Amateur de Livre

• Rated 4 stars

“Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: Loving Healing Press (July 16, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1932690670
ISBN-13: 978-1932690675
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches

Book Synopsis:

Irene Watson's pretentious life could go no further until she faced her past. Her moving and inspiring memoir begins at the end, in a recovery center, whe she has gone to understand a childhood fraught with abuse, guilt, and uncertaint. Two distinct parts of the book look at abusive child rearing and the process of recovery years later. This story shows change, growth, and forgiveness are possible. It gives hope and freedom to those accepting the past and re-writing life scripts that have been passed down for generations. It's never too late to change your life, never too late to heal.

This book was truly an eye opener. Upon hearing of Irene's upbringing, I got tears in my eyes. My mother is not a whole lot older than Irene, and yet she had clothing bought for her and plumbing and electricity her entire life! She was the oldest of 6 children, but never felt neglected (maybe the first born syndrome was in play...even then). My heart broke for young Irene, constantly living in the shadow of a brother she never knew, and was never spoken of. She could do nothing right, yet had no freedom as both of her parents were afraid of what might happen to their daughter. Their fear may have led to their inability to show her the love she so desparately craved, and led to her seeking to find any way out of a miserable exsistence.

This books starts out with Irene enrolling in Avalon, a treatment facility recommended by her friends. She is leary from the very beginning as she looks up at the corner of the room and sees a video camera. There is no way she is going to consent to being videotaped, who do these people think they are? After dealing with Gilles for the first two weeks, she is ready to throw in the towel. She is not sure she believes anything that he is "preaching", it is the same old, same old and he is harsh and demeaning in his delivery. After the first two weeks his wife Liliane takes over the sessions and it is a different world. Gone is the harsh and demeaning lessons, and the love and support that Irene felt so lacking in the beginning of her stay comes shining through...that is until she has to do a scripted session about a conversation she envisions with her husband. Liliane has words with Irene, words that shock Irene but in the end lead her to the breakthrough she needed all along.

There were so many parts of this book that I could relate to. I have some people in my family that struggle with alcohol, and it is heartbreaking to watch. It also is the reason that I don't drink, something that Irene and I share. Don't get me wrong, I will have an occasional glass of wine, but do not enjoy being around people that have had too much to drink. I also can relate to the overprotective aspect of mothering...but I am the culprit. I don't seclude my daughters, but I do have a daughter with heart defects and there isn't a day that passes that I don't try to protect her just a little bit more than you might a "regular" child. I think the part that I could relate to the most was the Needs section from her stay at Avalon. After reading that I knew that this was my type of woman - it was exactly the way I thought of things.

This was an excellent book, and one I would recommend highly. Great job Irene, and I look forward to more from you in the future!

About the author:

Irene Watson holds a Masters Degree in Psychology, with honors, from Regis University in Denver, CO. Her life has taken her on many paths, with breakthrough results and exemplar growth, to find her authentic and true self. She lives with her husband in Austin, Texas.

You can visit her website at http://www.irenewatson.com .THE SITTING SWING VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on September 2, '08 and end on September 26, '08. You can visit Irene's tour stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in September to find out more about her and her new book! As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author with a recent release or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner will be announced on our main blog at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on September 26!

Irene's virtual book tour is being brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Dorothy Thompson.”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Tuesday, September 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Mass Market Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: Bantam -July 29, 2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0553589946
ISBN-13: 978-0553589948
To purchase, please click here.
Book Synopsis:

A sixteen-year old girl holds a gun to her head at the scene of a grisly triple homicide. She claims “The Stranger” killed her adoptive family, that hes’s been following her all her life, killing everyone she ever loved, and that no one believes her. But Special Agent Smoky Barrett does. Her team has been hand-picked from amont the nation’s elite law enforcement specialists and they are as obsessed and relentless as the psychos they hunt; they’ll have to be to deal with this case.

For another vicious double homicide reveals a killer embarked on a dark crusade of trauma and death: an “artist” who’s molding Sarah into the perfect victim - and the ultimate weapon. To catch him, Smoky is going to have to put her own fragile, once-shattered life on the line. For The Stranger is all too real, all too close, and all too determined. And when he finally shows his face, Smoky had better be ready to face her worst fear.

Let me first preface this by saying - this book may not be for everyone. I am a huge fan of shows like The First 48, and growing up in Wisconsin, we have had our fair share of nasty killers, most notably Jeffrey Dahmer. Mr. McFadyen does something few authors have been able to do for me - he has actually made me cry during a portion of this book. I will not go into details, but it involves the events of Sarah’s 6th birthday - heart wrenching, to say the very least.

As strange as this may sound, this review is hard for me to write. Not because I don’t have a lot to say but because I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone. This book is being placed in my top 10 books of 2008 for sure, and without going back to check my list I would say it was in the top 2 or 3. Even though it is almost 600 pages long, once I started reading I had a VERY hard time putting it down. His prose, in my mind, is comparable to one of the greatest writers of our time - Stephen King. Like King, the description of not only the events, but of the characters, leaves no room for doubt - you feel as if you are standing there witnessing things firsthand, and like these characters are people that you really know. This is something that is a rare find in an author, and should be truly commended, whether you like the subject matter of the book or not.

I think the hardest part for me was that initially no one believes Sarah. This poor 6 year old witnesses something beyond my wildest imagination, and when trying to tell the police about it she is dismissed as confused. My heart was literally breaking for this poor innocent child. Once you read this, you will realize not only why she isn’t believed (the killer does a good job of covering his tracks and making things look other than what they are), and then you will realize how deep corruption can go. He also demonstrates how far the human mind can go without actually breaking - Sarah’s journey is fraught with such evil, and yet she somehow keeps at least a shred of sanity.

Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t ALL about murder (although to be honest the vast majority is fairly gruesome). The relationship between Smoky and her team is fabulous - even James who is “the odd man out”. As Smoky herself says “He can peer into the mind of a killer and not blink. He can gaze at evil full in the face and then pick up a magnifying glass to get a closer look.” This is the same ability Smoky has, which makes her the best in the business. And, she needs someone with that same ability to bounce ideas off of - no matter how difficult he is to work with. Bonnie, Elaina, Alan, and Callie are all very developed and you grow to really get a feel for the relationship between all of them. And despite all of the horror they have all been through…literally…this has helped them to form a bond of friendship and love that is beautiful.

On that note, I would like to talk about something in the book that I feel was my favorite part. No, no, it really has nothing to do with the murders at all. It has to do with Matt (Smoky’s dead husband) and Smoky’s legacy to their daughter Alexa (I must read Cody’s first book to find out what happened here…I must, I must, I must!!!). They weren’t wealthy, but wanted to make sure they could leave her something if anything ever happened to them, something that maybe wasn’t worth a lot of money, but truly spoke of who they were as people. And what might that be, you ask? They create a library for her, and add to it whenever they can. I have been doing the same thing for my daughters - granted, it started before they were born because I am such a bibliophile, but I think it is such a great idea. What better gift to give anyone, than a library full of books?! Love it, love it, love it!

Truly a must read for anyone - queasy stomachs beware!

About the author:

Cody Mcfadyen was born in Texas in 1968. He designed websites before selling his first novel, Shadow Man, in 2005. He has since had a second book – The Face of Death – published. Both were international best sellers. He lives in Southern California with his two black labs, often referred to as ‘The Black Forces of Destruction.’ He drinks coffee (copiously), plays guitar (badly), and reads (voraciously). He abhors adverbs in writing, except when used in short bios like this one.”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Tuesday, August 19 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Paperback: 484 pages
Publisher: Zebra August 1, 2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420102761
ISBN-13: 978-1420102765
To purchase, click here.
Book Synopsis:

One by one, the victims are carefully captured, toyed with, then subjected to a slow and agonizing death. Piece by piec, his exquisite plan takes shape. The police can't yet see the beauty in his work - but soon, very soon, they will...

In the lonely woods around Grizzly Falls, Montana, four bodies have been discovered. Detectives Selena Alvarez and Regan Pescoli have been hoping for a career-making case but this is a nightmare. Even with the FBI involved, Selena and Regan have nothing to go on but a killer's cryptic notes, and the unsettling knowlege that there is much worse to come...

When Jillian Rivers opens her eyes, she's trapped in a mangled car. Then a stranger, claiming to be a trail guide named Zane MacGregor, pries her free. Though she's grateful, something about him sets Jillian on edge. And, if she knew what lay out there in the woods of Montana, she'd be truly terrified. Because someone is waiting...watching...poised to strike and make Jillian the next victim...

I reviewed Lost Souls a few months back and that was the first Lisa Jackson book that I had read. I knew after reading it that it wasn't going to be my last as I just loved her style and content. I also was shocked when I walked into Wal-Mart and saw the hardcover right in front of me. It was then I told my hubby, see, that's one of the books I just reviewed for Pump Up Your Book Promotion - it was really pretty cool! So, needless to say, when I was asked whether I would be willing to review Left to Die I jumped at the chance. I wasn't sure if it was going to be as good as Lost Souls but let me tell you, it was even better.

Let me first start by saying I was thrilled to see that the two lead characters are female detectives. Selena Alverez and Regan Pescoli couldn't be more different in both their personal lives and the way they approach the cases they are handed are also very different. But they fit together like two puzzle pieces and their drive and work ethic is what is sorely needed in their department to catch the sadistic serial killer that is on the loose. They were hoping to make a name for themselves but this case is quickly turning into a nightmare, with a killer that is calculating and flawless in all of his actions.


The serial killer in this book is chilling...no pun intended. He sets up his victims by shooting out their tires as they are driving through a ravine. They loose control of their vehicles and crash, causing them to be totally helpless. So, when a nice stranger rescues them and nurses them back to health, who would think that he would then lead them to an icy death, tied to a tree, naked, left to brave the elements, and essentially succumb to them.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, literally. I am so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review two of Lisa's books and can't wait for the sequel - Chosen to Die. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in suspense and truly not being able to guess the ending.
To view and awesome book trailer see below:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V6XKjbRqF4]
About the author:

Lisa Jackson can’t keep away from murderers, especially serial killers. She’s been killing people everywhere from Savannah and New Orleans to San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest—and it’s been worth it. Her readers come back again and again, and her novels are fixtures on national bestseller lists. In fact, her book Fatal Burn was a number one New York Times paperback bestseller, and the first two of her novels to be published in hardcover, Shiver and Absolute Fear, were in the top five on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Next, readers will be looking for LOST SOULS, being published in hardcover by Kensington Books to go on sale March 25th.

Having made serial killing her business—sort of—she has put her characters through the wringer. They have been up to their necks in danger and stared death, usually a pretty gory one, right in the face. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional and downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims, and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.

Lisa began writing at the urging of her sister, novelist Nancy Bush. Inspired by the success of authors she admired and the burgeoning market for romance fiction at the time, Nancy was convinced they could work together and succeed. They sat down, determined to write and to be published.

They did and they were.

Initially they wrote together. Later, they moved in different directions. Lisa brought more and more suspense to her work and began writing much darker stories. Nancy’s writing expanded to include not just her own novels, including her highly praised Jane Kelly Mysteries, such as the recently published Ultraviolet. She also spent several years writing for one of television’s leading soap operas, even transplanting herself for a time from the sister’s Pacific Northwest roots to Manhattan. This year, they plan to work together again on a thriller set for publication in 2009.

Meanwhile, for Lisa the killing continues as this mother, daughter, workaholic and amazing writer continues her habit of making the hair stand up on the back of readers’ necks, and landing her books on The New York Times, the USA Today, and the Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.

Lisa Jackson’s novels include the upcoming LOST SOULS and the best sellers Absolute Fear, which will be published in paperback for the first time in March, Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, The Night Before, The Morning After, Deep Freeze, Fatal Burn, and Almost Dead. Last year, Most Likely to Die was written by Lisa, Beverly Barton and Wendy Corsi Staub was published and became a number three New York Times paperback bestseller. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers and the Romance Writers of America.

For more information, please visit www.lisajackson.com”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Monday, August 11 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 4 stars

“Book Synopsis:

Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the berefet widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:

C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch—or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass—as many artifacts of the era as he can find.



He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.



Raised in Málaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

For more information, please visit www.cwgortner.com


A special thanks to Pump Up Your Book Promotion for hosting this awesome book!”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Tuesday, July 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“ISBN - 978-0-595-42194-7

170 pages

www.iuniverse.com

To purchase click here.

Excerpt from the back of the book:

What are the elements of friendship that last a lifetime - the mysterious connection that can outlast great distances and long periods of separation to bring friends back together? For Lazaro, a salty Cuban mariner, and Dominic, a sophisticated Chicago engineer, the answers can be found in the game of chess.

I have to admit that I wasn't sure what to expect when reading this book. First novels can be a bit choppy and poorly edited at times, showing that the author has some growing to do before the true quality of their work shines through. Such is not the case when it comes to Andrew Jalbert. I was delighted not only by the story, but by the way the characters were formed and the ability of the author to separate two different eras in the same book, while still allowing the story to flow smoothly - something that is not an easy task.

The friendship between Lazaro and Dominic is one that we all hope to have. When tragedy strikes Lazaro he flees the Keys and decides to start over, never looking back. His friend Dominic writes faithfully at first, but Lazaro just wants to close that part of his life so he packs the letters away with the infamous chess board. He does think of his friend often, but it is too painful to think of everything that has happened so he immerses himself in the lives of his wife and son. But when tragedy strikes again, he starts to rethink the separation and writes Dominic, keeping it very informal and just full of information about what has been going on in his life. Dominic writes back but also keeps in impersonal. This continues until Lazaro receives a phone call which beckons to his heart to go back to the Keys to see his long-time friend, something he should have done long ago.

This story is sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you realize that sometimes it is better to face your fears and keep living, without giving up the things that truly matter. Very well written and easy to read!

On a side note, I was THRILLED to have Manitowoc mentioned, as this is my hometown. And, my husband is from Two Rivers. During World War II, Manitowoc built 28 submarines, and we still have one on display. I have been through it a bunch of times, and it is truly amazing to think that people actually functioned on these vessels.

Thanks to everyone at Pump Up Your Book Promotion for the opportunity to read this!”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Wednesday, May 14 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I don’t read a lot of short stories. I used to, but seem to have gotten out of the habit and I am not really sure why. So, when I had the opportunity to review this collection for my friend Vern at Triad Publishing Group I jumped at the chance. I was thrilled, first and foremost, because it was my favorite genre, horror. But the other thing that is so intriguing about the world of short stories is that even if the story isn’t that great, it is over with quickly and you are on to another one. Thankfully I didn’t have to worry about that this time.

This book consists of 13 scary tales…how appropriate. I have been fortunate enough to read and review books by two of the authors in this collection - Norm Applegate and Fran Orenstein. And I was pleasantly surprised at the other talent that was exhibited in the other stories as well. This collection will appeal to everyone’s fears, whether it is superstitions, vampires, cults, werewolves, or madness that lives only within your head. I am not sure if I would be able to pick a favorite, and even if I did I am sure if I read them again it would change. The Artist by Kevin Morrison reminded me of an old Vincent Price movie that if I saw it today it would still scare me. The Wooden Box by Thomas McReynolds delves into madness which starts at a Grandfather’s funeral and spirals out of control. Jumpers by Norm Applegate ponders the question, what would you wish for if you were given the opportunity? And would you use it wisely if you found out it came true? These are just some of the great stories told here.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good scare - some truly chilling and some just hinting at the terror, letting your imagination take you over the threshold and beyond. I look forward to reading more by some of the other authors included here. Great job to all!
”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Thursday, April 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“If you visit Jeff Alt’s website this book is described as follows:

"A WALK FOR SUNSHINE"
An award winning adventure story that will fill you with inspiration to go after your dreams. Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his amazing 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure filled with humor and inspiration. Alt takes you along on an entertaining walk with bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bedmates, and hilarious food cravings. Jeff dedicated his journey to his brother who has cerebral palsy inspiring an annual fundraiser which has raised over $100,000 for the disabled home in which his brother resides. As you walk along with Jeff, you experience perseverance, surviving with only the bare essentials, the success of goal setting, and overcoming obstacles. His story sheds light on the pursuit of a simpler life and the American spirit.

Award-Winning Finalist in the travel essay category of the "National Best Books 2007 Awards."

A Writers Notes Notable-Book Award Winner!!!

On September 8, 2007, Alt announced the release of the new edition of A Walk For Sunshine. New to this edition: Epilogue focusing on Alt's Life Lessons from the trail and how he has applied them to his life. The new cover is displayed on this page. printed on environmentally friendly paper in compliance with the Green Press Initiative.

To read an excerpt from the book click here http://www.awalkforsunshine.com/awalkforsunshine_excerpt.asp#excerpts

I must admit this book hit close to home. My step-son is developmentally disabled, and we are well aware of the struggles for funding and help for citizens that have enough struggles and shouldn’t have to worry about their quality of life being further compromised due to lack of finances. I applaud Jeff for making the 147 day, 2,160 mile hike to raise money for the Sunshine Home, a home for the developmentally disabled where his brother lives.

This book was hard to put down once I started it. It was so nice to read about what must have been a “grueling” trek from someone who was not only downright honest, but able to laugh at himself and stay upbeat throughout his trek. Suffering with abused feet, a sore back and shoulders (due to lugging a 50 pound backpack), insects, shelters where pests were abundant, and severe temperature and climate swings, Jeff was still able to keep positive and forge ahead. Thankfully he had a wonderful support system that helped keep his spirits up, while supplying him with much needed care packages, letters, a few visit, and mostly love and support.

One of my favorite aspects of the book were the tales of the people he encountered along the way. His goal was “to share the spirit for which I was walking” with everyone he met - a goal he certainly accomplished. He learned a few life lessons from the charismatic, and sometimes unusual characters he encountered on the trail. It was wonderful to read of strangers so will to offer “words of wisdom” on the subjects of food, lodging and laundry services, just to name a few.

This book is proof that we are all capable of living our dreams and helping others besides ourselves. Although this book was dedicated to his brother Aaron, it is an inspiration and something we should all strive to do - donate time or money to a cause we strongly believe in.

Thanks Jeff for a “behind the scenes” look into something that is truly fascinating!

About Jeff:

Jeff Alt’s adventures have been featured in media nationwide including: ESPN’s Inside America’s National Parks, Hallmark Channel’s New Morning, CNN-Radio, USA Radio Network, the AP, the Chicago Sun Times, and many more. Alt is a talented speaker, teacher, and the award-winning author of A Walk For Sunshine and A Hike For Mike. Alt is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Jeff has shared his Appalachian Trail adventures with guests in the Shenandoah National Park for over six years. He holds a Master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio and a degree from the University of Toledo. He continues to host the annual Walk-With-Sunshine inspired by his Appalachian Trail journey. Jeff has walked the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and last summer he carried his 21-month old daughter in a pack across a swath of Ireland on a family hike.

”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Wednesday, March 26 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I must begin by saying that I wasn’t sure that I would be the best person to review a book with this title…after all I have been happily married for almost 9 years and this book seemed to be geared to the single woman. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Ms. Ford has done something that not many people are capable of doing. She has written a book about looking within to find love and happiness, yet has kept it upbeat and realistic, something I don’t believe most "self-help" books do. She makes you feel as if you are chatting with your best friend over a good cup of coffee and are discussing what it takes to be happy and confident without being dependent on others.

In today’s society, even after all these years, there still seems to be a social stigma attached to marriage. I married at a young age but I have friends who are still single and in their early 30s. Many of them feel as if they are running out of time, either to have children or get married. The "fear" of being looked at as a spinster is childish in my mind, but I suppose after years of women being mothers and wives it is something that may still take years for some people to overcome.


Thankfully this book is the stepping stone many of us need to get on the right track. I applaud Ms. Ford for writing a well thought out, easy to read book to help kick start the confidence and independence we are all capable of. This is truly a must read for single and married women everywhere!

About the Author:

Amanda Ford is a writer, artist, and inspirational speaker with a knack for encouraging people to move their lives from ordinary to extraordinary. She is fiercely optimistic and can make a Pollyanna of even the staunchest gloomy Gus. Amanda is the author of four books and is a lifestyle reporter for the popular travel website, GirlsGuideToCityLife.com. She writes regularly about fashion, food, finances, and other fabulous life topics for publications such as The Seattle Times and Redbook. Amanda has been featured in Real Simple, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, and The Chicago Tribune. She teaches workshops on creativity and instructs a super fun indoor cycling class every Tuesday in her hometown of Seattle.

Amanda is an avid runner, mountain biker, roller skater, and Lindy Hopper. She owns a collection of gourmet cookbooks and fancies herself a kitchen goddess.

To contact Amanda Ford, find out about upcoming events, or learn more about her work, visit www.oholive.com.

To learn more, go to kissmebook.com

This review is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book where Amanda Ford’s book, KISS ME, I’M SINGLE is on tour this month.



”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Monday, March 17 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Jessie Ferguson is what some people might consider a lost soul - to fill the void in her life she has turned to drugs, alcohol, and sex but nothing seems to ease the aching she feels deep within her soul. After all she has put her parents through, they feel the only alternative they have is to start over in a new town. Maybe a fresh start will be enough to help Jessie to shed the negativity that seems to surround her and give her a chance to lead a more normal life.

To Jessie, nothing sounds worse than leaving sunny California to go live in dreary, foggy Oregon. Who would want to live in a town where everything seems to move so slow and everything seems about 10 years behind the times? Even though her parents and brother seem excited at the prospect of running a Victorian B & B, she has a hard time feeling anything but angry and depressed - who moves their daughter when she is about to start her Senior year in high school, no matter what she may have done in the past?

Jessie's life is about to turn around in a major way, all thanks to the town "crazy" Madam Ceara. At first, Jessie isn't sure what to make of her, especially after it seems as if she truly is the psychic she proclaims to be. But after seeing a door that mysteriously vanishes and reappears in her house, she turns to the one person who may be able to help make sense of some of this. What Madam Ceara tells her is shocking, and would make most people shake their heads in disbelief. But Jessie has faith that not only is Madam Ceara right about the "magic" of the door, but also right when she tells Jessie that following the advice she gives will drastically change her life, even if it endangers it at the same time.

I must say this is one of the more fascinating books I have read. I don't like to delve into the plot too much as I want each individual to experience the story in their own way. I related to this book on a very deep level - one of my favorite passages was this:

"Dreams are powerful. No matter what the people think in your time, you must believe in their power. You must know without any doubt that this is a special place where souls meet and reflect on the wisdom of the ages."

Dreams and their meaning have been discussed for many years. Some people thing that they are just the minds way of "rambling", while others, like myself, feel that they convey a lot of information that could be helpful in leading a more productive and peaceful existence. It takes time and patience to study your dreams, but it really may be worth the effort, especially if you are struggling with problems in your life (and which one of us isn't).

The other passage that struck a chord with me was this:

" We believe that our anam cara always sees our light, our beauty, our very best traits. Our anam cara accepts us for who we truly are. The anam cara love awakens the fullness and mystery of life."

What is an anam cara? According to Celtic spiritual tradition, the soul shines all round the body like a luminous cloud. When you are very open - appreciative and trusting - with another person, your two souls flow together. This deeply felt bond with another person means you have found your anam cara, or "Soul Friend." Your anam cara always beholds your light and beauty, and accepts you for who you truly are. In Celtic spirituality, the anam cara friendship awakens the fullness and mystery of your life. You are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention, philosophy, and definition. When you are blessed with an anam cara, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place.

What a beautiful thought!

Linda Kay Silva has written a thought provoking story, that leads you down a path not traveled often. Open your mind and heart, and pick up this fantastic read that will be sure to evoke thoughts and emotions that may have been buried deep within you.



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Amateur de Livre wrote this review Wednesday, March 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“We all have been through the teenage years, and some of us are even living
through them currently with our own children. The ups and downs can be
very trying, and I think we all remember trying to "identify" ourselves in
some way. Summer has tried many different activities but usually after a
short time she gives up saying they just aren't for her. So when she
decides to take up horse riding her parents think this will be just
another "fad" and she will soon to be on to something else.

8 months later, Summer is more in love with horses and her riding lessons
than ever! She has been pestering her parents about getting her own horse
and spends every available second at "the barn" where her lessons take
place. When her trainor tells her there are 2 horses for sale at a nearby
ranch, Summer jumps at the opportunity to take a look at them.

When Summer lays eyes on Shamu (later to be named Peanut) it is love at
first site. It is evident that he has been mistreated by his current
owner, but is nothing but gentle and calm with Summer, it is like they
were made for each other. With a little convincing her parents decide to
let her get him, and their new life together begins.

They are almost effortless together in every aspect, from riding bareback
to doing jumps. They do so well that Summer is encouraged to enter into
competitions, in which she does extremely well, placing in every event she
enters. Her and Peanut seem to be made for each other, and besides
Tiffany, he is her best friend. She enjoys nothing more than spending
time with him and her friends at the barn. Summer's world is about to come
crashing down around her when a tragedy pushes her to the limits of her
emotions, and makes her wonder if she will ever get past not saying
goodbye.

Having never been on a horse, I really enjoyed how the author made you
feel like you were there and explained things in layman's terms. It
really made me understand more about these amazing animals and gave me a
new insight into the equestrian world.

Questions for the author:

Do you have any projects in the works?

Yes, I am currently working on the sequel to Summer Dreams, which will be entitled A Mystery for Summer. This book picks up where Summer Dreams leaves off. A Mystery for Summer is just that - a mystery the whole way though. One may wonder how the same characters could be the subjects of this book since Summer Dreams ended the way it did. Well, that is one of the mysteries that will unfold early on in the book. Summer, Tiffany, Frizbee and, yes, even Peanut continue their adventures together the way they never thought possible. When the girls come across a gift for Summer, they have no idea the magical powers it holds or the unbelievable adventures they are about to embark on.

What made you decide to write a book about teens?

Summer Dreams is based on actual events that occurred in my life as a tween. I decided to write this book and share my story because of the impact these events had on my life. I know that all tweens face difficult situations in their lives, some more than others, but certainly all are faced with some sort of disappointment or sorrow at one time or another. My hope was that Summer Dreams would show that while there are wonderful things that happen in life, there are also things that we don’t necessarily like to face or experience, but we do, and that’s all part of living. I learned that it’s not only important to have good friends, but also how important is it to be a good friend to others and to be thankful for the things that we are blessed with including our family. I also wanted to convey that it is important to work for the things we have in life rather than expect to have everything given to us…we tend to appreciate things more when we actually put forth an effort to achieve them. I think it is so important to have good, wholesome reading material for our tweens who are faced with so many difficult decisions and stress these days…a nice little get away is what I wanted to create for them.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

A favorite book of mine is Same Kind of Different As Me." For me, this book taught me that things aren’t always as they seem from the outside and that people come from all different situations in life. It made me really think about how important it is to treat all people with respect and to never give up on anyone. You never know when the most unlikely person could turn out to be that one person you need most in life…or maybe you are the person they need in theirs. It’s nice to have the opportunity to be able to make a difference in someone’s life or to lift them up through a trying time or just to be there to share in their accomplishments and triumphs. We all need people in our lives and you just never know where or when you will find the most important ones.

Favorite author and/or book?

I still love horseback riding and enjoy just about any outdoor activity. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family no matter what we are doing. One of my favorite things to do is read to my daughter. I don’t know if you could call it a hobby or not, but watching and helping my daughter find her way through childhood is one of the things I enjoy most in life.

A copy of this book is going to be raffled off to one lucky reader the first week in March. To enter, all you need to do is visit me at www.amateurdelivre.com and sign the comment form - no worries, the information is not posted to the site . Good luck to all!

”

Amateur de Livre wrote this review Sunday, February 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )