Author: CMash

An avid reader for many years. Married for 31 years with 2 fantastic adult sons who I am so very proud of with great gfs. Am disabled. Found this wonderful community of book blogging in approximately December 2009 and have loved every minute of it. Am now a reviewer for authors, publishers, publicists, etc. And am also a partner in a Virtual PR tour company, Partners In Crime Tours for authors of novels of mystery, suspense and crime (www.Partnersincrimetours.net)

Monday Memes

MONDAY

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Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week’s question:
If you read romance novels, answer this question:

Who are your favorite “romance” authors? Why?
My answer:
I am not a “typical” romance type of reader, unless there is a bit of suspense in the plot.  I will read authors such as Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, Danielle Steel and Sandra Brown.

Mailcheck
February is being hosted by Laura from Library of Clean Reads
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of The Printed Page and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”

                                   FOR REVIEW FROM THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

WON FROM BOOKIN’ WITH BINGO
FOR REVIEW
                                      The Story Plant             The Hachette Book Group
Hosted by Java from Never Growing Old
“Meet Me On Monday!”
Blogging is a funny thing…we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, “who is this person!?” I know them…but yet I don’t know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to “meet” each other!
Questions:

1. Did you get any Valentine’s Gifts?
Not yet
2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?
Strawberry Jam
3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?
It depends if I have an appointment or not.  If not, its jeans and a sweater.


4. What food item do you absolutely despise?
Liver…so much so..I couldn’t even post a picture of it.
5. Righty or lefty?
Righty
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Review "Midnight Caller" by Leslie Tentler

MIDNIGHT CALLER by Leslie Tentler
Published by Harlequin–Mira Books
ISBN: 9780778329343
I received an ARC-EBook Bound galley Edition from NetGalley, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): Late-night radio-show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies who call in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one caller’s chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother—an iconic singer beloved among the city’s Goth community—has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.
  FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. But he soon discovers that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined—and that he may die trying to keep Rain’s fate out of a madman’s control.
  My Thoughts and Opinions: This book has a little of everything ranging from suspense, romance, past childhood trauma, family bonds, a serial killer on the loose, psychological terror and even vampire voodoo. Which, and this is my opinion only, is why I am not a fan of the newest genre rage of paranormal. For me, and again my opinion, it took away the believability factor of the story and how I couldn’t relate to that portion of the plot. I also thought that some scenes and/or chapters lacked substance and were improbable. The suspense sustained me, the main characters with their past traumas and how it affected them in the present were plausible.

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DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Announcement

If you have followed my blog, you know that I am a huge fan of Vincent Zandri’s works.  Well….here is your chance to see if I am right.  Mark your calendars for tomorrow night between 7PM EST and 9PM EST and here is why………

“Beginning promptly at 7:00PM EST and running until 9PM EST, Tuesday, February 15th, author Vincent Zandri will be signing copies of his bestselling novel, THE REMAINS, at the Albany, Barnes & Nobles. At the same time, his publisher, StoneGate Ink, is running a ‘Push’ of his newly released thriller, THE INNOCENT, which is currently on a Virtual Tour for the month of February and for a short time only, available at $.99! The point to all this? We want to see how many Kindle and E-Book downloads Vincent can move while he engages in a traditional book signing! We hope you’ll participate in this ‘nontraditional push’ and at the same time, take advantage of the $.99 limited offer and purchase a Kindle or E-Book of THE INNOCENT between the hours of 7 and 9 EST this coming Tuesday! PLEASE NOTE: The first three confirmed participants will receive a free signed first edition copy of MOONLIGHT FALLS!”

Monday Memes

MONDAY

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Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week’s question:
If you read romance novels, answer this question:

Who are your favorite “romance” authors? Why?
My answer:
I am not a “typical” romance type of reader, unless there is a bit of suspense in the plot.  I will read authors such as Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, Danielle Steel and Sandra Brown.

Mailcheck
February is being hosted by Laura from Library of Clean Reads
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of The Printed Page and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”

                                   FOR REVIEW FROM THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

WON FROM BOOKIN’ WITH BINGO
FOR REVIEW
                                      The Story Plant             The Hachette Book Group
Hosted by Java from Never Growing Old
“Meet Me On Monday!”
Blogging is a funny thing…we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, “who is this person!?” I know them…but yet I don’t know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to “meet” each other!
Questions:

1. Did you get any Valentine’s Gifts?
Not yet
2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?
Strawberry Jam
3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?
It depends if I have an appointment or not.  If not, its jeans and a sweater.


4. What food item do you absolutely despise?
Liver…so much so..I couldn’t even post a picture of it.
5. Righty or lefty?
Righty
Photobucket

Review "Midnight Caller" by Leslie Tentler

MIDNIGHT CALLER by Leslie Tentler
Published by Harlequin–Mira Books
ISBN: 9780778329343
I received an ARC-EBook Bound galley Edition from NetGalley, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): Late-night radio-show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies who call in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one caller’s chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother—an iconic singer beloved among the city’s Goth community—has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.
  FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. But he soon discovers that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined—and that he may die trying to keep Rain’s fate out of a madman’s control.
  My Thoughts and Opinions: This book has a little of everything ranging from suspense, romance, past childhood trauma, family bonds, a serial killer on the loose, psychological terror and even vampire voodoo. Which, and this is my opinion only, is why I am not a fan of the newest genre rage of paranormal. For me, and again my opinion, it took away the believability factor of the story and how I couldn’t relate to that portion of the plot. I also thought that some scenes and/or chapters lacked substance and were improbable. The suspense sustained me, the main characters with their past traumas and how it affected them in the present were plausible.

Photobucket
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

SUNDAY’S SHINING STAR

WELCOME!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

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Before I introduce today’s guest, I want to let you know how excited I am with this weekly feature.  Once the questionaires are returned, I place them into a folder and do not read them until I prepare them for posting.  I feel this way, I am also getting to know our blogging buddies around the same time that you do….I know…corny….what can I say!!!!
I am guessing that 99% of today’s visitors can say that today’s guest has left a comment on their blog at some time.  I stumbled upon her blog in the beginning of my stalking days and she had a weekly meme where she shared her life’s experience living abroad in France, having little fluency in the language and I was in such awe of her courage.  I used to look forward every week to read about a new experience through her eyes.  I don’t think I would be able to up and move to another country, heck, I know I couldn’t.  I am sure she needs no introduction but today’s Sunday’s Shining Star is KATHY from BERMUDAONION WEBLOG
*When and why did you start blogging?
 I used to read a couple of personal blogs on a fairly regular basis and as I would read them, I would think to myself that I could do that. I mentioned it to my son when he was home on his summer break in 2008 and he encouraged me (or should I say pushed) me into doing it.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Well, when my son was pushing me, I told him I couldn’t start a blog because I wouldn’t even know what to call it and he came up with the name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Books and book related posts along with a few movie reviews and food posts.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I read a variety of genres, but I would guess I’m heavy on literary fiction, memoirs, and YA. I’ve never really taken the time to evaluate it, though.

*How often do you post?
Daily.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The people and the discussions about books! I’ve met so many wonderful people (bloggers, authors and publicists) and learned so much about publishing. If someone had told me 5 years ago that I would become friends with people I met online, I never would have believed them, but it’s true!

*What are some of the negatives?
There is some drama from time to time, but overall, the only negative thing for me is the pressure I put on myself.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
That’s a tough question! I guess I would say author interviews and posts about author events I’ve attended.

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*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Most bloggers are more than happy to answer them.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I love blogs with personality. A blog doesn’t have to be about the same kind of books I like to read, if the blogger’s personality shines through. I enjoy reviews that include the reader’s reaction rather than an analysis of the book.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I don’t like it when I click on a blog and music starts playing – it generally startles me.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
My favorite color is red.

I love college sports, particularly football and basketball (Go Hokies!).

I am petrified (scared is not strong enough) of heights.

I love to sing and dance but don’t do either one well.

I was 16 when I graduated from high school.

The longest I’ve lived in one place is 12 years.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Not that I can think of, but I do want to thank you, Cheryl, for thinking of me for this feature!

I loved reading Kathy’s answers as I was preparing this post.  I learned so much more about her, except the one secret I think she is keeping from us.   I think she is a triplet lol.  She amazes me!!!.  How does she read so many books, writes such fantastic reviews, comments on so many blogs, I love to read about her lunch dates with authors, her book club, her weekend cooking, her family, and oh yes, lets not forget, life in general.  And then to find out that she graduated from High School at 16…what an accomplishment…definitely something to be very proud of.  One thing you mentioned, made me personally feel better because I truly thought I was the only one who had this reaction, was being startled when music starts playing.  I was a bit surprised, however, when she mentioned “drama” because when I think of and picture Kathy in my mind, I think of a kind, soft spoken, and genuine caring person.  I think you will all agree, Kathy is definitely a SHINING STAR!!! 

SUNDAY’S SHINING STAR

WELCOME!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket
Before I introduce today’s guest, I want to let you know how excited I am with this weekly feature.  Once the questionaires are returned, I place them into a folder and do not read them until I prepare them for posting.  I feel this way, I am also getting to know our blogging buddies around the same time that you do….I know…corny….what can I say!!!!
I am guessing that 99% of today’s visitors can say that today’s guest has left a comment on their blog at some time.  I stumbled upon her blog in the beginning of my stalking days and she had a weekly meme where she shared her life’s experience living abroad in France, having little fluency in the language and I was in such awe of her courage.  I used to look forward every week to read about a new experience through her eyes.  I don’t think I would be able to up and move to another country, heck, I know I couldn’t.  I am sure she needs no introduction but today’s Sunday’s Shining Star is KATHY from BERMUDAONION WEBLOG
*When and why did you start blogging?
 I used to read a couple of personal blogs on a fairly regular basis and as I would read them, I would think to myself that I could do that. I mentioned it to my son when he was home on his summer break in 2008 and he encouraged me (or should I say pushed) me into doing it.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Well, when my son was pushing me, I told him I couldn’t start a blog because I wouldn’t even know what to call it and he came up with the name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Books and book related posts along with a few movie reviews and food posts.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I read a variety of genres, but I would guess I’m heavy on literary fiction, memoirs, and YA. I’ve never really taken the time to evaluate it, though.

*How often do you post?
Daily.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The people and the discussions about books! I’ve met so many wonderful people (bloggers, authors and publicists) and learned so much about publishing. If someone had told me 5 years ago that I would become friends with people I met online, I never would have believed them, but it’s true!

*What are some of the negatives?
There is some drama from time to time, but overall, the only negative thing for me is the pressure I put on myself.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
That’s a tough question! I guess I would say author interviews and posts about author events I’ve attended.

Photobucket

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Most bloggers are more than happy to answer them.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I love blogs with personality. A blog doesn’t have to be about the same kind of books I like to read, if the blogger’s personality shines through. I enjoy reviews that include the reader’s reaction rather than an analysis of the book.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I don’t like it when I click on a blog and music starts playing – it generally startles me.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
My favorite color is red.

I love college sports, particularly football and basketball (Go Hokies!).

I am petrified (scared is not strong enough) of heights.

I love to sing and dance but don’t do either one well.

I was 16 when I graduated from high school.

The longest I’ve lived in one place is 12 years.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Not that I can think of, but I do want to thank you, Cheryl, for thinking of me for this feature!

I loved reading Kathy’s answers as I was preparing this post.  I learned so much more about her, except the one secret I think she is keeping from us.   I think she is a triplet lol.  She amazes me!!!.  How does she read so many books, writes such fantastic reviews, comments on so many blogs, I love to read about her lunch dates with authors, her book club, her weekend cooking, her family, and oh yes, lets not forget, life in general.  And then to find out that she graduated from High School at 16…what an accomplishment…definitely something to be very proud of.  One thing you mentioned, made me personally feel better because I truly thought I was the only one who had this reaction, was being startled when music starts playing.  I was a bit surprised, however, when she mentioned “drama” because when I think of and picture Kathy in my mind, I think of a kind, soft spoken, and genuine caring person.  I think you will all agree, Kathy is definitely a SHINING STAR!!! 

Saturday Memes

SATURDAY
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Hosted by Danielle at There’s A Book
From Danielle’s blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week’s question: What is the single best trip you’ve ever taken?

Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/category/a-bit-of-meme/#ixzz1D55XdN65
Danielle is back to being silly again!!!!  Making us just choose one!!!  LOL  Going to play a silly on Danielle….ohhhhhh Danielle….you pick which one you think is my favorite  lol!!

So  lets start with the honeymoon…Poconos, PA.  Nothing too far or exotic because we had just bought our first house.               
OR when we took the boys  (they were about 8 & 10) on their firsst flight to Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center
OR when we took the boys on an “adult” family vacation, 3 years ago, their 1st time on a cruise
OR the much needed vacation that we have planned in a couple of months
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Hosted by Yvonne from Socrates Book Reviews
From Yvonne’s site:
I’ve wanted to start a meme like this for a long time. It’s “Anything Goes on Saturday”. It’s a chance to choose any topic you want and talk about it on Saturday – it can be about a book, TV show, movie, a recipe or just an update on your week. Whatever you choose.
This week’s topic: STRESS
That 6 letter ugly word.  Everyone has it.  No one is immune.  It comes in all shapes and sizes  But does it ever get to the point where it is so distracting that you can’t stay focused?  You start one project, notice something, start another and continues in this vicious circle until you realize that whatever you WERE able to accomplish, it is full of errors?  Well…lately that has been me.  Any helpful tips that you use to relieve stress when it gets to that level?  What do you do to stay focused without your mind off in a thousand different directions?  I know this is not unusual, stress goes along with life but lately I feel my mind is all over the place, now if only my body would catch up!!