Thursday, January 29, 2015

FROM TABLET to TABLE by Leonard Sweet, Tyndale Publishers

“Someone once challenged me: “I bet I can tell you the whole Old Testament and New Testament in six sentences- three for each.”
“You’re on!” I said. He started with the Old Testament: “’They tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat!’”
My friend went on. “’Now here’s the New Testament in three sentences: “I love you! I forgive you! Let’s eat!’”

From tablet to table is divided into two parts: Table It and Life’s Three Tables that reflect on a simple piece of furniture and its symbolic significance to Jesus and his teachings referencing food. You will learn several biblical verses that share the importance of breaking bread with loved ones and your enemies while discussing likes, dislikes, and differences of opinion over a meal.

Part II: Life’s Three Tables lends direction on “setting the table at home, at, church, and in the world.” Leonard Sweet reminds us to have meals “at the table” at home with your family igniting discussions on sharing the day’s events, concerns that might need attention or helpful suggestions in solving a problem. Bringing family and friends to the dinner table over a meal at home has almost been lost to a “fast-food society and smorgasbords.”

From tablet to table has insightful information regarding Jesus and the way he used food (set the table) to relay some of his teachings to all people from different walks of life, whether they were friends or enemies. I recommend reading for anyone interested in sharing ideas, Christian values, everyday struggles, and personal testimonies by putting it on the table while sharing a good meal.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

ADRIANNA'S SECRET, Book Two, The Secrets of The Montebellis Series by Cheryl Colwell

Adrianna’s Secret is a secret between Adrianna and Mr. Van Buren, her father-in-law and mine owner known as the Dutchman, who for the sake of his family, never divulged this particular piece of information to his sons. The relationship between Adrianna and Mr. Van Buren grew in strength as she overcame grievance, past lost love, and a failed marriage. Vowing to remain strong through adversity, Adrianna is pitted against her in-laws when Mr. Van Buren dies leaving Adrianna as sole administrator of his estate and all the mining affairs because of the business savvy she possessed that his sons did not.

Early on, Adrianna and her sister Ladonna were separated when their parents are lost in an avalanche forcing them to live in two different homes of the townspeople. Adrianna and Ladonna’s relationship becomes strained as the daughter of Ladonna’s guardian instills untruths about Adrianna creating animosity that lasts for years, which Adrianna becomes puzzled as to the reason for Ladonna’s behavior towards her. The tension mounts among Adrianna, her husband, her husband’s best friend, and her sister, which brings the worst out in everybody that includes murder for the love of money and power.

Cheryl Colwell pens the second book of The Secrets of The Montebellis Series, with The Secrets of The Montebellis as the first book of the series. Adrianna’s Secret shares the early and adult years of Adrianna’s life and how she became overseer and owner of the famous Dutchman’s fire opal mines. I read and enjoyed the first installment, and enjoyed reading the history behind the mine ownership in the second installment. I recommend to all who love good family drama, mystery, and suspense novels, as I look forward to the next book in this exciting series.

I received this book free from Inspired Fictions Books through the Book Crash reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

DEAR FATHER, Breaking the Cycle of Pain by J. Ivy, Atria/Beyond Words Publishing

“I just didn’t get it. I didn’t understand why I was left behind without a father around. Why?! Every question added flame to the fire inside.”

James Ivy Richardson, better known as J. Ivy, is a poet, spoken word artist, recording artist, and author shares memories of his childhood, admiration of his parents and siblings, and the life he lived as he grew up in Chicago. The book revolves around feelings towards his father and not dealing with this issue until his college years with the art of poetry. J. Ivy was not new to poetry; in fact, he began writing in high school with the encouragement of his English teacher and the support of his mother.

J. Ivy gives an in-depth look into his life without the smoke and screen you might find in some autobiographies. He lays everything on the line out into the open for the world to see. He takes you on a personal journey of his life with the difficulties, without the sugar or candy coating, as he learns several of life’s lessons including forgiveness.

Dear Father, written well with openness, flows beautifully with spotted poetry and an opportunity to scan downloads of several live performances by J. Ivy. I highly recommended for anyone seeking the fierce drive behind J. Ivy, the man.

I received this book free from Atria/Beyond Words Publishers through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.





Monday, January 26, 2015

CLP BLOG TOURS presents STARTING FROM LOST by S.K. Wills Book Tour





Love is a risk. If you lose it all, would you dare to risk it twice? 


Hannah Rogers is lost: cynical, insecure, and withdrawn. Skeletons forged through a bad breakup that should have been a marriage proposal. Now four years later, Hannah follows her dead-end job to the big city where her only hope is to survive the next eight months as her flirtatious boss’s personal assistant. The last thing her predictable life needs is to collide with the boy responsible for breaking her heart, or the twist of fate that sends a sexy new neighbor to awaken feelings she’s long since put to bed. 


Alex Sorrento doesn’t have any room in his life for another pet project. He’s already put aside his career and his personal dreams to follow his half-sister Mackenzie to the big city. Lost in the guilt over the events that nearly took her life, he feels he owes her that much. When Mackenzie befriends the new girl on the third floor, Alex finds himself defenseless against the sizzling chemistry between them and the sadness in her eyes. Can he protect Hannah from her ex without losing his heart? 



In this turbulent journey about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love, some second chances aren’t worth taking, but others have their own rewards. 







About the Author

S.K. Wills grew up with reading in her blood; a favorite pastime passed down thanks to her two beautiful grandmas. Wanting to inspire others, like good books inspire her, she added “write a romance novel” to her bucket list, and ultimately, checked it off. Writing makes her soul happy, and since she's now hooked on story-crafting, she's decided to stick with it for as long as it will have her. S.K. lives in Southeastern Michigan, and juggles expertly (or so she thinks!) also being a passionate marketer and entrepreneur helping other authors reach their writing dreams. She fuels her insatiable dream-chasing with what some would consider an unhealthy amount of coffee, and she wouldn’t have her crazy busy life any other way. To learn more, visit her at: http://skwills.com/





Author Links


Book Links




TOUR SCHEDULE

January 26 - Chick Lit Plus – Tour Kick Off

January 27 – Sultry Steamy Reading- Review & Excerpt

January 28 - Chick Lit Goddess – Review

January 30 - Jooniel Obsesses over Books – Excerpt

January 30 - Bookish- Review

February 4 - Chick Lit Plus – Review

February 5 - Ski-Wee’s Book Corner – Excerpt

February 5 - A Blue Million Books – Excerpt

February 6 - Authors and Readers Book Corner – Excerpt

February 6 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

February 6 - Ogitchida Kwe’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

February 9 - The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

Saturday, January 24, 2015

HIDDEN AGENDA: A Novel (Southern Crimes) by Lisa Harris, Revell Publishing

Michael Hunt, undercover cop, has his cover blown and running for his life with the daughter and son of his target suspect, drug kingpin Valez. Olivia and Ivan learned to trust Michael after rescuing him from the hands of Valez’s henchmen before they could kill him. Michael also has to contend with fellow officers who believe he is dead and responsible for the death of another officer, that he is not a dirty cop working for Valez and clear his name. Michael considers surrendering himself to the police but believes he will be killed while in custody as his friend was by cops on Valez’s payroll.

While on the run from the mob and the police, Michael decides to enlist the help of a friend, Avery who is a captain and the help of her brother. Both are shocked to find Michael’s death was staged and that he is alive. They strategize to apprehend Valez, but must change plans because in the interim, Ivan is kidnapped by Valez’s rivalry.

Hidden Agenda is the third installment in the South Crimes novel series that is an action-packed and fast-paced crime drama fictional story. This book reads as a standalone novel with enough information in the beginning to bring you up to speed of the ongoing plot. Ms. Harris interweaves Christian values and morals with the storyline that makes for a good and enjoyable read.  I recommend to avid crime drama booklovers who seek clean reading in a novel.

I received this book free from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Friday, January 23, 2015

PSY-Q, Test Yourself for Everyday Life by Ben Ambridge, Penguin Group

Psy-Q is filled with numerous quizzes, puzzles and experimental tests to determine who you are by measuring “your personality, intelligence, moral values, thinking style, impulsivity, skill at drawing, capacity for logical reasoning, musical taste, multitasking ability, susceptibility to illusions (both visual and mental) and preferences in a romantic partner.”

The very first test is The Raw Shark Test (Rorschach Test) probably known to many as the Ink Blot Test where you tell or write what you see in each image. The number six card was a sex card and I thought it was a tugboat or ship and the book says I am trying to repress my sexuality. Well, I am not trying to repress anything and the inkblot looked like a tugboat or ship with a smoke stack, final answer.

I was not able to complete most of the tests and quizzes because the version of this book was an advanced reader copy with incomplete passages substituted with character symbols making it difficult to comprehend several of the questions.

It was interesting to partake in psychological testing to measure my great personality and intelligence but I would have enjoyed reading the final draft with all missing areas completed. I recommend if you enjoy these types of books to take an in-depth look into yourself.

I received this book free from Penguin Group through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.


Thursday, January 22, 2015

THE UTLTIMATE GUIDE to the DANIEL PLAN by Kristen Feola

“The Daniel Fast is a unique opportunity for you to hunger for the Lord and feast on the truth of His Word….Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that allows you to connect with God on a deeper level.”

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Plan helps you formulate a plan to begin fasting by explaining the four types of fasts; the ten-day test; what to expect; spiritual and physical preparation; and focusing on God’s Word through individual bible study.

Learning how to fast in this guide and cookbook is divided into three parts: The Fast, The Focus, and The Food. Each section is distinct in the introduction of fasting, staying focused, and meal preparation. Importantly, there is a list of foods to avoid while fasting and suggested meal plans by week number. Recipes are clear and simple with notes on substitutions and additional serving suggestions.

A few recipes I will try are the Blackberry, Avocado, and Mango Salad, Mediterranean Black Bean Salad, and Tahini Wild Rice Cakes (served warm). I highly recommend to persons contemplating spiritual cleansing via the Daniel Fast to use this guide covering purpose, preparation, and meal plans.

I received this book free from Zondervan Publications through the BookLook reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

THE KNOT LITTLE BOOKS of BIG WEDDING IDEAS by Carley Roney and The Editors of The Knot

The Knot little books of Big Wedding Ideas is a compilation of wedding suggestions to help in sound decision-making regarding cakes, bouquets, centerpieces, vows, toasts, stationery, décor, and favors. Included are money-saving tips such as determining cake selections along with cake decorating terminology, flavoring, and whether to use butter cream or fondant frosting depending upon the season selection of your special day.

The collection is comprised of four individual books labeled Cakes, Bouquets & Centerpieces, Details, and Vows & Toasts and may be carried in your purse or tote for easy reference during the selection process. There are plenty of pictures and information to make an informed decision for the big day ahead without too much stress or fuss. I recommend to all brides seeking suggestions for their wedding details being that the miniature books full of useful ideas are easily transportable and recommended to friends and families of soon-to-be brides as a great gifting opportunity.


I received this book free the Blogging for Books reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Monday, January 19, 2015

EDEN by Martin Roy Hill

“If this is paradise, how bad could hell be? To this day, Staff Sergeant Estrada’s words still haunt me. Years later, everything about that night in Iraq still haunts me.”

Adam Cadman, Captain, U.S. Army, is riding in a convoy located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers when they attacked by enemy fire, trapping them in an ancient ruin chamber. In the chamber, Cadman and what is left of his crew, Estrada, Oberg, and Thomas discover carvings from the ancient Sumerian civilization depicting the beginning of mankind. In addition, they locate a sarcophagus made of an unusual substance non-existent in present civilization. After tampering with the sarcophagus, it opens revealing a woman being named Ninmah from a world unknown to man relaying information regarding the birth of man.

Thomas, who is a strong believer in God and the Bible, rejects her story while the others compare the story with Bible verses, scientific discoveries, and multiple religious beliefs. If Ninmah’s story were true, the world as they know it would collapse into total chaos with their belief system being destroyed.

Eden is a book I could not put down until I finished reading the last page. It is well written and the characters are believable in their reactions to the character Ninmah. I loved the way Thomas carried his pocket size Bible with him and defended his belief and faith in God. Mr. Hill interweaved scientific and several religious beliefs into the novel so cleverly that it made me retrieve my own Bible to verify his storytelling of a book I knew to be fictional. I recommend to all who love the debate of mankind’s birth and military drama mixed into one sitting.

I received this book free from the author, Martin Roy Hill, through the Masquerade Book Tour review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.


Saturday, January 17, 2015

OLD FASHIONED by Rene Gutteridge and Rik Swartzwelder, Tyndale Publishing




Clay Walsh has an antique shop in a small college town and has vowed to no more dating believing “Commitment should come first, not the other way around.” Clay’s convictions hold true for him although he struggles with his attraction to Amber Hewson who is the brand new occupant of the empty apartment above his antique shop. Amber is a free spirit who tries to crack the code of Clay’s beliefs after his reformation from being a partying playboy to an old-fashioned chivalrous gentleman much to the dismay of his male friends.

As Clay continues his unwavering commitment to God and himself, he jeopardizes his friendships with his buddies and Amber. Will Clay keep his commitment despite the opposition from family and friends? Will Clay give in to the feelings concerning Amber while abandoning his beliefs?

Old Fashioned is a good Christian novel that leaves food for thought regarding dating and male-female relationships in today’s social society. As I read this novel, I began to see a few beliefs similar to my own after abandoning the party scene. Faith, repentance, and commitment play a strong role in the development and follow through of the storyline, which is very refreshing. Although I found the story was a little long and could have used more of the editing process, I recommend taking the time to read and enjoy it as I did.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 




 


Friday, January 16, 2015

NEW YORK DOLLS by Catherine Hensley

Denton is covering New York City Fashion Week as her first assignment at Glitter magazine. The only snag is she must go under the cover of Anna Creel, Glitter’s fashion and beauty editor because Anna is overbooked with other assignments. Denton’s goal is to get the scoop on celebrity stars, hopefully one Amber Donovan, the hottest party girl superstar around. By accident, Denton becomes instant friends with Amber via the women’s restroom and the adventure of a lifetime ensues, including Amber’s self-destructive escapades, Denton’s lies, and deceit. Denton does not know how long she can keep up with the façade of being Anna Creel and continue her friendship with Amber and the Hollywood hot hunk, Chris West whom seems to be flirty with her.

New York Dolls has a good story line plot and reading this adventure was fun but I had to figure out the meaning of certain lingo and abbreviations on my own being I am not fashion lingo savvy. The transitions between the past and present left me a little confused more than I wanted to admit, nonetheless, I did enjoy the read to the last page and you will too. What I really liked about the novel is Denton had normal women issues in areas of self-confidence, fashion know-how and solving those problems. I recommend to all chick-lit and romance fans for a great adventure in the world of fashion and celebrity gossip expose’s.

I received this book free from CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.




CLP BLOG TOURS presents NEW YORK DOLLS by Catherine Hensley Excerpt





Chapter 1
2008

“THE SHOW’S AT FIFTY-SEVENTH AND Seventh. Here’s your press badge and mini mic. If you see anyone, just be casual, make chit-chat, see what they think of the show. We’ve heard Amber Donovan may be there, but nothing’s confirmed. Just try to blend in, have some drinks. It starts at five thirty. Oh, and remember...you’re Anna Creel.”
Right. My first assignment! I never thought it would involve false aliases and conversational spying for Glitter magazine, but...my first assignment! At New York City’s Fashion Week nonetheless. Something I had absolutely no experience or serious interest in, but I wouldn’t have to worry about that tonight. I’d be Anna Creel. She knows all about the fashion in-crowd. Right?
“Isn’t Anna...?” I started to ask my boss, Liz. “She’s our fashion and beauty editor,” Liz replied. Right. Then why isn’t she...“We have too many shows booked this week. She already has Malandrino and Posen tonight. She doesn’t have time for Isla Dominici. Just smile and keep your eyes and ears open when you get there. Be yourself!”
“As Anna Creel,” I muttered.“Right!”Liz was friendly. Maybe not one hundred percent genuine, but this was Glitter after all. You don’t get to be chief editorial assistant of the country’s biggest and most popular celebrity magazine by being your real self. I’d heard she was a Manhattan import, just like myself, but from some little town in Michigan. She hid it relatively well. No accent, three-inch stilettos, a skin-tight suit dress, and a conspicuously obvious D&G belt can make anyone look like a tried and true New York power woman. But Liz was plumper and didn’t look quite as polished as some of the other reporters, and she spoke with a monotone, to-the-point voice, all of which kept her from entirely fitting the Glitter mold. If I ever needed someone in the office to watch my back, I knew Liz, with our shared outsider origins, could do the job.
Watch my back? At Glitter? I couldn’t believe I was thinking so ruthlessly. But this place was cutthroat. I could tell after only a few days. (I bet the editorial assistant underlings at Martha Stewart Living weren’t so fearful. On second thought...maybe they were.) You didn’t advance at Glitter through sheer hard work and determination, and it certainly didn’t involve climbing the traditional corporate ladder. Getting the scoop—or the source—was your most important job function. Even if it meant seducing the married hunk who’s on the number-two-ranked drama on television.
“If something like that were to happen...and of course it does not... We obviously don’t condone that kind of behavior here,” Liz had told the other two EAs and myself after the office gossip broke on my second day. “But that wasn’t me.”
To get to the top of the hottest weekly celeb rag, apparently the rules of deception were the rules of the game. Anna Creel I would be then, for tonight at least.


TOUR SCHEDULE

January 5 - Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt

January 6 - Polished and Bubbly- Review & Excerpt

January 7 - Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

January 8 - Chick Lit Plus – Review

January 9 - Reecas Pieces – Review

January 12 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

January 13 - The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

January 14 - Bookish - Review

January 14 - Two Children and a Migraine – Review & excerpt

January 15 - Book Suburbia- Excerpt

January 16 - Ski-Wee’s Book Corner – Review & Excerpt

January 16 - Authors and Readers Book Corner – Excerpt   



AUTHOR BIO



Catherine L. Hensley is a professional freelance editor and writer. From fiction and nonfiction manuscripts to academic pieces, she provides an extensive range of copyediting, proofreading, content editing, and writing services to a wide variety of clients located around the United States and abroad.

A native of south Louisiana, Catherine received her master of arts degree in creative writing and media studies from New York University and her bachelor of arts degree in English from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, with minors in history and mass communication. Her writing has appeared in The Advocate (Louisiana’s largest newspaper), OT Practice magazine, Quiet Mountain: New Feminist Essays, and Mused, the Bella Online Literary Review. For more, visit www.catherinehensley.com.




Purchase Links:



48fourteen (paperback & e-book): http://48fourteen.com/catalog/new-york-dolls

Contact Links:
Twitter: @NYDollsTheNovel