Category Archives: BookReviews

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts

Posted on July 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

 

The Witness by Nora Roberts

Why read “The Witness” by Nora Roberts?

Consider a young girl, Elizabeth, finds out her Mother didn’t give birth to her for love but to make the best out of a sperm donor’s DNA.  Elizabeth finds herself at 16 a college student that has never been on a date nor has she ever been shopping with friends.  She has an opportunity to have a day shopping with a girl from her old high school and forging fake ID’s for them to go out to a popular club.

Elizabeth soon finds herself running for her life.  What comes next will change her life in ways she would have never dreamed possible.

Will this naive girl survive into womanhood?  If so, what sort of life will she have?

All this and more will be answered by Nora Roberts as the story unfolds.  You’ll discover what happened to Elizabeth, her Mother and the Federal Agents assigned to protect Elizabeth or is it to prosecute?

“The Witness,” kept me guessing.  It is a snapshot of a girl left on her own with no guidance and the trouble that finds her.  A Mother’s love is important and this story shows why on so many levels.

The adult Elizabeth finds she still has things to learn about finding and keeping love between a man and a woman too.  She has to find the courage and wisdom within herself to pursue the man of her dreams while staying safe from the men from her nightmares.

Nora brings all the characters in this book to life from the shy and bookish Elizabeth to the sterile, demanding and unfeeling Mother you’ll find those you love and those you will love to hate in this adventure of the heart.

There are very few writers that could bring a character like Elizabeth to life, but Nora Roberts does it beautifully.  From the style of Elizabeth’s hair to the experience of wearing her first pair of heals, you will not be disappointed.  This is a definite re-read for me.  So much detail needs to be savored.

I hope you pick up “The Witness” by Nora Roberts and see for yourself what makes this coming of age story a suspenseful drama full of mystery and hope.  You can get the book in the following formats at the links below:

http://www.audiobookstanddl.com/9B656443-488B-4EA1-813A-6E319CB89573/10/119/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=9C9FA007-8C8F-4C14-A40E-19C9E8FDCAE4

http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1WITNESS

If you buy with the second link you can ask to have it signed by the author and its on clearance for $10.00.

I also enjoyed the audiobook performance by Julia Whelan.  She brings out all the emotions of the characters in her voice tone and reading style. Lovely job, Julia, thank you.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, BrillianceAudio, Courage, Hope, Inspire, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Novel, NRBookReviews, On The Run, Passion, Roberts, Romance, Uncategorized

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“The Ornament” by Zeke Changuris

Posted on June 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

cz_ornament-150

 

What sets “The Ornament” by Zeke Changuris apart making it a must read novel for all ages?  This is the journey of a young photojournalist striving to be the best when the woman of his dreams starts working at the same TV news station.  The courtship of Amy and Sam is full of all the detail of what goes into being a good news anchor and photojournalist along with all the personal struggles these two face living life.

Zeke shows us how a single frame of video captures the emotions of a moment out of time.  He brings to sharp focus all that goes into being human from dating, marriage and finding the courage to say what’s in you heart to a woman you’ve loved all your life.

“The Ornament” allows us to see inside the TV news profession in a whole new way.  Zeke details the ups and downs in a news anchor’s and photojournalist’s personal as well as professional life.  The journey takes us to Hagerstown, Maryland  to Operation Freedom in Iraq and back to Washington, DC.

Zeke Changuris writes from the heart about a profession he loves and how hard it is to find and keep true love.  Zeke’s characters are easy to imagine as well as the places they inhabit.  Vivid descriptions as only a photographer can capture are brought to life in Zeke’s dialog and narrative.  Beautifully and poignantly written.

Reading to me is finding something new about the human condition that is both inspiring and helps me see myself a little more clearly.  “The Ornament” does this and more.  It pulls the emotions out of me.  I feel for Sam and I have a better understanding of what a man experiences as he travels through life.

Thank you, Zeke Changuris for sharing these beautiful characters with me and all readers that enjoy a story that celebrates living life to the fullest.  Keep on writing from the heart, Zeke, you have a gift to not only bring characters to life off the page but to also share the complex emotions that make up each and everyone of us.

I bought my copy at the following link:  http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ZC_ORNAMENT

From Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe at a Nora Roberts sponsored book signing event.  I hope you all take a few minutes to check out this book and order from TTPBooks.com a safe and secure way to get books quickly and in great condition all over the world.

“The Ornament” is a must read book for our time for all ages.  My book reviews are my own.  I only strive to help readers find books that I’ve enjoyed and found some new insights into the human condition.  Comments are welcomed.

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Posted in 5 Stars, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Changuris, Emotion, Five Stars, Giving, Hope, Inspire, Novel, Passion, Photography, The Ornament, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, TV News Profession, You Make a Difference, Zeke Changuris, ZekeChanguris

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“Pearls of Wisdom” by Chantilly White

Posted on June 24, 2014 | 3 comments

Pearls of Wisdom_

“Pearls of Wisdom” by Chantilly White is a beautifully written story of a young man’s love and devotion to country.  I especially appreciate the book is dedicated to the men & women who serve and those special souls that wait at home for news from the front.

What sets Chantilly White’s writing apart?  She brings her characters to life, not only physically but emotionally as well.  Her writing takes you to the library in vivid detail – I can even smell the books.  I feel the afternoon sun as I visualize the glass library doors sparkling.  Elegantly written, Chantilly.

“Pears of Wisdom” pleasures the mind’s eye with sculpted imagery of the two souls combining as close as this existence allows.  From courtship to finding love, Chantilly White takes us on a journey full of promise and sensual delight.

Will a young widow find new love?  Does Billy survive the fighting in World War II?  All will be revealed before “Pearls of Wisdom” ends.

This novella is full of treasures to be discovered.  Read “Pearls of Wisdom” by Chantilly White slowly you’ll want to enjoy every moment.

I bought my e-book for Kindle for iPad from Amazon follow this link:

I also enjoyed these e-books from Chantilly White:

Next book I plan to read:

Keep on writing Chantilly White – I like your style.

 

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), BookReviews, Chantilly, Chantilly White, ChantillyWhite, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, WWII Era Romance

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“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” by Sheryl Seal

Posted on June 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

BeyondBridalveilFall_

I found this book on Twitter when Sheryl Seal (@sherylseal) tweeted the cover art.  It is amazingly beautiful.  When I found out it is the cover art of a book I knew I had to read it.

What’s so special about “Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)”?  It takes us on journey into the spiritual part of our being.  Into that part of us that makes us part of the universe.  Sheryl also introduces us to the consequences of unharnessed emotion and the price we all pay when we fail to control our thoughts and feelings.

“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” shows us why it is so important that we get to know our inner selves.  Sheryl delves into what makes us human and unique.  She demonstrates how important it is to be straight with ourselves and others.

Any young adult to senior citizen (rated G for wholesome family reading) will find “Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” engaging and inspiring.  Sheryl writes from the heart and pens imagery like the cover art that moves us to try and capture all the beauty that is around us.

“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” is fantasy that has roots in reality.  All that experience life will find moments from Oria journey to womanhood that connect with their soul.  Keep on writing Sheryl Seal you have a gift that speaks to the heart.

I purchased my copy for iPad Kindle on Amazon at this link:

Paper back copies are also available.

Adding these 2 to my must read list:

Oria Falls 3rd

 

 

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Posted in 5 Stars, Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee), BookReviews, Books, ebook, Emotion, fantasy, Five Stars, Hope, horses, Inspire, Sheryl, Sheryl Seal, SherylSeal, Soul, Spiritual, Uncategorized, Universe

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Book review update

Posted on June 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin_
Above is the next book review I’ll be publishing.

I’ll be adding more book reviews soon. I’ve been working on my wellness so I have more years to share book ideas.
Peace,
Missy

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How Books and Bookstores Have Changed My Life

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/recommend-it-starts-with-food-discover-the-whole30-and-change-your-life-in-unexpected-ways-by-melissa-hartwig-and-dallas-hartwig/
This book changed my life – I had tried so many diets even working with a Health Fitness place but this guide will bring home how the body works and what you need to do to get your weight under control and so much more. Take the time to read it (and its a quick read if all you want to do is get started on the lifestyle that will set you free).
I’m also thankful for Preferred One insurance and Fairview Health Service and Can Do New Thinking, Better Choices program – its helped me find the keys to long term solutions from food, to finances, to interpersonal relationships and finding peace within yourself.
I’m thankful that I found this book at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at the July 13th 2013 book signing with Nora Roberts I’ve lost 60 pounds since then and continue to lose until my muscle, bone and fat ratio is within norms. This is an achievable goal, this is my life and my journey and I control what food I eat, how much I move, and listening to what my body is telling me. See information about my journey to date and my continuing journal at my blogs:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/weekly-photo-challenge-work-of-art/
http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/Your spirit and soul are ready to be heard – tune in and listen. Keep on believing in the possibilities of what YOU CAN DO:)

On this blog click on the Weight link on the left to read about the beginning of my journey.  I’m keeping my ongoing journey in Journal form on http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/

I have to share and celebrate how books change my life and bookstores with heart carry just the books you need.  So glad I traveled to Boonsboro last July, hope all that are able attend this year as well.  Find out more about the 2014 book signing and brunch with Nora on her blog at this link:  http://fallintothestory.com/eventssignings/

Comments are welcome.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

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Posted in Believe, BookReviews, Books, Decisions, Facebook, FindingOneself, Health, Hope, Inspire, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Nutrition, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, Weight, Wellness, You Make a Difference

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“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts

Posted on May 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

Front Cover The CollectorInside Covers Art The CollectorSignature page The CollectorBack Flap Credits The CollectorBack Cover The CollectorBookSpine

 

“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts surprises, entertains and inspires. Lila is charming with how she makes the most out of all situations. She’s always willing to help out which, in one case, may get her into some trouble.

I don’t want to give away any of the treasures you must uncover for yourself, so not much about the details of the story here. This is a murder mystery romance. It’s also an adventure, comedy and drama.

Laughter, crying and anger are the emotions I experience as I read “The Collector”. Nora is very good at pulling the emotions out of me. She also writes page turners I’m unable to put down – home run with this book. Descriptions of the settings are out of site from downtown New York – street level and a bird’s eye view from the 14th floor window – to Italy. Beautiful scenes of the people, city and rural landscape. Nora took me there for an afternoon better than any movie.

The hard cover book is pictured above with cover and without. Note the back flap is hard to read so I’ll give the credits here:

Jacket design by Richard Hasselberger
Jacket photograph of city
Copyright Sandra Kreuzinger/Getty Images
Photograph of the author Copyright Bruce Wilder [Personal note from me – thank you Bruce Wilder for an excellent picture of Nora – love the scene you chose to frame your subject.]
penguin.com
G.P.PUTNAM’S SONS
a member of
Penguin Group (USA)

“The Collector” book is well crafted and very beautiful with burgundy shades and gold lettering on cover and spine. A great edition to any library shelf. Mine also has a signature from the author virtually via the link: http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COLLECTOR_HC

Getting a personalized copy of your own is still an option, just follow the link above and be sure to read my post at this link: https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/
Where you’ll learn all the best practices to get your signed copy anywhere in the world that mail is able to reach.

I also purchased the audiobook from iTunes at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-collector-unabridged/id852344791

Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. Her accents and vocal artistry identified each character for me. Every inflection of Julia’s voice convey the emotions of the characters. I enjoy listening to Julia and will again I hope. Nora’s excellent dialog and seamless narratives did the rest.

I hope you all find “The Collector,” as entertaining and adventurous as I do. Now I’m off to read, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts. I’m loving the Cousins O’Dwyer’s trilogy so far. Thank you Nora Roberts for delivering with “The Collector”.

 

 

 

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Posted in Amazon, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Hope, Inspire, Italy, iTunes, MurderMysteries, Mystery, New York, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, NRBookReviews, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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“Ava”, by Ashley Barron (Book One in the Priya Series)

Posted on April 19, 2014 | 2 comments

Ava by Ashley Barron

 

Ava is in Washington DC it’s warm and humid when she’s planning for a big event at a museum.  The museum her ex-lover owns which brings back the memories of the breakup. She’s also dealing with a call that says her main assistant who she relies on heavily, Adair MacLean, is missing.

From beginning to end this book is mysterious and Ashley Barron does a great job blending the old romance Ava’s character had with Kader and the mystery of Adair’s disappearance.

The story entitled “Ava” takes us on an adventure of intrigue and danger with many actors.  The Priya club (formed by college friends) adds depth to the tale.

I enjoyed Ashley Barron’s writing style and hope to soon be able to read Bonner’s story.

I bought my copy of the book from Amazon’s Kindle for iPad click on the link below:

 

 

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Ashley Barron, BookReviews, Books, Event Planner, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Priya Series, Professional Woman, Romantic Suspense

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“Pregnancy Plan” by Tina Gayle

Posted on April 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

Pregnancy Plan by Tina Gayle from Amazon

Jillian would like to have a baby and raise it in her family home. She has some pretty far out ideas on how to accomplish this baby’s conception. Derek a long time friend finds out that there’s something going on but not quite sure what this “Pregnancy Plan” is all about that Jillian has cooked up so he confronts her and ends up finding another alternative marrying him.

In the meantime Jillian’s brother Michael would like for the house the family has to be sold so he is putting pressure on her to do that at the same time she’s trying to figure out if she’s made the right decision following through with her “Pregnancy Plan”?

While Michael is planning his schemes Derek is protecting someone in the Middle East when a car bomb explodes and now he has lost memory of the mission. His brother, Jason, is fighting Jillian taking him home.
The big question is will Jillian and Derek be able to make a go of it despite their families?

Tina Gayle created Jillian as a strong indepentant woman knowing what she wanted and going for it.  I enjoyed this lighthearted and entertaining tale.   I hope that Tina keeps on writing.  This book makes a great free-time read.

I purchased “Pregnancy Plan”, by Tina Gayle from Amazon Kindle for iPad at the following link:

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), BookReviews, Books, Decisions, Gayle, Pregnancy Plan, Romance, Tina, Tina Gayle, TinaGayle

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#LetsMove Update – Lost 4 more pounds

Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Here’s the link to my #LetsMove video for today:  http://youtu.be/AcZR-vZ0tBM

See my whole video blog  journey on You Tube #LetsMove for exercise daily since February 24th, 2014.  Keep moving everyone.

Exercise and eating right, and watching portion sizes works.  3 oz protein and not more than 11 oz total for each of my 3  daily meals works for me.

How to make the most out of your food choices?  See my book review link below for

“It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways,” by Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig

– that book works.

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/?s=It+starts+with+food

Believe you can make a difference in your life and you will.

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Posted in Believe, Blogs, BookReviews, FindingOneself, Health, Hope, Inspire, Lifestyle Change, Tips, Weight, Wellness

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