Book review

Road Signs

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Title: Road Signs

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 14th March 2011

ISBN: 9781426891335

Author: MJ Fredrick

This book, Road Signs, more or less reminds me of the song ‘God Blessed The Broken Road’ by Rascal Flatts.

Each and every one of us may have take a few wrong turns in life and ended up with the person that’s not right for us, but that doesn’t mean that it’s end of the road. It simply means that your true love is still out there, and all you need to do is gather up courage to do the right thing and pursue your happiness cuz for what it’s worth, sometimes, the heart speaks better than the head.

The Road Sign is an absolutely beautiful book about true love, second chance as well as the courage to do what’s right. This is absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing book, and those who is doing some soul searching, should read this book. Somehow… someway…. when I finished reading this book, I feel strangely satiated. This book have a ‘soul’. That’s all I can say and I hope this review do justice to the book.

I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book description:

Had she misread the signs?

Briefly captivated by the idea of romance and pretty, shiny weddings, Willow Hawkins agreed to meet her potential boyfriend’s family and quickly realized she’d made a mistake. Stranded in small-town Nowhere, Willow calls her best friend, Cameron Trask, for an escape.

Even though he’ll miss an important job interview, Cam comes to her rescue. When Willow starts to see Cam with new eyes, she wonders how she’s never made the connection from best friend to best lover. Willow has one chance to help the man she loves-join him on a cross-country road trip to get to the interview on time. On the way they’ll face a jealous puppy, an unreliable automobile and weather that threatens to trap them alone…together.

The biggest roadblock she’ll come up against? If Cam gets his dream job, Willow may lose him for good.

This book will only be published in March. For more information on this title, please click here to visit the author’s website.

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Book review

Memories of You

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Title: Memories of You

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 21st March 2011

ISBN: 9781426891342

Author: Bobbie Cole

Memories of You by Bobbie Cole is a very intriguing thriller. This book is a real page turner and I found that it’s very, very hard to put down. I keep want to keep on reading  so that I’ll find out what happened next, and I really have to say that my heart seems to beat faster when I was reading this book.

This book is also very sexy in it’s own way, and I certainly wouldn’t mind reading this book again.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Cold case detective Charlie Vargas is searching for a killer-but what she really needs to know is what happened to her lover, who vanished several months ago. When the phone rings and she hears Seth’s voice, she’s skeptical. He tells her his name is Mason Alridge, and the only thing he remembers after his accident is the number he called…hers.

Mason looks nothing like her former lover, but there’s something about his mannerisms, if not his face, that draws Charlie in. As they begin to piece together what few clues and skimpy details they have, Charlie and the man she believes is Seth slowly discover a mutual passion. With the Feds following at a distance and someone trying to kill them, will they live long enough to find out his true identity?

This book’s release date is 21st March 2011. For more information on this book, click here.

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Book review

Cupid’s Confederates

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Title: Cupid’s Confederates

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 21st March 2011

ISBN: 9781426891359

Author: Jennifer Greene

Seriously speaking, I was never a fan of contemporary romance until I found Ms. Jennifer Greene’s gems. I used to find contemporary romance boring, lame, and very mundane, but Ms. Greene did not make me feel that way when i read all of her books.

Her romance stories are all very realistic and close to home, and her romanti scenes are all touching and never too exaggerating.

Cupid’s Confederates is no different from those other books written by her that I’ve read. This book reminds me of the times I felt my privacy was invaded by those whom I can’t exactly get rid off. Reading this book made me feel like crying, because it makes me feel as I was living those dark times of my life all over again.

Kudos to Ms. Greene for bringing so much emotion in this book. I would want to rate the book 4 out of 5 stars, but I will have to settle for 3.5 stars, cuz this book makes me feel so miserable for days despite of the warmth and inspiration that it brought me. (Yea… I’m a woman rule by her hormones… make me cry… I’ll penalize the book. =.=)

Book description:

Two’s company…

Bett and Zach Monroe were newly married and just starting their careers when they suddenly found themselves owners of a neglected farm in Michigan. Unable to resist the lure of the land, the young couple set out to build their own private paradise. The days are long, the work is hard, but Bett and Zach love every minute of it. And through it all, their passion for one another burns as hot as ever.

Three’s a crowd…

But their peace is threatened when Bett’s widowed mother comes for a “visit”-bringing with her a U-Haul of belongings. Within an hour of her arrival, Elizabeth is causing friction between Bett and Zach. And as the days become weeks, their house no longer feels like home, they are barely speaking, and privacy is nonexistent.

There’s only one way to reclaim their own happily-ever-after: marry Elizabeth off.

This book will be published on 21st March 2011. For more information on this title, click here to visit the author’s website.


Cleffairy: I want to stop giving certain people in my life the power to hurt me. Therefore, I don’t welcome them in my life… at all. It’s best to shut them out, and good riddance to bad rubbish!

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Book review

Management Skills

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Title: Management Skills

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 7 March 2011

ISBN: 9781426891304

Author: January Rowe

I think I nearly fainted when I spotted this book, Management Skills by January Rowe available for review in Netgalley. Good Lord, the title surely fooled the readers.

One could easily mistook this book for a business management or a self help book if one did not see the cover of the book.

This book, despite of it’s misleading title, is definitely NOT a self help book or a business related book. It’s a literotica, which means, there’s only hot, sizzling, sexy stuff inside.

Management Skills is a very provocative erotica, and it’s pretty much promoting office scandal and romance. Despite of it all, this book is a good, tantalizing erotica that will definitely arouse your senses.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 for all the romance, sexiness as well as funny quirks.

Book description:

When CEO Grant Edmonds meets with his new production manager, he immediately recognizes her as Silver, an exotic dancer who once mesmerized him at an exclusive fetish club. Though he was forbidden from pursuing her back then, there’s nothing standing in his way now. He’s not looking for an after-hours fling-he wants to own her. In every way.

As much as Allie Fairfax tries to deny her past, and the way her body responds to Grant, she soon finds herself having mind-blowing sex with the boss. Despite her own desire to surrender to Grant’s sexual authority, she’s not willing to risk her career. After all, she’s been owned before, and it ended badly.

It’s all or nothing for Grant. If Allie wants more of the fiercest orgasms she’s ever experienced, she must consent to his rules…

This book will be published on 7 March 2011. For more information on this title, please visit the author’s website.Click here to go to the author’s website.

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Book review

Laird of Darkness

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Title: Laird of Darkness

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 21th March 2011

ISBN: 9781426891366

Author: Nicole North

When I first saw Laird of Darkness for review in Carina Press, I couldn’t help but think of my childhood hero, Highlander. The picture on the book definitely reminds me of that.

But this story is not about Highlander, but it’s some sort of an adult fairy tales, involving fight and betrayal between brothers, forbidden love as well as fiery passion.

If you’re a fantasy book lover, you would not want to miss Laird of Darkness. It does not dissapoint me and I’m sure it won’t disappoint you either.

It’s very well written and very inspiring. The passion in this story is almost devastatingly real.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book description:

Half-Fae Laird Duncan MacDougall is cursed. His nights are haunted by Otherworld creatures sent to kill him. The only way to stop them is to possess the magic bow currently in the hands of his enemy half brother, Kinnon MacClaren. In desperation, Duncan plans to take MacClaren’s bride-to-be hostage and exchange her for the bow.

Lady Alana Forbes has never met her intended, but she hopes he is handsome-and a good lover, for Alana is no innocent virgin. On her way to Castle Claren, Alana and her escorts are intercepted, and she is kidnapped by a man with extraordinary abilities-and every attribute she longs for in a mate.

Duncan didn’t expect the woman he thought of as a mere pawn to be so beautiful, and so arousing. Alana is drawn to him as well-but Duncan still needs the bow, and Alana is betrothed to another. How far will Alana go to save the life of the man she’s come to love?

I received this uncorrected proof copy from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

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Book review, E-books giveaways

The Me Project and Giveaway

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Title: The ME Project

SubTitle: 21 Days to Living the Life 
You’ve Always Wanted

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

ISBN-10: 0736929665, ISBN-13: 978-0736929660

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Paperback: 224 pages

Retail: $12.99

From the author of ‘The Husband Project’ and ‘The Marriage Project’ comes the Me project.  The Me Project by Kathi Lipp is a very inspiring and motivational story. It encourages us- modern women who are single, married, married with children or in a relationship to put ourselves as a priority first instead of others.

You see, women are naturally nurturing and giving in nature. When we’re in a relationship and whatnot, we tend to concentrate on others rather than ourselves.When we’re in a relationship, we give our heart and our time to our other half. When we’re engaged, we give our time to the fiance and his family and whatnot. When we’re married, we not only put our husbands first, but our children too. It become some sort of servitude.

Sometimes people around us (boyfriend, husband, kids, in laws, etc) take us for granted after some time, and therefore, resentment started to build up and we become bitter.

This book teaches us to avoid that by telling us to love ourselves, put ourselves first and lead a more satisfying life by doing things that we want instead of giving 100% to others. We may make excuse, saying we no longer have time for ourselves and whatnot. Well, this book teaches you just how exactly you can make time for yourself to achieve things that you wanted. This book teaches us how to actually live life to the fullest.

This is a very inspiring and motivating book. I would definitely recommend this book to every single, married or those ladies who are in a relationship. I rate this book 5 stars.

Check out this link… it gives you some tips on how to start living a more fulfilling life: Three Super Simple Kick Starts

Author biography

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com

‘The Me Project’ book summary:

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets 
in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment here and your name will be entered for a giveaway, courtesy of KCWC. On March 7, 2011 KCWC will draw and announce a winner of the grand prize. Giveaway is international.

Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket

* Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee

(Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast)

* Tazo black tea

* Starbucks marshmallow cocoa

* Almond roca

* Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies

* White chocolate and raspberry cookies

* 2 Starbucks mugs

* Keepsake black bamboo basket

Cleffairy: Loving ourselves more does not mean we love others less.

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Book review

Paradise Lust

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I enjoy reading romance and adult fiction. You know, those kind of books that you can only legally read when you’re 18 years old and above. Books where the characters indulge themselves in the pleasure of the flesh legally or illegally in the most erotic or shameless manner.

Yes… I enjoyed them, but I enjoy reading documentary and case study much more than fiction books. I like archeology, history and mythologies. I like it even more if the book in question is talking about biblical archeology- you know, the search for Holy Grail, the remains of Noah’s Ark, etc.

This book, Paradise Lust- Searching For Garden of Eden is somewhat a documentary on the search for the real location of Garden of Eden. This is my kind of book. I absolutely love this book though people might find it very boring and uninteresting.

I find this book very inspiring and very insightful, and it helps me understand the metaphor and biblical scriptures theology alot better. This book have a lot of theories, and gives different take on the creation of Adam and Eve.

Scientists, and biblical archaeologist may still not be able to pinpoint the exact location of the Garden of Eden as the bible itself was rather ambiguous about it. It doesn’t help either that the big flood happened and changed the face of the Earth forever. Scientists may believe that Garden of Eden may longer exists now, but I truly believe that it is somewhere on Earth, guarded by God’s angel from men who are expelled from it. Call me a romantic, but I supposed Garden of Eden is one of God’s best kept secret.

I believe that the book of Genesis itself is a map for it described the location of Garden of Eden in this:

And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone. And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

(Genesis 2:10-14 KJV)

To me, find the location of the river stated in Genesis, you’d find where Garden of Eden is… or was. Problem is… the great flood happened (You know, Noah’s Ark and stuff), and some of these rivers may no longer exists.

Garden of Eden could be anywhere, and this book suggest some possible location for it. This book is a very interesting read. At least, it is, for a believer like me.

I rate this book 5 stars. Highly recommended for believers who often wonders about things like me.

I received this digital ARC from Grove Press via Netgalley and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

It seems that ever since mankind was kicked out of the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, we’ve been trying to get back in. Or at least, we’ve been wondering where the Garden might have been.

St. Augustine had a theory, and so did medieval monks, John Calvin, and Christopher Columbus. But when Darwin’s theory of evolution permanently altered our understanding of human origins, shouldn’t the search for a literal Eden have faded away? Not so fast.
In Paradise Lust, Brook Wilensky-Lanford introduces readers to the enduring modern quest to locate the Garden of Eden on Earth. It is an obsession that has consumed Mesopotamian archaeologists, German Baptist ministers, British irrigation engineers, and the first president of Boston University, among many others. These quixotic Eden seekers all started with the same brief Bible verses, but each ended up at a different spot on the globe: Florida, the North Pole, Ohio, China, and, of course, Iraq. Evocative of Tony Horwitz and Sarah Vowell, Wilensky- Lanford writes of these unusual characters and their search with sympathy and wit. Charming, enlightening, and utterly unique, Paradise Lust is a century-spanning history that will take you to places you never imagined.

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Book review, Food/Travel, Frugal Recipe

Sweet Baklava

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Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry. It’s usually filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Baklava is a traditional Greek delicacy. I was served one of those honeyed baklava back in 2006 during a visit to a lecturer’s house, and I have to say, it’s a delicacy that one won’t easily forget. It’s rich and melt in the mouth kind of pastry, and once you have a bite of it, you would want more.

Here’s a typical recipe for baklava:

For the baklava:

* 1 kg of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are best, or use a combination of them)

* 1 kg of phyllo dough

* 1 cup of butter, melted

* 1/3 cup of sugar

* 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

* 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves

For the syrup:

* 1 cup of water

* 1 cup of sugar

* 1/2 cup of honey

* 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

* 1 cinnamon stick

* Finely ground pistachios for garnish (optional)

Lightly grease a 9×13 pan and set the oven to 350°F.

Thaw the phyllo dough according to manufacturer’s directions (this may take overnight). When thawed, roll out the dough and cut the dough in half so the sheets will fit in the pan. Cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.

Process the nuts until in small, even sized pieces. Combine with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.

Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Repeat 7 more times until it is 8 sheets thick, each sheet being “painted” with the butter.

Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture. Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each one with butter. Continue to repeat the nut mixture and two buttered sheets of phyllo until the nut mixture is all used up. The top layer should be 8 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered. Do not worry if the sheets crinkle up a bit, it will just add more texture.

Cut into 24 equal sized squares using a sharp knife. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.

While baking, make the syrup. Combine the cinnamon stick, sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer for 7 minutes and slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and allow to cool.

Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 4 hours. Garnish with some finely crushed pistachios. (optional)

Want a good book to accompany those sweet baklava? Well, no problem, I happen to know one book that will accompany these treat perfectly.

‘Sweet Baklava’ by Debbie Mayne will just do the trick. Trust me, the book is as sweet as the baklava itself. It’s heartwarming and have a lot of family values. While the book does not leave you breathless out of anticipation, it will bring smile to your face nevertheless. There’s so much quirks and sweet, innocent love interwoven in the story, enhancing the already rich cultural background that’s portrayed in the story. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a rather satisfying book. Almost as satisfying as eating baklava itself. More infos on this book, please click here.

I received this digital ARC from Abingdon Press via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it, and I was also not compensated in any ways to write this review.

From the back of the book:

Paula Andrews has finally found her niche in life, with only one thing missing—true love. When Nick, the heartthrob of her youth, returns home on military leave, she sees that he has no desire to join his family in the Greek community where the men work on the sponge docks. However, without each other, their lives seem incomplete. Is it possible for them to rekindle what they once had?

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Book review

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat

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While the superstitious Chinese believes that cats brings nothing but sheer bad luck, the Japanese believes otherwise. As you all probably know. I have the same opinion as the Japanese, for without my pet cat, Meow Meow, my family and I would have not survived the fire back then in 2009. She’s our little guardian angel, and she brought so much joy and happiness in our life.

I couldn’t resist it when I saw this book for review in Netgalley. I requested it immediately. I didn’t regret requesting this book, though I was not expecting it to be children’s fiction.

The book tells the story of Tama, a lucky cat. It’s short and sweet. Merely 18 pages, and it’s beautifully illustrated. The book is well researched and portrays Japanese culture and folklore in a rather believable and realistic manner.

I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. Improvements ought to be made for the fonts. I thought it would be better if the fonts used is bigger if the book is targeted at young readers.

Below is the information for the book:

Author: Wendy Henrichs

Title: I Am Tama, Lucky Cat

SubTitle: A Japanese Legend

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Pub Date: 1st August 2013

ISBN: 9781561455898

For more information on this title, click here to visit the publisher’s website.

I received this digital ARC from Peachtree Publishers via Netgalley. I was compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Author: Wendy Henrichs
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Book review

Secrets Volume 29 Indulge Your Fantasies

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Ooopsss, I’ve been feeling naughty again, and therefore, I picked up this book, Secrets Volume 29 Indulge Your Fantasies to read. It’s the second book of it’s kind that I picked up this month, and it’s pretty thrilling and arousing. It’s the kind of book that will make your blood boil in a very good way.

This book is an anthologies written by 4 authors, and each and every one of the stories in it is unique and well written. I like this book very much, and I must say that it’s a very well written romance-erotica.

I rate this book 4 out of 5, and would recommend this to those who are looking for some steamy, erotic adventure    without having to actually indulge in one.

From the back of the book:

Sweet-talking The Opposition by Saskia Walker

Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

London-based journalist, Eliza Jameson, is on assignment on a luxurious Rhine river cruiser when she finds the perfect distraction on board – old flame, Marcus Weston. But Eliza came dangerously close to falling for Marcus last time around, and in order to play him at his own game, she decides to call the shots. Meanwhile, Marcus has his own agenda. In the ensuing battle, who will end up on top?

Beast In A Kilt by Nicole North

Paranormal, Historical Setting, Magic, Shape Shifter

Scottish lady Catriona MacCain has loved Torr Blackburn, a fierce Highland warrior, since she was a young lass, but Torr only sees Catriona as his best friend’s little sister. When Catriona’s family promises her in marriage to a detestable chieftain, she desperately needs Torr to save her from a fate worse than death. But Torr is under the spell of a witch of the dark arts and is cursed to spend his nights as a kelpie water demon. He doesn’t believe himself worthy of the virginal Lady Catriona. However, she is determined to seduce Torr and claim him… body, heart and soul, if only they can banish the curse and defeat the enemies who have vowed to possess and enslave them both.

Edge by Dominique Sinclair

Action & Adventure, Contemporary

The search for the truth leads to the edge of danger, revenge and love… A beautiful hellion, the first woman trained by the Department of International Intelligence, Catlina Demarco left her life without so much as a goodbye. Deep in Mexico, she’s close to finding the man who can give her the truth of her past, or kill her.

Agent Noah Tyler, Cat’s former partner and lover, is the last man she expects to show up with handcuffs and intent to bring her back to headquarters. No one has ever left the agency alive, Cat’s no exception.  Only she refuses to go anywhere with Noah, he betrayed her trust. Forced into the jungle by three armed banderos, Cat finds her and Noah once again working as partners, their thoughts as one, their bodies craving, their goals conflicting.

Chimera by Nathalie Gray

Action & Adventure, Futuristic, Science Fiction, Thriller

All warfare is based on deception

–Sun Tzu’s Art of war

From the overcrowded slums of a future Earth, he rose as the perfect tool of lethal justice and deception. Cold and stoical by choice, alone by circumstances, he will neutralize any and all threat to his client then move on. Blunt, direct. Nothing personal. But when his next assignment involves a popular politician who’s as smart as she’s attractive, the greatest betrayal would be to deny his heart.

I received this ARC from Red Sage Publishing via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any way for a positive review.

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