Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
……of A Girl Like You by Maria Geraci
70 Valerie Taylor Mabrey Easy entry for fans of this blog post
An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond with a mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.
Our friend, Jodi, from WOW has a very special treat for us today. As she always does, she will be introducing us to a very special author who is an expert in her field. So even though it may be a little early, I am asking that you get comfortable and instead of grabbing a coffee, that you raise your wine glass and welcome today’s guest, Ms. Sara Fasolino!
SARA FASOLINO
Sara Fasolino is the Beverage Systems Manager at Morton’s The Steakhouse and is recognized in the industry as a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, as a Certified Specialist of Wine by the Society of Wine Educators and as an Advanced Mixologist. Fasolino’s role with Morton’s includes overseeing the restaurant’s beverage inventory for all its locations, serving as the restaurant’s liaison with the Court of Master Sommeliers and managing all educational and training materials related to the restaurant’s wines, liquors and beers. Fasolino’s experience in the restaurant industry dates back to her college years in Ohio, where she was a server in a restaurant. Upon graduation from Marietta College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she worked with a beverage marketer and distributor in Ohio before relocating to Chicago in 2005. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Fasolino has been with Morton’s The Steakhouse since 2007, working in its global headquarters.
Visit Sara on GoodReads.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Looking for the perfect complement to a juicy ribeye steak, grilled kabobs or even some desserts? Look no further than Cabernet Sauvignon, the “red of all reds” worldwide. Sommelier Sara Fasolino guides you with practical tips for buying and enjoying Cabernet Sauvignon, whether you’re spending $7 or $75.Cabernet Sauvignon for Beginners will shed light on the characteristics of this versatile wine, what contributes to its wide range of flavors, and the best foods to match with it.
Want to learn more about wines. Visit here, register and receive a free EBook from the Wine Series during the tour from August 13 to Sept. 7. Twenty-one (21) books to choose from!How much fun is this?
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon for Beginners: A Guide to Buying and Enjoying Wine by Sara J. Fasolino, CS, CSW, AM
Published by: Publishing 101
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
ASIN B008GWI5T2
Pages: 22
Review Copy from: WOW
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4
Published by: Publishing 101
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
ASIN B008GWI5T2
Pages: 22
Review Copy from: WOW
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4
Synopsis:
Looking for the perfect complement to a juicy ribeye steak, grilled kabobs or even some desserts? Look no further than Cabernet Sauvignon, the “red of all reds” worldwide. Sommelier Sara Fasolino guides you with practical tips for buying and enjoying Cabernet Sauvignon, whether you’re spending $7 or $75.Cabernet Sauvignon for Beginners will shed light on the characteristics of this versatile wine, what contributes to its wide range of flavors, and the best foods to match with it.
My Thoughts and Opinion: (one spoiler alert)
I admit I am far from being a wine connoisseur but do enjoy a glass of wine on occasion. My preference is usually a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, so when I received the request to review this book, I was intrigued to learn about the fine art of wine tasting.
Even though it is a very short read, being only 22 pages, it was fully packed with information and answered a lot of the questions I have always wondered about. For example, when at a restaurant and the server hands one a cork of a newly opened bottle of wine, what is it that you are looking for? I was quite surprised by the answer. And because now I knew the reason, I asked others to see what they thought the reason was, and most answered incorrectly and was surprised when I informed them as to the why. This will be the only “spoiler” that I divulge, since there are many interesting facts in this guide. When handed the cork of a bottle of Cabernet, one is inspecting to see if the cork is moist. If it isn’t, it means that the bottled was not placed in the proper position and/or the seal had been broken.
Within these 22 pages is the history, the different type of grapes used, how to read the label which holds much information, the different types of barrels used to make the wine and the different ones that add to the flavor, what foods are best with this type of wine, how to store wine bottles and even choosing a certain type of glass to serve it in because this can also alter the taste. Quite interesting !!
There are more books by this author for other types of wine, such as, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Malbec. With the holidays just around the corner, this would make for a nice gift for those who enjoy a glass of wine!
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.
Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This is more than a couple of sentences but wanted to share what grabbed me from the Prologue:
For this October, certain threads would fray and certain binds would loosen. Unspoken words woud be uttered at last while things that needed to be said would be withheld. Tradition would be honored and the past would be rejected. One heart would beat for another’s for the first time, while one heart would stop beating forever. And a message would be delivered that was essential to all who heard it.
AUGUST 20th to SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2012
LIFE DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS
by ROISIN MEANEY
SYNOPSIS:
When Audrey Matthews offers an evening class in life drawing, all she’s looking for is a little extra pocket money and something to fill her Tuesday nights. So she hires a model and recruits five students – each of whom have their own reason for being there.
For Zarek, a Polish immigrant, the class is a welcomed distraction and a place to escape his dull cafe job and noisy roommate. Then there’s the handsome, mysterious James who has moved to the small town of Carrickbawn to look for a new start for himself and his daughter. He’s vowed to keep to himself, but then his interest in Jackie, the class model and single mom, takes a more personal turn.
Audrey has just fallen in love — with the adorable puppy in the window of the local pet shop. Will she be put off by the store’s brusque owner or does she find out that his bark is worse than his bite?
As the weeks pass, it becomes clear to the members of the drawing class that their fellow students aren’t exactly who they seem.
THANKS TO JIHANE, AND THE VERY NICE PEOPLE
AT FOREVER (THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP)
I HAVE TWO ( 2 ) COPIES OF THIS
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: DO YOU DRAW AND/OR PAINT
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: DO YOU DRAW AND/OR PAINT
AS A HOBBY? HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN A CLASS FOR IT?*
*U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
**PER PUBLISHER**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS SEPTEMBER 3rd AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
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.
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
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
Today’s question:
Have you ever reread a book and found that your opinion changed?
My answer:
This is a very easy question for me. I have never reread a a book. Never. There are just too many books, on my 5 shelf, Kindle and Sony, and even more on my “hopefully in my lifetime” tbr list that I want to read. My thoughts are that instead of taking the time to reread a book, I would much rather put that time towards what I haven’t read. However, and if you are a rereader, would like to hear/read why someone would read a book a second time, when you know how the book turns out? Before joining this community, I can say honestly, that I had never heard of rereading. But since that time, have seen that many book bloggers do, and have wondered why.
Are you a rereader?
August is being hosted by5 Minutes for Books
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
Click on title for synopsis via IndieBound:
Tuesday: Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers from The Hachette Book Group
Friday: Leaves by Michael Baron from The Story Plant–Spread The Word Initiative
Friday: A Wanted Man by Lee Child (ARC) from Shelf Awareness
The Serpent’s Bite by Warren Adler
Published by Stonehouse Press
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
ISBN-10: 159006044X
ISBN-13: 978-1590060445
Pages: 320
Review Copy from: Media Connect
A Division of Finn Partners
Edition: ARC HC
My Rating: 3
Synopsis (from IndieBound):
“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child”
-“King Lear,” William Shakespeare
This famed quote by William Shakespeare finds its modern meaning in this taut, fast-paced, remarkable novel by renowned author Warren Adler. “The Serpent’s Bite” will take you on a frightening horse trek through the far reaches of the Yellowstone wilderness that turns a father’s quest to deal with parental guilt and reunite with his two adult children into a nightmare of lust, betrayal, entrapment, and death. Beyond the revelations of dark family secrets, readers will discover how an obsession for celebrity and blind ambition can distort familial love and turn a beloved child into a grotesque monster. Courtney Temple is sure to be judged as one of those most evil women in fiction, alongside the likes of Lady Macbeth, Medea, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Adler’s latest novel takes its place next to the iconic “The War of the Roses,” in which the author exposed the true nature of marital dysfunction.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
My favorite genre, for as long as I can remember, has always been suspense and mystery. But lately it has expanded and I enjoy reading a novel full of relationship dynamics. So when the call went out to read and review this book, I responded since it had all the elements.
The book is gripping with suspense that kept me turning the pages as the Temple family embark on an adventure through the trails of Yellowstone National Park, in hopes of mending a family that has been estranged for the past 4 years. Will this reenactment of the same trip 20 years prior trigger good memories and heal this broken family?
The cast members are believable and life like but definitely not likable, in my opinion. As the story progresses, the reader is introduced little by little of the personal traits of each of the 5 main characters, which included the father, son, daughter, the tour guide and his assistant. The flaws in the characters are profound and complex. And immoral.
Even though there was a topic that I personally, and again this is only my opinion, found quite distasteful and hard to read at times due to the graphic details, I still found myself wanting to read more about this group of players. The depiction of each character made it easy to visualize them. The manner in which the scenery was described made it possible to create the imagery portrayed.
I had a difficult time trying to rate this book because of my personal feelings in regard to, in what I found to be a very disturbing matter in the story line. But on the other hand, the suspense, the overall plot, the way it was written, and yes, even the make up of the protagonists, held my attention to the very last word. An ending that was quite surprising.
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.
