Thursday, July 31, 2014

Bloggers & Sponsors Wanted for Halloween Event!


http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/p/halloween-blog-bash.html
Feel free to Right Click and Save As to Share the Button on your Blog!

October is only two months away and I'm searching for bloggers and sponsors to participate in the Halloween Blog Bash, a month-long event celebrating the love of the Halloween.

Bloggers: Unlike my previous Halloween events, this year we will share the schedule and host each post on our own blogs. The posts can feature a giveaway, a review (book, movie or product), an interview with a horror author or anything with a Halloween theme.

Bloggers can signup up here!

Sponsors: The Halloween Blog Bash will not be successful without sponsors. I'm looking for publishers, studios and companies to sponsor reviews (books, movies and products) and giveaways for the event.

Sponsors can sign up here!





Review - Cattle King for a Day

Cattle King for a Day
Director: Jim Meskimen
Voice Cast: Michael Yurchak, Corey Burton, R.F. Daley, Jim Meskimen, PhilProcter and
Studio: Galaxy Press
Release Date: September 21, 2010
ISBN: 978-1592123650
Running Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Buy Link: Audiobook, Paperback

Review:

Step back in time with the Stories from the Golden Age series, featuring classic tales of adventure, mystery and thrill rides from the 1930s and 1940s, all written by the late author L. Ron Hubbard. Galaxy Press is releasing all over Hubbard's short stories (over 150 tales) to paperback and audiobooks.

Originally published in the March 1937 issue of All Western Magazine is the exciting western Cattle King for a Day. This tale centers on the cowboy Chinook Shannon, who heads out for Arizona after learning of his grandfather's sudden death. He plans on running his grandfather's cattle ranch Slash S, which he inherited upon his grandfather's death, but he is in for a huge surprise when he learns that the ranch has less than 24 hours before it is foreclosed. To make matters worse, all the cattle on the land have died. To get the answers of who or whom has put his grandfather's ranch in jeopardy, Chinook heads into town, but there are three road agents blocking his path. With time running out, Chinook is in a race against time to find his grandfather's murderer and save the Slash S cattle ranch.

For an added bonus, there is one additional western tale, titled Come And Get It, which first appeared in the October 1938 issue of All Western Magazine. The story centers on Bill Norton stepping off of the train at Wolf Junction, Wyoming and is excited to take over the Bar N, which was left to him by his late father, whom was supposedly killed by a wild horse, but Bill is shocked to learn that the bank left Red Mike Doherty as the trustee of the ranch. With nowhere else to go, Bill settles as second cook at the ranch, biding his time until he can find out who is really responsible for his father's death.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Dom Hemingway



Dom Hemingway
Director: Richard Shepard
Starring: Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke
Studio: 20th Century Fox Entertainment
Release Date: July 22nd, 2014
Retail: $27.99
ASIN: B00KCFC9JI
Running Time: 93 minutes
Rating: R
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Available now on Blu-ray from Fox Searchlight Pictures is the dark comedy and crime drama, Dom Hemingway, directed by Richard Shepard and starring Jude Law in the title role. Special Features include: Who Is Dom Hemingway, The Story, The Look of Dom Hemingway, A Conversation with the Cast Director, Ping-Pong Loop and Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Richard Shepard.

Jude Law stars a Dom Hemingway, a safecracker with a short fuse, who has spent the last twelve-years in prison. While during his time away, his wife remarried and later died of cancer, and his daughter Evelyn (played by Emilia Clarke) grew up without a father. On the day of release, Dom has one thing on his mind - receiving what it is coming to him for not ratting out his boss, Ivan Fontaine (played by Demián Bichir).

With his one-handed best-friend, Dickie (played by Richard E. Grant), by his side, Dom heads to the French countryside to retrieve the £750,000 from Ivan, but Dom's lager-than-life ego gets the better of him, leaving him buried, bleeding and broke. The only choice he has is to crash at his estranged daughter's apartment, where he is shocked to learn that he is grandfather. Once he is able to stand on his own two feet, he is asked to leave, as Evelyn wants nothing to do with. Now desperate for cash and the love of his daughter, Dom will do anything to get a second chance.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Review - Batman: Catwoman's Nine Lives



Batman: Catwoman's Nine Lives
By: Matthew K. Manning
Illustrated By: Luciano Vecchio
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Pub. Date: August 1, 2014
ISBN: 9781434291363
Pages: 88

Review:

Its hard to believe it has been nearly 75 years since Batman first appeared in Detective Comics. The Cape Crusader has been entertaining fans for generations with films, live-action series and animated series. With children fascinated with comic book heroes, Stone Arch Books has released a line of chapter books involving DC superheroes.

The newest chapter book release is titled Batman: Catwoman's Nine Lives which features 12 unique comic book style pages in this intriguing adventure.

It all starts with Catwoman stealing a cat statue, only to run into the Penguin, who makes an offer she can't refuse - to steal the Ventriloquist's dummy, Scarface in exchange for cash. It seems like a great offer that is until Catwoman runs into Batman.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Monday Morning Madness #46: I Hate Waiting Around For the FedEx Guy!

If you missed my post on Friday, my cat, Fred, passed away. He became sick on Tuesday and I took him to the vet on Wednesday, which he was diagnosed with kidney failure. The vet had him for 48 hours, but in the end there was nothing the vet could do to save him.

Insomnia set in last week due to the whole ordeal and I finally crashed on Saturday, falling asleep in late afternoon. I was more or less numb for most of Sunday and my shoulder was hurting from digging Fred's grave Friday afternoon.

Today, I awoke bright and early and exercised, which is something I have been lacking lately. I watched the movie Rage starring Nicolas Cage, which I'll be writing a review for in the next couple of days. I was basically just wasting time until the FedEx guy showed up, so I could sign for a delivery. I went outside for five minutes to pick some tomatoes and jalapenos from the small garden in the back yard. I wasn't gone five minutes, but it was long enough for the FedEx to leave a "You Weren't Home" sign on my front door. The funny thing is when I was walking back from from the garden towards the deck, I saw the FedEx truck drive by. You would think that he would have seen me and turned around, but I guess he didn't.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Review - The Berenstain Bears': God Shows The Way


 
Summer is nearly over, well at least for the kids that are heading back to school; meaning kids will be having the dreaded homework assignments, including book reports. I know some kids may think reading is boring, as they would probably rather be playing a video game, but reading can be a joyful experience when you find that one perfect title to read. Therefore, I am going to be featuring a few Back to School Reads on here.

Review:

Arriving in bookstores on August 5th is the 3-books-in-1, The Berenstain Bears': God Shows The Way (978-0310742111), which is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read! series.

The Berenstain Bears' book series was first published in 1962, written by the husband and wife duo, Stan & Jan Berenstain. Since then over 260 million copies have been sold around the world. Sadly, both authors have now passed away, but their son, Mike, has took over their work by writing and illustrating more titles.

The Berenstain Bears': God Shows The Way features three previously released titles that have been rewritten with a Christian theme.

Faith Get Us Through was originally published as Lost in a Cave under the "Cub Club" series in 1994. The story centers on Papa Bear leading the Bear Scouts (Brother, Sister, Lizzy, and Cousin Freddy) into a cave, so they can earn their Cave Adventures Merit Badge, but after a wrong turn they become lost in the cave.

Do Not Fear, God Is Near was originally published as And the Spook Shadows under the "Cub Club" series in 1992. Sister Bear use to be scared of almost anything but Papa Bear taught her that trusting God will take away all of her fears. This works for all of her fears except for one - her own shadow and Brother Bear keeps teasing her about it.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Review & Giveaway - An Average Joe's Pursuit For Financial Freedom


An Average Joe's Pursuit For Financial Freedom
by Michael Warren Munsey
Publisher: Xlibris US
Pub. Date: April 15, 2014
ISBN: 978-1493177691
ASIN: B00JRW4CTM
Pages: 85
Buy Links: Paperback, Kindle, ExLibris

Info from back of book cover: 

An Average Joe’s Pursuit for Financial Freedom offers a different perspective on money than what is traditionally taught by our parents and in our school systems. The reason there is such a discrepancy between the wealthy and the poor is due to the difference in the way money is perceived. We are not born with the ability to maintain wealth: it is something that is learned. The knowledge of knowing how to make money work to generate passive income is something that anyone can learn as long as they are disciplined. An Average Joe’s Pursuit for Financial Freedom is based on practical concepts and discusses the problems that the majority of us face with our personal finance. The concepts in this book are based on theory by an author that practices what he writes about.

Review:

I don't ever read financial themed books, but considering our economy is still rocky, I thought it wouldn't hurt to read this book.The author uses his own personal experiences to give financial advice instead of depending on simple statistics.

Yes, your first solution to making more money is to get a higher paying job, which might not be an easy thing to do if you don't have a college eduction, but then again a college eduction doesn't guarantee financial freedom. If you don't have a full scholarship, then you're going to have to get financial aid, meaning you'll be making payments for at least ten years. Plus, just because you have a college degree doesn't mean you'll find a high paying job.

Friday, July 25, 2014

In Loving Memory: Fred - ? - July 25, 2014


Picture was taken around Halloween 2011.


My kitty cat, Fred, was put to sleep this morning after become ill earlier this week. I'm not for sure of his exact age. He was a stray cat that showed up on the deck in 2009. He was the friendliest and smartest cat I have ever known. He was a very talkative cat; always meowing and happy to see everyone. His favorite hobby was being brushed.


Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown... 


Book Blogger Hop: July 25th - 31st

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do you like to read books with a theme such as Halloween, Christmas, etc?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

Yes, I read holiday themed books. Actually, I have a wide variety in my reading likes. I'll read a horror book set around Halloween about a crazed killer and then I'll read an Amish fiction anthology set around Christmas. 


Linky List:

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Slugterra: Return of the Elementals Review


The hit Disney XD animated series Slugterra is getting the big screen treatment on August 2nd with the nationwide release of Slugterra: Return of the Elementals. Shout! Factory, Screenvision and Nerd Corps have teamed up to bring the second Slugterra movie to cinemas all across the United States.

Since its premiere in 2012, Slugterra has become a mega hit with children and adults, airing 39 episodes over three seasons. It has been broadcast in over 150 countries.

Earlier this year, the first movie, Slugterra: Gouls From Beyond, went straight-to-DVD; centering on the series slug-slinging hero, Eli Shane (voiced by Sam Vincent), and his pals, Pronto (voiced by Lee Tockar), Trixie (voiced by Shannon Chan-Kent) and Kord (voiced by Andrew Francis), as they battle Dark Slinger and his Goons. Now, the Shane Gang are accompanied by their new ally, Junjie (voiced by Brian Dobson), a master of the mysterious slugslinging art of Slug Fu and the former Dark Slinger, as they go on their biggest mission ever.

After the slugs all across the 99 Caverns start turning into ghouls, the Shadow Clan give Shane a hologram message left by his father instructing him to find the five Legendary Elemental Slugs (Earth, Air, Energy, Fire, Water). If these five slugs fall into the wrong hands, Slugterra will be destroyed.

Eli and his friends travel to different Caverns in the attempt to gather the five Elementals, but they encounter a slight problem - Dr. Blakk (voiced by Mark Oliver) and his Goons are after the Elementals too. Eli must confront his past in order to stop Dr. Blakk once in for all.;

Where's Friday?


Do you remember back in our middle school days when you would rather skip Thursday and go straight to Fridays, as that afternoon would kickoff your weekend with no school?

That is the way I feel right now. After literally not sleeping a single minute during the night, I decide to get out of bed at 4 A.M. and get a few things done, well to distract my mind for a few hours. My cat, Fred, went to the vet yesterday and things do not look good for my feline friend. I left at the vet for 24 hours, but I was warned to brace for the worst outcome today. Fred was a starving stray cat that showed up on the deck in 2009. He has been a great pet; always purring and very friendly. My other cat, Gaby, has been quite through the whole ordeal. I feel for her.

While I'm writing this, I'm listening to an Evanescence album, again. It seems anytime I'm stressed the only thing that can calm be down is listening to music, which lately Evanescence is the only music that has been taking away my worries. I only wish the band had more albums out.

It looks like I'm going to get three more packages by UPS today. I keep wondering what my neighbors think of me getting so many packages weekly. They must either think I'm addicted to ordering stuff or I have a lot of money, which neither is true. I very seldom actually order something anymore and if I do, it is normally something I'm saving back as Christmas presents.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

2015 Quilting Block & Pattern-A-Day Calendar Review


2015 Quilting Block & Pattern-A-Day Calendar
by Debby Kratovil and Jean Ann Wright
Publisher: Accord Publishing (a division of Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC)
Pub. Date: July 15, 2014
Retail: $14.99
ASIN: 978-1449453626
Pages: 640
Buy Link: Amazon, Accord Publishing

Review:

Believe it or not, but there are just over five months left of 2014, meaning the department stores are going to be having 2015 calendars for sale. If you live in a small town like I do, then your local stores have a limited supply of calendars, so finding the perfect wall or desk calendar can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily this is the digital age and you can order any calendar you want by simply using your smartphone, iPad, tablet or laptop.

Accord Publishing releases many wall and desk calendars every year, covering about any theme your heart can imagine, from Family Guy to the Farmer's Market. They also publish many craft themed calendars, such as crocheting, knitting, water-coloring and quilting.

The 2015 Quilting Block & Pattern-A-Day Calendar was released last week featuring 68 different projects from Debby Kratovil and Jean Ann Wright. Instructions for each project ( overall dimensions & measurements and fabric specifications) are located on the back of the first page of each quilt design. The block patterns and templates for each project follow after the first design page.

The 68 quilt projects featured in this calendar are:

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Review - Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition



Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition
by Andy Kubert, Grand Morrison
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: July 22, 2014
ISBN: 978-1401246426
Pages: 176
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving in comic book stores this Tuesday, July 22, 2014 is the hardback Damian: Son of Batman Deluxe Edition, featuring Issues #1-4 of Damian: Son of Batman and Batman #666.

In the DC Comic Universe, Batman had a son, Damian, with Talia al Ghu. At the young age of ten, Damian took on the identity of Robin, fighting side-by-side with his father and later becoming Redbird, until his death by the hands of the Heretic.

Damian returned last year in the"what if" 4-issue storyline, Damian: Son of Batman, which Damian takes up Dick Grayson's mantel as the Batman in a potential future after Batman dies. Unlike the old Batman, Damian will kill criminals if needed, despite the fact that this upsets his elderly father, Bruce Wayne. Damian decides it is best that he goes by the Batman code and not kill anyone, but his anger always gets the better of him.

In Batman #666, Damien is now adult taking over his father's legacy as the Batman, but he uses more violent approach to stopping criminals, which has upsets Commissioner Barbra Gordon, who condemns Batman's actions. In this version, Damien sold his soul to the Devil in exchange to receive the immortality he needs to protect Gotham.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Review: Star Trek: Khan by Mike Johnson Claudia Balboni

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.


While last year's Star Trek: Into Darkness was a box-office success, for most fans the film was a complete misfire with dozens of inconsistencies and plotholes, especially when a British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, took on the role of Khan Noonien Singh.

I have to admit that I did see the film in theaters last year, but besides from a few entertaining action scenes, the movie was downright stupid thanks to a horrible script and a halfwit finale. That being said, I still have fondness for the franchise, as I grow up watching The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, which is the main reason why I gave the graphic novel Star Trek: Khan a try.

The opening takes place towards the end of Star Trek Into Darkness with Khan Noonien Singh standing trial for his crimes. This is where Khan tells his origin story during the Eugenics Wars, his time aboard Botany Bay and of course the events that lead him into the new Trek timeline. 

Review - The X-Files: Conspiracy



The X-Files: Conspiracy
by John Stanisci
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Pub. Date: July 15, 2014
ISBN: 978-1613778968
Pages: 152
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I grew up watching FBI Agents Mulder and Scully investigating the strange and the bizarre on Friday night and then later on Sunday nights over the course of nine seasons. I even watched the short-lived spinoff, The Lone Gunmen and the two X-Files feature films. The franchise seemed to be dead until the official 10th season comic book series arrived last year, picking up where the 2nd feature film left off.

Despite dying in the final season of The X-Files, it is explained in the comic book series that The Lone Gunmen (Byers, Fronhike and Langly) faked their deaths and they are continuing their work to expose conspiracies.

In The X-Files: Conspiracy, The Lone Gunmen are sent internet files from the future, where they learn that a deadly virus will wipe out humanity. Of course the trio turn to Agents Mulder and Scully to help them, but while they are investigating one lead, it is up to the Gunmen to investigate several urban legends that might be the cause of the upcoming outbreak.

This is a crossover with other IDW Publishing titles, so these urban legends involve the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Ghostbusters, the Transformers and the Crow. Between being chased in the sewers by mutants, being scared to death by a ghost and confronting alien-changing robots, the Gunmen have their work cut out for them.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Review - Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2



Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2
by Tom Taylor, Mark S. Miller Tom Derenick, Bruno Redondo
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-1401246013
Pages: 224
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Do recall the old Mortal Combat games where you battle it out against another warrior? Well, the creators of Mortal Combat took that idea and created the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us, set in the DC Universe. In January 2013, a weekly digital comic book prequel was released, shortly followed by print versions of the issues.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2 contains issues 7-12 and the Injustice: Gods Among US Annual #1. The overall plot details Lex Luther becoming the Justice League's new ally, pulling their strings to create his own alternate universe. A world where Lois Lane is dead and Superman takes vengeance into his own hands by killing the Joker. 

Superheroes pick sides -you are either good or evil! Green Arrow, Black Canary, Huntress, Captain Atom, and Catwoman choose to follow Batman. While Wonder Woman, the Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Shazam, and Robin are teaming up with Superman with the idea that lives have to be lost to restore justice to the world. 

Review - The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis


The Last Bride
Home to Hickory Hollow, book 5
by Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House
Pub. Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0764211980
Pages: 336
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Once again, I have read another Amish fiction title, but this time it is by the author who gave birth to the genre, Bethany Lewis. I believe this is the final installment in the Home to Hickory Hollow series that started with The Fiddler, The Bridesmaid, The Guardian and The Secret Keeper.

The Last Bride centers on Tessie Miller, one of the five daughters from her Old Order parents. She is in love with Marcus King, but like Romeo and Juliet, they are denied to have a relationship. Her older sister, Mandy, advices her to leave things alone and obey her father's wishes, even though her sister is in a loveless arranged marriage.

Unknowingly to their family and friends, Tessie and Marcus travel to the English world and enlope, but instead of running away to live together as man and wife, they return home to Hickory Hollow and try to hide their marriage from everyone.

After a tragedy occurs, the true reason behind her father's disapproval is finally revealed. Tessie must have faith in the Lord and understanding of the true meaning of "grace," so she is able to survive.


Return To The Point Horror Genre With Teacher's Pet

While most middle-graders were joining sports teams, school marching band and other activities, I had my nose in a book during the 90s. I would keep a couple of paperbacks stored in my desk and when any free time came available, I would grab the book and read like there was no tomorrow. Of course I read the Goosebumps series during this era, but my favorite books were under the Point Horror brand. Such authors as R.L. Stine, Diane Ho, Christopher Pike, Caroline B. Cooney and Richie Tankerlsey Cusick wrote horror titles involving teenage characters in these books.

I can't pinpoint one favorite book from this genre, as there too many of them, but Teacher's Pet by Richie Tankersley Cusick is in top of my lists. I appreciate Open Road Integrated Media for releasing it to an eBook format for a new generation to read.

Originally published in November 1990, Teacher's Pet centers on an aspiring teenage horror author, Kate. Her teacher, Miss Bunceton, signs her up to attend a writing writer's conference camp, which one of the classes is being taught by her idol - horror author, William Drewe. To her disappointment, when she arrives she learns that William Drewe hardly ever attends his own classes, but instead sends his brother, Gideon, in his place.

Return To The "The Baby-Sitters Club" World With Dawn: Diary One




If you grew up during the 80s and the 90s, then you probably remember the popular children book series The Baby-Sitters Club from author Ann. M. Martin. The books were so popular that a short-lived television series aired on HBO in 1990, a feature-film version in 1995 and several spinoff book series. One of the series was titled California Diaries and is now available to purchase on Kindle.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

DVD Review - American Dad Vol. 9


American Dad Vol. 9
Voice Cast: Seth MacFarlane, Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes, Rachael MacFarlane, Dee Bradley Baker
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Retail: $29.95
ASIN: B00LFW6BA0
Running Time: 418 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Available to own through Amazon's manufactured on demand service (MOD) is the outrageous adult animation series American Dad Vol. 9, featuring all 19 episodes from the ninth season.

Created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman, the series centers on the CIA Agent Stan Smith (voiced by MacFarlane). When he isn't assassinating a terrorist for his boss, the Deputy Director Avery Bullock (voiced by Patrick Stewart), he tries to have a normal life with his blonde blondeshell wife Francine (voiced by Wendy Schaal), his hippie daughter Hayley (voiced by Rachael MacFarlane), his stonier son-in-law Jeff Fischer (voiced by Jeff Fischer) and his dorky son Steve Smith (voiced by Scott Grimes). Then there is also the alien named Roger living in his attic and the talking goldfish, Klaus Heissler.

Season Nine kicks off with Roger kidnapping Hayley and Stan trying to sell his black SUV. Hayley and Jeff's marriage has hit rock-bottom, especially when Jeff is abducted by aliens. Klaus Heissler steals Stan's body. Francine's childhood catches up with her in "National Treasure 4: Baby Franny:She's Doing Well The Hole Story." Steve continues his dorky life, while Roger goes even zanier.

The episodes on the 3-disc set are:

Take A Voyage On The Titanic 2!



I have always been a fan of children stories, but due to the surge of unwanted vampire titles, thanks to the overrated Twilight Saga, I haven't read too many children book titles over the last few years. During my elementary years, I became a little obsessed with the Titanic shipwreck, reading any book and watching any documentary on the subject. After the overrated 1997 film, I became less interested in it, but my interest returned in 2012 during the 100th anniversary of the disaster. That being said, it is pretty obvious why I wanted to read the first book in The Haunted Museum series.

Review - Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Tales From Oz


Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Tales From Oz
by Meredith Finch and Joe Brusha
Publisher: Zenescope
Pub. Date: April 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-1939683564
Pages: 160
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I guess you can say that I'm playing catch up today with a few NetGalley titles that have been read months ago, but I'm just now taking the time to actually write the reviews.

I'm sure almost everyone has heard of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz books by L. Frank Baum or has seen the 1938 musical-film version. The land of Oz is once again becoming popular with last year's Disney film, Oz the Great and Powerful and this year's animated film Legend of Oz: Dorthy's Return. The Wicked Witch even appeared on the popular ABC series Once Upon A Time this year. Two more television series are in the works, NBC's Emerald City and Lifetime's Red Brick Road. Now, the Grim Fairy Tale is putting their own twist on the legend.

Tales From Oz is a prequel set in the Grimm universe, which consists of four Realms (Wonderland, Neverland, Myst, and Oz). Similar to the Wonderland issues, the Grimm version of Oz is written and illustrated for adult readers. Here the stories are centered on Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow, and Toto, giving a origin tale for each character. 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Review - Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent


Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent
by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Pub.Date: June 3,, 2014
ISBN: 978-1616554446
Pages: 144
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

While Hellboy has been in the comic book world since 1993, I have only been exposed to the films starring Ron Perlman in the title role. I was excited when I saw this title was available to review on NetGalley, I eagerly signed up to review, as this was my chance to read a Hellboy tittle.

This summer's release of Hellboy In Hell Vol. 1: The Descent combines the first four issues (The Descent, Pandemonium, Family Ties and The Three Gold Whips) of the Hellboy In Hell series into one volume.

"Shortly thereafter he fought a dragon and was killed."

Yes, that is the introduction line in the first issue that sets up the plot with Hellboy literally going to hell. From the entering the Abyss to traveling through the heart of hell, Pandemonium, Hellboy must confront his past, present and future, if he is going to survive. In the end, he must pick up his father's sword and slay the devil and take the thrown to fulfill his destiny. 

Book Blogger Hop: July 18th - 24th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do covers pull you in?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

Yes, a great cover will get me interested in reading a book. I remember seeing the first Goosebumps book at Walmart in the early 90s and the book jumped out at me. As an adult, if the cover looks great, I'll check the back cover to see if I want to read the book.


Linky List:

The Other Woman Blu-ray Giveaway




The Other Woman is coming to DVD and Blu-ray, July 29th! 

It’s time to get even! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment takes girl power to a whole new level with THE OTHER WOMAN, debuting on Blu-ray & DVD July 29. With Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann as the leading ladies and newcomers Kate Upton and Nicki Minaj bringing the jokes left and right, ladies all over better be ready for the perfect movie to end their summer in style! Cameron Diaz leads a knockout cast in this irreverent comedy about love, lust and the laws of karma. New York attorney Carly Whitten (Diaz) is nobody’s fool. So when she accidentally discovers that her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is married, she’s less than thrilled. Not only that, she and Mark’s wife Kate (Leslie Mann), learn about yet another mistress (Kate Upton)! Great boyfriends are hard to find, even in the movies. To prepare you for the release of The Other Woman, we have made a list of the top ten boyfriends that Hollywood films have to offer.

The Best Hollywood Boyfriends:

Noah Calhoun- The Notebook


“So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.”

Jack Dawson- The Titanic


“Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me... it brought me to you. And I'm thankful for that, Rose. I'm thankful.”

Thursday, July 17, 2014

What Is Your Book Inspired Vacation?


Yes, the summer months means "fun in the sun" to some and to others it means "vacation time." I haven't been on an actual vacation in at least fifteen years. Typically, not going on vacation doesn't bother me, but this month my body and mind are taking a hit for not taking a vacation.

After watching (well, more like listening) the film Austenland (based on the book of the same name by Shannon Hale) on Starz, where a woman takes a vacation at a Jane Austen-themed resort, I started wondering what would be my favorite vacation inspired by a novel.

A friend of mine has been to England and she is going there again in a few weeks, so maybe I should think about taking a trip there, as one of my favorite books is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which is set during the Victorian era. Then again, I now know a bit of Italian, German, French and Spanish thanks to some audio CDs, so I could take an international adventure like the in the Dan Brown novels.

No Spots of Rain in the Air — Thinking About Dehumidifiers


If you suffer the ill effects of too much moisture in the air, a home filter system that dries the air can really help. Moistness can exacerbate a range of health conditions, including allergies and asthma. As if that’s not bad enough, it can damage your home. Wood flooring, wallpaper and paint will all be on the receiving end.

By installing a product that pulls that moisture out of the air, you can protect both your home and your health. However, with so many types and styles on the market, it pays to do your research and find out more before make a purchase.

You can effectively (and almost effortlessly) draw the wetness from the air by installing a dehumidifier. The first, and possibly the most important, thing to consider when choosing one is the size of the room you want to use it in. The products are marked with 24 hour removal capacity. You'll want one that can keep up with the amount of air in a given room, be it the bedroom, living room or basement game room. You'll need to empty the collection bin regularly so be sure you pick one that holds enough water for times when you aren't home or are sleeping.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Rio 2


Rio 2
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Voice Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, Bruno Mars, Jemaine Clement, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, will.i.am
Studio: 20th Century Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Retail: $39.99
ASIN: B00JK532GA
Running Time: 101 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD yesterday is the blockbuster computer-animated sequel, Rio 2.  Special Features on the Blu-ray includes Rio Refresher; deleted scenes; Boom, Shake, Snap: The Local Sounds of Brazil; Birds and Beats: The Singing Talents of Rio 2; Nigel the Shakespearean Cockatoo and Friends; Music, Dance, Sing Along Machine; You Be the Judge Auditions; "What Is Love" Lyric Video by Janelle Monae, still gallery; and Almost Home Teaser Short.

Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg), his wife Jewel (voiced by Anne Hathaway) and their three kids, Carla, Bia and Tiago, along with their pals Rafael, Nico and Pedro, leave Rio in search of Blu's former owner Linda Gunderson (voiced by Leslie Mann ) and her husband, Tulio Monteiro, who are currently in the Amazon. They are also on the hunt for other blue macaws that have been spotted in the area.


Blu, Jewel and their family do indeed find the blue macaws, including Jewel's father, Eduardo. While Jewel and their children are easily accepted into the flock, Blu is considered an outsider since he was raised by a human.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Review - Death by the Book


Death by the Book
A Drew Farthering Mystery, book two
by Julianna Deering
Publisher: Bethany House
Pub. Date: March 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-0764210969
Pages: 320
Buy Link: Paperback

Review:

You might've remember me reviewing Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering last year, a throwback mystery in the style of the great Agatha Christie. Now, the author is back with the sequel, Death by the Book, and as you can see by the book cover, the author respects the old-fashion mystery genre.

Once again, Drew Farthering is the main Protagonist, who was looking forward to announcing his engagement to the American, Madeline Parker, but fate has other plans for him for the summer of 1932 when a series of murders occurs in the Village of Farthering St.

While he isn't a professional detective, his love for reading Ronald Knox's mysteries and his experiences that occurred during Rules of Murder have prepared him to take on the mysterious new case (including the death of his family's attorney) that has baffled the police. Along at his side is his friend, Nick, who happens to be the butler's son; together they try to link the attorney's death to the murder of a local physician. The bodies keep piling up that is until the police arrest the murderer, but Drew suspects they have caught the wrong person and the killer is still on the loose.

The Purge: Anarchy Prize Pack Giveaway

Before the horror sequel, The Purge: Anarchy, hits theaters next Friday July 18th, its time to test your knowledge by taking the 5 Things To Know Before You Watch The Purge: Anarchy Interactive GIFs. All you have to do is movie your mouse across the GIFs to the control the scene. 

How will you stay safe during the Purge?

The New Founders of America invite you to celebrate your annual right to Purge. The Purge: Anarchy follows an unlikely group of five citizens who, over the course of the night, are hunted across the city in a kill-or-be-killed series of survival scenarios during the annual Purge.




Giveaway Details:

Monday, July 14, 2014

DVD Review - The New Normal: The Complete First Season


The New Normal: The Complete First Season
Starring: Justin Bartha, Andrew Rannells, Georgia King, Bebe Wood, NeNe Leakes, Javson Blair, Ellen Barkin
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Retail: $29.95
ASIN: B00K8HAKAK
Running Time: 484 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Available through Amazon's manufacturing on demand (MOD) service is the 2012-2013 sitcom The New Normal, co-created by Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tick, Glee, American Horror Story). The series aired on NBC for one season and received mixed reviews from critics, a few even calling the series "raciest."

The New Normal centers on a gay California couple, Bryan (played by Andrew Rannells) and David (played by David Bartha), whom decide that they want to become parent. They seek out the perfect surrogate - Goldie (played by Georgia King), and they instantly befriend Goldie and her wiser-than-her-age daughter, Shania.

Life seemed to be going great until Gold's overprotected raciest grandmother, Jane Forrest (played by Ellen Barkin) decides to movie to California to disturb them in anyway possible. To make matters worse, Goldie's slacker ex-boyfriend shows up wanting custody of Shania.

The 22 episodes on the 3-disc set are:

Review - Colors of Awakening: Into the Mists



It's odd that the Book Blogger Hop question I posted on Friday involved "if I had ever read a book that had been translated into English" and at the time I had said "no." Then I started reading Colors of Awakening: Into the Mists by O. N. Gandelman. And guess what? The book has been translated into English by Rachel Stomel, so now I'm going to have update by my Book Blogger Hop answer.

In the fantasy adventure, Kate Collins and her two best friends, Sophie Lolens and Alexa Peters, are transported to a strange new, magical world that coexists within our own reality. This new world is called "The Mists." Their lives that they have always known is shattered in an instance and they must now accept their destinies.

I'm trying not to make a habit of revealing too many spoilers in my reviews, so I won't go any further with the synopsis.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Pimsleur Approach Italian 1




After learning how to speak a bit of French, Spanish and German through the Pimsleur Approach method, I decided to give the Pimsleur Approach Italian 1 a try, which well all know Italian is the language of love.

For those of you who don't know about the Pimsleur Approach, I'll give you a short history lesson. The method was originally developed in 1963 by the world renowned linguist, Dr. Paul Pimsleur. His Pimsleur Method changed the way languages are learned. His extensive research lead him to create the two ground-breaking principles - the Principle of Graduated Interval Recall and the Principle of Anticipation. Both this principles are blended onto the audio CDs, this way you no longer have sit in a boring classroom, try to learn from a textbook or download any software. 

Each Pimsleur Approach program has 30 lessons (units) on 16 CDs, with each lesson being 30 minutes in length. The program requires you to listen to one lesson per day. If you haven't grasped the lesson in one session, then just repeat the lesson the next day and continue doing so until you have mastered the lesson. 

Friday, July 11, 2014

Book Blogger Hop: July 11th - 17th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Emma!

Do you read books translation? What are the last 3 books in translation you read?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

I don't think I have ever read a book that has been translated to English. I have picked up the The Millennium trilogy (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) by the late Stieg Larsson at a thrift store, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet.


Linky List:

DVD Review - Last Man Standing: The Complete First & Second Seasons

Available on DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment through Amazon's manufacture on demand (MOD) is Last Man Standing: The Complete First Season and Last Man Standing: The Complete Second Season.

Tim Allen returned to television with the family-sitcom Last Man Standing in 2011. He plays Mike Baxter, the marketing director for the sporting goods store, Outdoor Man, which is owned by  Edward "Ed" Alzate (played by Héctor Elizondo). After spending several years traveling around the world promoting the store and working on the yearly calender, Mike decides to change the store's marketing tactics by vlogging. This also gives him more free time to spend his with wife, Vanessa (played by Nancy Travis) and their three daughters - Kristin, Mandy and Eve. The eldest daughter, Kristen, has a son, Boyd.

Despite premiering to over twelve-million viewers on Tuesday nights, the ratings dropped to half that by the end of the season. The series managed to get picked up for a second season, but with many changes, including the change in showrunner and the move to Friday nights.  Actress Alexandra Krosney, who plays Kristin, was replaced with actress Amanda Fuller. The grandson, Boyd, magically aged three years, now played by Flynn Morrison. Jordan Masterson takes over the role of Boyd's father, Ryan Vogelson. Another major change was the added political tone, in which Mike would bunt heads with Ryan over politics.

The series has maintained decent ratings since moving to Friday nights and will begin its fourth season in the fall. Typically, television shows are released on DVD a few months after a season ends, but for some reason Last Man Standing never received traditional DVD releases, but instead seasons one and two were released through the Amazon's manufacture on demand (MOD).

The episodes featured on the sets are:

Review - Modern Nature-Inspired Quilts


Modern Nature-Inspired Quilts
by Bernadette Mayr
Publisher: Design Originals (Fox Chapel Publishing)
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1574218602
Pages: 128
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I guess you can probably call me a polymath, as I have a wide variety of interests. Besides from reading books and writing short stories, I do like making crafts, which may sound a little odd coming from a man. My mother was a craftier, so naturally I picked up a few crafting hobbies. My favorite is cross stitching or what is known to others as needlepoint. By now you are probably wondering why I'm reviewing a quilt book and not a cross stitch book. Well, my mother is a quilter, as well as a few aunts and friends, so I'm well educated in the hobby. Though I have never actually sewn a quilt, I do have respect for the craft.

There are many quilts books by different authors published monthly, but the cover of Modern Nature-Inspired Quilts by Bernadette Mayr caught my eye. I quickly asked the publisher if I could the review the title and they kindly sent me complimentary copy to review.

There are twenty-five quilt project featured in the book and they are not your traditional patterns. The author, Bernadette Mayr, along with her sister Irmgard Stangl, uses a more contemporary approach; featuring geometric patterns, like free-form shapes and lines, but with an artistic flair. The patches in the patterns are irregular in size and shape, so you never have to worry about using a ruler to measure the correct size.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

DVD Review - Lullaby


Lullaby
Director: Andrew Levitas
Starring: Garrett Hedlund, Richard Jenkins, Jessica Brown Findlay, Anne Archer, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Barden, Terrence Howard, Amy Adams
Studio: ARC Entertainment
Release Date: July 29, 2014
Retail: $20.99
ASIN: B00I1O36KS
Running Time: 117 minutes
Rating: R

Review:

Typically, I avoid drama-type films, but after reading the press release for Lullaby, I requested to review an advance copy of the DVD, which will be available on July 29th. Lullaby is an independent film, written and directed by Andrew Levitas. It was filmed in 2012 and was finally released to theaters in a limited-run last month.

Lullaby centers on twenty-six-year-old wannabe musician, Jonathan Lowenstein (played by Garrett Hedlund) arriving at the hospital to visit his father, Robert (played by Richard Jenkins), who has been fighting cancer for the past twelve years. Jonathan has been estranged from his parents and his younger sister, Karen (played by Jessica Brown Findlay), for two-years when he left for California to pursue a music career. Upon visiting his parents (Anne Archer plays his mother, Rachel), he learns that his father is ready to die and wants his doctor (played by Terrence Howard) to remove the ventilator in less than 48 hours.

Jonathan has never been able to express his emotions to others, so he tries to bottle up his feelings for his father. To make matters worse, he bumps into his ex-girlfriend (played by Amy Adams), who is now married, and must deal with his past feelings for her. His relationship with his sister is a rocky one and they bunt heads, as Karen wants to stop her father from dying. Only after befriending a terminally-ill teenager (played by Jessica Barden), does he finally understands that life is short and he must be there for his family.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Blu-ray Review - The Legend of Billie Jean: Special "Fair Is Fair" Edition


The Legend of Billie Jean: Special "Fair Is Fair" Edition
Director: Matthew Robbins
Starring: Helen Slater, Keith Gordon, Christian Slater, Peter Coyote
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: July 22, 2014
Retail: $9.98
Running Time: 95 mnutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time on Tuesday July 22, 2014 is the classic teenage-drama, The Legend of Bille Jean: Special "Fair Is Fair" Edition, directed by Matthew Robbins and starring Helen Slater, Keith Gordon, Christian Slater and Peter Coyote. The Blu-ray includes a commentary track with stars Helen Slater & Yeardley Smith.

Billie Jean was released in the summer of 1985 and centers on Billie Jean Davy (played by Helen Slater) confronting the bully that wrecked her brother Binx's (played by Christian Slater) scooter in the attempt to get him to pay the $608 bill to fix it. The bully's father, Mr. Pyatt, offers to pay for the bill in installments, but wants Billie to give him sexual favors in exchange for the money. Billie says no and tries to storm off, but results in Mr. Pyatt getting somewhat violent. This is where Binx accidentally shoots Mr. Pyatt.

Now consider to be criminals by the law enforcement, Bille and Binx skips town with their best friends,Putter (played Yeardley Smith) and Ophelia (played by Martha Gehman) in tow. As the media starts to the cover their crimes, teenagers across America consider Billie Jean to be a hero.

With nowhere else to turn, Billie, Brinx, Putter and Ophelia seek refuge at the home of the teenage son, Lloyd Muldaur (played by Keith Gordon), of the district attorney, whom they agree to take hostage and ransom for $608.

Pimsleur Approach German 1 Review


 
It is important for everyone to be fluent in another language, especially in Spanish and Chinese. Though learning how to speak German has never crossed my mind, I had so much fun learning a bit of Spanish and French with the Pimsleur Approach that I eagerly signed up to review the German Level 1 program.

I recall having a foreign exchange student during my high school years that was from Germany. When she arrived, she didn't know very much English and nobody else, including the teachers, knew how to speak German. In this situation, it would have been nice to be fluent in the language.

The Pimsleur approach was created by Dr. Paul Pimsleur, who first released the program in 1963 and later unveiled it to the Harvard community in 1980. The program doesn't involve the use of textbooks or software, but instead it only involves listening to audio CDs. Our brains are already pre-wired to learn a new language and all you have to do is let your brain absorb the language. Many have people have purchased the program over the years, including the FBI.

Review: Zombies VS Robots: No Man's Land

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.


It seems the zombie mayhem is never going to die down, especially with the fifth season of The Walking Dead just around the corner, its spinoff coming sometime in 2015 and of course there is the sixth and final Resident Evil film scheduled to be released in the next couple of years. The Walking Dead is based off of the comic series of the same name; actually there are many zombie theme comics and graphic novels on the market today, including Zombies VS. Robots. The popular comic book series has spun-off into its own anthology series, featuring short stores by talented authors. The fifth installment was released by IDW this past spring.

No Man's Land has the typical zombie plot set in a post-apocalyptic world, but with an added twist - robots have been built to protect the remaining humans from the hoard of flesh-eating zombies. Similar to the Terminator films, some of the robots have reprogrammed themselves and others have been reprogrammed by humans, all of which has caused an apocalyptic hellscape on Earth.

The majority of the stories are about a small band of humans struggling to live in this zombie/robot world. The humans must put aside their differences if they are going to survive living in the No Man's Land.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Anaconda


>

Anaconda
Director: Luis Llosa
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, John Voight, Eric Stoltz, Owen Wilson
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: July 22, 2014
Retail: $9.98
ASIN: B00K31RC52
Running Time: 89 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray on Tuesday July 22, 2014 is the 1997 adventure-horror film Anaconda, directed by Luis Llosa and starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, John Voight, Eric Stoltz and Owen Wilson.

Despite receiving negative reviews from most critics and receiving six Razzie Awards nominations, the film managed to become a box-office hit. A sequel, titled Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, was released to theaters in 2004 followed by two made-for-Syfy sequels, Anaconda 3: Offspring and Anacondas: Trail of Blood. The film also inspired countless low-budget ripoffs, most of which are made for Syfy.

Anaconda follows a documentary film crew led by anthropologist Steve Cale (played by Eric Stoltz). His crew includes director Terri Flores (played by Jennifer Lopez),the cameraman Danny Rich (played by Ice Cube), production manager Denise Kalberg (played by Kari Wuhrer), sound engineer Gary Dixon (played by Owen Wilson) and producer/narrator Warren Westridge (played by Jonathan Hyde). They're traveling on the Amazon River, shooting a documentary about the lost Shirishama tribe.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Review - Shadows From Boot Hill


Shadows from Boot Hill
by L. Ron Hubbard
Directors: Jim Meskimen and Tait Ruppert
Voice Cast: Phil Procter, Corey Burton, R.F. Daley, John Mariano, Jim Meskimen, Tait Ruppert, Fred Tatasciore, Josh R. Thompson
Studio: Galaxy Press
Release Date: October 24, 2011
Retail: $9.98
ISBN: 978-1592123476
Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Buy Links: Audiobook, Paperback

Review:

Saturday, July 26, 2014 is the official National Day of the Cowboy, which is an official holiday in 8 states. To celebrate the holiday, I'm reviewing several western titles by the late L. Ron Hubbard. The audiobooks are produced by Galaxy Press using a talented voice cast and outstanding sound effects. These stories were published in the 1930s and 1940s, or otherwise known as the Golden Age, in Pulp magazines.

Shadows from Boot Hill first appeared in the June 1940 issue of Wild West Weekly and centers on the hired-gun, murderer and outlaw, Brazos, who bailed out on his payment for killing a banker, as lawmen were hot on his trail. He takes shelter briefly in Los Hornos, where his so-called friend, Whisper Monahan, offers him $200 to murder a man named Scotty Brant.

Scotty Brant has beeb using cyanide to extract gold from an oxide ore, which is located on the land owned by Whisper. Now all 4,000 of acres of his land has been poisoned. All Brazos has to do is kill Brant and collect the $200. It may sound simple enough, but Brant has a surprise in store for him - a witchdoctor, who happens to put a curse on Brazos.

Review - For All Time by Jude Deveraux


For All Time: A Nantucket Brides Novel
Nantucket Brides Trilogy, Book Two
by Jude Deveraux
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0345541826
Pages: 400
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

While most of my blog readers already know that I enjoy reading romance novels, a few may be surprised that I'm reviewing a non-Christian title. What you don't know is that I admire author Jude Deveraux's writings. My mother has always been of fan of her novels, so naturally I read a few of her books while growing up; the titles A Knight in Shining Armor, Legend and The Black Lyon are the few that come to mind.

The majority of Ms. Deveraux's novels involve either the Montgomery and the Taggert family and that tradition continues in the Nantucket Brides Trilogy, which began last year in the first novel, True Love.

The second installment, For All Time, centers on Toby Wyndam, a wedding planner and a bridesmaid of Alix Madsen, who is marrying Jared Montgomery. Though she isn't a professional wedding planner, she had done most of the work on her friend's wedding herself. Her work has gotten the attention of a few of guests, which means a possibility of planning other wedding on Nantucket. The one thing she wasn't planning on doing is bumping heads with the groom's cousin, Graydon Montgomery.

Review - The Revealing


The Revealing
The Inn At Eagle Hill, Book 3
by Suzanna Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0800720957
Pages: 336
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/ywEHT
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher

Review:

A few of you might be wandering how I read so fast. And all I can say is that I read one page at a time. I learned how to speed read at early age; plus, if the plot is really good, I literally fly thru the pages, which is exactly what happened when I read the final book in The Inn At Eagle Hill series, The Revealing, last month. Suzanna Woods Fisher is becoming one my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint in her latest novel.

Love does extraordinary things to people...

The Revealing centers on Naomi King, who is in love with Tobe Schrock, but due to a few circumstances (Please read the book, I'm not giving away any spoilers!) beyond their control, any sort of future together will probably never occur. To make matters worse, a mysterious young woman arrives at the Eagle Inn with a startling revelation that will that rock Tobe's world.

Meanwhile, a new guest, who happens to be a genealogist, is stirring up a bit of trouble for the Schrock family.