Review Megan’s Way by Melissa Foster

CMash November 27, 2011 1 Comment

MEGAN’S WAY by Melissa Foster

Published by Outskirts Press

ISBN-10: 1432744429

ISBN-13: 978-1432744427

At the request of the author and WOW Tours, a digital edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from Amazon): What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she’ll be faced with the most difficult decision she’s ever had to make. She’ll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she’d made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia’s world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there’s nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Let me tell you right up front that I am going to have difficulty reviewing this book because of the heart wrenching premise and the moving emotions that were conveyed. Miss Foster’s writing style was flowing and allowed the characters to come to life from the very start. The friendships, so detailed and poignant yet flawed. Friendships that were so loving and loyal yet secretive with bits of betrayal. Decisions that are truly thought provoking, asking oneself “what would I do in that situation?”. This reader, as in real life, had tears of happiness and silliness but at other times sadness and grief. There is also a spiritual connection between mother and daughter. I think if you believe in an after life, Ms. Foster, describes one that is something we all hope for. An emotional block buster!! Highly Recommend!!!

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.

Book Review

Review Megan’s Way by Melissa Foster

CMash November 27, 2011 3 Comments

MEGAN’S WAY by Melissa Foster

Published by Outskirts Press

ISBN-10: 1432744429

ISBN-13: 978-1432744427

At the request of the author and WOW Tours, a digital edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from Amazon): What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she’ll be faced with the most difficult decision she’s ever had to make. She’ll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she’d made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia’s world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there’s nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Let me tell you right up front that I am going to have difficulty reviewing this book because of the heart wrenching premise and the moving emotions that were conveyed. Miss Foster’s writing style was flowing and allowed the characters to come to life from the very start. The friendships, so detailed and poignant yet flawed. Friendships that were so loving and loyal yet secretive with bits of betrayal. Decisions that are truly thought provoking, asking oneself “what would I do in that situation?”. This reader, as in real life, had tears of happiness and silliness but at other times sadness and grief. There is also a spiritual connection between mother and daughter. I think if you believe in an after life, Ms. Foster, describes one that is something we all hope for. An emotional block buster!! Highly Recommend!!!

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.

Book Review

Book Review "Any Color But Beige" by Catherine Larose

CMash November 20, 2011 Leave a Comment

ANY COLOR BUT BEIGE by Catherine Larose
Published by Friesen Press

ISBN 978-1-77067-490-5

At the request of WOW Tours, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from back of book): After years of living a beige existence, Cat Larose, international color marketing expert, finally added a little color to her own life. All it took was a Paris sunset and a little red suitcase.

Everyone wanted Cat’s life. She had a handsome husband, a stylish home and a fascinating career as an international color marketing consultant. Work took Cat to some of the world’s most beautiful cities but something was missing: ironically, it was color. One day she found herself in Paris watching a sunset and, in a moment of clarity, she caught a glimpse of her sepia-toned future.

When Cat got home, she did what she’d longed to do for years. She decided to paint her bedroom a magnificent Bordeaux red and put an end to her beige existence and her marriage. That was the beginning of a new life.

Any Color but Beige is a bright, funny, genuine account of one woman’s search for love in the deep end of the dating pool. None of the self-help books prepared Cat for the often funny, occasionally puzzling, sometimes sad but always colorful dating adventures with an international cast of frogs, princes and players. Cat makes the classic female mistake of thinking that love is a life preserver. Until one day she learns to swim.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This was a debut novel by this author so I had no preconceived thoughts as to what type of writing style, talent, interest, character relatability I was in store for. I accepted the request for a book review solely on the synopsis and premise of the book, written as a memoir, and as the synopsis states, also a “bright and funny” account of the author’s life. I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading the book and as I continued. The writing was fluid and flowed as she travels from country to country, and passes through phases of her life. There were some personal issues that I could relate to, even though, there was approximately a decade of an age difference between the author and myself.

However, and not wanting to disclose spoilers and/or nor do I consider myself a prude, the years after her divorce and once again in the “dating arena” her experiences during that time seemed to be a bit much. The underlying moral of the story, though, is true of any woman of any age and whatever stage of one’s life.

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.

Book Review

Book Review "Any Color But Beige" by Catherine Larose

CMash November 20, 2011 2 Comments

ANY COLOR BUT BEIGE by Catherine Larose
Published by Friesen Press

ISBN 978-1-77067-490-5

At the request of WOW Tours, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from back of book): After years of living a beige existence, Cat Larose, international color marketing expert, finally added a little color to her own life. All it took was a Paris sunset and a little red suitcase.

Everyone wanted Cat’s life. She had a handsome husband, a stylish home and a fascinating career as an international color marketing consultant. Work took Cat to some of the world’s most beautiful cities but something was missing: ironically, it was color. One day she found herself in Paris watching a sunset and, in a moment of clarity, she caught a glimpse of her sepia-toned future.

When Cat got home, she did what she’d longed to do for years. She decided to paint her bedroom a magnificent Bordeaux red and put an end to her beige existence and her marriage. That was the beginning of a new life.

Any Color but Beige is a bright, funny, genuine account of one woman’s search for love in the deep end of the dating pool. None of the self-help books prepared Cat for the often funny, occasionally puzzling, sometimes sad but always colorful dating adventures with an international cast of frogs, princes and players. Cat makes the classic female mistake of thinking that love is a life preserver. Until one day she learns to swim.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This was a debut novel by this author so I had no preconceived thoughts as to what type of writing style, talent, interest, character relatability I was in store for. I accepted the request for a book review solely on the synopsis and premise of the book, written as a memoir, and as the synopsis states, also a “bright and funny” account of the author’s life. I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading the book and as I continued. The writing was fluid and flowed as she travels from country to country, and passes through phases of her life. There were some personal issues that I could relate to, even though, there was approximately a decade of an age difference between the author and myself.

However, and not wanting to disclose spoilers and/or nor do I consider myself a prude, the years after her divorce and once again in the “dating arena” her experiences during that time seemed to be a bit much. The underlying moral of the story, though, is true of any woman of any age and whatever stage of one’s life.

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.

Book Review

Review "Lethal" by Sandra Brown

CMash November 11, 2011 Leave a Comment

LETHAL by Sandra Brown

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Hachette Book Group

ISBN-13: 9781455501472

ISBN: 1455501476

At the request of Grand Central Publishing, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that “sick” man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won’t be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can’t be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it — at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I have been a fan of Ms. Brown’s for many years, I would even guess since from when I was in college, so we are talking many, years. However, and I don’t know why, but it has been quite a while since I have read one of her novels. So when I saw that this book was up for review, I requested to be one of the lucky reviewers. I doubt there are many avid readers who haven’t heard of this best selling author and/or read one of her many books.

I am so glad that I did because I realized just why it was that I became a fan so many years ago. I have to start with a caveat. Ever since I started book blogging, reviewing, meeting (through emails) and speaking to authors, publishers, and publicists, I have such a different outlook when I now read a novel. Yes, it still is for pleasure, enjoyment and entertainment but I now also think about what and how the author creates the characters, premise, the written words so that the reader can create their own imagery and be transported straight into the story and not even realize what is going on around them or even how much time has passed. How the author can create a cast of characters and weaves them together where they become so life like that you feel as if you know them is pure talent and Lethal had all that and more.

Lethal was a phenomenal read!! A pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. A novel that was a non stop page turning, couldn’t put down, white knuckle read. This reader will not be letting so much time pass in between Sandra Brown books again because I definitely was the one missing out on some great reading.

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.

Book Review

Review "Lethal" by Sandra Brown

CMash November 11, 2011 3 Comments

LETHAL by Sandra Brown

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Hachette Book Group

ISBN-13: 9781455501472

ISBN: 1455501476

At the request of Grand Central Publishing, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that “sick” man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won’t be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can’t be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it — at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I have been a fan of Ms. Brown’s for many years, I would even guess since from when I was in college, so we are talking many, years. However, and I don’t know why, but it has been quite a while since I have read one of her novels. So when I saw that this book was up for review, I requested to be one of the lucky reviewers. I doubt there are many avid readers who haven’t heard of this best selling author and/or read one of her many books.

I am so glad that I did because I realized just why it was that I became a fan so many years ago. I have to start with a caveat. Ever since I started book blogging, reviewing, meeting (through emails) and speaking to authors, publishers, and publicists, I have such a different outlook when I now read a novel. Yes, it still is for pleasure, enjoyment and entertainment but I now also think about what and how the author creates the characters, premise, the written words so that the reader can create their own imagery and be transported straight into the story and not even realize what is going on around them or even how much time has passed. How the author can create a cast of characters and weaves them together where they become so life like that you feel as if you know them is pure talent and Lethal had all that and more.

Lethal was a phenomenal read!! A pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. A novel that was a non stop page turning, couldn’t put down, white knuckle read. This reader will not be letting so much time pass in between Sandra Brown books again because I definitely was the one missing out on some great reading.

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.

Book Review

Review "Digital Photography" by Henry Horenstein

CMash November 10, 2011 Leave a Comment

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY by Henry Horenstein

Published by Little Brown and Company

Hachette Book Group

ISBN: 978-0-316-02074-9

At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a TPB was sent at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: This thorough, concise, and easy-to-use guide to capturing digital photographs provides an entire step-by-step course for budding digital photographers. All concepts are fully illustrated with sample work by internationally renowned professionals, representing editorial work, photojournalism, and everything in between. Topics covered include essential information for both film and digital photography, such as exposure controls and shutter speed, as well as digital-specific information on image editing, printing methods, and even file storage. The first digital textbook by legendary photography teacher Henry Horenstein, Digital Photography is the best guide yet for aspiring digital photographers, essential both for photographers transitioning from film to digital and those learning the art of photography for the first time.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I feel that this review needs to start with a few caveats. I know very little about cameras. I sometimes even forget to take it with us to special events, and then even if I do take it, we hardly use it. Why? The pictures do not turn out that great. They are out of focus, off center, fuzzy, etc etc. That’s why I so enjoyed this book. It was a how to for those, like me, that know very little and also for those who are more experienced using different lenses and lighting. How to deal with the dreaded red eye to back lighting. How to copy your pictures to your computer to light meters and shutter speed.

In my opinion, the best way I can describe this book is to compare it to a cook book. There are many “recipes” or in this book, “instructional guides”. You can read it either at the stage of a photographer you are at, a how to, a trouble shooting issue, or like me, who knows very little, where to start. The photographs in the book are beautiful. Now with this manual, I plan on taking my camera wherever I go, and practice taking pictures and hopefully share some with you.

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE AMAZING

PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE TWO (2) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

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.

Book Review

Review "Digital Photography" by Henry Horenstein

CMash November 10, 2011 1 Comment

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY by Henry Horenstein

Published by Little Brown and Company

Hachette Book Group

ISBN: 978-0-316-02074-9

At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a TPB was sent at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: This thorough, concise, and easy-to-use guide to capturing digital photographs provides an entire step-by-step course for budding digital photographers. All concepts are fully illustrated with sample work by internationally renowned professionals, representing editorial work, photojournalism, and everything in between. Topics covered include essential information for both film and digital photography, such as exposure controls and shutter speed, as well as digital-specific information on image editing, printing methods, and even file storage. The first digital textbook by legendary photography teacher Henry Horenstein, Digital Photography is the best guide yet for aspiring digital photographers, essential both for photographers transitioning from film to digital and those learning the art of photography for the first time.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I feel that this review needs to start with a few caveats. I know very little about cameras. I sometimes even forget to take it with us to special events, and then even if I do take it, we hardly use it. Why? The pictures do not turn out that great. They are out of focus, off center, fuzzy, etc etc. That’s why I so enjoyed this book. It was a how to for those, like me, that know very little and also for those who are more experienced using different lenses and lighting. How to deal with the dreaded red eye to back lighting. How to copy your pictures to your computer to light meters and shutter speed.

In my opinion, the best way I can describe this book is to compare it to a cook book. There are many “recipes” or in this book, “instructional guides”. You can read it either at the stage of a photographer you are at, a how to, a trouble shooting issue, or like me, who knows very little, where to start. The photographs in the book are beautiful. Now with this manual, I plan on taking my camera wherever I go, and practice taking pictures and hopefully share some with you.

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE AMAZING

PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE TWO (2) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

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.