tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52298535288598578032024-03-19T02:28:07.761-07:00 MaMa's Book CornerBook Reviews & Other Bookish ThingsLeigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-68011755602675446102018-02-01T18:48:00.001-08:002018-02-01T18:48:27.161-08:00I’m Moving!Hello everyone! I’ve been having trouble posting on this blog on the go so I decided to move the blog over to WordPress. That way I can manage my blogs wherever I am. I would love for you to come follow me over there! <a href="http://mamasbookcorner.wordpress.com/">Mama’s Book Corner new site!</a>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-16821391098225279042018-01-09T11:11:00.000-08:002018-01-09T11:18:24.489-08:00The Miracle Morning - Review <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #656e7f; font-family: Ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Miracle Morning</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author: Hal Elrod</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Publisher: Hal Elrod</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages: 140</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary:</span></div>
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What if you could miraculously wake up tomorrow and any—or every area of your life was transformed? What would be different? Would you be happier? Healthier? More successful? In better shape? Would you have more energy? Less Stress? More Money? Better relationships? Which of your problems would be solved?</div>
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What if I told you that there is a “not-so-obvious” secret that is guaranteed to transform any—or literally every area of your life, faster than you ever thought possible? What if I told you it would only take 6 minutes a day?</div>
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Enter The Miracle Morning. What’s now being practiced by thousands of people around the world could perhaps be the simplest approach to creating the life you’ve always wanted. It’s been right there in front of us, but this book has finally brought it to life.</div>
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Are you ready? The next chapter of your life—the most extraordinary life you’ve ever imagined—is about to begin.</div>
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YOU DESERVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE. IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP TO YOUR FULL POTENTIAL.</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My Thoughts:</span></div>
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I came across this book while I was watching bullet journaling videos on YouTube. I heard a couple people talking about some Miracle Morning they were doing and was wondering what the heck a Miracle Morning was! So of course I had to get on YouTube and search. I found a video of Hal Elrod speaking about it. I watched it and was instantly intrigued. It’s a pretty long video but I really enjoyed it. Plus, it will probably explain things WAY better than I can. Here it is: </div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/U0uRp7BoPVY" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">Hal Elrod “The Miracle Morning” video</a></div>
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The basic concept of this book is helping you create a morning routine that will help you be as successful as possible in every area of your life. He took ideas from what other successful people did each morning and packed it all into one. These ideas are called S.A.V.E.R.S.</div>
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S-Silence</div>
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A-affirmations</div>
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V-visualization</div>
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E-exercise</div>
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R-reading</div>
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S-scribing</div>
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Honestly the book probably could have been shortened and a lot of the information can be found in the video I linked above, but it does go a little more in depth on each of the S.A.V.E.R.S. in the book. Despite this, the idea of the Miracle Morning is a great concept that will definitely improve your life if you stick with it.</div>
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There’s also a Miracle Morning community on Facebook that you can join. It’s full of positive and supportive members. You can also find an accountability partner there if that’s something that you would like. My favorite tool though is Hal Elrod’s podcasts, “Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod”. There are all kinds of guests that speak on the podcast about a variety of topics concerning personal development. I enjoy listening to them while I clean but it would also be great to listen to while you run/workout etc. The only complaint I have is that sometimes I have to listen to it a second time so I can take notes! Haha. I find it to be very inspiring and motivating, you should definitely check it out.</div>
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Do you have anything in your morning routine that has changed your life for the better? Join me in participating in the Miracle Morning!</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17166225-the-miracle-morning?from_search=true" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">Add it on Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2536942.Hal_Elrod" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">Author’s Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.miraclemorning.com/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">Miracle Morning Website</a></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/121911204626993" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f45145; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">Miracle Morning Facebook Community</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">*I paid for this book with my own money and all opinions are honest and my own. :)</span></div>
Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-20503340278570037062018-01-09T07:43:00.000-08:002018-01-09T11:06:49.554-08:00Teaser Tuesday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Anyone can play along, just do the following:</b></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grab your current read</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Open to a random page</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span></strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Share the title and author as well, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.84000015258789px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjWWTtFqOULWQeL52c1jwQKCyTFMaaXn4D-mG1bt_HQ8j9LO1I7JfVPveQmBhnl73OwhNtAs-y46rVQXadyDaPe5J0VObkFNLFrO7s8-gLyaOM-cLAhn5EiUzEMYy8A3Fkp7pEJ9b__o/s1600/foolish+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjWWTtFqOULWQeL52c1jwQKCyTFMaaXn4D-mG1bt_HQ8j9LO1I7JfVPveQmBhnl73OwhNtAs-y46rVQXadyDaPe5J0VObkFNLFrO7s8-gLyaOM-cLAhn5EiUzEMYy8A3Fkp7pEJ9b__o/s1600/foolish+hearts.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.84000015258789px; text-align: center;">I haven't done a Teaser Tuesday post in ages! So I'm excited to be participating today! Here's my teaser:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15.84000015258789px; text-align: center;"><strong>“ “Fuck you,” I say again. I think he’s going to say more, but he just stands there for a moment, and then walks out.”</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15.84000015258789px; text-align: center;"><strong>~pg. 221 <i>Foolish Hearts </i>by Emma Mills</strong></span></span><br />
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Please leave a comment with a link to your TT or if you don’t have a blog feel free to leave your teaser in the comments! Have a great Tuesday everyone! :)</span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-40914060797271710752017-12-18T09:36:00.002-08:002017-12-22T17:31:56.746-08:00December 2017 OwlCrate Unboxing<br />
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I am a nerd, so I am like a kid on Christmas morning every month when my OwlCrate comes in the mail! I get so excited, probably a little too excited, and I just can’t wait to tear it open and see what goodies it has inside. Today I thought I would share with you what was inside my OwlCrate this month with you.</div>
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For those of you that have been living under a rock and don’t know what OwlCrate is *kidding*, it is a monthly subscription service that delivers newly released Young Adult novels (I’m almost 28 but that’s still young right!?) and other bookish treats to your doorstep. (Or in my case PO Box.) AKA: a box of awesomeness! Let’s dive in!</div>
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<img alt="First Glance" class="wp-image-27 size-full" data-attachment-id="27" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3644" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="3136,2352" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3644/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=1640 1640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3644.jpg?w=1024 1024w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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This is what you see when you first tear into the box! It took everything in my power to stop and get a picture of this rather than start tanking things out!</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-28" data-attachment-id="28" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3645" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="3264,2448" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3645/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=1640 1640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3645.jpg?w=1024 1024w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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The first item I pulled out was this pin. You receive a different themed pin in each OwlCrate box that goes along with the book inside. I shall add this one to my collection of OwlCrate pins on my AWESOME Lord of the Rings drawstring bag that I received in a previous box. One day that whole bag will be covered!</div>
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<img class="wp-image-29 size-full" data-attachment-id="29" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3646" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="854,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3646/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3646.jpg 854w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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The next thing was this gorgeous magnet designed exclusively by Ink & Wonder Designs. I have another magnet like this and let me tell you, they are very high quality. It actually holds my kids artwork on the fridge without slipping down. So that’s a WIN from this mama. I’m sure Percy Jackson’s mom would agree with me!</div>
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<img class="wp-image-30 size-full" data-attachment-id="30" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3647" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="854,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3647/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3647.jpg 854w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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Next was this beautiful wooden ornament. It’s perfect because you can show your holiday spirit and your love for books all at the same time! Two birds with one stone. It was inspired by <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Everything, Everything </em>by Nicola Yoon and was created by Juniper & Ivory Designs.</div>
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<img class="wp-image-31 size-full" data-attachment-id="31" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3666" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=820?w=812" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="812,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3666/" sizes="(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg 812w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3666.jpg?w=768 768w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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Here it is on my tree next to my adorable little hedgehog. Hmmm…. I just realized he doesn’t have a name. The kids and I will have to change that! Let me know if you have any suggestions. We used to have a real pet hedgehog and her name was Miss Talullah Mae Pricklesworth. Back to the subject at hand.</div>
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<img class="wp-image-32 size-full" data-attachment-id="32" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3648" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3648/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3648.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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The Dreaming Tree candle is a handmade soy candle inspired by <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Names They Gave Us </em>by Emery Lord, and was created by Novelly Yours. It features a delicious crisp apple scent, mixed with a hint of magic. Sounds AMAZING! Who doesn’t like their apples with a hint of magic? I sure do. It says to “Light your candle and whisper a wish into the night!” I will be getting right on that when I get cozy with this candle.</div>
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<img class="wp-image-33 size-full" data-attachment-id="33" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3649" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="854,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3649/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3649.jpg 854w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan so I was so excited for this one. (Don’t tell anyone, but I have an entire Harry Potter shelf in my room. With all the books, movies, a wand, and a few other items!) This tote bag will definitely be going to the library with me. It was designed by Bookworm Boutique.</div>
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<img class="wp-image-34 size-full" data-attachment-id="34" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3651" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3651/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3651.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /><img class="wp-image-35 size-full" data-attachment-id="35" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3652" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3652/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3652.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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This double-sided bookmark was created by Little Inklings Designs and features quotes from <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Serpent King </em>and <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Perks of Being a Wallflower. </em>The best thing about this bookmark is that it reminds me of my childhood room. Because my carpet was the green color and my walls were that same exact blue! It was b-e-a-u-tiful!</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-36" data-attachment-id="36" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3653" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3653/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3653.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" />They also includes this bookmark type advertisement for another book. I’ll have to check into that.</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-37" data-attachment-id="37" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3654" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3654/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3654.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" />Now this is pretty darn cool. It is a planner and reading journal it was designed in partnership between OwlCrate and Blue Star Press. I didn’t think to get a picture of the inside but it features quotes from past OwlCrate book picks, a place to keep track of all of the books you read throughout the year and what you rated them, and more. I will definitely be putting this to use.</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-38" data-attachment-id="38" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3655" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3655/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3655.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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Now for the book. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Foolish Hearts </em>By Emma Mills. Here’s what it says, “When Claudia is caught eavesdropping on a conversation she was never meant to hear, she gains a new enemy in Iris; one of the meanest girls in her high school. She doesn’t think things could get any worse, but then both her and Iris are forced to participate in the school’s production of <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Foolish Hearts</em> is a laugh-out-loud story about first love, finding friends in the most unlikely of places, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. This book will definitely give you warm fuzzy feelings!” With this book you can an exclusive cover:</div>
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<img class="wp-image-39 size-full" data-attachment-id="39" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3660" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="952,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3660/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3660.jpg 952w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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A signed bookplate and letter from the author:</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-40" data-attachment-id="40" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3656" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3656/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3656.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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And an embroidered patch:</div>
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<img class="wp-image-41 size-full" data-attachment-id="41" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3659" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=820?w=225" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,854" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3659/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=112 112w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3659.jpg?w=225 225w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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And can we just take a moment to appreciate how frickin gorgeous this book is naked??</div>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-42" data-attachment-id="42" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3658" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="854,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3658/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3658.jpg 854w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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So that is all the came in my December OwlCrate. I am super stoked. If you love YA books this would be perfect for you. This would also be a kick@$$ Christmas gift for someone else who enjoys reading. They even have an OwlCrate Jr. box for kiddos aged 8-12. I’ve been thinking about ordering it for my daughter.</div>
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<img class="wp-image-43 size-full" data-attachment-id="43" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3663" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=820?w=640" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=820?w=227" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="640,846" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3663/" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg 640w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=113 113w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3663.jpg?w=227 227w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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Next month’s theme is:</div>
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<img class="wp-image-44 size-full" data-attachment-id="44" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="img_3661" data-large-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=820?w=820" data-medium-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=820?w=300" data-orig-file="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=820" data-orig-size="854,640" data-permalink="https://thenightowlmom.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-owlcrate-unboxing/img_3661/" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" src="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=820" srcset="https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=820 820w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=150 150w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=300 300w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg?w=768 768w, https://thenightowlmom.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_3661.jpg 854w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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If this sounds like something you or someone you know would enjoy I will leave a link for you to go check it out. <a href="https://owlcrate.com/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #99908a; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: 0.3s; word-wrap: break-word;">OwlCrate Website</a></div>
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I will also link the OwlCrate Facebook book club for anyone who is interested in joining who is already subscribed! <a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/109866533012046" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #99908a; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: 0.3s; word-wrap: break-word;">OwlCrate Official Book Club</a></div>
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Do you receive any book related subscriptions? Let me know what you think in the comments!</div>
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*This post is not sponsored by OwlCrate. All opinions are my own and all products were paid for myself.</div>
<br />Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-78143140005644717532017-12-17T10:05:00.000-08:002017-12-17T10:05:56.664-08:00I am back!!!Wow y’all! It’s been about 3 years. I never intended to stop posting but life just kind of took over. I was working a ton and then ended up moving. I had 2 more children and was working full time and barely had enough time to shower let alone blog! Recently there have been some changes in my life and it has allowed me to have a little extra time. I’ve been wanting to get back into blogging for awhile now so I just need to make it a priority again. My kids are now 14, 8, 6, 1 1/2, and 10 months. So with two under two you can see why I have my hands full. I hope you all will stick around with me. Thank you so much for your support, I appreciate it immensely. If you have anything you would like me to post about feel free to let me know! I would love your suggestions. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to chatting with you soon!Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-54355062352435740422014-03-10T06:00:00.000-07:002014-03-10T06:00:06.861-07:00Run To Ground: Review<img alt="13645040" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1336748239l/13645040.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Run To Ground</strong><br />
<strong>Author: D.P. Lyle</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Oceanview Publishing</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 384</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary: </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText12332370098376252905">What would you do if someone brutally murdered your only child, served only months in jail because of a technicality, and continually taunted, even threatened, you from behind bars? Could you hide your growing rage from family and friends? Could you gun the killer down as he left prison? Could you change your ID and leave behind your entire life - family, friends, jobs, house -and just disappear? Could Tim and Martha Foster do this? Forensic evidence and criminal behavior expert Dub Walker, along with best friend and homicide investigator T-Tommy Tortelli and ex-wife and TV reporter Claire McBride, employ all their skills to track down the Fosters. But the murder of Walter Whitiker is not as simple as it seems. Tim and Martha are not the only ones who want Walt dead. Someone has twisted the evidence to keep the hot light of suspicion on the Fosters. Will the real killer please step forward? Sorry, Dub, you're going to have to work hard to solve this one. (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts: </strong></span><br />
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<span>This was a book that I really enjoyed. I had a hard time putting it down because I just had to know what happened next and I felt for the characters so much. The author kept you in suspense and kept you guessing through all of the twists and turns. It wasn't always predictable like a lot of mystery/thrillers out there so I was really happy about that. I like to be surprised. <em>Run To Ground </em>was definitely a page-turner. </span><br />
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<span>I loved the Fosters. They are such great people who were put in a situation where they had to make a hard decision. This decision was against their morals and everything they believed in and would forever change their lives. If I were in their situation I would have probably done the same thing and I'm sure plenty of parents would. As a parent I can't even imagine what they went through so I really could relate to how angry and heart broken they were. </span><br />
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<span>You can tell the author really knew a lot or did a lot of research to write this book. I highly recommend this one. Check it out! </span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13645040-run-to-ground?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS </a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/370230.Douglas_P_Lyle">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.dplylemd.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Run-To-Ground-A-Novel/dp/1608090574/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394397595&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=run+to+grounf">GET A COPY</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-91891518822522801442014-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002014-03-07T06:00:10.023-08:00If You Were Me and Lived in Norway: Review<img alt="18501112" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385948979l/18501112.jpg" /><br />
<strong>If You Were Me and Lived in Norway</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Carole P. Roman</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: CreateSpace</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 30</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText16980631479794411660">Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet. (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br />
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This book teaches children what life would be like if they lived in Norway. They will learn the capital, what continent they would live on, what their name might be, and what they would call their parents. They will also learn about currency, how to say "You're welcome.", where they would go on vacation, what kinds of things they would do for fun, what they would eat, and so much more. <br />
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My kids and I have read many books in this series and are loving them. It is such a great way to teach your children about other cultures and how others may live differently or the same as them. We are looking forward to the next one! <br />
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*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18501112-if-you-were-me-and-lived-in-norway?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5854108.Carole_P_Roman">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="http://caroleproman.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Were-Lived-Norway-Introduction/dp/1481979949/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393720108&sr=8-1&keywords=if+you+were+me+and+lived+in+norway">GET A COPY</a><br />
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<br />Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-22167229694501344962014-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:002014-03-05T06:00:02.390-08:00The Juice Lady's Remedies for Stress and Adrenal Fatigue: Review<img alt="18051428" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1371519418l/18051428.jpg" /><br />
<strong>The Juice Lady's Remedies for Stress and Adrenal Fatigue</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Cherie Calbom</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Siloam</strong> <br />
<strong>Pages: 144</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary: </strong><br />
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<span id="freeText935350335243019026"><strong>Don’t let stress ruin your health.<br /> Fight back with these all-natural juice remedies.</strong><br /> You don’t have to suffer with the effects of stress and exhaustion. By simply adding more raw food to your diet, you increase your intake of essential nutrients and decrease the harmful effects of stress and adrenal fatigue on your body.<br /> <br /> With recipes and recommendations for healing teas, juices, and smoothies, this quick-reference guide helps you naturally repair, rejuvenate, and reclaim your health. You also get valuable tips on stopping stress and adrenal fatigue at the source, including:<br /> <br /> · The connection between chronic stress and adrenal fatigue<br /> · Practical ways to lower your stress levels<br /> · Nine common symptoms of adrenal fatigue<br /> · Seven steps you can take to combat stress eating, and more! (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>This was a very interesting read. It gave you a ton of tips and recipes for juicing and healthy eating. It also taught you which foods you should buy organic, what kinds of food or ingredients you should avoid, what different foods do for your body and it also talks about adrenal fatigue, symptoms and how you can go about fixing it. The author's story in the beginning was touching, emotional, and inspiring. </span><br />
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<span>I can't even list all the information in this book but I learned a lot from it. This is a book that everyone should check out to start living a happier and healthier life with more energy. Now I just need to get a juicer so I can try out some of the recipes.</span><br />
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<span>Do you juice? If so, what are your favorite things to juice? Share your recipes! </span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18051428-the-juice-lady-s-remedies-for-stress-and-adrenal-fatigue?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/79901.Cherie_Calbom">AUTHOR'S GOODEADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Juice-Remedies-Stress-Adrenal-Fatigue/dp/1621365670/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1393716669&sr=8-4&keywords=the+juice+lady%27s">GET A COPY</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-61256231455431279082014-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:002014-03-03T06:00:00.282-08:00Lucky Phoo: Review<img alt="18274828" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1375368365l/18274828.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Lucky Phoo</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Imajin Books</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 182</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText5536722291190271903">LUCKY PHOO by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon <br /><br />When luck and the magic of friendship combine, anything is possible…<br /><br />Seventh graders Caylie Jiang-Kahn, Lauren Blindell and Sabrina Robinson are making a movie about their friendship when a dirty stray dog shows up and ruins the day. In frustration, Lauren mutters, “Oh phooey,” which leads to the girls naming the dog “Phoo.”<br /><br />When Phoo is caught and taken to the animal shelter, the girls agree to foster him until he can be adopted. They immediately notice something strange. Every time the dog is around, lucky things seem to happen. The moment he’s gone, the luck disappears. <br /><br />What happens when they all need the dog’s magic at the same time? It’s up to Caylie, Lauren and Sabrina to decide once and for all: Is Phoo truly a lucky dog? (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts: </strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>Sabrina, Caylie, and Lauren were making a movie about their friendship when a dirty dog comes along and ruins their shoot for the day. Little did they know that when Phoo, as they named him, was around he seemed to bring luck with him. </span><br />
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<span>When Phoo ends up at the animal shelter the girls agree to take turns fostering him. When they realize that he's a lucky dog they all start demanding more time with him. Will this situation bring them closer together or tear their friendship apart? </span><br />
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<span>This was a cute little story that I'm sure kids will love. Kids will be able to relate to the girls and the problems they have whether it be crushes, mean kids at school, pressure form their parents, or a difficult home life. These problems make it all the more realistic. My 4th grader is reading this book at the moment so I'm excited to hear his thoughts on it, especially since the main characters are girls. I think tween girls would like this book the best. </span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18274828-lucky-phoo?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.luckyphoo.com/">BOOK'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/179162.Stacia_Deutsch">STACIA'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.staciadeutsch.com/">STACIA'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/179161.Rhody_Cohon">RHODY'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.rhodycohon.com/">RHODY'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Phoo-Stacia-Deutsch/dp/1927792282/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393711045&sr=8-1&keywords=lucky+phoo">GET A COPY</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-15536386137608091862014-03-01T12:23:00.001-08:002014-03-01T12:23:15.771-08:00Once a Witch: Review<img alt="6393119" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1353594257l/6393119.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Once a Witch</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Carolyn MacCullough</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt</strong><br />
<strong>Series: Witch #1</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 292</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search - and the stranger - will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant. (Goodreads)<br />
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<strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Tamsin was supposed to be the most powerful witch in her family, according to her grandmother's prophecy, but her magical Talents never appeared. She spent her life feeling like an outcast in her family because they could all do great things with their magic and had their own special Talents, but she didn't. <br />
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A mysterious man comes to the bookstore, mistaking her for her Talented sister, and ask her to locate a missing item. He claims that this missing item is a precious family heirloom but little does she know, it is so much more. This request sends Tamsin on a mission to prove herself that will forever change her life. She learns things about herself and her family that were meant to stay secret. <br />
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Anything that has to do with witches, I'm in. I love reading about them and have been fascinated with witches for as long as I can remember. So when a book like this comes along I have to get my hands on it. <br />
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Tamsin is enjoyable because she's smart and not afraid to do what she wants or thinks is best. She's rebellious and has a "perfect" older sister. She's the black sheep of the family so you just want to root for her. You get to see the mystery unravel and the secrets be revealed right along with her so it keeps you reading. This one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. <br />
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Have you read this? What are your thoughts?<br />
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*I purchased this book with my own money.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6393119-once-a-witch">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/374429.Carolyn_MacCullough">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="http://www.carolynmaccullough.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Witch-Carolyn-MacCullough/dp/0547417306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393705371&sr=8-1&keywords=ONCE+A+WITCH">GET A COPY</a><br />
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-10430087432353036912014-02-15T17:44:00.000-08:002014-02-15T17:44:23.762-08:00The New Crown: Review<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="18591450" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1386474268l/18591450.jpg" /><br />
<strong>The New Crown</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Jason Sandberg</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Jason Sandberg eBooks</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 29</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer11458968655173312864">Julietta the Carpenter can build almost anything using wood, metal or fabric. Her skills are put to the test when she runs afoul of her corrupt King. This new fairy tale introduces a resourceful heroine to the boys and girls of today.</span> (Goodreads)<br />
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<strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
King Plunder was a mean king who took whatever he wanted. The only reason that the people of Platavia obeyed him was because they were frightened of him. There were so many laws that the people couldn't remember them all.<br />
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Julietta the Carpenter could build anything. And when she created a fancy hat for a customer the king became very angry because the hat was grander and taller than his crown. This was against his rules. He had Julietta arrested and locked away, but she had an idea that could free her and save the town from this horrible king. Will she be able to save the day or will she forever be a prisoner? <br />
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This was a very cute story with great illustrations. My four year old daughter was a huge fan of it. She really liked Julietta and thought she was very smart and brave. We are looking forward to more from this author in the future. <br />
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*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <br />
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-41724236540880222982013-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:002013-12-22T20:45:25.020-08:00The Girl of Fire and Thorns: Review<img alt="10429092" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1323448113l/10429092.jpg" /><br />
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<strong>The Girl of Fire and Thorns</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Rae Carson</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Greenwillow</strong><br />
<strong>Series: Fire and Thorns #1</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 423</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText15489220623326498907"><strong>Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.</strong><br />Elisa is the chosen one. <br /><br />But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. <br /><br />Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.<br /><br />And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.<br /><br />Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.<br /><br />Most of the chosen do. (Goodreads)</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>I should have reviewed this book a long time ago right after I read it so that it was more fresh in my mind. I'll try anyway. I do remember that I enjoyed it. This is another book with a bunch of mixed reviews. </span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>Elisa has been chosen to bear the Godstone in her navel. She doesn't know why she was the chosen one and doesn't understand how she will ever live up to her destiny. When she turns 16 she is married to a very important and handsome king, but he wants to keep the marriage a secret for now. Elisa is hunted for her Godstone. The enemies want that power for themselves and they are willing to kill for it. Will she be able to fulfill the prophecy or will she die like so many of the chosen before her?</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>I really liked that Elisa wasn't the typical beautiful, dainty princess. She was overweight and had a love for food, but she was also very intelligent. I'm not totally sure why she had such a relationship with food as that was never explained unless that's just the way she was. Another thing I liked was that this wasn't really a love story. It was more of a story of transformation. You really get to watch Elisa grow into a strong, confident, capable, and determined woman who was ready to battle. </span><br />
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<span>All of the characters were great and they were all different and had their own personalities. The cover is beautiful and the title of the book is nice although I can't really figure out what the title has to do with the story itself. I may be totally missing something but I just don't get it. </span><br />
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<span>I did like this book and I will be getting around to the second one some time. Have any of you read this book? If so, what are your thoughts? </span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>*I purchased this book myself.</span><br />
<span></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-2912904351637284602013-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-02T06:00:01.877-08:00Dying For Sex: Blog Tour, Guest Post, and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic;"></span></i></b> </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic;">When did you first know you wanted to write?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria-BoldItalic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">It was 1966
and I was ten years old. My dad was in the armed forces and was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">transferred
a lot. About every three years we packed everything up and headed for<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">another army
base in yet another province. This time the destination was Camp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Petawawa in
Ontario, a good two-day trip by car from where we lived in Quebec.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Besides my
parents, and me, I had a baby sister and two older brothers who were<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">sixteen and
seventeen. The boys were tall and gangly and both so ticked about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">having to
move again, they were sullen and rude. Oh wait, come to think of it, they’d<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">been that
way for at least four years. (Having raised two teenagers myself, I now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">know rude
and sullen is just business as usual for that age group.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">We also had
a German Shepherd so huge, he looked like a science experiment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">gone
terribly awry. And of course there was our ginger cat, Sandy. So picture these<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">six people,
two animals, luggage, and food for two days. Now imagine all of them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">crammed in a
1958 Volkswagen Beetle because that’s what my dad drove.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">We stowed
what we could in the front trunk of the Beetle and then strapped the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">rest of the
luggage on the roof rack. My mom and dad sat in the front; my sister<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">nestled in
my mom’s lap while I perched on the gearshift atop a feather pillow. My<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">brothers
squeezed into the back seat, knees pressing into the seats in front. The dog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">lumbered
into the back with them, and contentedly settled his hundred or so odd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">pounds
across their skinny laps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">But hold up!
What about the cat? Where did he go, you ask?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Not a
problem! When you moved as much as we did, you get to be quite inventive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">My father
had built a wooden box. The bottom and the back end had solid walls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">But the
front, sides and top were constructed out of chicken wire. Mom put in some<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">litter and a
bowl of water and a can of tasty cat food. Then they popped old Sandy in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">the box and
plunked the box on the roof of the Beetle. Dad piled some luggage along<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">the side and
back of the box, but left the front facing traffic, free and clear so Sandy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">would get
lots of fresh air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Then we took
off down the Trans-Canada Highway at sixty miles an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Eight hours
later we stumbled out of the car. Mom told my father to get Sandy down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">so he could “stretch
his little legs”. Dad laboriously unknotted the rope he’d used to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">tie down the
box, and finally lowered the box to the ground. We all huddled around<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">staring down
into the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">“Oh the poor
little mite must have been starving!” cooed my mom. “Look if he hasn’t<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">eaten all
that food and water I put in!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">The bowls
were indeed empty. The force of the wind had swept the litter box<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">toward
Sandy, pinning him against the back wall. His eyes were as wide and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">haunted
looking. The fur on his face and head was stiff and encrusted with all the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">water, cat food,
and litter that had blown into it during his journey through hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Mom shook
her head and said worriedly, “I hope he was a good boy and used his<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">litter box.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">It was then,
that I first itched for a piece of paper and a pen. I knew somebody had<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">to record
and attest to the sheer madness of the moment. As soon as we all filed into<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">the Pink
Flamingo Motel looking like extras from the movie Deliverance, I grabbed a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">pen and
started writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">And I’ve
never stopped. Although when my kids were young, I mostly wrote stories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">in my mind.
I waited until they left home before I put pen to paper and wrote my<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">first novel,
</span><i><span style="font-family: Cambria-Italic; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria-Italic;">Dying For Sex. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">But I think you’ll
find that I haven’t lost my sense of the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">ridiculous
and that this funny murder mystery will keep you laughing and guessing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">till the very end.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><strong>About Lynn Albrecht:<u></u></strong><u></u></span></div>
Lynn C. Albrecht started her career in broadcasting. Quickly realizing she was not going to be the next Lisa Laflamme, she entered the world of corporate communications. After years of writing videos, speeches, advertising, and dressing in power suits with shoulders pads that made her look like Hunter Hearst Helmsley, she had a great epiphany. She ditched the shoulder pads and returned to school. Five years later, she was released into the unsuspecting healthcare system as a social worker. She works at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario.<u></u><u></u><br />
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Lynn lives in Baden, Ontario with her infinitely patient husband, John Belton.<br />
Dying For Sex is her first book. She is currently hard at work on the second Lindy Sutton mystery.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="http://lynncalbrecht.com/" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://lynncalbrecht.com</span></a><u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lynncalbrecht" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr></span>lynncalbrecht</a></div>
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<a href="http://lynncalbrecht.com/"><img alt="Displaying Dying-for-Sex-cover-500.jpg" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=3b6a957fc7&view=fimg&th=142a4a9c1e28b1cf&attid=0.6&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9ok66AdlcOcsB92quKnCnbd1xJiHctKENNqvqq7WbFlTvBvyg2MDm8iUJGWbvIh0fhIiK7rlINxWd2t4ljIgNdYzrsAGnfyD6MFrnFHMYAdtwDBLi8H3xC_L8&ats=1385860475115&rm=142a4a9c1e28b1cf&zw&sz=w1436-h487" /></a></div>
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<h1>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">About Dying for Sex: <u></u><u></u></span></h1>
Lindy Sutton has her hands full. In between having her clown act clobbered by pint-sized critics, keeping a group of sex-crazed octogenarians from starting brawls in the raciest bar in town, and trying to keep her crazy Aunt Pip from being tossed out of Laughing Pines retirement home, she still has to contend with her son’s garish band bus parked in her driveway. Could things get any worse? Yup! Margaret Quaid, the social worker at Laughing Pines is found dead of an apparent overdose and the drop dead handsome detective on the case, thinks she stole the drugs from the retirement home and was pretty active in the world of wife swapping to boot. Lindy’s temper soars, along with her long dormant hormones, as she sets out to clear Margaret’s name, find the murderer and make the sexy detective eat crow. Aided and abetted by the aging but flamboyant Chappy Lowton, her eccentric and sarcastic sister, her best friend Patty, and that hoard of sex-crazed geriatrics, Lindy wades into the world of swingers only to find that there are plenty of people with a motive to kill the social worker.<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="http://lynncalbrecht.com/" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://lynncalbrecht.com</span></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA">Social Links:</span></h1>
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<span lang="EN-CA"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Facebook:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lynncalbrecht" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr></span>lynncalbrecht</a><u></u><u></u></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Twitter:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="https://twitter.com/lynncalbrecht" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr></span>lynncalbrecht</a><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-CA">Where to Purchase:<u></u><u></u></span></h1>
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<u></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Amazon:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dying-For-Sex-Lynn-Albrecht/dp/0991775856/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385422420&sr=8-1&keywords=lynn+c+albrecht" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.amazon.com/Dying-<wbr></wbr></span>For-Sex-Lynn-Albrecht/dp/<wbr></wbr>0991775856/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&<wbr></wbr>qid=1385422420&sr=8-1&<wbr></wbr>keywords=lynn+c+albrecht</a><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Barnes & Noble:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dying-for-sex-lynn-c-albrecht/1116294544?ean=9780991775859" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/<wbr></wbr></span>w/dying-for-sex-lynn-c-<wbr></wbr>albrecht/1116294544?ean=<wbr></wbr>9780991775859</a><span lang="EN-CA"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Tower.com:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> <a href="http://www.tower.com/tower_search/search_3_2_b.cfm?keywords=dying%20for%20sex&div_id=1&contributor=Lynn%20c%20Albrecht" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.tower.com/tower_<wbr></wbr></span>search/search_3_2_b.cfm?<wbr></wbr>keywords=dying%20for%20sex&<wbr></wbr>div_id=1&contributor=Lynn%20c%<wbr></wbr>20Albrecht</a><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #555555;"></span></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span> <a href="http://lynncalbrecht.com/"><img alt="Displaying Lynn-Albrecht-Giveaway.jpg" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=3b6a957fc7&view=fimg&th=142a4a9c1e28b1cf&attid=0.8&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8NOubbuUH610aEWXG_Qv0kdwHWkU3XxaQlHJj8WaYtEz7FiKiCjasdEfamUJChQ1Jr79sCQNT9CjUtSgKlZhnIb3f43XXfD6IrXVSDV_n3R40hqqeBmkmpLhw&ats=1385860475116&rm=142a4a9c1e28b1cf&zw&sz=w1436-h487" /></a></div>
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-5252442624018757032013-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:002013-11-30T17:19:03.841-08:00MIAHey everyone, I just wanted to pop in with an update and explain why I haven't been posting lately. I had some family emergencies and then started a new job and haven't quit my first one yet. So I haven't even had time to sleep let alone read/blog. I am going to be fixing this soon as I haven't had the time for myself, sleep, or my family that I would like. So hopefully everything should be back to normal soon and you will be hearing from me more. For all of the people who are waiting for reviews I'm SOOOO sorry about the wait. I'm going to try my hardest to pump out the reviews as soon as I have the time for reading again. <br />
<br />
I'm still here so don't give up on me yet! ;)<br />
<br />
-Leigh AnnLeigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-3666981483068368982013-10-22T17:49:00.002-07:002013-10-22T17:49:44.048-07:00Family Portrait Changes Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In this new adult novel you'll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana's father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother's disappearance. You'll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You'll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?</span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This novel is NOT for children, it contains strong language, reference to drug use and sexual situations, this novel is meant for mature teens and adults.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fun facts about </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a minx. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Family Portrait</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changes Vol. 1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and her brother, Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Banovic Siblings. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changes.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook fan page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks for having me. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase a copy of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> here</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. (: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The reviews on Amazon:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Each character has a story to tell, and I see their stories being entwined together, for better or worse as author Gillian Felix builds a strong and intriguing foundation for a new series with her novella, Changes, book 1 in the Family Portrait series.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Part soap opera, part teen struggle in a world where they are expected to “follow the crowd” and feed the frenzied tabloids fodder for the prying eyes of the masses, all while dealing with personal and family crises, I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“This book has many interesting characters and I am looking forward to the next volume. I was sorry to see it end.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author bio</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://youtu.be/EiBdwhT74NA">Book Trailer</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels">Facebook Fan Page</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/">Website (Read the first chapter for FREE!!)</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx">Twitter</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA">Purchase</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-88424881253479702912013-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:002013-10-16T15:12:01.146-07:00Isabella and Penelope: Review<img alt="17561615" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362631339l/17561615.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Isabella and Penelope</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Maggie Grinnell</strong><br />
<strong>Illustrator: Sarah L. Bowman</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: AG Press</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 25</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer3220523602724167537">Isabella is a young girl who loses her father in a tragic accident. She has such a close connection with her dad that she decided not to speak for 2 years. Then she encounters Penelope, a pink caterpillar who changes her life forever.</span> (Goodreads)<br />
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<strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Isabella has been mute since she lost her father to a tragic plane crash. One day, as she's having a picnic with her imaginary friend, along comes a pink litter caterpillar named Penelope. Isabella has found a new friend who changes her life and may just give her the encouragement she needs to speak again. <br />
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I read this book to my 4 year old and she didn't seem to react negatively to the fact that there's death in the story as I was worried she might. I don't know if that is because of her age or the way the author approached the subject but I would suggest reading the book for yourself first as every child is different and they may react differently. It was a touching story though and a child who has had a loss in their life may be able to relate to it even better. One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the illustrations. They almost looked like pictures my kids could create on the Paint program on my computer. So if you are looking for high quality illustrations in your books then this won't be for you. I'm one that likes to look at the pictures when I read to my kiddos. <br />
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What do you think? Would you read your children a story like this? <br />
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*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17561615-isabella-and-penelope?from_search=true">ADD IT TO GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6981084.Maggie_Grinnell">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Isabella-Penelope-Maggie-Grinnell/dp/146756138X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381960985&sr=8-2&keywords=isabella+and+penelope">GET A COPY</a><br />
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-20721854255195902092013-10-11T16:02:00.001-07:002013-10-11T16:02:04.569-07:00Murder for Bid: Review<img class="image-stretch-vertical" id="igImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-uEgVmV2L.jpg" style="max-height: 500px; max-width: 324px;" /><br />
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<strong>Murder for Bid</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Susan Furlong Bolliger</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Martin Sisters Publishing</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 238</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
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<span id="freeText7491917307912241555">Former investment banker, Pippi O’Brien, has turned to resale merchandising for a living. Now, instead of trading on the Chicago Stock Exchange, she rummages through dumpsters, hits garage sales and peruses consignments shops in search of cast-off treasures to sell on-line … that is when she’s not busy playing detective.<br /><br />Join Pippi as she stumbles upon the mysterious murder of one of Chicago’s wealthiest suburban socialites and piles up a list of suspects and clues as disorganized as her over-stuffed apartment and as messy as her next trash-to-treasure project.<br /><br />Available in paperback and electronic formats. (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>Pippi has left the investment world to try and make a living in resale. She digs through dumpsters, visits garage sales and consignment shops looking for treasures that she can sell for a profit or fix up to sell. One day she happens to stumble upon a murder while checking out a Councilman's garbage. Of course she has to play detective and try to solve the case even though her detective boyfriend tells her she needs to back off. All of her questions and prying puts her in danger of becoming the next victim. </span><br />
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<span>This book was hilarious especially for a murder novel. Pippi was such a fun character, I absolutely loved her! I had a great time reading this book and could have devoured it in one sitting if I would have had the time. The author has wonderful potential and I would definitely read more of her work. The only thing that would have made this book perfect was a little more editing. There were a few mistakes here and there but I can overlook them for such a great book. If it wasn't for that this would be a 5 star book. Check this one out for sure if it sounds like something you would enjoy!</span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17335288-murder-for-bid?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476210.Susan_Furlong_Bolliger">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.sfurlongbolliger.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Bid-Susan-Furlong-Bolliger/dp/1937273911/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1381531985&sr=8-1">GET A COPY</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-39781927889554942702013-10-07T11:36:00.003-07:002013-10-07T11:36:35.035-07:00How the Octopus Got Eight Arms: Review<img alt="17849157" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1372052863l/17849157.jpg" /><br />
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<strong>How the Octopus Got Eight Arms: Two Arms Are Never Enough</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Yvonne Arroyo</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Outskirts Press</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 46</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary: </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText2589668013299707894">Oscar Octopus and his wife, Sharky Shark, are the proud parents of a sizeable brood. Oscar adores his children, and spends every spare moment playing with them. Things go swimmingly until, one day, Sharky has to make an emergency visit to see her ailing mother. Suddenly, Oscar is left in charge of his offspring. Because of a huge physical shortcoming, Oscar is unable to meet the needs of all his kids. His wife returns to find him nearly dead of exhaustion. She rushes him to the doctor, who performs emergency surgery on him. In no time at all the new and improved Oscar is able to more easily handle his children. He and his family live playfully and happily ever after. This sure-fire pleaser features rich vocabulary, lively rhyming text and attractive illustrations that will warm every young reader's heart. (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts: </strong></span><br />
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<span>Oscar is an octopus with 2 arms just like you and I. He marries Sharky and they become parents. Sharky has to leave for awhile so Oscar is responsible for taking care of the children while she is away. Oscar can't keep up with all of his kids' needs. When Sharky returns, her husband is so exhausted he is almost dead. She rushes him to the hospital where the doctor performs and emergency operation on Oscar. He is not more prepared to meet the demanding needs of his family.</span><br />
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<span>Oh how I wish I could have surgery to have 8 arms. I know I would look funny and would have to buy custom made sweaters but I could totally use the extra arms. I'm sure any parent could! The kids and I thought this story was a lot of fun. The rhyming text was wonderful and the pictures were very lively and colorful. I found it humorous because I think that if I were to have to leave for awhile and my husband had to take over the household and kids by himself that he would end up just like Oscar. This was definitely a cute story that parents can relate to and that kids will really enjoy. I would recommend it and I would like to see more from this author. </span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17849157-how-the-octopus-got-eight-arms?ac=1">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7063340.Yvonne_Arroyo">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-23338401676683254882013-09-30T13:01:00.001-07:002013-09-30T13:01:24.695-07:00Grandelyn: Review <img alt="17124098" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356209222l/17124098.jpg" /><br />
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<strong>Grandelyn</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Dionne Lee Nelson</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: CreateSpace</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 404</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary: </strong><br />
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<span id="freeText3350475201368955522">Set in a fantasy world that is both harsh and beautiful, Grandelyn follows the journey to freedom of an enslaved group of people. Oppressed by an evil dictator, the slaves appear doomed to a lifetime of torture and servitude. But an unlikely leader rises among them and offers a chance for freedom. Ariyah, the beautiful young daughter of a rebellious slave, grows to become a fierce warrior and a reluctant leader in the eyes of the people. Ariyah attempts to lead the slaves out of bondage and into a new life - in a beautiful yet mysterious land called Grandelyn. After years of pain and suffering, Ariyah and her people find that Grandelyn offers the potential for peace and happiness. But Grandelyn has dark secrets that are about to be revealed. Those secrets, and a dictator who is unwilling to relinquish his grip, threaten everything that Ariyah and the others have fought so hard to attain. In effect, Grandelyn is the story of two journeys, and two transformations. One is the journey of an enslaved people struggling to transform themselves to a free people. The other is the journey of a young girl struggling to quickly transform from a child slave to a leader. Both journeys have unexpected and dangerous consequences. All journeys must end. Will both of these journeys end in the peace and prosperity of Grandelyn, or in a dark new world? (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
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<span>Kalos is an evil dictator who rules Ferocities. He has enslaved people and tortures them if they don't do exactly as he says. There is one slave who stands up to him and does not fear him the way the others do. She trains her daughter Ariyah and her fellow slaves to fight. When the time comes, the slaves band together and attempt to escape to a magical place called Grandelyn. Ariyah transforms from an enslaved child to a strong and wonderful leader. Will they be free to live in peace in Grandelyn or will they be forced to return to Ferocities and its dark ruler?</span><br />
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<span>I am going to start off by saying that I really liked this book. It's a wonderful and extremely interesting story. You can easily imagine what everything would look, feel, smell and taste like. The author does a wonderful job of describing this world and everything in it. Ariyah's story is empowering and inspiring. It takes a very strong woman (or even man) to accomplish what she has, especially considering the life she has had. That being said, there were quite a few mistakes in the book and at times the writing seemed amateurish. It wasn't BAD writing, it just seemed like someone without a ton of experience wrote it. I don't know how else to describe it but if it wasn't for this it would be perfect! This however, does not change my mind about wanting to read a sequel. I would absolutely love to find out what happens next in the world of Grandelyn.</span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17124098-grandelyn?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3386089.Dionne_Lee_Nelson">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grandelyn-ebook/dp/B00ACMM89W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380570762&sr=8-1&keywords=Grandelyn">GET A COPY</a> </span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-2241825755440567232013-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T06:00:03.996-07:00Blueberry Bubble Gum: Review<img alt="17804255" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370840716l/17804255.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Blueberry Bubble Gum</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Mahamad Ali ElFakir</strong><br />
<strong>Illustrator: Victor Gulza</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Elfa Books</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 44</strong><br />
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<strong>Summary: </strong><br />
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<span id="freeText9109346053799531133">Get ready for adventure! School's out, and Max is gearing up for a summer of baseball with his friends. He's expecting fun in the sun and long, lazy days. But to his surprise, he finds himself transported to a strange and wonderful world after chewing magical blueberry bubble gum-bubble gum his parents warned him not to chew! Join Max in his adventures through Blueberry Bubble Gum World and meet the fascinating creatures who live there-the Blueberry Boy, King Erudition, and the lumpy, moldy green evil Waywards. Will Max learn his lesson and find his way home? Find out in this thrilling journey! (Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>Max's dad gives him a bag of magic blueberry bubble gum. He was told not to eat it until his dad was able to go over the rules with him. But Max's father has to go to work and Max is sent to bed with his bag of magic gum. How can he resist? He decides to try the magic gum. What harm could it do? When his mom asks him if he's eaten the gum Max lies. This lie transports him to a magical blueberry bubble gum world so that he can learn a lesson about lying and not following the rules. Will Max be able to pass the test and return home or will the Waywards lead him off the path?</span><br />
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<span>This was a pretty cute little story. It teaches kids a very valuable lesson about lying and following the rules. Even though it teaches a lesson, the story is a lot of fun and will have children wanting to read it. The illustrations were a lot of fun as well. I know a few kids who could learn a lesson or two about lying. If only the magical blueberry bubble gum world was real. . . </span><br />
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<span>*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. </span><br />
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<span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17804255-blueberry-bubble-gum?from_search=true">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.elfabooks.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a><span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7049253.Mahamad_Ali_Elfakir">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blueberry-Bubble-Gum-Mahamad-Elfakir/dp/0578109786/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380230160&sr=8-2&keywords=blueberry+bubble+gum">GET A COPY</a></span><br />
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<span></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-50266803797180412512013-09-24T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-24T06:00:09.261-07:00Milton the Square Shell Turtle: Spotlight<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author MaryAnn Tarto joins the World of Ink Virtual Tour </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The World of Ink Network will be touring author MaryAnn Tarto’s inspiring children’s picture book, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Milton the Square Shell Turtle</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> in September 2013.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We are all different but our unique traits make us who we truly are. It is important for kids to realize that they don't have to compare themselves to others in order to be accepted. Sometimes, they have to accept themselves first in order to be accepted by others.” ~Irene Roth, author of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Seven Habits of Highly Committed Writers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Book:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Milton is a story of a turtle. Unlike other turtles with round or oval shells, Milton has a square shell. One afternoon, and being new to the area, he decides to take a walk to the pond to relax.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Just when he thinks he finds the perfect spot, he can't stay. Not wanting to cause a problem, he goes further up the pond, only to discover, home is the best place to relax.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Title: Milton the Square Shell Turtle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author: MaryAnn Tarto</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Illustrator: Diane Lucas</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Genre: Children’s Picture Book</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ISBN: 978-1-61244-103-1</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Publication Date: June 2013</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">$11.95</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.halopublishing.com/bookstore" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.halopublishing.com/bookstore</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Author: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MaryAnn Tarto attended Southern Ohio Business College and received a degree in Office Administration and Communication. She also attended Cooper School of Art for one year and took with her a love to create, design and color. She worked several years for a publishing company in Cleveland while raising her son Ryan.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tarto grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but her heart is in the country. She currently lives in Wadsworth, Ohio with her husband Dennis of 20 years and their cat. She and her husband enjoy nature walks, antiques, yard sales and being with family.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You can find out more about MaryAnn Tarto, her book and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/oz73p92" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://tinyurl.com/oz73p92</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit </span><a href="http://worldofinknetwork.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://worldofinknetwork.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-56142458670882912472013-09-23T15:03:00.001-07:002013-09-23T15:03:12.509-07:00The Host: Review<img alt="1656001" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1318009171l/1656001.jpg" /><br />
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<strong>The Host</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Stephenie Meyer</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: Little Brown and Company</strong><br />
<strong>Series: The Host #1</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 619</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText3525862346545964534">Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.<br /><br />As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.<br />(Goodreads)</span><br />
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<span><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span><strong></strong></span><br />
<span>Earth has been taken over by a species of aliens called "Souls" who take over the minds of humans and live inside their bodies. Wanderer is put inside of Melanie's body but Melanie refuses to leave. They are stuck sharing the same body. Wanderer starts to care about the people who are most important to Melanie, her brother Jamie and the man she loves, Jared. Together they begin to search for them. </span><br />
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<span>Let me start off by saying NO, I have never read <em>Twilight. </em>I know, it's crazy. So I didn't have any expectations coming into this book. It took me awhile to finally start this book. There are a lot of mixed reviews on this book. Half of them love it and half of them hate it. Plus it's 600 pages long and that's a lot of time to waste if the book is not good. My mom tried to read it but gave up within the first few chapters but I decided to give it a shot anyway. I'm actually glad I did. I'll admit during the first few chapters I was thinking to myself, "What the hell am I reading?!?!" But after that I was hooked. </span><br />
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<span>The world that Meyer has created is so complex and has a lot of background to explain, there is a lot of story to be told. Did it have to be so long? I'm not sure. I don't know how it would have affected the story had parts of it been trimmed out. I really don't want to give too much away that's not in the book summary so I won't go into too much detail. I really liked this book but it's definitely strange and not a world I would want to live in, no matter how interesting. </span><br />
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<span>My recommendation would be to borrow this one from the library if you can. Give it anywhere between 50-100 pages before you give up on it. You may love it, you may not, but I really enjoyed it. Have you read this book? If so, what are your thoughts? What about Twilight, did you love it or hate it? Should I read it? </span><br />
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<span>*I borrowed this book from the library. </span><br />
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<span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1656001.The_Host">ADD IT ON GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/941441.Stephenie_Meyer">AUTHOR'S GOODREADS</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NAAZK4/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img">GET A COPY</a></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-74368265294643819402013-09-19T14:22:00.004-07:002013-09-19T14:22:55.928-07:00The Visitor: Review<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8GqKce2fEhJ-4hTixvNDOmCuHzzfrNubW9_mb8vtYXzHU7RnfSZsCo0y_Mw6tSOoGubmm5yw6MUUgq9vhOZ2yiFNtJW0OLVlgeKVVn1Em6pawDF0rjUED2NqSp-NjM7cXOlWal-4vEE/s320/VisitorCover200x318.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<strong>The Visitor</strong><br />
<strong>Author: Easton Livingston</strong><br />
<strong>Publisher: BHF Publishing</strong><br />
<strong>Series: The Dark Corner</strong><br />
<strong>Pages: 11</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
Dana Johansen is being watched. Someone has been following his every move for a
year. Each month that passed, they were getting closer to him. Their ominous
presence threatens not only his life but the life of his loved ones as well. And
now...they're in his house. The place where he is supposed to feel safe. The
place where his family is supposed to feel safe. If he leaves, the stalker will
follow. He's not sure what to do. But one thing is certain--if Dana doesn't do
something, this stalker will destroy him.<br /><br /><i>The Visitor</i> is the first
in a series of short stories from an ongoing series titled <b>The Dark
Corner</b>. Others that are a part of the series will be a mix of fantasy and
the supernatural. <br />
<strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Someone has been watching Dana Johansen's every move and has been following him for the past year. He can't seem to get away from him no matter where he is. This has caused a strain in his marriage and his wife has lost respect for him. Now the intruder is in his home and his whole life is at stake. A gunshot is heard by the neighbors and the hunt is over. Will Dana be able to save himself and his family or is it too late?<br />
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This was a very well written and thrilling short story. This book may only be 11 pages long but it packs a punch. It's a story I will remember for a very long time. I don't want to give too much away so if you like psychological thrillers you'll love this short story. Go read it and let me know what you think! <br />
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*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <br />
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<a href="http://www.eastonlivingston.com/2013/07/the-visitor-has-arrived.html">AUTHOR'S WEBSITE</a><br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/338226">SMASHWORDS BOOK LINK</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Visitor-Psychological-Mystery-Corner-ebook/dp/B00E0L82GE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379624137&sr=1-1&keywords=the+visitor+easton+livingston">GET A COPY ON AMAZON</a><br />
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com275tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-46223456289316669932013-09-16T09:12:00.001-07:002013-09-16T09:12:16.597-07:00How Long Will You Love Me?: Spotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author Patti Brassard Jefferson joins the World of Ink Virtual Tour </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The World of Ink Network will be touring author Patti Brassard Jefferson’s picture book filled with silly answers for young children and lovers of all ages, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How Long Will You Love Me?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> in September 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What started as a single drawing for a Valentine's Day card, has slowly, but oh so surely, became Jefferson’s debut book.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Book:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whether it's a question from a child to a parent or an adult to their significant other, the question “How long will you love me?” probably gets asked more than you think...even if it just stays in your head and you are the only one who hears it. Patti Brassard Jefferson's creative first book starts with the question and each page gives a warm, rhythmic reassurance --- "I promise I will love you 'til..." It's the perfect book to read to someone to let them know your love is endless.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So, just how long WILL I love you? The answer is perfectly clear in this book!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">BONUS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Each page also has a heart drawn in it somewhere. While they are not very difficult to find, the search will also take the reader through some of the other subtle jokes such as a banner behind the bunny band that promotes Carrot-oke or a whale who's reading Moby Dick on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Places where available for sale:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="http://www.howlongwillyouloveme.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.howlongwillyouloveme.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="http://www.halopublishing.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.halopublishing.com/bookstore</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/pbj" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.amazon.com/author/pbj</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> www.bn.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Title of Book(s): How Long Will You Love Me?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author & Illustrator: Patti Brassard Jefferson</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Genre: Children's book</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ISBN Number: ISBN: 9781612441658</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Publication Date: June 2013</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Interview:</strong></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">What are some of the things that have influenced/inspired your writing?</span></b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Probably the biggest influence in wanting to write children's book originally came from having my daughter and spending so much time reading with her and making up our own stories. Ironically, my first children's book wasn't released until June 2013 and my daughter was already 27 years old by then! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I think children's book authors have to have a child-like side to them to relate on that level so I try to see things with the same awe and wonder that a child sees. Sometimes that means I need to make time to blow bubbles and draw on the sidewalk in chalk or wear a tiara in my living room. If anyone questions my behavior, I just point out that it's part of my job.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Can you share some writing experiences with us?</span></b> </div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I carry a polka-dotted notebook full of little thoughts that I think someday may combine in the proper order and become books. The book I am working on now to be released on Halo Publishing in March 2014, came to me while I was trying unsuccessfully to get to sleep one night. The basic premise started slowly but after about 20 minutes, I jumped out of bed and spent the next couple of hours sketching out some illustrations and writing a first draft of the entire story. It's not close to finished yet but I'm pretty happy with its progression so far.</span> <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tell us briefly about your recently published book and what you feel is the most important topic/sub-message you share.</span></b> </div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How Long Will You Love Me?</span></i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> was released on Halo Publishing in June 2013. Its a collection of silly poems that answer the question that most kids ask. Heck, most adults have asked the same question at some point. This book throws out improbabilities, such as "'til baseballs grow on trees" or " 'til dolphins tan", in a fun way to reassure that love is endless. On each page there is a heart hidden in each illustration. They aren't super hard to find but subconsciously the message even there is that love is easy to find if you are paying attention.</span> </span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Author: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Patti Brassard Jefferson lives under a palm tree in sunny Florida with her husband, Ken and their 2 rescued mutts. How Long Will You Love Me is the first children's book that PBJ has written and illustrated. She began drawing when she was a little girl and forgot to stop when she grew up. She thinks doodling is a lost art and has a special place in her heart for the smell of a new box of crayons.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9966cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">More details: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Patti Brassard was born in upstate NY in 1962 but moved with her military family to Virginia when she was 11 years old. She always loved art in school but never gave a thought to making it a career until she started college in 1980. With no idea where a Fine Arts degree would take her, she instead studied Media Arts Advertising and after graduation, started her own graphic design company so that she could continue to be a work-at-home mother to her daughter Nikki. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was while Nikki was learning to read that Patti mocked up her first book aimed at teaching pre-readers the alphabet. She only shared it with her daughter and her kindergarten class. It was very well received but Patti never pursued the project any further. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Over the following years Patti opened a paint-it-yourself pottery studio and got back to being involved in more artistic endeavors. In 2010, she remarried and added Jefferson to her name: Patti Brassard Jefferson. They moved to the Florida Keys with their two rescued dogs, Marley & Mollie, and she opened an art gallery. </span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While in Florida, she decided to dust off unfinished children's book project that she had put on the shelf. It had started as a Valentines card years before and had morphed into the beginning of a book. Over the next 2 years, Patti worked on the illustrations and adding more pages. It was finished in October 2012 but she had no idea what the next step was. A friend and fellow author had just self-published a novel so Patti did some research. She decided to start a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9966cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kick Starter campaign</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> to raise the funds necessary to self-publish her book. The campaign launched in April of 2013 and funded 30 days later. She signed with Halo Publishing International and the book was released in June!</span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Follow Patti Brassard Jefferson:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author Website: www.HowLongWillYouLoveMe.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Blog Address: www.1crayonshort.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter URL: pbjmosaic</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook URL: facebook.com/pbrassard</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook Fan Page URL: facebook.com/howlongwillyouloveme</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You can find out more about Patti Brassard Jefferson, her work and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/pxvhsc7</span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit </span><a href="http://worldofinknetwork.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://worldofinknetwork.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229853528859857803.post-75162137558994146952013-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-11T06:00:07.936-07:00Abra-Cadaver Blog Tour<span id="docs-internal-guid-1fddfb0a-eb0a-95dd-ef7e-be1c9113c0d2" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">From the author of "Gated" a UK Amazon Horror Chart #4 bestseller and "Asylum - 13 Tales of Terror" a UK & US Amazon Horror/Anthology Chart #1</span><br />
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<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?saduie=AG9B_P8ElSwx6glEjukL_Q3LUdWJ&attid=0.3&disp=emb&view=att&th=140cfccf39e46c47" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?saduie=AG9B_P8ElSwx6glEjukL_Q3LUdWJ&attid=0.3&disp=emb&view=att&th=140cfccf39e46c47" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Abra-Cadaver by Matt Drabble</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Book Synopsis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tommy, Dixon, McEwen, PJ, and Alison were always a close knit group until Tommy’s 12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> birthday party. Tragedy strikes when a magic trick goes horribly wrong and a woman lays dead. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A local magician Albert Trotter is railroaded during a rigged trial and locked away. Forever protesting his innocence and after a vicious assault in prison, he is eventually sent to a mental institution in a catatonic state.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now Tommy is 36 and heading home for the first time in over two decades, but he’s not alone. Someone is slaughtering the residents of Denver Mills with magic trick themed murders and holding those involved with the Trotter trial in a steely grip of fear. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tommy will have to find the strength to bring his old friends together as secrets and lies are exposed throughout the small town of Denver Mills.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Something evil is coming home, and they’re bringing a whole new bag of tricks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Book Trailer - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8M_LH-bubU" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2347bc; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8M_LH-bubU</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Author Info (Matt Drabble)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I also broke into Amazon's top 100 Horror Writers last week at #99 albeit only for an afternoon as the chart is updated hourly and I leapfrogged Clive Barker for a short while which seemed bizarre.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2013 has been a breakthrough year for me so far as I have been self-publishing for a little over a year now and I have started making a living this year with book sales of well over 11,000 so far. Which seems pretty huge for someone with no literary educational background and in a worldwide self-publishing market which is so massive and competitive.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter: MattDrabble01</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook: mattdrabble.3</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.mattdrabble.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2347bc; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.mattdrabble.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase Links - </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">US - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abra-Cadaver-ebook/dp/B00EBSRTJM" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2347bc; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.amazon.com/Abra-Cadaver-ebook/dp/B00EBSRTJM</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">UK - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Abra-Cadaver-ebook/dp/B00EBSRTJM" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2347bc; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.amazon.co.uk/Abra-Cadaver-ebook/dp/B00EBSRTJM</span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Leigh Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350836127535007609noreply@blogger.com1