HAPPY HALLOWEEN - in MONTREAL

Now, it seems as though there are fewer and fewer people giving candy - but our town has some wonderful events for the kids - keeping them safe and off the streets.


On the other hand, there are still some kids that go door to door and here is my mother's house decorated - she loves to decorate :)

We gave out 280 bags in less than 2 hours ! its so much fun. The costumes are so varied and my favorite is when I see little kids of about 2 or 3 years old discovering their first Halloween!!!!! So many parents were taking pictures - and the costumes were adorable.

Love it! Happy Halloween to all.

REVIEW for Crescendo

A great, big thank you goes out to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book.

TITLE:                   Crescendo

AUTHOR:              Becca Fitzpatrick

GENRE:                 YA

RATING:               4 Stars

For those of you who read my blog, you are aware that this genre is not usually a favorite of mine - in fact, I get frustrated, in many instances, at the fact that this genre of book seems to be THE only genre taking over the bookstores!  Having said that, if the basic storyline is interesting enough to me, I will delve further into the book to see if I would enjoy it.  Which is how I discovered Becca Fitzpatrick's first book Hush, Hush!

In Crescendo, I find the same type of intelligent and intriguing writing, which made me want to actually read the book through - without rolling my eyes OR whining to anyone who will listen about how annoying "these" types of books can be.

Fitzpatrick is a master at keeping her storylines from becoming "too out there" with silly situations and even sillier characters that end up munching on each other.  Okay, I am overstating it, but I guess I am trying to say that the characters in Crescendo were engaging and I actually connected with them - especially Nora who is at a point in her life where she is questioning basically everything and everyone around her - including what her father represents to her, as well as what her relationship with the "never boring" Patch is all about.

Of course, there are alot more things going on in this story, but for me, the fact that the main characters were so well written - meant all the difference betwen tossing the book aside and digging deeply into the storyline.

I also love the whole "angel and nephilim" issue - which always, for some reason, reminds me of the now defunct TV show Brimstone - which did a fine job of showing us that "being" an angel is not only about angel wings and halos - but rather - the various degrees of "angels" that are out there.  This was a fascinating look for me!

Overall, I loved this book - quite amazingly to me! although I still hate those dark, dreary book covers!

REVIEW for Outwitting Trolls

TITLE:                  Outwitting Trolls

AUTHOR:            William Tapply

GENRE:                Mystery

RATING:              5 Stars

I am a huge, huge fan of author William Tapply and I had been looking forward to reading Outwitting Trolls for the last year.

The thing about Tapply's books is that there is very little in the way of mayhem, car chases, sex, drugs and other "hooks" that can usually be found in mystery/thrillers.  Rather, Tapply has always relied on strong character development and an interesting "whodunnit" to propel his story ahead. 

In fact, lawyer Brady Coyne, who stars in most of Tapply's books (the Brady Coyne series anyway) is a wonderful, wonderful character that I have truly grown to love over the course of the years I have been reading Tapply's books.     In reality, Brady Coyne is featured in 25 books - so I have had plenty of time to discover more about him AND to savor and enjoy each moment.

Outwitting Trolls is another example of a wonderfully crafted story that felt all too short to me.  Brady is getting older, but is still a reflective, animal loving. calm force that I have discovered in previous books.  He solves problems with sense and words  - not with guns and violence. 

The whoddunit is about figuring things out - about thinking instead of running around like a maniac.  I had to admit that I did have the whole thing figured out by about halfway through the book but I just don't care - because a huge part of the fun for me is reading about Brady's life and how he seems to get himself into all kinds of weird situations.

If this review sounds a little bit gushy it is because I am very sad to say that Brady Coyne is no more.  Author William Tapply passed away last year and as it is clearly indicated on his website and on the jacket of this book - Outwitting Trolls is the last "completed" Brady Coyne novel that has been found by Tapply's family. Of course, I immediately have started wondering about what "incomplete" manuscripts might be floating around, but I think that the Tapply family (although i don't know this for a fact) is gently telling his fans that Brady has passed away - along with Tapply.

It is a sign of how much I loved this character, that I actually have a tear in my eye - I swear, it feels as though Coyne has actually died.....

I feel privileged to have been able to read Tapply's last Brady Coyne novel.  RIP William Tapply

REVIEW for Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga

A big thank you to Hunter House Publishers and  Reina for sending me this book!

TITLE:               Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga

AUTHOR:          Emily Slonina

GENRE:             Fitness

RATING:           4 Stars



I jumped on the occasion to read and review this book because of the subject matter, but also because the yoga poses are soooo easy to perform in just about any situation and any location.

The pictures are good (although I must admit that compared to some other yoga books, the pictures where not as detailed or well done) but nonetheless, it gets the point across and you can, indeed, see just how to perform each pose properly.

This book has a series of different poses for both men and women and the levels vary from easy to harder - but all can be done in a moment's notice.

I liked this one alot.As you may know, I have embraced yoga for the last year or so and have truly enjoyed reading up on the subject (not to mention, of course, enjoyed the actual yoga!).

REVIEW for The Love Goddess Cooking School

A big, big thank you goes out to author Melissa Senate for being sooooo kind in sending me a copy of her book!

TITLE:                          The Love Goddess Cooking School

AUTHOR:                     Melissa Senate

GENRE:                         Fiction

RATING:                       4 Stars

I have been reading Melissa Senate's books since I fell in love with See Jane Date and I have never stopped!

The Love Goddess Cooking School is another touching, funny and loving book - and a definite winner for this author.

As you all know I am a huge fan of chick lit and, I have to admit that, once again, I am totally bummed to see that a "former" chick lit author is now writing more contemporary fiction novels - I wish they would continue writing wonderful chick lit.  However, having said that, I have to admit that The Love Goddess Cooking School, while definitely contemporary fiction, still ended up demonstrating shades of chick lit love. 

The main character Holly Maguire and her constant back stories to her grandmother Camilla and all of the "wisdom" Camilla has instilled in Holly over the years, especially about love, food and marriage is, for the main part, funny and touching at the same time.

Holly is looking for direction and love and in the process, discovers that her grandma actually knows what she was talking about, especially when it comes to wisdom, friendship and love - which is found in the places and with the people Holly never thought she would end up being and visiting.

As always, the story is wonderful, engaging and completely down to earth.  You want to be right there, living and experimenting with Holly and, of course, discovering just how wonderful life can be - if you just stop and smell the flowers.

I loved, loved this book and I love, love this author.

HOPE in PATIENCE - I am looking forward to this one!

I keep a running list of books that are soon to be released (actually I have a list that runs right into Fall of 2011!)  and one of the books on my list is HOPE IN PATIENCE, by Beth Fehlbaum.  The book is scheduled to be released October 27, 2010 and tackles a tough subject - abuse.

For those of you who read my blog, you are, no doubt, aware of my constant interest in tough subject matters such as addiction.  Of course, while nobody "loves" to read books on addiction and abuse, they are subject matters that are, thankfully, now being addressed in mainstream - no longer "taboo" - leaving the victims feeling alone and shamed.  I am grateful to the people who write these types of books and firmly believe in encouraging both the authors and those who live through the hell to talk about it. 

The healing starts when you can talk it through and out......and this blog will always be a medium to do just that.

This is why I am looking forward to the release of this book - please see below for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT: JKSCommunications, Marissa DeCuir, 347.574.3136, marissa@jkscommunications.com



TEXAS AUTHOR SHOWS VICTIMS THERE IS HOPE AFTER ABUSE

Fehlbaum’s newest book Hope in Patience releases this October



SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 – Drawing on her own experiences, Beth Fehlbaum delves deep into the realities and trauma of having been sexually abused through her newest teen fiction novel, Hope in Patience (October 27, 2010, WestSide Books).



The second of Fehlbaum’s beloved Patience series, Hope in Patience follows 15-year-old Ashley Nicole Asher on her road to recovery after her fight for freedom from sexual abuse in Fehlbaum’s first novel released two years earlier, Courage in Patience.



In the newest book, Ashley relocates to Patience, TX to live with her biological father, who has not been a part of her life since infancy. She starts her life again at a new school, wonders what it would be like to have a boyfriend and faces the ultimate betrayal. Fehlbaum writes a story of survival, one that inspires much hope in victims who have faced these same terrifying, profound issues.



Fehlbaum is already receiving much advanced praise for the novel. Hope in Patience has been nominated for a 2011 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers.



Fehlbaum was born in Dallas, TX, and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and from Texas A&M. She teaches 5th graders in a bilingual education program in East Texas and is working on the third book of the series, Truth in Patience.







“Honest and direct, Ashley Asher is a beacon for at-risk teens. You are not alone, her story says; others have survived and so can you. This is one of the hardest and most important things for at-risk teens to remember – and believe – during their long lonely nights of the soul. Hope in Patience is the kind of book that can save lives.” – Allan Stratton, Printz Honor author of Chanda’s Secrets and Borderline.



“An extremely brave work, Hope in Patience takes us places we don’t want to go but must, if we are to care about victims of child sexual abuse.” – Terry Trueman, Printz Honor Author of Stuck in Neutral.





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Fehlbaum is on a book tour across the state of Texas and is available for interviews. Please contact Marissa DeCuir at marissa@jkscommunications.com or 346.574.3136 to schedule.

REVIEW for Late, Late At Night

Once again, a HUGE thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me this book - I had been dying to read it!

TITLE:                      Late, Late At Night

AUTHOR:                Rick Springfield

GENRE:                   Memoir

RATING:                  4 Stars

By the time Rick Springfield “became” popular through is acting on General Hospital and with his music, I was already pass the age of “teeny bopper” adoration. Having said that, I always enjoyed his music immensely, although I never actually watched him on GH.


In fact, I have to say that although I always thought he was good looking, I kind of forgot about him over time – and thought he had all but disappeared – which, as it turns out, is one of the prevailing themes throughout this memoir.


Although I am always fascinated by the world of entertainment, I am also always harshly reminded just how horrible it can be – superstar one day – forgotten the next. Actually, Springfield ’s story reminded me a bit of David Cassidy and, in fact, Springfield does refer to Cassidy at some point.


The surprises: I had no clue that Springfield had actually had a career much pass the first album. I was sure he had given it all up to do something entirely different. The second surprise is how committed he actually was to his music, including his lyrics. For him, the music and the authenticity in the music and lyrics is what it is all about and I admire him greatly for that. Third surprise – he is pretty resilient considering all of the things that have happened to him (and that he actually “made” happen for him – in a bad way).


It is hard to review this memoir without giving up a lot of spoilers, but let’s just say that it is obvious by Springfield ’s brutally honest narrative that he suffers from addiction and is quite conscious of it. His struggles with the addiction are painful, raw and very real.


I was also amazed at his love of dogs – in fact, dogs figure incredibly prominently in this book and at times, as I was reading some passages, I found I had tears in my eyes.

Finally, for those fans of General Hospital who are hoping to get some great “inside” scoops you will be extremely disappointed. He really goes right by this period in his life by simply noting that he did appear on the soap and that is it. It is obvious that being on GH was a means to an end and nothing more for him.

I admire Springfield for his very courageous and raw writings. I am not sure that I would have been able to be so forthcoming – but it is also obvious by his writings (and Springfield himself admits this) - “this is the one place in my life where I am always honest”.


4 stars well deserved.

REVIEW for Secrets of a First Daughter

A huge thank you goes out to Melissa at HarperCollins for sending me a copy of the book.

TITLE:               Secrets of a First Daughter

AUTHOR:         Cassidy Calloway

GENRE:             YA

RATING:            3 Stars


I am a fan of this series and really enjoyed the first book. I like that the main character is not bratty or spoiled and is, in fact, a teenager who is trying to live a normal life with her friends (and her boyfriend) while at the same time living in the spotligt of being the First Daughter.
Unfortunately, while I enjoy the writing and the characters of Secrets of a First Daugther, I have to say that the storyline is so totally unbelieveable that I found myself rolling my eyes on more than one occasion.

While the First Daugther is 'in love' with her former bodyguard and nobody knows this - they keep setting up little 'dates' to meet up in out of the way spots in the White House. While this may sound 'cute' the reality is that if my secret agents were losing track of me so easily in the White House, I would be seriously worried -obviously, this does not work in the least. Come on, we are supposed to buy that the secret agents are clueless about the fact that 'Tornado' is creeping around to meet her boyfriend?


Secondly, while there is alot of fun interaction between the two best friends, who end up boing to England, the 'ending' to this particular escape is completely ridiculous. I will not give it away and spoil it for other readers, but come on? The Queen of England?????






While there is alot right with this series, I have to say that there are also alot of things wrong with it - next time, try for something more plausible please.

REVIEW for Bloody Crimes

Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me a copy of this book.

TITLE:            Bloody Crime

AUTHOR:      James Swanson

RATING:       4 Stars

I was surprised to receive this book in the mail, but I have to admit that I was intrigued by the premise.  As a Canadian, I have a very basic idea of Lincoln and his death, which, of course, we have all heard about.  However, I have to say that this book was interesting, especially when you consider that the author has an intersting interaction between Lincoln's funeral and the chase (capture?) of Davis.

Although you would tend to say one is the "good guy" and the other is the "bad guy", surprisingly, I discovered things about both men that did, in fact, blur the lines a little bit.  There were some interesting revelations on both sides - making me realize that the history we now know is based, at least in part, on the picking and choosing of those who were around to write and talk about it.

The writing is well done and the story is engaging.  The history lesson is invaluable and the book was a great read.

REVIEW for It Started with a Dare

Thank you to author Lindsay Faith Rech for sending me this book!

TITLE:                 It Stared with a Dare

AUTHOR:           Lindsay Faith Rech

GENRE:              YA

RATING:            4 Stars

Okay, It Started with a Dare is exactly the type of book that i can't ever get enough of. I have to admit that I was not exacty "enthralled" in the first few pages, but as soon as the major characters got together and CJ started with her "lies" I was totally and completely hooked.


Firstly, CJ is, for the most part, shallow and manipulative, although the author also makes it clear that CJ is, well, basically a teenager who is trying to fit in and be liked - we have all been there.


Some of the stuff that CJ does - basically lies and just keeps adding to the lies made my skin crawl - I mean, this girl was basically shameless, but still, in an odd way, it worked for her. I somehow never really got the sense that she was basically mean - just incredibly self-centered! This, of course, is a great way to propel the story ahead and it worked wonderfully. I could not wait to see what would come out of her mouth next and how it would affect her group of popular friends.


Interestingly, the author also chose to give each of the other characters, especially Sammie their own storyline - which includes an eating disorder. Of course, for anyone who knows me - this is a subjec that is close to my heart and did a great job of keeping me highly motivated AND intersted in reading this one.

Overall, this book was excellent and I felt as though it ended too quickly. I love books that make me discover just how far we are willing to go to be "in" and to be "liked" and, while I did not like the main character, I could certainly identify with her on many levels.

This one is a great, great read and is definitely worth it.

REVIEW for Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop

Another big thank you goes out to Jennifer for sending this book along to me!

TITLE:              Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop

AUTHOR:         Otto Penzler

GENRE:            Mystery

RATING:          4 Stars

I love the concept behind this book -  Penzler, who owns the Mysterious Bookshop in New York, which I visited a few years ago in NY, committed one "secret" mystery writer to write a story with the following requirements:  it has to be Christmas oriented and it has to be centered at the Mysterious Bookshop.  Over the course of time, quite a few "secret" authors actually got involved and what has now resulted is this book.

Of course, because each story is written by a different writer, you can easily note the different styles and approaches contained in the book.  This is usually a bit of a problem for me as I am not a fan of "short stories"by various authors.  Nonetheless, the book ended up being a fun, fun read! thanks to the fact that each author has injected their very own style to each story - be it, suspense, humor or a combination of the two.

I really liked reading this one and, of course, reading about Christmas in September is perfect for putting me in the mood for winter, snow and, of course, Christmas.   

REVIEW for Brady, Brady, Brady

A big thank you goes out to Running Press Book Publishers for sending me a copy of this great book!

TITLE:                 Brady, Brady, Brady

AUTHOR:            Sherwood Schwartz

GENRE:               Entertainment/Memoir

RATING:              4 Stars

I have no idea why I keep reading books on the Brady Bunch - especially since I cannot claim to be a "true fan". However, I find the logistics and issues behind making television shows during this era completely fascinating and since Sherwood Schwartz was such a huge part of this era, I was dying to find out more about the whole thing -directly from the guy who was definitely "in the know".


I am also completely amazed at how you can watch a TV show that looks so perfect, perky and innocent, all the while, knowing that there is a bunch of backstabbing, drug taking and huge conflicts going on - none of which appears on screen.

Of course, this is thanks, in great part, to Schwartz who is an absolute mastermind, not to mention a saint for putting up with so much "Brady crap". I think I would have told jut about everyone on that set to "drop dead" in the first season.

This is why reading Brady, Brady, Brady is so entertaining. Discovering just how dysfunctional this "perfect" TV family truly was - from the anal Robert Reed to the cute Marcia who, apparently, was hiding more than just one secret - the entire read feels like you are an insider getting some juicy gossip that nobody else gets to hear.

Schwartz does not hold back with the truth, although he is always the perfect professional by not reducing himself to name calling or rude remarks. Rather, he sticks to the crazy facts and let's us, the readers, draw our own conclusions.

I loved this book.

REVIEW for I Heart Paris

A big thank you goes out to Shannon at HarperCollins for sending me a copy of this book!

TITLE:                          I Heart Paris

AUTHOR:                    Lindsey Kelk

GENRE:                       Chick Lit

RATING:                     2 Stars

I am a huge fan of chick lit and had already read the first book in this series without finding all that entertaining. However, when I got the opportunity of reading I Heart Paris I thought I would definitely give it another go - especially since I had heard really good things about this one.


Unfortunately, just like the first book in the series, I Heart Paris just did not keep up my interest enough for me to consider this one a winner and rate anything over a 2 stars.

For me, chick lit is supposed to be "cute" but also very entertaining and frankly, the author writes characters and scenarios that just do not keep me engaged in the least. The plotline is too slow and the characters are unexceptional in most cases.

While I realize that part of the fun of reading this series is the fact that the locale keeps changing - and come on - Paris, New York and Hollywood are definitely exciting places - I just get so bored by the storyline that it seems as though the stories could have been anywhere in the world and I still would not care.

I really did want to enjoy this one - and it does seem as though many other readers like this author - just not me.

REVIEW for The Fame Factor

Thank you to Harper Collins UK for being so kind in sending me this book!


TITLE:                The Fame Factor

AUTHOR:           Polly Courtney

GENRE:              Chick Lit

RATING:            4 Stars

Fame Factor is both brit chick lit AND a music novel, which, of course, is a wonderful combination!


Zoe is hoping for success as a band member of Dirty Money - especially since they have been hussling and playing gigs for so long. Fortunately, they may actually be "discovered" by a high powered music excutive - which is where the book kind of truly takes off.

You get the feeling, from the get go, that the band members are extremely different and this only ends up manifesting itself as the band is "teased" with the possibility of success, money and fame.


This is where you truly get to see each band member in action - the good, the bad and the ugly. The author has created a dynamic that is interesting as the members try to fight for the spotlight it will seriously challenge their friendships and the band - making them all wonder if fame truly is worth losing it all - to gain it all.

Wonderful read. Great pacing and an absolutely fun, fun storyline. I also discovered quite alot about the music industry which was a definite bonus.

Loved it.

REVIEW for Velocity

Thank you to Jennifer for sending along a copy of this book to me.


TITLE:                 Velocity

AUTHOR:            Alan Jacobson

GENRE:               Thriller

RATING;              4 Stars

FBI profiler Karen Vail is back in this sequel to the book Crush.  I had never really read this author before an I was thrilled with Crush so I was really looking forward to this one. 

Velocity is what I happily describe as being the perfect thriller.  Vail is working hard at putting the "back" guys away, but in the process she might accidentally have gotten her lover killed - as he is now missing and she is incredibly worried.  She decides to do everything she can to find him and put the "guilty" parties away - for good.

What follow is an absolute crazy ride of a thriller.  There is literally not one minute of down time- creating a maze of twists and turns and blurring the lines between who the good guys are and who the bad ones are.  Everytime I thought I had it all figured out, I discovered that I was wrong.

This is the type of thriller I love - no knowing to the end what is really going on - and wondering how on earth the author could have gotten me there in the first place. Loved it!

REVIEW for The Ivy

Thank you! thank you! Melissa at HarperCollins for sending me this great novel.

TITLE:                         The Ivy

AUTHOR:                    Lauren Kunze

GENRE:                       YA

RATING:                     4 Stars

Thank you to the wonderful Melissa at HarperCollins.

For some reason, I have always liked reading about college life - away from home, especially since I did not have to leave home myself, so livng through others is fun.




The Ivy is a fun, fun read. It has pretty much what you would expect from this type of book, which is probably the one negative I have to write about this one - its predictable. Nonetheless though, it is an interesting and fun romp through college life.



Callie is starting her first year and really wants to fit in. She ends up making friends and boyfriends, through a series of events - most of them pretty funny.



The characters are okay for the most part - we get to know them gradually and they interact well with each other. Callie seems to have a way of being at the wrong/right place at the right times, which, of course, makes the story a tad impossible to believe, but also gives it a nice little push forward with great momentum and an interesting storyline.



If you want to have a light read that will keep you turning the pages and engaged, then you have found it.

REVIEW for How to Ruin your Life

Once again, the wonderful people at Fitzhenry and Red Deer Press are to be thanked for sending me this book.

TITLE:              How to Ruin your Life

AUTHOR:        Carolyn McTighe

GENRE:           Middle Grade

RATING:         4 Stars



PJ wants to find another friend - preferably one who won't insist on "being better".  What is interesting in this book is the journey that PJ makes from the start where she can't quite deal with her jealousy and the loss of her friend to the end where she ends up learning a lesson, through trial and error.

A book that is quite entertaining but that also provides a strong message - i enjoyed the writing and I enjoyed the storyline.  A must for all middle grade readers.I don't normally read alot of middle grade books as I find that I am just a little too far removed to identify with the characters.  However, I must admit that I absolutely loved PJ or Penelope.  This character was so well written, incorporating some of the most wonderful features of a young girl who has her entire life in front of her.

PJ is an athlete who has to deal with the fact that her best friend Katie, who has never been much of an athlete somehow manages to win over PJ, which, in turn, seriously challenges their friendship.

REVIEW for Empty

Once again, I must send a huge thank you to Nikole at Scholastic!!!

TITLE:                  Empty

AUTHOR:             Suzanne Weyn

GENRE:                YA

RATING:              4 Stars

In the publishing world, it is obvious that certain "genres" make an appearance and become quite popular, at least for some time and dystopia appears to be the next big thing.  Well, Empty falls squarely into this genre and although I am not usually a big fan, I have to say that I found myself completely engaged in this storyline.

Teen characters Nicki, Tom, and Leila are perfectly written with a blend of young adult naivity which soon gives way to having to grow up very, very quickly in order to survive in a world that, all of a sudden is missing just about everything.  It appears as though they will have to find a way to survive, as more and more responsibility fall on their young shoulders.

The storyline is completely absorbing, mainly because a) it is well written and b) because it is incredibly timely and completely possible.  While I was reading this novel, I kept asking myself how would I react if I had to live in this world?  Which is kind of a blend of a bleak future, with a touch of how it must have been like to live in the 1800's.... 

This book is entertaining, but at the same time is specifically designed to make you think and consider the future, as well as how easily we can all lose it.

I loved this book and was sorry to see it end.