Thursday, December 31, 2015
Carrie Fisher tells it straight (p)
LINK
This was posted on Growing Bolder:
Way to go Carrie! Carrie Fisher wore the famous Star Wars slave bikini when she was 27. She’s now 59 and back as General Leia Organa in “The Force Awakens.” Apparently, some viewers thought she should look exactly as she did 32 years ago. Fisher has been the subject of online body-shaming and hateful social media posts following the opening the film. She responded with her own tweets: “Please stop debating about whether or not I aged well. Youth and beauty are not accomplishments, they’re the temporary happy by-products of time and/or DNA. Don’t hold your breath for either.” Fisher admitted earlier this year that she was pressured to lose 35 pounds for the role. “Nothing changes, it’s an appearance-driven thing. I’m in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up. They might as well say get younger, because that’s how easy it is.”
BOOK REVIEW- IN TOO DEEP
Elle
I fell in love with the wrong guy. His world is a corrupt place, and I’m done playing the game. I left months ago, and I’m not sure if he’s really let me go or if he’s simply giving me the illusion of freedom.
Even with no one controlling my life now, I struggle to find happiness. I haven’t allowed anyone new close to me in months—heck, probably years. But when the All-Pro quarterback tries to push his way in, I’m tempted even though I know I can’t be what he needs. Max is at the top of his game, and I won’t let him get hurt. Not by me and definitely not by Jack. The only way to keep Max safe is to let him go. But I don’t know if I can. He’s the good in my life.
Max
When my wife left me for another guy, I was devastated by the betrayal. So, I focused on my football and wasn’t even tempted to try again until I ran into the mysterious Elle.
She’s beautiful, but there’s more pulling me to her. She’s hesitant to let me in—hell she’s pretty much scared, but I push to stay close. Although she’s trying to hide the pain, I know it’s there and I’m determined to help her. We need each other.
But when the secrets start to come out, I’m pissed. I’ve shared a lot about me, and apparently she hasn’t told me anything real about her. I can’t have a second woman mess with my head. But am I strong enough to walk away when she asks for another chance? Hell no. Am I jeopardizing my NFL career? Possibly. Am I in too deep? Without a doubt.
Recommended for 17+ Readers due to limited mature language and adult situations. AMAZON
Slow starting story. Yes, it did give me time to get to know each one of the people in the story, but at 30% of the content it seemed like it was starting to move forward a little more. I did like the fact that Elle teasingly called Max, "Mr. Football." The fun thing is that he is so far from what you think of a man who is in professional football. He breaks most if not all of the stereotypical football star ideas. There is a sweetness that develops between Max and Elle beginning in the early (slower) part of the story. This is an emotional story with not only Elle's fear of a relationship but also grief, manipulations, lies and threats. And Elle is not the only one to have suffered all of the above.
The reason behind Max's tattoo was a good one, well thought out, and a touching one. I liked that it was included and each detail of it was explained.
The adult situations also include the times were there will be sex.
I liked the tenderness that the picture cover of the book shows.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
BOOK REVIEW- #4TALL, DARK & HUNGRY
#4Terri had flown from England to help plan her cousin's wedding, but paying for a New York hotel room was like giving blood! She had an alternative: the new in-laws were offering lodging.Of course, the Argeneaus were a certifiably odd bunch. There was the sometimes chipper, sometimes brooding Lucern—a "vampire romance" writer. There was the wacky stage actor, Vincent. She couldn't imagine Broadway casting a more ravenous singing-and-dancing Dracula. And then there was Bastien. Of this unique cast of characters, he seemed the tallest, darkest and hungriest—and his effect on Terri was decidedly delicious. Just looking into his eyes made her want to serve up her innocence on a silver platter. And she had a feeling the love feast was about to begin AMAZON
I was somewhat disappointed in Bastien's story. It was one I was looking forward to reading since I started reading the series. While it was sweet, it felt somewhat tame and almost more about the other members of the family than it was about him and Terri. Don't get me wrong, I like the whole odd ball unique family, but it just felt like it was missing something.
The wedding planning mishaps were funny and the mishaps just kept coming. Things really did keep Bastien and Terri busy trying to fix them and they did work well together. The ones getting married, Kate and Lucern were precious little help since they were handling their own crises. They were so crazy in love that they had eyes for each other only, which added to the troubles. One of those troubles was a man named, C.K. He wasn't evil, but if there was an accident about to happen, he was usually in the middle of it. Kate works with him and when he had an accident, he just HAD to help him out; which made it Bastien's problem as well. You'll have to read the book to see how that came about. Just let me say that C.K.'s mishaps go with the wedding planning mishaps, so there is some humor as well. Even in the middle of all of this, Bastien does find some time to show Terri around town. And eventually his bedroom, to mention one place.
Rainbow Chevron Afghan
Rainbow Chevron Afghan
Crochet
Made to look like a quilt, this Rainbow Chevron Afghan is a great project for using up all those scrap pieces of yarn. This stunning afghan crochet pattern adds a vibrant touch to any room, and it also makes a wonderful gift for a housewarming or a newly married couple. Use whatever colors you have on hand to create this fun and vibrant afghan, and make it unique to best suit your decor.
Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Rainbow-Chevron-Afghan-from-Red-Heart-Home-Decor-eBook#iQMjeyPUrIY4CH78.99
*This might be more advanced than my skill level but it sure is beautiful to look at!
CrochetMade to look like a quilt, this Rainbow Chevron Afghan is a great project for using up all those scrap pieces of yarn. This stunning afghan crochet pattern adds a vibrant touch to any room, and it also makes a wonderful gift for a housewarming or a newly married couple. Use whatever colors you have on hand to create this fun and vibrant afghan, and make it unique to best suit your decor.
Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Rainbow-Chevron-Afghan-from-Red-Heart-Home-Decor-eBook#iQMjeyPUrIY4CH78.99
*This might be more advanced than my skill level but it sure is beautiful to look at!
Living Off The Top Of The Barrel, Volume 1
Don't try to convince someone about God's Word when you're not convinced, because it won't work.
This is a good one. Its a short but encouraging clip. 2.52 in length.
There is also a longer version available through the ministry.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
BOOK REVIEW- KILL WITHOUT MERCY
BOOK REVIEW- KILL WITHOUT MERCY- From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home--and they're ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they're intimidating. Together they're invincible. They're the men of ARES Security.
Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather's small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away--not when she's clearly in danger. . .
There's a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie's dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe's instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie's courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won't stop. Now it's only a matter of time before Annie's next--unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won't be buried. AMAZON
Wow, this one was so good, I don't even know where to start. The many twists and turns, the surprises, the romance and the closeness of the men who formed the ARES team, all came together to make an awesome story. I read it in one day. Because I couldn't bear to put it down. I guess I was also lucky to be able to have a freer calendar so that I didn't have to. What a life Annie has had, a lot of her memories are fuzzy from her earlier childhood. Good thing too, it helped save her sanity. Of course the nightmares/the visions (whichever you want to call it) were seriously messing up her life, again. Her sanity was being challenged too. Annie and Rafe were so good together. They both just deserved to be happy together. They developed a strong foundation on which to build a life even though it might not have looked like it at first. Each one of Rafe's friends who were part of their new business ARES, they were more like brothers because of the bonds formed during their brutal captivity. They survived and they still had each others backs now that they were back home. They were family, each one of them wildly different in personalities and skills. I liked each one of them and how they interacted together.
I almost feel like I haven't talked enough about Annie, who was such a great character. She forced herself to go to Newton, Iowa the place where the nightmares started and where she was rescued from. Others tried to talk her out of going, especially her foster parents. But she just knew she had to go to the one place she dreaded. She felt that just maybe she could make sense of what was going on and make it stop. I liked Rafe's observation of Annie, "that beneath Annie's sweet, rather shy exterior was a spine of steel." She's going to need help. A lot of it. Good thing Rafe is willing and able to give it.
I can't wait to read more by this author about this team. Seems like the other team members could have some interesting stories to tell.
I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK REVIEW- Finding Promise
BOOK REVIEW- Finding Promise- A trail of danger and dreams…She may be an heiress, but Parker Promise Sinclair cares more about living an adventurous life than snaring a suitable husband. So it’s no surprise when she joins a Wyoming wagon trail—only to survive a massacre that leaves her with no memory, a target on her back—and her abiding faith tested by the only man who can possibly protect her. His gunfighting skills and trail savvy have saved U.S. Marshal Jake McBride more times than he can count. And his instincts tell him the only way to keep Promise alive is to take her along on his high-stakes cattle drive. But she soon proves she can ride and shoot with the best of them—and Jake finds it increasingly difficult to keep himself from falling for her. Soon, with danger closing in, they'll have only one chance to face their doubts, their fears—and their growing love…AMAZON 4 Star
I did like this story, although a few times it did feel like it dragged a bit. Promise and Jake were both interesting, each in their own ways. Promise was more skilled than most people thought, probably because people only saw her outward beauty at first.
Jake was an honorable man, who once he saw the massacre that Promise survived did everything he could to protect her. That's the Jake that I got to know early on and really liked. But then later he did like a Jekyll and Hyde change that wasn't quite so charming. Oh, he wasn't evil but his guard did go up pretty fast. I understood the reasons, but Shorty had it handled in just a sentence. "You're just about the stupidest son-of-a-buck I've ever slapped eyes on." Yes, that pretty much nails it.
I understood that to some degree Promise felt guilty for other people's injuries and death's along the way. Of course she felt responsible once she got her memory back and that was displayed pretty well. A few times it felt like it got mentioned a little too much.
There were plenty of other interesting people in the book, including the introduction of Jake's brothers, Colt and Luke. The men on the cattle drive and at the ranch were pretty well drawn personalities as were the few women at the ranch. A few good friendships were developed there. Victoria and Colt's twin boys were a sweet addition.
I liked the subtle influence of God in places in this book. Including the reference that Jake didn't believe in coincidence but called them God-incidences.
There is an Excerpt for, "Last Promise" at the end of this book.
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Monday, December 28, 2015
BOOK REVIEW- THE COUNTERFEIT BRIDE
Texas rancher and bar owner Cassidy Flynn is shocked to learn the bride’s name in an upcoming high society wedding – Cassiopeia Dolmides. Cassidy is a woman of secrets; the deepest is the identity she was born with and thought she had escaped long ago. If this bride is impersonating Cassidy, what trouble will that cause Cassidy and her infant son?
Greek tycoon Theron Christofides needs to gain possession of Dolmides Cruise Lines and the little Greek island where it left a shipwrecked eyesore. A lot of people are at risk without his intervention. Old man Dolmides will sell on one condition: Theron must marry Dolmides’ illegitimate daughter. Seeing no other way to rescue the island’s people, Theron agrees to sacrifice himself and his future.
As Theron stands at the altar with his bride-to-be, a fiery-haired woman in snakeskin boots and a cowboy hat interrupts their vows by calling his bride a fraud. In order for the wedding to continue, Theron must convince Cassidy Flynn to drop her lawsuit. Can he withstand Cassidy’s allure while he gains her cooperation? Or will they both be consumed by the fire of desire? AMAZON
I really enjoyed this book. What a spunky little heroine of the piece. She faced a lot of rejection in her young life but she also managed to charm and make friends of people too. She charmed me as well. I fell in love with her character. She was tough, loyal and sweet; what a mix. A little firecracker was one of Theron Christofides first thoughts. Okay, well not his first thought. That had to do with how gorgeous she was, tiny, all beautiful untamed long red hair and long legs, sexy as all get out. Her bold entrance into his life was dramatic and turned it upside down. And it started right away in the opening of the very first chapter. Theron was in over his head when it came to Cassidy but he didn't even really realize it yet. After watching her in action a few times, he began to see when it might be wise to duck. Cassidy thought those flairs of temper would scare him off but it was just the opposite. He loved her fire. She needed it too because there were so many people set against her but she kept fighting to get the truth out. She didn't send other people to take care of her business, she stood up and faced it head on herself. Something else that Theron admired about her. It also caused him to want to protect her too at times. Julia was the woman that was standing at the altar claiming to be Cassiopeia. She was one unpleasant piece of work. There was a simple way to solve whether or not Cassidy was who she claimed to be, but that got thwarted time after time. Even if it had happened, there still was plenty more to the story to keep it going. Good twists and turns to the story, which kept me interested. There is one major twist towards the end that has to do with Cassidy's Mummy and Daddy.
Just as a side note, although the cover picture is okay, it didn't feel like it really conveyed the essence of Cassidy.
Ideas of how to prepare for losing power in storm
MLive file photo LINK
This is good information no matter where you live.
Worried about losing power during the storm? Here's how to prepare:
The National Weather Service is offering up a couple things to think of as we head into Monday's winter storm. Grand Rapids is expected to see a half to a quarter inch of ice. Forecasters say West Michigan will be the hardest hit.
• Make sure flashlights are working and keep extra batteries, candles and matches on hand
• Make sure all phones, tablet devices and laptops are fully charged
• Unplug sensitive appliances such as the TV, computer and microwave. If the power goes off, turn off all major electrical appliances
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If you lose power, frozen food will generally keep for 48 hours. Discard perishable items that have been at 40 degrees for more than two hours.
• If using an emergency heating source such as a wood stove, kerosene heater or fireplace, keeps fuels away from the flames and ventilate properly
• Never run a gasoline-powered generator in the house. The fumes are deadly.
‘Never let strangers kiss your baby’
Link to Godfruits story You can go here to read more of the story.
Public Facebook Post Created By Mother To Warn Others About Her Daughter’s Near-Fatal Cold Sores After Kiss On Lips:
‘Never let strangers kiss your baby’
One mother’s mission is to warn parents about not letting strangers kiss their babies on the mouth after her own daughter was hospitalized with potentially fatal cold sores caused by a strain of the herpes virus.
I'm little & Still learning (p)
Something to remember!
It seems to me that the world is a whole lot more hostile
to children these days. And I'm not just talking about the dangers of molesters & etc.
How Sad.
How Sad.
ASTOUND YOUR WORLD (p)
Your Heavenly Father gave His son So you could LOVE FEARLESSLY-BELIEVE for the IMPOSSIBLE-Dare to PRAY DANGEROUSLY & HOPE in the ETERNAL. #RiseAbove
a Christmas Devotional excerpt
STILL GOOD EVEN AFTER CHRISTMAS
Dear Child,
You have delighted My heart by your willingness to give. Forsake all fears of having given unwisely and commit the memories of your offerings to Me. No longer look back. Forsake questioning. I AM the One who has led you to give all you have given and I will bless your offerings. I will multiply all back to you again—soon. Very soon, in fact.
Meanwhile, avoid the pitfalls of haste and presumption and abide in My peace. Be steadfast. Decide to abide. Refuse all rationalization or any thought luring you into the frenzy of frantic grasping and self-reliance. Any action taken with even a hint of impatience or fear can never be an act of faith. No, faith is a solid knowledge of the heart, not a groping, grasping guess of the mind. Faith is far more than believing. Faith is knowing. It is a knowing arising from an inner reality seeded into your spirit by My Spirit. Yes, faith—true faith—is the unshakable conviction that those things you have desired have already been provided. And believe Me, cherished conqueror—they have!
Charles Slagle, and his wife, Paula, have traveled extensively since 1971 throughout the United States, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. Their passion is to reveal God’s true character. Through word and song, as well as through the prophetic aspect of their ministry, Charles and Paula continue to lead others into a vital relationship with the heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They currently live in Bedford, Texas, with their cherished dog, Missy.
Charles is the author of Abba Calling.
Charles is the author of Abba Calling.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
BOOK REVIEW- #1A QUICK BITE
#1That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau's bed? He's not dessert—he's the main course!Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. But there's another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sight of blood . . . an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Of course it doesn't hurt that this man has a delicious-looking neck. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that?Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger's bedroom pretty quickly—once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That's a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into . . . if he can just get Lissianna to bite. AMAZON
I liked this story although its probably not one of my top favorites of this series so far. Both of the MC's were interesting and likable, even though they come from such different backgrounds. The way that they meet I have to acknowledge was really different. And as Greg begins to overcome his fear of his situation, he finds that he is intrigued and curious about the people who have captured him. He has an intelligent mind and he's curious about vampires. Vampires now that's something that really takes a while to wrap his mind around. At first he thinks that they are all delusional. As time goes on, he finds that he's actually beginning to like the wild assortment of people who make up Lissianna's family.
BOOK REVIEW- THE MARRIAGE TRAP
"A shepherd's hut, twenty-four hours, a stranger..." It's not the perfect start to Gemma Winters' new life--another man is the last thing she needs after the suffocating control of her ex. But, when she finds herself isolated with a ruggedly handsome stranger, the demands of her body take over.
Since his wife died, Callum Mackenzie's relationships have been strictly practical, with his only real love affair being with his land. But his family wants him to re-marry and he wants heirs. When Gemma turns up, he begins to think marriage might be a possibility after all. Their twenty-four hours of passion has shattering consequences--marriage and two people who are forced to face their worst fears... AMAZON
Everything happens so fast in the beginning. The attraction, the falling into bed together, unprotected sex with a stranger. Now I'm all for romance but this was like I said too fast (for me). Although I guess I was warned wasn't I? The book info did say 24 hours didn't it? Even though they are strangers, they were somewhat sweet together in the beginning. Sweet but a bit hard to believe but the it all fell apart-not so hard to believe then. Misunderstandings begin to pile up on both sides. Anger and hurt begin to dull most of their kindness to each other and often coldness on Callum's part or anger on Gemma's side crops up.
Callum's family were good together (except their mother) they were a tight family in their own way.
They cared about each other's happiness and had each other's back (except the mother).
Its an emotional story, which I think I can rate as an Okay read.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
An Idea That Worked- Christmas Cups for Silverware (p)
I think I got the idea on Pinterest.
But the Holiday Snowflakes I got at the Dollar Store.
Best idea!
Handy and Pretty For Christmas Family Dinner!
Will Do Again, for Sure...
BOOK REVIEW- UNWRAPPING HER PERFECT MATCH
At six foot one, Gwen Chambers has felt like a giant her whole life. She’s a calm, capable nurse saving lives in a busy London hospital, but healthy men give her heart palpitations. When larger-than-life rugby player “Little” John Sheldon convinces her to bid on him in his team’s fundraising auction, she discovers how pleasurable heart palpitations can be. John has wanted Gwen since he first saw her, but when he’s injured in a match just before Christmas he suddenly needs her too. Not only can the sexy nurse help him recover, but she might be able to help him look after his daughter—a shy ten-year-old who speaks only French. AMAZON
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not. But I did. Why did I question it at first? The fact that sports were involved and that it was rugby, which I know nothing about. What drew me to the story then? Gwen being six foot one for one thing, a different type of main character. Also the little girl who only speaks French, I just had to know why. One thing I want to say right off the start is, "Thank you, thank you author for starting the book with your Author's Note." It gave some helpful information on some terms we might be unfamiliar with. It scared me a bit at first because I thought it might be harder to read than I thought. No, it wasn't because most of it I could figure out pretty easy as I read it. I admit it was only once or twice that I had to refer to it.
I really liked both of the MC's and enjoyed their sensitivities, felt the pain of their insecurities. Both were basically fun, caring, good hearted people hurt by life. Both of them would make great best friends to hang around with...well if they were real. I have to admit there was a fair amount of humor in this story too. That part of the book made me smile often. I liked the fact that the sports part of the story was more in the background but with the camaraderie of friends surrounding them too.
Yes, I could have done without some of the language like another reviewer had mentioned- the F bombs. BUT, I also realize that John comes from the world of sports where that is often part of their normal speech pattern. When told of a child near by, John did try to cut it off. He got points for that, it made him even more endearing.
Sex? Yes, there is several times of it in the book.
There is a HEA but I also ended up with a question or two after reading the book. Not world shattering but its the question of the daughter only speaking French. Seems like John's ex kept it like a boundary between father and daughter. I have my suspicions about that but since the ex never really figured that deep in the story, I let it go. The relationship between John and Agnes was the more important part of the story.
Would I read any other books by this author or about sports involved romances?
That brings me to the other question I had. What is Tess's story?
Tess is Gwen's older sister and though happy now, there were references to darker times in life that Gwen had helped her through.
So I guess I just answered my own question. Yes I would read another book by this author because now I do want to read,"Playing It Close (London Legends Book 2".
I see that if you want to check out a few books by Kat Latham, there is a free sampler on Amazon. Not sure how long it will remain free. Getting Dirty: A Rugby Sports Romance Sampler
Friday, December 25, 2015
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