Book Blogger Hop - Last Friday in April

I love Fridays~ And one of the reasons is because I get to hop over to some of my favorite blogs and check out their answers to the Book Blogger Hop. The Book Blogger Hop is held every Fridays and is thrown by Jen at Crazy for books  ---- here are the rules:

Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! She gets over 200 links every week!!

This week's question is:

"Summer is coming quickly - what 2011 summer release are you are most looking forward to?"

Unfortunately I don't look at book release dates. As an author and owner of a review website  I pretty much read anything and everything that is thrown my way. I don't really remember the last time I read a new release unless it was from Free Press and the Fress Press Blog tour group on Book Blogger.



Pondering with a Purpose - Kindness

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose - Thinking on a Thursday



This is a weekly hop that I started several months ago. The main idea behind Pondering with a Purpose is actually quite simple.

I am a writer - that is what I do.
Although I love blogging and hopping and following all the bloggers I found that I had not actually been writing a blog so I decided to create a hop where I would give a prompt and write about the prompt. My hope is that other bloggers would also write to the prompt and then add their blog to the linky list below and then hop to other sites and see how other people interpret that prompt.

I still believe this idea will catch on.....here are the previous prompts and blogs:
word Association
Beauty
Change
Detail
Edge
Friends and Followers
Giving
How do you say Hello?
Interview

Juxtaposition

This week's prompt is Kindness

Write a blog post about something you did as a random act of kindness or when a random act of kindness was done for you. Then add your linky to the list below and hop to the other posts on this page and meet the other ponderers.

A few years ago, when my youngest son was in ninth grade, one of his best friends found himself in a difficult situation. His parents were moving to Utah and he wanted to finish the school year. So I offered to let him move in with us! My oldest son had moved out of the house so his bedroom was vacant anyway. What I hadn't counted on was the problems that come with looking after another parents child. It took us a few week to adjust but he ended up being the only one in my house that bought me a Mother's Day present!

So tell me......what happened to you?

2 book reviews - for author Peggy Sue Yarber

I had the opportunity to read books by author Peggy Sue Yarber. She is an author on my site Reviews4reviews and she and I arranged a book swap. Here are the book reviews of two of her books: The Judas Ride and Rocketships to Heaven and the SOS Fuel Station.

The Judas Ride:

The Judas Ride shares the story of a group of troubled teenagers and their pastor as they question not only their existence, but the very existence of God- and how he does or doesn’t play a role in their lives. The fictional tale has this particular group of characters in some very dark places – drugs, murder, self loathing, teen pregnancy, alcohol and corruption.

The tale itself is craftily written and holds well on its’ own merits. There are moments in the story that will make the reader stop and think about their own beliefs and question their own moral caricatures, but as a novel in the Christian genre that is to be expected.

The book is well written and should be a suggested reading in all Christian high schools so that the intended audience will benefit from the advice that flows from Ms. Yarber’s pen.

The part I found especially rewarding was when the pastor was also tested along the way and his faith in brought into question as well. There are so many twists and turns in this book that it really is difficult to put it down until the last page is turned.

Peggy Sue Yarber, Phd, is an educator and mother and drew upon her own experiences when writing this book.

And the Rocketships to Heaven and the SOS Fuel Station is definitely a children's book.

This is a cleverly written book that answers some of the questions children ask about their very existence and what happens when they die. It also is a wonderful diversion into the very question of our existence and how we got here and what love is. This book is a conversation between a mother and her son tackling some of the very tough questions that all of us grapple with, how we got here, how do we know what love is, where do we go when we die?  It is a carefully guided step by step lesson on how to teach a child about religion.

Ms. Yarber has taken a leap into the realm of children’s books and has definitely left a footprint. Rocketships to Heaven and the SOS Fuel Stations should be a must read on any Sunday School reading list!

Peggy Sue Yarber is an educator and mother and drew upon her own experiences when writing this book.

Both of these reviews were previously posted on Reviews4reviews and were done so in exchange for a swap for book reviews.

Mondays Musings April 25, 2011

Wow - I don't even know where to begin!
This weekend was a whirlwind of activity - Let me first start off by stating - My fear of flying has not dissipated as I have gotten older - I just hide it for my children! How is that for doing the impossible?

I left my home early Wednesday morning for Georgia at the behest of my daughter so that she could spend time with her husband. So then immediately the question arises - why did you go then? Well the short answer is: She is going to be leaving my home VERY soon and I want to spend as much time as possible with her as I can . . . but saying that I realized by Saturday afternoon that I should never have gone and I took the first flight available on Sunday and came home. Does that make it any easier? NO! It just made me realize that she is ready to leave and that I need to let her go.

By the time I got home on Sunday I was exhausted and I had to get ready for the week ahead.....

Book Blogger Hop 4/22/11

It's Friday ---- YAY! And one of my favorite things about Friday is the Book Blogger Hop on Fridays -It is thrown by Jen at Crazy for books  ---- here are the rules:

Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! She gets over 200 links every week!!

This week's question comes from Christina who blogs at The Paperback Princesses.  She asks:

 "If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"

Absolutely! Well.....not as much anymore as I used to. Before I started writing I used to do it all the time. For example the first time I read a book by Catherine Coulter I went out and read every book I could read by her - but only the books that involved the FBI thrillers with Savage and Sherlock. And the same thing for John Sandford with Lucas Davenport. I also know that about 10 years ago (I know a lot of you were still under ten then!) I picked up a book by Jonathan Kellerman and I could not put it down so I went back and read everything I could by him. Then I found James Patterson! OMG I not only loved what he wrote but I loved the fact that his chapters were short and that the books moved along so swiftly. I actually used him as an example when I started to write. My chapters are short (and hopefully my stories move along swiftly).

So I guess the short answer is YES!

I can hardly wait to hop around and see your answers.

Happy Friday to all!

Pondering with a Purpose - Juxtaposition

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose - Thinking on a Thursday



This is a weekly hop that I started several months ago. The main idea behind Pondering with a Purpose is actually quite simple.

I am a writer - that is what I do.
Although I love blogging and hopping and following all the bloggers I found that I had not actually been writing a blog so I decided to create a hop where I would give a prompt and write about the prompt. My hope is that other bloggers would also write to the prompt and then add their blog to the linky list below and then hop to other sites and see how other people interpret that prompt.

I still believe this idea will catch on.....here are the previous prompts and blogs:
word Association
Beauty
Change
Detail
Edge
Friends and Followers
Giving
How do you say Hello?
Interview

For this weeks prompt I am using one of my favorite words:


Juxtaposition

Have fun with it! And post your blog site in the linky below!

The days run together as the alarm clock rings, lunches get packed, kids are dropped off, and I end up sitting in traffic wondering if it is all worth it. Was life really easier before we had all the 'modern' conveniences? I mean that sincerely.For just one moment let's compare and contrast the home life of the twenty first century of today and the 1980's. When I went to college there were no cell phones, no GPS navigational systems, no computers, no internet and certainly no online dating - just to name 5 examples. We had phones in every dorm room, used maps, libraries with card catalogs and actually had to meet people in order to go out on a date. Have the modern conveniences improved our way of life? With the following juxtaposition you will see that it has improved and set us back at the same time.

Cell phones vs. Land lines - Is it really necessary to be constantly available to all people? I'm not so sure that it is. There are certainly arguments for availability in emergency situations. But mankind existed for thousands of years without 100% availability before now and the world did not stop turning.

GPS vs Maps - Although GPS systems have improved traveling immensely I believe the art of map reading is being lost on this generation - what a tragedy.

Computers vs Typewrites vs writing - I believe the art of writing is being lost on the new generation - I don't even think cursive writing is being taught any longer and when was the last time you actually 'wrote' a letter? That in and of itself is tragic.

Internet vs. Library - Libraries are become somewhat a dinosaur as all information can be gleaned online. The Dewey Decimal system is going the way of the Model T Ford ---

And Dating! - Before you know it  --- we won't even need men and women to be together to have children - why bother with dating at all!

Well....now that I've given you all a bit to ponder on this Thursday....let me know what you think!

WoW Weekly 100 Words 4/20/11

It is Wednesday and I have been on an airplane all day but I still wanted to join my friend Ruthi at Ruthi Reads for her weekly WOW of 100 words. This is where we talk about the books we are currently reading and share 100 words of that book so we can tantalize our readers.

I started a brand new book today: There's Something Wrong with Jackie by Deanna Lee Warren:

This is the third book I have read by Ms. Warren and actually it is the first book that she wrote!

There is Something Wrong with Jackie is Deanna Lee Warren’s first novel. It is a gut-wrenching story of a girl whose childhood is literally torn away from her and how she buries her memories and then learns to overcome her fears and carry on with her life. 

The 100 words I have chosen are from pg. 16  Check back later for my full book review.

They came to the park that day, brothers two; both blonde-haired and blue-eyed. They looked alike, but somehow chillingly different. The younger brother was slightly known to Lee and her friends; the older of the two, a stranger. The brothers sat at some distance from Lee’s group, and she was unaware of the stare from a pair of cold-blue eyes. He watched Lee from a distance and soon, he too sauntered over, and sprawled on the grass. His dirty blonde hair was collar-length and his cold-blue-eyes were hard to see as he squinted into the sun. He dangled his sunglasses …

What are you reading?

Saturday Shop Hop - The Disrupted Lives Edition

Happy Saturday and yes I do know that I am a bit tardy on the posting of this Shop Hop ....but I think I'm getting good at saying, "Better late than never!"

It is time for Shop Hop Saturday with my good friend Ruthi from Poetic Creations by abitosunshine.

This weekly hop is for those of us who do business online and blog about it. So, if you have a business blog, hop along! We'll encourage, support, and promote each other. Whatever your business, whatever your shop, whatever your wares -- let's share!

My supremely HUGE NEWS of the week is :

Disrupted Lives has been released!

Now you would probably think that by the time your sixth book comes out

you wouldn't get excited....right?    Wrong! It is still just as exciting --- but this time it is even more so because you know how good this picture looks here? It is so much better live. I am telling you this book looks G"O"O"D!

So...This is what I am going to do ... only for the Shop Hop Hoppers....If you wish to purchase Disrupted Lives (and this will be a pre-order, I won't have physical books for at least 2-3 weeks) - I am offering a 20% discount. The selling pricing on the book is 15.95.  My offer is good until next Saturday.  If you're interested - let me know and I will send you an invoice via paypal. 

Also, for Reviews4Reviews I have added another Review the author -- Darin Waugh and have created a new lens on Squidoo as well. I also posted his review on Associated Content and Gather. I am trying to concentrate more on these authors and have been spending a lot of time on book blogs. I have joined the free book tours group and have been getting books to review. It has introduced me to other book reviewers.

I think that about wraps it up for my Saturday = = how about yours?

Book Blogger Hop - Friday April 15

It seems like Friday came around so much faster this week because Jen at Crazy for Books

throws a Book Blogger Hop on Fridays - but last week it ran during the week - anyway - maybe that's why it
is called Crazy for books  ---- here are the rules:

Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! She gets over 200 links every week!!


This week's question comes from Jen herself!

"Pick a character from a book you are currently reading or have just finished and tell us about him/her."

I just finished a great book - and my choice would have to be Bakul. She is the daughter of one of the characters. Her mother died in childbirth and her father didn't really want her. She is born in India in the 40's and as such must follow the rituals of the time - but she doesn't. She has her own will and wants what she wants.

I cannot praise this book enough. I have a review of it on this site if you're interested.

Happy hopping and have a great weekend!

Pondering with a Purpose - 4/14/11 - Interview

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose - Thinking on a Thursday

This is a weekly hop that I started several weeks ago. The main idea behind Pondering with a Purpose is actually quite simple.

I am a writer - that is what I do.
Although I love blogging and hopping and following all the bloggers I found that I had not actually been writing a blog so I decided to create a hop where I would give a prompt and write about the prompt. My hope is that other bloggers would also write to the prompt and then add their blog to the linky list below and then hop to other sites and see how other people interpret that prompt.

I still believe this idea will catch on.....here are the previous prompts and blogs:
word Association
Beauty
Change
Detail
Edge
Friends and Followers
Giving
How do you say Hello?

If you could interview yourself - what would you ask?

First let me start off by saying that I absolutely love this prompt - (I can say that can't I? - I mean it is my prompt and it is my blog - but I really like this prompt!)

So - these are the questions I would ask myself if I was being interviewed by me

1.  What do you find to be the most challenging part about keeping your writing fresh?

2.  Do you ever worry that you are going to be classified as an author that writes about the same thing all the time?

3. What motivates you?

4. Do you feel like you have kept up with the new 'technological' world?

5. Has blogging helped you reach a new audience?

6. If you had one full day to talk with someone - anyone - who would it be?

7. Can you name three people who have influenced you the most in your life?

8. Are you a dog person or a cat person?

9. Do you procrastinate or plan?

10. How many books are you in the process of writing right now?

I can hardly wait to see all of your interview questions too! 

Wow Weekly 100 Words 4/13/11

It is Wednesday and although I am running a bit late tonight but I really wanted to join my friend Ruthi at Ruthi Reads for her weekly WOW of 100 words. This is where we talk about the books we are currently reading and share 100 words of that book so we can tantalize our readers.

I have to say that it has been a really long time since I read a children's book but I am reading three books from a new author that joined us on Reviews4Reviews, and I decided to start with her children's book first.

Peggy Sue Yarber, PhD, attempts to answer some of the simple questions that children ask that don't have such simple answers. Here is just a sample:

Child: What is Love?

Mother:

Love is the most important emotion a person can share with God and their family and friends.

Love is a warm glow in the sky on a cold winter day.

 Love is a smile give to you when you are ready to cry.

Love helps people believe in their strengths and gives them confidence to accomplish things even when they do not believe they can!

Love is having faith in someone.

Love is how I feel about you!

Child: What is faith?

Mother: Faith is when you believe in something you cannot see or touch.

It is a great little book that any parent should grab a copy of!

Book Blogger Hop - Non Weekend Edition

I love Fridays for so many reasons but one of them is because it means it is time for the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books

Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! She gets over 200 links every week!!

BUT this week Jen was swamped over the weekend and she has posted the first ever Book Blogger Hop Non Weekend Edition. It runs until Thursday.

This week's question comes from Aislynn who reviews at Knit, Purl, Stitch...Read and Cook!

"Outside of books, what is your guilty pleasure?"

I actually have to admit that when I am not reading or writing or working or cleaning or....well you get the picture...I love to play computer games. Isn't that silly? I found this game Peggle and I'm addicted! It is the silliest game but I love it! I can hardly wait to hop around and find out what everyone else does~

Shop Hop Saturday - April 9

Hello and Happy Saturday to all
It is time for Shop Hop Saturday with my good friend Ruthi from Poetic Creations by abitosunshine.

This weekly hop is for those of us who do business online and blog about it. So, if you have a business blog, hop along! We'll encourage, support, and promote each other. Whatever your business, whatever your shop, whatever your wares -- let's share!

So this week I spent a whole lot of time preparing for the release of my new book - Disrupted Lives. I am really excited about it! The press release is ready to go and I am just waiting for the books.  He is the final cover:

 
Also, for Reviews4Reviews I have added another Review the author -- K. Lippi and have created a new lens on Squidoo as well. I am trying to concentrate more on these authors and have been spending a lot of time on book blogs. I have joined the free book tours group and have been getting books to review. It has introduced me to other book reviewers.

I think that about wraps it up for my Saturday = = how about yours?

Pondering with a Purpose - Let's Say Hello

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose - Thinking on a Thursday

This is a weekly hop that I started several weeks ago. The main idea behind Pondering with a Purpose is actually quite simple.

I am a writer - that is what I do.
Although I love blogging and hopping and following all the bloggers I found that I had not actually been writing a blog so I decided to create a hop where I would give a prompt and write about the prompt. My hope is that other bloggers would also write to the prompt and then add their blog to the linky list below and then hop to other sites and see how other people interpret that prompt.

I still believe this idea will catch on.....here are the previous prompts and blogs:
word Association
Beauty
Change
Detail
Edge
Friends and Followers
Giving

AND this week's prompt is                            How do you say Hello?

As I've been building my online presence I realize that I've made quite a few 'cyber' friends. In my own personal life I have very few friends because I really am a very shy person. I tend to avoid large crowds and don't really go to social gatherings. I got divorced in 1993 and although I dated a LONG time ago and tried that again last year - it doesn't seem to work out either. I suppose when my daughter moves out and is gone I might try that again.
In business I have no problem interacting with people but I suppose that is just a different part of my persona.

How do you say Hello?