On The Back Early in history of the English language, the word grammar and glamour meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author or Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, Engaging alternative to stuffy instructional. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the particularities of punctuation to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. The Glamour of Grammar gives readers all the tools they need to “live inside the language”- to master grammar to hone meaning, to read with a critical eye, and to enchant thought their writing. With this indispensable book, readers will come to see just how glamorous grammar can be. My Thoughts Grammar is my biggest issue as a blogger. As I am sure many of you have noticed from reading my blog posts I am not a good speller and punctuation? HA! Forget about it! (Sadly I even took children’s literature classes in college and they still did not help me … [Read more...]
The Body Shop by Paul Solotaroff Review and Giveaway
On The Back In January of 1976, Paul Solotaroff went off to college as a skin-and-bones loner in platform heels and David Bowie mullet. When his father drove out to campus to bring him home at term’s end, Paul was 190 pounds of shrink-wrapped muscle, having discovered the alchemies of the campus weight room and the new miracle of steroids. It was the summer that disco swept New York, and the city, nearly bankrupt and besieged by crime, forgot its troubles in a riot of sex and dancing that cranked till four in the morning. Paul quickly discovered that his ripped physique made the velvet ropes swing open- as if by magic- at the hottest nightclubs New York had to offer. And his biceps threatened to tear the sleeves of his Nik Nik shirts as he met willing young women on dance floors populated by Gotham’s elite. My Thoughts Let me start out by saying, when I read books it is usually in my car while I am waiting to pick up my daughter from school. This book The Body Shop … [Read more...]
Too Rich for a Bride By Mona Hodgson
On The Back Ida Sinclair’s one desire is to be a successful businesswoman, but she leaves business school before completing her course when a professor informs her that the only way she’ll reach her goal is to become his mistress. Determined to prove him wrong—along with every other man who thinks women have no place in business—Ida joins her sisters Kat and Nell in Cripple Creek, Colorado, a growing mining town full of opportunity. She quickly obtains a job working for Mollie O’Bryan, Cripple Creek’s somewhat infamous but undeniably successful businesswoman. My Thoughts I love books that take place in the 1800's that is why I knew I would live Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson. Too rich for a bride is about a woman named Ida who wants to make it in the man’s business world. She knows as a woman she will have her struggles but that does not deter her from what she wants. After almost being forced to leave school early she finds a job opening in a small … [Read more...]
Penny and Rio Review and Giveaway
On The Back A new adventure! The dynamic canine detectives, Penny and Rio, escape from the backyard for the first time in search of a valuable diamond collar lost by Hannah, the beautiful show dog. During their search for the misplaced treasure, they encounter Ted, the loveable and energetic collie, Sarge, the belligerent and forceful German shepherd, and an obstacle of epic proportions. But just when it feels like Penny has reached the end of the adventure, the prize is ripped from her grasp. Solving this new problem will take all the ingenuity and determination these dog detectives can muster. My Thoughts You might remember my past review on Penny and Rio! Now there is yet another fun adventure! Penny and Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure by Jennifer Swanson! My daughter was so thrilled when this book arrived. She loves the first two books and so I knew she would jump at the chance to read another one. I was right! When I opened the package she screamed “Penny and Rio.” Penny … [Read more...]
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
On The Back Every Man was once a boy. And every little boy has dreams, big dreams: dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys. Of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up into a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty. But what happens to those dreams when we grow up? Walk into most churches, have a look around, and ask yourself: What is a Christian man? Without listening to what is said, look at what you find there. Most Christian men are….bored. My Thoughts Have you ever wanted to know what a man is thinking? What is in his heart and soul? I have and I am sure many of you have felt the same way. I read Captivating and is coauthored by John Eldredge; it is about the story of a woman’s heart and I was so inspired by the book that I knew I had to read Wild at Heart Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul By John Eldredge. I just had to know what they said about a … [Read more...]
The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
On The Back Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I,53)? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium (Cd, 48)? How did radium (Ra,88) nearly ruin Marie Curie’s reputation? And why did tellurium (Te, 52) lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history? The periodic table is one of our crowning scientific achievements, but it’s also a treasure trove of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The fascinating tales in The Disappearing Spoon follow carbon, neon, silicon, gold, and every single element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, conflict, the arts, medicine, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. My Thougths The scientific table of elements is something that has always been interesting to me but also very hard to understand. Sam Kean author of The Disappearing Spoon has generously broken down the table into mote simple terms that made it easier for me to understand. At first I … [Read more...]
The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue By Deb Scott
On The Back Do you want to be happy? Of course! We all want to be peaceful, purposeful, and experience authentic, lasting joy. The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue (http://www.greenskyandbluegrass.com/) , offers fresh, fun, and surprising ways to live in lasting happiness. All ages will enjoy learning how to transform ANYTHING bad into a diamond you LOVE. Ready to receive a powerful, and effective mind vitamin to be happy? These pages were written for you! My Thoughts Have you ever found a self help book that you felt was written just for you? They is how I felt with every word of Deb Scott’s book The Sky Is Green And The Grass Is Blue, Turning your upside down world right side up! With each chapter Deb Scott had me rethinking many aspects of my life. Some of the chapters start out with questions and end with exercises for you to answer pertaining to your life. I really liked this feature because I felt that it put many of my current situations in retrospect. I was … [Read more...]
The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand review and Giveaway
On the Back With rumors of infidelity straining Greg and Tess MacAvoy’s marriage, the couple head out on their sailboat one early summer day to celebrate their wedding anniversary, hoping the roughest waters are behind them. But in an accident off Nantucket, they mysteriously drown, leaving behind two small children as well as the three couples who have long been their closest friends. Tragedy brings to the surface long-simmering conflicts and emotions, and the MacAvoys’ six grieving friends find themselves unprepared for the revelation of secret upon secret as they struggle to answer the question: What happened to Greg and Tess? The Castaways probes the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness as it tells a page-turning story of passion, betrayal, and suspense, filled with the perfect details of summer island life that have made Elin Hilderbrand’s novels beloved bestsellers. My Thoughts The beginning of this book was very confusing for me. It … [Read more...]
The I Hate To Cook Book Review and Giveaway
On The Back Fifty Years Ago, Peg Bracken wrote The I Hate To Cook Book- and helped change women’s lives forever. At that time her message was a revolutionary one for housewives: You don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to host parties or feed your family. Cooking can be easy and more important; it’s okay if you’d rather be doing something else! My Thoughts Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in day to day life and just when I am finally ready to sit and relax I look at the clock to realize that it is time to start supper! Have you ever felt that way? I know that I want to be a good mom and wife but I no longer have the time to spend 4 hours in the kitchen preparing one meal. I Hate To Cook Book By Peg Bracken understands how I feel. They have conveniently put together a good tasting mix of recipes that are fast and the whole family can enjoy! I of coarse have tried many recipes out if this book during my review and I have not found one that I have not liked yet! … [Read more...]
Love, Sex & Deception Book Review
The Chornicles of Online Dating Love, Sex & Deception by Lisa Hultin & Claire Hultin On The Back Have you ever had a date arrive dresses as Elvis and it wasn’t Halloween? How about that handsome guy who said, “I’m divorced” but failed to mention he’s now remarried? We are a mother and daughter who have dated online, compared our notes on “internet frogs,” and actually survived! Reality is the best education, as seen in the humorous anecdotal stories of singles who expos “the real” cyber scene. Learn how to be a savvy shopper online with strategies to protect your most important investment-your affection, trust, and time! My Thoughts I am very fortunate to be married. In fact I don't know what I would do if I had to play the dating game again; especially after reading the book Love, Sex & Deception by Laisa Hultin and Claire Hultin. Love, Sex & Deception is a hilarious book put together with numerous dating stories. I laughed so hard at so many of them … [Read more...]
Unexpected Treasures by Dr. Mikel Brown – Review
On The Back Unexpected Treasures by Dr. Mikel Brown Unexpected Treasures gives you 72 motivational triggers to help strengthen you throughout periods of discouragement or mental collapses resulting from prolonged battles with unpleasant incidents. Life cradles within it’s cavity unwelcome challenges that we all must face without exception. Whether you are trying to get over a divorce, struggling with bankruptcy, battling drug and alcohol addiction, depression, or you are experiencing the lack of passion to simply live your dream, Unexpected Treasures will not only inspire you to delve deep within yourself for answers, but will give you the strategies to overcome and ignite the passion in your life once again. My Thoughts Sometimes Self Help books are hard to review. Each book touches my life but at different stages. I did not receive this book at the right stage and for some reason I had a very hard time getting into this book. I know that everything that was written was true … [Read more...]
Babushka’s Beauty Secrets Review and Giveaway
On the Back Babushka’s Beauty Secrets Old World Tips for a Glamorous New You by Raisa Ruder and Susan Campos Esthetician to the starts Raisa Ruder learned her time-tested beauty techniques from her Ukrainian grandmother (or babushka, as they say in the old country). Now everyone can discover the all-natural, better than-Botox secrets the Hollywood stars use to shine on the red carpet! Ruder reveals her sought-after beauty recipes that can fight wrinkles, give you plump lips, and eliminate crow’s feet and acne-all by using inexpensive, everyday grocery items like eggs, honey, vegetable oil, and strawberries (and a splash of vodka for freshness!) At last, by a popular demand, Raisa Ruder opens up her babushka’s secret pantry and shares her most amazing and effective beauty advice. My Thoughts Have you ever wanted to down size your pores, Banish your Bags, or Volumize? Well I have the book for you! Raisa Ruder and Susan Campos have come up with a homemade recipe for … [Read more...]
Love on A Dime by Cara Lynn James Review
Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James was 100 percent my kind of book. The story takes place in Newport, Rhode Island in 1899. Love of a Dime has a mixture of love, mystery, and Christian faith. I was captivated with the story of Lily and the life she is leading. Lily is a woman with her own mind and knows just what she wants out of life. She knows that what she is doing could bring ruin upon her family and now she is in so deep that she can’t seem to find any other way out. She is also torn between two men that want to spend the rest of their life with her. What will she do? Whom will she choose? Love on a Dime was an easy read and the type of book that I just could not put down. I love the style of writing that Cara Lynn James used in the book and I can't wait to read some more of her work. I also love that the Cara Lynn James wrote out a Reading Group Guide that can be found in the back of the book. What a clever idea! I received a copy of this book free of charge from Thomas … [Read more...]
Montana Destiny By R.C. Ryan-Review and GiveawayCLOSED
On the BackEmergency medic Marilee Trainor likes her freedom and lives for trouble. Then she stumbles upon a clue to the legendary McCord gold and suddenly finds herself in a mysterious killer’s sights-and in the arms of irresistible playboy Wyatt McCord. This McCord cousin has been everywhere, yet the ranch is the only place he feels at home. Now Marliee’s courage and independence make him want to protect her, win her heart, and finally settle down. But trust is the one thing Wyatt and Marilee can’t easily give. And their survival and everything they cherish depend on whether they can surrender to each other- to fight for their…Montana Destiny.My ThoughtsThis book had everything I would ask for, Action, Adventure, and Romance. It takes place in Montana near Treasure Mountain. The McCord cousins are brought back together by the death of their Grandpa Coot. Coot had searched his whole life for the lost treasure of his family. After his death the cousin’s decide they are going to pick up … [Read more...]
Ravished By a Highlander Review and GiveawayCLOSED
On the Back Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English Lady. For her own protection, she’s been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown’s most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal-and a bold rescue- land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing tough awaken her body and soul. My Thoughts I am a sucker for a good romance novel. I am the only woman in my family that reads romance and I have had my fair share of teasing over it. But, Hey! I don’t care! Besides it is fun sometimes to be reading before bed and to start reading the words out loud. The looks my husband gives me are hilarious! This book was a good read. There was a little bit of action thrown into the romance. It was not cheesy as some romance novels can be and it kept my interest the entire way through the book. Sometimes with romance novels I will stop half way because you just know that is going to happen and the end and there is … [Read more...]