September 2013 | Miki's Hope

Danville Candles

Thursday, September 26, 2013


I have worked with Anne Keefe as an independent rep for a long time now at Eclipse Spa—I love all her products as most of you already know. Well it turns out that Anne has opened an Etsy store to showcase all her wonderful candles separately from all the other decadent products she offers. (Yes, Eclipse Spa is still up and running!). When she asked me if I would like to do a review of her newest site-of course I said yes. There is nothing Anne Keefe makes that I would not love! When I asked Anne if the pumpkin candle smelled like the pumpkin sugar scrub—she said exactly—that scent is delicious!

What Anne Keefe says about her candles:


“I love making candles just as much as I like to burn them!

Our soy candles are made with wax that is completely natural, biodegradable, and vegetarian. Our wax is clean burning and non-toxic, made from renewable resources, Kosher, supports family farms, produces significantly less soot, safe around children and pets and burns longer than paraffin wax”

I went in to browse around and OH MY-so many lovely scents. She also has quite a variety of candle types: Jars, Tarts, Unscented, Travel tins, Vintage, Votive, Fall candles and Candle of the Month club. She also has a sale section. Custom orders are never a problem for Anne.


Aromatherapy Candles will add ambiance to your home or office space. Light one up today and enjoy!

They offer flat rate shipping and combine multiple purchases. Excess shipping charges of more than $1 will be refunded when your order is packed.

Danville Residents we are happy to offer you free shipping. Your shipping will be refunded
and your order hand delivered.

- You will receive an automated email when your order has shipped which will include a tracking number for your convenience.

- California State residents will be charged sales tax during checkout.

- Join Danville Candles at Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/DanvilleCandles

These candles would make beautiful gifts sure to be loved by the recipient!


If you decide to purchase any of the products from Danville Candles please mention that Miki’s Hope sent you (I may get a small commission)

And keep your eye out for a $25.00 GC to Danville Candles –I have joined in the Fall Harvest Hop which will start on 10/2 and Danville Candle has been gracious enough to sponsor me.



I may receive a small commission if any sales are made from this review. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review-The Last Neanderthal Clan-Lisa M. Lareau & Charlie Boring

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The genre according to Outskirts Press of this book is FICTION / Fantasy / Historical. All I know is that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! There is a minor sub story about modern day anthropologists but that (thankfully) got lost in the intriguing story of these pre historic peoples. Most of this is fiction but I believe the times were depicted correctly. Of course it has been a while since I took an anthropology course.

You travel along with the clan as they make their escapes from other clans farther and farther south as the ice caps recede from the ice age-you live through the dangers and difficulties of the period. You learn about how they possibly lived, shared work and survived all the dangers of that time period. There is even a wolf who was semi domesicated by Raka.

This is the last two paragraphs in the book--maybe there will be a sequel--I hope there is

Raka lay the burning branch back into the fire and sat near Dawa, as the night grew darker and everyone talked excitedly. They wanted to hear about Raka's journey, Dawa's clan, and the forthcoming baby. The prospects for the Kopsut Clan were looking up; but only time would tell if the clan would prosper south of the great mountains.

As for Raka, in the back of his mind, he carried a small worry, that the Nord Clan might find a way through the mountains and find the Kopsut Clan in its new home.


About the Book: (from the back of the book)


As Humanity Evolves, Two Competing Spcies Struggle for Survival!

The earth is warming after a long ice age. As the topography changes, humanoid clans can travel where they have never gone before. The Cro-Magnon clans, called the northern clans, and the Neanderthal clans, called the southern clans, now have an unprecedented opportunity to meet in each other's territories. Many of the Cro-Magnon clans are cannibalistic, and have developed clan traditions that encourage hunting and killing Neanderthals. The most dominant Cro-Magnon clan is the Nord clan. Its leader, Carni, fathered a son with a Neanderthal woman, and left the woman and child with her clan. Now, he leads the Nord clan in a quest to take Neanderthals slaves. But Carni doesn't anticipate that his son, Raka, will inherit his own leadership skills to become head of the Neanderthal clan. Determined to survive, Raka takes the remnants of his clan into the mountains to evade his dangerous father, and to find safe ground for his people. Full of facinating anthropological detail, richly charactorized, and a vivid portrait of life lived among extraordinary dangers, The Last Neanderthal Clan will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.

This book cn be purchased at Amazon and at Outskirts Press.

About the Authors: (from Outskirts Press)


Lisa M. Lareau and her father Charlie Boring share a lifelong interest in prehistoric civilizations. Lisa grew up listening to Charlie’s tales about cave-dwelling clans, and the characters in those stories have been developed and expanded in The Last Neanderthal Clan. Charlie and Lisa live in Virginia, but have traveled extensively in Europe, where they set their novel. They hope that you enjoy reading their novel packed full of Neanderthal fiction as much as they enjoyed writing it.

Lisa Lareau is the daughter of her co-author, Charlie Boring. She is a professional analyst that developed an interest in story telling from the stories her father told her as a young girl. The stories were of cavemen and women and the animals that roamed the earth with them. Charlie Boring contributed ideas that led Lisa to write "The Last Neanderthal Clan." Contact Authors at thelastneanderthalclan@gmail.com








All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 Amazon GC or Halloween Gift Pack (US)-Brood X: A Firsthand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion-Michael Phillip Cash-Ends 10/25

Tuesday, September 24, 2013


This is the second book by this author being promoted by Pump Up Your Book and featured here on Miki's Hope. I think I might have to read these-IN THE DAYTIME!! Long Island is a bit too close to where I live as the Circada's fly!!


About the Book: (from Amazon)


Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder.

During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast.

Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade.

During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone.

Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.

Fast paced and filled with tension, Brood Ten is the perfect summer read when you’re sitting outside listening to the cicadas sing.


This book can be purchased at Amazon


About the Author:


Born and raised on Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

Authors Website
Authors Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads


Pump Up Your Book and Michael Phillip Cash are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or a Halloween Party Pack for 18!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or the Halloween Party Pack.
This giveaway begins September 23 and ends October 25, 2013.
Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, November 4, 2013.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Rafflecopter Code:


a Rafflecopter giveaway






I received a twitter link in the Rafflecopter for my participation. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review - A Simple Cure - Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

Monday, September 23, 2013

This is the third book I have read by this author. THAT should tell you something! I love his writing style and more what he writes about. If you have ever worked in a medical setting of any kind as I have, you will recognize the tidbits of truth in these highly entertaining novels. We, the patients, sometimes forget that Doctors are also human beings and it is not always easy to separate their feelings especially if they happen to know the patient personally.

This fictional story revolves around the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and the desperation of patients in end stage cancer who will try anything, do anything for a possible cure. It also revolves around the scientists who, by virtue of their training, believe in sharing information but are sometimes stopped by corporate greed.

Dr. Gold has recently updated his website to include medical news worth knowing as well as information about all his books-it is well worth going in to browse around!




About the Book: (from the back of the book)

A Simple Cure engages the reader in the search for the cure of malignant melanoma. While an uncommon skin cancer, one American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 61 minutes). The incidence rate has tripled in the last twenty years. When nature, in her ultimate act of irony, strikes Richard Powell, a cancer specialist, with malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer, his wife, Terri devotes her life to curing the disease that ultimately kills her husband. While research laboratories are characterized as noble in search of cures, and proprietary drug companies are caricatured as ruthless and materialistic, too often, the distinctions aren’t so clear. The murder of a drug courier to obtain an experimental and promising treatment for malignant melanoma, unleashes a chain of devastating consequences.

This book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author: (from Amazon)


I was born in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, moved to Queens, and then, as New Yorkers say, my family ascended to the Island. After graduating from Valley Stream Central High School, I went to Adelphi, a college then, a university now, and then to medical school in Chicago. The war in Vietnam interrupted my postgraduate medical training with a year in Colorado Springs and another as a Battalion Surgeon in Vietnam. I spent seven months in the Central Highlands with the 4th Infantry and five months in an evacuation hospital in Long Binh outside Saigon where I ran the emergency room. I returned intact in 1968 to complete my training in internal medicine and diseases of the kidney, nephrology. I worked for twenty-three years in Berkeley, California in a hospital-based practice and served as Chief of Internal Medicine and Family Practice. For many years, I was an active member of the quality assurance committee. We retired in October 1995 before fate could intervene. We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge for a life at sea in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Four years later, exhausted from repairing everything on board, (often many times) we sold the sailboat and within a year took the lazy man’s out; we bought a Nordic Tug trawler. We motored around Florida, the Bahamas, and the entire East Coast and Canada. I’ve written nine novels, five in the Brier Hospital Series, and one non-fiction book, I Love My Doctor, But…, a lighthearted look at the patient/doctor relationship. I write primarily to entertain, but I can’t help but pass on to readers observations and beliefs culled from years of practice, and yes, my biases, too. I strive for realism in portraying the medical scene which is gripping enough without melodrama or gimmicks. With even a minor degree of success in writing novels, comes responsibility to readers. I attempt to produce honest material that reflects my beliefs. Exposing these beliefs to the public through my writing requires courage, stupidity, or both. My fans have been generous, and although nobody enjoys criticism, I’ve learned much from that, too. The novel that expresses most clearly my candor, and my bias, is For the Love of God. The novel reflects my attitudes toward those who are willing to sacrifice the lives of their children for their personal religious beliefs. We live in beautiful Grass Valley with 15 year old Mike, a terrier mix and Bennie, an 8 year old Yorkie who just looks like he’s on steroids.




I received a paperback edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

And the winner of the $25 PP in the School's Cool Giveaway Hop is...

Sunday, September 22, 2013

This contest is officially over. There were 861 comments-Thank you so much everyone! I just got back from Random.org and the lucky winner is number 654

CindyWindy2003 said... 654

https://twitter.com/carawling/status/380744120723333120

September 19, 2013 at 2:13 PM

Congratulations Cindy! You are the winner of the $25.00 PayPal in the School's Cool Giveaway Hop! Now all you have to do is respond to the email I will be sending in just a few minutes with your name and PayPal address and I will send you the $25.00!



All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 Amazon GC+Halloween Party Pack-STILLWELL: A HAUNTING ON LONG ISLAND-Michael Philllip Cash-Ends 10/25


Pump Up Your Book is proud to announce Michael Phillip Cash’s Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island Book Blast September 23 – October 25! Michael will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a Halloween Party Pack for 18 to one of two lucky people at the end of the blast. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below or on participating blogs ( can be found HERE )throughout the blast.


About the Book: (from Amazon)


Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free.

This book can be purchased at Amazon

About the Author:



Born and raised on Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

Authors Website
Author's Blog

Twitter
Facebook

Now on to the Giveaway!!-Good Luck All!!

Rafflecopter Code for $25 Amazon Gift Card plus Halloween Party Pack for 15

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or the Halloween Party Pack.
This giveaway begins September 23 and ends October 25, 2013.
Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, November 4, 2013.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.


a Rafflecopter giveaway








I received a twitter link in the rafflecopter for posting this. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review-Sisters in Love Snow Sisters, Book One Love in Bloom Series-Melissa Foster (18+)

Friday, September 20, 2013



I actually received this e-book because I agreed to read and review the second book in this series by Melissa Foster. I am so glad I was able to read it, I enjoyed it thoroughly and read it in one sitting (on my computer much less!). As in most families with a couple of siblings one is deemed by the parents to be smart and is "encouraged" to make the most of her brains. The other, well is pretty much left alone to do what she wants. The eldest became a psychologist and was very good at it. She actually wanted to do something totally different with her life but bowed down to the pressure from her parents. The younger sister has problems with relationships and flits from one "boyfriend" to another. The reason will be revealed in the book itself!

Enter a "PLAYER"-a tall, dark and extremely handsome man who excels at one night stands. His business partner suggests that he go see a psychologist. Before this can happen his partner dies in a skiing accident leaving behind his wife and teenage son. Devastated by his friend and business partners death and suddenly realizing that the life he is leading is not one that he really wants he makes an appointment with the psychologist--at this point I am going to put an excerpt from the book--it is almost a comedy of errors!!

About the Book:

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**
.
Sisters in Love is the first book in the Love in Bloom series. Be sure to pick up the next book in the series, Sisters in Bloom! Love in Bloom is a 9-book series with one full-length novel released every 30 days!

Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.

Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn't know how to stop doing what he does best.

When Blake walks into Danica's office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica's desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she's ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she's been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister's promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn't sure it's the right time to set her desires free.

Chapter 1 - An excerpt

The line in the café went all the way to the door. Danica Snow wished she hadn’t taken her sister Kaylie’s phone call before getting her morning coffee. Living in an overcrowded tourist town could be a major inconvenience, but Danica loved that she could walk from her condo to her office, see a movie, have dinner, or even stop at a bookstore without ever sitting in a car. Every minute counted when you lived in Allure, Colorado, host to an odd mix of hippie and yuppie tourists in equal numbers. The ski slopes brought them in the winter, while art shows drew them in the summer. There was never a break. Every suit and Rasta child in town was standing right in front of her, waiting for their coffee or latte, and the guy ahead of her had shoulders so wide she couldn’t easily see around him. Danica tapped the toe of her efficient and comfortable Nine West heels, growing more impatient by the second. What on earth was taking so long? In seven minutes they’d served only one person. The tables were pushed so close to the people standing in line that she couldn’t step to the side to see. She was gridlocked. Danica leaned to the right and peered around the massive shoulder ahead of her just as the owner of that shoulder turned to look out the door. Whack! He elbowed her right in the nose, knocking Danica’s head back. Her hand flew to her bloody nose. “Ow! Geez!” She ducked in pain, covering her face and talking through her hands. “I think you broke my nose.” Each word sent pain across her nose and below her eyes. “I’m so sorry. Let me get you a napkin,” a deep, worried voice said. Two patrons rushed over and shoved napkins in her direction. “Are you okay?” an older woman asked. Tears sprang from the corners of Danica’s closed eyes. Damn it. Her entire day would now run late and she probably looked like a red-nosed, crying idiot. “This hurts so bad. Weren’t you looking where—” Danica flipped her unruly, brown hair from her face and opened her eyes. Her venom-filled glare locked on the man who had elbowed her— the most beautiful specimen of a human being she had ever seen. Oh shit. “I’m… What…?” Come on, girl. Get it together. He’s probably an egomaniac. “I’m so sorry.” His voice was rich and smooth, laden with concern. A thin blonde grabbed his arm and shoved a napkin into his hand. “Give this to her,” she said, blinking her eyelashes in a come-hither way. The man held the woman’s hand a beat too long. “Thanks,” he said. His eyes trailed down the blonde’s blouse. Really? I’m bleeding over here.


Well, I think you get the picture-----now go get this book--it is delightful and I am going to start reading Book 2 in this series as soon as I write this one up--of course you will have to wait on my review for that one until 10/13! But others will also be reviewing this book on the tour brought to you by Beck Tours & Reviews.

This book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

There is a giveaway of 2 e-books but you will have to go to one of the other bloggers on the tour as I was not supposed to be on this tour originally!

About the Author:


Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Follow the Author:

Follow the Author

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest




I received a copy of the e-book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 PayPal-WW-Take a Well Deserved Break Hop-Ends 10/3

Thursday, September 19, 2013

This contest is officially over--there were 829 comments - Thank You everyone! The winning number, as drawn at Random.org is #196

Sarah Hayes said... 196

follow Blog lovin as Sarah Hayes
September 19, 2013 at 11:58 PM

Congratulations Sarah! You have won the $25 PayPal in the Take a Well Deserved Break hop at Miki's Hope! Now all you have to do is reply to the email I will be sending in just a few minutes within 48 hours with your name and PayPal email and I will send your winnings to you.

Lots more great giveaways going on right now and coming to Miki's Hope in the near future!!


Take a Break-Hop_Planet Weidknecht_LeahSays Views_180x180

Welcome to the Take a Well Deserved Break Hop Event

Hosted by LeahSay's Views and Planet Weidknecht

Book Review - Winter in Full Bloom - Anita Higman

Wednesday, September 18, 2013


What a lovely book. Anita Higman writes Christian books which is definitely not my genre of choice. I have to admit this book held my interest. It is about two separate dysfunctional families who overcome the problems created years before. The love story inherent in this book will make you smile, and gladden your heart. The identical twins who find each other after having been separated for most of their lives will at first bring tears to your eyes. But what I loved the most was how the families were healed and once again a family.


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.


About the Author: (from the back of the e-book)


Bestselling and award-winning author Anita Higman has thirty-three books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit Anita online at anitahigman.com. Feel free to drop her a note by clicking on the “Contact Me” button on her website. Or visit Anita on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman. Some of Anita Higman’s more recent books Texas Wildflowers A Merry Little Christmas Where God Finds You








I purchased this e-book with my own funds. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review - It's Just A Dog - Russ Ryan

Tuesday, September 17, 2013


Anyone who has ever visited my FaceBook Fan page knows that I love animals--all animals. I saw a review of this book and knew I had to read it. So I bought it! This book pulled at my heartstrings-it made me laugh and it made me cry. If any of my furbabies (or feather baby) ever came back to visit me from over the rainbow and started messing with my life and talking to me--well I can guarantee that just like when they were alive--they would still rule the roost!! Of course my current cat might not be too thrilled but she would just have to get used to it!

For any of you who has ever had a beloved animal this book is a must read! I purchased a paperback edition but I think the e-book edition is .99 right now-but who knows how long that will last-so go get it now!!


About the Book: (from the back cover)

What if your dog died and then came back as a ghost...that could talk? Would you welcome him back with open arms or run away scared to death?

This is the premise of IT'S JUST A DOG, a new novel about love, loss, and one man's dog who rises up yapping from the grave as a talking dog.

Charlie Keefe is not just your typical dog lover -- he's a world famous dog painter, a.k.a. "The Picasso of Pooch Portraits". Unfortunately, Charlie's beloved muse, Pete, his lovable Jack Russell terrier, has just died. And he's totally devastated by the loss of his furry best friend.

So, after months of grieving over his dearly departed soulmate and wondering if he ever made it to The Rainbow Bridge, Charlie reluctantly agrees to foster a new puppy -- a cute Cavalier King Charles named Brownie from the local animal shelter. Soon after, Charlie is surprised to find himself falling head over heels with this new puppy girl, his 'Rebound Dog', as he calls her -- as well as being romantically attracted to Janelle Jordan, the head hound at the dog rescue.

But then complications arise when the ghost of his old dog, Pete, mysteriously reappears one night and comes back to haunt him and the new puppy -- setting off a bizarre chain of events that throw Charlie's life, career, and entire belief system into chaos!

If you've enjoyed such classic dog books as Old Yeller, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Marley and Me, and A Dog's Purpose, then you are bound to find a place in your heart for IT'S JUST A DOG.

It's Just A Dog is not just for dogs. It's for anyone who has ever lost a pet -- and learned to love again. If you're a feel-good fan of dog books, make It's Just A Dog your special treat!

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGJEdeGCrn0

This book can be purchased at Amazon


About the Author: (from Amazon)


Aside from being a dog lover and a dog widower, Russ Ryan has written screenplays with the Hollywood producers of AMERICAN PIE, FINAL DESTINATION, and FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN. He was also a writer on a really bad teen comedy film, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S REPLI-KATE, starring Eugene Levy. IT'S JUST A DOG is his first novel.

In addition, he is the creator of Meansheets.com, a vintage movie poster blog that focuses on the greatest movie poster artists and illustrators from the 1940s-1980s to present day.

Visit the authors website!!




I purchased this book with my own funds. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

2 Copies of Fool's Gold Cookbook-A Love Story told thru 150 Recipes-Susan Mallery-(US/CAN)-10/7

Monday, September 16, 2013

This contest is officially over. I just got back from Random.org and have the two winners of this delicious book!!

1. Megan Parsons said... 40

I'd like to read JUST ONE KISS
September 16, 2013 at 10:08 PM

2. Fan R. said... 92

https://twitter.com/KimMctyre/status/384442718568464384

September 29, 2013 at 6:21 PM

Congratulations to both the winners!! Now all you have to do is respond to the email I am about to send you within 48 hours with your full name and mailing address and I will be forwarding it on to the person who will be mailing you your copy of Fool's Gold Cookbook-A Love Story told thru 150 Recipes by Susan Mallery directly.




This is a delightful story written around recipes! For Real!! It is about two people who think they don't get along, or at least one of them does. Both are in the restaurant/food business and although they definitely have their differences the story comes to a satisfactory ending. I had a hard time getting through all the recipes considering they all look so good and tempting and all of you readers who are great cooks are going to love these--so will the ones who are not so great (I include myself in this group) and as a bonus the love story is really cute and entertaining. Two lucky winners will get a chance to win a paperbacvk copy of this book--see below--

About the Book: (from Amazon)

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you to taste the local cuisine of her beloved fictional town and share in a year's worth of deliciously seasonal recipes.

Fool's Gold is known as the Land of Happy Endings, but it's also the land of hearty appetites. Throughout the series, the residents of Fool's Gold have found joy, comfort and good times through food. Now two local Fool's Gold chefs will also find love through food! Join them as they flirt, fight and fall in love, one season at a time.

You'll also find favorite recipes from popular characters in the series, such as:

Heidi's Arugula, Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese.

Liz's Spaghetti for the Girls.

Denise's Summer Berry Pie.

With chapters for summer, spring, fall and winter, you can find the perfect recipe for everything from holiday get-togethers to cozy date nights, always using the freshest ingredients. And the heartwarming love story that is woven throughout is Susan Mallery at her finest.

The more than 150 recipes and dozens of gorgeous photographs in this book will inspire you to find perfection in the simple and the seasonal. And with all of Fool's Gold with you in the kitchen, your every celebration will have a happy ending!

This book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where ever fine books are sold!


About the Author: (from Amazon)


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. She has published more than 100 romance and women's fiction novels, beginning with two books the same month when she was just out of college. Her books have spent more than 120 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list and have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestsellers list (SUMMER NIGHTS, Fool's Gold book 8). Known for her keen insight into human nature and her humorous take on life, Susan Mallery has been described by RT Book Reviews as "in a class by herself!" and was featured as a Red Hot Read in Cosmopolitan Magazine.

With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Susan is one of the few writers who can understand her royalty statement. She went on to get a Masters in Writing Popular Fiction and has extensively studied story structure in screenwriting courses, though she has no plans to write for the screen. Her goal, always, is to give readers a story that will move them, populated with characters who feel like real people.

Booklist says, "Novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and Publisher's Weekly calls her prose "luscious and provocative." Susan appreciates critical praise, but she values praise from her readers even more. She credits her successful career to the loyal readers who rush out to buy each new book on the day it's released.

With the advent of ebooks, Susan's career has soared even higher, and her books make regular appearances on both print and ebook bestsellers lists. She has embraced the Digital Age with a robust website (www.susanmallery.com), an active presence on Facebook (www.facebook.com/susanmallery) and a free Susan Mallery app for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices (www.mobileroadie.com/apps/susanmallery). At www.foolsgoldca.com, she also provides bonus content such as after-the-happily-ever-after updates for the Fool's Gold romances, her most popular ongoing series.

Born and raised in California, Susan lives with her family in Seattle, where she survives the dreary days of winter with the help of a "happy lamp" and plenty of coffee.

Now if you live on the US or Canada and would like a chance to win a copy of this really great book-here is what you have to do:

Mandatory: In a comment leave me your name and email address

Extra: Visit Susan's Website and tell me what other book of her's you
would like to read

Like Susan on Facebook

Follow me on GFC (to the right)

Follow me on Bloglovin" (to the right)

Like this post

Tweet this post (once daily)

Good Luck Everyone!








I received a paperback of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Cover Reveal-Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost-AND GIVEWAY (ends 9/27!!)

Friday, September 13, 2013


I LOVE the cover of this book, it looks like this book is going to be spine tingling-and since today is my birthday and it is a Friday the 13th---------I may be hiding under my bed for the day (yes, I am superstitious) OR reading this book if I get it in time. Be sure to watch for the reviews, 1st chapter reveals, guest posts, book spotlights, trailers and lots more when this book is published in October. I will be reviewing this book and a whole lot more on Miki's Hope on November 26th!! I am so excited!!

Join Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan and Dorothy Thompson, authors of the paranormal romance, Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost, as they tour the blogosphere September 2 – 27 on their first cover reveal with Pump Up Your Book! Heide, Pam and Dorothy will be giving away a ghostie swag to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!







Terms & Conditions of the Giveaway:

Heide, Pam & Dorothy, the 3 authors of this fabulous book, are giving away these fabulous prizes!

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old

One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a Halloween Party Pack for 18, an eBook copy of Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost gifted via Amazon only, one psychic phone reading from Pam Ryan and two winners will be chosen to receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards (or Paypal Cash)!

This giveaway begins September 2 and ends September 27.

Winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. EST September 27 2013.
Winner has 24 hours to reply.
Each blogger who participates in this promotion is eligible to win.
Visit each “stop” daily for more entries. To view all the stops visit the official book blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway








I received nothing for posting this cover reveal. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Are you Superstitious?

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Well, I certainly am and it all revolves around the number 13. Let me list the reasons why:


First- My Dad died back in 1966 13 days before my 16th birthday. Since then I have been semi depressed for a couple of weeks before and after that date.

Second- My Mom took me on a trip to Israel in 2000 for my 50th birthday--we were at the Wailing Wall on my 50th birthday something was supposed to happen (bombing or something)-luckily it did not but it sure was tense the entire time we were in Israel! I was VERY glad when we got back on American soil.

Third- 9/11 happened two days before my birthday.

Fourth- When my birthday falls on a Friday (like this year)strange things happen! So now I try to just stay home and not tempt fate.

On the other hand:

The number 13 itself can usually bring me luck (as long as I don't attempt to use it to win something on a Friday!)

So why am I telling you all this? Because I may just disappear on Friday (of course I may not) and hide in my bed with a book (of course 7 books appeared at my door all needing reading and reviews AT THE SAME TIME) until I have to go out to dinner that evening with my Mom--I do have a post scheduled to go up that day and I hope you all go and comment on it--I will return on Saturday. But it may take me another week or two to get back to my usual happy self.


All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review - Leaving Annalise -Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


This is the second book in a three book series and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first- see my review of "Saving Grace" here if you never saw it or do not remember it. Katie Connell ran away from the life she once led to the island of San Marcos. In this book her past comes back to haunt her but will she be brave enough to grab love this time around and be able to get rid of her almost ex-boyfriend? Ava, her slightly nutty island roommate (until her house is finished, if she can ever get an honest contractor) does not play a very important role in this book but Annalise the spirit that haunts her house on the island sure does-thank heavens! This is again a romantic mystery with a lot of laughs mixed in. I am anxiously awaiting book three!!

About the Book:



Volume 2 in the Katie & Annalise Series: One unexpected and hotly fought-over little boy, two dead bodies, and a series of home vandalisms throw Texas attorney turned island chanteuse Katie Connell into a tizzy. Juggling all of this, Bloody Mary cravings, baggage, and the bad guys too, she waffles between the jumbie house that brought her back from the brink and the man she believes is the love of her life.

This book can be purchased at Amazon


About the Author:


Pamela Fagan Hutchins is an employment attorney and workplace investigator by day who writes award-winning and bestselling mysterious women's fiction and relationship humor by night. She is passionate about great writing and smart author-preneurship. She also leaps medium-tall buildings in a single bound, if she gets a good running start.

Visit her website
Twitter
Facebook




I received a paperbook edition for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$500 GA-Skin Soho Facial Lightening Kit (ARV $300) + $200 Visa GC-US, Can-9/30

Tuesday, September 10, 2013



I sure could use the face lightening system by Skin Soho on my facial age spots! And as for that $200 Visa Gift Card--NEW CLOTHES (or maybe dinner out). This is one heck of a giveaway which I suggest you enter immediately as long as you live in the US or Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway







All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 PayPal-WW-School’s Cool Giveaway Hop-Ends 9/21

Saturday, September 7, 2013

This contest is officially over. There were 861 comments-Thank you so much everyone! I just got back from Random.org and the lucky winner is number 654

CindyWindy2003 said... 654

https://twitter.com/carawling/status/380744120723333120

September 19, 2013 at 2:13 PM

Congratulations Cindy! You are the winner of the $25.00 PayPal in the School's Cool Giveaway Hop! Now all you have to do is respond to the email I will be sending in just a few minutes with your name and PayPal address and I will send you the $25.00!




 photo schools-cool-giveaway-hop_zpse26f89ac.jpg
Welcome to the School's Cool Giveaway Hop!
and Passport to Frugal (now LeahSay's Views)

From September 7 at 12:01 am to
September 21 at 11:59 pm,
you can visit all the participating blogs listed below
and enter to win a prize at each blog.
Prizes are all school-themed and worth at least $25.
Have fun and good luck!

I thought about giving a Staples GC but then I thought-maybe what is still needed is clothing or shoes or backpack or maybe a lunch box. So I decided that I would allow one lucky winner to decide for themselves where and for what they wanted to shop. Not all of us have children (I know I do not have any)and I really want all my readers to have a chance at winning--children do go to school all over the world after all. Thus the giveaway from Miki's Hope will be $25.00 PayPal to one winner no matter where they happen to live as long as they have a PayPal account.


There will be only ONE Mandatory entry which is: In a comment put your name and email address

Want some extra chances? Follow me on GFC (to the right)
Follow me on Bloglovin' (to the right)
Follow me on Sverve and endorse me for something(to the right)
Follow me on Linky Followers (to the right)
Like this post
Tweet this post (once daily)















All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$100 Amazon GC-Book Blast-Running Against Traffic-Gaelen VanDenbergh-ends 9/27

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Join Gaelen VanDenbergh, author of the contemporary women's fiction novel, Running Against Traffic, as she tours the blogosphere September 2 - Septembe 27, 2013 on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

To view all the stops on this book tour click here!

Running Against TrafficABOUT RUNNING AGAINST TRAFFIC

Paige Scott spent her childhood shuffled between relatives who ignored her, and her adult life hiding in her crumbling marriage to wealthy David Davenport. When David suddenly thrusts her into a remote, impoverished world, Paige is forced to face the betrayals of her past - not to mention the colorful townies of her present. Unexpected friendships and her discovery of running propel her on a jagged and comical journey toward learning how to truly live.


This Book Can Be Purchased at Amazon

Add to Goodreads


 

ABOUT GAELEN VANDENBERGH

I am a writer, runner, reader, compulsive list-maker, mother and zookeeper (it feels like it, anyway). I grew up in Philadelphia, moved around a bit – Maine, Boston, NYC, back to Philly – and I have lived here for the past twelve years. I live with my husband and daughter, a fat cat, several fish, and a one-eyed dog.

You can connect & socialize with the author!

Author's Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Pump Up Your Book and Gaelen VanDenbergh are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!



Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $100 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins September 2 and ends September 27, 2013.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 30, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!


ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway






I received a link in the rafflecopter form for posting this. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.
 
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