A Blog of Books

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

2011-05-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

This is the perfect book for kids learning their animals. You can easily teach them the sounds that animals make and they can even read the book themselves. Just let them seet the next page and they will tell you that the Brown Bear sees a Red Bird.

My 18 month old has all three of the books I have seen. Brown Bear, Polar Bear, and Panda Bear. They are all favorites of his!

Manners

2011-05-02T15:54:00.000-04:00

I had recieved several of these manners books a while back. I enjoyed them - and was sure to talk about them on this blog. But with new developments wanted to touch base.

My kindergarten age niece had visited a while back and found these books on our shelves. She loved them and we read them over and over again to her. On every subsequent visit she asked if she could read them again.

Well it has been over 2 months since her last visit - and when we went to visit her - she asked us about the books. They obviously made quite the impression. We remind her and our son - whenever we use our manners - about the books. This is a great and easy way to teach your child manners. And before you know it the books are simple enough - that if they are reading - they can read them to you!

Are you Living

2011-05-02T15:10:00.005-04:00

When I got this book - I didn't know at what age my son would want it. But while he is only 18 months he LOVES this book.

I think it is the combination of getting to read something that is interesting and different (not just pictures and associations of words) and the fact that it is sung. The book has just enough words on the page - and you can interrupt your song every so often to teach the child more about what the book has to say (in this case what it means to be alive).

Definitely a recommendation I would give!

While it isn't intended for children that young - I found it a fun book to read and the song makes it a fun book to listen to!

Away for a while

2011-05-02T15:07:00.002-04:00

I know, I know - I have been away for a while. But that is the way it works when you have a small child at home.

So because of the said child - I will be changing the format of this blog a bit. Still going to be reviewing books. But unless I hit a great book for adults (which is unlikely as I have very little time to read) I won't be reviewing those. Instead I will be reviewing children's books.

If I have a guest blogger by - they may be all sorts of books!

Thanks again!

Book Review: Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

2010-11-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

What a fun and happy book. Who would have expected a romance/ghost story to be so great. Not too scary, a menagerie of characters that are great to know.
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Two kids - Alice and Carter seem to be having issues with their nannys. Their father had died leaving them in the care of his cousin - North. North has his own problems. Andy is his ex-wife who has tried to move on but can't seem to. Andy agrees to go help out with the kids and what ends up happening is a raucous ghost story with a bit of love too.

Book Review: My Give a Damn's Busted

2010-10-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

My Give A Damn's Busted by Carolyn Brown

Larissa is a hard working strong female who is used to being in charge. She runs the local Honky Tonk. She has come become the one in charge because the other women who ran things - have found love. But Larissa is definitely not looking for love - or anything to do with a man.

Into her life walks Hank Wells. He definitely knows how to start things off with a bang (or should I say crash). He isn't what he seems to be and has ulterior motives to walking into Larissa's life. But when he falls for her it is all over.

Thoughts: What a fun and flirty country romance. I love a strong heroine and I love when a man can't help but fall for her - no matter what he tries. Makes me think we should pick up the other books in the series just to see how they found the loves of their lives (I believe this is book three).

Book Review: Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

2010-10-03T09:18:00.009-04:00

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning (Sinners On Tour)

Myrna Evans has a history that she would rather forget. And when she comes across Brian Sinclair the lead songwriter and guitarist she figures what can it hurt to jump into something new. Of course it never works out exactly how you plan. A quick flirtation can become something a lot more.

Thoughts: This is the first book that I have read in this genre. Where it has a touch in the contemporary romance - but then add to it the erotic. It is interesting. While many of the erotic books that I have come across have a touch of the fantastic in it. (Then again some people might think hooking up with a rock star is totally fantastical).

The story line definitely kept me interested and wanting to read a little more and if you want the extras of the erotic - this is the book for you. In terms of what I like the best - I think I will stick to the crazy words that are far away from reality. Sometimes these books seem to be a little too like life - not mine - but what I think others live with - and at this point in my life I like using books to get away.

Manners on the School Bus and Manners on the Playground

2010-08-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

I personally found these books to be interesting and educational and couldn't wait till my son was old enough to really get what these books were about.

Well I didn't have to wait that long to see them in action. I recently had my four year old niece over and she found these books on the shelf and couldn't stop having them read to her. She loved them. Over and over she had us read them and every time when we asked her questions she got it. These books definitely taught her some lessons that I know she will take advantage of when she goes to school in the fall.

Book Review: Witch by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

2010-08-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

Witch by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

This book is supposed to be a young adult book of witches and warlocks. And while I believe that teens will find this interesting as an adult I do as well (which is why I probably like this genre so much). This is the story of Holly Cathers whose parents and best friend die in a tragic accident. She is then shipped off to be with her Aunt MarieClaire.

The thing is Holly's life isn't what she thought it was. In reality she is a witch and a love in a previous life has destined her and her family to tragedy. Her true love is her families arch-enemy a Deveraux.

Can Holly with the help of her cousins Amanda and Nicole stop whatever is going to happen from happening?

Review

When I started this I didn't know if I would like it. The idea of the whole group of them being evil (and the Deveraux's essentially being satanists) seemed like it would be hard to associate positive feelings with the book. Add to that a quick search turning up a bad review - and the taste in my mouth was bad.

The thing was though that in the long run - it had me interested. I am interested enough to know what is going to happen with Holly and Jare that I keep coming back for more and am now on the second book - Curse.

All August We Review It- You Win It!

2010-07-31T21:46:00.002-04:00

Win a copy of Backseat Saints!

Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As "Mrs. Ro Grandee" she's trapped in a marriage that's thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting "Ro" make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy—-one who shares her past and knows her future. The tarot cards foretell that Rose's beautiful, abusive husband is going to kill her. Unless she kills him first.

Hot-blooded Rose Mae escapes from under Ro's perky compliance and emerges with a gun and a plan to beat the hand she's been dealt. Following messages that her long-missing mother has left hidden for her in graffiti and behind paintings, Rose and her dog Gretel set out from Amarillo, TX back to her hometown. Two winners will be chosen in August. To enter please send an email to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com

Green Pieces: Green From the Pond UP

2010-07-27T23:49:00.000-04:00

by: Drew Aquilina

Green Pieces is a delightful romp in another world. Well, to be exact it is a pond, not another world. I have always like comics geared towards adults that were a mix of easy sass, with a deeper meaning thrown in. This book reminded me of some of my favorites, Tom Tomorrow, Calvin and Hobbes and The Far Side. The four main inhabitants of the wetland find some new some new and humorous adventure every day.

http://www.greenpiecesbooks.com/

Win an audiobook copy of Delivering Happiness

2010-07-26T21:54:00.001-04:00

A great summer business read! To enter send an email to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com with Happiness as the subject title or respond to this post. Up to three winners will be chosen by 8/9/10.

Product Description:
Zappos CEO Hsieh offers a compelling account of his transformation from callow Harvard student entrepreneur through his years as a dot-com wunderkind to the creator of a formidable brand. Interest might flag as Hsieh, fresh off selling his Internet company LinkExchange to Yahoo in 1999 for $265 million, kvetches about lacking fulfillment. But as the tech boom bursts, and Hsieh confronts his dwindling investments, his story comes alive. As the funding for his incubator companies dries up and one of his most promising startups, Zappos.com, a shoe retailer, seems doomed, Hsieh blossoms into a mature businessperson, slashing expenses and presciently making customer service the essence of the company's brand. The story becomes suspenseful as Hsieh recounts the stress of operating in survival mode, liquidating his assets to fund the company in its darkest days and seeking out an 11th-hour loan. By the time Zappos is acquired by Amazon for more than $1.2 billion in 2009, Hsieh and his team had built a unique corporate culture dedicated to employee empowerment and the promise of delivering happiness though satisfied customers and a valued workforce. An uplifting tale of entrepreneurial success, personal growth, and redemption.

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

2010-07-16T07:55:00.000-04:00

I am in the middle of Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin and it has prompted me to try and think about some questions. Which is worse - an affair of the heart or a physical affair? If it gets to the point that it is both - does that mean there is no going back? Is the affair the fault of the people in the marriage - or the other woman/man? Does the fact that it means that there are problems in the marriage mean that both are to blame or just the one that sets outside the marriage?

I have to admit this book has me hooked. It is hard when you like both the "other woman" and the person who seems to be wronged. Even the husband at times is likable - but I am biased and think at times he is manipulative - he doesn't have the right to blame someone other than himself when he has already started moving on without talking things through with his wife.

So what is your answer to those questions?

Mine? When I was in college I had very strong feelings about cheaters. They physically made me sick. And it wasn't because anyone in my family had been affected by them. I just didn't understand. And then some things changed. I saw people I knew in situations and had my own issues with people who had told me they weren't in a relationship but were. And I loosened up a bit about things. I think it isn't as black and white as people would like it to be. In terms of me - I don't know if I could mend a relationship when there was either an affair of the heart or a sexual encounter. It might be possible - but it would require a lot of work on both people's part and I don't know if my heart would be in it. Who is to blame - the person who does the cheating. No matter what brought you to that point - the person who is involved with someone and can't face ending things with them before moving on is to blame. Does that mean they are a bad person? No - but if it requires fault then it is more their fault. The other woman/man are not to blame because it isn't their relationship that they are ruining. They have nothing invested. Again do I think it is a nice/moral/good thing to be the other person - no.

I would say the one thing that I see some people really disagree on is - if you cheat -should you tell the person you are with or not? Especially if you want to move on and make things work. Some would say that it is better to not tell them. Why punish them when they did nothing. Especially if you are stopping. Others say you need to be totally truthful to make things work. I think I am of the truthful thing. I compare it to a problem like stealing. If the people around you don't know that you have problems with it - they won't be aware of the signs. And by the time they notice (if ever) it might be too late. Additionally cheating can be somewhat of a health issue as well. You have a right to know if it is happening.

But I am sure there are lots of other perspectives out there. Tell me about yours.

Author Article: Infatuation or Love

2010-07-15T22:14:00.000-04:00

The Infatuation or Love Quiz

By Sherrie Dillard,
Author of Love and Intuition: A Psychic's Guide to Creating Lasting Love

Our intuition is constantly bombarding us with unspoken intuitive messages about others, especially those with who we share a romantic interest. But how do you know what the intuitive feelings, sensations and mysterious messages really mean?
You may for instance, feel drawn, almost magnetized to another and are not sure why? Has a certain someone ever walked into the room and your stomach churns and your palms sweat? Or you wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of a dream about your partner? Even though you have not yet spoken to one another, every time the new hire passes your desk your heart races and your body trembles, why? Have you ever felt that your boyfriend was being dishonest but disregarded the feeling because you had no proof or evidence to back it up?
Everyone has innate intuitive ability and even when you ignore or suppress it, your intuition is always at work. Although it may seem hard to understand, spontaneous and even confusing, with a little focus and practice your intuition can become a powerful relationship ally.
To receive the most benefit from your innate intuitive sensing, pay attention to how those sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle intuitive messages emerge. You may for instance, receive intuitive impressions in your body as a "gut feeling" or tingles of shivers up your spine. I had a friend who pays attention when she gets what she call goose bumps up and down her arms. This is to her a sign that her intuition is trying to tell her something. Some people get immediate mental thoughts and impressions about others. While some may be empathetic and feel what a loved one feels even when they are miles away. Your intuition might surface in your dreams and even in your daydreams.
Once you are more familiar with the way that your intuition most often emerges, you can begin to decipher the meaning and message behind those feelings, thoughts, sensations and impressions. This is not always easy, especially at the beginning of a relationship when you are hopeful, excited and stimulated by the prospects of a new love. The rush of energy, the tingling and the inner sense of connection that you might be feeling does not always mean that you will have a positive fulfilling relationship with him or her. Your intuition may be sending you a message that you have just met a true partner it might also be signaling you to run the other way.
The following questions will help you to discern the unspoken intuitive messages that often accompany the beginning of a relationship.
1. When it comes to a romantic or potential romantic partner which statement is most true?
a. I feel relaxed, safe and can be vulnerable and completely honest when I am with him or her.

b. I have a nagging sense that something is not right and not adding up

c. We have a highly charged emotional connection
2. When I am in my partner or potential partner's presence or even when I think of him or her my body:
a. relaxes and I feel a sense of calm

b. tightens and I feel tense

c. I become intensely sexually stimulated
3. I want my intuition to help me to:
a. increase my ability to feel and express love

b. figure out what my partner is thinking or feeling

c. alert me as to when my partner is lying or deceiving me

4. I have had sudden moments that seem to come out of nowhere where:
a. I feel my heart expanding with love and compassion

b. feel as if I need to have sex with my partner to assure that we are close

c. have an impending sense of doom

5. When it comes to my romantic relationship my inner voice is telling me to:
a. trust and let go of outcomes

b. take care of myself

c. heal my past emotional wounds

Love
If you answered most questions a, Your intuition is signaling you to the start of a healthy and loving relationship. Keep listening to the inner promptings that are encouraging you to grow and evolve. Love is an active participatory journey. The more self aware, honest and forgiving you are with yourself the more able you will be to give and share with another. Love does not happen to us. Instead as you engage in the process of listening within and honest communication with your partner the stronger the love bond will become.
Infatuation
If you answered most of the questions b, your relationship may be more infatuation than love. The relationship may be exciting, energizing and fun but it may not have the true love potential that you are looking for. If you find that you feel increasing off balance, tense or sense that something feels "off" or "not right" about the relationship, trust your feelings even if you do not have tangible evidence to support your intuition. Increase communication with your partner, ask the tough questions and be honest about whether or not the relationship is able to support your core needs and desires. Listen to your inner voice and trust its guidance, even if does not tell you what you want to hear.
Heartbreak
If you answered most of the question c, your relationship may cause you more pain than joy.

When you find that your intuitive attention is focused more on your partner than yourself you may be heading into a co-dependent relationship. Co-dependence is an insidious emotional cycle where your happiness and sense of well being is dependent on the moods and feelings of your partner. In a long term co-dependent relationship you run the risk of losing your sense of inner power, self worth and self esteem. If you are in this kind of relationship, take time to tune into your intuition. Listen to the wise and loving voice within as it will guide you toward taking the necessary steps to heal and move forward either in or out of the relationship.

Your intuition is always at work. It is an innate and invaluable sense that when listened to can help you maneuver the often tricky waters of dating. Your intuition can signal you as to the beginning a fantastic relationship or it can warn you of potential heartbreak. To make the most of intuitive guidance, spend time in silence, breathing, relaxing and allowing the inner voice to emerge. Trust and act on what you receive. Know that when you do you will be lead to a supportive and loving relationship.
© 2010 Sherrie Dillard, author of Love and Intuition: A Psychic's Guide to Creating Lasting Love
Author Bio
Author of the bestselling Discover Your Psychic Type, Sherrie Dillard has been a New Thought pastoral counselor, professional psychic, medium, and teacher for over twenty years. She has taught classes and workshops, both nationally and internationally, on the life-enhancing aspects of intuition development. Her writing has also appeared in New Age Journal and on Wellness.com and HitchedMag.com. For more information please visit www.SherrieDillard.com and follow the author on Facebook.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Private

2010-07-14T21:26:00.002-04:00

By James Patterson

You could say that former Marine and Afghanistan War Hero Jack Morgan has a lot on his plate. At the helm of one of the world’s most elite investigative firms, Private, his team is tasked with helping the LAPD find a serial killer stalking high school girls. He is also juggling an office romance that is on the rocks, a multi-million dollar NFL betting scandal, an evil twin brother and his best friend is a murder suspect.

That sets the scene for the latest James Patterson novel. This was one of my first James Patterson novels and it surely won’t be my last. The book was excellent and Patterson certainly must deserve his following. There was a complex storyline which can be tricky when listening to it as an audiobook while driving. However, the story was developed in a way that held your attention and the multitude of characters were richly developed and interesting. There were several places where Patterson could have turned to cliché cheap thrills, but that never happened. It was a nail bitter and I found myself more than once backing the audio up if I was interrupted because I didn’t want to miss a single minute. I haven’t been this sad to see a piece of fiction end since last summer’s The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly. This book is six CDs and was just the right length for a good summer driving book. It was excellent and I was sad to see a couple of reviews trashing it. I don’t read a lot of fiction so something has to be just right to work for me and this was great. The audiobook is excellently narrated.

http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_private.php

July Book Giveaway- Our Summer Cleaning= Your Summer Reading

2010-07-12T15:25:00.010-04:00

We have over 20 books to give away this month! To enter e-mail your address and the books you are interested in winning to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com. Winners will be announced all month. Our summer cleaning equals your summer reading!

Julie & Julia Product Description
Julie & Julia is the story of Julie Powell's attempt to revitalize her marriage, restore her ambition, and save her soul by cooking all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume I, in a period of 365 days. The result is a masterful medley of Bridget Jones' Diary meets Like Water for Chocolate, mixed with a healthy dose of original wit, warmth, and inspiration that sets this memoir apart from most tales of personal redemption.

The Guild Gene Product Description
Diana Raab will write anywhere about anything to not only rid herself of childhood "ails" but to enjoy herself completely, even poking fun at her foibles. She takes a close and courageous look at all her life's experiences, and in so doing, shares her wisdom and forgiveness of self and others with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and inspirational. Her poems are, as she writes of her ancestors, "bright candles trembling in their own wax." The Guilt Gene is a prism with a hundred facets offering glance and glimpse and deep seeing into encounters with love, loss, longing, and epiphany. From an author who has taught us the power of memory and story, these poems take us along the road from a World War II typewriter to the eyes of an old dog. Poetry here reminds us to heed what calls to us daily.
The Guilt Gene, Diana Raab's second book of poetry, has the straight-forward confessional tone that distinguishes her best work whether in prose or poetry. Eschewing high flying metaphor and dressed up formality, she confines her subject matter to her inner life and her journal-keeping voice and makes her poems through an emphasis on the line. Her poetry does not pretend to have figured things out; rather, this work is her process of figuring them out, of sorting her past and contemplating her present. The best of these poems derive their beauty from a disarming frankness and a heart that is open, willing to find a personal truth and say it .

More FREE Books in the July Book Giveaway

2010-07-11T15:17:00.002-04:00

Win an audiobook copy of The Lion

2010-07-10T20:53:00.000-04:00

Enter to win a great summer read- The Lion! To enter send an email to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com with The Lion in the subject title. Up to three winners will be chosen by 8/1/2010.

Asad Khalil (aka "The Lion"), the ruthless Libyan terrorist who menaced ex-NYPD cop John Corey in The Lion's Game (2000), returns to the U.S. 18 months after 9/11, bent on finishing old business in DeMille's fast-paced fifth John Corey thriller (after Wild Fire). In Los Angeles, Khalil dispatches the last of the eight American pilots who dropped the bombs that killed Khalil's family in the historic 1986 raid on Tripoli. In New York City, a daring encounter with Corey, a member of the federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force, and Corey's FBI agent wife, Kate Mayfield, who's also a member of the ATTF, sets the stage for the mano a mano struggle both Corey and Khalil crave. DeMille splices gripping action scenes with accounts of Khalil's horrifically inventive attacks and the ATTF's futile countermeasures. While Corey isn't much more appealing than his foe, those who enjoy starkly black-and-white battles between good and evil will be satisfied.

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Delivering Happiness: The Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose

2010-07-10T20:37:00.000-04:00

By Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay)

Audiobook, read by author

Would you pay a new employee $2,000 to quit or make company culture your organization’s #1 priority? What about randomly sending an employee flowers or insisting that your vendors let YOU treat them to dinner? Would you fall out of your chair if I told you that reading a business book by a CEO will make you want to be a better person?

The motto of Zappos.com might be delivering happiness, but this book by the CEO of Zappos delivers, period! I really liked this book and had to listen to the entire selection in one day.

The book details Hsieh’s early years, growing up in California in a strict and close knit Asian family where he started various small businesses and faked his way through forced piano and violin lessons. It goes on to follow him through his Harvard graduation and his first big business, Link Exchange. The business made him a multi-millionaire when he sold it to Microsoft for $265 million when he was in his early twenties. Hsieh sought to keep his tribe of friends from college together through the early dot com days and the craziness of the late nineties. Keeping his tribe together (they even all bought lofts in the same building) would lay the foundation for the revolutionary way he would look at customer service and corporate culture while at the helm of Zappos.

Using his Link Exchange monies Hsieh became an investor and later the CEO of Zappos.com and would eventually steer the company to over a billion dollars in sales. What is really inspiring is the way Hsieh forever changed the way corporations look at branding. Long gone are the days when a company can draw a logo and spend truckloads of money advertising to tell consumers what their brand and image is. With the pace that modern information moves, your brand emerges from the company culture that you create. The whole book was fantastic.

The only thing that was off for me was the author dedicates the book to his eleven year old daughter and mentions his parents three times in the book, but otherwise the book is void of any family references. There is no mention of his daughter being born, or adopted if that is the case. There is no mention of a marriage, a bad date, a first date, a kiss in college. It is all wiped clean as if by a court order. While you might not think this has a place in a business book, for most adults balancing career and family is an ongoing daily struggle.

I am always interested in how the brightest and best minds in business attempt to have it all. Hsieh also really promotes a work culture of employees socializing after hours. It is encouraged at Zappos and Tony even flew the entire team from San Diego and Kentucky in for an all expenses paid weekend in Vegas in the early years of the company. Some of the company’s innovative ideas came while having a few beers with co-workers during happy hour or on the golf course. I was a little further curious because such robust socialization, while fun, can wreak havoc on marriages and relationships. I wondered again how it was all balanced.

More FREE Books in the July Book Giveaway

2010-07-10T11:32:00.004-04:00

Author Article: Great Places to Score a Discount Designer Handbag

2010-07-09T14:43:00.000-04:00

By Dorothy Howell
Author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery
You don't have to dress less-than-glam during these hard economic times -- not when shopping centers and Internet sites are flush with places to snag a genuine designer handbag at a deeply discounted price.
Stores selling discounted handbags range from small, intimate vintage and consignment shops to large department stores, and even larger outlet malls. Internet sites offer a wide range of styles, colors, and designer names. The Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets far and away have the largest concentration of discounted designer merchandise. Along with handbag stores such as Coach, Judith Leiber, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, you'll find a fantastic array of designer stores. Michael Kors, Liz Clairborne, Prada, DKNY, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Burberry, along with many others, carry everything from clothing to shoes, and a sampling of their handbag lines.
The Premium Outlets have over 40 locations nationwide, along with malls in Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Tanger Outlet has over 30 locations in the U.S. Both offer AAA and AARP member discounts. Join their VIP Club and visit their Web sites for coupons and special offers. Check out their seasonal sales weekends and national promotions for extra savings in addition to everyday discounts.
First, and in some cases, second quality merchandise is available. You'll have to bring along a magnifying glass to find flaws, though. Most are detectable only to the factory-trained eye. These outlet stores are great places to shop. There's no digging through clearance bins or blowing the dust off of merchandise that's been sitting around for months. The stores are immaculate, the shelves are orderly and well stocked. The staffs are knowledgeable and helpful, the same as you'll find in their retail stores. Many times, after making your selection, the clerk can bring you a "fresh" bag from the stock room. Care is taken to wrap your treasure in the store's signature tissue paper, and deposit it into their trademark shopping bag.

Discounts typically run 20% to 40% off the MSRP, with deeper cuts of up to 65% off of sale and clearance items. Many of these stores offer a full guarantee on their products, plus a money back return policy. But, as with any store, ask before you buy. Keep in mind that these outlet malls are huge, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day of shopping. Great bargains can be found in retail giants such as Macy's and Dillard's Department Stores. These discounts are usually offered seasonally so you'll have to watch for them. The selection of these bags will be limited, but you can expect to pay from 20% to 30% off their retail prices.
Leading discount department stores such as Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls offer designer handbags. The selection varies. You might find a Diane von Furstenberg, Betsy Johnson or a Fossil bag mixed in with their non-designer bags. Merchandise varies from location to location. These are no-frills stores. If you don't mind digging for a good deal, you can expect to save 20% to 60% off of department store prices. Some of the most sought-after designer brands are offered at Websites such as Rue LaLa and Gilt Group. These sites offer members-only pricing on luxury brands, usually for a limited time. Shop early. Expect to pay sales prices of up to 70% off retail.

The website e-bay, along with many other online sites, offers designer handbags at considerable savings. The selection is wide and varied. New as well as used purses are available. You'll have to pay shipping costs, in most cases, so take that into consideration when looking at their prices. Consignment stores and vintage shops are also good places to find a handbag at a low price. Keep in mind these purses are gently used. Designer names and selection will vary widely. Inventory fluctuates so it's good to check back often. Savings can be considerable. No matter where you choose to shop for your designer handbag, it's important that you can distinguish a genuine bag from a knock-off. Read product descriptions carefully. Do your homework. Know the tell-tale signs of a counterfeit bag. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

There's no need to deny yourself the joy of sporting a designer handbag when so many places offer great merchandise and outstanding discounts to the everyday fashionista. Get out and see what's available. Shopping for your new bag is half the fun!

© 2010 Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery
Author Bio: Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery, was inspired to write Handbags and Homicide by her crazed obsession with designer purses. She lives in Southern California, where there is, thankfully, no rehab program for handbag addiction, and is hard at work on her next Haley Randolph mystery. Visit her Website at http://www.dorothyhowellnovels.com/.
Follow the author on Facebook.

More FREE Books in the July Book Giveaway

2010-07-09T11:16:00.002-04:00

More FREE Books in the July Book Giveaway

2010-07-08T01:00:00.002-04:00

We have over 20 books to give away this month! To enter respond to this post with just your first name and then e-mail your address and the books you are interested in winning to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com. Winners will be announced all month. Our summer cleaning equals your summer reading! Whether you are traveling, on a staycation or haven't had a vacation since Clinton was in office, try some new authors and enjoy some great summer reading on us.

Wake Up! You're Never Going to Look Like That Product Description:
Through humorous life stories, clever anecdotes, and brutally honest reality checks, this award-winning former syndicated newspaper columnist takes on the mass-media-driven myth that we should all be striving to achieve the perfect body. 'Wake Up' is an optimistic testimonial that weight loss success belongs to those who understand how to deal with the chronic state of starvation that anyone who diets has to deal with, and that slow and steady works while a quick fix produces failure and disappointment.

Whatever happened to Cinderella after the ball? Did she live happily ever after with her prince? Greenberg puts together a short read that women of all ages on their journey to happiness can enjoy.

Conflicts with Interest Product Description:
T.R. Morgan, a seasoned building professional, finds himself entangled in the combined corruption of the high profile law firm that is attacking him and the insurance companies that are supposed to defend him. Still enduring the painful memories brought on by the tragic death of his wife, he soon finds out, nothing involving lawyers and insurance companies happens quickly. Instead of resolution, T.R., unwittingly enters a world of human trafficking, drugs, and illicit sex taking place behind the scenes. And his story comes forward to an explosive climax that no one could possibly foresee, least of all T.R. himself. This suspenseful tale of contemporary fiction is packed with enlightenment and high-stakes characters; provoking thought on a new subject in a new light.

How to Be a Hero to Your Kids:
You don't have to be a super-parent to be a hero to your kids. All it takes is love, motivation and a workable plan. Josh McDowell and Dick Day offer a six-point, biblically-based plan for positive parenting that will set you on the path to being a hero to your child.

Solace Product Description: There is no more stressful and traumatic experience than coping with the death of a loved one. There are various stages of grief and loss, which often take months or even years for many people to overcome. But with the right guidance, readers can learn to lessen the pain and live happy lives. "Solace" provides soothing comfort and hope for those who are suffering. As an award-winning bereavement expert, Roberta Temes believe all of us experience and process grief in our own way. Here she helps readers through the stages of grief, tells them when they should worry, helps them consider the pros and cons of bereavement groups and counselors, and shows them how to use visualization to help the healing process. Featuring anecdotes drawn from her bereavement practice so readers may learn from the experiences of others who have also gone through and struggled with loss, "Solace" is also filled with comforting affirmations, quotations and words of encouragement. Dealing with loss is never easy, but this book provides a calming companion to help readers through their mourning and begin enjoying life again.

Question: Family Ties

2010-07-07T13:45:00.001-04:00

Family Ties by Danielle Steel

Just started Family Ties by Danielle Steel. I thought I would be excited about it. It seemed like my kind of story. But I have to say I am only a chapter or two in it and am disappointed. I wanted to see more about her raising the kids - not have them jump to being in their twenties.

So what do I do? Continue to read it - or call it a day? What do you do?

More FREE Books in the July Book Giveaway

2010-07-07T10:23:00.001-04:00

We have over 20 books to give away this month! To enter respond to this post with just your first name and then e-mail your address and the books you are interested in winning to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com. Winners will be announced all month. Our summer clean up equals your summer reading! Whether you are traveling, on a staycation or haven't had a vacation since Clinton was in office, try some new authors and enjoy some great summer reading on us.

Selfless Product Description

In 1980 s Pittsburgh, Jonathan Schwartz's carefree life is under assault. His sisters seem intent on doing him irreparable psychological harm. There s Nadia, with her unfathomable Machiavellian schemes, and Olivia, tease and temptress, whose beauty wreaks havoc among his friends. And his Holocaust survivor grandparents? There are no words. When his father, the acclaimed writer, is accused of stealing the books that made him famous, Jon's family implodes once and for all, and he must set off in search of what has been lost. His is a journey that ultimately requires him to find more than answers. It requires him to find himself.

Gold Digger Nation Product Description:
Gold Digger Nation by Hal Roback urges readers to rethink marriage and cohabitation. He articulates the horrible scenario that our Gold Digger Laws could possibly mean not only in divorce but in marriage, as well. Roback fills the book with insights and advice for anyone contemplating a more permanent relationship, as well as a heartfelt letter to sons and daughters everywhere. Provocative and informative, Gold Digger Nation is sure to make anyone think twice before signing a marriage license or a lease.

Met with Red Ties Product Description:

Men with Red Ties is a fascinating up-close account of the women who nightly create the glittery illusions of male fantasy, and the world of power, perversion, money, and lust they inhabit. With irony and biting wit, Palikarpava tells the story of these women who strut and sway to the music by night, and wake in the morning to resume their lives as young immigrants trying to make it in the city, yearning for home, and chasing already broken dreams. Meet Alina, Lena, and Alexa, pretty playthings who outwit their clients, while catering to—and seeing through—their status. Behind the scenes, their musings reveal them as complex, yet vulnerable, women ever aware of the absurdity of their work, and the underlying boredom and unhappiness of the men they serve. Ripping the curtain back on the glamorous world of elite strip clubs, the author reveals the hidden plight of young women bound by friendship and desperation, struggling to find themselves amidst the corrupting glare of the stage lights.

July Book Giveaway- Our Summer Cleaning= Your Summer Reading

2010-07-06T01:00:00.009-04:00

July Book Giveaway- Our Summer Cleaning= Your Summer Reading

2010-07-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

July Book Giveaway- Our Summer Cleaning= Your Summer Reading

2010-07-05T09:52:00.001-04:00

We have over 20 books to give away this month! The first three books are: Millionare's Son, Easy Money and Home Before Dark. To enter respond to this post with just your first name and then e-mail your address and the books you are interested in winning to Constructivemediasolutions@Yahoo.com. Winners will be announced all month. Our summer clean up equals your summer reading! Whether you are traveling, on a staycation or haven't had a vacation since Clinton was in office, try some new authors and enjoy some great summer reading on us.

The Millionaire's Son Product Description
Just when you thought money buys everything!
Born a star to his mother, a young man's life becomes entangled in a web of misfortune and sacrifices he is not yet ready to make. While being raised in the violent slums of Washington D.C., a young man by the name of Whiteboy tells his story about his life and the struggles he endures along his tiresome journey. Amongst friends hides many close enemies, as the hour glass drains so does much of his steam trying to cope with tragedy and triumph in days time. Whiteboy the son of a successful businessman who has earned millions throughout his life without seeing one dime from his father or spending much time with him, the male role models become apparent when the streets come calling to Whiteboy! Living in a shack with his single mother struggling he tries to make life easier by being the man of the house even though he has a police record, his hustle and grind never stops! "The Millionaire's Son" is a touching account of a young man's journey inside of the hood, despite being the son of a millionaire. A life story worth reading! When hood banging meets the political side of the streets? The Millionaire's Son Screams!

Easy Money Product Description:

"I'm tired of being broke," Skip shouted. "We've got to make some money. And I'm not talking about flipping burgers kind of money." Skip was a high school graduate living in an upscale community.
Skip's partner in crime "Greg" was under constant surveillance. "All the fine women like brothers with cash," Greg uttered as he inhaled on a joint. He was a part time cashier working at a fast food restaurant.
"Weed," Skip commented. "We can sale marijuana and make some quick cash. It's not like we'll be selling hard drugs. It's natural; weed comes from the earth." Greg was intrigued with the possibilities.
Greg and Skip proceeded on their mission to sale drugs. Find out whether or not they can sale drugs without getting locked up. Will they be able to lure the women of their dreams with the fast cash? Or does life have something completely different in store for them.

Home Before Dark Product Description:
Psychologist David Treadway reacted with shock when diagnostics revealed his stage 4 lymphoma; he was “riddled with cancer.” But the journey “in two parallel worlds”—of medicine and marriage—that his wife Kate, a doctor in the hospital treating him, underwent most distinguishes their account of catastrophic illness initially written, at David’s urging, by Kate and their sons Michael and Sam in 2006, the first anniversary of David’s diagnosis, when recurrence and bone marrow treatment likely loomed.

Seretonin

2010-07-01T15:15:00.001-04:00

Recipes That Make You Feel Better
By Judith J. Wurtman, PhD and Nina T. Frusztajer, MD,
Authors of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs -- Nature's Own Appetite Suppressant -- to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain
There are some evenings when we all wish our Moms were in the kitchen cooking a meal that would make us feel better. We are too old to be fretting over a bad test grade or nasty remark from someone on the playground but being grown up doesn't mean we don't need comfort when we return home.
Fortunately, it is really easy to prepare a dinner yourself that will calm you down, soothe away your stress and turn down that chatter in your brain about what went wrong with your day.
Comfort dinners work because if they have the right components, your brain will make the calming , feel-good chemical, serotonin as soon as the food is digested. And that means that by the time you put the dishes in the dishwasher, the troubles of the day will be forgotten. Serotonin is made when you eat any sweet or starchy carbohydrate (except the carbs in fruit). Carbohydrates set in motion a process that brings an amino acid called tryptophan into the brain. When tryptophan arrives, it is immediately converted to serotonin. And serotonin immediately makes you feel better. Only two rules must be followed if your comfort dinner is really going to comfort:
Keep the protein portion of the dinner to a minimum. No more than 1-2 ounces. This is because protein interferes with tryptophan getting into the brain. Keep the fat portion of the dinner to a minimum. No more than two tablespoons of olive oil, butter, high fat cheese or cream. This is because fat slows down digestion and will make you wait too long to feel comforted. Here is an easy to prepare, tasty and comforting dinner recipe. Enjoy!

Pasta with Meat and Mushroom-Tomato Ragu
This is a simple and delicious dish made with a mushroom sauté. The pasta and mushrooms take about the same time to cook, so the dish should be ready 12 minutes after the water boils for the pasta.
Rigatoni or any short pasta, cooked according to package directions
Women: 1 cup/Men: 1½cups
Olive oil cooking spray
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ pound mushrooms
Lean ground beef or turkey
Women: 2 ounces/Men: 4 ounces
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or several fresh basil leaves
1 cup low-sodium reduced-fat or fat-free jarred tomato sauce
1 tablespoon low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese with sun-dried tomatoes
Place drained pasta back into the pot. Set aside. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, add the oil, and warm over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic, mushrooms, and ground beef or turkey for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft. Add the pepper, sugar, and Italian seasoning or basil and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring several times. Add the mushroom mixture and tomato sauce to the pasta and heat until warm. Put in a large bowl and sprinkle with the cheese. Serve with Lemon Garlic Spinach.
Makes 1 serving
Per serving (women): 473 calories, 30 g protein, 65 g carbohydrates, 13 g total fat, 8 g dietary fiber, 772 mg sodium
Per serving (men): 649 calories, 44 g protein, 81 g carbohydrates, 19 g total fat, 9 g dietary fiber, 814 mg sodium

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: The FUNminute Manager

2010-06-21T20:28:00.000-04:00

By: Bob Pike

Is a fun work environment—one that lifts people’s spirits and reminds them of their value to their managers, their organization, and to each other— a primary need for employees? Can such a work environment improve employee attendance, moral and productivity and reduce turnover? Have you ever had a manager that asked you if you were having a good time? Does the mere thought of a manager one of their employees that make you laugh? If you have ever had the misfortune of working in an office where everyone goes through the motions of the day like a 9-5 version of Night of the Living Dead and you can barely motivate yourself to get out of bed in the morning, you shouldn’t be laughing.

In the FUN Minute Manager, Pike takes us through a fable of a manager seeking to retain his top engineering talent by making the workplace more fun. The journey takes him through a nuclear power plant and a hospital with a busy trauma ward to learn how those organizations make the workplace fun. Is it even more laughable or slightly concerning that a power plant should be a fun place to work? To prevent employee burnout (which can reduce concentration and lead to deadly mistakes) these are actually perfect examples of places that can apply the Fun Minute Manager techniques. Managers of small and large organizations will find tips and tricks they can take to heart and apply today. The goal of this book is to keep your talent happy, motivated and producing. This book is a quick and easy read.

Bob Pike has developed and implemented training programs since 1969. His resume is beyond impressive. In 2007 he was voted one of the twenty most influential training professionals by Training Industry and received ISA’s prestigious Thought Leader Award. Pike has worked with such organizations as Pfizer, Upjohn, Hallmark Cards Incorporated, and IBM.

WIN a copy of The Tax Deductable Wedding

2010-06-20T21:14:00.000-04:00

From the Back Cover

Some 2.4 million weddings occur annually in the United States, today’s average bill being upwards of $25,000. And, nowadays, only about one in four have parents paying for the whole thing. While the numbers vary considerably, there is one almost universal truth: pre-wedding finances look very different than post-wedding finances. Indeed, many couples go into long-term debt, turning wedding bliss into marriage blues faster than a bride can throw her bouquet.

But this needn’t be the case! In The Tax-Deductible Wedding, Sabrina Rivers gives you practical advice for producing a dream wedding the tax-deductible way. Did you know that a wedding or reception held at a museum, national park, or even a zoo can mean a big tax deduction? Or that you can seek sponsors? (Really!) Rivers not only discusses the how-tos, but also gently guides you through the entire process—and even includes a section on tax-deductible honeymoons! Replete with tips, anecdotes, Q&A sessions, checklists, resources, and more for today’s cost-conscious wedding planners, The Tax-Deductible Wedding is one handbook no couple can afford to be without. Just reply to this post

Author Article: How Stepmothers Can FInd a Good Therapist

2010-06-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

How Stepmothers Can Find a Good Therapist
By: Rachelle Katz

At least three times a week, stepmothers email me requesting a recommendation for good therapist where they live. Usually, I don't know anyone in their area but I give them a list of questions to ask therapists before they finally select one with whom to work. Finding a good therapist requires some detective work. You need to find out some basic information to make sure you and a therapist share similar philosophies and goals. This will ensure that your experience in therapy helps rather than harms you.
Particularly with regard to stepmothers, many mental health professionals hold outdated ideas about step-families, the most prevalent one being that "blending" is the ideal goal. If a stepmother complains that she feel like an outsider in her family despite numerous attempts to bond with her stepchildren, too many therapists will suggest that she keep trying to establish a relationship with them. This can be an exercise in frustration and futility as "blending" does not occur for most step-families, and is not a necessary requirement for their overall happiness.
Other therapists unconsciously accept as true the cultural stereotype that stepmothers are to blame for all the family's problems. They lack an understanding of the real challenges faced by stepmothers, and their ignorance and insensitivity may influence how they work with you. More than likely, you will waste your time and money. A bad experience in therapy may taint you from trying another therapist, and prevent you from getting the help you need and deserve.
I have been appalled by some of the bad experiences some stepmothers have had with therapists. In one of the monthly support groups I run, one* of the stepmothers shared that she, her husband and 21 year old stepdaughter went to a family therapist for help. They were struggling to get along in her small one bedroom apartment. The stepdaughter was thrown out of her dorm for physically assaulting her roommate and needed to move in with them while attending college, and was sleeping on the living room couch. She was asked to not play the TV or radio after 1 a.m. to prevent awakening her father and stepmother. She refused to, or was unable to abide by this request and repeatedly disturbed her father and stepmother in the middle of the night. When they would politely ask her to turn off the TV or radio, she would have a tantrum (that would last for hours). When the family discussed this in therapy, the therapist felt that the stepmother was being unreasonable by asking for some peace and quiet, and should be more understanding of her stepdaughter who was still affected by her parent's divorce, more than 15 years ago. This trauma, the therapist explained, prevented her from channeling her emotions maturely.
The belief that children are victims of divorce is both common and completely accurate. It is true that many children are traumatized by divorce, but this is an explanation rather than an excuse for their misbehavior. It is unacceptable for a 21-year-old to have a temper tantrum when she doesn't get her way. Adult temper tantrums are indicative of a bigger problem, one that was being ignored by both the therapist and her father. As long as his daughter was doing well in school and abstained from alcohol and drugs, he was satisfied with her behavior. He wasn't concerned by the fact his daughter could not keep friends, got into physical altercations with them, and was fired from all of her jobs. His passivity regarding his daughter's problems prevented him from acknowledging his wife's frustrations and taking them seriously.
Not only was the stepmother disturbed by her husband's stance, she was astonished that the therapist did not support her need to get a good night's sleep since she was the only one in the family with a job. If she lost it, all of them would be homeless. The therapist did share with the family that she was a stepchild and never had a good relationship with her own stepmother. This factor probably contributed to her over identifying with the stepdaughter to the detriment of the stepmother. At her wit's end, the stepmother was considering divorce; the only viable option in an otherwise untenable situation. This situation did not have to escalate to this crisis level if the family therapist was more sensitive to the stepmother's needs. To get the most out of therapy, you can screen for a stepmother savvy therapist by asking a few key questions, such as:
• What kind of, and how much experience have you had working with step-families?
• What training have you had that is specifically related to step-family issues?
• Are you a stepmother? If the therapist feels this question is too personal, explain that you are experiencing challenges as a stepmother and prefer to work with someone who truly understands the dynamic.
• Have you been a stepchild? Do you have a stepmother? If so, what kind of relationship do you have with her? If the therapist shares that she has had a negative one, ask the therapist if she can separate her own experiences when working with you.
• Do you believe that it's necessary and desirable for step-families to "blend" over time? If a therapist upholds that "blending" is customary in step-families and is the ideal objective, ask what he or she recommends if it doesn't happen. If they recommend that you continue to try to achieve this goal, call someone else.
• Don't forget to ask the basic questions: are you licensed, what is your fee, and if the therapist is covered by insurance.

Unfortunately, you are not guaranteed to find the right therapist by just asking these questions. Only a consultation will give you the information you need to determine if you feel comfortable collaborating with the therapist to help you achieve greater happiness and contentment.

Author Article: How I Stopped "Waiting for Jack"

2010-06-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

By Kristen Moeller,
Author of Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie: How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Your Life.

The first time I met Jack, I ripped a hundred-dollar bill out of his hand. On a cold winter day in Denver, I waited in line to see one of my heroes, Jack Canfield, the coauthor of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series and the author of The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Where I wanted to be was a version of what Jack had become -- an author, a speaker, an inspiration to thousands of people. He was the whole package -- successful, kind -- a visionary for what is possible in the world. I thought, "If I can get to know him, I will become that."

When I saw the opportunity, I grabbed it. Literally. During his presentation, Jack reached for his wallet, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and said, "Who wants this?" Hands shot up in the audience; people leaned forward to see whom Jack would choose. But I leapt up, ran up the stairs to the stage, and grabbed the bill from his hand. As I was launching myself in the air, thoughts raced through my mind -- was I about to be humiliated in front of 800 people? Would they call security and haul me from the stage? But my desire for bold action was louder than any voice of doubt. As I plucked the bill from his hand, he turned to me and said, "Yes, that's it! We can't wait around for the opportunities to come to us. We must take action to create what we want!"
After his talk, I waited in line to formally meet Jack and boldly asked for his personal e-mail address. Over the next several months, I sent him lengthy e-mails sharing my vision and dreams. He kindly e-mailed back one-liners of encouragement such as, "Keep thinking and playing bigger; it's much more fun that way. Love, Jack." Then my life got busy with other things. I lost sight of my inspiration and I stopped e-mailing Jack.
A year later, my dreams had grown stale. I had this idea if I got back in touch with Jack, he might just provide the perfect, inspiring nudge I needed. I was looking for something that would spur me into action, like a giant arrow that would show me the way. I emailed him, and then emailed him again -- but got no response. As I sat down at my computer to check my email for the fifth time in 15 minutes, I suddenly woke up.

What was I doing? I was waiting! And this time I was waiting for Jack. I realized waiting was a behavior that began when I was a little girl. I waited to be older -- surely freedom would begin when I had my first boyfriend, first kiss, got my drivers license, graduated from high school and went to college. Then I waited to know what to do with my life. I had always waited, thinking the great prize of life was just around the corner. And I had started to believe Jack was the answer; that knowing him would provide something I thought I was missing internally.
I remembered the crowd, most likely desiring that hundred-dollar bill, while they sat glued to their chairs. What were they waiting for? An Oliver Wendell Holmes quote ran through my mind, "Many people die with their music still inside them." Instantly, I knew I needed to do something about all this waiting. The inspiration came like lightening: I was going to write a book! A book about waiting and call it "Waiting for Jack!" Instantly, ideas and chapter titles came to me.
It all sounded good but then reality hit, I was writing a book. . . . Some nights I cried and wanted to give up; others I celebrated my courage. I wrote, re-wrote, ripped it all up, burned what was left and started over. I hired editors, changed directions then changed back. I danced in the moonlight and curled up in a ball on the floor. I told everyone I was writing, and then wished I hadn't. I grew, contracted, then grew again, stretching further than I ever thought possible.
Fortunately, I have surrounded myself with a life of personal development and I have access to all the tools anyone could ever want. I know I can "feel the fear and do it anyway". I know how to take action. I know how to move forward even when every molecule in my body tells me to stop.
We all have a "Jack" for whom we wait -- whether it's a person, a place or a thing. We falsely believe the gifts of life are just around the corner; that anywhere is better than here; that one day we will arrive and everything will be okay. So we don't try, we give up, we sell out, we forget who we are. We are afraid to succeed, afraid to fail and afraid to say we are afraid. But as Wayne Gretzky said: "You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take!" So I stopped waiting and I wrote. Three years later, Waiting for Jack is a best-seller on Amazon! I have grown in ways I never expected. I know that I am capable of so much more than I ever knew before. Now I ask you, what are you waiting for?

© 2010 Kristen Moeller, author of Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie: How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Your Life
Author Bio
Kristen Moeller, MS, is the bestselling author of Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie: How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Your Life. As a coach, speaker, and radio show host, Kristen delights in "disrupting the ordinary" and inspiring others to do the same. She first discovered her passion for personal development in 1989 after recovering from an eating disorder and addiction Kristen is also the founder of the Chick-a-go Foundation -- a not-for-profit that provides "pay it forward" scholarships for life altering training programs reaching people who otherwise cannot afford such opportunities. When she is not actively making a difference in the world, she thrives in the beauty of Colorado and enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, riding her horse or just spending time reading or relaxing in her magical, solar-powered house on the side of a mountain with two large dogs, an ornery cat and her best friend and husband of 15 years.For more information please visit www.waitingforjack.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Throw Out Fifty Things Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life

2010-06-14T01:05:00.001-04:00

By Gail Blanke

Can throwing out the stuff that is cluttering up your closets, medicine cabinets and basement lead to a complete revelation and the discovering of your true self? Motivational life coach Gail Blanke thinks so and she wants to prove it. Blanke set up her new book, Throw Out Fifty Things- Clear The Clutter, Find Your Life, in a format that is easy and fun to use. The book starts with a room by room clean out guide with a tally sheet and instructions to help you decide what to keep, what to pitch and what to donate for every room. There are some really fun and modern tips to help you clean up safely and without incurring the wrath of others. One of her rules is don’t throw out other people’s stuff as it can really make them mad. Having incurred my husband’s wrath on more than one occasion, I can completely agree. She also gives you tips on how to dispose of things like old medications in an environmentally friendly fashion, recycling goals and fun ways to donate items to charity. The second half of the book gets into some personal development and talks about letting go of regret, the need to be a people pleaser and finding the person that you were meant to be now that your physical and mental space is not cluttered with unnecessary ideas and unwanted items. This book is no holds bar and the final word on letting go and moving on.

Reply to this post to enter our contest to win a free copy of the book!

http://www.throwoutfiftythings.com/

Book Giveaway!

2010-06-11T23:48:00.000-04:00

Book Give-Away June 7 - 14: Interview with Author Laura Lyseight and book give away! Laura has been a source of inspiration and great influence in the lives of many teenagers and children. Her burning ambition to see teens find and reach their full potential has driven her to write books to challenge, empower and enrich their lives beyond their own expectations. A private tutor and coach, and a best-selling author, Laura is mentoring teens to leadership and helping them create their own success stories. Visit http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com and leave a comment if you’re interested in this amazing book.

Book Review: The Finger Prince

2010-06-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

The Finger Prince
By Peter Begley

A fun book for children that talks about all the little fingerprints that they make. Of course there is a bad guy that can't wait to eat them all up.

I enjoyed quite a bit the graphics with the fun finger prints and the various "finger people" they made. I will definitely be reading this to my son when he gets a little older.

One quick note - some books I would consider highly educational in nature. This is not one of them. It is more just a fun book for all.

Top Guilty Pleasure Books

2010-06-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

What books do you have that you love - but don't want anyone to know you read?

Why do you try to keep it a secret?

We Have a Winner for the Carla Collins', Angels, Vampires & D-Bags Contest

2010-06-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

We have a winner! Thanks for participating!

Amazon.com description:
In this candid confessional, comedian Carla Collins divides the world into the angels who guide us, inspire us, and save our butts; the sexy and trendy vampires who suck the life out of us; and the douche bags who constantly annoy, disgust and taunt us. With a fast wit, fake breasts and real heart, Collins shares her unconventional journey from a small steel town in Ontario, Canada to Tinseltown L.A. On this wild and revealing romp, she navigates her way through seventy-two imaginary friends, multiple fiancés, eight dogs, two marriages, and one topless grandmother. Her hard-earned life lessons will show you that by taking risks, embracing humiliation and tapping into the power of laughter, anything is possible--and everyone is manageable. Attract more angels into your life, control your vampires, and keep all the douchebags at bay. Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags is original, edgy, uplifting and laugh-out-loud funny.

Win a FREE copy of Anywhere- How Global Connectivity is Revolutionizing the Way We Do Business

2010-05-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

A pill bottle helps health care professionals monitor patients taking medication. A vending machine reports its own inventory over a wireless network. A telephone speeds checkout by serving as a debit card in retail stores around the world. The future of the world—and business— is ubiquitous connectivity, the total interconnection of people, ideas, and products through a global digital network. As the network grows and the world of data expands, every citizen will have instant access to virtually anything he or she wants. Where is this network? Anywhere. And you must learn to use it to the fullest if your business is to thrive in the coming years. Are you moving fast enough? Reply to this post to be automatically entered to win this new release.

Contest Reminder!

2010-05-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

May 24 – 31: Interview with Author Michele Ashman Bell for young adult novel “Summer In Paris.” I read it and loved it, so it’s good for adults, too. This book is about a 16-year-old spoiled rich girl who is sent to her cousins for the summer in Paris, Idaho. She never realized such a place existed! Feeling like she's been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, wash her own clothes, gather eggs, hoe the garden, etc. She feels like she's about to die until she meets handsome Adam White whose got a deep secret. This book is quite humorous and I found myself laughing out loud. Visit http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/2010/05/interview-with-author-michele-ashman.html
and leave a comment if you’re interested in this book.

Fitness Expert Says Michelle Obama’s Childhood Obesity Fight is Swimming Upstream Against the Gene Pool

2010-05-29T21:04:00.002-04:00

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA – While Michelle Obama’s admirable quest to fight childhood obesity is addressing the issues of better nutritional choices and increased movement for America’s youth, her campaign is missing the “elephant in the room” when it comes to many children’s struggles with obesity.

Michelle Pearl, ACE certified professional fitness expert, entrepreneur and author, insists that the issue of chronic genetic obesity also must be addressed because as many as two-thirds of America’s youth will otherwise remain unaffected by the First Lady’s current program. Pearl, author of Wake up! You’re Probably Never Going to Look Like That: How to be Happier, Healthier and Imperfectly Fit (ISBN 978-0-557-27290-7, 2010 Lulu, 131 pages, $14.95 www.imperfectfitness.com), struggled with morbid obesity throughout her childhood and adult life until she managed to lose over 100 pounds twice, and successfully keep the weight off the second time.

“For Michelle Obama’s well-intentioned campaign to be successful she must first expose as ineffective the erroneous messages and ill-conceived recommended weight loss methods that children and their parents are bombarded with throughout the media,” stresses Pearl. “Then she must include a component to teach families how to deal with the difficult side-effects of a lowered metabolism which children with chronic weight problems who cut back on their caloric intake will experience. And, finally, she will need to teach children and their families to have realistic body expectations to increase their perception of their own successes.” According to a Stanford University School of Medicine study, 67 percent of children suffer from obesity because they are genetically predisposed to. And, the study determined, the factor that puts children at the greatest risk of being overweight is having obese parents. “In other words, if you want to know how you might look in your jeans in 30 years, you might want to look at your genes,” says Pearl.

In the early 1980s, Dr. Albert Stunkard of the University of Pennsylvania found a comprehensive 20-year registry of Danish adoptees. The registry, originally maintained to determine if schizophrenia was an inherited disorder, also detailed the heights and weights of the adoptees, their biological parents, and their adoptive parents. Stunkard’s findings definitively showed that obesity stems from genetic influences, rather than environmental factors, because the adoptees ended up as fat as their biological parents, regardless of the size of their adoptive parents. “Trying to fix childhood obesity without making changes in the way the entire family looks at and handles chronic obesity,” adds Pearl, “is like trying to row a boat with one oar in a hurricane; it’s going to be pretty rough going and you can be fairly certain that only a slim number of passengers are going to make it.”

Pearl’s book Wake Up! takes on the mass-media-driven myth that everyone should be striving to achieve the perfect body and instead provides an optimistic testament that exercise and eating right will absolutely be life-changing. “But the message of the book,” stresses Pearl, “is that to become a success story before you jump in front of a camera for that coveted ‘after’ picture, you need to make a giant leap of faith and learn to rethink your expectations.” In Wake Up! Pearl discusses what she believes are the fallacies of the erroneous messages of fitness guru Jillian Michaels and the dangers of the game show The Biggest Loser which she also chronicles at www.antibiggestloser.com. In addition, Pearl interviewed seven Imperfectly Fit Superstars from across the United States and chronicles their success stories in Wake Up!

The Well-Read Communter Reviews: Connected- The Surpising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives

2010-05-27T14:28:00.002-04:00

By: Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, PhD & James Fowler, PhD

Just how powerful are our personal social networks? Connected promises that it will forever change the way we look at one another -- and at ourselves. The author claims that happiness is contagious, your future spouse is likely to be your friend's friend and your friends' friends' friends can make you fat -- or thin. These are just a few of the startling findings of internationally renowned scientists Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler. In Connected, they present intriguing new evidence that our real-life social networks shape virtually every aspect of our lives.

How we feel, whom we marry, whether we fall ill, how much money we make, and whether we vote -- could everything around us hinge on what others around us are doing, thinking, and feeling? What does that mean for your business and how do you harness that power? Connected shows that our world is governed by the Three Degrees Rule -- we influence and are influenced by people up to three degrees removed from us, most of whom we do not even know! You’ll love this juicy read and you will love the coplex theories that are put forth by two PhD’s and the way that the make it accessable outside of a clinical setting. This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. In the age of facebook and blogging, you will be surprised by the power of our human nature, social networks and realize that momma was right, you do have to watch who your friends are!

Book Review: The Host

2010-05-27T09:40:00.000-04:00

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

What was this book about?

Aliens have come to the planet earth to infect us. They are a parasitic creature that essentially consists mainly of a “soul”. These souls take over the human body, and in some cases the original soul of the person leaves to give room to it, while others have to co-exist (this is very rare). These souls come to claim planets because they are kind, caring, have no war, and can exist in a moneyless society. Almost a Utopia of sorts.

Wanderer, or Wanda as they like to call her, is one of these alien souls. She has existed on many planets and for very many years. When she is placed in Melanie’s body she has no idea what is going to happen. Melanie is the rare human who has rebelled. They learned what is going on and they are hiding out trying to stay away from these “evil” aliens. Melanie is captured but she is willing to fight for her part of Wanda’s existence. It is a tough fight though. Wanda retains all of Melanie’s memories and can’t help but begin to feel the emotional entanglements that Melanie has always felt.

This means Jared, Melanie’s love and Jamie her little brother are in danger. Traditionally the soul gives up these other humans who have rebelled. Wanda cannot make herself do that. Instead she wants to find Jared and Jamie and help them.

What did you like/dislike about the book?

When I finished the book I realized how much I really liked the whole thing. The beginning was a little slow but something that was required. I will definitely continue reading Stephanie Meyer books.

Author Post: Quick, Healthy, Springtime Dishes -- Featuring Herbs!

2010-05-25T09:39:00.000-04:00

Quick, Healthy, Springtime Dishes -- Featuring Herbs!
By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich,
Author of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

The use of fresh herbs has exploded in the American kitchen today. I recall that as a young apprentice in Italy -- at my great-aunt's apron strings -- for every herb we had in the garden, there seemed to be a pot on the stove to match.

Some herbs were better to cook with while others were better added at the end to a finished dish. For example, rosemary, bay leaves and thyme are mostly used for long cooking where their oils are extracted slowly out of their leaves. Sage, oregano and marjoram need very little cooking time, and herbs such as basil, parsley and mint are great to toss in raw at the end -- just enough to release their refreshing aromas.

If you have small children a wonderful way to introduce them to the enticing aromas of herbs is to gently crush the herbs in your hands and let them smell. I did this with my grandchildren when they were very small and it's a great way to get them excited about the world of herbs and food at an early age.

In fact, once you get your small children excited about herbs, introduce them to your own dishes. Here I'm sharing some of the quickest, and most child-friendly. Enjoy!

HERB PESTO
Makes 1 ½ cups

* 1 cup packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
* ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
* ½ cup packed mixed fresh sage, thyme, and marjoram leaves
* 4 garlic cloves, peeled
* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* Salt

Wash the herb leaves in cool water and dry them thoroughly, preferably in a salad spinner. Combine the herbs and garlic in a blender and blend on low speed, slowly adding the oil while the machine is running, until the pesto is smooth and all the oil is incorporated. Add salt to taste.

Keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and use as needed. Pesto will keep refrigerated for up to 4 weeks or it may be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure there is a thin film of oil over the pesto to keep its flavor and color bright.

HERB FRITTATA
Serves 2 as an appetizer, 1 as a lunch dish
From "Lidia's Family Table" (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)

* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons milk
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
* 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon butter
* 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and fresh herbs until just blended together.

Heat the butter and oil in the small frying pan until it just starts to sizzle, then pour in the eggs and turn the heat down very low. Cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes. The eggs will start to puff up and sizzle at the edges. Lift a corner of the frittata with a spatula, and check to see if the bottom has browned in splotches. When it has, flip the frittata over by giving the pan a firm, quick shake up and over toward you so that the egg mass dislodges and flips over in one piece. Or, if that unnerves you, turn the frittata over with a spatula. Cook the second side for 1 ½ to 2 minutes, again checking to see if the bottom has browned to your liking. Serve right away, or let cool to room temperature and cut the frittata in wedges.

BAKED FISH WITH SAVORY BREAD CRUMBS
Serves 6

Landlocked Umbria does not have a seafood cuisine. But its mountain lakes, rivers, and streams abound in freshwater fish, like the tasty tench. This simple preparation is one I found in Umbria, and it is excellent for fillets of our sweet-water varieties, such as carp or whitefish, or even light ocean-fish fillets like sole.

* 2 pounds whitefish fillets
* ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
* 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* Juice of a large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
* ½ cup white wine
* 6 plump garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
* ½ cup fine dry bread crumbs
* Zest of a large lemon (about 2 teaspoons)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ¼ teaspoon peperoncino flakes, or to taste, chopped fine
* Fresh lemon slices, for serving

Recommended equipment: A 4-quart shallow rectangular baking dish; a heavy-bottomed skillet or saute pan, 12-inch diameter or larger, with a cover.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly salt the fish on both sides, using about ¼ teaspoon salt in all. Pour 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lemon juice, white wine, and another ¼ teaspoon salt into the baking dish, and whisk together well. Drop in the garlic cloves, and stir with the dressing. Lay the fillets in the dish, turn and swish them in the dressing so both sides are thoroughly moistened, and arrange them, skin side down, in one layer.

Toss the bread crumbs in a bowl with the lemon zest, parsley, oregano, chopped peperoncino, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, and toss the crumbs well until evenly moistened with oil.

Spoon the seasoned bread crumbs on top of the fillets in a light, even layer. Bake, uncovered, until the crumbs are crisp and golden and the fish is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Lift the fish out with a spatula, and set on a warm platter to serve family-style, or on individual plates. Spoon over it the juices left in the baking dish, and serve right away, with lemon slices on the side.

© 2010 Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, authors of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes
Author Bio
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, coauthor of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipe, is the author of five previous books, four of them accompanied by nationally syndicated public television series. She is the owner of the New York City restaurant Felidia (among others), and she lectures on and demonstrates Italian cooking throughout the country. She lives on Long Island, and can be reached at her Web site, www.LidiasItaly.com.

Top 5 Favorite Authors

2010-05-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Who are your favorite authors - that you would buy a book from them whenever it comes out without even finding out what it is about?

Comment below!

MIA

2010-05-24T09:33:00.002-04:00

Sorry - I have been a little MIA lately. Thankfully my friend the Well-Read Commuter has been picking up my slack.

I have posts that I will be soon posting on:
* The Host
* Savor the Moment
* The Mommy Files
* The Finger Prince
* Mom over
* Clean, Green and Lean

So please continue to stop by!

Win a FREE copy of I Hate People: Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job

2010-05-18T15:02:00.001-04:00

Respond to this post to be entered to win!!

I Hate People: Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job

2010-05-18T14:52:00.001-04:00

The modern workplace can be a minefield of clashing personalities. What do you do when you find yourself stuck in a workplace filled with all of the wrong people? You know, the Liar Liar that never got your e-mail, the Sheeple that can't make a leadership decision to save her life and the FlimFlam man? Littman and Hershon don't disappoint in their collaboration where they dissect the modern workplace and provide survival techniques such as becoming a Soloist and Digging Your Cave and Island Hoping. I think that this book is an important read for managers so that they know why their top talent might be looking for a new job. While the economy is so tough that less people are looking to change jobs, managers still need to get more out of their employees than ever. This book is just a solid read and a brutally honest acount of the pitfalls and survival methods for the modern workplace.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: The Happy Stepmother

2010-05-16T14:08:00.005-04:00

In honor of Stepmother’s Day (May 16), I thought I would post this review today. As a stepmother for over three years to two teen boys, I found this book charming and insightful. In fact, I wish I would have had this book over three years ago! The book details a ten-step plan to a fulfilling life as a stepmom. I couldn’t help but skip around the book and take in the different chapters and the advice on letting go of resentment, what to do with his old wedding photos and what to do when your blended family feels literally like being in a blender. The book also includes a resource section and serious advice from a variety of stepmoms who have been there, done that. The author maintains the website www.stepsforstepmothers.com

WIN a Free Copy of Carla Collins', Angels, Vampires & D-Bags

2010-05-15T13:55:00.005-04:00

Respond to this post by the end of May and you will be entered to win a free copy of this hilarious new release!!

Amazon.com description:

In this candid confessional, comedian Carla Collins divides the world into the angels who guide us, inspire us, and save our butts; the sexy and trendy vampires who suck the life out of us; and the douche bags who constantly annoy, disgust and taunt us. With a fast wit, fake breasts and real heart, Collins shares her unconventional journey from a small steel town in Ontario, Canada to Tinseltown L.A. On this wild and revealing romp, she navigates her way through seventy-two imaginary friends, multiple fiancés, eight dogs, two marriages, and one topless grandmother. Her hard-earned life lessons will show you that by taking risks, embracing humiliation and tapping into the power of laughter, anything is possible--and everyone is manageable. Attract more angels into your life, control your vampires, and keep all the douchebags at bay. Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags is original, edgy, uplifting and laugh-out-loud funny.

Top 10 Books

2010-04-25T09:26:00.003-04:00

If you had to pick your Top 10 favorite books what would they be? Comment below with the answer.

(My favorites in no particular order as it is just too hard and I know there are not 10 - Gone with the wind, Heidi, Little Women, Harry Potter series)

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle

2010-04-24T16:45:00.002-04:00

A Cheeky Book with Tidbits of Advice for a Glamorous Lifestyle
By: Dawn Del Russo

What this book is about:
In 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle, author Dawn Del Russo provides quick, cheeky tips to living the swank life even when your bank account is busted. Throughout the book, each one-liner of advice is illustrated by Barbara Ann Scarrillo with charming, fashionable sketches. Del Russo is a high profile fashion stylist has been featured in print like US Weekly, Life and Style, InStyle, Glamour, Real Simple, and on Fox 5 NY for her style advice and a contributing writer for multiple online publications.

Did you like this book: This book is a delicious and breezy walk through updating and improving all areas of your life. From getting a properly fitting bra, cleaning out your closet and looking good in jeans this book is a fast read and has it all. It was a cute and quick read that was the perfect afternoon pick me up full of good advice.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi"

2010-04-23T23:50:00.003-04:00

The Origin of Foreign Words Used in English
By Chloe Rhodes

What this book is about:
"English doesn't borrow from other languages. English follows other languages down dark alleys, knocks them over, and goes through their pockets for loose grammar." -James D. Nicoll
Chloe Rhodes is a tour de force of information in her latest book about the origin of foreign words and how we use them. From amok to debacle and paparazzi (Italian for mosquitoes), Rhodes delights and intrigues a solid book.

Did you like it:
This book is beautifully presented with decorative hardcover and gift tag on the inside making it the perfect book to use as a gift. I found it interesting and I was surprised at how many words that we use in everyday life have their origins in other countries. I was taken aback to learn ketchup, the all-American condiment, began life as koechiap in seventeenth century China! Full of fun, surprises and insights this book is an organized, easy read. For each word, Rhodes not only gives the origin of the word, but also how they became included in our language.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Trial and Heirs, Famous Fortune Fights

2010-04-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

By Andrew & Danielle Mayoras

What this book is about:
In the past years, we have all watched the estate battles of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Princess Di, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, Ray Charles and Rosa Parks play out in multi-million dollar celebrity tabloid slugfests. In thier new book, Trial and Heirs, Legacy Expert Attorneys Andrew W. Mayoras and Danielle B. Mayoras delve beyone the saucy headlines and are your guides to an entertaining look at one of life's more unsavory discussions. This easy-to-follow guide is complete with Tips to Avoid a Family Fight and Ideas to Spark Family Discussion.

Did you like it:
This book could be called Estate Planning for Dummies because it makes learning the details about wills, trusts and legacy planning easy and entertaining. How they managed to make a book about protecting your assets and seeking assistance in legacy planning fun is a mystery to me. I loved it and flipped right through the book. There is also a companion website, www.trialandheirs.com ,for those seeking more information.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Home Before Dark

2010-04-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

A Family Portrait of Cancer and Healing
By: David, Kate, Michael & Sam Treadway

What this book is about:
What if your entire life changed in an instant? It happened to David Treadwell when he awoke in the middle of the night with a pain in his shoulder. Days later when he learned he had Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and a 25% chance of survival, both he and his family dealt with the news in different ways. As the treatment of the disease raged war in his body, Treadwell’s instinct as a successful psychologist was to prepare his wife and children for his death. What resulted was a family writing project and a compressive look at one family and their journey into the unknown that is cancer. David Treadwell beat the odds and has been enjoying life in remission since 2006.

Did you like this book:
A poignant portrait of a family struggling with a serious illness, this book weaves a rich tale that will strike a chord with anyone who is part of a family. The story is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of David (the father transitioning to patient facing his own mortality), Kate (the mother, wife and doctor faced with losing her life-long partner) and their two children. You are left with a complete and vibrant view of the family’s march through the fog, navigating life post-diagnosis. Dealing with the stress of a holiday when it could be the “last” one you have together to adult children balancing blazing their own path in the world with the knowledge that their father could be slipping away and any time with him is precious, it is a story anyone who has loved and been afraid to lose can relate to. It was beautiful and uplifting. Your priorities will completely change when you read it and it will be a well needed reminder to enjoy every day and every minute with those that you hold dear. It is the story of the journey of a family and many will be able to relate to it.

Author Interview: Peter Begley Author of The Finger Prince

2010-04-17T11:18:00.003-04:00

Tell us a little about yourself

I grew up on the lower east side of New York City where at the ripe old age of 2 I did my first drawings. I continued to draw my way into different art schools and eventually became an art director for and award winning advertising agency, working on TV commercials and print ads. In my spare time I worked on screenplays, TV shows ideas, even comic strips. One of those comic strip ideas turned into the children's book . It never dawned on to write a children's book. I have never been married and have no children, unless you count my 48 year old parrot Giba. Who I've had since she was 6 months old. But a children's book was what this idea was best suited from. The Finger Prince was born.

Tell us about your book

The Finger Prince is the story of a little finger print who is looking for his identity. The story touches upon the importance of self worth and self esteem for every young child. As no two fingerprints are alike, no two children are alike. Each must find their way and discover their own uniqueness.

Where did you come up with the inspiration for your books?

Everywhere, It's all about being observant and listening to your inner voice. The key is not to have any preconceived ideas. Be as open as a child.

What question do you get asked in regards to the book?

I can only remember the very first question i was asked as I read the book to a group of children for the first time. I was a little nervous knowing that kids could be brutally honest. To my relief their first question was, when are you going to write another one?

What prompted you to begin writing?

I always loved to draw and my playfulness took over from there. While in the ad business I worked with very talented writers and found out that putting words and pictures together was what I really liked doing.

What is your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part?

My favorite part is in coming up with the idea for the book. Then its the writing and drawing. My least favorite part would be finalizing of all the details like checking the spelling. I'm the world's worst speller.

What are you working on next?

The next Finger Prince book will be a musical. The story will be told in a song that will have music for voice and piano.

If you could not have been a writer what do you think you would want to be?

In the last 7 years I've learned to sing and I've done so in both large and small choirs. I just love it. i find enormous joy in it.

What do you wish I would ask you?

We'll how about, do I ever get writers block? The answer is yes and no. We all get stuck sometimes but it happens less often. The Finger Prince was originally an idea for a comic strip called The Finger Prints., but it was never finished. After dropping it for many years I realized, by accident, it was really a children's book. So now I'm always working on multiple projects. If one of them stalls I move to another and later go back to the stalled project. There's an old saying that if you keep watching the pot the water never boils. It works the same for ideas.

2010-04-15T14:59:00.000-04:00

A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi"
By Chloe Rhodes,
Author of A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi": The Origin of Foreign Words Used in English

Picture this scenario: You're having a tête-à-tête with an old friend from your alma mater, who is a wine aficionado. So you pick an al fresco table at a chic little café, and order from the a la carte menu. However, your companion won't stop exchanging double entendres with the woman in the sarong at the next table. So you're stuck listening to the klutz of a waiter droning on ad nauseam about the soup du jour. At that point, you're ready to say hasta la vista -- but you don't want to seem like a diva.

Try to say all that in "English." You probably wouldn't change a single word. How else would you describe such a scene if it weren't for the thousands of foreign words and phrases we've snuck into our conversations over the years? We all use them without a second thought. But how much do you really know about the origins of the borrowed words and phrases you use every day?

Did you know, for example, that when you place an order for apple pie a la mode, that you are using a phrase that dates back to the days of King Louis XIV? His court became such a standard of good taste that the British aristocracy wanted to do more than dress in French fashion; they wanted to use their phrase for it, too. In the seventeenth century the term was anglicized to become alamode -- a light silk used to make scarves. And at some point in small-town America, the combined flavors of cooked apple, sweet pastry, and cool, creamy vanilla represented the very latest in fashionable, cutting-edge gastronomy, giving the term its modern meaning of "with ice cream."

And there's hundreds of other examples from France: laissez faire, joie de vivre, fait accompli, faux pas, I could go on but you'd only become blasé. And with good reason; English speakers have been word collectors since the fifth century, when the dialects of Anglo-Saxon settlers, Celts, and Norse invaders were cobbled together to create Old English. When the Norman conquerors arrived in 1066 it must have seemed natural to steal some of their vocabulary, too. By the end of the thirteenth century, more than 10,000 French words were absorbed into English -- and we still use 75 percent of them today.

But we've done more than add a French lilt to our lingo. Those Normans also introduced us to Latin. In medicine, we have words like post-mortem and placebo, while in legal language, Latin phrases such as in camera and quid pro quo are still bounced around the courtroom. And others have crossed over into broader use; an agreement or contract signed in good faith is said to be bona fide. However, in everyday use, the phrase has become interchangeable with the word genuine and usually describes someone or something whose authenticity can be trusted.

More foreign phrases joined the fray during the marauding, seafaring days of our English-speaking ancestors, who filled their boats with strange Asian spices, exotic fabrics, and loads of new words for all the animals, garments and foods they had discovered.

Even ketchup, that favorite sidekick of French fries, is an import, starting life as a spicy pickled fish sauce in seventeenth-century China. The word is a Westernized version of the Malay word kichap, which came from koechiap, meaning fish brine. The sweet red version we love with began to take shape when American sailors added tomatoes, which are excellent for preventing scurvy. In 1876 John Heinz launched his infamous tomato ketchup and the rest, as they say, is history.

And there are stowaway words in your wardrobe as well as your pantry; your pajamas, dungarees, and even your bandanna have their origins on foreign shores. Bandanna comes from the Sanskrit word bandhana, meaning to tie, from the tie-dying technique used to decorate scarves and handkerchiefs in India. The anglicized "bandanna" was incorporated into the English language during the days of the British Raj, though they're now more popular with wrestlers and cowboys who want to give their look a certain panache.

And while the Brits went abroad to gather additions for their dictionary, in seventeenth-century North America, words were coming to the English language by the boatload. Soon words from Italy, Poland, German, and Eastern Europe were leaping off immigrant ships and landing in the American English lexicon. To uncover the backstory on some of these, from alter ego to zeitgeist, explore the pages of A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi -- The Origin of Foreign Words Used in English by Chloe Rhodes, published by Reader's Digest, and voilá! Soon you'll easily be able to schmooze with everyone at the next cocktail party without making a single faux pas.

© 2010 Chloe Rhodes, author of A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi": The Origin of Foreign Words Used in English

Author Bio
Chloe Rhodes, author of A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi": The Origin of Foreign Words Used in English, is a freelance journalist who has worked for The Telegraph, Guardian and The Times as well as numerous other respected publications. She lives in North London with her husband.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Be the Noodle: Fifty Ways to Be a Compassionate, Courageous, Crazy-Good Caregive

2010-04-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews:
Be the Noodle: Fifty Ways to Be a Compassionate, Courageous, Crazy-Good Caregiver

By: Lois Kelly

What this book is about:
This book is based on the author's journey of being a caregiver through her mother’s terminal illness. Be the Noodle, chronicles the crazy things that happen during the twists and turns of the caregiving journey.

Did you like it:
Lois Kelly has written a book that every caregiver should be given. From dealing with guests that stay too long, unhelpful family members and all that banana bread, she has you covered. From the serious to the silly, she bares all. Many caregivers are thrust into the role of a lifetime with no training and they just have to sink or swim. Unfortunately, most don't ask for help or know where to turn. Kelly has throws back the curtain with fifty bite-sized tidbits that will have you laughing one minute and becoming misty eyed the next.

Book Giveaway

2010-04-13T08:52:00.001-04:00

Come and join the fun! Author Linda Weaver Clarke is having an Author Interview and Book Give Away on Linda's Blog. For those who enjoy a good history lesson about how we received our freedom and being entertained by fictional characters, come visit and read the interview.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Just Don't Call Me Ma'am

2010-04-13T00:01:00.006-04:00

What this book is about:
Anna Mitchael has a few tales to tell about her twenties and they are hilariously touching. Join her as she gets her first Brazilian wax, dumped and left alone in her New York apartment, navigates endless stints as a bridesmaid, explains to her Texas grandmother why she is a vegetarian and finds herself along the way.

What did you think of this book:
The only word I can think of to describe this book is delicious! I could not wait to finish the book. The writing is divinely rich as Mitchael tells a variety of tales of her loves, lessons and adventures that made up her twenties. The stories are conveyed with wry humor, but they weren’t too heavy on the sarcasm and I thought the blend was just perfect. If you are in your twenties, then you will see the book as a companion guide as you attempt to find yourself. If you have moved on from your twenties you will find yourself wanting to reminisce your own twenty something adventures with Michael over a few good drinks, even though you know her stories will trump yours. Overall, a great read and the type of book that gets passed around your circle of girlfriends. You know the type of book where you just hand it to your friend, completely unsolicited, and say you have to read this? This is one of those books.

Interview with Linda Weaver Clarke

2010-04-12T08:44:00.003-04:00

Tell us a little about yourself.

I teach people how to take their family history or their own autobiography and turn it into interesting stories. It’s important to teach our children their heritage. They need to be proud of their ancestors. I teach people how to put their stories down in an interesting way. I love what Leon Garfield said, “The historian, if honest, gives us a photograph; the storyteller gives us a painting.” That’s what I do. I teach people how to paint their stories, how to be a storyteller.

Tell us about your new book.

“Anasazi Intrigue” is the first in a mystery series. It’s about a devastating flood that takes out several homes in a small town, the importance of preserving ancient artifacts, and a few puzzling and mysterious events. Julia is a reporter, and when she finds out about a possible poison spill that kills some fish and neighbor's pets, she has a feeling that something isn’t quite right. Before she realizes what is happening, Julia finds out that this incident is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. With dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants chasing John and Julia, they have their hands full.

Where did you come up with the inspiration for your book?

It came from a true experience that really happened right here in my little valley of southern Utah. In 2005, our small five-foot-wide river grew and grew until it was as wide as the length of a football field, and it was taking everything in its path. The flood was a terrible disaster. About two hundred homes were seriously damaged and twenty-five were completely destroyed. In three days time, it had dug into the earth’s surface, carving away at the banks, creating ridges as high as forty feet deep. In fact, the river was moving at ten feet per hour, just like a plow pushing the dirt and trees down the river. Several weeks later, a man found his car thirty miles downstream from his home. During this time, everyone worked hard to help the residents remove what they could from their homes before the flood hit, but there were those who escaped with only the clothes on their backs. The experience of charity and compassion by the people was incredible.

That wasn’t the only inspiration behind my book. I was really interested in the Anasazi Indians who settled right here in my valley. Where did they come from and how did they live? Indian art painted or engraved in rock gives us an idea who the Anasazi were, their beliefs and lifestyle. Many people wonder why the Anasazi Indians disappeared, leaving behind their belongings and valuables. In my research, I found that archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to find out about it. Did you know that an ancient funeral pit can be sold for $60,000 on the black market? Not to mention all the pottery, baskets, and pendants found by looters. It’s a very intriguing subject to me and I enjoyed learning so much in my research.

What question do you get asked the most about in regards to your books?

Many people ask me how much research I do. I love research and learn a great deal. While writing this novel, I learned the importance of a Kiva, that it represents the journey of life (birth, death, and the hereafter), and that it’s a place for spiritual instruction. I also learned that archaeological thievery is growing every year. Theft at the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico is a big problem. The damage to these sites is estimated at almost $42,000 in two year’s time.

What prompted you to begin writing?

It all started with my ancestors’ stories. Their experiences were so interesting that I decided to write their stories down. After I finished, I couldn’t stop writing, so I turned to fiction.

What is your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part?

My favorite part is developing my characters and learning more and more about them. I begin to fall in love with them and understand them more fully. My least favorite is trying to think up just the right amount of suspense for a mystery to hold my reader.

What are you working on next?

I have always been intrigued with the Mayan culture. Who were they, what were their beliefs, and why did they abandon such magnificent buildings in southern Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula? My second mystery in this series is called “Mayan Intrigue” and will be released in about four months. In this mystery series, there will be four books that deal with similar subjects.

If you couldn't be a writer (or have anything to do with writing) what do you think you would want to be?

An archaeologist!

How important do you think writing is in a child’s life?

It’s very important because it works on their creativity. Writing helps to express one’s innermost feelings. Many times, writing can be a healing process. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, if children learn to write, they can learn to express themselves much better. In fact, one library asked me to teach a group of troubled teens, ones who had problems. These kids were so interested and interacted with me so well. It was a wonderful experience.

What do you hope that your readers gain from your books?

Entertainment and a little education! My goal is to uplift others and bring a little joy into their lives. To read an excerpt from each of my books, visit my website at www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

Book Review: Immortal in Death

2010-04-10T09:11:00.001-04:00

By: J.D. Robb

I have slowly begun to start over with the "In Death" series. I have loved it for a long time and started at the beginning of the series and found it to be great. While J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts is a prolific author - they don't seem to come quick enough for me.

As I have moved to more audio books (the joys of having an infant) I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to start over and see how the relationships of everyone that I have grown to get to know have changed. And I have to say it was refreshing. Had I forgotten about how Mavis and Leonardo got started? Or even how things started out for Rourke and Eve. When/how did Peabody join the picture (it sure seemed like she had always been around)?

The series itself is great. The fact that it is set in the future only adds to the appeal (though I did have a stray thought coming in to work today - why doesn't Roarke hook Eve up with some sort of homing beacon - she sure does have bad things happen to her where they can't find her all the time).

With all of that in mind - I definitely recommend to whoever is interested - picking up this book or set of books. I will be listening to book 4 as we speak.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Is He Lying to You? An Ex-CIA Polygraph Examiner Reveals What Men Don't Want You Know

2010-04-08T20:15:00.002-04:00

By: Dan Crum "The Dating Detective"

What this book is about:
Do you know the two biggest signs that you are being deceived? Do you know the two magic ways to trap a liar and the main reason we miss deception? Have you been lied to? Does your love life need a detective? If so, Dating Detective Dan Crum has you covered. In his new release, "Is He Lying to You", former CIA Polygrapher Crum lays out an impressive how-to guide to spot and deal with those in your life who stretch the truth.

Did you like this book:
This book should be on every woman's nightstand. Sorry guys, but ladies don't waste any more time being disappointed by bad dates, misbehaving husbands and shameful boyfriends. I really like that this book not only gives you more detail than you ever thought possible to spot a liar, but it delves into what is going on in your head that might make you bias and more likely to believe these lying liars. You can also visit the companion website, www.ishelyingtoyou.com for more information.

Book Review: The Founding

2010-04-07T08:45:00.001-04:00

by Cynthia Harrod Eagles

Press Information:

The Founding by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

The first book in the epic bestselling Morland Dynasty series which spans from the Wars of the Roses to Queen Victoria's long reign, where war and famine, peace and plenty, love and loyalty, greed and envy spread the lines of the family throughout the country—into the courts of kings and the salons of the Regency, onto the battlefields of Culloden and the Crimea and beyond.

In The Founding, seeking power and prestige, grim, ambitious Yorkshireman Edward Morland arranges a marriage between his meek son Robert and spirited Eleanor, young ward of the influential Beaufort family. Eleanor is not only appalled at being forced to marry a mere "sheep farmer," but is secretly in love with Richard, Duke of York. Yet, in time, this apparently ill-matched union becomes both passionate and tender, the foundation of the Morland Dynasty, and sustains them through bloody civil war which so often divides families, sets neighbor against neighbor, and brings tragedy close to home.

Special thanks to Danielle Jackson from Sourcebooks for providing this.

Review:
I love historical fiction and this one is no exception. Finding a nice mix of history and flare so that you don't feel overwhelmed with detail, is something that is a special trait in authors.

Additionally the time in history is one that doesn't seem overwhelmed with books about it. So a fresh perspective with interesting characters is intriguing.

I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series and recommend the same for anyone else who likes this type of novel.

An Interview with Meredith Cagen, author of Size Eight in a Size Zero World

2010-04-05T22:29:00.002-04:00

What prompted you to write this book?
I went back to school years after completing my MBA. It was daunting. The first time I sat down to study for an exam, I had these funny ideas racing through my head. I couldn’t concentrate until I wrote down all those random thoughts.

Random thoughts, you didn’t intend to write this book?
I live in NYC. Half the population state they are going to write a book someday or are currently working on a book. 45% of the population state they have at least one book in them and someday they will write it. 4.9% don’t care about writing a book or a reading a book I fall into the 0.1% who wrote a book without meaning to.

How long did it take you?
If the book wasn’t published, I would still be working on it. I tweaked it all the time.

Is the book about you?
The basic structure of the novel a working wife and mother with two children, husband and dog living in a Manhattan hi-rise apartment building is my life. But everything else is a figment of my imagination or poetic license. I wish I had devoted friends and a fairy tale godmother/aunt like Pamela.
Lindsay is an every woman. Chances are you see some of yourself in her. She is not perfect, but tries hard. Eventually her desire to please takes a toll on her.

Are the school mothers as superficial and cut throat as you wrote them?
I was kind to the group. But like with every social situation with women there are good ones and not so good ones. To some people in New York City, social standing is everything, which means being at the top. I have a ringside seat, a unique almost insider’s look at the competitive and cutthroat silly nature of Manhattan society. From 5th Avenue to South of the Highway, the one ups-womanship never stops amazing me. There is a even a pecking order for the nannies.

Who is “The Man Upstairs?”
He is a product of my imagination, 70% is based on one bachelor in New York City. The other 30% is based on horrific boyfriend stories I heard. There are men of a certain age who value their autonomy and do not want to be tied down. Dating is like dining at a smorgasbord. Men have no biological clock and can chose to get married and start a family according to their timetable. I think these men are looking for perfection in a woman, when they find a flaw they move on. Perfection only exists in online dating profiles.

Have you heard from any of your ex-boyfriends?
Three or four exs (Yes, that many!) called to congratulate me on the novel and ask if they are in the book. Two insist that they are the character of the Man Upstairs. They are flattered to think that they had a profound influence on my life and I wrote a book about them. Talk about egos!

Who is the 70% bachelor?
He is a fixture in the New York City social scene. I doubt he would remember meeting me as I was insignificant to him.

What else are you asked?
People want to know what is next for Lindsay. I tell them, I’m thinking about it.

Book Review: Within the Hollow Crown

2010-04-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

By: Margaret Campbell Barnes

When you are in a position of power many people want to take advantage of you and convince you that what they think is the right way. And when you are king it is very evident that this is something that happens on a daily basis. How do you protect yourself against everyone in your life. Can you live a life like that where there is no one who really is someone you can trust because you believe that everyone who is in your life has ulterior motives?

For King Richard II he has a life to live and a country to rule. He has a love for Anne of Bohemia and many who want his crown. All he wants out of life is to be a good king and rule for the people.

This book is another great example of a time in history that you don't read a million books about (ie. Henry VIII) but has an interest to those that are not all history buffs. It is a great period of English history. And this book takes you there so that you can see what it is like. Definitely a great read for those who love historical fiction.

Book Review: Bailey's Day

2010-04-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

by Robert Haggerty
Illustrated by Bobbi Switzer

A cute children's book that lets a child see what the day of Bailey (a real life dog) is like. The first half is fun and illustrated of Bailey talking about what he does on an average day - treats, swimming and all sorts of fun.

Then the second half of the book is photos taken of the real-life Bailey still doing what it is that he likes to do.

I am sure that children will like the comparison of a real life dog being in a book (and in drawings).

“Mystery and Adventure” is Theme of New Novel: Anasazi Intrigue

2010-03-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

Stolen artifacts, the Santa Clara/Virgin River flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue.

When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The people don’t know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. As information unfolds, Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

In “Anasazi Intrigue” (ISBN: 978-1-58982-587-1), Clarke creates a story based upon an independent, educated, and strong woman character. Suko’s Notebook Reviews said of Clarke’s writing: “Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts.”

There are two subjects discussed in this novel: The Santa Clara/Virgin River Flood and stolen artifacts. The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are fantastic and part of Anasazi history. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year.

The second subject brings out what really happened during the flooding in southern Utah. Lost homes can be replaced, but it’s impossible to replace precious treasures that had no value to anyone but the owner, such as photos and memories of the past. The stories of hope, charity, and little miracles seem to uplift others and have a wonderful effect on people during a crisis such as this. Clarke’s novel brings out what really happened in St George, Utah but the mystery is just beginning.

About the Author

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to write their family history and autobiography. Clarke is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” and the new mystery series, “Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

“Anasazi Intrigue” (ISBN-13: 978-1-58982-587-1, American Book Publishing, 2010) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com. Publicity contact: www.american-book.com.

Book Review: Blood Ties

2010-03-28T08:51:00.003-04:00

by Kay Hooper

What its about: There is murder again and it seems to have ties to what the SCU has already been working on. So they go to the small town to work it all out. Hollis and the others that were at the church when Samuel's meltdown occurred have been having weird power repercussions and they don't know how that is going to affect their investigation.

Thoughts:
The final book in the Blood trilogy. And of course it meets expectations completely. I love Kay Hooper's suspense paranormal books. I wish that is what she always wrote (I am not as big on her other books). This time she added footnotes telling which book the event mentioned occurred in as well as bio sketch's of all the characters. It was helpful.

In fact I liked it so much I plan on getting it on CD and re-listening to all of the books in the trilogy (if not all of them period). They are great!

The only thing i didn't like was I felt there were a lot of loose ends at the end of this book. Characters I wanted to see how they ended up. Based on history though I will see many of them in the future novels.

Book Review: At First Sight

2010-03-23T08:39:00.002-04:00

I just have to say I am starting to love Nicholas Sparks. He doesn't always end the same way (happy ending, sad ending etc). So it leaves you on your toes a little. In terms of this particular book - I found it heart-wrenching in a good way.

I had been listening to many of his other books on CD. In fact I listened to the prequel of this book on CD and enjoyed it. But this one was just more.. It made me think of all the other books I read about romances that had ended and we just assume it is all easy living after that. And this just shows you that it isn't the case at all. Being in a relationship is a lot of hard work. Just because you love each other that may not be enough. You need more to base a life on.

Just having had a child this was something I could relate in terms of the whole baby thing. Good for those that want to have a great cry.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Two Legged Snakes Understanding and Handling Manipulative People

2010-03-20T12:30:00.003-04:00

By: Dr. Ed Slack

What this book is about:
As Dr. Slack explains it, "who we trust is the single most important factor in determining our happiness and success". Who do we give our heart, time and money to? In his book, Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People, he offers the keys to perceiving and overcoming deception with astonishing simplicity, and humor that ranges from profane to profound. The key is to help you make choices outside the shadowy world of sophistry and be happier, safer, and more successful.

Did you like this book: I found this book as relevant and as important of a read as Dr. Martha Stout's 2006 book, The Sociopath Next Door. Two Legged Snakes gets the point across with a rich and easy to understand text coupled with illustrations that lighten the mood on this serious subject. This book is different from other "avoid this type of person" books in that the material is somehow not presented in a depressing way. Dr. Slack delves into the psychology of why some people just seem to be born manipulators that leave damage and pain in their wake. The material is presented in a way that makes it ultra accessible to those outside of clinical and academic settings. There is a lot of focus on ways to enrich your own life by steering clear of and deal with the snakes that we encounter in our everyday life.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Risk Takers

2010-03-19T19:54:00.005-04:00

By: Renee & Don Martin

What this book is about: This is a one-of-a kind book that features in-depth conversations with some of the highest-profile entrepreneurs in the country about the secrets and strategies behind their success. Did you ever look at an accomplished business owner and wonder, as you are living paycheck to paycheck, how did they do that? Look no further than this fantastic book that pulls the curtain back on the original American Dream.

Did you like this book: Curves Gym, Spanx, Patron Tequila and John Paul Mitchell; you know all of their products, but what do you need to know about them? Even if you are not looking to burn up Wall Street as an investor or Main Street as a business owner, this book is a must read guide to success. It would make a great gift for a graduate in this contracting economy.

2010-03-19T19:50:00.001-04:00

Three Secret Weapons for Entrepreneurs
By Renee & Don Martin,
Author of The Risk Takers: 16 Women and Men Who Built Great Businesses Share Their Entrepreneurial Strategies For Success

Whether you're considering starting your own business -- or looking for ways to expand an existing enterprise -- there are three time-tested secret weapons you can use to help gain a sharp competitive edge. These weapons are three broad business strategies that can help you to create a new business or push your company to the next level of success:

Go on a treasure hunt and find an underserved niche

Buck the conventional wisdom

Spot a new trend and pounce

If you adopt these strategies as your entrepreneurial mantras, so to speak, you're more likely to identify and take advantage of real opportunities to expand your company's product line and customer base. The stories of America's highest-achieving entrepreneurs prove that applying these strategies in imaginative, clever and timely ways can help catapult a small start-up to the status of industry leader.

Go on a Treasure Hunt and Find an Underserved Niche

In the business world, there's nothing more exciting than finding an underserved niche that represents a lucrative market that everyone else has failed to spot and target. That's like finding gold bullion at a crowded beach -- it was there for everyone else to see, but you were the one who took notice of that golden glint in the sand.

That's what happened to Gary and Diane Heavin, founders of the Curves International fitness franchise system. When the company launched in 1992, the Heavins had just $10,000 in savings to invest in their company. Today, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise system, with 10,000 franchise locations in 65 countries.

How did Curves soar to the top? Instead of competing head-to-head with fitness giants like 24 Hour Fitness or Bally Total Fitness, the Heavins opted to serve the fitness needs of three underserved niches: middle-age and older women who are eager to get in shape but might feel intimidated by large gyms teeming with young, hard bodies; busy working women whose schedules could more easily accommodate the Curves 30-minute workout; and budget-conscious women who simply couldn't afford the pricey monthly membership dues charged by the major gym chains. Early on, Curves clearly distinguished itself from the pack of gym competitors; its services and clientele were different.

Targeting an underserved niche is a path that small start-ups can take. Even a huge multi-billion-dollar company can't offer everything for everyone. Targeting the right niche -- one that other business owners have neglected or ignored -- can help build a strong and loyal customer base while limiting competition.

Another entrepreneur who followed this strategy was Liz Lange. She launched a phenomenally successful designer maternity clothing company. Liz Lange Maternity eventually sold for an estimated $50 to $60 million in 2007. She also partnered with Target to launch a secondary, discount version of her line.

Like the Heavins, Lange reached the heights of success by targeting an underserved niche. In her case, that meant zeroing in on the needs of pregnant fashionistas -- women who refused to let a pregnancy deprive them of their fashion sense. Lange used newly developed stretch fabrics to create chic, fitted and stylish maternity clothes. They were nothing like the tent-like and frumpy maternity clothes widely available in department stores.

Buck the Conventional Wisdom

Bucking the conventional wisdom means ignoring those who say "It won't work" or "It's never been done that way." When entrepreneurs overly rely on conventional formulas for success, they're left with a business that's, well, conventional.

The most successful entrepreneurs are willing to veer away from established formulas and ways of thinking. If you've launched your own business, don't just blindly accept the so-called best practices of your industry. Look at them with a hyper-critical eye. Dissect them, slice and dice them, contemplate different "what if" scenarios in your mind.

With no capital to speak of -- just $700 in cash -- John Paul DeJoria, cofounder of hair products giant John Paul Mitchell Systems, bucked the conventional wisdom when he launched the Paul Mitchell line of hair-care products and decided to sell them solely to stylists and salons -- never to supermarkets or drug stores. Today, the company boasts more than $900 million in annual salon retail sales.

That unique system of distribution nurtured exceptional customer loyalty. The Paul Mitchell brand not only provided quality hair products for use in salons; it also created a new revenue stream for the stylists. Many of their own customers bought the shampoos and conditioners for use at home.

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, bucked conventional wisdom when she approached hosiery mills with the idea of manufacturing footless pantyhose. The product she envisioned was a body-shaping undergarment that would hide panty lines and firm up a woman's backside so she could wear her favorite slacks and open toe sandals with confidence. Blakely knew there was a market for such a product. But time and again, she was told footless panty hose was simply a bad idea. The mills were accustomed to making hosiery designed to improve the appearance of a woman's legs. But Blakely was trying to convince them to manufacture a product that was completely hidden under clothes. She got rejection after rejection. It's a good thing she persevered, though, until she finally found a willing mill in North Carolina. Today, Spanx's estimated retail sales are in the neighborhood of $350 million.

Spot a New Trend and Pounce

Often, a shift in cultural or economic trends will create new entrepreneurial opportunities. Sometimes that shift arises from advances in technology. Geek Squad founder Robert Stephens was paying attention to such trends when the home PC market exploded. He figured out that most PC owners had limited technical knowledge. If their hard drive crashed, they were thrown into a state of panic. But unplugging their PC and hauling it off to a repair shop, where it would stay for a week or so, wasn't an attractive option. Stephens spotted the trend, pounced and captured an emerging and underserved niche. Geek Squad made house calls.

When Stephens launched Geek Squad back in 1994, the cash-strapped college student had just $200 to invest in his business. But that same business eventually fetched millions in 2002 when he sold the business to Best Buy.

Andy and Rachel Berliner launched the Amy's Kitchen brand of organic vegetarian frozen meals because they realized that more and more Americans were trying to eat healthier diets, eschewing processed foods in favor of organic vegetables. Vegetarians themselves, the Berliners were also keenly aware that they'd have no formidable competition. They had personally sampled the frozen vegetarian meals already on the market and they were terrible. The Berliners knew if they used quality ingredients and recipes, their business would thrive. Today, Amy's Kitchen generates annual revenues of $270 million.
All these entrepreneurs are featured in a new book, The Risk Takers: 16 Women and Men Share Their Entrepreneurial Strategies for Success. The book explores in depth how hugely successful entrepreneurs have applied these three strategies -- and seven others -- to propel their business to the top of the heap.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Size Eight in a Size Zero World

2010-03-18T23:53:00.003-04:00

By: Meredith Cagen

What this book is about: Could a chance meeting with a stranger change the way you look at your life? For 32 year old Lindsay Chandler, that could be the case. From the outside looking in the working wife and mother has a fairy tale life in the city that never sleeps. However, in the fast paced world of New York City is anything ever as it seems?

Did you like this book: Grab your suitcase, we’re going to New York City. Meredith Cagen’s first book is one that you will find yourself passing around your social circle for all of your friends to enjoy. Cagen tells the story of Lindsay Chandler with humor and style and in the process creates a likeable main character. While at times the character can seem a bit of a pushover, you will find yourself wanting to be right there with her on her journey of self-discovery and search for happiness.

Book Review: Blaze of Memory

2010-03-18T11:29:00.001-04:00

Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh

I have always liked these psy thrillers of Nalini Singhs and this one is no exception. It is entertaining and has the love story we all like. Add to that the over -arching story between all of her books of what is going on in the NetMind and you have a winner.

I couldn't imagine what it would be to be broken mentally in such a way. To not be able to trust yourself. And then to find someone that even though you don't believe that you are healthy enough to be with them - they can look past it all and believe in you - your soul, your heart, your desire to do what is right - despite your past.

Everyone has been hurt in the past and this is a story of someone who had a horrible violation who can move on and let love conquer all.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Bitches on a Budget

2010-03-17T01:04:00.006-04:00

Sage Advice for Surviving Tough Economic Times In Style
By Rosalyn Hoffman

What this book is about:
A witty how to guide for today's woman looking to survive the economic downturn with her style and highlights intact.

Did you like it:
The only thing I thought was wrong with this book is that I am mad that I did not think of it myself! You’ll be hooked from the word go on the easy and stylish format and page after page of "why am I not already doing that" information. The author will take your budget places that you never dreamed it could be. I liked that this book has great advice no matter what your idea of a “budget” is. For some a budget means skimping on expenses so the electric bill can be paid and for others it means only one vacation this year. The book takes that into account and more as it gives you a life-changing budget makeover. Also, if you finish the book and want more then you are in luck. This isn’t just a book, it’s a movement with an interactive website and Facebook page with 60,000+ fans.

Book Review: Run for your Life

2010-03-15T13:55:00.001-04:00

Run for your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

I have listened to several James Patterson books and by far this is my favorite. Listening to it on CD - the readers were interesting - but even better the book was intriguing and kept you waiting. It even let you do a little of the detective work in terms of trying to figure out why is the killer really doing what he is doing.

I would definitely read another book in the Michael Bennett series (if there are any). The nice foil of the cop story with the family stories intermingled allows you to identify with the Detective. He is more than just a cop. I mean look at all those kids :) He is surrounded by family who love him and give him hope in the world.

I would definitely recommend this to whoever wanted to listen or read a book where a murder spree must be stopped by the good guy!

Book Review: The Kids are All Right

2010-03-11T11:20:00.002-05:00

The Kids are All Right by Diana Welch and Liz Welch

I don't know if it is because I now have a child of my own but books like these hit me even harder. To imagine what it would be like to have both your parents die when you are young is just terrible (in fact it is something I don't even want to think about now). These two women write about it what it was like to be in that situation. And it is no holds barred. I read about parts of it and want to cheer them on to doing what is right and instead they make the mistakes that every teenager does. In the end though it was all about family and they ended up being able to do what was right.

This isn't an upbeat book. In fact it may bring you to tears several times. So if you are looking for something feel good- you will be disappointed. But it in many ways it is accurate. Told from the perspective of all the children it is quite the story - even if each of them have their own ideas about what happened and why.

This book just made me cherish my parents and my sibling all the more.

Book Review: Dear John

2010-03-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

I started listening to this book on CD and was immediately hooked. The writing was intriguing and the person reading the book only made it more real. The voice was perfect for this book. The southern twang made it feel like real people might have been talking.

As for the story it was good. I haven't read a lot of Nicholas Sparks before now and this made me want to get many more books on CD from him. The idea that two people meet and have a great connection and work hard to stay together through distance and time. But things sometimes get in the way of true love. Do they belong together? Do they belong apart? Can you really know someone when you spend so little time actually together?

I also found the fact that the book is written in the male perspective - interesting. Most of the time things that I think of as romantic (and this book is romantic) are written in the female voice. But not this one - and I don't think that takes away any of the appeal for women to read it.

This book puts it all together - 9/11, war, love, romance, doing what is right in a package that I think anyone would like.

As a side note I have been noticing commercials for the movie coming out. This book makes me want to see it!

Book Review: Days of Gold

2010-03-05T10:37:00.002-05:00

Days of Gold by Jude Deveraux

This is the second book in the Edilean Series and we find out how the town gets it's name. Set back a few hundred years from the first we meet Edilean in Scotland. Where she meets a former laird (who now has no land). And through a variety of mistakes they end up together in America. While everything is trying to force them apart they want to be together even though there might just be a few too many differences for that to happen.

I loved the older Jude Deveraux historical romances and missed them with her most recent books. But this one just didn't have the same kick to it the rest did. I loved reading her Montgomery books and couldn't get enough of them. And while this book was still good it just didn't grab me the same way. I wanted to see more of them in this Edilean town. I wanted more about how Edilean became the business woman she became. I just wanted more.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Latin Grill

2010-03-04T23:55:00.006-05:00

By: Rafael Palomino & Arlen Gargagliano

What this book was about: This book is a cookbook featuring dishes for dinners and parties including main dishes, drinks and desserts.

What did you think: This book is all upside. I don't have a lot of "skills" in the kitchen and the recipes in the book were straightforward enough that I could get them, but with recipes like East Coast Oysters and Striped Bass, they were flavorful and intricate enough to entice a skilled cook. The recipes will help you bring the heat for your next dinner party or spice up your diet with fresh and flavorful food. The photos were beautiful and the book is priced right.

Book Review: The Hour I First Believed

2010-03-02T07:56:00.001-05:00

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

At first I thought this book was all about Columbine High School shooting with discussion about the aftermath. But that wasn't really what it was all about. It was a combination of the aftermath of some sort of traumatic situation (as I thought) and about the family history of one of the characters. Seeing how the two intermingle.

I listened to it on CD - as opposed to reading it. And several times I stopped listening and moved on to something else. It just didn't entertain me the way I thought it would. Eventually I got more into the story as we moved towards the family history part of the book.

While parts of this book wasn't as entertaining as I was hoping - other parts evoked strong emotion. After just having a baby thinking about a tragedy like Columbine and how it affects so many people outside of the original victims just scared me.

I have often said expectation frame whether you like or dislike a book. If you think it is about one thing and it isn't it can mean you like it better or worse then originally thought. And this is one of those books that wasn't what I expected and negatively affected my view of it.

Book Review: The Notebook

2010-02-26T11:25:00.001-05:00

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I haven't seen the movie and I really didn't have any desire to, originally. I just had read Dear John (or listened to it on CD) and decided that since I enjoyed that book - I might give this one a try. My commute has gotten longer and listening to things like this are entertaining and make everything go much quicker.

I have to say it wasn't what I expected. I like how Nicholas Sparks explains that there are lots of love stories out there - but very few talk about those in the tail end of their lives. This book made me think of my grandparents and the love they have - even with the death of one of them.

If you want something that will make you feel like love conquers all - this is a story for you. Thing is that life isn't perfect. And even with love winning - it doesn't mean that you won't have heartache and despair. But isn't it all worth it just so that you can be together one more day?

Book Review: Whiteout

2010-02-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Whiteout by Ken Follett

Thoughts: I have a variety of books that I like to listen to on CD. This is one that I tried out. I found that the voice of the woman reading it to be quite interesting and different. And the voice can make or break a book.

In terms of subject this book is quite interesting. Imagine if some sort of virus that had was indestructible had been released to the world. You would do anything to stop it. And that is what this book is all about.

Add to that the dynamic of a woman who loves someone who doesn’t seem to love her back. A family who has a black sheep who doesn’t understand why everything isn’t someone else’s fault.

This wasn’t something where I was sitting on the edge of my seat for the whole book. But it was entertaining enough to keep my attention. It was unlike any other Ken Follett book that I have read – but will continue to try some of his books out.

What genre would you consider this?
Thriller

Overall:

Book Review: Between Sister's

2010-02-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

Between Sister’s by Kristin Hannah

Thoughts: My first Kristin Hannah book was a book that I very much enjoyed – so I decided to go back and try out one that is a few years older. I found this one to be very much in the same style or vein. It delves into relationships between two sisters. They had a hard past that wasn’t either of their faults. But when you are forced to be both a mother and a sister things happen. You make hard choices that can affect both of you for the rest of your lives.

And you can either live with that pain – or let it go and let yourselves be part of each other’s lives. And in this case a wedding brings the two sisters together – and just in time. I think this is a great example of don’t let communication come between a relationship that you really cherish. Whether it is a sister/sister, friend/friend, husband/wife, daughter/father etc. They are all relationships that if they really are worth it should be fought for. And if you don’t fight for it now there may not be time to do it later.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about relationships. It shows that everyone can get past the feelings that made them hurt – if they let themselves and that is something that can help them have a more fulfilling life.

What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics

Overall:

Book Review: Lords of Misrule

2010-02-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

Lords of Misrule by Rachel Caine

Thoughts: Don’t even attempt to start this series with this book. I think you would be so confused you wouldn’t know what to do. This isn’t my favorite book in this series – but I am hooked and want to see where things end up. So I am stuck continuing. Overall the series is an interesting one. A town where it is run by vampires. Which in itself isn’t a good thing but at least they follow the rules. Then bring in an outside vampire who wants to take it all over and the rules go out the window.

The series is interesting but it really requires you to remember a lot of what happened in previous books in order to get into the story and enjoy it.

What genre would you consider this?
Teen Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Evermore

2010-02-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Thoughts:
Ever since she was in an accident that left all of her family dead Ever Bloom has been able to see dead people and know what has been going on in people’s lives. And that leads to an interesting book. You find out about Damen this new kid at her school who she doesn’t really know what is going on with.

I really liked this book and plan on following this series for a while. I thought it was a great book in another Teen Vampire Series (that has seemed to become all the rage). It is different. It deals with soul mates (which I think teens really enjoy – knowing that someone is out there for you and only you). And the power that Ever has but doesn’t know it is spectacular. I can’t wait to see where this one leads us.

What genre would you consider this?
Teen Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: No Time to Wave Goodbye

2010-02-09T10:39:00.000-05:00

No Time to Wave Goodbye by Jacquely Mitchard

Thoughts: While I really liked this book – I don’t know that I would recommend it as reading to someone like me (as in a soon to be or new mother). It is a lot to take when there are already a lot of hormones going through your body. I hadn’t read (or watched) The Deep End of the Ocean which is the prequel to this book so I had no idea what it was going to be about when I got started. And despite not knowing the family (from the other book) I was quickly able to get connected and associate with them.

In fact I have now gone out and got The Deep End of the Ocean so I can see how it all started (even though I know it is probably not that great of an emotional decision!)

What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics

Overall:

Book Review: Wed Him Before You Bed Him

2010-02-05T10:38:00.001-05:00

Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jeffries

Thoughts: It is really a story of miscommunication. Seeing something that isn’t true and coming to your own conclusions. It shows that it is a bad idea to let that happen as many people do in their own lives. Add to that a romance story based back in a time when women weren’t reallyl allowed to have careers.

It was nice to finally see Charlotte Harris the owner of the school getting her own story. I think these books are very similar in style to her other books in the series. If you want a good romance this will definitely hit the spot.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Summer House

2010-02-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Summer House by Nancy Thayer

Thoughts: Stories about family dynamics can be something that you associate with or identify with – or they can be so out there that you just don’t see how that can happen. This book to me isn’t something that I personally identify with but I see this in the families of so many others. Everyone has something that they are ashamed of and want to make themselves better for. In this case you have Charlotte.

You have the family dynamic where the children are each trying to get along but everyone feels like they are entitled to from the parents. The thing is that you don’t have that entitlement. What your parents have is not yours just because they are your children.

Lastly you have the child who finds themselves reverting back to their “role” in the family. But the thing is they aren’t that person anymore but they can’t help but fall back in to the troublemaker role.

I found this book to be entertaining and something that I have seen in families all over the place. Definitely a good summer read.

What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics

Overall:

Book Review: Dark Slayer

2010-01-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

Dark Slayer by Christine Feehan

Thoughts: I love the Carpathian books and wish they came out more often. It is a combination of a story about two people who fall in love and are soul mates and the overall story of what is happening to that race of people. In fact over time it seems like more and more of the story has to do with the overarching story then the smaller story of just their love story.

In this case I would probably start with an earlier book in the series then this one. But if you know anything about the Carpathians – I would definitely pick it up and read it.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Seducing an Angel

2010-01-25T10:36:00.001-05:00

Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh

Thoughts: How would you feel if the only reason for the romance starting up is that you need money or you will be left destitute (as well as your friends). So instead you find a man who is willing to pay you to be his mistress. But he is much more of a stand-up man so he won’t do it. He will give you the money but he won’t let you put yourself out that way.

It was nice to see “little” Stephen from the books about his sisters finally find the person he belonged with. I am really looking forward to what his cousin finds in a woman. She has to be someone special.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Home Safe

2010-01-21T10:34:00.001-05:00

Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg

Thoughts: I couldn’t imagine living with a man for years and when he dies suddenly finding out that there is something about him that you don’t know about him. Something significant. It would take you to another level of despair when you are already trying to deal with things.

Add to that the way the mother/daughter relationship works for the two of them. It is fine to rely on people but to be that close – and unable to function on your own just seems odd to me.

I wouldn’t say this is a feel good book (I mean it starts out with a death) but it is a book about the progression of a person to being someone new. And the movement of someone into or out of your life will do that to you.

What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics

Overall:

Book Review: Fail Nation

2010-01-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Fail Nation

Thoughts:
If you have ever read Fail Blog and found it to be amusing then this is the book for that person. There is not a lot of reading but there will be a lot of chuckling. At least that is how I found it. There were many times I found it laugh out loud funny.

The photos that are found in this book make you wonder – what were people thinking. (In some cases at least I can figure out maybe what they originally thought – even if it wasn’t what they did.)

What genre would you consider this?
Coffee table book

Overall:

Book Review: A Rogue of My Own

2010-01-13T11:32:00.002-05:00

A Rogue of My Own by Johanna Lindsey

Description: Rebecca Marshall has been granted an honor few women are - a lady in Queen Victoria's court. But every court is surrounded in intrigue. In this case the intrigue involves Rupert St. John. Rupert can't trust that Rebecca has his interests at heart. So when a liason between the two of them turns out to be everything he could ever have wanted what is he to do.

Thoughts: I love Johanna Lindsey (seems like all I am doing is reading authors I enjoy - maybe because very little else holds interest to me). And it is an ok book. Of course it has nothing to do with my favorite family - the Mallory's which could be part of it. Other then that it is a fun romance set in Victorian times.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Larger Than Life

2010-01-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

Larger than Life by Kay Hooper

Description: Singer Saber Duncan arrived on the scene a little known act. Then disappeared. A few years later she reappeared and something changed. She is now much better then she had ever been before. What is her secret?

Fame means that biographer Travis Foxx is on her heels trying to figure out what her secrets are. But he swears he is in it for love - not for the story. Can Saber trust him with the truth about herself?

Thoughts: What happened to the Kay Hooper I loved. I can't tell you how many times I have read her paranormal books that are also mysteries. I LOVE them. In fact I even made my husband listen to them in the car. But I find this romance genre to fall a little flat.

What reporter would take the story of his life - fall immediately in love with someone (knowing nothing about them but what they sing and look like) and give it all up just to spend time with them? It just all happened to fast. Things get resolved eventually which was nice - but it was one of those books that I put down and waited until I felt like I should just go ahead and finish it. Even though I really didn't want to. That doesn't happen for me and books that I like even a little (I am way to impatient!).

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Book Review; The Wedding Girl

2010-01-07T11:19:00.002-05:00

The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham (also known as Sophie Kinsella)

Description: Milly has it all. A wonderful fiance who loves her (even if he doesn't know the real her. A family that loves her (maybe a little too much at times). But what they don't know is she has a secret - she has been married before. But things have to work out for Milly - right? You see a family in turmoil as each member has their own secrets. But their intentions are all for the good. So they try to work out whatever they can - even if it means confronting their past.

Thoughts:I really enjoyed the Shopaholic Series and when I found out Madeleine and Sophie were the same authors I was looking forward to the book. It wasn't a bad book - but it really didn't interest me. The idea of a young to-be wife who lies to her fiance because she doesn't want him to know the real him has a touch of the Shopaholic in it. But the idea that things just get better (like still being married) without facing it -is just wrong. Maybe it is me that has changed instead of the writer. Because the plot in a lot of ways seems similar (substitute shopping for being married). I guess the major difference is you don't get to fall in love with this character before she sets herself up for a lifetime of things not working.

If you like chick lit set in England and you like the Shopaholic you might like this. Or you may be like me and find something missing.

What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics/Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Knock Out

2010-01-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

Knock Out by Catherine Coulter

Description: Savich is contacted in a different way by seven year old Autumn Backman. He knows he has to help her and her mother. But he has his own mysteries to contend with before they hurt him or his family.

Autumn meanwhile comes in contact with Sherriff Ethan. He can’t help but believe the girl and her mother. They are scared and with perfect right. Uncle Blessed is on his way to do whatever he can to take the girl away from her mother. Uncle Blessed has his own powers. And what Ethan ends up seeing is a world he never would have believed in.

Thoughts: Catherine’s Sherlock and Savage books are always good. But they focus much more on the stories of catching these horrible people then on the romance of the characters. That is especially true in this book. Just being in each others presence is how they fall in love.

The paranormal twist to the thriller part of it is always different and interesting. I definitely will keep reading the series. Just expectations shouldn’t be that it is mostly romance – it is mostly a Sherlock and Savage book.

What genre would you consider this?
Thriller/Romance

Overall:

Book Review: True Love and Other Disasters

2009-12-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson

Description: Faith Duffy learned that money was just as important if not more so then love growing up. So when she finds an older man who is willing to take care of her she jumps at the chance. And then they learn to love each other. But that means that a lot of men and women look down on her. When that man dies and leaves her in charge of his hockey team Faith doesn’t know where to even start.

Ty Savage is Canada’s favorite hockey player. When his team is left to the merry widow he can’t help but be anxious. What does she know about hockey – nothing. But their interactions leave each of them wanting more. Can a hockey owner and a hockey player be happy together? What about all the other conceived notions of what is or should be going on between them?

Thoughts: If you like sports and sports teams (as well as a romance) this is one of those books that you will like. It doesn’t focus totally on sports but it definitely is a part of the major plot to the book.

For me this was a quick and happy read. I enjoyed it – there isn’t a ton of subplots – it really just focuses on the relationship of the two people as well as their desire to show each other what they really are. They are more then just a pretty face or a hockey player.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Start Me Up

2009-12-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl

Description: Lori had a chance to escape the small town that she has lived in her whole life. But she came back to help her father and hasn’t looked back since. She has reconnected with her old friend and her friend’s geeky (and yet incredibly cute) brother is back in her life.

Lori hasn’t been in a relationship in a while so what she wants more then anything is a no-strings attached relationship and Quinn is the perfect man for that. He always gets more involved with his work then the string of women that have paraded through his life. And he wants to get involved with her too.

But that isn’t everything that is going on in Lori’s life. It looks like her father was killed. Someone is creating havoc at her garage. And she is being contacted by people who will do anything to get some land that she was left by her father.

Thoughts: This is another of those romances that have hit the hot level. And I enjoyed it quite a bit (much like I loved the other Victoria Dahl book that I loved). The side story of the garage and Lori’s father was not something that I thought really needed to be a part of it. I was so concerned with the romance that I really didn’t concentrate on it all that much.

Despite this – the book is a quick read that you will love.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall: