Where I share my love of books with reviews, features, giveaways and memes. Family and needlepoint are thrown in from time to time.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Review and Top Ten: Melting the Millionaire's Heart (w/giveaway)

Title: Melting the Millionaire's Heart
Author: Linda Morris
Publisher: Ever After (Entangled Publishing)

About the Book:  Special-needs teacher Kayla Johnston writes off any shot at New Year's Eve romance when she's summoned to fundraising 
event for her school at the remote estate of a wealthy would-be-donor. But when a massive snowstorm hits and Kayla careens off the road, the sexy stranger who rescues her brings to mind cozy fireplaces and steamy midnight kisses…among other things.

Reclusive entrepreneur Ryan Langford may be missing his own fundraiser, but being marooned in a cabin with Kayla beats ducking a room full of people after his money any day. Too bad she's so irritated with the " gazillionaire" who ruined her New Year's Eve that he feels like he has to lie about his identity. But when the sparks fly and they fall into each other's arms, Ryan knows he's made a big mistake. Will she be able to trust him once the snow melts and the truth comes out?


Purchase Links

My thoughts:  For some reason I was irritated when I first started reading this book.  I don't know whether it was that Ryan was lying about who he was - or at the very least omitting information, or that Kayla was being so cavalier about a possible one-night stand.  However, I did warm up to the book, or really novella, as it is only 92 pages long.  

Ryan admits who he is the next morning, and as can be expected, Kayla is furious.  She is fearful that she has blown any chance for her school to receive the funds needed and that if her boss finds out she will be in bigger trouble.  

I read this book in one sitting and found it mildly entertaining.  It was predictable, but sometimes you need to read a book like that - especially if the rest of your world is in the midst of turmoil!


I asked Linda if she would share her Top Ten New Year's Resolutions with us:

Thanks for having me at Books and Needlepoint. One of those things is something that I'm not completely hopeless at.  My hat is off to crafters because I was apparently born without that gene. The only crafts I can do well are the ones you eat! So without further ado, here are my Top 10 New Year's Resolutions:
  • Lose weight. I'm not sure you can even compile a list of New Year's Resolutions without including this one. It's in there by default. In any case, I really need to, so that's in my top ten.
  • Read more. This one is pure pleasure. Between writing, working full time, and being a mom, my time is at a premium, but I always find time to read. This year, I want to do more.
  • Find an agent. This has been a long-term career goal, but this year, I hope I can pull it off.
  • Write at least one really good book. Hopefully more, but I'll start with one. 
  • Find a publisher home for my latest work-in-progress, a romantic contemporary about a workaholic CEO and an aimless woman who is trying to get her act together.
  • Buy a new dining room table to replace the one that my eight-year-old son has destroyed by doing a million science experiments, art projects, and board games on. (Kind of a boring resolution, but hey, you asked!)
  • Get on a plane. *Winces* I admit, I am deathly afraid of flying. It's been, um, many years since I've flown anywhere. Ironically, I used to be an airline employee, and ever since I left the industry, I haven't flown. But I I'd like to attend some conferences this year, so I'll have to put on my Big Girl Panties and get over it. I may also need to get some Xanax. It's that bad.
  • Make more pies.  I love baking, particularly pie-making, and I want to find more time for it. Luckily, my husband is always a willing test subject. The son is pickier but he's learning to love some pie, so there is hope for him yet. Hmmm, this might conflict with resolution #1. 
  • Marry Richard Armitrage. Okay, I have zero chance of pulling this one off, since I'm already happily married and I'll never meet Richard Armitrage. So, scratch that one. I'll just go see "The Hobbit" instead. I hear he plays a dwarf king.
  • Be nice to myself, and not get too upset if I can't achieve all these resolutions in 2013. After all, there's always 2014, right?
Thanks Linda for sharing with us!  We share a couple of the same resolutions - Lose weight (I am down 6 lbs!); Read more - this is a resolution ALL the time!  lol; Get on a plane - I also have a fear of flying - this didn't seem to start though until after I had children.  I have flown some places with my husband and this year I have to fly to a seminar without him in August - so we will see how that goes. . .

I am being allowed to give away one ecopy of Melting the Millionaire's Heart to one of my readers.  Please fill out the rafflecopter below to enter!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 21, 2013

Back to the Future Giveaway Hop (Jan 22 - 28)


The Back to the Future Giveaway Hop is hosted by Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Inky at Book Haven Extraordinaire. Books set in the past or future are being featured in this hop.  Nothing in the present day - unless of course, they have time-traveled to the present day from the past or future!  

I am giving away a copy of A Double Death on the Black Isle by A.D. Scott.



Nothing is ever quite at peace on Scotland's Black Isle- the Traveling people are forever at odds with the locals, the fishermen have nothing in common with the farmers, and the villagers have no connection with the town. But when two deaths occur on the same day, involving the same families from the same estate- the Black Isle seems as forbidding as its name. 

Joanne Ross, typist at the Highland Gazette, is torn whether to take on the plum task of reporting on these murders- after all, the woman at the center of both crimes is one of her closest friends. Joanne knows the story could be her big break, and for a woman in the mid-1950's- a single mother, no less- good work is hard to come by.

But the investigation by the staff on the Gazette reveals secrets that will forever change this quiet, remote part of the Highlands. The ancient feudal order is crumbling, loyalties are tested, friendships torn apart, and the sublime beauty of the landscape will never seem peaceful again.

This giveaway is open to U.S. only and you can enter through the rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends at midnight on Jan 28th.





a Rafflecopter giveaway





A Winter's Respite Read-a-thon (Jan 21 - 27)







I have never really done a week long read-a-thon before, but after having a houseful of family last week, I thought this would give me a good chance to catch up.  I could use a few days of quiet reading!  This is being hosted by Michelle (The True Book Addict) at Seasons of Reading and you can join anytime during the week - as long as you do a joining post and a wrap up post. You can read pretty much any kind of books, including chilren's books as long as you read some adult ones as well.

Since it is after midnight here, I am going to go start reading Proof of Guilt by Charles Todd.  Here are some of my other choices this week:






Bookmark Blitz Tour: Crazy in Paradise by Deborah Brown



Buy the Book Tours is bring you a Bookmark Blitz Tour for Crazy in Paradise by Deborah Brown. 

Tour Schedule

January 21






Dying in the middle of the summer in the Florida Keys is sweaty business.

Welcome to Tarpon Cove. Madison Westin has inherited her aunt's beachfront motel in the Florida Keys. Trouble is she's also inherited a slew of colorful tenant's - drunks, ex-cons, and fugitives.

Only one problem: First, she has to wrestle control from a conniving lawyer and shady motel manager. With the help of her new best friend, whose motto is never leave home without your Glock, they dive into a world of blackmail, murder, and drugs.





Buy Links:
Amazon
**This Book is Exclusive to Amazon**


Excerpt from Crazy in Paradise -

I tried to speak to Dickie about the arrangements when I first arrived in town. He told me firmly that he only took instructions from Tucker Davis and he wasn’t allowed to discuss any of the final details. I wondered why the secrecy, but he was so nervous I didn’t ask any more questions. He told me not to worry; he had worked hard to make everything memorable.

I appealed to him, “Don’t family members usually participate in the planning?”

But he was very clear; Tucker Davis’ approval was the most important thing to him.

I took a deep breath. Later, our family would create a lasting tribute to Elizabeth showing how much we had loved and respected her, and how we would deeply miss her. But for now, this would have to do, I guess.

I glanced up and saw a man who looked to be in his 60’s walking to the podium. He was well-worn, beer-gutted with dirty looking grey hair, and dressed in jean shorts and a tropical shirt that looked as though he’d worn them for several days.

“Hey, everyone,” he said into the microphone. “My name is…” he paused, “well, all my friends call me Quattro.” He held up both of his hands in a two-handed friendly wave.

He was missing his middle finger on his right hand and his thumb on his left hand. Brad and I glanced at one another and laughed. I mouthed “Quattro” at him and waved four fingers. He turned away, biting his lip.

“I told Dickie I’d speak first because he worried no one would come up and say anything and it wouldn’t look right. I told him don’t worry so much.” Quattro slowly scanned the crowd. “I reassured him there were a few people here who could think of something nice to say.” He ran his fingers through his hair and scratched his scalp.

“Elizabeth was a great old broad. Too damn bad, she died so young. She seemed young to me. Hell, I’m only a few years younger. You know she checked out in her sleep, and in her own bed. How much better does it get than that?”

I looked around. A few people were nodding their heads in agreement.

“Now that she’s kicked the bucket…” He paused. “Well, everyone knows there’s no bucket involved.” He laughed at his own humor. “Have you ever wondered what the reward is?” He waited as though he expected an answer. “Hmm, I’ve no idea either. Damn, it’s hot in here. You’d think a funeral place would turn on the air conditioning.”

“Yeah, I’ve got sweat in my shorts,” I heard someone say. A few others voiced their agreement.

“Keeps the smell down and all,” Quattro continued. “I know when it was a drive-thru the air worked good and sometimes the place was downright freezing.”

I saw a few people sniffing at the air. Were they sad? Or were they disappointed they couldn’t smell hotdogs and fries?

Dickie Vanderbilt stood off to the side, staring at his shoes, and picking at his rather large tie tack in the shape of a flamingo.

“But back to Elizabeth. I called her Betty once and, boy, she got mad.”

Mother sobbed loudly, which I knew was actually laughter. People turned to stare.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Mother, please. This funeral is bad enough.”

Her body shook with laughter. I gripped her tightly. “Oww,” she whispered.

“Behave yourself, or I’ll keep squeezing.” I shifted again on the bench, having a hard time sitting still when my legs kept sticking to the wood.

“Elizabeth was good to a lot of people,” Quattro continued. “Too bad she won’t be around to do any of us any more favors.” He looked around and rubbed the end of his nose.

I stared wide-eyed at him wondering if he was about to pick his nose.

“The truth is, I’ve run out of stuff to say. I know she wouldn’t have wanted to die so soon, but the problem is we all think we’re going to live forever, and we don’t. So, ‘God Bless’.” He waved and walked away from the podium.


Author Bio:

Crazy in Paradise, is my debut novel, a Florida Keys mystery, which makes the reader laugh, cry and cheer...

My personal ad would read:

Since all great journeys start with a single step, I'll have on a cute pair of shoes.

Crazy. Ice cream loving. Redhead. 5'2", long legs. As an avid exerciser, I get to the gym every five years or so. I hate being tricked by that stinking raisin in the oatmeal cookie when my heart was set on chocolate. And it's totally acceptable for me to be mildly annoying when it makes me laugh. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue animals, where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Best Selling Reads is giving away and iPad!





The best authors in New Fiction are celebrating the grand opening of BestSellingReads.com with a February promotion:


Best Selling Read’s February Deal

Prize for winning reader entry: iPad Mini with Wi-Fi 16GB plus 1 eBook from each BSR author
–OR-

$300 Amazon gift card plus 1 eBook from each author (if winner received eReader holiday gift)

2nd & 3rd place winners: $25 Amazon gift card

Enter now at http://www.bestsellingreads.com

Winners will be chosen February 28th by Rafflecopter. No purchase necessary.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, January 18, 2013

Book Review and Interview: Kissing Kendall by Jennifer Shirk

Title: Kissing Kendall
Author: Jennifer Shirk
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Bliss)

About the Book: Kendall Grisbaum is finally taking charge of her life—pouring her heart into opening a new bakery business and even allowing her best friend Georgie to play matchmaker for her. Trouble is, the one guy she secretly wants is Georgie’s older brother, Brad, who is decidedly off limits.

Brad can’t seem to get his little sister’s best friend out of his mind. He and Kendall used to be close friends, too, and as a local policeman, Brad can’t help but play protector, looking out for Kendall. When he offers to help her renovate her new bakery space on the side, their friendship—and their attraction—flares back to life.

Amid the temptation of doughnut muffins and blueberry cobbler, a new temptation draws them both closer. Can they take a chance on love when it means risking their friendship, even when not doing so risks everything?


My thoughts: This was a fun and quick book to read, and was just what I needed to make me sit for awhile this week.  I was attracted to this book first off because of the title.  My maiden name is Kendall and I always thought it would be neat to have a daughter named Kendall (that didn't happen, but my daughter says if she ever has a boy she is going to name HIM Kendall - Oh well, close enough!)  

I really liked Kendall and while I didn't feel sorry for her (she had lost her husband Jake, a fireman, after just a couple of months of marriage), I did feel sympathy for her.  Even though she hadn't really started living again - after two years - she didn't really hit me as the type that would let you feel sorry for her.  She has some great friends in Georgie and Dee - but especially Georgie.  They want what is best for her and never tire in telling her what they think that is.  

On their urging she makes up her mind to go ahead and open up a bakery - something she has always wanted to do.  This also brings Brad, Georgie's brother, a reason to spend more time with her.  Brad and Kendall had been friends until Kendall married Jake.  What Kendall didn't realize was that Brad had more than just "friend" feelings for Kendall.

I loved the chemistry between Brad and Kendall.  I am not sure why it works for some authors when they write scenes that take chemistry, but it definitely worked here!  You could almost see the sparks sizzling off the page (ok - off the Nook, and No, I hadn't spilled something on it!) I got to the first good part when I was sitting in the dentist chair and had to put it away!  I couldn't wait to get home so I could start reading it again.  

If you need a quick, pick-me-up romance - especially with Valentine's around the corner - pick up Kissing Kendall!

~I received a complimentary ebook of Kissing Kendall from Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.~

Purchase links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


Jennifer was nice enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for me!  Please welcome her to Books and Needlepoint!


 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK OR ONE YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND?  
 Hands down my all-time favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Her humor is THE best. Plus she has a great way of taking unlikeable characters in the beginning then making you root for them by the end of the book. My favorites are HONEY MOON and NOBODY’S BABY BUT MINE.
Check them out!

DO YOU HAVE MUCH SAY IN THE TITLE OR COVERS OF YOUR BOOKS?
Well, it really depends on the publishing house. But I can say that with Entangled Books, they’re really great at listening to your suggestions. They manage to nail exactly what I’ve wanted both times.

 WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Hmm…I don’t know if there is much left to me that I haven’t already purged on my blog. But people may not be aware that I am a HUGE Three Stooges fan.

We just watched the new Three Stooges movie with our son and he loved it.  There might be another Three Stooges fan now! 


WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
First off, what spare time? LOL! But most often than not, I’m either reading or trying out a new recipe. I do love to cook!

HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL ABOUT HAVING A WRITER IN THE FAMILY? DO THEY READ YOUR BOOKS?
 My in-laws tend to be my BIGGEST fans—especially my father-in-law, who is a big Tom Clancy reader and so not a romance fan. Both of them have read everything I’ve written and don’t hesitate to brag to all their friends. I think that’s both hilarious and sweet. J

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD? Early! Well, fairly early.

FAVORITE SEASON? Summer hands down. I live in a beach resort. Nuff said.

FAVORITE SPORT? I LOVE baseball—especially going to live games. When I first got married, we lived in the Boston area for five years and made it to Fenway Park dozens of times. I’m still a BIG Red Sox fan.

TALK OR TEXT? Texting all the way! (except to my mom and to my in-laws) J

CAT OR DOG? I’m a huge dog person and am looking to adopt one right now. (Just don’t tell my kiddo that yet)

That's so cool!  I am hoping to add a new puppy to our mix in March!

This was so much fun!  Thanks so much for having me!
I hope you all get to check out my sweet romance KISSING KENDALL and also my upcoming Valentine’s novella A LITTLE BIT CUPID released this month, which is guaranteed to be UBER FUN!


About Jennifer Shirk: : Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy--which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, The Role of a Lifetime.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter or become a friend on Facebook.

Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferShirk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjennifershirk
Website: http://www.jennifershirk.com/
Blog: http://www.jennifershirk.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3112488.Jennifer_Shirk


For all my readers - I will be spotlighting A Little Bit Cupid on Valentine's day and reviewing it in February - so come back and check it out!


Publisher/Publication Date: Bliss, December 2012
ISBN: 978-1-62266-813-7
202 pages
Contemporary Romance

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop - Jan 18 - 24 - (U.S. Only)


It's time for the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop - hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf.  The giveaway will run from Jan 18 to midnight on Jan 24 and is open to U.S. only.  I will be giving away a copy of The Bracelet by Roberta Gately.




Humanitarian aid Abby Howell and reporter Nick Sinclair find themselves in the middle of a human trafficking ring in Pakistan. When Abby realizes she may have witnessed a murder by a high-ranking official, she and Nick must break the story before she becomes its next casualty.


Be sure to enter all the giveaways on the Hop!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Book Review: Amanda's Story by Brian O'Grady


Amanda's Story
by Brian O'Grady
Partners in Crime Tours






In his national bestseller HYBRID, Brian O'Grady created a bracing and vividly realized tale of a virus gone out of control. At the center of that story was Amanda Flynn, a woman not killed by the EDH1 virus, but changed in frightening ways. HYBRID only hinted at the story of Amanda's work in Honduras that led to her exposure and the ramifications when the American government sought to contain the damage. Now, that story can be told. AMANDA'S STORY is the heart-stopping tale of a woman caught up in a storm she wanted no part of, and what happens when she refuses to be collateral damage. It is the story that readers of HYBRID have been waiting for and that new readers will find impossible to put down.






“Does it make any of you angry that a little less than a year has gone by and very few Americans remember what happened?" Mindy McCoy, super-model turned talk show host asked the four women that surrounded her. She shifted her long legs and casually inclined toward the pale, blonde woman to her left, just as the voice in her ear had instructed.

For a moment Amanda met the gaze of her host, but became distracted by the movement of the cameras that prowled the perimeter of the group just beyond the glare of the stage lights. She had said very little during the fifteen minute interview and it was becoming uncomfortably obvious. Heather Waylens shifted her legs as well, just not as casually as Mindy, and the older woman's stony glare communicated one message to Amanda: do your part. A weak, joyless smile crossed Amanda's face as she stared into the cameras; she took a long breath as the panel, the audience, and the TV world waited.

“At this point in my life it takes almost everything I have to get out of bed in the morning. I simply don't have the luxury of being mad at anyone."

Mindy McCoy and the rest of the world waited for more, but Amanda's gaze had returned to the floor. The moment began to stretch and, just as everyone began to shift rather uncomfortably, Heather and one of the other panelists jumped into the void. At first, their comments stepped over the others, but it was Heather’s voice that prevailed. “The American mindset is always looking forward. It is a requisite for progress and one of the reasons that America leads the world in so many ways. Of course, the cost of that is a short memory; we have to guard against the mistakes of the past being forgotten so that we as a people can incorporate those lessons as we work to fulfill our great destiny..." Heather continued for a full two minutes before yielding the floor back to their host who immediately took them to a commercial break.

The stage quickly filled with show personnel. Despite the attention of her make-up artist, Mindy whispered to Amanda, "Honey, we need a bit more from you." Her careful and practiced elocution had been replaced by a more natural drawl.

"Hold still or you won't be beautiful," the make-up artist scolded Mindy with a lilt.

"Amanda," Heather called from across the stage, but the frenetic activity gave Amanda a convenient excuse to ignore her summons. "You need to tell your story, for everyone's sake," she pleaded with a tone that was much too close to a demand.

"Especially yours," Amanda whispered to herself. Everyone was trying to turn her grief to their advantage, particularly Congresswoman Heather Waylens. Her husband, the previous Representative of Kansas' third district, had died along with 202 others, including Amanda's husband and their two-year-old son, when Delta flight 894 crashed into an Iowa cornfield. The governor of Kansas appointed Heather to serve out her late husband's term, but she had every intention of holding onto that seat well beyond the remaining sixteen months, and perhaps other seats as well. She used her loss and the pain of others to further her ambition, and right now Amanda hated her. She had never hated anything or anyone in her entire 24 years, but she was certain that at this instant she hated the Congresswoman from Kansas. It was a good hate, a righteous hate that for a moment burned brightly in the confines of her hollow soul, and then, just as quickly as it had flared, it began to fade, depriving Amanda of its heat and energy, leaving her drained from the emotional effort.

A figure suddenly blocked the bright lights and Amanda found a young, slight man scanning her face. "Just checking for shiny spots," he said while leaning in close and inspecting her forehead. "Sweetheart, you were made for TV," he sang while straightening, and playfully patted her nose with his powder-puff.

"Coming out in thirty seconds,“ a voice screamed, and the flurry of activity that surrounded the group spun even faster. Something touched Amanda's hand and she turned to find Mindy's face inches from hers.

“I know that this makes you uncomfortable, and it's more than a little intimidating, but try and forget all this," her arm swept across the stage. "Ignore the lights, the cameras, even the Congresswoman, and just talk to me as if we were in your kitchen. Lust us two girls, no one else." Mindy's eyes sparkled, her smile was natural and infectious, and Amanda realized that Mindy had more going for her than just a singular beauty, a perfect figure, millions of dollars, her own TV show, and uncounted adoring fans.

“I’ll try," Amanda answered.

"People what to hear what you have to say; they should hear it, and between you and me, I would prefer that it come from you rather than a politician." Her head gave a quick jerk toward Heather.

"It's difficult for me to care about what other people need." Amanda paused as the stage lights came up. "That didn't come out right." She smiled. "I probably should be angry; maybe at the mechanic who didn't fix the door correctly or Delta Airlines for not insuring that he was properly trained, or, as Heather would like people to believe, the Transportation Board and the government for allowing Delta to perform their own inspections. Maybe I should take it all the way up to God, who gave me something wonderful and then snatched it back. But what does it matter? In the end they're still gone, and their absence is all I can feel."

"You're trapped," Mindy said.

"I'm stuck; that's what everyone tells me. It's why I'm here; to get 'unstuck.'" Amanda briefly smiled but then her head sagged as she began to examine a spot on the stage a few feet in front of her shoes.

"But you don't want to get unstuck, because as long as you still feel their absence in some way they're still with you," Mindy said softly with a tone that revealed more than understanding. "Getting unstuck means taking a step away from their memory and is an acknowledgement that they are never coming back; that things will never be as they were.”

Amanda looked up from the studio floor and found Mindy's eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"My parents when I was thirteen." Mindy said, answering Amanda's look. “The details aren't important. What is important is that I know what it means to be stuck. I know what it's like to have others tell you that you need to do this or that, feel this way for this amount of time, and then move on to this next stage. But they really don't understand what being stuck means. In some ways, it's an acknowledgement of the people that we've lost, how their passing has torn out a large part of you, and that "moving on" means filling that void with something other than them. In some ways it's a violation of their memory."

Amanda stared into Mindy's flawless face and realized that someone else in the world understood; that she really wasn't alone. Since the accident, she had met with more than a dozen other "survivors" of Flight 894, and each of them had managed to either move past their grief or controlled it well enough to put on a brave face, which only increased Amanda's isolation.

"But you survived," Amanda managed to say with only a slight waver.

"For a long time, that's all I could manage." Mindy's perpetual smile had a painful edge as her hand slipped into Amanda's and they shared a private moment on national television. "My director is having a fit upstairs because we are so far off topic and I'm starting to sound more like Dr. Phil than an empty-headed talk show host. I think he's afraid that if I show more than one-dimension I'll demand more money." The studio audience erupted in a mixture of laughter and applause. "Well, I think we are right on topic." Mindy let go of Amanda's hand and half-rose from her seat. She faced the camera and had to shout over the audience who began to cheer. "A year ago two hundred and two people died in what some say was a plane crash that should never have happened, but the human toll was far greater than that, and these four ladies, along with hundreds of others, will have to deal with their loss every day for the rest of their lives. My next two guests will hopefully try and explain why. Coming up after this short video salute to the victims of flight 894 is Kevin Tilits of the National Transportation Authority, and Dennis Hastings, President of Delta Airlines." The audience cheered louder and the stage lights dimmed.

A stagehand appeared at Amanda's side and began to unclip the microphone attached to the collar of her blouse. "Please follow me," he told Amanda rather curtly the moment she was free.

"Can you give me just a moment?" She asked the young man. "Thanks, Mindy," she said reaching for her host's arm.

"Can you stay until I'm done here?" she asked Amanda, who nodded. "Good. Will you please escort Mrs. Flynn to my dressing room?" She ordered the stagehand as much as asked him, and then returned to the argument she was having with her director.

Amanda followed the irritated and hurried man offstage; apparently Mindy's dismissive attitude toward the crew was not entirely unusual and Amanda felt obliged to apologize for his help.

"Don't worry about it; she always gets this way when the boss man is riding her."

"I think she's in trouble because of me," Amanda said as they navigated through a maze of cables, wires, and video equipment.

"Are you kidding me? That was great TV. It'll be all over the entertainment channels in an hour, and tomorrow our share will be up by at least ten points. If she keeps this up she won't have to ask for more money; they'll be throwing it at her.” He opened a door for Amanda, and as she walked through, she felt his eyes follow her into the room. “Do you have anyone here with you/ I could bring them up while you wait."

"That would be nice, but I don't want to impose."

"You're not imposing, it's my job."

"My mother-in-law, Lisa Flynn, is in the yellow room. She's about five-five, short brown hair..."

"It's OK; I think I can find her. I'll be back in a moment." He closed the door and the latch closed with a muted click.

Mindy's dressing room was in a word sparse. She had a table covered with a variety of cosmetics. Above it was the obligatory mirror rimmed with bright lights, and aside from a small sofa and a recliner, the only other thing in Mindy's room was a television, which was tuned to her show. Amanda quickly turned the TV off as the video showing the remains of Flight 894 focused on an undamaged teddy bear lying on its side. Behind it was a shattered airplane seat. This particular frame had become the symbol of the tragedy and it pierced Amanda to the core. It was the main reason that she had been invited here. The bear's name was Fred T. Bear, and Amanda had bought it for her son's second birthday, a month before he died. She had no idea whether the seat behind Fred belonged to her son, her husband, or someone else. It didn't really matter; they were gone. Only Fred had survived, and he was safely wrapped in plastic somewhere in her in-laws's home.



My Thoughts: I haven't yet read Hybrid, but after reading Amanda's Story I am really looking forward to it.  The book actually starts out in Pakistan with the creation and theft of a new, never-before-seen virus that has the makings of being a terrorist's dream virus.  It is from that start that we meet Amanda and learn that she has recently lost her husband and young son in a plane crash.  She is having a hard time moving forward and seems to be stuck in her grief.

She goes to Honduras with the Red Cross on a rescue mission, but it turns into much more.  She watches her colleagues succomb to the virus that is rampant there, and becomes the survivor that now needs to be rescued.  But that is only the beginning.  She is placed in quarantine, as they are trying to figure out why she has survived.  Having been through so much in the last year - losing first her family, and then her co-workers is enough to change anybody - but throw in a deadly virus and you are bound to find yourself in a new place - not just physically, but mentally, psychologically, as well.

This was a great page turning read and I really felt for Amanda.  While not really being able to relate to her story, she was very easy to sympathize with. She has some great friends in the book that were fun to read about and I would love to have in-laws like she does.  I am not sure if it is necessary to read this book before Hybrid, but it would definitely not be a waste of time!



I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours in exchange for my unbiased review.

AMANDA'S STORY is Brian O’Grady’s second novel after his best-selling debut with Hybrid. He is a practicing neurologic surgeon and, when he is not writing or performing brain surgery, he struggles with Ironman triath- lons. He lives with his wife in Washington state.between California and Western Washington.



PURCHASE LINKS:   


TITLE: Amanda's Story
AUTHOR: Brian O'Grady
PUBLISHED BY: The Story Plant
PUBLICATION DATE: November 13, 2012
ISBN: 1611880475 (ISBN13: 978-1611880472)

GENRE: Suspense
# OF PAGES: 304

Two Cover Reveals! Falling for Her Fiance and Luck of the Draw


Falling for Her Fiance
by Cindi Madsen

 Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, and so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop. Putting their friendship on the line is dangerous, but so is passing up a chance at true love…

 Purchase Links



Luck of the Draw
by Kelley Vitollo


 Rowan McKinley isn’t looking for one wild night while vacationing in Vegas, but she gets it anyway when she meets professional poker player—and professional ladies’ man—Breck Wilder. Breck’s easygoing charm and lighthearted banter draw in the reserved Rowan, and though she’s always dreamed of the kind of forever love her best friends Sidney and Kade share, she’ll settle for one night with the charismatic player.

            After their crazy one-night stand, Breck never expected to see the mysterious redhead again. So when he shows up at a Shamrock Falls B&B looking to get away for a few weeks and Rowan answers the door, he’s floored. Breck’s rolling-stone lifestyle and ill-fated history with women means he’s not interested in anything long-term. But the longer he stays at the B&B, the more he considers dropping the poker face and putting all his cards on the table…for Rowan.
Purchase Link

Monday, January 14, 2013

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop!




Welcome to the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop being hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

I am giving away a $10 Amazon (or Barnes and Noble) Giftcard to one lucky person.   Just leave your name and email in the comments to enter!  That's it!  Be sure to enter all the other giveaways below!










LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...