Book Review: Loula is leaving for Africa

Katie September 13, 2013 0 Comments

Loula is sick of her MEAN, HORRIBLE, STINKY Brothers.  She has 3 of them. They are triplets. She wants to get away so she decides that she will be going to Africa.  She tells her parents they are leaving and they are fine with it and then she climbs a tree in the backyard and decides she is in Africa.  Fortunately the family’s driver has quite the imagination, as does Loula, and they go all the way to Africa. They ride camels, see giraffes and have a great time on their trip!

An adorable story that makes you remember just how special your imagination is and how it can take you anywhere!  Geared for kids and easy to read for beginning readers.

I received a free e-copy in order to write this review,  I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Tired of her “terrible” triplet brothers, Loula decides to run away – to Africa. She takes the essentials: her toy cat, her tea set and her very best drawing. Loula ventures far and wide with the help of her imagination – and her mother’s driver, Gilbert. She crosses a sandbox desert and paddle-boats across piranha-filled waters to the little island of Africa…

Delightful, warm and witty, this story is just the ticket for anyone who has ever needed a change of scene – and the charming, irrepressible Loula is the perfect companion.

Book Review: Reinventing Metal

Katie September 12, 2013 1 Comments

Reinventing Metal is the true story of Pantera and the tragically short life of Dimebag Darrell.

If you come to my page often you know that what I listen to is certainly not metal. I have heard of Pantera and the news when Dimebag Darrell was killed, but I don’t know that I could name you any of their songs or even know what their songs are if I heard it.  But I always like reading music biographies to find out more and that is why I chose to check out this book.

The book is broken up in to 3 parts – The Glam Metal Years, Southern Cowboys from Hell and The Great Southern Trend Killers.

The story is how they formed, changes in band members and then their eventual signing and major label release.  It also talks a bit about how in the early 90s, Metal began to be overtaken by the whole grunge music scene.

In 2003, the band broke up after a series of issues with communication between band members and various side projects that were popping up.  They released a best of compilation CD.

A year later, Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed by a disturbed “fan”.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Pantera is widely regarded as one of the most influential and revered American metal bands of the past 20 years. Although its output was relatively short – from 1983 to 2000 it released only nine studio albums – its impact on the metal scene since the band split up in 2003 is still felt to this day. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed in 2004 but his legacy remains undiminished.

Pantera had an enormous influence on nu-metal, groove metal, metalcore, and grindcore and continues to be publicized and written about. Its 1990 breakthrough album Cowboys from Hellis still regarded as one of the greatest metal albums in history, as is Pantera’s sixth opus,Vulgar Display of Power.

Previously, the band had been associated with the glam metal scene, but as 1987 saw the release of many important thrash albums by such bands as Slayer and Metallica, Pantera recruited underground metal fan Phil Anselmo and changed its image and sound to something more aggressive, becoming a thrash-groove metal crossover band.

With a wide array of research and many first-hand interviews with those who knew the group well, Reinventing Metal is an unauthorized, first-ever biography that focuses on the entire band – from its Texas high school start to the global mega-success that anchored Pantera as one of the most important metal names ever.

Book Review: The World Trade Center Remembered

Katie September 11, 2013 0 Comments

I remember when I was around 6 years old, my cousins came up to visit us from Virginia.  They wanted to go see the Statue of Liberty.  It was around my birthday so they asked what I wanted and I said a camera.  They bought me one and I took it on our trip.  I remember taking a picture of my cousin specifically telling her to pose because the twin towers were behind her.  Where that photo is now, I don’t know, but I do hope it turns up again one of these days.

This book is a photographic representation of the towers from when they were being built, to when they were standing tall with views from the east, west, and more.  Some truly great photography in this book as well as some detail on the towers themselves from an architectural standpoint.  It is a great way to remember the towers and of course all of those that tragically lost their lives when the towers, New York and America were attacked.

I received a free ecopy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

A photographic tribute to the World Trade Center towers, this book captures the lost icons of the New York City skyline as they were. Rising dramatically above all other skyscrapers at the tip of Manhattan, the World Trade Center came to symbolize New York City. From any direction the towers were lodestars, Manhattan’s Mountains.

As New Yorkers and all Americans have sought to heal from the wounds of September 11, 2001, they have recalled how the World Trade Center looked form home or office windows, how it came into sight as they approached Manhattan by car, by plane or from the water.

Photographers Sonja Bullaty and Angelo Lomero and architecture critic Paul Goldberger together have created an unforgettable portrait of the Twin Towers. This photographic memoir enables New Yorkers and visitors alike to look back, see the towers once again, and remember.

Book Review: The Knitted Teddy Bear

Katie September 11, 2013 0 Comments

Not that I need to pick up another craft by any means – but lately I’ve been really into looking at knitted creations.  I’m not sure I have enough hand-eye coordination to actually do it (but maybe one of these days I can try!) but all the designs that people can come up with are just amazing to me. So when I saw that there was a book showing how to knit teddy bears (I love teddy bears) I knew I just had to see what it was all about!

The book begins with all the supplies that you will need – just keep in mind who you intend to give your finished teddy bear to and plan their eyes and accessories accordingly because you don’t want to create a choking hazard!

Then there are some patterns for various bears. They all are totally cute but I wouldn’t even know how to begin with these instructions. I guess I have my work cut out for me if I really do want to try this.  If you are a pro at knitting already, then I am sure that you will have no problems at all putting these bears together! Everything seems quite detailed.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review.  I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Knitting small toys is an absorbing and addictive hobby and homemade teddies have a special charm all of their own. The Knitted Teddy Bear has patterns to knit more than twelve gorgeous teddy bears, ranging in style and size. You will find traditional-style heirloom bears for serious teddy affictionados; for children there are bears with their own wardrobe of clothes; and there are tiny teds for the miniature bear enthusiast.

The instructions are easy to follow and there are clear diagrams showing how to sew up, thread-joint, and create the perfect gift or heirloom. You can build on the patterns given to create many other variations, including ‘old’ bears that have been loved and left in the attic, character teddies and mascots. The Knitted Teddy Bear is perfect for teddy bear lovers and keen knitters of all skill-levels from the experienced to relative beginners.

Author Information
Sandra Polley has had many years experience with crafts, especially knitting and soft toy-making. She has a particular interest in making and collecting miniature teddy bears. She started to design her traditionally styled knitted bears about 2 years ago and now runs a successful small business selling her knitting patterns and kits worldwide. Her teddy bear patterns have recently been featured in the UK’s Woman’s Weekly magazine.

Book Review: Designed To Death

Katie September 10, 2013 0 Comments

Designed to Death is another book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery.  It seems that Faith and her grandmother’s store is always the center of a criminal investigation lately.  After holding an event at the scrapbooking store a fight breaks out between Darlene and her cousin Belinda. Darlene accuses Belinda of stealing her scrapbook designs and entering them in a contest which she then won.

Later that night the alarm company calls Faith and said that the alarm had been triggered at the store.  She tells them to call the cops and heads out to the store to find that Belinda is there – dead.

Despite being told to not dabble in private investigating once again, Faith wants to find out who did it.  She is convinced that it is Darlene, based on the fight that they had earlier.  Except that in order to find out more, she must team up with Darlene.

The suspects seem to keep multiplying and the police detective keeps telling Faith to butt out.

This was another really great mystery story and I really had no idea who to think did it because there were so many twists and turns and other possible evidence popping up.  I am looking forward to the 3rd story coming out in early 2014!

I received a free e-copy in order to write this this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.

As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell—or worse, a funeral.

DESIGNED TO DEATH is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. Be sure to check out the first crafty mystery, CROPPED TO DEATH. Bonus: includes scrapbooking tips.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series brings together Christina Freeburn’s love of mysteries, scrapbooking, and West Virginia. When not writing or reading, she can be found in her scrapbook room or at a crop. Alas, none of the real-life crops have had a sexy male prosecutor or a handsome police officer attending.

Christina served in the JAG Corps of the US Army and also worked as a paralegal, librarian, and church secretary. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, children, a dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid or allergic to felines.

Book Review: Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl

Katie September 9, 2013 0 Comments

Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl is about a girl who is looking to God to help guide her with her love life. Each chapter has some advice on the situation as well as her relating everything to her own life and being boy-crazy.  There are also bible passages related to the topic and the first chapter ends with a quiz! (my favorite) And each chapter has an area for you to journal. (Turns out after chapter 1 I found I am indeed boy-crazy. Oh. Wait. I didn’t need a book to tell me that!)

This book is geared more for girls in their teens but honestly I think there are women of all ages who this book would help!  It is all about being you for you and not worrying about what others think of you or say about you (certainly easier said than done!) and should really get you feeling positive about yourself.  When you see Paula’s journal entries you will realize that you are not alone and not only did Paula go through it all before – everyone probably did!  But now you can learn from what Paula learned with hopefully not having to go through it all yourself.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

1. You spot a cute boy (we’ll call him Boy A).Sound familiar?

2. You dream about Boy A.

3. You do whatever it takes to make Boy A notice you.

4. Even though Boy A doesn’t pursue you, you hang on to your dream of Boy A until he (a) moves to the North Pole with no access to a cell phone or computer, (b) dies and is buried or cremated, or (c) begins dating another girl.

5. You mend your broken heart by hating Boy A and finding another cute boy (Boy B). You replace Boy A with Boy B and begin all over again . . .

Paula has gone through an entire alphabet-and more-of boys over the years.

As she shares her journal entries and stories-the good, the bad, and the ugly-you’ll be encouraged to trust God with your love life and buckle up for the ride!

Written for teen girls, Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl will help you on your own journey from neediness to freedom.

Book Review: A Tricky Game

Katie September 8, 2013 0 Comments

Whenever a book starts out with a list of characters, I know I’m going to be in trouble.  If there needs to be a list with descriptions of who everyone is, I’m going to get lost.  And that is how A Tricky Game began.  I had a really hard time getting into the story.  The way it was written was different than what I was used to and it flowed almost more like a play than a book.  The dialogue is also hard to follow at times as it never mentions who is saying what to whom… just the back and forth dialogue is there.

Despite these difficulties, I powered through to finish the 104 page book.  There is a lot of drama and mystery going on and I think that it all wrapped up quite well in the end – which I am thankful for because I do not like when books leave me hanging!

A Tricky Game can be borrowed from Amazon FREE for you kindle or purchased for $2.99.
About the Book

A psychological novella telling a story of a young enigmatic woman, who finds herself involved in a game of the three men, whose genuine intents, second agendas, and secret longings become closely intertwined with her own destiny putting her in front of challenging life choices.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review: Love, Technically

Katie September 7, 2013 0 Comments

I had a feeling I’d love this book just from the cover. The guy on the cover was cute (and therefore easy to picture him as I was reading) and he’s a geek. Totally my kind of guy 😉  The book starts with Michelle, who has recently moved to Chicago from a small town in Iowa trying to figure out how to print her time sheet to put it on her boss’ desk before she leaves.  She believes that one of the IT Help Desk Techs comes to her rescue and when he introduces himself as “Sark”, she has no reason to think he could be anyone else.

They both fall for each other and start to date, even though they are coworkers.  What Michelle doesn’t know is that Sark is actually Noah Frellish and he is the CEO of the company!  Most girls only fall for him for his money, but once he realizes that Michelle doesn’t know who he is, he knows she likes him for him.  He tries to tell her but Michelle doesn’t understand.

Her job in the call center is being sent to India, so Sark helps give her a tip on where she should considering applying within the company to keep her job so she won’t have to move home.  Once everything is out in the open and Michelle finds out that Sark is Noah, she considers leaving he company because she feels lied to.

It is conveniently Thanksgiving break so she is able to go home to Iowa to see her parents and Noah goes home to see his.  When his parents see how miserable he is over Michelle breaking up with him, they tell him to go find her and get her back.

But can Michelle forgive him for what Noah has done to her? Does she want to go back to the company or go to college instead?

I really liked this love story and of course the talk of coding and all sorts of ideas and tech talk.  While the fact that Michelle didn’t recognize Noah even though there were posters of him around town was a little bit far fetched, it wasn’t too hard to write it off that she was just a naive small town girl who didn’t know much and wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings because she was new to town and in love.

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Billionaire CEO and computer whiz Noah Frellish is a king among geeks. Women are attracted to his money, but he’d love to meet someone who’s actually interested in him. When he helps the sweet and sexy Michelle Kolson with a printing problem, she confuses him for a help desk technician. Noah knows he should clear up this case of mistaken identity, but would she still like him if she knew he was the boss?

Michelle thinks life in Chicago is perfect, as is the whirlwind romance with her smoking-hot coworker. When she unexpectedly finds her job on the chopping block and the man she fell headfirst into bed with running the company, will she abandon her dreams?

Noah must convince the small-town girl to stay in the big city—and that he really is the man she fell for.