Cheryl's Book Nook

Alice Johnston is a free lance photographer. Alice receives the change of a lifetime…an all expenses paid trip to LA. Alice ’s task is to photograph children’s television host Gretchen Bartholomew turned aspiring model. At first Alice wants to hate Gretchen but once she gets to know her, she finds herself with a new friend. Gretchen starts to slowly corrupt sweet Alice into becoming more outgoing. Alice starts noticing slight changes in Gretchen. When Alice realizes what Gretchen is really all about it is too late, she is in too deep. What My Best Friend Did is a psychological roller coaster of emotions. Gretchen is like a light switch. One moment she is happy and the next moment she coming after you ninety miles a minute. Alice for me was a bit dull and did not make much of an impression on me. In fact most of the characters except for Gretchen were uninteresting, which quickly turned me off with this book. In addition, the transition between the storylines between past and present wa...

The year is 2025. It has been thirteen years since; Ray Brown attempted to stop Dianne Morgan and the computer virus, Peacemaker. Ray was unsuccessful and therefore is paying for it. Dianne sent Ray to a fairly secluded island. The only other person on the island is a man named Paul Martino. The first inhabitants to arrive on the island are androids and guards out to eliminate Ray and Paul. Luck is on their side. Ray and Paul are rescued by an African warlord by the name of Nkumah. Nkumah wants Ray to help him stop Dianne once and for all. Will Ray finally be able to stop Dianne and be reunited with his family or will he die trying? 2031: The Singularity Pogrom is the third novel from author, Dan Ronco. I got a taste of what Mr. Ronco had to offer with Unholy Domain, the second book. Peacemaker is the first. 2031: The Singularity Pogrom was just as good. This is saying something as sometimes second and third novels can never live up to the first. I was cheering for Ray the whole time. ...

When Will Kiehn was a young man, his family was visited by Edward Geisler. Edward is part of the China Mennonite Missionary Society. Edward shares about his latest trip in China and the goals of the Society. Will gets inspired by Edward. When it is time for Edward to return back to Kuang P’ing Ch’eng “City of Tranquil Light”, China; Will announces that he will be going with Edward. Edward introduces Will to Katherine Friesen, a nurse and Edward’s sister in law. Katherine will be joining them on the trip. As time passes, Will and Katherine become close. They eventually get married. Will and Katherine embrace the culture of China and love what they do. They love it so much that Will and Katherine end up living in China for twenty five years. City of Tranquil Light does tell a story of love, loss, change and hope. Mrs. Caldwell incorporated facts from her own grand parents’ experiences into this book. I really gravitated to Will. He was a great story teller. Everything that Will experienc...

Review by Nancy (my fellow book reviewer and friend) This tale begins with our meeting Paine and Lya, twins but having different fathers. If that disturbs you, best stop now for they may be some of the calmer folks you will meet on this journey. After an apocalyptic event, the world has been taken over by Witch Hunters - a dark group who will use any excuse to capture, torture and possibly turn anyone they suspect of witchery into on of them. To control the Hunters, they are given wormwood. A very addictive herb that allows they to become nearly automatons for their cause. Lya is one of their supreme reasons for existence. She is the witch they want and they will stop at nothing to get her. Paine, the quiet one, follows along, lusting after anyone he meets but loving Lya more than may be healthy. They come across Diarmuid and his wolfen companion, Fang; who take them along on a journey back to the safety of Haven. They have no idea that Haven is no more, burned to the ground by demons ...

Russell Wiley works for the Daily Business Chronicle. The newspaper has not been fairing so well lately…thanks to the internet. Russell must find a way to keep Livington Kidd. Livington Kidd is the Chronicle’s largest financial advertiser. If Russell can not find to keep them from leaving, than the Chronicle will end up old news. To make matters worse, Russell’s co-workers are not shy about stabbing Russell in the back. Can Russell find his way out of this rat race and come out on top? Russell Wiley is Out to Lunch and kind of forgot to come back. While I liked getting the inside look of what it takes to run a newspaper, I just didn’t connect with any of the characters. I thought Russell’s co-workers were whiny and too snarky for my taste. No wonder Russell would find ways to get away from it all for a while. I really wanted to like Russell but he was also such a downer. Mr. Hine does show some sliver of promise.

Everyone’s favorite miracle…Mrs. Merkle aka Mrs. Miracle is back. This time Mrs. Miracle is helping out at Finley’s Department Store. J.R. Finley and his son, Jake have not celebrated Christmas in twenty one years. After the tragic accident on Christmas Eve, neither one felt like celebrating. Holly Larson is caring for her nephew, Gabe. Holly’s brother and Gabe’s father, Mickey is in Afghanistan. For Christmas, Gabe has his eyes on the Intellytron robot. It costs two hundred and fifty dollars. Holly knows it will be tough but if she saves up every penny she could get the robot for Gabe. Will Holly’s Christmas wish cone true as well this year? I both read and watched the Hallmark television movie of Mrs. Miracle. I like many other fans could not get enough of Mrs. Miracle. I was so excited to see Call Me Mrs. Miracle. I didn’t think it was possible to love Mrs. Miracle any more than I already did but I was wrong. She is a great match maker. Gabe was so cute. Holly and Jake made a perfec...

Michael O’Connell has lived a life of crime. We are not talking just petty crime but the big time crime that comes with a heavy penalty. After one of his latest jobs, Michael is arrested. He has been set up. What Michael learns while he is being processed is that he broke into the home of a District Attorney. Michael is found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. While being transported to MCI Cedar Junction, Michael is hit by a stray bullet during a break out. Michael awakes up to find that the world has changed in a big way. Shortly after Michael was sentenced, the Supreme Court decided that incarnation was too inhumane. This resulted in millions of inmates being released back into the real world. Inmates are roaming free with no fear. If they mess up they are re-educated but not imprisoned. Will the world ever be safe again? The End of Marking Time is the first book I have read by CJ West. I must admit that the first third of this book, I was not really feeling it. It felt l...

Janet Aims is ready to start a brand new life. She already has a new shorter hair do. The last thing Janet has on her list in order to complete rid her of her ex-husband, Banner Westfield or the Westfields is to sell off all the jewelry Banner gave her. Janet sells her jewelry and makes off like a bandit. She got more money than she thought she would. Unfortunately, Janet’s enthusiasm is short lived. The authorities want to talk to Janet about the jewelry she sold. It seems that the necklace Janet sold is part of the Pellinni Jewels. Someone stole the whole collection. Janet is in some hot water. There is only one person who can help Janet…ex-con and professional jewel thief, Rocky Hernandez. This book has intrigue and sizzling romance. Janet may have married into wealth but she is not a snob. Janet could handle herself in tough situations. Rocky is easy on the eyes. It is easy to see why Janet could fall for the bad guy. Thieves Like Us does find perfectly into the category of romanti...

May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have never a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!

The Morningstar Strain has left just a handful of people unaffected by the strain. The few people that are still living are trying to survive. Two of those people are Francis Sherman and Anna Demilio. Francis and Anna hope to find a cure. In order to do so they will have to survive long enough to find one. It won’t be easy in this zombie infested waste land. Thunder and Ashes is the follow up book to Plague of the Dead. You don’t need to read book one in order to figure out what is going on. While I like this book. It reminded me of Dawn of the Dead, It took me a very long time to really get into this book and be on board with the characters. I never really became fully committed to the characters and thus I didn’t care who won the zombies or the humans or if Francis and Anna found a cure for the Morningstar Strain. On the plus side the battles in this book were believable. Overall, Thunder and Ashes did not deliver in my eyes.

Jennifer Levenworth is at the hair salon when her life crumbles before her eyes. Jennifer’s husband Judge Will Levenworth has been charged with bribery. Jennifer rushes home to fine Will there. Will tells Jennifer that the charges are not true. He is innocent. Jennifer hopes Will is right because if found guilty, Will could be sentenced to up to twenty five years in prison. Jennifer starts to crack under all the pressure of Will’s job on the line. Jennifer has a bad headache, only this headache is not your typical migraine. Jennifer has mind changing experiences. To be honest, I got about half way through this book and finally gave up on it. I found Jennifer to be a bit whiny. She got on my nerves. Though, I did appreciate Jennifer’s husband, Will trying to turn a negative into a positive, instead of him just giving up and letting Jennifer take over. I did find Jennifer’s new “gift” kind of cool but also I would be a little freaked out by it if I was experiencing what Jennifer was. I d...

The King's Daughter is the story of Princess Elizabeth. Growing up, Elizabeth knew she may not be the prettiest but that that did not matter as she was known as the King's daughter. She could guarantee that she would be married to whomever her father wished upon her. Every time that Elizabeth was seen to prospects she always felt like she was at a cattle drive. Elizabeth knew she had to please her father but Elizabeth is smart and has ideas of her own. When Elizabeth meets the German Prince, Frederick of Bohemia, she feels a connection with him despite him being a Protestant. Unfortunately, when the King changes his mind about marrying Elizabeth to Frederick, she must decide what she really wants for her future. Mrs. Dickason did a wonderful job telling the story of Princess Elizabeth in The King's Daughter. I have read many books about Elizabeth and what I find about the other books is that they don't fully focus on Elizabeth or that they insert sexual innuendos. Don...

Ok, I admit it, I have watched all the episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians. I mean what is not to like about the show. They are entertaining, crazy and they love each other. If you are a fan of the show and want to know more about this famous family than you need to stock up this Chrismas with a copy of Kardashian Konfidential 'GET YOUR COPY' HERE LINK: http://media.hbpub.com/stmartins/kardashiankonfidential/preorder.html Visit KARDASHIAN KONFIDENTIAL on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/kardashiankonfidential#!/pages/Kardashian-Konfidential/152082401488945 Enter for a chance to win 1 of 10 signed copies of Kardashian Konfidential and on-the-go roller perfumes of Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian! And one lucky winner will win the grand prize that's perfect for you and your sister (or best friend!). ONE Grand Prize Winner receives: 2 signed copies of Kardashian Konfidential, 2 on-the-go roller perfumes of Kim Kardashian, 2 DASH tote bags, 2 DASH scented candles, 2 DA...

Edward Middleton comes home to find his girlfriend, Jane has left him. Jane and Edward have been a couple for ten years. As if things couldn’t be worse, Jane not only left Edward but left the country. Jane went to Tibet. Though she did leave Edward a note. She told him that “You’ve let yourself go, So I’m letting you go. She left it on his scale and told him to use it for more than just stacking newspapers. Edward has three months before Jane returns. Edward’s good friend, Dan tells Edward that he needs to get his act together. This is funny as Dan is a womanizer. Edward agrees. When Edward sees an ad for a “New You” advertising that Sam Smith can help get you in shape and transform into a new you. Edward calls. To his surprise Sam is really Samantha. Can Sam help Edward win Jane back? Mr. Dunn brings the fun…in funny. This book had me laughing and wanting to share this book with my friends. In fact my boss made a comment about the title of this book and right away I had to tell her ab...

Save the Assistants: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the workplace gives readers the down and dirty…ins and outs of being a personal assistant. I must admit that while I found this book interesting, it was not read more like a text book. It was dry at times. I even skimmed over parts of this book. While this book is a step by step guide book on how to help arm yourself in the work place, this book is interactive as well. There are some quizzes throughout this book. The song play lists was fun. I did not realize there were that many different work related songs. The chapter titled Bosses: The Bad, the Ugly, and the (Rarely) good were useful. There is the Non-Spouse…the one who is married to his job and expects you to be just as dedicated. Than you have the Boss’s Kid…the one who landed the job for who he is and not what he knows. Watch out for The Cliché…the boss who likes to have fun and degrades women. Another interesting tidbit was discovering who were the best and worse celebri...

Back in 2036, Muslims were celebrating the fall of their government. A group of Muslims were trying to taking over not only their country but the world. In a desperate act to gain ultimate control, the Muslims release a deadly plague into the world. The plague is known as “The Tears of Allah” or as the Americans called it “The Blood Virus”. The future is now. The year is 2412. People are trying to pick up the pieces and start over again, after the blood virus that sweeps across the world. The blood virus turned people into vampires. Charlotte works for the Council. Her boss is William, Vampire Lord and President of the United States. William informs Charlotte that Michael has betrayed them all. He wants Charlotte to go after Michael and stop him. Michael is very near and dear to Charlotte. Charlotte can not believe that Michael would switch sides. Charlotte hopes with all her heart that Michael is not a traitor. Dying Light is D. Scott Meek’s first novel. The vampires in this book were...

While out riding, King George and his brother, Prince Shannon is ambushed by Gaal Grey and his pack of Grey Wolves. The Vampirian and the Wolves have been bitter enemies for centuries. Gaal and his wife are killed. The rest of the Grey Wolves retreat. A lone figure named Loki approaches Gaad and takes him away from the bloody scene. Gaal and his wife are killed. The rest of the Grey Wolves retreat. A lone figure named Loki approaches Gaad and takes him away from the bloody scene. Years later, Gaad is grown up. In this time, Gaad’s thirst for revenge has gotten worse. Princess Kristin and Princess Kylie want the war between the vampirians and the wolves to end. The only way to do so is to destroy Gaad. It seems that Prince Kolbe is more interested in being the rogue playboy than what is happening between the wolves and his people. Can anyone stop Gaad? The Cries of Vampira: The Horror of Gaad Grey, The Evil Alpha Werewolf-Volume 1 is dark and gruesome. Warning to those who are weak in t...

The year is 1889. Thirty years ago, The General built the Red Valley Republic. At this time the world was lush with trees and grass. The world was evolving. Flash forward to present day. The world is desolate…thanks to the battle between the Lines and the rebel Guns. The Lines are focused on industry and spreading it across the world as quickly as possible. The Guns are the bandits of the world. They fight not with words but with weapons and violence. Liv Alverhuysen is a doctor of Psychology. Dr. Alverhuysen receives a letter addressed to her late husband from Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell is the director of the House Dolorous. Mr. Howell wants Liv’s husband to come out West and share his teachings with the world. Liv is in need of some adventure and packs her bags and travels West. John Creedmoor is an Agent of the Gun. The General has a secret locked away in his mind. A secret that who ever possess this knowledge will gain ultimate power. John wants this power for himself. He is a loner an...

Songs of Love and Death is the perfect anthology for every reader. It has a little bit of everything for everyone from paranormal, zombies, and favorite characters from series… as well as new stories from best selling authors. This anthology brings out the heavy hitters. Mr. Jim Butcher brings his tough as nails Harry Dresden, a puzzling string of love pact murder cases in Love Hurts. Meet some magical sea creatures in Melinda M. Snodgrass’s The Wayfarer’s Advice. There are so many good stories to choose from in this anthology that you will have a hard time picking just one. This anthology was well put together. I met some new authors as well as old favorites. I do not want to give anything away in this anthology. If you have not picked up Songs of Love and Death than you better make sure that it is on your Christmas wish list.

When Ellen Gowan was just a little girl, her father died in a tragic accident. Ellen and her mother, Connie moved in with Ellen’s Aunt and her family. While Ellen’s Aunt and cousin did not mind having Ellen and her mother around; Ellen’s Uncle was a different story. It got to be too much for Ellen and her mother dealing with Ellen’s Uncle’s wrath that they moved out. Years later, Ellen’s mother passes away and Ellen marries the dashing Raoul de Valentin. Ellen gives birth to a daughter. Raoul is displeased and abandons Ellen and his daughter. With no money, Ellen turns to her talent as a skilled dressmaker. Ellenreceives the chance of a lifetime when she is commissioned by the Countess of Hawksmoor to make her a ballgown. Everyone is so jealous of the Countess’ dress that Ellen soon finds herself being requested by the wealthy. Things are looking up for Ellen until Raoul comes back into the picture. Will Ellen finally get her happy ending? The Dressmaker is the first book I have ever r...

Joy is the host of Dining with Joy. She got the gig when her she was working as associate producer on her father’s cooking show, Dining with Charles. When her father passed away the show became Dining with Joy. Dining with Joy has started to become wildly popular. The network TruReality has picked up the show for another season. There is just one problem…Joy can’t cook! Chef Luke Redmond was the owner of a Manhattan restaurant. That all changed when he had to file bankruptcy. Luke receives an opportunity to still be in the cooking business but on a slightly different scale. Luke is the new co-host of Dining with Joy. Wenda Devine is the host of the show Cook-Off and Joy’s rival. Her main goal is to destroy Joy. Will Wenda win? Rachel Hauck is a new to me author. I like the concept of this book. I could not wait to check out Dining with Joy as I love the Food Network Channel. Joy was a simple down to earth woman. It seemed like Joy did not care too much for the spotlight. This surprised...

Fans of the Immortals series are awaiting the final installment in this series...Night Star. The book will be out for release on November 16, 2010. Check out the book trailer in the mean time. "Night Star continues the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. In this installment, Ever and Damen face down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Immortals Series Website: http://www.immortalsseries.com/ Immortals Series Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ImmortalsSeries?v=app_6009294086

Freddie is a frog who lives with his parents on Treble Clef Island. He is awakened in the middle of the night by a strange thumping noise. Frog-eating crocodiles, a swinging rope bridge, and a humongous gray monster are all part of Freddie’s adventure as he explores the island in search of the thump. Sharon Burch A music teacher, clinician, and author, Sharon Burch developed an effective method using fiction and fantasy to teach musical concepts to her preschool through third grade students. Freddie the Frog puppet was the star and quickly became the students favorite musical friend and best teacher. Sharon designs and creates Freddie the Frog resources for the music classroom. In growing demand as a clinician, Sharon and Freddie share their interactive teaching methods in elementary music with educational groups across the country. Energized teachers realize the "magic of Freddie" and fun in the sessions. As an author/presenter, Sharon advocates the multiple benefits of musi...

When Charlie was just a baby, his father disappeared leaving his mother to raise him. Flash forward to the present. Charlie is celebrating his twelve birthday. While ice skating at the pond with his best friend, Bailey; Charlie spots a strange old man watching them. Charlie and Bailey arrive back at his house to find both Charlie and Bailey's mothers talking to the same man at the pond. The old man introduces himself as Professor Henry Grayson. Grayson is Headmaster at the Thornfield School for the Gifted. Professor Grayson informs Charlie and Bailey that they must come with him as the enemies have found them. Back at the Thornfield, Charlie and Bailey meet other children with special abilities like them. It is at Thornfield that Charlie learns who he really he. During a visit back home, Charlie finds a letter written by his father. In the letter his father talks about Merlin and a object that he hid in between the passage of time. Charlie, Bailey and a few friends must find the ob...

Julie Wynne thought for sure she would die in prison. Luckily for her, a mysterious benefactor decided to take pity on her in exchange for her services. Julia finds herself the in the employment of Lord Ashcroft. Lord Ashcroft’s mother, Lady Georgiana is in need of a new companion. Just like Julie, Ned Fairchild’s future did not look promising. Though, Ned finds himself the Earl of Dorset and one of the most popular men around. Now both Ned and Julie have found themselves in a world of mystery, intrigue and romance. I have to confess that I have never heard or read anything by this author until now. At first when I started reading this book I got a bit lost as it jumped around very quickly. I felt that I was starting in the middle of the book. Once I figured out what was happening, I was able to really sit back and enjoy this book. Julie blossomed before my eyes. She started out as a somewhat meek but as the story progressed, she grew more comfortable in her own skin and had spunk to h...

Oliver Stone is recruited by the President of the United States to help serve his country on a top secret mission. In exchange for his services, Stone will never have to worry about the government knocking on his door again. The offer is too good for Stone to refuse. Stone is standing outside in Lafayette park, outside of the White House, enjoying his last night before he heads out of the country. High dignitaries are heading to their cars after being wined and dined at a dinner honoring the British Prime Minister. Suddenly, everything turns to disaster when a bomb goes off. Stone wakes up in the hospital. Due to the high nature of this threat the FBI, Secret Services, and the Camel Club are all working on solving the case. It was great to see the Camel Club together again in action. Everyone brings something new to the table. Stone is the ultimate action hero. He dishes out the butt-kicking and always leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. Right from the beginning I was fully mersed in...

The website Associates Degree put together a list of 50 books that they beleive every young woman should read. There is a list of some of the books that appear. To see the complete list, you can go here. The Classics Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: With a strong-willed main character, struggling to define herself in Victorian society where women were often denied many of the rights we enjoy today, this book was a bit scandalous in its own time. Today, it provides young women with a love story that, while romantic, is filled with intrigue, drama and girl-power aplenty. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: This well-known read showcases a time period when marriage was as much about economics as it was about love. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: In this dystopian fable, Atwood creates a future world where women have no rights and are separated into distinct classes. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: While the movie is certainly a classic worth watching, read this book to get ...

Review by Nancy (my good friend) Stefani realizes early than the only companion she can truly count on is her Raggedy Ann doll. Not saying much, is it? She has seen her mother die, been through foster care, taken every marital arts course available. She lives in an apartment with roommates she never sees, doesn't speak to and works two jobs. She will be 21 in ten days and all she can think of is how to stop this extremely nasty black crap from coming out of her mouth when she throws up - which is often. Pregnant? Not hardly. It seems out Stefani might be a gargoyle. Yep. The stony things on top of old buildings and in horror movies. What d'ya know? Her roomies, Staci and Lisa, drift in and out of her reality. Sometimes they are roomies, sometimes very bad ladies and sometimes, nurses persuading her to talk her pills. We never really know which is correct and, with all gong on in this book we don't have time to figure it out. There are beheadings, beleggings, murders, more v...

Minneapolis, MN - Nov 9, 2010 - Everyone in the Olina family, living and dead, knows the family secret: Magel keeps human body parts in her freezer. The old Hotpoint has stood against the back wall of the single car garage since 1950. The garage floor is polished concrete-not a tire tread or drop of oil has touched it. Magel keeps it as clean as a morgue, and whenever a family member loses a body part-adenoids, gallstones, or severed fingers-there is always a place for it in the depths of her freezer. Magel saves everything: newspapers, wrapping paper, baby teeth, etc., and the story has fun with the hoarding issue. Hilarious, macabre, and moving, author Nancy Baker has bravely dissected the psychological machinations of matriarchal power. Magel's Daughter follows Karin Brix, who is in her last days of sanity-and it's all her mother's fault. Karin is on her way to becoming just like her, struggling to re-gain herself as an artist after years of raising her two sons. She is ...

When Dashiel Thorpe, Earl of Brimsworth sees the lovely Caitrin Macleod under a full moon, he can not control himself. Dash ends up biting Caitrin. Though the bite, Dash binds Caitrin to him. Immediately after the incident, Caitrin runs to her room and heads back home to Scotland. Dash has never met anyone like Caitrin and knows he probably will never meet anyone like her again. Dash follows Caitrin. Can he convince Caitrin that she does belong with him? The Taming of the Wolf is the latest novel from dynamic duo, Tammy Falkner and Jodie Pearson writing as Lydia Dare. I was first introduced to these authors and what they had to offer when I read the first book, A Certain Wolfish Charm. The passion involving Dash and Caitrin was almost animalistic. They were meant to be together. Dash is the perfect name for Dashiel as he is dashing. Caitrin is feisty and knows how to put Dash in his place. I missed reading the two books after the first one and after finishing this one, I really want to...

The day was August 4, 2009 . Real estate developer and attorney Alan Sakowitz receives a phone call from a fellow real estate broker. The broker tells Mr. Sakowitz about a law firm that has some funded settlement agreements and wondered if he would be interested in purchasing them. Mr. Sakowitz agrees to meet with the law firm and see if the investment is a good deal. The law firm in charge of the hedge funds is Rothstein, Rosenfeldt, and Adler, P.A. or RRA . Mr. Sakowitz and his associate go to meet the chairman, Scott Rothstein. Right from the beginning, Mr. Sakowitz sensed things were not on the up and up with Mr. Rothstein. Despite the high praise Mr. Rothstein had received from many highly prominent people in the community. Through several more conversations with Mr. Rothstein; Mr. Sakowitz knew he could not let Mr. Rothstein scheme another person. Mr. Sakowitz turned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which eventually led to the conviction of Mr. Rothstein. Mr. Rothstein had...

The Reindeer Keeper tells the story of Abbey and Steve-together since the 60s; marrying immediately upon Steve's return from Vietnam. Now thirty years later, Abbey has been given the gift of an old farmhouse plus 120 acres of fields and pastures and a majestic barn-home to a herd of reindeer tended to by an odd little man. Now with Abbey's cancer in remission, they're looking forward to their boys coming home for Christmas. Sadly Abbey's father had passed away earlier in the year. They'd always spend the holidays together. Abbey still found herself crying at the thought of him. It was a different story when it came to her mother who died when Abbey was just 14. Abbey never shed a tear. Still to this day, she hadn't shed a single tear. Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Chri...

Ashdown, AR - Nov 8, 2010 - Jackie Brown tells all about the real story of the rise of Mary Kay Cosmetics in her new book, Ask ME About Mary Kay: The true story behind the bumper sticker on the pink Cadillac. In December of 1963, grief over the recent assassination of President Kennedy gave rise to a heightened sense of urgency to "grab the brass ring now." So it was that on a snowy day in Dallas, a legal secretary looking for a brighter future for herself and her family answered an ad placed by a new company, Mary Kay Cosmetics. In Jackie Brown's brief interview with Mary Kay, she became convinced not only of the company's quality products and the founder's values, but also of the potential in the marketing plan. Here was a company that would reward her hard work and dedication with an executive paycheck! Jackie rose through the ranks of Mary Kay Cosmetics as no one else did. Jackie's successes in selling and recruiting laid the foundation for a cosmetics emp...

The Tranquillity Initiative is a medical thriller about an anthrax attack on New York City. It is a book that is so in tune with current events that author Joan Meijer had to rewrite significant parts of it as the present kept catching up and passing her fiction. Starting with a President who is caught in an unpopular war during a re-election campaign, the action of this story moves the reader through authorization of the use of illegal anthrax weaponry on another country, weapons stolen from our overseas bases and returned to the United States through a customs that was not warned about the danger because of the fear that the Administration might be found to have engaged in illegal use of germ warfare. As Bob Woodward discussed in Obama's Wars, the military has taken over this Administration and tactics that were frowned upon overseas have come back to haunt us. Two bombs are smuggled into New York City. One is opened and, when no explosives are found inside them, the terrorists m...

Samia “Sam” Savage is a Were Hunter. She lives up to the reputation that Were Hunters have…tough exterior and good at their job. Dev Peltier has guarded the Sanctuary along with his fellow were bear brothers and sister for a long time. Dev has seen a lot of things. Dev is a bit unprepared when he meets Sam. Her being a Were Hunter makes her his enemy. The only thing Dev feels towards Sam is attraction. A powerful evil is brewing. One that could destroy Sanctuary and everyone with it. Sam and Dev will have to join forces if either one plans on surviving. No Mercy is book nineteen in the Dark Hunter series. If you have not read this series, you will want to start with book one and work your way up to book nineteen. Just because this series is that good. Some of the prior characters make appearances in this book. From the first moment I opened this book, I knew that I was going to have a hard time putting it down. There was lots of action to be found in this book along with romance and pa...

The first book featuring Dewey, the cat that won millions of readers over was such a huge success that author Vicki Myron was not planning on writing another book but knew she could not just leave readers hanging. This time as most of Dewey’s story was told in the first book, Mrs. Myron decided to show case nine stories from readers and their cats. The stories were endearing and some sad. It was nice to get to read about other readers’ stories and to get to know their cats. Cats like any other animal are people in my eyes too. While, I thought the stories featured were interesting I never fully became immerged into the stories. Though, I can assure you that I will never forget Mr. Sir Bob Kittens, Spooky, Cookie and all the rest of the cats. The pictures of the cats are great. There is one thing about this book and that is Dewey and his magic lives on in all of us. Additionally, if the stories of Dewey's Nine Lives remind you of a cat you know or have known, Penguin USA and Vicki M...

Public Relations consultant, Emma Tremayne lost her job. She now finds herself in the middle of nowhere Ville, Lake District trying to convince the men of Bannerdale Mountain Rescue Team to pose nude for a twelve month calendar spread. It is for a good cause. The Bannerdale Mountain Rescue Team could really use the money. Their building is in need of a paint job among other things. There is just one big obstacle standing between Emma and her goal…his name is Will Tennant. Will sees Emma as one feisty woman. Will knows there must be another way to raise money then a calendar but no one is coming up with any other ideas. Will gives in though he is hoping he will not regret his decision. Dating Mr. December is a cute, fun, silly read. I must admit that this book was slow to me. It took a while to gain momentum and it never seemed to really gain full speed. At first I was turned off by Will. He was grouchy and did not seem to be much of a people person. Emma definitely seemed out of place ...

Dr. Thomas Lourds has just arrived in Istanbul, Turkey. He is there to teach at the Istanbul University. Dr. Lourds is greeted by a sexy, red head at the airport. Before Dr. Lourds knows what is happening, he is kidnapped. CIA Special Agent James Dawson has a mess on his hands. The plan was to get Dr. Lourds…quickly in and quickly out. Someone else beat the CIA to the punch. That someone else appears to be the Irish Republican Army. Everyone wants Dr. Lourds. There is an ancient scroll that was written by John of Patmos. John also wrote the Book of Revelation in the Bible. It is said that whoever can decipher the scroll can gain ultimate power. Dr. Lourds will have to watch his back as you never know who is friend or foe. The Lucifer Code is the latest Dr. Thomas Lourds novel. It can be read as a stand alone novel. The Lucifer Code is a wild, ride…filled with thrill and intrigue. I was hooked right from the beginning. There was lots of action and mystery. Dr. Lourds is a good main char...

A huge hurricane named Juanita is brewing. It is making its way to Houston . Four year old, Joey was playing at the park with his mother, Crystal. A man walks up to Joey and asks him to help find his lost puppy. Joey goes with the man. Joey’s mother reacts oddly. So what is Crystal hiding and did she have something to do with Joey’s disappearance. Joey’s father would not put it past Crystal to harm Joey if she saw a way to get lots of money quick. Joey’s father is not innocent either. Texas Ranger and murder profiler, Sarah Armstrong is called out to Josh Braun’s ranch. Someone has slaughtered one of his bulls. This case is different then just someone killing an animal. The animal has a weird symbol carved into its body. Soon, Sarah receives more reports of more dead cattle with symbols found on their bodies. Sarah must piece together both cases and what their connections are to each other before it is too late. The Killing Storm is the third Sarah Armstrong novel. I really liked Sarah...

Young Elizabeth "Bess" Brooke is fearful that she may catch the eye of King Henry VIII and become his next wife, so she removes herself from court, just until King Henry remarries. While back at home, Bess meets Will Parr. Will informs Bess and her family that the King has shown interest in his sister, Kathryn. This excites Bess as the King promised her that she could be one of the maids of honor for his next Queen. King Henry does end up marrying Kathryn. Bess returns to court. Bess and Will start up a relationship with each other. Will is still married to Anne Bourchier, even though they have been separated for a long time. Bess hopes to convince Queen Kathryn to allow her to marry Will, as the only way Will and Bess can be married is by royal decree. Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree is the third Secrets of the Tudor Court book. This book can be read as a standalone novel. I knew nothing about Bess Brooke, so it was nice that this book focused on something differ...

Natalie and Matthew are getting ready to become man and wife. This is a big step but even bigger for werewolf couples. There is one person that both Natalie and Matthew can relay on to help their with last minute jitters. His name is Oliver and he is a vampire. Oliver is one heck of an excellent chef. Funny considering that vampires usually drink blood. There is just one problem…Oliver enjoys being with both Natalie and Matthew. Things will be crazy enough between Natalie and Matthew without having a third in the mix, though will they be able to just let Oliver walk out of their lives forever? Oliver’s Good Night Kiss by Erin O’Riordan is a yummy, quick read. I have not read any thing by Erin O’Riordan prior. If I was Natalie I would have had a hard decision to make between Matthew and Oliver. There were good qualities in both of them. Matthew because he is Natalie’s mate and Oliver because he is good looking for a vampire as well as great in the kitchen. If you are looking for a tasty...