Guest Author Melissa Foster

CMash January 10, 2012 Leave a Comment

Today’s guest is more like family. She has visited many times, not only here but all over bloggy land. I think that’s one of the reasons, beside her writing and books, that I most admire about her. The fact that she is so accessible, loves and appreciates her readers, has an unending abundance of energy, is a genuine, caring person with a huge heart. So grab a seat, something to drink and eat, and let’s have a book get together with Melissa Foster!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Foster is the bestselling, award-winning author of three novels, Megan’s Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, and anthology. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the WoMen’s Literary Cafe, a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan’s Way, and hard at work on her next novel.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she’s written for Calgary’s Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest or her personal website.

Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. A portion of every book sold is donated to Provincetown Cares.

Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
You can visit Melissa at the following sites: website, Facebook, Twitter, The Women’s Nest. WoMen’s Literary Cafe.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

See my review here.

Watch the trailer:

Read my review for Megans’ Way here.

Awards received for her previous books:
Awards:
Megan’s Way
2011 Beach Book Award Winner (Spirituality)
2011 Readers Favorite Awards, Winner (Fiction/Drama), Finalist (Women’s Fiction)
2010 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist (Spirituality)
Chasing Amanda
2011 Readers Favorite Awards, Winner (Paranormal), Finalist, (Women’s Fiction, Mystery)
2011 Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards, Winner, (Paranormal)

THANKS TO AUTHOR, MELISSA FOSTER,
I HAVE TWO (2) EBOOK EDITIONS TO GIFT AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIFTAWAY 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.

Guest Author

Guest Author Vincent Zandri

CMash December 25, 2011 1 Comment

Happy Holidays!! If you follow my blog, you know that Vincent Zandri took 1st place on my list of authors when I read his book Moonlight Falls back in May 2010. I have since read every one of his books and have not been disappointed. What I also respect about him is this, he is accessible to his many readers and fans and genuinely appreciates the fact that we enjoy his work. He has been a visitor here at CMash many times, as a Guest Author and one day in 2010, a real time “Sunday With Vince Zandri” answering questions and responding to comments. Today he is back to tell us about his stand alone novel Scream Catcher. Merry Christmas Vin and Welcome Back !!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling Amazon Kindle author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL and the forthcoming MOONLIGHT RISES. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as “…gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting,” while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, “Sensational…Masterful…Brilliant!” In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Books editions of his novels, and is rapidly closing in on the 200K mark all totaled. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri’s work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.

You can visit his website
Connect with Vincent on Twitter, on Facebook and Myspace

Read my reviews of his other books:

Concrete Pearl

Pathological
Godchild
The Remains
The Innocent

MY REVIEW:

SCREAM CATCHER by Vincent Zandri

Published by StoneGate Ink

ISBN:

At the request of the author, an EPub galley was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from author): Life is but a scream. Then you die.

Jude Parish was once a tough cop. But now he is afraid. For reasons even he can’t begin to fathom, the former violent crimes cop turned bestselling true crime author has acquired a fear-filled demon that’s lodged itself inside him. A demon so real, so visceral, he can only imagine a slimy reptilian beast with scaly gray skin, black eyes, and razor-sharp fangs having taken up residence inside the place where his once confident and fearless soul resided.

Now, in the wake of his literary success, the ever anxious Jude is hoping to lead a quiet, peaceful life in the idyllic Adirondack vacation town of Lake George, New York with his new pregnant wife, Rosie, and Jack, his young son from a previous marriage. But when Jude becomes the accidental witness to a bizarre “kill game” in which the killer, video game designer and master of disguise, Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox, insists on recording the screams of his victims prior to shooting them dead, the ex-cop’s life is turned upside down.
When Lennox is arrested by the L.G.P.D. and Jude is asked to act as the state’s “star witness,” he has no choice but to fight his demon-fear and take on the role. But what he doesn’t realize at the time is that the killer’s arrest is actually the first chapter in what is a carefully designed and scripted kill game that will involve Jude’s entire family.
How will the kill game end?
It will end not with a whimper, but a scream.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Where do I begin? I’m thinking that I should apologize in advance as this is not going to be like my typical reviews where I attempt to make them short, concise, and to the point but this book has me reeling. It all started in May of 2010 when I read a debut novel, Moonlight Falls, by an unknown author to me, Vincent Zandri and I was hooked. Since that time I have read every one of his books and he doesn’t disappoint.
If you are a reader of mystery’s, thrillers, non stop action filled novels, this my friends is the book you NEED to read!!! Vinzent Zandri hasIT!!! Vincent Zandri is IT!!! Vincent Zandri is brillIanT!!! Just when you thought he reached the pinnacle in writing, he has found a higher mountain!!! He has raised the bar with Scream Catcher!! My heart was pounding at warp speed!!! This novel is a page turning, can’t put down novel.
Fantastic!!!! Zandri is a genius at story telling. Why does this book have me reeling? His inventiveness of writing style. I noticed a deviation immediately. It has the classic Zandri flair, short chapters, cliff hanging chapters, twists and turns, non stop action and page turning suspense. However, this had more drama, less quirky, quip dialogue and more of a psychological thriller plot. Masterful!!!!
As I mentioned that I have read every one of his books, and noticed a different writing style, I am thinking that Zandri will keep producing unique novels that will keep readers wanting more and and enjoying each and every one. Exceptional!!! His creative talent is phenomenal!!! Vincent Zandri and Scream Catcher are Champions!!!!

THANKS TO AUTHOR, VINCENT ZANDRI,

I HAVE ONE (1) EBOOK EDITION TO GIVE AWAY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE

Watch the trailer:

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.

Guest Author

Guest Author Debra Stang

CMash December 22, 2011 1 Comment

Jodi and Robyn, those amazing ladies from WOW, have done it again. They are stopping by with another incredible female author. I have the honor today to introduce you to Ms. Debra Stang!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In addition to her parents and two sister, Debra’s family includes four cats. The current crew includes a grouchy nine-year-old named Achilles; and orange tabby and alpha male named, appropriately enough, Alexander; and a black and white long-haired cat with attitude named Leroux. Then there’s the foster cat named Pumpkin. Of course, it all started with a three-month-old brown-and-gray tabby named Calypso who had strong feelings about most people. And not warm fuzzy feelings. Calypso even had the dubious honor of being banned by not one, but two vets.

When not caring for cats or writing, Debra spent many years as a social worker. She worked with AIDS patients, emergency room patients, and those with Alzheimer’s. Her final years as a social worker were spent with hospice patients. Although some would view that as a depressing job, Debra chose to view herself as a catalyst helping people make their final hopes and dreams come true. Sometimes it was making up with a family member after a decades long feud or leaving behind the stress of the office to reconnect with another aspect of their personality.

Debra took a clue from her patients and recently decided her writing–for years a part-time career–couldn’t wait any longer. Worried she would become one of those people who would one day say, “I wish I had…” she handed in her resignation and is now living her dream as a full time writer.
You can visit Debra at her website or blog

GUEST POST

Is ItAlzheimer’s or Is It Dementia? Probably, It’s Both

By Debra L.Stang (author of HOSPICE TAILS)

Ispent four years of my social work career working in a facility for people withAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias. During that time, I ran into a lotof confusion about the condition. Many family members would say things to melike, “Mom doesn’t have Alzheimer’s; she just has a touch of dementia,” or “Daddoes not have dementia—the doctor said it was Alzheimer’s.”

Iunderstand that words like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are bone-chillingto many family members. If it’s easier for them to use one term or the other,that’s not a problem. But for people who are genuinely confused, this articleexplains why Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably.

First,let’s start with a quick definition. Dementia is a cluster of cognitivesymptoms including short and/or long term memory loss, impaired judgment anddecision making, difficulty understanding and completing simple tasks, andconfusion in time and space. In its later stages, it may also affect a person’sability to speak and understand speech.

Agreat many conditions can cause dementia. Some, such as medication sideeffects, depression, poor diet, or acute infections are reversible. Others,like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Pick’sdisease are not reversible or curable.

Alzheimer’sdisease is the most common cause of dementia symptoms, accounting for abouthalf of all diagnosed cases with dementia. It is a disorder which causesprotein deposits or neurofibrillary tangles and plaques to form in the brain,permanently and progressively destroying brain tissue. Alzheimer’s disease isnot curable, but there are certain medications that can slow its progression.

Oneof the reasons Alzheimer’s disease is such a hard diagnosis for patients andfamilies to swallow is that there is no definitive way to test for it. It canonly be confirmed through a brain biopsy which takes place after the patient hasdied. It is often called a “rule out” diagnosis, because once other testablecauses of dementia have been ruled out, Alzheimer’s disease is the most likelyculprit.

Alzheimer’sis a diagnosis no doctor likes to give, and it is certainly one that no patientor family member wants to hear. Early diagnosis is important, however, forseveral reasons. First, it gives the person with Alzheimer’s and his or herfamily time to put plans such as a medical and/or financial durable power ofattorney in place. Second, it gives the patient and family time to learn aboutAlzheimer’s and to try various treatments that might slow disease progression.Finally, understanding that the person with Alzheimer’s is truly ill, and notjust deliberately behaving in ways that are annoying, can help family membersrespond with caring and compassion.

Ifyou or a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, I am trulysorry. I know you are on a difficult path. Please know, however, that whileAlzheimer’s can steal memories, it cannot take away tiny pleasures like thesmell of a favorite meal cooking, the touch of a loved one’s hand, or the warmbelly of a sleepy puppy. True, these moments will be forgotten, but when theyoccur, they are precious and should be savored for the gifts that they are. Iwish you all the joy and peace in the world during this holiday season.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hospice Tails shares the stories ofthose without voices. This books tells the stories of fourteen pets and the rolethey played when their loved one was ill or dying. The stories range from sadto touching to downright hysterical. There was King, who had the hospice nurses very nervous.Until they realized he was a lap dog in a pit bull’s body. Jasper and Jackie,Amazon parrots who put on a daily concert for their owner, even on the last dayof his life. As an Alzheimer’s patient’s world shrunk Washington, a goldenretriever, became the only “person” he recognized. This book is ideal for animal lovers as well asthose who are caretakers—either as a profession or for a loved one.
See my review below.

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.

Guest Author

Guest Author Larry Kahn

CMash December 19, 2011 2 Comments

It’s been approximately 2 years now that I have been part of this wonderful community of book blogging and I can honestly say that I still enjoy it as much as I did when I first started. I can also say that when an author contacts me, I am still amazed an honored. As I am with today’s guest. I don’t even know where to begin because he is throwing a party to launch his newest book. So let’s get started!!! Please help me welcome Mr. Larry Kahn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Larry Kahn, the author of The Jinx andKing of Paine, successfullynegotiated the fast-paced world of domestic and international mergers andacquisitions for twenty years, first at a major New York law firm and then atan Atlanta Fortune 500 company. He penned TheJinx while on sabbatical in 1999 and is now devoted to writing fiction fulltime. Many of his more cynical legal clients and associates have accused him ofwriting fiction full time for many years. He resides in Atlanta with hisfamily.
Larry developed a keen interest in social issues while attending Yale LawSchool, an idealistic spirit that continues to spice his novels. The vision ofa colorblind America in his political thriller The Jinx led to endorsements by leaders of the ACLU, National UrbanLeague and Artists Against Racism. And as the Baby Boomer generation scattersabout the country, King of Paine envisionsa renewed emphasis on family and tradition in which Americans create for theirvenerable elders, and ultimately themselves, a peaceful place to die.
You can visit Larry at the following places: website, Facebook, GoodReads, Twitter

GUEST POST

My Inspiration For King of Paine

I’m often asked about my inspiration for King of Paine because the story melds two wildly different story lines. In one, Special Agent Frank Paine hunts an online stalker who’s taunting him with crimes hinting at the agent’s own kinky past. At the same time, reporter Roger Martin is guided by an angelic woman to investigate missing senior citizens across the country. Naturally, the two plot lines connect in a shocking way.

Many authors look to their characters for inspiration; I tend to become intrigued by a plot point or theme first and then build characters around that. Given King of Paine’s split personality, it’s not surprising that it was inspired by two distinct ideas.

After receiving nice feedback about the sex scenes in The Jinx, my mind was predisposed to pursuing an erotic theme in the next book, and a case study in Psychology Today piqued that interest. The details escape me, but my recollection is that a woman had met a man in an online sex chat room and, after establishing a relationship, agreed to reenact a bondage fantasy in a live meeting. During the encounter she attempted to withdraw consent. The article examined the effectiveness of prior consent as a legal defense when the ability to withdraw it is impaired.

That case study led me to build a plot line around the world of online BDSM chat and the mix of ordinary people and devious predators who inhabit it. Even the wary may find it impossible to distinguish an innocent geek exploring his or her dark fantasies from a warped freak intent on doing harm. It made me wonder where that line could be drawn, and Frank Paine navigates that issue as he sorts victims from suspects.

My second inspiration derived from musings about personal accountability of the terminally ill. It’s natural to have a violent urge from time to time, but fear of God or imprisonment prevents most of us from acting on it. I questioned what moral forces would keep a desperate patient in check when the law and religion were less motivating. Consider this snippet from a conversation between Frank Paine and his FBI colleague, the cyber agent Jeronimo Reyes:

Jero sipped his coffee, contemplating his response. “I think we rely upon the good faith of strangers for our survival every day. I’m less comfortable when strangers don’t believe in the salvation of their soul, and the law fails to act as a backstop. And, for all the wonderful things people say about Simone Perlow, until we have the chance to interview her, she’s still a stranger to me—as is your new girlfriend, by the way.”

Several characters stricken with cancer figure prominently in the story, including Simone Perlow, the co-founder of an organization called Doctors With Cancer. This gave me an opportunity to experiment with how different people react to the same stressors. An FBI profiler can analyze a crime and predict with some statistical accuracy many of the demographic and psychological qualities of the perpetrator. When faced with a stressful change in life like loss of health, employment, or a loved one, some people snap.

Yet the predictive quality of these triggers runs only one way. No profiler can foretell how any particular person will react. Like my characters in King of Paine, some snap, others take courageous action. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

I’ll be responding to your questions tomorrow on my Goodreads Q&A, live from 1PM to 2PM and from 7PM to 8PM (you can leave questions any time). On Wednesday, Natalie at Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews will wrap up the tour with a review, author interview, and book giveaway. Don’t forget to submit your entry for theKing of Paine Kindle Giveaway Contest by midnight on Wednesday. Good luck and my sincere thanks for your interest and support! The warmth with which I have been embraced by my tour hosts and readers inspires me.

King of Paine Kindle Giveaway Contest Details

King of Paine KindleGiveaway Contest: Thriller/suspense author Larry Kahn recently announcedthe King of Paine Kindle GiveawayContest to celebrate the launch of his second novel. The contest will runthrough the end of the author’s blog tour on December 21st. No purchaseis required, but you can improve your chances of winning a new Kindle Touch 3Gand other prizes by helping Larry promote King of Paine as explained in the contest details on his website.

Eligibility: The drawing for the grand prize will belimited to residents of the US and Canada, but there are no restrictions on eligibilityfor other prizes. No Purchase Necessary.
Dates: All entries must be submitted on the official entryform by 11:59pm Eastern Time on December 21, 2011.
Selection of Winners: On December 22, 2011, the author willuse an online random number generator to select prize winners from amongall valid entries. Prior to selection, each participant will be assigned onechance simply for entering the contest plus additional chances for helping topromote Kingof Paine as follows:

BUY a copy of King of Paine–25 chances for each copy.

REVIEW King of Paineand post it on any popular book website, your blog, or social media—10 chancesfor each site (up to 10 sites).

BLOG about King of Paine(including hosting a guest post or interview) and/or this contest and link to Larry’swebsite—25 chances.

SHARE the contest announcement (or Larry’s Kingof Paine post) on Facebook and Twitter–10 chances each.

ASK a question on Larry’s GoodreadsQ&A–10 chances.

COMMENT about King of Paineon Larry’s website or a blog on the King of Paine Blog Tour—5chances for each blog (one comment per blog).

JOIN Larry’s website using Google Friend Connect–5 chances.

SUBSCRIBE to Larry’s newsletter–5 chances.

LIKE/FOLLOW Larry on social media—5 chances each.

ABOUT THE BOOK

: King of Paine is a sexy,fast-paced suspense novel filled with characters whograpple with a range of intriguing end-of-life issues while everything theycare about is at stake. The story follows two investigations, SpecialAgent Frank Paine’s pursuit of a stalker commiting a series of kinky Internetcrimes and a reporter tracking the disappearance of wealthy senior citizensacross the nation. Both paths lead to a hidden enclave where a brilliantbiochemist harbors a deadly secret. Somebody is going to die there, and it may beFrank Paine’s soulmate. Or him.

Adesperate patient. A rumored cure. How far would you go to find the fountain ofyouth?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/King-of-Paine-ebook/dp/B005E1K0QO
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/king-of-paine-larry-kahn/1032042906
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72217

THANKS TO AUTHOR, LARRY KAHN,

I HAVE ONE (1) AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF

THIS FAST PACED SUSPENSE TO GIVE AWAY.

*OPEN TO ALL*

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com,

Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale

outlets either online and/or elsewhere.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

Book Review, Guest Author

Guest Author and Review A Whisper To A Scream by Karen Wojcik Berner

CMash December 16, 2011 1 Comment

I know I keep repeating myself, but it’s true, those ladies over at WOW, truly have been introducing me, and I hope you too, to some very talented authors. Today’s guest is a prime example. You will understand when you read my review later in this posting, but first, please help me welcome our guest today so we can get to know her a little bit better because you will want to keep her on your radar. Welcome Ms. Karen Wojcik Berner!!!!!

KAREN WOJCIK BERNER

Karen Wojcik Berner lives a provincial life tucked away with her family in the Chicago suburbs. If it was good enough for Jane Austen, right? However, dear Miss Austen had the good fortune of being born amid the glorious English countryside, something Karen unabashedly covets, so much so that she majored in English and communications at Dominican University. Like the magnificent Miss Austen, Karen could not help but write about the Society that surrounds her.

A booklover since she could hold one in her chubby little toddler hands, Karen wanted to announce to the world just how much she loves the written word. She considered getting a bibliophile tattoo but instead decided to write about the lives of the members of a suburban Classics Book Club. The series is called, of course, The Bibliophiles.”) When she isn’t reading, writing, or spending her time wishing she was Jane Austen, Karen spends her time can be found sipping tea or wine, whichever is more appropriate that day, and watching Tim Burton movies or “Chopped,” her favorite foodie TV show.

Karen Berners website:

http://www.karenberner.com/index.html

GUEST POST

Five Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

By Karen Wojcik Berner

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest post on your blog. Iam very excited to be here.

Are you feeling it yet? That terrible gnawing in the pit of yourstomach, the fluttery anxiety only the holidays can bring?

This is supposed to be fun, right?

In my novel, A Whisper to aScream (The Bibliophiles: Book One), overwhelmed stay-at-home mother SarahAnderson dreams of orchestrating an elaborate Christmas Day, complete with acrown roast of pork, her husband playing carols on the piano he has not touchedsince 1985, and her two-year-old uttering “God bless us, everyone,” even ifAlex can barely say his own name yet. Then, her older son comes down with a102°F and a bronchial infection on the night of December 22.

We have all been there. The expectations. The demands. Theconstant running around like chickens with our heads cut off.

Over the years, I have learned a few tricks I would like to sharewith you today, coping mechanisms, if you will, to aid in making the holidays alittle more enjoyable.

1. Makea list.

I cannot do anything without a list. Writing one whittles downthe seemingly humungous tasks ahead into manageable, daily accomplishments.Remember not to make your list unrealistically large, or you will add morestress, rather than alleviate it.

2. Forgetabout perfect.

Believe me, I tried for years to create the perfect holiday.There is no such thing. Your relatives will not notice if the glassware in thechina cabinet sparkles. If it doesn’t have a one-inch layer of dust, it is goodenough.

You can create a delicious dinner without making everything fromscratch. That’s what Whole Foods is for. Make the dishes you enjoy cooking andbuy the rest.

3. Askyour family for help.

Now is not the time for martyrdom. While you set the table, askyour husband and kids to clean the house. Even the youngest of children candust, and you will be teaching one of the most valuable life lessons — Mom isnot the maid. Everyone is responsible for helping out around the house.

4. Getout of the mall.

I get a headache and an urgent need to flee after I have been ina mall for longer than two hours. Must be all that canned air. Get out of thereand shop on a real street in your closest city or downtown. Grab a yourfavorite hot holiday beverage. Hum a seasonal tune. It just feels more festive.

5. Maketime for fun.

Whether it is a few minutes of quiet for yourself to read orfamily time playing games together, make sure to schedule things you enjoy.Life is too short to mire yourself in drudgery. You do not have to do the samething every year all in the name of tradition. Mix it up a bit.

Happy Holidays!

MY REVIEW

A WHISPER TO A SCREAM by Karen Wojcik Berner

Published by CreateSpace

ISBN-10: 145659365X
ISBN-13: 978-1456593650

Genre: Women’s Fiction

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

Synopsis (from WOW tours): Annie Jacobs has dreamed of the day she would become a mother since the first time she held her Baby Tenderlove doll. Unfortunately, biology has not cooperated with her plan, and she finds herself dealing with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility instead of picking out baby names.
Across town, stay-at-home mom Sarah Anderson is just trying to make it through the grocery store without her toddler hurling a box of rice at a fellow shopper. She is exhausted from managing the house, a first grader and a toddler, all without any help from her work-obsessed, absentee husband.
A Whisper to a Scream is the story of two women on opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. A vivid portrayal of contemporary marriage and its problems, the novel speaks to a longing in all of us, a yearning that might start as a vague notion, but eventually grows into an unbearable, vociferous cry.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I apologize in advance because I feel I need to start this review off with a caveat. I received this request during the period of my tornado of personal issues. I vaguely remember reading the synopsis, accepted to be a part of the tour but explained that I was not sure when I would be able to read and review the book. I was also told that this was the 1st book of what was going to be a series. When things settled down a bit, I picked up my Kindle, not remembering the premise of the book (one of the negatives of the Kindle-no back cover to read), but the title grabbed me thinking it was going to be a good suspense.

I was wrong. However, what pulled me in were the characters. Sarah and Annie, the 2 main women that the story revolved around became life like from the start. The author’s description of their lives, their emotions, their families was written in such a style that this reader could actually empathize with some of their situations. I also liked and thought was a plus, especially from an avid book reader’s opinion, was what and how brought these 2 ladies, from different backgrounds, 2 total strangers together and that it was a Book Club. This is the type of book where you get so engrossed with the characters’ lives that you feel you become part of “the friendship”. It was not a mystery, but the story held me captive due to circumstances in Annie and Sarah’s lives and I needed to know what the outcome would be. I truly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next in this series.

Just Thought You Should Know:

A Whisper to a Scream is Book One of a series called The Bibliophiles. The second book in the series will be released in February 2012. Stay tuned!

THANKS TO AUTHOR, KAREN WOJCIK BERNER, AND THE LADIES

AT WOW, I HAVE ONE (1) COPY 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.

Guest Author

Guest Author Iris Blobel

CMash December 13, 2011 4 Comments

I recently received an email from an author asking if I would read and review her latest novel. Even though I am quite behind, I said yes because I remember reading her previous novel Sweet Dreams, Miss England and thoroughly enjoying it. I invited her to stop by today, to visit and tell us about her newest book. So I ask that you help me welcome back, Iris Blobel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she actually had met her future husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only recently emerged, but now her laptop is a constant companion.

Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her beautiful two daughters as well as her two dogs. She works at private school in town, but also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.You can visit Iris at her website or Facebook.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hollie Anderson is in her mid-twenties and living with her father, Murray, on a farm just outside Launceston in Tasmania. Her mother died at childbirth and Murray raised his daughter on his own. According to his own wordshe’s done a bloody good job with it, too. Hollie has got the looks, she likes her job at a local newspaper and loves the company of her friends, who go way back to school days. Two of those are Alex and Davo … she should be happy, right?

But lately Hollie’s dreams are literally keeping her from more than just having a decent sleep.

She enjoys life and her best friend Alex is a big part of it. They are a close team and usually hang out together most weekends. During one of their nights out, Hollie meets Jeremy who has just moved into town. Jeremy seems to have everything a woman would like in a man, the looks, the money, the good job – and he knows it, too. Their relationship blossoms over the summer, but Jeremy knows that Hollie won’t fully commit to their new relationship until she makes sense of her dreams and what they stand for. So with the help from Alex and Davo, Jeremy organises a surprise birthday present which takes Hollie to Dublin … but what she discovers is so much more.

Sam Shaughnessy lives in Dublin, Ireland husband Padraic. Like Hollie, she works in advertising, though she is the Head of Advertising. She seems to have it all – a successful career, gorgeous looking husband, good looks and money. But her life appears to crumble from underneath her and it’s when she meets Hollie and Davo that life all of a sudden takes a different turn. Sam as well will find more than she initially had looked for.
Watch for my review in the coming weeks.
Links to purchase:
“Sweet Dreams, Miss England”
“Journey to her Dreams”

THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF IRIS BLOBEL,

I HAVE TWO (2) EBOOK EDITIONS 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.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com,

Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale

outlets either online and/or elsewhere.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

Guest Author

Guest Author Lesley Kagen

CMash December 9, 2011 1 Comment

How I wish that genies in bottles were real and I would come across one, don’t you? I know one of my wishes would be to have the ability to read every single book I wanted to, including the one written by today’s guest. But, unfortunately, that isn’t the case. However, Nicole from Tribute Books, is stopping by today to introduce us to this author and I have already put her book on my tbr list. Please help me welcome Ms. Lesley Kagen!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born in Milwaukee and spent my early years in a great working class neighborhood, much like the one whereWhistling in the Dark and Good Graces are set.

I attended Marquette University for one year, fell in love, and followed my boyfriend to New York City. I lasted about six months. I was so intimidated, I spent most of my time running from my apartment to the grocery store and back to my apartment, which was located above a 24 Hour Soul Record Store. Hence, I have the dubious ability to recite every lyric to every James Brown tune ever recorded.

After returning to Milwaukee, I enrolled in the University of Wisconsin where I majored in Radio and Television. I fell into a job as a morning drive DJ on one of the country’s first alternative radio stations—WZMF. I got to interview lots of very cool rock n’ rollers like Frank Zappa, Hendrix and John Lennon.

In 1976, I moved to Los Angeles, where I began a ten year career working for Licorice Pizza record chain where I produced, wrote and voiced thousands of commercials as Lesley from Licorice Pizza. When I set out to expand my career, I ended up doing on-camera commercials, a couple of Movies-Of-The-Week, and a Laverne and Shirley.

I met my husband, Peter aka Sushi Man, in Malibu, which is pretty funny considering he was from Milwaukee as well. While we both loved living in California, after the birth of our kids, Casey and Riley, we felt this overwhelming need to return to the roost, so we moved back home in 1990.

Well, that’s about it. Oh, wait. The writing. I adore it. I crave it. But it wasn’t until Casey went off to college, and teenage Riley made it clear that any form of communication between us was to be restricted to—”With or without pepperoni”—that I found the opportunity to sit down and let ‘er rip. I hope you love reading Whistling in the Dark, Land of a Hundred Wonders, Tomorrow River and Good Graces as much as I loved writing them.

You can visit Lesley at her website, Facebook, Book Blogs Tour, and Good Graces blog.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Q. Tell us a little about Good Graces.

A. It’s the story of two young sisters, Sally and Troo O’ Malley, set during the summer of 1960 on the west side of Milwaukee. It’s a sequel to my first novel, Whistling in the Dark.

Q. Was it tough to write a sequel to such a popular book?

A. I was scared to death, but once the ball got rolling it was wonderful to be back in Milwaukee. My previous two books were set in the South, so it was relief to be back home.

Q. Back home? Are you from Milwaukee?

A. I was born and raised there in a blue collar neighborhood much like the one where the stories are set. I moved to New York for awhile, and then lived in LA for fifteen years, and moved back home after I had my children. I wanted them to have the same kind of childhood I had. (I live in a small town outside of Milwaukee now. I’m a nature girl at heart.)

Q. How do you get your ideas for a story?

A. Location is important to me. I’ll get an idea, a feeling, really, where I’d like to spend the year or so that it might take to write a book. Once I feel firmly ensconced in the setting, my characters start appearing. I don’t outline, or have any idea generally what a story is going to be about. I trust the process and let ‘er rip.

Q. Have you ever had writer’s block?

A. My problem is that I have too many ideas and don’t know which to listen to. I think writer’s get blocked when they think too much about a story. You have to allow it to develop. To stand back and let it take charge. When you try to interfer with the creative process, you’re just asking for trouble.

Q. Anyone else in your family write?

A. My son has the talent, but he hasn’t tapped it yet. And my daughter and husband are fantastic editors. Especially my daughter who is an attorney. Her mind is so different than mine. She can spot problems in a manuscript sooner than I can, and is not shy about offering suggestions.

Q.What do you like most about being a writer?

A. Beside working in my pajamas? I love discovering every morning what turns the story will take.

Q. What do you like most about being an author?

A. It means a lot to me when readers send me an email or bump into me at an event and tell me how much they enjoyed a story. And book clubs. They’re fantastic. Writing is such solitary work. I often spend more time with my characters than real people. Getting out and talking to book clubbers is refreshing. Fun! And they have the best baked treats!

Q. Is there anything you don’t like about being published?

A. Bad reviews aren’t much fun. Every author gets them. It’s part of the job.

Q. How do you handle them?

A. I try not to read reviews Good or bad. Books are a buffet. Some diners are going to love Crab Rangoon, some not. It’s often just a matter of taste.

Q. Anything you’d like to add?

A. Happy Holdiays to one and all. Wishing you the best New Year ever!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lesley Kagen returns with the sequel to her national bestselling debut, Whistling in the Dark.

Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O’Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee’s summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it’s one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O’Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer. Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally’s confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood-a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo-Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can’t break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

Lesley Kagen’s gift for imbuing her child narrators with compelling authenticity shines as never before in Good Graces, a novel told with sensitivity, wit, and warmth.

Book Details
Hardcover
Price: $25.95
ISBN: 9780525952381
Pages: 352
Release: September 2011

Amazon buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525952381/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes&Noble.com buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=229293.9780525952381&type=2&subid=0

IndieBound buy link
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780525952381

Books-A-Million buy link
http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780525952381?id=5003903803737

eBookPrice: $12.99

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DIAUA4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-graces-lesley-kagen/1100483667?ean=9781101549063&itm=1&usri=good%2bgraces

YouTube author interview video HTML embed code<iframe src=“http://www.youtube.com/embed/KMdfe-blKk0?rel=0” allowfullscreen=”” width=”375″ frameborder=”0″ height=”220″></iframe>

DISCLAIMER

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com,

Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale

outlets either online and/or elsewhere.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

Guest Author

Guest Author Catherine Larose

CMash December 6, 2011 4 Comments

Today the ladies of WOW Tours are stopping by, and once again, introducing us to one amazing woman. A world traveler and now an author. Since I did read her book, I can say, it may be her debut book, but put her on your radar because I doubt this will be her only novel. Sp please help me welcome Cat Larose and the ladies of WOW!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine is one part hot blooded Latin and one part wild eyed Celt. Shes the oldest of seven children raised in a large Irish/Italian family Catholic, of course. But family and friends think of her as the gypsy. Shes spent her life studying, living, and working all over the place. Cat is forever destined to wander incessantly as a person currently without country(CWC), or with no fixed address(NFA). Blessing or curse? Grandma V had her pegged long before she ever left Clevleand, Ohio when she gave her red-headed Italian granddaughter this advice , All you need is a place to hang your hat.

As she was traveling the world, Cat managed to acquire a husband. A rather beige husband. Not a good match considering the fact that Cat sells color for a living. What does that mean? When you go to a home improvement store and to choose a paint color, those little color chips are made by Cats company. They produce color chips for the automotive industry, cosmetic industry and of course your local Home Depot. While in Paris on business, Cat decided that life was too short to be beige. Her memoir is a record of her escape from the beige tinge of her marriage to the wild colors of singlehood.

You can visit Catherine at her website here .

GUEST POST

AnyColor but Beige: Living Life in Color

By Catherine Larose

In her memoir, Any Color but Beige: Living Life in Color, author and colormarketer Cat Larose finally comes to the realization that the picture-perfectlife she created was missing something essential – color. Once she identified what was wrong, Cat foundhappiness by living life in color. Use the quiz below to determine if you needto add more color to your life.

Start by answering“yes” or “no” for each question.

1. Can youname the last time you felt a rush of happiness?

2. Do you liketo try new things?

3. Is there atleast one person, place or activity you are passionate about?

4. Do youindulge in that passion often?

5. Can youlaugh at yourself?

6. Do you havea short bucket list?

7. Have youdone something spontaneous in the last week?

8. Have youlaughed or shared a laugh in the last day?

9. Do yousmile for no reason?

10. Do you havea curious mind and an open spirit?

11. Do you makeyourself a priority?

12. Do you knowyour favorite color and indulge in it?

13. Do youenjoy your own company?

14. Do youtreat yourself to little (or big) things on occasion?

15. Do you haveone true friend you can turn to in joy or despair?

16. Do younurture your spiritual side?

17. Do you giveback, even in just a small way?

18. Do you livein the moment?

19. Are you awork in progress, learning and growing with every experience?

20. Do you have a personal mantra, motto orspecial book or song that defines you?

Scoring

For each “yes” response, give yourself five points. For each “no” response, subtract one point. Add up the points to reveal your color score.

Color Lost: less than 25 color points
Oops! Looks like you’ve misplaced your color compass. A little Meditation Mauve (from the Any Color but Beige color palettes) would serve you well as a starting point to get back on track. Leonardo da Vinci believed that meditating in a purple light increased effectiveness tenfold. Hang a purple crystal in your window and bask in its beams. Now that is a mood swing for the better!

Color Roadblock: 26 – 50 color points

Time for a makeover – just add color. You are eyeing that box of crayons, poised and ready to choose your signature color. Who would have thought such a bold, marvelous creature was hiding behind all that sensible beige? Try adding some Marvelous Darling (from the Any Color But Beige color palettes) with clothing or accessories, to get moving again.

Flying Down the Highway: 51 – 75 color points
You are officially on Adventure Road. If color were a country, you would have a passport! Whether it’s from around the corner or around the world, you collect colorful souvenirs and use them to decorate your inner and outer space. Seize opportunities to bring colorful pieces of your travels and adventures home. Who says you can’t take it with you?

End of the Rainbow: 76 – 100 color points
Congratulations, you have a rainbow in your pocket! Your life encompasses a full spectrum of color experiences. Time to take all that Zenergy (from the Any Color but Beige color palettes) and share it with others. Start a blog, write your memoir or just find time to share colorful experiences with others. Keep focused on living life in color to continue to reap the benefits.

Cat’s Top 10 Tips for Living Life in Color:

Take time for pit stops of happiness. Pull off the road every now and then and be good to yourself. Even if it is just for a quiet moment of coffee.
Add discipline–it provides proportional returns. What you get out of anything is equal to what you put in.
Realize that advice is just a validation of the decision you are about to make.
Ask, “Would I rather be right or happy?” If you want to be happy, then be willing to change your mind.
Accept the consequences of your decisions and move on.
Live (temporarily) with your fear, guilt or embarrassment until you get over it–and you will get over it.
Overcome analysis/paralysis.
Ask the right question–not “why” (blame) but “how” (action).
You do not have to be an expert. Just be honest with yourself.
Take advantage of new opportunities. If not now, when?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Synopsis:

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.

Just Thought You Should Know:

At the end of her WOW Blog Tour, Cat Larose will be awarding a special Book Club Prize which includes 10 copies of her memoir Any Color But Beige, a guide on how your book club can enjoy Any Color But Beige, any several other surprises. If your readers want to enter this contest tell them to leave a comment at your site with the words Book Club Contest in the message. If youll be giving away a copy of Any Color But Beige, have your followers leave two messages: one to enter your blogs contests and one to enter the Book Club Contest.

On Monday,December 19 at the end of her WOW Blog Tour, Cat Larose will be awarding a special Book Club Prize ! The prize includes 10 copies of her memoir Any Color But Beige, a guide on how your book club can enjoy Any Color But Beige, a virtual visit from Cat Larose, and several other surprises. If you want to enter this contest just leave a comment after this post with the words “Book Club Contest” in the message. You can enter to win both the individual contest for one copy of Any Color But Beige and the Book Club Contest but you have to leave two different comments. Don’t forget to tell everyone who belongs to your Book Club to enter the contest!

Watch the trailer: