~*Book Review*~

Book: The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere
My rating: 5/5
I received this book free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review.

The Christmas Note was a real treat to read. I consider it my first Christmas present to myself this holiday season. I won't reveal any spoilers here because I want readers to discover this gem for themselves!

First off, I love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter. They really add a special touch. Now to the story. Simply put, I loved it! The author's style of writing is so easy to read and you can just fly through this book in no time. Now that can be a negative, but I have many books I'd like to get through before the end of the year, so this works for me. Still, I hate to see a good book end!

Gretchen moves to a condo with her two small children. Her mother lives close by and along with her mother's best friend, they are a couple of characters I'd like to know. A lot of laughter is contained in those pages where they are present. Living next door to Gretchen, is Melissa. She's a bit on the grouchy side and does not really want to know her neighbors. Melissa needs something to believe in. Gretchen and her whole gang might just be that something.

Not giving anything away here, but everyone needs somebody to lean on every now and then, and this sweet story is about that and more. Much more. As with any good book, my emotions ran wild with this one. Some parts made me cry and others made me howl with laughter. Excellent little read and I highly recommend it!

~*Book Review!*~

Book: Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
My rating: 4/5
I received this book free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review.

I really enjoy reading supernatural thrillers. This book drew me in with that element and the setting is East Salem so it started off on a good note from the beginning. The author has a way with the scenic details so that you find yourself in the middle of the action. So real you can almost feel the Autumn mist touch your face and smell the blood that has been spilled by the murderer.

The main character, Dani, is a likable person. She's smart, pretty, and knows what she wants to do with her life. Combining her with an old love interest was genius! They knew each other in high school so they have history. Very good chemistry in this story-line. I'm not much for romance in the books I read, but the author just touched on this subject and I really appreciate this move.

As for the murder and supernatural element, the book is suspenseful and well laid out. It's one of those books where you think you know who the murderer is, but you don't find out until the end, which is they way a book should be written. Who wants to know the ending before even getting to the second chapter?

The reader is given the murder, the suspects, a few creepy moments, and a thrilling ending. Well, it's not actually an ending, because this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's more to come! Lis Wiehl definitely made me want more, so I look forward to the next book!

~*Book Review!*~

Book: There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
My rating: 4/5
I received this book free in exchange for a review from BookSneeze

I was drawn to this book because it takes place in Ireland. Being of Irish descent, this always appeals to me. I didn't notice it was 'Christian Lit' or 'Teenage Chick Lit' until I was well into it. That only means that this book is never too "preachy" or "juvenile".

Finley has lost her way and a bit of her faith. She is struggling with the death of her brother, and she's not sure if God is listening. I've felt like this in my life before, so I can relate. It feels as if you are not being heard and all you want to do is shout louder and louder so that maybe some day you'll get an answer.

I enjoyed the interaction between Finley and Mrs. Sweeney. One never giving too much, but the other giving just enough. They worked well together and brought out the best in each other. By the end of their time together, I was crying because they both got what they wanted. Their voice was finally heard. Finley made a difference and Mrs. Sweeney was finally understood.

The Beckett character was interesting, but I'm glad it did not overshadow the true meaning of this book. He was kind of a diversion, but he also kept Finley on her toes and asking questions. He provided support when she needed it the most. She also changed his life for the better, too.

This is a very inspirational book. I enjoyed it immensely and I look forward to reading more from this author. Her style of writing is very appealing to me. She's very on topic and has a way of putting the reader in the middle of the action. I'll forgive her for making me cry because that just means she's good at what she does.

I would recommend this book for anyone that has a fondness for 'chick lit' or inspirational titles because it is both. A very enjoyable read!

~*Book Review!*~

Book: Max on Life by Max Lucado

My rating: 4/5

I received this book free in exchange for a review from BookSneeze

I've read quite a few things by Max Lucado, but they were mainly Christmas themed. This book tackles the questions we've all had at least one time or another. We all have questions about God and faith and Max Lucado gives us the answers with a touch of humor. The humor is what appealed to me.

One answer made me chuckle out loud. The question was about good deeds and how many we have to do in order to right a wrong we may have committed. One line in particular was humorous, "If I lose my temper in traffic, can I make up for it by waving at the next four cars?" I actually laughed out loud on that one because I know people that think like this all the time. Another line I found funny, "...I'll forgive your selfishness if you'll put two dollars in the plate and have your mother-in-law over for dinner." Mr. Lucado really knows how to sell it with humor!

There are 172 questions that Mr. Lucado answers and I can tell that every one has been given a lot of thought. By the time you read his response, it kind of clicks, and everything falls into place the way it should. He helps you turn on the light bulb in your head and you just get it.

This was a quick read and a very entertaining one. I highly recommend Max on Life by Max Lucado. It's very interesting and makes one think.

Kindle review to come! (fingers crossed)

The following reasons are why I think I would make a good candidate for the Kindle campaign at BzzAgent.com:

1. I love reading and I read at least 2 books per month.
2. I give honest reviews.
3. I always share what I like and don't like with my friends and family.
4. I'm a member of Goodreads.com - just another place I can tell others about the Kindle 3!
5. I'm a member of the BOMC2 - they don't have ebooks, but I'm just letting you know how much I love to read!
6. I am so excited to join this compaign, I would *think* about getting a BzzAgent.com tattoo somewhere inconspicuous!
7. If I got picked, I would constantly gush about BzzAgent and Kindle all the time on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Tumblr, Pinterest, and anywhere else I can sign up and speak my mind!

Attention readers: With any luck, my next post will be a review of the awesome Kindle 3! Check back often and don't forget my other site for coupons and deals: http://samples-coupons-deals-ohmy.blogspot.com/    

Purex Crystals Giveaway!

My Facebook Purex Complete Crystals Softener Giveaway!


I've never done a giveaway before, but as part of the Purex Insiders club, I'm expected to do so now.

Up for grabs is a coupon for a free 28 oz. bottle of new Purex Complete Crystals Softener($5.50 value). I have 3 of these coupons to give away. If you'd like to be part of this contest, click the link above(in green) and leave a comment. Anyone can comment on my page. Sorry, only open to U.S. residents.

On Friday, March 11, 2011 at 12:00 p.m., I'll use a random name picker called The Hat to choose 3 names and I'll post the results at Blogspot and Facebook.

Here's a link if you'd like to check out the specifics of this new product. There's also a printable $1.00 off coupon at this site.

http://www.purex.com/MXTQEPZOXYOMU3813AXODMQMFIYLHZ

I have used this product and I'd have to say I like it very much. I love fabric softeners of any kind, but this one seems to make my clothes feel softer and the smell lasts for days. The very best things to use the Purex Crystals on are towels and sheets! I'm not kidding you, the smell is awesome! I tried the Fresh Spring Waters and I'm anxious to try the other 2 scents, Lavendar Blossom, and Tropical Splash.

Well, I hope a lot of people are interested in getting something for free! Good luck!

Purex plug!

I've been selected to be a Purex Insider. This gives me a chance to try new products before they are available to the public. The latest product I got a chance to try is Purex Complete Crystals Softener. It's available in the following scents:  Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, Tropical Splash. I love the smell and it's stay with the clothes for days! I used it on sheets and I just drifted off to sleep so happily! If you'd like to try it, click the link below. You'll also get a $1.00 off coupon!

Purex Complete Crystals $1.00 off coupon!

100 Words - Sounds of Nature

The menu screen of the DVD "A Bug's Life" is one of my favorite things. I love to put it on and just fall asleep to the sound of birds and insects. If it's possible to wear out a DVD just by repeating the menu screen, I'll probably have to buy a new one soon. What I really want is a recording of the frogs I hear at night. I love that sound. It's so soothing. I take comfort in simple things, because simple things comfort me. An insect's chirp. A bird's sweet melody. A comforting simple song of nature.

  

100 words - candy hearts

The candy hearts dropped from the bag during her trip home. One "Love" here and a "Kiss Me" there until all were gone. She didn't even notice that they had disappeared, she had her mind on the things most 13-year-old girls do...boys! Pretty enough, she had her share of crushes, but by age 50, she was weathered and alone.  She gave up on love and perished within a few years of solitude. No visitors or flowers at her grave. The only thing to prove that she was ever here...a tiny pink heart on a mound of dirt. "Be Mine".

  

100 words exercise

These are the stairs that lead to my mansion where I live with my detective husband. Upon entry, you'll notice the black and white checkerboard marble flooring. I'm sure you are impressed. The entryway is just our way of letting you know that we are sophisticated. There is no need to go beyond this point, for if I let you investigate further, you may see the empty wine bottles and the holes in the wall from last night's argument. Home is where the heart is and it's also where we look fabulous on the outside, but we are ugly within.

 

I forgot you

For a minute today, I thought I was normal. I forgot the mirror and lost sight of my reflection. Nothing to remind me of the things I hate. I experienced sweet bliss in that moment. My inner self beamed bright. The glow could be seen from space. Lighter than air, was the feeling in my soul. Yes, I forgot today who I was. I took a walk to celebrate. What?!? You're not allowed to be happy! Reality came a-knocking and kicked me to the curb. Minute over. Special glow vanished. Replaced by something more sinister. Damn you, reflective store window!

Selling stuff!

I like advertisements! I am constantly looking out for the next big thing or useless kooky item I just have to have! That's why I signed up to let Google and Amazon put ads on my blog page. They'll pay me when someone clicks on the ads. How cool is that?!? I love books, movies, and music, so they should be centered around those. It doesn't matter how little they pay because it all adds up! You know you want to look at those Lindt truffles and that new book by Stephen King! Click away ya'll, and help me out!

Sugar is our friend!

I used to LOVE sugar. It's bad for you and it wreaks havoc on your teeth. I am proud to say, that as of today, I am 18 days sugar free! I've lost a few pounds and I feel so much better, but I still miss my sugar fiend persona every day! She was fun. She melted Hershey's Chocolate bars and dipped popcorn in it. She used to buy the Rt. 44 cherry slush at Sonic and make it last for days. You could make a spoon stand up in the sugar at the bottom of her cereal bowl. I miss sugar.

Wow, I've been away for a long time!

I even forgot I had this blog page, and I used to love to blog! Well, I am resurrecting it right now! *paddles...CLEAR!* *beep*beep*beep* IT'S ALIVE!

Okay, now what to talk about. I think I'll start my 100 words again. I liked that. I'll have to think of a keyword. Be back later.

It's good to be back!