Brief Reviews: I'll Follow the Moon; Baby Lit Primers -Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet

NO!, it's not working now ... I'm still unable to upload images.  These just happen to be on my draft pile.

I'll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara, YR, 2005, Kindle ebook, 48p, Rating=4
Source: own

Cute, rhythmic, and soothing.  The beautiful illustrations enhanced this book.  A wonderful tale about the caring nature of mothers.  A definite great freebie find!

Pride and Prejudice: A Baby Lit Counting Primer by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver, YR, board book, 22p, Rating=5
Source: won

This came just after Christmas so the kids and I were in a jolly mood when we read this and put it to the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tune.

An elegant counting book with fabulous and charming regal illustrations.  This would make for a wonderful addition to your Austen book collection. 

Romeo and Juliet: A Baby Lit Counting Primer by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver, YR, 2011, board book, p, Rating=4
Source: won

Another book that the kids and I read to the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas" because we roll like that! 

If you're a Shakespeare/Romeo & Juliet fan then this would be a lovely counting book to share with your little one.

Side Note:  I personally like the Baby Lit book on Pride & Prejudice better ...so elegant and regal.

"We're All Different But We're All Kitty Cats: First Day of School"

by Peter J. Goodman, Illustrated by Nicolas Milano, YR, 2012, 52p, rating=5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

“My name is Carlos and I have no fur,” the kitty cat announces on the first day of school. Using schoolroom situations that every child will recognize, author Peter Goodman creates a gaggle of feline classmates who show the way to respect and friendship for Carlos the hairless cat, who faces the challenge of being different. With the support of his mother and teacher, Carlos discovers something on the inside that makes him just as unique as he is on the outside.

Popping illustrations and expressive characters bring the tale of Carlos and his friends to life. The first in a series that brings adults and children together to discuss important social issues—this one is exceptionally relevant, given the current focus on anti-bullying efforts in schools—the book includes discussion prompts and fun facts to help parents facilitate engagement and learning at story time.

Children will be entertained as they come to realize, with Carlos and his schoolmates, what matters most: the thing we all have in common is that we are all different. (Front flap)

Awesome illustrations in pictures and in explaining the lesson of the story. This book was designed as resource to teach preschool children about bullying. This is one of a series of books that deals with important social issues that the author and his team plan to render.

Simply fabulous! It even has conversational starter questions at the end to aid you in a discussion.  Giving you an idea of your child's understanding of the story and provide you opportunity to direct the child to the moral lesson you want him to grasp.  Morevoer, it has cool fun facts about kitty cats .. like: cats "meow" to humans but not to another cat; or cats think of us as large cats!

I scored by winning this book!  My preschooler and even my six and nine year-olds enjoyed it.  Plus, I love that this book was not only well illustrated but that it fostered a conversation about relevant social skills. 

Great teaching tool for parents and teachers!

Book Loot Giddy

Extra giddy this week.  I forgot I won these so I was pretty jazzed to see them waiting for me in my mail today.  Thank you Autumn and Kari!!

Won:

I won the Adult Pack: Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand, When She Woke by Hilary Jordan, & The World As We Know It by Joseph Monniger in a blogiversary giveaway from Autumn and Kari @From the TBR Pile.  I was sent a couple extra books (while I await for WSW, no worries if you can't find it)! The House of Velvet and Glass by Katherine Howe and The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott.  Super thank you ladies!!

Kindle ebook freebie purchases:

title The Last Romanov

author Mossanen, Dora Levy

title The Toadhouse Trilogy (Book #1)

author Lourey, Jess

title When Calls the Heart (Canadian West #1)

author Oke, Janette

Book Loot Giddy

I haven't had the time to post much lately so this is a couple weeks worth of giddiness.  Yay, I got books in the mail!  Thanks Adam and Annette!!

Won:

3 Catherine Ryan Hyde books from Adam @Roof Beam Reader (still waiting on Pay it Forward DVD)

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer and surprise bookmark from Annette @Annette's Book Spot

Kindle ebook freebie purchases (unless otherwise noted):

title After the Birthday Party

author Miranda, Angus

title Angel

author Kingsley, Mary E.

title Forget Me Not

author Uchtdorf, Dieter F.

title Masquerade (Creepy Hollow, #4) (99 cents ..out today!!)

author Morgan, Rachel

title The Not So Secret Emails Of Coco Pinchard

author Bryndza, Robert

title Your Happily Ever After

author Uchtdorf, Dieter F.

More Kindle freebies but Goodreads did not have them in their system:

How about you? How book loot giddy have you been lately?

"The Fault in Our Stars"

by John Green, YA, 2012, 318p, rating=2
Source:  library
*SPOILER ALERT*

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. (Goodreads)

WARNING  --this review might sound preachy but it's merely what I felt during the read.  Anyway, this started off with a bang for me.  I was thinking, 5 stars definitely 5 stars.  Then that physical connection thing between Hazel and Augustus happened.  I was taken aback!  It bothered me.  It's just not an occurrence to be taken so lightly.  It seemed that subliminally it was saying that it's okay to have fornication (remember, they're teenagers) because you're dying of cancer and under the umbrella of "we're in love" syndrome.  Yes, this was not the main focus of the book but to me it shouldn't have been added.  It was so subtle that it could easily be missed but you've read it and it's saying that it's no big deal.  It is to me.  I want my children to reserve their gift of procreation to the person they have lawfully and legally committed to.  MY OPINION.

That aside, this book tackled the world of dying in varying voices.  Namely, two teenagers (Hazel and Augustus) and a broken literary writer (Van Houten).  Hazel's voice was one of acceptance of death ..que sera, sera; Augustus was one of "I'll be the dashing debonair to make a cancer girl's last moments great since I don't have it as bad as others" attitude (yikes, the twist!); and Van Houten was just an unpleasant man drowning in the excuse of self pity.  Quite a group of characters, eh?  Indeed the mixture was recipe for boredom buster.  But overall, I saw this book to be over my head philosophical.  --Oh, I did like a couple of the sidekicks ..Isaac (Augustus' best friend) and lady Lidewij Vliegenthart (Van Houten's personal assistant).  Those two rocked!!

I'm not soulless.  This book did make me cry but this time around the indiscretion overpowered that emotion to award a great rating.

Mail Giddy

Look what I won from Becky @ Stories & Sweeties.  Yeay, my first winning of the year!!  Much thanks Becky ..and author Megan Crewe/ Big Honcho Media!

I can't believe how much stuff can fit into this 3.5in x 2in x 2in pouch (16 items!).  And I didn't dig far enough! I missed pulling out the tampon and nail file that's not pictured here!

Go to the author's website HERE to find out more about the book and HERE for info and to purchase a Miniemergency Kit of your own.  Wow, they've got kits for all sorts of stages of life!

Remind me ...

... to read these:

( someone please get me a new camera. =] )

I need to hold off going to the library because I still have these winnings to go through (three of which I won late last year)!  But I rationalize that since I own them, they can wait.  I know, it's not as sensible as I lead myself to believe, yet it's what I tell myself.  And, there's three more books not pictured here (1 ebook; 1 ebook missing; and 1 book on its way).  I'm building myself a big winnings to be read pile!  Aaaahh!

You must be thinking, "Okay Jinky, stop entering giveaways!"  I know, but I love the thrill of winning and getting something fun in the mail.  Catch 22.

Mail giddy

Yeay, it's not just bills or junk mails in my mailbox!  On occasions I receive books and oh how I enjoy those times!  My face gets all lit up, I smile from ear to ear, and I do my version of the jig, aka, a happy dance.  Please keep it coming ... I might finally lose some weight!!

Recently I received these winnings in the mail:

• (ARC edition) Across the Universe by Beth Revis from Kristin @Beneath Shining Stars, I Read
• An Affair Without End by Candace Camp from Danielle @Romance Book Junkies
• (Signed!) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting and swags from Jacinda and Jasmine @The Reading Housewives of Indiana

Thank you, thank you, ladies!  Now it's just a matter of timing to get to them (read and reviewed Across the Universe already).

"Demon Glass"

by Rachel Hawkins, YA, 2011, 359p, rating=2.5

"That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?" (book's blurb)

Okay guys, don't throw things at me.  I didn't find this book fascinating.  The pacing was slow and so was the action scenes.  I also wasn't crazy about the love triangle angle.  This just felt like another twist on Twilight ... poorly done.

Something was lacking ... perhaps a better storyline or villain.  I don't know.  It was overall just an okay read.  I was somewhat entertained but not fulfilled.  On a side note, I love the cover!  Gorgeous.  :)

I must confess that I didn't realize that this was a sequel.  I have not read the first book, Hex Hall.  I'm not sure that would have made much of a difference.  As a stand alone book, I felt that there was too much emphasis on Sophia's sauciness instead of surrounding her with characters that didn't make her have to use so much sarcasm.  Again, I don't know ... this one just didn't captivate me. :(

I have Chime by Franny Billingsley on my reading list but I think I'm going to take a short break on my YA kick and read an adult fiction next.

"The Princess of Las Pulgas"

by C. Lee McKenzie, YA, 2010, 348p, rating=4

"After her father's slow death from cancer, Carlie's mother is forced to sell their cherished oceanfront home and move the family to the other side of the tracks--to dreaded Las Pulgas.  At her tough new urban high school, Carlie is nicknamed "Princess" because of her aloof attitude.  But what her classmates don't know is that Carlie isn't aloof; she's in mourning for her father and almost everything else that mattered to her.  Meanwhile, her younger brother Keith becomes angrier and more sullen by the day, and even their cat Quicken goes missing, sending Carlie and Keith on a search for her in the hidden orchard beside their seedy garden apartment complex.  They're met by a rifle-toting cowboy who ejects them at gunpoint from his property.  But when Carlie finds him in the kitchen having coffee with their mom the next day, having found and returned the cat, she begins to realize that in Las Pulgas, nothing is what it seems."  (book's blurb)

The grabbing opening line, Last night I pleaded with Death, but he turned a bony back to me, pushed Hope into the corridor and shut the door.  Now here's a YA that has meaning!  Right from the beginning you knew you were in for a conflict of the heart.  A story of bereavement but more about the gain in the long run.  A careful, soft portrayal of a grieving family's process of loss.  Incorporate a story with culture shock, Othello, and stereotypes and you've got yourself a book that didn't dwell on the grief but rather emphasized on growth and moving forward ...but never forgetting the pain of loss.  A moving read.  Beautifully crafted. 

The cast of characters was awesome.  Each brought substance to the plate.  Their predictability worked for me here.  I liked the classic lesson of not judging by appearance.  I especially enjoyed the lessons of sacrifice, perseverance, and friendship.  Hooray for characters with tenor!  Well done, Ms. McKenzie.

I'm glad I won this book.  Thank you Brandi @Blkosiner's Book Blog for holding the contest.  I had really wanted to win this one.  The title tickled my curiosity (Las Pulgas means fleas in Spanish) and the blurb along with your review gave added interest.

"Across the Universe"

by Beth Revis, YA, 2011, 398p, rating=3

"Amy and her parents believe they will wake on a new planet, Centauri-Earth, three hundred years in the future.  But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, cryo chamber 42 is mysteriously unplugged, and Amy is violently woken from her frozen slumber.  Someone tried to murder her.  Now, Amy is caught inside a tiny world where nothing makes sense.  Godspeed's 2,312 passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader.  And Elder, Eldest's rebellious teenage heir, is both fascinated with Amy and eager to discover whether he has what it takes to lead.  Amy desperately wants to trust Elder.  But should she put her faith in a boy who has never seen life outside the ship's cold metal walls?  All Amy know is that she and Elder must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again." (book's blurb)

This had the potential to be a very frexing, brilly book but I was a chuntz and fell for the hype!  Okay, I had to do it.  In trying to be clean and teenage-hip in language these words in the book just got childish and annoying.  Oddly enough, in general this book was a page turner.  I got sucked into the plot and wanted to see it through.  Yet, as fascinating as it was it left me empty.  I was floored because the suspense, the dystopian angle, and the budding romance were enticing so I was expecting a wow ending. But by book's end, Nada!  I can't find the words to describe it.  Something was missing.  What comes to mind is lack of depth and meaning.  It didn't even give me the feeling of being left hanging and anxiety for the sequel.  I was sorely disappointed.  I hope the next book makes up for it.

I was generous with the rating because for an almost 400 page book, it was quick and entertaining for the moment's read.

P.S.  I actually won a copy of this book from Kristin @Beneath Shining Stars last December but I can't seem to find it, so this is a library borrowed book.

"Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids"

by Reba Bowman, non-fiction, 2009, 212p, rating=3.5

"Mom, you are in a war for the lives of your children. The enemy is real and deceptive, and his weapons are varied. If your children are going to become the men and women that you want them to be, you must take this battle seriously and prepare to fight. Battle-Ready Moms Raising Battle-Ready Kids equips mothers with the weapons they need to fight for the spiritual survival of their children. You'll learn • Why your role as mom is critically important to the well-being of your children • How to encourage good choices through connection, not rules alone • How to build character and nurture individuality • How to guide both girls and boys from infancy to young adulthood. Using Bible-based wisdom and experience-based advice, Reba Bowman challenges you to become the best mom you can be -- because the destiny of your children depends on it." (book's blurb)

I was attracted to the title but after seeing the title description A Biblical Strategy for Confident Parenting and reading the blurb, I sat on it for awhile.  I just wasn't up for something heavy.  Well, I finally got to it and it is definitely a Christian book.  God and scriptures were heavily mentioned.  Rightly so since Ms. Bowman was outlining how to raise children in God's influence.

I didn't get into this book until Chapter 5, which happened to be where the analogy of the military began to set in for me.  It was an excellent way to shape the book's substance.  The military has guidelines in training its soldiers to come out of a battle successfully, so as this book's point that God has also provided the guidelines to come out of Satan's grasp well, particularly as it relates to raising children.

This was a fine line on being preachy.  But even with the abundance of Christian language, it didn't give the hell fire tone.  Ms. Bowman was sincere in her words to reach out and offer her knowledge.  And she did so in an orderly and specific manner. 

Being under the umbrella of a Christian faith, I followed this book well.  So much so that it was not like I was generally learning anything new but was getting a refresher course.  Definitely nothing wrong with that!  Hearing something more than once is an excellent way of really sinking in a concept.  And this book has many potential Ah ha! moments for parents.  So if you're a parent who wants to raise your child(ren) in God's influence, then read this book and you might find the Ah ha! moment you've been looking for.

"The Oracle of Stamboul"

by Michael David Lukas, AF, 2011, 300p, rating=4
Advance Reader's Edition

"Late in the summer of 1877, a flock of purple-and-white hoopoes suddenly appears over the town of Constanta on the Black Sea, and Eleonora Cohen is ushered into the world by a mysterious pair of Tartar midwives who arrive just minutes before her birth. "They had read the signs, they said: a sea of horses, a conference of birds, the North Star in alignment with the moon. It was a prophecy that their last king had given on his deathwatch." But joy is mixed with tragedy, for Eleonora's mother dies soon after the birth. Raised by her doting father, Yakob, a carpet merchant, and her stern, resentful stepmother, Ruxandra, Eleonora spends her early years daydreaming and doing housework—until the moment she teaches herself to read, and her father recognizes that she is an extraordinarily gifted child, a prodigy. When Yakob sets off by boat for Stamboul on business, eight-year-old Eleonora, unable to bear the separation, stows away in one of his trunks. On the shores of the Bosporus, in the house of her father's business partner, Moncef Bey, a new life awaits. Books, backgammon, beautiful dresses and shoes, markets swarming with color and life—the imperial capital overflows with elegance, and mystery. For in the narrow streets of Stamboul—a city at the crossroads of the world—intrigue and gossip are currency, and people are not always what they seem. Eleonora's tutor, an American minister and educator, may be a spy. The kindly though elusive Moncef Bey has a past history of secret societies and political maneuvering. And what is to be made of the eccentric, charming Sultan Abdulhamid II himself, beleaguered by friend and foe alike as his unwieldy, multiethnic empire crumbles?" (book's blurb)

Wow, that blurb pretty much tells the whole story and very enticing!  But of course the fun is reading it for yourself to find out the prose and such.  Well, it was like I took a ride on a magical carpet to the once Ottoman Empire.  There was no doubt Mr. Lukas can write.  His descriptive vocabulary was excellent and non-hindering.  This time around I could not ignore it so for that reason and overall originality of the story that I gave high marks in rating. 

What a tantalizing storyline.  Eleanora, the protagonist, was quite an amazing eight year old!  But of course she was, after all, she might be the one prophesied to be the oracle of Stamboul.  Also, being a savant of some sort gave her extraordinary skills that proved to be amazing.  So much so that she attracted the sultan and came to be a consequential advisor.  Between that and a guarded family life, made for quite a lot to handle at such a young age.  Hence, that was part of what was sketchy for me.  Particularly the sultan's impetuous reliance on her.  Way too much!  It's no wonder the ending came to be what it ended up to be.

The subject of historical politics isn't my cup of tea but the gripping story, excellent writing, and exotic setting got me to finish this book.  Although there were some unanswered questions and shady moments, the mysteriousness worked for me this time.  Accordingly, this was an overall strong debut book.  So if you want Oriental color, this is the book for you.

Oh, I don't think I need to read The Hourglass by J. L. Borges.  Mr. Lukas reference it so much that it's like you get two books in one!  Plus, it's a poetic book and you know that poetry and I don't get along ...sad, I know.

By the way, I want to thank Harper Collins Publishers for sending me this advance reader's edition.  I had won it from Goodread's First Reads giveaway program.  ~Thank you Ms. Plafsky.  I enjoyed the read.

Find them on Facebook and Twitter:
www.facebook.com/harperbooks
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"Dream Bigger: Reclaiming a Life of Joy and Ease"

by Julie Wise, non-fiction, 2010, 133p, rating=3.5

"Take a moment to remember daydreaming as a child.  Recall the joy, freedom, and sense of possiblity you felt.  Imagine being able to experience that every day!  You can with Dream BIGGER, Julie Wise's heartfelt and inspriring guide to realizing your deepest desires.  Using her experience as a life and relationship coach, Wise provides personal anecdotes and numberous client examples to create a living, breathing roadmap for those seeking insight and wisdom on their daily path." (back cover)

When I come across self-help books my first thought is gift, asking myself, "Who can I give this to?".  My thinking goes something like this, Well, I'm not sure how to help you but this book might.  ~Especially this book, the author's name is Wise, how can you go wrong? :)

One big thing that I get weary about self-help books is it's approach.  Yes, I picked up the book wanting answers (figuratively speaking of self-help books, this particular book came to me for review for the publisher).  Most likely specific ones to tell me exactly what to do.  But please, Don't tell me what to do!  Yet, on the same token, do tell me what to do but make it seem that I thought of it and that I can conquer it!  Does that make sense?   Anyway, this book actually could do that.  In generic workbook format Ms. Wise tells you what to do.  Mind you, I read this book straight through so I didn't take the time to do the exercises but it was floating in my head and the drills seem rational.  I also appreciated Ms. Wise's openness about her personal life.  At first thought, divorce, suicide thoughts, and seizures would seem not the best thing to see on a life and relationship coach's resume.  But think about it, you're sitting in front of her and she's there!  She overcame.  So she does know a thing or two.  Pretty impressive resume after all!

There were several examples of people who succeeded in their dreams.  Nice stories and they enhanced the fact that dreams can be realized and more importantly those dreams made a difference in the lives of other people.  Just wondering how much of those successes were direct correlation to Ms. Wises's coaching.

I would gift this book.  It's simple, practical, and sensible.  It didn't give the vibe of a high and mighty know-it-all so listen to me life coach.  Put in the correct hands, this book could change one's life for the amazing.

My immediate dream right now is to have a sparkling house!  I think I might come back to the exercises and see where it leads me.  Should my house sparkle in the end, I will change this review to a 5!!  :)

P.S.  I do like the exercise to have a journal where you write down your moments of success at the end of each day (as simple as, I read to my kids today) ... I think of it as a form of a thank you journal.  Awesome!  I'm going to start this tonight.

"After the Last PR: The Virtues of Living a Runner's Life"

by Dave Griffin, non-fiction, 2010, 123p, rating=4.5

"We all have a comfort zone, a safe room we usually avoid leaving, afraid of what might happen if we do.  With preparation, we can expand its walls, but even the, our greatest potential never resides there.  Running challenges me.  A thousand times, it's confronted me with obstacles I didn't think I'd overcome.  It's brought fatigue and weariness, and yet even in the throes of exhaustion, it leaves a small burning ember of strength, always just enough.  After so many trials, I've learned that hope is always present if you look hard enough, and hope is a precious thing.  I'll keep reflecting on the races of my past.  I'll keep remembering the victories and the disappointments.  And, sometimes, new light will be shed on something that used to be unclear, and new hope will grow from the sweat that still stains the old gravel." (back cover)

This was an incredibly breezy read.  Often times, a non-fiction book is bombarded with facts that it can be tedious or even boring to read.  Not this one!  I got the feel that Mr. Griffin was speaking from his heart and his words reflected that.  No fancy words or long drawn out stories.  He was brief, to the point, and even punched each chapter with inspiring summary.  I must admit the simplicity in his writing was also what threw me off.  Each paragraph averaged 3 sentences.  As a reader who has become accustomed to novel style writing, this was incredibly too short.  In any rate, the important message was there and quite powerful in its simplicity.  Moreover, a true test of a good book is if it moved the reader.  Well, I was going to give excuses to tell you that I can't be a runner at this point of my life but I'd be missing the point of the book.  It's a matter of just beginning something, running or anything else.  Sure it will be hard, but that's how you'll get to a goal; whether successful in the end ... it's that you started!  I experienced a  gungho feeling, so as soon as I've recovered from this bug that got me, I'm going out for a walk/jog (work my way to running).  I want to feel that peace, relaxation, and self affirming stage that he described.  Sincerely, this was a refreshing read. 

On a personal note, I "ran" a 5K once.  My husband, then boyfriend, was into athletic stuff ... mud runs, relay races, 5-10K runs, judo, etc.  I don't know how I roped myself into it but I signed up for the run (perhaps to get acquainted with his likes).  Anyway, I really didn't know what I was getting into.  Yes, I practiced on the treadmill but as Mr. Griffin pointed out, there's nothing like gravel.  So come event time I was awful!!  There were many little girls, dogs, and mommy strolling runners who whizzed by me.  It was incredibly embarrassing!  More so that I had an athlete-like friend of my husband to run along with me (it was a run for women).  For sure I slowed her down but she was a dear and stayed with me through it all.  I don't remember where we placed... maybe next to last!  But, my husband's friend commented that it didn't matter where we place, but that I showed willingness to try (more true than she knew because I did not have any athlete bone in me!  I spent my spare time watching movie videos, a pathetic couch potato!).  In the end, receiving the commemorative medal was pretty neat!  And the experience as a whole was wonderful.  Hence, I understand a little bit of the joy and life leason that running can bring. 

I want to thank Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for sending me this book for review.  She was backlogged with many books to review for publishers that she enlisted the help of her fellow bloggers to lighten her load.  I was happy to obliged and more so now having had the opportunity to read this book.  I don't think it would have come my way otherwise.  Oh, I took on a commitment to review two more books, Dream Bigger and Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids, so stay tune for those. :)

Brief reviews and Tiramisu recipe

by Beverly Lewis, AF, 2007, Playaway, 10.5hrs, rating=3
Book #1

"Based on actual events that divided one Pennsylvania Amish community --and drove a wedge between heartbroken sweethearts.".  ~This was a nice change of pace.  The narrator had a sweet voice and it was interesting to get a glimpse of the dating customs and traditions of this Amish family.  A love triangle story... girl, boy, and religion.

by George Orwell, AF, 1946, 128p, rating=4

A political satire.  Wow, Mr. Orwell sure can pen it!  I was intrigued by his poignant protrayal of dictatorship!!  I was amused and entertained.  Definitely a league out of what I'm use to reading. 

by Buddy Valastro, non-fiction, 2010, 255p, rating=3.5

Interesting stories of this 4th generation master baker's family ...recording parental heritage, current nuclear family life, and behind the scene people involved in his bake shop empire.  Of course, with fabulous recipes to boot!!  The recipes intimidate me but they sure are treasures!!  ~There were only few pictures ...would have like an image for each recipe.

I'll share his Tiramisu recipe because it looks so pretty and might be just the thing to make for your Valentine.

Ingredients:

• 1C brewed espresso
• 1C granulated sugar
• 1/2C plus 1Tbs coffee liqueur
• 4 extra-large egg yolks
• 1 lb mascarpone cheese
• 2Tbs sweet marsala
• 1C heavy cream
• 40 store-bought ladyfinger
• 1/4C cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Put the espresso, 1/2C of the sugar, and 1/4C of the coffee liqueur into a heavy saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.  Whisk until the sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 min. Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool.
2. Put the yolks, marscapone, marsala, remaining 1/2C sugar, and remaining 1Tbs of coffee liqueur in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment and whip on medium speed until light and airy, approx. 7min. (If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer fitted with the whip attachments.)  Transfer the mixture to another bowl and clean and dry the stand mixer bowl and the whip attachment, returning them both to the mixer.
3. Put the cream in the bowl of the stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold the cream mixture into the marsala mixture.
4. One by one, dip the ladyfingers in the espresso syrup and arrange a layer in the bottom of a 12 inch-x 8-inch pan.  Spoon a layer of cream over the ladyfingers.  Dip and arrange another layer of ladyfingers over the cream, with the second layer perpendicular to the first.  Spoon the remaining cream over the top.
5. Dust the tiramisu with cocoa powder.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2hrs, or up to 3days.  To serve, use a kitchen spoon to scoop out portions into small bowls or glass dishes.

"Goddess Girls: Aphrodite the Beauty"

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, YR, 2010, 156p, rating=4
read:  10/07/10

"Aphrodite, the goddess girl of love, can hardly believe she's jealous! But after giving her best friend, Athena, a makeover, she's definitely feeling a little green. It just doesn't seem fair that the god boys who usually fawn over Aphrodite, are now paying more attention to Athena, who doesn't even care. When Aphrodite finds out the nerdy Hephaestus has a crush on her, she learns that love comes in many forms." (Goodreads)

I started to read this to my daughter, but my particular 4 year old just doesn't have the attention span longer than a few minutes.  She's my kid that would rather climb, jump, and down right drive her mom crazy!!  So I finished the book myself. What a cute read. Definitely appropriate for 8-12 year olds that it is geared to.  Think of it as a pre-school to Percy Jackson (series) Greek mythology school.  An easy fun way to introduce Greek gods/goddesses with a special modern twist in conveying a lesson or two.

This is book #3 of the Goddess Girls series (there's 5 out now) and if I understand correctly there will be a total of 8 books.  Is that correct, Ms. Holub/Williams?  Anyway, judging from this book, the series would make for a lovely treat for your young girls ... say for Christmas.  Not getting paid to say this, just saying.

Thank you Carrie at In the Hammock for the win of this book and also to the authors, Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams for providing me a signed copy and darling swags.  I enjoyed reading this.

"Testimony"

by Anita Shreve, AF, 2010, c2008, 324p, rating=3
read:  12/05/10

"At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices--those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal--that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment." (Goodreads)

A difficult topic to read but I was curious to see where the author would take it.  Although it's a no-brainer that alcohol can lead to trouble, to what extent is the question.  Oh, for these young high schoolers, it was their future.  The private school was suppose to be a safe haven for such troubles but then again teenagers have a way of bending the rules.  Plus, it didn't help that they were surrounded by adults who bend rules as well.  So this just leads up to many involved saying to themselves if only ...

Ms. Shreve was creative in giving background and voices to the storyline by each character giving their point of view.  It was a bit confusing to follow at first but the teasers kept me riveted.  I liked the tender love story between Silas and Noelle which to me seemed to be where it all circles back to. 

As you can imagine, being under the influence of alcohol just asks for sense to go out the window.  This book brings that to mind and gives examples of the mess it can leave ... the many lives that can be destroyed and lessons learned the hard way.  So be careful out there if you drink.  Be safe.

Thank you Brenda @WV Stitcher for the chance to win this book and ending up winning it!!  Thank you to Hachette Books for providing me the copy and to Ms Anita Shreve for an interesting read.

My quote-ables:
"I discover that making love is not one moment or two.  It is a hundred moments, a hundred doors that open, doors to rooms you have never been inside before." pg 141
"I guess that's the point of drinking, you are just a body doing what a body will do." pg 203

My daughter's Goddess birthday treat

Back in early November, I won the Goddess Girls:  Aphrodite the Beauty book (signed!) and swag from Carrie at In the Hammock.  I won it on my daughter's birthday so it was a perfect extra birthday present for her.  She was thrilled and was looking forward to it.  Well, we received it yesterday and she was ecstatic!!   Can't go wrong with make-up, bracelets, girlie book, and bookmarks to a four year old.  Thanks Carrie for the giveaway and also a special thanks to the authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams for the wonderful upgrade goodies!

Blue nail polish birthday

I won The Lost Saint:  A Dar Divine novel nail polish and bookmarkers from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and received them over the weekend.  Just in time for my daughter's birthday.  She is 4 years old today and we had fun painting our fingernails blue!  She was so jazzed.  Thanks Kathy.

 Too bright ... I need a better camera!! Maybe a generous reader might get me one for Christmas. :D

These bookmarkers are signed by the author

These turned out better

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!