A Bit Of Me (1 of 3)

SATURDAY

Hosted by Danielle at There's A Book

From her 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 Weeks Question: What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant and why?

Read more: http://www.teresabook.com/category/a-bit-of-meme/#ixzz0vuwrz3V0

This week's question is has so many answers for me.  And is difficult because I am presently on Nutrisystem lol so this is going to be painful lol  But here goes:

As far as restaurants..we visit a little hole in the wall restaurant where we live that has the BEST Italian food, called Pat's.  The sauce (or as Italians, which I am as far as heritage, say gravy).  I usually order the Chicken Sorrento, which is chicken parmigian topped with Ricotta cheese and eggplant.  And then there are the chain restaurants that we like and they are Uno's (my son is the bartender on the weekends), Chelo's and Chili's.

Now for food, which is also difficult to answer because I have many "favorites" lol.  As I said, being of Italian heritage, pasta of any kind is of course, a favorite.  And I am also a big seadfood fan.  I also eat a lot of fruit

And, unfortunately, another love of mine and is both a downfall and my comfort food, and it is:

Now you know a little bit more about me and my likes.  What are your favorite foods?  Do you have a favorite restaurant?

Review "The Nobodies Album" by Carolyn Parkhurstm (2 of 3)

The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst
Published by Doubleday
ISBN 978-0-385-52769-9
At the request of Doubleday, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book's jacket): Octavia Frost is a former bestselling writer in the winter of her career. In the opening pages of this dynamic novel, she arrives in New York to deliver her latest manuscript-a revolutionary new book-to her editor. But as she walks through Times Square , she sees a news crawl announcing that Milo, Frost, her rock-star son, has been arrested for the murder of his girlfriend.
  Octavia and Milo haven't spoken in years, an estrangement stemming from a horrific tragedy the two of them endured when he was a child. Yet Octavia cannot help but drop everything and fly to San Francisco to try to make sense of the situation.
  The book Octavia was supposed to deliver contains rewritten versions of the final chapters of all her previous novels, in which she has changed her character' outcomes and removed pieces of her personal life that had been hidden within, especially concerning that terrible days years ago, These "last' chapters" and their new revisions are interspersed throughout Carolyn Parkhurst's The Nobodies Album-the scattered puzzle pieces of the troubled past Milo and Octavia share.
  Did she drive her son to murder? Did Milo murder anyone at all? And what exactly happened all those years ago? As the novel builds to a stunning reveal, Octavia must consider how her own story will come to a close.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I had a hard time with the beginning of this book. I felt that at times it was very "wordy" and "dry", and not sure where the plot was headed. There were eight (8) chapters that had been written by the character of the author and her ground breaking concept of her newest manuscript, whereas it had the original ending of one of her prior novels and then a new and different ending. Another thing that I felt was hard to relate to, which was stated in the synopsis, and that was the many years of estrangement between the characters of mother and son. It appeared to this reader, and this is my opinion only, that son's response, was unrealistic and too nonchalant when they were reunited after many years of bitterness and being apart. On the other hand, the suspense of trying to piece together the clues of finding the murderer in the cast of characters, what was the underlying reason for the estrangement and a few other issues that I won't mention due to it containing spoilers, is what kept my interest and had me turning the pages. Since I found this novel to be a 50/50 read I will rate it accordingly.

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.

Award Time (3 of 3)

It happened again!!!....you know what I mean.....getting that warm and fuzzy feeling....

PKReeves from Aisle B presented me with this award:

If you haven't visited Aisle B, you really should.  Its a great blog with an even bigger sense of humor.  You never know what you will see!!!!.  Thank you so much for this award.  It is greatly appreciated.  What a fantastic feeling knowing someone thinks my blog is special!!  Thank you again.  Now for the criteria, however, going to make a little change, hope you don't mind:

The rules for this award are:
Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Pass the award along to 15 5 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order…)
Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.
BORING...I won't mind if you skip this part.....
1.  I am technologically challenged.
2.  I anxiously await mail delivery to see if I received another book.
3.  I collect Hallmark Christmas ornaments.
4.  I have dimples.
5.  I will be an empty nester come October with both boys living out of state   :(
6.  I am a very early riser...usually between 5-5:30am
7.  I am so enjoying this new world of blogging/reviewing and meeting so many nice bloggy friends.
And now I will pass the award to, in no particular order:

Always, Always Reading

From The Heart Of A Bookworm

Mysteries In Paradise

Kate's Library

Tethered Mommy

Aloha Friday (1 of 3)

FRIDAY

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:

What is your middle name?

What do you think is the most popular one?

My Answer:

Ann

I think that is probably the most popular one. 

Friday Book Blog Hop (2 of 3)

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 twist:
Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?
My Response:
No.  I find it distracting for some reason, which I really don't understand, because I always have the tv on.  I am a Cable News junkie and always have it on with the volume low in case there is breaking news.  On the weekends, hubby turns on music from when he gets up and I find that if I hear a song that I like, I can't focus on reading.

Friday Fill-Ins (3 of 3)

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

And...here we go!

1. Life is short, so make the best of it.
2. I love the days that I have so much energy that I get a lot accomplished and just  keep going.
3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: call me later.
4. Linguine and shrimp sauteed in white wine is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.
5. On the 1st day of August I made changes on my blog and then went to sit by and in the pool with hubby.
6. My grandmother, at 95 years old was still lively and energetic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and spending time with hubby, tomorrow my plans include my weekly computer to-dos then sitting by pool, with hubby and a book and Sunday, I want to do the same!

Giveaway "Fit For Life" by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond

FIT FOR LIFE

by HARVEY and MARILYN DIAMOND

AUGUST 5th to AUGUST 12th

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It's the program that shatters all the myths: FIT FOR LIFE the international bestseller that explains how to change both your figure and your life. Nutritional specialist Harvey and Marilyn Diamond explain how you can eat more kinds of food than you ever ate before without counting calories...and still lose weight! The natural body cycles, permanent weight-loss plan that proves it's not only what you eat, but also when and how, FIT FOR LIFE is the perfect solution for those who want to look and feel their best. Join the millions of Americans who are FIT FOR LIFE and begin your transformation with:

** The vital principles that bring you permanent weight loss and high energy
** The FIT FOR LIFE secrets of timing and food combining that work with your natural body cycles
** A 4-week meal plan, menus, shopping tips, and exercise
** Delicious recipes and more.

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE AWESOME

PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE THREE(3) COPIES OF THIS GREAT BOOK TO GIVE AWAY !!

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE

Booking Through Thursday (2 of 2)

THURSDAY

I have added my blog to the search engine of GiveawayScout to announce giveaways hosted here.  I have also added their widget, on the left side of this blog, so that followers and visitors can see all the giveaways they have listed, in case you are interested in any and want to enter.  And if you do, Good Luck!!!

http://btt2.wordpress.com/

Today's Question:

What is the first book you remember reading? What about the first that made you really love reading?

My Answer:
This is a hard one since I have to remember from many, many years ago.  My mother always took credit for my reading addiction as she would say that she would always give me books while I was in my playpen...this I don't remember.  I do remember that I always loved books and and every month while in elementary school we would get an order form from Scholastic (?) and I would ask my parents if I could buy some and luckily they always said yes. I also remember winning a contest in 2nd grade and the prize was the book PT109 by John F. Kennedy.  But I think the book that really hooked me and left an impression, to this day, was The Anne Frank Diary.  I can even remember the imagery I formed while reading that book.  I wish I had kept a journal from when I started reading to today just to see how many books I have read in my life, it has to be thousands.

And the winners are.......

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3

7

10

Timestamp: 2010-08-04 22:08:22 UTC

Congratulations!!!!

Page said... 3 This sounds like a fun read, perfect for the Dog Days of summer.

Joann said... 7 I am a follower on GFC!!

Carol M said... 10 I'm a follower.

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

Review "The Lies We Told" by Diane Chamberlain

The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain
Published by MIRA Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-2853-7
At the request of Meryl L Moss Media Relations (The Book Trib) a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis (back of book): Maya and Rebecca Ward are both accomplished physicians, but that's where the sisters' similarities end. As teenagers, they witnessed their parents' murder, but it was Rebecca who saved Maya from becoming another of the gunman's victims. The tragedy left Maya cautious and timid settling for a sedate medical practice with her husband, Adam, while Rebecca became the risk taker.
  After a devastating hurricane hits the coast of North Carolina, Rebecca and Adam urge Maya to join them in the relief effort. To please her husband, Maya finally agrees. She loses herself in the care and transport of victims, but when her helicopter crashes into raging floodwaters, there appear to be no survivors.
  Forced to accept Maya is gone, Rebecca and Adam turn to one another-first for comfort, then in passion-unaware that, miles from civilization, Maya is injured and trapped with strangers she's not certain she can trust. Away from the sister who has always been there to save her, now Maya must find the courage to save herself-unaware that the life she knew has changed forever.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: What a book !! Even though there are 371 pages, I found it to be a quick read because I had to keep reading at a fast pace to keep up with the fast pace of the storyline. The characters came to life, to the point that I was disappointed the story ended because I wanted to continue following their lives, especially with the surprise ending. I could actually feel the emotions, especially of the 2 sisters, Maya and Rebecca. The portrayal of how they both handled the trauma of their parents' murders differently , which they both felt guilty for but never discussed, molded and affected them as adults was compelling. Reading the written detailed graphic account of the disaster following a hurricane was so vivid, that it felt like I was watching a movie. I really enjoyed the medical aspect of the plot being a retired RN. This was the first time I read a book written by Diane Chamberlain and I will definitely be reading her prior books. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!

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.

WWW Wednesday

WEDNESDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you will read next?

Teaser Tuesday

TUESDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser:
Before I could scream or duck, the shot rang out and the man at the table in front of ours slumped in his chair.  Then I did scream, the same way I'd screamed twenty years earlier in my driveway.

Page 71

Musing Mondays (1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Todays Musing:
  What book tops your TBR (to be read) pile right now? Is it something you own, or something you have to borrow, or something you’ll be purchasing? Why do you want to read it so badly?

My Response:
  The top of my TBR Review Pile, and waiting to be picked up, is The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst.  I have read some really good reviews and even had a giveaway, so can't wait to get my hands on it.
  When I went "public" with my blog, I really thought requests for reviews would be far and few between, but was wrong.  I haven't read a book from my Personal TBR Bucket Pile since January.  My "Review Policy" is that I read requested review books in order that I receive.  So the day they get delivered, a post-it goes on the front of the book, with date received and from who and any other notes regarding that book, example if there is a giveaway, guest author posting, etc etc.  Every book in my TBR Review pile, I am anxious to read because either I asked to read it or when an email was sent asking if I would review, I read the synopsis to see if I think I would enjoy and be a good "match".  My pile is high but am looking forward to reading each and every one of them.  Happy Reading all!!!
 

Mailbox Monday (2 of 4)

August is being hosted by Shanyn at  Chick Loves Lit

From The Hachette Book Group:

From Kaye Publicity:

From Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity

Its Monday, What Are You Reading (3 of 4)

Hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books

This is a meme to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read, and the books to be finished this week.

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

CURRENTLY READING:

UP NEXT:

Read-A-Thon Wrap-Up (4 of 4)

48hr Rread-A-Thon hosted by UNPUTDOWNABLES

WRAP-UP:
I finished one book and started another, but am disappointed as to how much I got done.  I have learned and need to remind myself...."Self...do not sign up for WEEKEND read-a-thons because the non readers in my house don't get the concept of a Read-A-Thon"  lol.  But when I was able to pick up my book and read, it was fun knowing it was for the Read-A-Thon.  Maybe next time I will do better and reach my goals.  That just didn't happen this weekend.  But thank you to UNPUTDOWNABLES for hosting.

Review Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas

Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas
Published by St. Martin's Press
ISBN 978-0-312-60015-0
At the request of Authors On The Web, a HC copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book's jacket): On a spring afternoon in 1920, Swandyke-a small town near Colorado's Tenmile Range-is changed forever. Just moments after four o'clock, a large split of snow separates from Jubilee Mountain high above the tiny hamlet and hurtles down the rocky slope, enveloping everything in its path.
  Meet the residents whose lives this tragedy touches: Lucy and Dolly Patch, two sisters long estranged by a shocking betrayal. Joe Cobb, Swandyke's only black resident, whose love for his daughter forces him to flee Alabama. Then there's Grace Foote who hides secrets and scandal that belie her genteel facade. And Minder Evans, a Civil War veteran who considers cowardice his greatest sin. Finally, there's Essie Snowball, born Esther Schnable to conservative Jewish parents but who now works as a prostitute and hides her child's parentage from the world.
  Fate, chance, and perhaps divine providence all collide in the everyday lives to these people. And ultimately, no one is without sin, no ones's soul is whiter than snow, and no one is without the need for forgiveness.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This is the first novel by Sandra Dallas that I have read, and in my opinion, is a gifted storyteller. The first chapter grips you with a glimpse of what is to come. It begins on that fateful day, April 20th 1920 when the avalanche roars through Swandyke, Colorado. Subsequent chapters follow the lives of six (6) residents prior to that fateful day and then returns, once again to 1920 bringing the story full circle. The author's writing style, one word, exceptional. While reading this novel, for me, was like watching a movie in my imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history, the fashion or lack of, the housing, professions, morals, racism, inter caste system and beliefs of the 1920's and before, on a personal level, because my grandmother was born in 1900. And a profound underlying message that forgiveness comes within and is a gift to one's self and that no one's soul is whiter than snow. This moving and emotional tale was truly a treasure to read.

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.

Slapdash Sunday (1 of 2)

SUNDAY

Did you see my posting on Friday regarding the Bestselling Author Vincent Zandri?  Check it out !!!  He has been very busy having been on tour for Moonlight Falls, and his latest novel The Remains and his new Mini Digital, Pathological.  And as busy as he has been, he will be stopping by today and answering your questions or responding to your comments.  So grab a seat, get comfortable and ask away.   Today is the last day we will have him!!!!

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
  Yesterday I mentioned hosting a 2011 Challenge.  I signed up for many 2010 Challenges thinking that review requests would be far and few between and at the time of signing up, I was a very new public blogger. 

  I had signed up for a 50+ Book Challenge with Reading With Sea, unfortunately, last month she announced that she was deleting her blog.  I signed up for this challenge after signing up for the 100+.  I knew I would never complete the 100+ but felt that I could finish the 50+. 

  I am having so much fun and enjoying every minute of this new world of book blogging and reviewing, and am amazed and pleasantly surprised as to the level my blog has reached.  I think that the next thing I would like to accomplish is hosting a 2011 Challenge, BUT, not sure the how-tos.  Would appreciate any assistance.

  Today for Slapdash Sunday my questions are:

• 
  
  Would you be interested in a 50+ Book Challenge?
• 
  
  How to make a button/icon with name of challenge, name of blog, and address.
• 
  
  How to set up a sign up page (think I know but not sure if I am right)
• 
  
  How to set up a "report" page (ditto for above)
• 
  
  When and Where to announce to let people know about the challenge
• 
  
  Do you know if someone else is doing this challenge (not sure of the blogging etiquette regarding this)
• 
  
  Does my blog have enough experience to host a Challenge?

Would love to hear what you think.  Would you be interested in a 50+ Book Challenge?  Do you have any experience in setting one up?  Do you have any advice to give me, and if you do, thank you!!! 

Read-A-Thon Sunday Update (2 of 2)

48hr Read-A-Thon hosted by UNPUTDOWNABLES

7:00am EST:
Real life interfered again last night.  Hubby is a non reader, and unfortunately, does not get the concept for a Read-A-Thon lol, and was in a very chatty mood.  I did get some reading done when I went to bed, after he fell sleep, and until I fell asleep.  Plan today: Get some blog to-dos done and to read rest of day.  Will update as the day goes on.
9:00pm
Got a little side tracked today working on computer to-dos.  Read the Sunday Journal Newspaper with my coffee...lol hope that counts.  Got in a few hours of reading this afternoon.  And plan to retreat to my recliner for a few more hours.  Wrap-up tomorrow morning.  Have a good night all!!

Read-A-Thon Updates for Saturday

4:30pm est:  Got a late start today :(   Real life interfered.  What's the saying about best laid plans?  Am usually up by 5:30am, but for some reason, woke up later than usual. I know with me, when that happens, it throws me off kilter.  Does that happen to you too?  Felt that the day was already 1/2 gone.  Physical therapy session from yesterday was rescheduled for this morning, so I lost 90 min. there.  I just finished Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas and will be starting The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain shortly.  However, we have a scheduled appointment later on with a certified rug installer to inspect the substandard installation from a national rug company back in March, because of damage that was caused due to flooding after days of heavy rain, and a "state of emergency" was issued.  I plan on blogging about this at a later date to spare even one person the aggravation we have gone through. 
How is your Saturday?  Did you sign up to participate in the Read-A-Thon?   Will be posting another update later on today.  Happy Reading!!
9pm est Update:  Results from carpet inspector is what we thought...and we aren't too happy but that is for another day.  I started The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain and from what I have read so far,  it is a good one.  Pulled me in with the 2 page Prologue.  Remaining night's plan...getting comfortable and continue reading.  Next update will be tomorrow morning.  Have a good night all !!