I had to be up REALLY early Thursday and I crashed before 9:30pm. I couldn't do Random.org until after 10pm. (Besides which the computer screen was freezing up so I couldn't get images or previews up.)
I'll do it early Friday morning. :-) Thanks for understanding.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Book Review: Unfinished Business An Angela Panther Novel by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
This is a delightfully fun, entertaining gem.
Unfinished Business An Angela Panther Novel
(A Chick-lit Paranormal book) (The Angela Panther Series)
by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: April 24, 2013
Sometimes the dead need our help and sometimes, we need theirs.
ANGELA PANTHER HAS A PERFECT LIFE: A lovely home, an attentive, successful husband, two reasonably behaved children, a devoted dog and a lot of coffee and cupcakes. But while her life might border on mundane, she's got it under control. Until her mother, Fran dies-and returns as a ghost. It seems Fran's got some unfinished business and she's determined to get it done.
Now Fran's got some nifty celestial superpowers and isn't opposed to using them to levy a little ghostly retribution on her granddaughter's frienemies and even her own daughter, which doesn't make Angela happy.
While Angela's shocked and grateful to have her mother back, she's not thrilled about the portal to the afterlife Fran opened upon her return. Now every ghost in town is knockin' on Angela's psychic door, looking for help-and it's a royal pain in the butt.
Now Angela's got to find a way to balance her family life with her new gift and keep her mother in line. And it's a lot for one woman to handle.
Review:
Angela has lost her mother and found a gift –sort of– when she discovers that she can see and talk with her Mother’s ghost. This alone freaks Angela but she is even more dismayed when she realizes she can see other ghosts too. Now they are seeking her help to deliver messages to their living loved ones.
Angela is juggling her family life, spreading her attention among her supportive, self-employed and busy husband, rebellious teen daughter, Emily, (with “A”ttitude) and her young, bright, sweet son. And of course her meddling, dead mother! Although Mom comes in helpful spying on Emily as she tries to resist peer pressure and teen “pill” parties. Angela also has to cope with the fact that her father is very ill with cancer. Angela learns that the ‘gift’ runs in her family and her young son and niece have it too and they are not phased about talking with their dead grandmother.
Although Angela doesn’t appreciate the gift and wants to stay away from it, her energetic best friend thinks it is very cool and even her husband encourages her to accept the responsibility of helping the dead. Angela is frustrated by having to prove to the living that she has really talked to their dead love ones and the message is real. However, each time Angela concedes to helping the ghosts she is touched by the outcome.
This is reminiscent of the Charlie Davidson series - without the grim reaper powers. The characters- Angela, her family and her friend- are very real to life. The story is told with great humor that had me laughing out loud. There are also tender moments of pain and grief and an interesting view on the afterlife. This read very quickly and works as a great tension reliever! I encourage those who like humor and aren’t afraid of ghost talkers to enjoy this fun book.
http://dld.bz/cQeQN
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson tackles, with comic cleverness, the serious subjects of mother-daughter relationships, death and raising teenagers in this smart, funny take on the love of family and the uncontrollable paths our lives take.
Unfinished Business An Angela Panther Novel
(A Chick-lit Paranormal book) (The Angela Panther Series)
by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
- File Size: 496 KB
- Print Length: 277 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1484817702
- Publisher: Carolyn Ridder Aspenson; 1 edition (April 24, 2013)
- ASIN: B00CICPH6A
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: April 24, 2013
Sometimes the dead need our help and sometimes, we need theirs.
ANGELA PANTHER HAS A PERFECT LIFE: A lovely home, an attentive, successful husband, two reasonably behaved children, a devoted dog and a lot of coffee and cupcakes. But while her life might border on mundane, she's got it under control. Until her mother, Fran dies-and returns as a ghost. It seems Fran's got some unfinished business and she's determined to get it done.
Now Fran's got some nifty celestial superpowers and isn't opposed to using them to levy a little ghostly retribution on her granddaughter's frienemies and even her own daughter, which doesn't make Angela happy.
While Angela's shocked and grateful to have her mother back, she's not thrilled about the portal to the afterlife Fran opened upon her return. Now every ghost in town is knockin' on Angela's psychic door, looking for help-and it's a royal pain in the butt.
Now Angela's got to find a way to balance her family life with her new gift and keep her mother in line. And it's a lot for one woman to handle.
Review:
Angela has lost her mother and found a gift –sort of– when she discovers that she can see and talk with her Mother’s ghost. This alone freaks Angela but she is even more dismayed when she realizes she can see other ghosts too. Now they are seeking her help to deliver messages to their living loved ones.
Angela is juggling her family life, spreading her attention among her supportive, self-employed and busy husband, rebellious teen daughter, Emily, (with “A”ttitude) and her young, bright, sweet son. And of course her meddling, dead mother! Although Mom comes in helpful spying on Emily as she tries to resist peer pressure and teen “pill” parties. Angela also has to cope with the fact that her father is very ill with cancer. Angela learns that the ‘gift’ runs in her family and her young son and niece have it too and they are not phased about talking with their dead grandmother.
Although Angela doesn’t appreciate the gift and wants to stay away from it, her energetic best friend thinks it is very cool and even her husband encourages her to accept the responsibility of helping the dead. Angela is frustrated by having to prove to the living that she has really talked to their dead love ones and the message is real. However, each time Angela concedes to helping the ghosts she is touched by the outcome.
This is reminiscent of the Charlie Davidson series - without the grim reaper powers. The characters- Angela, her family and her friend- are very real to life. The story is told with great humor that had me laughing out loud. There are also tender moments of pain and grief and an interesting view on the afterlife. This read very quickly and works as a great tension reliever! I encourage those who like humor and aren’t afraid of ghost talkers to enjoy this fun book.
I received this from the author for an honest review.
An Angela Panther Novel
By
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
http://dld.bz/cQeQN
Amazon:
______________________________
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson tackles, with comic cleverness, the serious subjects of mother-daughter relationships, death and raising teenagers in this smart, funny take on the love of family and the uncontrollable paths our lives take.
"It's about ghosts, the love of family, the never-ending love of mothers and daughters...add some humor and it's the perfect combination of adult/chick- lit/paranormal (all in one book)." - The Book Trollop
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson
This is a charming story and lovely for Christmas.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?
This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.
Review:
Lena Markham was raised by a harsh, strict man who wanted to be a minister but didn’t quite make it. A charismatic man came as the new pastor to their community and Lena’s father decided that Daniel would make a good husband for Lena. Lena was happy with the idea of marrying Daniel and the marriage seemed okay at first. Lena was helping out by doing the financial bookkeeping for the church but then she realized that monies were missing...and she suspected it was her new husband. When the congregation learns of the embezzlement, Lena is blamed and convicted as her husband betrays her in court.
Eight years later Lena is released from prison and directed to start a new life in a new town. She is fortunate to make friends on the bus with a sweet elderly woman, Moira, who will be a neighbor in New Haven. After Lena gets settled in the boarding house she visits Moira who gives her some clothes, including a red coat with white fir trim. Lena is able to secure a job as Mrs. Santa at the local department store, Harrington’s. The children love her and she is a great success until a bitter woman from her old hometown recognizes her and threatens to reveal her pas.
The townspeople become divided as some want to condemn her for her past and others feel she deserves a second chance. Lena feels she has paid enough for crimes she didn’t even commit. She decides that she will stand up for herself and face the negative people. Lena finds courage, help and strength with the support of new friends. Two young girls, Moira’s granddaughter and the daughter of the owner of Harrignton, have an important influence and input in the story. Moira’s son, Sam, changes his tune from first judging Lena without knowing her, to seeking to clear her name.
My bookclub ladies and I found this story to be delightful. The only complaint was that it was too short as several wanted to know more of how Lena faired. The writing is very easy to read and the characters had warmth and depth. There were good discussions regarding judging others, how we react to those who have served time in prison and how even Christians can tear down people they should seek to help. We were glad that our second book by Ms. Carlson proved so much more likeable than our first read. Several of us are looking forward to reading more of Ms. Carlson, especially her Christmas stories.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Hardcover Print Copy.
* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 18, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
by Melody Carlson
- Hardcover: 167 pages
- Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2010)
- ISBN-10: 0800719255
- ISBN-13: 978-0800719258
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?
This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.
Review:
Lena Markham was raised by a harsh, strict man who wanted to be a minister but didn’t quite make it. A charismatic man came as the new pastor to their community and Lena’s father decided that Daniel would make a good husband for Lena. Lena was happy with the idea of marrying Daniel and the marriage seemed okay at first. Lena was helping out by doing the financial bookkeeping for the church but then she realized that monies were missing...and she suspected it was her new husband. When the congregation learns of the embezzlement, Lena is blamed and convicted as her husband betrays her in court.
Eight years later Lena is released from prison and directed to start a new life in a new town. She is fortunate to make friends on the bus with a sweet elderly woman, Moira, who will be a neighbor in New Haven. After Lena gets settled in the boarding house she visits Moira who gives her some clothes, including a red coat with white fir trim. Lena is able to secure a job as Mrs. Santa at the local department store, Harrington’s. The children love her and she is a great success until a bitter woman from her old hometown recognizes her and threatens to reveal her pas.
The townspeople become divided as some want to condemn her for her past and others feel she deserves a second chance. Lena feels she has paid enough for crimes she didn’t even commit. She decides that she will stand up for herself and face the negative people. Lena finds courage, help and strength with the support of new friends. Two young girls, Moira’s granddaughter and the daughter of the owner of Harrignton, have an important influence and input in the story. Moira’s son, Sam, changes his tune from first judging Lena without knowing her, to seeking to clear her name.
My bookclub ladies and I found this story to be delightful. The only complaint was that it was too short as several wanted to know more of how Lena faired. The writing is very easy to read and the characters had warmth and depth. There were good discussions regarding judging others, how we react to those who have served time in prison and how even Christians can tear down people they should seek to help. We were glad that our second book by Ms. Carlson proved so much more likeable than our first read. Several of us are looking forward to reading more of Ms. Carlson, especially her Christmas stories.
This was our Ladies' Book Club read for December meeting.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Hardcover Print Copy.
Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.
* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 18, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
BookBlast Feature with Giveaway: Silver-White
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost
*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time.
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.
Praise
"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan
Purchase ~ just .99 cents
Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Mailbox Monday December 9, 2013
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received two ebooks for review.
I also purchased one print book and two Kindle books.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Received from Author for review:
Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella
I also received a Christmas Novella from Ms. Vella but it is not yet available to show image or link.
Won
None this week.
I purchased The Harbinger for my book club ladies as a Christmas gifts. We will be reading this for meeting and review in January.
I already had the book on Kindle but I purchased the study guide in print to help me lead the discussion.
The Harbinger Companion With Study Guide: Decode the Mysteries and Respond to the Call that Can Change America's Future-and Yours
by Jonathan Cahn
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by Hagee John
This is another prophetic work we have been discussing during
Sunday School and I am anxious to read it.
I downloaded about 20 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received two ebooks for review.
I also purchased one print book and two Kindle books.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
Received from Author for review:
Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella
I also received a Christmas Novella from Ms. Vella but it is not yet available to show image or link.
Won
None this week.
Purchased
I purchased The Harbinger for my book club ladies as a Christmas gifts. We will be reading this for meeting and review in January.
I already had the book on Kindle but I purchased the study guide in print to help me lead the discussion.
The Harbinger Companion With Study Guide: Decode the Mysteries and Respond to the Call that Can Change America's Future-and Yours
by Jonathan Cahn
and
I am participating in a Bookblast for this
and decided to read it.
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by Hagee John
This is another prophetic work we have been discussing during
Sunday School and I am anxious to read it.
Free
I downloaded about 20 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
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