Monday, December 6, 2010

The End of Marking Time by C.J. West

Michael O'Connor left home at the young age of fifteen when his momma held a gun to his head.  A survivor, he made his living on the streets.  He became a professional of robbing houses and cars and made some unsavory friends, but did manage to keep himself out of a gang.  He lived reasonably and if he ran low of funds, he just robbed someone.  But one day, Michael's luck ran out.  After a successful robbery of a district attorney, Michael is laying low, but one of his contacts needs some quick cash.  Michael gives him an unused credit card and soon finds himself in cuffs.

The court finds against Michael and he is sentenced to five years in the state prison.  On the bus to the big house, a shooting occurs and Michael is shot.  When he wakes up, it is four years later.  He had been in a coma that whole time. And while he was in a coma, his world as he knew it changed.  The government let all of the criminals go free.  They thought it inhuman to keep them caged.  But, they had to learn by new rules.  Michael doesn't know those rules but he is about to learn them the hard way.

Wendell Cummings prides himself on his rehabilitation system.  80% of the criminals that graduate from his system are upstanding citizens.  He is determined to re-learn Michael so he can join society once again.  Michael wears an ankle strap that warns the public that he is a relearner, and is also bound to the house much of his day.  If he doesn't sit in front of the black box with all of it's dvd's, he won't graduate to the next level of his relearning.  But Michael wants to know what's going on out in the real world and makes some poor choices.  When Michael gets in trouble, Wendell gets in trouble.  But eventually, Michael wants to help himself to help Wendell, but the price might just be too high.

The End of Marking Time is a hypnotizing novel.  It has such a unique plot line that I couldn't put it down.  Granted, I really hated the ending, but if an author can raise any emotion out of a reader, it is high marks.  The End of Marking Time really makes you think, long after the book is finished.  Every action has a consequence and a domino effect and C.J. West takes it to the whole next level.  Absolutely riveting!!

Winners! Winners!

I'm so excited about the Holiday Gift Guide Hop! I found lots of new to me blogs and those that are new followers to Minding Spot - I hope you stick around!! :)

Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.  I just wish everyone could be a winner!! All winners selected via randomizer.org

Jasmere $25 Gift Code
Pink Dandy Chatter - CONFIRMED

Bath & Body Works $15 Gift Card
MrsPhilipswithoneL (Having Fun Blogging) CONFIRMED

McDonald's $10 Arch Card
WeeMasonMan's Mom - CONFIRMED

Natalie's Stud Earrings
joder - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

Thunder & Ashes Winner

I'm still verifying entries for the earring giveaway and the Holiday Gift Giveaway - I will have those winners posted later today.

The winner of Thunder & Ashes has 48 hours to reply to email or a new winner will be selected.  All winners selected via randomizer.org

Sarah C - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Peace & Plenty Winners

Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. All winners selected by randomizer.org. Prizes shipped direct from sponsor. Thanks to Hatchette Books for sponsoring this contest!


Linda Kish - CONFIRMED
Kris T - CONFIRMED
SiNn - CONFIRMED


Congratulations!!

Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry Tour & Giveaway



ABOUT THE BOOK
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective.

Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
■I'm a Master in the art of Kung Fu San Soo. Plain and simple, I kick ass.

■I teach, lots of different things. Against my will. Sigh. I don't love teaching—at least the prep work involved—but the universe seems to want me to do it. Some of my current topics: tai chi, kung fu, the occasional gym class, writing, and cooking (to friends).

■I'm a social butterfly. Going out? Dancing? Dinner with friends? I'm so there.

■I golf. Actually, I don't just golf—I'm a golf maniac. A recent obsession, I've decided I'm destined for golf greatness. Watch out, Tiger Woods.

■I cook. Really, I only cook when I have friends over. But when I cook, I cook. Herb and garlic crusted lamb, roasted chicken, steak with champagne mustard sauce... I'm also a freak who makes and freezes her own broth, fresh tomato sauce, and even bread crumbs.

■And if all that wasn't bad enough, I'm a geek too. I have more electronics in my purse than I do makeup, and I'd rather receive a laptop as a gift than a pair of Manolos. Are you disillusioned?

Follow @KatePerry on Twitter


NEXT TOUR STOP:  You Wanna Know What I Think? Dec 6th

GIVEAWAY

5 Minding Spot readers will win their own copy!!

USA and CANADA only.  No PO Boxes

Leave a comment with your email to enter.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry*

Bonus Entries
Follow Kate on Twitter
Follow Minding Spot on Twitter
 Contest ends December 13, Winners selected via randomizer.org.  All prizes shipped direct from sponsor.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Book Bloggers Holiday Bash! Blog Hop & Giveaways - Books & Hot Cocoa!!


Big thanks to Angela at Soap Box in My Mind for hosting this spectacular Holiday Bash! All the blogs participating are having a contest and yep books are the main entree!!   Have fun and go check out some great blogs and enter some contests :)

My contest is USA only and will have TWO winners.





Winner 1 - The Athena Project and a box of Hershey's Goodnight Kisses Hot Chocolate
Winner 2 - Solid and a box of Hershey's Goodnight Kisses Hot Chocolate

You must follow Minding Spot
 Choose 1 - Email, GFC, Twitter, Networked Blogs, Like on Facebook

Leave a comment with your email and which one you follow

Contest closed on December 15th.  Winners selected by randomizer.org.  Prizes shipped directly by me.

Make sure you keep on hopping for more great contests!!

Electric Scalp Massager Review & Giveaway


When I was first asked to review this massager, I was way excited!! I love massages!! I have alot of stress in my life and anything that can help relieve some of that is welcome.  When I first received the product, the first thing that came to mind was alien.  It does look like something out of 2045 doesn't it? 

I inserted the batteries - great company to send those too in my opinion! - then I had to move the "tines" to where I wanted it.  You can form the tines to suit not only your head but other body parts too.  It's like an octopus shape.  Then, I pushed the button and the motor and vibrations came on.  Let me tell you, I tried it on my own head and I swear my toes curled up in bliss.  When I used it on hubby, he was in heaven.  It really takes the stress from you and it feels soo good!!

It increases your blood circulation, relaxes stressed muscles and helps relieve aches and pains.  I've used it on my knees (they always hurt) and hubby has used it on his elbows.  We've also used it without turning it on just as a gentle massager. 

It's made with pure copper and the legs have special tips.  The handle is very egonomical friendly.  You can also move the legs into like a "rake" to masage your massage or back.  It really does do a terrific job and I highly recommend it!!



GIVEAWAY
One Minding Spot reader will win their own Electric Scalp Massager!!

*all entries must be a separate comment*

MANDATORY ENTRY
Visit Massage Table and comment on something you'd like or learned.

BONUS ENTRIES
(Only available after mandatory entry completed)
Like Minding Spot on Facebook
Follow Minding Spot on Twitter
Blog or FB this contest - leave link - 2 entries
Daily Tweet - 1 a day - leave link

USA Only

Contest ends December 10th.  Winner selected via randomizer.org.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Winners

Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  All winners selected by randomizer.org.  Prizes shipped direct from sponsor.  Make sure you enter my other giveaways!!

Udderly Smooth Prize Pack
lag123 - CONFIRMED

Short Carabiner Keychain
Kar - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Euphemania by Ralph Keyes Review & Giveaway

A euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression,[1] or to make it less troublesome for the speaker, as in the case of doublespeak.


We all do it.  Bit the Big One. Bun in the Oven.  House of Ill Repute. how about Knocked Up? I always hated that expression.  Kicked the bucket - really?  But we get it from our grandparents, our parents and etc.  Back in the day it was scandalous to talk about certain things, so they made up expressions and pretty soon you knew what they were talking about.

Ralph Keyes takes us on a journey of how some euphemisms came to be.  It is quite enlightening, entertaining, and educating.   He talks of Making Whoopee (haven't heard that one in awhile!),  How about the dreaded visit from Aunt Flo ? Mr. Keyes explains how back in the daay the women called it, "I've got my flowers." REALLY?! ha ha!

Euphemisms change over the years but the meaning relatively stays the same.  I found this book to be a unique look at something we all do and just don't think about.  A great coffee table book!

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have three (3) copies to giveaway!!

USA & Canada Only - No PO Boxes

Contest closed on December 13th.  Winners selected by randomizer.org.  Winners have 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner selected. Books shipped direct from Hatchette Books. 

Comments are appreciated but all entrants must fill out the below form.

BONUS ENTRY - Subscribe via Email to Minding Spot

A few winners!

Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be drawn.  All winners drawn via randomizer.org.  Prizes shipped direct from sponsor.

OLD EL PASO PRIZE PACK
Mami2jcn - CONFIRMED

BRILLIANT LENSES - Redraw
Connie - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Duchess of Sin by Laurel Mckee Tour & Giveaway



Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.



Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.



MY THOUGHTS

Every once in a while, I hunger for a historical romance.  I love reading the history and how the people dressed and lived.  Laurel McKee does a wonderful job of painting the turmoil of the times as well as staying true to her characters.  Did I fall in love with them? No, but I respected their choices and I really wanted them to find their happy ending.  I am one of those people who not only love strong Alpha males, but I want my heroine to be strong too - not some simpy girl.  Anna is a strong character, but she's very likeable - personable.  I really enjoyed this novel, and although it is the second in the series, it reads as a stand alone.  Not to say you won't want to rush out and get the first in the series after you read this one!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. Please visit her website at http://www.laurelmckee/.

NEXT ON THE TOUR: Beck's Book Picks

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have five (5) copies to giveaway!

USA/CANADA - No PO Boxes

*Comments are appreciated, but all giveaway entrants must fill out the form.



Contest ends on December 9th, Winners selected by randomizer.org and posted on the 10th.  Prizes shipped direct from sponsor.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley Winners

Thanks to Hatchette Books for sponsoring this contest! Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.  All prizes shipped direct from sponsor. 

Julie @ Knitting and Sundries - CONFIRMED
Audrey  twig .... @ .... CONFIRMED
Cathy W  cjwall .... @ .... CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

Make sure you enter my other giveaways!!

Interview with author Lynda Fishman and Giveaway

The other day I reviewed Lynda's book, Repairing Rainbows.  I had the pleasure of talking to Lynda briefly about her book.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your fundraising cause for children of tragedy's and illnesses?

The Repairing Rainbows Fund provides financial support to a wonderful organization that helps grieving children and their families.

http://www.mshfoundation.ca/repairing-rainbows

2. Can you give us an overview of the day in the life of Lynda Fishman?

I keep extremely busy. I own and operate Adventure Valley, which is a summer day camp, an outdoor education centre and an event venue, and I am a motivational and inspirational speaker and facilitator. We have three big dogs who love going for walks, and we are an official kitten rescue foster home.

3. Any plans on writing another book?

No - I completely dedicated myself to writing Repairing Rainbows. Now I am delighted to be busy with speaking engagements and book tours.

4. Any hobbies? Besides writing and your fundraising?

All of our animals!

5. Any advice for those trying to find their own rainbows in life?

There is a rainbow in every storm. Even when life feels like it has completely collapsed, do whatever you can to take baby steps. At every juncture, you have to decide whether to succumb to or overcome the challenges or the sorrow. If you are determined to move forward, then even when hope seems far away, you must refuse to give up.

That 'alone' feeling is comparable to being lost in the woods. Would you just stand there? Would you pace aimlessly in circles? Or would you choose a direction and walk?
When you’re scared and suffering, I think it’s important to escape from the painful reality of your life, to a place where you can feel better. A place in your mind where only happy, peaceful thoughts are allowed to enter. Like a private club, admission is limited to the thoughts that make you feel good. The negative, sad and scary thoughts are stopped at the door.

Even back when the tragedy first occurred, I knew and believed that the one thing no one can take away from you, is your ability to control your thoughts, and your ability to dream. Dreaming gave me hope. I could daydream about the future, to when times would be easier. A future filled with happiness, safety and security. Laughter and gratitude.

As people, our power lies in how we respond to the circumstances which face us in our life. The circumstances can be looked at from many different angles. In other words, we can choose HOW to look at any situation, no matter what it is. No matter what you are faced with, you always have the ability to escape from the reality of your life, and nurture your mind with thoughts and dreams about things getting better. You have complete control over your thoughts. And you have complete control over your ability to dream. No one can steal your dreams.

We have a variety of options at our fingertips, when it comes to our reactions, views and perspectives. We can choose thoughts that are inspiring and empowering. We can think about ways to persevere and overcome, or we can become victims.

Thinking back to when my entire life had fallen apart, I realize that I replaced the fear and panic with hope and dreams. I believed that somehow things would get better. Instead of dwelling on all of the ‘bad’ things that I had to endure, I chose to acknowledge the good things, even when it felt like I was grasping at whatever I could, to stay hopeful, strong and positive. I chose to dream, to visualize, to imagine, to believe, to persevere. And to never give up. I searched for ways to be grateful. I kept (and still do) extremely busy and distracted with things I enjoyed, things that made me feel good.

Most importantly, I never let go of my optimism and faith in the future. Somehow I intuitively believed that despite the pain, I could make some good choices, write my own story, create my own life.

The most meaningful lesson for me has been the importance of focusing on the good, finding the rainbow in every storm. And in that rainbow, there is gratitude and appreciation. “Thank you” as a predominant idea and feeling was critical for me.

To this day, I choose to take a favourable view, even if I have to grasp at straws to find a glimmer of positivity. I will find a way to focus on the positives, look at the bright side, expect the best, and somehow remain optimistic. No matter what, you must find something positive to focus on. Positivity breeds positivity.

Thanks so much for visiting with us today Lynda!!

GIVEAWAY

Lynda is generously giving a copy of her memoir, Repairing Rainbows, to one Minding Spot reader!!

Leave a comment with your email to enter! Must be a Minding Spot Follower
 USA only. 

 Contest closes December 8th.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.  It is where we discuss what un-released books we are eagerly anticipating.

My choice this week is:


Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead (Dark Swan, Bk 3)
Release Date: February 2, 2011
From Richelle's Blog: Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear…


Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown’s ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril…

I LOVE this series and can't wait for this one!!  What are YOU waiting for?

Casting About by Terri Dulong Review & Giveaway


I've tried knitting; had several folks try to teach me.  I am uncoordinated and will stick to crochet.  But there is just something comforting about the click of the needles.  To start out with just some thread, or yarn so to speak, and with deft movements and creativity, blend it all together into something beautiful.
That's how I felt after reading Casting About.  It's the second in the Cedar Key series, but I did not read book one.  However, Ms. Dulong does a terrific job of catching the reader up so you don't feel like your stuck in the middle of nowhere.  The first in the series is Spinning Forward.
Meet Monica Brooks.  Monica just took over her mother's knitting shop in Cedar Cove, and she is a newlywed - five months! She's adjusting to her new life and has all sorts of plans for her shop.  But then something happens, a stitch drops.  I heard that expression from my grandma! Her husband Adam's ex-wife has an accident involving alcohol and is declared an unfit parent.  Adam is thrilled his eight year old daughter Clarissa is moving in with them.  But Monica isn't ready for a ready-made family.  She isn't even sure she wants children of her own.  But being a good wife, Monica pushes her self doubts aside and takes on the job as step-mom.
She has many trials and errors but eventually, the three of them weave a bond and become a family.  Through it all are other wonderful characters, such as Adams's mom, Monica's best friend, and Monica's aunt.  Not to leave anyone out, there is sporadic appearances from Monica's deceased grandmother.  Haven't you heard of a ghost stitch?   A very charming book that is perfect to curl up with in an afternoon with a good cuppa.  Ms. Dulong's writing captures your heart and her characters will entrance you.  I highly recommend this book!!
GIVEAWAY
Ms. Dulong is generously giving away one copy of Casting About to one reader!!
She totally rocks!!
USA ONLY
Leave a comment with your email
Contest ends December 9th, winner announced December 10th.  Winner is selected by randomizer.org and has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be selected.