Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Book Review Tuesday: Miracles from Heaven By Christy Beam #miraclesfromheaven



Book Review for: Miracles from Heaven
Written by: Christy Wilson Beam
Hachette Books
ISBN: 978-0316-38183-3
I read: paperback

3.5 Stars
An inspirational story!



Author Christy Beam tells the inspiring story of her daughter, Annabel, who suffered from a chronic , debilitating disease and is now cured. What tugs on the reader’s heartstrings isn’t the fact modern medicine has Annabel – faith has.

Annabel is 9. She suffers from pseudo-obstruction motility disorder, making it near impossible to live a normal life. The Beams have adjusted, doing their best to give Annabel the best quality of life she can have. One thing never wavers – their faith.

When a freak accident puts Annabel in danger of severe spinal injuries, the adults in her life wonder how much can a little girl deal with before her spirit begins to lose hope? Will “one more thing” be too much for Annabel and her family to endure?

Beam’s writing styles engages the reader. She’s honest and sincere and a lot of readers can sympathize with the emotional  struggles of being a mother to a child with a disability/disorder. The narration jumps often between events which can be confusing to the reader. Overall, “Miracles From Heaven” is an inspirational story that will resonate with readers.

 Question for you: Have you seen the movie?  I'd love to hear from you! 



Sunday, March 27, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: A Polish Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary romance, A Polish Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:


About this snippet: Darrin needs to find Sofia. Will he get to her in time? 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

He needed to go to Sofia. He took a quick shower, dressed, and poured his coffee into a travel mug before getting on the metro.

The train trip felt like it took forever, but he arrived at his stop at ten. Sofia would be at St. Kaszimir's Church, having her Easter basket blessed.

It was a fifteen-minute walk. He ran.

When he got to the church, he heard the blessing ceremony taking place inside. He opened the door and walked into the vestibule, approaching from the rear of the church.
A POLISH HEART: 

BLURB:  

Darrin Riverton, an architect from the United States is assigned to a challenging project which requires a trip to Poland. Sofia Buraczynski is assigned as his translator and his first sight of her heats his blood. 

With Sofia as his guide, Darrin discovers Poland and many new things about himself, as well. When a chance is presented for him to remain in Poland, will he leave behind family and all that is familiar to follow his heart?


Reviews:
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader, “A totally enjoyable read.”
 5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reader, “My grandfather was from Poland, but I have never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it as well as the customs about the Easter basket, etc.”
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.” 
BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-polish-heart

Friday, March 25, 2016

Book Review Friday: No Easy Day by Mark Owen & Kevin Maruer #bookreview #noeasyday



Book Review for: No Easy Day
Written by: Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer
Dutton/Penguin Group
ISBN: 978-0-525-95372-2
I read: hardback

5 Stars
Gripping!

Owen’s account of being a Navy SEAL and the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden is a fantastic read that quickly grabs the reader and keeps them turning the pages.
The book recounts Owen’s assignments in the Navy SEALS. He’s involved in several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the 2000’s. These deployments help prepare him for the assignment of a lifetime – to kill Osama Bin Laden. 
Owen talks about the prep required to go on the hunt for Bin Laden and how the life of a Navy SEAL is no easy life.


The book is easy to read and understand. Owen’s story keeps the reader riveted and engaged. What makes this account standout is how the authors draw the reader in and make them a part of the action. Told in an honest and sincere style, there’s no doubt the mission which killed Bin Laden was no easy day. I highly recommend this book! 

Question: Have you read this book or seen the HBO documentary, Manhunt? 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Carry a Red Cross #nationalredcrossmonth

Since FDR, March has been designated as National Red Cross Month. 
“I request that during that month (March), our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” – Present Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1943
The month is aimed to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help make the Red Cross run on a daily basis.
The Red Cross is more than just blood donations. The organization provides assistance for disaster victims, helps service members and provides emergency notifications for the military. They also offer lifesaving classes including CPR and first aid. They will also work with you on a preparedness plan.
Some ways to help: be a volunteer. Give blood. Offer a financial donation.
The Red Cross was born out of the ashes of the Civil War. Clara Barton serviced wounded Union soldiers. Then in 1869, she traveled to Geneva, Switzerland. There, she learned about the International Red Cross and participated in the Franco-Prussian war. 
When Barton returned to America, she put her energy into establishing the American Red Cross. The organization opened in May 1881.
Currently, there are over 650 chapters in the USA. They respond to apartment fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. They are an emergency support agency and don’t engage as first responders.
 
They offer classes for CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), lifeguarding, babysitting, home safety, and pet first aid. They also sell first aid kits.
I’ve previously used SOS survival for acquiring emergency preparedness kits or you can make your own.
The symbol of the Red Cross organization is the Red Cross. While it has had it’s share of controversies, the organization does a lot of good due to its everyday heroes who volunteer their time and hard work. I wholeheartedly support the Red Cross. They were there for me while I was serving in the military. (The Red Cross makes emergency notifications for members of the Armed Services as well as providing support facilities.) 
Currently, I had my son take their online babysitting class which was very informative for him. I believe in blood donation. I have my first pint in high school when I was 17, but unfortunately, I was station in Europe in 1996 when the UK had an outbreak of mad cow disease and I can’t give blood anymore. I do send in donations and if there is a class I need to take, I look to them first. It’s a great organization and I’m proud to support them.
My Webelos Scouts talking to a 1st Responder

Question: Have you had any involvement with the Red Cross or their services? I’d to hear about your experience. 
 
DID YOU KNOW?
The Red Cross is found in over 187 countries!
10 million people learn emergency skills/CPR every year through the Red Cross.
It’s a charitable organization, not a government agency.





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

12, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon
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. - Angel E

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?"

BUY LINK: AMAZON:  http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent romance: A Polish Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary romance, A Polish Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:


About this snippet: Darrin and Sofia continue to work on the Easter Basket.

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:


His blue eyes swept over her face approvingly as the other shoppers in the market walked around them. Was he going to kiss her?  It warmed her insides just being so close to him – feeling safe and protected and wanted.

"Well, now my father's  contribution to the basket is a potato."

"Really?"

She drew in a breath for strength, "Tadeusz makes hash browns out of 
it on Easter morning."

Darrin chuckled,"How ingenious."

"What would you contribute to the Easter basket?" She realized it was 
a loaded question, implying something more between them – something deeper – and something she wanted.


A POLISH HEART: 


BLURB:  

Darrin Riverton, an architect from the United States is assigned to a challenging project which requires a trip to Poland. Sofia Buraczynski is assigned as his translator and his first sight of her heats his blood. 

With Sofia as his guide, Darrin discovers Poland and many new things about himself, as well. When a chance is presented for him to remain in Poland, will he leave behind family and all that is familiar to follow his heart?


Reviews:
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader, “A totally enjoyable read.”
 5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reader, “My grandfather was from Poland, but I have never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it as well as the customs about the Easter basket, etc.”
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.” 
BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-polish-heart

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: A Polish Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary romance, A Polish Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:


About this snippet: Darrin and Sofia continue shopping for Easter. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:




"What are you planning for Easter dinner?"

"Mama prepares a roasted lamb, but in the morning we'll share a 
breakfast from the items in the basket."

"Let me guess – eggs, bread, and perhaps some fruit?"

"Yes, and Basia will bake a pound cake out of the ingredients in the basket 
for breakfast."

"Does your father slip in a bottle of his vodka?" Darrin 's voice was light and teasing.

Sofia turned toward him and playfully struck him on the arm. "No! But he did try one year!"

Darrin put his hands on her waist and drew her against the length of him. 

A POLISH HEART: 


BLURB:  

Darrin Riverton, an architect from the United States is assigned to a challenging project which requires a trip to Poland. Sofia Buraczynski is assigned as his translator and his first sight of her heats his blood. 

With Sofia as his guide, Darrin discovers Poland and many new things about himself, as well. When a chance is presented for him to remain in Poland, will he leave behind family and all that is familiar to follow his heart?


Reviews:
5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader, “A totally enjoyable read.”
 5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reader, “My grandfather was from Poland, but I have never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it as well as the customs about the Easter basket, etc.”
5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.” 
BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-polish-heart

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Book Review Tuesday: Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich #janetevanovich



Book Review for: Plum Spooky
Written by: Janet Evanovich
St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 0-312-38332-0
3.5 Stars
Diesel is back!
Evanovich pens a Halloween tale full of mystery, intrigue, and adventure with “Plum Spooky.” Diesel is back and hunting his cousin, Gerwulf Grimoire. Wulf wants to use one of Stephanie’s skips, Martin Munch. Seems Munich is a true genius and Wulf wants him to make a machine that can manipulate the weather.
When Wulf kills the project’s lead manager, Eugene Scanlon, Diesel and Steph travel to the Barrens, an untamed piece of land that’s overgrown and full of unusual characters like the Jersey Devil, and Elmer the fire farter.
Can Steph catch her mark with Diesel’s help and foil and evil plot to control the weather?
Evanovich’s writing is easy to read. The characters are colorful, but what didn’t work were the monkeys and Diesel’s over the top flirting. The monkey’s felt forced and didn’t really fit within the scheme of a Stephanie Plum novel. What did work was the ending. It sneaks up on the reader.
The story is a “cozy mystery” with comedic and romantic elements. “Plum Spooky” is entertaining and will keep the reader guessing until the end.

Question: Who is your favorite Stephanie Plum character other than Stephanie?