Friday, December 30, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: Dec. 30th - Jan. 5th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


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 Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer!

Your New Year's Resolution is to read a classic novel that you have never read before. What book will it be?

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 have a hardcover copy of House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne that I have always wanted to read, but have never had the time to so. Maybe I'll try to read it in 2017.



Linky List:

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Becoming a Musician Is a Great Career Choice



The amount of careers that you can choose from is practically endless. There are many people who go to college and earn a degree to get into a specific profession that they end up disliking. Life is too short to get up every day and go to a job that you truly hate. You deserve better than that. This is why it is so imperative that you decide a career path for yourself that will enrich your life in every way. You should feel grateful that you are able to do your particular job. Therefore, you should make a list of the things that you are truly passionate about. This will allow you to make a list of ideal professions for you to choose from. Have you always had a passion for music? If this is the case, you might want to consider playing music professionally. Do not be scared if this career choice seems unusual. Taking a chance in life might be one of the best decisions you ever made. Being a musician is a great way to make a living and here are some reasons that support that statement.

  • 1. You will enjoy it much more than a standard job.

Most people work 40 hours each week. They get up early and battle rush hour traffic five days every week. How many of these people are truly happy with their lives? There is no time clock to punch when you are a musician. You will not need to battle rush hour traffic ever again. You will not need to be at your office at a specific time. Being a musician means that you will be able to spend your life doing something that you truly love and makes you feel fulfilled. A job in an office will not do that for you.

  • 2. You will no longer need to take orders from anyone.

Being your own boss is something that most people only dream about. However, musicians are in business for themselves. You will never again be screamed at by an irate boss for not writing a report on time. You will be completely in charge of your own destiny. However, it is always a good idea to have a heard working manager. Coran Capshaw, the manager for Dave Matthews Bands since they started performing in bars, helped the group grow into a huge success. Capshaw has gone on to help many other musicians, so ensuring you get a savvy manager who will work hard on your behalf is key.

  • 3. Being in the music business will allow your creativity to flow.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Review - The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall


Waterbrook; 200 pages; $14.99; Amazon

Yes, it's two days after Christmas and I'm just now writing a review for the Amish Christmas novella, The Angel of Forest Hill by author Cindy Woodsmall. I've actually have had my review copy for awhile, but I've been extra busy as of lately, so I just got around to reading it yesterday.

The novella centers on Rose Kurtz, a young Old Order Amish woman who leaves her home and travels to Forest Hill, West Virginia to help a widow father, Joel Dienner, raise his children. After a short time, she agrees to marry Joel, though neither one has any romantic feelings for each other.

Three years passes by, and the two are still struggling with heartaches - Joel is still mourning his wife. And Rose is still dealing with the hardships she had suffered during her childhood.

With Christmas right around the corner, Joel and Rose hope to battle through their troubles and find a way to start anew.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: Dec. 23rd - 29th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


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 participate in reading challenges that have you reading for 24 hours, challenges that have a yearly goal, challenges that have you reading certain genres, or do you not participate in challenges?

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 my eyes could withstand reading for 24 hours straight. Typically, I do set up a yearly reading challenge on Goodreads. For 2016, I set a goal of reading 100 books.



Linky List:

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Q&A with Megan O'Russell, author of Girl of Glass



Now available from Fiery Seas Publishing is the young adult novel Girl of Glass by Megan O'Russell.



The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’m an actor by trade, so writing was just a natural extension of that love of storytelling. My direct interest in writing came from seeking an outlet where I could choose which story I wanted to tell. The chance to create characters from nothing instead of building upon what is already in a script was too in alluring to resist.

What was your first book/story published?

The Tethering—a young adult Urban Fantasy novel—was published in 2014.

What inspired you to write Girl of Glass?


The original appeal was in blending genres. I didn’t want to write a straight dystopian or sci-fi. I wanted to play with vampires, but not the supernatural world that goes with them. Finding the niche I wanted to explore made the world of Girl of Glass. Once I knew what landscape I wanted to work in, I knew that I didn’t want to look at the end of the world from the bottom up, but rather from the upper 1% down. What would it be like to know that you’re safe and secure but that the people through your window are suffering? If you see them in need, what would you do to help them? How long would your conscience let you watch people die before you needed to do something, anything, to help?

What character in Girl of Glass is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Cabochons Opal


There are two basic types of cut used to shape any gemstone one of them is called Cabochon while other is Facet. Some Gemstones are cut as Cabochon due to their opaque property rather than transparent and faceting this type of stone will not give the required shine. Word “cabochon” in the context of gemstone word means a stone which is cut with a highly polished convex top with no faceting and its base is flat. This type of opal can be cut to any shape, and the most common shape is oval these days. In French word “Cabochon” means small dome or head and that's where it gets its name. This word is used as shortened to just "cab." Technically speaking cabochon does not means cut but it means shaped and before the art of faceting was discovered all the gems were produced this way.

Advantages of Cabochons Opal:

This form of the gem allows the jeweler to set piece more effectively. Unlikely a faceted stone when it is in placed there is the chance it can chip on the edges but the other hand these Cabochon Opals due to its dome shape just get stretches which can be easily polished later on. More round the form of the dome is more depth of the colors are. The cabochon is one of the oldest cutting styles there is. Jewelers from all around the word are now developing their artwork to match the beauty that is in these Cabochon Opals. Ellipse is the general shape in which Cabochon is cut.

Types of Cabochons Opal:

There are two types of Cabochon Opals as per their dome height is concerned. One is low height, and other is medium height while their back is flat. The gems which are opaque are cut as Cabochon rather than face style.

  1. Low height with flat back
  2. Medium height with flat back

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: Jason Bourne Blu-ray Review


PG-13; 124 minutes; $34.90; Amazon

Now available to own on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment just in time for Christmas is Jason Bourne. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film stars Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Julia Stiles, and Tommy Lee Jones.

Set nearly 10 years after the ending of The Bourne Ultimatum, Jason Bourne (placed once again by Matt Damon), comes out of hiding after receiving a message from Nicky Parsons (played by Julia Stiles) that she has uncovered documents about his recruitment into the Treadstone program. And of course after Nicky had stolen this information, the CIA became aware of her location.

CIA Director Robert Dewey (played by Tommy Lee Jones) takes controls of the situation, sending in the cyber ops division lead by Heather Lee (played by Alicia Vikander) to track and capture both Parsons and Bourne. However, things don't as planned when an ex-Blackbriar program assassin (played by Vincent Cassel) kills Parsons.

Once again, Jason Bourne goes after the bad guys in the attempt to learn the truth of his past.

Bonus Features on the Blu-ray are:

Friday, December 16, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: Dec. 16th - 22nd




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML

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 Billy @ ROACAW!

What is your favorite holiday beverage to drink while you're reading?

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: 

 Any other day I would be drinking coffee while I'm reading a good book. However, around Christmas I do drink hot chocolate and eggnog.



Linky List:

Q&A with Amber Malloy, author of Fear Nothing



Now available from Resplendence is the action-romance Fear Nothing by author Amber Malloy.



The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

I read all the time as a child, but the writing bug didn’t hit until after college.

What was your first book/story published?

It was a ghost story and is still my favorite to this day.

What inspired you to write Fear Nothing?

One of my publishers had a call for reimagining Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Since I couldn’t follow the guidelines they set forth, I reworked it and shopped it to another publisher.

What character in Fear Nothing is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

All of them have a little bit of me, but not one character in general. Bodhi is kind and well intentioned. Skye is responsible and nurturing, which at time I associate with myself. Most of the time life partner just calls me Demon Baby.

What is your favorite part in Fear Nothing?

Q&A with Stan Schatt, author of Death & Donuts




Now available from Pen-L is the paranormal mystery Death & Donuts, book 3 in the The Frankie and Josh Series by author Stan Schatt.





The author has taken a few minutes out of his busy schedule for a Q&A about his newest novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’ve always loved books. When I was twelve, I couldn’t find a novel that covered a topic I was interested in at my local library, so I sat down and wrote the novel I wanted to read. I wrote it long hand. Terrible stuff, but I enjoyed reading it!

What was your first book/story published?

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Q&A with Liz Keel, author of Enlightenment



Now available from Fire Quill Publishing is the Enlightenment, book one in the Driel Trilogy by author Liz Keel.




The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

Since I was young, I’ve fallen in love with fantasy stories; books like ‘The Enchanted Forest’ by Enid Blyton had me wishing I could be a part of their adventures and meet characters such as Silky and Moonface. Then, when I moved on to C.S.Lewis, I tried so many times to get my wardrobe to transport me to Narnia and wanted to be a part of that world! With so many stories out there set in mystical lands, I spent a lot of my free time day-dreaming of journeying to these other-worldly places; I just loved the idea that maybe there was something else out there and wondered what it would be like to find out you were the special one chosen to go save another world or were more than just human. That’s what first inspired me to become a writer and create my very own mystical worlds.

What was your first book/story published?

The book I’m on this tour with, Enlightenment, (#1 in the Driel Trilogy), a Young Adult Fantasy Romance. Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a girl called Thea who gets thrown into the unknown realm of Faey. Here she is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice. On this journey, she has the support of her new friends to help her as well as a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian who watches her every move.

What inspired you to write Enlightenment?

I’ve always loved reading especially the paranormal and fantasy genres, and with so many talented authors out there, over the years they have helped provide inspiration for my own story. I also have a vivid imagination which helps!

What character in Enlightenment is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

I’d say that my personality is similar to Thea’s, the protagonist in the story. Her determination to face what’s thrown at her head-on, and to fight for what you believe in, are ideals I totally agree with.

What is your favorite part in Enlightenment?

Holiday Gift Guide: Pursuing Gold by Cynthia Simmons


Pursuing Gold
by Cynthia Simmons


Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
Pub. Date: October 29, 2016
Retail: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1944430764
Pages: 308



Where to Purchase?





What is the Book About?

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis. With only a newly minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter's forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: "The Night Of" DVD




"The Night Of"


Studio: HBO Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Retail: $49.99
ASIN: B01J4WSE6Q
Running Time: 524 minutes
Rating: TV-MA

Where to Purchase?



About the Title:

In The Night Of, Pakistani-American college student Nasir “Naz” Khan, who lives with his parents in Queens, NY, takes his father’s taxi to go to a party in Manhattan. But what starts as a perfect night for Naz becomes a nightmare when he’s arrested for murder. The series examines the police investigation, the legal proceedings, the criminal justice system and Rikers Island, where the accused await trial.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

DVD Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Earth's Last Stand

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Earth's Last Stand


Studio: Nickelodeon
Release Date: December 13, 2016
Retail: $14.98
Running Time: 157 minutes
Rating: NOT RATED

Where To Purchase



About the Title

With the last fragment of the Black Hole Generator in the Triceraton's possession, the Turtles race back to New York City for a final showdown against the alien threat. But even if they save Earth from total annihilation, will their city ever be the same?

Q&A with Gina Conkle, author of Waiting For A Girl Like You



Being released today is the romantic novel Waiting For A Girl Like Me, book one in the Kissables series, by author Gina Gonkle.



 
The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

I knew in 5th grade I wanted to be a writer. It wasn’t until 2002/2003 that I sat down and did it.

What was your first book/story published?

Norse Jewel, a Viking romance in 2013

What inspired you to write Waiting for a Girl Like You?

The book is two stories in one. The Proper Care and Feeding of a Broken Heart came from a brothel I’d heard about in my old hometown of San Diego and some of the escapades I’d heard.

Anything But Safe was inspired by an intersection of an Alicia Rasley workshop and a chance encounter in a parking lot years ago.

What character in Waiting for a Girl Like You is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

YA Readers Giveaway Blitz




Every Entrant is a Winner!


Enter to win one of the MASSIVE prize packs featured below, and go into the draw for weekly $25 Amazon gift card prizes.

But just for entering you get access to a lucky-dip of 8 FREE Young Adult e-books from New York Times, USA Today, International, Award-Winning, and Amazon Bestselling Authors - not to mention some of the BEST YA authors from around the globe!

Contest is open to residents of the UNITED STATES.

*PLEASE ALLOW 48 HOURS TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE EBOOKS

*By entering, your email will be distributed to the participating authors listed in the Terms and Conditions, and can also be viewed at http://giveawayblitz.wixsite.com/yaauthors 


Prize Pack #1

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YA Reader Giveaway Blitz!

Monday, December 12, 2016

Review - The Magnolia Story


The Magnolia Story
by Chip and Joanna Gaines
with Mark Dagostino



Publisher: W Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 18, 2016
Retail: $26.99
ISBN: 978-0718079185
Pages: 208



Where to Purchase:



About the Title:

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis


Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis
by Anne Rice


Publisher: Knopf
Pub. Date: November 29, 2016
Retail: $28.95
ISBN: 978-0385353793
Pages: 480



Where To Purchase?





Book Description:


At the novel's center: the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, inspirer, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul. This ancient and mysterious power and unearthly spirit of vampire lore has all the force, history, and insidious reach of the unknowable Universe.

It is through this spirit, previously considered benign for thousands of vampire years and throughout the Vampire Chronicles, that we come to be told the hypnotic tale of a great sea power of ancient times; a mysterious heaven on earth situated on a boundless continent--and of how and why, and in what manner and with what far-reaching purpose, this force came to build and rule the great legendary empire of centuries ago that thrived in the Atlantic Ocean.

And as we learn of the mighty, far-reaching powers and perfections of this lost kingdom of Atalantaya, the lost realms of Atlantis, we come to understand its secrets, and how and why the vampire Lestat, indeed all the vampires, must reckon so many millennia later with the terrifying force of this ageless, all-powerful Atalantaya spirit.


Saturday, December 10, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Essential Mints: Energizing Peppermints



Essential Mints: Energizing Peppermints

by Vita ThinQ 


Retail: $16.00

Where to Purchase:



Friday, December 9, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story



Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story


by R.L. Stine

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Pub. Date: September 13, 2016

Retail: $16.99

ISBN: 978-1250070159

Pages: 192


Where To Purchase:



Book Description:

Rick Scroogeman hates Christmas. He can't stand the carols and the pageants. He can't stand the lights and the mistletoe. But what he hates the most is having to watch the old movie A Christmas Carol every year at school. Since his name is Scroogeman, all of his classmates start calling him Scrooge. And he hates being called Scrooge.

But everything starts to change when three ghosts visit him. At first, he thinks it's a dream. But then he realizes that it might be a nightmare. A nightmare that could become real.

Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story is a mashup of holiday and horror, a perfect novel for middle grade readers who like their Christmas stories with a side of spooky.

Book Blogger Hop: Dec. 9th - 15th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML

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!

What is your best guess that you won't be changing the genres you're currently 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: 

 Typically, I stick to reading historical romances, crime thrillers, and a few YA titles. However, once in a great while I do step outside my normal reading box and read other genres.



Linky List:

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: NKJV Journal the Word Bible


NKJV Journal the Word Bible


Published by: Thomas Nelson

Pub Date: November 1, 2016

Retail: $39.99
ISBN: 978-0718088644
Pages: 1440

Where To Purchase?


Book Description:

The NKJV Journal the Word™ Bible allows you to express yourself creatively every day with plenty of room for notes or verse art journaling next to your treasured verses. With a selection of unique and sophisticated covers, this single-column edition features thick, cream-colored paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, perfect to reflect on God’s Word and enhance your study.
Excellent for a gift or for personal use, it can also be a cherished heirloom to pass on to future generations with your personal writings inside!