Book Review: Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds #bookreview #debbiereynolds

Book Review: Unsinkable

Written by: Debbie Reynolds and Dorian Hanaaway

William Morrow Publishing/Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0-06-221365-5

I read: the ebook

4.5 Stars

A warmhearted, engaging memoir

Debbie Reynolds tells her story in a very endearing manner with "Unsinkable." The book focuses on the latter part of her career and life. It starts with Debbie marrying her third husband, Richard Hamlett.

Debbie's kindhearted nature shines in this memoir. Her desire to create a museum to house her Hollywood memorabilia is genuine, but poor personal choices threaten to derail her. Debbie enjoys working and entertaining her fans. Throughout her challenges and disappointments, her children, Todd and Carrie, help to steady her.

The writing is easy to read and engaging. The chapters are well organized, and I enjoyed reading about the movies she made. What touched my heart was how Debbie dealt with hardship. Her third husband proves deplorable and bankrupts her. Debbie looks adversity right in the face and picks herself back up with class.  Nothing can sink Debbie's resolve to start new chapters in her life when she has to.

I was motivated to learn more about her story after hearing of her tragedic death. I discovered Debbie Reynolds was a gifted entertainer, funny, charming, and kind-hearted.  How she carried herself in the face of adversity is to be admired. I didn't want to put his book down. Even if you're not a fan of Debbie, her story is compelling and will touch your heart. She's truly "Unsinkable." I highly recommend this book.

Question for you: Have you seen a Debbie Reynolds movie?  Which one? 

3.99 steampunk romance: A Princess is Always Right #kindle

BLURB: 

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.  

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

EXCERPT:

She wrinkled her brow. What did she want? To go home and train horses and pray the press leave her alone? To support charities? Sure, the task was noble, but not...fulfilling. Would she be dispatched through Great Britain as a goodwill ambassador? Did she want to seek higher schooling like Richard had? Was there a balance to be found between her personal life and her royal obligations? Richard and Alice seemed to find that balance, but Sophia felt almost rudderless in this moment. Did she want to remain a princess or enjoy the anonymity that Edmund possessed? 

She ran a hand over her hair. She'd never felt so directionless before. Why was that? Because she wanted Jax in her life? They had discussed visiting each other using the time machine before Augustus' uncle passed away, but Sophia believed travel wouldn't be approved just for dating. 

"You're a Windsor. Duty first. Love second. That's what I did and the nation benefited because of it." Liz's voice filled with pride. 

"I had no idea it was such a thought provoking question." He kept his voice light in an effort to put her at ease.

She placed her hands in her lap. "Surprisingly, it is."

"How so?"

"I have some very serious decisions to make regarding my future." She drew in a breath. "And the direction I want to take it in."

He chuckled. "Remember -- a princess is always right."

She sighed, realizing she could only think of one major problem at a time and her future would have to wait. "I have to be right when it comes to Jonas. I have to catch him."

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer: "The writing, word choices, and the storytelling are executed with mastery and precision."

5 Stars, Liz Gavin, Amazon Reviewer: "A Princess is always right’ is a very well-written story with likeable characters and lots of adventure. I recommend it for fans of fantasy and/or good books."

5 Stars, A. Brantley, Amazon Reviewer: "I don't read a lot of time travel romance, but I really enjoyed this one! Stephanie Burkhart has an amazing ability when it comes to creating realistic characters and detailed scenes."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://a.co/7TprSUT

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143?ean=9781612525365

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

Snippet Sunday: 2.99 paranormal romance: Sunrise Over Brasov #wewriwa #snippetsunday

Welcome to February! Have a great Valentines Day! 

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my winter romance, Sunrise Over Brasov. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this snippet:    Michael tries to stir Rosa' memories. 


ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

He drew in a deep breath and raked a hand through his thick ebony hair, "You are exasperating."
 "So I've been told."
"By who?" His eyes narrowed.
             "Rickard."
              His jaw clenched and his gaze darkened. Quick as a panther, he closed the distance between them and grabbed her wrists, tugging her toward him. She pressed up against the length of his body. His muscles were hard and defined...and again, hauntingly familiar. His hazel eyes grew murky and he claimed her lips with a forceful kiss. 

SUNRISE OVER BRASOV: 

BLURB:  

Rosa Getzi lives a life of intrigue at Poiana Brasov with Clement, a werewolf, and Cassandra, the witch. Her past doesn't matter to her – until she discovers what it holds.

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue, igniting Rosa's desire to find her family. However, all is not as it appears. Rickard, Rosa's friend, escapes with her. Clement will go to any lengths to get Rosa and Rickard back.

At Darius' fortress, Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control the change, and Clement hopes to exploit Rickard's abilities.

Michael's courage, strengths, and convictions will be tested like never before. Can Michael and Rosa find true happiness and the rid the lupine haunting of the Sigmaringens once and for all?

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:   http://a.co/2VxAtko

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1116009842?ean=2940148123552

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-three-sunrise-over-brasov-epub/

GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18216663-sunrise-over-brasov?ac=1&from_search=true

IBOOKS:   https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/sunrise-over-brasov/id977673303?mt=11

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Liz Gavin, Amazon Reviewer:  "The plot is engaging and fast-paced, packed-full of action that will take your breath away."

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites Reviews. "You will love this paranormal romantic novel."

4.5 Stars, Poppy, Long and Short Reviews

Much different from any historical or paranormal book I’ve read, Sunrise Over Brasov was both exciting and terribly romantic.

3.5 Stars, Mimi Smith, In'D Tales Magaine, FEB 2014: "The overall story is engrossing," 

4 Flowers, It's Raining Books: "Ms. Burkhart has woven an interesting and unusual historical tale of suspense and romance here. "

SaveSave

Children's Story: Brady's Lost Blanket #childrensbook

BLURB:  

Brady is a sensitive young boy who takes his blanket wherever he goes. After traveling with his parents to visit his new cousin, Brady accidentally leaves his blankie behind. Can Brady learn to get by without his blankie?

EXCERPT:

At the airport. People raced past Brady. Daddy checked in and Mommy walked behind Brady when he went through the x-ray machine. At the gate, a pretty flight attendant took their tickets. Brady sat next to the window. The plane pushed off and they taxied to the runway.

Brady looked at his Mommy. "Do you have blankie?"

Mommy puckered her lips. "Ah…no."

Brady looked at Daddy. "Do you have blankie?"

"No, Son, I don't."

Brady's stomach fluttered. His hands grew clammy. He needed blankie.

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Beverly's Reviews, Amazon Reviewer: "Bridget McKenna’s illustrations are colorful and the characters’ expressions reveal what they’re feeling. A lovely book for little ones, who might just discover that the blankie, though important, can be replaced with something just as good. This picture book would make a nice addition to pre-school and kindergarten libraries as well as your own private library."

5 Stars, Deborah S. Hockenberry, Amazon Reviewer:  "I highly recommend this adorable picture book about a child's major step in growing up. The watercolor pictures on each page are skillfully done by Bridget McKenna."

5 Stars, Shawn Simon, Amazon Reviewer: "This sweet, simple story will be so helpful for small children everywhere who become so attached to a comfort object that they feel they need it. Brady’s story will help them learn to believe in themselves above the comfort object. I recommend this lovely story to young children and parents everywhere."

Brady's Lost Blanket is available in Paperback.  Here's a list of Buy Links:

AMAZON:https://www.amazon.com/Bradys-Lost-Blanket-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/1940310040/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1486141344&sr=8-29&keywords=stephanie+burkhart

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bradys-lost-blanket-stephanie-burkhart/1121138037?ean=9781940310046

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

99 cent vintage romance: Journey of the Heart #kindle #99cents

JOURNEY OF THE HEART

Blurb: Set in Sonoma, CA in 1946, can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

Opening Line: James hated wandering.

EXCERPT:

"Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 

"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 

"A job."

He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"

REVIEWS:

13, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon

5 Stars, AngelE, Amazon Reviewer:  "The story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author."

5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reviewer: "I really enjoyed this well written story."

5 Stars, L. Divine, Amazon Reviewer: "I love books like this." 

**A Jimmy Thomas cover.**

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-of-the-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1119887250?ean=2940046043884

SMASHWORDS:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452561

KOBO:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/journey-of-the-heart-7

IBOOKS:https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/journey-of-the-heart/id894213986?mt=11