Book Review: Driving the Saudis: by JAYNE AMELIA LARSON

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Title: Driving the Saudis
Author: Jayne Amelia Larson
Category: Autobiography/Memoir
Pub. Date: 10/16/2012
Publisher: Free Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN#: 1451640013

Synopsis:  
Actress, producer, and occasional chauffeur Jayne Amelia Larson offers a funny and insightful memoir about the time she spent as a driver for members of the Saudi royal family visiting Beverly Hills, detailing her invitation inside one of the world’s most closely guarded monarchies.

When the Saudi royal family vacationed in Los Angeles, they hired Jayne Amelia Larson, an actress struggling to make ends meet, to be their personal chauffeur. She’d heard stories of the Saudis’ outrageously generous gratuities and figured that several weeks at their beck and call might be worth her time. But when the family arrived via their private jet with an entourage of forty and millions of dollars in cash, Jayne Amelia realized she might be getting into more than she bargained for.

For weeks, Larson observed the family’s opulent lifestyle: they occupied four luxury hotels, enjoyed day in and day out shopping binges, and servants catered 24/7 to Princess Zaahira and her entourage. From the thirteen-year-old princess who slapped down $100 dollar bills at a supermarket and didn’t bother to wait for her change to the nanny who ran away in the airport the moment she was handed her passport, the stories Larson shares are bizarre, poignant, and illustrative of the profound contradictions and complications that only such massive wealth can create.

Driving the Saudis, based on the author’s successful one-woman stage show, is a vivid portrait of the Saudi royals as few ever get to see them. As funny as it is insightful, this is a true-to-life fable for our times. But at its heart, it’s a story about the corruption that infinite wealth creates, and about what we all do for money.  

 My Review:   
This book was one that will stand out in my mind as a very interesting, surprising and as well as down to earth. 

Memoirs are not really something that I normally would read, but reading author Jayne Amelia Larson's was like nothing I would have even thought about. Her writing style keeps you completely interested all the way through the book. 

I am not going to go any further, just know that this book is an awesome, very intriguing read. 


This is a must must read book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir.

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 

Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I received this book for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

Book Review: Priceless Christmas by Connie Neal

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Title: Priceless Christmas
Category: Connie Neal
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
Format:
Pages:
ISBN#:

Synopsis:  
Priceless Christmas combines the joys of Christmas with the joy of saving money. It will more than pay for itself with the first idea you use! It is chock-full of FREE stuff, inspiring ideas for Christmas gifts, holiday happenings, crafts, low-cost or no-cost handmade gift ideas, family-friendly activities, outings, games, contests, and creative Christmas ideas for shopping, dressing-up for special occasions, and throwing great parties your guests will remember forever (like the Whoville Whobilation Celebration based on classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr.Seuss, )

This is not a hodge-podge of ideas collected from the internet. Each idea that made the cut for this book has been a raving success for the author’s own family and friends. This is the best of the best from a best-selling author who wanted to bring together her Christmas best-of collection to help her readers make the most of the season she loves best.

Special Features & Formatting
The author carefully designed this Kindle version with formatting and features to make your reading experience more rewarding and enjoyable:
• Each idea comes with:
o Cost, Work/Effort Involved
o What It Is Description
o Step-by-Step How-To Instructions
o List of Things You Will Need (many with active links to where you get it)
o Benefits You Can Reap
o Some even link to online How-To Videos that show you how to do it
• Entertaining examples and stories to illustrate or inform
• Lots of illustrative photos
• A complete cross-referenced index that categorizes sections into:
o FREE
o Crafts
o Fun
o Family-Friendly Activities
o Family-Friendly Outings
o Holiday Parties and Get-Togethers

Additional Benefits
The benefits of this book go way beyond saving money to include:
• Giving more meaningful gifts
• Inspiring a spirit of generosity in children
• Religious experiences and resources that will illuminate the reason for the season, like reading the Christmas story by firelight (a script from the Bible story is included translated at a 3rd grade reading level)
• Escaping materialism and helping those less fortunate (which will make you feel rich no matter what’s in your bank account)

So, if you are thrifty, crafty, strapped for cash, budget-minded, discount-driven, trying to escape materialism that can overtake Christmas, bored with the same old traditions, or you’re longing for Christmas celebrations that will be priceless – regardless of how much or little you spend, this book is for you. It also offers sage advice and wisdom gained while raising a family.


My Review:  
Oh My Oh My Oh My!! I do so LOVE  everything Christmas. And as I did this book as well. I am not sure if there is much else I could say that the synopsis did not already say, with the exception of it has given me some food for thought as well as some new traditions I would and will try to implement. 
If you are a new young lady or you are just starting to do Christmas with your new family this book would be great to be in your library as one of books you can go to for awesome ideas. I know it will stay on my self for a long long time and will be handed down to my family. 
This is a must have Christmas book! I am thoroughly enjoying going back through and picking out some more ideas for this year.. and dogearing... ones for next year.
So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 
Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I received this book for Amazon for my Christmas reading challenge and this is my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ. 
________________________

About the Author:  
  
   Connie Neal is a trusted best-selling author who writes on family, marriage, parenting, communication, and pop culture. She has authored dozens of books which have been featured in Time, Newsweek, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Decision, Entertainment Weekly, Marriage Partnership, PBS, and media worldwide. She has a BA in Communication from Pepperdine University; MS in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University. She has edited & contributed to five major Bible projects and toured America as a speaker for Women of Faith. She is the premier Christian authority on Harry Potter. Her Instructional Design work helps others communicate more effectively using new media. Now she is transitioning content online (through Kindle Direct Publishing) and to online learning in keeping with research-based multimedia principles to enhance understanding. 

Christmas Challenge Update:

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I am sending out this Christmas Challenge to invite all my readers to see who can read the most Christmas Books between now and December the 25th, at midnight. I have placed a list of my Christmas books that I will be trying to read myself. They are under "Christmas list" 

So if you are interested in participating in this Challenge please leave a comment here with you name and what book or books you will be starting with.  And at lest once a week please let us know where you are at. I will do a post at least every other day if not daily on here. 


  Okay everyone... how did you do yesterday and today? 

I have finished four out of my 205 Christmas book that I have. I have made a pretty good dent in the five that I am reading at the moment.

I just posted a review on one of the ones I finished, Priceless Christmas  Please swing by and check it out. 

So what are you working on? Please comment here and let me know. 

Enjoying my Christmas Challenge and hope you will also. 

The Dazzling Book Report, by Jane O'Connor

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Fancy Nancy likes to use fancy words, so when she gets to write a book report, she chooses one with the fancy name of Sacajawea. Nancy spends most of her time creating a dazzling book report cover that reflects her artistic talent. After all, she is the second-best artist in her class. Writing two sentences is all she can muster before she falls asleep. Crestfallen, she admits to her teacher her error in spending too much time on the cover. Her teacher becomes her heroine when she asks Nancy to tell the class about the heroine, Sacajawea.

This story is a learning lesson about time management with a tiny bit of history. The colorful illustrations are bright and fun, and defining the fancy words within the story was a great idea.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library
Viewor Place Hold in Library Catalog

Grandma's General Store: The Ark, by Dorothy Carter

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The book is highly recommended as an enlightening and refreshing read set in the Depression Era of the South.

Grandma owns a small colored general store that serves as a gathering place for hard working coloreds. When her son loses his job as foreman at the sawmill, he and his wife decide to head North to look for a better life. They must leave their children in Grandma 's care. The story unfolds as a heart rending story portraying the importance of family bonds and hard work.

This is a wonderful eye opener depicting the hardships that bring us closer together in life or break us apart.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

View or Place Hold in Library Catalog

It's Monday!.. What Are You Reading?

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Guess what...Its Monday! What are you reading this week? This is a weekly event to list the books completed last week, the books currently being reading, and the books to be finish this week. It is hosted by  Book Journey. 

I have been traveling the past couple of weeks so not  a lot has changed. Still working on these three books and hope to have them done soon. As well as some reviews. Thanks for stopping by. 


What I Read Last Week:  
Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb HartSomething Blue by Dianne Christner


_________________________
Last Weeks Reviews:
Forged by Becky Banks
Parasouls by Michele Rhichard
Shiver by Amber Garza 
Burning Hearts by Nike Chillemi
INESCAPABLE by NANCY MEHL
Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb Hart
WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS by JOHN KIMBERLYING
SURVIVAL by A.M. HARGROVE


  What I Am Reading:
 
  WILLOW POND by Carol TibaldiThe Roaring Twenties crumble into the Great Depression, but Virginia Kingsley, New York's toughest and most successful speakeasy owner, is doing just fine. Now that the world is falling apart, bootlegging is a flourishing business, and she's queen of that castle.
Then her infant nephew is kidnapped. Her niece, Laura, and Laura's philandering movie star husband, are devastated. The police have few leads, and speculation and rumors abound in the media circus that follows the celebrity abduction.
Only one reporter, Erich Muller, seems to care enough about the child's welfare and the parents' feelings to report the case responsibly. Over the course of the investigation, Erich Muller and Laura fall in love, but their relationship is doomed to failure since he suspects her beloved aunt Virginia is behind the kidnapping. Laura, jaded when it comes to men, sides with Virginia.
But Virginia has figured out the truth, and she can't tell anyone for fear of losing her niece's affections and having the police ransack her life. So she pursues her own investigation, shaking down, threatening, and killing one petty crook after another during her search.
Little Todd's absence shapes everyone's lives. When he is finally found, the discovery will bring disaster for some and revelation for others.
___________________
Driving the SaudisActress, producer, and occasional chauffeur Jayne Amelia Larson offers a funny and insightful memoir about the time she spent as a driver for members of the Saudi royal family visiting Beverly Hills, detailing her invitation inside one of the world’s most closely guarded monarchies.
When the Saudi royal family vacationed in Los Angeles, they hired Jayne Amelia Larson, an actress struggling to make ends meet, to be their personal chauffeur. She’d heard stories of the Saudis’ outrageously generous gratuities and figured that several weeks at their beck and call might be worth her time. But when the family arrived via their private jet with an entourage of forty and millions of dollars in cash, Jayne Amelia realized she might be getting into more than she bargained for.
For weeks, Larson observed the family’s opulent lifestyle: they occupied four luxury hotels, enjoyed day in and day out shopping binges, and servants catered 24/7 to Princess Zaahira and her entourage. From the thirteen-year-old princess who slapped down $100 dollar bills at a supermarket and didn’t bother to wait for her change to the nanny who ran away in the airport the moment she was handed her passport, the stories Larson shares are bizarre, poignant, and illustrative of the profound contradictions and complications that only such massive wealth can create.
Driving the Saudis, based on the author’s successful one-woman stage show, is a vivid portrait of the Saudi royals as few ever get to see them. As funny as it is insightful, this is a true-to-life fable for our times. But at its heart, it’s a story about the corruption that infinite wealth creates, and about what we all do for money.  _________________________
 RESURRECTION by A.M. HARGROVE"Maddie knew she was dying. Her life started to flash before her. She had visions of running down the soccer field, scoring a goal, eating her mother’s yummy, homemade, sticky cinnamon rolls, standing in her foyer listening to the police tell her father that her mother had been killed in a car accident. Each vision was disturbingly clear—as if it was happening again."
Rayn Yarrister, the first-born son and Leader of The Guardians, has been imprisoned on Vesturon for breaking their most sacred of covenants. He is suddenly jolted by Maddie's telepathic pleas for help, as her life hangs in the balance. Can he alert The Guardians in time to save his soulmate? Or will he face his trial alone and broken without his one true love?
In Resurrection (Book 2), The Guardians of Vesturon are facing their biggest challenges as Earth is threatened by an invading species from a distant planet intent on destroying it for its resources. The Guardians, as protectors of the universe, have been assembled to defend not only Earth, but other vulnerable worlds as well. The Yarrister family is threatened by an unknown entity intent on discrediting them. Will they uncover this plot in time to save themselves from ruin? Will The Guardians succeed in stopping the Xanthians, or will Earth be invaded and ravaged by this marauding species?  __________________
Momnesia by Lori Verni-Fogarsi FROM THE BACK COVER:
She's smart, pretty, and runs her own business. So then why does she feel so dead inside? Between work, two kids, and a husband who finds her about as exciting as furniture shopping, this is the story of a (formerly-exciting but now way-too-typical) suburban mom who diagnoses herself with "Momnesia" and sets about finessing a new version of her old vivaciousness:
MOMNESIA (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by pregnancy, play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
She finds some adventure pursuing her own interests, and does make some new friends (including the battery operated variety), but still feels like nothing more than a caretaker.
In between dealing with her husband's manic-depressive behavior, drama with her friends, and some naughty Internet escapades, she keeps facing the question, "Is it that I haven't been myself? Or is it that I am being myself but just different than I used to be?" It isn't until she tosses the Invisible Rule Book altogether that she discovers life--and love--have more to offer than she ever imagined!________________
Just Between You and Me by JENNY B. JONESThe only thing scarier than living on the edge is stepping off it.
Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her.
Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind . . . for a reason.
Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister has abandoned. Ten-year-old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home. The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor. But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads--he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself.
As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most.
To save one little girl--and herself--can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God? ____________________
 ANOTHER SECOND CHANCE by TROY LEWISAnother Second Chance
…God’s Story
How a stranger's kidney saved my life
...and my brothers too!
An inspiring true story that will renew your belief in miracles!
"Whoever says miracles don't happen hasn't met the Lewis brothers.."
-Jessica Harthorn, WWMT News Channel 3 West Michigan
“Troy Lewis hit a grand slam with “Another Second Chance…God’s Story” His honest telling of our miracle working God that touched him will be a delight to all!
-Lori Young, Anchored to the Rock Owner, Fremont, OH
“As I lay on deaths door step, Hope showed up in a miraculous way” –Troy Lewis
Troy played Jesus Christ in a local passion drama for 9 years, successfully coached girls fastpitch softball for 7 years. He is married to a lovely lady and a father of 2 beautiful girls, and resides in Fremont, OH.
But in January of 2010, after being blindsided with the news of kidney failure, he would come to the realization that life as he knew it was over…
Troy would begin a race against time and odds that are nothing short of amazing! He would face struggles at every turn, detours that didn’t make sense, and roadblocks that tested his faith. Just when things looked absolutely hopeless, Hope showed up in a miraculous way!
He thought it was a brother’s love that would save him, but it was a Father’s love that saved them both. A thousand miles away a stranger felt a call to courageously give with nothing expected in return, not knowing that he had the rarest of kidneys.
Troy couldn’t have imagined what God had in store for all who were part of this story and Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it. He humbly encourages everyone reading this book that no matter what we are facing in life; we can all experience the revelation of what God has in store for our lives.
This book will speak to anyone facing challenges larger than themselves, whether it’s job loss, financial ruin, family pain, or your own battle with illness. Miracles still happen and there is always “Another Second Chance”.
Get more information at www.anothersecondchance.org ______________________________
The Christmas Quilt by Patricia DavidsYears ago, Rebecca Beachy kept her reasons for rejecting Gideon Troyer's marriage proposal a secret. Then Gideon left their Amish community. Now, Rebecca crafts quilts to raise money to cure her blindness. She's also busy guarding her heart against love. Until Gideon returns, at risk of being shunned, to make the winning bid on one of her exquisite quilts. Will the quilt—a patchwork promise of rediscovered love—bring Gideon and Rebecca back together again?
_________________________
So, that's what I'm reading...What are you reading this week? And as always, Happy Reading.....

Book Review: SOMETHING BLUE by DIANNE CHRISTNER

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Title: SOMETHING BLUE
Author: DIANNE CHRISTNER
Category: Christian Fiction
Pub. Date: 08/01/2012
Publisher: Barbour Books
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
ISBN#: 1616262338
Series: Plain City Bridesmaids

Synopsis:  
Life is going well for Megan. She’s always wanted to marry a missionary and now she’s working with Chance, a charming and daring missionary pilot. Then Micah Zimmerman moves into her parent’s home as a pastoral candidate for their Conservative Mennonite church—and he doesn’t look anything like the gawky young man who had a crush on her in college. As Megan struggles with her own personal identity and faith, she begins to see the true difference between Chance and Micah. Will her insight come too late, or is there still time to find the hero of her dreams?

My Review:  
To start with, OH MY! Author Dianne Christner did it again! This story is the third book in author Dianne Christners series, Plain City Bridesmaids. And believe me when I say, "I want more from this series!" 
My first book and review of author Dianne Christner's was SOMETHING OLD and then my second was the next in this series SOMETHING NEW and I so enjoyed them both. Was anticipating the third book in the series and devoured it when it came out. 
The three girls from the first story has now grown into fine young women, two with their own families now and Megan who is at this point ready to find true love herself. Her sweet friends, family and some from within the church, not to mention the ones from her work, try to give Megan advice where needed but for (you will need to read for yourself) seems to not always be there at the times she needs them. Or offer advise when or the kind that she really needs. I am not going any further into the story line than this. But I will say you need to start from the first book in the series and keep reading.. A Must Read.
Author Dianne Christner is one amazing clean reads, very insightful, authentic artistic writers that I so very much enjoy reading. Her characters are down to earth and in to everyday issues as you can get. The Mennonite story is so interesting to read and author Dianne Christner has a way of writing that puts you right smack dap in the middle of the story. And I love a book that is a page turner.. Well the three books in this series did that for me.
Again, A Must Read. And I am looking forward to reading more of author Dianne Christner work.
So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 
Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself. This is honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

_______________________________About the Author: 
Dianne Christner's writing has evolved into what she calls the dramatic romantic comedy. Her current series falls in the Amish fiction sub-genre. Raised in the Mennonite church, she brings authenticity to "The Plain City Bridesmaids" series. While Christner addresses the joys and struggles of the Mennonite lifestyle, she tosses in plenty of humor to entertain.

website  http://diannechristner.net

Book Review: THE SELF HEALTH REVOLUTION by J. Michael Zenn

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Title: THE SELF HEALTH REVOLUTION
Author: J. Michael Zenn
Pub. Date: 11/27/2012
Publisher: Free Press
Format: E-Book
Pages: 192
ISBN#: 1476704007

Synopsis:  
Newly revised and updated, this electrifying guide has been praised by doctors, health experts, and readers who have taken their own self-health challenge. Describing himself as “an ordinary guy who discovered an extraordinary secret,” which he now feels compelled to share with everyone, J. Michael Zenn completely changed his own life when he began a quest to get healthy. With some simple but profound improvements to his diet and everyday habits, Zenn lost fifty pounds and six inches off his waist and—within just a few months—felt and looked younger than he had in two decades. So he quit his job and spent a year reading 200 books and interviewing experts in order to write about the powerful message he calls “the self-health revolution.” In this inspiring book, Zenn reveals:

• The hidden ingredient in our food that makes us fat

• The Tsunami of Diabesity (obesity + diabetes) that threatens our health, our health-care system, and our economy

• Three simple things you can do to get fit and stay thin

• A forgotten remedy that can get rid of your aches and pains

• One thing you can do now to help extend your life

• The little-known reason most people feel tired and run down

• How unhappiness and stress can take years off your life

• The Number 3 killer that nobody wants to talk about

• A cure that your doctor may not know about or can’t tell you

Now you can join the revolution of self-health throughout America. Take the 10-day challenge. You’ll lose weight, keep it off, feel better, and have more energy than you thought possible.


My Review:  
All right just to say that this is not my kind of a read to say the least would be an understatement. But I do believe that books like this one do help people. 

As you can see by the synopsis there is a whole lot of info here. And I am not going to get into the ins and outs of this book. Just to say that the information here is well written and put together in a way that for the most part people can understand. 

I am glad that there are such books like this are on the self for those who need to research their issues and that for the most part they do help. 

But I am going to also say that this book is not to let you diagnose yourself. I am not going to promote this as such. If you have issues please seek help. 

And so due to the above I am giving this book a Breath of Life Rating of:Four Clock Rating!!!

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for my review. The opinions are mine. And your opinion may differ.
 

Book Review: Willow Pond by Carol Tibaldi

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Title: WILLOW POND
Author: Carol Tibaldi
Category: Historical History
Pub. Date: 12/12/2012
Publisher: Self Published
Format: E-Book
Pages: 318
ISBN#:  9781468111729

Synopsis:  
The Roaring Twenties crumble into the Great Depression, but Virginia Kingsley, New York's toughest and most successful speakeasy owner, is doing just fine. Now that the world is falling apart, bootlegging is a flourishing business, and she's queen of that castle.

Then her infant nephew is kidnapped. Her niece, Laura, and Laura's philandering movie star husband, are devastated. The police have few leads, and speculation and rumors abound in the media circus that follows the celebrity abduction.

Only one reporter, Erich Muller, seems to care enough about the child's welfare and the parents' feelings to report the case responsibly. Over the course of the investigation, Erich Muller and Laura fall in love, but their relationship is doomed to failure since he suspects her beloved aunt Virginia is behind the kidnapping. Laura, jaded when it comes to men, sides with Virginia.

But Virginia has figured out the truth, and she can't tell anyone for fear of losing her niece's affections and having the police ransack her life. So she pursues her own investigation, shaking down, threatening, and killing one petty crook after another during her search.

Little Todd's absence shapes everyone's lives. When he is finally found, the discovery will bring disaster for some and revelation for others.

My Review:  
Oh My Oh My..  I don't like history books. And with that I was not sure I could read this book. But immediately I was reeled in and it kept me in the pages until I screamed, laughed, cried, yelled at the author and etc. 

Author Carol Tibaldi diffidently has a way with putting pen to paper. Her characters come to life and pull you right in and don't let you go. I am positively going to read more books from this author. 

The story line flows, it goes into the characters lives and pulls at every emotion there is and pulls them out and into this book of amazing and a must read story.  Each character seems so real that they capture you and draw you right into the book. 

As you know I will not go into detail about the book itself due to the fact that I feel you need to read for yourself. But I will say here that I will be looking into more books by author Carol Tibaldi and diving into them to see what is there. 

Again, A Must Read.So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 
Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I received this book for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

_______________________________About the Author:  


Carol Tibaldi was born and raised in Bayside, New York and attended Queens College of the City University of New York. She loves to travel and has lived in London and Los Angeles. For twenty five years she worked as a newspaper reporter and covered the crime beat. She is a history buff and loves to research different time periods having a special affinity of the prohibition era and the Civil War. Willow Pond is her first novel and she is hard at work on the sequel.       website http://www.caroltibaldi.com/ twitter username cat5149

Book Review: ANOTHER SECOND CHANCE by TROY LEWIS

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Title: ANOTHER SECOND CHANCEAuthor: Troy LewisCategory: True Story/ChristianPub. Date:12/06/2011Publisher: Writing Career Coach PressFormat: PaperbackPages: 220ISBN#: 0983360774

Synopsis:   Another Second Chance
…God’s Story
How a stranger's kidney saved my life
...and my brothers too!
An inspiring true story that will renew your belief in miracles!
"Whoever says miracles don't happen hasn't met the Lewis brothers.." -Jessica Harthorn, WWMT News Channel 3 West Michigan
“Troy Lewis hit a grand slam with “Another Second Chance…God’s Story” His honest telling of our miracle working God that touched him will be a delight to all!
-Lori Young, Anchored to the Rock Owner, Fremont, OH
“As I lay on deaths door step, Hope showed up in a miraculous way” –Troy Lewis
Troy played Jesus Christ in a local passion drama for 9 years, successfully coached girls fastpitch softball for 7 years. He is married to a lovely lady and a father of 2 beautiful girls, and resides in Fremont, OH.
But in January of 2010, after being blindsided with the news of kidney failure, he would come to the realization that life as he knew it was over…
Troy would begin a race against time and odds that are nothing short of amazing! He would face struggles at every turn, detours that didn’t make sense, and roadblocks that tested his faith. Just when things looked absolutely hopeless, Hope showed up in a miraculous way!
He thought it was a brother’s love that would save him, but it was a Father’s love that saved them both. A thousand miles away a stranger felt a call to courageously give with nothing expected in return, not knowing that he had the rarest of kidneys.
Troy couldn’t have imagined what God had in store for all who were part of this story and Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it. He humbly encourages everyone reading this book that no matter what we are facing in life; we can all experience the revelation of what God has in store for our lives.
This book will speak to anyone facing challenges larger than themselves, whether it’s job loss, financial ruin, family pain, or your own battle with illness. Miracles still happen and there is always “Another Second Chance”.

 My Review:  
At first I just want to let author Troy Lewis know that I am sorry for not getting to his book faster than I did due to other obligations. But I really wished that I had. With that being said... "What an awesome chance to read about lives being changed by Gods wonderful Love and Grace!"

The synopsis above gives you a some amazing insight on the book itself so I will not be trying to give you any insight as to the book itself. I will say that reading this book had my emotions all over the place. The losses, pain, restoration, healing etc. were and are real. And if reading this book by author Troy Lewis has the same affect on you that it has on me then WOW! Totally awesome!

This is a must must read book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this true life story. 

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 

Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I received this book for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

_______________________________
About the Author:
 Troy Lewis is a recent walking miracle (transplant reipient), speaker, and author. He loves sharing "Wow God stories" to inspire and encourage others. He resides in Northwest Ohio with his lovely wife Stephanie and two beautiful daughters Corrine and Allison. To learn more about Troy and his story, go to www.anothersecondchance.org

Blog Tour: Dog-Ma: The Zen of Slobber Guest Post

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Today I have a great tour to share with you all.  The author of Dog-Ma: The Zen of Slobber, has sent me a great guest post on Covers.  I hope you enjoy! Later today I will be posting my review of this book as well, so make sure you stick around to check out what I think of this book. 



Getting The Elusive Book Cover Blurb
When I got to the point in the life of my book  that I was starting to think about a cover Iknew I needed blurbs to help make the sale. Blurbs provide enticement for thecasual book browser to pick up the book and look at it more closely. Blurbsfrom celebrities are very helpful. When a prospective reader sees a name theyrecognize, they may think “I like this person, so I will probably like the bookthey are endorsing”. It can give the reader a sense of “celebrity six degreesof separation”.
I have a few minor celebrity friends and they were first onmy hit lit for blurbs; a film producer, a marketing genius and a celebritychef. All were dog lovers and I thought each would be a shoe in for ablurb.  How much time could it take, Ithought? Read a couple of chapters, write something appropriately insightfuland sign it. Simple?
Not so much. Although my book was very important to me,reading it was not even in the “top 100 things to do” on anyone else’s list. Iimagine it came in somewhere below taking out the trash but above mowing thelawn. It took multiple follow ups and pleading to finally get a couple that Ithought would be good to use. They took some editing and chopping up, but theywould be ok, I thought. Then a fellow author shared a trick with me. Contact afew of my personal favorite authors and ask for a blurb. Authors are a generousgroup and everyone was a first time author once, so they could be willing tohelp.
I dug out my favorite dog-oriented books and searched theinternet for contact information. Thank goodness for Google search. I sent outemail after email, hoping one of them would answer me. To my surprise, one ofthese authors answered me almost immediately stating their willingness to offera blurb. How nice! AND they were pretty famous! I was stoked and wanted more.Late one night and admittedly very tired, I sent out one final email to awriter I really respected and whose book was one of my favorites. I will notname the book or author to protect the innocent. My greatest piece of advice isto never send out email when you are tired (or perhaps have had a glass of wineor two).
I located the author’s web site and his Contact Me page. Iwrote a very flattering request, telling him how much I enjoyed his book and asa newbie author how much I would appreciate his time if he could offer up ablurb for my cover. I no longer have that email but it went something like this:
Dear _________, I am a first time author seeking ablurb for my back cover. I am a huge fan of yours and especially loved ­­­­­__________.It touched me like no other book has. My book title is Dog-Ma, the Zen ofSlobber. It is a humorous tale of my life with nine rowdy dogs. I would love tosend you a copy for a blurb if you have the time to read it and are willing.Thank you.

I waited and waited and never got a response. My book wentto print with several of the earlier blurbs I mentioned and I forgot about myrequest to “famous author”. Finally, several months later, I received thisresponse:
Dear Barbara,I'm actually Mr. _________.  Or (insert firstname), more likely.  (Mr. ______ is my father.)  Mr. ___________ ismy agent and doesn't do blurbs!I'm afraid I'm not taking on any new books to blurb,either, at the moment.  Way too busy.  But thanks for thinking of me.
In my sleepy stupor,I had addressed my heartfelt letter to the author’s agent, not the author.Super, super, super bonehead error.
Lesson learned.Never send out such an important request when tired. On a brighter note, Mr.Author sent me a follow-up note a few weeks later, apologized for his tersetone in his initial response. And wished me luck with my book. He had actuallynoticed it was live on Amazon and said he will leave a review of the booksometime in the future. Very cool ending to my big ooops moment!



Thanks so much for sharing this great post with us Barbara.  Remember I will be posting my review shortly of this great book!  This tour is brought to us by Jitterbug PR and Lighting Book Promotions. 

About the Author

Barbara grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her parents, sister and always a dog, or two or three. She founded three successful businesses in the Pacific Northwest and is a prolific fundraiser for breast cancer research. She and her husband currently live in Southwest Florida with two dogs and copious amounts of dog fur.

Book Review: dog-ma the zen of slobber by Barbara Boswell Brunner

To contact us Click HERE
Title: dog-ma the zen of slobberAuthor: Barbara Boswell BrunnerPub. Date: August 1, 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing PlatformFormat: E-BookPages: 326ISBN#: 9781478106586
Synopsis:
Barbara's vivid and dramatic stories, told with a wicked sense of humor, will make you laugh out loud. She definitely gets what living with rescued dogs (nine of them!) is all about.
When Barbara meets her future husband, Ray, it is love-and dog-at first sight. Over the course of thirty-two years, seventeen relocations and nine dogs, their mutual love of dogs guides them on their unconventional path. The love that Barbara and Ray get in return is literally lifesaving, with one dog attacking a lethal intruder and another discovering Barbara’s cancer. Her own survival story underscores the story of how her dogs become survivors themselves.
Each new dog adds its own dynamic to the family, sometimes upending it. From Turbo (whose Spock-like ears may have provided super powers), Barbara learns about the will to live; Lexington demonstrates incredible patience and an inexplicable love of golf; Madison teaches that laughter is truly the best medicine and that the whole “nine lives thing” is not reserved just for cats; Morgan should be sainted for tolerating Izzy, who is as cute as she is bad.
Barbara is certain that somewhere in doggie heaven there is a poster that says “If you are sick, injured or in need of really expensive medical care, FIND THESE HUMANS!”

My Review:
First of all I will start out by saying, I was not to sure about reading this book. It didn't seem like something for me, but once I started reading it I was amazed at how fast I was falling in love with it. 

If you are any kind of animal lover, have health issues yourself, or just want to more about living with a service animal then this is right up your alley. 

Author Barbara Boswell Brunner has a unique aspect in her writing. As in the synopsis she actually loved and has at one time or another nine life saving precious dogs. Her wonderful love and attachment for each one is so precious. And add in the human and humor aspect in telling her story is just plan and simply wonderful. 

I just absolutely loved reading how each one of the dogs had their own personalities as well as unique ways of detecting and helping different illness, pain, as well as the mood swings. 

As you must know by now I do not go in to depth in my reviews, I feel that you need to read for yourself due to you may see things or feel things differently than I do. 

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 


Five Clock Rating!!!  
Disclosure: I received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.