Monday, December 29, 2014

Book Review: Losing Heart by Donna Brown






Losing HeartLosing Heart by Donna  Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What happens when you are waiting for a heart transplant? This story is a short story, but I felt really detailed and intense.  Helen had been waiting for months for the beeper to go off telling her that a heart has been found. During this time she was trying to live her life but was scared. Then the beeper went off and they had a heart for her. Yeah so awesome, you would think, but then she decided she wanted to meet the Mother of the person she received the transplant.

You would think that it would be simple just meet the mother and thank her for the heart, but you would never think of what happens next. You will have to read the book.
I felt the author did a great job of writing this short story, there could have been more, but there wasn’t any reason. The book tells it like it and I thought it was great.

This is the 2nd book I have read from Donna Brown and can’t wait to read more. Makes me really like short stories.

What this book is about:

"I hate you. I hate you with all of Sylvia's heart."

Helen has waited for months for the heart that will save her life. After reaching out to the grieving mother of her donor heart, Helen realises that a second chance comes at a price. The price, she soon realises, is much steeper than she'd ever have chosen to pay. 

There's more than one way to break a heart. There's more than one way to destroy a life...



You can purchase this book from Amazon.com

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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Book Review and Book Blast Giveaway






A City Full of SantasA City Full of Santas by Pooja Sardana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved this story, 
A City Full Of Santas  
written by Pooja Sardana.

The story starts out with Santa going to fill stockings and what a surprise he received.

This book is a great book to read to children during the Christmas season. Christmas is more than
receiving gifts. I also love the illustration in this book, Great job.
I highly recommend this book to read to your children.




A City Full of Santas
Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India
This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas.
A must read for everyone.
Just like Pooja’s other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message.
A story that parents would love to read to their children.
Purchase from Amazon for $.99


                                                                     

 
 Author Pooja Sardana
Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree.
Her books and her initiative – PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in ‘Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India” , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work.
Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.

Praise for the Book
“Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read.”
“Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa’s surprise.”
“Artwork “pops” off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children’s book that I would recommend!”



Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/14
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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Book Review: Mid-Century Mayhem By Bella Street








My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow!!! What an adventure, I loved this story.

Wow this book just drew me right into it from the start. I love the fact that the character, Olivia Haugen is an interior designer, so popular right now with all the TV shows, very easy to relate too.

Another thing that got me hooked was the fact that she is in Nashville and ends up in Detroit 1954, what gets me there is that my Dad is from Detroit and I knew what they were talking about. I also love the Mid-Century look as well and also thought it should be black and white. (You will have to read the book)

I thought this book was well written and I enjoyed it throughout. Read pretty fast and can’t wait for #2,

What this book is about:

Book One in the Retro Romance Presents: Time Travel by Design

Modern day Nashville and 1950s Detroit clash worse than an IKEA futon and a plaid Barcalounger when a free-spirited interior designer and a strait-laced automotive engineer find themselves in another time. TOMS-wearing Olivia Haugen and Madras-shirted Kyle Daniels have no idea why they've ended up in 1954 Michigan, but it's probably not because of all the swank mid-century furnishings. Discovering the reason might have something to do with a wily salvage warehouse owner and her not-so-little shop of secrets

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Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Book Review: Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy by Megan Crane








Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy (Montana Born Christmas Book 5)Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy by Megan Crane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What the story is about:
Taken from Goodreads:
This Christmas season, Christina Grey Cooper has finally accepted that her marriage to her college sweetheart Dare is over. 

So she packs up her things, leaves a note, and heads back home for Marietta, Montana in the hope that a Christmas with her family will help piece her head—if not her heart—back together. 

Dare isn’t about to let the love of his life go, and who cares if that’s what he thought he wanted? He’ll do what it takes to win Christina back—even if that means suffering through Christmas with his in-laws, pretending to still be happily married for the sake of family harmony, and trying not to get caught up in all that holiday nonsense he’s never believed in… 

But Christmas is magical, especially in Montana. 

And if Dare has any hope of convincing Christina to give him one more chance, it’s going to be here… 



My review of what I thought:


I felt bad for Christina, she wasn’t happy, her and her husband, Dare weren’t even talking, she was sure he was having an affair. So she packed up and moved back home. Just in time for the Christmas Holidays.

Dare comes home, sitting outside in his truck, wondering why all the lights are out, Christina always leaves a light on, and he notices she isn’t home. He is clueless, he has no idea what is going on or why would she leave him? Of course there are many reasons and he is clueless, typical male.

I feel Megan Crane hit it on the nail!!! There are so many out there that are so clueless about their relationships and just take is for granted.  I thought she did a great job in this book of slowly getting it all out and of course force the holidays on them and a true test of love. I think this was a great story and was so glad to have the opportunity to read this book.

One thing I got out of this story was not to take advantage of your relationship, you have to communicate and sometimes it take practically a knock on the head so to speak.

Great job on this book. I gave it five stars!!!

Thanks for Netgalley and Tule Publisher for let me read and give an honest opinion.


View all my reviews

About the Author

Megan Crane is a New Jersey native who had great plans to star on Broadway, preferably in Evita, just like Patti LuPone. Sadly, her inability to wow audiences with her singing voice required a back up plan. Accordingly, she graduated from Vassar College and got her MA and PhD in literature from the University of York in England. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on AIDS literature, mostly so she could wallow in her obsession with the remarkable multi-media artist David Wojnarowicz and her idol, the bitter and hilarious David Feinberg. After many years in the rain and subject to the whim of seasons, she followed the sun to Los Angeles, where she lives with a dog, a cat, two crazy kittens, and an artist named Jeff. She is still plotting her Broadway debut


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Sunday, December 07, 2014

Christmas Wreath




Well last week I saw on Pinterest a really cute wreath and I thought well I can make that. So Off to Michaels  we went, my Mom and I. Of course they were having a great sale as well so we got a great deal on the stuff to make the wreaths.

We bought some beautiful ornaments, a Green wreath, some other stuff that I cant think of the name, it was gold and added some glitter to it. I love glitter.


Of course it looks so plain with just this on there so I added some ornaments.


And a Red Ribbon

I used my glue gun to glue it all together, probably would have taken about 15 minutes, but I get distracted real easy so it took me all evening to put it together.


And now it is hanging on my front door. 

Very easy to make.


Are you looking for the 

$300 Holiday Cash Giveaway?
Please click on the link below



Diana





Book Review: The Kidnapped Christmas Bride by Jane Porter






The Kidnapped Christmas Bride 
By Jane Porter

I give it 5 stars


I would have to say I loved this story, it was so sweet and just made my heart melt in such a good way.
Trey and Mckenna had history together since high school. Trey was the bad boy in high school. After high school he still had that reputation that followed him. When Trey is sent away to prison for five years, McKenna tried, she has a son with Trey and it was just to hard to keep taking the baby to the prison. So she stopped going.
A year later, Trey was only in for four years, he couldn't wait to get home and see her and their son TJ. Except he came home to find out she was marrying someone else. So like any man who is in love goes to the wedding, he wants to see her before she gets married, he wants his rights as well to their son. Well the wedding didn't happen, you will have to read this sweet story to find out what happens.
Awesome story, the author did a great job.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for letting read this book and give it an honest review.

What the book is about:

All he wants is a Christmas memory...

Trey Sheenan has cultivated his reputation as Marietta’s resident bad boy, until one day he lets things go too far and he loses everything---his freedom, his fiance McKenna Douglas, and his infant son.

McKenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but she’s had enough. When Trey is sent away for five years, McKenna is determined to do what’s right for her and baby TJ, which means putting her mistakes—namely Trey—behind her, and move on.

When Trey is released early, he returns to Marietta determined to beg McKenna’s forgiveness and become the father TJ needs him to be, only to discover that he’s too late. McKenna’s marrying local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin in a candlelight Christmas wedding. 

Or is she?

Once again, Trey risks everything, but this time it’s for love....and the memory of one perfect Christmas together as a family



You can purchase this book from Amazon.com



Monday, December 01, 2014

Celebrate Your Creativity! My Newsletter from CTMH

Celebrate Your Creativity
DECEMBER 2014A NEWSLETTER FROM DIANA
Diana Mathieson
Close To My Heart Independent Consultant
Consultant
My Email My Facebook My CTMH OBA My Pinterest My Blog My Shopping Cart My Twitter

  
Seasonal Expressions 1 Is Here!
Enjoy four months of fabulous product.
Seasonal Expressions idea book
It’s finally here, the idea book you’ve been waiting for! Full of unique ideas and bright, detailed photos, this themed seasonal book is sure to delight! From now through March, you can order some of the most charming Valentine’s- and spring-inspired papers, stamps, and embellishments you’ve ever seen. The vivid colors and patterns will give your layouts and cards a fresh look and plenty of pizazz. See the contents for yourself now in Seasonal Expressions 1!

Check it out »
Deal of the Decade
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of My Acrylix® clear polymer stamps.
Deal of the Decade
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Close To My Heart’s revolutionary My Acrylix® clear stamps with us! With a qualifying purchase of $50 during the month of December, you are eligible to purchase ANY C- or D-size stamp sets from the Annual Inspirations 2014–2015 idea book for only $10. That’s up to $7.95 USD / $9.75 CAD of savings on a single stamp set—and there is no limit to the number of eligible stamp sets you can purchase at this discounted rate. Remember, a purchase of $50 will also qualify you to receive the December Stamp of the Month for only $5, so if you purchase both the discounted Stamp of the Month and additional stamps at this special campaign pricing, your savings will compound! It is truly the deal of the decade.

*Offer valid December 1, 2014 (9:00 am MST)–December 31, 2014 (11:59 pm MST). Shipping/handling is calculated based on the full retail price of the discounted items (C-size stamp set: $13.95 USD / $15.25 CAD; D-size stamp set: $17.95 USD / $19.75 CAD).

Learn more »
December Stamp of the Month: Cutie Pie
Add a little frosting to your order this month!
December 2014 Stamp of the Month: Cutie Pie
It’s a sweet, sweet December deal: Place an order totaling $50 or more and you’ll qualify to receive the December Stamp of the Month, Cutie Pie, for just $5! This set of sugary stamps will be perfect on your cards and layouts featuring your favorite sweet faces. It’s available only during December—so act fast!

See the set »
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