A Novel Source

Before She Dies by Mary Burton: Book Review & Giveaway

2012-02-20T23:35:00.001-05:00

The past has come back to haunt high-profile defense attorney, Charlotte Wellington. As a teenager, Charlotte and her sister, Mariah, worked as "Madame Divine" for the traveling carnival. When Mariah is found murdered, Charlotte escapes the carnival and Mariah's newborn baby to find a life of her own, outside of being a carnie. Grady, Charlotte and Mariah's uncle and owner of the carnival promises to find a real family for Mariah's baby. Eighteen years later, Grady shows up at Charlotte's law office asking her to represent Sooner, the baby left behind, in a bogus theft charge. Charlotte realizes Grady never did find a real home for Sooner....and then women's bodies begin to pile up in the Alexandria area....with the word "witch" tattooed on their forehead. Throw in the hunky detective and his truly psychic Russian grandmother, and the mixture becomes one enjoying thrill of a ride (no pun intended!)

When I pick up a Mary Burton book, I know I am in for a real treat. Her idea of romantic suspense is more suspense, engaging plot and creating strong women. I love that her heroine overcomes great obstacles to make a life for herself. The characters in her books are all flawed in a very real way so that it is easy for the reader to connect and empathize. And oh the bad guys are all so very bad! Ms. Burton has outdone herself with the evil-doer in Before She Dies - this sick puppy is truly demented!

The world Mary Burton has created in Before She Dies takesus from the drama of the courtroom to the dusty field where the carnivalthrives. It is easy to smell thepopcorn, feel the cake of dust and hear the shouts and laughter of those on therides. Some of the truly great things Iappreciate about reading a Mary Burton novel is the quirkiness of some of thecharacters, like the Russian grandmother who has the “sight,” the defenseattorney who grew up with nothing and scrambled to make something of herself,the endearing Detective who takes care of his elderly grandmother….and in theend everything cycles around and all of the underlying stories are brought to aclose. It is apparent that Mary Burtondoes thorough research and writes from a wealth of knowledge andexperience. A truly enjoyable ride!

Sites of Interest: Author's Site | Buy the Book

Publisher: Kensington Books | Published: February 1, 2012

Genre: Romantic Suspense | 416 pages | ISBN: 978-14201-10210

About the Author:

Mary’s commitment to realism has led to eye-opening interviews with local law enforcement, to forensic seminars and to the firing range. She is a graduate of the Henrico County Citizens Police Academy and the Richmond FBI Citizen’s Academy, participated in Sisters in Crime’s Forensic University program and attended the Writers Police Academy in Jamestown, North Carolina for seminars on autopsies, undercover work and motive.

Mary Burton is an avid baker and an accomplished cook. When not writing, researching or baking, Mary practices Astanga yoga, enjoys her miniature dachshunds Buddy and Bella, pursues her Baking & Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond’s Culinary Arts program, attends professional conferences, and visits with readers and booksellers.

Many thanks to the Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting Group for the complimentary review copy.

For the chance to win a copy of Before She Dies, please complete the form below. The winner will be chosen on February 23rd with the help of random.org.

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Saturday Snapshot: Do You See What I See?

2012-02-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

As an early birthday present to myself I bought the camera of my dreams, a Canon T3i. And for Valentine's, my darling romantic boyfriend took me to my favorite place in the entire world - La Jolla, California. These pictures are taken on that very beach this past week.

Have you ever looked to the sky and seen shapes formed from the clouds - like a mermaid, ice cream cone, Mustang GTO? I find the same to be true of rock formations, and those surrounding the Pacific in La Jolla are perfect for finding images.

I've hidden my thoughts of the formations in parenthesis below each picture. I don't want to inhibit your creative juices as you view these rocks.

After you study the rocks, tell me dear reader, do you see what I see?

Highlight the space between the parenthesis to discover what I think. Enjoy!


(the toes of a giant hanging from the largest rock)


(it's a rock turtle!)


(i'm an Egyptian pyramid in the shape of a lion's head)

Did you see the same images or something completely different?

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home With Books.
To participate, please visit Alyce's site.

First Chapter First Paragraph: The Detour

2012-02-14T02:32:00.000-05:00

I love books set in World War II so when I heard about The Detour being set just before the Great War, in none other than beautiful Italy .... with priceless artwork at stake...along with everything else on the cusp of World War II - well, I knew I had to read this book!

The russet bloom on the vineyards ahead, the yellow-leafed oaks, a hint of truffles fattening in moldy obscurity underfoot - none of it is truly familiar, because I first came here not only in a different season, but as a different man. Yet the smell of autumn anywhere is for me the smell of memory, and I am preoccupied as my feet guide me through the woods and fields up toward the old Piedmontese villa.

When a salt-and-pepper blur charges out of the grass and stops just in front of me, growling, I stand my ground. I resist retreating; I reach out a hand. Foam drips from the dog's black gums onto the damp earth. I am in no hurry, and neither is she.

To participate in First Chapter ~ First Paragraph or to check out some fantastic Tuesday Intro's on other blogs, visit the lovely Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea.

What great books are you reading this week?

Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren f. Winner

2012-02-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

If you have ever felt a distancing from God then Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis isfor you. If you are spiritual anddivorced and find that the divorce just does not fit in with what you believeabout the Bible then Still is foryou.

Winner is a theology professor atDuke University in North Carolina. Hermother passed away just before she got married and during the five years ofmarriage, Winner became distanced from God. Then Winner committed a clear sin according to the Bible and divorcedbringing further questions regarding faith.

Still is anintrospective, honest look at what someone of devoted faith faces when lifehappens. As many know, my absolutefavorite author in the entire world is Madeleine L’Engle who has also written numerousbooks regarding her faith. In the first chapter, heck, almost on the very firstpage – I felt like Winner was channeling L’Engle’s style of graceful writing.Ever since I was exposed to L’Engle’s books beginning in 7^th grade,I have patterned much of my beliefs about God based upon her poetry andwritings – that’s how much I respect and adore Madeleine L’Engle. Even today Ikeep Glimpses of Grace by my bed toread most every day.

I say all that to share I had similar feelings as I wasreading through Still. Her heart-breaking questioning of herdivorce; the bereft-ness left in her life when Winner’s mother passed away; andthe questioning of her faith even while teaching pastors-in-training. How does one make it all make sense?

Winner answers the question about being divorced andscripture:

…I am still very much sorting through things pertainingto my divorce. Among other things, divorcing has shaken up the assumptions Ibring to reading scripture. In leaving my marriage, I was doing something thatwas simply not permissible, not in the way I have always interpreted scripture,and that is something I remain troubled by, confused by – it is not somethingabout which I feel cavalier…What does it mean to be someone who affirmsscripture’s authority, someone who wants to live inside the scriptural story,but who has made a major life choice that contradicts something about whichJesus in the Gospels is pretty clear? I don’t have a straight-forward, stableanswer to that.

The different chapters labeled:

Failure

A poem at Thanksgiving

Ode on God’s absence

Visits to my mother’s grave

Exorcism; blessing. . . . .each give a sense of what isto come and makes it easy for the reader to find the solace amongst the pageshe or she may need.

Those going through a breakup – especially of a marriage– can relate to Winner’s expressive verbiage. For example, in the chaptertitled “loneliness, ii” Winner speaks of “intimacy alienated:”

I have a friend, also recently divorced, who explains tome that the loneliness he experienced in his marriage was more devastating thananything he has experienced since. ‘Lying in bed at night next to someone youonce promised to love and knowing there is no way to bridge the gulf betweenyou,’ he says. ‘That is the most crushing loneliness of all.’ (p. 57)

Winner shares her desire to pray, but the terrible blockshe had to the actual act of praying:

Because it is easier to read about prayer than to pray, Ihave shelves full of books: meditations on the Lord’s Prayer by a dozendifferent authors; scholarly accounts of prayer in the twelfth century, theeighteenth century; Hasidic wisdom on prayer; manuals for knitting a prayerrug, a prayer shawl, a prayer blanket, a prayer tree. (I don’t, alas, know howto knit.) Sometimes I think that all this reading gets in the way, that the booksbecome excuses, something to do in lieu of praying. Other days, I know thatto read about prayer is at least to indulge my desire, to acknowledge that Iwant this thing, that I long for it, even if this afternoon the closest I canget is reading voyeurism, greedy spying on other people at prayer. (p. 75)

Winner writes with an intelligence and graceful fluiditythat fills the cracks inside – allowing us the chance to remorse a distancingfrom God while witnessing her journey that it is possible to get through to theother side…and the other side of a mid-faith crisis brings wisdom and agrounded faith. Still is a beautiful book – a picture of “Be still and know that Iam God;” realizing God is still thereeven amidst the turmoil of mistakes in life; and still in the awareness that we are God’s children. Still is highly recommended.

About the author:

Lauren f. Winner has written several titles including Girl Meets God and Mudhouse Sabbath. Sheteaches at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina and is currentlyseeking ordination within the Episcopal Church.

Sites of Interest:Author’s Site | Buy the Book

Genre:Religion/Spirituality | 244 pages | ISBN: 978-0-06-176811-8

Many thanks tothe publisher for the complimentary review copy.

Have a blessed day!

Mary Burton is Back!

2012-02-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to announce a giveaway for the first two books in Mary Burton's Alexandria, VA series: Senseless and Merciless! See my review of both here.

If you enjoy romantic suspense/thriller then Mary Burton has just the books for you! Every time I open up the first page of a Burton book, I know I'm going to have to devote the next few hours so I can finish it that same day! Her books are un-put-downable!

And on top of the giveaway, I can share a few paragraphs of her latest book in the series, Before She Dies:

                “Identification?”Sinclair knelt by the body and stared into the woman’s face half cloaked by herhair.
                “No ID.No jewelry. And there are red marks on the side of her neck. Looks like he got her with a stun gun severaltimes.” Paulie knelt down and examined the hair draping her forehead. Hesnapped more pictures and then gently moved the hair back. “Have a look atthis.”
                Sinclairsquatted and glanced down. “She’s been tattooed with the word Witch.” The bold letters covered most ofthe delicate forehead skin, still puckered red and raw from the tattoo needle.“Shit.”
                Rokov’shalf-baked theory had been correct, but it gave him no pleasure. “She have any other tats or markings?”
                “Not onthe exposed areas. But there could be other body art under the clothes.”
                “Ican’t imagine anyone willingly doing this to themselves,” Sinclair said. “Butwe’ve seen all kinds of oddities.”
                Rokovglanced around the room. The flowered wallpaper was peeling off in frayedstrips, and the ceiling was soiled with a dozen watermarks. All the furniture had been stripped out, anda shadow imprint on the back wall suggested there’d been a bar at one point. Athick coating of dust covered the room. “Footprints?”
                “Twodistinct sets,” Paulie said. “The first Iidentified as Barrows. He was kind enough not to trample all over the floor,which left me with clear impressions of the second set.” Paulie pointed to thewindow. “The best impression is over by the window, and I’ve marked it with acone. I’ve got an electrostatic dustprint collector. It will pull an impression.”
                “Rokovmoved toward the footprints carefully to mirror Barrow’s path. “It looks like a size eleven or twelve.” Hestudied the grooved pattern. “Sneakers?”
                “That’smy guess, but it will take time to narrow the brand.”
                “Theimpressions are clear and defined. He walked carefully and with precision.”
                Paulieshrugged. “You know I don’t make impulsive calls.”
                “I’mnot holding you to it,” Rokov said.
                “That’swhat they all say. I’ll have a report bytomorrow.”
                Rokovstudied the impression. “Inside backright heel looks worn. He’s favoring the foot.”
                Pauliesnapped more pictures. “Could be an injury or he could have had a wart at onetime, and it changed the way he walks. Doesn’t mean he noticeably favors thefoot now.”
                “So hemoved her here,” Rokov says. “Positions her, stakes her, and then moves to thewindow to stare at what?”
                “Theriver. The full moon. It was a clear night last night. He stops to enjoy thefull moon. Maybe he heard a sound.”
                “Ifhe’s got a thing about witches, the moon makes sense,” Rokov said. “The fullmoon has a lot of power in some circles. Stands to reason he’d be drawn to themoon.”
                Sinclairrose. “We need to figure out who she is. I’ll head downstairs and put a callinto Missing Persons and see what they have.”
                “Good.”Rokov turned to Paulie. “Does she have defensive wounds? Did she fight for herlife?”
                “I’mgoing to bag her hands. Hopefully, the medical examiner will find somethingunder her nails.”
                Rokovknelt by the victim’s right hand and studied the crude stake that had piercedthe flesh of her palm. It would have taken tremendous force to drive the woodthrough the flesh. He wondered if she’d known her attacker. Most murdered women knew their killers.Lovers. Husbands. Boyfriends. Love could turn vicious instantly.
                “Iwanted you to see her before I pulled the stakes. If I can pull them out now, I can roll herover.”
                “Need ahand?” Rokov said.
                “I gotit.” Paulie slid on workman’s gloves over his surgical gloves and grabbed ahold of the stake. “The floor boards are rotted.” He pulled hard, and the stakewriggled free of the floor and the victim’s palm. Carefully, he moved to theother side and repeated. Then it was on to the feet. The last stake provedstubborn and it took assistance from Rokov to free it.
                Paulielaid the stakes out and photographed them. Then very carefully, he turned the body on its side. The victim’s jacketwas embossed with the word Magic.

©Mary Burton

For a chance to win the first two books, Senseless and Merciless, please complete the form below. The winner will be chosen on February 16th using the random number generator. Please, US and Canada residents only. Best of luck!

and just a hint - check back next week for my review of Before She Dies and another giveaway!

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The Seventh Stone by Pamela Hegarty

2012-02-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

Books about religious artifacts have become quite popular since Dan Brown exploded on the scene with his Angels and Demons series. Pamela Hegarty takes us into New York City, Princeton and the Colombian rain forest for an oft-overlooked treasure from Moses' day - the Breastplate of the High Priest, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment and the Breastplate of Aaron.


To view a larger size, please click on the picture above.

In The Seventh Stone, Princeton historian Christa Devlin is on a mission to find the seven missing stones of the Breastplate before the sociopath "Prophet" can get his hands on the gems. With tremendous twists and turns along the way, including the water of New York City and Princeton being contaminated with a deadly poison that kills within seven days, The Seventh Stone is a grand adventure and jaw-dropping suspense all in one.

What I would have liked better:
For me, someone who really loves a long book - especially a suspenseful adventure, I found some sections to be slower in the 423 pages. It may be that sometimes it was difficult {for me} to keep track of the numerous characters important to the story. For example, at the beginning of a chapter the brother-in-law is introduced but it took me until the end of the same chapter to realize Percival was the brother-in-law and not the husband.

Please give me more:
I really liked Christa's gung-ho, never-give-up attitude throughout the book, even when all seemed lost. And the historical aspects of this novel were fascinating - including Mayan and Anasazi Indians and the Spanish priests and conquistadors!

The villain in The Seventh Stone was truly a man you could love to hate. He had the face of an angel and the heart of a snake! Any more and I'll be disclosing spoilers!

Interesting to Note:
Most gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones developed from the Breastplate of Aaron: the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel also correspond with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.

About the Author:
Pamela Hegarty has adventured in more than thirty-five countries on six continents. She summited Mount Kilimanjaro, backpacked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and camped with lions in the Serengeti. A novelist who has adventured the world enough to write a heroine we could adore!

Final Thoughts:
I liked the Seventh Stone for the strong female lead and vast amounts of historical aspects included in the novel. If you are a mystery/suspense/adventure junkie like me then this book will certainly keep you entertained!

Sites of Interest: Author's Blog | Author on Twitter |

Genre: Suspense | 423 pages | ISBN: 9780963079138

Many thanks to the author for the complimentary review copy.

Happy Reading!

Inspirational Sunday: Tres Mini-views and a Grande Giveaway

2012-02-05T20:08:00.001-05:00

I had so much fun judging the Mystery/Thriller section of the INSPY's this past December and read some great inspirational fiction. The clear winner {for me} was The Bishop by Steven James - review here; however the rest of the shortlisted books were a pleasure to read.

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins opened my eyes to a nightmare of a health scare as it followed a family affected by Lyme disease - scary, real-life stuff! See my review here.

Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand
Det. March has been given one last chance to prove himself when he's the only one to find evidence of a missing female victim at a crime scene. Before he can investigate however, Det. March is transferred to a much higher-profile case - that of a famous Houston evangelist's missing teenage daughter. Back on Murder has Detective March opening his eyes to faith but not quite ready to take the leap - raw, gritty and more mystery than faith.

Darkness Follows by Mike Dellosso

Sam Travis lives in a Civil War era farmhouse near Gettysburg, PA with his wife and young daugher, Eva. Sam has been on disability from a mysterious work accident for several months when he awakens one morning to find a journal with an entry by Lt. Whiting, a Union soldier...and it was written in Sam's own handwriting. As the entries continue and Sam's behavior becomes more erratic, his wife questions his health, Sam questions his sanity, and his daughter tells him every chance she gets that "God loves him" - the nice man in her dreams, in her room, tells her she must keep reminding her dad of the fact.

Darkness Follows was probably my 2nd pick for the INSPY's as the story was fresh with ever-increasing twists and characters that were truly endearing. A clear picture of spiritual warfare and the power of unconditional love.

Digitalis by Ronie Kendig
The second book in the Discarded Heroes series had us following the clandestine mission of a former Marine while guessing at the secrets of his long-standing crush, Piper. I adored the courtship of Marine sniper, Colton "Cowboy" Neeley, and department store clerk, Piper. I wanted to jump through the pages and throttle Piper on numerous occasions with her "do not trust anyone" belief. And, Cowboy's PTSD that he liked to sweep under the rug was infuriating. No big faith crises in this one - just pure, clean thriller....

I am giving away all five of the the shortlisted Mystery/Thrillers to one lucky winner for February. This giveaway is open to International friends as well. Winner will be announced February 28th. Good luck!

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Saturday Snapshot: Sumo Wrestler meets Dog

2012-02-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

The sweet 'lil Jellybean is so grown up now at 7 months! My how time does fly!

My big 'ole 100 lb. standard poodle is a giant scaredy cat, but we were able to get this one shot of the big baby with the Jellybean! Are they not just too precious!

and was it Frank Sinatra who was called "Blue Eyes?" . . .I think he is in for a run for the money with the Jellybean's blue eyes - I swear these are not colored contacts.

and one last picture simply because I have to share this adorable little (big) guy who has captured the hearts of so many!

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home With Books.
To participate, please visit Alyce's site.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Who Am I? February Literary Sport

2012-02-01T12:29:00.000-05:00

Do you love to read?

Love everything about books and their authors?

Are you a trivia novice or do others run when you have your game face on?

Then join in to play a Literary Sport! This week's contest ends Wednesday, February 8th. Please use your own smarts for the game - internet smarts are not valid. At the end of the month, the individual who has the most points for February will receive a $10 gift card to either Amazon or The Book Depository (winner's choice). If more than one player has the same number of points then those names will be thrown into the random.org generator in order for the winner to be selected. Best of luck!

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What Would You Do - Anything by Michael Baron: Book Review

2012-02-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

What would you do if offered an answer to "What is your wildest wish with your significant other?"

Would you jump on the chance to discover what would happen if your wildest wish came true?

What if it was to change something horrible in your loved one's childhood?

Would you do Anything for the one you love?

First Line: "You have to let go of me," Melissa said, looking down at the grass.

These are questions pondered and realized in the the latest novel from Michael Baron. The protagonist is an attorney in an old-money'd law firm. When we meet Ken he is a week away from marrying the love of his life, Melissa. During their courtship, both stumbled upon a quite unique jewelry store that sells one-of-a-kind pieces. When Ken goes in to see Stephon, the store's owner, a week before the wedding for a special gift for his bride-to-be, Stephon asks the question "what is your wildest wish for your life with Melissa?"

What happens next is the subtle and not-so-subtle changes which occur in Ken & Melissa's life and even that of the friends around them. I loved the premise of the story and Ken's endearing love for Melissa is palpable throughout the novel - sometimes even sappy. But oh, how to be loved like that!

The story centers around the changes that occur because of Ken's choices. It truly brings home the message of we are not fully aware of how our actions (and in-actions) affect the world around us. I have always believed that everything we do has tremendous consequences on the world - this comes from my 7th grade love of Madeleine L'Engle's, A Wrinkle in Time series.

To watch the story play out and read about Ken's devotion and love for Melissa was a pleasure. I would liked to have learned more of Melissa's character, what she was thinking, feeling.....And Ken's tunnel vision of "fixing" Melissa's life at times seemed impetuous, impulsive; however, the imagery of Michael Baron's writing is wonderful.

The grass celebrates by tickling your nose with the scent of life. And everything is in synchronous motion, from birds flitting among the budding trees to office workers shedding their pinstripe skins. This is about as right as the world gets. (pg. 9)

The love story is sweet and I found myself pondering the questions of the novel for my own life. Read Anything if you like a love story, you enjoy a male lead, and to see inside the psych-ii of a man in love.

About the Author:
Michael Baron is a pseudonym for a non-fiction writer. He taught high school English before receiving his first book contract. Michael left teaching when the school system he worked for told him "there are more important things than being a dynamic teacher." Michael attributes his inspiration for his love stories to his wife and children.

Sites of Interest: Michael Baron | Buy the Book

Publisher: The Story Plant | Published: October, 2011

Genre: Romance | 290 pages | ISBN: 978-1611880212

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary review copy.

Would you accept the opportunity to have your wildest wish for the one you love come true?

Happy Reading!

Villainous Answers & January Winner

2012-01-31T21:33:00.003-05:00

You kids are too smart for me! How very impressive all of you are with your scores during January's Literary Sport. And a hearty congratulations to both Melissa from Life Merging and Hilde from Turn of the Page for tying the high score for this month! Using the random number generator, Hilde will receive the $10 gift card and both get bragging rights!

Tomorrow begins the new month and new game - be sure to play each game as the scores are cumulative for the month. Thanks for playing!

Unmistakably Villainous Answers

He enjoyed opera just as much as a snack of freshly cooked human brains, and didn't need a psychiatrist to tell him what was going on; after all, he was one. Which serial killer was sophisticated as well as callous?
Hannibal Hayes
Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal Smith
Hannibal Jones

Robber, child abuser, murderer of a good-hearted prostitute, and who knows what would have happened if he had got hold of that poor orphan.
The Phantom
Rodney Trotter
Bill Sikes
Grant Mitchell

Which military villain accepted payments from the enemy to bomb his base - and sold the morphine from the medical kits to line his own pockets?
Tony Camonte
JJ Hunsucker
Travis Bickle
Milo Minderbinder

She was a bare-footed beauty in Bohemian Paris, he was the master who could hypnotise her to sing wonderfully. Which villain had a name that has become part of the English language to describe people of a great influence?
Leroux
Machiavelli
Svengali
Cognomi

She was the housekeeper from hell who nearly drove her master's new wife to suicide, but the story ended up happily when she got her comeuppance. Which female fiend had a fiery finale?
Mrs. Doublin
Mrs. Doyle
Mrs. Dannon
Mrs. Danvers

He may not have been the most mobile villain around, but even with just one leg he could certainly hop to it when bad deeds needed to be done. Which literary baddie had a pet of the psittacine variety?
Captain Jack Blood
Long John Silver
Captain Long
Blackbeard

She liked fur coats and hot things and had a strange hair style. She also disliked animals, particularly those of the canine variety. There were at least 101 reasons to hate this character. What was her name?
Jane Hudson
Cruella de Vil
Madame Medusa
Madam Mim

Filial fondness was perhaps his weakness; and some found his affection for his twin sister a little bit too creepy. Which villain tried to cheer himself up by having his sister executed, but ended up driven insane with guilt?
Edgar
Frederick
Ferdinanad
Edmund

Now this pale, bald and red-eyed villain has made his way to the big screen. Can you name this villain who is "As bad as you can go"?
Professor Xavier
Lord Voldemort
Lex Luther
Count Doku

This former "angel" is an accomplished athlete and gymnast. She is now a self-employed terrorist and assassin.
Bellatrix Lestrange
Madison Lee
Eva Malone
Annie Wilkes

Happy Playing!

Inspiration Sunday: Top 20 Ways To Be Happy

2012-01-29T16:37:00.002-05:00

Live Simply.
Smile.
Love Yourself.
Live in the moment.
Love One Another.
Watch the sunset.
Read. Read. Read.
Listen to music that inspires You.
Understand that No One is Perfect.
Eat an ice Cream cone on a summer day.
Make a snow angel with the one you love.
Act like a kid again.
Take nothing for granted.
Do one thing at a time.
Plant a Garden.
Turn off the news.
Volunteer.
Take a dog for a walk.
Sit in nature - on a park bench, by the beach, on a mountain top.
Count Your Blessings.

a very unscientific list of the way to bring happiness into your life....What would you add to the list?

Many blessings!

Weekend Cooking: Crab Bisque - Absolutely Divine!

2012-01-28T15:16:00.000-05:00

I wholeheartedly admit I am a southern gal through and through. I grew up learning how to make buttermilk biscuits from scratch (easy peasy!), preparing fried chicken that has just the right crunchiness and juiciness and baking cakes and pies with so much sugar your teeth could fall out. So of course I have also been a huge fan of Paula Deen's recipes & her Lady & Sons Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.

When Paula Deen recently announced she has been struggling with adult-onset diabetes, my heart went out to her. I can't imagine having to give up all of the delicious desserts and heavenly southern dishes she makes. I have been saddened by the uproar about her diagnosis and show on southern cooking. Her health is her business - not mine. And honestly I feel really bad for her. Giving up a lifetime of food choices has got to be so darn hard that it's not even funny. And if she waited to share her diagnosis with the world - well, that's her choice. Heck, I don't know if I would ever share all of my personal business if I were in her shoes.

So, because I still love Paula Deen and forever will, I would like to share one of my absolute favorite recipes from her Lady and Sons Too! cookbook. And as a side note, my middle child was the first to ever gift me a Paula Deen cookbook, and that first one has been used more than any other cookbook on my shelves. I love you sweet baby girl!

Crab Bisque (otherwise known as the most delicious soup you will ever have!)

Ingredients
1 10 3/4-ounce can cream of asparagus soup
1 10 3/4-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 lb crabmeat, picked free of shells
1/4 cup dry sherry

Directions
Using a heavy saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve with oyster crackers or saltines.

Enjoy!

Weekend Cooking is hosted by the lovely Beth Fish Reads. It is all about sharing recipes, cookbook reviews and anything remotely food related. For more info or to participate, jump on over to Beth Fish Reads.

What Are You Reading?!?

2012-01-23T00:29:00.000-05:00

This is my first time participating in Sheila's Monday reading meme at Book Journey. I'm always curious to see what my fellow bloggers and friends are reading and usually add to my already extensive To Be Read lists and piles! So I thought I would join in sharing my reading week.

This past week was kind of slow for me in the reading department. I finished the following books (click on title to read the review)

Getting Dumped by Tawna Fenske

Dead Letter Office by Kira Snyder

Burn Out by Traci Hohenstein

I'm still listening to Eve by Iris Johansen every chance I get. . .I'm dying to find out what in the world happened to her murdered child Bonnie. This story has been going on for over a decade! Tell me already!

This week I will continue reading A People's History of the United States as part of the Readalong hosted by Jill at Fizzy Thoughts and Jenners at Life...With Books;. Only a chapter a week of this classic tome!

This week's reading list~

So far Trigger Point has been an intellectual thriller that I need a Wall Street expert to explain the finer points to me. . .it's good, but extremely intellectual ~ I have to pay close attention to every word or I'm lost in a NY minute!

When a book starts off with When my mother was angry with me, which was often, she said, 'The Devil led us to the wrong crib.' then you know you are in for a heck of a ride! Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal is a memoir unlike any other.

Just received The Rebel Wife in the mail and can't wait to get started! Brimming with atmosphere, and edgy suspense, The Rebel Wife presents a young widow trying to survive in the violent world of reconstruction Alabama, where the old gentility masks a continuing war fueled by hatred, treachery, and still-powerful secrets.

I am so ready for a fun, Southern, sassy read and Diary of a Mad Fat Girl sounds like it will fit the bill! And is the cover simply not too much! Graciela "Ace" Jones is a sassy high school teacher, known in her small town of Bugtussie, Mississippi, for an outsize presence and a mouth to match. But this time that big mouth might get her into big trouble. . .

What are you planning on reading this week?
Any bookish events you plan on attending?

Happy Reading!

Inspirational Sunday: Over the Edge - INSPY shortlist

2012-01-22T20:42:00.001-05:00

For 2011 I was fortunate enough to be a participating judge in the INSPYs for Christian Mysteries/Suspense. We had a superb shortlist of books to choose from. The winner in the Mystery/Suspense category was The Bishop by Steven James ~ review posted here.

Another fantastic suspense from the INSPY shortlist was Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins. For a scary, intense read Over the Edge will definitely take you to the edge and back again.

Do you know anyone who has contracted Lyme disease?

This particular disease is terrifying in scope. I have a relative who became a different person (and not in a good way) after a tick bite, and over two years later is still suffering from the ramifications.

In Over the Edge we see Janessa McNeil's life completely unravel from a tick bite. Her husband is the famous Dr. Brock McNeil, researcher and professor at Stanford University Department of Medicine. Because he asserts that chronic Lyme disease does not exist, his family is targeted in a vendetta to force Dr. McNeil to change his widely-publicized opinion. Because of his opinion, general practitioners and insurance companies will not help those suffering from the effects of this condition. It's all in the patient's head. . .

Now, if you have ever experienced difficulty in obtaining health coverage for a condition or had a doctor tell you that "it's all in your head;" you will know how incredibly frustrating the situation can become - "incredibly frustrating" is in actuality, a complete understatement. Now imagine being the wife of a Lyme disease researcher and becoming the target of a madman bent on destroying the man who believes ultimately killed his family. There you have the makings of a terrific thriller.

I was impressed by the sheer research that must have gone into Over the Edge, Lyme disease and health coverage (does anyone really have a handle on where we are as a society when it comes to health coverage?) Over the Edge has a spiritual message, and it is ultimately what sees Janessa through the process of her life falling apart.

Over the Edge on Goodreads

Authoress Brandilyn Collins

Lyme Disease on Center for Disease Control

Brandilyn Collins has suffered from Lyme disease twice. Her miraculous story can be found here. She is also the author of the Seatbelt Suspense series and Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors. When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences. She and her family divide their time between homes in the California Bay Area and northern Idaho.

Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary review copy.

Blessings!

Take a Ride With Getting Dumped!

2012-01-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have not read a purely entertaining romance novel in quite some time, but Getting Dumped certainly remedied that problem.

J.J. is a marketing pr guru with the City Government until her job is "repositioned" and the only offer close to her current salary and benefits is running heavy machinery at the local dump. For JJ, who operated heavy machinery as a teenager and loved it, the job is perfect. For her accounting on-again/off-again boyfriend, the job is an embarrassment. Then enter the heart-throb male secretary and hottie environmental specialist and that adds up to not 1, not 2 - but 3 sexy men in JJ's life!

With this active fiction novel, available exclusively for Kindle users, there was only one time I was able to choose what happened next. I would have preferred to be able to make more plot choices in this novel as I was able to with Dead Letter Office, but it was fun nonetheless.

I did want JJ to just choose already and quit flirting outrageously with all three hotties, but then how was she to know who the bad guy was? Ah, decisions, decisions! My other major complaint with Getting Dumped is I. do. not. like. cliffhangers. And this one left one helluva cliffhanger!

Getting Dumped is a quick read, entertaining at best and refreshing to see a female protagonist in an unusual job.

Authoress Tawna Fenske on creating active fiction:

Coliloquy's publishing format is so fun and flexible - kind of like being able to pur your ankles behind your head, but without the annoying thigh cramps. I adored choose-your-own-adventure stories as a kid, and it's a thrill to be able to create adult versions with plenty of titillating mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and the occasional steamy smooch.

Getting Dumped is available exclusively for Kindle users and can be found in the Amazon Kindle Store.

I have an affiliate relationship with Amazon in which I receive a small percentage from purchases made through this link at no cost to you.

Any revenue from my affiliation is cycled back into this blog for postage and giveaways.

Sharing the Love of Reading!

Just the Facts, Ma'am; Just the Facts

2012-01-18T12:53:00.001-05:00

Where did SOPA and PIPA come from and why should I be concerned?
Well, I'm glad you asked. Media companies have been screaming about copyright infringements for years. Enter SOPA in the U.S. House of Representatives and PIPA in the U.S. Senate. Both bills are aimed at shutting down foreign websites that infringe upon copyrighted media. Both bills would potentially allow sites to be shut down because of copyright infringement.

That sounds like a good plan, why is it not?
According to EFF: Defending Your Rights in the Digital World, "a proposal in SOPA will allow the government to target sites that simply provide information that could help users get around the bills’ censorship mechanisms."

Also, service providers could shut down IP addresses due to bogus claims with no oversight at all! The vigilante provision allows "broad immunity to all service providers if they overblock innocent users or block sites voluntarily with no judicial oversight at all. The standard for immunity is incredibly low and the potential for abuse is off the charts. Intermediaries only need to act “in good faith” and base their decision “on credible evidence” to receive immunity."

PIPA and SOPA both would give the Attorney General power to block domain name services forcing sites such as Blogger and Wordpress to become the internet police.

What can I do?

Contact your Senator. Contact your Representative. Insist on No Support for SOPA nor PIPA.
Visit the EFF site and sign the petition Stop the Internet Blacklist Legislation.
Write a Letter to the Editor of your hometown newspaper.
If you have a blog, write a blog post about your feelings/concerns for SOPA & PIPA.
Visit Stop American Censorship for additional ways to help - even if you live outside of the United States.

Stop Censorship!

Dead Letter Office Is Alive and Well

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

Dead Letter Office, Parish Mail #1 is brought to us by Coliliquy, digital publisher of active fiction specializing in reader engagement and serial storytelling. What does that mean exactly? Well, during the reading of Dead Letter Office, I was able to choose what I wanted to happen next during key plot changes.

First Line: The dead man smiles at me.

Dead Letter Office takes us into the life of sixteen year old Celia Jane, who moves with her mother from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA after Celia's dad dies in Afghanistan. During Celia's first few days in New Orleans she finds a centuries old letter hidden in a tree in her "New Orleans royalty" grandparents back yard. The letter leads Celia, ghost-hottie Luc; witch-friend Tilly; and live-hottie & Sheriff's son Donovan on the trail to solving a modern-day murder.

So how did I get to choose what happened? Why with the handy-dandy Kindle buttons! For example, Celia's first day at her new high school brought her face-to-face with the queen-bee of popularity, Peyton and eclectic witch and social outcast, Tilly. Both invite Celia to do something that evening, which just happens to be Halloween. Each time I read Dead Letter Office I chose a different option - the first time, Celia went to Peyton's party. The second read-through, I chose Celia hanging out with Tilly at her aunt's famous voodoo shop. Both times I read Dead Letter Office I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, finding that being able to choose the next step engaged me deeper into the plot.

Dead Letter Office would be an entertaining young adult paranormal mystery all by itself. With the added pleasure of choosing options throughout the novel, all I can say is I can't wait to read Parish Mail # 2!

Authoress Kira Snyder on active fiction:

My background is in TV writing and computer game design - Coliloquy lets me play in both those worlds. I love TV-style serial storytelling, getting to know characters over time and unfolding a big "mythology" mystery, while at the same time giving each episode a satisfying mystery story that's wrapped up by the end. I'm so excited that Coliliquy is bringing the serial novel back, and into the 21st century.

Dead Letter Office, Parish Mail #1 is available exclusively for Kindle users and can be found in the Amazon Kindle Store

I have an affiliate relationship with Amazon in which I receive a small percentage from purchases made through this link.

Any revenue from my affiliation is cycled back into this blog for postage and giveaways.

Sharing the Love of Reading!

So What Do You Think About Active Fiction?

2012-01-17T21:10:00.004-05:00

What is active fiction? Well, remember those Goosebumps novels we read as kids where you got to choose what happened next? It's kind of like that - only cooler.

Coliloquy, a publisher of active and interactive fiction, launched today with four titles - adult and young adult romance series from award-winning authors and screenwriters, available exclusively in the Amazon Kindle Store.

Coliloquy represents the next generation of digital publishing, taking advantage of new technology to reinvent the way authors and their readers interact with reading and narrative. The new publishing format enables multiple story lines, serials and episodic story-telling, personalized content, in-book engagement mechanics and the delivery of prompts and special or exclusive extras to create a more fluid and immersive story-telling experience.

Multiple what-if story lines let authors and readers explore different permutations of character relationships. TV-like episodes can grow and change, based on reader choices, voting and feedback. Fans can reread a key scene from a different character's point-of-view or unlock new content.

Four titles were released exclusively for Kindle readers today:

A contemporary young adult series about a modern-day witch who must betray everything she knows to save her magic and her forbidden love.

A serialized romantic caper about a woman who loses her job but finds love, intrigue, mayhem, and a new career buried in the unlikeliest of places.

A contemporary southern gothic mystery series about a teenager who discovers a cache of centuries-old letters containing clues to crimes happening in the present day.

A young adult fantasy series about an underachieving teen thrust into an MMO-like world of magical combat, where she must mater her own genetic gifts while investigating her twin sister's suspicious death.

Over the next few days I will be posting my review of each title so be sure to check back. Or, to learn more about Coliloquy visit the website or the Amazon Kindle Store.

I have an affiliate relationship with Amazon in which I receive a small percentage if you use the link above to purchase.

Any revenue from this affiliation is cycled back into this blog for postage and giveaways.

Happy Reading!

First Chapter - First Paragraph: The Hangman's Daughter

2012-01-17T10:36:00.001-05:00

If you've read my last couple of blog posts you will probably realize I'm in a slump with not-so-great books. . .I finally went to my "To Be Read" bookshelves and pulled one down that I'm thinking is going to be a winner - if the first paragraph is any indication. What do you think?

Schongau
October 12, A.D. 1624

OCTOBER 12 WAS A GOOD DAY FOR A KILLING. IT had rained all week, but on this Friday, after the church fair, our good Lord was in a kindlier mood. Though autumn had already come, the sun was shiining brightly on that part of Bavaria they call the Pfaffenwinkel--the priests' corner--and merry noise and laughter could be heard from the town. Drums rumbled, cymbals clanged, and somewhere a fiddle was playing. The aroma of deep-fried doughnuts and roasted meat drifted down to the foul-smelling tanners' quarter. Yes, it was going to be lovely execution.

The Fire Did Not Ignite With Burn Out

2012-01-16T17:26:00.000-05:00

Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.

~Dante Alighieri

I wanted a quick thriller to read last night while trying to stay awake 'til 11 so I could take my son's girlfriend home, and Burn Out appeared to fit the bill. And although I have a stack of books I need to read, for some reason, I could not find the perfect one ~ does that ever happen to you?

The week before she is to testify at her estranged husband’s trial on drug charges, firefighter Lieutenant Samantha Collins vanishes while combating a warehouse fire, leaving only her helmet behind.

With Sam missing, her mother seeks the help of Florida Omni Search, a nonprofit organization founded by Rachel Scott, whose own daughter, Mallory, disappeared when only three years old. Rachel has worked with law enforcement agencies all over the United States, but she can’t possibly anticipate how terrifying the Sam Collins case will be. Rachel learns of Sam’s husband’s drug operation, and as she digs deeper, not only does the investigator expose Sam’s surprising past, she also uncovers clues that could reveal what happened to her own daughter.

The premise sounded like Burn Out would be a thrilling adventure ride, but what I found was the fire simply did not ignite. I had the kidnapper pegged early on and did not emotionally connect with either Lt. Samantha Collins, kidnapping victim nor Rachel Scott, the protagonist and woman-in-charge. I felt that Rachel was too good to be true and Samantha just was not a smart cookie. All in all the characters in Burn Out simply did not do it for me and the plot was too easily determined.

I really wanted to like the book - the cover initially captured my attention and was the reason I purchased. The idea of a female firefighter paired with a law enforcement officer/drug trafficker/husband & father sounded like a combination that would make the pages sizzle. But, if you are looking for a somewhat similar story-line, I would recommend Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series.

For varied opinions visit Burn Out on Goodreads.

Happy Reading!

Inspiration Sunday

2012-01-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

I trust your Sunday is as beautiful, sunny and a bit nippy as it is here in the North Georgia mountains. What a gorgeous day for basking in the sun, reading and spending time with the ones you love. May you be showered with many blessings this upcoming week!

Happy Sunday!

Literary Sport: Unmistakably Villainous

2012-01-12T00:04:00.000-05:00

Do you love to read?
Love everything about books and their authors?
Are you a trivia novice or do others run when you have your game face on?

Then join in to play a Literary Sport! This week's contest ends Tuesday, January 17th. At the end of the month, the individual who has the most points for January will receive a $10 gift card to either Amazon or The Book Depository (winner's choice). If more than one player has the same number of points then those names will be thrown into the random.org generator in order for the winner to be selected. Best of luck!

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Literary Sport - Alphabet Trivia Solution

2012-01-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

Those who played the Alphabet Challenge did amazingly well with these questions. . .I must have made them too easy *cheeky grin*

Fifty percent of the players got all 10 answers; 33% got 9 of the questions correct and 17% got 8 correct. You kids are smmmaart!

Next Literary Sport will be up tomorrow - the person with the most points at the end of the month will receive a $10 gift card to Amazon or Book Depository ~ winner's choice.

The Answers:

1. Stephen King seems to create a lot of titles that begin with the letter "C." Which of the following books is NOT written by King?

Charly

Charly was the movie made fromDaniel Keye’s Flowers for Algernon. Asfor the King books, they’re about an evil car, a rabid dog and the worst promdate ever.

2. Kathy Reichs created the character Temperance "Bones" Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who solves crimes in a series of at least twelve books and has had a television series ("Bones") created for her. Which was the first book in this series?

Deja Dead

"Deadly Desire" was thecheesiest title I could come up with, and it turns out there was a TV movie bythat name in 1991. "Double, Double" is a mystery by Ellery Queen and"Deliverance" is the novel by James Dickey that was made into the'squeal like a pig' movie. You know the one.

3. The award for best mysteries of the year is named after the author widely credited with creating the mystery story. What is this award given by the Mystery Writers of America?

Edgar

James Ellroy is the author of,among others, "LA Confidential" and "The Black Dahlia".Ellery Queen (pseudonym for Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee) was the authorof many mystery novels and the editor of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. AndMignon Eberhart was, at one time, known as "The American AgathaChristie". Edgar, of course, is Poe, who created the detective C. AugusteDupin, star of the stories "The Murders in the Rue Morgue", "ThePurloined Letter" and "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt".

4. In Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", which one of these characters was the last to possess the One Ring?

Gollum

Galadriel the Elf, Gimli theDwarf, Gandalf the wizard--none of them were there at the Cracks of Doom withthe hobbits. Gollum was there, bit off Frodo's finger (ring still on there) andfell into the fire. Thus, he was the last possessor of the One Ring.

5. C.S. Forester created this character who starred in eleven books about the British Navy during Napoleonic times.

Horatio Hornblower

Honor Harrington is a creation ofDavid Weber. Harry Harrison is the author of many science fiction novels(including "Deathworld" and "The Stainless Steel Rat").Henry Huggins starred in a children's book of the same name by Beverly Cleary.Hornblower begins his fictional life as a midshipman, and then moves up theadvancement ladder to eventually become Admiral of the Fleet.

6. This author, who served in World War II and was wounded on Guadalcanal, wrote "From Here to Eternity" and "The Thin Red Line".

James Jones

John Jakes writes historicalfiction ("The Bastard", "The Rebels") and fantasy("Brak the Barbarian"). James Joyce was an Irish author best knownfor "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake". Joseph Jacobs was a Jewishhistorian who also edited five collections of world fairy tales. James Jonesdied in 1977 and is buried in Bridgehampton, New York.

7. When this author died in 1988, he or she had 105 books in print and was one of the most popular writers in the world. Which author is it?

Louis L'Amour

Linda Lovelace, adult filmactress, wrote an autobiography in 1980, Lois Lowry won the the Newbery Awardtwice for her children's fiction, and Larry Linville played Frank Burns on"M*A*S*H". As far as I know, he never wrote anything. Louis L'Amoursold over 225 million copies of his books.

8. "The Thorn Birds" is a 1977 classic romance novel, telling a story of forbidden love in Australia. It was later made into an extremely high-rated miniseries starring Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward. What is the last name of the author who wrote the book?

McCollough

Carson McCullers wrote "TheHeart is a Lonely Hunter". Frank McCourt wrote "Angela's Ashes".McGruff is, of course, the Crime Dog. Colleen McCullough is an Australianwriter whose mother was partly of Maori descent, and she was given a Doctorateof Letters from Macquarie University.

9. A comic novel by Charles Dickens (his third novel), this 1839 serial contains the wonderfully-named character Wackford Squeers.

Nicholas Nickelby

"Nevermore" is a book byWilliam Hjortsberg (and also the only word Poe's raven speaks),"Nostromo" is a work by Joseph Conrad, and "No, No,Nanette" is a musical comedy of the 1920s featuring the song "Tea forTwo".

10. This Christian allegory by John Bunyan was published in 1678.

Pilgrim's Progress

"Paradise Lost" is anepic poem by John Milton, "The Pickwick Papers" is a book by CharlesDickens, and "Pudd'nhead Wilson" is a story by Mark Twain.

Thanks for playing a Literary Sport!

Inspirational Sunday: A Princess and Her Garden by Patricia R. Adson, Ph.D: Book Review

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end

we become disguised to ourselves.

~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

Do you have problems saying "no" to requests?

Do you feel like a second-rate version of yourself? That you are doing and being for everyone else except you?

Are you a "Princess to Other People?"

Dr. Adson has created a fable about a princess caring for her garden {her life} until others come along, like parents and partners and expect the princess to care for their gardens. Quite an interesting concept that helps one to realize how easy it is to fall into the trap of caring for others to the detriment of caring for oneself.

A Princess and Her Garden is a fable that reflects the stories of many women-and some men-who learn to put other people's needs before their own, until one day they come to realize they feel lost or unhappy because they have forgotten, or perhaps never learned, how to care for themselves.

The telling of this story is more about the awakening and arrival of you, the reader, than it is about the journey of the Princess. The authors have wisely used their years of counseling and coaching experience to create a guided journal (The Queen of Yourself) that prompts you to reflect and answer thought provoking questions about your childhood, and what you learned about taking care of yourself and others. This unique journaling experience helps you cultivate a new life story in which you love both yourself and those closest to you. Beautiful color illustrations enhance this new edition-a beautiful allegory for reflecting on any stage in life. The included book club discussion questions are designed for meaningful conversation around changing lives.

The perfect gift for people in transition, from new parents to the just-divorced, A Princess and Her Garden is also a welcome story for fresh graduates and newlyweds, and anyone (including yourself) who is learning how to take care of themselves and plant nourishing seeds.

The watercolor illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and worth looking through if nothing else. But the story inside The Princess and Her Garden are worth reading too. I've always been a fairy tale/fable reader - one of my first book collections I can remember starting were fairy tales, so this fable definitely spoke to me. There is a guided journal after the fable that takes you through many aspects of your life to see if you've given up tending your own garden in order to care for someone else's. I liked the journal, but some of the questions were confusing and seemed almost a bit redundant. That might be the idea in order to make it stick how easy it is to get sucked into caring so completely for others.

Now don't get me wrong, the book is not saying "thou shalt not care or tend to others..." Rather it is quite effectively, saying care for others but not to the extent you lose yourself.

At the website you can scroll through some of the illustrations in the book - I highly recommend taking a moment to do that if you are into art at all ~ so incredibly beautiful, detailed and whimsical.

Many thanks to the publisher for the lovely hard-bound copy to giveaway. If you'd like to enter the drawing, please leave your email address in the comments below. This giveaway will end on 1/14/2012 at 11:59 pm. Good luck!

About the Author: Patricia R. Adson, PH.D., has been devoted to helping others discover their best selves for her entire career. A former schoolteacher, Dr. Adson initially taught high school English, and social studies. While pursuing her Master's Degree in education, she began working with children with emotional and behavioral disorders. It was this experience that inspired her – at age 49 – to enter a Ph.D. program in Educational Psychology, where she also received training and licensure as a psychologist and psychotherapist, working with individuals, families, and groups.

Sites of Interest: A Princess & Her Garden | Buy the Book

Publisher: Center of Applications for Psychological Type (CAPT) | Published: November 30, 2011

Genre: Self-Help | 135 pages | ISBN: 978-0-935652-93-2

Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary review copy and giveaway.

Happy Sunday!