Cheryl's Book Nook

Ben Sinclair receives a letter that turns his world upside down. The letter is postmarked from Medicine Gore. It is unsigned. The contents of the letter inform Ben that he is the father of a fifteen year old boy named, Michael. Ben hires an investigator and discovers that the letter is true. He is a father. Ben fell in love with a girl named Kelly, who is Michael’s mother. Kelly disappeared ten years ago, leaving Michael to be raised by his Aunt Emma. Ben returns to Medicine Gore but not under good circumstances. Emma remembers Ben and has her guard up about him. Ben may be Michael’s father but Emma is the one that raised Michael and she won’t let him go without a fight. Tempt Me If You Can did tempt me some. It is also book two of the Sinclair brothers’ novels. I thought the chemistry shared between Ben and Emma was nice but I was wanting more passion between them. I did like how Ben and Michael bonded quickly. Ben really stepped up as a father figure for Michael. There was a good sto...

There are many memoirs currently available to read but how many people can say that their father was wanted by the FBI and who used to be a business associate with Joey Gallo, a big time mobster before the Gotti family. Author and nighttime news assistant of the New York Times, Jennifer Mascia calls this life. When Jennifer was a little girl, she can remember a time when the FBI came to arrest her father right before Christmas. Jennifer asked her mother’s boss if this was real and her mother’s boss responded that this was not real and they were filming a movie. Though, Jennifer wanted so hard to believe him, Jennifer knew that what was happening was for real. Due to her father’s involvement with drugs, mobsters and shooting someone, Jennifer and her family were always on the move. They live in California, Florida, and New York. Even with all of the things Jennifer’s father did, he was still a good father to Jennifer and her mother. People can change. I read this book in one sitting. I ...

Mary Alice “Mab” Brannigan is helping out her uncle at Dreamland, an amusement park. Mab is in charge of fixing and repairing all of the amusement park rides and statues. Mab enjoys her work, especially since she is a bit of a loner. What Mab doesn’t know is that Dreamland is the home to five of the most dangerous demons. They were banished by a group known as the Guardia. The Guardia contained the demons’ souls in containers. The demons can never leave Dreamland. Ethan, Glenda’s son has returned home from the military. Glenda is one of the Guardia’s. Things quickly get out of control, when several of the demons escape and start causing havoc with the tourist. Kharos, the Devil is plotting his release and how he is going to take control. The Guardia with Ethan and Mab’s help must stop the demons before Kharos is loose and it is too late. Here you thought nothing could hurt you at an amusement park! It has been a while since I have read a Jennifer Crusie novel. This is the first book I ...

Reversing Antidepressant Weight Gain By Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, Co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs -- Nature's Own Appetite Suppressant -- to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain Antidepressants have been associated with weight gain since they were first used about 50 years ago. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) relieved depression but left patients considerably heavier as a consequence of treatment. One in particular, amitryptyline, was associated with uncontrollable sugar cravings. When Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Blockers (SSRIs) were introduced as the new generation of antidepressants, it was hoped that weight gain would not be a problem. Unfortunately this expectation has not been realized. Clinician were optimistic about Prozac, the first of the SSRIs, as patients lost weight during the early months of treatment. Prozac was viewed not only as an effective mood regulator but a potential weight-loss drug as well. It was tested i...

Jules Farentino’s half sister, Shay is such a trouble maker. Unfortunately, Shay has used up all of her chances. Their mother sends Shay to Blue Rock Academy. A school for troubled teens. Jules has a bad feeling about Blue Rock Academy. Jules’s mother tells Jules there is nothing to worry about. Yeah then why has Lauren Conway, a student at Blue Rock Academy been missing for six months and no one knows of her whereabouts? Jules must find a way to get Shay out of Blue Rock Academy before she becomes the next victim. Without Mercy really packs the punches and the adrenaline rush. I am a big fan of Lisa Jackson’s and have read almost all of her books. I have to admit that it has been a little while since I have enjoyed myself reading one of her books, until now. The ending for this book leaves much to be desired. I know it is intentional as there will be a follow up book. I just finished this one and already am impatient for the next one. Julies is a fighter. She is the best big sister a...

Hazard, Kentucky is a small town. The biggest revenue for this town is the mine. Amos Blevin and several other men were working down in the mines when a cave in happened. Amos rescued his fellow co-workers. Inspector Will Murphy has been sent to investigate the cave in. It seems to be an accident but then why does it seem that the local authorities are hiding something including Will’s brother? Will investigation will lead him to a place where the truth just may hurt him. There is no turning back. Hazard is the first book I have read by this author. I thought this book did turn out pretty well. I say this only because as much as I really wanted to love this book, I had some difficulties trying to figure out what was happening at times throughout this book. The miners would be inside the mine and then outside going about their business. Just when I thought I had things straighten out, the story would switched from past to present and I would get lost again. If the transaction between th...

Chris Turley works as a reporter for the Bergen News. Chris is a good reporter but he will never be like his father…the legendary Edward Turley. Chris dreams of one day winning a Pulitzer for his work. He just may get the Pulitzer sooner then he thought. Chris receives a phone call from a tipster. The caller tells Chris that he has some information regarding corruption involving a high level government official. Chris agrees to meet the caller at the park. Chris arrives only to the building next door to him blow up. Chris becomes a hero and saves five lives. Chris’s career quickly picks up. Chris soon realizes that he is just a pawn in a sick psycho’s game and it is up to Chris to stop him, before the price gets too high. I have been eyeing Mr. Rosenfelt’s books for a while now but haven’t tried one until now. Let me start off by saying…WOW! Down to the Wire is a thrill ride every page from beginning until the end. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I was on the edge of my seat alm...

Jesse McCord and his cousins have heard the stories that supposedly there is a fortune in McCord gold to be found. There grandfather searched for years but never found any as did many of the other generations, until the stories were regarded more as just that stories. Amy Parrish left a long time ago. When she did, she took Jesse’s heart. She has now returned. Jesse isn’t sure he wants to give Amy another chance but he can’t deny the feelings he still has for her. Will Amy and Jesse finally have the happy ending they wish for? Montana Legacy is book one in this trilogy. I thought this book was a pretty good start to this trilogy. Amy and Jesse’s relationship was more on the sweeter side. While there were some good moments in this book, there wasn’t anything that really jumped out at me and kept my interest going full speed. I do have to admit that this is a quick read, even though I couldn’t fully get into this book as much as everyone else seemed to enjoy it. The setting for this sto...

The year is 1217. There is a feuding war going on between the kingdoms of Oakharn and Langmyr. Brys Tarnell is a mercenary. He was part of Sir Galefrid of Bulls’ March entourage. An ambush was waiting for Sir Galefrid outside the church, they were praying in. Brys was not in the church. On his way out of town, Brys is handed a baby. The baby is Wistan, who is heir to the throne. Odosse and her newborn son, Aubry are all alone. When Brys comes upon them promising safety, Odosse agrees to become nurse maid to Wistan. Sir Kelland Knight of the Sun. Bitharn is Sir Kelland friend and companion. She is deadly with a bow and arrow. What Sir Kelland doesn’t know is that Bitharn loves him. Leferic is the brother of Sir Galefrid’s. He already has dreams of power and glory now that his brother is dead. The only person who could crush Leferic’s dreams is Wistan. It is going to be a long journey on The River Kings’ Road. The River Kings’ Road is author, Liane Merciel’s debut novel. This book is a ...

Sarah Woolson awakens to the pebbles hitting her bedroom window. It is Samuel, a good friend of Sarah’s brother, George Lewis. George is a crime reporter. He goes but the alias of Ian Fearless. This is because their father is the Honorable Horace T. Woolson. The judge despises reporters. There has been a body found, a few blocks away from their home. Sarah gets involved in the murder investigation. Someone is trying to cover up the murder. Sarah’s nose leads her to a brothel. Things are really heating up. Sarah better be careful or she could end up next in the morgue. Scandal on Rincon Hill is the fourth Sarah Woolson novel. These books can be read as stand alone novels. I have wanted to check these books out since I first heard about this series but just haven’t gotten around to trying a book out until now. I was expecting a little more of a hook, which didn’t happen for me. It started off good and slowed a bit in the middle and ended alright. Though, I did still like this book. Sarah...

Roxana “Roxy” Marie Abruzzo is in the business of collecting and selling architectural items as part of her salvage business. Roxy’s half brother is New Jersey’s crime boss, Michael Abruzzo. Roxy is trying to break away from her family’s influence and turn straight but it isn’t easy, especially when friends and family come calling. Roxy soon finds herself in over her head, when she feels the need for the five finger discount. Our Lady of Immaculate Deception is the first book in a new series by author, Nancy Martin. This book turned out to be a bit of a disappointment for me. I was expecting tons of laughs and a rip, roaring good time. This did not happen for me. I had a hard time getting into this book. It started out slow and I even put it down for a while, thinking it will pick up but it never did. I had a really hard time finishing this book. I never connected with the characters and the storyline was kind of weak. I thought it was only me, who felt this way but it appears that man...

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—The Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) has announced its annual conference to be held on May 20-22, 2010 at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, TX. The keynote speaker will be Tullian Tchividjian, addressing this year’s theme of The Gospel Revolution. Tchividjian is the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, founded by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, and is the grandson of renowned evangelist Dr. Billy Graham. Tchividjian has authored several books, including Unfashionable and Do I Know God?, and speaks at conferences throughout the US. His sermons are broadcast daily on the radio program Godward Living. The conference is an experience designed for both the young and old of our culture and those who lead them. The Gospel Revolution: Rediscovering the Power of the Cross will teach a new generation of Christians how to effectively apply the Gospel of the Cross to the real issues of everyday life. Tchividjian explains, “I am absolutely convinced that mo...

We are all familiar with the story and movie of Alice in Wonderland but have you ever wondered how Alice’s adventures related to real life? Well you can get all your questions or curiosities answered in Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy: Curiouser and Curiouser. This book is edited by two professors of philosophy but this book does not read like a boring college text book. All the different characters and situations Alice encountered while in Wonderland is dissected and broken out into mini chapters. Chapters like Jam yesterday, jam tomorrow, but never jam today: On procrastination, hiking, and…The Spice Girls? Or Reasoning Down the Rabbit-Hole: Logical Lessons in Wonderland. I found the topics and the discussions very interesting. I thought this book also showed that fairy tales and movie characters still have to deal with the same issues we do in real life, only you don’t see the behind the scenes. This book would make a good book club selection to discuss with fellow readers. Check...

Former Dallas police officer Claudia Cruz has gained a bad rap. She shot and killed an unarmed rapist. Claudia is now part of an elite organization known as Avalon. It is composed of skilled individuals including mercenaries whose mission is to recover stolen artwork. FBI agent Vincent DeLuca is teamed up with Claudia. Vincent doesn’t trust Claudia. In fact he even has her locked up. If Vincent wants to play games…Two can play. Claudia has a few tricks up her sleeves. Things quickly heat up between Claudia and Vincent. Her Last Chance is book two in the Avalon series. It can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. The zinging banter between Claudia and Vincent was good four play leading up to some really hot sex scenes. I thought that the romance involving Claudia and Vincent was balanced out really nicely with the rest of the story. Because there was such good dynamics with Claudia and Vincent and the story line was appealing, it made reading this book a breeze. Make this your cha...

Are you bored? Hate spring clean up? Looking for something exciting to do? Well how about heading over to the Three Wicked Writers blog and become a follower. You could win an ebook from one of the Three Wicked Writers . Details below. At Three Wicked Writers we’ve decided to leap into spring with a fun, easy contest. All you have to do is ‘follow us’ on our BLOG and you’re entered to win. Three followers will be picked, each will receive an ebook from Regina Carlysle, Madison Scott and Anne Rainey. You can follow us by going to our blog and clicking the *follow* button—beneath the about us section on the sidebar. (NOT the Twitter button!) The winners will be announced on our blog Thursday, April 1st!!!

A Dog's Inspiration to a Writer and the World: How the Life and Death of a Golden Retriever Might Save Us From Ourselves By Michael Cogdill , Author of She-Rain: A Story of Hope On the morning of May 29, 2008, I lifted Savannah from her bed, carried her to the car, and made the longest seven-mile drive of my life. At the office of a veterinarian, welcomed by that profession's unique form of love, I soon lay on a cushioned floor beside a golden retriever who showed virtually none of her age, watching both my hands stroke the face that had welcomed me home for thirteen years. The answer to a yearning awaited us that morning. It was part of the quiet covenant I made with Savannah the day my wife, Jill, and I adopted her. When a sweet dog's bloodline comes in confluence with our own, we human animals take on a sacred devotion. As sickness comes on hard and takes down the joy of living, caring dog owners are committed to shouldering our beloved family member to a merciful death....

Megan Chase and her demon boyfriend, Greyson Dante are heading off to a retreat for a bunch of demon leaders. It is going to be on crazy time. All of Megan’s demon friends want Megan to complete the ritual and release her demon inside and join them on the immortal side. Megan and Greyson arrive at the resort. You can guarantee that there is never a dull moment when Megan is involved. A crazy lunatic is out to kill Megan. As if a crazy psycho is going to scare Megan when he hangs out with demons all day. Demon Possessed is the third Megan Chase novel. I did not read the prior two novels. This is a time where I am wondering if it would have made a difference in my enjoying this book more. I say this not because I felt you had to read these books in order but because I wasn’t fully invested in the characters from the beginning, so it took me a while to warm up to them and by then the book was half over. Having said all this, I thought this book had some high points. The ending was a bit o...

Newly made succubus, Jackie Brighton is back. Life as a succubus is not as easy as it seems. Oh the way guys are now interested in Jackie is nice as well as getting the promotion at work but dealing with boyfriend issues and being cursed…sucks. Jackie is trying to deal with both Noah, who is a fallen angel and Zane, a vampire. The male testosorone levels between these two are in full force. Jackie somehow becomes cursed. She put the pizza guy into a coma. Remy, Jackie’s good friend and fellow succubus suggests that Jackie and her take a road trip to New Orleans to visit the oldest living succubus t help Jackie. In the meantime, Jackie is also dealing with her itch for sex and with neither of Noah or Zane talking to Jackie; it is going to be a long road trip. Just like the last book, Succubi Like It Hot brings the fire, humor, and pure enjoyment! Jackie is so hilarious. When you throw Remy into the mix, she and Remy are like Thelma and Louise. It is easy to see why Jackie can’t choose b...

Everyone has adjusted to the recent uproar in their lives, when Vanessa announced she was pregnant by one of her college professors. Vanessa’s son, Carter is growing up fast. Before Ethan Langley went back to college; He and Vanessa were starting up a romantic relationship. Now that Ethan is back in town, Vanessa can’t wait to see Ethan again. Before things can really get heated up, Ethan’s Cousin, Drew’s room mate is killed in a drive by shooting. There is something about the shooting that doesn’t seem right to Ethan. The more Ethan digs the deeper things get. He uncovers something that could tear two families apart. Ethan must make a difficult choice. The Right Call is the third and final novel in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. It can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. This story line doesn’t intertwine with the prior events in the last novel. I like that Ethan had a stronger part in this book. He seemed like a nice guy in the last book from the brief appearance that he made. Thi...

Married couple, Mark and Pam Walker is on their vacation, when they stumble upon the small town of Lumby. It is in Lumby that the Walkers discover their dream come true. There was an abbey, Montis Abbey that burned down a long time ago. The abbey is nestled on a bunch of land that overlooks an orchard. The Walkers purchase the abbey. They decide to turn it into a bed and breakfast. They people of Lumby are excited to have new life in the old abbey. Well most people are excited. William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines newspaper is anything but thrilled. In fact he is trying his best to run the Walkers out of town. I loved every moment of this book from the beginning, middle and end. I liked this book so much that I was sad when it did end. My favorite parts of this book were reading the Sheriff’s Complaints section in The Lumby Lines newspaper. Who knew that the small town of Lumby could get so crazy? No wonder Sheriff Dixon is always busy with complaints like: 11:22pm Pickup vs. Deer....

Even moving to a new town can’t stop Julia Stone from still having nightmares about an evil person known only as The Creep. Luckily for Julia, Dr. Forrest is helping Julia get over her fears of The Creep. As much as Julia appreciates Dr. Forrest’s help, strange things are happening to Julia. For example… Julia awakes to find the clock time always stops at 4:06 am. The nightmares that Julia keeps having don’t really seem like nightmares at all but images of events that are real. Will Julia ever find the peace she desires? The Skull Ring by Scott Nicholson is the first novel I have read by this author. If you are looking for a new horror book mixed with both mystery and psychological elements incorporated into the story then you should give this book a try. Be warned as this book does touch into cults and a few points in this story related the cults might be a little graphic for those who are weak in the stomach. My only issue was that Julia kind of got on my nerves. She would jump at ev...

The year is 1942. Allie Miller is leaving for a week to attend her good friend, Betty Jamison’s wedding. While on the train ride, Allie meets Lt. Walter Novak. Lt. Novak is a fighter pilot. Instantly, Lt. Novak feels something for Allie. What he doesn’t know is that Allie has a boyfriend back home. His name is J. Baxter Hicks. Allie's parents are already planning their wedding, though Baxter hasn’t proposed to Allie yet. Allie and Walter develop a friendship that lasts even when Allie goes back home. Of course it starts to blossom into something more. Now Allie has to make a choice whether to continue her friendship with Walter and risk everything that was planned for her future. A Distant Melody is the debut novel from author, Sarah Sundin. It is also book one in the Wings of Glory series. I instantly was captivated by this book and Allie and Lt. Novak. This book transported me back in time. This story is a classic love story but with deeper meaning than…girl meets boy…girl falls ...

Sid works as a telemarketer at a travel agency. His life gets turned upside down when he starts receiving postcards from his girlfriend, Zoe. Sid receives about a dozen. The postcards range from Amsterdam to Paris. Zoe doesn’t say much on the postcards other than the standard “Have a good time, wish you were here”. So now you would wonder, how can postcards cause so much uproar? It is because Zoe is dead! What does Zoe want from Sid? Sid decides to follow the trail of postcards from all over Europe that Zoe visited. This book had some witty moments. This book kind of reminded me of the movie, P.S., I Love You with the concept and funny times but Postcards from a Dead Girl was a little more on the black side of the humor versus the white side. Sid was definitely the star of this book. The kooky and craziness that followed Sid made for entertaining times. Though, I do have to admit that there was a few times where my mind would start to wander. Kirk Farber has a good talent as a story te...

Bad Blake used to be really popular country-western song writer and guitar picker in his younger years. It has been over five years since Bad Blake put out an album. Now, he still has some fans but mostly he can be seen playing in bowling alleys and cheap motels. Bad Blake is worn out, depressed, and about ready to hang up his hat forever. Jean Craddock, a reporter from The Sun Scene approaches Bad Blake. She wants to get to know the man behind the name and legend of Bad Blake. Jean and Bad Blake form both a friendship and relationship. Will Bad Blake live up to his name or will he open his heart and let Jean in? Crazy Heart is the first time I have tried author Thomas Cobb. Crazy Heart is just like a country-western song. It is filled with heart ache, characters you can relate to, long days and even harder nights, and a good story line…combine this all together…you get a engaging and enjoyable novel. I like that in this story, Bad Blake wasn’t just portrayed as a washed out singer but...

The year is 1456. With the sudden passing of her father, Lucrezia has been sent to the Convent Santa Margherita. She is trying to adjust to her new life. It isn’t easy. She wants to obey. Fra Filippo Lippi is a monk but besides that, he has a very great talent as a famed painter. He is acting Chaplain for the convent. Fra is pretty rough around the edges. It is while at the convent that he meets the lovely and beautiful, Lucrezia. She becomes Fra’s muse. She has inspired him to create some of his best artwork. Fra and Lucrezia begin a romantic relationship. Their love for each other has consequences that could destroy everything they hold dear. The love that Fra and Lucrezia shared as a real one. I have to admit that I would never have pictured them belong together so well as they did. Lucrezia was more on the quiet side; whereas Fra is more outgoing and does not have trouble expressing himself. There was a few times where I wished this book moved a little faster but for the most part ...

Did you know that author Emily Bryan has a online novel called A Duke for All Seasons? She lets readers read the book and then help dictate on how the story should progress. She needs your help. Click on Emily's name to be directed to her contest page. Read the book from the beginning and then give her your thoughts and enter to win a $100 gift card. Good Luck

Detective Sergeant Michael McCabe is trying to get settled with his new life in Portland, Maine with his daughter. Detective McCabe has barely been in town and already he is on a hot case. There is a serial killer on the loose. Two women have already gone missing. One has been found with her heart cut out. This is not just any serial killer. This killer kills with precision of a surgical hand. It is up to Detective McCabe and his partner, Maggie Savage to bring down the killer before the body count gets too high. The Cutting is author, James Hayman’s first novel. The first few pages of this book really grabbed my attention. Detective McCabe seemed like a pretty straight arrow. It was nice to see that he was human and had to deal with family issues amongst trying to stop a serial killer. For me the wished the serial killer was more prominent in this story. When the story line would flash to the serial killer the parts were too short. I wanted more. Also, there were a few times in the mi...

Ever since the drowning her heir son, Bobby two years ago, Jenna Rosen and her husband, Robert are more like strangers then husband and wife. Jenna decides to get away from her life and Robert for a while. She takes off for Alaska. This is where it all began. Where Bobby drowned. Jenna experiences some strange things like…a wolf or wolf type dog chases her through the woods. Jenna meets a man named David. He is a shaman. He tells Jenna of a legend hat the Tlingits believe. It has to do with the belief that not all people die peacefully, so people’s souls are trapped to wither wander aimlessly or take form in another being. What does this have to do with Bobby? Could this mean that he might be alive after all? Raven Stole the Moon is the first book I have read by Garth Stein. I have wanted to try his work out when I first heard about The Art of Racing in the Rain but just haven’t gotten around to it. After reading this book, I definitely plan to check the book out. I have to admit that ...

Zan-Gah is the youngest warrior from his tribe. He and the rest of the men are prepared to capture and kill the lioness. Zan-Gah becomes known as a fierce warrior when he kills the lioness. This gives Zan-Gah the strength to go out in search of his lost twin brother, Dael. His brother has been missing for a long time. Zan-Gah’s spirit won’t rest until he finds out what happened to him. Can Zan-Gah battle the great big jungle? These books are geared towards the younger reading populations and I found them to be appropriate for this age group. This book took readers on an exciting journey across the jungle. The main character Zan-Gah is very courageous and likable. The other characters and creatures that Zan-Gah encounters are interesting in a good way. I could picture this book being made into a movie or television series. This book is a quick read. Zan-Gah survived his battle with the Wasp men and found his brother, Dael. Dael and Zan-Gah are both all grown up. Dael is married. Despite...

Sophia Fiolario is the daughter of the famous Fiolario glass makers. Her father is one of the most sought after glass makers. There is just one problem…for the past several years it has been Sophia and not her father who has been making the blown glass pieces. If any one were to ever learn that Sophia knew the secret of the glass there will be serious consequences. Sophia’s parents plan to marry Sophia off to Pasquale da Fuligna. Sophia is devastated by the arrangement. First off, Pasquale is old enough to be her father, second, he is not that good looking, and third, he has many dark secrets. To make matters worse, Sophia’s father has fallen deadly ill. Sophia must make a decision on whether to reveal her knowledge of the glass and possibly lose everything she holds dear to her. The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin is a book to not be missed by historical readers alike. While the events aren’t exact and to the point, they are still pretty accurate of the trade of glass maker t...

Anyone and everyone in the fashion industry is familiar with Liz Claiborne fashion. Though are you familiar with the woman who created this successful fashion empire? Unless you were one of the few lucky ones who got to work with Liz then you don’t really know who Liz is and was. Liz Claiborne grew up always knowing exactly what she wanted to be…a fashion designer. She had a great fashion sense. In 1976, Liz started Liz Claiborne Inc. Sadly on June 26, 2007, Liz passed way from cancer. Even up to the very end, Liz was still smiling and a fighter. In Liz Claiborne, the Legend, the Woman , author, business partner and Liz’s husband, Art Ortenberg shares with readers just who Liz really was…a nice person, wife and entrepreneur with great smile and warm heart. This book truly was a celebration of a Liz Claiborne. She was loved by many people The pictures inserted through out this book were a nice bonus. If you are looking to read this book expecting a memoir of Liz Claiborne and how she st...

Online Degrees – Great Educational Options for the Computer Savvy and Not-So-Savvy I was never a big fan of online degrees until forced to enroll in one for professional reasons, but once I was a few months into the course, I realized what a godsend it was for people who are limited by the circumstances and not able to afford the time and money that a regular degree costs. The best part about studying online is that you don’t have to really be computer savvy in order to earn a degree from an online school. The technology is pretty easy to pick up and you’re bound to be at home in the environment in no time at all. Online degrees are good for both the computer savvy and not-so-savvy because: • They are meant for people of all ages: If you’re much older than the average college-going student, there’s no need to feel like a fish out of water if you want to resume your education or earn a higher degree. Online education allows you to learn at your own pace and set your own schedules, so yo...

Milo Weaver used to work for the CIA as a “tourist”. Unfortunately, once a tourist…always a tourist. Milo quickly gets sucked back into the high adrenaline world of espionage, intrigue, and foreign enemies. Milo receives a call that his expertise is required. A suitcase containing three million dollars has disappeared. So why does Milo care? A blast from Milo’s past is somehow tied to this case. The temptation is too strong for Milo to resist. Grab your passport as The Tourist will have you racing all over the country. The Tourist kind of reminded me of Jason Bourne meets Mission Impossible. It had the action, suspense and a character whom the bad guys should be scared of. Though, I do have to admit that there were a few times in the middle where Milo wasn’t featured that I found it a little dry and wish the story line would hurry. Other than Milo, I didn’t connect with any of the other characters. The word tourist will now have another meaning to it for me. Overall, I did like where t...

Vivianne Blackstone is captain of a space craft. Jordan is part of the crew. Their mission is to save the planet, Earth. While that is their mission, the crew wasn’t totally prepared to deal with the enemy. This will be the battle to end all battles. Jordan is the last book in the Pendragon Legacy trilogy. I have enjoyed this trilogy. The way that Susan Kearney connected the men to King Arthur was interesting. These books can be read as stand alone novels. The story line for this book was good. It was the chemistry that I would somewhat lacking between Vivianne and Jordan. When they would get together it was rushed. I was bummed that this book ended on a low note. At this is book tied up the trilogy. I still do enjoy Susan Kearney books and will read more books by her again. Courtesy of Anna with Hachette Book Group. I have 5 copies of this book to give away. Must be a follower. Open to US and Canada only. No PO Boxes. Contest ends March 20th.

Mas Arai is the best man in his friend’s wedding. It is a good thing that people have wedding rehearsals as Mas has dropped the wedding ring into the koi fish pond. Well things can only get better from here…right? No things can get worse…a lot worse. Mas’s friend’s fiancée’s priceless Japanese doll collection has been stolen. Who would want to steal a doll collection and why? These are the questions Mas must find answers to in Blood Hina. Author Naomi Hirahara has written several novels but Blood Hina is the first book I have read by this author. After finishing this book, I plan to check out the other novels that this author has written. I liked that Ms. Hirahara used her ethic background and infused it into this book. It showed that Ms. Hirahra is proud of whom she is and wants to share what that culture what readers. Being of Asian background myself, I always find it intriguing when authors incorporate their lifestyle or diversity into their books. Mas Arai is a very likable charact...

War time journalist, Danny Kellerman receives a letter in the mail from an ex-lover. Her name is Maria Consuela Tirado. Maria worked in Africa as an aid worker. Inside the envelope is a note from Maria asking for Danny’s help. Unfortunately as Danny is reading the letter, Maria is already dead. Danny books the first flight out of London to Africa. He has to know what happened to Maria. Once in Africa, Danny is greeted by an old friend, Kam. When Danny learns that Maria was murdered, his reporter instincts kick in. Danny is on the trail of one of the biggest stories of his career. Mr. Harris’s experience as a journalist covering the Sierra Leone war in Africa really was the meat that made The Secret Keeper so wonderfully good. His first hand knowledge of basing this book on what he saw, really made this story come alive. Instantly, I was transported to Africa…following in Danny’s footsteps every step of the way. This book switched back and forth between the past and the present and it d...

Move over Bella and Edward as there is a new couple in town and here names are Olivia Sotiris and Robby MacKay. Olivia is a FBI psychologist. She had traveled to the Greek island of Patmos for some R&R and to visit her grand mother. Olivia’s grand mother is hoping to fix Olivia up with one of the nice men on the island. Olivia isn’t interested in any of the men. Robby has been instructed to take some time off after his last mission. From the first moment Robby lays eyes on Olivia, he feels something that he hasn’t felt in a long time. Robby wants Olivia for himself. Will there be a happy ending in Robby and Olivia’s future when she learns that Robby is a vampire? The Vampire and the Virgin is book eight in the Love Stake series. This is only been the second book that I have read in this series but I have enjoyed both books. Having said this, you can read these books as stand alone novels. Olivia and Robby were the perfect couple. Robby maybe cold blooded but he is one hot vampire. ...