Friday, November 16, 2012

Bedtime Story: Curious George Goes Camping


 
Synopsis:"Curious George Goes Camping is an entertaining story of the Great Outdoors based on H. A. and Margret Rey’s popular primate and painted in the original watercolor and charcoal style. George tries to be helpful, but he of course just ends up upsetting a nearby camper. As he’s hiding in the woods, he meets a forest creature who catapults the mischievous monkey into a chain of even more outrageous events! For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover all the latest on Curious George books, promotions, games, activities, and more."

My Review: Curious George is on another adventure! As usual he is getting himself into trouble. It is a cute book and contains warnings about wondering away, getting lost, messing with wildlife and fires. George still learns from his adventures though and saves the day, a message similar to Smokey the Bear. There is so much more involved with camping I would have liked for George to experience a little bit more than he did, but with little one's short attention span its best to keep it short.
 
 
My Rating: As with all Curious George stories there are adventures and lessons all over! I would have liked to see more and I kind of prefer to have Smokey the Bear teach about forest fires but that's just me.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.
 
 
Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

After Dark Review of Eating Out by E.R. Pierce

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: "You've heard of the naughty nooner, well I'm taking it to new heights. Enjoy some steam as you eat your lunch and devour my hot lunch stories.

The perfect length to heat you up and send you running home for relief. Only have 15 minutes to read and want a complete story? Look no further.

In Volume One meet Samantha and Ryan. They have been eying each other around the law office for a while. Join them as they explore each other in the most carnal of ways on their lunch hour.

I promise you won't be disappointed."


My Review: Wow, that was steamy! If you are looking for a quickie erotica story, don't look any further! I was rather surprised that the story was so well developed and yet short enough to read when you only have a few minutes! The characters were well developed and you get a sense of knowing them in no time. You would like to read more but are still satisfied with what is given. Pierce definitely paints a hot and erotic scene for you without too much unnecessary extra reading. I look forward to more Hot Lunch Stories!
 
 
My Rating: This is definitely a Four Paw story for me! I love how it was all the heat I was looking for but still short enough for me to read before Munchkin needed to be fed again, it fit perfectly into my limited schedule.

Music Speaks Read-Along #5 Save Me


 

Throughout November I will be doing a read along of Music Speaks an anthology of stories with music. I hope you will all participate.  Music, like books, can affect us in so many ways it only makes sense to have a book of music stories. I will be doing 2 stories a week, the first of which will be on Thursday. 

You can get your copy in ebook format on Amazon for $2.99 or in paperback format on Amazon for $6.99.  Sorry but its not on Barnes and Noble (I should have told you all to get it earlier because I downloaded it when it was free).

So please join me, if you aren't going to be reading along I would still love if you would stop by, I would love to hear how particular songs or artist have made an impact in your life!


Welcome to the fifth readalong of the month! This short story in the book is call Save Me and is written by Erin McGowan.


In Save Me we hear the story of a young woman stuck deep in depression.  She is unhappy with nearly all things in her life, except for her friends and family whom she doesn't see often enough and her music.  As her job takes a down turn so do her thoughts, to the extreme of thoughts of ending her own life.  All that keeps her going is an upcoming vacation with a close friend for a concert.

On her vacation and during the concert she realizes the depth of her sadness and depression when one of her favorite songs, the one that always made her feel joy, still didn't bring a smile to her face.  With that realization she was able to ask for help before it was too late.



What song can you always count on to put a smile on your face, no matter how bad your day was?



So I have a few songs that make me happy, first is Uncle Kracker's Smile (well several of his songs have that effect on me but this is my favorite)




 
 
Another song that makes me smile even though it is often a bittersweet feeling (it tends to make me a little homesick at the same time as making me happy) is Take A Back Road by Rodney Atkins
 
 

 
 
So lets hear those happy songs of yours, and put a smile on everyone's faces!!
 
 
Next Monday will feature Playlist, so be sure to join me.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

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

 
 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Review of Dog Trots Globe by Sheron Long

 
Synopsis: "In this fun read — Chula, a 9-year-old Sheltie, shares her dog’s eye view of France. She sniffs around the boulangeries, lavender fields, and big outdoor markets of Provence. In Paris, she trots across the Seine, stands on her hind legs in awe of the Eiffel Tower, and attends opening night at a gallery. Through more than 150 color photographs, four videos, and Chula’s unique perspective, you’ll get a delightful view of Paris and Provence.

In the videos (built into the enhanced eBook for iPad and online for all customers), you’ll visit markets of Provence, see sheep in the streets, admire the sparkling Eiffel Tower, and take a glorious walk with Chula through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The book also includes a helpful Afterword with tips and suggestions for taking a dog to France."



My Review: Dog Trots Globe is a wonderful travel guide from a pup's point of view. It is a fun book that follows little Chula's travels. The pictures were stunning and the narration is adorable. I think it would be great to occupy a child on the long flight. Chula's story makes traveling in France appealing to anyone and everyone, all ages included. Chula points out the best markets, fountains, fields and bridges for us to visit while in Provence and Paris, some of which may not be in that overfilled travel guide at the store ;) Not only do you get to read about all the great places Chula visited but her humans also gave some helpful information about taking a dog on vacation with you and what you may need, now Niko being 80lbs probably won't be going anywhere soon but it is extremely helpful advice if he ever does travel. You also get videos and a lot of extras with the purchase of your book!
 
My Rating: How can we not give Dog Trots Globe a Four Paw rating!! It is an adorable book with a unique concept that is fun for all readers!  (And would make a great gift for dog lovers or travelers this holiday season, in fact I can think of a few of my own friends and family who would love it!)
 
 
 
 
Dog Trots Globe - To Paris & Provence was sent to me by the Publisher for review.
 
You can find out more about it on Goodreads or on their site OIC Books
 
You can also purchase your own copy in ebook format at Barnes & Noble or ebook and hardcover at Amazon.  You can also purchase the hardcover version on IOC Books site.
 
 



Monday, November 12, 2012

Music Speaks Read-Along #4 Heavy Metal Lovesong


 

Throughout November I will be doing a read along of Music Speaks an anthology of stories with music. I hope you will all participate.  Music, like books, can affect us in so many ways it only makes sense to have a book of music stories. I will be doing 2 stories a week, the first of which will be on Thursday. 

You can get your copy in ebook format on Amazon for $2.99 or in paperback format on Amazon for $6.99.  Sorry but its not on Barnes and Noble (I should have told you all to get it earlier because I downloaded it when it was free).

So please join me, if you aren't going to be reading along I would still love if you would stop by, I would love to hear how particular songs or artist have made an impact in your life!


Welcome to the second readalong of the month! The second short story in the book is call Heavy Metal Lovesong and is written by Pam Bainbridge-Cowan.


In Heavy Metal Lovesong we follow a couple as music guides their lives. It brings them together and breaks them apart and brings them together again.

It is amazing what music and books can do to bring people together. Often music or books can act as an ice breaker, a conversation starter for people who may have a hard time connecting.


So have you ever had music bring you into a friendship or other relationship?


I don't think I have had a particular genre or love of a specific type of music start a relationship, but often when my hubby and I need some time to reconnect without just talking about the stress of job, money, home ownership or family and friends, we will sit down at the computer or with cds and make play lists, talk about a memory connected to a song or where we were when we got an album.


Join me on Thursday for our next story Save Me!

Monday Reading List





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!




Reviews Posted Last Week:
Links will take you to my review
 
Donners Bend by Alexa V James
Something New by Malena Lott
Addicted to My Sugar Daddy by Mack Collins (After Dark)
The Breeders by Katie French
Puppy Explores (Bedtime Story)
Bayou Volume #1 by Jeremy Love

Books Finished Last Week:
Reviews will be posted at a later date

 Fire on the Island by JK Hogan


Currently Reading:

Cleo: The cat who mended a family by Helen Brown - PB - on page 124 of 292
Eragon by Christopher Paolini - PB - on page 53 of 497
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - PB - on page 28 of 472

 
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
Royal Flush by Scott Bartlett


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Not much reading again this week, not sure why other than time with Munchkin! We finally recovered from his shots and headed straight into another growing spurt! I am looking forward to when I can get some sleep again! 

I have had the pleasure of reading some really fantastic books lately so I hope you have a chance to check out some of the reviews already posted and some of them coming up soon!

I hope you all have a fantastic week!!