December 2014 | Miki's Hope

Books You Saw on Miki's Hope in 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014


I have read so many marvelous books by great authors this year I don’t even know where to begin. I actually can not pick a favorite author (forget me trying to pick a favorite book-it isn’t going to happen). What I finally decided to do is just use Goodreads stats and links (you can find them at the bottom of this post. I may or may not have read every book every author I love has written but I’ve come pretty close as anyone who follows me will testify. You can find reviews still on my blog under the category Books.

But before the list I would like to answer some remarks I am forever getting on my blog comments, on Facebook comments, on G+ comments and yes even on Twitter comments.

The one most prevalent is: “How do you find the time to read so much?”

Answer: I am now semi retired and I love to read so when I’m not working at a bookkeeping client or trying to keep up on Facebook groups—I read, sometimes 2 or 3 at a time (2 paperbacks and 1 Kindle. The Kindle is on my computer which is why I prefer paperbacks). It truly is not comfortable sitting at the computer and reading. I would like to thank all the authors who send me paperbacks-you are truly saving my backside!

Another question I get is “Are you a speed reader? How can you read so many books?”

Answer: I am not a verified speed reader-but I am a fast reader especially if the book has my total attention and interest. Remember, not all books are the same length so some are relatively short and take me no time at all—others well--.

I do try and keep my reviews short and to the point (that is my accounting degree and environmental science degree training mostly). I realize that not everyone likes the same books so I try to give my opinion then add the description from Amazon (and NO I am not an affiliate) and the url where people can go to read a chapter or two. I also attempt to put up something about each author. Did you ever try to find Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Websites or a pic and bio about an author if it wasn’t on Amazon–take it from me—it is not always easy. (Authors please take note!!).

Okay—enough of that—any other questions you want answered—put them in the comments and I will attempt to answer them.

According to Goodreads in 2014 I read 185 books (and reviewed them I believe) and still a few more I have coming and some that I read from the same authors in prior years!!- click here it will take you to the list I hope!!


This link will take you to the covers

And remember--not everyone likes the same books, but all books (and authors) deserve a chance. Do NOT judge a book by it's cover! Go in and read those free chapters-you might find that you would like it! And Parents--please check out books before buying them for your children--not all children are at the same level and only you will know for sure if the book belongs in your child's library.


Please Click into the Literacy Site Every Day - you can see the button on the left -

And last but not least I would like to thank each and every one of you who reads and comments on my blog. It is very much appreciated.





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-Bad Blood-E.E. Smith

Tuesday, December 30, 2014


Death by Misadventure, the first in the “ALEXIS J. SMITH—Discreet Inquiries” series, followed by Bad Blood, Russian Roulette, and Prescription For Murder. With Bad Blood I have read this entire series and really enjoyed every one of them. There are two cases to be solved by P.I. Alexis J. Smith in this short but action packed novel which really can be read as a stand alone. Of course you probably will want to read them in order-many of the same characters do reappear.

About the book below is about all I am going to tell you - I don't want to give anything away. Just know that The CIA, FBI, MI5 and the KGB somehow get involved. Poor Harry-a Scotland Yard detective who really likes this American from across the Pond is forever trying to get her out of trouble!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Alexis J. Smith, a young private investigator, returns to California after a case in England where she was a witness to murder—although the British court ruled it "death by misadventure." The dead man's overbearing sister, Monica Beck, is her first office appointment. It soon becomes clear that there is bad blood between Monica and her stepmother, Francine Faraday, and Lexie finds herself in the middle of a family feud over a valuable necklace that has gone missing.

She barely has time to solve the mystery of the missing jewelry, and heal the rift between Monica and Francine, before she is called back to England to work on another case with her friend, Harry Hawkins of Scotland Yard. It seems that Lexie's old forensic science professor at Sacramento J.C. is teaching a course at Cambridge and raising alarms by sounding like a communist. More worrisome yet, he has supposedly discovered a formula for artificial blood, worth millions to any country that could get exclusive rights to it. The United States is in a Cold War with the Soviet Union, and there is fear in both the US and Britain that the professor will sell his formula to the Russians. Her assignment is to prevent that from happening.

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from the Author's Website)


Evelyn Eileen Smith resides in the San Francisco Bay area and is an award-winning playwright of more than a dozen plays. The debut novel, Boardinghouse Stew, was inspired by her own real-life experiences working in a boardinghouse in Sacramento during World War II. Times Like These is based on more real-life adventures through the end of WW II, six years of peace, and the beginning of the Korean War. In her next book, In Love and War, Evelyn shared her experiences as a young bride during wartime and how decisions made in haste affected her entire life. She debuted as a mystery writer with Death by Misadventure, the first in the “ALEXIS J. SMITH—Discreet Inquiries” series, followed by Bad Blood, Russian Roulette, and Prescription For Murder.


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I received an Uncorrected Galley 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-Kelly's Koffee Shop (A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 1)-Dianne Harman

Monday, December 29, 2014


This is the first book in the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series. I saw it in a Facebook Group that I belong to and went in and purchased it. Do you want to know how much I enjoyed it? I already went in and purchased the second in the series!!

Cedar Bay is a very small town which essentially means everyone knows everyone else and their business---and if they don't know they will find out! The gossip capital of this small town is Kelly's Koffee Shop where people all converge for her wonderful food (breakfast and lunch only) and to pick up on gossip and to say good morning to Kelly's dog Rebel who likes nothing better then to be scratched behind his ears.

There has been a murder--it is the high schools Home Coming Queen-beloved by all and Kelly's Godchild. Mike the Sheriff (and Kelly's boyfriend) is bound and determined to find the killer. Kelly is bound and determined to help (much to Mike's distress). Secrets about some of the town's residents unfold and one by one 4 of the 5 suspects are considered innocent.

This is a fast reading book with lots of twists and turns. AND guess what--at the end are the recipes that are served at Kelly's Koffee Shop--Yummy!! I think I may have to read the trilogy Blue Coyote by this author as well--it sounds intriguing.

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Kelly pulled into the harbor parking lot next to the pier and noticed that Amber’s car wasn’t in its usual place and there was no sign of her. She was usually standing at the door of Kelly’s Koffee Shop, waiting for Kelly to open up. Wonder what that’s all about, she thought.

The local residents of Cedar Bay come to Kelly’s Koffee Shop for breakfast, lunch, and lots of gossip. Kelly serves it all up as she works to solve the murder of the high school Homecoming Queen. The townspeople can’t believe what has happened in their sleepy little Oregon seaside town. She identifies five prime suspects, but which one did it?

Follow Kelly, her boxer dog, Rebel, and her boyfriend, Mike, the county sheriff, as they try to determine who the killer is in a murder that’s shocked the town.

Kelly’s Coffee Shop is a mouth-watering cozy mystery with recipes!

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from Amazon)(Picture from Twitter)


Dianne Harman draws her stories and characters from a diverse business and personal background. She owned a national antique and art appraisal business for many years, left that industry, and opened two yoga centers where she taught yoga and certified yoga instructors. She's traveled extensively throughout the world, most recently dividing her time between Huntington Beach, California and Sacramento, California, where her husband was a Senator. An avid reader, Dianne brings the richness of her life experiences to her novels, Blue Coyote Motel, Coyote in Provence, and Cornered Coyote - all of which are available now in the Coyote Series. She is also the author of Tea Party Teddy and Tea Party Teddy's Legacy, California political novels.

Being a dog lover and having attended cooking schools all over the world, she couldn't resist writing about food and dogs - and her first cozy mystery, Kelly's Koffee Shop was written. It is #1 on the culinary cozy mystery list and #3 on animals. Her second book in the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series, Murder at Jade Cove, will be published soon..

An Award Winning Bestseller, Blue Coyote Motel was selected as a quarter finalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award contest, Goodreads Psychological Thriller of the Month Book, and e-thriller Book of the Month. Blue Coyote Motel and Coyote in Provence were finalists in Chanticleer's CLUE awards contest.

Blue Coyote Motel is a suspenseful love story which begins in the barrios of Southern California and spans the globe in such diverse locations as Provence, South America, and the Himalayas. The beautiful Latina, Maria, and her husband, Jeffrey, a scientist fired from a prestigious laboratory, struggle to build a new life in a remote Southern California desert area as owners of the motel.

Along with the anti-aging hormone, Jeffrey invents a "feel-good" wonder drug to help Maria with her depression. As Jeffrey becomes insane, he begins to experiment with the wonder drug. Six wayward travelers, including an alcoholic priest, a couple who own gold mines in Brazil, a depressed widow, a struggling salesman, and a Native American pediatrician, find themselves spending the night at the small motel. The next morning they wake up feeling better than ever. Has Jeffrey's miracle drug delivered? Or is the nightmare of addiction only beginning?

Coyote in Provence and Cornered Coyote complete the trilogy which spans the globe and introduces a character, Slade Kelly, a loveable irascible private eye, who many say has become their favorite literary character. The Mafia, food, wine, art, Provence, courtroom drama - all find a place in these books.

The Teddy saga is a multicultural romance set against the political background of California. It's the story of Nina, whose husband succumbs to the power of his office. Bigoted and biased, the ultimate irony occurs when she becomes romantically involved with the founder of the Republicans for Latinos, and in the process, discovers herself. The story continues in Tea Party Teddy's Legacy, a conclusion to Tea Party Teddy in the form of a novella.


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I purchased the 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-Undercover Cat-(A Klepto Cat Mystery)-Patricia Fry

Saturday, December 27, 2014


Okay, I'm addicted-I admit it-to this cozy mystery series featuring the kleptomaniac cat Rags and all his assorted brothers and sisters both animal and human! This is the fifth book in this series I have read. I think I have missed about three of them and will be reading them soon--in addition to any new ones that come out. Obviously you can read these and enjoy without reading the others (as I seem to have done)-but there is a thread with all the same main characters.

Rags would make Houdini proud--he can find any escape hatch to the outside world. Somehow he always manages to find objects which he artfully steals and hides in his toy box or other places if it needs to be found. But this big, klepto has a soft heart as well--or does he just want to train an accomplice?

There are a couple of mysteries to be solved and Rags gets involved in each one. Savannah is expecting her baby-any day now (probably have it in the next in this series)--a young journalist is abducted and will they find the cat hoarder scam artists and the man going around murdering old ladies? Read the book to find out!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

A popular local journalist goes missing just before she has the opportunity to turn in her story exposing unscrupulous cat hoarders. Not only is Colbi a friend of Savannah and Michael Ivey, Damon (now out of prison and employed by the local newspaper) has a strong personal interest in her. In fact, Damon breaks some rules and some trusts in his search for Colbi.
Is this a love connection? It’s doubtful because Colbi is a strong advocate for the feral cat population and Damon hates cats—or so he believes. Will a kitten in need change his heart?

Colbi’s rescue is almost too late. She needs time to heal both physically and emotionally. So the Iveys invite her to recuperate in their home. Just when Colbi begins to feel safe, a body is discovered in the Iveys’ orchard and Rags (their kleptomaniac cat) goes missing. Can someone in a nearby homeless camp shed some light on the evolving mystery? Does Rags have a secret of his own?


Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the book here

About the Author: (from Amazon)


There is a comprehensive biography of Patricia Fry which can be viewed here. This is one interesting woman!



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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.

Book Review-The Reluctant Elf (Christmas Novela)-Michele Gorman

Friday, December 26, 2014


What an adorable short book (approximately 120 pages) this is!! Perfect for this time of the year!! Michele Gorman is an amazing story teller who will capture your imagination and make you laugh and cringe--but mostly shake your head in wonder at the slap stick antics in The Reluctant Elf. I can't say enough good things about it. I read it on about an hour--no way I was getting up from this chair!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper

Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.

When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.

But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?


Watch the Book Trailer Here

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the book Amazon US: Amazon UK


About the Author: (from Amazon)


Michele Gorman is the USA TODAY bestselling author of eight romantic comedies. Born and raised in the US, Michele has lived in London for 16 years. She is very fond of naps, ice cream and Richard Curtis films but objects to spiders and the word "portion".

You can find out more about Michele by following her on twitter or Facebook and by reading her blog or website. Do chat with her online - she's always looking for an excuse to procrastinate!

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I received a mobi 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-Cranberry Bluff-Deborah Garner

Tuesday, December 23, 2014


I am so glad I decided to purchase this book instead of waiting to see if I might have won it. I kept seeing it on others bloggers blogs-I could not resist!

Molly, an unassuming young woman who had the unfortunate habit of doing daily tasks for her somewhat boring job in Florida at the exact same time wearing the exact same coat and shoes every day is accused of robbing a bank. The police figure finally she is innocent but she keeps getting threatened in various ways. She picks up and moves to Cranberry Cove in California to take over her Aunt Mary's Bed & Breakfast.

What ultimately happens there when several "guests" appear will keep you riveted. The twists and turns keep coming at you. The ending and who actually done it--well 2 mysteries for the price of one!

By the way while your mouth is watering as the guests are served various food items--and you also love cranberry's like I do--there are recipes for all of them at the end of the book!!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Molly Elliott's quiet life in Tallahassee, Florida, is disrupted when routine errands land her in the wrong place at the wrong time: the middle of a bank robbery. Accused and cleared of the crime, she flees both media attention and mysterious, threatening notes, to move across the country to Cranberry Cove, where she has inherited her Aunt Maggie's bed and breakfast on the Northern California coast. Her new beginning is peaceful - that is, until five guests show up at the inn for a weekend, each with a hidden agenda.

Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the book here

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

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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.

Book Review-Downstream-A Witherston Murder Mystery-Betty Jean Craige

Monday, December 22, 2014


I had absolutely no idea how much I would enjoy this novel-nor did I have a clue what it would be about. I should have actually since I do have an environmental science degree and Downstream is where all pollutants seem to go. Just a word of warning here--never move into a home or area that is downstream from a chemical plant of ANY kind!!

Yes, this book has a strong environmental message which we all should listen intently to-but it is also a very good mystery novel. The "murderer" keeps speaking to himself throughout but I really couldn't figure out who he was until nearly the end.
I found the snippets from the Witherston.com online news entertaining. I felt like I truly knew all the character's by the end of this novel.

This is one book I think I will keep on my shelf and re read again and again--yes-I enjoyed it that much!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

At the celebration of his hundredth birthday, local billionaire Francis Hearty Withers announces to the people gathered on the front lawn of Witherston Baptist Church that he has finalized his will. In it he bequeaths $1 billion to his north Georgia hometown of Witherston and another $1 billion to be divided up equally among the town’s 4,000 residents—in recognition of their support of a Senextra pharmaceutical factory. Senextra is a drug that enables individuals to lead healthy lives well into their second century, but it has some unanticipated consequences.

The group assembled to hear Withers’s announcement do not all applaud. One person carries a sign that says SENEXTRA VIOLATES MOTHER NATURE. Another, KEEP SENEXTRA OUT OF OUR SYSTEM. A third, WE DON'T NEED MORE OLD MEN.

Withers flies into a rage. He vows to change his will and disinherit the community. Two days later he is found dead.

In Betty Jean Craige’s first murder mystery a few humans die in unusual circumstances. A few others live in unusual circumstances. Who dunnit?

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from the author's website)


I grew up in El Paso, went to Pomona College for a B.A. in Spanish Literature and to the University of Washington for an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, spent a formative year in Madrid, and then came Athens, Georgia, to join the faculty of Comparative Literature at the University of Georgia. All that was a long time ago.

After thirty-eight happy years at the University of Georgia, I retired in 2011 as University Professor of Comparative Literature and Director of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts.

Along the way I published seventeen academic books in the fields of literature, literary translation, art, and history of ideas, including the biography Eugene Odum: Ecosystem Ecologist and Environmentalist.

The theme of almost everything I've written and taught since the early 1980s is the shift from dualism to holism in our culture's understanding of reality. I believe that in our social structure, in our concept of nature, and in our environmental practices we are developing a view of the world as an ecosystem, or like an ecosystem, whose parts are interconnected and interdependent. When we humans comprehend our dependence on the stability of the whole system, whether organic or political, we will acknowledge the necessity for healthy interaction with the system's other components, human and non-human.

A century and a half after Darwin showed humans' evolutionary kinship with the planet's other animals, we have continued to assume, dualistically, that we humans alone have consciousness. Living with multiple dogs and a parrot, I became convinced that their thoughts and feelings were not absolutely distinct from mine. So I started investigating cognition and communication in non-human animals.

In July of 2012 I was thrilled to read that top neuroscientists had signed a Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness proclaiming that "the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures, including octopuses, also possess these neurological substrates." Everybody thinks. It's official.

When I turned my attention from the mental life of human animals to the mental life of non-human animals, including that of my own bird, I wrote the non-academic book Conversations with Cosmo: At Home with an African Grey Parrot. Later I wrote the weekly newspaper column "Cosmo Talks."

Finally I realized that I could have fun expressing these ideas in fiction. So I wrote the novel Downstream, to be published by Black Opal Books. It is a murder mystery with an environmentalist message.

Author's Website
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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.

Review/Giveaway-CarPET Scratch Stopper-US only-Ends 1/23/15

Sunday, December 21, 2014


Cats are NOT owned--WE are their servants-just ask any one of them! We all LOVE our cats--but there are some things that cats do that can drive us slowly out of our minds. Take mine for instance. Baby is usually a sweet and loving kitty until I forget all the training I have received at her paws. For instance--do NOT come home late or I will hear a loud and indignant meow and my ankles are gently nipped if I dare to go near the outside door again. More then 2 clumps in the litter box? Suddenly I hear her scratching--cleaning it out by herself--not the clumps mind you--but suddenly there is lots of litter surrounding her litter box which obviously I then have to clean up while she sits watching me--smiling--. See the chair that Baby is lying down upon looking so innocent? She uses that as a scratching post. And before you say anything-YES she has a real scratching post which she does use occasionally. This was all accomplished before I realized what she was up to and it was too late to get plastic covers of some sort. Oh well----


Talking about cats and scratching--how is your carpet doing--you know the places--those spots in front of the doors which you close occasionally? I don't have this problem since I have been well trained to leave all doors open at all times-(not the front door)-thankfully I am single and live alone! For whatever reason, cats DO NOT LIKE nor do they approve of closed doors. Heavens only knows what their human is up to--and they are bound and determined to find out. So as they attempt to open that pesky obstruction that we call a door they virtually shred the carpeting!! For those of you who really need to close doors there is a solution! And it a whole lot more affordable then replacing carpet!


And there is even a video you can watch Click here

And they tell you how to measure your doorways to get the perfect fit as well as answer other questions you may have Click Here They come in sizes 28", 30" or 32".

And here is where you can purchase your very own CarPET Scratch Stopper or two or three--at $24.95 a piece you at least will be happy (not so much your cat!)

You can also learn more on FaceBook and Pinterest

Carpet Scratch Stopper has agreed to give 1 Carpet Scratch Stopper to one lucky US winner at Miki's Hope!

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This was brought to you by AdvertiseWithBloggers.com and CarPET Scratch Stopper.







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 Ice Cream War-Paul Janson

Friday, December 19, 2014


This was truly a "fun" murder mystery!! Strange I know-but the characters were just that-characters-each and every one of them.
And this book definitely proves that old adage that looks can be deceiving. Mary owns an Ice Cream Shop where people come and pay for Ice Cream--normal right? Well, along comes Jerry (as it turns out at his Aunts insistance) who opens an Ice Cream shop but he just gives it away for free!! Jerry is not exactly a business person---This of course starts the Ice Cream War!! But then someone is murdered in Jerry's store. Mary kind of knows he didn't do it and since she is about the only one in town with an ounce of brains-she is out to prove Jerry innocent. Between Mary and Jerry they have everyone confused so everyone just agrees with them!!
That's all I'm going to tell you--just know that this is one of those books I really enjoyed reading -even while shaking my head in disbelief!! OH--I did not guess who the murderer was and I bet you won't either!!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

A mystery of rival ice cream shops in a small town in middle America. Jerry, a California surfer, returns to his home town and opens an ice cream shop where he is giving away his ice cream. This threatens Mary owner of the only other ice cream shop in town with disaster until there is a murder in Jerry's shop. Mary find herself reluctantly trying to prove that Jerry didn't kill anyone, although she thought of killing him to save her shop, and Jerry ends up working beside her in her ice cream shop. The plot continues to become more and more complicated as Jerry's friends from California show up carrying drugs and threats. Between the "war" and the murder things are getting as sticky as fudge in a hot July day with four year old murders adding to the mystery. Soon it looks like Jerry and Mary will be the next victims if they are not arrested by the DEA first.

Read a chapter or two here


Purchase the book here

About the Author
: (from Amazon)


Paul is the middle child of three boys, born and raised in New England. Though he is now a practicing Emergency Department physician, his formal education began at the Boston University College of Engineering. He worked briefly for NASA during the Apollo project where one of the engineers convinced him to apply to medical school. Paul went on to attend Boston University School of Medicine intending to pursue bio-medical research, but grew to like the practice of medicine too much to give it up.

While working at Boston City Hospital (now Boston Medical Center), Paul met his wife, Mary. She was his supervisor, but he somehow managed to get up the courage to ask her out and eventually, to marry him. That was 39 years ago. The couple spent their honeymoon year in Eastern Kentucky, Appalachia, because they wanted to go somewhere that really needed physicians. With breaks to return to their training, the year extended to six years. Paul and Mary understood that if they were not there, it was likely that no one else would have been. Exhausting work, but fulfilling.

Paul did end up doing research, publishing a dozen articles including three pieces in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. One of the articles outlined the response of patients with renal failure and bleeding, and became the basis for the current treatment of these patients, still in use almost forty years later.

Paul's favorite journal publication was co-authored by Deepak Chopra, who was an endocrinology fellow at the time. It was Deepak's first time being published, but certainly not his last!

Since that time Paul has certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine. He practices now in Lawrence, MA, in one of the busiest ED's in the state, and in one of the most medically underserved areas in the state.

Paul is actively involved in teaching Family Practice residents, and was the director of the Massachusetts chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians' course on board exam review and preparation until five years ago when the course was closed.

He has written several articles for traditional print publications and online sites, along with a biweekly humor column in the local Newburyport, MA newspaper, titled: The Port Planet.

In addition to being a writer, Paul is a musician who performed locally, with recorded music available online.

Paul says "Mary and I live in Georgetown, MA, on a small farm of sorts with chickens and dogs and cats... and love. My family is one of my greatest joys, especially the adoption of my two daughters from Ecuador, now twenty years ago. They have added meaning to our lives and expanded our cultural adventures."


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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 Latin Version-A JakeTurner Novel-Steve Daily

Thursday, December 18, 2014


This book, which can be read as a stand alone, would make a great movie! Jake Turner is a P.I. who is trying to help a sitting judge find out who is blackmailing him--actually he knows who-just wants Jake to somehow make it all go away! Then a mysterious woman appears who admits she was in on it but points the finger at an accomplice. She implicates a Latin Mafia type person--then the woman's accomplice is found dead in a way that points to a certain person who wasn't even supposed to be in the country. By now Jake as been hired by the Big Mafia guy to find one of his "girls" who has managed to escape. Murder and Mayhem abound and Jake is smack dab in the middle of it! But who dreamed up this big scam? Who was being used by who? You will have to read it and make up your ow mind!!

About the Book:
(from Amazon)

Meet Phoenix P.I. Jake Turner

When a criminal court judge’s illicit affair lands him in the crosshairs of a blackmailer, he enlists the aid of Phoenix private investigator Jake Turner. But what begins as routine suddenly explodes and Turner and his associate Tim Nolan find themselves at odds with a Latino kingpin, a fugitive drug lord, an alluring but mysterious woman and a revenge plot that is both cunning and lethal. All is not as it seems as Jake Turner hits the streets of Phoenix, Arizona to unravel the puzzle that is The Latin Version .


Read a chapter or 2 here

Purchase the Book here

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

Steve Daley is the author of the apocalyptic thriller Sabbeth Rest and the modern revolutionary drama The Lincoln Grant Exigent. He lives in Chandler, Arizona.


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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.

Safety 1st Advanced SE 65 Air + Car Set Giveaway-Ends 1/1/2015

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Advance Se 65 Air + Safety 1st Car Seat


With the Holiday fast approaching that means many of us will take to the roads to travel to see loved ones. Safety 1st would like to pass along travel safety tips on "How to Survive the Holidays with Kids".


I've been blessed, my immediate family are all with in an hours drive, which helps reduce this grandma's anxiety level.


According to the AAA last year 94.5 million people were on the roads, train tracks or in the skies during the holiday season. Wow, that a lot of people! Then add your own kids into the mix of congestion and for some it can mean holiday headaches. However Safety 1st has some tips to help fight some of those headaches this holiday season (no these suggestions won't help you deal with Uncle Bob who has a tendency to be a bit to loud). :)


Safety 1st granddaughter leahsays views


Let me tell you, I snapped at least a dozen photos of the princess in the new Advanced SE 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat. They were each and everyone a bit fuzzy because she's officially a mover and a shaker!


top car seat safety 1st


1. Avoid peak travel days: Try not to fly or drive the days immediately before and after the actual holiday. Those are the busiest travel days. However, if you fly or take a train you might save money by traveling on the actual holiday, the roads are less congested too.


2. Prepare your child for the trip: Holiday parties can be overwhelming with sensory overload. Especially for young children its good to talk about the upcoming trip days even weeks in advance. This will help him or her get excited about the journey. Show photos of family members or friends your child has not met yet, this way the new faces might be a little familiar upon arrival.


3. "Are we there yet?" To help avoid that dreaded phrase and amour into your six hour trip reserve a bag just for the kids, include books, toys, diapers a change of clothes and snacks. Pre-load a tablet or smartphone with kid friendly apps or games. If you are driving keep all necessary items such as wipes, hand sanitizer or tissues easy to reach in a moment, there are times you may not want to be digging through the bottom of a bag for such items. The Safety 1st Car Door Sanitation Station is a great solution.


4. Car Seats: if you are flying check to make sure your car seat is FAA certified. If it's not clearly labeled contact the manufacture. For parents with older children the Safety 1st BoostAPak can double as a kid survival kit, it's FAA certified , and will fit in the plane overhead bin area.


If you are driving make sure your car seat is installed correctly. If it's been awhile side you visited a car seat check, it's recommended to check your seat with a Certified Child Safety Technician in prior to your trip. Safercar.gov is a great resource.


5. Prepare the guest room: If your child will be sleeping in a Play Yard during the trip, use that for a bed or nap the entire week prior to your trip, thus allowing your child to adjust and feel more comfortable in a new environment. Also if your infant or child sleeps better in a dark room or tends to wake up early with the morning light, bring a dark sheet to place over the window, with the same effect as room darkening curtains.


car seat safety 1st


Safety 1st introduces the latest car seat featuring Air Protect + technology.


The Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat features Air Protect + to keep children form 5-65 pounds safer in the car.


Air Protect + combines the advanced protection of Air Protect® fusion system with patented GCell HX™ foam designed with hexagonal shapes for superior protection around the torso. TOGETHER they provide full body side impact protection.


In addition to Air Protect+, the Advance 65 Air + uses a STEEL-REINFORCED metal frame for extra stability and includes a 4-position recline for an optimal fit to your vehicle. They've also included color-coded belts paths and installation labels to help you install it quickly and correctly, which means less time getting it into your car and more time to enjoy the ride.


Super-extended weight range


Rear-facing 5-40 pounds


Forward-facing 22-65 pounds


Featuring Air Protect +


Air Protect® advanced fusions system protects your child's head, where it's needed most


GCell HX™ patented foam with hexagonal shapes inside the seat provides superior body protection


10-position headrest grows with your child


No re-thread harness


4-position recline for optimal fit to your car


LATCH equipped


Integrated cup holder


Meets or exceed Federal and ASTM Safety Standards



Safety 1st Is Giving One Of YOU The Opportunity To WIN The Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat!


E-Books-5-WW-Game of Love and Taken by Love-Rev Seaside Sunsets-Melissa Foster-Ends 2/5/2015



This one had me a bit worried that the guy and the girl might not make it! From the first glance they were head over heels about each other. I mean really--she's a shy musician who really hasn't dated much and he has big issues of his own-even so-instant chemistry. She is computer illiterate (but plays the cello in the Boston Symphony Orchestra)-He is a computer geek extraordinaire who has built up a company to rival Google. They meet when she throws her cell phone off the balcony in frustration (I can relate totally) and clocks hims in the head by accident! Plug in an over protection, manipulative and nasty friend of Jamie and you have got problems-big problems!! Luckily the Seaside girls have taken Jessica as one of their own and are teaching her what life and friendship is all about. As usual this is a fun book that I read really quickly--I had to know how it was going to turn out!! I really did get worried there for a while.


NEW RELEASE 

SEASIDE SUMMERS BOOK 3.....

The newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series, featuring a group of fun, sexy, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re funny, flawed, and will have you begging to enter their circle of friends. You met them in READ, WRITE, LOVE, (The Remingtons, Book 5), follow these friends on their search for forever love in the Seaside Summers series.

SEASIDE SUNSETS

Jessica Ayers has lived a sheltered life with little more than cello lessons and practices taking up her day. Now a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she escapes the prim and proper symphony to vacation in the Seaside community in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and determine if she is living life to the fullest or missing it altogether.

For the first time since developing the second largest search engine in the world, billionaire Jamie Reed is taking the summer off. He plans to work from the Cape and spend time with his elderly grandmother—and falling in love is not in his plans.

From the moment Jamie and Jessica meet, the attraction is white-hot. Once-overly-focused Jamie can think of little else than sensual, smart, and alluring Jessica, and Jessica discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. But when Jamie’s business encounters trouble and his attorney and best friend intervenes, he proves that the blond beauty is too distracting for Jamie. To make matters worse, it appears that Jessica might not be who she says she is, turning Jamie’s life—and his heart—upside down. In a world where personal information is always one click away, Jamie must decide if he should trust his heart or watch the woman he loves walk away.

SEASIDE SUMMERS are the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from...... 

Amazon.co.uk


Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. 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 World Literary CafĂ© and Fostering Success. 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 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.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest
or her
personal website.

Find Melissa on the following sites.....

Facebook    Twitter    Google+    Goodreads    Pinterest

 
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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
ALSO AVAILABLE 
Books 1 - 3 Snow Sisters, Love in Bloom Series #1 - 3

Books 1 - 6 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #4 - 9


Books 1 - 5 The Remingtons, Love in Bloom Series #10 - 14 





Books 7 - 12 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #15 - 20





Books 1 - 4 Seaside Summers, Love in Bloom Series #21 - 24






NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!



Five lucky winners will each win Game of Love (1st book from The Remingtons)

& Taken by Love (1st book from the Braden Cousins)
Ending on Thursday 5th February at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!











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/PP (2)-WW-The Mists of Time (Book 4 of The Oracles)-Delia Colvin-Ends 12/19

Tuesday, December 16, 2014





I have read and reviewed this entire series! I was more then pleased that the author decided to keep the saga going!! You really do have to read the first three in this series before reading this one. Short descriptions can be found below--my reviews can be found by clicking these links:

Book 1
Book 2
Book 3

This one will surely have you holding your breathe and make sure there is a tissue box near by as well. Those Greek Gods and Goddesses are nothing if not downright ornery and mean. From the depths of the underworld to Mt Olympus you won't know until the end if things turn out for Alex and Valeria. And Paulo---guess who found his soul mate and you will never guess who it is. She definitely leads him on a merry chase! Well I know what is happening but---the way it ended---book 5 PLEASE!!!


NEW RELEASE.....
Book 4 of bestselling Oracles Series, The Mists of Time
The saga continues....

It began with a love more powerful than death. In modern day Manhattan, handsome Alex Morgan’s love for his soul mate, Valeria was both legend and tragic. Until, after 3000 years, they were finally able to destroy their ancient enemies—or so they believed. But on Christmas Eve, a decisive flash of lightning, opens a window in time and their future is changed forever...

In search for answers to their missing friends, Paolo Carrara leads them into the Underworld. And with one fateful step, Alex disappears into the past, igniting hidden passions, betrayals and a possible end to the people that Valeria loves most—including Alex.

To save her husband and friends, Valeria must travel to ancient Greece, praying that she can save him and the others, as the life that they knew vanishes into the mists of time…

"The Oracles does for Greek Mythology what Outlander does for the Klans of the Scottish Highlands!"

THE ORACLES
A love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk



 "The Oracles does for Greek Mythology what Outlander does for the Klans of the Scottish Highlands!"


 "An edge of the seat read," Beck Valley Books 
"Love, love, love this series!" 



Ready for a sneak preview??



From Trilogy to Series: The Oracles



The Sibylline Oracle Book 1

Can love defy time? 

When she's rescued by handsome Alex Morgan, Valeria thinks she's found her happy ending. But Alex knows the terrifying truth...time is running out! And unless they can discover the source of an ancient curse, fate will take her life...again. Greek Mythology and modern romance intertwine in this addictive trilogy.

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

The Symbolon Book 2

Can love defy fate? 

The Symbolon, is the passionate second novel of The Sibylline Trilogy that weaves Greek mythology with a modern tale of eternal love!

For 3000 years, Alex has dreamed of a life with his symbolon, his mortal soul mate. But when they approach the ancient council of immortals for approval of their marriage, they discover that sinister forces object to their union. Soon, they are faced with terrifying threats, including a devastating separation that neither may survive.

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.
The Last Oracle Book 3

Can love defy death itself? 

As Alex and Valeria's wedding draws near, their secret plans are discovered, and now no one is safe!

To triumph over the dark forces that threaten their existence, they must risk returning to the Underworld. Hidden in a secret chamber along the river Styx is the first oracle, Myrdd, whose jumbled mind holds the key to their survival. But Myrdd's solution forces Alex and Valeria to confront death, for a chance to change their fate!

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

About the Author
delia colvin authorDelia J. Colvin is the International Bestselling author of The Sibylline Trilogy. She authors a popular blog and is listed as a contributor in two business books. She has worked in a variety of occupations from marketing to entrepreneur, Air Traffic Controller and Russian Interpreter. But her passion is in writing and helping people. Delia has donated both time and money to literacy programs around the country.

PERSONAL NOTE From the Author: As much as I enjoy writing, I love hearing from readers even more! It would mean the world to me if you would take a moment to send me an email and say hi. I personally answer all of my emails. Email me at DeliaJColvin@gmail.com

Find the Author on the following sites...


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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

2 Winners each win a $20 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash

(winners choice)

Open Worldwide
Ending on Friday 19th December at 11.59pm EST



Enter Below and Good Luck !!

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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.
 
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