Interview with Malena Lott, Author of The Last Resort

Malena Lott is an award-winning writer and the author of several novels: Dating da Vinci, Fixer Upper, and she recently updated and re-released The Stork Reality: Secrets from the Underbelly; a novella Life's a Beach; and the anthology Sleigh Ride, with six other authors. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, three kids, a shih-tzu, and spring tornadoes. She enjoys nature, zumba, reading, photography her book club, Book End Babes at www.bookendbabes.com and the new imprint Buzz Books USA, publishing entertaining and compelling stories. See her full works at www.malenalott.com. She also writes YA and fantasy/paranormal under the pen name Lena Brown. Look for those soon! 

Thank you so much for this opportunity for me and my blog. Please bear with me, this is my first author interview and I am a little nervous! Malena, I really appreciate you taking some time to answer a few questions.


First question, did you get to research for The Last Resort in Hawaii? If you did, did you really swim with the sharks and ride the zip line (we won't even get into a massage with the brothers *fans self*)?!

I fell in love with Hawaii on a trip 15 years ago and I'm planning on going back next year. I was newly pregnant at the time so unfortunately I didn't do anything wilder than a helicopter tour and hiking. No zip line or sharks for me at the time. I did get to eat to my heart's content, though! I researched the activities available in Hawaii and watched videos and read as much as I could on it. Since they were all tackling fears that was fun to put the characters' in those situations and see how they'd react. And the massage, well, I think that's definitely a fantasy I was happy to give the reader. :)


As an aspiring writer, first time mom to be and pet owner, I am wondering how on earth you find the time and peace to write with 3 children and a dog?

I've been a writer longer than I've been a wife and mom so I suppose it's built into my DNA. I definitely treat it as a "need" versus a "want" and now it's a job, too (that I love) so I recommend finding a time that you can get some quiet time, which may mean waking before the bears or going to a coffee shop (I'm writing at a hip coffee shop called Evoke in downtown Edmond) and come here each week after Zumba. So it's my "me-time", exercise and then some writing with my Americano. God bless espresso! I write every morning, no matter what's going on with the kids and the dog *does* make me get up and let him out several times, but I've gotten used to it.

 

Speaking of dogs, I see that you own a Shih-tzu. At Eastern Sunset Reads Blog, we are all about dogs and cats! Tell us a bit about your little four legged child, any goofy quirks or surprising tricks?

 

Emmy June is a total sweetheart. She lets people pick her up and only rarely nips at annoying children. She loves walks and basically loves to sit under my chair no matter where I'm writing. She also adores ice cubes, especially on hot days!


Okay, now that I have gotten my animal fix out of the way, back to your work. In The Last Resort, Rachel developed a 'magical' chocolate that creates a state of almost transcendence and gives the characters a message. Have you discovered some super heavenly chocolate the rest of us haven't heard of yet? Let us in on the secret!

 

Ooh. Love that question and I wish I had but let me tell you, I'm always looking! I do recommend giving the choxie brand dark chocolate a try and I'm never disappointed withe Dove dark chocolate. I try not to eat milk chocolate that often, but it's necessary (ha!) I'll grab an almond Hershey bar to get a sugar fix.


Speaking of Rachel, she is so inspirational and the message she gives through out the book during the retreat really made me feel motivated myself. Where did you get the idea for the Mojo?

 

I knew I wanted a "mash up" novel, getting all my characters together and it really surprised me that Rachel came to the surface, especially since she isn't very likable in Dating da Vinci. But she was already a rising star and popular speaker so it made sense to see her career take off and bring her mojo message to women. And I'm a sucker for a great girls' conference. I'm actually attending Spark & Hustle in a couple of days.
 

 

Cyndy has also told me about a great beach giveaway hosted by Buzz books and your group Book End Babes for The Last Resort and it made wonder living in Oklahoma where is the nearest beach? If anyone would like to enter the contest (and it has a fantastic prize package) check out Buzz Books but the contest ends on June 30th so hurry and enter!

 

We have lots of shoreline thanks to our lakes all over Oklahoma so people who want a beach fix typically visit one of our lakes for that, but as far as seaside, the Gulf would have to be the closest. One of my sisters recently visited Galveston for that purpose, but I'm thankful to be visiting Florida for the first time this summer so I'll have some great beach pics to share from Daytona Beach.

 

I really enjoyed meeting all your characters in The Last Resort. I am very excited to see that Kelly will be getting her own story soon. Can you give us any hints what is in store for her?

 

What we learned about Kelly in The Last Resort was that her boyfriend moved out, but she comes from a very wealthy family in Oklahoma City (my first novel to be set in my town) but they discover they have lost their fortune and it affects all four generations of women, who end up living together in a loft in downtown OKC. In Something New, Kelly picks up with the plan she made in Hawaii, but living with her newly divorced mom, her shopaholic sister, who is a contestant in a national wedding show called "Luxe Weddings," and her grandmother who has Alzheimer's and thinks she's 25 again, makes starting over harder than ever. It plays on who we are in the spotlight and the stages of a woman's life and how we get lost along the way. I adore stories of family and how the generations learn from one another.

Thank you again for taking time out of what I am sure is a very busy schedule to share with me and my readers! I hope you have a fantastic summer!

Happy summer to you and Mahalo!~

Malena

 

 

You can find additional books by Malena on her Website or Goodreads Page

You can also follow her on Twitter

Review of The Last Resort by Malena Lott

Synopsis: "Summer, sisterhood and sacred answers in paradise. You’re invited to find your mojo at THE LAST RESORT.

Mojo and fitness guru, Rachel Woods, takes the women through adventures on the magic island to discover their deepest desires and fears. Readers will catch up with characters from Lott's previous novels: Ramona (Dating da Vinci), Taylor (The Stork Reality), Macy (Fixer Upper), Georgia (Life’s a Beach) and get introduced to Kelly, who gets her own novel, Something New, in Fall 2012.

The six women converge at the luxury resort in Maui at a time when their lives are at a crossroads, personally and professionally. From the workaholic Taylor, to the newly-divorced mom with the identity crisis Georgia, to the broken-hearted Kelly, the island helps them find their own mojo for what matters most. And their fearless leader, Rachel, has a secret of her own that set the whole chain of events in motion.

The Last Resort is Lott's sexiest read to date and sure to be a popular beach read for women everywhere. Readers may especially wish they had magic chocolate and the Kealoha brothers on the mainland."


My Review: This was a great summer read, perfect length for a day at the beach (or pool). I don't normally read a lot of chic lit, unless its drowning in romance, but this was a lot of fun to read. I had a hard time at first getting and keeping the characters straight, but as a novella I am sure that if I had read the other books that Malena Lott had written it would have been much easier. I really enjoyed the motivational retreat aspect of this story, I have never actually been on a retreat but found myself being inspired by Rachel's Mojo. I also feel in love with several of the characters, I plan on going back and reading several of the other books, especially Macy's and Taylor's and can't wait to find out what happens with Kelly after her retreat excitement. All in all it was a fun, easy ready filled with several emotional journeys to follow.

My Rating: I enjoyed having a nice light read for my vacation.  As I said I had a hard time getting characters straight but I did fall in love with them once I got them figured out.   Of course I wanted more at then end too, but it was still the perfect length for a beach read.  I give The Last Resort a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

The Last resort was sent to me by the author's publicist.

If you would like to read the book you can find it at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble

Now I was also lucky enough to be able to interview Malena Lott after reading The Last Resort so check out my next post for her answers and also find out about an amazing giveaway!!

Monday Reading List and Meet Me On Monday

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Its Not You Its Him by Neko Cheri

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss (Bedtime Story)

Currently Reading:

The Brotherhood of Piaxia by Michael Drakich - digital - on page 26 of 340

Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller - PB - on page 32 of 288

Next Books to be Read:

Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - Arthurian Legend Challenge

Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue - Mount TBR Challenge

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Meet Me on Monday

So I found this fun little meme I thought would be great to add so people get to know me a little better (and discover my strange little quirks). Meet Me On Monday is hosted by Acting Balanced where 5 questions are posted each week for us to answer about ourselves and share with all of our readers.

 

And now for this weeks Questions:

1. What was your favorite childhood toy?

                                 Besides books? Definitely My Little Pony, Baby Crumpet, Kingsley, Lofty & Quarterback to be specific.

2. Where did you go this weekend?

                                No where, worked in the house on Saturday and Sunday was my baby shower right down the street at a friends house.  I don't get out too much anymore.

3. When was the last time you shopped for yourself? What did you buy?

                                Probably about 3 months ago when I had to by maternity clothes.  I hate clothes shopping but at least I had a reason to go the next size up this time!

4. Paper, Plastic or Reusable?
                                       Plastic & reusable, though we reuse the plastic anyway for litter box and doggie do duties, and small trash cans around the house

 

 

Number 5 is for you . . . I am enjoying some Fritos right now so, what is your favorite salty snack?

 

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ACK! Where does the time go?! Only 9 more weeks of relative sanity! So much reading and writing still to do, not to mention a house to get scrubbed down.

 

I did have a very exciting week last week, I got to interview an author for the very first time and can't wait to share it with you!  The review and interview will be posted tomorrow!!

Bedtime Story: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

For Bedtime Story this week I decided to read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish to get ready for my baby shower tomorrow with the same theme this weekend!

Synopsis: "This nonsensical romp through a gallery of imaginary creatures introduces beginning readers to a variety of rhyming letter combinations. Meet the Yink, who likes to wink and drink pink ink. Or the Yop, who hops from finger top to finger top. Then there is morose Ned who doesn't like his little bed. The short anecdotal poems have just the right combination of humor and the fantastic to enrapture readers"

My Review: This is another Dr. Seuss book that doesn't really follow a story line but is more for rhyming.  It is actually pretty long for a bedtime story with an impatient child but maybe for someone a little older might like it. I did find it funny how you started out with fish and moved on to other creatures throughout the book.  I think Dr. Seuss set out to tongue tie all parents who read out loud to their kids (note to self practice a lot more)!

My Rating: A fun book full of rhymes and illustrations to look at but a little long.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and Stump Wag.

Good Night, Sweet Dreams!



Review of Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Synopsis: "The year is 490 AD. Fiery 16-year-old Elaine of Ascolat, the daughter of one of King Arthur's supporters, lives with her father on Arthur's base camp, the sole girl in a militaristic world of men. Elaine's only girl companion is the mysterious Morgan, Arthur's older sister, but Elaine cannot tell Morgan her deepest secret: She is in love with Lancelot, Arthur's second-in-command. However, when yet another girl -- the lovely Gwynivere-- joins their world, Elaine is confronted with startling emotions of jealousy and rivalry. But can her love for Lancelot survive the birth of an empire?"

My Review: Loved loved loved this book! There aren't a ton of books about the Lady of Shalott and I really enjoy Arthurian legend books so this was a must read for me. It is written in verse so may not be for everyone, the thing to keep in mind when reading when reading verse is that they don't have to rhyme and there doesn't have to be a set cadence, its all about the flow and rhythm. I found the flow of Song of the Sparrow fantastic, it just pulled you in and felt so natural. The story itself was also fantastic, a tiny bit of love and romance but it wasn't overwhelming and the characters personalities really stood out. The story moves along quickly and between that and the writing style, this book turns into a major page turner that you can't put down.  Did I mention that I love this book and you need to read it?!

My Rating: I honestly can't believe this book has been sitting in my TBR pile for a year or two!! If you have it or its in your TBR list, I suggest reading it! I don't think I can even properly put into words how much I loved this book other than give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

This book counts towards my Mount TBR Challenge and my Arthurian Legends Challenge for this year!



Review of Its Not Him, Its You! Relationship Game Changer for Woman by Neko Cheri

Synopsis from Amazon: "Getting straight to the point about relationship choices, The Truth is: It’s not Him, It’s You. Inside you will find ten concise and simple commandments that all women should abide by in order to discover and enjoy fulfilling and satisfying relationships. Within each riveting and stimulating chapter of The Truth is:
It’s not Him, It’s You, the Relationship Game Changer, women will be enlightened and their passion for understanding romance will be ignited. This book is about getting back on track and avoiding future and current friction and tribulation. Once the trifecta the feminine trinity of emotional, physical, and spiritual equilibrium is maintained, women can be free to enjoy healthy and happy relationships with the man of there dreams. Over 110 pages that include real life relationship scenarios that will touch your core. For any woman looking to have a healthy relationship, this is a must read."

My Review: I have been trying a lot of new books lately, and with authors, marketing professionals and publishers I have gotten to try those new genres.  Unfortunately, I don't think this was the right one for me.  I will do my best to give a fair review.  This book is more for a woman who has had difficulty finding and staying in a good relationship, which is part of the reason I think this book didn't mesh with me, I was lucky enough to find an amazing man.  All that aside, I did find it to be a bit negative and really down on men.  The chapters go through and pick at different negative personality traits and resulting failed relationships, which could be helpful if it weren't so negative. If I was reading this while on the hunt for "the one" or even a good, lasting relationship, I don't think I would find it because I would nit pick at any flaw the man displayed and end the relationship before it had a chance to fail. Neko Cheri, states that she wrote this book "to encourage women everywhere" but honestly I found it a little discouraging.

I also found a lot of the points she made to be a common sense for me, maybe it was because I was raised in an area where women respect and value themselves just as highly as men. I was raised to believe I could do anything a man could do and I could do it without one, so again I don't think it was the right book for me.

One the plus side the last chapter was very positive, I kind of wish that the whole book was written in that tone. I think it would have been a lot more effective to bring people up rather than beat them down. Show them things can work out rather than all the negative things that can ruin a relationship.

My Rating: Unfortunately, I am having a hard time rating this book since it really wasn't meant for reading by someone like myself; however, it could be useful to someone else out there.  But I rate books here on Eastern Sunset Reads depending on my reading experience so I have to give it a rating of One Paw and a Stump Wag. Its saving grace for me was the final positive chapter.

This book was sent to be by Neko Cheri's Marketing Partner Jamar James for review.

If you are interested in trying it for yourself you can find

It's Not Him, It's You! Relationship Game Changer for Woman

at Amazon.com for your Kindle.

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

The Last Mountains - 13,468 (handwritten) = 15,766 (typed)

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Tamlyn Marie's Grace -

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

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So, while reading one of my favorite author's, Kristin Cashore, blog, I found some great editing advise.  I am hoping to get to that stage in my writing soon and I know a few of my fellow writing pals are also in that stage I wanted to share it with you.

So check out Kristin Cashore's Revising Tips, she has some great advise to make your revising and editing a little less overwhelming.


I also got a super amazing package from Jessica from Thoughts at One in the Morning filled with writing and other goodies! I will have to take some pictures to share with all of you! She is so awesome and such a great friend. Thank you hun!!



Unfortunately, the rest of my vacation got so busy I couldn't get any more writing done :( but with new inspiration from Jessica, my fingers are itching to get back to work!

Monday Reading List & Meet Me On Monday

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Impeccable Petunia Part 1 by Katie Christine

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair (After Dark)

The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (Bedtime Story)

The First Zombies by Josh Atkins

Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss (Bedtime Story)

Currently Reading:

The Brotherhood of Piaxia by Michael Drakich - digital - on page 26 of 340

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell - pb - on page 32 of 394

Next Books to be Read:

Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller- Mount TBR Challenge

Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - Arthurian Legend Challenge

Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue - Mount TBR Challenge

 

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Meet Me on Monday

So I found this fun little meme I thought would be great to add so people get to know me a little better (and discover my strange little quirks). Meet Me On Monday is hosted by Acting Balanced where 5 questions are posted each week for us to answer about ourselves and share with all of our readers.

 

And now for this weeks Questions:

1. What is your favorite movie quote or song lyric of all time?

                           Gosh I really couldn't pick, it varies all the time, especially with music!

2. If you had to choose a novel for a book club to read and discuss, which one would you pick?

                           I usually choose the books for my bookclub since no one else seems to want to, but I think my best pick would be the Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. So many points of view could be discussed with that one, and its one of my favorites!

3. When was the last time you danced? What brought you to it?

                           Must have been at one of my friend's weddings last year, I don't get many other opportunities to dance and for some reason I can't seem to let loose enough to dance around my own house anymore.

4. Do you typically remember your dreams?

                          A good portion of them I do remember, that is where most of my writing ideas come from, but I am sure there are a lot that I forget.

 

Number 5 is for you all to answer . . . . Do you make music playlists for different things, like writing or chores?

 

 

 

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Wow, how is my vacation already over?! I got almost no reading done this last week :( and my list of things to do (well at least what is left of it - Niko ate a whole page LOL) still has so many things that haven't been crossed off yet!  At least my hubby was a little more successful in getting his to do list done! AC is fixed, the electrical work is finally done and the finishing touches on the bathroom are done! We just have to move some furniture around and then its time to work on the nursery!!

 

Well I guess I better get caught up here at the office so that I can get back to my reading!

 

Hope you all had a great week last week and have an even better one this week!

Bedtime Story: Hop on Pop

Time for Bedtime Story again!  I picked Hop on Pop for tonight's story, mostly because I am getting tired of being kicked and can't wait until little one's daddy has to deal with a little squirmy boy!



Synopsis: "Combines phonics and word recognition, making sounds and letters recognizable. Highly recommended."—(starred) School Library Journal.

Pairs of rhyming words are introduced and used in simple sentences, such as "Day. Play. We play all day. Night. Fight. We fight all night."       

My Review: A fun rhyming book.  There really isn't a story in Hop on Pop just a lot of word association and rhyming. It can definitely be used to teach little ones the difference between simple words and the pictures help them learn what different orders can mean.

My Rating: While I think this would make a great teaching tool, I kind of missed the story.  However with very young kids, who may not have the attention span for a story and just like the sound of your voice while reading its great (though like a lot of Dr. Seuss books I get tongue tied when reading out loud).  So I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Good Night, Sweet Dreams!         



Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

The Last Mountains - 13,468 (handwritten) = 15,766 (typed)

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So even with vacation being so busy, I have gotten some work done on my writing! Yay!  So far I have gotten caught up on typing The Last Mountains and wowie look at that word count!!  This is one of the projects that is nearest and dearest to my heart so I am very excited to see some progress finally being made on it!  I also have added 30 more points to the simple outline, I just need to add them to the phase outline and then I can begin writing on it again!

I have also pulled out the notebooks for Tamlyn Marie's Grace, and have started typing it onto the computer and have gotten halfway there! I have an idea where I want to take the story but not sure about all the details quite yet, I need to teach my brain to dream the ends of my stories!


So I think its been a pretty productive vacation so far! I hope to finish typing up Tamlyn Marie's Grace by the end of the week and over the weekend work on adding those next 30 points to my phase outline so I can start writing on Last Mountains!

Hope you are all having a great week!

Review of Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

Synopsis: "Feyland is thrown into turmoil once again as the Summer Queen Breena's fate leaves the land of strong, beautiful, and dangerous fairies in chaos. An emerging danger has arisen deep in Feyland, and all must take sides. Sacrifices will be made, and not everyone will survive."

My Review: This was the first time I think I have ever not finished a book, I have set one aside for a few months and picked it back up but never completely given up finishing the book! I was very excited with the first book in this series but from that point on it went down hill.  A very similar plot line in each book, with only slight variations.  Breena is kidnapped by the pixies, either Logan or Kian sacrifices themselves to save her, she claims to be helping her Summer realm as she deserts them, supposedly complicated love triangle, etc. etc.  Well, I tried and tried to finish this book but I just couldn't get through it. I got a little excited at the end of the last book in the series when the MC was stabbed, but low and behold she didn't die. Its really the same old plot, same old whiny teenage fairy queen. Logan was the only one who was the slightest bit interesting.

My Rating: I don't know if I can even qualify a rating but if I had to give one, it would be One Paw.

Review of The First Zombies by Josh Atkins



Synopsis: A few friends hole up in their dorm room as an outbreak of a rabies like virus is announced. They venture out to rescue more of their fellow college students from the hungry and savage 'infected'.


My Review: I have read books before with undead creatures and characters, vampires, re-animated corpses, etc. but never ventured into the world of full zombie stories. I have to say I absolutely loved this story! Josh Atkins does a fantastic job of sucking you into the suspense and danger filled book. I have to say that first chapter completely had me and I couldn't stop reading! It is a short read, but promises much more to come in the rest of the series. If you are thinking about trying a Zombie book but aren't sure if you will enjoy them, I suggest you start here.

My Rating: Loved this book, I just wish it was longer, but it gives you something to look forward to in the next installment.  The First Zombies was definitely a Four Paw book for me!

This book was sent to me in digital version for review by the author

The First Zombies can be purchased in Kindle version on

Amazon.com

Bedtime Story: The Sneetches and Other Stories

Welcome back to Bedtime Stories!

I know it has been some time since I posted a bedtime story and I have been promising I would start up again (especially since they seem to be some of the favorite posts).

I picked The Sneetches and Other Stories for tonight's bedtime story since it is one of my all time favorite Dr. Seuss books!

Stay tuned after the review for a special announcement!!!

Synopsis: "The four wildly whimsical stories in this collection—"The Sneetches," "The Zax," "Too Many Daves," and "What Was I Scared Of?"—touch on important moral issues, and while they can be read for sheer pleasure, they are also ideal for sparking conversationsabout tolerance, the need for compromise, and fear of the unknown. Perfect for young Seuss fans and collectors of all ages, this is a gift that can be enjoyed by the whole family on many different levels."

My Review:  The first story in the book is of course the Sneetches, a hard lesson for the sneetches to learn, but learn they did that "sneetches are sneetches, and no kind of sneetch is best on the beaches."  MacBean definitely made out best.  I feel like I can compare this story to a lot of people who pay so much money to dress, have hair or accessories like someone else.  Maybe its a lesson we should relearn.  The next story is The Zax, another great lesson for us to learn and teach, pride and stubbornness only get in your way.  If you aren't willing to budge or compromise, you won't get anywhere and the world will go on without you.  Next is Too Many Daves, which is just a quickly to deter from picking too common of a name for children! Last of all is What Was I Scared Of? A spooky way of teaching a classic lesson, not to judge someone by their looks, they might just need a friend.   This book is filled with four great stories, some just for fun and some to teach a lesson.

My Rating: I love this book and the fact that it combines four great stories, you can read one or you can read all.  Of course the illustrations are also fantastic! I give it a rating of Four Paws!

So have you stuck around for a special announcement?

Well here at Eastern Sunset Reads, we have some exciting news

Yup, we are expecting our own little rugrat! I was reading up on the little guy growing inside me and I found out he can hear and recognize voices now so it has given me a little push to start up bedtime stories again.  We have decided that the nursery will be Dr. Seuss themed so I will be working my way through my Dr. Seuss collection, getting him use to my voice but also to the stories (hehe starting him reading as early as possible)!

Good Night, Sweet Dreams!





Completed Craft Projects

Here you go, the long awaited crafting post!! Wow I have had a lot of off topic posts this week but I just wanted to share some fun projects that I have been working on lately.  They are the ones (other than house work) that take me away from my reading and writing!

Scherenschnitte

For those of you who don't know what that is it's a form of paper cutting.  The images are hand cut (I use a combination of xacto knife & tiny sharp scissors.  I then usually glue them onto either a background paper for framing or make cards or bookmarks.

These are the two card sets that I have been working on recently (shameless plug - both sets are for sale).  I do have a couple more projects I am working on and hope to finish while on vacation.

Red Panda Card Set

White Panda Card Set

And here are some close up pictures of the pandas

Custom My Little Ponies

Most of you know about my little obsession with these plastic ponies.  I (along with many other artist) have taken to taking ponies and creating something entirely new using paints, sculpting clays, nylon hair and whatever else strikes my fancy.

Bracken is a persona for a member of the mlparena

This girl was a project between a close friend of mine and myself,

she did the symbol and eyes & I dyed the hair and rehaired her.

 Dillies is a persona for another member of the mlparena

Emuel is also the persona of a mlparena member

Snow Cap was made for an animal based swap on the mlparena

my partner requested a snow leopard

Pearlized Baby Squirmy was made for another mlparena member who loves

the original G1 Baby Squirmy

Olivia was made for a friend of mine who just had a baby girl

She matches the nursery with her colors and dragonflies







After Dark Review of The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

Synopsis: "Sedate single dad Logan Kilgarven is somehow bewitched into helping his lovely downstairs neighbor, Melody Seabright, get her own cooking show at his TV station. How did that happen? Melody can't even cook. In her hands, potatoes lump, gravy boils over, and chicken explodes. Still, she's got showmanship, and the general manager can practically taste syndication when her show, The Kitchen Witch, takes off. Even as the boss's daughter sets her sights on Logan, he and Melody are making some hot magic of their own. Sure, opposites attract, but can they last?"


My Review: A very cute, fun, light romance. I personally loved Salem when I visited last year and loved how this book was based in Salem and really stuck to the atmosphere of the town. The characters were very endearing, I absolutely adored Shane, Logan, Melody and Jessie, and even Melody's friends. The story line was some what typical but it was still fun with the quirky personalities involved. I loved how Blair added in the cooking, it added an extra flare to keep the story exciting(and me being not the best cook either it made me giggle at some of the mistakes I have made).

My Rating: The Kitchen Witch was a fun read that I did enjoy reading, I just found some of the plot points and ending to be a little predictable.  I still give it a rating of Three Paws though due to the fun combination of Salem MA, witches and cooking!

Recipe for Chile-rubbed Pork with Corn Salsa

So I know this is a little out of the norm, but this is one of my favorite recipes! I made it last night and it was so good (yet again) that I had to share it with you.

Ingredients:

Pork tenderloins (about 1 1/2 lbs total)

Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons

Salt & Pepper (I use sea salt and fresh ground pepper)

Ancho Chile powder - 2 teaspoons

Fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels - 1 cup (I use low sodium canned corn)

Ground Cumin - 3/4 teaspoon

Yellow Onion - 1 small, chopped

Tomato - 1 large, seeded and chopped

Lime Juice - from 1 lime

Fresh Cilantro - 3 Tablespoons, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 

Rub pork with 1 tablespoon of oil and season generously with salt, pepper and the chile powder.

In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over med-high heat. Add pork and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes total).  Transfer pork to roasting pan, but keep the drippings in the frying pan.

Roast pork loin until center registers 145 - 150 degrees F (meat should be barely pink in the center), about 15-20 minutes.

Transfer pork to carving board and tent with foil, let stand for 10 minutes. (trust me its worth the wait)

While pork is resting, add the corn & cumin to the frying pan (you left the drippings right?!) and put over med-high heat.

Cook, stirring until corn is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and add onion, tomato, lime juice and cilantro (I prefer to add all but the lime juice while still on the heat to soften a little).  Season with salt & pepper.

Cut pork loin in thin slices and serve with the warm salsa!

Trust me this is a tasty and easy recipe and it comes out perfect every time.  Oh and did I mention its actually somewhat healthy (unlike my biscuits and gravy).

ENJOY!!

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

The Last Mountains - 13,468 (handwritten)

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

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So, with short weeks, training at the office, and still working on the big accounting project I haven't had too much time to write, but I do have a little update for you :D

 

Working on Last Mountains, I am around 20 pages behind on typing so I put up the handwritten word count.  When I type I elaborate a little and it ends up being around 1,000 or 2,000 (or more) extra words.  Also, when I originally started working on this one back a year or two ago for Nanowrimo I had outlined part of the story and even did a phase outline, but guess what, I have completely caught up to my outlines so I will need to add to both the outlines.  

 

I also started looking over Tamlyn Marie's Grace, and sadly I cannot find where I saved this story.  Thank goodness it was another story that I have handwritten! So I need to pull out the two notebooks (yes 2 whole notebooks) and start reading through to figure out where I am in the story and hopefully plan a conclusion soon.

 

Of course I will be on vacation next week but I am hoping to get some work on my writing done (in addition to reading and more craft projects).  I would like to at least be caught up with the typing on Last Mountains and have another 20 or so outline phases done so when I come back to work I can write some more.  I also hope to at least have a plan of where I am going with Tamlyn Marie's Grace and maybe some typed up too, we will have to see what I can get done!

 

Soo many ideas and inspiration, so little time!  Hope you all find the time to get your inspirations down!

Book Review of Impeccable Petunia Part 1 by Katie Christine

Synopsis: "Follow Petunia, the backyard hen, through a hazardous world as she discovers hidden talents, a mischievous cat named Macy and encounters all things feathered and furious."


My Review: This was such a unique idea for a young readers book, being an animal lover myself how could I pass it up?! Katie Christine gives us a little peek into the life of a quirky hen, Petunia. The other hens aren't a huge fan of change or anything out of ordinary and when Petunia sets their world upside down the gossip starts and before long it gets out of hand. There are several characters throughout the story including Macy the cat, Silkie the human woman, the Orpas who rule the roost and Ronald the one eyed fox; each has their own personality and add to the story. I have to say I really fell in love with them all! Katie Christine paints a very vivid image of the story (and the illustrations by Jonathan Edward at the beginning of each chapter were very cute as well).  The only down fall I could find in the book is the vocabulary might be out of the intended readers reach, but it would be a good learning tool for them to look up the words they don't understand.  I will give you all a little warning though, the ending leaves you hanging a bit and leaves you wanting to read Impeccable Petunia Part 2!  

My Rating: A very cute book, I love books featuring animals as characters, and I think Katie Christine does a great job of making them realistic yet giving that little bit of personality to keep readers interested. As I said above, the vocabulary might be a little out of the target readers' abilities.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

This book was sent to me by the author for a review.
Impeccable Petunia is available for the Kindle on Amazon.com
or you can find out more (and see the illustrations) on impeccablepetunia.com

Monday Reading List & Meet Me on Monday!

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband by Melissa Mayhue

Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare

Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue

Currently Reading:

Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow - pb - on page 45 of 284

The Brotherhood of Piaxia by Michael Drakich - digital - on page 26 of 340

 

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller- Mount TBR Challenge

Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - Arthurian Legend Challenge

Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue - Mount TBR Challenge

 

 

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Meet Me on Monday

So I found this fun little meme I thought would be great to add so people get to know me a little better (and discover my strange little quirks). Meet Me On Monday is hosted by Acting Balanced where 5 questions are posted each week for us to answer about ourselves and share with all of our readers.

 

 

And now for this weeks Questions:

1. Finish this sentence - The thing I dislike most about shopping is....

                                          Um Everything!!! I hate dealing with the crowds, pushy and rude people, can't find what I am looking for, long check outs, how expensive everything is, I could go on and on! 

2. What is your favorite flavor of jello?

 

                                   Not really sure, I do like classic orange, but the fizzy ones that you add ginger ale to are really tasty too!

3. If you could trade places with anyone in the world for one day who would you be and why?

                                 Wow, tough questions this week! I can't pin point exactly who it would be but I think it would be someone I could learn something from, I have no desire to get a taste of being pampered for a day and then have to go back to my normal life.

4. Who changes the lightbulbs at your house?

                                          My Hubby, I am too darn short and need a ladder while he can just reach up and change the bulbs with out even having to stretch too much.

 

 

Question 5 is for all of you . . .  Do you like tea? What is your favorite flavor or kind?

 

 

 

 

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Wow busy busy busy again! Short weeks always seem to do me in and it never seems like enough time!  I have a ton of books to read this week and countless emails to return, but I promise I will get back to everyone soon!!

 

Around the house, I have finally managed to get all my books moved, but are in such bad order I am going to have to spend a day or two reorganizing them.  Also, the AC and electrical work should be done on our house this week! Thank goodness!!  Next week, hubby and I will both be on vacation and should be able to finish the bathroom and get furniture moved into the bedroom and get going on the extra room! Gosh it will be so nice to finally stop living in a construction zone!  Oh and we are starting on the heating system next week too!!

 

I will be doing a craft post this week too, so much to show you and only a couple more to get done!!

 

 

Hope you all have a fantastic week!!

 

Review of Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue

Book #2 of the Daughters of the Glen Series

You can see my review of the first book - Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband

Synopsis: "SARAH DOUGLAS is a successful thirty-eight year old romance novelist with big problems. She's come to Scotland on a three month working vacation hoping to recapture her muse - who's deserted her - and resolve the issue of her strange 'feelings' - the ones which allow her to sense the emotions of everyone she touches.

From the moment she arrives, however, her problems only intensify. She's being stalked, but by whom? Is he real or only a figment of her imagination? What about the darkly handsome owner of the cottage she's leasing? How is she ever going to deal with her growing attraction to a man ten years her junior? She knows from bitter experience men - particularly men who look like Ian - aren't interested in women like her.


IAN MCCULLOUGH is neck-deep in troubles of his own. As a half-mortal descendent of Faeries, he's a Guardian, sworn to protect both the mortals of this world and the Portals leading to the Faerie Realm. After six hundred years, he's confident he knows what to expect in just about every situation and exactly how to handle it. But he never counted on a woman like Sarah showing up in his life; a woman who intrigues and charms him. A woman who turns out to be of Faerie descent herself, although she has no idea of her heritage and no belief in any Otherworld beings.


When he's assigned to protect her, Ian finds the job is tougher than he could possibly have imagined. Oh, he can handle the stalker and the ex-husband and even the renegade Faeries trying to kidnap her for their own purpose. It's falling in love and forsaking his status as Guardian, a position he swore to honor at his father's deathbed, he's having trouble with.


Both Sarah and Ian struggle to battle the demons of self-doubt and their individual pasts. In the process they learn that healing will take the strongest magic of all, the true love that occurs only between two souls fated to be together."


My Review: Wow! So I thought I loved the first book of the Daughters of the Glen series, but my oh my that has been surpassed! It was actually a little nice that it didn't just pick up where the first book left off. You are introduced to a whole new set of characters, at first I didn't think I liked the idea but I fell in love with Sarah and Ian even more than Cate and Connor (who by the way did make an appearance). I do have to say though it was a little odd going from the first book which was a time travel/historical/fantasy romance to this one which was a modern time & fantasy romance, not at all what I was expecting but I think Melissa Mayhue is doing a great job of keeping things fresh and giving us new things to dig our toes into. Anywho back to this book, I loved the characters, Sarah was a little weak and fragile compared to my normal favorite female characters but it really suited her and the story. Melissa really knows how to create a hunky male character for us to drool over, Ian is fantastic!! Not to mention the sub-characters, Danny, Nessa, and Will make an adorable family (honestly who would love that little boy?!) as well as the Fae characters, and Henry, I loved them all! I also like how we finally got to see how this book was tied to the first when we see not only Cate and Connor but also Pol. The story takes so many twists and turns, you think you know what will happen next but you are never quite sure. Another great book and I can't wait to start the next one in the series!

My Rating: Loved this second book in the series! A great story line and fantastic characters! I have to give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

Note: There are a few intimate scenes but they could be skimmed over and they are not very explicit (so I didn't feel it needed an after dark review).