I received this book for review in December 2011, (you can read the review here). It quickly became our favorite children's book from 2011. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have the author Melanie Milburn as a guest today! Valentine's Day is coming. If you are looking for a wonderful gift for a child, expectant or new parents and/or grandparents, I highly recommend this book. It is a chocolate treat that will be enjoyed over and over. I also share this book with grandchildren in another state. It is a wonderful book and song, (a CD comes with it), to let a child know how much you love them everyday. Many of you know Junior, (the child in the pictures labeled One Face of Autism). He asks me all the time, "Grandma, you love me more than chocolate?". When I say yes, he is so delighted and tells me, "I love you too, more than chocolate." . Please enjoy this video of her singing the song, I Love You More Than Chocolate.
I hope you enjoy the very fun and musical guest post from Melanie below. I had a trip down memory lane with it and found myself playing all the songs once again. Amazingly, I remember all the words! Please do check out her wonderful book!
A Day in the Life of Miss Melanie - Preschool Teacher
In 2010/11, our class was made up of 12 very energetic boys and 3 sweet, angelic, girls.
Our day always begins with greeting time. In the past, I have begun our day with this song:
Hello children, hello children, hello children
But this year my song of choice was: WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
The first hour at preschool is free choice time; children have the opportunity to choose what they do and the teachers are there to supervise, interact with, and help the children solve problems. They may choose to do an art project, play blocks, work at the woodworking bench, or read books. This year’s favorite activity was, hands down, this:
EVERYBODY WAS KUNG FU FIGHTING
After free choice, the children are responsible for putting the toys away. I would sing …
IT’S TIME TO PUT THE TOYS AWAY,” and it worked very well.
Snack time:
Snack time is a very social time. This year’s favorite topic was quite interesting. It was all about bodily functions. I have yet to figure out why this subject fascinates 4-year-olds, but every year it does. Once again I found myself turning to song, to the tune of “Frere Jacques,” with some new words:
No more potty talk, no more potty talk, poop or pee, poop or pee
If I hear it one more time, I’m going to lose my mind
It must stop, it must stop!
Circle time is always fun. Stories are a must, science experiments, math activities, and more, as long as the children cooperate, follow directions, and listen.
The hardest part is just getting their attention and I have found that after 18 years of teaching the best way is to start whispering.
Please be quiet. No response. Please be quiet. No response. PLEASE BE QUIET! No response. So I use my big girl voice and say:
DON’T GIVE ME NO LINES, AND KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!
Right about now, an old Beatles song always crosses my mind.
HELP I NEED SOMEBODY …
Sometimes, I escape to my only place of sanctuary, the bathroom, where I proceed to give myself a much-needed pep talk.
“Come on Mel, you can do it. You are not afraid of anything. You are a Preschool teacher. Get out there and carpet denim, I mean seize the day!! You cannot be defeated!! I am woman, hear me roar”!! Or as Gloria Gaynor sang
I WILL SURVIVE
And then, it’s time to go.
We had so much fun, before you know it, our day is done
Goodbye children, Goodbye children, Goodbye children
It’s time for you to go
Na, Na, Na, Na, Hey, Hey, Hey, Goodbye
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Melanie Milburn is Director of New Horizons Preschool in Durango, Colorado, where she has been teaching for 18 years. She has been writing songs for over 20 years and has produced two CDs for children. Melanie recently transformed one of her songs into a book titled, “I Love You More Than Chocolate”. The book comes with a CD of Melanie singing the book and children love being able to listen to the CD while turning the pages of the book. To learn more about Melanie and her book go to her website,
* I received this book from the author. No promise of a review was given. No compensation was received.*
From the author:
It’s 1961 and Palm Beach socialite, irresistible rascal and devoted father Jack Morgan encounters genuine danger while staging his suicide to shield his beloved daughters from disgrace. Next, meet his daughter Charlotte (Charlie), an over-indulged 23 year-old struggling to cope with the traumatizing loss of her beloved father, her sister’s resulting mental breakdown and the discovery that she’s now penniless. Fortunately Raul, an admiring young attorney, appears to offer assistance. As terrified as she is about daily survival, Charlie soon realizes that she has to learn what drove her father to kill himself. With Raul’s much needed ego-bolstering and new-found determination, Charlie discovers a practical use for her lanky 5’ 11” frame. This career will not only finance her sister’s costly treatment, but an ocean-spanning journey that leads to disturbing truths about her father, a family she doesn’t know, crimes great and small, a diabolical villain and a fireworks of surprise endings.
My Opinion:
What if within a few weeks you lost your father to suicide, you lost your home, your sister, your way of life? What if you then discovered you were not who you are? Your sister does not have the same father as you? Your father was not the man you believed him to be? What if you didn't know what really happened to your mother? If these questions intrigue you, you will want to read this book.
I read and loved Lisa Smith's first novel, Dangerous Lies. Frankly, I was wondering if she would be able to maintain the level of writing in future books. When your first book is a 5 star read, it is hard to go up. Ms. Smith easily handled it. Lisa April Smith has proven herself to be a master story teller. She spins a web and you are happily content to be stuck on it. I was engrossed from the beginning of Exceeding Expectations. Ms Smith writes well thought out stories. I believe she researches and knows her subject matter. She brings to the shelf a book she can be proud of and one we can get lost in. Exceeding Expectations does exactly that. Ms Smith handled writing a story that goes from one location to another, one generation to another without dropping the ball. I am a person who looks at the cover for first indication as to my level of interest. I'm not fond of the cover, although I do understand's relevance. If you are also not fond of the cover, remember to not judge a book by it's cover, even if it fits. Which it does in the way that art is involved in this story, bad art by a man who hides his true identity from everyone. Perhaps even his self, as I imagine each time he is reinventing himself he is losing more of who he is. An intriguing thought. Perhaps one that will become more apparent in the sequel to this book, Paradise Misplaced. A sequel I am greatly anticipating.
If you are looking for compelling well written books, Lisa Smith is your author! Every month she has a giveaway of one of her books on her website. Be sure to check that out. I am sure you will like her! I know she would be thrilled to hear from you.
*An Ebook copy was given to me for review by the author. No compensation was offered or received. No promise of a good review was made. Opinions expressed are solely mine.*
Good Reads Blurb:
Lian and Figg are still recovering from events that almost destroyed their lives, but when a good friend comes to them with a serious problem, they can't turn him away. Soon, Lian and Figg are neck-deep in local vampire politics and framed for a massacre they had little to do with. On top of that, the local werewolf pack is sniffing around, looking for favors.
My Turn:
I was happy to see this sequel to Voodoo Dues, (review here), pop up. I had been eagerly waiting for it. I enjoyed Voodoo Dues but, as Stephany is a new writer, I was curious to see if she could keep it up. I am ecstatic to say YES SHE CAN.
The action comes fast and steady in Vampire Blues. The characters we loved in Voodoo Dues are back and just as quirky as ever. Ms Simmons has brought a gay ghost, vampires and werewolves into the story. Oh my!
One of my favorite characters is Carl who, in this book, brings with him a gay ghost. I do wish Boyd, the gay ghost, had a bigger role. I would have loved to read the conversations between him and Carl. I imagine they would be truly hysterical. Here is a sample of Carl for you:
Carl Tharpe, necromancer, former cross-dressing psychic and as of late, waiter, climbed out of the passenger side, unfolding his massive frame, even the SUV was too small for him. “Do you think they’re dating?” Figg asked me.
Carl was probably in his mid-thirties and easily six-foot-five. My best guess was that Rene was in her sixties, a diminutive five-foot-two at most. “I hope not,” I told Figg. “That would just
The door chimed and John walked in, wearing a pair of sweat pants that I’d forgotten I had and an oversized X-men t-shirt that Figg liked to sleep in. “Figg will kill you if you mess that shirt up,” I said. She’d told me so many times that it was old-school and that she’d never find another one like it.
“Give me a break, man,” John said, “It’s the only thing we could find that would fit me.”
“We?” I asked.
“Carl said I had to get dressed because his ghost was driving him nuts,” John sat in one of the club chairs near the door, “whatever that means.”
"Boyd is gay.” I grabbed a bottle of scotch and two glasses, walking over to join John. “If I didn’t need a drink before, I do now.” He took one of the glasses from me; I opened the bottle and poured.
Kindle Locations 667-675.
In this book Lian and Figg are trying to figure out their relationship. Carl being harassed by vampires, John maybe turning into a werewolf and trouble with a vampire stalker all get in the way of them figuring it out. But that is okay as we get to be a part of the action. There is plenty of it in this edition. Skip has to be one of the most unlikely vampires I know of. Forget sexy. However Skip does have his charm. Read on:
“For a few months now,” he looked up at me. “I know what you’re thinking. I thought the same thing.” “What?” I sat down across the table from him. “Vampires are supposed to be handsome and seductive.” It was exactly what I was thinking. I started to ask him if he could read my mind, but thought better of it. “I thought it would be like instant cosmetic surgery, at least liposuction.” He grabbed his gut and shook it up and down. “Have you ever heard of a fat vampire?” Kindle Locations 427-432
As you can see Stephany has a great sense of humor that shines throughout the book. She is also adept at writing action and romance, (clean), both of which are a big part of the book. The Lian and Figg series are not your usual paranormal books. Nobody is guaranteed to look perfect - not even the vampires who normally are. One gets the feeling that anything is up for grabs in the humor department and none of it appears to be truly mean spirited. Stephany writes of all types of paranormal so one never knows just who or what is going to be included in each book. I love this. It reminds me of Cracker Jacks - a surprise in every book. My one regret with this book is that it ended and now I must wait for the next installment. I hate waiting. Write more Stephany. Sleep is overrated. Haha.
Hi Everyone! Sorry but I had some personal issues going on and ended up away from the site. I have missed visiting so many of you! I am excited to be back and will be stopping by to catch up with what you are all doing and reading! Now on to my first review of the New Year!
Dangerous Lies by Lisa Smith
EBook & Paperback, 254 Pages
*An Ebook copy was given to me for review by the author. No compensation was offered or received. No promise of a good review was made. Opinions expressed are solely mine.*
Good Reads:
The trial had everything an ambitious prosecuting attorney could want: a solid case against a known crimelord and a seductively beautiful witness with a steamy past - ingredients guaranteed to pack a courtroom." From its first line, Dangerous Lies entices. Alternately raw, romantic, funny, and terrifying, this racy new thriller has two unforgettable protagonists. Tina Davis is the former mob mistress who inexplicably risks her life. Jake Stern, is the prosecuting attorney who hides a crippling fear behind a handsome stoic mask. Repelled by her past and obsessed with her presence, it's Jake's job to keep Tina alive.
My Turn:
Lisa sent me this book awhile back. Unfortunately, most of you know how it goes with TBR listings. I wish I could have gotten to it sooner.
I found this book a thrilling read. I admit, I do love the "mob" stories. I grew up in Chicago, (Al Capone, Tony Lombardo, Bugs Moran, Sam Giancana among others). I grew up hearing of stories of the mob, reading of them in the local papers and seeing them on the local news. Lisa wrote a book that reminded me of those stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was so into the book that I had a hard time taking breaks. When I needed to do something or was interrupted by that thing called life, I was annoyed. I found myself falling asleep with my Kindle in my hands because the hour was so late, only to wake up after an hour or so of sleep to read a little more. I was a grumpy camper in much need of solid sleep when I finished this book. Lisa had sent me a tweet with this message attached: Warning: expect the unexpected. She didn't lie. The book takes many turns. Even though I did figure it out she still managed to get the unexpected in. I was interrupted right at that part and nearly had a heart attack. I commented on it on Good Reads. I rushed through what was needed and returned to finish the book. I loved Tina. I was rooting for her almost from the start. She triumphed over a hard life. It was hard to end the book and say goodbye. Jake had me then lost me. I know this man. I have met him a few times with different names. Rose I often wanted to slap. Then I started wondering what made her the way she was. Perhaps someday Lisa will satisfy that curiosity. They are a few of many characters who will stay with you. I don't want to spoil the book by saying more but Lisa does play your emotions like Eric Clapton plays guitar.
I was amazed by how compelling a read this book was. I have a hard time thinking of this as being Lisa's first book. She writes in a more experienced way. Recently she released Exceeding Expectations. I found the title ironic since I feel she did that with Dangerous Lies. I am looking forward to reading this one. Lisa is a truly talented storyteller.
She really is an open and friendly author. Check her out, especially if you like legal thrillers. Every month she has a giveaway of one of her books on her website. Be sure to check that out. I am sure you will like her! I know she would be thrilled to hear from you.
Unbelievably I only received books from Jenn, Stephany Simmons and Natasha Larry (and possibly my Secret Santa) this year. I did hear from a few of you who complained that I was hard to get for because you didn't know what would make me happy.....BOOKS might have been the answer. Just saying because there are still some book giving occasions coming up and I don't want you to blow up your brains thinking about it, (the part about the brains is to children). You still have time.
Oh the book giving occasions? Here is a list:
January
January is National Hobby Month and reading is my hobby so actually any day in January to help me celebrate my hobby will do. But in case you want an actual date:
New Years coming up this weekend
Dia de los Mago Reyes on the 6th
Male Watcher's Day on the 8th (good for sizzling hot books - see February for sites)
Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day on the 12th (those hot books again - February hints)
Do A Grouch A Favor Day on the 16th, (I'm not a grouch but you may know one)
Random Act of Kindness Day on the 17th
Love Your Pet Day on the 20th, (awesome for animal book giving)
International World Thinking Day on the 22nd
Tell A Fairy Tale Day on the 26th, (great for giving adult fairy tales)
Leap Day on the 29th, (4 books this day - just an idea)
March
March brings us National Craft Month, (for crafting books), and Poetry Month, (poetry books)
Employee Appreciation Day and National Salesperson Day on the 2nd
I Want You To Be Happy Day on the 3rd, (I love this one)
Hug A GI Day on the 4th, (an excellent way to say thank you to a soldier or vet)
Multiple Personality Day on the 5th (I think each of my personalities deserves a book)
Incredible Kid Day on the 15th, (show a kid how incredible they are with an incredible book)
Freedom of Information Day on the 16th, ( let's exercise our freedom to give information by giving a book)
St. Patrick's Day on the 17th
Extraterrestrial Abductions Day and Ostara on the 20th
Make Up your Own Holiday on the 26th
April
National Humor Month, Lawn and Garden Month and Stress Awareness Month any day works for gardening books and humorous books. Bonus - both types also relieve stress!
April Fool's Day on the 1st
Children's Book Day on the 2nd, (don't forget classroom libraries on this day - teacher's often have to buy their own class books)
School Librarian Day, (how about gifting a book), on the 4th
No Housework Day on the 7th, (wait...what? ..there is an actual day for this? Help me celebrate. That's a bald face lie - I do not celebrate it everyday!)
Easter on the 8th
International Moment of Laughter Day on the 14th, (share some funny books)
National Librarian and Stress Awareness Day on the 16th, (is there a connection?)
Volunteer Recognition Day on the 20th
Girl Scout Leader Day on the 22nd (I think it should go with stress awareness - I was a leader)
Lover's Day, Take A Chance Day and MY BIRTHDAY on the 23rd (is that a coincidence?)
Administrative Professional's Day on the 25th (also World Penguin Day and I DO celebrate Penguin Day)
Take Your Child To Work Day on the 26th, (how about a book connected to what you do?)
Tell A Story Day on the 27th (NO it is not the day to tell me a lie - read me a story)
Great Poetry Reading Day and Kiss Your Mate Day on the 28th (what an awesome combo)
May
Foster Care Month, (show some love to the folks who are choosing to do this)
May Day, Beltane,Loyalty Day and Mother Goose Day are all on the 1st
World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd
Cinco de Mayo, ( I will not be to drunk to read), on the 5th
National Nurse's Day on the 6th, (which is also No Diet Day..just letting you know)
National Teacher's Day on the 8th, (which is also No Sock Day hmmm)
Eat What You Want and Twilight Zone Day (funny how they go together maybe because if you think you can eat what you want and not gain weight today you are in the twilight zone? I hear that weird music), on the 11th
Limerick Day on the 12th (find a fun limerick book for me)
Mother's Day on the 13th, (in USA) and the 10th, (Mexico), (children you know we celebrate both dates)
Dance Like A Chicken Day on the 14th ( I just want to see you chicken dancing in public - a book is a bonus)
Police Officer Memorial Day on the 15th, (donate children books in their memory)
No Dirty Dishes Day on the 18th, (means either we eat out or not at all since dishes includes pots in my book)
Armed Forces Day on the 19th, (send books to the troops)
National Waiters and Waitresses Day on the 21st, (leave a book WITH your tip)
Memorial Day and Amnesty International Day on the 28th
June
Gay Pride Month,(show some acceptance to the community), Candy Month and Turkey Lover's Month
National Doughnut Day on the 1st (a doughnut and a book are great - don't forget my coffee)
Best Friends Day on the 8th, (celebrate by reading a book together)
Hug Holiday on the 11th (I just love this one - books are a bonus)
Father's Day on the 17th
International Splurge Day and International Panic Day are both on the 18th ( splurge on some zombie books for me as they always create a panic )
Summer Solstice on the 20th Take Your Dog To Work Day on the 23rd, (I just want to see this) Forgiveness Day on the 26th, (nothing says forgive me like a book and an apology)
July
National Anti Boredom Month What better month to give book gifts in?
Canada Day on the 1st (gift books by Canadian authors) World UFO Day on the 2nd (gift UFO books) Independence Day on the 4th (celebrate by gifting history books) National Fried Chicken Day on the 5th (did Colonel Sanders come up with this? I don't care just send me some KFC with a book) Chocolate Day on the 6th (books & chocolate - the perfect gift) Cheer Up The Lonely Day on the 11th (read to them from a book you gift them) Different Colored Eyes Day on the 12th, (I had to put this one - my daughter Aimee has one eye that is half green and half brown and the other eye is 3/4 brown 1/4 green. Who knew they made a holiday for that? Guess I'll have to gift her a book) Ramadan begins on July 20th, (this makes July a perfect month to gift books by Muslim authors or ones to learn about the religion) Hammock Day on the 22nd, (perfect for reading a new book in! It's also Ratcatcher Day but I don't really want to know about that) Cousins Day on the 24th Aunt and Uncle Day on the 26th, (also All or Nothing Day) National Lasagna Day on the 29th National Cheesecake Day on the 30th
August
Family Fun Month and National Picnic MonthBooks would be great with both of these!
Lammas on the 1st US Coast Guard Day on the 4th, (gift your favorite Coastie a book) Friendship Day and Sister Day are on the 5th
BOOK LOVER'S DAY on the 9th, (now that is a holiday!) Lazy Day on the 10th, (so you can read the books you got on the 9th)
Relaxation Day on the 15th
Bad Poetry Day on the 18th Senior Citizen Day on the 21st, ( show some love by reading a book you gift to someone in a nursing home)
Be An Angel Day on the 22nd, (leave a book somewhere for a book lover to find) Kiss and Make Up Day on the 25th (romance books work well with this) Just Because Day on the 27th Race Your Mouse Day on the 28th, (who doesn't want to celebrate this one? I'll read while my cat does this)
September
National Courtesy Month, Self Improvement Month and Baby Safety Month Gift new and expectant parents with parenting books you found helpful or make them one with advice and memories of your parenting years
National Beheading Day on the 2nd, (what? we celebrate this? oookkkaaayyy now. Gift me a horror book and leave my head alone. Check out Dopamalovi Books for some good ones) Labor Day on the 3rd READ A BOOK DAY on the 6th, (gift me one to read) INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY on the 8th, (Gift books to needy schools internationally) Grandparent's Day on the 9th, (read with a grandparent, even by phone, if you are lucky to have them with you) International Talk Like A Pirate Day on the 19th Mabon on the 22nd Oktoberfest begins and it's Elephant Recognition Day on the 22nd (if you gift me a book I can read to the pink elephant) Ask A Stupid Question Day on the 28th, (I know people who celebrate this everyday)
October
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, (adopting or fostering a dog, or volunteer to play with and walk the dogs in a shelter), Breast Cancer Awareness Month, (donate books to a chemotherapy lab in your area), Domestic Violence Awareness Month, (donate books to a local shelter), and one I celebrate as often as I can, (even in other months), Sarcastic Month
Virus Appreciation Day on the 3rd,( who knew? I'm not certain which kind of virus we are appreciating but you can help me celebrate with zombie books) World Teacher Day on the 5th (donate classroom books around the world)
Oktoberfest ends with World Smile Day and Bald & Free Day on the 7th, (Bald & Free Day?) Curious Events Day on the 9th Take Your Teddy Bear To Work Day on the 11th ( I so want to see guys doing this one) COOKBOOK LAUNCH DAY on the 12th (what an awesome day! I will appreciate any and all cookbooks - even if you launch them at me) Bosses Day on the 16th is shared with Dictionary Day, (I'm just letting you know - might be a good way to gift them a dictionary though. Just sayin'.) Wear Something Gaudy Day on the 17th (so save up for this one okay. Warning: if I see anyone in gaudy wear I may post pictures) Sweetest Day on the 20th ( Sizzling romances make a great gift - see February for links) Frankenstein Friday on the 26th, (gift a Frankenstein book) National Make A Difference Day and Navy Day are on the 27th, (make a difference by fostering a love of reading in someone - gift a book ) Hermit Day on the 29th, (stay in and read) National Candy Corn Day and Mischief Night on the 30th (Just for fun. Sing "I Don't Like Candy Corn" at your neighbors door just like you were caroling.) Halloween on the 31st, (gift a horror book from Samhain Publishing)
November
National Adoption Awareness Month, (gift parenting books to new adoptive parents) NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH, (gift a book you have written. My favorite gift is a book written by Leo Lopez, when he was in grade school, (homework assignment). I helped him with it. His teacher had them bound. He gave it to me and I was surprised to see he had dedicated it to me. It is one of my prized possessions.)
All Saint's Day on the 1st All Soul's Day and Deviled Egg Day on the 2nd BOOK LOVER'S DAY and Sandwich Day on the 3rd, (this should be everyday) USMC Day on the 10th (gift a Marine with a book) Veteran's Day on the 11th - (gift a book to a Veteran's hospital) Young Reader's Day on the 13th, (why not leave a children's book or YA somewhere for a young person to find and delight in?) National Philanthropy Day on the 15th National Adoption Day and Homemade Bread Day on the 17th Occult Day on the 18th , (gift a witchy book) World Hello Day on the 21st, (say hello with a book) Make Your Own Head Day on the 28th, (I can't help but wonder about this one) Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day on the 30th, (stay home and read all day) * For those wondering why I skipped Thanksgiving Day - I am part Native American. I have many loved ones who are Native American. Thanksgiving in the traditional sense is not a holiday for me. Look it up. I'm not trying to be political but it is what it is. I am thankful for what I have everyday. I sing the Cherokee Morning Song every morning to give my thanks. For those interested here is a you tube video of it. It is sung by Walela and is on their album by the same name.
December
Write A Friend Month I hope everyone celebrates by writing a friend a letter and sharing a book.
Bath Tub Party Day on the 5th, (I need a bigger tub) St Nicholas Day on the 6th, (put your shoes out) Letter Writing Day on the 7th Hanukkah begins on the 8th National Ding-A-Ling Day on the 12th, (who doesn't know a ding-a-ling?) National Chocolate Covered Anything Day on the 16th, (Oh Yes! Happy Dance!) Bake Cookies Day on the 18th, (gift a cookie recipe book) Go Caroling Day on the 20th, (does anyone do this anymore? I use to love it) Yule on the 21st Festivus Day on the 23rd National Egg Nog Day on the 24th Christmas on the 25th Kwanzaa begins on the 26th and it is Boxing Day Card Playing Day on the 28th, (I thought this was every Friday night) New Year's Eve on the 31st
With the different holidays throughout the year there is always a wonderful time to gift books by Christian, Jewish and Wiccan authors as well as those by authors of Native American and African origin and authors from the GLBT community. Books on culture and traditions of the above are also make wonderful gifts.
Mixed in with the fun stuff are some regular holidays of different cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. I hope through out the year that you read and gift books from every culture, belief and lifestyle. The more we know of each other, the more understanding there is. Understanding leads to acceptance. Everyone deserves to be accepted as they are. You don't need to believe any different than what your heart tells you but you do need to be aware that neither does anyone else. There are misconceptions on all sides. There are people who do bad things in the name of all listed above. What we need to remember is that also in all of the above there are good people doing good things. I don't care what you are, what you believe, what you live. I care about who you are.
I hope you have fun with the dates above. I hope you celebrate many of them, especially the more odd, fun ones.
'Waiting On' Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
I am starting to get excited now. A book I have been dying for is almost out!
PO Box Love by Paola Calvetti
It is expected to be released January 31, 2012 by St Martin's Press. The wait is killing me.
Good Reads Synopsis:
A charming epistolary novel that chronicles the love story between Emma and Frederico, former high school sweethearts who meet again thirty years later.
At Dreams&Desires, 50-year-old Emma’s quaint bookshop in Milan dedicated to romantic fiction, the passionate bookseller serves coffee and tea to her customers and completes order slips in pen rather than using a computer. One day, she finds a mysterious handwritten note stuck between the pages of a novel. The message is from her high school sweetheart Frederico, who is now a successful architect in New York and whom she hasn’t seen in thirty years. When she finally meets Frederico again, Emma is convinced that her life is about to turn into a romance novel – an intercontinental fairy tale between Milan and New York, between two post office boxes and two lovers that are separated by the Atlantic Ocean and half a life. But Frederico is married, and their epistolary romance, punctuated by once-a-year sojourns on the island of Belle Ile, seems to have no future. PO Box Love is an ode to old-fashioned relationships (the ones that last a lifetime), old-fashioned habits (such as writing letters by hand in fountain pen) and old-fashioned notions (such as politeness, and the great lost art of conversation), and will enchant readers of such perennial favorites as 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and Same Time Next Year by Bernard Slade.
Here is another book I was waiting on
I Wish I Were Engulfed In Flames: My Insane Life Raising Two Sons With Autism By Jeni Decker
This book is currently available through Amazon but will not be in stores until January 17, 2012. I have read it and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in knowing what it is like to raise a child with autism. I will be reviewing this soon.
Good Reads Synopsis:
Jeni Decker is five-foot nothing and one hundred and [redacted] pounds—a self described roly-poly, forty-something, Reubenesque bon-bon of a gal, often called cute but never sexy. She has two sons with autism on opposite ends of the spectrum (Jake and Jaxson), a husband who prefers hunting to household chores, an Australian Shepherd named Sugar, and an albino frog named Humbert Humbert. This is her story—a brash, personal, and some-times shocking memoir of one woman’s determination to raise two healthy kids with autism and keep her sanity in the process. It’s not always easy. Between “poop” incidents, temper tantrums, and the “helpful” advice about parenting from her fellow citizens in the grocery store, Jeni often finds herself wanting to throw something. With chapters like: “Tickling the Weiner,” “Why I Hate Pokemon,” “Santa: Give it a Friggin’ Rest, Already,” and “Oprah’s the Reason My Kid Thinks I Want to Drown Him in the Tub,” I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames also includes mini-chapters written by her eldest son, Jake.
Readers looking for laughter and inspiration will find it here aplenty, along with tons of surreal anecdotes that will have you either shaking your head in disbelief (for those unacquainted with the world of autism) or nodding with recognition (for those who are). As Jeni says, “I developed a new ‘normal.’”
