Thursday, August 26, 2010

Blog Tour-John Belushi Is Dead by Kathy Charles

Title: John Belushi Is Dead
Author: Kathy Charles

Book Synopsis from the publisher:
Pink-haired Hilda and oddball loner Benji, both high school seniors, have an obsessive and unusual hobby: they frequent the places where Hollywood celebrities have died. Bound by their interest in the macabre, Hilda and Benji neglect their schoolwork and social lives in favor of prowling the most notorious crime scenes in Los Angeles. Hilda knows her own interest has more than a little to do with her parents’ recent death in a car accident, but doesn’t understand why Benji shares her fascination so deeply. In rundown Echo Park, a seedy suburb of Los Angeles, they find the squalid apartment where a second-rate silent movie star stabbed himself to death. Its current tenant is Hank, an old man with a mysterious past. Hilda finds herself drawn to Hank in a way she can’t explain, and soon the two strike up an unlikely friendship. But when Hank’s aspiring screenwriter neighbor Jake tries to insert himself into the equation, Hilda’s life becomes more complicated than she ever could have imagined. And who is the real threat to her precarious balancing act? Is it Jake or Benji?

About the Author:
Kathy Charles worships at the church of pop culture.

At the age of ten she dreamt of being the female equivalent of
Steven Spielberg, barking into a megaphone while a crew of hundreds
rushed around a sound stage doing her bidding.

When she discovered being a director meant getting up early, she turned
her attention to writing, where you can keep your own hours and there is
no chance of going over budget.

Kathy's favorite dead celebrities are James Dean and John Belushi.
Her favorite author is Bret Easton Ellis, and her top three films of all
time are Mulholland Drive, L.A. Story and Annie Hall.

In addition to writing, Kathy works in the film industry in Australia where
she lives with her husband, cat and pug dog. She starts work at
8:30am which isn't too bad.

Check out the author's fantastic site at:
http://www.kathycharles.com/index.html


A review of the book will be posted here on the blog at a later date.





Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Book Giveaway: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

I have one copy of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment with your email to enter. The winner will be chosen on September 18.

Synopsis:
Like many young Americans, Jonathan Safran Foer spent much of his teenage and college years oscillating between enthusiastic carnivore and occasional vegetarian. As he became a husband, and then a father, the moral dimensions of eating became increasingly important to him. Faced with the prospect of being unable to explain why we eat some animals and not others, Foer set out to explore the origins of many eating traditions and the fictions involved with creating them.

Traveling to the darkest corners of our dining habits, Foer raises the unspoken question behind every fish we eat, every chicken we fry, and every burger we grill. Part memoir and part investigative report, Eating Animals is a book that, in the words of the Los Angeles Times, places Jonathan Safran Foer "at the table with our greatest philosophers."





Book Giveaway: Dare to Take Charge by Judge Glenda Hatchett

I have three copies of this book to giveaway, thanks to Hachette. Please leave a comment below with your email address to sign up. Winners will be chosen on September 16.

Synopsis:
For nearly ten years, Judge Glenda Hatchett has delighted TV audiences with a brand of justice that turns the everyday into something eminently watchable.

Her message can be distilled into the following two words: Dare Yourself. Whatever obstacles or fears one faces, Judge Hatchett's prescription implores readers to write their own story in this life. With care and conviction, Judge Hatchett uses real life stories from the courtroom and her personal life to counsel readers. Shows them how to find their true purpose and gifts, to be real about their reality and its potential outside of challenging circumstances, and to always be true to themselves.

Interactive as well as inspirational, DARE TO TAKE CHARGE challenges the reader to ask self-reflective questions that lead to moments of self-discovery and a defined pathway to healing. Daring her audience to study the positive with the same interest and intensity that they study the negative, Judge Hatchett uncovers the potential for grace and success in lives that are now punctuated with despair and unfaithfulness.





Monday, August 23, 2010

Book Review-I Know You Are But What Am I by Samantha Bee

Title: I Know You Are But What Am I
Author: Samantha Bee
Publisher: Gallery Books-division of Simon & Schuster
Pub Date: June 1, 2010
Pages: 239
ISBN: 9781439142738
Price: $25.00/Hardcover
Genre: Biography/Autobiography
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and post an honest review.


Synopsis from the publisher:
Critics have called her "sweet, adorable, and vicious." But there is so much more to be said about Samantha Bee. For one, she's Canadian. Whatever that means. And now, she opens up for the very first time about her checkered Canadian past. With charming candor, she admits to her Lennie from Of Mice and Men style love of baby animals, her teenage crime spree as one half of a car-thieving couple (Bonnie and Clyde in Bermuda shorts and braces), and the fact that strangers seem compelled to show her their genitals. She also details her intriguing career history, which includes stints working in a frame store, at a penis clinic, and as a Japanese anime character in a touring children's show.

Samantha delves into all these topics and many more in this thoroughly hilarious, unabashedly frank collection of personal essays. Whether detailing the creepiness that ensues when strangers assume that your mom is your lesbian lover, or recalling her girlhood crush on Jesus (who looked like Kris Kristofferson and sang like Kenny Loggins), Samantha turns the spotlight on her own imperfect yet highly entertaining life as relentlessly as she skewers hapless interview subjects on The Daily Show. She shares her unique point of view on a variety of subjects as wide-ranging as her deep affinity for old people and her hatred of hot ham. It's all here, in irresistible prose that will leave you in stitches and eager for more.

About the Author:
Samantha Bee joined the cast of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2003 and now holds the title Most SEnior Correspondent, having eliminated all those before her. She was born and raised in Toronto, and when she is not working, she enjoys walking her toddlers in circles around her tiny apartment and correcting spelling errors on menus. Samantha and her husband, fellow Daily Show correspondent Jason Jones, live in New York City wiht their two children.

My review:
I have a confession to make here. Until I read this book, I had no idea who Samantha Bee was. I am familiar with the Jon Stewart show but I don't watch it. Heck, I don't watch much of anything because I don't have cable. However, I must say that I am now a huge fan of Samantha Bee, after reading her book. She writes in an animated, conversational style that kept my eyes glued to the pages. The stories are fantastic and funny to the point of having you think, oh no, where is this going and then leaving you laughing out loud as you find out. I read this over a period of two nights as I laid in bed before going to sleep. The passages were so funny, I woke my fiancee up several times just to read it to him. I urge you all to read this book.




Saturday, August 21, 2010

Review-Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Denham

Title: Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City
Author: Holly Denham
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pub Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4022-4114-7
Price: $14.99/Paperback
Pages: 535
Genre: Fiction/Romance
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and give an honest review.


Synopsis from the publisher:
Dear Holly, isn't it shocking...? Things are finally going Holly Denham's way: she's in love, she's getting the recognition she deserves at work, and her friends and family have graciously opted to avoid disaster for the moment. Just when Holly is starting to settle into her new life, scandal erupts and Holly finds herself-and her inbox-at the center of a gossip whirlwind that threatens everything seh's worked so hard for.

Written entirely in emails, this follow-up to the UK smash hit Holly's Inbox will keep you glued to its pages as the scandal running rampant in the city threatens to ruin Holly's hard-earned and long-awaited happiness.

About the Author:
Bill Surie is the owner of a placement service for receptionists and secretaries in London. He started the http://www.hollysinbox.com/ as a place to serialize his first novel. His second novel is now in the works and currently lives in England and Spain with his wife and daughter.


My review:
Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City is the second installment of Holly's Inbox and a book written entirely in emails. The reader is able to delve into Holly's life and learn about her and her friends through their daily emails. I like the concept of the book and it made me think of my daily emails to friends and the topics of conversation and just what would others think about my life if they could read them all. The book is humorous at times and filled with everything from ordinary life to crazy drama. The book is reminscient of the Bridget Jones saga and I think many will find it quite entertaining. The book was just mediocre for me as I found it a bit tedious to read 534 pages of emails.




Thursday, August 19, 2010

Blog Talk Radio-The I Hate To Cook Book

Join us as we interview
Johanna Bracken, daughter of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK author Peg Bracken
On BlogTalkRadio
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2 PM ET
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing




BlogTalkRadio/HBG Program:
Jo Bracken grew up with possibly one of the wittiest and most practical moms in the 60s, Peg Bracken--who has a book to prove it: THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK. Jo talks about her mom's advice, what the book means to her, and its relevance in today's home and culture.

Johanna Bracken is a retired entrepreneur who devotes considerable time and resources to various charities, including working with incarcerated men and women, supporting primate sanctuaries, and serving on the board of her local chapter of the American Red Cross. She and her husband live in Long Beach, California, with their growing brood of dogs and cats.

Call-in with your questions during show time to participate in the live interview @ (646) 378-0039

Listen-in or chat on the Grand Central Publishing channel on BlogTalkRadio.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/grandcentralpub

If you would like your questions to be read on air by the host or if you would like to give advanced notice of your participation during the live call, email anna.balasi@hbgusa.com.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Blog Talk Radio-Sam Kean

Join us as we interview
Sam Kean, author of THE DISAPPEARING SPOON
On BlogTalkRadio
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2 PM ET
Publisher: Little, Brown




BlogTalkRadio/HBG Program:
Sam Kean talks about love, history, death, and discovery all from the periodic table of elements.

Sam Kean is a writer in Washington, D.C. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, The Believer, Air & Space, Science, and The New Scientist. He is currently working as a reporter at Science magazine and as a 2009 Middlebury Environmental Journalism fellow.

Call-in with your questions during show time to participate in the live interview @ (646) 378-0040

Or listen online at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/littlebrown/2010/08/18/interview-w-sam-kean-author-of-the-disappearing-spoon


If you would like your questions to be read on air by the host or if you would like to give advanced notice of your participation during the live call, email anna.balasi@hbgusa.com.

Book Review: The Classics by Caroline Taggart

Title: The Classics: All You Need to Know, from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome
Author: Caroline Taggart
Publisher: Readers Digest
Pub Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60652-132-8
Pages: 169
Price: 14.95/Hardcover
Genre: Reference/Words & Language
I received a free copy of this book from FSB Associates to read and post an honest review.

Book Synopsis from the publisher:
It's no myth: The legacy of the ancient Greeks and Romans touches each of us in some way every day. In fact, the great thinkers from this period laid the foundation for much of our language, art, architecture, and science. Unfortunately, learning about such things can often be oh, so boring. But nil desperandum (do not despair). It's really not a Herculean task. With The Classics, author Caroline Taggart presents a lively refresher course of the most important "stuff" you need to know. From Homer's Odyssey to "alpha" male, from the Aeneid to Roman aqueducts, fill in the gaps in your education and reacquaint yourself with...
*Latin and Greek words used in English
*Classical literature, mythology, and philosopy
*Ancient Greek and Roman history

About the Author:
Caroline Taggart has been an editor of non-fiction books for nearly 30 years and has covered nearly every subject from natural history and business to gardening and astronomy. She has written several books and was the editor of Writer’s Market UK 2009.


My review:
The Classics is a fantastic book that can be used to read just for fun or as a great reference tool. Caroline Taggart covers topics from mythology to Greek and Roman history, to math, science, architecture, and philosophy. Taggart has done the research for you on these subjects and picked out the important highlights to include in the book. The book is written in a fun, upbeat style that takes the boring out of the historical details for those that don't find reading history to be their cup of tea. I find this book to also be a great review for those that do like reading history but might just want to brush up their memories a bit. I recommend this book to all as you not only could use this to get pertinent information for those tests you might have to take, but you can dazzle with your plethora of information at the next party you must attend.




Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Giveaway-The Link by Colin Tudge and Josh Young

Synopsis:
For more than a century, scientists have raced to unravel the human family tree and have grappled with its complications. Now, with an astonishing new discovery, everything we thought we knew about primate origins could change. Lying inside a high-security vault, deep within the heart of one of the world's leading natural history museums, is the scientific find of a lifetime - a perfectly fossilized early primate, older than the previously most famous primate fossil, Lucy, by forty-four million years.


I have three copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment below with your email to enter. This contest is open to US and Canada but no PO Boxes. Winners will be chosen on August 18.





Giveaway-Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy

Synopsis:
According to a recent study, only 2% of women describe themselves as 'beautiful.' (Dove Global Study 'The Real Truth About Beauty: A Global Report', 2004) The media instructs women how to 'look ten years younger,' 'cover up wrinkles,' or 'get fuller, plumper lips.' And even makeup products play off women's insecurities, promising to conceal perceived flaws, define cheekbones, or make eyelashes fuller and longer. The underlying message? That there's something inherently wrong with the way women look and that they have to spend time, money, and energy keeping up with all the ways they should 'fix' themselves.

In GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL, makeup artist Carmindy from TLC's hit program What Not to Wear shows you how to change your mindset from negative fault-finding to a positive beauty philosophy. You learn how to find and focus on your best features and how to combat negative thoughts about your appearance. Carmindy demonstrates easy makeup techniques for eyes, brows, lashes, lips, cheeks, and skin, and how to adapt looks to different weather conditions and 'beauty moods.'


I have three copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment with your email below to enter. Contest is open to US and Canada but no PO Boxes. Winners will be chosen on August 20.





Book Giveaway-Fit For Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond

Synopsis:
It's the program that shatters all the myths: FIT FOR LIFE the international bestseller that explains how to change both your figure and your life. Nutritional specialist Harvey and Marilyn Diamond explain how you can eat more kinds of food than you ever ate before without counting calories...and still lose weight! The natural body cycles, permanent weight-loss plan that proves it's not only what you eat, but also when and how, FIT FOR LIFE is the perfect solution for those who want to look and feel their best. Join the millions of Americans who are FIT FOR LIFE and begin your transformation with:
* The vital principles that bring you permanent weight loss and high energy
* The FIT FOR LIFE secrets of timing and food combining that work with your natural body cycles
* A 4-week meal plan, menus, shopping tips, and exercise
* Delicious recipes and more.


I have three copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment with your email below to enter. Open to US and Canada but no PO Boxes. Winnes will be chosen on August 16.





Giveaway-Vixen Manual by Karrine Steffans

I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment below with your email to enter. The contest is open to US and Canada but no PO Boxes please. Winners will be chosen on August 27.

Synopsis:
Since she exploded on the scene with her two juicy and impossible-to-put-down tell-alls, readers have wanted to know even more about what makes Karrine Steffans tick. How was she able to meet all the high profile politicians, movie stars, and other celebrities that are her close acquaintances? What skills does she possess to keep men wanting more? Finally, Karrine lays it all out and explains exactly what a woman must do to win over the man of her dreams. With chapters like "Never Let Him See You Sweat," "Flirting," "Encouraging His Manhood," and "Give Him What He Wants," this hot and sexy manual is a must-have for every woman's bookshelf.





Monday, August 9, 2010

Guest Blog-Kira Morgan

Kira Morgan has been so great as to write a guest blog about her reading life, to go along with a blog tour of her new book called Captured By Desire. Be sure to check out my posting on the book.

First, let me say thank you for inviting me to your blog! It’s such a treat for me to interact with readers. After all, that’s what writing is about--reaching out and touching other people with stories we can share.

As with most authors, I started as an avid reader. From a young age, my mom took me on weekly trips to the library. My early reading consisted of stories with great imagination--Dr. Seuss, fairytales, L. Frank Baum’s Oz series.

Meanwhile, my dad regaled me with bedtime stories, both traditional and invented on the spot. He was always a great storyteller, and when I got older, he got me hooked on the King Arthur and Robin Hood books by Howard Pyle, which is where my affection for everything medieval began.

In grade school, I fell in love with mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. I gobbled up Alfred Hitchcock short stories, had a literary crush on the Hardy Boys, and read everything by Ray Bradbury, Roald Dahl, Edward Eager, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Madeleine L’Engle. In sixth grade I started writing my first medieval adventure. The cast was all boys--it always seemed like boys had more fun, and the story was a combination of dialogue I wrote and pictures I traced. I still have that crude story, which took place in England yet somehow included characters named Pedro and Jacques!

It wasn’t till high school that I discovered romance. My friends were sneaking Kathleen Woodiwiss books into class, whispering page numbers where you could find the “good” parts. I’d never read anything so exciting before. It wasn’t just the stuff you could see in soap operas--it was swashbuckling history and witty repartee and dangerous liaisons.

In college, I had a passionate love affair with Shakespeare, and historical romance authors couldn’t write fast enough for me. My favorites were Kathleen Woodiwiss, Deanna James, Jude Deveraux, and Julie Garwood, whose “Velvet” series really resonated with me. At the same time, I enjoyed the tension of the horror genre and read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Robin Cook. (As a side note, because of my aptitude, it was strongly suggested to me in college that I minor in English, but since I was a singer and had no intention of becoming a writer, I ignored that advice!)

When I had kids, I returned to children’s books and a fondness for Shel Silverstein, Douglas Adams, and Norton Juster. I wrote a few original children’s stories, and I still have a collection of unpublished quirky poems that my daughter illustrated.

After the kids were old enough to pick out their own books, I returned to reading historical romance. Hugely inspired by Penelope Williamson’s “Keeper of the Dream,” I decided to attempt writing my own medieval adventures. I had soon authored a mega-book that ended up being my first three published novels.

During that time, it seemed like my nose was always buried in a research book. In fact, I didn’t do much recreational reading at all. It’s only recently that I’ve returned to reading for pleasure. I’m trying to slip in some of the classics--Mark Twain, Canterbury Tales, The Decameron. But I’m also enjoying Karen Marie Moning’s paranormals, Marshall Karp’s detective stories, and a few offbeat books like C.D. Payne’s Nick Twisp series, Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” and “The Unthinkable,” a nonfiction book about who survives when disaster strikes.

When I’m writing, I tend not to read in my genre, because I’m afraid I’ll inadvertently pick up on other authors’ phrasing or be influenced by their plot elements, so I sneak in historical romances between my own books.

What about you? Who are your favorite authors? Your favorite books? Do you read in one genre or many?

Again, thanks for having me. I hope you’ll give CAPTURED BY DESIRE a try, and let me know if it kept you up all night!

Book Feature: Captured By Desire by Kira Morgan

Title: Captured By Desire
Author: Kira Morgan

Synopsis:
In 16th century Scotland, young Miss Florie Gilder runs away from her drunken foster father to find her real father and her noble heritage. Along the way, she is accused of theft, becomes a fugitive hiding in a
forest, and is accidentally wounded by a handsome local huntsman. The
huntsman--a Robin-Hood figure who poaches wild game from the landowner's estate to feed the starving poor--carries the beautiful maiden to a church where she is guaranteed 40 days of sanctuary from the law. During that time, he learns her true story, falls in love with her, and helps her in her quest, at the risk of his own life. Smitten with him, she worries more for his survival. But enemies of the state are seeking to overturn the Catholic royals, while a vicious noblewoman is out to destroy Florie.

Five Fun Facts:
1. For a refreshing change from the nobles found in most medieval romances, in Captured by Desire, Kira chose to make the hero and heroine common folk — Florie is a goldsmith, and Rane is the sheriff's huntsman.

2. Kira created the character of Rane MacAllister by combining two legendary heroes of archery — Robin Hood and Legolas.

3. Due to the legal limits of sanctuary imposed upon fugitive Florie when she seeks refuge in a church, Kira was faced with the daunting prospect of having only 40 days to convince Florie to fall in love with the man who just shot her.

4. Since her Scottish hero, Rane MacAllister, is the son of Viking invaders, Kira studied Norse mythology to come up with epithets unique to his ancestry.

5. To do historical research for Captured by Desire, Kira commandeered Scotland's purportedly haunted Roslin Castle for several days!

For more information on Kira and her books, visit her website at:
http://www.glynnis.net/books/index.php


I have five copies of this book to giveaway. The contest is open to US and Canada only. Please leave a comment with your email address so that I can contact you if you are a winner. Winners will be chosen on Friday, August 13.

Check out these other sites on the blog tour and look for more features, reviews, author interviews, and giveaways.

8/9/2010 http://thebooktree.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post
8/9/2010 http://www.extremepersonalmeasures.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/9/2010 http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/ Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post
8/9/2010 http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/9/2010 http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/9/2010 www.froggaritasbookcase.net Review, Giveaway
8/9/2010 http://simplystacie.net/ Giveaway
8/9/2010 http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com Giveaway
8/10/2010 http://www.eclecticbooklover.com/ Review, Guest Post
8/10/2010 http://candidclevercosteffective.net/ Review, Giveaway
8/10/2010 http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post*
8/11/2010 www.froggaritasbookcase.net Review, Giveaway
8/11/2010 booksoulmates.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
8/12/2010 http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/ Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post
8/12/2010 http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com Giveaway
8/12/2010 http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/12/2010 http://triciareads.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway
8/14/2010 http://www.rundpinne.com/ Review
8/14/2010 http://tweezlereads. Review, Giveaway
8/14/2010 http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&A
8/14/2010 http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com/ Review
8/15/2010 http://kballard87.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/15/2010 http://armsofasister.com Feature, Review, Giveaway
8/16/2010 http://www.rexrobotreviews.com/ Review, Giveaway, Q&A
8/17/2010 http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
8/17/2010 http://frugalplus.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/19/2010 http://happymomof5contest.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/19/2010 http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Guest Post
8/19/2010 http://www.saveyspender.com Review, Giveaway
8/19/2010 http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway, Q&A
8/19/2010 myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
8/19/2010 www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway, Q&A
8/20/2010 http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/20/2010 http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/20/2010 http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post*
8/20/2010 http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/20/2010 http://www.startingfreshnyc.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/20/2010 http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
8/20/2010 www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com Review, Q&A








Sunday, August 8, 2010

Book Review: Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang

Title: Whisper on the Wind
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale
Pub Date: September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2436-4
Pages: 407
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Historical
Price: 12.99

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers to read and post an honest review on my blog.


Synopsis from the publisher:
Belgium, 1916 - The German Imperial Army may have conquered Belgium on its march through Europe, but the small country refuses to be defeated. An underground newspaper surfaces to keep patriotism alive and bring hope and real news of the war to the occupied country. It may be a whisper amongst the shouts of the German army, but it's a thorn in their side nonetheless-and Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print...even risk his life.

Isa Lassone is a Belgium socialite whose family fled Europe at the first rumblings of war. Now, two years later, she sneaks back across enemy lines, determined to rescue Edward-the man she has loved from afar since she was a child.

But will he ever see her as more than the wealthy, sill girl his mother once cared for as a daughter?

When Edward refuses to leave, so does Isa, and soon she is drawn into his dangerous double life. As the Germans close in on the paper, Edward realizes he's put more at risk than he'd planned...especially the beautiful, smart, yet obstinate young woman who has inconveniently managed to work her way into his life-and his heart.


About the Author:
Maureen Lang is the winner of several writing awards, including the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart award and the American Christian Writers' Noble Theme award. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children. Visit her site at www.maureenlang.com


My review:
By now, I am sure that my blog readers can tell that I love historical fiction. In fact, I feel the need to read more of it all the time and I am so glad that I was able to read a new one by an author I had not read before.

Whisper in the Wind begins with this paragraph:
Once there was a young man who came of age just as war erupted, a war reaching farther than the world had ever known. His country, his home, his parents, his very future-all were threatened by an enemy whose power stretched wide. He shared only one belief with his oppressors: that the written word is the immortality of speech. Because of the oppression, he could not roar as they did, but found a way to join a whisper so incessant that even his enemies stopped to listen...

The book continues with this fantastic prose and captured me until the last page. It is a love story intertwined with war and suspense that shows the real struggles of humans during a tumultous time period in our world. Lang's writing is outstanding and made me feel as if I was a part of the story. The book gives the right amount of suspense, romance, and history to satisfy every kind of reader, without focusing too much on one area. I liked that about this book as the elements flowed well together and it didn't appear to fit neatly in just one of those genres. I must warn you that you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the fantastic, yet suspenseful ending. I recommend this book to all. The book will not be available until September 1, but you can pre order now from Amazon by following the link below.





Life Application Bible Study: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus

The Life Application Bible Study for 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus is a fantastic way to delve into the study of these books of the Bible. The study starts off by giving an introduction to the New Living Translation of the Bible and describing how this translation came about and the details of what this translation offers to the reader. It then gives short sections on why the the Life Application Bible Study is unique, how application of the Bible is defined, and then an overview of the features of this study.

The books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are broken down to include:
*A book Introduction
*Timeline-includes historical setting, key events, and the dates they occurred
*Vital Statistics-a list of facts that the reader needs to know that includes info such as the purpose for this book, the author, key people in the book, and key verses.
*Overview-a summary of the book with general lessons and applications that can be learned from the book as a whole.
*Blueprint-an outline of the book.
*Megathemes-a section that gives the major themes of the book, explains their significance, and tells why they are relevant in today's world.
*Map-a map to give key places in the book. A map is not always included.

The study includes the full text of the Bible from the New Living Translation and each verse has its own explanation. I thoroughly enjoyed the exlanations as it greatly aided the understanding of what you were reading and how it applies to life. There are cross references listed in the explanations as well as in the margins of the actual Bible text. After each book has been given their own section to include all of this, there is a study question section. This section begins with tips on how to use the study question section and then contains 13 lessons for you to work on. The questions are in sets in this section and labeled under categories to include: Reflect on your life, Read the passage, Realize the principle, Respond to the message, and Resolve to take action. The questions let you reflect on the text that you read and how it applies to your life, yet there are questions that really make you think about yourself and your faith and figure out if you are following God's word and how to improve on those things you need to work on.

I was given a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers to read and post an honest review. I really enjoyed this Bible study and would like to have one for each book of the Bible. It is an in-depth study as it goes through each verse of a book and contains detailed information to make sure you get the most out of your Bible study. I had never used a New Living Translation before and enjoyed this version. The Bible study can be used for individuals or in a group setting.






Book Review-Life Application Bible Study-2 Corinthians

The Life Application Bible Study for 2 Corinthians is a fantastic way to delve into the study of this book of the Bible. The study starts off by giving an introduction to the New Living Translation of the Bible and describing how this translation came about and the details of what this translation offers to the reader. It then gives short sections on why the the Life Application Bible Study is unique, how application of the Bible is defined, and then an overview of the features of this study.

The book of 2 Corinthians is broken down to include:
*A book Introduction
*Timeline-includes historical setting, key events, and the dates they occurred
*Vital Statistics-a list of facts that the reader needs to know that includes info such as the purpose for this book, the author, key people in the book, and key verses.
*Overview-a summary of the book with general lessons and applications that can be learned from the book as a whole.
*Blueprint-an outline of the book.
*Megathemes-a section that gives the major themes of the book, explains their significance, and tells why they are relevant in today's world.
*Map-a map to give key places in the book. A map is not always included.

The study includes the full text of the Bible from the New Living Translation and each verse has its own explanation. I thoroughly enjoyed the exlanations as it greatly aided the understanding of what you were reading and how it applies to life. There are cross references listed in the explanations as well as in the margins of the actual Bible text. After each book has been given their own section to include all of this, there is a study question section. This section begins with tips on how to use the study question section and then contains 13 lessons for you to work on. The questions are in sets in this section and labeled under categories to include: Reflect on your life, Read the passage, Realize the principle, Respond to the message, and Resolve to take action. The questions let you reflect on the text that you read and how it applies to your life, yet there are questions that really make you think about yourself and your faith and figure out if you are following God's word and how to improve on those things you need to work on.

I was given a free copy of this book by Tyndale Publishers to read and give my honest review on this blog. I really enjoyed this Bible study and would like to have one for each book of the Bible. It is an in-depth study as it goes through each verse of a book and contains detailed information to make sure you get the most out of your Bible study. I had never used a New Living Translation before and enjoyed this version. The Bible study can be used for individuals or in a group setting.






Book Review-Life Application Bible Study of John 1, 2, 3

The Life Application Bible Study for John 1, 2, 3 is a fantastic way to delve into the study of the books of John. The study starts off by giving an introduction to the New Living Translation of the Bible and describing how this translation came about and the details of what this translation offers to the reader. It then gives short sections on why the the Life Application Bible Study is unique, how application of the Bible is defined, and then an overview of the features of this study.

Each of the three books of John are then broken down to include:
*A book Introduction
*Timeline-includes historical setting, key events, and the dates they occurred
*Vital Statistics-a list of facts that the reader needs to know that includes info such as the purpose for this book, the author, key people in the book, and key verses.
*Overview-a summary of the book with general lessons and applications that can be learned from the book as a whole.
*Blueprint-an outline of the book.
*Megathemes-a section that gives the major themes of the book, explains their significance, and tells why they are relevant in today's world.
*Map-a map to give key places in the book. A map is not always included.

The study includes the full text of the Bible from the New Living Translation and each verse has its own explanation. I thoroughly enjoyed the exlanations as it greatly aided the understanding of what you were reading and how it applies to life. There are cross references listed in the explanations as well as in the margins of the actual Bible text. After each book has been given their own section to include all of this, there is a study question section. This section begins with tips on how to use the study question section and then contains 13 lessons for you to work on. The questions are in sets in this section and labeled under categories to include: Reflect on your life, Read the passage, Realize the principle, Respond to the message, and Resolve to take action. The questions let you reflect on the text that you read and how it applies to your life, yet there are questions that really make you think about yourself and your faith and figure out if you are following God's word and how to improve on those things you need to work on.

I was given a free copy of this book by Tyndale Publishers to read and give my honest review on my blog. I really enjoyed this Bible study and would like to have one for each book of the Bible. It is an in-depth study as it goes through each verse of a book and contains detailed information to make sure you get the most out of your Bible study. I had never used a New Living Translation before and enjoyed this version.





Thursday, August 5, 2010

Blog Tour-Georgia's Kitchen by Jenny Nelson

Title: Georgia's Kitchen
Author: Jenny Nelson

Book Synopsis from the publisher:
As head chef at a top New York City restaurant, Georgia Gray has worked her way up in the kitchens of the most pressured and trendy eateries. And yet, her worst critic is her own mother, who has been relentlessly pressuring her about her impending nuptials. When Georgia suddenly finds herself unemployed and unengaged, she immediately takes her bruised ego to Italy. There, she forgets her troubles, sharpens her skills at a new trattoria, and turns up the heat with Gianni, the sexy owner of the winery next door. Can she leave her past behind or does her heart belong to New York where she dreams of salvaging her reputation and opening her own restaurant?


About the Author:
Jenny Nelson grew up in Larchmont, NY and graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Denver. A former web editor and producer, she worked for companies such as iVillage, Vogue.com and Style.com. She lives with her husband, twin daughters and dog in Millbrook, NY and Manhattan. Georgia’s Kitchen is her first novel.

Upcoming Author Appearances:
August 7, 11 am
Merritt Books
Red Hook, NY

August 7, 5 pm
Merritt Books
Millbrook, NY

Sept 17, 7:30 pm
Oblong Books
Rhinebeck, NY

Sept 22, 6 pm
Park Road Books
Charlotte, NC

Sept 24, 7 pm
The Regulator Bookstore
Durham, NC

Sept 25, 11 am
McIntyre’s Books
Pittsboro, NC

Jenny Nelson has a fantastic website that you can check out here:
http://www.jennynelsonauthor.com/

Come back to my blog for a review of the book to be posted at a later date.





Blog Tour and Review-Vivian Rising by Daniella Brodsky

Title: Vivian Rising
Author: Daniella Brodsky
Publisher: Downtown Press-Division of Simon & Schuster
Pub Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4391-7202-5
Pages: 330
Genre: Fiction

Book Synopsis from the publisher:
Twenty-nine-year-old Viv’s world is falling apart. She’s just lost the grandmother who raised her, her boyfriend, and her job. The stages of grief are hard enough to navigate when you’re not worried about losing your apartment. Desperate for meaning in a world that seems to have turned on her overnight, Viv turns to the stars for answers. She begins by casually looking up her horoscope late at night, but it isn’t long before she finds herself completely hooked. When she stumbles upon a particularly astute astrologer, she becomes so convinced of the power of the stars that she won’t make a single move without them. When the astrologer advises her to break it off with the man who’s been her saving grace, Viv is reluctant to lose the one thing that brings her joy. But the astrologer has been accurate on so many points, Viv can’t help but wonder if she should trust her here, too…


About the Author:
Daniella Brodsky was born in Queens, New York, in the town of Little Neck, which is as notoriously tagged as the inspiration for West Egg in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as it is for being the Queens town with the least street cred: “Isn’t that on Long Island?” No, it isn’t.

The good news is she now lives in Australia, where nobody is likely to argue the credibility of either claim, possibly even far enough to assert a stake in the Little Neck Clam fame, too. Unfortunately, it appears she’s inherited a new problem, though. “Where in Australia do you live?” “In the capital.” “Sydney?” “No, Canberra.” “Never heard of it.” Right.

In between, Brodsky’s lived in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island, Las Vegas, London, Connecticut, and Washington DC. She earned a BA from New York University in Greenwich Village, where creative writing instructors first hinted she may actually have something there. She was unconvinced, but kept being drawn back. Mere blocks away, it was in 2000 that she officially told that doubting voice to shove it when her first novel, DIARY OF A WORKING GIRL was published. DIARY OF A WORKING GIRL has been adapted by Disney for the feature film BEAUTY AND THE BRIEFCASE, starring Hilary Duff, debuting on ABC Family Network April 18, 2010 at 8pm.

Daniella Brodsky’s subsequent novels are THE VELVET ROPE DIARIES, and PRINCESS.


Daniella Brodsky has a fantastic website that you can check out at
http://www.daniellabrodsky.com/




My review:
Viv is a down to earth character that is searching for something to make sense of her life and she thinks she has found it when she comes across an astrologer that starts to tell her things that come true. The book is very well written and I think many will identify with Viv and her struggle with self confidence and the need to feel good enough among her family and friends. The book has it all: love, death, friendship, and an endearing quality that makes you yearn to make all things better for Viv in her life. I had not read anything by Brodsky before and so glad I read this one. The book was a quick read as I devoured it in a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon.






Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Book Feature-The Hypnotist by MJ Rose

Title: The Hypnotist
Author: MJ Rose

Book Synopsis from the publisher:
An FBI agent, tormented by a death he wasn't able to prevent, a crime he's never been able to solve and a love he's never forgotten, discovers that his true conflict resides not in his past, but in a…Past Life.

Haunted by a twenty-year old murder of a beautiful young painter, Lucian Glass keeps his demons at bay through his fascinating work as a Special Agent with the FBI's Art Crime Team. Currently investigating a crazed art collector who has begun destroying prized masterworks, Glass is thrust into a bizarre hostage negotiation that takes him undercover at the Phoenix Foundation—dedicated to the science of past life study—where, in order to maintain his cover, he agrees to submit to the treatment of a hypnotist.

Under hypnosis, Glass travels from ancient Greece to 19th century Persia, while the case takes him from New York to Paris and the movie capital of world. These journeys will change his very understanding of reality, lead him to question his own sanity and land him at the center of perhaps the most audacious art heist in history: the theft of a 1,500 year old sculpture from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

International bestselling author M. J. Rose's The Hynpotist is her most mesmerizing novel yet. An adventure, a love story, a clash of cultures, a spiritual quest, it is above all a thrilling capstone to her unique Reincarnation novels, The Reincarnationist and The Memorist.

Reading Group Guide:
On the first page of this novel is a quote:
Often, in the cosseted quarters of a museum, we forget that every work of ancient art is a survivor, a representative of untold numbers of similar artworks that perished. This triumphant exhibition makes us remember, while demonstrating that every survivor saves much more than just itself: long strands of culture, identity and history waiting to be woven back together. – Roberta Smith writing in the New York Times about the exhibit: Silent Survivors of Afghanistan’s 4,000 Tumultuous Years

How do you think that quote relates to both the theme of this book and the subject of reincarnation?

Who do you think does own art? Should the cultural heritage of a piece of artwork determine what museum it finally winds up in? Should the Metropolitan museum have returned Hypnos to Greece? To Iran?

The main characters in the book – Lucian and Emeline are both faced with choices between art and personal life. What are some of these dilemmas, and how does each character resolve or at least experience them?

How does the myth of Hypnos, the Greek God of Sleep, figure into the story and how does the author use that myth to mirror the novel’s plot.

The author Laurie R. King says that the Rose has told a story built on the idea that saving love is indistinguishable from saving the world. How does that theme show itself and how does it resolve itself?


About the Author:
M.J. Rose, is the international bestselling author of 11 novels;Lip Service, In Fidelity, Flesh Tones, Sheet Music, Lying in Bed, The Halo Effect, The Delilah Complex, The Venus Fix,The Reincarnationist, The Memorist and The Hypnotist.

Rose is also the co-author with Angela Adair Hoy of How to Publish and Promote Online, and with Doug Clegg of Buzz Your Book.

She is a founding member and board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She runs two popular blogs; Buzz, Balls & Hype and Backstory.

Getting published has been an adventure for Rose who self-published Lip Service late in 1998 after several traditional publishers turned it down. Editors had loved it, but didn't know how to position it or market it since it didn't fit into any one genre.

Frustrated, but curious and convinced that there was a readership for her work, she set up a web site where readers could download her book for $9.95 and began to seriously market the novel on the Internet.

After selling over 2500 copies (in both electronic and trade paper format) Lip Service became the first e-book and the first self-published novel chosen by the LiteraryGuild/Doubleday Book Club as well as being the first e-book to go on to be published by a mainstream New York publishing house.

Rose has been profiled in Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Business 2.0, Working Woman, Newsweek and New York Magazine.

Rose has appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour, and features on her have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and abroad, including USAToday, Stern, L'Official, Poets and Writers and Publishers Weekly.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University and spent the '80s in advertising. She was the Creative Director of Rosenfeld Sirowitz and Lawson and she has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

She lives in Connecticut with Doug Scofield, a composer, and their very spoiled dog, Winka.

Check out the author's site at:
http://www.mjrose.com/content/index.asp
You can sign up for the author's newsletter and get a sample of all three books in the Reincarnationist book series.






















Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Blog Talk Radio Featuring Paul Solotaroff

Join us as we interview
Paul Solotaroff author of THE BODY SHOP On BlogTalkRadio
Thursday, Aug. 5 , 2 PM ET
Publisher: Little, Brown




BlogTalkRadio/HBG Program:
In this interview with Paul Solotaroff, we'll ask him about building muscles, steroids, addiction, and how much fun he had in the 70s.

Paul Solotaroff is a contributing editor at Men's Journal and Rolling Stone. He has written features for Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, and the New York Times Magazine, and he was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2004. His work has been included in Best American Sports Writing. The author of two books, Group and The House of Purple Hearts, he lives in New York City.

Call-in with your questions during show time to participate in the live interview @ (646) 378-0040

Listen-in or chat on the Little, Brown channel on BlogTalkRadio.

If you would like your questions to be read on air by the host or if you would like to give advanced notice of your participation during the live call, email anna.balasi@hbgusa.com.






Monday, August 2, 2010

Book Event-Bowling Green, Ky Public Library

My Life is an Open Book Speaker Series begins in August

This new author series will feature speakers who have lived fascinating and interesting lives. The series begins in August and ends in November.

Chuck Barris will discuss his latest book, Della on Thursday, August 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Della is an affecting memoir of a life cut short. Della Barris, the only child of television icon Chuck Barris, died of an accidental drug overdose in 1998. She was thirty-six years old, addicted to cocaine and alcohol, and she was HIV-positive. Chuck candidly recounts his life with her in an attempt to understand his failings, to share his doubts, unanswered questions, tremendous heartache, and especially his tender memories of fatherhood. Chuck Barris is a former television show creator and producer, whose credits include The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, The Gong Show, and Treasure Hunt. He is the author of several books, including Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (adapted into a major motion picture) and the New York Times best-selling novel You and Me, Babe.

Joe Bonsall is most commonly known as a thirty-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys. He is the energetic one on the end, singing high harmonies and lead vocals. Joe is also a successful author. His critically acclaimed Molly The Cat book series, an Oak Ridge Boys biography, An American Journey, and his moving tribute to his parents, GI Joe & Lillie, have established him as a talented and appreciated author. His most recent book is titled From My Perspective. He speaks on Thursday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.

John Carter Cash has been in music in some form or fashion all his life. He is a singer-song writer and record producer. He is the Grandchild of Maybelle Carter and the only son to John R Cash and June Carter Cash.
John Carter’s greatest passion is working as a music producer. Having worked with his mother June Carter Cash on her CD, Press On, which won a Grammy in 1999, he went on to work under Rick Rubin as Associate Producer on his father Johnny Cash’s Grammy winning records American III: Solitary Man and American IV: The Man Comes Around, the latter receiving three CMA awards. He also produced his mother’s record Wildwood Flower, which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk album in 2003. His 2004 production Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family, received three Grammy nominations. He wrote his mother’s biography titled Anchored in Love. He also wrote his first children's book, entitled Momma Loves Her Little Son.
John Carter Cash owns and operates the Cash Cabin Studio near Nashville, Tennessee.
He will speak on Thursday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Activity Room of the Christ Episcopal Church.

John Thorndike’s father, Joe Thorndike, was managing editor of Life at the height of its popularity immediately following World War II. He was the founder of American Heritage and Horizon magazines, the author of three books, and the editor of a dozen more. But at age 92, in the space of six months he stopped reading or writing or carrying on detailed conversations. He could no longer tell time or make a phone call. He was convinced that the governor of Massachusetts had come to visit and was in the refrigerator. Five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, and like many of them, Joe Thorndike's one great desire was to remain in his own house. To honor his wish, John left his own home and moved into his father's upstairs bedroom on Cape Cod. For a year, in a house filled with file cabinets, photos, and letters, John explored his father's mind, his parents' divorce, and his mother's secrets. The Last of His Mind is the bittersweet account of a son's final year with his father, and a candid portrait of an implacable disease.
John Thorndike is the author of two novels, Anna Delaney's Child and The Potato Baron, and a previous memoir, Another Way Home. John will speak at the First Christian Church on Thursday, November 4 at 6:00 pm.

Tori Murden McClure is the president of Spalding University. Her firsts include being the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic and to ski overland to the South Pole. She has an AB from Smith College, where she currently serves on the board of trustees, a Master's in Divinity from Harvard University, a JD from the University of Louisville School of Law, and an MFA in Writing from Spalding University.
She has worked as a chaplain at Boston City Hospital and for Muhammad Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Her latest book is A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean. Tori will speak at the Main Library on Thursday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, call 270-781-4882. Free tickets are available at the Main Library and Bob Kirby Branch.

Book Event: Beverly Lewis

The Warren County Public Library is proud to sponsor best-selling author Beverly Lewis on Monday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher, an accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of more than eighty books for adults and children, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. Her novel The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction. Writing memorable stories set in Amish farmland brings Beverly continual joy and inspiration. Her own family heritage is Old Order Mennonite, but she has many dear friends among Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Beverly lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“We are delighted to have Beverly Lewis speak at our library,” says Director Lisa Rice. “Her books are very popular as well as inspiring.”

Free tickets are available at the Main Library and the Bob Kirby Branch. Due to space limitations, this event will be held in the Activity Room at the Christ Episcopal Church next door to the Main Library. For more information, call 781-4882 or email Jayne Pelaski at jaynep@warrenpl.org

Book Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

From the New York Times bestselling author of To Desire a Devil comes this thrilling tale of danger, desire, and dark passions.

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand-she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk . . .

Caire makes a simple offer-in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control--one that may well destroy them both.

My review:
London
February 1737
A woman abroad in St. Giles at midnight was either very foolish or very desperate. Or, as in her own case, Temperance Dews reflected wryly, a combination of both.

"Tis said the Ghost of St. Giles haunts on nights like this," Nell Jones, Temperance's maidservant, said chattily as she skirted a noxious puddle in the narrow alley. Temperance glanced dubiously at her. Nell had spent three years in a traveling company of actors and sometimes had a tendency toward melodrama.

"There's no ghost haunting St. Giles," Temperance replied firmly. The cold winter night was frightening enough without the addition of specters.

The excerpt is from the first page of the novel and it captured my attention with just that short introduction. Hoyt brings alive the city of London, the book's characters, and the idea of whether the ghost of St. Giles is really haunting the streets, all while mixing in passionate romance. I must say that I rarely read romance novels because I just don't find that I get captured up in the story the way I like to. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked Intentions. The story did capture my mind, the romance scenes were steamy but not over the top, and the writing was really good. I recommend this book to all readers, but beware, you have a bit of a wait for the sequel-Notorious Pleasures-which will be published in February 2011. But that does give you time to read and re-read Wicked Intentions many times before then. Enjoy!

Giveaway:
I have five copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment below about why you like to read romance novels. Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you are a winner. The contest is open to US and Canada and winners will be chosen on August 6.

About the Author:
Elizabeth Hoyt is a USA Today bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in central Illinois with three untrained dogs, two angelic but bickering children, and one long-suffering husband. Please visit her websites for chapter excerpts, book extras, and author appearances: www.elizabethhoyt.com and www.juliaharper.com.








The blog tour will be making the rounds of book blogs starting today, August 2 and continuing through August 13. Follow the links below to the other sites that are hosting features, reviews, author interviews, and giveaways.

http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/ 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.extremepersonalmeasures.com/ 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.rundpinne.com/ 8/2/2010 Review
http://thebooktree.blogspot.com 8/2/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/ 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.eclecticbooklover.com/ 8/2/2010 Review
www.thebookgirl.net 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://happymomof5contest.blogspot.com/ 8/2/2010 Giveaway
http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/ 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
www.froggaritasbookcase.net 8/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://simplystacie.net 8/2/2010 Giveaway
http://chaoticbookobsession.blogspot.com 8/3/2010 Giveaway
inthehammockblog.blogspot.com 8/3/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com 8/4/2010 Feature, Giveaway, Q&A
http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/ 8/4/2010 Feature, Giveaway
booksoulmates.blogspot.com 8/4/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://reesspace.blogspot.com 8/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com 8/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://blog.imbookingit.com 8/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com 8/5/2010 Giveaway
http://triciareads.blogspot.com 8/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.saveyspender.com 8/6/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com 8/7/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com 8/8/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.rexrobotreviews.com/ 8/9/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
www.smexybooks.com 8/9/2010 Review, Giveaway
myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com 8/9/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
justjenniferreading.blogspot.com 8/9/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com 8/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com 8/10/2010 Feature, Review
http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com 8/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
www.findthetimetoread.blogspot.com 8/11/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/ 8/11/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Q&A
http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/ 8/12/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Q&A
http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review
http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review
http://candidclevercosteffective.net/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.startingfreshnyc.com/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/ 8/13/2010 Review, Giveaway







Sunday, August 1, 2010

Guest Blog-Lisa and Claire Hultin

Lisa and Claire Hultin have been so great as to do a guest blog today to accompany the review of their book entitled Love, Sex, and Deception: The Chronicles of Online Dating. Be sure and check out my review.

We are a mother daughter who have dated online, compared our notes on "internet frogs" and actually survived! We wondered what other people experience and if their experiences are universal? We posted a website called www.datechronicles.com to reach out to singles everywhere to share their experiences with us. We collected hundreds of hilarious dating stories from around the country, and decided to write this trendy yet educational lit of anecdotal narratives, tips and tricks to help one another on the journey through cyber space. Part of the impetus for writing the book and the rational for our title we chose is that everyone has either experienced true love, sex or has at least been deceived once or twice while in "dating limbo." We also wanted to provide online dating advice with a unique approach instead of listing rules and guidelines in a traditional manner. We sprinkle witty advice throughout the stories of different dating scenarios. Reality is the best education! Sometimes we learn just by listening to others real life experiences. We felt like there is comfort and helpful insight in looking into the lives of others. We wanted people to also see that there is success in marketing to the masses for a relationship by including touching stories of those who got things right. Almost everyone knows someone these days who met online and eventually married.

My daughter took a semester off from College to work on this book project with me. She also wrote the chapter "Cyber Necking College Kids" which reveals how facebook is used for connecting students on campus. Not only was it fun and interesting connecting to others but a bonding experience for us as well to work as a team. We felt almost anyone who is single online or traditionally dating would identify with at least one of these stories. We now have a new website and blog www.lovesexanddeception.com that keeps up with modern trends and is pro women. We will be adding a product line of merchandise that appeals to women soon.

Sincerely,
Lisa and Claire Hultin

Book Review-Love, Sex & Deception: The Chronicles of Online Dating by Lisa Hultin & Claire Hultin

Title: Love, Sex & Deception: The Chronicles of Online Dating
Author: Lisa Hultin and Claire Hultin
Purblisher: Morgan James Publishing
Pub Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60037-775-4
Pages: 203
Genre: Love/Romance

Synopsis:
Have you ever had a date arrive dressed as Elvis and it wasn't Halloween? How about that handsome guy who said, "I'm divorced" but failed to mention he's now remarried? We are a mother and daughter who have dated online, compared our notes on "internet frog," and actually survived! Reality is the best education, as seen in the humorous anecdotal stories of singles who expose "the real" cyber scene. Learn how to be a savvy shopper online with strategies to protect your most important investment-your affection, trust, and time!

About the Authors:
Claire Hultin is the author of The Doctrine of Lucid Dreaming, has written socio-political excerpts for Srilankaguardian.com and is a freelance writer for Tao Entertainment. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Lisa Hultin graduated from Liberty University with a Telecommunications degree, and works as a freelance writer for Tao Entertainment and LoveSexandDeception.com. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.


My review:
Love, Sex & Deception is a book that contains personal stories of internet dating and what happened on those excursions. Each chapter is set up with a theme such as Disaster Dates From Hell, College Kids, My Date Lied, just to name a few. Each chapter contains personal stories from internet daters, along with some tips from the authors about what you should and shouldn't do in the world of online dating. The book was a quick read as I finished it in a few hours. I think this is a book for readers that like to read short, funny episodes from people and what has happened to them in their daily life adventures. The book was entertaining and might be slightly reminescent of Jerry Springer episodes. It was a break in between the books I usually read that allowed me a few hours of humor. I think this book will be liked for that reason. It is a humorous, light read that can create an escape from your own life and worries.