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)

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’s your favorite color? Or maybe you have multiple favorites, which ones? Be creative with how you tell us if you have time.
As far as my wardrobe, it consists mainly of black, can’t go wrong and easy to accessorize.  The rest is jeans and colorful tops.

Little Black Dress
And for our house, we decorate in the warm tones, or country like/colonial
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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.
Today’s Topic:  Rereading Books
I have seen where many bloggers enjoy rereading books.  Have you?  I never have and quite honestly not sure if I understand why.  There are so many books just waiting to be read, I know that I have such an extensive personal tbr bucket list (notably named because of my age) I don’t think I will ever be able to read them all.  I was talking with Julie from Reading Without Restraint about this the other night on the phone.  I read the first 4 books of the Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson many, many years ago and can’t remember what they were about and recently have won some of the latest in the series.  I have some GC so was thinking I would purchase the earlier ones and start from the beginning.  But this will be the first time I have ever reread a book.
Would love to hear your thoughts on rereading books.  Do you?  Is it as enjoyable knowing how the story plays out?  What makes you want to reread a book?  Or do you feel that there are too many other books to be read?

That wonderful time of year……

…………and no, you didn’t miss a holiday.
Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone and let you know why I’m not participating in the Friday hops.  Hop?, I can’t stay awake for more than 30 min.  Yes…my dear hubby brought me home a present and it is called the flu.  So today I will be resting and and maybe even trying to get some reading in.  Have a good Friday all!!
sick monster smiley with coffee

That wonderful time of year……

…………and no, you didn’t miss a holiday.
Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone and let you know why I’m not participating in the Friday hops.  Hop?, I can’t stay awake for more than 30 min.  Yes…my dear hubby brought me home a present and it is called the flu.  So today I will be resting and and maybe even trying to get some reading in.  Have a good Friday all!!
sick monster smiley with coffee

Guest Author My Review and International Giveaway Mr. Joseph Hayes 02/03 to 02/17

Once again, Megan from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists has given me the honor to introduce you to a new author that they are working with.  And I have to tell you, I started reading the book the other night and by the first few pages, I was hooked!!  So I am excited, not only to have the pleasure of  hosting this Guest Author, but Phenix & Phenix has generously offered for 2 of my lucky international visitors the chance to win his book.  My review is posted below.  So please help me welcome, Mr. Joseph Hayes!!!

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ABOUT JOSEPH HAYES
    Joe Hayes is a native of Chicago. He grew up in a family of eight children in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Far South Side, where the Irish-Catholic heritage and influence was strong and visible. Joe attended St. Barnabas Elementary School, Brother Rice High School and De Paul University before leaving Chicago to attend law school in California, at UC Berkeley. Since graduating from Berkeley, he has practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. Joe currently serves as chief ethics officer and assistant general counsel for a large, publicly held company based in Houston, Texas, and is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in his field. In his professional capacity, he has written extensively about legal and ethical issues and frequently speaks about such issues before employee and industry groups. When No One is Watching is his first work of fiction. His second novel, a legal thriller entitled Consequential Damages, is expected to be published next year.

    Joe currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amy, Sean and Erin.
Visit his website at:  http://www.joseph-hayes.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK
    When Danny Moran is roused from a drunken stupor, he finds himself behind the wheel of his Porsche looking at a grisly accident scene. It seems clear to him and everyone else that he was the cause of the fatal wreck, and he is left to face life-altering consequences: criminal prosecution, financial ruin, public disgrace and an overpowering sense of guilt.

    Unbeknownst to Danny, he didn’t cause the accident. His best friend and aspiring politician, Blair Van Howe, was driving Danny’s car that night because Danny had drunk himself into oblivion. Knowing that Danny was prone to alcohol-induced memory blackouts, and panicked at the prospect of seeing his promising political career explode in scandal, Blair made it appear that the accident was Danny’s fault and fled the scene. While Danny struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, Blair’s political career takes on a meteoric trajectory, as he rises from Chicago’s South Side to become a beloved and fabulously successful figure on the national stage. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, Blair must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret.
    When No One is Watching is both a page-turning thriller and a poignant tale of a man’s search for meaning and redemption in the face of cruel and overwhelming personal hardship. It explores the impact of guilt on the human mind and heart, and searches for inspiration and heroism in unexpected places. Among other thought-provoking questions, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

MY REVIEW
WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by Joseph Hayes

Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9843879-4-6
ISBN-10: 0-9843879-4-3
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph combines page-turning suspense with a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Wow!! Where do I start without including any spoilers? This book pulled me in as fast as the Porsche was going the night of the accident. A page turning, suspenseful book full of real life characters, some you instantly feel for, cry with, despise, empathize with, some you want to hate but can’t, and those that you cheer on. A can’t put down book that at times has you holding your breath. This would be a great pick for a book club selection as it includes some very profound discussion questions. Full of lies, secrets, integrity, forgiveness, love, and friendship. Outstanding!!

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CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
 THE ENTRY GIVEAWAY PAGE
DISCLAIMER

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners
via publisher, agent and/or author. This blog hosts
the giveaway on behalf of the above.
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.

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING" ENDED

FEBRUARY 3rd TO FEBRUARY 17th

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING
by JOSEPH HAYES
SYNOPSIS (borrowed from B&N):

  On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret and avoid an explosive scandal that could ruin him and rock the entire nation.
  In this suspenseful thriller, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

THANKS TO MEGAN AND THE GENEROUS
PEOPLE FROM PHENIX & PHENIX
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I HAVE TWO (2 ) COPIES OF THIS
SUSPENSEFUL BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
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*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHAT WOULD YOU
DO IF A FRIEND “FRAMED” YOU?*
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*EXTRA ENTRIES*

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS
  BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU GRAB MY BUTTON AND
  PLACE IT ON YOUR BLOG’S SIDEBAR.

*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

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*INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
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*GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 17th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG
AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND WILL
AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
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DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the
above. 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.

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed

Guest Author My Review and International Giveaway Mr. Joseph Hayes 02/03 to 02/17

Once again, Megan from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists has given me the honor to introduce you to a new author that they are working with.  And I have to tell you, I started reading the book the other night and by the first few pages, I was hooked!!  So I am excited, not only to have the pleasure of  hosting this Guest Author, but Phenix & Phenix has generously offered for 2 of my lucky international visitors the chance to win his book.  My review is posted below.  So please help me welcome, Mr. Joseph Hayes!!!

Photobucket
ABOUT JOSEPH HAYES
    Joe Hayes is a native of Chicago. He grew up in a family of eight children in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Far South Side, where the Irish-Catholic heritage and influence was strong and visible. Joe attended St. Barnabas Elementary School, Brother Rice High School and De Paul University before leaving Chicago to attend law school in California, at UC Berkeley. Since graduating from Berkeley, he has practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. Joe currently serves as chief ethics officer and assistant general counsel for a large, publicly held company based in Houston, Texas, and is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in his field. In his professional capacity, he has written extensively about legal and ethical issues and frequently speaks about such issues before employee and industry groups. When No One is Watching is his first work of fiction. His second novel, a legal thriller entitled Consequential Damages, is expected to be published next year.

    Joe currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amy, Sean and Erin.
Visit his website at:  http://www.joseph-hayes.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK
    When Danny Moran is roused from a drunken stupor, he finds himself behind the wheel of his Porsche looking at a grisly accident scene. It seems clear to him and everyone else that he was the cause of the fatal wreck, and he is left to face life-altering consequences: criminal prosecution, financial ruin, public disgrace and an overpowering sense of guilt.

    Unbeknownst to Danny, he didn’t cause the accident. His best friend and aspiring politician, Blair Van Howe, was driving Danny’s car that night because Danny had drunk himself into oblivion. Knowing that Danny was prone to alcohol-induced memory blackouts, and panicked at the prospect of seeing his promising political career explode in scandal, Blair made it appear that the accident was Danny’s fault and fled the scene. While Danny struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, Blair’s political career takes on a meteoric trajectory, as he rises from Chicago’s South Side to become a beloved and fabulously successful figure on the national stage. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, Blair must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret.
    When No One is Watching is both a page-turning thriller and a poignant tale of a man’s search for meaning and redemption in the face of cruel and overwhelming personal hardship. It explores the impact of guilt on the human mind and heart, and searches for inspiration and heroism in unexpected places. Among other thought-provoking questions, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

MY REVIEW
WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by Joseph Hayes

Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9843879-4-6
ISBN-10: 0-9843879-4-3
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph combines page-turning suspense with a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Wow!! Where do I start without including any spoilers? This book pulled me in as fast as the Porsche was going the night of the accident. A page turning, suspenseful book full of real life characters, some you instantly feel for, cry with, despise, empathize with, some you want to hate but can’t, and those that you cheer on. A can’t put down book that at times has you holding your breath. This would be a great pick for a book club selection as it includes some very profound discussion questions. Full of lies, secrets, integrity, forgiveness, love, and friendship. Outstanding!!

Photobucket

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
 THE ENTRY GIVEAWAY PAGE
DISCLAIMER

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners
via publisher, agent and/or author. This blog hosts
the giveaway on behalf of the above.
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.

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING" ENDED

FEBRUARY 3rd TO FEBRUARY 17th

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING
by JOSEPH HAYES
SYNOPSIS (borrowed from B&N):

  On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret and avoid an explosive scandal that could ruin him and rock the entire nation.
  In this suspenseful thriller, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

THANKS TO MEGAN AND THE GENEROUS
PEOPLE FROM PHENIX & PHENIX
Photobucket
I HAVE TWO (2 ) COPIES OF THIS
SUSPENSEFUL BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
Photobucket
*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHAT WOULD YOU
DO IF A FRIEND “FRAMED” YOU?*
Photobucket
*EXTRA ENTRIES*

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS
  BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU GRAB MY BUTTON AND
  PLACE IT ON YOUR BLOG’S SIDEBAR.

*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

Photobucket
*INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
Photobucket
*GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 17th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG
AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND WILL
AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
Photobucket
DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the
above. 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.

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed

Thursday Memes

THURSDAY

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http://btt2.wordpress.com
This week’s question::
I am paraphrasing from a friend’s Facebook wall her question:
“How would a teen-age boy who is going to work with his hands ever use Literature of England in his work?”
The age-old “How am I going to use this in real life?” question. How would you answer it?
My answer:
  Wow….This is a hard one that really has me on the fence.  My family and I have had discussions similar to this. 
  In general, one would hope that maybe later on down the road, that one of these “students” would develop a love for books and reading.  And how would this help?  It could be an opening into conversations or to become engaged in conversations for times when being newly introduced to people.
  But then on the other hand, and this is my opinion only, with the cost of higher education and text books, I feel that a college student should only take courses that are mandatory for his/her major.  All the electives are just money making for the colleges and a waste of time.  These kids come out of school with exorbitant school loans and no jobs available.  What does a finance major need with ceramics?  Or an engineering major need with, as stated Literature of England?
  Having had 2 sons that recently graduated from college, as a mother, I read to them when they were younger, bought them books, took them to the library, etc, etc,  so they have the basis.  Now it is up to them what they choose to do with it.

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Hosted by Lori from Dollycas’s Thoughts

From Lori’s site:
It struck me recently how much time I spend on this computer every day, blogging, chatting or playing games on Facebook, emailing friends and relatives, making cards and calendars, etc. etc. etc.
We depend on each other for book reviews, giveaways, encouragement, friendship, but how well do we really know each other?
So that is what this meme is all about, getting to know each other.

WEEK 23 QUESTIONS

1. What was the first job your ever had?
CNA
Back in the day, lol, I was called a Nurse’s Aide and I started working while in HS
2. What was the worst job you ever had?
I actually had 2 degrees, RN and secretarial.  I worked for a surgeon as an assistant/plus doing office type work.  Lasted one week when I realized part of the job description was that I couldn’t leave the office until he did because I had to shut off the lights as he left each room.  Creepy!!!!!!!!!
3. What is the best job you ever had?
Registered Nurse
My last job.  My boys were young and I could make my own hours.  I couldn’t work
the floors but needed to have an active license and use the knowledge that I had.  Almost like a QA of medical records.