Chasing Rainbows by Kathleen Long

Amazon Book Description:

Bernadette Murphy likes her life. Really, she does. What's wrong with carrying around an extra ten pounds from fertility treatments? Or having your dog kicked out of obedience school? Again? What's that saying about the devil you know? For Bernie, it's the devil she never expected that changes everything.

Her father's sudden death leaves a gaping void in her life and is one in a series of events that rock her world. Her husband leaves for another woman, and her best friend announces an unplanned pregnancy at the age of forty-one. Bernie's behavior goes from acting out to out-of-hand, and she finds herself in trouble at home, out of work and banned from the mall after a confrontation at the cosmetic counter.

When her mother discovers her father's book of cryptograms, Bernie realizes his encoded lessons in living might be exactly what she needs to survive. From dealing with her family's grief and bonding with her best friend's thirteen-year-old daughter, to dieting, dating and mindless almost-sex with the landscaper, Bernie discovers what her father always knew.

In life, you either choose to sing a rainbow, or you don't.

For Bernie, the singing is about to begin.

My Review:

Bernadette "Bernie" Murphy has just lost her father. She is wrapping herself around him being gone, while simultaneously (and secretively) dealing with her husband who left her. Bernie is no stranger to loss and heartache, but the accumulation of loss and a book of cryptograms her father left her seem to be the wake-up call she has needed for some time and is reluctantly facing reality. 

Chasing Rainbows is a story about finding acceptance and learning how to walk through the downpours of life is the only way to find the rainbows. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It seems odd to say I enjoyed the book, when Chasing Rainbows deals with some very serious situations. Bernie is struggling with losing her father, her marriage, she doesn't know what's next, and finally realizing she has yet to really deal with the grief of losing her tiny baby. I connected to Bernie, as I lost my mother and shortly after I went through three miscarriages (not the same, but generally speaking). And when I couldn't relate I had empathy for her. The dark place where Bernie was at is a very real place. Bernie had to walk through all of this empty, dark grief while also realizing how those around her were all dealing with their grief in differently than her. 

For such heavy subject matter, Kathleen Long wrote a book that was enjoyable and uplifting all at the same time. Bernie is really a fun character you won’t be able to help, but root for.  I recommend Chasing Rainbows. Only after we walk through the storms of our lives, can we sit back and see the rainbows.

I know I don't normally post amazon's description, but I thought it really reflected the lighter side of this novel since my review seemed to really discuss the deeper side. I think when you really put the two concepts together you get a much greater view of what a great book this is and what an amazing job Kathleen Long did in weaving the heavy with the light!

Love to read? Want to donate to Breast Cancer research?

For the month of March, novelist Carol Mason, best-selling author of The Love Market, Send Me A Lover and The Secrets of Married Women, is donating 50% of all net proceeds from her Amazon E book sales to Breast Cancer foundation. If you wish to support the cause you can buy any or all of her three E books on Amazon.com for $2.99 each, or 2 pounds UK, then send proof of purchase to her via an email at her website. See www.carolmasonbooks.com for more details.

You get her fabulous books and help a great cause all at the same time!

"..a writer of compelling insight, with a gritty yet humorous edge." The Daily Mirror, UK, Book of the Week


"a sweet, sad tale about love, loss, and the crazy way the world works to reclaim love again." Cosmo Australia (Send Me A Lover)

To learn more go to her website at http://www.carolmasonbooks.com/carolmasonbooks.com/Welcome.html

and thank-you for being a part of such a worthy cause! Remember we should think pink all year long, not just October!

THE FIVE W’S Of Kathleen Long

Today we have author Kathleen Long here at A Novel Review! I will be reviewing her book Chasing Rainbows here on Thursday. Thank-you so much for joining us here today and now let's get to know:

The Five W's of Kathleen Long

WHO? 
Hello and thanks for letting me visit with you here at A Novel Review, Laura!

As to your first question, I’m a wife and mother first and a writer last. Before my daughter was born, my writing was my priority. I’d frequently pull thirteen-hour writing days while on deadline, consumed by the story I was telling. Those days are long gone.

I waited a long time to become a mother, and I refuse to miss a moment. I love walking my daughter to school, love helping her with her homework or her arts and crafts. I love hearing her giggle with her dad as they make up stories for each other—one of their favorite pastimes. I love being a mom, and I do my best to enjoy and appreciate every day.

As a writer, I’m an author who is determined to hone her craft and deepen the reader’s experience with every book. When I carve out writing time, I work hard, loving every moment of the journey.

WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
When I’m not writing, you can find me at the kitchen table with my daughter, crafting dragons out of paper towel tubes, or fashioning butterflies out of construction paper and pipe cleaners. When I’m not on mommy duty, I’m reading or catching up with friends online. My favorite escape is the beach, where I would spend every day if I could. I find nothing better for my soul than a long walk along the surf, no matter the weather.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer in the second grade. Our teacher showed us a series of slides and instructed the class to make up a story. I remember developing an intricate tale and setting my imagination free. I was hooked. I’ve been telling stories and writing in journals ever since. I became serious about my writing in August 2001, several months after our first daughter died in infancy. Her brief life made me realize dreams should be chased, and life is for living. I made the conscious decision to buckle down, learn my craft, and study the markets. I sold my third manuscript two and a half years later.

WHERE? Where do you write?
I’m laughing as I answer this question. I cannot write at my computer or at my laptop. I write sitting on the family room floor, typing onto a Dana—a keyboard produced by AlphaSmart. The beauty of the Dana is that it has no Internet access and shows me only nine lines of type at a time. When I work on my Dana, I write fast and don’t stop to edit. Even if I go to our local library to write—which I do often—I take only the Dana. I leave my laptop at home.

WHY? Why do you write?
I write because I love to spin plots, develop characters and tell stories. Most of all, I write because I want to provide an escape for everyone (hopefully) who picks up one of my books.

After we lost Emily, I sat and stared for months. Literally. Then one day, I picked up a book and I read. Don’t get me wrong. I’d always been a huge reader, but during my grief I fell into a fog that didn’t include books. This time, I read the book cover to cover, forgetting about my life for several hours. That experience was amazing, freeing and inspiring. I decided that if I could write and provide an escape for even one reader, I had to try.

Thanks for the great questions, Laura! Thank you for being part of the tour for Chasing Rainbows!

I will now go and google to find out more about what a Dana is, because it sounds like what I need--no internet while writing! lol. Thank-you so much for stopping by Kathleen! I think this is the first time an author made me tear up while reading their responses. You've definitely have touched on parts of my own life here and in your book. I'll discuss more of this in my review Thursday!


To get to know Kathleen better you can go to her website at http://www.kathleenlong.com/default.htm

Julia's Child by Sarah Pinneo + Giveaway

Crunchy momma, Julia Bailey, has taken her love for making healthy foods for her children and turned it into her own small business, Julia’s Child. Julia’s Child is all about making healthy snacks for toddlers and Julia dreams of the day when she can get Whole Foods to sell them in their stores. After a chance meeting, Julia’s Child begins to really take off. Great right? Well, as the business grows so does the debt while the time she can spend with her family begins to shrink.  

When things begin to look like all hope is lost, a life preserver suddenly appears but is it what it appears? Julia finds herself struggling between holding fast to her ideals or becoming a sellout. The question becomes is there a middle ground and can she find how to live in the moment?

I really enjoyed Julia’s Child, I found it to be a light hearted read with some real life lessons to be learned. As a mom, I can appreciate Julia’s struggle with finding a happy balance to her life and to her dreams. I’ll be honest; when I first started the book I felt a little mommy judgment. I am not a crunchy momma. I’m not. Yes, I feed my children fruits and vegetables and when we go out to eat mine will yell in unison for a side of steam broccoli over French fries any day of the week. But I don’t mind them eating some amount of processed foods at the same time. By the time the book ended I could really appreciate where Pinneo went with the story. She really conveyed how we as moms do have our things we feel strongly about and truthfully we all look for some shortcuts along the way and we each need to find the ones that work for us and not judge each other. This really hit home for me and I couldn't agree more! A book mom’s can really appreciate (and some recipes in there too, I can’t wait to make my shopping list this week)!

Would you like to read Julia’s Child? I’m recommending it and I’m going to give a copy away! All you need to do is leave your name and email address below for your chance to win! Winner will be chosen by random.org and the giveaway closes March 8 midnight EST. The giveaway is for US/Canada residents only (no PO boxes) sorry! The winner will have 48hours to reply to my email (make sure to check your spam folder, too). Good-luck!

THE FIVE W’S Of Sarah Pinneo

This morning we have crunchy momma Sarah Pinneo with us here at A Novel Review! Sarah is the author of newly released Julia’s Child and Ski House Cookbook. Let's get to know:

THE FIVE W’S Of Sarah Pinneo 

WHO? 

For a dozen years I worked in finance on Wall Street, before making the transition from breadwinner to bread baker. (Guess which is more fun?) When I’m not writing novels I might be tossing the football with my two boys, inventing new recipe for crackers or hanging around the farmers’ market.

WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?

When my children were 4 and 6, we left New York City for rural Vermont and New Hampshire. One of the great benefits of living up here is the outdoor lifestyle. Last weekend we skied on Saturday and skated on Sunday. Many other hours of my very glamorous life are taken up with cooking and laundry.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

In the third grade my teacher, Ms. Bacon, led me to a corner of the classroom. “You are going to be a writer,” she said. “And this is your portfolio. Every time you finish a poem, we’re going to put it in here.” And so it was.

WHERE? Where do you write?

My desk is in the kitchen. (What would Virginia Woolf have to say about that?) It’s nice to be so centrally located. Yet sometimes I burn food when I become distracted by twitter.

WHY? Why do you write?

I write books that I’d like to read. Anything I write has to be at least a little bit funny, because I value humor immensely. Another thing I like about writing is what I think of as the Rumpelstiltskin effect—you start with nothing and you end up with something. Though I am as susceptible to fancy notebooks as the next girl, the truth is that they don’t help. The straw must be spun into gold by effort only. I love that.


Thank-you so much for joining us, Sarah! I miss the beautiful autumn colors of living out East! I bet VT is gorgeous in the fall! If you'd like to get to know Sarah better you visit her at her website and follow her on twitter!

http://www.sarahpinneo.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/Julias__Child

The Underside of Joy by Seré Prince Halverson + Giveaway

1 Kings 3:16-28,  the Bible tells of a story of two women fighting over who was the the mother of one living child. The case was brought before King Solomon, who said he would cut the baby in two, so both women would have the child. One of the women yelled out, "Please, my Lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!" After the woman yelled this out he handed her the baby proclaiming, she was indeed the child's mother (NIV).

The Underside of Joy is a heart-wrenching story of two mothers fighting over 'their' children. Ella Beene and Joe Capozzi have made a wonder and caring home for Annie and Zach. Filled with love and surrounded by Joe's big Italian family. One looking in from the outside would never guess that Ella is the stepmother, because in every single way she is their real...and only mother.

Paige Capozzi, the children's biological mother couldn't handle the stress of motherhood. Soon after having Zach, she just checked out. As far as everyone knew she hadn't even bothered to send the kids cards or called to see how they were doing. Joe divorced her shortly after he met Ella, who openly welcomed motherhood. And for three years Joe and Ella seemed to have it all. It all ended one summer morning in '99.

Suddenly, Joe is gone and Ella is on her own with the kids, helping them to deal with their grief. When out of nowhere, Paige turns up. She is ready to take her children back and is ready to fight for them as their biological mother. Ella's world is turned even more upside than she thought possible, as Paige begins making outrageous claims about Joe. Two women fighting over the children they believe to be theirs. The Underside of Joy will have you asking yourself...what makes a mother, but wait to make judgement because you might not have the whole story.

The Underside of Joy is Seré Prince Halverson debut novel. This one had be grabbing for the kleenex over and over and over again! But don't worry you won't be crying long, because you won't hardly be able to put it down!

I absolutely LOVED this book! I mean it really plays with the heartstrings. I'm not a stepmother, but I know without a doubt if I was I would be just as much a mama bear as I would be with my biological children making me relate to Ella...and if someone was with my biological children no matter who she was or how wonderful she was to my children, well she wouldn't be me and I would fight like crazy for them, so I could relate on some level to Paige! What a story! And what I've written about today is only the first layer of this amazing story! That's right there is so much more, so much deeper. Ella really walks through some serious stuff to find her way to the end. I have only good things about this book, it was amazing! This is a book I know I will be sharing with the women in my life! And I'm going to start with sharing it with all of you! I have a copy to giveaway!

The giveaway is for US/Canada only (no PO Boxes) and ends March 6 midnight EST. Please comment telling what you think makes a mother and make sure to leave me your email address. I will contact the winner and the winner has 48 hours to respond (make sure to check your spam folder cause sometimes my emails go into them). I will choose a winner using random.org! Good-luck!

The 5 W’s of Seré Prince Halverson

I’m very excited to announce, we have Seré Prince Halverson joining us here at A Novel Review! Seré is the debut author of The Underside of Joy. For more than 20 years she has worked as both a copywriter and a creative director, while she raised children and wrote fiction. As soon as I read the description of The Underside of Joy, I knew without a doubt I wanted to read it! So I am really excited to introduce to you,

The 5 W’s of Seré Prince Halverson

WHO? 

I’m a mom and stepmom whose nest recently emptied and whose debut novel, The Underside of Joy, was recently published. I love to walk and hike, especially in the woods. I adore word games but despise any game involving a ball being thrown at me. I had a crush on my husband, Stan, in 8^th grade, went to the homecoming dance with him our senior year, and re-met him at our 20-year high school reunion -- after we’d both been divorced three years and each had two great kids. (This was back in the pre-facebook era, when we’d all lost touch with high school friends!)

WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?

Reading, watching movies, hiking, hanging out with friends and family, traveling, acting as sous chef for my husband.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my first play, The Elf Who Stole the Girl, when I was seven. It starred my little sister, Suzanne, as The Girl and I played The Evil Elf. We performed in our basement for my aunts and uncles and received a standing ovation. I think that’s what first hooked me. I worked as a copywriter writing ads, brochures, websites, taglines, and articles. I worked on my fiction whenever I could, but it took me decades to have a novel published.

WHERE? Where do you write?

I used to write anywhere I could. In bed, with earplugs and the door closed, at the kitchen table or at a coffee house, in a borrowed cabin, and years ago, when I was really desperate, even at Chuck E. Cheese while my kids played.

But now I write from My Little Red Writing Hut. While I was traveling with my son for several weeks last summer, Stan and my in-laws surprised my by building a separate studio for me. I know. Lucky me.

They bought a 10X14 shed. Then they tricked it out with lots of big windows everywhere, tons of insulation, recessed lighting, bamboo flooring, and one wall covered with corkboard and wainscoting. It has a wrap-around porch and looks out over vineyards and redwoods.  I’d once mentioned that I liked red cabins, and when Stan asked me what shade of red, I’d pointed to some funky shoes I was wearing at the time. He snuck one of the shoes out of the closet and took it to the paint store to match the color. That’s my husband. And that’s my version of the Cinderella story.

WHY? Why do you write?

As dramatic as this sounds, I write because I must. Fortunately, I also love to write—most of the time.

Thank-you, so much Seré for joining us at A Novel Review and letting us get to you a little better! I love your Cinderella story! That is so sweet! Wishing you much sucess with The Underside of Joy!

Make sure to get to know Seré better by visiting her:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Ser%C3%A9-Prince-Halverson/100001227558178

Blog:http://whomovedmybuddha.blogspot.com/

Website:http://sereprincehalverson.com/

and make sure to come back to A Novel Review on Wednesday for my review of The Underside of Joy!

THE 5 W'S OF Kristina McMorris

I am very excited to have Kristina McMorris here on A Novel Review today! Last year Kristina released her novel, Letters From Home, which has received fantastic reviews. I am very excited to get to know her better and to have the oppertunity to review her newest book Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. 

WHO? Who are you as a writer?

Before diving into a writing career, I was actually J. Lo. Okay, not Jennifer Lopez the person, just her character from "The Wedding Planner." I owned an event and wedding planning business for years—coordinating up to fourteen weddings per summer, ack!—so when it comes to literary projects, I'm most definitely a plotter. Having grown up in the TV/film industry, I tend to develop my stories as if watching a movie—in full scenes and always linearly. Writers who can hop around between chapters boggle my mind.

I also take pride in doing in-depth research, including an internment pilgrimage, vet interviews, war re-enactments, and even a B-17 ride (admittedly, more fun than work). I love delivering little-known historical facts through fictional stories, especially when they shine a spotlight on humble heroes who deserve our recognition.

WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?

Spare time? Hmm…I think I've heard of the concept, lol. Honestly, given the utterly glamorous life I lead as a minivan-driving soccer mom of two young boys, spare time has definitely become a rarity. Even now, I hesitate to confess, I'm literally typing this at Chuck E. Cheese. (With the lights, games, tokens, and all-you-can-eat buffet, I swear this place is grooming future Vegas-goers!)

In the free time I do finagle, I love watching movies (especially preceded by great movie trailers), drinking yummy wine with friends, and playing cards with my family. I taught my five-year-old how to talk smack early on, and now that he typically beats us all, I'm suddenly regretting that choice.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Six years ago I was pregnant with our second son. I was high on hormones, evidently feeling superhuman—if I could create life, a book couldn't be all that hard—when I was inspired to pen a novel based on my grandparents' courtship letters. They had met only twice during WWII before the sailor proposed to his sweetheart, uniting them in a marriage that lasted until he passed away fifty years later. My grandma kept each of his letters in a box, which she finally shared with me when I interviewed her for the biographical section of a family cookbook I was compiling, filled with recipes she had created and collected over decades, intended as a Christmas gift for the family.

I started to wonder how well two people could truly know each other through letters alone, which sparked the premise of my debut novel, LETTERS FROM HOME. Of course, the story's Cyrano de Bergerac element—wherein the soldier doesn't realize the girl he's writing to isn't the one replying—was a twist I added in the name of fiction. But bits and pieces of my grandfather's letters live on in my book, as does the initial inspiration that continues to drive me as I trudge through every new project.

WHERE? Where do you write?

After writing two full novels in the confines of my office, I splurged on a laptop to allow me to edit while sitting on our comfy living room couch. Between the gas fireplace and ottoman, as well as an end table for my mug of tea, I have now found it nearly impossible to venture back into my office—which wouldn't be a problem necessarily, if it weren't for the fact that I'm much more productive when not lounging on said comfy couch. To motivate myself, I recently bought a super-fancy chair and a super-fancy keyboard for the office…and yet, every morning, I can't help but plant myself by the fire. I'm sure there's a support group for this kind of thing.

WHY? Why do you write?

Oh, how I long to be one of those writers who can honestly answer: Because I can't NOT write. I'm envious of those people. So much so, I choose to believe they're not human.

Frankly, many days undergoing a root canal sounds more appealing to me than punching out a chapter from scratch. Editing, on the other hand, I'm a much bigger fan of. Reading my entire piece of work when it's done and polished, then feeling pleased it has turned out to be close to—or, if I'm lucky, even better than—the story I envisioned in my head…this is the main reason I continue to click away at the keys. The other reason quickly became clear the day I received a powerful email regarding my debut, sent from a WWII veteran who, like my infantry character, had served in the harrowing Battle of the Bulge: Keep up the good work, it read simply. Goodness knows, I'm certainly going to try.

Kristina McMorris is an award-winning author and graduate of Pepperdine University. A TV host of weekly shows sine age nine, including an Emmy Award-winning program, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. For more, visit: www.KristinaMcMorris.com

Thank-you so much for visiting A Novel Review and letting us get to know you a little bit better! On a personal note, I think you are the first author who did answer the Why do you write that didn't say because she felt you had too. I loved reading that as I, myself have a love/hate relationship with writing and I was beginning to feel alone! Thank-you again and wishing you much success! 

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves By Kristina McMorris

After suffering the loss of her mother, Maddie Kern is about to audition for Julliard. Her future is full of music and promise. She lives in California with her older and very protective brother TJ who is now watching over her, while their dad is unable to face the reality of his wife's death. Maddie is secretly in love with Lane Moritomo, TJ’s best friend and is planning on keeping it all hush hush until the right time.

What could be wrong with that? They are young, in love and have their whole lives ahead of them. When Lane’s parents unexpectedly tell him a Japanese matchmaker has found him a match and he will marry in the next few months. With news of an impending marriage the couple runs off and elope. When they wake up the next morning, not only has their world chanced but the world around them has changed with the news Perl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Lane, his family and other Japanese immigrants all over the country are suddenly looked at as the enemy.

TJ angry at his best friend and mad at his sister joins the war effort and enlists. Lane’s family loses everything and heads off to a relocation camp, after realizing they can't survive. Lane determined to do right by Maddie leaves her behind. But now Maddie is viewed as a traitor by those around her and she no longer seems to fit anywhere.

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves follows Maddie, TJ and Lane through WWII. Maddie goes off with Lane’s family where his mother is less than enthusiastic to have her around. TJ and Lane both become soldiers.  I would say this is the most moving novel I have ever had the pleasure to read. I immediately loved Lane, he was  so sweet and thoughtful. The whole world was placed on his shoulders. He went through the entire novel always with purpose and thoughtfulness of those around him, a true hero. Maddie and the rest of the characters grew with each passing page, until I loved each and every one of them and their stories. Bridges of Scarlet Leaves had me reaching for my box of Kleenex more than once. A war/love story like none I’ve read before. It’s filled with tradition, honor, triumph and tragedies. I strongly strongly recommend Bridges of Scarlet Leaves.

On a personal note, I think there is something about WWII love stories. I always like to picture my grandparents and what their lives would have been like while reading them. This story hit close to home for me, as my grandfather was at Perl Harbor that fateful day. He was one of the lucky ones. For years I had wished he would talk about his days in service, make history more real for me. Through McMorris’ writings I can understand why he said nothing of the things he saw.

http://www.kristinamcmorris.com/

BORN WICKED: The Cahill Witch Chronicles Book 1 by Jessica Spotswood boo...

I just saw this book trailer for Jessica Sportswood's new book BORN WICKED! Looks so good! I hope I can get my hands on a copy!!!

The Family Affair by Leon H. Gildin

The Family Affair, is not typically a book I would pick up and read. It is a conclusion to the 2010 Winner of the International Book Awards for Historic Fiction, The Polski Affair.  You can read it without having read the first book. I haven't read The Polski Affair and I believe this story may have been more powerful to me because of it.

Anna is a Holocaust survivor living in Israel with her husband Chaim. Both Anna and Chaim had lost family during the Holocaust and escaped after leaving the Hotel Polski in Warsaw. The hotel was a trap set up by the Nazis to lure Jews out of hiding in the hopes of obtaining visas. Anna at a later point in time testified against Col. Hauptmann during his war crimes trial.

The Story picks up two years after a reunion at the Hotel Polski. Her son, Sholom is an academic working on his doctorate about the hotel. After a devastating blow to the family, Sholom takes off to research the hotel and some nagging questions. While on his research trip, he uncovers something his mother had thought was lost forever. He had hoped it would finally free her of her burden. He also uncovers truths about himself.

Most of the book is from Sholom's viewpoint, but there are instances where the viewpoint changes. This is a story of how a family deals with life; new situations and explosive revelations. I don't want to write too much because I hate to give away spoilers.

This is a relatively short book, and yet was not short on impact. The dialog seemed choppy to me, like someone writing outside their native tongue. I wouldn't enjoy reading this sort of style all the time, but I personally felt like I was really reading someone's journal, where they were writing down their history. It gave a feeling of authenticity.

The one thing I took note of, is throughout the story it was mentioned how Anna was obsessed with what happened at the hotel. I don't think that really came through as an obsession, but more of something she wished to bury and wanted others to respect that. I will also say there was a few spots where the book felt would start to drag, but I can assure you it always comes back with a punch. I was teary eyed at the beginning of the story and at the end. I can't imagine the burden, the survivors guilt that Anna had to carry her whole life.

If you enjoy historic fiction than this is the book for you. As I read The Family Affair, I could only 'recall' the Holocaust by the images I've seen from documentaries and movies like Schindler's List. I would be reading and think of those images, I would recall the older Jewish Survivors who would tell stories on the documentaries. I can't even begin to imagine. This isn't a book about a love story with lots of descriptive scenery it's a book that tells a powerful story and how a family dealt. I recommend The Family Affair.

http://leongildin.com/

Princess of Park Avenue by Daniella Brodsky

Lorraine Machuchi is a twenty eight year old Brooklyn girl who still lives at home with her mom, dad and brother. She works for her Uncle Carlo and the Do Wop Shop for Hair as a colorist. She and her bosom buddy, Chrissy are still hanging out at the same places they did in high school even though they are 28 years old. Lorraine knows things will change when her long term on-again-off-again boyfriend Tommy marries her. The only problem is Tommy seems to be more off again lately. But during a late night talk, Tommy opens up and tells her how they'll never end up together because she is never going anywhere.

So when her Uncle has her go into the city for a coloring class--her life changes forever. Believing if she can succeed in Manhattan than surely Tommy will finally love her. Lorraine is soon swept up into a whirlwind of high society princesses, fancy parties, and high living...well Tommy sees the new and improved Lorraine--but does the new Lorraine want the same old Tommy? Or will Lorraine finally see her own value?

I have mixed feelings about the book, some parts I really enjoyed and other parts...not so much. I really liked Lorraine and could really understand to some extent her feelings for Tommy. I loved reading her inner dialog as she is holding her tongue from telling off her new boss knowing full well it wasn't like at her Uncle's shop where she always had a job. I also really enjoyed getting to know Don and Matt a little (though wished Brodsky would have focused on their relationship with Lorraine more).

Parts I didn't like. I thought there were a number of time when the book dragged on and nothing was really added to the story. I also found a number of typos which became distracting. I may have an unedited proof, I'm not sure. I also didn't really believe Lorraine would really enjoy hanging out with the princesses so often; she came across as a character who really enjoyed her close deep friendship with Chrissy and the princesses were so superficial.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

http://www.daniellabrodsky.com/

A Promise of Safekeeping by Lisa Dale + Giveaway

Lauren Matthews became a big shot prosecutor nine years ago. She walked in and successfully prosecuted a high profile murder case convicting, Arlen Fieldstone. Nine years later, the verdict is overturned and Arlen is pronounced innocent. During those nine years, Lauren made a name for herself as a jury consultant with her amazing knack for reading people…while Arlene’s wife divorced him and his mother died.

Reeling from the shocking news of Arlen’s innocence sends Lauren running to Richmond, Virginia to find him and to apologize for her involvement in his wrongful conviction. Expecting to just to apologize and go home to her job and promotion, Lauren finds Arlen hostile and his best friend, Will working somewhat as a go between. Lauren realizes she can’t read people as easily as she thought, remembering the most important rule: people are always surprising.

I really enjoyed A Promise of Safekeeping. When Lauren first arrives in Richmond she is quite uptight and all business. Though I could respect and admire what she was doing she felt less than genuine. I really enjoyed watching her open up not only to Will, to the reader, but mostly to herself. She slowly started to ‘think’ about her own life instead of living out a plan.

On the other hand, I went back and forth about Arlen. I began with having all this sympathy for him, but then began thinking how he was always on the verge of becoming the criminal he wasn’t before. I understood but also felt frustrated. Then the more and more I read, I began liking him and routing for him.  I also really enjoyed getting to know Will. I wasn’t really sure what to make of him and thought him to be a really good friend to Arlen. The characters were all really well developed and enjoyed watching how they moved forward when they realized they were each at a crossroad.

I felt the story moved at a fairly good pace, but the end came fast and I didn’t really get to fully appreciate or savor the ending. The book comes to a very dramatic end, which I really wasn’t expecting. This was the first book I’ve read by Lisa Dale and I will definitely read her again. I definitely recommend A Promise of Safekeeping. Not only do I recommend it, I’m giving a copy away! Leave a comment below with your email address. You must live in the US and no p.o. boxes. Sorry! You don’t have to be a gfc follower, but it is appreciated!! This giveaway will close at midnight EST on 1/25/12. Good luck!

Other books by Lisa Dale

http://lisadalebooks.com/

Outside the Lines By Amy Hatvany

There is a hole in Eden West’s heart, an empty spot aching to be filled with the love of her father. Growing up Eden had loved and adored her father, David. She had been the apple of David’s eye…his reason-- his hope in his dark world of depression and bipolar. Twenty years have gone by since that fateful day when David left her, abandoned her…without as much as a word. After her mother battles breast cancer, Eden realizes she needs to find him. She begins searching homeless shelters.

Outside the Lines begin with Eden as an adult woman on her journey to find her father, but the chapters also give the vantage point of Eden’s story back in 1989, as well as David’s. Eden is a ten-year-old girl dealing with emotions and a situation much larger than her. David is trying to live in a mental hell keeping himself or make himself to appear balanced. The tension builds and builds until it explodes.

This an emotional novel which filled me with so much compassion for the characters. Each character was written flawed, raw and with a desire and need for acceptance. I was filled with anger while watching the car wreck of Eden’s young life that I could see coming and wanted to stop. Love, the beautiful deep love that David felt for his daughter was breathtaking. As I read Eden’s story in 1989, I found myself literally holding my breath.

Outside the Lines was a brilliant novel dealing with a tough subject. I think one of the greatest signs of a great book is when you put the book down and walk away with a greater insight into your own life. For me, this is one of those books. I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil any details about the book.

This was a beautiful story behind a very real disorder. I highly recommend Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany! You can pre-order Outside the Line due out Feb. 7!!!

Learn more about Amy on her website: http://amyhatvany.com/default.aspx

Salvation City By Sigrid Nunez + Giveaway

Flu pandemic breaks out and orphans Cole Vining, a thirteen year old boy, and changes the face of America. Cole is one of the lucky orphans and is placed into a home where he may be potentially adopted by Pastor Wyatts and his wife Tracey. The Wyatts live in Salvation City, a small town in rural Indiana. It’s here where they introduce Cole to God and a new way of life. Cole easily accepts this new lifestyle even though he grew up in an atheist home. Though truthfully, he remembers very little about his former life—a complication from the flu he had.

The entire story is told by Cole’s perspective: before the flu, during the flu and after the flu. He easily adjusts to his new surroundings and forms relationships with his new family. There is a definite back and forth struggle between his old and new life. After a disappearance in Salvation City, Cole comes to the realization of the future he wants for himself.

Nunez writing is very articulate, but I found the story to be slow. There isn’t a whole lot of action, as I thought there would be. This is really a coming of age story more than a story of surviving the pandemic. I never really connected with any of the characters, so I never sympathized with them. I felt like I was ‘waiting’ for something to happen the entire time I was reading.

Overall, the book was good just not my thing.

I did my homework and found mixed reviews for Salvation City. The publisher offered me the opportunity for a giveaway, so I’m going to go ahead and post it, since just because it wasn’t my thing doesn’t mean it’s not a good book. Comment below and leave me your email address for your chance to win a copy of Salvation City by Sigrid Nunez. The giveaway will close 1/15/12 at midnight EST. This giveaway is for US only. Sorry!

or you can order your copy today!

Other books by Sigrid Nunez


http://www.sigridnunez.com/