The Time of My LIfe by Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi (Book Review)

Title: The Time of My Life - audiobook
Author: Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi
Read by: Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster audio

(I checked this one out from the library.)

Listening to this, it was hard for me to believe that he was actually gone. I loved the movies Red Dawn, Dirty Dancing and Ghost - and can actually remember where I saw them and who I was with. Red Dawn was the summer after I graduated high school and I saw it with my best friend Pam in Des Moines. Dirty Dancing was the fall after I got married the first time and we were living in San Diego. My husband and I were young and stupid and actually walked downtown to see the midnight showing of this one. We were so lucky that nothing happened to us! Ghost I also saw in San Diego, but it was while my husband was deployed during the Gulf War and I saw it with another Navy wife, Polly, who was living with me while our husbands were gone. So was I, am I, a fan of Patrick Swayze? Absolutely.

This narrative starts right after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and then takes us back to the beginning, when he was a football player in high school. His football career ended when he took a hit from two opposing players and tore all the ligaments in his knee. When that dream ended, he pursued gymnastics and was set to go to the junior Olympics. That also fell through when he landed wrong during warm ups on the low rings and blew his knee out again.

Since he had danced from a young age at his mom's studio, he started to concentrate on ballet. He was able to get a scholarship to go to New York to study ballet for Harkness. He had met Lisa when she was 15 and she came in to his mom's studio for dance lessons. She was one of the few girls who wasn't affected by Patrick's looks and charms. Somehow the two of them became friends, and one thing led to another. They married in the mid 1970's after Lisa had also moved to New York on a scholarship to Harkness also. Even though ballet continued to make his knee swell, he refused to give up on this career. After a near mishap on a motorcycle, he realized that his previous dreams had ended when something had happened physically to him making him unable to pursue them. He felt he was setting himself up for the same failure in ballet and that maybe he should expand his horizons. He turned down an offer to dance with Mikhail Baryshnikov and they moved to L.A.

Patrick suffered from low self-esteem throughout his entire life and career. He never felt he was good enough, which pushed him to work harder and longer to get roles that he wanted. He had to convince the directors of both Dirty Dancing and Ghost to cast him, as neither one saw him in the role. Can any of you picture someone different as Johnny Castle or Sam Wheat? I know I can't.

He goes on to tell about his different roles in his movies, some of which I had forgotten (City of Joy), some of which I had not heard of (Letters from a Killer, Green Dragon) and some that I did not know he was in (To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar)- but hope to see them now. He tells a hilarious story about his transformation into a woman for To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. He learns too late not to let his costars, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo dress him in tight pantsuits for his role as Vida Boheme.

I probably listened to this audio book quicker than any other, and remembered it better when it was done. I am not sure if it would have impacted me as much had I read the book. It made a difference to me to actually hear about his life in his own voice, and in Lisa's. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

Mailbox Monday/In My Mailbox 11-23-2009

Mailbox Monday is hosted at The Printed Page or In Your Mailbox at The Story Siren. Please stop by those posts and take a look at what packages everybody else got this week!

Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer

Celebrated for her style and substance, Michelle Obama has transformed the role of first lady and become a 21st century icon, attracting attention from all over the world. The qualities so admired in her -- intelligence, strength, and charisma -- radiate through her personal style, which has united accessibility with high-wattage glamour. The clothes, like the woman, feel both familiar and inspirational. Readily mixing high-end labels with more affordable brands, with a focus on craftsmanship and artistry, Mrs. O has elevated the notion of real value and ushered in a new era of "fashion democracy."

Building on the success of Mrs-O.org -- the Web site that chronicles Michelle Obama's style -- Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy takes a closer look at America's modern style icon, featuring more than 125 magnificent photographs of the first lady and delving into the back story of the clothes and accessories. It also goes behind-the-scenes with interviews from her favorite designers, including Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Maria Pinto, and Isaac Mizrahi.

Opening with a brief overview of Michelle Obama's early years, the book goes on to provide rarely seen photos from the presidential primary trail through the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the monumental events of election night, the inauguration and early chapters of life in the White House. The final chapter hears the opinions of Mrs. O's adoring fans from all over the world -- giving the last word to the people.

Original photography of her most iconic looks, along with commentary from fashion experts top off this tactile visual feast. Woven together with sketches and illustrations inspired by the first lady, the book reveals the story of a new era of American fashion. (book jacket)

I won this book from Susan at her blog, Black-Eyed Susan.

Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone by Mitch Joel

Is it important to be connected? Well, consider this: If Facebook were a country, it would have the sixth largest population in the world.

The truth is, we no longer live in a world of six degrees of separation. In fact, we're now down to only six pixels of separation, which changes everything we know about doing business.

This is the first book to integrate digital marketing, social media, personal branding, and entrepreneurship in a clear, entertaining, and instructive manner that everyone can understand and apply.

Through the use of timely case studies and fascinating stories, Six Pixels of Separation offers a complete set of the latest tactics, insights and tools that will empower you to reach a global audience and consumer base -- and, best yet, you can do this pretty much for free. Digital marketing expert Mitch Joel unravels this fascinating world of new media -- but does so with a brand-new perspective that is driven by compelling results. The smarter entrepreneurs and top executives are leveraging these digital channels to get their voice "out there" -- connecting with others, becoming better community citizens and, ultimately, making strategic business moves that are increasing revenue, awareness, and overall success in the marketplace -- without the support of traditional mass media.

Everyone is connected. Isn't it time for you and your company to connect to everyone? Six Pixels of Separation will show you how. (book jacket)

I won this from Nicole at Mom Saves Money for my husband.

A Christmas Carol Special Edition

Since its publication in 1843, the tale of a miserly old man and the ghosts who visit him has been bringing the true spirit of Christmas into hearts and homes. Whether you've read the story a thousand times or have only seen the movie, A Christmas Carol Special Edition will enrich your enjoyment of this holiday favorite with:

The complete text of the Charles Dickens classic.

Annotations offering interesting insight into the story's biblical allusions, the author's faith, and compelling Christian themes throughout.

Discussion questions designed to engage and promote dialogue among readers of all ages on such subjects as regret, repentance, and redemption.

A list of related resources to enhance your study.

Enjoy A Christmas Carol Special Edition in your home, study group, book group or Advent celebration and learn how to say with Scrooge: "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." (back cover)

I received this book for review from FSB Associates.

Hero's Tribute by Graham Garrison

Two men. One front-page story. A small town changed forever.

Michael Gavin was a local hero, admired for his prowess in sports, his service in the military, and his work in the community. But there is more to Michael Gavin -- including a past that has long been hidden.

Wes Watkins is a local newspaper reporter whose job it is to find a story, even if it means digging through court reports, interviewing the most unlikely people, and following leads that make him unpopular.

When Wes finds himself charged with writing Gavin's eulogy -- though the two had never met -- he sets out to find the truth. What happens next is something the little town of Talking Creek never expected. Secrets come to light, confidences are broken, and lives are redefined. But in the end, everyone will know what truly makes a man a legend. (back cover)

I received this book for a First Wild Card Tour next February.

Samson's Walls by Jud Nirenberg

Jud Nirenberg, as an organizer of human and civil rights efforts, has seen first-hand the destructive forces of inter-ethnic violence. His experiences color a dark vision of one of the Old Testament's most powerful stories in his new novel, SAMSON'S WALLS.

While the United States tries once more to draw Israeli and Arab leaders to the negotiation tables, SAMSON'S WALLS shows readers a much older view of the same region. Binding the psychology of its characters to the socio-political context of ancient Canaan, the novel breathes life into Samson, Delilah and others who struggle to survive and to connect with others in a world full of divisiveness and violence.

In a Canaan where Philistines and Hebrews vie for dominance, it is important to know one's place. Samson is isolated in his, trapped by unusual rules and expectations. He was promised to his parents by an angel, destined to grow into a great man and make his people strong. Raised with Philistines for playmates, he aches to be a part of their world. At marrying age, he chooses a Philistine wife. When his new family denies him the acceptance he craves, he releases years of frustration and loneliness in blood.

Samson goes into hiding, seeking to make peace with his wife's people. Other young Hebrews soon join him, each with their own reasons for rebellion. Even while longing for peace, Samson leads this growing army. He is trapped by his successes and grows in fame and power, taking enemy territory. He is alone.

He tastes love when he meets Delilah, the unlikely prostitute-queen of a village in no-man's land. She is the opposite of the clannish divisions he hates, with unclear ethnic origins and leading a mixed community. They become intimate as Philistine spies gather around them. Samson and Delilah are ensnared in Samson's fight to fulfill his own heart's need despite his tribe's and God's expectations. (publicity email)

I received this galley from Carol Fass Publicity for review.

Life After 187 by Wade J. Halverson

Sentenced to life in prison when he executes the men who murdered his wife, Kane Silver is singled out by the warden for his fighting ability. Along with inmates Valentino Lopez and Si'Ling Lee, Kane is drafted into service and forced to fight for money in high-stakes tournaments. But when the three friends escape during a New Year's Eve match in Lake Tahoe -- saving the warden's life in the process -- their situation becomes more complicated.

Their status undetermined, they vanish underground and sign on to help a young woman whose parents are being held by an Argentinean drug kingpin. Follow Kane and his friends as they compete and grow closer while rediscovering what it means to be free. From Lake Tahoe and the western United States to Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Thailand, Life After 187 takes readers on an exhilarating ride filled with big money, intense action, justice, and the pursuit of honor. (back cover)

I received this autographed book from the author for a review early next year. (boy - doesn't that sound strange!)

Lion's Pride by Debbie Jordan

Beware the Old Lion who jealously guards his pride.

In 1911 Arizona, as Sheriff Paco Alaniz investigates the murder of Don Santiago Castillo de Leon, he must deal with the priest who seems to be more than a confessor to the distraught widow, a runaway teenager who's promised as the tenth bride to the leader of renegade Mormon polygamists, and ex-Mormon gambler who wants to save his sister and the woman he loves from the husband they both share, and a vicious mountain lion threatening inhabitants of the Territory. (back cover)

I received this autographed book for a January tour from PR by the Book.

The Lost Child: A Mother's Story by Julie Myerson

While researching her next book, Julie Myerson finds herself in a graveyard, looking for traces of a young woman who died nearly two centuries before. As a child in Regency England, the young woman, Mary Yelloly, painted an exquisite album of watercolors that uniquely reflected the world in which she lived. But Mary died at the age of twenty-one, and when Julie came across this album, she was haunted by the potential never realized. She was also reminded of her own child.

Only days before the graveyard visit, Julie and her husband had locked their eldest son out of the family home. He was just seventeen. Their formerly bright and happy child had discovered drugs, and it had taken only a matter of months for the boy to completely lose his way and propel the family into daily chaos. Julie -- whose fragile relationship with her own father had left her determined to love her children better -- had to accept that she was powerless to bring her son back.

Honest, warm, and profoundly moving, this is the story of two young lives -- one cut short, one derailed. They are separated by centuries, but the questions remain terrifyingly the same. What happens when a child disappears from a family? What will survive of any of us, in memory or in history? ANd how is a mother to cope when love is not enough? (book jacket)

I received this book from Library Thing's Early Reviewers program.

Waking Evil: The Mindhunters by Kylie Brant

A killer, a prophecy -- and three deaths foretold.

Buffalo Springs, Tennessee, is a neighborly kind of place where folks leave their doors unlocked and crime is unheard-of. But once every generation, a strange red mist settles over the town, and with it come omens of death. . .

When the body of a young woman is found, forensic investigator Ramsey Clark is called in. She knows about the legend of the mist and about the curse that has the entire town afraid of the dark. But Ramsey blieves in evidence, not superstition, despite what she's told by the parapsychologist who's been dogging her every step. Then another murder rocks Buffalo Springs, and Ramsey begins to wonder if a killer is playing on everyone's fears or if a prophecy is indeed being fulfilled -- one victim at a time. (back cover)

I won this autographed book from Bingo at Bookin' with Bingo.

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day
by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoe Francois

From the authors of the groundbreaking, bestselling Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day comes a new cookbook filled with quick and easy recipes for healthy bread.

Their first book was called "stupendous," "genius," and "the holy grail of bread making." Now, in their much-anticipated second book, Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoe Francois have taken their super-fast method and adapted it for the health-conscious baker, focusing on whole grains and other healthier ingredients.

The method is still quick and simple, producing professional-quality results with each warm, fragrant, hearty loaf. In just five minutes a day of active preparation time, you can create delectable, healthy treats such as 100% Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Grain Garlic Knots with Parsley and Olive Oil, Black-and-White Braided Pumpernickel and Rye Loaf, Cherry Black Pepper Focaccia, Pumpkin Pie Brioche, Chocolate Tangerine Bars, and a variety of gluten-free breads. And many of the recipes are 100% whole grain.

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day will show you that there is time enough for home-baked bread, and that it can be part of a healthy diet. Calling all bread lovers: Whether you are looking for more whole grains, watching your weight, trying to reduce your cholesterol, or just care about what goes into your body, this book is a must have. (book jacket)

I received this book for review from FSB Associates and can't wait to try out some of the breads this week!

This Week's Winners!

Winner of the 50 Custom Thank You Cards from Digital Room is:
Etirv

Winners of Sins of the Flesh are:
elaing8
Sweet Vernal Zephyr
Lyoness2009
Mitz
brizmus

Winners of To Desire a Devil are:
Busy Bee
Lee P
Maria
heatherzilla
Allison('s) Reads

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to get me their mailing information or new winners will be drawn.

Faith and Fangs - Blog Tour (Nov 16 - Nov 20)

There are two books touring this week for Multnomah Books. They are Thirsty and Touched by a Vampire.

Thirsty by Tracey Bateman

About the book: There's no place like home, they say.

"Hello, I'm Nina Parker. . .and I'm an alcoholic."

For Nina, it's not the weighty admission but the first steps toward recovery that prove most difficult. She must face her ex-husband, Hunt, with little hope of making amends, and try to rebuild a relationship with her angry teenage daughter, Meagan. Hardest of all, she is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier - and her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone - or something - igniting a two-hundred-fifty-year-old desire that rages like a wildfire.

Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates and unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?

As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina's feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfolds to its startling, unforgettable end.

About the author: With close to one million books in print, Tracey Bateman is the award-winning author of more than thirty titles. Fan favorites include the popular Kansas Home historical series: Color of the Soul, a tale of race and prejudice; and her many intriguing Heartsong Presents romantic novels. Tracey resides in Missouri with her husband and four children.


Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga by Beth Felker Jones

About the book: Examining Twilight Through a Biblical Lens

People around the world are enraptured with Edward and Bella's forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl's relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his "good" side. But the Saga isn't just another fantasy - it's teaching girls about love, sex, and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God's plan for love?

Touched by a Vampire investigates the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer's Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story's redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.

Cautionary, thoughtful, and challenging, Touched by a Vampire is written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and youth workers. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups.

About the author: Beth Felker Jones is assistant professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. She is the author of The Marks of His Wounds: Gender Politics and Bodily Resurrection, as well as numerous articles and reviews. Beth is a mother and a pastor's wife.

Cherokee Legend

Cherokee Legend

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him

harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.

Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.

When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story, pass it on.

If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn.

Moral of the story:

Just because you can't see God,

Doesn't mean He is not there.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

My mother-in-law sent me this email this morning - and I really needed to hear it today - so I wanted to pass it on.

I am being featured at Scene of the Blog today!

I am very honored to be featured this morning by Cathy over at Kittling: Books. Please stop by and see my blogging space and visit some of her previous Scene of the Blog posts to find some other bloggers who may be new to you. Say hi to Cathy while you are there too!

It's Monday! What are you reading? 11-16-2009

What are you reading on Mondays? is hosted by J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. If you would like to participate, please leave your link with Mr. Linky at J.Kaye's blog - but you can also leave me a comment - I would love to know what you are reading!

Ok, I am almost embarrassed to admit to this - these books are STILL WAITING to be reviewed. My mom and sister are visiting this week, so I am hoping to get a little extra time to actually review these! If I wait much longer, I am going to have to reread them!
1. All About Us #5: Tidings of Great Boys: An All About Us Novel by Shelley Adina
2. Saint John of the Five Boroughs by Edward Falco
3. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Books finished last week:
1. The Peruke Maker by Ruby Dominguez (reviewed)
2. The Wildest Heart by Rosemary Rogers (reviewed)
3. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - I finished this audiobook but it is still waiting for a review.

Currently Reading
1. Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent (Bathroom book)
2. Beg, Borrow, Steal: A Writer's Life by Michael Greenberg

On Audio:
1. The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

Kid's Reviews
1. Christmas Fun and Mean Machines - both by Jennifer Marks

Books up next:
1. The Fruit of Her Hands: The Story of Shira of Ashkenazby Michelle Cameron
2. Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga by Beth Felker Jones
3. Thirsty: A Novel by Tracey Bateman
4. Tales for Delicious Girls by Barbara Knobova

What are you reading?

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - Audiobook Giveaway!

Thank you Hachette Books for another great giveaway! I have 3 copies of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold to giveaway!

When we first meet 14-year-old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. This was before milk carton photos and public service announcements, she tells us; back in 1973, when Susie mysteriously disappeared, people still believed these things didn't happen.


In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death and her own adjustment to the strange new place she finds herself. It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swing sets.


With love, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie watches her family as they cope with their grief, her father embarks on a search for the killer, her sister undertakes a feat of amazing daring, her little brother builds a fort in her honor and begin the difficult process of healing.


In the hands of a brilliant novelist, the author narrates the THE LOVELY BONES through the eyes of her winning young heroine. This story of seemingly unbearable tragedy is transformed into a suspenseful and touching story about family, memory, love, heaven, and living.

Listen to an excerpt.
Watch the movie trailer.
Visit the official movie website at LovelyBones.com.

Thanks to Hachette Books I have 3 audiobooks that I can give away. This giveaway is open to U.S./Canada only - no PO Boxes. This giveaway ends 12/7 at 11:59PM CST.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MY RULES CHANGED EARLIER THIS MONTH - BE SURE TO READ DIRECTIONS SO THAT YOU GET ALL YOUR ENTRIES.

For entries:

1. BIG RULE CHANGE - EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN A SEPARATE COMMENT/COMMENTS.
2. +1 leave a comment with your email address - must leave email address at least once for any of your comments to count. (leave one comment)
3. +1 New follower (leave one comment)
3. +2 for a Tweet - please leave link - can tweet daily. (leave 2 comments)
4. +3 Old follower (email/google/twitter/facebook/blogged) (leave 3 comments)
5. +3 for a side bar post - leave link (leave 3 comments)
6. +5 For a blog post - not a side bar - leave link. (leave 5 comments)


i.e. If something is worth 5 entries - please leave 5 comments. I am using a numbering system now on my comments to try to streamline the drawing of winners. I either have to start doing it this way - or cut down on my giveaways. I hate to cut down on the giveaways so I am transferring part of the work to you guys.

Any questions or suggestions on a better way to do this, please email me at kherbrand @ comcast . net (w/o the spaces)

New Audiobook Giveaway! Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan

I have 3 copies of the audiobook Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books.

Each story in this jubilantly acclaimed collection pays testament to the wisdom and resilience of children, even in the face of the most agonizing circumstances. A family living in a makeshift shanty in urban Kenya scurries to find gifts of any kind for the impending Christmas holiday. A Rwandan girl relates her family's struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy amid unspeakable acts. A young brother and sister cope with their uncle's attempt to sell them into slavery. Aboard a bus filled with refugees, a microcosm of today's Africa, a Muslim boy summons his faith to bear a treacherous ride across Nigeria. Through the eyes of childhood friends the emotional toll of religious conflict in Ethiopia becomes viscerally clear. Uwem Akpan's debut signals the arrival of a breathtakingly talented writer who gives a matter-of-fact reality to the most extreme circumstances in stories that are nothing short of transcendent.

Listen to an excerpt
Listen to the Interview with Uwem Akpan.

Thanks to Hachette Books I have 3 audiobooks that I can give away. This giveaway is open to U.S./Canada only - no PO Boxes. This giveaway ends 12/7 at 11:59PM CST.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MY RULES CHANGED EARLIER THIS MONTH - BE SURE TO READ DIRECTIONS SO THAT YOU GET ALL YOUR ENTRIES.

For entries:

1. BIG RULE CHANGE - EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN A SEPARATE COMMENT/COMMENTS.
2. +1 leave a comment with your email address - must leave email address at least once for any of your comments to count. (leave one comment)
3. +1 New follower (leave one comment)
3. +2 for a Tweet - please leave link - can tweet daily. (leave 2 comments)
4. +3 Old follower (email/google/twitter/facebook/blogged) (leave 3 comments)
5. +3 for a side bar post - leave link (leave 3 comments)
6. +5 For a blog post - not a side bar - leave link. (leave 5 comments)


i.e. If something is worth 5 entries - please leave 5 comments. I am using a numbering system now on my comments to try to streamline the drawing of winners. I either have to start doing it this way - or cut down on my giveaways. I hate to cut down on the giveaways so I am transferring part of the work to you guys.

Any questions or suggestions on a better way to do this, please email me at kherbrand @ comcast . net (w/o the spaces)

Win Custom Thank You Cards from Digital Room!

I am having my first non-book giveaway and I am very excited! Thanks to Digital Room, an online printing website, I have 50 - yes 50 custom Thank You Cards to giveaway to one lucky winner! These cards are 7"x5" (folded to 3.5" x 5") and come with plain envelopes.


Digital Room is an Eco-Friendly company. They use recycled paper and soy/vegetable based inks. But they do much more than just cards. You must visit Digital Room to appreciate everything they offer - door hangers, event tickets, brochures and calendars to name just a few. Be sure to also take a look at some of the different cards that they offer, in addition to the thank-you cards. Read some of the fabulous reviews they have received.

Now for the giveaway:
1. 50 Custom Thank-You cards with plain envelopes.
2. Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only - no PO Boxes.
3. This is a quick one folks - Giveaway ends Nov 21 at 6PM CST.
4. Must include your email address!
5. Be sure to leave each entry in a separate comment!


To enter - you must do both for two easy entries:
1. Visit Digital Room and tell me something else you would order besides Thank-You Cards.
2. In your comment, tell me what you would use your Custom Thank You Cards for.




Additional entries:
1. Follow me on Google Friends Connect!
2. Tweet this giveaway. (leave link)
3. Blog about this giveaway. (leave link)

*I will be receiving 50 thank you cards from Uprinting.com for hosting this giveaway.*

The Wildest Heart by Rosemary Rogers (Book Review)

Title: The Wildest Heart
Author: Rosemary Rogers
Publisher: Sourcebooks

Lady Rowena Dangerfield travels from the exotic palaces of India to the splendor of the Royal Court of London to the savage New Mexico frontier to lay claim to her inheritance and live freely as only she would dare. In the violent, untamed American Southwest, she finally meets a man as strong as she is: Lucas Cord, a dark, dangerously handsome, half-Apache outlaw. Fighting scandal, treachery, and murder, Luke is determined to have Rowena for his own, and as their all-consuming passion mounts, no one is going to stop him.


Normally I like to give my own synopsis of the book, but I did not think that I could condense this succinctly enough without giving away some of the many plots! This book was originally published in 1974 and I believe that parts of it would have been quite scandalous back then! I was very surprised at some of the twists and turns myself in 2009! I like Lady Rowena. She was like a little spitfire and was always ready with a sharp retort. She was not going to let anyone walk all over her and tried to use whatever situation she found herself in to her advantage. Whether this be as a girl in India, a young lady in London, or an heiress to a ranch in New Mexico. At over 700 pages, be ready for a ride when you open the cover. I am always scared to accept such big books for review, but this one did not disappoint. It is very complex with many plots among a myriad of characters and family members. This book contained scandals, affairs, rapes, kidnaps and a journey to understand a feud that has lasted for generations, but let's not forget the passion and romance! It would make a great movie or maybe a mini-series would be more in line for it. It is a great book and I recommend it!

The Wildest Heart
Publisher/Publication Date: Sourcebooks (original publication 1974) re-issue, Nov 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4022-2274-0
739 pages

Congratulations!

I have some new winners to announce!

The lucky ones who have won the 1 of the 5 copies of Life after Genius are:
Linna
Heather
Becca
Sarah - already won - Maria - new winner
BevE

The winners of 1 of the 5 copies of The Heretic's Daughter are:
RAnn - already won - Mariag - also already won - holdenj - new winner
Anonymous - bgcchs
Jaime
Esme - already won -Darcy O - also already won - alitareads - new winner
Belinda M

And - the last winner, for the copy of Touched by a Vampire is:
Melissa

All winners have been emailed and have until Tuesday morning to get me their information, or new winners will be drawn at that time.

Be sure to check out all my current giveaways in the right sidebar. I will be having some non-book giveaways this week too!