Wreckage - Review

Review by Darcie Czajkowski

Everything about Lillian Linden’s life is a lie. It has to be that way. She has to protect her family. So she lies, even though she hates the person she’s become. The light in her eyes is gone. Her family doesn’t know who she is anymore. She’s a shell of the vibrant wife and mother that she used to be.

Dave Hall is the only other person who knows the lies. He was there too. He understands why they are lying, though he didn’t want to initially because the lies meant returning to a life he didn’t want. A life he had been relieved to get away from before everything changed forever.

Lillian and Dave were involved in a plane crash and now that they have returned home after two years of living on a deserted island, they are telling their story. No, they are telling practiced and honed lies instead of their story. No one can know the truth. Though the two don’t speak anymore, for their own reasons, they know each other in ways that no one else could even begin to understand. Both stand strong in their stories, hoping that hard-nosed, ruthless reporter, Genevieve Randall, doesn’t sniff out the truth and expose them. Their demeanors must be relaxed; they must execute each answer deliberately, without faltering, without flinching, without any hint of insecurity, and devoid of any discrepancies.

Because what would happen if their families learned the truth? Would they ever be able to forgive them?

Emily Bleeker’s Wreckage had me hooked from the very beginning and kept my rapt attention throughout. I loved the varying perspectives between Lillian and Dave, and also the fact that the book vacillated between present and past tense. The characters were layered and real, and Bleeker’s descriptions of the island on which Lillian and Dave lived for nearly two years came alive. Many questions were planted early on, leaving the reader eager to turn the next page and find out the answers to the secrets. And also to wonder: what would happen if the truth is revealed? Will it even be revealed or will the characters have to live a lie for the rest of their lives? Wreckage brings intrigue, romance, insight into the complexities of relationships, life and death scenarios, and fearful situations that no one would ever dream of having to live through. For a gripping, engaging novel with an exotic, captivating setting, I’d highly recommend Wreckage.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

I’m a mom of four, an author and Chicagoland native. My first novel, WRECKAGE, will be released by Lake Union Publishing March 1, 2015! I’ve also been working hard on my second book, BEYOND. I’m learning to balance life as a stay-at-home mom with my life as a writer. Both come with a lot of laughter, tears and a shocking amount of Diet Coke.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Confessions of a Bookaholic & A Giveaway!

Being a book blogger, I have had the privilege of getting to know some truly amazing people. Visiting us today is Jennifer O'Regan of Confessions of a Bookaholic.  She is an amazing person who has done a tremendous amount for the literary community.  She has a heart of gold and is here today to share 12 things about herself.  She's also gifting one lucky winner a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.  Open internationally. (I told you she’s wonderful!).  

                                                                          

“12 Things About Jennifer O’Regan”

Confessions of a Bookaholic

1.    I shoot a mean three-pointer!

2.    Prior to moving to Washington, DC, my husband and I resided in Newport, RI.

3.    We were married in Newport as well and our wedding song was "Lucky"--which is indicative of how I feel pretty much every day. ;)

4.    I walk my dogs, sans makeup, donning a ballerina bun and printed pajama pants. Here's hoping none of my neighbors feel the urge to Instagram my fashion choices one of these mornings.

5.    My all-time favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption.

6.    I am not a fan of confined spaces. Subsequently, I'm a terrible flyer. (Think Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids.)

7.    Most nights you can find me nestled on the couch with my hubby and our fur babies, Annabelle and Allie.

8.    My iPod contains everything from Bruno Mars to Sia to Jason Mraz.

9.    I am a voracious reader but I have been known to binge watch good TV (Better Call Saul, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, True Detective).

10.The Wounded Warriors Project is a charity near and dear to my heart. I'm running an 8K in support of our veterans this summer.

11.A four-year-old girl in Starbucks once mistook me for Queen Elsa of Arendelle. You might say she's my celebrity doppelgänger.

 12.I am a roller coaster junkie. I have ridden some of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world--including this bad boy at Cedar Point.

Jennifer’s Bio:

In addition to fostering a love of literacy within her unprivileged high school students, Jennifer has many noteworthy philanthropic accolades. During her husband’s plight with cancer--she single-handedly raised over 3,000 books for the Johns Hopkins Hospital Oncology Patient Library. Jennifer is now sharing her unbridled passion for reading via Confessions of a Bookaholic–-a page dedicated to celebrating female authors.

Connect with Jennifer at:

Facebook * Twitter

 Jennifer is generously giving

One lucky winner a

$50 Barnes & Noble gift card!

Open Internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

War of the Wives - Review & Giveaway

Review by Melinda Garza

Tamar Cohen's War Of The Wives is a read that kept me entertained. Simon Busfield was married to two completely different women and had two different families. Simon's first wife, Selina, is older than his second wife, has three children, Flora, Felix, and Josh, from him, and they live in a suburban home. They were married for 28 years. Simon's second wife, Lottie, is the younger wife, has a daughter, Sadie, with him, and they live in a city apartment. They were married for 17 years. After his death, Lottie finds out she is pregnant again. 

Somehow, for all these years, neither wife knew about the other until Simon dies mysteriously one night. Selina is notified of the death and finds he is wearing a different person's wedding ring. Selina plans for Simon's funeral. Lottie finds out about his death when an ex-boyfriend voices his condolences to her. The dreadful truth is revealed in front of everyone at the funeral. Things start to take an atrocious turn from there. 

Simon's betrayal brings out all kinds of truths and secrets. Their worlds were built on all sorts of lies. Their homes were at risk of repossession, they had families who really weren't their families, money became a hot issue, and they all begin to fall apart. Things use to feel safe for them all. The person who they thought was their husband or father was someone else entirely. 

This story kept me on my toes and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The suspense continues up until the very end of the book. I would recommend War Of The Wives to readers. It is addictive.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Tamar Cohen (who also writes as Tammy Cohen) is a freelance journalist writing for national magazines and newspapers. A late starter to fiction, she has now written five novels - The Mistress's Revenge, The War of the Wives, Someone Else's Wedding, The Broken and Dying For Christmas - all published by Doubleday/Black Swan. Her sixth novel, First One Missing, is out in July 2015. 

She is a Writer in Residence at Kingston University and lives in North London with her partner and three (nearly) grown children, plus one very badly behaved dog.

Connect with the author at:

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Harlequin is giving 1 lucky winner

A print copy of War of the Wives

US/Canada Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Surprise Romance Collection - Review & Giveaway

Sweet Surprise Romance Collection

Nine Contemporary Romances by authors:

Wanda E. Brunstetter, Kristin Billerbeck, Kristy Dykes, Aisha Ford, Birdie L Etchison, Pamela Griffin, Joyce Livingston, Tamela Hancock Murray, Gail Sattler

                                   

Review by Deb Czajkowski

Sweet is the operative word on more than one level.  First, this book is a collection of nine separate stories, all romances, and all (spoiler alert!) very sweet and predictable, with no surprise twists in the plotlines.  The second sweet aspect (and perhaps the surprise aspect?) comes in the form of a baked treat in each story.  In some of the stories, the delicious dessert is a strong−but still secondary to the romance−focus of the storyline.  In others, it’s just a sweet addition that adds a bit of interest and delightfully connects these nine stand-alone romances.  A bonus is that at the end of each short story is a recipe that was prominent in that narrative.  Sweet!

Kayli, in Sweet as Apple Pie by Kristin Billerbeck, is a European trained chef who has opened her own neighborhood bakery in California.  Adam is a contractor from a small town in Montana who is hired to build a major restaurant/bakery café just down the street from Kayli.  How does author Kristin Billerbeck bring two such unlikely people together?  With−you guessed it! −apple pie.

While cupcakes are Cynthia’s specialty in Cupcakes for Two by Birdie L.Etchison, she loves baking just about anything. So starting her own online baking school proves to be a great way to share her gift for culinary concoctions as well as to distract her from Gabe, the handsome but headstrong owner of the B&B she now manages.  Will Cynthia’s sweet nature or his sweet tooth be his undoing?

Lorna is a young widow returning to college.  She is intent upon finishing her degree; and also intent upon not finding a new romance. It’s here she meets Evan, a fellow student and a culinary novice, who falls for her on Day 1.  How will author Wanda E. Brunstetter use blueberries in her story, Blueberry Surprise, to heat things up for Evan and Lorna?

In Pamela Griffin’s Bittersweet Memories & Peppermint Dreams, Erica proves that to try, try, and try again does not always get you to success, especially if you have absolutely no knack in the kitchen department.  Despite her domestic disasters, will Erica try and try again for sweet success in the romance department?

Dairy Baked is looking for a new photographer for their ad campaign.  Gwendolyn is known for her creativity behind the camera, but applying her creativity to her culinary concoctions proves calamitous.  In Cream of the Crop by author Tamela Hancock Murray, will Gwendolyn’s dairy disasters lose her this big account?  Will they lose her the respect of—and perhaps something more−from the boss’s son?

Apple Annie is Apple Valley Farm’s third generation owner’s nickname, and for good reason.  Not only is her Awesome Caramel Apple Pie known far and wide, but the restaurant is chock full of everything apple, thanks to Annie’s degree in marketing and her devotion to the property’s success. Then the unthinkable happens.  How will Joyce Livingston, author of Apple Annie, turn heartache into happily-ever-after for Annie?

When Angel inherits an old building, she sees her dream of opening her own restaurant finally coming true.  Getting it ready and making it a success are all Angel can think about, all she can focus on, all she wants to focus on.  Cyril, on the other hand, is a business owner in the neighborhood who believes faith, family, and friends should rank highest in the success category.  Author Kristy Dykes strives to show us in Angel Food that your home truly is where your heart is.  Where will Angel’s heart end up?

Monica and Gil were teen sweethearts, long ago separated by a family feud that also divided the two restaurants the families had jointly owned.  Now, Monica’s family does “Just Desserts”, while Gil’s family runs the restaurant.  A client wants Monica’s famous desserts for her wedding, but she also wants Monica to cater the main meal, something Monica cannot do.  Enter Gil.  Can Gil and Monica work together to fulfil this contract? Will the two families stand in the way of either a business collaboration or a personal one?  Read Aisha Ford’s Just Desserts to find out!

Apple Pie in Your Eye by Gail Sattler brings us Lynette, the pastor’s daughter, and Rick, a faith filled member of the congregation.  Rick has loved Lynette for years, but Lynette won’t date a congregational member.  When the church roof needs to be replaced, a serious fund-raiser is required, and Rick and Lynette join forces to bring in the dough.  (Yes, like pie crust dough.)  J   Will their combined efforts cash in enough to pay for the roof?  Can Lynette get past her fears to see her future?

These nine fictional concoctions unfold into lovely literary dramas, filled with faith and joy and love.  If you enjoy light-hearted romance with the added sweetness of culinary delights, you will find these stories and recipes heavenly.  Whether you are a romantic at heart, looking for uplifting reads, or you just love to try new recipes, you will find it in Sweet Surprise Romance Collection.  Happy reading; happy baking!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

BarbourBooks is giving 3 lucky winners a print copy of

The Sweet Surprise Romance Collection!

Open Internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The One That Got Away - Review & Giveaway

Review by KT Sullivan

Sarina Mahler had a one night stand with Eamon Roy, her friend Danny’s friend. He still haunts her dreams even though she’s engaged to Noah. A former Olympic swimmer, Eamon was in a bad car accident. He’s now moving back to Austin to work on promoting the sport.

Sarina is an architect and renovates older homes. Her stepfather, John, taught her how to spot a keeper and do the work herself. Danny suggests she help Eamon find a house. She wants to, but feels unfaithful to Noah who’s busy travelling the world and planning their future. He finds her profession expendable when they have children.

Sarina tries to concentrate on her business, but loses an important contract. Noah reminds her that once they’re married, her job will be secondary. All comes to a screeching halt when John suddenly dies. Sarina attends the memorial service and hears what a wonderful friend and neighbor John was to all. She goes back to his house, thinks about her mother, and what would make her happy.

Sarina is forced to pick one of the men in her life. Was falling in or out of love ever easy?

I liked Eamon and Sarina as a couple. Both have been disappointed and set low expectations for a relationship. They fall in love in spite of themselves. Everyone has searched the name of a former flame. The Internet makes all past loves come back to life. Searching for someone is easier and more painful. Many questions unanswered and wrong and right choices made.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

“12 Things About Bethany”

1. I have the world's smallest tattoo. My first year in design school, I accidentally stabbed my finger with a drawing pen, and the little black dot is still there.

2. My favorite song to sing at karaoke is Jamie O'Neal's "There Is No Arizona." I also love singing Heart, Journey, Pat Benetar and Foreigner. I look like a quiet girl but I can whale on a mic like it's my job.

3. I have a serious shoe addiction. Will not disclose the number of pairs I own.

4. The word "balls" unfailingly makes me laugh.

5. Tina Fey is the closest I have to an idol. 

6. Getting assigned a nickname by a friend or coworker makes me unreasonably happy.

7. I've been known to huff the leather samples at work. (This phenomenon is related to the shoe addiction.)

8. I am 100% a mountain person, not a beach person. One of the best feelings on earth is being northbound on the interstate on my way to the Catskills. 

9. I studied in England for my junior year of college, and never really got over it. I'd move back in a heartbeat if anybody ever gave me a reason.

10. Subway etiquette infractions still annoy me even though I've been living in New York for 15 years. You'd think I'd be used to it by now... but no.

11. I didn't watch much TV growing up, which has resulted in huge (and, apparently, appalling) gaps in my pop culture knowledge which my husband has taken it upon himself to rectify. 

12. I believe leopard print is a neutral.

About the Author:

After growing up in the foothills of the Northern Virginia Blue Ridge, I headed to Williams College for a degree in English. Only in the spring of my senior year did I begin to consider how exactly I might earn money with a degree in English. And this gave rise to the logical answer: interior design!

I've been working in the architecture & design industry for over eight years now, but when I'm not hanging out with mess-makers and paint-slingers, I'm writing. And when I'm not writing, I enjoy photography, karaoke, and complaining about being flat-chested.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Enter to win a print copy of

The One That Got Away
US Only

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12 Things About Melissa of Chick Lit Central & A Giveaway

“12 Things about Melissa A (from Chick Lit Central)”

a.k.a. The Book Fairy

Marlene invited me to visit Book Mama today, and she is over at Chick Lit Central. Her latest idea for her blog posts is "12 Things." It seems like coming up with these items is easier for her than me, so just humor me a bit! There's something in it for you, as I have some fun items to give away to a lucky US winner. (Marlene is doing an international giveaway though, so stop on by my blog and enter that giveaway if you live outside of the US.)

I'm thrilled that CLC and Book Mama are blog sisters. We're a great match and we have fun planning posts together. Marlene is a wonderful woman and I'm thankful to have her as a friend!

1. The first time I started a book group online was a V.C. Andrews fan club in 1996. I still talk with some of the people who originally joined.

2. My favorite sport is bowling and I met my husband because of it.

3. My twitter handle (@eema2emma) is because eema means mom in Hebrew and "EMMA" is my three kids' first initials and our last initial.

4. I've lived in the Chicago suburbs for most of my life and have only been in the DC area for the past five and a half years. I feel like I was meant to live here though.

5. I have a personal blog where I like to talk about fun memories, pop culture, religious stuff, etc. I have a blog post for just about any topic that someone brings up.

6. When I'm not taking care of my kids, blogging, or reading, I work at a non-profit. I've been there for over five years and love it.

7. I love Broadway musicals. I usually find myself singing songs from those the most.

8. I could spend hours in my favorite thrift store if someone let me. I have found some cool "treasures" that way. (Mostly CDs and DVDs I really wanted, but still....)

9. My first job, aside from babysitting, was working the takeout section of my favorite Chinese restaurant.

10. Unlike Marlene, I am not a coffee drinker at all. I love tea and hot cocoa though! And I do have some favorite mugs too.

11. The first book I ever received for review at CLC was The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen.

12. At my office, I'm most famous for having a huge basket of chocolate by my desk. No one can resist! 

Connect with Melissa at:

*Chick Lit Central:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

*Merrylandgirl (my personal blog):

Website * Facebook * Twitter

*My personal Twitter account

Also, be sure to head over to Chick Lit Central and check out my “12 Things About Marlene” interview.  I also have a fun prize pack full of some of my favorite things.  Be sure to enter!  xoxo

Here's what I'm giving away:

Some of my favorite snacks, along with my favorite tea

Two Sarah Pekkanen novels since she was the first author to take a chance on Chick Lit Central.

One of my favorite movies (have some tissues handy!!!)

One of my favorite products that will make your life easier.

A few other fun things.

US ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Good, The Bad, and The Furry - Review & Giveaway

Review by KT Sullivan

This is a book about cats. Lots of cats. The author is adamant about the benefits of owning multiple cats at once. “Churchill and Roosevelt loved cats. Hitler and Napoleon hated them.” His one cat in particular, The Bear, is the subject of a few chapters and there are pictures of him. The Bear is wise and intellectual. The author reads the cat’s mind and asks, “Can you tell me why I am a cat, please?” His cat, Ralph, is so named because his meow sounds like the word Ralph.

The Ten Catmandments are listed to help the owner understand his role as servant to his cat. He includes a pie chart to illustrate sleep deprivation and multiple cat ownership. He also runs through the cost of owning a pet. It’s an obligation to keep them healthy.

He has a brief recap of cats in movies. One I remember is Gay Purr-ee. It’s an animated film with the voices of Judy Garland and Robert Goulet. He sees his cats as family and discusses his problems with them. He also is the victim of kitty fever. When he sees a kitten, he wants more cats.

Pet lovers will be able to relate to this story. The author reminisces about childhood pets, recounts the devastation of losing a pet, and goes through a breakup and the division of pets. It’s funny when he brings his parents into the story. When his father speaks, it’s in all capital letters. A good ode to cat ownership.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Tom Cox is a British humor writer, best known for writing books about animals (in particular, cats) and golf.

Cox’s first book, Nice Jumper, detailed his adolescence at a golf club in Nottinghamshire, and was described by the novelist William Boyd as “Golf’s answer to Fever Pitch… Funny, clever, and all too horribly true.”  Its sequel, Bring Me The Head Of Sergio Garcia, was an account of his year as Britain’s most inappropriate professional golfer in 2006. Under The Paw, Cox’s bestselling book to date, is a memoir about his life as a cat lover. His next book, Talk To The Tail, published in January 2011, was a comic memoir detailing further encounters with cats and other animals. In 2013, Cox published The Good, the Bad, and the Furry: Life with the World's Most Melancholy Cat. Other writers to praise Cox’s writing besides Boyd include Kate Atkinson, David Sedaris and Julie Burchill.

Cox is also the author of two music books, Educating Peter and The Lost Tribes Of Pop, and in 1999 and 2000 was the Guardian’s Chief Pop Critic. He lives in Devon and currently writes columns on TV and golf for the Mail On Sunday and Financial Times respectively.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook *  Blog * Twitter 

Thomas Dunne Books is giving

1 lucky winner a print copy of

The Good, The Bad, and the Furry by Tom Cox

US Only

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