I Feel So Unnecessary

Purple Haze

2013-05-22T18:31:00.001-04:00

Yesterday my husband went to the ophthalmologist for his eye. As he was taking the initial exam when the tech adjusted the letters for him he asked if he could see any of the letters better. My husband replied, " You've got to be kidding."
After some more tests, the doctor came back with the diagnosis- a retinal tear which could lead to a retinal detachment. The treatment for the tear was laser treatment to create a barrier so the tear wouldn't expand anymore. So I went back to the waiting room and the husband went into the laser tag room. After a few minutes he came out and I asked how it went.

"Well, when they were doing it all of a sudden these bright lights starting exploding behind my eye. Especially purple, a bright purple haze. I thought I was experiencing the 60s again."

Okaaay.

Anyway he goes back in three weeks- and yes he is still wearing his eye patch and using pirate speak.

Ripped: A Jack the Ripper Time Travel Mystery by Shelly Dickson Carr

2013-05-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

Formats:

Paperback
Kindle
Nook

* I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

509 pages
Publisher:
New Book Partners (December 2012)

Synopsis:

After her parents were killed, Katie left Boston to live with Grandma Cleaves in London. It still seems like a bad dream. But she's doing okay, even making new friends.

A bit of a history buff, Katie likes living in a city where so much has happened, likes walking the same streets as the authors of Dracula and the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. This cool, bookish teen is working on her British accent and even learning some Cockney rhyming slang from handsome Toby.

When a museum visit with friends turns funky, Katie finds herself in a long, uncomfortable dress, wearing a ridiculous hat. What happened to her jeans and high-top sneakers? Where's her iPhone? It's London, 1888. Smart, gutsy Katie realizes she's here to stop a serial killer. She can't bring her parents back, but maybe she can save these women. Katie 's read about the Ripper, knows the names of his victims, even knows where and when they were killed. She's watched her fair share of CSI, knows about profiling and forensics. Surely she knows enough to save the lives of his victims. But how will changing history affect the lives of those she loves most?

My Thoughts:

I thought the book was a little too long so at times, I'd put it down and start it again. Towards the middle of it though the action picked up and it was an exciting read. The author also had enough red herrings where it was hard to figure out who did it. I also enjoyed how she used real historical figures such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and James Whistler as part of the plot. So I'm going to give it:

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Shelly Dickson Carr

A Caregiver? Me? by Lynda Bush

2013-05-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Formats:
epub
mobi
pdf

108 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press (2012)

Synopsis:

Becoming a caregiver for a terminally ill family member is an enormous challenge. This guide is a gift to my late husband, who not only taught me how to live well but how to die well. I hope it will carry on his legacy of always teaching and sharing, even as he faced the end of his life.
A compact guide that you can easily reference along your personal journey, it is filled with practical suggestions to help you, as the caregiver, honor the way your family member would like to create his or her final journey toward paradise.

My Thoughts

A handy tool for caregivers- it offers practical advice with a wry sense of humor thrown in to help caregivers and loved ones on their journey.It was a very quick read. It even had tips I was not familiar with and will put to use.So for this handy dandy guide, I'm giving it:

About the Author:

This caregiver guide was created after I walked the journey with my late husband, as he faced the diagnosis of terminal cancer. We both faced life challenges with bizarre humor and the challenge of cancer did not escape our efforts to find something to laugh at every day. That helped to temper the anguish and sadness we felt so profoundly as we were handed this terminal diagnosis.
I live in the northwest. My blended family including 15 grandchildren and their parents are, indeed, a blessing.

Buy the book here:

WestBow

Amazon

B&N

The Difference Between Night and Day by Melissa Turner Lee

2013-05-19T13:22:00.000-04:00

* I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Formats:
Kindle
Paperback
Nook

Published 2013 by AltWit Press
317 pages

Synopsis:

Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from "dark times." That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the light is hidden, not gone.

My Thoughts:

I thought the book started off slow but towards the middle it picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. Nathaniel was a great character and while I found Lilly to be a little annoying at first she quickly grew on me. I know the theme of the book was light vs. dark but I found it to be a little heavy handed at times- I thought the point the author was trying to get across could have been more subtle. That didn't stop me from enjoying the book though and I did like how she incorporated scripture in. I also liked that it was a vampire novel, but different from others I've read. I also think the cover art is beautiful. So it's getting:

Visit Melissa on Goodreads

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Rose Blossom by Renee Travis

2013-05-19T12:51:00.000-04:00

* I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Formats:
Paperback
Kindle

Published in 2011 by CreateSpace
143 pages

Synopsis:

High school senior Rhodanthe Watson dreams of a life like any other girl her age; boyfriend, pick a good college, and find the perfect shade of lip gloss. But her reality is an overbearing and overprotective mom, and actually making it to college by surviving the heart condition she's had for years.
Meeting and falling in love with Julian, a handsome and mysterious new boy at school, was never on the list, neither was finding out that he's a vampire.
Being the girlfriend of a vampire has its dark side; especially when a jealous classmate decides to do something about her relationship; a move that threatens to destroy the dreams within Rhodanthe's grasp.
Rhodanthe must choose between her family, the fate that's been struggling to continue beating in her chest for years and a new love that comes with a high price...immortality or death.

My Thoughts:

A vampire novel with a twist- I liked the love story of Rose and Julian and felt the author captured a teenage girl's voice well. Julian's voice was a little more awkward sounding but he was still a good character. There were a few editing mistakes but I didn't find them distracting. I've read books published by major publishing houses that has more mistakes in them. Yes it reminded me some of Twilight, but that's not a bad thing. It was a quick, light read and overall I enjoyed it. So I'm giving it:

Visit Renee's Website

and find her on Goodreads

Shiver Me Timbers

2013-05-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

The husband has been having trouble with his right eye. He doesn't want to go to the ER so until we can get to the eye doctor next week he's wearing an eye patch. And pretending he's Jack Sparrow, 'cept he bathes.

" Yar. Yar. Y'know yar."

Makes me want to walk the plank.


Cap'n Graybeard

The Disresptful Interviewer: Thirteen Interviews with Authors by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2013-05-17T12:42:00.001-04:00

Formats:

Kindle

100 pages

Publisher: Hat City Press ( March 2013)

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Just what the title promises! Thirteen disrespectful interviews with authors, including: Chris Cleave, Jon Clinch, Tish Cohen, Joseph Finder, Kristy Kiernan, A.S. King, J.A. Konrath, Greg Logsted, Lisa McMann, Lynn Price, Lev Raphael, Adriana Trigiana...and Lauren Baratz-Logsted - discover new favorites and see some of your favorite authors, like you've never seen them before!

My Review:

These interviews were conducted when the author was " Writer-in Residence" in 2009-10 at the literary e-zine BiblioBuffet, which is now defunct. She wanted her interviews to be different so she decided to diss the authors, the result of which is now this tongue-in-cheeky book. I know for me when I have to interview someone I feel as if my IQ drops bout 40 points...and that's sad, cause I'm none too bright anyway. She ratchets up the snark and the authors give snarky answers right back. It's right up my alley.

I confess I was only familiar with a few of the authors interviewed and of the others I was woefully ignorant. Now I want to add their books to my already towering tbr pile. Yay. Now, I have to go- General Hospital is coming on in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

For this delightful snark fest, I'm giving the book:

Visit Lauren's Website

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Night Town by Cathi Bond

2013-05-16T19:52:00.000-04:00

E-pub
Kindle
Print Formats

253 pages
Publisher: Iguana Books ( May 13, 2013)

* I received an arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Maddy Barnes is the high-spirited daughter of a small town doctor and his beautiful, yet strong-minded wife. Maddy’s mother and grandfather hammer the family creed, “you must never falter” into the psyche of every child in the family. A philosophy her father despises, but Maddy embraces. Then something unthinkable happens and Maddy’s perfect
family implodes. They deal with it the only way they know, each retreating into impenetrable silos to nurse their grief alone.

But Maddy can’t. Her rage and pain are too unbearable to be contained. So on her sixteenth birthday, Maddy falls through the looking glass and leaves home forever. Only she doesn’t meet the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.
Instead Maddy tumbles down through the rings of hell, into the unknown Toronto of the 1970s – an unknown world of street drugs, bikers, body rub parlours and the first, heady days of the gay revolution.
Night Town is a search for love, family, identity and redemption, set against the rapidly changing social fabric of that time.

My Review:

I enjoyed my trip to Night Town so much that when I looked up from reading it several hours had passed. I hadn't even gotten up to go to the bathroom. Oops. ( Just kidding) No, really Oops. It was an harrowing novel in places and I found myself feeling Maddy's angst and struggles as if I was on the streets of Toronto with her. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be ok.I've read books like this one before but the author gives it a fresh perspective. She captured the voice of a hurt, confused teenager well and left us with the hope that Maddy was going to be just fine. A lovely debut novel. So... I'm going to give it:

Buy the book:

Amazon.ca http://tinyurl.com/c6hz2nh

Iguana Books http://iguanabooks.com/books/night-town-print-edition/
Barnes and Noble http://tinyurl.com/bmzvy48

PRAISE FOR NIGHT TOWN:

Compelling, intriguing and moving, Night Town explores the struggles of a young woman grappling with tragic personal loss and the birth of her sexuality in an emotionally and sexually repressive culture.

Judy Rebick – Activist, author of Transforming Power and Occupy This

Maddy’s journey of self-discovery is also a journey into a dangerous Toronto we rarely hear about. Fast-paced, heart-wrenching and riveting. I couldn’t put it down.

Adrienne Mitchell – Producer and Director, Durham County and Bomb Girls

Available in soft cover and as an e-book on May 13, 2013 from Iguana Books and all major on-line book stores.

AUTHOR BIO:

Cathi Bond has written extensively about contemporary culture in print and on the Internet, worked in television, and is a well known broadcaster for CBC Radio, where she was a columnist on DNTO and is currently a regular contributor to Spark. She is also one of Canada’s
podcast pioneers. Night Town, which has been optioned by Back Alley Films, is her first novel. She divides her time between Toronto and a farm in rural Ontario.

Cathi’s blog: http://www.cathibond.com/

Cathi’s author website: http://bit.ly/15vvoIr

For information, digital copies, publication material or to set up an interview -

CONTACT:

Emily Niedoba

VP, Marketing and Communications
416-214-0760 (9-5pm ET)emily@iguanabooks.com

www.iguanabooks.com

Eating Kimchi and Nodding Politely by Alex Clermont

2013-05-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

* I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Paperback

Kindle

Nook

Publisher: Alex Clermont
November 2012
75 pages

Synopsis:

Imagine leaving behind everybody and everything familiar to live in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and don't know a soul. Worst yet, you look different from everybody there. People find your cultural norms insulting, and you can't get a date to save your life.

Imagine you wrote a book about your time there...

Eating Kimchi and Nodding Politely is a collection of snapshots that cover the two years that Alex Clermont lived in the country of South Korea as an English teacher. Scribed with a flair for humor, emotion, character and depth, these introspective narratives do more than act as a travel guide. They are creatively written windows into the life of of someone discovering new things about himself, the world, and the people who he shares it with-all while stuffing his mouth with kimchi.

My Review:

A wry series of vignette's of the author's time in South Korea- I learned about a country I didn't know much about and chuckled at some of the author's experiences.It was a quick, enjoyable read. I'm giving it:

for a fine debut

Visit Alex's website:

http://www.alexclermontwrites.com/

Follow him on:

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Watch the book trailer-

Avon Calling

2013-05-12T18:33:00.000-04:00

When we went to pick up my husband's medicine the other day my Dad was driving. This is what took place when he drove up to the pick-up window.

"Hello", Dad said.
" You have to push the call button," I told him.
" My arms ain't long enough."
" Use my grabby tool", The Husband said.
( Yes that's the technical term.)
" Ding Dong. Avon calling," said Dad.
" Good grief, " I exclaimed.
After a few minutes the tech still hadn't come to the window so Dad tooted the horn a couple of times.
" Don't do that."
" Well, they ain't coming."
As the tech come to the window-
" She done it," as he pointed to me.
" I did not."
" I was eating," the tech said.
" Did you save me some?,' he asked.
" Good grief," I exclaimed while trying to make myself invisible.
" No, it's all gone," she said.
" Well, can I lick the paper?"
" Kill me now," said I as I was trying to climb under the seat.
" We need to get medicine for Jose Jimenez also known as Scott."
" What's his birthday?"
He told her and then exclaimed, " He's just a youngun."
( By then I was praying that Jesus would bind his tongue.)
She then told him the price and he said, " That much? You know you all need to make this drawer longer, I got short little stubby arms and can't reach it."
" Help me Jesus."

Cropped to Death ( A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery # 1) by Christina Freeburn

2013-05-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

Paperback, Nook, and Kindle formats
Publisher: Henery Press ( November 2012)
290 pages

* I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers' scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder – and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence.

So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

My Review:

A cute mystery set in West Virginia. It's filled with interesting characters and has the beginnings of a nice romance in it for the protagonist. A fine debut mystery-I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series. The only problem I had was Faith letting her friends taking advantage of her, hopefully she'll start standing up to them in the other books. It's going to get-

Add it on goodreads

Framed: A Historical Novel About the Revolt of the Luddites by Christy Fearn

2013-05-10T13:04:00.000-04:00

Formats:
Paperback
Kindle
Nook

Publisher:
Open Books ( March 2013)

I received a copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

As French émigré Roman Catholics, Lizette Molyneux and her brother Robert are used to an existence on the edge of their Regency Nottingham community. But when Robert is arrested for a crime he insists he did not commit, Lizzie must draw on all her strength and courage to help him. Overcoming poverty, prejudice and the unwanted advances of her employer’s son, she unites with the frame-breaking Luddites to free her brother and to rectify social injustice.

My Review:

Although it got off to a slow start and was uneven in places I enjoyed the book overall. Real life history was woven nicely into the plot and I like how she used Lord Byron as a character. It was a quick read and I learned something about England's Industrial Revolution that I hadn't heard of before. I'm going to give it-

Get it here:

amazon

B & N

Add it on goodreads

And the Soft Wind Blows by Lance Umenhofer

2013-05-08T13:13:00.002-04:00

Paperback
146 pages
Publisher: April Gloaming, Nashville, TN ( April 2013)

* I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Timmy Enosh is a peculiar, small man: fivethree, onehundredandfifteen pounds, and is a pharmacist in Ashton City, Tennessee.

He finds himself at fortythreeyearsold as his life starts to fall apart: his threehundred pound wife disappears, his romantic interest has lost interest and has gained hatred toward him, his coworkers harass him, customers verbally assault him, and he has the strange urge to adopt his foulmouthed, eighteenyearold coworker, Alex.

When things start to pile up, Timmy must find a way to deal: he turns to Alex to supply him with marijuana, starts sewing an elaborate Mr. Mistoffelees costume, finds solace in the wild, etc., etc., etc.

And the soft, constant wind of change blows him on, on, and on.

My Review:

The author describes this novella as "poetic fiction". And I could definitely see elements of poetry in the narrative. It was an original, fast read and I found the found the author's writing style to be very striking. The twist ending also left me with my mouth hanging open going "Huh?" but it was a good "huh" not a "What the heck was he thinking? huh". So... it's getting:

Find out more about the author here:

http://www.lanceumenhofer.com/

goodreads

Buy the book here:

amazon

http://www.lanceumenhofer.com/buy-the-book.html

b&n

You Put Your Left Foot In...

2013-05-07T13:55:00.000-04:00

My husband and I had one of our deep philosophical discussions a few days ago:

" Very few of my teachers inspired me. I liked a lot of them but very few of them were inspiring.", I said.

" I'm trying to think of some of mine. I liked some, too. But a lot of them just weren't good teachers.", he stated.

" Now, my third grade teacher- I loved her. She was patient and read to us and she encouraged us to read with reading contests."

" Yeah, I loved it when teachers read to us."

" Now my second grade teacher, I didn't learn hardly anything in her class. I had to teach myself how to tell time. Oh, wait. We learned the hokey pokey."

" Well, that's important. You learned to put your left foot in and your left foot out. And your right foot in and your right foot out."

" And I learned to turn myself around. That's what it's all about."

Shape Up and Ship Him Out

2013-05-03T16:50:00.001-04:00

I am the designated money handler for the family so on the first of every month I do the bill paying. The Husband and I recently had a conversation about this topic:

" I don't know why I get so tired after going out. You'd think just paying bills wouldn't make me so tired.", I said.

"You're out of shape," said Husband Dear.

"Excuse me?"

"You're out of shape."

"Do I make reference to the state of your being? Noooo. I meant that doing all the running is tiring. Besides, I was just making conversation but you had to go and be a man and show your ignorance."

"I'll just sit over here."

"You do that."

photo courtesy of : http://www.123rf.com

Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone?- Volume 2 by Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March

2013-04-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

* I received a kindle copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

Formats:
Paperback
Kindle
Nook
280 pages
Publisher:
EditPros LLC (2012)
First Edition

Synopsis:

"Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone? -- Volume 2" tells the true life stories of 21 singers and musicians who achieved fame in the 1960s as soloists or members of hit-making bands -- the Buckinghams, Bobby Goldsboro, the Moody Blues, Donnie Brooks, Sam & Dave, Ray Stevens, and the Grass Roots. Authors Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March obtained information about all artists from conversations with the performers themselves, and with family members and close friends of some of the deceased performers. The musical artists and others took part in refining the content to ensure accuracy. The book preserves conversations with three performers who have died since Childs and March spoke with them. These musical performers collectively recorded a total of 118 singles that reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including 19 that made the top 10, four that hit No. 1, and eight that earned gold-record certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their recordings encompassed 17 singles on the R&B chart, including eight that reached the top 10 and two that hit No. 1; and 58 singles on the country chart, including five that peaked in the top 10, and one that hit No. 1. "Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone? -- Volume 2" contains 56 photos, 32 of which are rare or never previously published.

My Review:

If you like music history like I do then you will find this an interesting read. It updates the lives of some of the biggest stars from the 60's and 70's. The only problem I had was I thought the epilogues at the end of each chapter rehashed information that was already mentioned. But that didn't bother me too much. Overall, an entertaining read. So it's getting-

Get it here:

Amazon
B&N

Also check out the author's website-
www.editpros.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/WHATPSG

Advise and Resent

2013-04-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

A couple of days ago my grandfather had a doctor's appointment. The receptionist said he needed to fill out some new forms-more to add to the "few" he's already got.
"He's usually has me sign for him", I said.
Do you have power of attorney for him?", she asked.
"No, but I've been siging forms for him for about five years now."
"Well...the company states that if you don't have power of attorney the patient needs to sign them himself.Can he make a mark or something to show it's him?"
"He prefers me to sign them."

I decided to quit arguing like a five year old and took the papers. I don't know why I was being difficult (I'm not usually, sometimes-but not always) because she was just doing her job.

A few minutes later I took them back up there and she asked if he signed them OK. I just handed them to her and smiled. I signed them, with him sitting beside me and me explaining the papers to him-just like I've been doing.(Which I've been told by other workers for the same company is ok as long as he gives permission and I put my initials and relationship to him beside his name). A little while later he needed to sign another consent form and told the nurse to hand it to me. She did-without a lesson on company policy.

The thing is a power of attorney or living will would probably be more convenient and save trouble in case a loved one can't make their own decisions.Thankfully, though when a medical emergency has come up my family is on the same page and we don't bicker over choices. There's still some people who don't want to get a living will or power of attorney.And they don't need someone telling them they "need" to. My family members say, "Lisa-sign this or Lisa-sign that" and I sign it. I have trouble with either the government or a healthcare organization saying it's better to do it their way or their way is more convenient ( A lot of times their way is NOT more convenient). Anyway...if I keep on writing, I'll get started on my thoughts on HIPPA crappa and that would probably be a whole book so I'm going to shut up now.

What are your thoughts on healthcare organizations "helpful" policies?

Garden of Stones by Sophie Littlefield

2013-04-23T12:24:00.000-04:00

Paperback, Kindle, or Nook formats
320 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (Feb.2013)

* I received a complimentary e-book copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Critically acclaimed author Sophie Littlefield brings the 1940s to life in this intense account of innocent Japanese-Americans moved to the Manzanar prison camp, in GARDEN OF STONES, a harrowing and beautifully woven novel about the vagaries of war, the injustice of racism and a young girl’s search for hope and forgiveness.
IN THE DARK DAYS WAR, A MOTHER MAKES THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Lucy Takeda is just fourteen years old, living in Los Angeles in 1941, when the bombs rain down on Pearl Harbor. Within weeks, she and her mother, Miyako, are ripped from their home, rounded up—along with thousands of other innocent Japanese-Americans—and taken to the Manzanar prison camp.
Buffeted by blistering heat and choking dust, Lucy and Miyako must endure the harsh living conditions of the camp. Corruption and abuse creep into every corner of Manzanar, eventually ensnaring beautiful, vulnerable Miyako. Ruined and unwilling to surrender her daughter to the same fate, Miyako soon breaks. Her final act of desperation will stay with Lucy forever...and spur her to sins of her own.
Bestselling author Sophie Littlefield weaves a powerful tale of stolen innocence and survival that echoes through generations, reverberating between mothers and daughters. It is a moving chronicle of injustice, triumph and the unspeakable acts we commit in the name of love.

Review:

The book travels back and forth between 1978 San Francisco and 1941-43 when Pearl Harbor was attacked and Lucy and her mother were sent to Manzanar. It opens in 1978 when a former employee of Manzanar was murdered and Lucy becomes a suspect. The book is less a mystery than I thought it would be but it's other aspects kept my attention; even though it dragged a little toward the middle. How Lucy and her mother coped with their situation was a harrowing journey. I felt what they were feeling as if it was happening to me. I kept hoping things would turn out well for Lucy after all that happened to her. And I hope nothing like what happened to the Japanese-Americans ever happens again- for that was a dark time in America's history. It also had several twist endings that left me going "What the heck! I never saw that coming!". Those more made up for the lagging middle. Overall, I found it to be a heartbreaking yet also uplifting read. So I'm going to give it:

Buy it here:

Amazon

Or here:

B&N

Also check out:

http://www.harlequin.com/

http://harlequinforlibraries.com/

http://www.sophielittlefield.com/

Also on youtube:

Author Sophie Littlefield in Conversation: Garden of Stones

Solace in The Dollar Store

2013-04-22T14:56:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we had a visitor- a cousin-in-law who also happens to be a pastor. He comes by often. The Husband and the pastor got into a discussion over politics and religion yesterday. Yay. I try to remember my grandmother's advice and not discuss politics or religion, especially with someone I disagree with.The Husband does not adhere to that rule. As usual voices got a little louder. I was sitting there muttering "good grief" under my breath every few seconds. wishing they'd shut up. The pastor went to the bathroom and during that time I gave The Husband The Look. Did it work? Nope. So...I decided to take a shower hoping by the time I got done they would have run out of steam. (Get it? shower-steam. Oh, nevermind.)

I was wrong, though. The monkeys were still chattering away by the time I got done. Woo Whee. So I decided to escape to rows of cheap tacky goodness. That's right- I went to the Dollar Store.

What's your thoughts on discussing politics and religion?

The Show (Northwest Passage) by John A. Heldt

2013-04-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

Format:
Kindle
290 pages
Publisher: John A.Heldt (February 2013)

* The author sent me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Seattle, 1941. Grace Vandenberg, 21, is having a bad day. Minutes after Pearl Harbor is attacked, she learns that her boyfriend is a time traveler from 2000 who has abandoned her for a future he insists they cannot share. Determined to save their love, she follows him into the new century. But just when happiness is within her grasp, she accidentally enters a second time portal and exits in 1918. Distraught and heartbroken, Grace starts a new life in the age of Woodrow Wilson, silent movies, and the Spanish flu. She meets her parents as young, single adults and befriends a handsome, wounded Army captain just back from the war. In THE SHOW, the sequel to THE MINE, Grace finds love and friendship in the ashes of tragedy as she endures the trial of her life.

My Review:

A sequel to The Mine, this one is where Grace follows her love Joel into the future. I liked the story of Grace pursuing what she wants and I liked her in The Mine. I found her to be a little wishy washy in this book, however. With his other Northwest Passage books the author weaved real life history into this one, which I enjoy. Overall, I liked the book but not as much as the first two in the series because I found it to be a little draggy in places and kept wanting Grace to make up her mind.. However, I'm still going to give it...

because for the most part I enjoyed the book.

Get it here:
amazon

Visit the author here:

http://johnheldt.blogspot.com/

Germs Need Friends, Too

2013-04-20T15:20:00.000-04:00

What would you do when a germaphobic woman moves in with a relative with no concept of germ theory? Well...if you're me you have a nervous breakdown every other day.

"Oohh,Oooh, Ooh!" (Think Daffy Duck) "There's raw hamburger on the counter.", I said.

" Just wipe it off", Mom said.
"OOOOOOOH!OOOOOOH!OOOOH!"
"You can't leave raw hamburger on the counter, it spreads germs", I said.
"I'll clean it up.", he exclaimed.
"Uh huh." Guess who got it up? Not him.

I later sprayed the whole kitchen down with disinfectant and then took a bath in hand sanitizer.

A few days later he fixed hamburgers again. This time he opened the pack with his pocket knife, put the knife back in his pocket, put the papers holding the salmonella patties on the stove and proceeded to touch surfaces with food poison fingers until I told him he needed to wash his hands. He then ran them under the water for about 30 seconds. Let's hope just the chlorine in the water worked.

"Holy crap," I said to the husband later on, "it's a wonder we all don't get food poisoning."

Then again he hardly ever gets sick and gets around better than I do. Maybe I should make friends with salmonella and e-coli...start hanging with 'em. After all germs need friends, too.

Party Like It's 3012?

2013-04-15T20:51:00.000-04:00

Scott on Justin Bieber:
Who is that on the radio?
Me: That's Justin Beaver.
Him: THAT'S Justin Beaver? I thought it was Keshia or somebody.
Me: Nope, that's him. He's like 18 and his voice hasn't changed yet. He still sounds like a girl.
Scott: Geez, he get his b*lls cut off or something? We're going party like it's 3012...what the freak? At least Prince got it right-partying like it's 1999, I guess Beaver didn't get the reference or something. Now who's that, is that Keshia?
Me: That's Nikki Minaj...one of those interchangeable weird girl singers.
Scott: This is a fun song, I wish I were high.

Waiting For Dead Men's Shoes: A Mini Monroe Comic Mystery by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2013-04-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Formats:
Kindle
Nook

203 pages
Publisher: TKA Distribution (November 29, 2012)

* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Underachiever Minette "Mini" Monroe has long dreamt of how much better life would be if only she were in charge of the world, said world being the independent bookstore in Westport, CT, where she's worked for the past half dozen years. After her beloved boss Colin Quimby is murdered, Mini gets her wish and also gets a chance to solve the case, aided by hot young Officer Michael "Mickey" Maus. Despite his unfortunate nickname - would any woman really voluntarily become part of Mini and Mickey Maus? - Mini takes a shine to him, but there's no real time for romance, not when Mini has her hands full dealing with Colin's viper's nest full of ex-wives, offspring, former business partners and current business rivals, all of whom had good reason to want to see Colin dead. Who will turn out to be the guilty party? The only way to find out is to read WAITING FOR DEAD MEN'S SHOES, a madcap comedic novel that proves that the Shakespeare Unabridged Globe and the Oxford English Dictionary are still a girl's best weapons.

Review:

A tongue-in-cheek mystery, I enjoyed Mini's say anything attitude and the way the book gently poked fun at plot formulas. I loved reading it and hope there's more books featuring this funny protagonist. So I'm giving it...

Get it here:

amazon

b&n

Visit Lauren at:

http://www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com/

Here Mommy Mommy

2013-04-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

Mother dear does not like to take medicine. I can't really blame her...I don't like to take medicine either. However, she has some pretty serious medical conditions such as bladder problems and rheumatoid arthritis, so it's important that she takes them on a regular basis. She doesn't. She'll take the med to help her occasionally. Yeah, that'll work. She also doesn't inform her doctors of what she'd doing and what's she's not doing. I however do...she doesn't like that. I've informed her she needs to tell her doctors everything and her doctors have said she needs to take her medicine every day for it to help.

Still she doesn't...and then complains of not feeling well. So, I have decided to get one of those cat medicine dispensers...the ones where you put the pill in the end, push the plunger, and the pill shoots into the cat's mouth and down it's throat. I can see me now, "Here Mommy, that's a good girl. Let's take your pill."

Fool proof plan.

Dream Junkies by Alexandra Ares

2013-04-09T18:26:00.002-04:00

Formats:
Kindle
Nook
Paperback
377 pages
Publisher: InGenius Books: Second Revised Edition edition (November 25, 2012)

* I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

The year is 2005. The Congress has just approved the war in Iraq and many New Yorkers are fed up with the American dream and thinking of fleeing the country. Kitty Roman is one of them. She is disenchanted with the superficiality of the news industry in which she works, and with her many affairs, which always elude real love. She packs to return to her native Europe, yet, a last minute chance encounter with an eccentric, overly optimistic artist, Desert Rose makes her embark impulsively on the trip of her lifetime -- to the West Coast -- that will unexpectedly spiral into chaos. The accidental odd couple takes us on a fascinating and sometimes hilarious journey through the heart of the American Dream, from New York, filled with intellectual and artistic elites, to glamorous Los Angeles with its complicated movie moguls and bohemian art community. Funny, touching, full of surprises and intense stirrings of passion. A gripping page turner in which self-irony and lucidity blend wonderfully with lyrical interludes, Dream Junkies offers the reader a bittersweet view of the American Dream and an uplifting coming of age story of spiritual revival.

Review:

This book is written from a different perspective, I found the author's writing style to be interesting. Kitty ends up going to California with a new friend and what follows is a comedy of errors. I found Kitty to be an intriguing character but Desert Rose was somewhat annoying. It didn't stop me from enjoying the book, however. The only problem I had was the use of hyphens when it wasn't necessary, it was a little distracting. Other than that I found it to be an intriguing read.

Rating:

Buy it at:

b&n

amazon

Visit the author's blog:

http://www.alexandraares.com/