Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Spring Reads: Dawn at Emberwilde


Thomas Nelson; 352 pages; Buy Link; Blog Tour
It seems the days have been creeping up on me as I thought had a few more days before the Dawn at Emberwilde book tour started, but as it turns out,  today was the my scheduled day to post my review for the title. Since I hadn't read the book yet, I sat down this afternoon with a cup of coffee and read the entire novel in one sitting.

Dawn at Emberwilde (book two in the Treasures of Surrey series) centers on Isabel Creston, a young woman who has been taking care of her sister, Lizzie, ever since the death of their father. Isabel had attended the Fellsworth School since she was seven-years-old, and she is now a teacher there.

Out of nowhere, Edmund Bradford arrives at the school to inform Isabel that relatives of her mother has been looking for them. The relatives has also offered to Isabel and Lizzie into their home at Emberwilde.

While hesitant at first, Isabel agrees to visit Emberwilde and meet her family, where she is thrown into a strange new world that requires her to wear fancy dresses and socialize with strangers (and possible suitors).

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Fitness & Coffee Sundays: TestRX Review



It's no secret that I like to review supplements on here, especially those that will appeal to men. I started reviewing these types of supplements because I kept seeing way too many female bloggers and Amazon reviewers posting reviews on testosterone boosters, which are made for men.

For this post, I'm reviewing the TestRX male enhancement formula, which can be purchased for $18.95 on Amazon.com.

One bottle contains 90 capsules (45 servings). The main ingredients includes Tongkat Ali (400mg), Maca (50mg), L-Arginine (250mg) and a Ginseng Blend (125mg). It also has a Proprietary Formula (745mg), which contains a variety of different herbs, such as Nettle and Oyster Extract.

According to the label, the supplement is supposed to give you a boost of strength, help build muscle and increases energy. Besides from exercising benefits, it will increase your libido and your overall sexual health.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: May 27th - June 2nd


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 @ Silver's Reviews!

Have you ever started a meme that became popular and is still in existence?

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: 

 Started a meme? No! Continued a meme? Yes! I've continued the Book Blogger Hop and the Top 5 Best Book Covers; though the latter isn't that popular.


Linky List:

Review - The Girl From Summer Hill


Ballantine Books; 384 pages; $27; Amazon
Growing up as an only child in a small town in the late 80s and throughout the 90s, there wasn't too much to do; which was probably one of the reasons why books appealed to me. While I had a decent size collection of books, I had read each one several times. Eventually, my eyes wandered from my bookshelves over to the one that had all the books my mother had read, which mostly consisted of romance titles. Many of the books were written by Jude Deveraux. At the time, I picked up a few of the books and glanced at the chapters, I might have even read a little bit of them, but romances never appealed to me back then.

Fast-forward to 2003 or 2004, I stumbled upon a hardback of Wild Orchids by Jude Deveraux on clearance at a Barnes & Noble. I purchased the book with the intent of giving it to my mother for Christmas, but before I could do that, I ended up reading and liking the book. Since then, I've read a few of the author's past books and several of her most recent ones.

Now available in bookstores from Ballantine Books is Jude Deveraux's newest romance, titled "The Girl from Summer Hill," which is a new spin of the classic Pride and Prejudice story.

The book centers on a former Washington D.C. Chef, Casey Reddick, a woman starting a new life in the small town of Summer Hill, Virginia, where she is living in the small cottage behind the recently restored grand house on the Tattwell plantation. She gets the shock of her life when she looks out her window early one morning (still wearing her pajamas) and finds a naked man taking a shower on her porch. After staring a little too long, she realizes that the man is the famous actor, Tatton "Tate" Landers!

Tate's sister had been begging him for months to visit Summer Hill and see the restoration that was done on his family's plantation, which was overseen by his cousin Kit Montgomery. Coming along with him for the mini-vacation is his pal and fellow actor Jack Worth. All Tate wanted to do was to take a break from his chaotic life, but instead he encounters a stranger in the guesthouse, who happens to see him in the buff.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Review - 99 Fear Street: The House Of Evil: The Second Horror


Pocket Books; 150 pages; Amazon
If you didn't notice, I skipped posting last week's Thursday ReReads as I just didn't have time to squeeze in another book. However, since then I have had time to read 99 Fear Street: The House Of Evil: The Second Horror by R.L. Stine.

The sequel picks up several months after the shocking ending of the first book with a brand new family, the McCloys, moving into the 99 Fear Street house. The family had lived on a island for several years until their son Brandt had a "death" experience, so they thought it would be best to start anew by moving to Shadyside, Ohio. Sadly, they weren't aware that their new house is haunted!

Actually, the entire Fear Street is haunted. It's named after the late Simon Fier, who was apart of a cult that sacrificed many innocent lives during the 19th century right there on what is now called Fear Street. 30 years prior to the McCloys moving into the house on Fear Street, the original owners were murdered within minutes of entering the house.

Brandit McCloy instantly knows that there is something wrong with his new home, especially after a strange accident kills his beloved cat. He starts hearing strange sounds at night and has visions/nightmares of a teenager girl who might have died right there in his bedroom. Then he stumbles upon a diary that belonged to the late Cally Fraiser and the horror hidden within 99 Fear Street is unleashed.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Revew - A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray


Avon Inspire; 272 pages; $12.99; Buy Link; Blog Tour
It's probably no surprise to anyone that knows me or for those who follow my blog, to find me reviewing an Amish romance title. I grew up reading horror novels, but I stumbled upon a Beverly Lewis title around fourteen or fifteen years ago and I've been reading the Amish fiction genre ever since.

Now available in bookstores is A Daughter's Dream by New York Times and USA Today's Bestselling Author Shelly Shepard Gray.

Book Two in The Charmed Amish Life series centers on Rebecca Kinsinger, a young Amish woman who just started working as a teacher at the Charm Amish School. She had always dreamed about being a teacher, but teaching is a lot harder than what she imagined it would be. No matter what she tries, the students walks all over her, well, that is until a thirteen-year-old student, Lilly Yonder, joins the school, and then everything starts to change for the better.

Lilly had lost both her parents in an accident. She is now staying with her sold guardian, Jacob Yonder. Rebecca feels like it is her propose to help Lilly grieve and move on with her life. As for Jacob (who had left Florida to come back to Ohio to help his niece), he is more than happy that Rebecca has taken an interest in helping Lilly. Of course this is a love story, so you can probably guess what happens next - sparks fly between Jacob and Rebecca.


Books to Help Your Decide Before Buying Your Family's First Home

Buying a home for the first time will be the biggest thrill as well as the hardest, most frightening, long-term commitment you will probably make. Announcing it will bring out the advice columnist in all of your friends, your family, and even people you just met. Well, that’s how real estate work, everybody has advice about what you should do.

The thing is, purchasing a home is your own family’s business, so it’s your responsibility to research and ask advice from people who could really help you. Here are some books to help you make sense of what to expect and to understand the groundwork for what lies in your home hunting journey and subsequent ownership.


Home Buying for Dummies
Author: Eric Tyson

The Dummies series is notorious for showing people who know nothing about a particular stuff to be somewhat an expert after reading the book. To find the perfect house, this packed with invaluable advice in an objective, down-to-earth style fashion. It has tips and tricks on things you should do after sealing the deal as well as things you ought to understand about real estate investing. It also includes advice on how to sell your house (if you ever decide in the future), as well as a sample buying contact and a comprehensive inspection report.


Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home
Author: Ilona Bray J.D.

This book shows first time homebuyers what they need to know straight from the experts. It has everything about home buying from mortgages to inspections, agents and more. You’ll also find tips on exploring your local market for the best value, qualifying for and lining up financing and getting the right insurance and inspections. What’s great about this book is the checklist that helps you track your progress.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Sport-Y-Thon


TV-Y; 132 minutes; $19.99; Amazon
Arriving today on DVD from Disney Home Entertainment is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Sport-Y-Thon, featuring 6 episodes from the hit Disney Junior series. There are no special features or extras, but each DVD comes with one Golden Mickey Medal.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a computer-animated series for preschoolers. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald the Duck, Pluto and the Mouseketool called "Toodles" (a mechanical assistant) go on kid-friendly adventures, where the audience gets to interact and help make the decisions that are made in each episode.

The series debuted on the preschool block of programming that aired on the Disney Channel in 2006, but eventually moved to the Disney Junior when the channel debuted in 2011. While Disney Junior occasionally airs a "special" episode, the rumor has it that the series has ceased production. A spin-off, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, will debut sometime next year.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Sport-Y-Thon is a sports-themed DVD, featuring the following episodes:

Mickey's Sport-Y-Thon (30 minutes) - Mickey and the gang have invited the Martian versions of Mickey, Minnie and Donald to participate in a Sports-Y-Thon event.


Mickey's Mousekeball
(24 minutes) - Mickey and the gang play a new game called Floatin' Fun-Time Mousekeball.

Spring Reads: Jacky Ha-Ha by James Patterson


Jimmy Patterson Books; 384; $13.99; Amazon
With many schools taking a hiatus for summer vacation, kids now have plenty of time to crack open a book. One of the most popular middle-grade and YA author is James Patterson.

Yes, I said that right - James Patterson, the New York Times Bestselling author of the crime thriller series Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, and many other titles. Mr. Patterson has written (and co-written) several different series for younger readers, such as the Maximum Ride books, the Middle School novels, the I Funny novels, the Treasure Hunters novels, the House of Robots Novels, and the Daniel X novels.

Now available from Jimmy Patterson Books (part of Little Brown and Company), is Jacky Ha-Ha by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein (co-writers of the Middle School and I Funny books).

Jack Ha-Ha is written in point-of-view of Jacky, an actress who is about to receive an Oscar, but before she heads off to the Academy Awards, she writes down a story for her daughters, Tina & Grace, to read. The story is set in 1990 and centers around Jacky Hart when she just a kid. Her mother was in Marine Corps and was sent to Iraq, leaving her father, a lifeguard, to take care of Jacky and her six sisters.

Why is she called Jacky Ha-Ha?

Monday, May 23, 2016

Spring Reads: Sister Eve and the Blue Nun



Thomas Nelson; 326 pages; $15.99; Buy Link; Blog Tour
Now available to purchase in bookstores is the third installment in the "A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery" series, titled "Sister Eve and the Blue Nun" by New York Times Best-Selling author Lynne Hinton.

Sister Eve and the Blue Nun centers on Sister Evangeline, a motorcycling-riding nun who has a habit of solving mysteries. As of lately, she has been questioning her faith after learning the archbishop made the decision that priests and nuns cannot live in the same building; leading her to consider leaving what she has called home and joining her family's detective agency.

Of course it seems some of sort of supernatural force is always throwing a mystery her way and that is exactly what happens when Brother Anthony suddenly vanishes during the night; his disappearance may or may not have something to do with Dr. Kelly Middlesworth, a professor who arrived at Sister Maria de Jesus de Agreda to give a presentation.

Coincidence?

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: Airwolf: The Complete Series


Not Rated; 3811 minutes; $44.98; Amazon; Mill Creek Ent.
Now available this month for the first-time in the United States from Mill Creek Entertainment. is Airwolf: The Complete Series, featuring all 79 episodes from the 1984-1987 series. There are no special features or extras or on the 14-disc set. The complete series is also available on Blu-ray. The first season was also released on a two-disc DVD set.

Created by Donald P. Bellisario, the original 97-minute pilot centers on Airwolf, a high-tech helicopter developed by The Firm, a division of the CIA), being stolen its designer,  Dr. Charles Henry Moffet. The Firm's point man, Archangel (played by Alex Cord), makes a deal with Stringfellow Hawke (played by Jan-Michael Vincent) - String will steal back Airwolf in exchange the government's help in locating his brother whom went MIA during Vietnam War. 

Along with his friend Dominic Santini (played by the late Ernest Borgnine), String travels to Libya to retrieve Airwolf. After the mission is a success, String refuses to return Airwolf to The Firm, hiding it in a cave in the "Valley of the Gods," until The Firm locates his brother.

After the pilot, Seasons 1-3 focused String and Dominic using Airwolf to go on missions that were funded by The Firm. To boost ratings, season two added Jean Bruce Scott as pilot Caitlin O'Shannessy. Sadly, this move didn't help much as the series was canceled by CBS after three seasons, but that wasn't the end of the series as a fourth season was ordered by USA Network.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: May 20th - 26th


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 @ Silver's Reviews!

Do you keep a Blog Roll List?

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: 

 No, I don't keep a blog roll list anywhere on my blog as it takes up too much room in the sidebar.


Linky List:

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Review: Knight Rider: Season 1 & Season 2

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

Not Rated; 1070 minutes; $14.98; Mill Creek Ent.; Amazon

Television in the 1980s was full of action-adventures, and one of the most popular series was the Knight Rider. Created by Glen A. Larson, the series debuted on NBC in 1982 and aired for four seasons. It started David Hasselhoff as Michael Long , a cop who was injured in an undercover operation. He was saved by Wilton Knight, the founder of the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG), who gives Michael a new face and identity - Michael Knight.

After Wilton died, Michael is recruited to be the field officer of FLAG, where he would team up with Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT), an armored Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with an artificial intelligence computer that happens to talk (voiced by William Daniels). Michael and KITT travels around the country helping those in need, as well as going on missions assigned by FLAG's leader, Devon Miles (played by Edward Mulhare). 

Universal Studios Home Entertainment released all fours seasons on DVD several years, and now this month Mill Creek Entertainment is releasing with the first two seasons on DVD with new cover jackets. There are no special features or extras on either season sets.

Knight Rider: Season 1 contains all 22-episodes, including the 97-minute pilot, Knight of the Phoenix. The episodes are spread across 4 discs. This season also contains the fan-favorite episode, Trust Doesn't Rust, which introduced the evil prototype KARR (Knight Automated Roving Robot) (Voiced by Peter Cullen).

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Review - The Beautiful Pretender


Thomas Nelson; 320 pages; $15.99; Buy Link; Blog Tour
I believe almost everyone has read at least one fairy tale story or has watched one of those classic Disney cartoons during their lifetime. Though many fairy tales are aimed for a female audience, for some reason these stories happens to be one my guilty pleasures.

Released this week to bookstores is the medieval fairy story The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson.

Set in 1363, the novel centers on ten noble born young women being invited to spend two weeks at the Thornbeck Castle, where the girls would be tested to see who would be the best bride-to-be for the Margrave of Thornbeck.

This is where Avelina comes into the picture, a maidservant who is instructed by Earl of Plimmwald to go to Thornbeck Castle and stand in for his daughter, Dorothea. Sounds easy enough at first, but Avelina must keep her true identity a secret from everyone and make sure she doesn't get picked as the bride-to-be.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Spring Reads: Through the Shadows


Abingdon Press; 320 pages; $14.99; Blog Tour; Buy Link
Book 3 of The Golden Gate Chronicles by Karen Barnett is now available to purchase in bookstores, titled Through the Shadow. You might recall me reviewing book 1, Out of the Ruins on here a year or two ago; though I don't believe I have read the second entry. Nevertheless, I went ahead and read the third installment earlier this month.

Set in 1908 (two years after the big earthquake hit San Francisco), Through the Shadows centers on a young woman named Elizabeth King who is spending her days helping young women escape the brothels in Chinatown, an area of San Francisco where corruption and illegal activities occur.

Elizabeth thought she was the only one that wanted to cleanup the city, well, that is until she meets Charles McKinley, a young attorney who shares the same passion as her. This is a love story, so you can pretty much guess that there are sparks between the two. Sadly, Elizabeth has a few skeletons in her closet that slowly seeps out and jeopardizes her future.


Review - Risen: The Novelization of the Major Motion Picture


Bethany House; 320 pages; $15.99; Amazon
For the rest of the month, I'm going to try to play a little catch up with some books that have been read, but I had never gotten around to writing the actual reviews for them. I had received a review copy of Risen: The Novelization of the Major Motion Picture by Angela Hunt at the beginning of the year, a few weeks before the film was released to theaters. I never gotten around to seeing the movie while it was in theaters. However, I might watch it on DVD/Blu-ray, which is being released later this month; so I thought I would go ahead and review the novelization.


Based on the screenplay by Kevin Reynolds and Paul Aiello (who also wrote the story), retells the Resurrection of Christ, but with a slight twist as it's told through the eyes of a Roman soldier, Clavius (played by Joseph Fiennes). Pilate assigns him investigate the disappearance of the recently executed Yeshiva’s (Jesus of Nazareth) body.


On his quest, he travels to the halls of Herod Antipas and to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he encounters believers and non-believers; leaving him to quest his own beliefs.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Spring Reads: The Drafter by Kim Harrison


Pocket Books; 560 pages; $7.99; Amazon
I'm going to try to play catch up today starting with my review for The Drafter by the #1 New York Bestselling author, Kim Harrison. The hardcover was released last fall, and the paperback arrived in bookstores last month.

The Drafter is book one in The Peri Reed Chronicles. Set in Detroit in 2030, the novel centers on Peri Reed, a woman with an unique ability to travel back in time briefly. She works for the government as a "Drafter" to alter time/ history; though she typically forgets what she has changed in the past.

Peri's life seems to be going just fine, well, until she learns that her name is on a list of corrupt operatives and that she has been set up by her own agency. The last three years of her life has been erased from her memory. Now she must go on the run, and use her "Drafter" abilities to set things right.

The paperback features a 65-page prequel called "Sideswiped."

Review: Star Trek: Manifest Destiny

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

IDW Publishing; 136 pages; $19.98; Pre-Order
You might know this yet, but there is a new Star Trek film coming out in theaters this July called "Star Trek Beyond." The trailer for the film is supposed to debut at the Star Trek fan event on May 20th!

Arriving in stores on June 28th is the newest comic tie-in Star Trek: Manifest Destiny by Mike Johnson and Ryan Parrott, which is set into between Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Beyond.

The 136-page comic kicks off with a huge Klingon fleet lead by Commander Sho'Tokh invading a planet and they claim it in the name of the Klingon Empire.

A month later the U.S.S. Enterprise receives a strange beacon from a class-M planet, so Captain Kirk sends down an away team to investigate. Of course there is danger on the planet that puts the team in jeopardy. Meanwhile, a Klingon D7 attacks the Enterprise.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: Airwolf: Season One


Not Rated; 589 minutes; $9.98; Amazon, Mill Creek Ent.
Prepare for a nostalgic blast this month as Mill Creek Entertainment with be releasing several 80s television titles to DVD, including the recently released Airwolf: Season One, featuring all 11 episodes, including the original pilot movie. There are no special features or bonus extras on the two-disc set.

Created by Donald P. Bellisario (NCIS), Airwolf premiered on CBS in 1984 as a mid-season replacement, kicking off with a 97-minute movie that would later be re-edited and released as a a feature film overseas.

The pilot movie centered on a top-secret high-tech battle helicopter being stolen from the government agency known as the "Firm." The Firm sends in Archangel (played by Alex Cord) to recruit Army veteran Stringfellow Hawke (played by Jan-Michael Vincent) to lead a mission to recover Airwolf. Hawke agrees if only his friend Dominic (played by Erenest Borgnine) helps him. Plus, Hawke wants the government's help in finding his brother who is MIA.

After successfully recovering Airwolf, Hawke refuses to return it to the government, hiding the helicopter where nobody would ever find it. The rest of the series follows a week-to-week formula with "The Firm" assigning missions to Hawke and Dominic.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Spring Reads: Her One and Only


Bethany House; 400 pages; Buy Link; Blog Tour
Now available to buy in bookstores from Bethany House Publishing is the latest novel by Becky Wade, titled Her One and Only.

The novel centers on center on the NFL superstar Gray Fowler, who has been receiving death threats from a obsessed stalker, which results in him hiring a protection agency to protect him. Unfortunately, this means he must deal with bodyguards 24/7, and he has to practically put his entire life on hold until the stalker is caught.

This brings in the beautiful, former Marine Dru Porter as one of Gray's bodyguards. She has a black belt and is an expert with a gun, but her faith is lacking ever since her last mission turned into a disaster. Now she is trying to pick up the pieces and somehow save her career.

The last thing that neither Gray or Dru were looking for was a romance, but as they spend more time with each the other, the more the sparks fly. Yes, this causes a bit of a problem as Dru isn't allowed to develop a relationship with her clients.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: May 13 - 19th


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 @ Silver's Reviews!

Is there a reason why you choose Blogger over WordPress or a different platform?

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 tried Wordpress in 2009, but quickly switched over to Blogger as it was easier for me to use.


Linky List:

Thursday, May 12, 2016

DVD Review - Power Rangers Wild Force: The Complete Series


TV-Y7; 870 minutes; $19.97; Amazon; Shout! Factory
Now available on DVD from Shout! Factory is Power Rangers Wild Force: The Complete Series, a 5-disc set featuring all 40 episodes. There are no special features or bonus extras.

"Wild Force" is the 10th season of the Power Rangers franchise. It borrows costumes, monsters, zords and action scenes from the Japanese Super Sentai series Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger. The first half of the season aired on Fox Kids before Saban sold the franchise to Disney. The second half aired on ABC Family and was produced by BSV Entertainment (Disney/ABC-Television Group).

Originally airing in 2002, "Wild Force" centered Cole Evans (played by Ricardo Medina, Jr.), a young man who had spent several years living in the jungle. He leaves his tribe and makes his way to the small town of Turtle Cove. There he finds the Animarium, a magical flying island, where he accepts his destiny as the Red Wild Force Ranger.

Along with Taylor, the Yellow Ranger (played by Alyson Kiperman), Maxwell, the Blue Ranger (played by Phillip Jeanmarie), Alyssa, the White Ranger (played by Jessica Rey) and Daniel, the Black Ranger (played by Jack Guzman), Cole must lead the Rangers against the deadly Master Org and his army of minions, in the attempt to protect Animarium. A sixth ranger, Lunar Wolf Ranger (played by Phillip Andrew) was added the cast towards the middle of the season.

While "Wild Force" received mixed-reaction from fans, the season did mark the 10th Anniversary of the franchise, which was celebrated in the "Forever Red" episode. All the previous red rangers returned to help the Red Wild Force Ranger stop the Machine Army from digging up Lord Zedd's zord, Serpentera, which was buried on the moon.

Review - 99 Fear Street: The House Of Evil: The First Horror



Pocket Books; 154 pages; $5.99; Amazon
I was planning on taking a break from my Thursday ReReads posts after I had finished reading the Rotten School series last week, but tonight I decided to reread another R.L. Stine classic - 99 Fear Street: The House Of Evil: The First Horror.

Remember the Fear Street books from the late 80s and throughout the 90s?

Well, I was a huge of fan of the series (Still am!), as well as other Point Horror titles, so I have a big collections of titles to reread. Like I mentioned above, the title I picked out is 99 Fear Street: The House Of Evil: The First Horror, book one of a trilogy.

The First Horror centers on the twin sisters Kody and Cally Frasier, their nine-year-old brother James and their parents moving to the small town of Shadyside, Ohio. The family had bought a two and a half story house, a 30-year-old home that nobody has ever lived in, and it happens to be located on Fear Street!

Within moments of arriving at 99 Fear Street, a tree branch breaks off and nearly lands on Cally. While she suspects something is wrong with this house, the rest of the family just believes it is an old house that needs a little love; despite the fact that there are rats living in the walls, green ooze dripping from the faucets and weird sounds coming to life at night.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: Dinotopia: The Series


Not Rated; 5555 minutes; $14.98; Amazon
Now available to own on DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment is Dinotopia: The Series, featuring all 13 episodes from the short-lived 2002. There are no special features or extras on the 3-disc set.

Based on the book series by James Gurney, Dinotopia debuted as a 3-part mini-series on ABC in the spring of 2002. It was ratings hit and received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. Prior the mini-series, ABC had greenlit a television series that would debut later in the year, but sadly none of the cast would return.

Premiering on Thanksgiving 2002, Dinotopia: The Series debuted to low rating and was quickly canceled. Only six episodes aired on ABC, but the entire series did air in Europe.

The series centers on half-brothers, Karl & David Scott (played by Erik von Detten and Shiloh Strong) and their father, Frank (played by Michael Brandon) being stuck on the forgotten world of Dinotopia, a land where humans co-exist with dinosaurs. When the brothers aren't fighting for the attention of Marion Waldo (played by Georgina Rylance), they are always saving Dinotopia from some kind of a potential disaster.



Sunday, May 8, 2016

Spring Reads: Brooklyn On Fire


Broadway Books; 352 pages; Amazon
Wow, this year is really going flying by. It seems like it was yesterday when I signed up to review Brooklyn On Fire: A Mary Handley Mystery by Lawrence H. Levy,  but actually it was back in January. I was originally going to read the book right away, but sadly that wasn't how thing worked out, as here I am writing the review for it in May.

Set in 1890, Brooklyn On Fire centers on the private detective Mary Handley, who is just settling into her office when she is presented with a new mystery to solve. Out of nowhere, Emily Worsham comes into her life looking someone to help find her uncle's murderer. And of course, Mary is on the case, but there is one catch - Emily's uncle died over twenty years ago.

Most detectives would probably turn down such a case, but Mary is up for the challenge To unravel the mystery, she must unveil scandals and political corruption inside the New York's elite.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: May 6th - 12th


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 @ Silver's Reviews!

Why did you start your blog?

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: 

 At one time I had a small reading group on "MSN Groups," but all the groups were eliminated, which lead me to start this blog. Originally, I started out just blogging about the books I was reading, but after awhile I started getting requests to review titles, and the rest is history.


Linky List:

Review - Live Fearless: An Adult Coloring Book


Bethany House; 48 pages; $12.99; Amazon
If you've been reading my blog for the last few days, then you might have noticed a recurring theme about coloring books.

No, I'm not talking Batman coloring books or whatever else is popular with children these days. Instead I'm talking about adult coloring books. You know, the ones you can find at your local Walmart in the books section and around the checkout lines. These type of books have become extremely popular with adults of all ages.

Early this week, I received the Live Fearless: An Adult Coloring Book by Margaret Feinberg. It's a religious coloring book that is meant to help strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

The book kicks off with a one page biography of the author and followed by a two page introduction. Then there are twenty different illustrations with an included bible verse in each one. On the opposite side of every pictures is a journal page where you can write down your prayers or whatever is on your mind.


Movie Review - Bling


Rated PG; Running Time: 82 minutes
Arriving in select-theaters today, May 6, from Momentum Pictures, is the family-friendly robotic superhero computer-animated film Bling. Directed by Kyung Ho Lee and Wonja Lee, the film features the talented voice-cast of Taylor Kitsch, Jennette McCurdy, James Wood, Carla Gugino, Tom Green, Jon Heder and Jason Mewes.

Written by Chris Denk, Hyunjoong Kim and Kyung Ho Lee, Bling centers on Sam (voiced Taylor Kitsch), a low-paying robotic engineer at the Robo World theme park. Ever since he was just a little kid, Sam has dreamed of one thing - marrying the beautiful Sue (voiced by Jennette McDurdy), who is a popular reporter at the channel 7 news.

Sam was once told "Great Men Give Great Rings," so he is determined to find the perfect ring in time to propose to Sue on Valentine's Day.


Along with his robotic superhero best friends (a pig, a monkey, and a frog), Sam finds an engagement ring, but sadly things don't go as plan when he runs into the super villain Oscar (voiced by Jason Kravits), who is planning on proposing to Sue's aunt, Catherine (voiced by Carla Gugino).

Unfortunately for Oscar, his henchman robot, Victor (voiced by James Woods) has plans of his own.

To save the day, Sam and his friends must battle Victor's minions, locate a lost ring and race across to the city to find Sue.


Thursday, May 5, 2016

Review - Rotten School: Dumb Clucks


HarperCollins; 128 pages; Amazon
It seems that my last few Thursday Rereads weren't actually written & posted on Thursday, so I thought I would make sure to read this week's title this morning and have the review posted today!

Yep, today's reread marks the 16th and final installment in the Rotten School series by bestselling author R.L. Stine, titled "Dumb Clucks."

If you're not already familiar with the series, I'll give you a brief (and final) catch up. The Rotten School books are set at a boarding school called Rotten School, and centers on 4th-grader Bernie Bridges, who has a bad habit of scheme his classmates out of money.

"Dumb Clucks" kicks off with Bernie trying to sell his friends t-shirts of the popular cartoon Tweenage Mutant Ninja Tadpoles, but he is shocked to learn that they no longer like the cartoon. What do they now like? Well, they like a new series called Stupid Chicken. Desperate to get rid of his t-shirts, Bernie attempts to sell them to the first-graders, but sadly the first-graders are fans of Stupid Chicken too.

To make matters worse, Parent's Day is just around the corner, and Headmaster Upchuck gives Bernie the responsibility of making sure that the campus is quite until Parent's Day, which isn't an easy task to do with all the Stupid Chicken craziness. And if anything goes wrong, Bernie has to pack his bags and leave Rotten School ...forever!

Review - Wonders Of Creation: Illustrations to Color and Inspire


Zondervan; 96 pages; $15.99; Amazon
If you caught my other Spring Reads posts yesterday, you would know that I've taken an interest in the new fad of adult coloring books. Coloring is supposed to help get rid of stress and at the same time be a creative outlet.

Now available from Zondervan is Wonders Of Creation: Illustrations to Color and Inspire by Cindy Wilde and Pialada Phuapradit.

The 96-page coloring book kicks off with a two-page introduction, after that the rest of the pages are full of scenes of nature and illustrations of different creatures.