The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief--and a page-turner that will touch your soul--Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling, will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.

Phones in a small Michigan town begin ringing and their loved ones on the other end are calling from heaven. My heart stops. I think of my mom. Can I recall the sound of her voice. Yes. Tears begin to fall. What wouldn't a person who lost a loved one do to hear their voice, to know, to get an assurance that they are ok, not only are they ok, but they are in heaven and they don't want you to lose faith, stay the course. Everything is ok.

But not everyone gets a phone call from heaven. Sully Harding has just been released from prison. His wife is dead and he is left to try and make a new life for himself and his six year old son, Jules. As more people come forward admit they too are receiving phone calls from heaven, Sully makes it his mission to foil the mystery...as his little boy begins to carry around a toy telephone (my heart broke).

Each call changes the lives of the people receiving them. For some it brings healing, to some it brings hope and to others it opens up painful wounds. The novel has multiple points of view and tidbits of Alexander Graham Bell are woven in. A very quick read.

This was my first Mitch Albom book. I have heard nothing, but great things about his books. I was very excited to read it. I ended up with a bit of mixed feelings about the novel. I went in with an expectation that this would be a really inspirational story. I didn't find The First Phone Call from Heaven to be overall inspirational. I mean yes there was some, but like I said I had a high expectation. I found it to be more a mystery to disprove someone else's miracle. This made me sad. I wanted Sully to stop. I didn't want anyone to have to have their hearts broken, again. It would be like losing that person again, and losing face for believing they were contacting you.

As I'm sitting here writing this review, I'm thinking back to the book. I'm realizing how we aren't given phone calls from heaven to make us believe...that is where faith comes in. If you are given absolute proof than there is no need for faith, is there? The novel isn't about the ones who believe, it's about the one who doesn't. There are no guarantees in life, but if you believe then the afterlife is a guarantee. If Sully proves it's a hoax, he doesn't disprove the existence of heaven--but maybe his journey will open his eyes to what is unseen.

I went into this book wanting proof. I wanted a phone call, too. I wanted to believe my mom and dad are just a phone call away. I ended up sitting on this story long after the last page was read. I was reminded not to put my faith in this world. I'm recommending The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom--a perfect Christmas gift. 

The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom 

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Thursday, October 31st: Alison’s Book Marks

Monday, November 4th: Lisa’s Yarns

Tuesday, November 5th: Good Girl Gone Redneck

Wednesday, November 6th: Seaside Book Nook

Thursday, November 7th: Lesa’s Book Critiques

Monday, November 11th: She’s Got Books On Her Mind

Tuesday, November 12th: Letters, Numbers and Books oh my!

Wednesday, November 13th: One Book at a Time

Thursday, November 14th: A Utah Mom’s Life

Friday, November 15th: Excellent Library

Monday, November 18th: Drey’s Library

Tuesday, November 19th: Love at First Book

Wednesday, November 20th: Teena in Toronto

Thursday, November 21st: Wall-to-Wall Books

Monday, November 25th: Lavish Bookshelf

Tuesday, November 26th: Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, November 27th: A Novel Review

Monday, December 2nd: Reflections of a Bookaholic

Monday, December 2nd: The Best Books Ever

Tuesday, December 3rd: Book-alicious Mama

Wednesday, December 4th: BoundbyWords

Thursday, December 5th: Walking With Nora

Monday, December 9th: Books a la Mode

Monday, December 9th: Suko’s Notebook

Tuesday, December 10th: Found Between the Covers

Wednesday, December 11th: A Dream Within a Dream

Thursday, December 12th: Book Snob

Monday, December 16th: The Well-Read Redhead

Tuesday, December 17th: My Bookshelf

Wednesday, December 18th: Literary Time Out

Thursday, December 19th: Brooklyn Berry Designs

Date TBD: The Book Wheel

Perfect Timing by Laura Spinella

Isabel Lang and Aiden Roycroft have been best friends since Isabel moved to Catswallow, Alabama when her parents divorced.    Aiden is the bad boy, from a rough neighborhood, rocker while Isabel is a good girl from a rough neighborhood.   They are an unlikely pair, but made it through Aiden’s many girlfriends, a first kiss, and family secrets.   When Aiden is accused of a horrible crime, the pair flee to Las Vegas and Isabel’s future is changed.  Many years later Isabel and Aiden have moved on, not together, and built their own lives.   Isabel is running a radio station that when bought out is forced to call on her past relationship with now rock star Aiden to save her and her friends job. 

My Review: 

                                                                                                                           

Laura Spinella is the only author I have ever read  that can move from the present to the past so seamlessly.   The past is where I got to know and love Aiden and Isabel, even with their speckled histories.    The present is where I got to hope that true love, first love, is a real thing and will overcome all the obstacles.  It was so touching to see how their friendship progressed from a young love to an adult relationship.   Aiden is truly one of a kind, the kind that every girl hopes to have in her life.  

As the story is told, there are twists and turns that I never saw coming.  One in particular had me setting the book down and making me think about what was being told.     This twist truly makes the story one that I will be talking about for a long while and be happily sharing with all my fellow readers.   This is a book of love conquering all with a ton of emotion and amazing writing.   

This is a book that I will recommend to EVERYONE.   Laura Spinella wrote another amazing book that is sure to touch anyone who reads it.  

Please be sure to check out Laura Kay's 5W's of Laura Spinella(<--click to read)

 

Purchase Perfect Timing

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Rodeo Sweethearts by Lilian Darcy

About the Book 

Melinda and Rob are Jamie MacCreadie’s parents from Lilian Darcy’s MARRY ME, COWBOY. They have a secret they are divided over whether to share with their five children or not. Melinda and Rob were young rodeo sweethearts and had shared their first kiss at a rodeo. Would Rob be able to get Melinda to agree to share her secret?

About the Author

Lilian Darcy was born on Valentine’s Day. This auspicious date, as well as a love of reading, set her destiny as a writer of romance and women’s fiction from an early age. She has now written over eighty romances for Harlequin, as well as several mainstream novels, including Cafe du Jour, originally published by Mira Books Australia

My Comments:
I have read the other books in the Montana Born Series.   I wondered about Melinda and how she became who she is now.   She is a strong woman, who once has 5 children not more than 2 years apart.  I love that Rob is so protective and strong for Melinda. This novella is the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the books in this series and I am very happy to have the insight that  is given in it.

The story did not take me long to read and I recommend it to anyone else who is reading this series.  

Relevant Links:

·         Montana Born Books website - http://montanabornbooks.com/

·         Montana Born Books Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MontanaBornBooks

·         Montana Born Books Twitter - https://twitter.com/montanabornbook

·         Lilian Darcy’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LilianDarcyAuthor

·         Lilian Darcy’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/liliandarcy

Christmas Carol by Michele Gorman

Three ex-boyfriends at her sister’s Christmas Wedding is Carol’s nightmare and it is about to come true.    When her sister, Marley, plans her wedding, with Carol as maid of honor, for the weekend after Christmas and then makes Carol’s ex the best man carol is dreading it.     With no choice she attends the wedding with the intent to learn what went wrong in those relationships.   Little did she know that she would learn so much about herself and come out a much different person.

I love Christmas and everything about Christmas.   This is a great and fun story.   I am a fan of Michele Gorman also.    This story is perfect.   It is a Christmas story, but so much more.   The story is of family coming together and supporting each other and of Carol finding out the truth about herself and making herself a better person.  

I do not envy Carol being in the same location as three of her ex’s.   When she questions each as to why they broke up it was heart breaking.   The truth was told, but it was hard to hear.   Carol showed her true strength when she took what she was told and made herself a better person.   The message shared in this story is one that everyone should know and live by.

Michele wrote another great story that I will happily recommend to all my chic-lit friends. 

Purchase Christmas Carol by Michele Gorman

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THE FIVE W’S and HOW Of Kristina Riggle

Kristina Riggle lives and writes in West Michigan. She has published short stories in the Cimarron Review,Literary Mama, Espresso Fiction, and elsewhere, and she works as co-editor for fiction at Literary Mama. Kristina was a full-time newspaper reporter before turning her attention to creative writing. As well as writing, she enjoys reading, running, dabbling in (very) amateur musical theatre, and spending lots of time with her husband, two kids and dog.

WHO? Who are you besides a writer? 
A mom, a reader, and an amateur musical theater aspirant. I was in the chorus of a show a long time ago, and I really want to do it again someday when the magical combination of schedule, show and a successful audition align. My character shoes are in my closet, just waiting.


WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
Reading, of course. I volunteer for Relay for Life in my community, which is the American Cancer Society’s major fundraising event. I have recently taken up running, and my goal is to get my 5k under 30 minutes by next spring.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
As far back as I can remember. I have been telling stories and writing stories since I could read.

WHERE? Where do you write? 
At home, either in my office (which gets very cold in the winter as it doesn’t have its own heating vent) or the kitchen table. On nice days I like to write out on the deck. I confess I don’t get the coffee shop writing thing, unless you have to flee your house because of chaos at home. I have done that myself but it’s not ideal. Coffee shops are often still noisy and bustling. I mean, they are meant to be social spaces.
I’d think that the best off-site writing spot would be a library. I do that once in a great while if I crave a change of scenery.

WHY? Why do you write?
Because I love it and I’m good at it, and I’m most “me” when  I’m writing.


How? Has your writing success changed your life? 
“Success” is hard to define, but I’ll say this much: being able to help support my family with what I love to do is a tremendous blessing and when I’m having a bad writing day (or a bad publishing-biz day, which is not the same thing) I try to keep gratitude foremost in my mind. I have the best job I could ever have, right now. How many people get to say that?

Thank-you so much for joining us here on A Novel Review, Kristina! Good luck on reaching your 5k goal!

Make sure you check out my review of THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD by Kristina Riggle!

Buy a copy of The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle 

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The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle

An astonishing novel from the acclaimed author of Keepsake that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. At turns shocking, provocative, and heart-wrenching, and inspired by a true story The Whole Golden World forces us to ask the question "How well do we really know our children?"

To the outside Diana and Joe have a perfect family-three lovely children, a beautiful home, and a café that's finally taking off. But their world is rocked when it's discovered that their oldest daughter, 17-year-old Morgan is having an affair with her married teacher, TJ Hill.

Their town rocks with the scandal. When the case goes to trial, the family is torn further apart when Morgan sides not with her parents-as a manipulated teenage girl; but with TJ himself-as a woman who loves a 30-year-old man.

Told from the perspectives of Morgan, Diana, and TJ's wife, Rain, this is an unforgettable story that fully explores the surprising, even shocking, events that change the lives of two families.

My Thoughts:
What a book. We hear stories in the news way to often about teacher/student 'relationships' more often than we should. I went into this novel pretty open minded. I really wasn't sure what to expect, wasn't sure how everything would play out.

17 year old Morgan crushes on her Math teacher, TJ Hill. He is good looking, youngish, and the 'fun' teacher always there to listen and take an interest in his students. Morgan is mature and a good student. She has been a huge help as a 'little mother' to her younger twin brothers. After a break-up with her boyfriend, Morgan begins to feel less connected to her fellow classmates.

TJ is teaching a class that is really pressing him, while at home his wife, Rain is pushing him non-stop about having a baby. Morgan and TJ open up to one another, a inappropriate relationship ensues.

Once the relationship is found out, Morgan's parents expect Morgan to believe she is a victim. They expect the entire town to believe she is a victim, but they are shocked to by reactions. Even Rain stands by her man, believing TJ is the victim.

The story is told from the perspectives of Morgan, Diana (Morgan's mother), and Rain. I read the book from the perspective of former teenage girl, mother of a teenage girl, and as a wife. Riggle nailed all three perspectives. I really tried to relate to each character with the same perspective and I felt overwhelmed with mixed feelings. I mean TJ is guilty...but jail? One side was like oh heck yeah what a pervert, another side was like well...it's not like she is a kid, I mean she is almost a legal adult. For me the best part of the novel that really put the spotlight on the real truth is when Diana talks to the media. I won't give anything away, but she really puts it all in perspective.

I found myself relating to each character on some level. With Morgan, I was a dumb teenager--I did find this a little harder now that I've gotten older, lol. Diana is trying to be a good mom, but clearly allowed too much of the caring for her twins on Morgan. Not only is Diana busy, she also tends to coddle her children (been guilty of this myself). She is not doing them any good. She works hard to make it all better. Rain, might be hard for some women to relate to. She is obsessed with her desire to get pregnant and her willingness to stand by TJ. I respected how Rain wanted everything to be ok, get back to normal.

For me, the best part of the novel is the growth of each character. It's not immediate, they don't always see things right off the bat. However, over time they all open their eyes and begin seeing what others have told them. Those mixed feelings I had though a large part of the novel, they too changed...evolved.

I believe Kristina Riggle didn't just tell a story, she really presses us to examine how we look at our young teens. I am highly recommending THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD!

Buy a copy of The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle 

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T

Tuesday, November 5th: Booksie’s Blog

Thursday, November 7th: Kritters Ramblings

Monday, November 11th: she treads softly

Tuesday, November 12th: A Bookish Way of Life

Wednesday, November 13th: A Novel Review

Thursday, November 14th: Lectus

Monday, November 18th: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books

Tuesday, November 19th: Girls Just Reading

Wednesday, November 20th: The Well-Read Redhead

Monday, November 25th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, November 26th: BoundbyWords

Wednesday, November 27th: Book-alicious Mama

Thursday, November 28th: Time 2 Read

Monday, December 2nd: Read Lately

Tuesday, December 3rd: Books in the Burbs

Wednesday, December 4th: Tina’s Book Reviews

Thursday, December 5th: The Little Reader Library

Monday, December 9th: Sweet Southern Home

The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

Three different women are at a car boot sale in Sussex and want to purchase the same vintage teaset.   They decide to share it and manage to form an amazing friendship.

Jenny is engaged to marry Dan.   As the date approaches her past, which she thought was in her past, comes into her present and she has to deal with it.  She wants to serve her wedding guests in vintage teacups.

Maggie is broken hearted and is a florist in charge of the biggest event of her life. She is in need of the teacups to make floral displays for the event. 

Alison is happily married, or she thought she was, with two beautiful daughters.  As things get tough in her life she realizes that all is not as she thought. She is looking for teacups to make candles out of them.

This novel is a story of a friendship that grows during the search for more teacups.  These women quickly become much more than friends , they become sisters.   It is a story of love and friendship and families.  

Each character became a friend to me.  I looked forward to Jenny’s story the most (maybe cause I am planning my brother’s wedding now).  Do not get me wrong.  I loved all the stories, each woman was easily relatable and loveable.    I found myself comforted by these girls and hoping that I could comfort the characters just the same.  

I will recommend this book to all my chic-lit friends .  I am hoping that there will be more to come about these three lovely ladies. 

Purchase The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

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Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

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From Joshilyn's Website:

New York Times Bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson lives in Decatur, Georgia with her husband, Scott, their two children, Sam and Maisy Jane, and two feckless, dog-shaped wastrels who answer to Bagel and Ansley, especially if you are holding bacon. They all serve an orange tom named Mango in various capacities.

She is the author of five novels: gods in labama, Between, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize.

A former actor, Jackson reads the audio versions of her novels; her work in this field has been nominated for the Audie Award, was selected by AudioFile Magazine for their best of the year list, has made the 2012 Audible All-Star list for highest listener ranks/reviews, and garnered three Listen Up Awards from Publisher’s Weekly. In 2012 Jackson began reading the audio versions of books written by other novelists, beginning with Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer.

 From Goodreads:

At twenty-one, Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Natty, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced Catholic mother and Jewish father. She’s got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up in a gas station mini-mart and falling in love with a great wall of a man named William Ashe, who willingly steps between the armed robber and her son.

Shandi doesn’t know that her blond god Thor has his own complications. When he looked down the barrel of that gun he believed it was destiny: It’s been one year to the day since a tragic act of physics shattered his universe. But William doesn’t define destiny the way other people do. A brilliant geneticist who believes in science and numbers, destiny to him is about choice.

Now, he and Shandi are about to meet their so-called destinies head on, in a funny, charming, and poignant novel about science and miracles, secrets and truths, faith and forgiveness,; about a virgin birth, a sacrifice, and a resurrection; about falling in love, and learning that things aren’t always what they seem—or what we hope they will be. It’s a novel about discovering what we want and ultimately finding what we need

Purchase your copy of Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

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Lies You Wanted to Hear by James Whitfield Thomson

From Goodreads:

When Lucy meets Matt on a blind date, Matt is instantly hooked; he sees Lucy as the fun, sexy, and wickedly smart girl of his dreams. Although she’s still getting over an old lover, Lucy is won over by Matt’s sweet, thoughtful nature. But 20 years later, alone in an empty house trying to imagine the lives of her two young children, Lucy comes to realize that the little lies you tell can create more damage than the truth you’re hiding.

My Review:

This is a story of love gone wrong.   Lucy was in “love” with the wrong man, Griffin.  Griffin is a man who only seemed able to take and was not giving anything back to Lucy.  He came across to me as they typical bad boy that all the girls fall in love with even though he is not good for her.  I think every girl know a guy like this, heck I know a few, but some are smart enough not to let them get their hooks in them.   Lucy unfortunately was not that lucky.   She chased after Griffin and he led her down the wrong path many times, yet she kept going back to him. 

Then Lucy meets the “good guy” Matt.   Matt is what every girl is looking for.   The man who wants to love and protect his girl.   The man who would do anything in his power to make his woman happy.    This is the man Lucy settles for.   She wants to love him, she wants to support him as he supports her, and she wants to feel that  rush and excitement that she feels with Griffin for Matt.   Unfortunately things do not necessarily happen as she plans.  

Lies You Wanted to Hear is a fast paced, amazing read.   I didn’t know what to expect as the story went on and was surprised at some of the twists and turns that happen.   The story is told in alternating points of view by Lucy and Matt.   I loved that.  

This novel is a story that I stayed up late to finish and woke up the next morning still thinking about it.   It is now late afternoon and I am still thinking about it.  I wish I had read this with my book club as I can hear how our conversation would have gone.   In case you cannot tell I highly recommend this book to everyone.   Mothers and fathers alike will be able to relate to some part of this story.

Purchase Lies You Wanted to Hear

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Learn more about James Whitfield Thomson

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THE FIVE W’S Of Renee Rosen

As clichéd as it sounds, Renée is a former advertising copywriter who always had a novel in her desk drawer. When she saw the chance to make the leap from writing ad copy to fiction, she jumped at it. A confirmed history and book nerd, Renée loves all things old, all things Chicago and all things written.

A graduate of American University in D.C., Renée has contributed to many magazines and newspapers, including Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Complete Woman, DAME, Publisher’s Weekly and several other now sadly defunct publications. She is the author of Every Crooked Pot and Dollface, A Novel of the Roaring Twenties. She lives in Chicago where she is currently working on a new novel, What The Lady Wants coming from Penguin/NAL fall 2014.

WHO? Who are you besides a writer?
I’m a former advertising copywriter, former marathon runner (desperately trying to get back into the groove) and formerly from Akron, Ohio. I’ve live in Chicago now and have for most of my adult life with a short break for a stint in New York. I’m a wee bit of a foodie, a complete history nerd and am convinced that I was born about 100 years too late!
WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
What spare time?!  Seriously, because writing is so solitary, I find that when I’m not in the “Book Bunker”, I’m out with friends, meeting for cocktails and dinner and hanging out.  I have a group of writers, booksellers and publishing people who regularly meet for an All-You-Can-Sushi lunch. I know this sounds like an inherently bad idea, but it’s one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets and these gatherings have evolved into our own version of the Algonquin Round Table. I’ve also recently taken up cooking and so far, I haven’t poisoned anyone!
WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Strange as it sounds, I always knew I wanted to be a writer, even before I became a reader. I started writing my first novel when I was 17 and wrote about 5 others (that shall forever remain hidden in a drawer) before I was able to publish my first novel. It’s been a long road but so worth it!
WHERE? Where do you write?
I work from home and though I have an office area set up, I never work at my desk. I live in an old loft and have the world’s most comfortable couch and overstuffed chair. I’m also fortunate that when I need to, I can block out excess noise and distractions and have been known to do some of my best writing in airports and coffee shops.
WHY? Why do you write?
To the best of my knowledge I have no other marketable skills.  And if I weren’t writing, what would I make of all these voices in my head? Seriously, writing for me is something I just need to do. Whenever I question why I do it, I keep this quote in mind by Elie Wiesel: “…if you can choose not to write, don’t. Nothing is as painful.  From the outside people think it’s good; it’s easy; it’s romantic. Not at all. It’s much easier not to write than to write. Except if you are a writer. Then you have no choice.”

Thanks so much for joining us here at A Novel Review, Renee! It was fun getting to know you, your life sounds so grown-up and sophisticated! We wish you much success and look forward to hearing about your next novel!

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Now let's get to know Renee's new book!

Dollface: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties

by Renee Rosen

Vera Abramowitz is determined to leave her gritty childhood behind and live a more exciting life, one that her mother never dreamed of. Bobbing her hair and showing her knees, the lipsticked beauty dazzles, doing the Charleston in nightclubs and earning the nickname “Dollface.” 

As the ultimate flapper, Vera captures the attention of two high rollers, a handsome nightclub owner and a sexy gambler. On their arms, she gains entrée into a world filled with bootleg bourbon, wailing jazz, and money to burn. She thinks her biggest problem is choosing between them until the truth comes out. Her two lovers are really mobsters from rival gangs during Chicago’s infamous Beer Wars, a battle Al Capone refuses to lose. 

The heady life she’s living is an illusion resting on a bedrock of crime and violence unlike anything the country has ever seen before. When the good times come to an end, Vera becomes entangled in everything from bootlegging to murder. And as men from both gangs fall around her, Vera must put together the pieces of her shattered life, as Chicago hurtles toward one of the most infamous days in its history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Sounds amazing, doesn't it!!! I am really excited to read it (it is sitting on my nightstand calling my name). Make sure to order your copy, today!

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THE FIVE W’S Of Laura Spinella + Giveaway

Laura Spinella is the author of the award-winning BEAUTIFUL DISASTER and just released PERFECT TIMING. She writes women’s fiction with a delicious thread of romance. For more information visit her website, www.lauraspinella.net

WHO? Who are you besides a writer? 
I have stumbled out of the gate! Admittedly, between PERFECT TIMING and my newest project, tentatively titled COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, my immediate response to the question is… IDK?? Oh, I suppose the usual, wife, mother of three, busy part-time member of the AuthorBytes team, a web development company. Actually, it’s a great question that demands some deep introspection—like maybe an EAT, LOVE, PRAY kind of sabbatical.

WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
Please define spare time; I’m not sure I’m familiar with the term. Even so, let me take a stab at it. I do carve out sports time if “my teams” are playing: Patriots, Red Sox, and, of course, my beloved Georgia Bulldogs. I make a point to have lunch with a friend at least once a month, just to come up for air. Other than the sports, I’m not much of a TV watcher, so I generally read at night. Truth be told, my guilty pleasure is an evening Dancing With the Stars!

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t know that I’ve ever had another serious aspiration. More interesting, might be the realization of how influenced I was by books, a certain series in particular. As a kid, I was a huge Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. I read and reread those books until the spines cracked and pages inadvertently memorized. I never thought twice about what compelled me to do that, not until a BEAUTIFUL DISASTER (my previous novel) interview. While I loved the LIW books, it was the chronicled telling of a story, the way narrative and chapters flowed that truly fascinated me. Maybe, all along, my interest was a subconscious “how to” study.

WHERE? Where do you write? 
We live in a 113 year-old house with a huge sunroom. The dogs lie on the back of the sofa and watch people come and go. I sit at my desk and try to make the same thing happen. That being said, I can write just about anywhere—I’m great with white noise. But there is something about the sunroom (and front porch when not winter in New England) that provides just the right setting. It’s funny, I change rooms and computers for my afternoon gig, which I’m lucky enough to do from home. While I can edit a manuscript at the study computer, I can’t write a book there.  Whatever ghosts inspire me in that sunroom, just don’t live in other parts of the house.

WHY? Why do you write?
*See “when” question.  I’ve heard other writers say that writing is a compulsion, and I’d have to agree with that. Not writing doesn’t seem to be an option for me. I say this with a fair amount of assuredness, because as much as I love writing, I often think: “This is nuts. There’s got to be an easier way…”

Thanks so much for inviting me to visit with A Novel Review!  I look forward to sharing PERFECT TIMING with readers!

Follow Laura Spinella

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now lets get to know more about Laura's new novel:

PERFECT TIMING 

by Laura Spinella

What’s a Jersey Girl to do when she moves to Catswallow, Alabama? Isabel Lang finds the answer in an unlikely bond with the musically gifted Aidan Roycroft. The two share everything from a first kiss to startling family secrets. But when Aidan is accused of a violent crime, the two flee to Las Vegas where Isabel’s future comes tumbling down.

Seven years later, the past is buried, including any relationship with Aidan. Isabel is busy running a radio station and closing in on commitment with Nate Potter, a guy who defines ideal. Life seems cozy until new station management demands a sudden-death ratings grabber, putting everyone’s future on the line. What should be a simple solution leads to a stunning revelation as Isabel is forced to call on the past and the only rock star she knows.

buy a copy of PERFECT TIMING by Laura Spinella

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Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter

From Goodreads: 

When Jenny Wright’s fiancé leaves her standing at the altar in a Vera Wang bridal gown she can’t afford, she’s humiliated and heartbroken. To have Marietta hero bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witness her shame - makes the rejection even more devastating. 

Jenny and Colton grew up in the same rough neighborhood and they both left home right after school to pursue big dreams. Now they're both back, with Colton as the celebrity chair for the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo, and Jenny in disgrace. 

Sexy, rugged Colton didn't get to be a national champion by chance. He's a man that takes risks and goes after what he wants. During the rodeo weekend, Colton makes it clear he wants Jenny. Flustered but flattered, Jenny finds it difficult to resist his charm. But what happens when the rodeo ends and Colton leaves town? Will she dare to dream again?

My Review:

This is the fourth book in The Copper Mountain Rodeo Series.    The stories are written by different authors but contain the same characters, although the main character changes with each book. I LOVE Jane Porter and she did not disappoint.     This is a one sitting read.  When I was done I was like WHAT?  That is it??  I want more!  

I have to talk about Colton…Oooo La La!  He is the typical bad boy.   The girl all the girls has crushes on and the boy that knows the girls want him.     But he also is a bad boy with a HUGE heart.  He approached Jenny on the street when he sees he upset and doesn’t let up.   Although his heart has been broken and he doesn’t want to let anyone in, I enjoyed watching him open up and let Jenny in a little at a time.

Jenny was an entertaining character..  I had a hard time with how she handled being left at the altar and how she accepted Charles’ reason for not being able to get married.    But I loved that her high school crush was the one who rescued her.    I also loved that she stood up for her parents, even when her upbringing was not the best, when their “class” was attacked.  I felt that Jenny was a character that managed to come into her own by the end of her book and  step out of all that was expected of her and instead be what she wanted to be. 

I love that this is a series.  Each book can be read alone, but has hints as to happen in the other books.   I highly recommend Jane Porter’s Take Me, Cowboy.  As a matter of fact I highly recommend the whole The Copper Mountain Rodeo series.  

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Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly

A searing and sinister thriller for readers who liked Gone Girl.

What if your best friend's child disappears? And it was all your fault.

A searing and sinister thriller for readers who liked Gone Girl.What if your best friend's child disappears? And it was all your fault. This is exactly what happens to Lisa Kallisto, overwhelmed working mother of three, one freezing December in the English Lake District. She takes her eye off the ball for just a moment and her whole world descends into the stuff of nightmares. Because, not only is thirteen-year-old Lucinda missing, and not only is it all Lisa's fault, but she's the second teenage girl to disappear within this small tightknit community over two weeks. The first girl turned up stripped bare, dumped on a busy high street, after suffering from a terrifying ordeal. 

Wracked with guilt over her mistake and after being publicly blamed by Lucinda's family, Lisa sets out to right the wrong. But as she begins peeling away the layers surrounding Lucinda's disappearance, Lisa learns that the small, posh, quiet town she lives in isn't what she thought it was, and her friends may not be who they appear, either.

My thoughts: I've been Lisa Kallisto. The mom who has said yes to too many things. Only after agreeing to just about everything, I soon find I can't handle hardly anything. This is Lisa. She wants to be a good mother, she wants to be a great mother and I believe is trying to compete without realizing it (don't we all on some level). She simply has to many balls in the air, I've been there. She needed to make a phone call--one simple phone call, but she simply got busy with life and didn't. The phone call she didn't make leads to the abduction of her daughter's best friend, Lucinda, a young thirteen year old girl. Lucinda's mother is a good friend of  Lisa's. How do you apologize--how do you live with that? You are responsible for a young girl gone missing.

Reading this almost seemed like a mission. I wanted to get it read and by reading it maybe Lucinda would make her way home. I know this sounds silly, but I couldn't put this book down. I wanted her home. I wanted everything to be ok, I wanted that sense of, "oh my goodness I can relate to Lisa--but I don't want to think about that" to end.

The novel is told with alternating perspectives of Lisa, Detective Joanne Aspinall, and a few small chapters of a dark voice that made my skin crawl. Detective Joanne is very different than Lisa. She is very cautious and meticulous. The two different perspectives really worked well with moving the novel forward as these two women try to put the pieces of what happened to Lucinda together.

I felt this was a can't put down thriller. With each passing chapter I felt like I knew even less that I did before-and I loved that I had no idea how this would end. And let me tell you I was not prepared for the ending! Be ready for staying up late to read this one! I am highly recommending Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly.

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