June 2014 | Miki's Hope

Book Review - Rage - Lawrence W. Gold

Monday, June 30, 2014


I have read almost every single book Lawrence Gold has written. I have yet to find one I didn't absolutely enjoy! Rage does have medical components but is a stand alone novel apart from his hospital series.

Perfectly normal people are committing horrendous murders and then don't remember a thing. And it keeps happening--the only thing tying it together is the approximate location where they live. The defense lawyers run to grab forensic psychiatrist Michael Rose and his assistant before the prosecution lawyers do.

This is truly another book I did not put down--3 hours later and I finished it! Another 5 for Dr. Gold!



About the book: (from Amazon)

When normal people suddenly attack and murder, their defense attorney hires Dr. Michael Rose, a former cop turned forensic psychiatrist and his associate, Karen Scott to represent them in court. The inexplicable events mystify these experienced professionals, and together they seek a rational explanation.

When psychiatric evaluation reveals a pattern among the subjects, Michael suspects that there is more to these incidents than spontaneous psychosis. Using his instincts and skills as a former police detective, Michael and Karen begin their own investigation.

What they uncover is chilling.
Who is behind it?
Why is it happening, and most importantly can they do something before the killer strikes again?
During the dramatic denouement, Michael must wrestle with his conscience and the true meaning of justice.

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the book here

About the Author: (from author's website)


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 caring for patients with complicated illnesses often in ICU, and served as Chief of Internal Medicine and Family Practice. For many years, I was an active member of the quality assurance committee. Circumstances permitted my wife, Dorlis, and me to retire in October 1995. Before fate could intervene, we tossed off the dock lines, and 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 completed two ‘circle trips’ to Canada and back, eight months, the first time, five months, the second. I’ve written eight novels, five in he Brier Hospital Series, and one non-fiction book, I Love My Doctor, But…, a lighthearted look at the patient/doctor relationship. I recently published my ninth novel, A Simple Cure, about the search for the cure of the most deadly skin cancer, malignant melanoma. 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 1/2 year old Mike, a terrier mix and Bennie, an 8 year old Yorkie who just looks like he’s on steroids.

Author's Website
Dr. Gold's Fiction and Medical News (this is very interesting)
Facebook
Twitter-still under construction!
Goodreads






I received this book on one of Amazon's free days! 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 Spotlight/Excerpt-How to Kill a Romance Writer-Jacy Oliver and Bryant James

Saturday, June 28, 2014

htkarwbt


1H2KARW16 FB


Title: How to Kill a Romance Writer
Author: Jacy Oliver & Bryant James
Genre: Romance
Published: May 2014


goodreads-badge-add-plus

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The Hopeless Romantic

Jenna Michaels is a romance writer who believes in every word she writes. One day prince charming will come knocking on her door and make her a bride just like the ones she creates in her books.

The Cynical Bastard

Alex James, is living his dream as a mom and pop pizza place owner. A nasty divorce taught him that love doesn't exist. He believes the best cure for love is a cynical attitude and a piece of pizza.

When Jenna accidentally orders a pizza from Alex's store, the two become locked in contentious debate about whether love is myth. A debate that leads to the question that will change the course of both of their lives: How do you kill a romance writer?



Authors Bio:

Jacy Oliver has always had a thing about writing, she is a college grad, and when she’s not writing she spends most of her days working the family business, playing with her nieces and nephews, taking vacations, walking her little neurotic dog Oscar, or looking at Pinterest.

Bryant James is graphic artist, writer and practicing cynic.

Authors Links: Mailing List | Facebook

Excerpt:

Jenna

“You did what?” Karen looks at me, a bit dumbfounded.

“You heard me, I accidently ordered a pizza from the Freaking Wicked pizza place in Ohio instead of the one here in Twin Falls. I was having a bad night, and now I can’t seem to stop e-mailing the owner back. It’s only been going on a few days. Oh, and because I freaked out on him, now I get free pizza whenever I want, from the Freaking Wicked here in Twin. He’s the most cynical guy I think I’ve ever talked to, but he has a good heart. I really believe that.”

“What’s his name?”

“Alex James.”

“Is he on Facebook?” Karen asks.

“I don’t know, I haven’t checked. I’m not you, I don’t need to know every last detail about someone before I talk to them.”

“What about his website? Is there a picture on his pizza site?”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

“Well let’s look.” Karen pulls her phone out and Googles Alex’s website. “Here.” And she hands me her phone.

The face staring back at me is very handsome. Alex has dark brown hair, cut short, beautiful blue eyes, full lips and a strong jaw. He is giving the camera a slight smile and is wearing a simple black t-shirt and a white apron with his pizza shops logo across the top of it.

“Oh, well, okay.”

“Okay? At least now you know he’s human and male. I bet he’s packing some muscles under that shirt, you can see the slight bulge of his biceps from his crossed arms.”

“I already knew that he was human and male. I talked to him on the phone once, remember?” But I look at the picture again and bite my lip, yes, he’s definitely very nice looking.

“He’s kind of a looker.”

“Karen! That’s not the point of this. I’m not e-mailing him because I think he’s cute.”

“Well, it doesn’t hurt.”

I shrug. “No, I guess it doesn’t.” I hear my phone ding. “Oh hey, here is another e-mail from him.”





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.

Free Blogger Opp Signups Open – $500 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Friday, June 27, 2014



Do you think your readers would like to win a $500 Amazon Gift card? I am pretty sure mine would. If you want to sign up then click here This giveaway is being held at This Mamas Life! If you sign up please tell them Miki's Hope sent you!



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/PayPal -Red, White & Blue Event-WW-Ends 7/7


Hi everybody--it is officially summertime and this weekend is the 4th of July. The perfect timing for another giveaway put together by Lisa of Planet Weidknecht and Bonnie of LeahSay’s Views. As always they have done a marvelous job and have my thanks!

I generally hide out in my apartment on July 4th weekend-I am not a fan of "bombs bursting in air" or on the roads!! Francis Scott Keye wrote what became our National Anthem in 1814. I think this is a good time to remember the words

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
By Francis Scott Key 1814


Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


I actually copied and pasted the above from the USA flag site (I know the first stanza by heart--but the rest?) And if someone could please explain why tears start in my eyes every time I read, hear or sing this song-I would truly appreciate knowing. As an aside I would like to mention that peoples of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths actually worship the same God. It is in the prophets and their teachings that they differ!!

Now on to the giveaway--Miki's Hope will be giving away a $25.00 Amazon GC or PayPal to one lucky reader. But there are others participating in this hop as well (you can find a linky list below the giveaway form!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Each of the participating bloggers will be hosting their own giveaway with a minimum value of $25.
Please visit the bloggers listed in the linky below and enter for a chance to win each of the prizes!

$50 Amazon Gift Card from Skintrium-US and Can-Ends 7/8

Wednesday, June 25, 2014


Skintrium, an international expert in skin care products that address almost all our "problems" including those on our Face, Body,
Hand / Knee / Elbow, Eyes, Feet and Age Spots / Sun Spots would like to give one lucky winner a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win (see Rafflecopter for full prize details).


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.

Book Review-UpRush- Jo Barney


Never, never under estimate what women in their 60's and above are capable of accomplishing--I should know--we are fearless and can out smart and out talk almost anyone. When four old college friends get together at one of their beach houses for a reunion they are all at turning points in their lives. When Madge tells them that she has written a book about them but she can't finish it--they will have to--of course they come up with lots of excuses--until they start noticing things--like post it notes all over the beach house.

This is a story of true friendship and what they ultimately did for Madge! I am sure you are going to love it--whether you agree or not with what they ultimately did. You will laugh at how they accomplished some of it! That poor Sheriff!!

I loved this book and give it a 5 Star-

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Four women, old college friends, meet at Madge's beach house, as they have done before, for a weekend retreat. This time, along with good food, glasses of wine, a little gossip, they discover that Madge, a successful novelist, has included them in her next book, the stories of their lives after their days and nights inn the sorority solarium smoking Pall Malls and talking as sexy as one could in the late 50's.

"Your stories aren't finished," Madge tells them, "just as your lives aren't. And l need your help with my own story."

Three of the women, immersed in the memories that Madge's novel brings to the surface, end their retreat about to make decisions that will change their lives. But what Madge has asked of them may be more than they are willing to do.

The four days they spend walking the beach, worrying in front of the fire, inventing stories for the sheriff, dealing with a man in a pony tail, hiding a guilty car in a debris-filled garage, and despite a few hissy fits, revisiting the intimacy they once knew in the smoky late hours in the Gamma Psi house, teach them to breathe deep and accept the awesome responsibility that real friendship asks.

This story is about women who have faced challenging changes in their lives, have kept friendships despite these changes, and who understand that they do have choices about which path to take next. Even at sixty.

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the book Here (the kindle version is $2.99 as I am writing this-but check just in case)

About the Author: (from Amazon)


After graduating from Willamette University, I spent the most of next thirty years teaching, counseling, mothering, wifeing and of course, writing.

My work has been published in literary magazines, mainstream publications, and professional journals. Several of my short stories have won awards.

Lately, I have concentrated on longer projects and at this point, I've completed four novels. The first, Wednesday Club, uses my teaching life as inspiration, the second, Mom, my prodigal son, the hockey player, and the third, The Solarium, takes a close look at friendship. Solarium has been recently published as a paperback entitled Uprush (April, 2014) Graffiti Grandma, a thriller, examines the need, in even the most disturbed of us, for family.

These stories and essays, as well as the novels, reflect my observations of women's lives and the people who inhabit them: children, husbands, parents, friends, strangers who happen by and change everything.

Website
Goodreads






I received a paperback copy 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.

Kindle Paper White Giveaway-How to Kill a Romance Writer-Jacy Oliver and Bryant James-Ends 7/23

htkarwcb

1H2KARW16 FB

Title: How to Kill a Romance Writer
Author: Jacy Oliver & Bryant James
Genre: Romance
Published: May 2014

goodreads-badge-add-plus

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The Hopeless Romantic

Jenna Michaels is a romance writer who believes in every word she writes. One day prince charming will come knocking on her door and make her a bride just like the ones she creates in her books.

The Cynical Bastard

Alex James, is living his dream as a mom and pop pizza place owner. A nasty divorce taught him that love doesn't exist. He believes the best cure for love is a cynical attitude and a piece of pizza.

When Jenna accidentally orders a pizza from Alex's store, the two become locked in contentious debate about whether love is myth. A debate that leads to the question that will change the course of both of their lives: How do you kill a romance writer?



Authors Bio:

Jacy Oliver has always had a thing about writing, she is a college grad, and when she’s not writing she spends most of her days working the family business, playing with her nieces and nephews, taking vacations, walking her little neurotic dog Oscar, or looking at Pinterest.

Bryant James is graphic artist, writer and practicing cynic.

Authors Links: Mailing List | Facebook

Giveaway:

Jacy Oliver is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite.

Open Worldwide

Ends 23rd July 2014


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.

Children's Book Review/Giveaway-US only-E is for Emotions-Lisa Weidknecht-Ends 7/21

Monday, June 23, 2014


There is a different kind of Alphabet Book in town and it was written by one of our own. You all know Lisa Weidknecht of Planet Weidknecht? Yes she created this book for young children. Most alphabet books teach the alphabet using the standard B is for Baby-but not Lisa! Through subtly colored simplistic drawings and rhymed words the alphabet is used to help teach young children about the different emotions they themselves feel.

A is for Amused.

That’s how I feel inside
when something makes me smile,
Like a silly little poem
that makes me giggle for a while.


Whether this book is read to children or they are at the stage where they can help you read it this book will not only reinforce the learning of the alphabet but will help your child learn about the various emotions they feel but can not yet put into words. Additionally on every picture page there is an illustration of the Capital Letter if you want to help your child learn to recognize and perhaps trace the letters.

Now everyone, I am sure, knows this took me no time at all to read. I wish my grandniece lived closer-I would love to read this to her and help her to learn about all those mysterious feelings that cause her to act the way she does.

One of my lucky readers will be able to win an autographed paperback copy of this marvelous children's book (US ONLY)-just use the rafflecopter at the end of this post to enter.

About the Book: (from Amazon)

"E is for Emotions" will help your young child learn to recognize the multitude of feelings he or she experiences. Through the use of rhymes, one for each letter of the alphabet, this books helps to develop children's social and emotional skills. The story is told from a child's point of view and an example is given for each emotion. Sure to be a favorite alphabet book!

This book can be purchased at Amazon Barnes & Noble AuthorHouse and others

About the Author: (from AuthorHouse)


This pic was copied from Lisa's blog))

Lisa Weidknecht lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She has been an early childhood educator for 20 years. She earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development & Family Relationships from the University of Texas at Austin. She believes strongly in providing children the right environment and materials to facilitate learning and social interaction. "E is for Emotions" is Lisa's second book.

Lisa can be found:
Website/Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
Goodreads

And now for the Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway







I received a paperback version 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.

Guest Post by Peggy Hanson “EAT YOUR WAY AROUND TURKEY”

Sunday, June 22, 2014


Just yesterday I reviewed Peggy Hanson's book "Deadline Istanbul", the first in this series. Cllck here to read my review. This is a great mystery story but as I mentioned it is also a travel log of Turkey! And what would be better then to find out the different culinary delights that can be found there as well! Just look at those pastries above--oh my!!

Peggy Hanson has written a guest post to tell us all about all the great food to be had in Turkey! My stomach is grumbling--And guess what Baby my Cat has decided she wants to visit Turkey because cats are allowed to sit under the tables while patrons eat!

Now on to the guest Post

“EAT YOUR WAY AROUND TURKEY”


Travel can certainly be broadening—especially if you are in a country like Turkey, where the cuisine is justifiably famous and delicious. My first Elizabeth Darcy mystery, DEADLINE ISTANBUL, was a great platform from which to launch into memories of the food I have enjoyed over the past fifty years, since I was a Peace Corps volunteer in a small Anatolian town. What fun to savor the smells and tastes of doner kebab (lamb sliced thinly off an upright spit), of eggplant cooked at least forty-seven ways (now many more than that!), of piquant feta cheese and small black cured olives for breakfast. Fresh fruit and vegetables…shepherd salad…really, I could go on and on.


But I loved mystery at least as much as food, so I can’t say the food actually inspired the books. It just made writing them more fun. And of course I have had many excuses to go back to Turkey over the years—not back to the home-cooking in Cankiri, my Peace Corps town, but to restaurants all over the country. Turkey is a land where one can safely eat at a roadside lokanta, especially if they are serving the hot vegetable or meat dishes that have always been a staple for the populace. You are escorted to the glass case, where you point to what you want and a polite waiter brings it to you. Those little places will also have some form of borek, the pastry made from thin dough wrapped around bits of cheese, meat and broad-leaved parsley. And for dessert, you’ll find creamy rice pudding or nut and honey-laced baklava. Drink ayran, a thick yogurt, salt and water drink (amazingly refreshing, even on a hot day) before you move on to mahogany-colored tea in little tulip glasses or freshly-made Turkish coffee sweetened to your order.

One of my favorite restaurants along the Bosphorus gets named in the book: Ismet Baba’s, in Kuzguncuk village on the Asian side of that beautiful waterway. It’s interesting getting there from Sultanahmet, the old city where many of the historic buildings and monuments are. You take the tram down to the wharf, hop on a ferry, cross to Uskudar, get off and walk past the flower ladies to the bus, which you take for just one stop heading up the Bosphorus. This route puts you in touch with “real” Turks: the commuters, the young people leaving the university campus, the women wearing headscarves, the folks who will help you get aboard each mode of transportation. Elizabeth takes this route quite a lot in DEADLINE ISTANBUL!

Under or near every outdoor table in Turkey are beautiful and well-behaved cats. They know they can’t beg or the waiters will shoo them off. But they can watch your every bite—and if you can resist them, you are either a strong person or a non cat-lover. A little fish? A piece of chicken? Well, that furry charmer needs it more than I do.


In fact, you’re likely to find yourself eating much more in Turkey than at home. The Turks love it that way. “Afiyet olson,” they cry. May it go to your well-being.



Brief Bio and links:

Peggy Hanson is an author and travel blogger who loves to share her international life with her readers. Peace Corps, Voice of America, teaching of English--all these have played major roles in her life. Growing up in a series of small towns in Colorado, the daughter of a mountain-climbing Congregational minister and teacher, probably helped mold her affinity to nomadism. In her adult life, she's lived for extended periods in Turkey, Yemen, India and Indonesia.

Her first two books are mysteries in the Elizabeth Darcy series set in other countries: DEADLINE ISTANBUL and DEADLINE YEMEN. She is currently working on the third in that series, DEADLINE INDONESIA, and is also compiling and editing her great aunt Mary's diaries and letters and pictures from 1888-1920 when she was a missionary teacher and principal in the Balkans. The working title of the diaries is MISS MATTHEWS OF MACEDONIA. It is a story of early feminism and a woman's bravery in the face of war.

Website

Twitter





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-Deadline Istanbul-Peggy Hanson

Saturday, June 21, 2014


This is the first in The Elizabeth Darcy Series by Peggy Hanson. This is not only an extremely well written mystery novel set in Turkey--it could also be a travel log on Turkey, it's people, it's sites, it's history and some of the political and religious problems encountered in the country. I could almost visualize the sites, sounds and smells to be found there. I mentioned this book to my Mom who has been to Turkey and I was informed that I better hand it over to her!

Elizabeth Darcy is a jounalist and has been sent to Turkey to fill in for her friend (also a journalist) who has died according to official word-but Elizabeth is sure it is murder and is bound and determined to clear her friends name. She meets many people as the story progresses and honestly I did not know who were the good guys and who the bad or maybe a bit of both until the very end. Does she find out who killed her friend? Read the book--you will be totally surprised! I am definitely going to be reading the other 2 books in this series!!

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

ISBN-10: 1434442365
ISBN-13: 978-1434442369
Wildside Press
Trade paper
October 2013 $14.95

Also available in ebook format

Elizabeth Darcy is in the world's most intriguing city to cover for old friend and fellow correspondent Peter Franklin, found dead in the Bosphorus. She's convinced it wasn't an accident. But uncovering secrets can be a dangerous business. Are spies involved? Criminals? Where does religion become politics, and vice versa? And who are those men following her? Danger stalks her through the ancient streets. Elizabeth will be lucky to return safely to Washington. Fortunately, she has her Jane Austen book and the cat Sultana to hold onto-as long as that comfort lasts. "When journalist Elizabeth Darcy travels to Istanbul to investigate the death of a friend and colleague, she is quickly immersed in a Byzantine world of secrets and deception. Peggy Hanson's evocative description of this city of minarets and sultan's palaces is as vibrant and rich as a multi-colored Turkish carpet." - Ellen Crosby, author of Multiple Exposure "Deadline Istanbul introduces a smart, determined new detective, a newspaper reporter with a can-do spirit and a sense of humor. Istanbul itself, ancient and modern, filled with its own mysteries and contradictions, comes to life in Peggy Hanson's admirable novel.

Read a chapter here

Purchase the Book Here and whereever fine books are sold.

About the Author: (From Promo Material)


Peggy Hanson is an author and travel blogger who loves to share her international life with her readers. Peace Corps,Voice of America, teaching of English--all these have played major roles in her life. Growing up in a series of small towns in Colorado, the daughter of a mountain-climbing Congregational minister and teacher, probably helped mold her affinity to nomadism. In her adult life, she's lived for extended periods in Turkey, Yemen, India and Indonesia. Her first two books are mysteries in the Elizabeth Darcy series set in other countries: DEADLINE ISTANBUL and DEADLINE YEMEN. She is currently working on the third in that series, DEADLINE INDONESIA, and is also compiling and editing her great aunt Mary's diaries and letters and pictures from 1888-1920 when she was a missionary teacher and principal in the Balkans. The working title of the diaries is MISS MATTHEWS OF MACEDONIA. It is a story of early feminism and a woman's bravery in the face of war.

In the past, Peggy has contributed travel articles to magazines in India. Recently she has started travel blogging for journeywoman.com and travelgogirl.com. Her most recent blog is entitled THE TURKISH DELIGHTS: Women to Travel With, Women to Love.

When time permits, Peggy leads groups of friends to Turkey. And she travels with her economist husband and with a group of close friends who call themselves The Delights. Read the blog on travelgogirl.com to learn more about that group of amazing women! Peggy lives near Washington D.C. with her husband and two energetic kittens. peggyhansonauthor.com

Goodreads








I received a paperback copy 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.

$15 Amazon GC (3 winners)-The Last Letter-Kathleen Shoop-Ends 8/3

Friday, June 20, 2014


How do I begin to describe a story that gripped me and tore at my heartstrings. The Last Letter by Kathleen Shoop did just that. This is the story of a woman whose life was changed utterly from perfect to gruesome in a very short period of time. Her name disgraced by actions taken by her father and partially by her husband she was forced to leave a life of privilege and make a go of it in a hovel dug into the side of a mountain on the prairie.

They had neighbors who helped each other out but her husband lived in the clouds. When she gave birth to a premature baby she did everything possible to keep that child alive. Her four children were her life. When her first born died in a freak snow storm attempting to warn his philandering father she fell apart. Katherine who really did not know the whole story was bitter for a reason you will have to read the book to find out, and as an adult hated her mother, although they used to be very close.

When Katherine's husband forces her to take in her dying mother and her sister she fights it--until she begins to read the letters her Mom has kept all these years.

You will need a box of tissues-I can't say more because it will give away what happened and happens at the end. This is one of those books that will probably stay with me for a very long time. Yes, 5 Stars.


A Father’s Deceit

A Husband’s Betrayal

A Loved One’s Death

A Mother’s Choice

A Daughter’s Resentment

A Time to Forgive

For every daughter who thinks she knows her mother’s story…

Katherine wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t found the last letter…

Katherine Arthur’s dying mother arrives on her doorstep, forcing her to relive a past she wanted to forget. When Katherine was young, the Arthur family had been affluent city dwellers until shame sent them running for the prairie, into the unknown. Taking her family, including young Katherine, to live off the land was the last thing Jeanie Arthur had wanted, but she would do her best to make a go of it. For Jeanie’s husband Frank it had been a world of opportunity. Dreaming, lazy Frank. But, it was a society of uncertainty — a domain of natural disasters, temptation, hatred, even death.

Ten-year-old Katherine had loved her mother fiercely, put her trust in her completely, but when there was no other choice, and Jeanie resorted to extreme measures on the prairie to save her family, she tore Katherine’s world apart. Now, seventeen years later, Katherine has found the truth — she has discovered the last letter. After years of anger, can Katherine find it in her heart to understand why her mother made the decisions that changed them all? Can she forgive and finally begin to heal before it’s too late?

Buy the book from.......
About the Author

A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Kathleen's debut novel, The Last Letter was garnered multiple awards in 2011.  Her second novel, After the Fog (Silver IPPY), was a category finalist in the 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Her third novel, Love and Other Subjects, earned a Silver medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards and received an Honorable Mention from the San Francisco Book Festival. Recently, Kathleen has released the her first romance novella, Home Again (Book One). Book Two, a novel-length work in the Endless Love series called Return to Love, will be released in May, 2014.

Books Two and Three in the historical fiction series that started with The Last Letter are nearly complete and should be released by fall, 2014.

Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Follow the Author
Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads 



Follow the Book Tour





018836-glossy-silver-icon-symbols-shapes-square-2 

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!


THREE Lucky Winners will each receive a $15 Amazon Giftcard,
courtesy of author of The Last Letter, Kathleen Shoop
Ending on Sunday 3rd August at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter  Below & Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway










I received an 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.

Book Review-The Curvy Girls Club-Michele Gorman

Wednesday, June 18, 2014


I wonder if anyone really realizes how "curvy" women and men feel--how totally insecure--how angry. I know I have been curvy most of my life and it gets real old real quick when people tell you "what a pretty face you have--but don't you think you could lose a few pounds?" It is actually the same for women and men who are too skinny. Most times it is the constant yo yo dieting that keeps us heavy--but we all keep trying, sometimes to our detriment.

Well in this novel that hit home a bit too close for me. 4 curvy friends decide to quit a skinny club and start one of their own where everyone could possibly feel better about themselves. All four of these friends have psychological problems due mostly to their body image and it shows in the way they react to others. When one of them suddenly loses weight for no apparent reason suddenly she is made to feel bad about it! Now there is a medical reason--and all does work out happily in the end.

Prejudice comes in many shapes and sizes--This author has actually started a website called the Curvy Girls Club-which if it gets large enough may actually have meetings etc--however I think that will be in England--but one can always hope!

Here is what Michele Gorman says:

"Imagine a place where nobody is judged by the size of their waistband, where you’re reminded every day how fabulous you are. That’s exactly what Michele Gorman did when she wrote THE CURVY GIRLS CLUB, and she had so much fun in that imaginary world that she’s creating the real thing!

You can be part of the real Curvy Girls Club – a friendly, supportive, encouraging community where everyone is welcome, a fun place for people who want to love themselves. Think of it as the most flattering fitting room in the world - perfect lighting and mirrors that make you feel fantastic. Because you are fantastic. And that's the whole point.

Club members are treated to a daily dose of loveliness – empowering reminders that you’re pretty great just the way you are. Chat with one another, get involved in the book club and, once there are enough members, check out the real life social events. We’ve all got one thing in common: We want to live in a world where everyone is welcome no matter where they tip the scales.

Join the Club* for all the fun: http://thecurvygirlsclub.blogspot.co.uk/ All new members get Michele’s romantic comedy short story, WEIGHTLESS, for free.

And the Facebook group to get your daily dose of loveliness: https://www.facebook.com/groups/512009562242497/

Or Twitter: @CurvyGirlsClub3

* It’s not just for curvy girls, but for everyone who wants to feel great!

Many thanks!

Michele xo "

I really did love this novel even if it saddened me a little-there were parts that made me laugh out loud--a 5 STAR for sure.

About the Book: (from Goodreads)

When the pounds start falling off Katie, founder and president of London’s most popular social club for the calorie-challenged, it seems like a dream come true. But as the overweight stigma recedes and her life starts to change, she faces losing more than the inches around her waist. Everything that’s important to her – her closest friends, boyfriend, and acceptance into the club itself – are at stake in a world where thin is the new fat.

A funny, heart-warming story about overcoming the prejudices we hold, no matter where we tip the scales

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book:

Amazon US
Amazon CA
Barnes and Noble
Kobo US
Indigo Bookstore Canada


About the Author: (from Amazon)


Michele Gorman is the #1 best-selling author of Bella Summer Takes a Chance and The Expat Diaries (Single in the City) series. She also writes upmarket commercial fiction under the pen name Jamie Scott. Born and raised in the US, Michele has lived in London for 16 years.

If it weren't for Twitter and Facebook, Michele would be a much more prolific writer, but wouldn't have nearly as much fun, so do chat to her online:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Website
Goodreads



I received an ebook copy 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.

Book Review-Coming Home-Holly Kerr

Tuesday, June 17, 2014


What a heart warming book this turned out to be! When Brenna Ebans comes home after being away for more years then she can count she is scared. But having just found her husband with her legal assistant she just wants to hide and maybe start over. Brenna is not sure how her three sisters are going to react! Cat the youngest and the one who Brenna always fought with lives in the family home with her dogs and cats-and the ghost of their Mom who died when they were young. Her Dad had left the five (yes there is another one) with their Mom years before-never to return. It was Maggie, the oldest, who was left to care for all the girls. That they were all left emotionally scared in one form or another goes without saying.

Things get off to a rather bad start but actually I can almost see it all happening because certain people forgot to tell other certain people what was now happening! Being a small town gossip is prevalent and the girls have been creating gossip most of their lives si nothing new there.

It isn't until the end that you see how all the sisters (minus one) come together as family should!

This is definitely a 5 Star book if ever I've read one--I was left with a good, warm and fuzzy feeling as I read the last words.

About the Book:


Loving your sisters is easy. Liking them is the hard part.

Brenna Ebans always wanted more than what Hill n’Valley could give her, so it seemed a simple decision to follow her black-sheep sister Dory’s footsteps and leave Hill n’Valley in her rearview, hoping to locate their missing father. Leaving her sisters and her first love Seamus was harder than she thought, but she’s made a life for herself in Vancouver, started her career at a prestigious law firm, and has found the man of her dreams. But when she finds her husband Toby in a compromising position at work, she loses both her love and her job, and has nowhere to go but home.

Youngest sister Cat has remained in Hill n’Valley, leaving a string of broken hearts—and ex-husbands—in her wake. She’s happy living in the family home, with the ghost of their dead mother to keep her company during the day, and her latest conquest—Brenna’s old boyfriend, Seamus—to keep her warm at night. And she’s less than thrilled to hear about Brenna’s return.

But when tragedy strikes, it brings their father back to Hill n’Valley, and the sisters will have a lot of issues to resolve…
For More Information
• Coming Home is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Read Chapter One here.

About the Author


Ask any writer and they'll tell you they have always wrote and Holly Kerr is no exception. She’s written stories about bunnies dodging cars and sisters dying, distracting the cute boy in class and dark plots to kill your best friend's husband. Coming Home is her latest novel, a story about sisters who can’t get along and living in a small town, two things she knows more than a little about! A self-professed geek, she loves anything to do with Star Wars, super heroes, Joss Whedon and Harry Potter. She also enjoys running, playing in the dirt and sharing a glass of wine with friends.
Her latest book is the women’s fiction, Coming Home.

For More Information

• Visit Holly Kerr’s website.
• Connect with Holly on Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit Holly’s blog.
More books by Holly Kerr.
Contact Holly Kerr.
. Goodreads




I received a PDF copy 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.

Book Review-And The Sun Always Sets-Danny Odato

Monday, June 16, 2014


I am going to start this review with part of the courtesy interview I was sent by Outskirtspress.

"What is your book about?

Its about two teens in love who try to get married but the society has their own mentality and cult against liberation, therefore soon they discover deceit, and more obstacles then they imagined, and they soon discover that it may not be their destiny to live by their own decisions in this modern world.

Why did you decide to write it?

To send a message to the world, in what condition women in this country are living and how they are treated.

What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same catagory?

My book talks about the real life these people are living in. It shows in tangent detail how hard it is to have rights if any, for women. It shows the undisputed leadership of the macho man regardless of his leadership quality. It shows the raw life of humans who are treated like animals."

Do you plan to publish more?

Yes, I am coming up with a few other books which are really pieces of art always with the same goal in mind which is Women's rights.


I have read and reviewed two other of Danny Odato's books- The Witches Revenge and The Evil Is In The Ice. Both are very good books--But I really think he has outdone himself with And the Sun Always Sets.

It is again a short book but very much to the point--there are women around the world who are still treated as second class citizens. It reads almost like Romeo & Juliet those star crossed lovers. I REALLY think that any woman (or men who love them) should read this book-it is an eye opener. It is difficult to believe that this still goes on in our world today. 10 Stars!!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

The World Indifferent Is Watching

Mariyum tells the story of her life in a small Pakistani village, of her love of books and learning, and the challenges of living with a father who has given up on his family’s future. But the harsh reality of her world suddenly emerges, and she and her soul mate, Faisal, must embark on a journey to escape the corruption and oppression of their community—to live by their own merits and on their own terms.

Their path is full of treachery, deceit, and more obstacles than they imagined, and they soon discover that it may not be their destiny to live by their own decisions in this modern world. In And the Sun Always Sets, a suspenseful and romantic tale, Mariyum and Faisal eventually decide to take desperate measures in order to be together…no matter what the cost.

Read a chapter here

Purchase the book here

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


Danny Odato was born in 1953, the youngest of a family of seven, in the small town of Controne, Salerno, south of Naples. His passion for writing stems from his early education in a Franciscan momnastery, which was stocked with a collection of handwritten manuscripts, some hundreds of years old. He was drawn to a deeper education in philosophy and literature and began writing in his native Italian. Today, Danny's talent is at its peak. He credits his seond wife for giving him the inspiration and encouragement to continue writing, which has led to his most exciting stories, including his most recent novel, The Witch's Revenge.


Website
Goodreads
Facebook


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.

Book Review-The Evil Is In The Ice-Danny Odato

Friday, June 13, 2014


The Evil Is In The Ice is short and it took me maybe three hours to read this enjoyable sci-fi thriller. I am fast becoming a fan of this author. The first book I read was The Witches Revenge - click to read my review. I am almost finished with a third- And the Sun Always Sets - and will put up a review in a couple more days.

Why oh why can't humans leave well enough alone? Four very evil beings were trapped deep in the ice in the far reaches of Siberia--until they were discovered. Once it was ascertained where they would be defrosted and studied and they were shipped to their New York destination--that's where all the trouble begins. Will pure goodness and ancient bloodlines be able to harness this evil which is creating havoc and is slowly exterminating mankind?

Along with the book I received some Promo material with some sample interview questions and answers--This one caught my eye--

"Why did you decide to write it?

I have decided to write this to show and tell the world that Humans have limits in every discovery and that only God is the ultimate source who can tell us the real and final discover on this Earth"


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Far below the surface of an ancient tomb in Siberia,
four bodies are unearthed from their eternal rest.

The bodies are curiously well preserved, even though they have been buried for centuries, and they are brought for study to a New York research facility under the authority of highly acclaimed Dr. Frederick Orville. But soon after the investigation begins, things go terribly wrong. The demonic souls of the beings are reanimated…and they are hell-bent on terror.

Dr. Orville and his team work tirelessly in an underground bunker, under military guard, desperately trying to develop a serum to counteract the havoc the zombie-like terrorists wreak on their numerous victims. As a descendant of the Axosyz, only Doctor Orville’s daughter has the spiritual insight necessary to direct the scientists and reveal the forces of good they’ll need to overcome the evil that has been unleashed.

The Evil in the Ice is a fast-paced science-fiction thriller that takes the reader to a place where disbelief is suspended, faith in God is questioned, and the mystery of immortality is tantalizingly close to being unraveled.

Read a Sample of the book here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from his website)


Danny Odato is the President and CEO of Feeding American Families and the Book Gallery, a company that publishes novels and stories of different genres. After his extensive study in Philosophy, he found his dream mission: to help the poor and the needy, and those who had suffered from the foreclosure mission in the United States. At Feeding American Families, a non-profit charity organization started in 2012 by Danny himself, he helps out families with their financial problems while on the sidelines he owns a book publishing company, The Book Gallery as well..


Website
Goodreads
Facebook



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.
 
Miki's Hope . Design by Pocket