Tag Archives: reviews

“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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A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2], by Lindsay Townsend

Posted on April 14, 2014 | 6 comments

A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2] Amazon imageImage from Amazon

“A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2]”, by Lindsay Townsend

Why do I recommend “A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2]”, by Lindsay Townsend?

1. The medieval portions are interesting – so many different worries in that time but in so many ways the same – self doubt doesn’t change no matter which century.

2. The writing is excellent.  Lindsay brings her characters to life in the narrative, along with the country side, the horses and the villages.

3. Lindsay tackles prejudices in this tale of class and being different whether it be in how you act or what you look like. I like that those with differences triumph over those that are closed minded.

4. The mystery never fails in engaging my attention. How will the Knight and Witch find the lost girls, will they be safe? All questions are answered as the story unfolds.

5. A secret is disclosed that changes the Knight and Witches relationship.

I so hope that Lindsay will continue the Knight and Witch’s story with a book 3. These characters deserve to have many more adventures. Thank you, Lindsay Townsend for creating a world of adventure and acceptance. I appreciate you share your world of imagination with me. Keep on writing.

I got my Kindle e-book via iPad for Kindle app and Amazon at this link:

This book is the sequel to “The Snow Bride” by Lindsay Townsend, here’s a link to my book review:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/recommend-the-snow-bride-by-lindsay-townsend/

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), BookReviews, Books, Disfigurement, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Hostage/Kidnap, Inspire, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, Witch

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“Hidden Away” by Maya Banks KGI Series Novel

Posted on March 30, 2014 | 2 comments

Hidden Away by Maya Banks Kindle e-book on Amazon

Garrett Kelly is sent on a mission to capture Marcus Lattimer – a man that had cost the lives of the very men sent in to save him years earlier. Its personal with Garrett – a point of honor to see Marcus pay for his treasonous acts. So when Resnick wants Garret to stake out Sarah Daniels, a pawn that will bring Lattimer out of hiding, he’s eager to take the assignment.

Here are some quotes from the beginning of Maya Banks’ “Hidden Away”:

“‘I’m so sorry, Marcus. It should have been me who killed him,’ she [Sarah Daniels] whispered.”….

“‘So where do I come in?’ Garrett asked.”….

“‘Yeah. He’ll [Marcus Lattimer] show. Sarah’s too important to him. She’s the only … thing he seems to care about in the world….'” [from Resnick]

Garrett senses a connection with Sarah from the beginning. He knows she’s been badly hurt but is torn. He must stay true to the mission – catch Marcus Lattimer.

Will his reasons for deception be enough to convince Sarah he had honorable intentions?

Harry Berkley delivers again with an emotionally charged reading of Hidden Away. The characters take on a new vivid life as I listen. Really first rate rendition.

Maya Banks tackles the tough topics in this story with grace and dignity. She gives the women in her stories difficult roles that they are well able to handle. I enjoy reading about strong women taking on tasks that have been given to men for far too long.

Maya also gives her male characters compassion and the ability to show their emotions. Garrett is powerful yet vulnerable which makes me admire him all the more.

“Hidden Away” is full of drama, mystery and romance. A great addition to the KGI Series. Hope you get a chance to read the book and/or listen to the audiobook. Happy reading.

I got my copy from One Click Digital provided by Hennepin County Library. It is also available via these links:

e-book:

audiobook:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/hidden-away-unabridged/id544976257

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, Hennepin County Library, HennepinCountyLibrary, Hostage/Kidnap, KGI Novel, KGI Series, MayaBanks, MurderMysteries, Mystery, OneClickDigital, Romance

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Book Reviews – Melissa Style

Posted on March 28, 2014 | 2 comments

Hi Everyone,

Hope where you are the weather is getting milder, frozen North is still frozen but we have hope – around 40 today so all things are possible.

This is a note on my philosophy on book reviews.  I’m not doing my reviews for money or any sort of compensation – such as free books or other give a ways.

I’m doing my reviews because a librarian once told me to read only what you like when its for entertainment. So I read for enjoyment and hope you’ll be able to pick out books you’ll like based on my reviews.

Since I’m doing this as a way to share my likes you won’t see critical reviews on this site.  Sometimes I wonder why, with our finite time on earth, some feel it necessary to be critical.  You’ll accomplish much more by promoting and supporting authors you like and you’ll feel better when you’re sharing positive energy.

I do the same with any reviews on Amazon or iTunes where my user name is MissMed51.  In those cases it will cover reviews not only on books, but movies, TV or equipment I may need to buy.

This is my soap box talk for tonight – won’t promise never to do another post like this one but will if needed.  A good rule of thumb is this, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.  Don’t know who said that but have been hearing it in one form or another all my life and whenever I follow the advice my life goes very smoothly.

Also, one should always remember, each of us has a bias where anything is concerned.  Know the books you enjoy reading and review those. There are many styles – find one that makes you say, yes, this is something I like.

Authors are making their living based on book sales – your opinion matters – make the most of it.  My wish is to help out a few authors while sharing my joy in having shared an imaginary world with them for the length of the book.  Hope you find something in what I write that helps you find your favorite book type that will lead to your next arm chair trip into the jungles of South America or the Carpathian Mountains in Europe. Take some time to travel.

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, HennepinCountyLibrary, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Hostage/Kidnap, Inspire, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Romance

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Why buy this book, “Strength in the Storm:” by Eknath Easwaran? I believe so you can live life more fully, let me tell you why.

Posted on March 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

Dear Rears,

 Why buy this book,  “Strength in the Storm:  Transform Stress, Live in Balance, and Find Peace of Mind” by Eknath Easwaran?  Give me a few minutes to tell you why.

 Have you ever wished you could have more time?  If the answer is yes, this book is for you.

 Eknath takes you on a journey of a lifetime – his.  Reading about his stories and teachings of his life, along with the incredibly insightful ideas from his wife and others that have benefitted from his books and lectures, you will learn how to harness your thoughts and become the person you were meant to be.

 How?  The key is knowing your mind and body want to work for your spirit and soul.  You aren’t your mind or your body – you are something more – a consciousness that needs to take control – ask for what it needs and wants from the mind and body.

 After you master the lessons from the many stories featured within this composition there are many more that Eknath has written right on Amazon and itunes – check out the links below. 

 If your life feels out of control or you need a new direction, “Strength in the Storm:  Transform Stress, Live in Balance, and Find Peace of Mind” is for you.  May you find the inner peace that being one with the universe may bring you if you’re open to the possibilities.

Watch my blog at https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/ to see more ways this book has helped me with my life journey.

Find the book at these links:

http://www.amazon.com/Strength-Storm-Transform-Stress-Balance-ebook/dp/B00FIP6IY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393789024&sr=8-1&keywords=Strength+in+the+Storm%3A+Transform+Stress%2C+Live+in+Balance%2C+and+Find

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/strength-in-the-storm/id717819233?mt=11

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/strength-in-the-storm/id336324898 –

 Daily meditations may also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EknathEaswaran.

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Posted in BookReviews, Books, EknathEaswaran, Hope, Inspire, Meditation, Support, Weight, Wellness, You Make a Difference

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Recommend The Snow Bride by Lindsay Townsend

Posted on February 26, 2014 | 1 comment

I recommend, “The Snow Bride” by Lindsay Townsend.
The audiobook was well engineered and the reading, by Victoria Scott, was musical.
The story was an adventure into medieval England. Characters were expressive and engaging. The scenes were descriptive and inviting in most cases.
There were scenes that were scary and full of tension keeping the reader entertained and interested.
The part I liked best about Lindsay’s book was the hope and the love expressed by the hero and heroine. They had to find a common language, get beyond outward appearances and prejudices. Very well done work on overcoming disabilities and special gifts (which to some would have seemed like trouble in medieval times) to the core of human nature to love and be loved and to overcome evil.
Thank you, Lindsay, for a tale that brings so much hope and true caring and understanding to the reader. I will be reading more of your books. I’m glad we connected on tweeter, @lindsayromantic, keep on tweeting.

The audiobook is available at the following links – you may also get the book & e-book as well:

Audiobook:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-snow-bride-unabridged/id623851422

E-book:

Paperback book:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-snow-bride-lindsay-townsend/1108479903?ean=9781619269910

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, Disfigurement, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Inspire, iTunes, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, Romance, The Snow Bride, Witch

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Recommend JD Robb’s Concealed In Death

Posted on February 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

I just finished listening to JD Robb’s Concealed In Death audiobook. Every book in the In Death series gets just a little better than the last. This one is no exception and very special in how Eve finds and handles the murderer.

What stays the same is how Susan Ericksen presents each character. Each one unique and easily discerned as I listened. JD Robb’s dialog is always flowing and adaptable to reading but Susan’s ability to give each character their own sound makes identifying them easy.

Brilliance Audio produces an excellent show that reminds me of the best of old time radio programs. Find downloads for purchase at http://www.audiobookstanddl.com.

I was also surprised to find the audiobook on iTunes which made my listening totally portable with great sound quality on my iPad. Here’s the link to buy https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/concealed-in-death-in-death/id804987806.

I’m a fan of the In Death Series and have all of the audiobooks that were made by Brilliance Audio. I do a marathon listening session every year, (since 2008) or so and always find something new to appreciate in the recordings.

What a gift – excellent writing and narration thanks to JD Robb – (Nora Roberts) and Susan Ericksen for their beautiful work on this series. I hope the books continue for a very long time.

To learn more about JD Robb books and her fans check out http://fallintothestory.com and https://www.facebook.com/jdrobbauthor. JD Robb also does book signings – see http://ttpbooks.com – Turn the Page Bookstore for scheduled events – signed copies are available virtually for those unable to attend in person in Boonsboro, Maryland.

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, BrillianceAudio, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, MurderMysteries, SusanEricksen

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