Category Archives: Decisions

“The American Heiress: A Novel” by Daisy Goodwin

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Why do I recommend Daisy Goodwin’s “The American Heiress“?

First, the novel is well written with elements of romance but not focusing on the happily ever after concept. Instead Daisy Goodwin provides a fresh look at turn of the twentieth century America and England. Her perspective is a new one for me painting a picture of how truly callous the wealthy are during this era.

You’ll learn much about what a British title costs the young Cora Cash.  Cora pursues the title to appease her Mother but finds herself drawn to a Duke she meets by chance.

I think what brings depth to “The American Heiress,” is the relationship between Cora and her maid, Bertha. As Cora is drawn more and more into the drama of English Aristocracy, Bertha is able to ground her on what’s most important. Bertha’s story is every bit as important to the plot of this excellent tale as Cora’s.

There’s also plenty mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds. Daisy Goodwin keeps me guessing until the final chapter.

Will Cora be happy? Is Bertha going to be able to keep her position and the love of her life? You won’t find out until the very end, but I can guarantee “The American Heiress” is a page turner that keeps you hooked until the very end.

I listened to the audiobook and found Katherine Kellgren’s narration engaging and full of emotion.  A very well done production.

You can get an audiobook from iTunes or the book or e-book from Amazon at the following links.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/american-heiress-novel-unabridged/id441922680

Enjoy.

 

How Books and Bookstores Have Changed My Life

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

“Pregnancy Plan” by Tina Gayle

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: