I know that this is a first novel for this author and I am curious to see what she comes up with next as she definitely has her strengths.
Tess Woods is a health professional who lives in Perth, Australiawith one husband, two children, one dog and one cat who rules over all of them. Love at First Flight is her first novel for HarperCollins. When she isn't working or being a personal assistant to her kids, Tess enjoys reading and all kinds of grannyish pleasures like knitting, baking, drinking tea, watching Downton Abbey and tending to the veggie patch.
Links
My website:
My Facebook page:
Goodreads:
Amazon:
iBooks:
Kobo:
Barnes and Noble:
Friday, February 27, 2015
Madeline Cain: Adventures In Fashion Review
Adventures in Fashion was all that but also a lot more! I had not read the first book but that wasn't a problem as this book can definitely hold its own. I didn't feel like I missed anything that made it impossible to read this second installment in this series but I will definitely be going back to read up on Emily's adventures in book one!
I was super intrigued by the way the book was written as a large majority of it was as if you were reading the main character's Facebook page and since we are such a social media obsessed society, I felt like it was very appropriate. It was admittedly a bit difficult to get used to at first but once I fell into a rhythm, it was very easy to read.
The story was interesting and kept me guessing because I could never anticipate what would happen next. I also had quite a few laughs over the things that happened and the posts that would appear on her Facebook wall. I especially liked how her mother would chime in every so often and somewhat unexpectedly at times.
I do enjoy Aussies so this book was definitely a pleasure since Madeline is an expat living in one of my favorite cities in the world. A cute and fun read that is sure to please!
Emily Craven was first inspired to placed pen to paper when she was 12, after she learnt her favourite author, Isobelle Carmody, began her first novel at 14. Emily finished two manuscripts while completing a Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics and Geophysics) at the University of Adelaide. So technically, she can claim to be an astrophysicist (stars), geophysicist (rocks) and writer (crazy). She writes YA fiction, Fantasy and non-fiction. Emily lives in Australia and yes, back when she was a teenager her high school had its own herd of Kangaroos. She's been to almost every continent (Africa being her weakness in continent-domination) and has the pretty photographs to prove it (though probably less professional than Madeline Cain...).
Unusual talents and hobbies include: Getting excited at the thought of sky diving (though if you try to attach her to the end of a bungee cord she will take you down with her). She loves belly dancing, singing, is a self-confessed Trekkie, and will never pass up a good bar of chocolate. If you put her anywhere in the vicinity of snow, she turns into a five year old.
Unusual talents and hobbies include: Getting excited at the thought of sky diving (though if you try to attach her to the end of a bungee cord she will take you down with her). She loves belly dancing, singing, is a self-confessed Trekkie, and will never pass up a good bar of chocolate. If you put her anywhere in the vicinity of snow, she turns into a five year old.
Emily has a website http://www.
LINKS TO BUY BOOK:
Monday, January 5, 2015
Milked Review
I LOVED THIS BOOK. And yes I had to write that all in capitals because it was just that true. I read it in one day over the Christmas holidays, which was a feat in itself because of course that is a busy time of year. I just couldn't help myself though because the book was just that good.
The story of Amanda was one that I felt myself drawn into and I was silently cheering for her to succeed despite all of the difficult things she was faced with. I truly loved the realness I felt in this book and wondered if the author had gone through all of these things. From what I read later, she had not but I still felt like I was hearing about a friend's troubles in life and I hurt for her.
Quite often when I read a book I will be disappointed with one thing or another but this book delivered in every way. Great characters and dialogue and an entirely believable story that did not have a bad ending but a really plausible one that made me happy.
A definite 5 star rating and one of my best reads of the past year!
Lisa Doyle is a communications manager and freelance writer based in the Chicago area. A native of Hinsdale, Illinois and a graduate of Miami University, she spent several years editing business-to-business publications for the personal care industry before moving to the nonprofit sector, and currently works in advocacy for homeless families at Bridge Communities in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She has written for major beauty trade publications (Global Cosmetic Industry, Skin Inc, Salon Today, Modern Salon, Renew, Suburban Life) and is a contributor to WOMEN REINVENTED: TRUE STORIES OF EMPOWERMENT AND CHANGE (LaChance Publishing, 2010). Doyle is represented by Claire Anderson-Wheeler of Regal Literary, Inc., a full-service agency based in New York. For more about Lisa, please visit her website.
Facebook: https://www.
Twitter: @bylisadoyle
Buy the Book!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Dangled Carat Review
I don't usually read memoirs but since this book read like a true chick lit novel, I found myself truly enjoying this book. I enjoyed hearing about Hilary's personal story and all the turns it took! I was impressed how candid she was in sharing a very personal story. She was very honest and at times the tale was humorous though I was frustrated at times with Marc and I could definitely relate! I read this book in record time and feel like it is a must read for any young woman!
Hilary Grossman dated a guy so commitment-phobic that she was able to write a book about their relationship. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and shoes. She loves to find humor in every day life. And she likens life to a game of dodgeball - she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing or blogging she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on Long Island.
Facebook - author page = https://www.facebook.com/
Facebook blog page = https://www.facebook.com/
twitter = @feelingbeachie
Find the Book!
Amazon: amzn.to/1qjZQl2
Barnes & Noble: http://www.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Pie Girls Review
Pie Girls
was the second book I have read by Lauren Clark and I have to say that I was
delighted by the Southern charm that is her signature style. Searcy Roberts was
an interesting character who I came to like a lot though I found it somewhat
unbelievable that she changed personality wise as quickly as she did. However,
I am not going to judge as one never knows what adversity can do to a person.
The
characters grew on me and I found myself caring about them as the book
progressed. I was definitely rooting for Searcy and for her success! I did find
some of the book farfetched or perhaps just not plausible though I didn’t find
that it took away from the overall enjoyment of this book.
Lauren always
writes interesting stories and I am looking forward to reading more of her
work. And apparently I won’t have to wait as I have two books to catch up on!
Author Bio:
After six years behind the anchor desk at two
CBS affiliates, Lauren Clark moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast to raise her
family and write full-time.
Lauren has published four novels, Pie
Girls (set in Fairhope, Alabama), Stay Tuned, Stardust Summer,
and Dancing Naked in Dixie, under the pen name, Lauren Clark. More
than twenty-two thousand copies of Lauren's novels have been sold worldwide.
Visit Lauren’s website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com, follow
her on Twitter @LaurenClark_Bks, and her blog at www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog.
Available at the
following retailers:
Amazon BN Kobo Smashwords iBooks
Amazon BN Kobo Smashwords iBooks
Giveaway!
Comment on the tour page to win
a signed paperback copy of Dancing Daked in Dixie by Lauren Clark - 3 US/CA
winners will be chosen at the end of the tour!
Comment on the tour page to win
a signed paperback copy of Dancing Daked in Dixie by Lauren Clark - 3 US/CA
winners will be chosen at the end of the tour!
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Mission - CC Solomon
Having been someone who did A LOT of dating before settling down, this book really struck a chord with me and I definitely had a lot of laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the entire idea behind the book and was happy to read it as I found it quite entertaining. Definitely a great and fun read for someone who wants to be entertained.
http://mont-royal.net/fr/evenements/l-avenue-gourmande-revient-les-13-et-14-sept-14
Monday, August 4, 2014
French Toast Review
I enjoyed this book a lot because it almost felt like a friend was talking to me about her life. The main character Sydney is super personable and I truly enjoyed her humor and references to pop culture. (Who doesn't enjoy a very specific reference to Mr. Darcy?)
I know that this book, and the other two in the series, are based on the author's own life and I would love to know just how true to life they are! I also really liked that even since I had not read the first one, that I was able to fully enjoy this book. But I can assure you, I will DEFINITELY be reading the other two! So if you want a very pleasurable read that is easy to read and highly entertaining and full of lots of emotion, pick this book up!
Glynis never expected in her wildest dreams to be a writer. After thirteen years in the Human Resources Industry, she decided to stay at home with her two amazing sons. Ever in search of a project, she was inspired to write the story of how she met and married her wonderfully romantic French husband, Sebastien, in six short months. The end result became her first novel, French Twist.
As this novel is only the beginning the story, Glynis has just released the sequel, French Toast and has begun writing the final chapter in the trilogy, French Fry. When she is not writing, she is trying to keep the peace amongst the three men and two cats in her life, finding missing body parts (Lego pieces are small!), supervising a myriad of homework assignments and keeping a tenuous hold on her sanity by consuming whatever chocolate is in the vicinity.
Links:
Website: www.GlynisAstie.com
Twitter:https://twitter.com/
AND now a GIVEAWAY!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
A Moral Dilemma Review
A truly captivating book with a bit of intrigue, drama and deception, this was chick lit entertainment at its best! The book had a bit of everything including fashion, love and the high life and all set in London, a city I truly do love. The plot was a bit slow at first but then caught up and stayed quickly paced with a lot of laughs along the way.
The first book I have read by Zara and I really do hope it isn`t the last!
Luckily I was born and raised in a City I love living in: London, UK. And it’s just as well, as I can barely afford to go on a camping holiday much less move. I have a gorgeous 9yr old daughter, yeah, I’m a single mom, (judge me later), and I like to think of myself as a yummy mummy, when in reality I’m still working on shifting this damn cellulite of my ass. I do actually make it into the gym from time to time, but mainly to appreciate the…ahem …view :)
So what kinda stuff do I write?
Well, I write what I love reading, Romantic Comedy and the original kinda British ChickLit. I don’t do vampires, werewolves, or horror, because sheesh, I wanna sleep at night. In my bed. Not underneath it. So if you like Bridget Jones or Shopaholic, then you might dig my stuff.
My heroines are women in their late twenties / early thirties. My heroes are hot, cute and not too hunky. My stories are about life, love and friendship, with a few twists and turns and tons of fun. They’re not particularly deep, nor meaningful, they’re a lighthearted, easy read, that go well with a glass of wine and a few chocs, and just might make you laugh out loud
BUY LINKS:
Amazon USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/
CONNECT:
Monday, May 26, 2014
Hold Her Down Review
I found this book super frustrating but possibly because I can't imagine ever living my life the way Elizabeth does in it. I can't imagine living in an abusive relationship of that type of being that incredibly unhappy and unfulfilled yet continuing to live my life that way. But then again, I have never been in a situation like this so I probably shouldn't say I would never live that way because until you have been in that person's shoes, you obviously shouldn't judge them.
I did find the book a little bit difficult to read at times because of the way it was written. At first it wasn't easy to know that the narrator was no longer speaking and the main character was. It wasn't exactly clear but once I got used to it, it did work though it was something I haven't experienced before.
This book does touch on a very important topic so it is probably not for everyone because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter but is definitely worth a read.
athryn Biel hails from Upstate New York and is a spouse and mother of two wonderful and energetic kids. In between being Chief Home Officer and Director of Child Development of the Biel household, she works as a school-based physical therapist. She attended Boston University and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges. After years of writing countless letters of medical necessity for wheelchairs, finding increasingly creative ways to encourage the government and insurance companies to fund her clients' needs and writing entertaining annual Christmas letters, she decided to take a shot at writing the kind of novel that she likes to read. Her debut novel, GOOD INTENTIONS, was released in 2013, and her second novel, HOLD HER DOWN was released in 2014. Her musings and rants can also be found on her personal blog, Biel Blather.
Connect with Kathryn!
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