Monica Fairview Interview + Giveaway

Hello Friends!

I have an interview with Monica Fairview, author of The Other Mr. Darcy here. There's also a book Giveaway.

I'm hoping you'll drop by and enter!

The Winners Are....

The winners of a copy of Simon's Cat are:

FOKXXY
ChocolateCoveredDaydreams
Andrea
Nancy
Ann

If you have entered this contest and your name appears in the winner's list above, please email me your address. Be sure to mention your entry name in your email. Thanks to all who entered!

Simon's Cat Giveaway

Author: Simon Tofield

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (September 24, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0446560065

I will be giving away 5 copies of Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield on September 29th, compliments of Hachette Book Group.

My Review:

Simon Tofield's, Simon's Cat, is a compilation of adorable illustrations that gives us a hilarious look at our furry friends and the love/adventure they add to our daily lives. I recognized the escapades of my own cats on almost every page. This is a laugh-out-loud look.

Do one or all of these to enter:

* Leave a comment with you email address for 1 point

* Become a follower for 2 points (let me know if you already are)

* Blog about my drawing for 2 points (let me know if you do)

* Open to US and Canada residents only

* Last day to enter- September 28, 2009

This is cute book that I think you'll like, so be sure to enter. Good luck to all!!!

Kendyl Grace Is One Year Old

Last weekend, family members traveled to Spokane, Washington to a birthday party for Kendyl Grace. She is one year old now. Can you believe it has been that long? Most of you know that she was born almost two months early with a severe intestinal defect. We knew, at that time, we could possibly lose her. Well, needless to say, we are all thrilled to see her healthy and thriving. She is our miracle, and we celebrated that miracle at the party.

After the Ball / Review

Author: Barb Greenberg

Publisher: Rose Path Press

107 Pages

My Review:

After the Ball is an inspirational book for single, married, widowed, or divorced women. In a short story, fairy tale format, Cinderella and Snow White tell their stories--the stories of two women who thought they had married their own Prince Charmings, but later are disappointed in their choice of men. The two friends decide to take their sadness to a woman of wisdom, Annetta, who lives in the woods. Before the two guests leave her enchanted house, Annetta gives them the gift of peace and wholeness.

After the Ball is a beautiful book about loss, difficult choices, support systems, and discovery of self. Can a princess find true happiness? This is a gorgeous gift book that I highly recommend.

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Permission Slips

Author: Sherri Shepherd
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 5, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0446547425

Book Description:
Covering topics such as "It's Jesus or Jail,""Marriage, the Hard Way,""Children: The Gift You Can't Give Back," and "All the Things I Don't Know...And All the Things I Definitely Do," stand-up comedienne, actress, and ABC's The View co-host Sherri Shepherd comically chronicles her struggles to keep up with the many roles-professional, wife, mother, daughter, and friend-that women must play in today's world. Sherri urges women to pursue their most important dreams and to never give up, but also let's readers know that it's okay to give themselves "permission slips" when things don't always work out the way they want them to. As her many fans know, Sherri is never hesitant to speak from the heart, and her bubbly personality shines through in this delightful autobiography.



About the Author:
Sherri Shepherd currently serves as a co-host on ABC's The View, which airs five days a week on ABC affiliates nationally and consistently draws more than 3 million viewers per show. She also plays a recurring character on NBC's 30 Rock. Sherri has had a long career as a regular cast member on some of America's best-loved shows, including Suddenly Susan, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and her own show, Less Than Perfect. Sherri has also been in countless other TV shows and films including Beauty Shop, and Guess Who. Sherri currently resides in New York with her son.


My Review:

Have your tissue ready for this one. She will have you laughing until you cry.

Sherri Shepherd declares in Permission Slips that no matter what a woman does or how well she does it, she can't make everyone happy. So why not give ourselves permission to be ourselves, and make some waves, or at least, some ripples in our lives! She shares with the reader some of her own permission slips and how she celebrates life. Some chapters in the book are: Doing Everything Wrong; Permission to Date, Love, Marry, and Divorce the Wrong Guy; Permission to Pursue Your Dreams; Permission to Get Better as I Get Older; Permission to Be Less Than Perfect; and much, much more.

Her book is sensitive, honest, inspirational, spiritual, and one of the funniest books I've EVER read. Several times I laughed out loud until I cried!!! It is such a good read. I highly recommend it!!

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

THE WINNER IS.....

The "Make-Ahead Meals For Busy Moms" cookbook winner is Mirage. Congratulations!

Please email your address to me, so I can send your new book.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

A Surrendered Heart

Author: Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (August 1, 2009)
Christian Historical Fiction



My Review:

As the books opens, Cholera has struck in epidemic proportions, causing a panic among the citizens of Rochester.

Enter, Amanda Broadmoor, the daughter of one of the city’s most prominent families. Having aspirations of becoming a doctor, and over her parent’s objections, she begins to work for Dr. Blake Carstead in the Home for the Friendless. Although, she is a seemingly strong, healthy young woman, she becomes a victim of the dreaded disease.

However, cholera is not the only problem the Broadmoors will face. Hidden financial difficulties are also looming on the horizon. Deception, uncertainty, and division begin to take its toll on the family.

This is the first book I've read in the series, but I found it well-written, fast-paced, and passionate, all combining for a fascinating story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

(Thank you to Bethany House for my review copy.)

*YOU CAN SEE ALL OF MY REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM HERE.

LET GO by Sheila Walsh

Author: Sheila Walsh
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0849901359

My Review:

Author Sheila Walsh heard a voice from within, one like she had not heard before. It said, “I will deliver you.” Ms. Walsh begins to ask the question, “What does it mean to be delivered.” In her new book, Let Go, Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know, she attempts with great success, I might add, to put it into perspective for all of us.

What are we to be delivered from? It is anything that is weighing us down. The weight may come from shame, bad habits, secrets, fear, loneliness, hopelessness, depression, or number of other burdens in our lives. The author shows us how to start the journey back toward wholeness.

This well-written, easy to read book, includes helpful scriptures, famous quotes, questions and a prayer at the end of each chapter, and notes at the end. Some chapters are: Living in the Past; Look at the View Ahead; The Trap of Unforgiveness; Let Go and Live in Christ’s Victory; You Are You for a Reason; Sometimes My Life Feels Like a Cliffhanger; God Will Prove It’s a Love Story; and more.

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and was very pleased at her style of writing and depth of scriptural and spiritual knowledge. The book was a delightful and inspiring read.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for my review copy.)

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World

Author: Jordan Christy
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Center Street (August 13, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1599951835

Book Description:

In a society driven by celebutant news and myspace profiles, women of class, style and charm are hard to come by. The Audrey and Katharines of the world continue to lose their lustre as thongs, rehab and outrageous behaviour burn up the daily headlines. But, despite appearances, guys still want a girl they can take home to their mother, employers still like to see a tailored suit and peers still respect classy conduct. So is it possible to maintain old fashioned virtues in a modern world without looking like a starchy Amish grandma? Christy shows women how in this guide to glamorous style, professional success and true love...the classy way. Full of fun assignments, notable names and real-life examples, Christy offers a new look at seemingly 'old fashioned' advice. She covers diet, speech, work ethic, friends, relationships, manners, makeup and fashionable yet modest clothing, showing modern ladies how they can be beautiful, intelligent and fun while retaining values and morals

About the Author:

Jordan Christy is a publicist for Warner Bros. Records and has worked with dozens of artists and celebrities, in addition to various TV and media outlets. She has also written for local and national fashion magazines and music trade publications. She currently lives in Nashville, TN with her husband Drew.

My Review:

Jordan Christy has touched a nerve, and it screams the need to return to a time when women were strong, confident, intelligent, and classy. Many young women in today's society have been sucked into the notion that rude behavior, a lack of manners, and fantasy shapes and sizes will lead them to happiness and success. In my opinion, there has been a dumbing down of women. With the help of this insightful book, ladies can begin to break through the "glass ceiling" and use their own example for positive change.

How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World encourages women to embrace their true selves, dress tastefully, find meaningful relationships, polish their professional image, and remember to have fun in life. It also offers helpful quizzes, antidotes, quotes, make-up suggestions, a diet related chapter, and some really great recipes.

I loved the book and read it within 24 hours. I highly recommend it.

(Thanks to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

Tennessee Vols Holiday Tree

As most of you know, I've decorated a tree for almost all holidays this year. I've created one for St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, and the 4th of July.

Now.... since I'm a Big fan of UT.... I have one decorated for the Tennessee Vols Football Season. Hope you like it!!


Go Vols!!

The Science of Life After Death

Author: Stephen Hawley Martin

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Oaklea Press (August 15, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1892538520

My Review:

After an interesting experience in the early 1970s, I began to read every book I could find on "out of body/near death" experiences. Since then I've accumulated several dozen books on the subject.

I was recently introduced to The Science of Life After Death (New Research Shows Human Consciousness Lives On) by Stephen Hawley Martin. This new book contains vivid accounts of near death/out of body experiences that I had not previously read. It also reports on what the typical "end of life review" is like; quotes numerous researchers in this particular field; and lists additional books on the subject.

Some chapters are:

*Almost Fifty Years of Irrefutable Research

*Life Between Lives

*How Non Physical Reality Forms the Physical

For those who are searching for answers to the questions of life after death, this is a must read.

(Thanks to the author for my review copy.)

The Way Home Giveaway

The Hachette Book Group is allowing me to giveaway 5 copies of The Way Home by George Pelecanos. As some of you may know, this is one of the titles, President Obama, took with him to read on his last vacation.

Description:

A thriller by the popular author, George Pelecanos, is set in Washington, D.C., and spins the tale of revenge and suspense.

Drawing rules:

*Leave a comment with your email address for 1 point

*Join as a follower for 2 points

*Blog about this contest for 3 points
*Contest is only open to residents of US and Canada

*Drawing will be held on September 7th, 2009

AND THE WINNER IS.....

The winner of Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie is Andrea. Congratulations! Please email your address so I can send this wonderful book.


Thanks to all who entered.

Another drawing will start later today.