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February 28, 2011

Monday Memes

MONDAY

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Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 
This week's question:
Which do you prefer: Adult -or- Young Adult books? Or, both? Why?
My answer:
I prefer Adult books for a couple of reasons, but then I could be wrong since I haven't read a YA book since I was in Junior High, which is one reason.  I have been reading adult books since High School.  And I feel that I can relate to the characters and/or story lines in Adult books more so than YA.


Mailcheck
February is being hosted by Laura from Library of Clean Reads
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of The Printed Page and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
Before sharing my mailbox, I would like to give a big THANKS to Laura for taking the time to host one of my favorite memes this month.  She did a wonderful job!!  Thank you Laura!!
                                                                          NetGalley



Another not so great month.  But I did find that instead of reading books in the order received and reading purely on my mood, I did finish 3 books in 1 week.  So that experiment did work and plan on doing it again for the month of March and hopefully get my request tbr pile down in size.  Here is what I read in February:
When No One Is Watching by Joseph Hayes   4/5
Midnight Caller by Leslie Tertler   2/5
So Close The Hand of Death by J.T. Ellison   1 DNF
Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress   5/5
Toys by James Patterson & Neil McMahon   2/5
Heartache & Sin by Charles Soto   4/5



February 27, 2011

SUNDAY'S SHINNG STAR

WELCOME!!!
I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young'ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.
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I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that "book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are" and I have never forgotten those words.  And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people.  I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through.  That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those "nicest bloggers" around and about bloggyland a little bit better. 

I apologize, "senior moment", how I happened to come upon today's guest's blog but I instantly took a liking to it and am excited about to getting the chance to get to know more about her.  Today's guest is ANN aka GIGI ANN from MY READING CORNER and many more (we will discuss that a little later).


*When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging my guess would be in 2007. I started blogging for my own entertainment, and that is why I blog even now. My first blog was Ann's Quotes and Things. I started it because I love to collect quotes, and it is much easier to save them on a blog than always writing them in My Little Book Of Quotes. Next came Ann's Moody Blues blog, I'm a bit moody, so thought this a good blog to keep my daily thoughts on. It has since became my Daily Photo blog. Then followed Ann's Reading Corner. Since I love to read I thought this would be a good place to keep track of what I read with brief reviews. I'm not much good at reviews, I just like little reminders about the book.

Just a little tid-bit about My Reading Corner:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My "Reading Corner" I'M BACK!
I decided to delete you on June 7, 2009, when I made my new blog "Butterflies and Candles" I noticed a week ago, (unbeknown to me until then) I could have you back if I wanted you. Therefore, I welcome you back...but I think I will probably keep my posting to one or two times a month this time. I'll see. I'm also thinking about keeping you private. After all you are not a very interesting blog...Come to think of it, none of my blogs are very interesting, not like everyone elses. Oh well, you are just for my entertainment as is all my blogs...Anyone who cares to read and be bored along with me. WELCOME! (Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009,) My Reading Corner was back.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I wanted a blog to keep track of what I was reading, therefore, this blog became, Ann's Reading Corner. Most of my blogs each have there own theme.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Along with keeping track of the books I read, I enjoy the book memes each week, and I get to meet many more book bloggers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I like light cozy romance, cozy mysteries, memoirs, biographies, chick lit, and poetry.

*How often do you post?
5 or 6 times a week, usually don't post much over the week-ends.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love being able to visit other bookies and notice what books they are reading, and if I think I would enjoy reading them. Therefore, my TBR list keeps growing and growing. This year I made a goal to read more library books, in hopes of saving some money. But, it's not working each time I'm near a book store of any kind, I come out with a book or two.

*What are some of the negatives?
I think for me spending to much time blogging and visiting other blogs.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I like posting my reviews, even though they are just reminders, I love Monday Musings. and Booking Through Thursdays, memes.

MY READING CORNER
LATEST FROM MY BOOK JOURNAL

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
I would say do it for fun and entertainment for yourself first. I never worry about whether I have 1 follower or 100 followers, or no followers, have fun with blogging. If you want followers, than you need to visit others, and leave comments, otherwise, they will never find you. I have my own blogger etiquette I try to follow, if someone visits and leaves me a comment, I try to visit their blog and leave a comment. So be careful what you wish for, if you want 50-100 commenters, remember to visit them and leave a comment, also. Just sayin'.

*What draws you to follow someones blog?
I follow blogs that are interesting to me, what may interest someone else is of no consequence to me, so have fun with blogging.

*Do you have any "pet peeves" that other bloggers do?
I don't know if this is a "pet peeve" or not, but the follower thingy, I don't understand what it's all about. I notice a lot of bloggers want as many followers as they can get, now if they never return and visit my blog again, how can they be a follower?

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the "real" you!!
1.Well I think it goes without saying I love to read, but, I also love to play SCRABBLE. I almost never win at SCRABBLE, however, I keep trying. Maybe that is why everyone doesn't object to playing with me. I think karaoke is fun, I can't carry a tune, but I can sing loud.


2. My first date with my husband-to-be was on Friday, December 13, 1957. My husband and I were married on Thursday evening, July 3, 1958. We had a double wedding. When we were taking our vows the minister asked my husband if he would take Susan to be his wedded wife, my husband replied I take Ann to be my wedded wife. The minister got the brides names confused. We other three stood and giggled.


3. We had 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. I now have 10 Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Grandchildren.


4. Almost 13 years ago (May 18, 1998) we retired from farming, in Maryland, and moved 850 miles away to retire in Iowa.


5.. On August 1, 2005, we bought the house we were renting an apartment in. It is just a house with 2 apartments in it. So now we are Landlords, the American Dream come true. tee, hee.


6. We have a toy poodle, his name is Joey, he will be 11 years old in April. We also have a cat, Miss Molly, since she is getting up in years, but I don't know when she was born, I say she is 11 years old also.


7. I am trying to learn to write poetry, therefore, my blog "Shadows Of My Mind" is my poetry blog.

I virtually met Ann not too long ago but instantly loved her attitude on life in general.  Tells it like it is and says what she means.  I never know what I will find when I visit her blog(s).  LOL  One day, like she says, she is condensing them, the next day, there are 15 (maybe a little exaggeration but there are lots of them).  Her photography blog is beautiful!!  I feel I can take a little credit with a few of her blogging items.  I remember wanting to follow her, I just loved her blog but she didn't have a GFC thingy so I emailed her and she put it back up and they say the rest is history.  And I do owe her husband, Tony, an apology.  She needed to write a review and emails went back and forth with some humor thrown in and I asked her if Tony had the job of "editor", and the answer was yes and we laughed.  Well....after writing her first review, she was on fire and has been cranking those reviews out and I had this funny feeling after getting to know her that, poor Tony...yup....He's Fired!!!!  Thank you for being my guest today and giving us the opportunity of getting to know you better!!   I hope you all stop by and say hi, there is bound to be at least one of many blogs that you will find interesting.  Not only is she a Blogging Shining Star  but to have 5 Children, 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren, she is truly a SHINING STAR!!!!

February 26, 2011

Review "Heartache & Sin" by Charles Soto

HEARTACHE & SIN by Charles Soto
Published by BookSurge
ISBN-13: 978-1439202401
At the request of the author, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (provided from author): When diabetic Karen Wheaton learns she is pregnant, she is unable to come to grips with the effects the ripples of life within her will have on her body. She desperately wants to have a baby-perhaps even more than she wants to live. For her husband, Steven, there is no question. Steven loves his wife, and would do anything to protect her including wanting to terminate her pregnancy if need be.
  While Steven struggles to save his wife and his marriage, He must also match wits with their pastor, Ryan McDonald in a trail to save Karen’s life or solidify her death. With a plot twist around every corner, readers will open one door only to find another in this rich plot of drama and suspense, Can Steven save his wife and his baby’s life? If he can’t which will he choose?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I am literally at a loss of words for this book. I was quite skeptical when I read the synopsis thinking that I might be a little biased due to my own personal beliefs but wanted to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone and try to read this novel with an open mind. Then when I received it and saw the thickness (512 pages), my initial reaction was "oh no" lol especially since it was from a debut author. Not only did Mr. Soto pull me in within the first few pages, he proved me wrong on both of my original thoughts. This book has everything!! A fluid and solid writing style, an unconditional love story, good versus evil, faith, family, trust, suspense, deception, honesty and even murder. Characters that became life like, whereas I didn't want the story to end but on the other hand, I couldn't put the book down. The suspense and drama surprised me to the very last page. Put this author on your radar!!!! Impressive!!
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Addendum:  I am hosting a signed two (2)  book giveaway (see sidebar to enter).
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold...they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.


Saturday Memes

SATURDAY

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Hosted by Danielle at There's A Book
From Danielle's blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week's question:   What would your dream job be?
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/2011/02/a-bit-of-meme-off-to-neverland/#ixzz1EPgLFeSn

Up until this day, I can say that there have been 3 "dream jobs" that I wanted to achieve.  One I did, the 2nd maybe it's a good thing I didn't and the 3rd, maybe there is still time.
It wasn't an easy course but I did graduate an obtain my license to become an RN.  Unfortunately, a high risk in the field is injuries to the back due to lifting.  I was 24 years old when I first injured, ruptured a disc and had my first spinal operation.  I continued working on and off in the field for years in between having my sons until it got to the point where I just couldn't continue working in that capacity. 

Since my 2nd love was books, hubby and I discussed maybe opening up a used book store but that never came to fruition for one reason or another.  And with the unsettling affairs of book stores, maybe it was a good choice that we didn't.

And now at this point in my life, where I am totally disabled, I would love to do what I am now doing everyday but have it become a "real job".   Even though this is a hobby for me, I try to use the same work ethics with my blog as when I was working.  I would love to work in some capacity with authors, publishers, publicists, tours, etc etc.   And since, I am disabled, I could make my own hours, it would be the perfect job. Anybody know of any job openings lol?





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Hosted by Yvonne from Socrates Book Reviews
From Yvonne's site:
I've wanted to start a meme like this for a long time. It's "Anything Goes on Saturday". It's a chance to choose any topic you want and talk about it on Saturday - it can be about a book, TV show, movie, a recipe or just an update on your week. Whatever you choose.
Topic:  Awards
I think it is such an honor when a peer presents me and my blog an award.  I really do get that "warm and fuzzy feeling" no matter how many I receive.  However, I am finding that the criteria of passing them on takes up quite a bit of computer time, which I already spend too much time at, preparing drafts for Guest Authors, giveaways, etc etc.  I have been taking the liberty of modifying the rules but it is still time consuming.   So my questions today are:  What are your thoughts on awards?  Do you accept them?  Or are you an Award -Free Blog?  If you are, how did you come to that decision and notify your visitors?  Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this subject!!!

February 25, 2011

PRODUCT GIVEAWAY BRILLIANT SCREEN CLEANING WIPE ENDED

FEBRUARY 25th to MARCH 11th, 2011

Brilliant screen cleaning wipes with SR-8 provides gentle, superior cleaning to any electronic screen and removes dust, dirt, finger prints and makeup while imparting an invisible, durable barrier that protects screens 50x more form scratching. Helps protect against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!

I tried it and it works!!! I clean, (don't you just despise that word) my computer and TV screens at least every other day, if not daily. And I couldn't believe what had been left behind after using the Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes!!

I HAVE ONE(1) 5-PACK ALL-IN ONE
SCREEN CLEANING KIT TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
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*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHAT DO YOU CLEAN
YOUR COMPUTER/TV SCREENS WITH?*
*EXTRA ENTRIES*
*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS
  BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU GRAB MY BUTTON AND
  PLACE IT ON YOUR BLOG'S SIDEBAR.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU LIKE, LEAVE COMMENT THAT
  CMASH SENT YOU (BLACK DIAMOND) BRILLIANT SCREEN FB 
  http://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondCleaners

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW BRILLIANT LENSES
  ON TWITTER AND RETWEET    http://twitter.com/#!/BDcleaners

*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

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*U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
watching tv
*GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 11th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG
AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND WILL
AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
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DISCLAIMER / RULES
I received this product, at no charge to me, in exchange for my
honest review.  No items that I receive are ever sold...they are
kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.  Giveaway items
are supplied and shipped to winners via the product and/or
merchandise agent and/or company. This blog hosts the
giveaway on behalf of the above.
I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed


Friday Memes

FRIDAY

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Hosted by An Island Life
From An Island Life:
  In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
  If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!



My Question:
Telemarket calls: listen, hang up or other?

My Answer:
Hang up


Book Blogger Hop
Hosted by Jennifer from CRAZY FOR BOOKS 
  In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
  The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
  Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
  If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!


This week's question:
"Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"


My answer:
I think the "CMash" is unique enough to distinquish it from other blogs but I wish the "Loves To Read" was different because of all the typing when entering it into all the the linky forms, etc, etc,.


February 24, 2011

And the winner is..........

...........for GEORGIA BOTTOMS by Mark Childress

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Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
7
Timestamp: 2011-02-24 23:11:53 UTC

dollycas aka Lori said... 7 OH, I WANT THIS ONE!!! I would draw the line at stripping for money. Would cause mass vomiting and would loose all money earned paying someone to clean up the mess! :)

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond with her mailing information or another winner will be chosen.


Thursday Memes

THURSDAY

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This week's question:
All other things being equal–do you prefer used books? Or new books? (The physical speciman, that is, not the title.) Does your preference differentiate between a standard kind of used book, and a pristine, leather-bound copy?
My Answer:
Definitely new books.  I love the smell of opening a new book for the first time with the spine of the book not bent and turning a crisp page to the very end of the book.  And I will only purchase a used book if it is in good condition. 


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Hosted by Lori from Dollycas's Thoughts
From Lori's site:
It struck me recently how much time I spend on this computer every day, blogging, chatting or playing games on Facebook, emailing friends and relatives, making cards and calendars, etc. etc. etc.
We depend on each other for book reviews, giveaways, encouragement, friendship, but how well do we really know each other?
So that is what this meme is all about, getting to know each other.
1. Do you wear perfume, body spray, etc. If yes what are you favorite scents/brands?

     Tresor
2. How many pillows are on your bed?
     2
3. If you could be any character in a fairy tail, who would you be?
     A princess with ladies in waiting lol    



Review "Toys" by James Patterson & Neil McMahon

TOYS by James Patterson & Neil McMahon
Published by Little, Brown and Company
ISBN 978-0-316-09736-9
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from publisher): James Bond and Jason Bourne have just been topped! A battle for the world is set into unstoppable motion and Hays Baker is the only one who can save it. Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course they do--they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!
  The one with the most toys--dies
  The top operative for the Agency of Change, Hays has just won the fiercest battle of his career. He has been praised by the President, and is a national hero. But before he can savor his triumph, he receives an unbelievable shock that overturns everything he thought was true. Suddenly Hays is on the other side of the gun, forced to leave his perfect family and fight for his life.
  Now a hunted fugitive, Hays is thrown into a life he never dreamed possible--fighting to save humans everywhere from extinction. He enlists all of his training to uncover the truth that will save millions of lives--maybe even his own. James Patterson's Toys is a thriller on a hyper plane--with a hero who rivals both James Bond and Jason Bourne.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This book had all the typical Patterson traits, short chapters, fast read, etc. However this takes place in the year 2061 whereas there is a war between the "elite" and the "humans". I felt it was more of a science fiction novel as compared to his usual mystery suspense that I enjoy reading. And to be quite honest during descriptions of certain scenes, even those that were action packed, my mind would visualize "The Jetsons". I have been struggling with the rating for this novel, but truthfully have to say it was jusk an OK for me, but then, that's only my opinion.
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DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold...they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.


February 23, 2011

Product Review Black Diamond Screen Cleaning Wipe

Brilliant screen cleaning wipes with SR-8 provides gentle, superior  cleaning to any electronic screen and removes dust, dirt, finger prints and makeup while imparting an invisible, durable barrier that protects screens 50x more form scratching. Helps protect against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!
I tried it and it works!!!  I clean, (don't you just despise that word) my computer and TV screens at least every other day, if not daily.  And I couldn't believe what had been left behind after using the Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes!!

Product details: (5 pack)
*Brilliant screen cleaning wipe with SR-8 provides gentle, superior cleaning to electronic screens and removes dust, dirt, finger prints and makeup while imparting an invisible, durable barrier that protects screens 50 times more from scratching. Helps protect against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!


*Cleans and protects monitors, electronics, eyeware and more!
*No Alcohol or Ammonia
*Added scratch resistance with SR-8

*Brilliant Screen Cleaning WipesTM with SR-8TM provides gentle superior cleaning while imparting an invisible durable barrier that resists scratches, soiling and water spots.
*Treat Your Lenses with the protection of SR-8

*SR-8 is a Polimer Additive that reduces surface tension making cleaning easier each time it is used.
*SR-8 Coats the lens leaving a protective barrier
*SR-8 Improves scratch resistance
*SR-8 Will not dry out protective coatings
Check out this and other products by this company, I highly recommend.  Matter of fact, I reviewed eye glass cleaner in the past, and just purchased more.  You can visit them at any of the following sites:
http://www.sr-8.com/BrilliantWipes/index.htm
http://twitter.com/#!/BDcleaners
http://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondCleaners
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
DISCLAIMER
I received this product, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold...
they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.


And the winners are...........

............for THE PROMISES SHE KEEPS by Erin Healy

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Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

18      9

Timestamp: 2011-02-23 23:20:24 UTC

Lisa Potts said... 18 I definitely believe in some type of an afterlife.  thanks!
Ricki said... 9 I do not believe in eternal life (at least not on Earth).

An email has been sent to the winners and they have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen.


Guest Author Charles Soto

I am sure you feel the same way that I do, and that being, that it is such an honor when an author reaches out and asks if you would consider reading and reviewing their novel. I take it as a mutual respect between author and reader.  And I have that pleasure with today's guest.  After reading the synopsis he provided, which I must admit has a definite controversial subject matter, he has also incorporated other elements into the plot.  Even though we have our own beliefs, do we really know what we would actually do if faced with the situation and/or decision, so I accepted to read and review his book.  And today you will not only have the chance to meet this debut author and hear a bit about his novel but also have a chance to win a signed copy.  So please help me welcome Mr. Charles Soto.
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ABOUT CHARLES SOTO
     I’ve always had a love for writing, from my early years in high school and throughout my entire life. The power of words and the emotions that they can produce have always led me to follow my imaginations and dreams. Even though, at times, the life of a writer can be a lonely world, it’s in this world where I find my solace. When I’m alone in my writing room, sitting in front of my laptop nothing seems to matter to me, nothing but the world and characters that I’m trying to create. I get lost in a dreamscape, it seems, envisioning my story as if it is a movie playing before my eyes. The reality that I try to create reflects in the topics that my writing interests bring me to and I’m honored to now add my name to the list of authors who dared to cover an issue that voices such strong opinionated oppositions as abortion. Authors such as the late great Michael Crichton, Robert Shapiro, John Irving, Elisabeth Hyde, Sharon Oard Warner and Kathryn Trueblood just name a few on a long list of greats.
     I wanted to write about a topic where Passion overrides opinion and opinion evokes passion. A story that places the readers inside the characters lives for themselves. I want the reader to feel and come to understand what struggles and endurance the characters are going through and what they would do under the same circumstances. The thought of portraying a corrupt clergyman as the villain in my story, reflects to the power that a man of the cloth truly has over his parishioners, the lengths that some may follow him to and questions of morality that arise.
     Heartache & Sin, above all else, is a love story between a husband and wife. The struggles they endure when they come to the painful crossroad of debating to abort or deliver their child of miracles. I used North Dakota as the background for my story, living in Minnesota for over fifteen years I got to know my neighboring state well, and I felt for my story to work I needed an area such as this. A place where family, friends and church remain a priority in peoples lives. Where the closeness of growing up in the country on a farm reflects in the lives that people lead, and in doing so, create a story that the reader can feel and come understand. A story that creates compassion and resolve yet produces the raw, uncensored emotion that such a topic brings out.
     Now, although I currently live in Minnesota, It’s a long way from my birth place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Even though I grew up and went to school in northern California , Vegas always seemed to call me back. After I graduated high school I moved back and lived there for years until I met my wife, Patty. She’s from Minnesota and after visiting her home town a couple of times I fell in love with the area. After the birth of our second daughter we decided to move there and have lived here ever since. I’ve been lucky enough to share my life with her for over twenty two years and there’s no one I’m closer to. I love that she rides her own bike and if we aren’t out riding our Harley’s in the summertime or on our jet ski, then we’re enjoying rock concerts or traveling.
     I do try to put some time away for my artwork as well as my writing. When I grew up in California I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of talented people and was taught the art of ceramics under the direction of my mentor, Bernard Seagul. Just like my discovery of words, which I must say was greatly influenced by Neal Peart of the famous rock band, Rush, I was hooked just as much from the moment I started working with clay and I’ve been creating ceramic sculptures ever since.
     After years of struggling and trying to make it with my art and writing, I finally landed an agent to represent me, but after a year of no sales I decided to pursue my efforts else where. I was listening to the Lex and Terry morning show, like it seems I always am, when they where looking to hire one of their listeners to work on their show. I remember Lex saying when he first got into radio he didn’t know anybody or have experience, but he just knew he wanted to be around it; it was what he wanted to do, so he took a meaningless job and eventually worked his way up. I thought, that’s exactly how I feel, so I leaped in with both feet and finally have my first novel published and a second one ready to go.
     I wrote Heartache & Sin, 2005 while I was recovering from a devastating accident when I fell 30 feet at work. Can you believe it! I fell 30 feet, landed on concrete and I’m still alive! What surprises me the most is how well I recovered, returning back to nearly the form I was in before my accident. I truly believe there is a higher power, and for some reason God spared me on that day. That reason being of course, pursuing my dreams of becoming an author and accomplished sculpture and I’ve been doing it ever since. So I hope you enjoy Heartache & Sin. Please leave me a blogg message and tell me what you think of my book, Video Book Trailer, my website or anything else you would like to discuss. Feel free to look me up on face book and twitter, or simply leave a message on my contact page. I promise I’ll get back to you.
Visit his website:  http://www.authorcharlessoto.com/index.html
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ABOUT THE BOOK
     Hard-driving and provocative, this unconventional love story will have audiences talking for weeks after reading. Charles Soto touches the heart of humanity with this epic tale, tackling the hardships of abortion. Dissecting the tenderest parts of a mother’s being, while destroying a father’s conscience.
     Heartache and Sin tackles the very heart and soul of each and every one of us. A must-read page turner that will have readers on the edge of their seat until the final page is turned. A compelling, endearing love story for both women and men, gripping the very foundation of marriage, courage and strength, with hard-driving emotion as its ploy. This debut will have audiences talking for weeks as love, hate, murder and church collide when a couple finds themselves a painful crossroad, debating to abort or deliver their child of miracles in this wicked tale of how a man of the cloth, who’s power and control is willing to risk the life of a pregnant parishioner.
     Steven and Karen Wheaton seem to have it all. A smart, devoted and incredibly loving couple, their only hard grief is that in direct response to Karen’s severe, debilitating diabetes the two are unable to bare children. While Steven shows compassionate resolve, understanding and acceptance, Karen grieves and comes to grips with this fact by joining a church whose clergyman is a staunch, fierce opponent to abortion. In fact, Pastor Ryan McDonald is a man of many atrocities and is willing to do anything, even commit kidnapping and murder, to uphold the tenets of his vicious canons. Though, when Karen and Steven learn she’s pregnant and becomes deathly ill, they struggle with the tragic dilemma of having to choose between life and death for their unborn child. The unmerciful fate that Karen and Steven endure, at the hands of the pastor, boils to an explosive conclusion. Ultimately tragic, this debut is a fascinating social commentary on this complex issue that has no easy answers and an illustration of what evil a man of the cloth will provide a faithful parishioner. Can Steven save his wife and his baby’s life? If he can’t, which will he choose?
Watch for my review in the coming weeks!!!

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THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE 
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold...they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.




GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "HEARTACHE & SIN" ENDED

FEBRUARY 23th to MARCH 9th


HEARTACHE & SIN
by CHARLES SOTO

SYNOPSIS:
  When diabetic Karen Wheaton learns she is pregnant, she is unable to come to grips with the effects the ripples of life within her will have on her body. She desperately wants to have a baby-perhaps even more than she wants to live. For her husband, Steven, there is no question. Steven loves his wife, and would do anything to protect her including wanting to terminate her pregnancy if need be.
  While Steven struggles to save his wife and his marriage, He must also match wits with their pastor, Ryan McDonald in a trail to save Karen’s life or solidify her death. With a plot twist around every corner, readers will open one door only to find another in this rich plot of drama and suspense, Can Steven save his wife and his baby’s life? If he can’t which will he choose?

THANKS TO  THE KINDNESS
OF AUTHOR, CHARLES SOTO,
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