Minding Spot: 2011-06-26

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Vaultz Camera Case Review & Giveaway

I don't know if you have this problem, but I know I do! My children are consistently borrowing my camera and forgetting to put it back. Or when they do return it (these are teens, btw), there is a new scratch or something or other, but not anymore!

Thanks to Vaultz, I now have a quality camera case that LOCKS! The keys are in MY possession and my kids cannot access them. With our newest camera safely tucked in the padded case, I do not have to worry any more. It's very sturdy with chrome and steel accents. The strap is adjustable and worked perfectly on a recent trip. I simply put it over my neck and didn't have to worry about losing my camera.

I can't say enough good things about this camera case. It's very sturdy and looks appealing. The chrome and black go with almost anything. The strap clips on and off so you can wind up the strap and enclose it for easy storage. Vaultz carries other products as well, so if you're looking to keep something secure, look good and be budget friendly, check them out!!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win a Vaultz Camera Case (Like pictured above)!

*All entries must be submitted in a separate comment, including an email*

MANDATORY ENTRY

Go to Vaultz and look around. Come back and let me know something else you'd like.

BONUS ENTRIES

Follow Minding Spot on GFC

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Tweet this contest - leave link - 2 x daily - 3 hours in-between tweets

USA Only. Contest ends July 21st. I received a complimentary product from Vaultz to facilitate this review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected via randomizer.org. Prize shipped direct from Minding Spot.

Ghellow Road by T.H. Waters

When Theresa was born, her parents simply adored her. She has an other brother, Mikie, and her life is pretty awesome. But then something happens - her mom becomes sick and Grandma has to step in and help out while mom is at the hospital. Her mother becomes sick quite frequently and has to stay in a hospital, and Theresa's dad does the best he knows how to be both a mom and dad to his children. The kids think their dad is pretty awesome.

But when mom starts talking to demons, she goes away for a long time. Dad can't take care of them so they have to go to a temporary foster home. Theresa and Mikie are overjoyed when they get to go back home. Their mom seems to be better and life is good again. But then dad loses his job and life spirals out of control once again.

When tragedy strikes, they move to a small town in Minnesota. They move into a tiny house, the home of Teresa and Mikie's grandparents. Mom gets a job but the demons still call to her. Her disease in her mind takes it toll on the family and Mikie moves out. Theresa tries to find a place to fit in, making new friends and trying new things. But before long, Mom has a new boyfriend and Theresa is placed with aunts and uncles. This goes on for years. But Theresa is determined to survive, not matter what.

Ghellow Road is a riveting page-turner. My heart just ached for Theresa and Mikie for their circumstance and for what their mother put them through. Watching her navigate through the ups and downs of growing up brought back some memories but also made me sit on the edge-of-my-seat to see how Theresa would fair. The writing draws you in and doesn't let go until the final pages. I found myself immersed in this world and just wish I could give Theresa a big hug. I loved this novel and highly recommend it!!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

How to Seduce A Scoundrel Tour & Giveaway

I meant to get this book reviewed before tour date, but between work and the holidays, time got away from me. My apologies!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miss Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother's best friend-for whom she's long nursed a secret tendre-agreed to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué waltz. But when the music stopped and the expectant ton waited for Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, to claim her as his own, he made his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does what any self-respecting, recently discarded young miss with a wicked sense of humor would do. She secretly pens a lady's guide to enticing unrepentant rakes . . . and it becomes the hottest scandal sheet in London.

Every honorable rake knows that friends' sisters are forbidden. But suddenly Julienne has a spark of mischief in her eyes that Hawk can't resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of kissing her senseless. He's always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?
FIVE FUN FACTS!

1. The Rules and He’s Just Not That into You inspired Vicky to write HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL.

2. Vicky writes to music and created a playlist for HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL. Readers can listen to the songs on her website. The theme song for the book is Better Man (Pearl Jam).

3. Lady Julianne, the spunky heroine of HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL, finds inspiration in Anne Boleyn, who was said to be only moderately attractive but managed to charm everyone at court with her wit and vivacity.

4. A giant statue of Napoleon at Apsley House, the Duke of Wellington’s residence, was the inspiration for the hideous statue of Apollo in the opening scene.

5. One scene involving a decanter of wine and a thumping door is based on something that Vicky overheard. She plans to include a spoiler on her website that details the hilarious incident.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”

When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Hatchette Books, I have three copies to giveaway!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Monday, July 4, 2011

The 34th Degree by Thomas Greanias

ABOUT THE BOOK

1943. The supernatural alchemy for the ultimate weapon, encoded in an ancient biblical text, has fallen into the hands of the most ruthless secret society known to man—the Nazi SS.

Present Day. Dishonorably discharged from the armed forces after the events of The Promised War, Sam Deker is trying to build a new life in Los Angeles. But nightmares of the past continue to haunt his present, and Deker discovers that the unusual lightwave-induced torture he barely survived has changed him.

The Pentagon, however, believes that change makes him the only one who can endure their top-secret neuro-simulation program known as the 34th Degree. The stunning technological breakthrough uses the sliced brain tissues of dead terrorists to enter their memories and glean priceless intel.

Now Americans want to use the preserved brain tissue of SS General Ludwig von Berg, the legendary “Baron of the Black Order,” to send Deker back to 1943. Deker’s mission is to discover the fate of the lost biblical text and steal its formulas before his counterparts in the Alignment, a 21st-century successor to the SS, beat the U.S. to it.

The text not only spells out the end of the world, but the supernatural alchemy for Greek Fire, a thermodynamic technology that the ancient Greeks believed to have come from Atlantis and that the Americans now believe threatens the Earth. Ultimately, Deker discovers that the past, present and future are not what they seem, as his path leads to a shattering secret that will change everything he knows about the universe.

MY THOUGHTS

Back in 1943, the secret Maranaha text has fallen into the hands of the Nazis. The biblical text holds the newest mind-altering technology that can be used as an ultimate weapon.

Now, Doctor Prestwick has given the 34th degree, a neuro simulation program, to Sam Deker and sends him back into time. They use the dead brain cells of SS General Ludwig von Berg, the legendary “Baron of the Black Order,” Deker's job is to locate he Maranaha text and steal them before they fall into the hands of the Nazis. With von Berg's memories and intel, it should make Deker's job a little bit easier.

The 34th Degree is a phenomenal thriller! Flipping back between the present day and the past, there is alot going on. Between the Templars taking he Maranatha text to Rome, the espionage and the adventure, there is not a paragraph you will want to miss! Between Greece, Germany, America hitting Sicily and the spies, you'll be on the edge-of-your-seat. Don't miss this one!!

Summer Blog Tour Giveaway Hop

I Love You Get Giveaways is hosting this fun blog tour! Each blog on the tour will be having a summer themed giveaway!

I am giving away a $10 Gift Card to Bath & Body Works! All that sun drenched skin needs some smooth and great smelling lotions! Or maybe you want some new body spray!

USA Only

MANDATORY ENTRY

You must follow Minding Spot via GFC

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BONUS ENTRIES

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Make sure to go to I Give You Get Giveaways for the full post of all blogs participating!! Have fun and good luck!!

Prize sent direct from Minding Spot. Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected via randomizer.org.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Three Cups by Mark. St. Germain

Three cups is a very educational teaching tool to show your children how to save, spend and be charitable.

When a young boy was five, he received three cups for his birthday. Of course he was disappointed, but his father assured him that it would lead to many adventures. It will also mean that he would now draw a weekly allowance.

On allowance day, he was to split his money into three cups. One for saving, one for spending and one for charity. He learned that when his cup was full enough to buy what he wanted, he could spend it. When his savings cup had filled enough, his mom took him to the bank to open an account. There he learned about interest and how his money would grown. When he heard of a needy families needing food, he took the money from his charity cup and bought some.

All of the cups made him feel good in some way and he took those values and drew upon them as he grew. Then as an adult, he passed those cups onto his own son. Three Cups is an excellent book to teach children the value of money and how to save and be charitable. The illustrations, by April Willy, are wonderful!! This little book packs a big punch and any parent or teacher will find this book will help children develop positive habits. A great lesson and a book that belongs in every children's library.

You can purchase a copy of Three Cups at threecups.com or Amazon

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.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.

Freedom Giveaway Hop

The Freedom Giveaway Hop is hosted by Simply Stacie & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer! Thanks ladies for all of your hard work!! This swap will run July 1st - 7th. Every blog on the hop will have a giveaway!! Visit the linky list at the end of this post to start hopping!!

I am giving away some summer reads!! One reader will take all three ARCS - Demons Prefer Blondes by Sidney Ayers, Love Drunk Cowboy by Carolyn Brown and The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones!!

USA & CANADA ONLY

MANDATORY ENTRY - You must Follow Minding Spot via GFC

Fill out the form to enter!! Comments are appreciated, but all entrants must fill out the form.

Cameo and the Highwayman by Dawn McCullough-White

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cameo, the hard drinking assassin, Black Opal the silver-tongued highwayman and Kyrian the innocent young acolyte journey to Shandow with a mission from Cameo's vampire master. Along the way Cameo is ambushed by the other vampire, who it seems, has been waiting for her. Black Opal is plunged into danger as his past is revealed, and he is forced to face his demons head-on. An old nemesis returns, and Cameo must make a choice that will cost her the last shred of humanity she has left. Book Two in the Cameo series.

MY THOUGHTS

Cameo, the Assassin was a great first book for the series. We met the main characters and where Cameo came from. Cameo and the Highwayman picks up where the first book left off. Cameo, Opal and Kyrian are journeying to Shandow to fulfil a mission given to Cameo by her vampire master, Haffef.

But not long after they arrive in Shandow, Cameo runs into Edel, another vampire who shares her Master. He convinces her to stay with him and he keeps her locked up in his home. Cameo uses her isolation to think about her life, her future and what she has become and any possibility of what she could become. She also thinks about love and a possible future with Opal.

Opal, a dandy with a keen sword skill, wants to have a future with Cameo, but he is afraid that if his past is revealed, she will want nothing more to do with him. Kyrian, a good hearted soul, plays a key part in this installment, but we still don't know where his story will lead. With twists and turns, a splash of romance, sacrifice and basic human need, Cameo and the Highwayman is a fine addition to the series. The author has penned a thrilling and gritty urban fantasy that is sure to enthrall fans.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Security Feel Better Anti Hangover Drink Review & Giveaway

July Fourth Weekend - Lots of people grilling and drinking! But the next day you feel horrible!! Security Feel Better will help you to have no more hangovers! And as a bonus, it's even healthy!! It's a digestive drink made of herbs and plant extracts, and it has a light pear taste. Just drink a bottle after a heavy meal or too much to drink and in about forty-five minutes or so, you'll feel better! My husband drank some after a heavy drinking night and woke up the next morning with NO HANGOVER! This is a great anti-hangover drink!

Now of course the best way to cure a hangover is to not drink or drink moderately. However, it happens and this little bottle will help you to feel your best. I think having to go to work after a corporate party the night before, these would be great little party favors. It's all natural, non-carbonated and only contains ten calories. You can buy several to have on hand - just in case!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win their own bottle of Security Feel Better!

*All entries must be submitted in a separate comment, including email*

MANDATORY ENTRY

Dragon's Pupil's - The Sword Guest by Martin Chushui

ABOUT THE BOOK

When East and West combine…

Half-Chinese, half-Australian, Liz is not interested in her father’s ancient Tao wisdom, or his cryptic tales. She is more concerned with environmental issues—particularly the plan to mine one of Australia’s great landmarks, Wave Rock. Her father’s latest gift, a Chinese calligraphy pen, seems set to take its place in her bottom drawer forever.

Then Wave Rock is blasted open by something more than a mining operation, and Liz finds that she must battle monsters from ancient times as well as creatures from other worlds, all intent on destroying Earth. She must call on all her powers, from both her Eastern heritage and her Western upbringing, to save her world. Her pen becomes her way into a new and magical world, and Liz discovers she has powers—and allies—that she never could have guessed.

An exciting, fast-paced tale that combines the wisdom of ancient tradition with the pace of a Kung Fu movie and brings them to life in contemporary Australia, this exciting tale takes the best of two cultures and blends them to open up a new world of adventure and mystery.

MY THOUGHTS

More geared toward young teens, Dragon's Pupil's is a quick paced tale with magic, adventure and mystery. Liz learning something from her dad's stories was educational and the painted backdrop of beautiful China was a definite attention grabber. However, the characters themselves were not three dimensional. They needed more depth, more emotion in their characteristics. That said, obviously the author has great knowledge about Kung Fu and it shines through in his writing. If you like reading an adventure story, or learning about other cultures, then definitely give this book a whirl. It really is educational and fun!

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Ring Pops Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Thanks to the sponsor for this giveaway!!

degood - CONFIRMED*

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Friday, July 1, 2011

The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson

Two hundred and sixty years ago, Locke, Kara and Jenna were in a terrible car accident. Thankfully, Jenna's father was a renowned scientist and was able to use his bio gel to bring her back to the living. Unfortunately, Kara and Locke had less than ten percent brain activity and were not thought to be valid candidates. So, Mr. Fox downloaded their brains into a black box for future research.

Distraught over the loss of her friends, Jenna threw the boxes into the pond. But unknown to her, someone had made a back-up of Kara and Locke. Now, two hundred and sixty years later, the back-up black boxes have been found by Dr. Gatsbro. He has perfected the bio gel and creates new bodies for Kara and Locke. When they awake, they are in a different time. Technology and politics have changed their world,and they must learn to adapt. But Kara and Locke want to find Jenna. They want revenge. They would have helped her, why didn't she help them? Two hundred and sixty years is a long time to be locked into a small box, with only each other to keep them sane. But are they?

When the opportunity presents itself, the two make a run for it. They want to find Jenna and find out what happened to their families. But along the way, they befriend a bot, a legless robot, called Dot and are followed by Gatsbo's helper, Miesha. They learn of a new civil war that has split the states into two different countries. There is much to learn and the world is unbelievable, yet unique and interesting. But along their journey to find Jenna, Gatsbo is chasing them. Kara and Locke are perfect "floor models" of his new bioperfect technology and he will stop at nothing to keep them.

The Fox Inheritance is a great sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Told from Locke's point of view, the story catches up on any back story, so it can be read as a stand-alone. Great character development and a quick paced read, I found The Fox Inheritance to be a very enjoyable read!

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Thanks to the sponsor for this giveaway!! Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

Carol N Wong - CONFIRMED*

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