October 20, 2015 Reviews

Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat by Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Serritella was a funny quick read. You have to understand the dynamics of a quirky mother and equally quirky daughter to get some of the humor. They made me laugh sometimes and often times made me think. I realized from this book that if I had more time with my Mom I would have done some of the things they did. I know I would have to convince my Mom to do them but once done she would have enjoyed them. Great book for an afternoon of quite laughs and some laugh out loud moments.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

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Tamed

A Club Sin Novel

Stacey Kennedy

A mile a minute read. Could not stop until I reached the end. Glad it was one I chose to read. If you like a little naughty with your nice you will enjoy this book. . "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review." learningaboutblogs-farley.blogspot.com

October 14, 2015 Book Reviews

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Bearing it all is a wonderful book.  I love the humor that is interspersed throughout the book. I love Effie with the pink hair. Magnus aka Brother Bear is a great character and is portrayed well. Imagine meeting the girl of your dreams and both of you are too shy to do anything but friendship, then suddenly you shift into Brother Bear to running through the forest and your other half falls on you from the sky. She is labeled a terrorist and is trying to clear her name. Remember Effie well she is a witch and has actually sent Anisa to you since she knows that you are soul mates. Well Ronan welcome to your new world order. All of these are true. Your brothers and mother as well as your nieces and nephew are great as well. Great story and the humor is well interspersed. "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

This book begins very slowly. As it progressed it did get better. It is rare that the killer gets away but it happens. This put a different spin on the story. The police detective who hounded Henry soon begins to respect him. I did not have much sympathy for Betty because she knew she was dating a married man and yet she continued the affair for years. Not a true thriller but an interesting story.

"I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

This was a nice paced romance that involved several layers. I like the way the author treated the child abuse issue. There were several twist that kept the story moving forward. Mia and Raleigh’s romance was put on hold due to the car crash and then reignited after Mia’s grandmother’s death. The story ended on a good note that helps the reader understand that life does take twists and turns but it is always worth taking a chance on. "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

Blind Spot by Tom Kakonis was an intense novel that kept the pages turning. The father started out as mild and nondescript until his son was stolen from him. He made a promise to his wife that he would bring the boy back home. He suffered beatings, sleepless nights, terrors of the unknown while visiting places he had only heard about in his desperate search for his son. In the end he and his son were saved by the man who thought he was adopting a son so that his wife would be happy. He died saving both of them. Well written story.  "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

October 13, 2015 Book Reviews

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This was a quirky story that made my sense of the not ordinary perk up. I have been heavy into the true life and paranormal case solving that this brought a cool wind to my mind and brushed away some of the cobwebs. Blanche is an enchanting character and her way of solving things is totally out of bounds.  "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

Code of Honor This story was stilted to my way of thinking.  I was not sure who the main character was until I got to chapter two. Pietro and Lucia are a good match. But for Pietro to be so brilliant he was not believable in keeping his feelings for Lucia hidden from her and her father. Although it seemed to be evident that the father did not trust anyone but Pietro to watch over his daughter he seemed to not know that Pietro was in love with her. The Mafia connection seemed forced and really did not add a lot to the story. "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

This is a classic Jude Deveraux tale. The characters and action keep you reading until you know what the end result will be. It is a modern day romance with all of the bells and whistles that go with that genre. Yet told in such a manner that you continue to read even if you have already developed in your mind how the story will end. There are some ghost, one evil step-sister who turns out to be just a misunderstood person. A few tangled romances that turn out well in the end. The main characters work well together and help to heal each other. The ghost interventions are rewarded with a gentle conclusion that makes you say “Ah!”  "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

Calia and Aric are a good match. Both are presented as strong characters and their story is exciting and does not drag. There are several places where the humor actually made me laugh out loud. Lots of explicit violence. "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

Venturing Into Writing Paranormal

I have chosen to write short stories. I spent 37 years in the public school system. 19 of them in the library. One of the genre that I plan to pursue is the paranormal. I found an article that listed some helpful hints. If it will help you help yourself.

Elements of Writing a Paranormal Novel by Steven Harper

Books I have read lately

 

Once and Again

A Return to Briarwood Novel

by Elisabeth Barrett

This book reminded me of the books by Mariah Stewart and Debbie Macomber. The way the author treated the lead charters and intertwined the remainder of the town into their lives was nothing short of brilliant.  Carolyn and Jake’s story will be remembered as I travel through other books like this one. This is a home run for me.  Continue to write ms Barrett. learningaboutblogs-farley.blogspot.com

Paradise City

CJ Duggan

I am not sure if I liked this book or not. When I read the description I thought I would like it and it would be a funny kind of story. The story did move along fairly well but could have been a little more detail oriented.

Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank

I liked this book as a continuation in the series. While it could stand alone, it is better if you have read the others before it. The story dragged at the beginning but got better as the book progressed.

The Closer You Come

by Gena Showalter

This book goes on my “So glad I read it list.” Brook Lynn and Jase are such a wonderful matched pair.  She completes him and he helps her to see her own potential. Her sister Jessie although a screw-up loves her and is only trying to hide her pain by doing the stupid things she does. West and Beck round out the story and make for wonderful characters that help make the story complete. I love this story.

Blurred Lines by Laura Layne is an interesting story that was a little disjointed but a good fast read. Ben is a good hero. His and Parker's launch into casual sex turned into real love make for a good love story. I am glad that Parker’s mother made it. The author treated the cancer diagnosis in a kind manner. I would read this author again.

Blind Spot by Tom Kakonis was an intense novel that kept the pages turning. The father started out as mild and nondescript until his son was stolen from him. He made a promise to his wife that he would bring the boy back home. He suffered beatings, sleepless nights, terrors of the unknown while visiting places he had only heard about in his desperate search for his son. In the end he and his son were saved by the man who thought he was adopting a son so that his wife would be happy. He died saving both of them. Well written story.

Code of Honor 

This story was stilted to my way of thinking.  I was not sure who the main character was until I got to chapter two. Pietro and Lucia are a good match. But for Pietro to be so brilliant he was not believable in keeping his feelings for Lucia hidden from her and her father. Although it seemed to be evident that the father did not trust anyone but Pietro to watch over his daughter he seemed to not know that Pietro was in love with her. The Mafia connection seemed forced and really did not add a lot to the story. "I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."

I am

Good morning. I am working on creating my first blog. I am a Christian woman who retired from the public school system in 2010. I worked for 37 years as a Special Education teacher, Media Specialist and then Instructional Technology Resource Specialist. There were very few days of those 37 years that I did not enjoy what I was doing.
I begin my journey for Christ at age 11. My mother started us in church from six months old and we all learned how good god is to us. This has not changed although both of my parents are gone. I have sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, Superintendent of Sunday School, Financial Secretary and held many other jobs in my service to the Lord. I raised two sons and helped raise two grandkids in the church. I am happy to say that they are all born again believers and are also working in the service of the Lord.
As a Special Education teacher I held my students to a high standard according to what they could achieve. I never accepted the excuse that I am a special students. They were each required to learn to the best of their ability. I continually taught that they would be required to work in the world outside of school and their status as special students would not be taken into consideration. So I taught and they learned. I am happy to say that former students who see me always remember me and have kind words to say. My motto was "No one rises to low expectations." They appreciate what I did and if they have their kids with them they tell them that she was a tough teacher and I appreciate her for making me learn.
As a Media Specialist I was able to encourage students to explore the world of books. I have been a reader ever since I was four years old. I grew up in a town where everyone knew each other and they knew that if they saw me I had a book. The idea of a good book is always stimulating and I challenged students to visit and utilize the service of the Media Center on a regular basis. When walking the halls of the school if I encountered a student I did not recognize i would ask if they had been to the Media Center and then encourage them to come and check out a book.
My final journey with the school system was teaching teachers how to use the technology that was available to them. That was a totally unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. One of my best students was a lady who was preparing to retire and was extremely afraid of the computer but by the time I finished with her. She had to go and buy herself one and she has been on it ever since.
After spending the first 3 years of my retirement reading or listening to all of the authors that I missed while working I followed the idea that had been in my mind for ten years and begin to write. I have published three romance ebooks and one family cookbook. I m honing my skills as a writer and continuing to push myself because my personal motto is that I am a forever learner.