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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Audio Review: Eona by Alison Goodman

Title: Eona (Eon #2)
Author: Alison Goodman
Narrator: Nancy Wu
Publication: April 19, 2011
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Source: Purchased
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 18 Hours 41 minutes
Format: Unabridged Audio
Rating: 5 of 5

Amazon|Goodreads|Alison Goodman

Synopsis: Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice. Now she is Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, her country's savior - but she has an even more dangerous secret. She cannot control her power. Each time she tries, it twists into a killing force. And more destruction is on her trail - High Lord Sethon's army. She and her companions must find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona's power if he is to wrest back his throne. But to help him, she must drive a dark bargain with an old enemy, which could obliterate them all. Eona, with its pulse-pounding drama, unforgettable fight scenes, sizzling tension - and many surprises - brings to a close an epic story.

My Thoughts: The sequel to Eon is even more intense than Eon. Must Eona lose everything in order to save the world. This story begin immediately after EON ends. Eon has revealed his true self and is on a quest to restore Kygo to his throne. Eona continues to have not control over her dragon power and she doesn't have anyone to train her. The land is in chaos, cyclones and torrential rains plague the nation. Alison Goodman brings more passion and danger to the story are Eona tries to harness her powers. Eona has a couple of love interests, and as always I root for the good boy. 

Nacy Wu again provides a stellar performance  This novel easily translated into audio. Wu makes the characters distinct individuals with her performance. 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happy Holidays Giveaway!!!


Happy Holidays from all of us here at Wanted Readers. We appreciate and value your patronage. 

To show how much we value you we are hosting a giveaway. There will be 2 winners (1 US and 1 International). Please enter the correct giveaway. 


Monday, December 24, 2012

Review: Curses For Sale

Title: Curses For Sale (Raven's Pass)
Author: Steve Brezenoff
Publication: August 1, 2012
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Source: Publisher via netgalely
Genre: Middle Grade
Rating: 5 of 5

Amazon|Goodreads

Synopsis: Weird and scary things happen after Jace buys an old toy car at a garage sale. Is the toy cursed?

My Thoughts: This is a quick, cute read. Jace manages to find big trouble and solve a mystery in this jam packed read. Young boys will relate to Jace and his challanges but   girls will also enjoy this series. 


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Audio Review: Eon by Alison Goodman

Title: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn
Narrator: Nancy Wu
Author: Alison Goodman
Publication: December 25, 2008
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Source: Purchased
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Length: 14 hours and 41 minutes
Format: Unabridged Audio
Rating: 5 of 5

Amazon|Goodreads|Alison Goodman

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Eon has a dream, and a mission. For years, he's been studying sword-work and magic, toward one end. He and his master hope that he will be chosen as a Dragoneye-an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune.


But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been masquerading as a twelve-year-old boy. Females are forbidden to use Dragon Magic; if anyone discovers she has been hiding in plain sight, her death is assured.
When Eon's secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a deadly struggle for the Imperial throne. Eon must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic...and her life.

My Thoughts: Only a few can be trusted with Eon's secret. If anyone else were to find out it would mean death for him. Eon has great courage and strength in the face of adversity. What ensues is a battle for power. Realizations about Eon's past and his ancestry will his live forever. 

All I can say is WOW!!. Alison Goodman has outdone herself with this novel. I didn't want to stop listening to this story.  I just had to find out what was next. Many of the secrets were easy for me to figure out early in the story, yet, this did not take away from my listening experience. 

This is an excellent outlet for an audio presentation. This is a single voiced presentation performed by Nancy Wu. She gives each character their own special something that makes them distinctive. The pace was perfect and the plot flowed smoothly. Overall I loved Nancy Wu's performance. 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Audio Review: Spellbound by Jacqueline West


Title: Spellbound (The Books of Elsewhere Vol 2)
Author: Jacqueline West
Narrator: Lexy Fridell
Publication: July 12, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Source: Purchased
Genre: Children
Length: 6 Hours 57 minutes
Format: Unabridged Audio
Rating: 5 of 5

Amazon|Book Website|Author Website|Goodreads

Synopsis:
With no way into the house's magical paintings, and its three guardian cats reluctant to help, Olive's friend Morton is still trapped inside Elsewhere. So when Rutherford, the new oddball kid next door, mentions a grimoire - a spellbook - Olive feels a breathless tug of excitement. If she can find the McMartins' spellbook, maybe she can help Morton escape Elsewhere for good. Unless, that is, the book finds Olive first.

The house isn't the only one keeping secrets anymore. Mystery, magic, corruption, and betrayal abound (plus just enough laughs to take the edge off). You'll never guess what happens next in this thrilling, chilling second volume in the critically acclaimed series.

My Thoughts: In this second installment Olive finds herself alone. The only ones who can take her into the painting to see Morton are the cats and they are always busy. When Olive finds out that many witches keep a grimoire she begins a mission to find the McMartin grimoire. Again Olive is naive in her mission and doesn't listen to the advice the receives. Will Olive live to see the light of day?

Again Lexy Fridell does an amazing job with her narrations. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators.  This story is an excellent platform for an audio production.  As a single voiced production Lexy Fridell does an astonishing job of differentiating each character and their accents. Fridell makes each character their own through her narration. I was excited that the narrator did not change for this second installment. I like to keep the same voice in my head as I experience each installment of a series. As the next in the series does not yet have an audio I will be reading it. 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Cover Reveal: Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz



Synopsis: Have you ever wondered what could be hiding in the shadows?

Well, for eighteen-year-old Zahara Faraday, she doesn’t have to wonder. You see she
comes from a lineage of Light Witches, those who have chosen to help protect and
serve between the supernatural world and the human world. The only problem is
Zahara, like her father Solomon, is as human as a human being can be whereas her
mother, Mia, and her Aunt Catalina, were born as Light Witches. As a family they hunt
down rogue supernaturals—creatures who harm humans or who have committed an
act against their kingdom.

Zahara’s hunting skills are usually kept dormant since her parents would prefer she
live life as a normal human girl without knowledge of the supernatural world. She
plans on doing just that—except when she finds a couple being attacked by fairies,
she has no choice but to step in. Before she can return to pretending to be blissfully
ignorant, Zahara encounters a problem she isn’t the least equip to handle: Bryan
Hamilton, the good looking new co-worker she has to help train. In a heartbeat, her
best friend, Becca King, has set her up on a double date with herself and her new crush,
Rekesh Saint-Louis, who happens to be the most powerful leader of the biggest Imago
Coven in South Florida –supernatural creatures with the ability to control water . . .
and suck out human souls.

Zahara has no time to focus on how she’s going to explain her double date with her
best friend and the enemy they have a tentative truce with to her parents because soon
one of the members of Mia and Catalina’s coven is found murdered with a strange
tattoo of a snake with wings carved into his arm.

Zahara is then thrown into a whirlwind battle with an angel determined to have
revenge against God, an Imago coven she doesn’t think they should trust, and slew of
dream-eating fairies and powerful Nephilims, hybrid children of angels and humans,
more than happy to rip her to shreds.

Normal just got a deadlier definition.

Go Inside Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1)

Coming January 31, 2013!

“Care to dance?” Bryan asked, already leading Zahara to the dance floor.

She pulled him back and shook her head. “I’m the worst dancer! My feet, hips, and body
don’t know how to coordinate well together, so I wind up looking like an ostrich trying
to bust a move.”

Bryan laughed and pulled her onto the dance floor. “Whether you look like an ostrich or
a ballerina dancer, you’re still the best lookin’ one here.”

He spun her around and placed his hands on her hips, attempting slowly to move her
in the same rhythm as his own. At first Zahara’s body moved stiffly, even under Bryan’s
warm and smooth hands, which were sending shivers creeping up her spine and around
her midsection; she couldn’t stop looking around the club. Stuck in between a group of
scantily clad teenage girls who kept dropping to their knees and bouncing back up, a
giggling mass of hysteria, and a Spanish couple pressed so tightly together their dancing
came off as borderline sex, Zahara felt like an alien. Even the hyena-sounding girls–who
Zahara was pretty sure, were all buzzed and quickly heading to being drunk—moved
with more skill than she possessed.

But Bryan pressed her closer against him and placed her arms to circle his neck from
behind. He moved a little faster and Zahara fell into step, laying her head against his
shoulder and closing her eyes to drown out the crowd. She focused on the hard muscles
of Bryan’s chest, his heated breath against her hair, and his fingers gripping her waist.
She absently wondered if it was wrong that an angel was dancing inside of a club full
of youth, and if this was as weird and exhilarating for him as it was for her. Bryan spun
her around to face him and kissed her. He wasn’t as gentle as he usually was, digging his
hand into her hair and nibbling on her bottom lip. Zahara whimpered and moved her
fingers underneath his shirt, digging her fingers into his back.

Bryan pulled back and laid his forehead against Zahara’s, his breath ragged and intense
enough to set her on fire. “You’re making this difficult.”

“Making what difficult?” Zahara huffed.

“Leaving you.” Bryan closed his eyes and kissed her again.

Fun Quotes

“Enough with the games, I know what you are, Nephilim and if you make one move, I
promise I will crave you open.” ~Zahara

“You caught me, I was definitely dreaming of you. If I remember correctly, you were
frolicking on a beach, wearing a pretty skimpy red bikini and some kind of flower in
your hair. Gotta say that was the best dream I’ve ever had.” ~Bryan

“Time is endless for a being such as I. Power is the only master I trust.” ~Lucifer

“All those night long phone calls! All those secret visits to my house! All those secret
walks! And you’re fond of me! You think I’m being over dramatic! How about I break
your face open for over dramatics!” ~Becca

“Solomon, you will remember that although I agreed to ally myself and my coven with
yours, that does not mean you have any semblance of authority over me. We have a
truce, and I conduct my own actions as I see fit, whether that involves Becca or not.’

‘And you remember I will take your coven down the moment you step over the line,”
Solomon hissed.” ~Solomon and Rekesh


About the Author
 Annabell Cadiz was born in the sweltering heat of South Florida.She was raised surrounded by Puerto Rican chefs and band of siblings that weren’t all related to her. A self-proclaimed nerd and book-a-holic (her room does hold much evidence to prove her claims are justifiable), she created TeamNerd Reviews to showcase her EXTREME love for novels where, along with her best friend, Bridget Strahin, she hosts book reviews, interviews, giveaways, Indie Shoutouts and much more.
She also blog tour services for authors. She also had the pleasure of being published in three separate issue of Suspense Magazine. She also adores Cinnamon Teddy Grahams, has an addiction to Minute Maid Orange juice, and is a proud Jesus Freak. She is working on getting LUCIFER, the first book in SONS OF OLD TRILOGY ready to be published JANUARY 31, 2013.
Website |TeamNerd Reviews Goodreads |TwitterFacebook

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Guest Post: Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin


Title: Witch Way Bends (Book 1 of the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy)
Author: Olivia Hardin
Publication: December 2, 2011
Publisher: Create Space
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Devan Stowe has only one thing on her mind when she teams up with Kent Crosby and his associates—putting an end to her father’s child trafficking business. Her determination takes her on a journey to discover her true strength and the… one man she was destined to love. In his arms, she’ll learn the meaning of trust, honor, and courage. Devan will unlock an amazing gift that will free her from her past and open up a future full of magic, faeries and more things than she ever imagined possible.

Be sure to check out Bitten Shame (Book 2 in the Bend -Bite-Shift Trilogy) and also Langton’s short story “Tell A Soul” In the Cupid Painted Blind Anthology both also available on Amazon!
Guest Post: 
If I could jump into a book…
by Olivia Hardin
If I could jump into a book, I’d live in a world of twenty known universes.   A world where a bit of magic… er complex mathematics, can open doorways between the planets and the galaxies.  A world where lesser villains may be forced to eat themselves while the “eater of souls” duels in riposte.
If I could jump into a book, I’d have journeys of adventure on a road less travelled.  I’d battle blood kites and horned ghosts and dragons, all with a tough gnome-like side-kick.  I’d have a little black box that could hold an almost infinite amount of provisions and I’d remind my fellow cohorts to be careful lest it get lost in the swamp.  I’d have a champion to lead the way with his “bump” of direction never failing.
If I could jump into a book I’d be a Princess with a strong and brave Hero at my side.  We’d jump a sword to seal a vow even as we search for a lost egg.  My Hero would fight for his Princess to the death if necessary and after all that, forgive her almost anything, even when she forces him to take her over his knee.  I’d have at my disposal an arsenal of wisdom to resolve any problem.  I’d be strong enough to use that wisdom even when my heart says no.
If I could jump into a book, I’d live in the world of Robert Heinlein’s creation.  I’d travel the Glory Road again and again, living the adventure, falling in love and roaming the twenty known universes.  And the best thing about living in that world, would be that I could “retell” the ending so that the glorious quest could continue with ever-changing, new roads to be traveled…

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 3

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume 1
Publication: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Vertical
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book
Pages: 144
Audience: 10 and up
Rating: 5 out of 5
Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Kitten rearing is something, but raising a street-smart feline in a building with a strict no-pets policy is another story altogether. When mentoring a curious kitty, tactful tabbies must teach with patience and a firm paw. Remember, cats are a special breed. While we can survive well enough on instinct, those same feline responses can lead to unwanted attention. This long-whiskered one recommends spending lots of time with your little fur balls, for the will intuitively look for mischief unless thoroughly entertained.


My thoughts:
So the graphic novels don't change much from volume to volume, but the storyline does develop, even if it is a bit slow. In this volume, Chi's new bff Blackie is showing Chi how to be street-smart and not get caught. The Yamadas are freaking out over the fact they may get caught with Chi and what should they do with her. They suggest giving her away, but Yohei is too attached at this point. There is plenty of humor in this one too, but it feels a bit more serious. Chi could be given a new home. This book focuses on losing and having to give up people and things you like and love. So the books have matured some, but there is still plenty of humor to make help balance the sadness.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Spotlight & Excerpt: Open Adoption, Open Heart by Russell Elkins


Tour Schedule


Open Adoption, Open Heart

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.

 Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.

Purchase

Excerpt: 
There were times when we wondered if we were putting pictures on the website too often. We could tell Brianna (biological mom) was dying to see them, but at the same time we wondered if having them so readily available kept her from being able to move on. We tried hard to read her state of mind, but reading single-line statements on her Facebook page was rarely enough of a window into her mind to really know what to think. We avoided asking ourselves the question, “Is it really our responsibility to know how she’s doing?” We felt responsible for her happiness because we were the beneficiaries of what was paining her. We felt responsible for her ability to move on because we felt guilty about wanting to progress ourselves. We felt responsible for her well-being because she sacrificed so much for us. Our rational minds would say that we needed to give her some space so that those who were closest to her could help her heal, but our emotional minds would still play tug-of-war with it.
Through the passing months we noticed that our ability to heal and progress was paralleled with how we envisioned Brianna’s progress. We felt more calm and at ease with our role when we felt like she was happy. We felt guilty if we thought she was struggling with her life, even when her struggles weren't related to the adoption. I know it was probably unhealthy to mirror someone else’s state like that, but that’s how it was for a long time. Other people may experience it differently, but that was how it was for us.

Book Trailer:




From the Author: While my book's primary audience was thought to be those hoping to adopt, close to half of the books I've sold are simply people who want to read about our story and how adoption is different now than it used to be- and they have not adopted nor do they plan to adopt.


About the Author:

Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family movedaway from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood hometown. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.

Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.

Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.


Links



Tour Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Russell Elkins
Ends 12/23/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour Schedule: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/open-heart-open-adoption-blog-tour.html


Monday, December 17, 2012

Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories

Author: Paul Dini

Illustrator: Bruce Timm
Title: Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories
Publication: September 6 , 2011
Publisher: DC Comics
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Villains
Pages: 208
Audience: 15 and up
Rating: 5 out of 5
Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The trend in superheroes of the late 1980s was dark, grim, gritty, and not very kid friendly. Then along came the animated Batman series. The visual style was totally unique: clean, sharp, and bold. Batman Adventures: Mad Love is an original comics story drawn in the style of the popular animated series. It's even put together by Paul Dini, a major force behind the animated show. This particular story involves Batman's old foe, the Joker, and Joker's cute but deadly sidekick, Harley Quinn. Actor Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame, who plays the voice of the Joker in the animated series, claims that this is one of his all-time favorite comics, calling it "bold, lusty, gleefully demented".

My thoughts:
If you are the fan of the 90's cartoon, then you'll love this graphic novel. It is written and drawn by the creators of the animated television show from the 90's. This comic is interesting in the fact that it offers some of Harley Quinn's back story and how she and her puddin' came to be partners in crime. Mad Love is the first story told in the novel and it is the only one that focuses on Harley Quinn.  It also shows how much the Joker really abuses Harley. Obviously from the title, this is a Batman graphic novel. So the rest of the stories focus mainly on Batman. Like I mentioned before, if you enjoy the cartoon the graphic novel contains the corny humor and the artwork from my childhood. 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Review: Keeping Score ~ A Guide to Love and Relationships by Marc Brackett

Title:Keeping Score~A Guide to Love and Relationships
Author: Marc Brackett
Publication: August 4, 2012
Publisher: Marc Brackett
Source: Author/Publisher
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Rating: 5 of 5


Synopsis: It's a relationship book even a man can understand.

Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair. If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up. If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.

Take control and shape your marriage into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.

My Thoughts: I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading this one. Of course I want to know how my relationship stands but at the same time I really didn't want to know. This book was quick and painless. Marc Brackett has separate sections for the Ladies and the Men. I love the easy to read, straight to the point format and how the evaluation is broken up within each chapter. This is a practical tool for everyone in or thinking about being in a relationship. Keeping Score has allowed me to look at my relationship from a new perspective and identify changes that should be made. Keeping Score will be a great tool to use annually as a relationship checkup. 

This giveaway is for an e-copy Keeping Score and is International. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter for a chance to win. 
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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 4

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume4
Publication: December 21, 2010
Publisher: Vertical
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book
Pages: 146
Audience: 10 and up
Rating: 5 out of 5
Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Welcome to the neighborhood, Chi and family! Now in her new residence, Chi will be introduced to many friends of the furry and feathery kind. With so many fresh smells to investigate, endless adventures await. So settle in, because here pets will never be chased...unless they are chasing each other.


My thoughts:
 Finally! A place for the Yamadas and Chi. Where they can live in peace and not worry about the building management finding out about Chi. Poor Chi has no idea what is going on and the move is hard on her. If you have ever moved an animal it is tough. I have moved my cat twice. She handled the second move better than the first, but it was traumatic for her both times. Once Chi realizes she is in a new home, she starts rubbing against everything- making it her's. In this new pet-friendly apartment Chi makes meets new animals and tries to make new friends, even if she isn't too fond of the dog next door. My favorite stories in this volume were the hide and seek story and when Mr. Yamada tries clipping Chi's claws. Again, humor abounds in the stories and the artwork is precious.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Book Blast: A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin


A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin

"A Hard Act to Follow," is a non-fiction literary account of Henry Bushkin's tenure as Johnny Carson's lawyer, business partner, and friend.  The book gives genuine insight into the 'Carson behind Johnny' with candid personal vignettes about the two, during the rollicking years when Johnny was the undisputed king of television.  This is an engaging, eye-opening, anecdote-packed story about a young lawyer and his client, one of the biggest celebrities in the country.  This funny, unfiltered account gives readers a look at the Johnny Carson that none but a select few really knew.


“A Hard Act to Follow” by Henry Bushkin provides a stirring account into Johnny Carson’s world—as told by Carson’s closest confidant.
The New Yorker article by Kenneth Tynan from 1978, included the following question and answer:
Tynan: When you’re at home, whom do you entertain?
Carson: My lawyer, Henry Bushkin, who’s probably my best friend.




Praise for the Book

"I loved the book." ~Wayne Newton

"Henry was Johnny's closest friend for many years which becomes clear through many of the wonderful chapters of the book." ~Bob Trapenberg

"The book is full of tough love, humor, cultural history, sadness, humor, love, loss, well I guess I am saying it is full of life." ~Rupert Garcia


" Henry's portrayal of Johnny was spot on. I highly recommend this book which is the closest the reader will ever get to know the real Carson." ~ Ed Weinberger, former Tonight Show writer and Producer for Carson Productions

"A beautifully easy read that pulls you in to an effortless journey through Johnny Carson’s effortful life. The glamour  the fellow celebrities behind the curtain, the loyalties, and the betrayals. It certainly provides new insight on decisions and the lives that are behind the scenes." ~Kathy Davis, Kathy Takes on Books

""I have read this book and it is FAB! If you love reading about celebrities, this is awesome. It is also a great memoir as well. I am a huge memoir fan so this one was a real treat and one of the best I have read in this genre in a long time" ~Mary,  Bookhounds Blog

"Bushkin's easy, unpretentious style allows the reader to be a fly on the wall as this inside story plays out in the rarified air on which Johnny thrived. "A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW" is a must read whether you grew up on Johnny or never heard of him. And then there are the supporting characters -- from the Rat Pack to Johnny's Ice Queen mother ranging around the pages disturbing the peace. I read it straight through in 90 minutes and was left wanting more."  ~Sandy Ignon, Screenwriter (RANSOM).

"The tales are epic in nature and stretch from the first page to the last. “A Hard Act to Follow” is an honest appraisal of Carson and shows his dark side. In this, Bushkin strikes the right blend of salacious detail with an appropriate dose of discretion. Sure, you’ll learn more detail about Carson’s marriages-- in a tasteful way.  Bushkin will leave you wanting more. Great books will do that." ~Barry Mordis, Senior VP at Merryl-Lynch

"No one would describe Johnny as easy going-there was an edge to him that Bushkin always managed to soften. He continues to do that in this book. There was that challenging side of Johnny which is also captured in the book. Henry was Johnny's closest friend for many years which becomes clear through many of the wonderful chapters of the book. All in all a great book to read." ~Bob Trapenberg, Johnny's former Tennis Pro.





Author Henry Bushkin

Henry Bushkin is an experienced lawyer who practices in both California and New York. He currently lives in Los Angeles where his children also reside.









Blog Tour Now Through January 11th
Tour Schedule




Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/26/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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December New Release Giveaway Hop


Welcome to our stop on the December New Release Giveaway Hop. Thank you to Book Twirps and Refracted Light Reviews for hosting this hop. You can enter to win any book that is released in December up to $15 US. This giveaway is open to  USA and Canadian residents only. Don't forget to hop along to the next blog.

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Book Blast: Sally Smith O'Rourke

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why!

His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight?

Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?







Praise for Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

O’Rourke’s sequel to The Man Who Loved Jane Austen brings the reader a skillfully choreographed romance and smartly old-fashioned love story that is poignant and completely enthralling, while being laden with well-researched details to satisfy any Austen fan.
~Regina Jeffers


Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is a sweet Austen related romance with a time travel twist.
I felt the author captured Jane Austen's voice very well and I enjoyed reading her thoughts and reactions as the story flowed.
~Naida the Bookworm

Imaginative, fresh and endearing. Well done!
~Ann Channon (Jane Austen House Museum)




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Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage

With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor.

Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and--with some matchmaking help from Meteor--they begin a new life together at the cottage. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges--hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. 






Praise for Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage

This story is unashamedly a sweet love story, perfect for a Christmas read, and will bring a tear to the eye of even the most cynical of us!
~Anne

I just knew from the moment I read the forward that this was going to be a very sweet and touching story. And I was right!
~Sophia Rose
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Author Sally Smith O'Rourke

Sally Smith O’Rourke is a surgical scrub nurse at the City of Hope national cancer research hospital in Duarte, California and resides in the near-by Victorian village of Monrovia.

With her late husband, author Michael O’Rourke (aka F.M. O’Rourke) Smith O’Rourke owned and operated a medical advertising company where she used her diverse talents to produce and co-write teaching films and videos. Working not only with major medical and surgical manufacturing companies but also network television. These endeavors ultimately led to a collaboration on two feature films (direct to video) and three published novels.

The wife and husband writing team of Sally Smith and Michael O’Rourke, being long-time fans of Jane Austen, wrote The Man Who Loved Jane Austen released by Kensington Books in 2006. Kensington followed that very successful effort with The Maidenstone Lighthouse in 2007 and Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage in 2009, both also collaborative projects by Smith and O’Rourke. Published after her partner and spouse’s untimely death in 2001, the publisher chose not to use the names Michael O’Rourke and Sally Smith (as the manuscripts were presented), releasing all three books under Sally Smith O’Rourke.

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is Sally Smith O’Rourke’s first solo novel.


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