I'd Rather Be At The Beach

Joy Street by Laura Foley & Giveaway

books read in 2015, current book giveaways, poetry/art

Jan 052015

Paperback: 46 pages
Publisher: Headmistress Press (July 8, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692237550
ISBN-13: 978-0692237557

Each poem in this radiantly plainspoken collection offers subtle and penetrating observations that swell to a rich tapestry of ordinary life, beheld from a stance of grace and buoyancy. Starting with intimations of desire in childhood, these poems travel through ordinary domestic scenes to the blessing of a maturity in which the narrator, still embracing desire and wild promise, thrives in the midst of life’s darker gifts. This collection is truly a joy to read. It puts to shame those of us who walk through our days with “the din of loneliness,” ignoring life’s many invitations for bliss.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Laura Foley

Laura Foley is the author of four poetry collections. The Glass Tree won the Foreword Book of the Year Award, Silver, and was a Finalist for the New Hampshire Writer’s Project, Outstanding Book of Poetry. Her poems have appeared in journals and magazines including Valparaiso Poetry Review, Inquiring Mind, Pulse Magazine, Poetry Nook, Lavender Review, and in the anthology, In the Arms of Words: Poems for Disaster Relief. She won Harpur Palate’s Milton Kessler Memorial Poetry Award and the Grand Prize for theAtlanta Review’s International Poetry Contest. She lives on a woody hill in South Pomfret, Vermont with her partner Clara Gimenez and their three dogs. Please visit her website for book information or more poems: laurafoley.net.

Thoughts
Each of these poems are short reflections of the authors life. They are about relationships, love, nature, an online conference call, prisoners of war, a few about being at the beach which were of course among my favorites, and more.

This is a short book and will only take a few minutes to read, but it’s packed full of emotion.

If you’re a fan of poems about life, this would be a good book to read.

Giveaway:
Thanks to the author and TLC Book Tours I have one copy for giveaway.
To enter, leave your email in the comments
Ends 1/15/15

Tour Stops:
Monday, January 5th: I’d Rather Be at the Beach
Monday, January 5th: Everything Distils Into Reading
Tuesday, January 6th: Lit and Life
Wednesday, January 7th: Book Dilettante
Wednesday, January 7th: Savvy Verse and Wit
Friday, January 9th: Diary of an Eccentric
Sunday, January 12th: It’s All About Books
Monday, January 13th: Unabridged Chick – review and interview
Wednesday, January 14th: Peeking Between the Pages
Thursday, January 15th: Peeking Between the Pages – author guest post
Friday, January 16th: Patricia’s Wisdom
Monday, January 19th: Books Without Any Pictures
Tuesday, January 20th: Worducopia
Wednesday, January 21st: Suko’s Notebook
Thursday, January 22nd: Suko’s Notebook – author guest post
Tuesday, January 23rd: Bookgirl’s Nightstand
Saturday, January 24th: Wordy Evidence of the Fact
Monday, January 26th: Bell, Book & Candle
Wednesday, January 28th: Musings of a Bookish Kitty – author guest post
Thursday, January 29th: Musings of a Bookish Kitty

The Big Book of Parenting Tweets:
Featuring the Most Hilarious Parents on Twitter

books read in 2015

Jan 032015

The Big Book of Parenting Tweets: Featuring the Most Hilarious Parents on Twitter

by Jessica Ziegler, Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Kate Hall, Bunmi Laditan, Paige Kellerman, Bethany Thies, Andrea

“The perfect book for parents who want — NEED — to laugh, but don’t have time to sit down and read a daunting book. Grab it, head to the bathroom and lock the door until they find you!”
— Jill Smokler, author ofConfessions of a Scary Mommy”The Big Book of Parenting Tweets dishes up bite-size nuggets of funny. Impossible to read just one.” — Jen Mann, author ofPeople I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban ScourgesThis book is HILARIOUS. Being a parent is a frustrating, hilarious, weird, wild experience. This book captures some of the best of our snark. You need it. You do. — Nikki Knepper, author ofMoms Who Drink and Swear

A terrific read, featuring some of the funniest (and most honest) parents in the Twitterverse… my go-to gift for new parents! — Johanna Stein, author of How Not To Calm A Child On A Plane and Other Parenting Advice from a Questionable Source

Twitter isn’t just for breaking news and celebrity stalking—it’s also a goldmine of the funniest comedy online. Jokes? People tell jokes on Twitter? YES, they do. And they are hilarious … but who wants to sift through the hashtags, RTs and FFs to get to the good stuff?

WE GET IT! Parents don’t have time for all that. That’s why the duo behind the illustrated humor blog Science of Parenthood teamed up with Twitter maven Kate Hall of Hall of Tweets to create The Big Book of Parenting Tweets —a laugh-riot collection of more three-hundred tweetable moments straight from the parenting trenches from the most hysterical comedians on Twitter, who just happen to be parents.

Here is just a peek at some of what you’ll find inside:

My 4yo is trying to sell my own M&M’s back to me. This guy’s going places.
— @FatherWithTwins

With my wife away, my children keep asking me for things like meals and bandaids and sympathy, but I don’t know where we keep any of that.
— @KalvinMacleod

She took 4 y/o to the park & texted “Can I get her ice-cream?”
Get her a Heineken for all I care. Free babysitters get to call the shots.
— @BunmiLaditan

I wish bottles of ibuprofen came with a little prize inside, like maybe a babysitter.
— @SuburbanSnaps

To anyone out there thinking about having kids, today my 2yo threw a temper tantrum because she couldn’t get rid of her shadow.
— @XplodingUnicorn

Peppered with cartoons by Science of Parenthood, The Big Book of Parenting Tweets is the perfect gift for every over-worked, under-showered, sleep-deprived parent who could use a quick laugh, because who has time for more?

Thoughts
This book is seriously funny! I can’t remember ever laughing out loud so much while reading a book! You don’t have to know what Twitter or a Tweet is to enjoy this book. All you need is a teeny tiny sense of humor and this book will have you laughing your head off while everyone near you looks at you like you’ve lost your mind. I kept repeating what I read to my husband and probably told him more than half of what’s in the book.

If you have kids or grandkids or neices or nephews or any small child in your life, more than likely you’ll be able to relate to this book.

Whether you like Twitter or not, if you like funny or just need a laugh, go grab a copy of this book!! As fast as you can!

I received an advanced copy for review

Books Read In 2015

books read in 2015

Jan 032015

1. The Big Book of Parenting Tweets by Jessica Ziegler & more

2. Joy Street by Laura Foley

#FitReaders 2015: January Goals

readers workout & #FitReaders: 2015

Jan 012015

Hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and That’s What I’m Talking About

How it will work:
Jan, Feb, March hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
April, May, June hosted by That’s What I’m Talking About
July, August, September hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
October, November, December hosted by That’s What I’m Talking About

There will be weekly check-in posts and monthly “are you in” posts!

My Goals For January 2015:
Drink 10 glasses of water or more per day
Walk 1-3 miles a day
Strength train 3 times per week
Eat meatless 2-3 times a week

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goals for 2015:
Lose 30 lbs.
Increase endurance and strength
Daily deep breathing, stretching & meditation/prayer

It’s All About The Books

book misc.

Jan 012015

Review: Book & Movie~ Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King (Book 2~ Big Driver)

books read in 2014, movie review

Dec 312014

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

Big Driver is the first of four short stories in this book

Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and she plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself, capable of gruesome violence.

Thoughts
Book:
LOVED IT! The book took me on a trip that was not only full of raw emotions and horrific, but also made me grateful that I very rarely ever drive alone at night.

The story starts a bit slow for the first few pages. Or maybe that was just my take on the book since I love how scary King’s books are and I was excited for it to begin. But when it starts, it starts big and doesn’t slow until the end.

The story was every woman’s nighmare. And every woman who has gone through something like that has wanted the revenge that Tess sought and got.

There was a bit of potty mouth in this book, but King writes amazing books, so I’ve learned to deal with it. The way Tess got her revenge was so great to read! I would never be able to do that.

Each character was superbly written. They were all so believable and I loved each one for the part their character played in the book.

This was my last read of 2014 and I’m so glad I ended on such a great book!

If you like King, get this book. If you don’t like King, get this book.

Movie:
Big Driver was made into a Lifetime movie and while I enjoyed watching it, the book was so much better. I know they have to cut stuff out for the sake of time, but as far as King’s books are concerend, less is more, most of the time. The rape scene was definitely a part they should have toned down some. It was far too explicit. I know that stuff doesn’t bother some people, but it does me. My thoughts are that if a child shouldn’t see it, it shouldn’t be on tv.

The biggest difference I saw in the book and movie was the way the revenge played out. I loved that part way better in the book. The movie felt like a cheap immitation while getting the facts wrong. The smallest change that bothered me was that they changed what the sign said on the abandoned store. I couldn’t, and still can’t, figure out why that would have been changed! Something as small as what a sign says is not something I would think the writers of the movie would have felt the need to change. Did they really think they could make it better or catchier than King? Nope, they couldn’t and didn’t. I liked it the way King wrote it. Well of course I did! Like I said, everything he writes is amazing. Just the way it is.

To be fair, I’ve yet to watch a movie based on a book where I thought the movie was better. It goes back to having to cut stuff. But I wish they wouldn’t change things so much. Still, the movie was good and I’m glad I watched it.

Review: Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
(Book 1~ 1922)

books read in 2014

Dec 302014

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

1922 is the first of four short stories in this book

This is a first-person account by Wilfred James, the story’s unreliable narrator. He writes a lengthy confession for the murder of his wife, Arlette, in Hemingford Home, Nebraska, in 1922.

Wilfred owns eighty acres of farmland that have been in his family for generations. His wife owns an adjoining one-hundred acres willed to her by her father. Wilfred scorns the thought of living in a city, but Arlette is discontented with farm life and wants to move to Omaha. She seeks to sell her land to a livestock company for use as a pig farm and slaughterhouse. Wilfred, who strongly opposes Arlette’s plans, resorts to manipulating his teenaged son, Henry, into helping him murder his own mother.

Thoughts
Wow! This was a great story! I loved it.

It was scary, creepy, gross and full of horror. There’s Wilfred wanting to kill his wife over some land, of asking his son Henry to help him kill his mom, of Henry saying he’d help, and of the rats eating away at her. There’s the visions of Arlette’s ghost that wouldn’t leave him alone. Plus so many other things that I can’t write about without lots of spoilers.

It was sad too. There’s the sad fact that Wilfred would kill his wife, whom he loved, over her wanting to sell the land and move to town. It was sad that Henry agreed to help. It was sad that there was so much lost because of that act. Dreams were shattered, hearts were broken, marriages, friendships and minds were lost. And more than just the life of Arlette was cut short…so sad!

In the end, it wasn’t the murder of his wife that did Wilfred in. It was seeing her in the well with the rats, and her ghost visiting him that did it. That would do it to anyone, don’t you think?

You know when you start a King book you will “see” the story in your head for a while. You can’t get rid of the images. At least I can’t. For a while. But the story never leaves you. I’ll be remembering this book for years and years.

If you like scary, read this book!

#FitReaders For 2015

readers workout & #FitReaders: 2015

Dec 302014

Hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and That’s What I’m Talking About

There will be weekly check-in posts and monthly “are you in” posts!

Goals for 2015:
Lose 30 lbs.
Increase endurance and strength

I’ll be doing this along with Readers Workout

Healthy Lifestyle Books Reading Challenge 2015

2015 Challenges

Dec 302014

Hosted @ Joy’s Book Blog

The Challenge: Read any book that supports your healthy lifestyle. Define “health” as broadly as you need to improve your life — physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

The Dates: This challenge runs for the whole year, January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Sign up any time during the year. If you’d like a shorter-term challenge to get the year started off right, check out the New Year’s Resolution Reading Challenge.

The Levels: Levels make a challenge more fun! Let’s go with running-themed levels (even though I don’t run and you don’t have to participate in this challenge):

Fun Run: 1 to 4 books
5K: 5-9 books
10K: 10-14 books
Marathon: 15 books or more

The Rules:
You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. Feel free to link to your Goodreads review or put a review in the comments on the Health Books 2015 Reviews page.

Books counted for other challenges can count for the Healthy Lifestyle Books challenge, too. I suggest two of the challenges that inspired this one: The Foodies Read Challenge hosted by Vicki of I’d Rather Be Reading at the Beach and The Nonfiction Reading Challenge hosted byThe Introverted Reader.

We’ll use #HealthBooks on Twitter for discussion and to share links.

The link-up below is for sign-up posts. Please consider writing a sign-up post — it helps encourage others to join us! Link book reviews at the Health Books 2015 Reviews page. A link to that page will remain in the top menu of Joy’s Book Blog all year so that you can find it again.

I plan on trying for the 10K: 10-14 books
1.

10.

Readers Workout: Goals for 2015

readers workout & #FitReaders: 2015

Dec 302014

There are only a few days left of 2014, and I want to make a good start going into 2015. I didn’t do as well as I should have in 2014, but hopefully this new year will bring new consistency.

Goals for 2015:
Lose 30 lbs.
Increase endurance and strength
Daily deep breathing, stretching & meditation/prayer

Here is a SparkPeople group challenges I’m doing:
The challenge started on the 28th, but I’m just too wiped out to get going yet. The last 3 weeks have been full of sickness, lots of sleepless nights and stress, so I plan on starting the 1st. Hopefully by then I’ll be back to normal. I am working on drinking water and my daily goals, but won’t start tracking anything until the 1st of the year.

Back To Basics Bi-Monthly Challenge: 12/28 – 1/10.
Choose AT LEAST TWO of the following actions to focus on for the next 14 days

1. Tracking your Food and Fitness Daily
2. Drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water or more per day
3. Exercise between 15 and 30 minutes or more per day
4. Strength train 3 times per week
5. Get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep per night
6. Eat 5 or more Fruits and Veggies per day
7. Stay within your calorie range each day

Ebook Reading Challenge 2015

2015 Challenges

Dec 292014

Hosted @ Annette’s Book Spot

This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015.
Any genre or length of book counts
At the beginning of each month there will be a roundup post for you to add your reviews for that month.

Levels:
1. Bits – 5 ebooks
2. Bytes – 10 ebooks
3. Megabytes – 25 ebooks
4. Gigabytes – 50 ebooks
5. Terabytes – 75 ebooks
6. Empty the Cloud – 100 ebooks

I’m going to try: Bytes – 10 ebooks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Non Fiction Reading Challenge 2015

2015 Challenges

Dec 292014

Hosted @ The Introverted Reader

January 1 to December 31, 2015

Read any non-fiction book(s), adult or young adult, Memoirs, History, Travel etc.

Levels
Dilettante–Read 1-5 non-fiction books
Explorer–Read 6-10
Seeker–Read 11-15
Master–Read 16-20

I’m going for Explorer: 6-10
1.

Mailbox Monday

reviews

Dec 282014

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Every Wednesday for Books That Caught Our Eye, Serena, Leslie and I will each share 2 books that grabbed our attention from today’s Mailbox Monday post. We hope you’ll join us by posting a comment letting us know the books that caught your eye.

I only received one book last week:

Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning

An old woman who has given up hope and a boy who believes the impossible wonder if life would be perfect at the Westminster Dog Show.

Seventy-year old Bess Rutledge has dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show all her life. Despite her decades-long career as one of America’s top Standard Poodle breeders, she has decided she’s too old to hold on to her foolish dream. She sells off all the dogs in her once famous kennel except for the aging champion McCreery and his mischievous, handsome son Breaker. Part of her senses they might have been the ones to take her to Westminster, if only she’d dared to try.

Bess meets Benny, a teenager with mild autism who attends a therapeutic special school, and learns he has a dream of his own: to impress his self-absorbed mother. Benny is drawn into the world of dog shows and becomes convinced he has found the perfect way to win his mother’s attention. If he can win Westminster with either McCreery or Breaker, he just knows she will finally be proud of him. Getting Bess to go along with his plan, however, is not going to be so easy. . .

Up to 100% of the author’s profits will be donated to charities serving animals and children. Visit www.dianedanielsmanning.com.

Isn’t that dog on the cover adorable? This sounds like such a good book and I can’t wait to start it! And, I love that all the profits go to charities for animals and children!

Audiobook Challenge 2015

2015 Challenges

Dec 282014

Runs January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015
Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)
Any genre count.
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.

There will be posts on the following dates for you guys to check in to let us know how your listening is going:
March 27th: 1st Quarter Update
June 19th: 2nd Quarter Update – Giveaway included
September 25th: 3rd Quarter Update
December 18th: 4th Quarter Update and Wrap – Giveaway included

Audio Resources:

FREE audio resources:

Overdrive through your local library

Audiobook Jukebox audios for review

Levels:
Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15
Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30-50
Marathoner (Look Ma no hands) 50+

I’m going to try: Weekend Warrior 5-10
1.

Review: Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas by David Chuka

books read in 2014

Dec 272014

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas by David Chuka

Series: The Fartastic Adventures of Billy and Monster
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1505219523
ISBN-13: 978-1505219524

They’re back!
Discover what new adventures Billy and Monster get up to in the latest episode in this exciting series.

It’s almost Christmas and Billy’s looking forward to his present from Uncle Leland from England. On Christmas day, Billy isn’t too excited when Uncle Leland gives him a golden pen but gives Cousin Bob a big monster truck. How could Uncle Leland do this to him? Billy’s not a happy bunny and his ingratitude makes Uncle Leland sad and his Dad mad. A game of hide and seeks plunges Billy into a world filled with snow, happy monsters, and houses made of chocolate.

You will love reading this story to your loved ones as they get to learn the most important thing about this special holiday season. Expect funny illustrations, laugh out loud moments and touching moments in this funny book for kids.

Thoughts
This is book five in the series and is a very cute story that teaches kids that it’s not about the presents you get for Christmas. What matters is being grateful for what you have and spending time with the people you love.

This is a short story, but it’s a fun book with cute colorful illustrations and a positive message. I think any child would love this book as well as the others in the series:

Book 1: Billy and the Monster Who Loved to Fart
Book 2: Billy and Monster – The Superhero with Fart Powers
Book 3: Billy and the Monster Who Ate all the Easter Eggs
Book 4: Billy and Monster’s New Neighbor Has a Secret

Meet The Author
David Chuka lives in London with his lovely wife and two adorable children. His family are usually the first people to hear his funny and quirky tales. He was inspired to write his first book, ‘If You See a Doctor’ after he struggled to find a book for his daughter who was a beginner reader.

He’s gone on to write more books including the popular ‘Billy and Monster’ series, a funny set of books about a little boy and his Monster who get into all sorts of funny situations and learn about moderation, friendship, self control, bravery etc. Young children can relate to Billy and you’ll love sharing his adventures with your children, grandchildren and loved ones.

As a father himself, he has parents at heart when he writes. He recognizes that bedtime has to be one of the best parts of the day for parents and grandparents as it gives them the opportunity to bond with their little ones. He believes you’ll enjoy sharing his stories with your loved ones at bedtime.

In David Chuka’s books, you can stay rest assured that quality and captivating images will always complement the story to ensure your loved ones are spell-bound as you read to them. Beginner readers will also enjoy discovering new words as they read his books.

He would like to keep you updated on what he’s working on and any giveaways he currenty has on offer. Please subscribe to his newsletter at www.davidchuka.com and you’ll get a FREE Coloring and Activity book for your loved ones.

You can also connect with him on twitter @davidchuka and Facebook.

Make sure to watch the video trailers for his most popular books on this Amazon Page and you’ll get a little taste of why his books have garnered more than 300 glowing reviews.

He has so many stories to tell and can’t wait to share them with you and your loved ones.

Links
Goodreads, Amazon, Amazon author page, Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, Website

Review: Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

books read in 2014

Dec 262014

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books (September 23, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594745269
ISBN-13: 978-1594745263

Something strange is happening at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Every morning, employees arrive to find broken Kjerring bookshelves,
shattered Glans water goblets, and smashed Liripip wardrobes. Sales are down, security cameras reveal nothing, and store managers are panicking.

To unravel the mystery, three employees volunteer to work a nine-hour dusk-till-dawn shift. In the dead of the night, they’ll patrol the empty showroom floor,
investigate strange sights and sounds, and encounter horrors that defy the imagination.
A traditional haunted house story in a thoroughly contemporary setting, “Horrorstor “comes packaged in the form of a glossy mail order catalog, complete
with product illustrations, a home delivery order form, and a map of Orsk’s labyrinthine showroom

Thoughts
I’m a cover snob and this book grabbed my attention right away. It looks like a catalog, similar to Ikea. There is a “Home Delivery Order Form”, coupons, store info and more. I loved that it was so much like a real catalog! Each chapter starts with an item from Orsk, and gives details about the item, the price, and the item number. I thought that was a great way to start each chapter!

I loved all the characters. They were all unique and well written, but Amy and Basil were my favorites. Sometimes I wanted to yell at them and ask them “what the heck are you doing that for”, but everything they did only added to an already fantastic story.

The story was amazing. I loved everything going on, especially once things started happening. I love scary and this book was very scary. Espcially when I only read it at night, in bed, with only a tiny light to read by.

While reading the book I kept thinking about shopping in Ikea, which I love. I bet I’ll probably not be able to get this book out of my head the next time I go though, and that kinda creeps me out. In a good way…

The book ended in a way that the road is open for a Horrorstör 2. I hope the author decides to write one. I for one will be definitely reading it.

I think this is the best book I read in 2014, which surprises me since I’m a huge King fan and read Full Dark, No Stars which has four stories in it it which are also really good. But, all in all, this book just stood out. I loved every word, paragraph, chapter and character.

LOVED IT!! If you haven’t read this yet, get a copy Now!

Mailbox Monday

mailbox monday

Dec 212014

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Ella’s Toys (Pumpkinheads) by Karen Kilpatrick
Ella’s toys are beyond compare, but playtime’s more fun when she learns to share! Flaunting her toys but keeping them to herself is not much fun after the other kids lose interest. Left alone, Ella decides to make it up to her friends. Children will learn an important lesson in this endearing children’s story about sharing, generosity and friendship.

Danza’s Message (Pumpkinheads) by Karen Kilpatrick
Playing and dancing, you’re a star! Listen to Danza: Beautiful is what you are!
Danza and her friends are silly and sweet. Playing before the mirror, they are reminded of just how special they are. Parents and children alike can relate to this valuable book about self-esteem and love of self.

Joy Street by Laura Foley
Each poem in this radiantly plainspoken collection offers subtle and penetrating observations that swell to a rich tapestry of ordinary life, beheld from a stance of grace and buoyancy. Starting with intimations of desire in childhood, these poems travel through ordinary domestic scenes to the blessing of a maturity in which the narrator, still embracing desire and wild promise, thrives in the midst of life’s darker gifts. This collection is truly a joy to read. It puts to shame those of us who walk through our days with “the din of loneliness,” ignoring life’s many invitations for bliss.

Unlocking the Mystery of You: The Pinnacle of Purpose by D. L. Anderson
Without purpose there can be no fulfillment-and although we can surely live without fulfillment, we will scarcely feel alive. Every one of us has a purpose in life and an array of life offices which we were destined to fulfill. Fulfillment, then, must come via the realization of our purpose and our designated offices. Therefore, seeing as we can not find fulfillment following any other course, D.L. Anderson has dedicated this leading composition within his “Pinnacles of Life” book series to analyzing the ins and outs of purpose, and revealing how living a life of purpose is the first step in securing fulfillment and ultimately fulfilling our destiny. To assist each purpose seeker in this crucial endeavor, D.L. Anderson has formulated a progressive roadmap which he has labeled as, “The Pinnacle of Purpose” a series of 7 unique steps which have the power to progressively transform each purpose seeker into the man or a woman they were destined to be while living the life they’ve always imagined. Thus conclusively, if you are ready to walk the path dedicated to your purpose, you should know that this book was written with you in mind. As such, the pages within this composition will lead you to the place where you will find the fulfillment you seek.

Review & Giveaway: The Language Of Hoofbeats by Catherine Ryan Hyde

books read in 2014, current book giveaways

Dec 202014

The Language Of Hoofbeats by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Paperback: 342 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (December 9, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1477824685
ISBN-13: 978-1477824689

From the bestselling author of Pay It Forward comes a story of the heartbreak and healing power of family. New to a small town, Jackie and Paula envision a quiet life for their kids: a young adopted son and two teenage foster children, including the troubled Star. However, they quickly butt heads with their neighbor, Clementine, who disapproves of their lifestyle and is incensed when Star befriends her spirited horse, Comet. Haunted by past tragedy and unable to properly care for Comet, Clem nevertheless resents the bond Star soon shares with the horse. When Star disappears with Comet, the neighbors are thrown together—far too close together. But as the search for the pair wears on, both families must learn to put aside their animosity and confront the choices they’ve made and the scars they carry. Plumbing the depths of regret and forgiveness, The Language of Hoofbeats explores the strange alchemy that transforms a group of people into a family.

Links:
Amazon, Goodreads, Author’s website, Facebook, Twitter

Thoughts
This book reminded me a bit of the tv show The Fosters. It is a book that will leave you feeling glad you read it.

The story will remind you that family isn’t always blood or cookie cutter. Sometimes family is a mix of the people you choose to share your life and love with. There are quite a few subjects that will pull at your heart and make you hug those you love a little tighter.

Jackie and Paula are both great characters, and so are the kids the take in, even though they all have their own issues. Clementine rubbed me the wrong way for most of the book but she finally came to her senses and won me over. I also loved reading the parts with the horse. It made me sad when Comet was first introduced into the story because of the way it was housed etc., but I loved when Jackie and Paula’s daughter bonded with the horse.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a really good book about family. Loved it!!

Tour Schedule:
Tuesday, December 2nd: Patricia’s Wisdom
Tuesday, December 2nd: Fueled by Fiction
Wednesday, December 3rd: Books a la Mode – author guest post
Thursday, December 4th: Bibliotica
<Friday, December 5th: Eating and Reading
Monday, December 8th: My Bookshelf
Tuesday, December 9th: BookNAround
Wednesday, December 10th: Jorie Loves a Story
Thursday, December 11th: 100 Pages a Day….Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Friday, December 12th: Joyfully Retired
Monday, December 15th: 5 Minutes for Books
Monday, December 15th: Back Porchervations
Tuesday, December 16th: Laura’s List
Wednesday, December 17th: Too Fond
Thursday, December 18th: Peeking Between the Pages
Friday, December 19th: I’d Rather Be at the Beach
Monday, December 22nd: ebookclassics
Tuesday, December 23rd: Nightly Reading

Giveaway: Open to U.S. & Canada
1 paperback copy
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Ends January 4th

Review: Aoléon The Martian Girl-A Science Fiction and Fantasy Saga – Part 1: First Contact, by Brent LeVasseur

books read in 2014

Dec 202014

Aoléon The Martian Girl: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Saga – Part 1: First Contact by Brent LeVasseur
Category: Middle-Grade,
94 pages
Genre: Science-fiction and Fantasy
Publisher: Aoléon Press
Release date: January 31, 2015

Crop circles magically appear in Farmer Johnson’s field. A mysterious light sweeps over the night sky and awakens Farmer Johnson and Gilbert, the boy next door.

Curious, Gilbert ventures out to discover the source of the light and stumbles into a beautiful Martian girl sitting in a crop circle. Farmer Johnson also investigates the strange light, and thinking that Gilbert and Aoléon are vandals, he chases them. But they sprint to Aoléon’s saucer and escape only to be pursued by the U.S. Air Force.

Gilbert has never been attacked by swarms of giant killer robots. Never met strange aliens from other worlds. Never skyboarded across a megalopolis hidden deep inside an extinct volcano. Never trekked across a vast Martian desert. And never been eaten alive by a gigantic slor (well, almost never, unless you count Billy the fat bully at school).

And luckily, he has never ever confronted an evil ruler of Mars bent on conquering the Earth to steal its cows. Never…until now! This may be the adventure Gilbert always wished for. If only he can survive.

Thoughts
This book was definitely not my usual type of read, but I’m so glad I decided to give it a try! The story was well written and vivid and I could see in my mind what the author was writing.

The illustrations were full of bold colors and I found most of them were putting a smile on my face. I also loved the name Gilbert Sullivan, the main character, since it reminded me of the theatrical Gilbert & Sullivan, and Gilbert Sullivan the Irish singer-songwriter.

I loved everything about this book. The story alternated between being thrilling and humorous and the illustrations were adorable.

I think all kids, both boys and girls, would enjoy this fun book. I plan on reading it to my grandson.

This is part one of a five part story and I hope to read the rest of them.

Meet The Author
Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Aoléon: The Martian Girl

New Year’s Resolution Reading Challenge 2014/2015

2015 mini challenge

Dec 182014

Hosted @ Joy’s Book Blog

December 15, 2014 – January 31, 2015

I really enjoyed this challenge in 2014 and am so glad Joy is doing it again for 2015.

There’s even going to be a year long challenge for those of us who have “Be Healthier” as one of our resolutions!!!

Whether you want to write a novel, start a new career, or be happier, there are books to aid you in your quest. The New Year’s Resolution Reading Challenge is to read one to four books that will stimulate action on your goals. It runs to the end of January.

The books can all support the same resolution — you could read four books on getting organized, for example. Or, read four books to help with four different projects — one book on moving to a foreign country, one book on health and fitness, one book on small business, and one book on knitting.

Levels
Resolved: 1 book
Determined: 2 books
Committed: 3 books
Passionate: 4 books

I want to make health a priority in 2015, and to learn something new, so…
I’m doing: Passionate: 4 books

1. Super Herbs: 25 Ultimate Ayurvedic Herbs with Magical Healing Powers and How To Use Them by Advait

2. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

3. The Joy of Signing: The Illustrated Guide for Mastering Sign Language and the Manual Alphabet by Lottie L. Riekehof

4. And this book is for the Read Along: The War Of Art: Break Through The Blocks And Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

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