Monday Memes

CMash December 26, 2011 9 Comments

WARNING: LENGTHY POST

And how is everyone today? Exhausted? Feeling guilty that you had that extra piece of pie lol. I know I am. Did you have a wonderful day with family and friends? Did Santa bring you any book related presents, would love to hear if you want to share. Would love to hear about anything that Santa brought if you want to tell us about.

This weekend was bittersweet for me. It was very hard for me with my Mom not being here and I have to be honest, there were some tears, for different emotions throughout the day. However, I realized as we sat around my mother-in-law’s table, how much I had to be thankful for. My husband and I did the blessing before we started eating, which is another story because today I start a HUGE diet after what I ate lol.

I am blessed. The fact that my husband was sitting there and did the first part of the blessing after what happened 2 months ago, his chair could have been empty too. Both my sons were there from out of state and one of their gfs, who I consider my daughter, my other son’s gf, who I also consider my daughter, didn’t fly in with him and spent Christmas with her parents. And to see the relationship my sons have with each other, I am blessed. Some of you know, but I only have one sibling who is 9 1/2 years older than me and is severely handicapped. My Mom and her were joined at the hip for all of her life and now lives in an assisted living facility and loves it. She was having a very difficult time this weekend but I was so proud of her. She came out to eat with us Saturday night and was at my mil’s yesterday. I picked her up and brought her to my house because she wanted me to style her hair and put make up on her to go out. And she had a wonderful time!! So even though it was hard, I know my Mom was looking down and smiling. And then my husband, both boys and Heather (Paul’s gf) gave me gifts from the heart that the tears continued until we were done opening presents. My boys tease each other constantly and Mark said to Paul….”Oh great…You had to give her your present first…you knew that she would do this”. And I didn’t stop having eyes filled with tears until we left the house to go and eat. I am sharing one that was book related below.

So how was your day?

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today’s question:

Did you get any books for Christmas? If so, what were they?
If you didn’t, what books are you most looking forward to reading (and/or buying) in the new year?

My response:

I didn’t get any books and/or even an Amazon GC this year, which did and didn’t surprise me. My family knows and sees the big 5 shelf bookcase, and shake their heads in disbelief, when I tell them that those are my TBR books, plus the books in my Kindle and Sony EReaders. So this year, I think they realize too, that the big bookcase in my reading room/office (now called “hopefully in my lifetime TBR bookcase) and the little book case that holds my finished reads, that I don’t need any more books. But I love it, since they have started to read again, when they come home, they now go to both bookcases to see what they can take.

However, one of the gifts my Paul (the oldest) and the first gift he said I had to open was this:

The picture doesn’t do it justice. It is a silver plated bookmark.The heart is raised with pearl in the center and rhinestones around the sides of the heart. There is filigree down both sides and engraved with this saying:

A mother understands what a child does not say.

OK..how many Moms out there are getting that warm and fuzzy feeling? lol

And as to what books I am looking forward to, lol all the ones that sound like I would enjoy!!! lol

December is being hosted by Lady Q from Let Them Read 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.”

The Story Plant (PICT) Author Meryl L. Moss Media

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.

Giveaway

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "SCREAM CATCHER" by VINCENT ZANDRI ENDED

CMash December 25, 2011 17 Comments

DECEMBER 25th to JANUARY 8th, 2012SCREAM CATCHER

by VINCENT ZANDRI

SYNOPSIS:

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.

THANKS TO AUTHOR, VINCENT ZANDRI

I HAVE ONE ( 1 ) EBOOK EDITION BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: DO YOU PLAY VIRTUAL VIDEO GAMES?*

*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.

*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

*INTERNATIONAL–EBOOK*
**
**HONOR SYSTEM**
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 JANUARY 8th, 2012 AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND NOTIFIED
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.

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

Holiday

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

CMash December 25, 2011 1 Comment

To all the wonderful, fantastic, caring, genuine, funny, sincere “friends” that I have met these past 2 years of blogging and that have welcomed me into their neighborhood, from my house to yours, A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. My wish for you is that you are surrounded by family and friends, laugh, reminisce , eat too much and enjoy each and every minute. Like at my table today, there may be an empty spot at your table too, but past memories will allow that special person to fill that seat.

Christmas is truly about, the birth of Jesus for those that believe and being surrounded by loved ones, however, I do hope that Santa leaves you lots of books to help in completing all your Challenges for 2012.

And today, as my gift to you, I am going to share and host a giveaway from my favorite author.

2012 Challenges

I Had No Choice………

CMash December 24, 2011 10 Comments

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!

I am sure that everyone has a million and one things to do today, running to store for that last minute gift that you forgot to pick up, finishing the wrapping of gifts, grocery shopping or cooking, which is what I will be doing after I post this. But I wanted to send Holiday Wishes your way.

The past few Saturdays, I have been sharing the challenges I plan on participating in for 2012. Today is no exception, except I am hoping that maybe I can sneak these by you lol.

JUSTIFICATION…..I had no choice!!!!! I did a little snooping on 2 blogs. One was my co-host’s blog, Gina from Hott Books, and the other was the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge’s Queen Addict, Bev from My Reader’s Block. Gina, poor girl, she has it bad, is close to 30 challenges and Bev, well at last count, 23. Now I ask you, what kind of team player would I be if I didn’t keep up with them. So, like I said, I had to.

One is for the year and one is a mini challenge. Here are the details in case you want to play along:

Hosted by Robin from My Two Blessings

About 52 Books Level: Easy and Casual

Are you ready for another round of Reading 52 books in 52 Weeks? Whether you are just joining in or continuing on for another round, the rules are very simple. The goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. Make the year easy and casual or kick it up by exploring new to you authors and genres. Challenge yourself to read at least one classic a month or delve into that chunkster (more than 600 pages) you always wanted to tackle. The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

I have several mini challenges to make it fun:

12 in 2012: Read 12 books in 12 different categories
A to Z challenge: Read books alphabetically by title and/or author.
Jane Austen: Read all things Jane Austen
Mind Voyages: Explore the Hugo and Nebula winners, take side trips through the different decades reading the nominees.
Well Educated Mind: Explore the classics in five categories: Fiction, Autobiography, History/Politics, Drama and Poetry.

The mini challenges and weekly challenges are optional, Mix it up anyway you like.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Our book weeks begin on Sunday.
Participants may join at any time.
All books are acceptable except children books.
All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2012.
Books may overlap other challenges.
Create an entry post linking to this blog.
Sign up with Mr. Linky in the “I’m participating post” below this post.
You don’t have a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section of each weekly post.
Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post for you to link to reviews of your most current reads.

MINI CHALLENGE— READ-A-THON JANUARY 23-29, 2012

Hosted by Michelle from The True Book Addict

A Winter’s Respite Read-a-Thon 2012.

The Winter’s Respite Read-a-Thon is just a bit over a month away! Times are central standard time so adjust your times accordingly. I plan to host a mini-challenge (or two or more) and there will be a giveaway for every one who signs in at the starting line and completes a wrap up post at the end. Of course, like most read-a-thons, the books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, but no children’s books. You DO NOT have to participate the entire week. Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early…whatever works best for your schedule. As long as you sign in at the sign-in post and do some kind of wrap up post, you’re in for the giveaway. As with my previous read-a-thons, it will be a week of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries. I hope you will join me!

You do not have to have a blog to participate. You can sign-up, sign-in, and wrap-up…all from Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads. You can also do updates from those locations, if you do not have a blog. Also, to chat or update during the read-a-thon on Twitter, use hashtag #WintersRespite.

I’m putting the call out to anyone who would like to host a mini-challenge and/or giveaway. Authors, if you would like to sponsor a giveaway or donate a prize, please let me know. You can contact me at truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Aloha Friday

CMash December 23, 2011 13 Comments

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

MY QUESTION:

Any blog changes for 2012?

MY ANSWER:

I will be moving to wordpress because of all the problems with blogger.

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.

Book Review

Review "Hospice Tails" by Debra L. Stang

CMash December 22, 2011 Leave a Comment

HOSPICE TAILS by Debra L. Stang

Published by Booklocker.com, Inc.

ISBN-10: 161434261X
ISBN-13: 978-1614342618

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

Synopsis (from back of book):

Hospice Tails: The Animal Companions Who Journey With Hospice Patients and Their Families

Told from the perspective of a hospice social worker, Hospice Tails is a baker’s dozen of stories about the animal companions of hospice patients and their families.

In these pages you will meet King, an abused pit bull fiercely loyal to his rescuer, Fizzle, a teacup poodle who guarded his human in death as well as life, Io and Oi, two cats who facilitated a beautiful conversation between their owners, and Lightning, a horse who helped a widower find the strength to go on.

Uplifting, matter-of-fact, sometimes funny and never sappy, Hospice Tails will change the way you think about the animals in your life.

My Thoughts and Opinion: In this very short and quick read, 108 pages, the author introduces the reader to some terminally ill patients and their pets who give unconditional love and comfort to their owners until their very last breath. When I was contacted to read and review this book and also hosting the the author as a guest, it was an automatic yes. Being a former nurse, I have witnessed the residents in a Nursing Home setting and their reactions to and behavior toward animals. How one’s eyes light up and a smile will appear. How the patient will eagerly try to pet or cuddle with the cat and/or dog, give him/her a treat.

This book had me exhibiting an array of emotions. Sadness, laughter, empathy and tears. A deeply emotional poignant read, however, delightful and funny. A definite book for animal lovers and for those in the medical field.