jYOUlry Product Review

I recently had the opportunity to review an item from jYOUlry and after some communication with Lisa, she realized I read a lot of books and offered me the chance to try this fabulous bookmark. I was escatic because I immediately emailed her a picture of my late father, a really nice commemorative piece I will see daily.


When I received it, I couldn't wait to open the package. You can tell when someone cares about their work with the way they ship and present it. Well-bubble wrapped, wrapped in delicate tissue paper, and presented in an organdza bag tied with a ribbon. I felt like it was my birthday!

The piece is well-crafted and the picture is cleverly sealed within like it was apart of the bookmark from the beginning of assembling. There are no seams, and the picture turns slightly to hug the spine of the book. I absolutely love it! These would make a great gift for any avid reader, or in my case, a nice commemmorative piece or just that extra something special.

If you like jYOUlry products become a fan at www.facebook.com/jYOUlry and be the first to know about new products and featured sales!

SPECIAL MINDINGSPOT PROMOTION!

Use coupon code mindingspot for 10% off at jYOUlry.com!!

Garden of Secrets by Barbara Freethy

In Angel's Bay, Dr. Charlotte Adams has returned and is struggling with personal issues. She has feelings for the Chief of Police, Joe, but she also wants what she had years ago with her first love, Andrew, who is now the town's minister. She's scared though to pursue either of the men because she doesn't want to get hurt, so she keeps the barriers around her heart firmly in place.


At a New Year's Eve party, both men aim for her for the New Year's Eve kiss, but Charlotte panics and rushes up the stairs. Moments later, the lights go out and there is a scream. The lady of the manor has been robbed, and she is unconscious with blood everywhere. Charlotte is immediately a suspect. She was near the victim and had a questionable past with the victim's sister.

Joe knows she is innocent but he has a hard time keeping her away from the investigation. When Pamela, the victim's sister arrives, Charlotte sees red. She is the reason Andrew left her all of those years ago. But Joe still can't find out who the perpetrator is and divides his time with the investigation and getting Charlotte to let down her barriers and let him in her heart.

After an attempt on Charlotte's life, her heart reveals who she is falling in love with. But will she get to express her love before her life is ended for good? Because Charlotte has seen something she shouldn't and she can't be allowed to live, if the ones who robbed and attempted murder on the mayor's wife have anything to say about it.

Small town living, a handful of inter-connected characters, a blossoming romance and the drama of suspense and secrets all merge together into an entertaining, yet heartwarming romantic suspense. Barbara Freethy knows how to tell a story and ensnare her reader in her web and she does it with finesse! If you enjoy romantic suspense set in a small town, then you won't want to miss Garden of Secrets!

Rafflecopter Giveaway Hop

<a href="http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/ /" target="_blank"><img src=http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/cheyannepeters/Picture13.png height=125 width=125></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Everyone is invited for our new exciting Rafflecopter Giveaway Hop each week. MindingSpot and <A href="http://www.tracerscouponaffair.com/">Tracers Coupon Affair</A> have teamed up to bring you a weekly hop to link up your rafflecopter giveaways. So if you have a giveaway and you are using Rafflecopter for it link up your giveaway below. Feel free to add our button to your site to help spread the word so others can join in.<br /> </P> <P> </P> <P><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=107748" type="text/javascript"></P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P></script></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

Everyone is invited for our new exciting Rafflecopter Giveaway Hop each week. MindingSpot and & Tracers Coupon Affair have teamed up to bring you a weekly hop to link up your rafflecopter giveaways. So if you have a giveaway and you are using Rafflecopter for it link up your giveaway below. Feel free to add our button to your site to help spread the word so others can join in.

You Never Know by Lilian Duval

Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tour


Tobias Hillyer had his future planned, beginning with going to the Peruvian amazon and the Yanomami territories of Brazil and Venezuela for his undergraduate anthropology fellowship. But first, he was going back home for Christmas, to his little brother Simeon, his alcoholic mother and his father. His reception is met with great delight and the arguing is kept at bay. Tobias decides to drive and treat them all to dinner, but on the way back home, an accident occurs and Tobias' life is changed forever.

His parents are killed instantly in the car accident and Simeon is in a coma. Tobias cancels his undergraduate studies and drops out of school. He doesn't want to, but he is now Simeon's 'parent' and sits at his bedside daily, waiting for Simeon to wake up. He meets one of Simeon's nurses, Carmela, and although they are attracted to one another, Tobias has no room in his life for a romance. He needs to find work, pay bills and take care of Simeon. But Carmela is relentless and soon finds a place in Tobias's life. When Simeon wakes up and is released from rehabilitation, Carmela makes room in her life for him too. Simeon will always need someone to take care of his for the rest of his life, something is wrong with his brain. A gifted artist, a cartoonist, Tobias trys what he can for Simeon to refind his gift, buying all sorts of art supplies.

Carmela and Tobias get married, and the two spend occassional weekends with Tobias' best friend Martin and his new wife. Tobias works at a bookstore and Carmela still works at the hospital. Life isn't wonderful, with the bills piling up, but they manage and take care of Simeon. Then Martin's wife is pregnant and Carmela decides she wants a baby too, even though Tobias states they can't afford one. She goes behind his back and stops taking her birth control and before long, she is pregnant. Tobias isn't happy but makes the most of it, and is soon the father of twins. Simeon is wonderful with them, and Tobias and Carmela find a comfort zone in their life.

Then something happens. Tobias wins the lottery and their lives are irrevocably changed. Tobias begins lending money out to friends without consulting Carmela. It puts a rift in their marriage. Then their daughter is kidnapped and Tobias knows something needs to change.

You Never Know is a wonderful novel following the ups and downs of Tobias' life and how he adapts to it's relentless changes. It's a story of family, loss, hope, love and chance. The characters are cleverly crafted and very realistic. Live life to the fullest, day by day, is dominant in this story. It could happen to any of us, You Never Know.

The Future Perfect by Kirk Mustard

In this dystopian future, Zenith works at TOAC, coming up with incredible marketing ideas and making them work. A few of the products go into production immediately and some are the fad of the day, only lasting a few hours but selling millions.


He lives in the future and loves it, always looking to make things bigger and better. In this time, mankind has destroyed nature with everyone living in the cities. No one lives in the suburbs, with weeds and pests, it's too dangerous. People don't walk, they have escalating sidewalks. They don't really die, they go nophy, a computer generated version of themselves, that lives forever, just without a body.

Zenith realizes that what the world really misses is nature, so he and his co-workers come up with the idea of the Smelix. A computer-genetically designed animal that all of mankind could love. It's never been made, but the idea becomes an instant best-seller, with the Smelix on coffee mugs, tshirts and more.

When the government decides that mankind wants nature back, but not to live in, just to gaze at and maybe pet an animal, it goes into high-gear. Wild Kingdom is a plan of an aging scientist, to bring back all of the extinct animals and have nature flourish again, as well as help with food produce. The current food market has to be grown indoors because of the pests.

But another company thinks it can do it better and have mankind live with nature. It must be voted on by the public, but in the meantime, Zenith works fervently to get the Smelix really made, instead of just a glimmer in his imagination.

The Future Perfect is a wild ride into the future, unknown like anything I have ever envisioned. Clagg's imagination is remarkable, knowing no boundaries and yet holding this reader within his genious virtual reality. The characters are likable, funny, determined and yet quirky. The world-building is unbelievable and so detail oriented, I could quickly build the world in my mind, down to the finest pebble. Glass flowers and linoleum deserts are just the tip of what this futuristic novel has to offer. Romance, suspense, competitive science and excellent writing, The Future Perfect is genious! I totally enjoyed it!

Aralen Dreams by Charles Thompson

John Dillon leaves everything he knows for the adventures of the Peace Corps. He's in his young twenties and doesn't really take much seriously, but wants to succeed. He's headed to a small village in Panama to teach and help the the community to live better lives.


He befriends the other people who are training with him and seems to take a shine to Elena, who he finds attractive. But he knows they will be going separate ways, to their own villages, for the next two years. His predecessor was a drunk and didn't do anything to help the villagers, so John sets out right away to prove he is different.

He takes to the simple life really well. He takes his Aralen, a pill that is supposed to prevent malaria, like he is supposed to, but the dreams it creates haunts him. He begins to make friends with the local farmers and gets frustrated when they don't listen to him. Elena calls him and he travels to visit her, beginning a new relationship between the two.

She has troubles with her village but glosses over them. The two meet whenever they can and quickly fall in love. John befriends an American couple who own a bar, and spends his Sundays there to watch sports. He seems to be making a home in his village and is finding himself and enjoying life. But then something happens to Elena that has John question his path in life and it will change his world forever.

Arelen Dreams is an in-depth peek into the Peace Corps and how they aid people and also when they hit roadblocks. Not only does the reader get a closer look at the poverty and hardships of the villagers, but there are bigger forces at work, like politics.

There are many sexual encounters, quite graphic and moderate drug use within this story. That didn't bother me and lend credence to the story, of people working for a pittance trying to help others, dealing with it in their own way. However, the ending felt rushed and I wanted a better closure. That's not to say it ended badly, the story was completed satisfactorily, but I wanted to know what else happened, which is really a nod to the author for an excellent, well-written novel. I highly enjoyed it and look forward to see what Mr. Thompson has in store next.

Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty by Neil Hanson Review & Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this story told in the first-person form of a letter from a middle-aged man to his deceased father, Hanson invites us to journey with him through the final days of the father’s life, finding a magical transition waiting at the end of that journey. The story weaves end-of-life reality and spiritual questioning into a sensitive and revealing tapestry of Truth and Wisdom. The tapestry is colored with true stories of mystical experiences that inform the spiritual path of the son.

Most of us will face difficult and painful end-of-life decisions with the most important people in our lives. The threads of this aspect of the story are sensitive, and Hanson reveals the struggles and destinations of the son as he wrestles deeply with the journey that he must walk in making these decisions for his dying father.

MY THOUGHTS

A dying father and his son, who at his father's bedside, watches his father's soul as it is 'born' into another world - one of spirituality. He journey's with his father and discovers a mystical surprise. But also, growing up, he had mystical visions that he failed to share with his father. He takes a journey of not only the heart, but to find his way spiritually and to embrace it.


Eloquently written, Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty is odd in the way that G-d is never a fully formed word, letting the reader fill in their own word. The reasoning comes later in this inspiration book, but it made it more personal to this reader, preferring to fill in my own beliefs. A wonderful touch. Passionate, eloquent, inspirational and devotional, Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty is a wonderful companion novel for anyone on a spiritual quest or needing guidance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Hanson lives and works in Colorado. Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty is his first book. He blogs actively and writes articles for periodicals. He is an avid outdoorsman, passionate about hunting and fishing. He spends a great deal of time bicycling the roads and trails of Colorado, and backcountry skiing in winter. His passion for gardening spills over into a joint venture with his oldest son, where they operate a landscaping and construction company in Colorado.

PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY (U.S. only)

Neil will giveaway 1 copy of the paperback version of the book to the FIRST person who leaves a comment on your review along with their email address.

EBOOK GIVEAWAY (International)

Neil will giveaway a copy of the ebook version of the book (in the format of their choice) to EVERY person who leaves a comment, along with their email address during the month of September.

REQUIREMENT

All entrants will automatically be subscribed to Neil Hanson's email newsletter. Contact information is NEVER shared, and subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.

Blog Tour web site: http://peaceattheedgeofuncertainty.blogspot.com/

Neil Hanson's website: http://neilhanson.com/

Neil Hanson's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neilmhanson

Neil Hanson's Twitter: http://twitter.com/neilmhanson

Neil Hanson's blog: http://neilhanson.com/Blog/

Designerliners Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

Renee G - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

This novel will knock your socks off! It is absolutely fabulous and I can't say enough good things about it.


The year is 2044 and the world as we know it as radically changed. With economic collapse, most people staying in their homes since that is where they go to school and work. Several years earlier, a geeky genius invented the OASIS, a simulated virtual reality. There are thousands of worlds in this simulation and with the addition of a special visor and gloves, the possibilities are endless. When the creator died, he left all of his billions to the winner of a special contest - a contest he created.

That person must start with the riddle he gives at his will to begin the contest. From there, the contestant must unlock the quest, through several puzzles and gates. Five years have passed and no one has still achieved the first portion - achieving the copper key.

The "sixers" are hired from a big corporation, IOA, working to look for this elusive "egg". IOA wants to win the billions and all of the power that will go with it. The 'grunters' are those that spend all of their waking moments learning all about the tycoon's life - needing any clue that they find, and trying to establish where that first key could be, ultimately leading to the egg.

Wade Watts is a grunter who spends the majority of his days in the OASIS. He attends school online, and then works on his research to find that ultimate prize. He doesn't know what it really means to live in reality. Who would want to when the reality was so bad and you could live as whoever you want in the OASIS?

Wade unlocks the first puzzle and his name is immediately on the scoreboard that has been empty for five years. He is immediately famous, but at what price does that fame come? Not long after going through the first gate, and working on the second, he is attacked in reality. Also, others are catching up with him on the scoreboard, and he finds himself falling in love with one of the players, Art3mis. She is determined to win just as much as he is, but it will be every man for himself when the challenge alights.

There are so many pop-culture references, your head will either spin, or you will enjoy the trip down memory lane. The movies, the music, the video games and more had me nodding my head as they were referenced. The way that Cline has a video game within a videogame is genius, and the characters are relatable and rather modern. The technology used is something that can easily be foreseen in the future, but the idea that humans forsake reality for virtual reality is sad, as they would miss out on so many things.

Ready Player One is Cline's debut novel, but it doesn't read like one. I'd be very interested to see what he writes next, because this one a definite keeper! Action, romance, geeky science, pop-culture references, suspense and more are just the tips of what keeps the pages flying as you read this remarkable novel. I can't recommend it highly enough!!

Before You Suffocate Winner

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

Clair - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies DVD Giveaway

Disney's irresistible talking Buddies are back in an all-new movie that takes them for a spooky new adventure. With the help of some unexpected new friends -- Pip, Zelda, Rodney, and Skip, the buddies must stop Warwick the Warlock and save the world from his dastardly deeds.

Aren't these buddies just adorable?

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win their own DVD of Walt Disney's Spooky Buddies!

HOW TO ENTER

You can do one or all! Up to you!

Leave a comment with your email

Post on my Facebook page your favorite buddy!
Follow GFC

Tweet this giveaway - leave link

Ends September 26th! USA & Canada Only.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

Wildflower Hill Winners

Thanks so much to the publisher for sponsoring this contest! Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.

Jim - CONFIRMED

StuckInBooks - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!

Guest Post: Crafting a Simple Book Review

As you may already know, a great portion of Minding Spot's blog content in dedicated to book reviews. I love reading them—they give me some great insight into different pieces of work and either persuade me to check out some book titles (or avoid them entirely). But as much as I love reading them, I also enjoy writing them as well. But writing reviews can sometimes get a little tricky—they aren't exactly like formulating a grade school book report and involve way more than just scribbling down a summary. It's more of a critical analysis/ assessment of the book. That said, if you ever find yourself in situation where you'd like to write a book review for Minding Spot (or maybe for your own blog or for some sort of assignment) below are some simple tips to teach you how to write your own.


Introduction. The introduction can be tackled many different ways, but you always want to try to hook a reader's attention. You can start it off by reciting a powerful quote in the book that reflects the entire premise/theme of the piece for example. Whatever you choose to do, it's important that the very first sentence demonstrates the entire tone of your review. In the introduction, you also want to make sure that you naturally include the full title of the book, the author, and the genre. It may also be a good idea to include some of the publishing information. To close the introduction however, you want to directly state the author's thesis and your own personal thesis about the effectiveness of the book—i.e. in your opinion did the author successfully get his or her point across.

Summary. The summary should be brief. You need to give important information like character names, time periods, and list some interesting facts to make the book seem appealing if that's the impression the book left you with, but by no means do you want to give "everything away" (like the climax or ending). You never want to give away the suspense or "heart" of a new book for several different reasons—not only will it ruin the experience for a potential reader, but if the author feels as though you've jeopardized book sales by giving away the ending you might just get sued for copyright infringement.

Argument. While there technically there is no "correct" way to write a book review, the truth is that all book reviews need to be heavily opinion-based. Not only do you need to blatantly state whether you liked the book or not, but you need to explain why. You also need to explain whether the author successfully got his or her argument across to you, the reader. In order to do this and back up your claims, you will need to evaluate an array of aspects, including the author's background and upbringing (may give you some insight to possible bias), the author's approach, style and organization, whether the facts presented are accurate, as well as compare and contrast it to other works that may be similar. You also need to address how the author developed characters, how themes were introduced, how chapters were constructed and then go even far as to suggest some ways that that the author could have improved its weak areas (if any exist).

Conclusion. Like with the introduction, the conclusion can be simple. You need to briefly affirm your thesis once more, tie loose ends and then of course restate whether you would recommend the book to another reader or not.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Sucker for a Hot Rod by Joselyn Vaughn

Judi Montgomery is new to town. She recently took a job as a second-grade teacher and she is determined to make a go of it. Unfortunately, the one thing she has left of her late father, a 1972 Datzun 240Z, keeps breaking down. If she's late to work, they may end her newfound teaching career early.


The only shop in town is out of ideas on fixing the ancient beast and refers Judi to Halloways Tractors. They fix farm equipment, but the owner's son, Bryce, has been known to know his way around a hot rod. At first, Bryce doesn't want to to do it, but eventually, the lure is too great for him and he agrees to give it a look.

Bryce never dates the same woman twice, period. And even though Judi finds him attractive, he makes his rule known to her. She doesn't care as long as he fixes her car. But it seems that everyday or two, something happens to her car and she needs to call Bryce. Either she needs to trade the car in for something newer, or something fishy is going on.

Bryce has always wanted to build custom hot rods, but knows that when his father retires, he will have to run the tractor store. What he doesn't count on is his father retiring now. He accepts the tractor repair shop, but he imagines all of his dreams going out of the window. Will Judi be able to convince Bryce that he can follow his dreams? Will Bryce and Judi determine that their heart leads them where their future is?

Sucker for a Hot Rod is a fun contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the characters in this small town setting, with it's charm and everyone knows everyone's business. The romance between Judi and Bryce is sweet and blooms slowly, building lasting ties for the future. There is some fun and warm romantic moments that give this tale just that unique bit that makes it special. I really enjoyed it!

Dead in Norvelt by Jack Gantos, Audiobook

Jack is just your average boy, with the exception of his incessant nose bleeds. He has been looking forward to his summer vacation but gets in trouble and winds up grounded for the duration.


Miss Volker, an elderly lady and Jack's neighbor, is the medical examiner of Norvelt. She also writes up the obituaries for the town's newspaper. However, her eyes aren't as good as they used to be and her arthritis has been causing her havoc. She needs help and that comes in the form of Jack.

Jack spends his summer writing up the obituaries for her and as he does so, he learns more about the people who founded the town and a little bit more. He enjoys his escape from the house and begins to look forward to his job, but some of the stories she spins are outlandish and hard to believe. Jack learns more than he really wanted to know, but it is a summer to remember.

Some of the stories are laugh-out loud funny and a twist of suspense will hook you as well. Dead End in Norvelt is read by Jack and he does a magnificent job! His pitch tumbles back and forth between whiny, seriousness, just the right touch of drama and humor. I was caught up immediately from disc one and hated to see it end. Not just for young adults, this fun yarn of growing up in a small town is sure to entertain everyone!

Rafflecopter Giveaway Hop!

Everyone is invited for our new exciting Rafflecopter Giveaway Hop each week. MindingSpot and Tracers Coupon Affair have teamed up to bring you a weekly hop to link up your rafflecopter giveaways. So if you have a giveaway and you are using Rafflecopter for it link up your giveaway below. Feel free to add our button to your site to help spread the word so others can join in.

<a href="http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/ /" target="_blank"><img src=http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/cheyannepeters/Picture13.png height=125 width=125></a></P> <P><BR></P> <P><BR> <P><BR></P>
Link up your Rafflecopter giveaways below

His Country Girl by Jillian Hart Giveaway

To fulfill a sick boy's wish, rodeo star Tucker Granger surprises little Owen in the hospital. But no one is more surprised than single mother Sierra Baker. She figures the carefree champion for a different kind of man. One who doesn't spend hours talking "cowboy code" with a hospital-bound child. One who can't have her dreaming of a second chance at love. Somehow, Tucker ropes her heart and fills it with hope. Hope that this country girl and her son can lasso the roaming bronc rider into their family forever.

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the Harlequin Ambassador program, I have two copies to giveaway!

USA Only

MANDATORY ENTRY

Leave a comment with your email

Contest ends September 28th. Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Prizes shipped direct from Minding Spot.

Goddess of Vengeance by Jackie Collins Review & Giveaway

What can I say about Goddess of Vengeance? If you've read any of Jackie Collin's novels, then you know it is pure unadulterated fun that you hate to see end.


Lucky Santangelo is back! Her and husband Lennie are very happy. He's directing indie films and she's busy running her new hotel and casino complex, The Keys, in LA. They have three children, and vibrant Max is about to turn eighteen. She's involved in an affair with a movie star that at all costs must be kept secret.

Lucky's son Bobby owns a string of nightclubs, but has gotten involved with shady Russian investors. Lucky is kept busy juggling fame, wealth and her family, but all of her happiness is about to be on the line.

Young Prince Armand Jordan is not used to being told no. He wants something, he acquires it. What he wants is The Keys and Lucky isn't selling. So, he does what any spoiled brat would do. He decides to play hardball and goes after Lucky and her family with everything he has. Armand doesn't know that when you play with matches, you get fire, and Lucky brings the blaze to him with a vengeance!

With many substories and characters, the light shines on not only Lucky and her glamourous high-maintenance life, but also on her children. The stakes are high and the game of cat and mouse will keep you entertained as the pages just fly by. A heart-pounding ride of suspense, drama, love, hope and vengeance, Jackie Collins is at the top of her game and Goddess of Vengeance is one of her best works yet.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win their own copy of Goddess of Vengeance!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Leave a comment with your email

BONUS ENTRIES

Follow Jackie on Twitter

Follow Minding Spot on Twitter

Tweet This - Leave link

Giveaway ends September 29th. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Prize shipped direct from sponsor. USA & Canada Only.

Leap of Faith Winner

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

Leigh - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!

Telling Lies by Cathi Stoler Tribute Books Tour

Laurel Imperiole, an editor for Women Now magazine, is vacationing in Italy with Detective Aaron Gerard, of the NYPD Identity Theft Squad. They've left work behind and are concentrating on getting to know one another better. In an art gallery, Laurel bumps into a well-dressed man but she thinks nothing of it until she and Aaron have left. She knows that man, Jeff Sargasso, but he alledgedly died in on 9/11 at the World Trade Center.


Laurel is filled with rage that he would walk away from his family and make a new life. She remembers that he had an appointment that morning with a billionaire japanese art dealer and that fifteen million dollars disappeared - all over a painting. At first, Aaron disbelieves Laurel, thinking she thought she saw Jeff, but it was someone else. But the more she talks, the more he begins to believe her.

He goes back to New York and she stays in Florence. They call Helen McCordenale, a friend and private investigator, to help them uncover what really occurred. Laurel tries to find Jeff in the art world in Florence, but she hasn't many clues. One clue, though, really stands out and may aid her - a stick pin Jeff was wearing. But when a woman ends up murdered, Laurel realizes that she must tread carefully, especially if he goes back to New York to see his wife, Monica.

Aaron and Helen gradually begin to unravel the intricasies of the investigation and realize that Jeff, going under a presumed name, is on a flight to New York. Also, billionaire Miayamu Moto is coming to New York too. Coincidence? Probably not, so they begin to stake out the area, but when Laurel returns to the states, she acts before she thinks and is soon in a struggle for her life.

Telling Lies has many subplots that support the main story that I can easily see in more installments. I really didn't care for the character of Laurel, I found her shallow and pigheaded. I came to love Helen though, she is a remarkable character with guts and heart. The conspiracy, the murders, the authenticity of Italy and it's language, as well as the cunning plot turn Telling Lies into a well-done, though-provoking novel of not only entertainment, but what could have really happened. I read it cover-to-cover! I couldn't put it down - pure excellence!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathi Stoler was an award-winning advertising copywriter. Telling Lies is her first mystery/suspense novel. Other novels in this series will include Keeping Secrets, which delves into the subject of hidden identity, and, The Hard Way, a story about the international diamond smuggling. She has also written several short stories including Fatal Flaw, which was published online this April at Beat To A Pulp and Out of Luck, which will be included in the upcoming New York Sisters in Crime anthology, Murder New York Style: Fresh Slices. In addition to Sisters in Crime, Cathi is also a member of Mystery Writers of America and Women of Mystery.

Blog Tour web site:

http://telling-lies-blog-tour.blogspot.com/



Cathi Stoler's website:

http://cathistoler.com/



Cathi Stoler's Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cathi-Stoler-Author/199001446788836



Cathi Stoler's Twitter:

http://twitter.com/Cathicopy



Cathi Stoler's blog:

http://www.womenofmystery.net/search/label/*Cathi

Between the Land and the Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

Marina isn't happy about her father going to work in Afghanistan and leaving her to live with her Aunt Abby and cousin Cruz for a year, but her father is determined she will go to school like a normal teenager and make friends. Marina's mother died shortly after giving birth to her, so it's just been her and her father, travelling around all of her life. Her neighbor, whom Marina calls Aunt Evie, has been like a mother to her and they are very close.

Marina settles into her new life fairly well, in fact, so close to the ocean she feels like she's home. The other kids in town give her a wide berth and really aren't nice to her, but her cousin and his friend Megan are great and the three quickly become close. Ethan is a handsome surfer who works hard and quickly catches Marina's attention. He teaches her how to swim and surf and soon there is a romance blossoming between the two.

But when Marina sees a mermaid and starts talking to it, the plot thickens. The mermaid calls Marina sister and says she has something for her from her mother. Marina keeps going back to talk to the mermaid at no thought to her own safety. Soon, Marina is sleepwalking to the sea and her life becomes endangered. Ethan, Megan and Cruz try to protect Marina, but the water spirits will not be swayed. Marina must sacrifice something in order to continue her life, but at what cost to those she loves or to herself?

Between the Land and The Sea is a thrilling young adult fantasy that I devoured. I couldn't read fast enough, I was so caught up in the life of Marina and her friends. What happened to Marina's mother? What do the mermaids want with her? What lengths will they go to achieve it? Will Marina and Ethan's love for one another stand the test of time? These were only a few questions I asked myself as I read. The characters are wonderful and full of passion and life, the setting is modern and realistic and the mermaids were fantastic. Great writing and perfect character chemistry - I want more! I can't wait to continue Marina's story in Moon Tide, Book Two.

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

 After Liesl's father got so sick he had to go to the hospital, her hateful stepmother, Augusta, put Liesl in the attic. She has been in the attic for almost a year, never allowed out of the room. She is brought a dismal meal twice a day and spends her time drawing. When her father finally passes away, Liesl is not only grieving, but upset she wasn't allowed to see him and tell him goodbye.


On the third day after her father's death, a ghost appears in Liesl's room. His name is Po and he has a cat, well he's called Bundle. Po doesn't know why he is in Liesl's room, he just popped in from the other side. Liesl promises to make Po a drawing if he will go to the otherside and find her father.

Will, an orphan who lives with an alchemist, stops at the corner everynight to see the young pretty face in the attic window. But for the third night, she hasn't been there. He lives a very lonely existance, and seeing her brings him comfort and companionship, even though she isn't aware of him. When he is given the task to deliver the biggest magic ever created to the Lady Premiere and then to gather ingredients from the mortuary, he hastens to do so, but he is cold and exhausted.

A common mistake occurs, and the box with the magic is taken to Liesl's house, assumed full of her father's ashes, and the ashes, assumed full of magic, are taken to the Lady Premiere's home. When she opens the box and sees the ashes, she goes ballistic and Will runs away.

When Po finds Liesl's father in otherside and learns he wants to go home and only Liesl can take him, he lets Liesl know. She knows exactly where she is to take her father's ashes, but she needs help to escape from the attic. With Po and Bundle's help, she embarks on a journey. A journey of the heart, of friends and magic.

Liesl and Po is a magical adventure with twists and turns that will capture your heart. Endearing characters, heart-stopping escapes, deft twists and turns and impeccable writing bring Liesl and Po to life in this magical novel. Kids of all ages will find something to capture their interest in this remarkable novel. I loved it!

Lana Halliday by Lulu Sullivan

Lana Halliday is just spending an afternoon with her friend Ronnie having tea and making fun of the locals when Ronnie sees him. A well-dressed man across the street, walking and minding his own business, with a sparkle on his tie, drives Ronnie crazy. It seems Ronnie was engaged to a little lady called May and he wanted to marry her. He asked his wealthy uncle for a loan, he was going to work for him soon and make his own fortune, and just added a couple of zeros to the check to purchase a fabulous diamond engagement ring.


When the uncle found out, he was so mad he withdrew the job offer and demanded the ring back. When May found out that Ronnie lost the job, she dumped him and did not return the ring. Instead, she found another wealthy man and had the diamond made into a tie tack for him as an engagement present. Peter Maddox Peters doesn't know what hit him, when Ronnie lurches across the street and hits Peter in the nose. Ronnie is promptly taken to jail by a constable and Lana figures now would be a good time to help out her friend.

She approached Peters and spins a yarn about needing to protect him as someone has bought a contract on his life. Peters buys it all and what ensues is hilarious! Lana is witty and quick on her feet and her story doesn't wobble, she keeps her facts or falsifications in this instance, straight. For a short story, there is a lot happening and it's easy to follow. The characters are quirky and likable and the story is well-paced and cleverly crafted. I loved it!

http://lauralsullivan.blogspot.com/

The Peaceful Housewife by Jenny Deramo Review & Giveaway

The Peaceful Housewife is a recipe book for natural household cleaning products. All of the ingredients are things you have already or are easily obtained. The recipes are very easy to follow and will save you a lot of money. The biggest investment I saw by going through the recipes was a container of some sort to put your product into. However, being economical, I have been using hot soap and water and washing thoroughly my current product containers and using them. They work well; I just have to slap a label on it of what it contains.


From laundry soap to furniture polish to makeup brush cleaners and granite cleaners, The Peaceful Housewife covers it all! I've only made a couple of the recipes to date, but am looking forward to making more. These are fantastic! I hope there is a sequel with outdoorsy natural cleaners - would love one for concrete. If you're going green or trying to save money, give The Peaceful Housewife a try. It only takes moments and you will save big! No harsh chemicals and very easy to do. Highly recommended

BUY IT

Buy the Ebook HERE.

 

GIVEAWAY

Two lucky winners will win an ebook of The Peaceful Housewife!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Leave a comment with your email

BONUS ENTRIES

Follow Minding Spot GFC

Open International. Contest ends September 21st. Winners have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.

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.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Mikey's fifteen year old sister, Karyn, claims she was sexually assaulted. Mikey is afraid he will get away with it and wants to take the law into his own hands. Mikey has his hands full though. His mom spends her time in bed or drinking instead of taking care of the kids and house. Mikey works full-time, takes his baby sister, Holly, to school, gets the groceries and checks in on Karyn. Karyn refuses to leave the flat since the incident. She is afraid she will run into him, even though he isn't allowed anywhere near her.


Tom Parker's younger sister, Ellie, believes that Tom is innocent. However, she feels bad about what she hears about Karyn afraid to leave her home. She was there the night the assault supposedly happened, but all she saw was Karyn throwing herself at Tom. She did tell Tom that Karyn was only fifteen, but she believes Karyn was willing and Tom is innocent. She's scared, though, to testify at court.

Mikey decides to befriend Ellie, hoping that getting close to her will give him a better idea of their home life and how Tom spends his days. Then, he can exact out his own form of revenge. But he doesn't anticipate falling for Ellie, and Ellie reciprocates the feelings. The court date is quickly approaching, will Ellie change her story to help Mikey's sister and condemn her own brother? Will she figure out Mikey had used her and testify in her brother's favor, regardless of her feelings for Mikey?

You Against Me is a thought-provoking young adult romantic suspense that will keep you up late turning the pages. The characters are realistic and modern, character scenarios witty, uplifting and heartwrenching, and the plot is tight and sound. I really enjoyed the concept behind You Against Me, it sends several remarkable messages and would recommend to anyone - young adult or adult.

Sweet Tea & Secrets Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Thanks to everyone who entered!

Jessica - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!

Your 100 Day Prayer by John I. Snyder

Your 100 Day Prayer is a guide for your own one hundred days. Each entry begins with a passage of Scripture and ends with preparation for prayer for that day. After your prayer, you can enter your thoughts and any notes you may have.


Each day you can express your need and praise His name. There are several lines to jot your thoughts and progress. Each day's passage and preparation not only prepares you for your own daily prayer, but it also offers advice and encouragement. My mom reads a 'daily bread' every morning that offers a passage of Scripture to help guide with her spiritualism, but I believe The 100 Day Prayer offers even more. With the ability to discover daily that God does listen and does respond is the catalyst to continue forth on your transforming journey.

 

Galilee Silks Winner!

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

gnwg - CONFIRMED

Congratulations!!

*The Tropical Traditions Giveaway is now fixed :D

Commune of Women by Suzan Still

Six women, on a normal morning at LAX airport, each have their own agendas and thoughts running through their minds when chaos erupts. Gunshots ring out and people are running everywhere, with many falling as they die. A obscure door, a breakroom for employees, becomes a sanctuary for some running for their lives.


After the initial pile-up of bodies at the door, a few women help sort them out and Sophia, a large woman, takes charge. They immediately move a vending machine in front of the door to barricade others from charging in, namely the terrorists. They then realize one of the women has been injured, and upon closer examination, shot. Her name is Erika and she is given the only couch in the room. Sophia begins treating her immediately while the other women introduce themselves.

Pearl is an old bag lady who had been panhandling at the airport. She watches everyone and thanks the good Lord for the roof over her head and endless coffee. Heddi is a Jungian analyst who was at the airport to pick up a client, Ondine. Ondine is a wealthy and neurotic artist and Betty is an overweight housewife with a lot of issues.

The women end up spending four days in the breakroom, hoping the FBI rescues them soon. They use toilet paper rolls as pillows, monitor the vending machine for meals and spend their days talking about themselves. They all have their secrets and revealing them also helps them heal themselves.

Meanwhile, in a control room, is Najat, a student who has been abandoned by The Brothers. They lead the terrorist group that she has become a member of. Their goals and beliefs have changed from the initial reason for the group. Najat begins to question her beliefs in those days, watching her name on the television as one of the terrorists keeping hostages at the airport.

Commune of Women is a riveting read. The characters are diverse and their stories will find a place in your heart. From Betty's fascination with fake flowers to Pearl's horrifying and tragic life, there is something uplifting in how they found the strength to carry on. A nightmare situation and how the women came out stronger than when it began, along with compassion and the will to survive, Commune of Women is a captivating read that I highly recommend!

Plain Fear: Forsaken by Leanna Ellis

Roc Girouard is a policeman in New Orleans who hasn't worked since his wife Emma was murdered two years ago. So when his old partner urges his to take a look at the newest crime scene, Roc doesn't want to go, until he is told she looks like Emma. What he sees, the two puncture holes in the neck and the body almost drained of blood, enrages him. He doesn't believe in vampires but it's unexplainable. The victim is dressed in plain clothes, so Roc decides to chase the monster to Pennsylvania.


Hannah can't let go of her grief for Jacob. Jacob and she loved one another, dreamed of a life together, but he died in an accident. He spent his running away time in New Orleans and when he came back, he was different, but she still loved him. Now, she spends her nights at his gravestone, wishing he would come back to her. She knows the Amish way is to move on with her life, as the seasons change, but she can't seem to do so.

Levi is the older brother of Jacob, but he has loved Hannah for as long as he can remember. He knows she still grieves for his brother, and he carries guilt for that, a secret he cannot share for fear of shunning. So he waits, hoping Hannah will eventually move on with her life and see him for who he is and that he loves her.

When a stranger called Akiva comes to the area, Hannah mistakenly thinks it is Jacob. But this man is so different, his eyes are black and Jacob's shone with his love and passion. However, Akiva is determined to have Hannah with him forever, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that future. Hannah spends more and more time with Akiva, a man who says he knew Jacob. She wants to know more about Jacob's time in New Orleans and she enjoys her time with Akiva, but Levi urges her to stay away from him.

But when animals are found dead and another victim, Roc and Levi begin to talk to one another. Levi is sure who has come back to the Amish community and what for, and with Roc's help, they are determined to get rid of the monster, no matter what the cost. But when the big showdown happens, who will be left standing? Will Hannah realize her love for Levi before it is too late? Will Roc believe in vampires before he becomes a victim?

Plain Fear: Forsaken is a new spin on the age-old vampire novel. Vampires within the Amish community, a community who knows that the Lord's will will be done and they are to fear nothing, is a captivating premise for the good vs evil fight. The character's are realistic and the details to the Amish settings is well-researched and authentic. The ending winds up well but leaves a thread open to the opportunity of a sequel, which I would love to read. I couldn't put this down - you won't want to miss it!

Tropical Traditions All-Purpose Cleaner Review & Giveaway

I can't say enough good things about Tropical Traditions! I haven't tried a product yet of theirs that I didn't love.  Their All-Purpose Cleaner is no exception!  I've been using it everywhere - in the kitchen, the bathroom, the car, in the bedroom.  I just spray and go and I don't have to worry about toxic chemicals.

Tropical Traditions All-Purpose cleaner is made with non-toxic chemicals. It is a enzyme-based botanical formula that handles easy jobs or strong ones! The greasy mess in the kitchen is no match for this cleaner - one spray and a wipe and it's gone! It leaves no residue and has a fresh smell.

It has many uses! It can be used as a handsoap, fruit&vegetable cleaner, laundry and carpets too.  You can mix it with water for washing your car! It really does an excellent job! I really love it it's all-purpose use and the fact that it is so effective!

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the sponsor, one lucky winner will receive their own bottle of Tropical Traditions All-Purpose Cleaner!

You must fill out the Rafflecopter widget to enter. Contest ends September 17th. USA & Canada Only.

Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans Review & Giveaway

A small book that packs a big punch, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self is a compilation of short stories about being African-American or mixed-race in modern-day America. The stories have very compelling and realistic characters who find themselves struggling between cultures, relationships and ideas.


I found the stories to be humourous, entertaining and well-thought out. A story about a father trying to re-connect with his daughter, and realizing he doesn't know her as well as he thought he did. This story opens up with his roof falling in and quickly caught my attention. A unique glimpse at the relationship between parent and sibling as the mature and lead their own life.

A young girl spends the summer with her grandmother, whom is white. She doesn't care for the way Tara, who is from Brazil, wears her hair in cornrows. In fact, she tries to fit into both cultures but it is a struggle. A struggle that creates tension in her family.

There are many more short stories that are all intriguing and thoughtful. Author Danielle Evans certainly has the knack to write an insightful, yet entertaining work. Whether coming of age or learning hwo to adapt to new surroundings and find your unique piece of society, Before You Suffocate Your Fool Self is a must read!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will with their own copy!

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment, with your email

USA Only.  Contest ends on September 14th.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

The Undertaker by William Brown

Peter Talbot is a geek who is just going through the motions of life and has been for the past year since his wife Terri died from cancer. So he is stunned when one evening leaving for work, a large man slides into the passenger side of his vehicle and shows Peter two obituaries from the paper, his and his wifes.

The obituary states they were killed in a car accident in Ohio and the funeral is the next day. The man in the passenger seat, Gino Parino, urges Peter to forget about his visit, it is a misunderding. But Peter can't tolerate the idea of someone beseeching Terri's memory, so he calls into work and drives to Ohio.

No one attends the funeral, except Gino, who urges Peter to go back home and forget about it. He doesn't want Peter to get involved or to get hurt. But Peter can't leave it alone and begins to question the proprietor of Greene Funeral Home, who tells Peter that people have other people's names all the time and it is purely coincidence. Peter knows better, the details in the obit were his and Terri's lives and he knows they aren't in the cheap pine boxes sitting in the chapel.

Peter begins to feel alive again - anger and wanting to get to the bottom of the situation. He begins to investigate - his search leads him to obituaries similiar to his and Terri's - nine in the past year. All involving the Varner Clinic, Greene Funeral Home, Oak Hill Cemetery and the honorable Ralph Tinkerton, esquire as executor.

He questions them, as well as the local sheriff. They all tell him a different story and the only words that seem to get a rise out of all of them is "Jimmy 'the Stump' Santorini, a mafia boss of eastern New Jersey. Peter is determined to put a stop to the scam or whatever it is that is happening. His investigation takes him to several states and to a woman named Sandy. But can he solve the case before he ends up dead for real this time?

The Undertaker is a thoroughly executed thriller that quickly captured my attention. Author Bill Brown's writing reminded me much of one of my favorite suspense writers, Brian Freeman. The characters are realistic set against a modern day world with believable situations. Quick-paced and solid, I would recommend The Undertaker to any suspense fan! I can't wait to read more from this very talented author!!

The Bad Always Die Twice by Cheryl Crane

When Nikki Harper heard about Rex March's death by airplane, she was sympathic. However, a few months after his funeral, she acquired a new client, Edith March. Edith wants to sell the monstrosity of a mansion she and Rex owned, and she wants Nikki to be her realtor.


Nikki is the daughter of golden age screen star, Victoria Bordeaux. She's wealthy in her own right and doesn't need to work, but she enjoys what she does. She and her partner, Jessica Martin, make their living selling real estate for the rich and famous.

So when Jessica calls Nikki late one evening screeching for help, Nikki rushes to help. Jessica had come home from a seminar and found Rex March's dead body in her bed. The cops want Jessica for the murder, her alibi isn't that tight. But Nikki knows Jessica is innocent. You can't kill someone who is alread dead.

Nikki decides to do some investigation work on her own to prove Jessica's innocence. Jessica has always had a thing about rich older men, so she isn't shocked when she finds out that Jessica had been seeing Rex before he died. She is, though, shocked that she kept it a secret. Nikki's mom urges her to question Edith and her new young boytoy, but there reaction to Nikki's questions are unusual.

As the clues become revealed, Nikki begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Who killed Rex March, not once, but twice? And why?

The Bad Always Die Twice is an entertaining mystery with a cast of spectacular characters. I really enjoyed Nikki's famous mother, she was pure entertainment who really was very insightful. Nikki's character was a delight, much like an onion, the layers were peeled away as the story progressed, giving the reader a deeper look into the way her mind worked and her heart. The writing was quick-paced and the plot unfolded at a steady rate, keeping me thoroughly entertained, turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from author Cheryl Crane and would love to read more about Nikki Harper in future works!