Ginger High- Books R Us

GUEST BY C. FRITSCHI AUTHOR OF HERO- THE UNKNOWN TERRITORIES.

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:01:00 +0000

I would like to welcome Christopher Fritschi to Books R Us. Christopher is the author of the Hero - The Unknown Territories. Thanks for stopping by.

Ideas From Under the Bed

by Christopher Fritschi

Someone once described their mind as filled with, 'monkeys with chainsaws'. My imagination is just like that. Maybe one or two juggle them too, I don't know. When I decided to write, I mean seriously write, it opened up a stream of story ideas. When I'd talk about all of them, the more patient listeners would gape at how many I had and following that they'd complain that I hadn't written them yet. It was the sincerity of their complaints that convinced me they weren't just being nice to shut me up, but because they were honestly intrigued by the plot and wanted to read the story.

Lots of people ask me where all these ideas come from and for the longest time I'd just smirk stupidly and say I didn't know, or even worse, 'it just came to me.'

A short time ago I was enduring a traffic filled drive home from work and wondering how much I could sell a car mounted vaporing ray gun for when I my mind flashed on my old bedroom from when I was a kid. Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either, but it's how my mind works.

When I was a kid my dad was watching a documentary about the birth of special effects in movies using double exposure. I came into the room at the worse moment. They showed a clip a man get into bed. No sooner had he laid down than a giant tarantula climbed out from under the bed and pounced on him.

I was scared for life. And they say documentaries are educational. Ha!

From that moment on I was terrified of spiders and what ever lurked under my bed. What was worse was that my bed was at the opposite end from the light switch. Every night when I turned off the light I imagined some new creature poised under my bed just waiting for my tender feet to come within reach. The only reason I survived was from developing the 'bedroom broad jump'. You can pretty much guess what that was. With all that practice I could have been an Olympic star.

Returning to the traffic part of my story; I realized that the imagination that stock piled the three ring circus of monsters dwelling under my bed was now playing the part of an archeologist and now digging up that wealth of critters, places, and miscellaneous what-not. Combining all of that with my own life experiences, the history of ancient lore from around the world, myths, human nature and like that the result takes form as vivid characters with real lives, common and spectacular places and dangers of every form.

All of them are in my mind, shoving each other for a place in line waiting to be told.

So, there you have it. The next time someone asks me where my ideas come from I have one less reason to smirk stupidly. Only 53 other reasons left.

About the book:

In a world filled with a parade of dangers the only answer is a hero. Handsome, rich, adored and with perfect teeth, Tilger is a professional hero.

But Tilger takes on a bet with a wizard and is transformed from the pinnacle of manliness to a scrawny, ugly, weakling. He loses everything - his powers, his looks, his armor and his weapons. With the body of a wimp and the ego of a superhuman, Tilger embarks on the most important crusade of his life to win it all back.

With the help of two unlikely sidekicks, a minuscule inventor, Standback, and his faithful warhorse Sho, Tilger must overcome the greatest fear of all - failure.

It's an adventure littered with terrifying creatures, bravery, friendship and a truly horrifying and omnipotent rival.

'Hero - the Unknown Territories' is an epic fantasy adventure with a refreshing blend of humor and honesty, suitable for all ages, from older children to adults.

Connect with the Author:

ENTER TO WIN A KINDLE FIRE OR A $200 AMAZON GIFT CARD

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Enter to win a Kindle Fire OR A $200 Amazon gift card (Winners Choice)

Contest runs from 2/28/12 - 3/21/12 @12:01 AM EST

See Rafflecopter for Rules!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

JOIN THE RALLY FOR REAL PIZZA FROM FRESCHETTA

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:29:00 +0000

The makers of Freschetta products are asking fans to take a stand for Fresh pizza!

Fans are able to submit a photo to a Rally Mosaic on our Facebook Fan Page for a chance to win Freschetta pizza.

Each week, we will select 100 winners to receive 5 Freschetta pizzas.

On March 30, we will select 10 winners who will receive a year supply of Freschetta pizza.

So head on over to their Facebook Page and join the fun. Hey you never know you may win some pizza!!

CHECK OUT BECOME.COM FOR YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Looking for something unique and interesting then check out Become.com. You can find different products to suit your taste. Become.com crawls the internet and finds comparative information, reviews, and buying guides about the product. No more searching different site for information Become.com does the work for you.

Looking for a new couch then check out all of the different styles that hey have to offer. They have a large selection of Zebra Couches in many sizes and shapes to fit any room and budget. You can even find some great accessories to match your new couch. They even have a couch especially made for your furry friends that live with you.

Need a new robe or sweatshirt robe? Become.com has so many styles and colors to suit even the most pickiest person. They have warm zip up long gathered front women's robes in many different types of fabrics to suit your taste and budget

So if you are looking for something for the garden,home or the car check out become.com. I will definitely utilize the site for any of my future online shopping. They do the homework for me so I can save some time in my busy schedule.

Disclaimer:
Please see my Disclosure Page. I may receive advertising income from blog ads and links on my blog.

REVIEW OF BAKE POPS- GREAT FOR PARTIES.

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:56:00 +0000

If you have kids and need something different to keep the kids engaged then Cake Pops is perfect for you. All I did was fill the Bake Pop pan with my favorite cake mix, popped them in the oven and the results were great. It is as easy as 1,2,3-

The Bake Pop Features-

You can use any type of cake mix even brownies.
No forks, or hassle.
A perfect snack for friends and family anytime you want
The unique pan set makes perfect pops.
You can have fun with your kids and get them involved in baking.

My Thoughts:

I am always open to new ideas and products and the Bake Pop looked very interesting to me. Everything you need is included in the box and the pans are quality made and have a non stick coating that worked great.

The kit came with 18 sticks, instructions and a special clamp to keep it all together while in the oven.
The instructions included a variety of ideas that you can use instead of frosting. I found that it was very important to follow the instructions for inserting the sticks in the pop. Otherwise the sticks may fall out when you pick the pop up. I dipped the tips of the sticks in the melted chocolate and then inserted them in the pop. After they hardened, none of them fell out of the pop. After dipping the pops in the chocolate, I let them harden a little before eating. Boy did they look GOOD! and they were devoured rather quickly. The pans cleaned up easily and fit great in the dishwasher.

So if you need something different for a party or just for a family snack, I recommend the Bake Pops. You can order them through the official site and you will get the limited kit filled with more extra goodies. Check it out on the official site https://www.bakepop.com. It was as fun to make them as it was to eat them.

Disclaimer: I received A Bake Pop Kit free for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

BLOGGERS- SIGN UP FOR AN EXTREME FLASH GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000

Bloggers – Join us for an Extreme FLASH Giveaway!

Celebrate Leap Day with us by helping us give away 3 Amazon gift certificates. You’ll make 3 readers VERY happy and gain new Facebook and Twitter followers too!

Sign up here and tell them Eileen (Books R Us ) sent you!

Sign-ups will close on Sun. Feb 26th

Fan Jam 2012 -Shawn Gallaway Twitter Party Giveaway #fanjamSG (3/2/12)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Shawn Gallaway and #fanjamSG Twitter Party

March 2nd at 9pm EST

We are so excited for our #fanjamSG Twitter Party!

Join us on March 2nd @ 9pm EST to learn more about Shawn Gallaway and WIN some great prizes!

TWO $25 Amazon gift cards and more!

$10 Toys R Us gift card & a $10 Amazon gift card

Sponsored by:

Christi Ann Hendrix & Kristin Hale of It's Free At Last

Who is Shawn Gallaway? Visit his website here

Healing through the arts, Healing through the heart. Shawn Gallaway is a visual artist, singer songwriter, author, ceremonial healer, workshop facilitator, energy worker and Certified Lifeline Practitioner. He has traveled through out the world sharing his healing message.

Shawn also had the high honor of being present for the showing of his I Choose Love music video during the presentation of a Freedom Award by the Civil Right’s Museum in Memphis TN to his Holiness the Dalai Lama. Shawn has recently shared the stage with authors Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, Robert Holden, Darren Weissman, T. Harv Ecker.
He also shared the stage with rock and pop masters Orleans, Jimi Jamison, Dave Jenkins, Allan Parsons and Robbie Dupree.
He is also a screenwriter who is currently producing the film, The Choice.
Shawn Gallaway is an accomplished singer songwriter with four CD’s and two DVD’s to his credit to date.

Fan Jam 2012 and Shawn Gallaway #fanjamSG Twitter party details

When: March 2nd, Who: You and your friends! Time: 9pm EST

Hashtag: #fanjamSG

Customized Tweetgrid: Go here

Or use Tweetchat : http://tweetchat.com/room/fanjamSG

Party Hosts: @momblogsociety, 44 44 44 44 @pamelamaynard

Special Guests: @ichooselovecdShawn Gallaway! and @gigidelugo of Tropic Heat Studios

Panelist: @kenziesKozies, @jewellzz_70 @PowerbyMomBlog & @KatrinaMoody

Sponsors: @itsfreeatlast @essexretail

Visit Shawn on FB: http://www.facebook.com/ichooselove

Be sure to RSVP by emailing pam@mbsmembers.com with #fanjamSG in the subject line and your twitter handle in the body of the email.

Then sign up on the linky below!

Be sure to use your TWITTER link in the URL. Put your Twitter handle @yourshere in the name section!

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF THE ROBBY WASH BALL (USA ONLY)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:48:00 +0000

I hate doing laundry and I am always open to a product that will save me money, make my life easier and protect the environment. Thanks to Orsani, I got the opportunity to try the Robby Wash Ball. Let me tell you a little bit about the product.

Oransi – http://www.oransi.com - has launched in the U.S. an ultra high efficiency hypoallergenic laundry detergent ball called "Robby Wash" (retail price $32.95 each) with the following money-saving benefits:

- 10 ounces of Robby Wash ball replaces 75 lbs. of traditional laundry detergent - environmentally friendly

- One Robby Wash ball lasts up to 12 months. The ball itself will last 3 years.

- One Robby Wash ball will save more than $100+ over 120 washes

- One Robby Wash ball is only $32.95 and lasts one year. This includes refills and free stain stick.

- It is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and safe - commonly used in Europe with baby laundry (as well as adults' laundry).

- Third party tested, proven and guaranteed to clean better than traditional powder laundry detergent.

My Thoughts:

I have a HE washing machine and I was a little reluctant to try the product but I gave it a try. I was surprised how well it worked and it did not damage my machine. I did not use the ball in the standard HE setting but I used it in the bulk/bedding setting that filled the washer with more water. The ball is filled with pellets and I was skeptical that little pellets would work and clean the laundry but it did a great job on my dirty socks. The laundry smelled fresh and clean even without fabric softener. The kit contains enough pellets and a stain remover stick that should last a whole year. No more heavy and bulky detergent containers and the Robby Ball is safe for the environment. Would you like to try the Robby Ball? Enter my contest!!

Contest:

Enter to win a Robby Wash Ball-

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Oransi and leave a comment letting me know another product they make that you would like to try!

See Rafflecopter form for extra entries and rules

Contest ends on 2/25 @ 11:59pm EST.

Good Luck!!

Disclaimer:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers (http://momblogsociety.com)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ENTER THE $100 AMAZON TWITTER BLAST

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the next segment of the $100 Amazon Twitter Blast where you can win a $100 amazon card provided by us to you.

Take your time to fill out the form following the Twitter accounts as you go. As long as you have your Twitter name on one of the entry forms, you do not have to put it in all to make it easier for you to enter. Come back do them all, and you get a bonus entry!

Are you a blogger that wants in on the fun? You can join in late here to this event, or you can sign up for the other ones combined in with this one at the same rate.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ENTER TO WIN AN ASUS 10.1" NETBOOK (USA/CAN)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Asus 10.1" 1015PX Netbook PC provides the perfect combination of a rich multimedia and Internet experience with a unique look all its own. This cheerful design, exclusive to Walmart, will match your personal style while meeting your technology needs, all with the quality you would expect from the most reliable Windows-based portable PC brand.

Key Features and Benefits:

Intel Atom N570 mobile processor
1.66GHz, 1MB L2 Cache
1GB DDR3 DRAM system memory Expandable to 2GB
Allows you to do the computer basics of web surfing, emails and documents
250GB hard drive
Store 166,000 photos, 71,000 songs or 131 hours of HD video and more
10/100Mbps Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built into your PC
10.1" no-glare display
Intel UMA Graphics with up to 256MB total graphics memory

Additional Features:
- Webcam with built-in microphone
- 3-in-1 memory card reader
- 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x headphone jack, 1x microphone jack, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1x VGA port
- 3-cell lithium-ion battery, up to 3 h 39 min battery life
Software:
- Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition
- Microsoft Office Starter 2010: Includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, with advertising. PowerPoint and Outlook are NOT included. Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC.
- TMS security software (30-day trial)
- Backup and Restore options built into Windows allows you to create safety copies of your most important personal files, so you're always prepared for the worst
What's In The Box:
- Power cord
- 3-cell lithium-ion battery
- Quick Start Guide

Mouse:

The FileMate M2825 Wireless Optical Mouse provides the precision of 1000 dpi optical tracking and the freedom of wireless connectivity. It features a scroll wheel for faster scrolling and greater productivity.

FileMate M2825 Wireless Optical Mouse:

Wireless connectivity
Scroll wheel
1000 dpi
Dimensions: 52mm x 95mm x 25mm
Color: White and Asus Teal

Netbook Case

The Merkury 15.6" Reversible Laptop Case is made out of shock-absorbing and weather-resistant neoprene material to protect your device and keep it scratch free.

Slim, lightweight design
Easily fits into backpacks, briefcases and other travel cases
Soft, scratch-free neoprene offers superior device protection
Premium neoprene is shock absorbing and weather resistant
Compatible with laptops up to 15.6", and similarly sized devices

Open to US & Canada Only: See Official Rules

Contest Ends Feb 28, 2012 12:01 AM EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VALENTINE'S DAY WEEK GIVEAWAY EVENT

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Valentine's Day Week Giveaway Event hosted by OpalStevens.com! We hope you'll have fun following and discovering new blogs, while entering to win some great beauty and fashion related prizes!

Our main sponosor, Tick:Tock Cosmetics, is a vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics company devoted to providing high quality products and excellent customer service! They offer eye shadows, eye shadow bases, lip glosses, finishing powders, and continue to add more products, which are always 100% vegan and 100% awesome! Be sure to show all the participating blogs and sponsors some love and earn additional entries into the giveaway!

Grand prizes (open to US):

18 Full Size Eye Shadow, Two Paint Pots, and One Finishing Powder from Tick:Tock Cosmetics
$125 L’BRI Pure n’ Natural Gift Card (you can find all their products here)
FHI GO “Love Your Heart” Flat Iron
$25 GoJane Gift Card
$25 Stella & Dot Gift Certificate
Intro Maven Box from Julep

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ROMANTIC VALENTINE TRADITIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Since Valentine's Day is coming soon, I wanted to share this lovely article with you. Enjoy!

Valentine traditions date back as far as the Middle Ages. When Valentine's Day was created it was not meant to be a time for lovers. However, this quickly changed. There have been many stories about St. Valentine, who he was and what he did for people. Occasionally, the history of the event is sensationalized to make a better story than it is. However, whether it was meant to be for lovers or not, February 14th was chosen, and ended up being the perfect choice for lovers to celebrate.

In nature, mid-February, around the 14th, birds begin to choose their mates. Songbirds begin to appear from winter, slowly during this time, as well. Poets such as Chaucer, Michael Drayton, and Robert Herrick immortalized Valentine's Day, writing poems about love and romance. With all of this behind Valentine's Day it is no wonder that there are special traditions and celebrations for lovers each year.

Valentine's Day traditions are different in every culture around the globe. While nearly every country celebrates the special day, how it is celebrated will vary greatly. While in America the traditions and customs are all romantically based, in other areas of the world some of the past customs have been more about the future and less about the celebration of your current lover.

For example, old English customs often had a woman searching and hoping for her future husband to come along. One custom had a woman visiting a graveyard on the eve of Valentine's Day at midnight. If she went through with it she would then sing a chant and run around the church twelve times she might then see what her future husband would look like. Meanwhile, in Great Britain women would write the names of their suitors and place them on clay balls. The balls were to be sunk into water. Whichever ball floated to the top first would contain the name of the man they were to marry.

One of the first traditions for Valentine's Day ensured that the pairing future lovers would occur. Names of women that were available would be placed into a large wooden bowl. Eligible bachelors would pick a name and that would be the woman to become his Valentine. The man would wear the name of this girl on his sleeve for one week. If you've heard of the saying about wearing someone's heart on your sleeve, and wondered where it came from, this may be where the phrase first started.

In Wales gifts of wooden love spoons would be carved out and given to lovers or people that they were in love with. The spoons were often carved into keyholes, keys, and hearts. This would show the person who received it that they held the key to someone's heart.

Meanwhile, in other countries women would receive gifts of special clothing from men who loved them. If a woman decided to keep a man's gift then it meant that she was accepting a proposal of marriage. There are many other customs that have occurred throughout history, though these were some of the most popular.

Today, Valentine's Day is all about your current lover. Celebrations occur that include romantic dinners, sensual trysts, and gifts that only lovers should give to one another. This one day of the year allows for the most romantic gestures to occur. On this day there are numerous proposals, weddings, and renewal of vows or declarations of love. It is and will always be one of the most romantic days for lovers, in history.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR OF GODS AND FATHERS BY J. LEPORE (GIVEAWAY)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I want to welcome James LePore to Books R us. James is the author of numerous suspense novels and is touring the blogosphere with his newest novel Gods and Fathers being released today. Thanks for stopping by.

Book Details:

Title: Gods and Fathers

Publisher: The Story Plant.
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:

Nationally bestselling author James LePore has established a reputation as a writer whose vividly drawn characters and morally complex plots have kept readers up to all hours turning pages. His new novel promises more sleepless nights and more nonstop thrills.

Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.

Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.

GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.

About the Author:

James LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades, and an accomplished photographer. He is the author of three previous novels, A WORLD I NEVER MADE, BLOOD OF MY BROTHER, and SONS AND PRINCES, as well as the story collection, ANYONE CAN DIE. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife, artist Karen Chandler. Please visit the author's site www.jamesleporefiction.com

Read and Excerpt:

“Why can’t you stay at your mother’s when they’re away?”
“I told you, Basil’s worried about security.”
Though this statement was challengeable on several levels, Matt let it pass. The marriage six years ago of Debra DeMarco, nee Rusillo, and Basil al-Hassan, a rich and handsome Syrian businessman, had marked the beginning of the end of Matt’s long and tortured fight for a place in his son’s heart. Armed with the ultimate weapon—-her new husband’s money—-Debra had made quick work of destroying the last vestiges of Matt’s hopes. A penthouse on Park Avenue, a beach house in Easthampton, a flat in Paris, a “cottage” in Bermuda, clothes and cars virtually on demand, Matt had no way of competing with all this, and no way of expressing his anger—-until tonight.
“What about Mina?” Matt asked.
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you seeing her?”
“She’s studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, studying. You keep repeating what I say. She’s a student. Students study.”
This statement was delivered dismissively, not sarcastically. You’re stupid, Dad. I’m tired of you. Why am I bothering with you? are what Matt heard, and it occurred to him, with a clarity that shocked him after all these muddled and painful years of effort and rejection, effort and rejection, ad nauseum, that he could not hurt Michael, that his own son was indifferent to him, and this was a blow, and strangely a release.
“Well, your friends are assholes, and you are too, Michael. You’re an arrogant, shallow asshole. Where you came from, I don’t know. But not from me.”
“That could be. Maybe Mom had an affair–like you did--and I’m not your son. Do I care? No, I don’t. Can I go upstairs now? I’ll leave in the morning.”
In the kitchen, Matt poured himself another scotch. He took the pizza out of the refrigerator and sat down to eat it, surprised to find that he actually had an appetite. Until tonight, despite the bad cards he had drawn, he had never stopped trying to break through to his son. It’s over, he said to himself, over and done. He’s not your son. He’s Debra’s son, Basil’s son. You lost him a long time ago.
He finished the pizza and was wrapping the garbage to take out in the morning when the doorbell rang. Looking out the kitchen window he saw that it was snowing heavily. Those idiots, he thought, they’re probably stuck someplace. No choice but to let them in. But when he swung open the front door, it wasn’t Adnan and Ali, but his friends Jack McCann and Clarke Goode, homicide detectives who he had worked with for many years, standing facing him. He could see their unmarked car at the curb, and behind it, blocking his driveway, a Pound Ridge patrol car, its engine running and headlights on, two uniformed officers in the front seat. McCann, a florid Irishman whose blue eyes were usually lit by some inner secret joke, looked grim; and Goode, a gnarled black man who never failed to greet Matt with a big smile, was not smiling. Far from it.
“Come in. What’s up?” Matt said. Then, nodding toward the street where the patrol car sat: “What’s with the uniforms?”
The two detectives stepped into the foyer.
“Take your coats off,” Matt said. He could see they were dressed for work, sport jackets and ties on under their trench coats.
“Matt...,” McCann said.
“Talk, Jack,” Matt said. “Is somebody dead?”
“Is Michael home?” Goode asked. He had not taken off his coat, and neither had McCann.
“That’s his car out there,” Matt said. “You know that.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s upstairs.”
Matt looked from McCann to Goode, then back to McCann; looked in the eyes of each, and did not like what he saw. “What about Michael?” he asked.
“We’re here to arrest him,” McCann replied.
“For what?” Drugs, Matt thought, good, let the kid get a taste of the pain he’s always inflicting on others. Him and his two Arab suppliers.
“For murder, Matt,” Goode said.

My Thoughts:

I have always been a fan of suspense novels and Mr LePore's novel is full of twists and turns that kept me engaged and interested. Matt is an interesting character who has quite a temper but takes care of his family. There were times that I was a little confused by the switch of characters but I was able to follow the storyline. All of the characters complemented each other and added to the story. The ending was a surprise and the epilogue tied up the story well. the book was well written and I recommend it to everyone who likes a good mystery loaded with suspense.

CONTEST(USA ONLY)

Thanks to the author I am able to give away a signed copy of one of the author's earlier books called A World I Never Made.

Contest ends on 2/16/12 @11:59pm EST. See rafflecopter for rules.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER:

Every eBook received for review on the tours for Partners In Crime are given in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are sole property (copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed to, or exchanged among other people not part of the tours, nor should they be listed on file sharing sites

GET A FREE COPY OF THE DARKENING DREAM BY A. GAVIN (2/7-2/8)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

FREE Two Days Only: A Vampire Novel with Actual Bite!

As the modern world establishes itself and pushes the supernatural into the shadows, the supernatural fights back.

The Darkening Dream is a chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter, that has received rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and is FREE for two days only on Amazon Kindle (February 7th to 8th)! Download your FREE copy here: http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

Long-time readers of dark historical fantasy (Tim Powers, Guy Gavriel Kay, Katherine Kurtz) will appreciate the weaving together of mythology, occult, and religion, while younger readers and fans of HBO dramas (True Blood, Carnivàle) or urban fantasy (Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher) will be drawn to the twisted imagination, graphic action, and romantic tension.

About The Darkening Dream

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be her very soul.

The Reviews Are In

"A vampire novel with actual bite." ~The Kirkus Reviews

"Mr. Gavin has brought something refreshingly new to a genre now suffused with poorly-concealed bodice-rippers which have more in common with Fabio than Bram Stoker: depth. His big baddies are scary, not romantic interests, and the added religious lore is complex and engaging. Don't expect another Twilight -- the story can get downright creepy, so be prepared for a return to the old horror sensibilities of supernatural fiction." ~Amazon Review

"With Mr. Gavin's video-game pedigree, I was expecting something aimed squarely at the 18-25 year old fanboy contingent; what I got in The Darkening Dream was something wholly unexpected: A period novel with a female protagonist, a crash-course on Judaism in the colonial years, and multi-layered series of plot arcs featuring a crazy cast of natural and supernatural characters populating 18th Century Colonial America." ~Amazon Review

"…A perfect blend of mystery, magic and myth. A grown-up Grimm's fairy tale...emphasis on grim." ~Amazon Review

Read the first two sample chapters here- http://bit.ly/xXVxXS

Get your FREE copy of The Darkening Dream for two days only on Amazon here. http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

No eReader or Kindle? No problem. Get free apps for your Web Browser, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, or Android Phone.

REVIEW OF PUREX ULTRA PACKS

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:35:00 +0000

I recently purchased a HE top loader washer and I have been impressed with Purex products. Recently I got the opportunity to try the Purex UltraPaks in Mountain Breeze. I was a little leery about using the packs in the HE washer but they worked great and dissolved well. Let me tell you a little about the product.

New Purex UltraPacks are convenient pre-dosed liquid detergent packs that make doing laundry easier than ever.

• Purex UltraPacks manage to squeeze all the performance of our new Triple Action liquid formula into just one powerful pack.
• Finally…No more mess. No more spills. No more heavy jugs. It’s Laundry Simplified.®
• Each Purex UltraPack contains powerful 2x concentrated liquid detergent, giving each UltraPack double the cleaning power in every drop.
• Purex UltraPacks dissolve quickly once the washer is started—even in cold water.
• Purex UltraPacks are formulated and safe for all machines, including high-efficiency (HE).

My Thoughts.

The ultraPacks are a very convenient option and are very easy to store. A HE washer uses less water and I was afraid that the pack may not have dissolved correctly but they performed well even in cold water. The fragrance was not overwhelming and made my cloths smell great even after being dried. No need to measure your detergent, just throw 1 or 2 packs in the washer depending on load size and the Triple Action liquid will take care of the rest. the UltraPack will be released soon to a store near you. They will be available in two scents- Mountain Breeze and Free & Clear. for more information please visit Purex.com.

Disclaimer: I was given a free sample of the product for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

GUEST POST BY R. H. JAMISON AUTHOR OF PERSUASION: A LATTER-DAY TALE.

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +0000

I want to welcome Rebecca H. Jamison to Books R Us. Rebecca ia the author of

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale published by Cedar Fort Books. Thanks For stopping by.

How to Write a Love Note

Love notes aren’t just for lovers. I’ve written love notes to my parents, my kids, my friends, and my siblings. Everybody loves a love note. It’s the perfect recession-proof valentine’s gift. It’s also a great way to rekindle a relationship that’s gone a little flat.

I have a little confession to make about my love notes. During the early years of my marriage, I sometimes had to write down a list of the things that bugged me about my husband then throw them away before writing him a love note. It sounds weird, but it must have worked because we’ve been married for seventeen years now. (By the way, here’s a link to the story of my husband’s first and worst note to me: http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/search/label/blind%20date )

It’s like a Thank-you Note

You can think of a love note as a sort of thank-you note. A good way to start is to list some of the person’s good qualities, saying things like:

“Thank you for listening to me,”

“I appreciate your sense of humor,” or

“I love how you work hard every day.”

It’s a way to Remember Good Times

You can also talk about fun times you’ve had together:

“I’ll always remember the picnic we had last summer,”

“I really enjoy our early morning walks,” or

“I always look forward to watching old movies with you.”

It’s Unique

It’s important not to limit yourself. Don’t worry about making your note a certain length. A good love note can be really short or really long or somewhere in between. If you want to draw a picture, go ahead. Your note doesn’t all have to be original either. If there’s a song or poem that reminds you of that person, write down the lyrics. One of my favorite love notes from my husband is a collection of quotes that reminded him of me.

The classic love note in literature is usually a confession of feelings that haven’t been obvious up to that point. This is, of course, the most risky and most romantic love note. Chances are, though, that most love notes you write go to people who already have a clue about your feelings. That doesn’t mean that they won’t love to see them in writing.

About the Book:

When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store. Anne is unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that come when Neil returns and starts dating her younger friend.

Convinced that Neil could no longer have strong feelings for her, Anne pushes away all thoughts of the past. But when the handsome man she’s been dating decides he can’t live without her, Anne must come to terms with her past.

Fans of Jane Austen’s Persuasion will enjoy this modern version of her most romantic story.

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)
Release Date: Feb 7, 2012

About the Author:

Rebecca Jamison met her husband on a blind date. His first words to her were, "Do you want to get together and play spin the bottle?"(He was trying to avoid another bad blind date, but she went out with him anyway.) Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca and her husband have six children. She enjoys running, dancing, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks. You can learn more about her at www.rebeccahjamison.com

Connect with the Author:

Author Website: http://www.rebeccahjamison.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/RebeccaHJamison
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKgM9tuCzSo
Publisher Blog:http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Purchase the book: Amazon

Visit the other stops on the tour here.

ENTER THE FEBRUARY FRENZY IPAD 2 AND CASH GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the February Frenzy iPad 2 & Cash giveaway!

Bay Area Mommy and Swagbucks has teamed up with 60 wonderful bloggers to give you a chance to win the following prizes! 1st prize: 16g Wifi iPad2 with smartcover (1 winner; US/CAN) 2nd prize: $50 cash (3 winners; WorldWide)

Like all Facebook pages here.

Follow all Twitter profiles here.

Remember, you can't win if you don't enter! And the more entries you "send", the more chances of winning!

Swagbucks is the online rewards community that works, rewarding people for all of the things they're already doing online - search, games, watching videos, shopping, surveys and more! The Swag Bucks earned by users have helped purchase everything from diapers to video games - it's easy, it's rewarding, and it's 100% free!

Giveaway is open for entries from February 1, 12AM EST until February 21, 11:59PM EST.

To Join Swagbucks please click Here and then enter via Rafflecopter.

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SIGN-UP FOR THE FACEBOOK AND TWITTER BLASTS

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Sign-Ups are open for the Facebook Blast & Twitter Blast. You can buy in to 4 events (that is $2.50 per event) for $10. Check out this post for all of the details.

BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF EATING SMOKE BY CHRIS THRALL

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I want to welcome Chris Thrall to Books R Us. Chris is the author of Eating Smoke and is touring the Blogosphere with Lightening Books Promotions. Thanks for stopping by.

Book Details:

Title: Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland
Author: Chris Thrall

Publisher: Blacksmith Book
Publication Date: October 16, 2011
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:
Chris Thrall left the Royal Marines to find his fortune in Hong Kong, but instead found himself homeless and addicted to crystal meth. Soon he began working for the 14K, Hong Kong's largest crime family, in the Wanchai red-light district. Dealing with the 'foreign triad' - a secretive expat clique connected to the Chinese mafia - he had to survive in the world's most unforgiving city, addicted to the world's most dangerous drug.

My Thoughts:

When I first read the title, I was intrigued and did not know what to expect. I have read many memoirs and Eating Smoke was fantastic. There was one line in the book "I'm not a stupid guy, just an average guy who does stupid things." that was so true and made me realize that we all make mistakes in our lives. There were so many emotions depicted in the book that included fear, sadness, loneliness, frustration, humor and paranoia. As I read on, there were parts that I was swept away in the paranoia and I was unsure what scenes were real. Even when Chris was at his lowest, I still liked him and I was rooting for him. There were so many crazy characters that Chris met along the way who either helped him or drove him deeper into drugs. The book was well written and I finished it rather quickly. This is a great memoir full of emotions and I recommend the book to everyone. It will give you an insight into the world of drugs and how it can affect you and possibly your family.

Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion and I was not compensated for my review.

READ AN EXCERPT AND WIN A COPY OF ANGEL'S REST (USA ONLY)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:39:00 +0000

I want to welcome Emily March to Books R Us. Emily is the author of Angel's Rest: An Eternity Springs Novel. Thanks for stopping by.

About the Book:

Gabriel Callahan has lost everything that mattered. All he wants is solitude on an isolated mountain estate. Instead, he gets a neighbor. Vibrant, no-nonsense Nic Sullivan is Eternity Springs’ veterinarian, and she has an uncanny plan to lure this talented architect back to the world of the living. First with a dog, next with a renovation project, and, finally, with a night of passion that ends with a surprise.

Now a man still raw from tragedy must face the biggest struggle of his heart. Can he forgive himself and believe in the power of second chances? Dare he trust in the promise of a future and a brand-new family here in Eternity Springs?

Angel's Rest by Emily March (Excerpt)

Thanks to Random House I can give away a copy of the book (USA ONLY- see rules on Rafflecopter form) To my International Friends: I was just informed today 1/26 that the book is not available on Netgalley any more. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Giveaway ends on 2/12/12 @11:59pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW OF MASTER YOUR ACNE BY DEVIN MOOERS

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:09:00 +0000

I remember growing up with acne and I still suffer from rosacea. Both of my children have had bouts of acne for years. We have tried different cleansers and over the counter creams as well as a few visits to the dermatology with poor results. I thought I knew all about the causes of acne until I read Devin Mooer's book Master your Acne.

About the Book:

This is a thorough, complete, well-thought-out e-guide to curing acne with diet and lifestyle. It wades through all the pseudoscience, distilling the real science into actionable steps people can take to achieve clear skin. The method requires no skin care products, no prescriptions, and no strange “natural” cures (i.e. no oatmeal, cider vinegar, baking soda types of treatments). This is not a “magic bullet” solution, but rather a comprehensive, multi-pronged attack strategy to cure acne. By choosing certain foods and avoiding others, and making sure some key nutrient needs are met, this course empowers readers to take their health into their own hands, and cure their acne once and for all.

My Thoughts:

I know that that there are many causes of acne and I have read many books on the subject. Some were very technical and gave you too much information that may be confusing to some readers. Devon's book is packed of information that well researched and easy to understand. He discusses the truths and myths concerning acne, dietary guidelines, stress reduction, the causes of acne and other interesting topics. I found the clear skin checklist and the master list of food very helpful and summarized the major points discussed in the book. So if you are struggling and frustrated with acne, get a copy of the book. You will not be disappointed and maybe you will learn something new.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF THE SEER BY MARTHA HARRIS

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Title: The Seer.

Author: Martha Harris

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co.

Publication Date: October 28, 2011

About the Book:

Bobbi Wheeler is a psychiatrist who uses her psychic abilities to help her patients deal with depression and grief. This ability to know her patients' history and inner thoughts through a simple "touch" is the reason behind her successful therapy sessions with satisfied clients.

Bobbi doesn't always view her abilities as a gift, but a curse, because not all of her dreams are pleasant. She saw her grandfather's death in a dream when she was young child and tried to prevent it but couldn't. This started her feelings of helplessness whenever she dreams about dangers involving people she encountered and touched by chance.

While she may know the ways in dealing with emotional pain, she is also somehow battling with her own frailties and inner turmoil, making her long for the ocean and the pleasant things about it to give her peace. It is in one of these trips that she meets Lance Wolfe, a nonbeliever in psychics and a widower who blames himself for the death of his wife in a car accident. His guilt somehow hinders him from loving another woman again. Nonetheless, Bobbi opens his heart once more, but not completely. He seems to have the gift, as it is with him that Bobbi learns she can communicate using thoughts alone and go through someone else's psychic's mind.

In one of her visits to Lance's house in Belford, Bobbi feels like she's been inside a man who gave her the most horrifying nightmare ever. This man who for a time she mistook as one of her patients, Tobias Emerson murders a couple in her dreams. This man has the ability to control minds and although she is able to go inside the dream and prevent him from doing the crime, the man prevails over her and goes ahead with the carnage. After the police get involved, the man has only one thing on his mind killing her.

My Thoughts:

When I started reading the book, I found it hard to get into but I was glad that I decided to continue reading. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and an ending that will surprise you. The main character, Bobbi, was likeable and very interesting. Bobbi has visions or nightmares that were vivid, descriptive and frightening. Bobbi has a special ability to see a person's inner most thoughts through touch. She sees a new client, Tobias, and feels nothing when she touches him and she realizes that he is very different. There is tension between her love interest, Lance, and their relationship grows as the story unfolds. If you like mystery,romance and the supernatural then you will enjoy the book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

REVIEW OF THE ULTIMATE PRESCRIPTION BY DR. JAMES MARCUM.

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa (Books R Us)) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:47:00 +0000

Book Details: The Ultimate Prescription: What the Medical Profession Isn't Telling You.

Author: Dr. James L. Marcum

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers.
Publication Date: December 16, 2011
Purchase: Amazon

About the Book:

Would you like to discover the powerful ways God is part of the healing process? Do you think the media, the government, or your doctor is telling you the whole truth when it comes to health care? Are you tired of taking medications that really don't fix the problem? In The Ultimate Prescription, Dr. James Marcum, a board-certified cardiologist, in-demand speaker, and radio host, discusses these questions and many more from a biblical point of view. He encourages you to find the real answers about your health—and the health of your loved ones. Dr. Marcum explains what he believes is wrong with our current health care system, how to get back on track, and how the spiritual dimension of our health is often being ignored. Discover today the true path to healthy living in The Ultimate Prescription.

My Thoughts:

After reading the book, I have a new perspective on healthcare as a Christian. The author used the days of creation as described in scripture to show us how to live a healthier and more productive life. The book was easy to read and understand. Dr Marcum used examples from real life patients to show us that many healthcare providers prescribe medications before looking at the underlying cause of the ailment. Eating the wrong type of food, lack of exercise, and increased stress can cause many different physical and emotional problems. Many of us are resistant to change and the author says that we need to change the way we live with the help of the Bible. There may be some readers who may disagree with the author but it is important to keep an open mind and you may learn something new and inspirational.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

WIN A E-COPY OF THE BOOK 11/22/63 BY S. KING IN THE READING RALLY (INT)

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:27:00 +0000

WELCOME TO THE READING RALLY HOSTED BY ROMANCE AT RANDOM.

There are so many blogs participating in the Hop. You will find some nice book related items being given away.

I am offering to one lucky reader a E-copy of the book.....

11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King in a Kindle or Epub version(Nook).

It may not be a Romance Novel but it is full of excitement.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? Stephen King’s heart-stopping dramatic new novel is about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination—a thousand page tour de force.

Following his massively successful novel Under the Dome, King sweeps readers back in time to another moment—a real life moment—when everything went wrong: the JFK assassination. And he introduces readers to a character who has the power to change the course of history.

Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

A tribute to a simpler era and a devastating exercise in escalating suspense, 11/22/63 is Stephen King at his epic best.

Contest ends on 1/31@11:59pm Eastern. (World wide) Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and will have 48 hrs to respond to my email or a new winner will be chosen. See rules on Rafflecopter widget. I will be sending the book to the winner through Amazon or Barnes&Noble as a gift.

Romance at Random is offering A 5 Book Giveaway and A grand prize-

ENTER FOR ROMANCE PRIZES HERE!!!

After you enter my giveaway below!!

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CHECK OUT ALL OF THE PARTICIPATING BLOGS.

WELCOME TO THE TIGGERIFIC TUESDAY! BLOG HOP

noreply@blogger.com (Eileen Burmester) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Tiggerific Tuesday! Blog Hop...or Bounce!

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