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Showing posts from 2010

Celebrate Jane Austen's Birthday with FREE eBOOKS!

The beloved author of such immortal classics as Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen was born some 235 years ago today on Dec. 16. In the recent years, Austen has surged back into popularity with a host of movies and spin-off books arising from her romance novels. Sourcebooks, a leading publisher of Jane Austen fiction, is offering a unique deal to readers who want to celebrate Jane by reading special editions of all six of Austen’s beloved novels in a 21 st century format. Special e-book editions of Pride and Prejudice , Emma , Sense and Sensibility , Northanger Abbey , Persuasion and Mansfield Park will be available for free for *today and tomorrow* only . These celebratory editions include the full novels, plus the legendary color illustrations of the Brock brothers, originally created to accompany the books in 1898. In addition to the Jane Austen classics, readers can also enjoy these bestselling Austen-inspired novels: Eliza’s Daughter by Joan Aiken The Darcys &

Free EBook

S.P. Wish's first thriller/horror/children’s novel ' Roses of Doom ' on now available for FREE at Smashwords.com. It is also available on Lulu.com and some other online retailers. Here is the LINK . If you do download and read this book, I encourage you to post reviews of it on Goodreads, Smashwords and other sites. The summary of the book is as follows- When horror strikes..............black roses are left behind. A school camping trip leads quirky middle schooler Mizu, her twin brother Kaji, her friend Akumu and school newspaper reporter Seiya to a mysterious mansion in Greenfire Forest. In the mansion, Mizu's friend is swallowed up by a hole that opens up and closes instantly! Many other unexplained happenings follow until Mizu discovers an old newspaper with information about a centuries old intrigue which has remained hidden till now..........and no person who knows of its existence is allowed to live....... The book trailer can be viewed on youtube- http:

Review - The Exile by Diana Gabaldon

The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel The Outlander saga has captured the hearts and minds of many readers over the years. Now, in her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander - Jamie Fraser’s side of the story, rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen. An interesting concept to be sure, but one, which in my opinion, did not live up to expectations at all.

Review - One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado

Our Hands help us do so many things and express our feelings. From counting, to waving to eating, to brushing to writing a letter, helping others and so much more. That's the central theme behind Max Lucado's One Hand, Two Hands .

Review - Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

Jennifer Crusie is one of my fave authors for romantic comedies with a core of reality. Maybe This Time (St. Martin's Press, 352p, Isbn-0312303785) is a bit different as in there is a strong ghostly element to the story and there are 2 children who are central to the storyline, in addition to the protagonists. And in her own inimitable style, Crusie crafts a spooky tale that's certain to hold readers spellbound.

Review - Dying for Mercy by Mary Jane Clark

Dying for Mercy 400p, Avon Reprint Edition, Isbn-0061286125 Synopsis - The recently renovated Pentimento, located in New York's exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, is no ordinary estate. Strange secrets have been ingeniously built into its fountains, frescoes, statues, and architecture—clues to a bizarre mystery that is first brought to light when the owner commits suicide during a lavish gala. Eliza Blake, co-anchor of the popular morning television show KEY to America, is present when the party is cut short by the host's sudden, macabre death—and she's the first to discover that Pentimento is a giant "puzzle house." But each piece is leading Eliza and her KEY News colleagues—producer Annabelle Murphy, cameraman B. J. D'Elia, and psychiatrist Margo Gonzalez—deeper into darkness, toward a killer who believes that some puzzles must never be solved. And it soon becomes shockingly clear that no amount of wealth or privilege can keep the residents of Tu

Author Louisa Edwards stops by... & a Giveaway!

Readers, please join me welcoming Louisa Edwards , author of Just One Taste who's guest blogging here today! In Louisa's recently released book, which is the finale in her Recipe for Love Market trilogy (the other books are Can’t Stand the Heat and On the Steamy Side ), bad boy chef Wes Murphy is dreading his final-semester cooking class—Food Chemistry 101—until he meets the new substitute teacher. Dr. Rosemary Wilkins is a feast for the eyes, though her approach to food is strictly academic. So Wes decides to rattle her Bunsen burner by asking for her hands-on advice—on aphrodisiacs …  

Review - Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh

One of the loveliest stories I've read in recent times, Mary Balogh's Seducing an Angel ( 416p, Dell, Isbn - 0440244277 ) is a heartfelt, tender story of two unlikely individuals falling in love against all odds. I can honestly say, it seduced me! Warning - Spoilers ahead

Review - I can do it too!

I Can Do It Too!: Handprint Books By Karen Baicker Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max 18 pp ; board book, full color throughout, ages 2-4 ISBN 9780811875608 This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! affirms a little girl's growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do: pouring juice at breakfast, strumming a guitar, and even riding a bike! The simple cadence of text and direct-to-the-heart art result in a book as warm and generous as its message, providing reading pleasure for toddlers, older siblings, and the grown-ups who love them.

Review - Sukie Noteblock

Sukie Noteblock by Darrell and Julia Gibbs ( Chronicle books, Isbn-9780811873260 ) is a delightful 700p colorful noteblock that puts Spring/Summer right on your office desk. I'm loving this colorful set and not just for the plentiful notes contained in this compact stack. The eye-catching art of stationery favorite Sukie wraps around the pages of this gorgeous full-color noteblock.

Penguin Books Celebrates

This July 30th (that's right, Tomorrow!) marks the official 75th anniversary date for the launch of one of my long term favorite publisher - Penguin Books! And Penguin is going all out to celebrate this summer. Check out their dedicated anniversary website for more details. Here's a glimpse :

Review - Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Sizzling Sixteen (Stephanie Plum) St. Martin's Press, 320p, Isbn-0312383304 I generally always look forward to getting a good laugh with a Plum book in my hand. But the last few ones ( excluding 15 which I missed reading for some mysterious reason?! I'll be reading and blogging it soon, btw, thanks to St.Martins who shot over a copy as soon as they realized I'd missed it - Thanks!! ) barely coaxed a few smiles from me. However the long lasting effect of the initial books in this series (laugh out loud, rolling on the floor kind) are such that to date I pick up a Plum book with an anticipatory grin. Thank the good lord, this one does not disappoint - not entirely.

Review - My Dangerous Duke by Gaelen Foley

My Dangerous Duke Avon, Isbn - 0061733970; 400p I'll begin by saying that although Ms Foley's historical romances frequently list among my favorites, I won't be adding this book to that list. Reason - I just didn't like how the characters behaved, especially towards the end. Let me start from the beginning - WARNING - Spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk...

Spotlight - Author Sheila Roberts

Readers, please join me welcoming Sheila Roberts, author of Small Change , who's under the spotlight here today. Sheila Roberts has had twenty-five books published, both in fiction and nonfiction under different names and in different languages. Her novels have been optioned for book clubs and film. Her book Angel Lane was an Amazon Top Ten Romance pick for 2009. When she’s not hanging out with her girlfriends or hitting the dance floor with her husband, she can be found writing about those things dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate. You can visit Sheila at her website . You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook . About Small Change - Rachel, Jessica, and Tiffany all share a difficult secret: they’re all struggling with major financial problems. A sudden divorce has turned Rachel from a stay-at-home mom to a strapped-for-cash divorcee about to enter the workforce for the first time. Tiffany’s spending has been out of control for years, and her mou

Spotlight - Author Judi Moreo

Judi Moreo is the author of You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power, and it’s companion, Achievement Journal. She is also the co-author and compiler of Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths (Turning Point International). Judi is an award-winning businesswoman and motivational speaker. Her superb talent for customizing programs to meet organizational needs has gained her a prestigious following around the world. Her passion for living an extraordinary life is mirrored in her zeal for helping others realize their potential and achieve their goals. With her dynamic personality and style, she is an unforgettable speaker, inspiring motivator, and an exceptional life coach. Read an excerpt! My life had fallen apart in front of my eyes. Our beautiful home with swimming pool and guest cottages was repossessed and I moved to a tumbledown house with rotting floorboards and broken windows with no money to fix it up. I had barely enough money to buy f

Author Guest Post - F.M. Meredith

Readers, please join me welcoming F.M. Meredith who's guest blogging here today. F. M. Meredith, who also writes under the name Marilyn Meredith, is the author of nearly thirty published novels including the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, An Axe to Grind is the newest from Oak Tree Press. About the book - Detective Doug Milligan and his partner question suspects in the murder of a stalker including the stalker's target, her boyfriend, father and brother, as well as the stalker’s step-father. The investigation leaves little time for Doug to see his fiancée and fellow officer, Stacey Wilbur. Stacey handles a molestation case which involves the son of a friend. She and her mother talk wedding plans, though all must wait until Doug's renter, Officer Gordon Butler finds another place to live. When Doug disappears while tailing a suspect, Stacey sets out to find him, hoping she can reach him time. Where Do You Get Your Ideas?  That’s a common question authors are aske

Author Guest Post - George Bishop

Readers, please join me welcoming George Bishop, author of Letter to My Daughter , who's guest blogging here today. About the Book - A fight, ended by a slap, sends Elizabeth out the door of her Baton Rouge home on the eve of her fifteenth birthday. Her mother, Laura, is left to fret and worry—and remember. Wracked with guilt as she awaits Liz’s return, Laura begins a letter to her daughter, hoping to convey “everything I’ve always meant to tell you but never have.” In her painfully candid confession, Laura shares memories of her own troubled adolescence in rural Louisiana, growing up in an intensely conservative household. She recounts her relationship with a boy she loved despite her parents’ disapproval, the fateful events that led to her being sent away to a strict Catholic boarding school, the personal tragedy brought upon her by the Vietnam War, and, finally,  the meaning of the enigmatic tattoo below her right hip. Absorbing and affirming, George Bishop’s m

Author Guest Post - Susan Wilson

Readers, please join me welcoming Susan Wilson , author of One Good Dog , who's guest blogging here today. Susan Wilson is the author of Beauty - a modern retelling of Beauty And The Beast which was made into a CBS TV movie—as well as four other novels. One Good Dog is the story of a man who is down on his luck, and a dog who is all out of chances. Together they discover the true meaning of salvation, redemption, and unconditional love. Thank you so much for inviting me to guest blog on A BOOK BLOGGER'S DIARY. I love your site and hope that this is the start of a long association. As we learned from the election in 2008, grassroots are the strongest. We’re all brought up to believe that success is measured in the New York Times Review of Books, but the truth is, it’s here, among readers who love good books and love to talk about them. My latest novel, ONE GOOD DOG, appeals on several levels: it’s a dog story, it’s a redemption story, and, ultimately, it’s a love