Second blog stop today for How David Met Sarah

Please visit Return To Disney to read the review of How David Met Sarah.

Awesome review of Children of Angels!

Jim Melvin, author of The Death Wizard Chronicles wrote an amazing review of Children of Angels by Lynn Salibury. Check it out!

Book Review - Killer Cows by D.M. Anderson

"Randy Meyer is the new kid in Satus Creek, a tiny farm town where nothing ever happens, and his days are filled with tedium. Then one summer afternoon, a meteor crashes nearby. It’s just the first in a series of events that will not only change his life, but threaten the entire planet. Soon after, vicious cows are on the rampage all over the country, and they’re not of this Earth!

Armed with a newly-discovered flying saucer he doesn’t know how to fly, and a misfit group of new friends he doesn’t entirely trust, Randy is forced to grow up fast if he’s going to make decisions that will not only help him fit-in with his new peers, but save the world from a fate worse than death!"


Never assume you know what shape an alien will take, it will probably be the last thing you expected. Killer Cows is a terrific sci-fi book for young adults - action packed, fun and entertaining! But, it's also an excellent interpretation of what happens when we don't take care of the things we need to sustain us.

If you're looking for a book to add to your child's Summer reading list, Killer Cows is a book they'll enjoy reading, and also learn from. Buy it at Amazon, or Echelon Press .


D.M. Anderson lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, two daughters, two cats and a neurotic dog. He teaches Language Arts at a local middle school, which is where he developed his interest in reading - and later writing - young adult fiction of various genres. When he isn’t teaching or writing, Anderson enjoys staying up late watching horror movies with his oldest daughter, and accompanying his youngest to her swimming lessons. Other interests include NASCAR, heavy metal music, zombies and Disneyland. Killer Cows, an homage to the old drive-in sci-fi movies he loved as a kid, is his first young adult novel. Since then, he has explored other YA genres, including action (a disaster novel titled Shaken) and horror (The Dark Ride). His future plans also include a sequel to Killer Cows.

You can keep up with Mr. Anderson at his blog http://dmanderson.blogspot.com/

Book Review - The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

The Book of Unholy Mischief
Elle Newmark

Unlikely circumstances pull a homeless boy into a mystery he has no interest in. His focus lies in a safe place to sleep, a relatively full belly and a girl. But, this is the year 1498, Venice, Italy and Luciano does as his benefactor - chef to the doge - says. As apprentice to the chef, Luciano discovers there is more than delicious food cooking in the kitchen. The stories he overhears lead him to discover information about a secret book, a book that the doge wants for the magic it contains.

The Book of Unholy Mischief lushly describes Venice at the very beginning of the Renaissance period. The kitchen, the marketplace, the cut-throat politics at play, all are drawn with precise lines and vivid color. Luciano's life is not easy, but it's also never boring. The telling of his story is almost more interesting than the search for the book. Fans of cooking, historical fiction and love stories will enjoy Elle Newmark's The Book of Unholy Mischief.

Book Review - The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The Magicians
Lev Grossman
Viking Adult
ISBN # 978-0670020553








"Quentin Coldwater is brilliant but miserable. He's a senior in high school, and a certifiable genius, but he's still secretly obsessed with a series of fantasy novels he read as a kid, about the adventures of five children in a magical land called Fillory.

Everything changes when Quentin finds himself unexpectedly admitted to a very secret, very exclusive college of magic in upstate New York, where he receives a thorough and rigorous education in the practice of modern sorcery. He also discovers all the other things people learn in college: friendship, love, sex, booze, and boredom. But something is still missing. Magic doesn't bring Quentin the happiness and adventure he thought it would."

I loved The Magicians! I giggled, chortled and "ah-hah'ed" outloud through the entire book. My husband kept giving me funny looks, because I'm typically very quiet when I'm reading.

Invariably, The Magicians will be compared to Harry Potter and Narnia. And, of course, I noticed some similarities, too. But, The Magicians is like Harry Potter on steroids - much bigger, deeper and darker (and written better, I think).

Lev Grossman has written a book that tweaks all of my reader buttons - great words, superb writing, books within the book, humor, tragedy, satire and conceit. Do yourself a favor and visit The Magicians Book, it's pure fun for grown-ups.

(August 2009, pp 416, $26.95)

Book Review - Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner and a giveaway!

Best Friends Forever
Jennifer Weiner
Atria
ISBN # 978-0743294294






Discover what happens when your best friend from high school shows up on your doorstep and says "You're my only hope. Help me."

Considering that Jennifer Weiner's book, Best Friends Forever just attained the coveted position of #1 on the NYT Bestseller list - Congratulations, Jennifer! - I'm sure she doesn't need more promotion... but, I wanted to talk about it anyway.

Best Friends Forever is about acceptance, forgiveness and love. High school can be like a haunted house for lots of kids. You never know if you're going to meet Casper the friendly ghost, or some entity that will suck your soul out through your nose. Teenagers are inherently insecure, always looking for a group to belong to, and always wary of betrayal. Jennifer's characters are no different.

What most of us come to realize as adults is we all do the best we can. Love (of self and others), acceptance and looking outside of ourselves brings perspective we don't possess as teenagers. I liked this book, and apparently many other people do, too.

Now, for the giveaway! I have 2 copies of Best Friends Forever to share. All you have to do is leave a comment, by midnight July 31st, and you will be entered. Giveaway only open to US locations. Was high school tough for you or the time of your life? Do you still know and talk to your BFF from back then? Have you come to understand why your friends were the way they were back then?

The drawing will be decidedly old fashioned. My 7 year old will draw two names from a hat - or a bucket, depending on how many entries there are. Good luck!

Book Review - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

The Castaways
Elin Hilderbrand
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN # 978-0316043892

"Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed."

No matter how well you think you know your friends, never assume they've told you everything. Elin Hilderbrand might as well have written a case study of human psychology/sociology, although I must say, The Castaways held my attention far longer than a thesis would have.

The webs woven among the four couples (self named The Castaways) begin to unravel when Greg and Tess McAvoy die in a boating accident. The mess they leave behind changes the way their friends view each other and themselves. Hilderbrand is masterful in her approach, interspersing flashbacks and real time to show how the friendships begin, grow and are stretched to their limits.
(July 2009, pp 368, $24.99)




Enter to Win EXCLUSIVE ElinHilderbrand.net Tote Bag, plus a copy of THE CASTAWAYS, BAREFOOT, and A SUMMER AFFAIR

Book Review - Summertime by Lynn McMonigal

Summertime
Lynn McMonigal
CreateSpace
ISBN # 978-1442102538




“Entertainment journalist Laura Bell has been a single mother for her daughter's entire life. She has not even seen her daughter's father, Joey, a member of a once hugely popular boy band, in almost 10 years. When his band, Zero Gravity, plans a reunion tour, Laura is asked to cover the event. She is suddenly forced to confront her past. Can she build a life for her daughter, one that includes Joey, without compromising her new-found Christian faith? Or will she have to choose between God and Joey?”

Summertime is the first book I've read entirely in digital format. I've been dreading doing this because I usually read curled up in my comfy recliner, or in bed just before I go to sleep. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Lynn's book this way.

Lynn has written a terrific feel good story. It touches on some difficult issues, but remains hopeful and highly entertaining. It's a smooth read, the pacing is good - the perfect book to slip into your beach bag!
(June 2009, pp 306, $15.00)

Book Review - The Writer's Planner by Gayle Trent

If you're a writer, you probably have a system for keeping track of your works in progress. But, if you're a new writer, you may have found yourself lost as to how to organize your work. Gayle Trent has provided an excellent tool with The Writer's Planner.

"At last, writers have a planner all their own. This printable, editable planner includes articles, URLs of interest to writers, quotes from writers and a submission tracker. You can even list your TBR list and your favorite sites with passwords. Best of all, the planner can be used year after year as long as you save a copy of the original."

The Writer's Planner is available at the Amazon Web Store.

Book Review - The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

The School of Essential Ingredients
Erica Bauermeister
Putnam Adult
ISBN # 978-0399155437

I'm finding it hard to do this book justice. It's intoxicating, intriguing and moving. It educates and entertains. It will make you giggle, sigh, yearn for romance and grieve for loss. Everything about it is beautiful, including the cover.

The main story revolves around a cooking class - the teacher and her eight students. But the stories of the characters are interwoven elegantly throughout, each dish triggering a memory vignette specific to each student.

I loved The School of Essential Ingredients, but then again, I love to cook and I love psychology. And I especially love words that make me see the story and feel the emotions of the characters. Erican Bauermeister is a talented writer and I can't wait to see what she does next!
(January 2009, pp 256, $24.95)

Book Review - What Happy Parents Do: Ninety-Three Cents and a Little Humpty Dumpty--The Loving Little Rituals of a Child-Proof Marriage

by Carol J. Bruess and Anna D.H. Kudak

There is an old saying "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." The truth is if Mama AND Papa ain't happy, they're probably not doing their children any favors, either. Protecting and nurturing the parents' relationship is the most important thing in raising healthy, happy children.

What Happy Parents Do provides suggestions on how to take care of each other, and gives anecdotes from real couples on how they've done just that. Loving and supporting each other isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes the little things we do mean much more.

What Happy Parents Do is an excellent little book to give to new parents!
(Fairview Press, pp 112, $14.95)

Book Review - The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson

The Mighty Queens of Freeville
Amy Dickinson
Hyperion
ISBN # 978-1401322854


I received this book in the mail last week. I started reading it and put it down two hours later. Amy Dickinson writes so fluidly that I had no sense of time passing. The Mighty Queens of Freeville is a memoir, full of astute observations about life, love and family. I teared up in more than a couple of places, and some of the passages will stick with me forever.

This book would be an excellent Christmas gift, but it won't be available to purchase until early February. Perhaps a gift card with the express purpose to purchase The Mighty Queens of Freeville?
(February 2009, pp 240, $22.99)

Book Review - The Trouble With Boys by Peg Tyre

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do
Peg Tyre
Crown
ISBN # 978-0307381286

"Is your smart, capable son starting to struggle in school? When he talks about his lessons does he seem bored, disengaged or fearful? Or do you just have an uneasy sense that he's falling out of love with learning? A great many parents from all walks of life are noticing the same thing. They're wondering exactly what is going on. Has something changed about our boys, their schools or our culture that is making it hard for young males to succeed? I've spent the last 18 months asking educators, psychologists, historians, social scientists, doctors, boys and their parents those exact questions. And the answers I've come up with might surprise you. If you have a son who is not thriving in school and you care deeply about his education and his future, I've written this book for you."
- Peg Tyre

I am raising three healthy, vibrant, active, boisterous bright sons - ages 17, 11 and 6. Without exception, they have all experienced ongoing issues with school. Not one of them enjoys homework. Each of them struggles with spelling. They have a hard time with organization and getting their assignments in on time.

We (my husband and I) read to them and with them. Our house is full of books. We all love music and words. Each boy has a vocabulary well beyond their grade level. We don't watch a lot of television, we limit their time playing video games, and we spend as much time as possible doing outdoor things - gardening, hiking, playing ball, fishing.

I've thought for years that boys have a more difficult time in a structured school setting than girls. My only daughter (19) was an excellent student. She learned quickly, enjoyed school, participated in extra-curricular activities and graduated High School with a solid B average.

Peg Tyre, through her thorough and comprehensive research, has written a book that explains some of the whys and hows of boys' current struggles to attain a solid education. In reading it, I found myself nodding and saying "Ah hah!" If your son(s) are falling behind or seem lackluster about attending school, this is the book you need to read!
(September 2008, pp 320, $24.95)

If you'd like to see a video of Peg Tyre talking about her book, please click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gEqI86KRAA

Book Review - Janeology by Karen Harrington

Janeology
Karen Harrington
Kunati Inc.
ISBN # 978-1601640208

"Jane, a loving mother of two, has drowned her toddler son and is charged with his murder in this powerful examination of love, loss, and family legacy. When a prosecutor decides Jane's husband Tom is partially to blame for the death and charges him with "failure to protect," Tom's attorney proposes a radical defense. He plans to create reasonable doubt about his client's alleged guilt by showing that Jane's genealogy is the cause of her violence, and that she inherited her latent violence in the same way she might inherit a talent for music or a predisposition to disease. He argues that no one could predict or prevent the tragedy, and that Tom cannot be held responsible."

Janeology is a heartbreaking story. It's not bad enough that Tom loses a child and his wife, but then he is charged with being a neglectful father, because he couldn't predict his wife's behavior. The depth and breadth of this book lead the reader to consider how far a person will go to understand their circumstances and prove their innocence. Well written and intriguing, Janeology is a book you won't want to put down.
(April 2008, pp 256, $24.95)

Book Review - The Dracula Dossier by James Reese

The Dracula Dossier
James Reese
William Morrow
ISBN # 978-0061233548


I love it when worlds collide! The Dracula Dossier is the story of Bram Stoker (pre-Dracula), and his unwitting introduction and subsequent involvement with a man presumed to be Jack the Ripper. James Reese paints a stunning portrait of Stoker and his circle of literary friends - Walt Whitman, Lady Jane Wilde, her son, Oscar and Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine.

I see Mr. Reese as a sort of magician. In the writing of this book, and showing us the fantastical life of Stoker, he lets us see what happens behind the smoke and mirrors.
(October 7, 2008, pp 368, $24.95)

Last Blog Stops for September

Please drop by...

Devourer of Books for a review of The River, By Moonlight by Camille Marchetta

The Bluestocking Society for a review of Midwife of the Blue Ridge by Christine Blevins

Blog Stops!

Please visit

Flibbity Gibbet for a review of Midwife of the Blue Ridge by Christine Blevins

Mom Is Just A Nickname for a review of The River, By Moonlight by Camille Marchetta

Bookish Ruth for a review of The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

One Blog Stop today!

Stop by Sharp Words for a fantastic review of The River, By Moonlight by Camille Marchetta.

Two Blog Stops today!

Please drop by Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? for a review of The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent.

And then visit Writers, Witches and Words... Oh, My! for a review of Camille Marchetta's The River, By Moonlight.

Blog Stops today!

Please visit -

She Reads Books for a review of The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Devourer of Books for a review of Midwife of the Blue Ridge by Christine Blevins

From The Cheap Seats for a review of The River, By Moonlight by Camille Marchetta