Book Description

This is the first book of a remarkable memoir of a Special Assistant to President John F. Kennedy. Known familiarly as Bertie Mac, he reported directly to the President and his office was in the West Wing of the White House. Prior to achieving that position, he had been betrayed by his own government – the United States – and handed over to the Soviets. He was tortured in the Lubyanka Prison in Moscow before being covertly rescued by two high ranking Soviet Generals (at great risk to themselves) who wanted to convey information directly to the White House to try to avert a nuclear confrontation they believed to be imminent. They believed that he would be a uniquely reliable conduit of information between the U.S. and the Soviet Union as he deeply mistrusted both governments and therefore had absolutely no motivation to "color" any information he might transmit. Bertie Mac coined the term "Back Channel" and served as a direct communication link between the White House and the Kremlin during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bertie Mac is a patriot, a soldier, a spy and an assassin. He served in all four roles during his time under President Kennedy – who became his friend and confidant. You will see the Soviet Union, the White House, Camelot, Vietnam and the conspirators behind the assassination of the President in a very new light and watch history as it was being made. Bertie Mac served under and reported to nine U.S. Presidents. This book is the first in the series. It is heavily documented with photocopies of documents which, though now declassified, originally bore the very highest of security classifications – Top Secret/ Sensitive/ Eyes Only. The documents are indisputably authentic and reveal the real facts that the American (and world) public never knew. Back Channel recounts the first stage of a totally fascinating journey.

Book Review

I have always been fascinated by the Kennedy Administration.  Of course, media has always portrayed certain things and left much out. 

Now in this book, we get to see a lot more of went on behind the scenes.  Some of the things that were just suspected and many of the things that there were not even any hints about.

I highly suggest reading this book to get a clearer glimpse of our country’s past and to see how much of it truly remains hidden from our views.

In the description of this book, they say that William Bertrand McFarland actually served under 9 presidents and that this book was just the first in the series.  I can’t wait to read about the next 8 presidents to see what truly happened during their administrations.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

His Oath…

My loyalty and sword to Rhaetia are true.
I lend my wit and might in fealty to you.
Neither through words, nor actions and deeds, will I dishonor thee.

His Quest…

One by one, the heirs to the Rhaetian throne have fallen, and now the future of the kingdom rests on the champion of the realm—the Blood Sword—finding the missing daughter of the king—the Lost Princess.

Blood Sword (Lost Princess Series Book 1)…

On the island nation of Xa’aia, the Blood Sword is enslaved as a gladiator and forced to fight to entertain the masses. However, to continue the search for the Lost Princess, he will do anything to gain his freedom.

Seeing a chance for escape, Zelayra, whore to Prince Calyl of Xa’aia, purchases the barbarian gladiator—so unlike the usual J’Haran prisoners and her Xa’aian captors in looks. But there is no time to ponder her similarity to the stranger and no time to explore the distant memories and unusual feelings his presence inspires, for she’s not the only one who’s been scheming in the island kingdom.

Book Review

This was a quick paced fun read.  I did not want to put it down at all.  When I first received this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Sometimes newer fantasy series show such promises, but aren’t fleshed out properly.

This one was done just right.  There was just enough world building to the point of creating the space in my mind perfectly while not getting overly mired down in the details.

The characters were all well written and I just wanted more.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series.  This is definitely one author to keep an eye on.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

Only minutes after United 175 plowed into the World Trade Center’s South Tower, people in positions of power correctly suspected who was behind the assault: Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. But it would be 18 months after September 11 before investigators would capture the actual mastermind of the attacks, the man behind bin Laden himself.

That monster is the man who got his hands dirty while Osama fled; the man who was responsible for setting up Al Qaeda’s global networks, who personally identified and trained its terrorists, and who personally flew bomb parts on commercial airlines to test their invisibility. That man withstood waterboarding and years of other intense interrogations, not only denying Osama’s whereabouts but making a literal game of the proceedings, after leading his pursuers across the globe and back. That man is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and he is still, to this day, the most significant Al Qaeda terrorist in captivity.

In THE HUNT FOR KSM, Terry McDermott and Josh Meyer go deep inside the US government’s dogged but flawed pursuit of this elusive and dangerous man. One pair of agents chased him through countless false leads and narrow escapes for five years before 9/11. And now, drawing on a decade of investigative reporting and unprecedented access to hundreds of key sources, many of whom have never spoken publicly-as well as jihadists and members of KSM’s family and support network-this is a heart-pounding trip inside the dangerous, classified world of counterterrorism and espionage.

Book Review

This book was incredible!  There was so much that we as Americans take for granted on a daily basis.  And one is the amount of information that is disseminated to us through our news media outlets. 

Then to read this book and see how much was actually left out of the news reports.  Plus to see how much has gone on behind the scenes is truly remarkable.

I know that the majority of Americans will remember where they were when they first heard about the towers falling.  It is a moment in history that will not be forgotten.  This book takes us through the moments afterwards through to that capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.  This was someone who I really hadn’t heard too much about until reading this book.  So I truly never realized his importance in this entire plot.

I feel that this book is one that should be required reading in history class.  As this will shed new light on many different things.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

***Special thanks to Peggy Blann Phifer for sending me a review copy.***

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader and loves to escape between the covers of a good book. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband Jim.

To See the Sun is Peg’s debut novel, released January 2012

Visit her blog, Whispers in Purple.

Visit the author’s website.

Pregnant and widowed hadn’t been part of her “happily ever after” dream. And now, someone was trying to kill her . . .

Erin Macintyre never expected to be a widow and a new mother in the same year, anymore than she expected mysterious notes, threatening phone calls, and a strange homeless man who seems to know all about her. The thought of raising a child without a father is daunting enough—worse when you have no idea who might want to harm you. Put an old flame into the mix, and her life begins a tailspin into a world she never knew existed.

When P.I. Clay Buchanan, stumbles upon Erin at her husband’s gravesite, he’s totally unprepared for her advanced pregnancy. Her venomous reaction at seeing him, however, was predictable. But Clay can’t let her distrust, or his guilt, get in the way—not when he has evidence that proves Erin’s life is in danger.

With few options left, Erin begrudgingly accepts Clay’s help . . . and it just might be her undoing.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (January 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1468121081
ISBN-13: 978-1468121087

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Book Review

This was a great book.  Peggy Phifer wrote a story that completely pulled me in from the beginning.  I did not want it to end at all. 

The characters were believable and I loved the interplay between each of them. 

I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

As a family practice physician and an advocate of preventive health, I believe healthy food can still be wonderful. I refuse to accept that a diet has to involve going to extremes or that diet food has to taste like cardboard. It doesn’t! It just has to be thoughtfully prepared, in a reasonable amount of time, and taste incredibly good. That’s the kind of food you’ll find in this book.

I know you want meals that are quick and healthy. You want them to taste wonderful, you want them to help you lose weight, and you want them now! Seems like a tall order, but that’s what these recipes deliver. I encourage you to try several of these recipes each week to reap the benefits. Maybe the Tuscan Pork Tenderloin will become a new favorite, or the Mexican Chocolate Pudding can take over as your go-to dessert. Maybe you’ll love the Curried Poached Halibut or start making Oven-Barbecued Chicken all year round. Just start with a cycle’s worth of meals, and do it. Having the right ingredients on hand, plus kitchen equipment that makes preparation easier, will make cooking quicker and more healthful. With every new recipe you try, you will discover low-fat and low-carb cooking tips; healthy methods of food preparation; ways to cut the fat, sugar, calories, and cholesterol; and how to use fresh herbs and spices to add flavor. Consider these tools to help you get your weight under control. The more weight loss tools you have, the more successful you will be. Enjoy! —Dr. Mike

Book Review

You may remember that back on May 2nd, 2011, I had reviewed the actual 17 Day Diet book.  This is the follow up book to that one.

This book once again, takes you briefly through the phases of the diet in case you did not get the first book or just as a refresher.  Then it shows you all these great recipes for each phase.  And trust me, there are some extremely delicious foods in this cookbook!

One of my favorites is the Slow-Cooker Ropa Vieja.  Having grown up in South Florida, Cuban food is a staple of existence.  So to find a recipe that fits into a diet and is easy to make was exciting!

Another favorite of mine is the Polynesian London Broil.  The flavor of this one was incredible!

All of the recipes are very easy to follow.  The majority of them have ingredients that are already on hand.  I hate cookbooks that list ingredients that cause me to scratch my head and go on an insane scavenger hunt to find out where to buy them.  Plus, there are menus to help you plan out your days.  You are not required to follow the menus though.  You can mix and match any which way you like.  Pick a breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner from the phase you are currently on and you are good to go.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha

Every human being has a soul, mind and body. In the East, people talk about soul. In the West, people talk about spirit. Scientists talk about message. In fact, soul, spirit and message are the same thing.

Modern medicine focuses on matter. Blood tests measure biochemical changes inside the cells. CT scans and MRIs determine whether there are growths inside the body. Surgery removes matter from the body. Medications adjust the matter.

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is vital energy and life force. The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic, the ancient authority book of traditional Chinese medicine, states, “if qi flows, one is healthy. If qi is blocked, one is sick.” Traditional Chinese medicine uses herbs, acupuncture and massage to promote the flow of qi for healing.

Several years ago, the Divine guided me to create Soul Mind Body Medicine. From my more than forty years of energy and spiritual study, together with my study of medicine to become an MD and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, I have realized that soul, mind and body can work together. Modern medicine and traditional medicine can work together.

Modern medicine focuses on matter inside the cells. Traditional Chinese medicine and many other healing modalities focus on the energy between cells. Soul Mind Body Medicine focuses on the soul. If a person is sick, the soul is sick.

A soul is a golden light being. Soul is spirit. Soul is message. Soul is the essence of life. Soul is the boss.

Soul Mind Body Medicine states: Heal the soul first; then, healing of the mind and body will follow. Because the soul is the boss, I put the soul first. This is why I use the name Soul Mind Body Medicine. Soul is spirit and message. Mind is consciousness. Body carries energy and matter.

Every human being has a soul, a mind and a body. A bodily system, such as the cardiovascular system or the digestive system, has a soul, mind and body. Every cell and every DNA and RNA has a soul, mind and body.

Everyone and everything has a soul.

Soul Mind Body Medicine states that all sickness is due to soul, mind and body blockages. Soul blockages are due to bad karma. Mind blockages include negative mindsets, attitudes and beliefs, as well as ego and attachment. Body blockages are blockages of energy and matter.

To heal is to remove soul, mind and body blockages. Soul Mind Body Medicine removes soul, mind and body blockages. The techniques are very simple. In fact, they are too simple believe. I ask that you keep an open mind and try them. Join one of the many complimentary programs offered every day and experience Soul Mind Body Medicine.

Dr. and Master Sha is a world-renowned healer, inspired teacher, and Divine Channel. He is a medical doctor in China, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and Canada and a Grand Master of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Kung Fu, I Ching and Feng Shui. His work is featured in the documentary Soul Masters and the public television program, The Power of Soul. Master Sha is the New York Times best-selling author of the Soul Power Series. Recipient of the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Award for his humanitarian efforts, in January 2011, he founded the global Love, Peace and Harmony Movement with a vision to create love, peace and harmony for humanity and Mother Earth.

Learn more about Dr. Sha, his complimentary Soul Mind Body Medicine programs, or his upcoming live events by visiting www.DrSha.com or www.Facebook.com/ZhiGangSha

Book Description

Colt Lewis, a rookie fire paramedic, is obsessed with finding the severed foot of his first victim after she dies in his arms. His search takes him into the connected lives of a graduate research student, with the rarest blood in the world and the vampire fetishist who is stalking her. Within the corridors of high-stakes medical research laboratories, the shadow world of body parts dealers, and the underground Goth clubs of Los Angeles, Lewis uncovers a tangled maze of needles, drugs and maniacal ritual, all of which lead to death. But whose death? An unusual and fast-paced LA Noir thriller.

Book Review

This book really had me riding the fence.  There were aspects of it that I really liked.  The characters were really well written.

However, parts of the story just seemed so far fetched that it was truly a stretch for me.  And this is coming from someone who LOVES fantasy books.  I guess its because for the most part, the book seemed more real life stylization so the aspects that are beyond were just way too much. 

That being said, the plot was a little slow moving in parts.  It seemed like some of the book was a little overly descriptive.  I like things described, but I also like a little left to the imagination. 

So I guess I could say that I both liked and disliked this book.  Its not something that I would want to keep on hand to read again.  And its not like I would search out more books if this became a series.  But it was nice enough to read through fully one time.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

Join the edible (R)evolution! You don’t have to give up junk food to eat healthy—just make smarter choices. Discover yummy alternatives to your favorite treats. Unjunk Your Junk Food is a quick and easy guide to: • Healthy choices for the snacks you crave • Savvy alternatives to conventional brands • Tips for reading food labels and recognizing false claims • Nutritious ingredients to look for and dangerous additives to avoid • A tear-out Worst Ingredients chart, and more Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

Book Review

This book was definitely an eye opener for me.  There are so many items that I buy in order to eat healthier alternatives, but these foods have additives in them that actually make them worse then some of the foods that I was trying to avoid.

I first found out about this book through Naturally Savvy, the creators of the book.  They have tons of great information on their website.  And when they pointed towards this book, I just had to get a copy to find out more information.

One of the first things that this book does it teach you how to properly read packaging and food labels.  We all see those packages that are labeled “lite” and other such words.  I didn’t realize how off I was in what I thought some of those meant.  Heck, I didn’t even know that there was a difference between a product being labeled “organic” and being “made with organic ingredients”.  And there really is a difference. 

There is even a convenient little chart that comes out of the book that you can take with you to the grocery store.  It shows the “red” food additives (ones you should definitely avoid) and the “yellow” food additives (ones that are best avoided but not necessarily so).  And if you look at this list and compare to food items in your cupboards you will be completely shocked!

Here I was thinking that I was doing so good eating those 100 calorie packets of yummy goodness made by Nabisco only to find out that there are so many “red” and “yellow” ingredients that it really scared me.

One of the things that I really liked about the book is that the rest of it was broken down into sections by food type and it tackles national brands.  So if you have a craving for say cookies, you can look in there for the type of cookie you are wanting.  It will show you the national brand that most people are eating.  It will then tell you the pros and cons of that brand.  Then it will provide another brand that has a much healthier alternative.

So if you are truly trying to make some changes for the better in your eating habits, you will definitely want to check out this great book.  You will be surprised at what you find!

I suggest heading over to their website, their facebook page, and twitter to see what Naturally Savvy has to say.  There are tons of helpful hints and tips that they share.  Plus there are always various contests going on.  Also make sure you watch the hashtag #unjunkyourjunkfood as other people ask questions and get answers.

I know that I for one have decided that clean out my cupboards and have already made several copies of the chart to keep handy.  First, I have one for in my sister’s car.  That is the car we usually take grocery shopping.  SO this way, no matter what we have a copy when we go.  Plus I have one near our cupboards.  This way, I can check foods out that others bring into our household.  I also have a copy in my purse in case I go out without my sister.

What kind of changes are you willing to make to get to a healthier version of you?

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

She’s Like a Virgin . . . Simulated for the Very First Time

For a red-blooded male, Las Vegas offers a virtual smorgasbord of temptation: sexy showgirls, vampy vampires, zombie starlets, you name it. But paranormal investigator Delilah Street isn’t worried about losing her man to these vixens. Especially when the one woman with a soft spot for the guy also has a hard-shelled exterior. . . .

She’s a robot—or a CinSim, to be exact—a near-perfect simulation of the silver-metal robot Maria from the classic science fiction movie Metropolis. Part innocent teenage actress, part depraved sex goddess, the new Maria is hooked on Delilah’s partner, Ric, who raised her from the dead. She also happens to be the perfect secret weapon for a demonic drug lord. Which could be one hell of a problem. Delilah’s not the jealous type, but this tin-can temptress must be stopped—even if it forces Delilah to forge a dangerous alliance with her wicked mirror-twin, Lilith. If robo-girl goes ballistic, every player in Vegas loses. . . .

Book Review

This is the fifth book in the series.  Unfortunately, it is definitely a series where you need to start from earlier on.  There were so many characters coming and going that I was completely lost at times.

There also seemed to be tons of subplots.  And not having any backstory just caused me even more confusion. 

It seemed like an interesting story what I could understand of it though.  However, since I kept getting lost and having to reread things to see if maybe I just missed something in this book that I really had to just put it down and walk away from it.

I plan on maybe going back and getting the first book in the series to see if that is enjoyable.  If it is, then I will read through them until I get up to this book.  Hopefully, I will understand what is going on much better by reading the prior books.

This is definitely not a book that can stand alone on its own merits.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Book Description

Motive, opportunity, and no alibi—it seems close to a slam-dunk. But while rookie detective Allison Doyle’s department has ID’d a suspect in a young woman’s vicious murder, she is uneasy. Then legendary FBI profiler Mark Wolfe shows up with a startling theory: if he’s right, the real murderer is an elusive psychopath just days away from another kill.

Using Allison’s contacts at the Delphi Center crime lab, Wolfe is finally in striking distance of the monster he’s pursued for ten years. Except that as they work together, Wolfe finds the ambitious, stubborn woman a tempting distraction. And with this brutal predator, every thread of evidence can make the difference between being the hunter . . . and the prey.

Book Review

Even though this was not the first in the series, I LOVED IT!!  I was caught up in the story from the very beginning.  I could not and did not want to put it down.

First off, I absolutely loved Mark.  He was such a great character.  I definitely loved all the scenes that he was in.  He just seemed to steal them!

Laura Griffin created just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me guessing.  And even though I didn’t have all the back story from the previous books, I didn’t feel completely lost.  So yes, this book can be read as a stand alone.

However, I plan on getting the previous books to keep me occupied until the next one comes out.  I definitely don’t want to miss any of these great books.

In conjunction with the Wakela’s World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.