Book Review - Elegy - Amanda Hocking Book 4 in the Watersong Series

Title:  Elegy

Author: Amanda Hocking

Review:  This is book number 4 in the Watersong series and I think it was a good ending to the series as a whole.  The sirens could be really scary at times and creepy at others.  I don’t think I ever liked them even Thea, she was weak and let thing happen instead of doing anything about it…at least until the end and the she did get a back bone…finally. 

Notice the page count and you will see this is a book that will take more than an afternoon to get through.  I think at times it felt long and drug on…I wish Amanda had cut a bit more out.  I found the background interesting, but just too much information that did not seem relevant to the on-going plot line…interesting yes…needed no.  I love long books, but every word needs to hold my attention if I am going to read close to 600 pages in the 4^th book in the series.

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but I enjoyed the series and look forward to Amanda’s next project.  This book took a step up from the teen romance and added sex to the equation which makes me glad my 13 year old is still on the second book and doesn’t read that fast….I would not recommend this series to younger than 15 or so, but we went to a book signing and Cenneidigh insisted she had to read the series after meeting Amanda.

Good series and worth the time to read if you enjoy young adult romance/supernatural.  Mermaids, mythical monsters, goddesses and the like fill the pages and it was fun to escape to a small seaside town to see life from a different point of view.

Publisher: Published August 6th 2013 by St.Martin's Griffin (first published January 1st 2013)

ISBN: 9781250005670

Copyright: 2013

Pages: 542

Quick Review:  4 stars out of 5

Where did I get the book:  Purchased at Amazon.

Synopsis: Readers won't want to miss the explosive final book in the Watersong series by New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking

Now that Gemma holds the key to breaking the siren curse, the stakes have never been higher. At last, a future with those she loves—and a romance with Alex—is close enough to touch...but not if Penn has anything to say about it. Penn is more determined than ever to have Daniel for her own and to destroy Gemma and Harper along the way, and Penn always gets what she wants. Now a final explosive battle is about to begin, and the winner will take everything Gemma holds dear.

Author Biography:  I live in Minnesota, and I write young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy mostly. The My Blood Approves series is about vampires in Minneapolis, and its available now. I also wrote the Trylle Trilogy, which is a paranormal romance without vampires, shifters, mermaids, fae, angels, dragons, ghosts, or ninjas.

My latest book is Hollowland - a zombie urban fantasy set in the dystopian near future. It's a bit more violent and gritter than my other books, but there is still romance. Mostly though, Remy kicks a lot of butt.

I also enjoy Red Bull, Jim Henson, Batman, Jane Austen, Star Wars legos, and I absolutely hate long walks on the beach out of my intense fear/hatred of wet sand

My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, Alan Moore, and J. D. Salinger, but I don't write anything like them. I have an obsession with River Phoenix, and I've seen Silence of the Lambs more than any other movie, even The Dark Knight. If I were trapped on a deserted island, the one thing I'd take with me would be a boat capable for taking me home.

I'm also the guitarist in a band called the Fraggin Aardvarks, and even though its even twice as cool as it sounds, we haven't had a practice in like two years, so I'm not sure that technically we are still a band. But we never broke up, and it's an awesome thing to tell people, so I'm sticking with it. (We even had a synethesizer!)

Other Reviews:

Jenna Does Books "Much of the book is spent both mending and fracturing the relationships between sisters, Gemma and Harper, and their love interests, Alex and Daniel. Honestly, I could not believe the turn that the relationship between Harper and Daniel had taken toward the end of the previous book in the series, Tidal. This “twist” seriously made me question the appeal that Daniel previously had on me as a reader. I liked him, and now… I just couldn’t help but think that the author was playing with both Harper’s and the reader’s emotions in the most absurd way when it came to Daniel. The most absurd way. But then again, this [spoiler] does align with the legend of the siren, so c’est la vie. Unfortunately, that one “twist” that I am referring to lasts for most of the novel, right on into the climax."  4 stars

Examiner.com "Hocking's imagination and her deft handling of dialogue make this series not only fun reading for the action and the romance, but for the clever historical and mythological references. She keeps the perfect balance of action (good versus evil with lots of fighting and some death), character development, humor, and romance."

Icey Books " Although the Watersong series wasn’t amazing, it was pretty good. And I couldn’t help but smile through the last couple of pages, it was pretty sweet. All in all, I’m glad I read through the series – while the middle books suffered a bit, Elegy was a perfect ending."

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

I plan on enjoying a few books this holiday.

Book Review - True Hollywood Noir - Dina Di Mambro

Title: True Hollywood Noir:  Filmland mysteries and murders

Author: Dina Di Mambro

Review: I have never bought a gossip magazine like US or People, but like
most people when I am in a waiting room I can’t help myself and dig into
them.  Our relationship with celebrity is so unique that it is hard to
explain.  On the one hand we feel above the fray but then when faced with
temptation we dig right in.  True Hollywood Noir is an extremely
fascinating look into some of the more notorious criminal cases of the
golden age of Hollywood (except for the Robert Blake case which is more
recent).

What was truly interesting about these cases was how the powers that be
dealt with them.  When presented with a dead person (whether those present
made the dead or found them that way) the first inclination would be to
protect the movie studio above all else, including finding out who actually
killed the person.  So instead of the cops they would call their lawyer and
then together they would clean up the crime scene making sure to remove any
incriminating evidence.  The amazing thing was for the most part law
enforcement went along with it, or at least the people involved got away
with it.

All twelve cases are presented with what is known, and then some insight
and/or gossip about the main players involved.  Generally all the chapters
will not convince you of any one’s definitive guilt but they will leave you
questioning the status quo.  It will give you something to think about.

For me the weakest supposition is the death of Natalie Wood being something
more then she fell into the water and drowned.

Also the last chapter digs into the life of Mickey Cohen, the famous LA
based mob boss.  Through extensive interviews with his right hand man Jimmy
Smith you get a new view of the man that isn’t generally shown.  While
Cohen did do some very bad things in his life (which isn’t contended) you
do learn that like all human beings he was not completely one sided.  He
was capable of loyalty and kindness and by his own contention he only
killed people who needed killing.  So what you get is a portrayal of a very
complex individual much more fascinating than the typical caricature given.
True Hollywood Noir is a morbidly interesting book looking into the great
crimes of early Hollywood.  Well worth the read. 

Publisher: Self
ISBN: 978-0-615-57269-7
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 229
Quick Review: 4 stars out of 5
Why I Read It: Sounded interesting
Where I Obtained the Book: Sent to me by the Cadence Group for review.

Synopsis: A tantalizing mixture of classic Hollywood nostalgia and true
crime, True Hollywood Noir: Filmland Mysteries and Murder, featuring 100
rare photographs, is suspenseful, entertaining, and eminently readable.
Uncover true stories of mystery and murder in a dozen different chapters
featuring William Desmond Taylor, Thomas Ince, Jean Harlow, Thelma Todd,
Joan Bennett, Lana Turner, George Reeves, Gig Young, Bob Crane, Natalie
Wood, Robert Blake, and Mickey Cohen. Included in the cast of characters of
this book are Johnny Stompanato, William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies,
and Charlie Chaplin. And find never before told mob stories about Ben
"Bugsy" Siegel, Virginia Hill, and a host of notorious underworld figures.
From 1922 until 2001, explore some of Filmland's most fascinating
mysteries, scandals and murders true Hollywood noir lived by the players
behind the scenes. Each chapter dissects the various theories in each case,
but it is up to you to make up your own mind. From the West Coast mob and
city corruption intertwining with Hollywood mysteries on and off the
screen, to the plots of noir films pulled from actual happenings in the
underworld, get the stories behind the stories, the darker images playing
out in living color behind the silver screen. While most of the actors
featured here met with untimely tragic deaths or notorious misfortune
coloring the remainder of their lives, the talent of these highly creative
individuals and the legacy they've left us gives them a timeless
immortality.

Author Biography: 

 

Other Reviews:

Lesa's Book Critique

Rough Edges

Monday in my Mailbox

As a book reviewers I guess maybe I should not look forward to some books over others, but this I have been waiting for and YEAH!!!!!!!!  It is here and i cannot wait to read it...I will post my review before the release day...just before so you all can look forward to reading it and pre-order.  As a reviewer you get to slog through lots of trash to find a few diamonds- I love this series and look forward to finding out what is happening with Riley and the rest of the cast.  If you have yet to pick up one of Julie Kramer's books then get to it!!!  If you enjoy fast paced mysteries you will like this author.
From the author of Stalking Susan comes the latest installment in the “compulsively readable” (WCCO-TV) bestselling Riley Spartz thriller series, featuring a smart, sassy, and always entertaining TV reporter as she matches wits with a media-savvy killer.

The most appealing mystery heroine since Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, TV reporter Riley Spartz is a star investigative journalist for Channel 3—and no stranger to the seedier side of her hometown. But when she receives a package of smelly human teeth in the mail at work, she’s quickly embroiled in a homicide investigation that spirals into one of the odder cases the Minneapolis police force has ever seen. Though the cops try to keep certain grisly details quiet, this murder has a strange twist—it seems that the killer wants the crime publicized.

Is it a revenge killing, or something more? Riley’s investigation takes her inside a lucrative identity theft ring that links low-life crooks like now-dead Leon Akume to white-collar opportunists like once-wealthy Jack Clemens. Despite a prime motive for murder, Jack also has the ultimate alibi: he's behind bars. While Riley pushes to keep the homicide in the news, her boss is convinced that coverage of the Mall of America’s unique version of a royal wedding is key to the station winning ratings. As the stakes continue to rise for her job and her life, Riley must outwit the killer in a trap that could leave yet another person dead...

An irresistible suspense novel that will keep readers turning pages until the stunning conclusion, Delivering Death brings the humor, intrigue, and twists and turns Julie Kramer’s fans have been waiting for.

I ordered this book for a lesson I am teaching on picking a good fit book for elementary students.

But all the kids are wearing them! Any child who has ever craved something out of reach will relate to this warm, refreshingly realistic story.

"I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes."

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy’s grandma tells him they don’t have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy’s shoes fall apart at school, and the guidance counselor gives him a hand-me-down pair, the boy is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy comes to realize that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
In the second novel in the “engaging” (Booklist) cozy library mystery series, Karen must work to clear her beau’s name after his ex-girlfriend is killed by a falling bookshelf while staying at his inn.

Spunky librarian Karen Nash is back in London and planning to open a bookstore with her beau, Caldwell Perkins, who owns a B&B. Unexpectedly, Sally, Caldwell’s tall, gorgeous, and blonde ex-girlfriend shows up—possibly to reclaim the B&B—and just maybe Caldwell, too. Sally’s current boyfriend, Alfredo, joins her, and they take a room.

That night, Karen is awakened by a horrible crash. Caldwell isn’t in bed with her. She rushes out to the hall to find him standing in the doorway of the inn’s library with a look of horror on his face. Inside the room all Karen can see is a woman’s hand sticking out from under a massive pile of pages and wood. While Sally’s death appears an accident, Karen finds it hard to believe. How did the heavy oak bookshelf topple over? Karen fears Sally has been murdered. The detective on the case comes to the same conclusion and decides Caldwell is the most likely suspect.

In order to save her boyfriend, Karen must figure out what Sally was looking for in the library and what Caldwell was doing up in the middle of the night. A story of intrigue and revenge, Death Overdue is a page-turning mystery featuring a loveable heroine who loves books almost as much as she loves her man.

Author Robert Treskillard continues his Merlin Spiral series with book two, Merlin's Shadow, another fresh take on the ancient Arthurian myths. After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth, and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young king safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness, and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.
All Girls Are Pretty is a fully illustrated rhyming picture book for little girls age 3-9. The bright and colorful illustrations teach little girls that beauty is not what's on the outside. Beauty comes from within, and it is something that every little girl has. The cute rhyming story helps build self-esteem and confidence. 

All Girls Are Pretty helps girls realize that they are beautiful no matter what anyone may say. This cute picture book is sure to put a smile on any little girl's face.

Best selling children's book authors Mark Smith & Julie Richmond team up to bring you one of the cutest, silliest rhyming picture books that every little girl is sure to love. 

This fully illustrated picture book comes to life with bright vibrant colors, and illustrations that will make you laugh. 

Sally's Silly Hair Day is a silly rhyming picture book for girls age 3-9, but the kid in all of us will laugh and giggle right along with our children. 

“What if I was a princess with hair that was shiny and bright?
My hair would be full of jewels that sparkle with delight.”

“What would my hair look like if I lived in the sky?
It would be white fluffy clouds, and I would float right by.”

What other types of silly hair does Sally think of? Pick up a copy of this funny picture book and find out for yourself!

Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

  Just in time for the HOLIDAYS - Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

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  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 12/18/13 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 participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Title: One Hundred Years of Solitude

Author: Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez

Review:  I really don’t understand this book. I don’t understand why it gets the praise it gets and certainly don’t understand how the author could win a Nobel Prize for his works. If this is how his other books are written, I think I’ll pass. I am hoping, however, since it was originally written in Spanish, and I read it in English that maybe, just maybe something got lost in translation.

Mr. Marquez says that he tells the story as his grandmother used to tell stories to him: with a brick face. I’d bet you a good amount of money I wouldn’t like his grandmother’s stories. This is not an easy read. It is not a page turner. It is a “should I keep reading this anyway? It has to get better…” kind of a book. But it doesn’t.

             It could be that I’m not scholarly enough to understand the deeper meaning behind the characters (who all seem to have the same name and I couldn’t tell who was who) and their trials and the “history repeats itself” theme going on. But, I do know that the plot seemed jumbled together. You could probably mix up the pages and it would still make just as much sense. It was as if he just threw in random things like “let’s have a handicapped girl be so beautiful she inadvertently kills men.” Or “Let’s toss in incestuous relationships here and there” and “why don’t we have somebody eat dirt and walls!” Maybe Pig’s tails are the new black. The characters and relationships are so completely inexplicable. Not only that, but Marquez doesn’t develop his characters at all. As soon as the reader might get a little bit excited about what may happen to a character, Marquez stops writing about them. I don’t know how any reader could get attached to anybody in the book. There is no emotion, no dialogue. “Brick face” may be an apt description. It is an extremely flat narration.

I got over halfway done with the book and couldn’t figure out what I was reading about. There was absolutely nothing to look forward to. No hopes for a certain character or anything. It’s as if you only get glimpses of people’s lives without the necessary intimate details to draw you to them. A peephole sort of world. There is nothing fulfilling about this read. You leave it just as empty as when you started it. 

           If you are interested in this book, I suggest you have somebody who has already read it tell you the story. It is much more interesting told then it is read. It may even be funny depending on who told it to you. That way you don’t need to read 200 pages just to crack half a confused smile. Otherwise, it isn't worth your time and you’re not missing much without having read it.

Thanks Heather for this review.

Publisher  Published June 24th 2003 by Harper (first published 1967)

ISBN   9780060531041

Copyright:  1967

Pages:  417 pages (feels like a million)

Quick Review: 1 out of five stars

Where I got the book:  picked for book club

Synopsis:  One of the 20th century's enduring works, One Hundred Years of Solitude is a widely beloved and acclaimed novel known throughout the world, and the ultimate achievement of a Nobel Prize winning career.

The novel tells the story of the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the family. It is a rich and brilliant chronicle of life and death, and the tragicomedy of humankind. In the noble, ridiculous, beautiful, and tawdry story of the family, one sees all of humanity, just as in the history, myths, growth, and decay of Macondo, one sees all of Latin America.

Love and lust, war and revolution, riches and poverty, youth and senility -- the variety of life, the endlessness of death, the search for peace and truth -- these universal themes dominate the novel. Whether he is describing an affair of passion or the voracity of capitalism and the corruption of government, Gabriel Garcia Marquez always writes with the simplicity, ease, and purity that are the mark of a master.

Alternately reverential and comical, One Hundred Years of Solitude weaves the political, personal, and spiritual to bring a new consciousness to storytelling. Translated into dozens of languages, this stunning work is no less than an accounting of the history of the human race.

 

Author Information:  Gabriel José de la Concordia Garcí­a Márquez is a Colombian novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter and journalist. Garcí­a Márquez, familiarly known as "Gabo" in his native country, is considered one of the most significant authors of the 20th century. In 1982, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

He started as a journalist, and has written many acclaimed non-fiction works and short stories, but is best-known for his novels, such as One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) and Love in the Time of Cholera (1985). His works have achieved significant critical acclaim and widespread commercial success, most notably for popularizing a literary style labeled as magical realism, which uses magical elements and events in order to explain real experiences. Some of his works are set in a fictional village called Macondo, and most of them express the theme of solitude.

Other Reviews:  

NY Times 1970

Book Review - Book Tour - Amish Christmas - Pump up Your Books

Title:  An Amish Country Christmas

Author: Charlotte Hubbard, Naomi King

Review:  I loved the second story in this book.  The 1^st story was cute about young romance, but the second story was about older romance and had much deeper feelings.   This authors writing is enjoyable to read, the stories are sweet and fast paced.  I would recommend this authors work to anyone who enjoys stories of families, love, and life. 

With Christmas fast approaching this book is a great way to feel the spirit of the season.  I do love the fact that even after year and years of life it is possible to still find love that makes you feel like a teenager again.

Buy this book and step into a place of quiet peace and simplicity.  Except for no electricity I think living in an Amish community might be a wonderful break from the fast paced life we all lead out here in the world.

Tis the season for love, romance and the spirit of giving.

Publisher:  Published October 1st 2013 by Zebra

ISBN:  9781420131888

Page Numbers:  352

Quick Review:  4 out 5 stars

Why I Read this Title:  I enjoy this genre and author

Synopsis:  In this charming diptych, King (Naomi Weds a Good Man)—who also writes using the Hubbard pseudonym (Winter of Wishes)—spins sweet tales of innocent love among the Amish in two Missouri hamlets, Cedar Creek and Willow Ridge. The Christmas Visitors is devoted to brothers Bram and Nate Kanagy and the identical twin sisters they fall in love with, Martha and Mary Coblentz. As the brothers woo the sisters, an out-of-towner threatens to dash their hopes. In Kissing the Bishop, Willow Ridge sisters Jerusalem and Nazareth Hooley are snowed in at Tom Hostetler's place with Vernon Gingerich from Cedar Creek. After Tom receives shocking news about his estranged wife, will that open the door for two more couples to find their happy endings? The devoted couples from the first tale also make a cameo in the second. Mouthwatering recipes complete this sweet collection.

Author Information:  Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

Other Reviews:

The Book Connection

The Mary Reader

Book Review - The First Affair - Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Title:       The First Affair

Author:  Emma  McLaughin and Nicola Kraus

Review:  I didn't know what the book was about when I opened it and I am glad I didn't or I might not have read it.  The idea of a President of the US- having an affair in the Oval Office….never….haha we wish.  Well I was so sick of the whole Clinton thing that I would not have read this had I known the subject, but it was a very good book.  It was a bit tough to get into, but by page 50 I was hooked and glad I read it after all.

The TV and print news is where we get our news and they are not always correct or care to be correct.  I enjoyed that this book took the girls side and at 21 you are so naive that a man in power could knock you off your feet…even if he is married.  Flattery and attention are a toxic combination when you are young and away from everything you know.  Who wouldn't get caught up in the moment?  You voted for him...or at least many did and think about what he is making on personal appearances now....makes you think about the victim in all of this.  Or maybe there is no victim, just a few broken hearts needing mending and forgiveness.

The writing was great, the pacing was good and I loved the end.  This is a book that was quick to read and yet interesting to think about later.  Who is the victim is this?  Who is the one who lost the most?  Well it wasn't who it should have been in my opinion…especially had this been my daughter.   We really should think about the things we say about those in the news and the jokes we share…a real person is behind all of those things we hear and say and that person has feelings, along with a family and friends who feel also.

Read this book I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  I was!!

Publisher: Published August 27th 2013 by Atria Books

ISBN: 9781451643428

Copyright: 2013

Pages:  256

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)

Where I Obtained the Book:  Sent for review from the publisher.

Synopsis:  Jamie McAlister has resigned herself to the fact that in this job market, her painfully expensive degree might only get her a position at Starbucks, when she suddenly lands a prestigious internship at the White House. Although she doesn’t hit it off with the other interns—lockjaws who come from so much money that ten weeks without a paycheck doesn’t faze them—she is eager to work hard and make the best of the opportunity while it lasts.

An unexpected encounter late one evening with the charismatic President Gregory Rutland seems like just a fleeting flirtation, but when he orchestrates clandestine meetings and late-night phone calls, their relationship quickly escalates. Jamie knows what she is doing is wrong: he’s married, he has kids, he’s the President. Yet each time she tries to extricate herself, Greg pulls her back in.

With the conflicted desires of the most powerful man in the world driving her to her breaking point, Jamie can’t help but divulge intimate details to those closest to her. But she must have confided in the wrong person, because she soon finds herself, and everyone she cares about, facing calculated public destruction at the hands of Greg’s political enemies, and—perhaps no matter how much he cares about her—at the hands of Greg himself.

Author Biography:  Emma-  My partner, Nicki, and I have been writing together for 12 years. We're obsessed by what makes a satisfying story. I'm excited to hear from our readers what does it for them -- and what doesn't. As a working mom, the only book time I manage to steal these days is right before bed. I'm not the girl who can watch SVU and go to sleep with a smile. Ruling out kids/the economy/the world in peril as subject matter leaves sweeping Wharton epics or swift funny observations. The best is when a book makes you feel like you're still talking in the whee hours with your best college friend. I just finished Mindy Kaling. Loved it.

Nicki - Kraus graduated from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She met Emma McLaughlin while both were attending New York University, and working as nannies. She lived as a child at 1000 Park Avenue, whose residents she claims inspired some of the characters in her fiction.

Other Reviews: 

A Sweet Spot Home

The Readers Den

Books ETC.

Great Deal from Living Social - Brookstone $50 gift certificate for $25

Here is the link to get the deal at Living Social 

Excerpt from Java Man -

Excerpt from JAVA MAN

That’s when Rick McEwen entered. “Here’s somebody I want you to meet.”

Rick is tall, with a tall head. When you add it up, I’d say six-three. His hair is thin and flat to his head. Like baby hair. He has piercing eyes and a thin nose. All that being said, understand that he’s a pretty good looking man. I don’t think it’s just my opinion. For a straight man, I consider myself an objective judge of male beauty.

“Rick,” I greeted him. “Here for the coffee?”

“So I hear,” said Rick.

“‘Hey boy,’” I impersonated Mike, “‘you don’t seem to be too busy. Like usual. Why don’t you run fetch us some coffee.’”

“For never having been to our office,” said Rick, “you have a pretty good idea of what goes on there.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I sympathized. “Hey, there’s somebody you should meet. Rick, Kevin.” They shook hands, and I started filling in the blanks for them. “Kevin’s from San Fran, but he went to CSU in Fort Collins. Rick, didn’t you graduate from CSU?”

“I did.” Rick nodded at Kevin. “You do look familiar. San Francisco, huh? What brings you to North Dakota, for crying out loud?”

“Kevin’s an auditor for Wells Fargo,” I answered for him because I think his mouth was dry.

“Really.” Rick took a step closer, which I knew wasn’t unusual for him. Kevin probably didn’t. Rick is running a lifelong experiment on people’s reaction to an invasion of their personal space. “What was your major?” he demanded. As a related study of the human response to social discomfort, Rick’s habit is to make questions sound like threats.

“Accounting,” said Kevin, softly, almost as an apology, sitting as far back as the corner would allow.

It’s worth noting that for all his size and aggressive habits, Rick is the least threatening guy I know. You can’t rile him. You know the old saying, silent waters run deep, and often conceal a twenty-foot man-eating shark? That isn’t Rick at all. The man just wants to work. He loves construction—loves it from the moment he wakes up until the second he falls asleep, early, maybe eight-thirty, after a big dinner and a couple glasses of wine. Rick found his life’s calling, and is at total inner peace with who he is and where he’s heading. He wasn’t going to hurt Kevin. He’s the only guy I know who could actually take Jesus’s advice and turn the other cheek, and not feel like a complete wuss.

“What year did you graduate?” Rick demanded. At this point, because of his natural Inquisitional conversational style, I couldn’t tell whether Rick was aware that he might have cornered a fox fresh from his henhouse.

“Oh-seven,” said Kevin, squirming in his chair with a burnt amber flush on his cheeks, feathers on his lips.

“Rick, didn’t your wife graduate in accounting?” I ask.

“Business management. She did take a few accounting classes. Maybe you know her,” Rick said to Kevin. “She was Andrea Goldine back then.”

The skin below Kevin’s eyebrows went white. “Yeah. Yeah I do—well, did, I did, back then.” Was he guessing I had manipulated this meeting to set him up? No, Kevin was thinking one thing and one thing only, oh God, forgive me my sins and deliver me from the fatal beating I am about to receive. Me, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I was a helper.

Rick was seeing Kevin through slits.

The Story of Harris Gray

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In the nook seat of Jason Gray’s coffee shop, Allan Harris wrote. And eavesdropped, as Jason told stories. One day Allan found waiting for him a little yellow notepad, crammed to the margins with Jason’s tales. Allan typed them, touched them up, and called it good. Jason had other ideas. A collaboration began. The writer and the storyteller. As their tales converged and became inseparable, as they were fused by the stories they told… all the king’s horses and men can’t un-make Harris Gray again.

In celebration of JAVA MAN's release, Harris Gray created a video, and  invite you to violate therapist-patient confidentiality and sit in on their recent therapy session. You can learn more about how this writing duo began writing together and how JAVA MAN came to be on their website.

JAVA MAN Tour Schedule & Giveaway

Follow the tour for a chance to win! One grand prize winner will receive a KindleFire HD with $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of JAVA MAN, and 1 pound of Crowfoot Coffee. Five second prize winners will receive an ebook copy of JAVA MAN. Contest is open INTERNATIONALLY! Click image for the schedule, and to enter the giveaway.