Tag Archives: books

Recommend JD Robb’s Festive In Death

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I recommend “Festive In Death”, by J.D. Robb.

Trina needs to tag Eve in this story when a friend finds herself in a situation that demands the services of a murder cop.

J.D. Robb delivers in this fresh In Death tale of double crossing lovers and a conniving personal trainer.

I didn’t figure out who did the murder until the very end.  The journey to finding the murderer is brilliantly interwoven with Christmas shopping, and preparing for the annual gala thrown at Lieutenant Dallas and Roarke palatial home.

J.D. Robb  is an artist painting a word picture with fantastic dialog and narration that is completely engrossing.  The world and characters that make up the In Death series is maintained and consistent with each new release.  Festive In Death develops Trina in a new way without taking away from the core players that all fans love so well.

Susan Ericksen, In Death narrator in the audiobooks, does an excellent job bringing each character to life with her voice inflection and flowing delivery of the script.  I purchased my copy with my iPhone at the iTunes store.  Listening to the reading is like attending a play.  Every move, feeling and expression is represented during the telling.

I appreciate both the hard copy and the audiobook each have their own gifts to bring to the story and reader.

Thank you J.D. Robb for writing another best seller that stays true to the beautiful characters you have created over the years.  I also appreciate the signed copy – you know how to treat your fans and I’m happy to be one.

Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe http://ttpbooks.com/ is also something I’m grateful for – offering book signings both on site and virtually.  I know it takes a lot of work to track all the orders and get them safely to their destinations.  Thanks to one and all.

Peace,

In Death Series Fan,

Melissa Blanchard

 

Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe Book Signing News

IMG_0207_2Festive In Death, JD Robb, Murder Mysteries, Women Dectives, New York

Thanks to JD Robb for delivering another great murder mystery and for signing my copy.  I appreciate all you do for your fans.

I’ll be at the November 1st signing. Saving my money but I did get a signed copy of Festive in Death loving the story so far. Eve rocks. Thanks JD Robb for the writing and the signing and Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe for hosting and mailing out all the virtual copies you all are the best brick and mortar business going and you never forget a customer order. I appreciate your dedication to customer service. See you in November along with Eva Cutter Coppersmith a great lady I met at the July 13th signing event in 2013. Love all of Nora Roberts & JD Robb fans. Peace.

 Post below quoted from my Facebook News Feed:

We had a wonderful event yesterday! Thank you to all the authors who signed with us and for the fans who came out to meet them! Our next signing will be on November 1st and we have another great line up. You will get to meet Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, Brenda Novak, Marie Force, Cara Connelly, Anne Barton and local author Pat Donohoe. We hope you can make it!

New Release from J.D. Robb Available Signed from Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

This link takes you to the official author page:

http://www.jdrobb.com/books/newreleases.php

“Festive In Death” by J.D. Robb will be arriving signed from Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe at http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html soon.  The next in person book signing is scheduled for September 13, 2014

You can get the book signed in person at Boonsboro Maryland or virtually via the website (follow the rules on the website to indicate how you’d like the book signed).

I’ve been ordering signed books from http://ttpbooks.com/SFNT.html virtually since last year at this time.  I always receive the books signed correctly and in good shape here in Minneapolis MN.

Hope all will take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the author.  I’m thankful that the service is provided.  If you get the chance to travel to Boonsboro MD – http://ttpbooks.com/SFNT.html is a great brick and mortar business to visit and support.

 

Book Reviews Coming Soon

Hi All,

I haven’t forgotten my book reviews just have to make the time to write about the fantastic books I’ve read recently.

THE ROYERS OF RENFREW by Marie & Maxine Beckroyers

Just finished this book from a Nora Robert Book signing event and available at ttpbook.com at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=tBMM_ROYERS1

This is a wonderfully written account of one family’s experiences for one year living in the 1800’s in Pennsylvania USA.  Ups and down’s of growing up before there was indoor plumbing, electricity and hard wood floors.

I’ll write more about this book soon.  Catching up on all my blogs and finding it a pleasure to share my thoughts on the books I love to read.

All your comments are welcome.  Keep on reading and writing both lift the soul and spirit to learn, share and grow.

Peace,

Melissa Blanchard

Nora Roberts’ Book signing July 19th at Boonsboro Maryland

Nora Roberts’ Book signing July 19th at Boonsboro Maryland.  A record number attended the 19th Anniversary Book Signing event.

Here are the books I have on order for virtual signing.  Some great authors in attendance today.  Reports from Facebook at this link:  https://www.facebook.com/ttpbooks show many satisfied customers.

BM_KGI9 WHEN DAY BREAKS by Maya Banks
TC_1ASHES LADY OF ASHES by Christine Trent

BM_BREATH2 FEVER by Maya Banks
WS_PROTECTED THE PROTECTED by Shiloh Walker
1aFESTIVE FESTIVE IN DEATH (SEPT 9 ON SALE) by J. D. Robb
1aCELEBRITY CELEBRITY IN DEATH by J D Robb (Special Offer)
1aINDULGENCE INDULGENCE IN DEATH by J D Robb (Special Offer)

Thanks to all at Turn The Page and the authors that make virtual signings possible.

Get your signed copies virtually all over the world at ttpbooks.com  just remember to put your name or Just Sign in the box toward the middle of the ordering page.

 

 

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts

 

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.

“The Ornament” by Zeke Changuris

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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.

“Pearls of Wisdom” by Chantilly White

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“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.

 

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

“Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts

Shadow Spell Front CoverShadow Spell Inside Front CoverShadow Spell Signature PageShadow Spell Back Cover2Shadow Spell Back FlapShadow Spell Back Jacket

Why do I recommend, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts?

First, “Shadow Spell” is a mystery that spans the centuries.  Nora does an excellent job connecting the Autumn of 1268 with the Autumn of 2013.  Eamon and Connor are kindred spirits finding common ground in the spiritual world.

Second, I find “Shadow Spell an intriguing study of old and new Ireland from the landscape to the customs.  Especially how each family unit made their income then and now.  Nora’s description of the tourism of modern Ireland makes me want to visit there and see for myself.

Finally, “Shadow Spell” speaks to the heart.  The importance of family in the good and bad times.  Learning how to work through disagreements within the family both those of the blood and those created through love and understanding.  Nora let me see how love grows through sharing and caring.

I hope you find the story of “Shadow Spell” as inspiring and enlightening as I have.  I’m looking forward to reading “Blood Magick” by Nora Roberts, hopefully to be released in October of 2014.  I’m hoping Cabhan gets what he deserves in this final installment.  I feel it will take spiritual strength and heart that extends back to the year 1268.

I purchased the novel “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts online via Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COD2

Requesting signed books is still possible. Please follow the instructions on the website carefully to be sure to get the book signed as you request, see this link for further information https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/

The site is safe and secure – I’ve been using it since August 2013 with great success. I visited Boonsboro, MD last July and am also able to say the staff and store are both friendly and helpful in customer service and layout.

Audio is also available via ttpbooks.com but I didn’t realize until after I purchased the audiobook on iTunes via Brilliance Audio see this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadow-spell-book-two-cousins/id824435002

The narrator, Allan Smyth, has a lovely accent which adds to the feel of traveling to Ireland.  Nora’s excellent descriptive writing does the rest.  I enjoyed listening as I did my daily walks and working on preparing my meals.  Allan’s ability to bring emotions to life with his tone of voice brought depth to the battle scenes.

Thank you Nora Roberts, for giving us this story of family that spans the centuries in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy with Book 1, “The Dark Witch” reviewed at this link:  https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/dark-witch-book-one-of-the-cousins-odwyer-trilogy-by-nora-roberts/ and Book 2, “The Shadow Spell” and Fall release of “Blood Magick”.

You deliver with every book and I appreciate all you share from the romance, to the family love that is of blood and spirit.  I appreciate the signature as well.  I did “Imagine” and found acceptance and love.  Peace.