Review - God Never Blinks! Treat Yourself to this book!

God Never Blinks, 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours
Author: Regina Brett
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 13, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0446556521
ISBN-13: 978-0446556521

My Rating: 5++
Product Description
Already an internet phenomenon, these wise and insightful lessons by popular newspaper columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Regina Brett will make you see the possibilities in your life in a whole new way.


When Regina Brett turned 50, she wrote a column on the 50 lessons life had taught her. She reflected on all she had learned through becoming a single parent, looking for love in all the wrong places, working on her relationship with God, battling cancer and making peace with a difficult childhood. It became one of the most popular columns ever published in the newspaper, and since then the 50 lessons have been emailed to hundreds of thousands of people.


Brett now takes the 50 lessons and expounds on them in essays that are deeply personal. From "Don't take yourself too seriously-Nobody else does" to "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift," these lessons will strike a chord with anyone who has ever gone through tough times--and haven't we all?

Review: I can’t say enough good about this book. I am buying copies for my daughter, my sister, my dad and stepmother and an extra to give to a friend. If it comes out in audio I’ll get it for my husband!

This book is full of basic, down to earth advise for coping with daily living as well as the road bumps and crisis that life throws at us.  The chapters are short, bite size chunks that let you devour them, chew a bit and savor before going to the next bite.  The chapter titles help give a picture of the wisdom that is shared in a humorous, entertaining flow. Here are just a small sampling. The titles are the author’s and the comments following are mine.

Lesson 1: Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.  Now we all know that is true!
Lesson 15: Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
Great reassurance.
Lesson 21: Burn the candles, use the sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don’t save anything for a special occasion.  Today is special enough.  I’m guilty of this but it makes sense. Why get the pretty candles (or lingerie) and not enjoy them?
Lesson 26: Frame every so-called disaster with these words:”In five years, will this matter?”
I actually learned this in my teens and it helps to get over mistakes, embarrassment and guilt.

The author shares from her own experiences with a difficult childhood, as a single mother, a woman struggling to establish a career and a woman in her early 40s suffering with the emotional trauma of  breast cancer. The book is not preachy although the author doesn’t hide her faith in God. Her faith is something she had to learn until it became part of her daily living. She shares from living in the trenches, not a palace.

I recommend this book for every gender, every race and every age.  There is no person who is able to read who can’t benefit from the calm lessons expressed here. And it’s worth reading to your children to get the wisdom in their heads early. Please treat yourself and a friend to this book!

xxx

You have a chance to win one of three copies by entering my Giveaway.  

Review and Giveaway - An Earl to Enchant by Amelia Grey

Title: An Earl to Enchant: The Rogues' Dynasty
Author: Amelia Grey
Genre: Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402217617
ISBN-13: 978-1402217616

Rating: 4.75
Description:

He’s determined not to be a hero…
Lord Morgandale is as notorious as he is dashing, and he’s determined no woman will tie him down. But from the moment Arianna Sweet appears on his doorstep, he cannot resist the lure of her fascinating personality, exotic wardrobe, and tempting green eyes…
She has a deadly secret…
Arianna Sweet never imagined the significance of her father’s research until after his untimely death. Now she is in possession of his groundbreaking discovery, one that someone would kill for. She can’t tell Lord Morgandale her secret, but she knows she needs his help, desperately…

Review: This historical has rich characters to enhance a mystery that twists till the end!

Arianna is a British young woman who was raised in India in the care of her scientist father. While he studied herbs and plants, Arianna convinced her maid to teach her belly dance among other rebellious and not so British behaviors. Unfortunately Arianna’s father is murdered for an important formula and the murderer escapes under her nose. Arianna returns to Britain seeking help to recreate the formula. Instead of finding her father’s distant relative to take her in she finds the grand dame’s notorious grandson, Lord Morgandale.

Imagine Morgandale’s surprise when he is expecting a beautiful courtesan for a weekend rendezvous and instead finds an exotic waif who proceeds to faint in his arms. Morgandale really wants nothing to do with a “good” woman as he has no inclination to get leg shackled. He isn’t thrilled with becoming guardian to this outspoken and strange young woman who is unlike any woman he has known.

The antagonism and bantering between these protagonists is intertwined with the unwanted attraction and chemistry. The characters are well developed with wonderful quirks and hidden depths. Morgandale allows Arianna to recuperate at his estate while trying to avoid the urge to spend time with her. He suspects she has withheld some information from him but he is moving as quickly as he can to get her off his hands before he is tempted to succumb to her (unintentionally?) sensual innocence. I enjoyed the age-old conflict of a man fighting cupid’s arrow.

Morgandale’s protective instincts finally take control when danger stalks Arianna. The push-pull relationship of the hero and heroine kept me delightfully engaged while the threats to Arianna heated up to a surprising end. The writing and descriptions flowed making this a wonderful, easy read and sultry romantic entertainment. I was only sorry when it ended!

***************************************************

Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebook for this ARC.  I was tempted to keep it but ---- no more room to keep books I have read so I am offering this to a lucky winner!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THIS BOOK:
1. Comment on the review telling me if you have ever studied bellydance or if you like something else about India.  Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Three total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reason.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on April 30, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Review and Giveaway - Death Mill Mansion by Will Hartzell-Baird

Title: Death Mill Mansion
Author: Will Hartzell-Baird
Publisher: CreateSpace (March 10, 2009)
Buy Link
ISBN-10: 1441482458
ISBN-13: 978-1441482457
Paperback: 400 pages
Author's Website 

Rating: 4.0

Product Description
As has been documented in any number of movies and books, there is a particular class of mansion that, through some indescribable means, bestows unanticipated engine/tire difficulty upon passing cars, forcing the unsuspecting occupants to knock on the door, asking to use the phone, never to be seen or heard from again. Countless motorists have been lost to these devious abodes, as well as to the mysterious mansion's close relatives, the darkened gas station and the eerily silent farm community looming unassumingly in the distance. Coincidentally, on a dark, stormy night while driving on an unfamiliar country road, Robbie inexplicably experiences car trouble...

Review: This was one bizarre story - and a fun change of pace!

I was chuckling from the first page. My first thoughts as I read the back blurb and started reading this was that it seemed like a cross between The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Shining! As you read more you may think of Frankenstein, Dracula, werewolves, The Body Snatchers, The Night of the Living Dead, Tremmors, The Exorsist, Saw...and more.  I am sure I can’t think of them all but the story doesn’t miss too many horrors.  It even includes its own version of a time warp.

Robbie is not a likely warrior or hero, but someone had to serve as a catalyst to upset the status quo in the mansion that is seemingly controlled by robots.  There are conspiracies and surprises around every corner, through secret passages ways and behind every door.  And don’t you think you’d learn NOT to open every door when you are apt to find a new monster in the next room??!! It is fun that Robbie finds allies in unexpected friends: a rather nonchalant tour guide, a ghostly school chum, a couple who were separated in the mansion but find each other again, a paperclip man (he is really sort of sweet) and a renegade robot (he’s sweet too!)

I really liked the footnote style that the author used to explain a situation or capture an aside thought.  I thought that was a very interesting technique. (You can see a sample of that by checking the link to the author's website.)

There was a point about one third or mid way in the book where I struggled with “how long can this go on and what is the purpose?”  That feeling passed - and the purpose was clearly to entertain.  I returned to the anticipation of wanting to know what other crazy things would happen, how it all turned out and which characters would make it out alive if there was an escape from the house.  I wasn’t disappointed! It was a bizarre and twisted ride but a fun one - good for a real change of pace from romance or serious reading.

Thank you to the author, Will Hartzell-Baird, for providing the book for me to read and providing THREE other books for lucky winners!
Also- I will give my book to the first person who says they are willing to read the book and post a review on their blog or on Amazon or Goodreads.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THIS BOOK:

1. Tell me if you have a favorite horror movie or monster! And leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. For another entry, visit the author's blog and tell me something of interest you find there! Go ahead - it will be fun - they won't bite!
(Four total entries possible.)

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on April 23, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Review - Hearts of Compassion by Eryn Grace

Title: HEARTS OF COMPASSION
Author:  Eryn Grace
Publisher: Red Rose Press
Mainstream Romance: Contemporary, Inspirational, Holiday (Christmas)
ISBN: 978-1-60435-490-4
Pages: 388
Release Date: December 03, 2009
Price: $5.99

Rating: 4.25

Blurb:  Rylee Fitz, lonely daughter of a millionaire, is forced to work at a homeless shelter in up-state New York as a team building exercise for her job.

Ben Colson, the homeless shelter's lawyer who was fired when he has been working for Rylee's father, teaches Rylee that money doesn't get the work done and makes her do manual labor. When he takes the time to actually treat her like a human being and teaches her about the love of Jesus, Rylee finds herself falling for Ben. She just hopes he finds it in his heart to deal with her problems and forgives her family for treating him badly.

Review: This is a wonderful story that is not limited to Holiday reading. It really opens the readers’ eyes to the plight of the homeless.  It also points out the difference between being driven to personal success and being successful by helping others in need.

Rylee has chosen to seek success without relying on her family wealth.  She works hard in her marketing position at an interior design firm but often her co-workers try to undermine her or take credit for her work.  When her team goes to work for a homeless shelter she is surprised at the expectations.  However, she puts forth the effort to do her assigned tasks thoroughly. This gains her respect from Ben and others at the shelter but puts her at odds once more with her co-workers.

Ben initially sees Rylee as a spoiled, rich girl. He seems a little rough on her at first but his own compassion and warmth soon seeps through.  He gains respect for Rylee’s integrity in her honest efforts.  He also sees that she has been reluctant to accept help from others and she hides behind her loneliness and drive to succeed.

The author gently reveals the stories of those who have come to the shelter due to circumstances beyond their control.  Rylee learns to begin to reach out and help while allowing them their dignity.  Little does Rylee realize that when she returns to New York her own circumstances are going to tumble her out of work, out of her apartment and onto the streets!  How did this happen to her and how is she going to manage without seeking help from others?

The plot is full of twists that keep you waiting to see what will happen next. The characters are well developed and “humanly” flawed.  Through Rylee’s experiences and with Ben’s gentle leading, she learns to see the need for forgiving “grace” not only to strangers but to her own family.  This story is relevant to the hardships of the current economy. Ms. Grace has written an engaging and warm tale that made me think twice about my own attitude towards the homeless.  I heartily recommend this book for an inspirational read that is more than just a sweet romance.

xxx

Thank you to author Eryn Grace for providing this eBook to read and review.

This is my Sweet and Sensual Romances group review post today.

Review - Soul Catcher, Book One The Outsiders Trilogy by Leigh Bridger

Title:  Soul Catcher – Book One The Outsiders Trilogy
Author:   Leigh Bridger
Genre:   Urban Fantasy
Publisher: BelleBooks, Inc. (October 20, 2009)
ISBN-10: 098217568X
ISBN-13: 978-0982175682
Buy Link ($16.95)
Amazon ($12.71)
Release Date:  October 20, 2009
Pages: 284
Heat Rating: Graphic violence and language

Rating:  4.75 of 5.0
Author site

Product Description
From the gothic eccentricity of Asheville, North Carolina to the terrifying recesses of the Appalachian wilderness, from modern demonology to ancient Cherokee mythology, SOUL CATCHER follows the tormented journey of folk artist Livia Belane, who has been stalked through many lives by a sadistic and vengeful demon.

Livia and her loved ones, including her frontier-era soulmate and husband, Ian, a Soul Hunter, have never beaten the demon before. Now, in this life, he’s found them again.

Review:  A gripping, action packed tale of good versus evil chasing through time.

Livia is a tortured soul trying to live below the radar of a demon while also trying to stay out of mental institutions.  As a young child she began waking up in the middle of the night to find she had painted strange pictures.  Then she hears the whispers:  “paint them, trap them, burn them.”  It takes some time before she learns that she can capture the demons by painting them.  But no one asked her if she wanted this talent and she doesn’t!

She is street smart having had to grow up on the streets after being accused of killing her own family. In truth she had to watch as demons destroyed her loved ones. She has had to face rape and beatings while trying to find shelter.
She tries to live quietly and obscurely. If she can stay alone maybe no one else will get hurt and maybe she won’t have to run again.  She doesn’t realize that she has been surrounded by protectors, angels and spirits, all working to try to ease her circumstances and keep her safe.  Then she starts to paint a “pilgrim”.  She doesn’t know it is the soul hunter “Ian.” Something very deep inside her doesn’t want to remember this man.


Livia fights to bury memories of her past lives and her love of Ian. But Ian, a warrior soul hunter, remembers, loves and seeks to protect the soul catcher – his soul catcher.  He is bound to protect her, with his own life if necessary, knowing he will find her in the next life and seek to love and protect her again.

This is an action packed story filled with brutal and graphic battles between the forces of good and evil.  Livia is a very dark, almost depressed, character and the language is gritty and rough, fitting the street and underground worlds where Livia dwells. There are some interesting thoughts on reincarnation that fit with the fantasy battle and 'need to learn lessons' over the generations.
Even with the rough language I did like this very intense story.  The deep characters and unusual plot make this a very good read.

This book was provided by Belle Bridge Books.

Review of Every Skull Tells A Story

Title: Every Skull Tells a Story
Author: Anne Patrick
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Publish America
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Page count 198
Heat Rating: Sweet
ISBN-10: 1424190037
Buy Here
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Blurb: When the skeletal remains of three young women are discovered on the vacation estate of a U.S. Senator, the local sheriff enlists the help of Special Agent Galen Schroeder and a local forensic sketch artist, to help him solve the murders. A profiler for seventeen years, Galen knows his skills are useless until they discover the identity of the victims. That's where the beautiful and talented Mackayla Kensingtom comes in.
Mackayla knows all too well the heartache of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The brutal murder of her own daughter is the driving force behind her determination to bring closure to families missing loved ones.
Using her artistry skills, Mackayla works frantically to put faces to the skulls so that their identities can be revealed and the killer can be caught. When the killer realizes how good she is, it appears she may be the next to die.
Review: If you are looking for solid suspense with sweet romance this book nails it!

Mackayla is a beautiful woman with a tragic loss in her past. She is driven to help uncover the identities of skeletons, either from natural disasters like the Tsunami in Sri Lanka or from crime sites. While helping the victims in Sri Lanka she has found a little girl whom she is trying to adopt. Although the national government does not allow single parent adoption, Mackayla is trusting God to make a way.

Mackayla has flown back home to help determine the identities of three women discovered on a Senator’s property not too far from her own home. Here she meets the mature and dedicated FBI profiler, Galen. He too lost his wife and child a number of years before and has lived for his job since. Now he meets the lovely and smart Mackayla and his heart begins to stir!

These two characters make a great match. Their mutual respect creates a great foundation for a developing relationship. They are both solid and strong on their own and have to learn to recognize that they can complement each other and find new love if they are willing to risk it!

As Mackayla uses her skills to shape the faces of the dead girls her own life is threatened as it is clear the murderer wants to keep his secrets hidden. The story flows non-stop. When you aren’t racing along in action with Mackayla or Galen, separately or together, you are following their developing courtship. The author does a great job of weaving Mackayla’s strong Christian faith and church family support into the story. It fits very naturally with Mackayla’s character. The author has an excellent grasp of the details of the forensic artist and presents the process in an easily understood manner. The plot is believable and has good twists to keep you reading to find out how they are going to get the proof necessary to pin down the murder. The only weak spot for me was the setting for the final run-in with the murderer as that did not seem so likely and the show down was not a completely clear picture for me. But that was a minor point that did not ruin the enjoyment of the chase and romance.

This is a good book to grab for a suspenseful read, grounded in firm Christian values and faith - a refreshing change. Well done! I will look forward to more good mystery suspense from Ms. Patrick!

Author's blog: Suspense by Anne