Book Review - Shadow Woman - Linda Howard

Title: Shadow Woman

Author: LindaHoward

Review: Disappointed to say the least……here is why.  This book was a bit strange, I follow this author and always request her new books from the library the minute they put the book into their system….but I am beginning to wonder why?  The last one was OK, I really enjoyed Prey(even with the bear perspective...at least there was something interesting to read about) and Ice, but those are all I can really think I've liked of her books in the last few years.  I miss her books like, To Die For, and Cover of Night.  What happened to that author?  I guess what I am saying is that maybe Linda is putting books out too fast and they are losing what makes her a best selling author.  Slow down I follow many authors that publish once a year and their books get better every year....write a winner and see how willing to wait we all will be.  The anticipation is what makes life great.

This book just felt off and the story was convoluted and didn't flow well.  I read it because I had waited for it for a few weeks and was excited when the library called telling me it was available.  But, now I am just disappointed and may need to remove this author from my favorites list.  I don't have the time to waste on sub-par writing any longer.  I want an author who hits it over the fence at least most of the time.

You can read the synopsis below, but I can tell you it is not as exciting or fast moving as it may sound.  I enjoy the build up in a relationship and the quiet moments that each is thinking about the other, this had none of that.  Instead this had dream sequences that were short and not that entertaining at all.  I cannot recommend this book, not even to all the Linda Howard fans out there.  You will just be disappointed so don't bother to waste your time or money on this book.  See reviews below I think you will get the same feel from all of them.

Publisher: Published January 1st 2013 by Ballantine Books (first published December 1st 2012)

ISBN: 9780345506931

Copyright: 2012

Pages: 336

Quick Review: 2 stars out of 5

Why I Read It: I follow this author…or at least I did.

Where I Obtained the Book: Requested from my local library

Synopsis: Lizette Henry wakes up one morning and makes a terrifying discovery: She doesn’t recognize the face she sees in the mirror. She remembers what she looks like, but her reflection is someone else’s. To add to the shock, two years seem to have disappeared from her life. Someone has gone to great and inexplicable lengths to keep those missing years hidden forever. But the past always finds a way to return.

Strange memories soon begin to surface and, along with them, some unusual skills and talents that Lizette hasn’t a clue about acquiring. Sensing that she’s being monitored, Lizette suddenly knows how to search for bugs in her house and tracking devices in her car. What’s more, she can elude surveillance—like a trained agent.

Enter a mysterious and seductive stranger named Xavier, who claims he wants to help—but who triggers disturbing images of an unspeakable crime of which Lizette may or may not be the perpetrator. With memories returning, she suddenly becomes a target of anonymous assassins. On the run with nowhere to hide, Lizette has no choice but to rely on Xavier, a strong and magnetic man she doesn’t trust, with a powerful attraction she cannot resist. As murky waters become clear, Lizette confronts a conspiracy that is treacherous and far-reaching and a truth that, once revealed, may silence her and Xavier once and for all.

 

Author Biography:  Linda S. Howington was born on August 3, 1950 in Alabama, United States. She began to write at nine years old, and wrote for twenty years for her own enjoyment. She worked at a trucking company where she met her husband, and then decided to try and get her work published in 1980.  Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, joining in 1981 shortly after it was formed. She currently serves as Region 3 Director (until 31 October 2008).

Her husband is a professional bass tournament fisherman, and she travels with him to some very unglamorous locations where she works on her laptop. Linda and her husband live in a big house on a farm in Alabama, where they raise cattle and have two dogs.

Her friends include the authors Catherine Coulter, Iris Johansen, and Kay Hooper.

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No link to Amazon for buying the book....not worth it...trust me!

Products We Love Review - Revlon Just Bitten Kissing Balm Stain - Revlon

Item: Revlon Just Bitten Kissing Balm Stain

Company: Revlon

Review:   This was a gift from my sister as one of her favorite things and I have to say that she is correct.  I love this lip stain, it stays on for several hours, its easy to apply and I love this color…not too much….not too little. 

It looks like a chubby crayon from when you were in pre-school, but it is fantastic.  I use this everyday and even after a few hours it still is there, I like to put a bit of gloss over it to keep things looking moist and shiny. 

I would suggest to everyone out there that loves great lip color that is understated and yet pretty.  Also if you hate reapplying constantly this is the one for you….I really cannot say too many great things about this lip stain….I LOVE IT!!!!  5 stars all the way!

Product Features: Revlon Just bitten kissing balm stain provides a gorgeous flush of color and the moisturizing comfort of a balm in a portable, self sharpening chubby crayon.

Product Information: Ingredients

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, BIS-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Squalane, BIS-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyethylene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triisostearin, Diisostearyl Malate, Cera Microcrystallina ((Microcrystalline Wax) Cire Microcristalline), Trimethylolpropane Triethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate,

Ingredients

Polyamide-3, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Mentha Piperita ((Peppermint) Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil), Limonene, Sorbic Acid, May Contain/Peut Contenir [+/-: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499),

Ingredients

Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 27 (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 6 (CI 15850), Orange 5 (CI 45370), Red 21 (CI 45380), Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)].

Directions

Step 1: Apply Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain evenly to clean, bare lips. Build color and coverage as desired. Step 2: Reapply as desired for moisturizing shine throughout the day.

Book Review - The River - Michael Neals

Title: TheRiver

Author: Michael Neale

Review: I felt two things after reading The River; first I really wanted to go whitewater rafting, and two, this was a nice story.  Marketed under the banner of religious/inspirational literature it doesn’t really have that feel; at least not overtly.  Instead it is the story of a young man who comes to terms with his father’s death and his own place in the world as he becomes a man himself.

What really worked in this book was the author’s use of the river as a main character.  Though he did lean to the supernatural on the rare occasion, for the most part his description of the river as a living, breathing entity was superb.  You really get a sense of place and honesty through his words.

The only downside of the book was the device used to get us into the story; an old man begins talking to a fellow passenger stuck in the airport one stormy night.  I guess you could say he was trying to demonstrate that we get so caught up in our rushed little worlds that we miss the beauty all around us with this introduction, but I think the story was great on its own and did not need this.

A solid nice book that will make you think about your own relationships, and just maybe inspire you to take a exciting whitewater vacation too.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 978-1-4016-8848-6

Copyright: 2012

Pages: 287

Quick Review: 3 stars out of 5

Why I Read It: I am both a father and a son; it looked good.

Where I Obtained the Book: Sent to me by the publisher for review

Synopsis: "The River is a story that will transform how you see yourself and the world." --Andy Andrews, "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Noticer," "The Traveler's Gift," and "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?"

"You were made for The River . . ."

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back--the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old--something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest--and bravest--thing he has ever done.

 

Author Biography:  Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.

With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.

As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.

Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.

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Product We Love Review - Vera Bradley Hipster - Vera Bradley

Item: VeraBradley Hipster Purse

Company: Vera Bradley

Review:  I have the Vera Bradley Hipster in the Baroque Pattern as shown above.  I love this purse.  I have had it for over a year and ½ now and I use it every day.  I am not one to switch purses for my outfits or one for work and one for the weekend.  I use the same bag all the time. 

I have spilled hand lotion in the front pocket and also I had brushed the side of a dirty car more than once with this on my hip.  Well I was nervous, but I emptied it out and sprayed it with a stain remover and threw it in the washing machine on the regular cycle.  I pulled it out and turned it inside out to dry for a few hours and then right side and tossed it in the dryer on low for the finish drying.  Scary as that was I am not afraid anymore.  It can out beautiful just like the day I got it.  The dirt smudges were gone, the hand lotion was gone and the bag looks perfect.

I have washed it a few times since; I need to remember not to put it on the floor in the van where the kids can step on it.  I have to say that this is one of my favorite bags ever and for Christmas I received the Tote in Floral Nightingale.  I look forward to seeing how that bag holds up to all the things I need to take back and forth to work.  For Christmas I told everyone I would be happy with anything from Vera Bradley.  I think this is a great company with great products.

I love this bag….5 stars all the way!

Product Features:   A classic shape takes on true Hipster character with layers of multi-textured quilting. Adjustable shoulder strap and front slip pocket make functionality fun. The Hipster’s slim shape keeps a low profile.

Book Review - Keeping Score: A Guide to Love and Relationships - Mark Brackett

Title:  KeepingScore: A Guide to Love and Relationships

Author: Mark Brackett

Review:  This is a great book for people looking to improve their relationships.  I think the scoring things will add a bit of competition to the process which may be great for certain individuals.  Some men may enjoy getting competitive and some women.  I’m not competitive, but it is easy to read a score and then find out what that means.  With so many ‘Self-Help’ books out there it is difficult to wade though and find the best ones for you to read and follow.

Men and women communicate differently and they see situations differently.  That is the cause of most problems in a relationship.  Women may read something into the relationship that isn’t there, or a man may ignore the things that the others finds important.  Either partner may be unaware of the others unhappiness.  Communication is important and yet how often do we sit and really talk to our partner?

If you are willing to look for ways to improve your relationship…such as picking up this book then you are doing something positive for your partnership.  Any positive step is a step in the right direction.  Keep it up and things, if you are both willing to work on it, will get better.

Publisher: Published July 1st 2012

ISBN: 9780983488804

Copyright: 2012

Pages: 128

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)-

 Why I Read It:  Sent by the publisher for review.

Synopsis:  It's a relationship book even a man will read.

Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair.

If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up. If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.

Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.

Author Biography : The author, Marc Brackett, lives in Idaho with his wife, Kristin, and five daughters. When not busy with work, the family enjoys a number of outdoor activities that only Idaho can offer in such abundance. This book was also made possible through the professional efforts of the following people:

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