What Did I Do Wrong? Review

In Leah's Wake Review

In Leah's Wake, a novel by Terri Giuliano Long, is a moving story about how that perfect picture family next door has their own issues. They too struggle with the day to day issues of finances, family, and parenting. Things aren't always what they seem.

Terri Giuliano Long's story reflects every parents nightmare. We do everything we believe is right for our kids and push them because we want them to succeed. But what happens when our children make their own choices that are clearly not for their benefit. This story is every parents nightmare. How far do we go to protect our family? And how do we balance our involvement with each and every person?

As a parent, I could relate to the parents of the story. At some point, I had to let my kids make their own decisions. But I never had to face what the parent's In Leah's Wake had to face. The story shows how one decision can spiral out of control and become a series of bad decisions. It shows how each and every person affects the family unit.

The story is full of compassion and fear. The story also makes you take a look at your own family. I give this story 5 stars and recommend reading to anyone with tweens. Although it is fiction, this book can be a great reference for parenting teenagers.


Tour Notes:

Please vote for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll for this tour. The blogger with the most votes wins a free promotional twitterview and a special winner’s badge. I want that to be me! You can vote in the poll by visiting the official In Leah’s Wake blog tour page and scrolling all the way to the bottom.

The next word for the book give-away is (YOUR WORD IN ALL CAPS AND BOLD). Learn more about the give-away and enter to win 1 of 3 copies on the official King Whisperers blog tour page. The other 2 copies are being given-away courtesy of the GoodReads author program, go here to enter. And don’t forget to stop by the Q&A with Terri Giuliano Long Group to discuss In Leah’s Wake (including questions from the official book club guide), the author, her writing process, and advice.

Book Trailer for In Leah’s Wake:

Long Drive Home Review

Long Drive Home by Will Allison is a haunting novel about moral choices and the future effects of said choices.

Will Allison's story is set in a quaint New Jersey suburb. His hero makes a conscience decision that has fatal repercussions. The story is written as an explanation of one man's guilt, to explain the course of his family's life to his daughter, after a fatal accident. Throughout the story, we see this man struggle with his own guilt. To make excuses and fall deeper into a moral conflict.

The Long Drive Home was a gripping story that made me question what I would do in the same situation. I was unable to put the book down. I was so drawn into the characters as well as the story. The haunting truth is that any one of us could be that man. To what ends would we go to protect ourselves and our family? And what price is too high? I give this book 5 stars.

A complimentary copy of Long Drive Home was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

Will Allison Interview

Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Free Press; Original edition (May 17, 2011)
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Language: English
ASIN: B003V1WSP0

The Fearless Baker Review

The Fearless Baker by Emily Luchetti is a wonderful cookbook for the beginning baker. This book is full of appealing recipes sure to impress your friends and family.

I literally have more cookbooks than I can possibly use, but this one is really incredible. Emily Luchetti has a unique approach to her book. There is a section on techniques you need to know, stuff you need, and Ingredients! I loved this section the most. It give you a list of both supplies and ingredients that you should have on hand for future baking projects. I wish I owned all of the suggested tools of the trade.

Baking has always intimidated me as well as many others out there who weren't brought up baking with their moms. With the help of this book, you will be armed with the confidence to prepare any one of the yummy recipes in The Fearless Baker. I give this book 5 stars!

Publication Date: 05/04/2011
Pages: 288
Trim Size: 7-1/2" x 9-1/2"
ISBN: 9780316074285
List Price: $29.99

The One Day Way Review

The One Day Way by Chantel Hobbs is yet another diet book claiming to have all the answers. But this one is different.

Chantel Hobbs has an approach to dieting that will appeal to a larger population. Attack your weight loss plan one day at a time. I already agree with the concept that she has embraced...Eat less and Move more. This is the only successful way to lose weight. And I totally agree with her that dieting is definitely a mind set.

Approaching a weight loss plan 1 day at a time gives instant gratification. You are allowed to feel real good on a daily basis when you are able to complete your goals. And the self loathing that always accompanies failing is short lived as tomorrow you get to make it right again.

I give this book 4 stars as it is a powerfully inspirational book for those of us with weight loss issues.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780307458957
ISBN-13: 978-0307458957
ASIN: 0307458954
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches

Noah Barleywater Runs Away Review

Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne is an imaginative story of how a wonderful adventure changes a young boy's life. I wanted to read this book because I so enjoyed The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, also by John Boyne.



This is a coming of age story told in as whimsicle fairytale. The book is written with the same sensativty as The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, but the story is not as intense. I was completely mesmerized by John Boyne tale. It is sure to become a modern day classic. I give this book 5 stars.

A complimentary copy of Noah Barleywater Runs Away was provided to me. All opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: David Fickling Books (May 10, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385752466
ISBN-13: 978-0385752466
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches

The Butterfly's Daughter Review

The Butterfly's Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe is an amazing story of self discovery. This book has it all. Love, romance, mystery, violence, and discovery.

The story follows a young woman as she discovers her heritage and her own identity. Mary Alice Monroe compares the life of this young woman with the life of the monarch butterfly. The story has real characters to love, hate, and identify with. The story mimics life in such a genuine way. There are highs and lows in the story that bound me to the heroine of the story. Her story could easily be my story.

The Butterfly's Daughter is an easy read. Once you start, it is difficult to put down. You need to find out what happens next. The author has written a beautiful and heart warming story. I give this book 5 stars.

A complimentary copy of The Butterfly's Daughter was provided to me. All opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

Product Details
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Gallery (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439170614
ISBN-13: 978-1439170618
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches

yum yum Review

yum yum by Catherine Hnatov is a wonderful board book for your toddler. It is a short and sweet book that is sure to capture your little one's heart.

The story mixes animals, colors and food. The pages are brilliant colors. The illustrations are easy for a young child to identify. This book would make a great first reading book because of the simple language. I give this book 5 stars

Publication Date: 02/10/2011
Pages: 12
Trim Size: 5" x 5"
ISBN: 9781595722751
List Price: $5.95

Buddy's Tail Review

Buddy's Tail by K. Anne Russell is a heart warming story of the world from a dog's point of view. The world of man's best friend is full of highs and lows as with their human counter parts.

This book is for an older child (9 or older). The story may be too intense for young children. The story, although told from a dog's perspective, deals with some very real human issues. It deals with loss, abuse, and the afterlife. Younger children may not understand the concept of the dog "haven", a dog's paradise or have the ability to deal with some of the sad parts of the story.

The book is smartly written. I think it is a great learning tool to share with your child. Although the book is for children, adults will find it enjoyable. The book shows kids about friendship and love. I think it is a must read for any child who owns a pet or thinking of getting a pet. I give this book 4 stars.

A complimentary copy of Buddy's Taill was provided to me. All opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

The Immortality Virus Book Review

The Immortality Virus by Christine Amsden is a deep dark look at the 21st century. For some unknown reason, no one dies of old age or disease. Imagine what happens to society when there is no longer the ability to provide basic living requirements for it's residents. This world in in social chaos.

The book is an easy read. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. My first preference in reading material has never been science fiction, but this book has changed my mind. I really enjoyed the story. It flowed and kept my attention. It slowed a bit in the middle, but not enough to distract me from reading.

Christine Amsden writes with flair. Her action sequences are absorbing and believable. Her heroine, Grace Harper, is a character with whom I could embrace. She has a sarcastic wit that I enjoyed. All in all the story was very good and it makes you stop and question what is the price of eternal life? I would give this book 4 stars.

Check out this chapter excerpt from the book to be released June 15, 2011.

eBook available HERE!

The 17 Day Diet Review

Catchy name, but is it truth in advertising? The 17 Day Diet book by Dr. Mike Moreno should have been The 17 Day CYCLE Diet. The name has a huge selection of the population panting as they race to the book shelves believing that in 17 days they can transform the bodies it took years to develop.

The book does have some really good information if you are able to sit down and process it all let alone read. I feel that people with specific dietary needs will feel slighted with this program.

I set out to try the program. Several months ago, due to another diet book review, I chose to embrace a vegan diet. The 17 Day Diet book isn't very vegan friendly. Surviving the 17 days became a chore and became the classic diet failure. As a result I have also ended my vegan lifestyle approach.

It is not all bad. I have lost a total of 16 pounds and have kept off the average of 14 pounds lost. I have eaten more fruits and vegetables than I have in the past. I have a better frame of mind about dieting. And that is the number 1 reason why diets and their miracle books fail. Dieting is a mind set.

I recommend reading the book for the information alone. Knowledge is power. Don't expect it to be your weight struggle salvation. I stand firm that the only way to lose weight is Eat Less and Move More. Think of how many more calories you will burn walking around the block instead of sitting on your backside reading a book.

I give this book 3 stars as it will be a source of hope for someone.

A complimentary copy of The 17 Day Diet was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.