Exposure / Review

Author: Donna Ball
Paperback: 408 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (June 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1463618166

Book Description:
Have you ever done anything you’re ashamed of? For popular talk show host Jessamine Cray, it started as just another piece of slightly weird fan mail: a single typed line on an unsigned sheet of paper that reads: Have you ever done anything you’re ashamed of? No one takes it as a threat until the second communication comes, and then the third… a blood-stained prom dress, a disfigured photograph from a high school year book, copies of private papers to which no one but Jess should have had access. Every celebrity’s worst nightmare has come true for Jessamine Cray: she is being stalked, and shame is her terrorist’s secret weapon. Old friends, former lovers, guests on her talk show, colleagues and family members… no one is safe from suspicion, and everyone has a motive—even Jess herself. As the police investigation turns its spotlight on Jess herself and uncovers her most deeply buried secrets, Jess can only watch in helpless horror as her tormentor’s diabolical plan unfolds. First he will shatter her trust, then he will shake her peace of mind … and then he will come for her. And by the time she sees him coming, it will be too late.


My thoughts:

Jessamine Cray, a popular talk show host, is receiving weird notes from an unknown stalker. His question: "Have you ever done anything you are ashamed of?" As she tries to dismiss the person as just another creep, Jess receives a prom dress stained with what appears to be blood. Then when she finds herself trapped in a dark stairwell with someone who obviously is out to get her, she realizes that some people are more than just talk. What connection does the dress have with her? Does this person know her personally? Who are they? How much do they know about her life history? Is she in serious danger? EXPOSURE hits the ground running, keeps moving, and ends strong. Donna Ball's novel is brilliant; it made my heart race; I could feel the fear. The entire book is very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat! I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author for my review copy. And congratulations Ms. Ball on a job well done!!

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional

 Author: Stormie Omartian
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Deluxe edition (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736927573

Book Description:

New from bestselling author Stormie Omartian in a beautiful padded hardcover edition is a book close to her own heart—The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional Deluxe Edition. Following up on the insights and prayers of The Power of a Praying® Wife (more than 3.5 million books sold) 100 brand-new devotions, prayers, and supporting Scriptures offer a praying wife fresh ways to pray for her husband, herself, and her marriage.

These easy-to-read devotions will increase any wife’s understanding, strength, and peace, as well as provide her with perspective on the situations and challenges she faces. And each prayer will help both husbands and wives be more attuned to the Holy Spirit so they can do what’s right without allowing negative emotions or unclear thinking to get in the way.

My thoughts:

How many problems in marriage could be diverted if wives (and husbands) prayed daily for their relationship? In The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional, the reader is led on a daily spiritual journey through insightful thoughts, scriptures, and prayers. Ms. Omartian shares what the Lord has shown her through her own asking for guidance in her marriage. As with her other writings, this one shows a deep understanding of Godly principles.

Chapters include: When I Have To Confess Something to My Husband; When He Needs to Understand the Power of His Own Words; When We Want Freedom From Depression; When I Find It Difficult to Trust Him; and dozens of other topics we ladies all face from time to time. This POWERFUL book is a must read for women!! It just may change a life/marriage. Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away one brand new copy of ONE SUMMER by David Baldacci. To enter the contest, go to my book community on Facebook. Search: Books, so many books. Join and leave a comment or if you are a current member leave a comment. Hope to see you there!

The New Comfort Food Cookbook

Edited by: James Oseland
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0811878015

Book Description:

From the pages of Saveur magazine, one of the world's premier food publications, comes a celebration of the enormous range of regional American and international dishes that have shaped the classic comfort foods of today. A steaming bowl of udon noodles, a bubbling serving of macaroni and cheese, a hearty helping of huevos rancheros, a perfectly browned grilled cheese sandwichthese are just some of the 100 mouthwatering recipes in this extraordinary volume that highlights the pleasures of comfort food in all its diversity. Brimming with more than 200 stunning photographs and memorable sidebars that present the people, ingredients, and techniques involved in the recipes, Saveur The New Comfort Food is an unforgettable journey behind the scenes of our favorite heartwarming dishes


My thoughts:

As a reviewer, I try to look at the cookbook from a buyer's perspective. What would I find if I opened it physically in the bookstore or library. What type of recipes would I find; who is the cookbook directed toward; are there nice photos; are there charts, etc.; what are some unique aspects of the cookbook. As an experienced cook and having won numerous awards, I feel that I am able to judge whether the book is worth buying and I try to impart this to the reader.

The New Comfort Food is definitely a beautiful 5 star, gift quality creation. I am amazed at the many full-page color photos and the simple but impressive recipes. It is a cookbook that could easily go on your coffee table as well as in your kitchen. As I mentioned, the recipes are not too complicated and look delicious. Recipes include: Spring Rolls with Chile-Garlic Sauce; Golden Potato Latkes; Mushroom and Herb Crostini; Herbed Tomato Tart; Creamy Corn Chowder; German Split Pea Soup; Fettuccine Alfredo; Vegetarian Lasagne; Grilled Lobster with Cilantro-Chile Butter; Zucchini Fritters; Key Lime Pie; and much more. There is also a section on mixed drinks in the back of the book!

The New Comfort Food would make an excellent gift or a beautiful, informative addition to one's personal collection. Thank you to the author for my review copy.

Psychic Intelligence

Author: Terry and Linda Jamison
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style
(June 21, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446563420

Book Description:

The Psychic Twins have amazed audiences all over the world with their eerie predictions that have proven to be true, including the events of 9/11, the Times Square Terrorist incident, natural disasters and more. They've also worked with countless clients who report that their predictions later came to be true. Although the Twins have an undeniable gift in this area, we all have psychic capabilities-- and in this book they show you how to strengthen your own, look into your future, and change your destiny.

In PSYCHIC INTELLIGENCE, Terry and Linda Jamison explain, step-by-step, how to dissolve the blocks that can prevent you from using and trusting your own intuition. By exploring what they call the Four Clairs: clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, and claircognizance, you will be able to tap into these feelings and in turn:

--Create strong and worthwhile relationships, including finding true love
--Attract wealth and abundance
-Know when to make a career change, and what the new path should be
--Experience vibrant health
--Discover your authentic self and life's purpose

Now, at a time of real economic and social uncertainty, when hope is needed and so many are feeling confused and fearful, PSYCHIC INTELLIGENCE will show readers that we all have the power to tap into and control our own destiny.

My thoughts:

Psychic Intelligence is a 5 star book by most reader standards. It is filled with down-to-earth truth, helping the average person to understand that we can all have our own special intuition. It is a book that gives hope when fear is all around us. It is well-written, easy to read, and full of wisdom. I've always thought of the psychic gift as something rare, but here the authors encourage us to develop new ways of looking at our own abilities. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy!