Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A To Z: Starts With Q


Host


Rules:
Go to your stack of books
Find an author whose first or last name starts with the letter of the week

Post:
1~ a photo of the book
2~ title and synopsis
3~ link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4~ Come back to Reading At The Beach and leave your link in the comments.
5~ If you've already reviewed the book, add the link.

Authors:
First or Last name starts with "Q"


Queen Latifah - Put On Your Crown

Synopsis:
Modeled after Maria Shriver's Just Who Will You Be, Queen Latifah's goal with Put On Your Crown is to help young women build a strong sense of self-esteem. A US Dept. of Justice survey found that females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to partner violence than any other group, almost triple the national average. Cases like Chris Brown's assault on pop star Rihanna showed an ugly side of adolescent life. However, Queen Latifah has always been a shining example of a woman happy with herself and unwilling to compromise to fit into the "hollywood ideal" of what a confident beautiful woman should look like.

November Monthly News


BOOKS:
1. Care For Creation - Christy Baldwin
2. Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Character Encyclopedia
3. Ask Me Everything (recommend)
4. Earth: The Book: A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race - Jon Stewart (recommend)
5. Illustrated Cook's Book of Ingredients (recommend)
6. The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell (HIGHLY recommend)
7. Tulips in the Sand - Caryn Gottlieb-Fitzgerald
8. Spilling the Beans on the Cat's Pajamas - Judy Parkinson
9. Life - Keith Richards
10. Case Closed? - Susan Hughes
11. The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) - Dr. Barbara Becker-Holstein
12. A Path Less Traveled: A Miller's Creek Novel - Cathy Bryant (recommend)
13. Grow Herbs - Jekka McVicar
14. Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine... Maybe - Dr. Barbara Becker-Holstein
15. The Family Dinner - Laurie David (cookbook) (recommend)
16. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender
17. Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee (recommend)


PRODUCTS:
1. EZ SOX (recommend)



DVDS:
1. Eat, Pray, Love (recommend)


YEARLY TOTAL: 236 Books, 12 Products, 1 CD & 6 DVDS


FAVORITE BOOK OF NOVEMBER:



AWARDS:

I received The Versatile Blogger Award from Bev Hankins at My Reader's Block. Thank you Bev! I also love your versatile nature! I have received this previous so will not forward at this time.


CHALLENGES COMPLETED:
I completed the 2010 Reading Off My Shelves Challenge.

EZ Sox (Review & Giveaway)


About Product:
EZ SOX are fun learning socks for children and a helpful teaching tool for parents.
It helps build the confidence that pre-schoolers need as they learn to dress themselves.
En`cour´age`ment n. 1. The act of encouraging; incitement to action or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity. The act of giving hope or support.




©2010


My Opinion:

Although my kids are grown, I was sent a pair of socks to check out and review. When they arrived, I was instantly struck by how cute they are. Then I inspected them further. I love that little ones can use the tabs at top to learn how to pull on their own socks. It is a great way to teach kids how to dress themselves, or undress. I also love the styles, since they are designs every child will love.
The criticism I have is the skid writing on the bottom. I know it is used to stop kids from sliding on floors, but feel there should be more on the sole. The area is very small, and I know from experience with running and teetering tots, you need lots of skid proofing. I felt these socks were great but feel short on the bottom.
I will be passing these socks I received to my god-daughter. Though they are light brown, the bear makes them neutral for both sexes.
I still recommend this product to moms, since they are durable and well made.

4/5


~I received a sample from EZ Sox. I was not compensated for my opinion.~


AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY:



Thanks to EZ Sox I have 1 pair up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:


OPEN TO US & CANADA


Mandatory Entry:
Comment on my review, or whom you want these socks for.
NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Additional Entries:
+1 Follower via Google Friend Connect, on sidebar (MUST be public profile to count)
+1 Facebook like Freda's Voice (leave first name, last initial to count, in a separate comment)
+1 Join/Follow my Blog Frog Community (leave Blog Frog name so I can find you, in a separate comment)
+1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (on sidebar, or click link, leave name in a separate comment.)
+1 Follow my Twitter, (leave Twitter user name, in a separate comment)
+1 Tweet or Blog, (leave link in separate comment)
+1 Add my button to your blog (leave link so I can check in a separate comment)


(copy & paste twitter message:)
EZ SOX #giveaway @fredalicious 1 winner, OPEN TO US & CANADA http://bit.ly/gcISks


Contest ends December 15, 11:59 pm est.

Really Late Winner Announcement


Sorry I forgot to close this contest, though it gave extra time to those late entrants.

Without further adieu, here is the winner for the World's Best Origami


#9. erin m.


Check your email!!

Duchess of Sin - Lauren McKee (TOUR & WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT)


Synopsis:
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.


Author Bio:
LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. Please visit her website at www.LaurelMcKee.






©2010


My Opinion:
For being the second book in a series, I didn't feel lost at all not reading the first one. I have it, I couldn't find it to read it first. I plan on reading it anyways, I feel it is probably as good as this one.
Which I loved this book!
It had just the right amount of each element to keep me interested and wanting so much more. All in a great way! The characters were meshed well and drew you into their world.
One of my new favorite historical romance authors!
And definitely on my recommendation list!



5/5


~I received a copy from Hachette Book Group. I was not compensated for my opinion.~


The Winners Are:
#20. chey
#24. Dina
#16. elaing8
#1. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
#30. Busy Working Mama

They have been emailed. Thank you to all who entered, and to Hachette Book Group for the giveaway.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Teaser Time


Host

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

She found rocking motion for her hips and rhythms so pleasing that she felt like an exotic dancer upon him. Twice he brought his hands to her hips again to stop her, and she realized that she was exciting him to the point that he must pause, lest their experience end too soon.

~Page 374, Lost Reflections - Melanie Nowak

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender


Synopsis:
On the eve of her ninth birthday, unassuming Rose Edelstein, a girl at the periphery of schoolyard games and her distracted parents’ attention, bites into her mother’s homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the cake. She discovers this gift to her horror, for her mother—her cheerful, good-with-crafts, can-do mother—tastes of despair and desperation. Suddenly, and for the rest of her life, food becomes a peril and a threat to Rose.
The curse her gift has bestowed is the secret knowledge all families keep hidden—her mother’s life outside the home, her father’s detachment, her brother’s clash with the world. Yet as Rose grows up she learns to harness her gift and becomes aware that there are secrets even her taste buds cannot discern.


©2010


My Opinion:
The author had a great idea when she sat down to write this story, but for my tastes, I'm not sure it was put out there right. It just didn't come together for me. Don't get me wrong, I liked the story and understood it, this just isn't a book I will remember a year from now. Great premise or not.
I think some people would disagree, and that's okay, but it was just okay for me in the end.


3/5


~I received a copy from DoubleDay. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

The Family Dinner - Laurie David


Synopsis:
The producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David's new mission is to help America's overwhelmed families sit down to a Family Dinner, and she provides all the reasons, recipes and fun tools to do so.
Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.
Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.


Author Bio:
Laurie David, ex-wife of Larry David, is a media savvy powerhouse. She founded the Stop Global Warming Virtual March, produced the Academy Award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and launched the Stop Global Warming College Tour with Sheryl Crow. She's been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, and Good Morning America; is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and is author of The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming (Scholastic, 9/07).


©2010


My Opinion:
Not too long ago my Mom was here for a visit and we were talking about Caesar Salad. Odd topic, I know, but we were discussing who's was best. I wish I had this cookbook then. I would have whipped it out and made this recipe and bam! She'd have a new favorite, which currently my Aunt Barb holds the title to.
I loved the recipe, and so did my family, that we all agree it's the new fave! I can't wait to make it for my Mom.
Definitely a great cookbook, filled with more than just recipes. Family and tradition is ever present in the stories the authors tell.
I definitely recommend this to any food lover, though keep in mind it's all suited to tastes.

5/5


Caesar Salad, Page 124




~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Friday, November 26, 2010

Quote It


Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.
~ Alice Walker, (1944-present, African American author and poet.)


Giveaway: A Path Less Traveled: A Miller's Creek Novel - Cathy Bryant


Synopsis:
Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?
Read my review HERE.


Thank you to Cathy Bryant for the giveaway! I have 1 copy up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:


OPEN TO US & CANADA
NO P.O BOXES
(One per household)


Mandatory Entry:

Comment about the book, and leave an email address.
NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Additional Entries:
+1 Follower via Google Friend Connect, on sidebar (MUST be public profile to count)
+1 Facebook like Freda's Voice (leave first name, last initial to count, in a separate comment)
+1 Join/Follow my Blog Frog Community (leave Blog Frog name so I can find you, in a separate comment)
+1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (on sidebar, or click link, leave name in a separate comment.)
+1 Follow my Twitter, (leave Twitter user name, in a separate comment)
+1 Tweet or Blog, (leave link in separate comment)
+1 Add my button to your blog (leave link so I can check in a separate comment)


(copy & paste twitter message:)
A Path Less Traveled: A Miller's Creek Novel #giveaway @fredalicious


Winner will be announced in the Author Guest Post with Cathy Bryant on my birthday, December 10th.


Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine... Maybe - Dr. Barbara Becker-Holstein (TOUR)


Synopsis:
Following on the heels of the best-selling book The Truth, SECRETS is the continuing diary of a girl moving into her teen-age years. The Girl has plenty to fill her journal. The pages reveal a new school, a new baby in the family, new friends, a new guy and a new set of issues to face. Share the secret world of an almost-teen as she learns which secrets to share and which to keep to herself.


Author Bio:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self. She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981.


©2010






My Opinion:
This second book in The Girls series picks up where the first book left off. The tradition continues in this book, where you feel this teen girl blossom in so many ways.
I still believe these books are great tools for girls ages 10-13, as it answers some questions girls that age ask, like friendships and boys.
I think it is a great way for mothers to get their daughters to understand what is happening with them at that age, and I do recommend the set to them.

4/5


~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Friday 56


Welcome to Week 4 with me!


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.


The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender

Page 56:
I got caught, that day.


Grow Herbs: An Inspiring Guide to Growing and Using Herbs - Jekka McVicar


Synopsis:
Packed with practical horticultural advice as well as inspirational recipes and projects, Grow Herbs will encourage new gardeners to make herbs a part of their garden design, and shows experienced herb-growers how their plants can be put to use in the kitchen and around the house.


©2010


My Opinion:
This is a great tool for people who want or already grow herbs. It has an index that surpasses any I have seen, complete with stuff I had no idea about like flea treatments. How cool is that?!
Honestly, I can't wait until Spring when I can start my boxes here. I would have already but we just moved in not too long ago. This book is going to help me in so many ways, from exact preferences in growth, light and maintenance.
A definite must have for any green thumb!

5/5


~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Path Less Traveled: A Miller's Creek Novel - Cathy Bryant


Synopsis:
Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?


Author Bio:
Cathy Bryant is a former public school teacher who handed in her chalk for a private music studio and writing career. Her passion is to write heart-stirring stories that show God?s life-changing grace. Her debut novel, Texas Roads (a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) released in early 2010. A Path Less Traveled, the second book in the Miller?s Creek novels, was launched in the fall of 2010. The Way of Grace (book three in the series) will be available in 2011. Cathy is the owner and editor of the popular blog, WordVessel, and has written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, and for two devotional books, Spirit & Heart: A 30-Day Devotional Journey and Faith & Finance: In God We Trust. She?s the wife of a music minister, the mother of two grown sons and a beautiful daughter-in-love, and the Nana of Harrisen. A Texas gal since birth, she lives in a century-old Texas farmhouse with her husband and a phobia-ridden cat.


©2010






My Opinion:
The tradition of a beautiful story wrapped up in wholesome Christian values continues in this second novel in the series.
When I wrote my review for Texas Roads, I had no idea how much I would grow to love the characters in Miller's Creek. I just knew I had to continue reading on, and see who or what happens next. Cathy, more accolades to you in doing such a wonderful job of keeping the story flowing, keeping the readers interests and keeping with God. I appreciated every word and ate it all up.
Thank you Cathy for the beautifully written story. I cannot wait to read The Way of Grace and see what happens with the new guy in town.

5/5



*This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.*


~I received a copy from the Cathy Bryant. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A To Z: Starts With P


Host


Rules:
Go to your stack of books
Find an author whose first or last name starts with the letter of the week

Post:
1~ a photo of the book
2~ title and synopsis
3~ link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4~ Come back to Reading At The Beach and leave your link in the comments.
5~ If you've already reviewed the book, add the link.

Authors:
First or Last name starts with "P"


Phillip L. Davidson - Dreamer

Synopsis:
As war between Britain and Argentina looms over the barren Falkland Islands, a group of men, former Green Berets who left the service in disgrace and now live their lives in the 'darkness', are brought together by God to save one of his servants who is being held hostage in a prison at the end of the earth. For one man in the group, the mission is personal, for it is David's wife, Sunny, who is the hostage they are trying to save. Taking the form of one of their dead comrades, God gives them the chance to stand in the light of men once more. But their path is compromised by God's loyal servant, Satan, who places death and betrayal before them. Dreamer takes place in Washington, D.C., Georgia, Mexico, Central America and Argentina. As they fight their way to Los Estados prison, the men encounter the CIA, Contras, the Narco-Terrorists M-19, and Captain Alvarez, who is the head of the Argentine Secret Police. Dreamer is a tale of redemption, love, courage, belief in God and betrayal!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Teaser Time


Host

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

No matter how painful, she had to face the facts. She wasn't making enough money to support her son and pay her bills.

~ Page 168, A Path Less Traveled - Cathy Bryant

Giveaway: My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space - Lisa Scottoline


Synopsis:
Critics and readers loved Lisa Scottoline’s first collection of true-life stories, which only encouraged her—now she’s back with these all-new, exciting adventures. She’s farther down the road now, and the scenery has changed—ex-husbands Thing One and Thing Two are in her rear-view mirror, daughter Francesca has moved into an apartment, and Lisa’s finding the silver lining in her empty nest, which has lots more room for her shoes. And some things have stayed the same—Mother Mary is still the feistiest octogenarian on the planet, who won’t part with her recipe for tomato sauce or her thirty-year old bra.
In this book Lisa and Francesca spill all their family secrets—which sound a lot like yours, if you understand that three generations of women is the formula for spontaneous combustion.
Inspired by her weekly column entitled, “Chick Wit” for The Philadelphia Inquirer, this is a book you’ll have to put down—just to stop laughing.


Thank you to Valerie & Macmillan Publishing for the giveaway! I have 1 copy up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:


OPEN TO US & CANADA
NO P.O BOXES
(One per household)


Mandatory Entry:
Comment about the book, and leave an email address.
NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Additional Entries:
+1 Follower via Google Friend Connect, on sidebar (MUST be public profile to count)
+1 Facebook like Freda's Voice (leave first name, last initial to count, in a separate comment)
+1 Join/Follow my Blog Frog Community (leave Blog Frog name so I can find you, in a separate comment)
+1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (on sidebar, or click link, leave name in a separate comment.)
+1 Follow my Twitter, (leave Twitter user name, in a separate comment)
+1 Tweet or Blog, (leave link in separate comment)
+1 Add my button to your blog (leave link so I can check in a separate comment)


(copy & paste twitter message:)
Lisa Scottoline #giveaway @fredalicious 1 winner, Ends Dec. 7 Open to US & CANADA http://bit.ly/hr3PkI


Contest ends December 7, 11:59 pm est.


THE TRUTH: I’m a Girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything! - Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein (TOUR)


Synopsis:
In the mothers’ and daughters’ version, this girl encapsulates the spark and energy that your daughter has inside of her, and that you had inside of yourself as a girl. It is this special capacity for fun and wisdom that we need to protect in our girls and get back to ourselves!
Let’s rejoice in the girl inside of ourselves. Let’s give courage and affirmation to our daughters and granddaughters so they know from the inside out, it is ok, in fact, essential to keep her alive, as they grow up.


Author Bio:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self. She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981.


©2008






My Opinion:
Attention!
Mom's of girls ages 10-13, this is a book for them.
It's a girl's diary viewpoint of life, from everything to family, love and puberty.
This is a great book to give to your daughters, nieces, granddaughters and friends, to help them connect on those tough teenage topics.

4/5


*BOOK 2 TOURING NOVEMBER 26*


~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Case Closed - Susan Hughes


Synopsis:
Egypt's first female pharaoh disappears around 1457 BCE - was she murdered? Find out how DNA closes the case. The ancient Arabian Peninsula city of Ubar vanishes, seemingly without trace. Find out how old maps and modern space shuttles help solve the mystery. Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage is never heard from again. Find out how spectroscopy points to some probable explanations.
Case Closed? examines these and six other mysteries from ancient and modern times. Accompanied by photos, maps, diagrams and illustrations, this book reveals how modern science sheds new light on people, vessels and entire civilizations throughout history that simply vanished. In some cases, the mystery has been solved. In other cases, readers can examine the latest evidence and decide for themselves.


Author Bio:
Susan Hughes writes fiction and nonfiction. Susan is the author of Virginia, No Girls
Allowed and Earth to Audrey. She lives in Toronto.


©2010


My Opinion:
This is one of the best childrens books I have read this year! It captured my attention and I had to absorb every word, I can just imagine what it would be like for a child around age 10.
There was a lot of information I knew but also quite a bit that was new to me. That made it even more interesting.
The illustrations were fantastic too! As soon as I opened the book and saw the first drawing, I knew instantly it was Dr. Hawass. I thought it was cool to see him in cartoon form since I watch him often in a regular fashion.
I think this would be great for kids to learn more about the world they live in, and especially some taboo subjects such as these.

4.5/5


~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Quote It


Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


* Where there is struggle, there is life.
~Zig Ziglar,(1926-present, American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker.)


Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Friday 56


Welcome to Week 3 with me!


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.


Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee (TOURS NOVEMBER 30)

Page 56:
He stared back at her, that wildness in his eyes tempered with caution.


Winner Announcement


I picked winners using Random.org


Drum roll please...


Original Post



What'd they win?



Who won?


#31. SquirrelQueen
#9. debbie
#11. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}


I have emailed the winners. Thanks to all who entered!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Guest Post Giveaway Gomez Birthday Bash

"No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win kindles, iPods, and get free books!



“It's the age-old tale:
     Boy meets girl.
     Boy stalks girl.
     Girl already has a stalker.
     Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”


It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come!

Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:


  • ‘Unspent Time’ exclusive short story collection

  • No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters

  • Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook

  • Signed hi-res poster + bookplate



(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again.)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

Oh yeah, you can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

A To Z: Starts With O


Host


Rules:
Go to your stack of books
Find an author whose first or last name starts with the letter of the week

Post:
1~ a photo of the book
2~ title and synopsis
3~ link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4~ Come back to Reading At The Beach and leave your link in the comments.
5~ If you've already reviewed the book, add the link.

Authors:
First or Last name starts with "O"


Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle - Olivia deBelle Byrd

Synopsis:
While Olivia deBelle Byrd was repeating one of her many Southern stories for the umpteenth time, her long-suffering husband looked at her with glazed over eyes and said,“Why don’t you write this stuff down?” Thus was born Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle. If the genesis for a book is to shut your wife up, I guess that’s as good as any. On top of that, Olivia’s mother had burdened her with one of those Southern middle names kids love to make fun. To see “deBelle” printed on the front of a book seemed vindication for all the childhood teasing. With storytelling written in the finest Southern tradition from the soap operas of Chandler Street in the quaint town of Gainesville, Georgia, to a country store on the Alabama state line, Oliviade Belle Byrd delves with wit and amusement into the world of the Deep South with all its unique idiosyncrasies and colloquialisms. The characters who dance across the pages range from Great-Aunt LottieMae, who is as “old-fashioned and opinionated as the day is long,” to Mrs. Brewton, who calls everyone “dahling” whether they are darling or not, to Isabella with her penchant for mint juleps and drama. Humorous anecdotes from a Christmas coffee, where one can converse with a lady who has Christmas trees with blinking lights dangling from her ears, to Sunday church,where a mink coat is mistaken for possum, will delight Southerners and baffle many a non-Southerner. There is the proverbial Southern beauty pageant, where even a six-month-old can win a tiara, to a funeral faux pas of the iron clad Southern rule—one never wears white after Labor Day and, dear gussy, most certainly not to a funeral. Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle is guaranteed to provide an afternoon of laugh-out-loud reading and hilarious enjoyment.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Giveaway: Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee


Synopsis:
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.


Thank you to Anna & Hachette Book Group for the giveaway! I have 5 copies up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:


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(copy & paste twitter message:)
Duchess of Sin #giveaway @fredalicious Ends November 29, 5 winners http://bit.ly/9CI7tS



Winners names will be announced during the tour post on November 30.


Teaser Time


Host

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:


Uncertain days--to say the least. Anna sipped at her own wine, unsure what to say.

~Page 196, Duchess of Sin - Lauren McKee

Life - Keith Richards


Synopsis:
The long-awaited autobiography of the guitarist, songwriter, singer, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Ladies and gentlemen: Keith Richards.
With The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the songs that roused the world, and he lived the original rock and roll life.
Now, at last, the man himself tells his story of life in the crossfire hurricane. Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, learning guitar and forming a band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. The Rolling Stones's first fame and the notorious drug busts that led to his enduring image as an outlaw folk hero. Creating immortal riffs like the ones in "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women." His relationship with Anita Pallenberg and the death of Brian Jones. Tax exile in France, wildfire tours of the U.S., isolation and addiction. Falling in love with Patti Hansen. Estrangement from Jagger and subsequent reconciliation. Marriage, family, solo albums and Xpensive Winos, and the road that goes on forever.
With his trademark disarming honesty, Keith Richard brings us the story of a life we have all longed to know more of, unfettered, fearless, and true.


Author Bio:
Keith Richards was born in London in 1943. A guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and co-founder of the Rolling Stones, he has also released solo albums with his band, The X-Pensive Winos. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Patti Hansen.


©2010


My Opinion:
I had a feeling I would enjoy this memoir, and for more reasons than it being a Rolling Stone, to learn something new about him. It definitely delivered on that! I learned many things, not about Keith specifically, but about the band in general.
The writing itself was I expected, coming from Keith Richards. I had a feeling it would be a little scattered at times, and it was, but not in a way to put you off. I appreciated the candor and nature of the writing. It felt like he was having a conversation and someone taped it. So it was a very enjoyable read!
If you're not into the Rolling Stones or Mr. Richards you won't really have a need to read this book. Those that do, should though. It's decent.

3.5/5


~I received a copy from Hachette Book Group. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

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