Review of 'I'm Still Here' by Kathryn R. Biel

I'm Still Here

It started out as an ordinary day for Esther Comely-Cox, if you consider simultaneously totaling your car, smashing a Ho Ho in your face and meeting a handsome doctor ordinary. Estranged from her family over her sister's mental illness and death, Esther can't help but feel alone. And when Esther hears the voice of her twin sister who committed suicide seven years ago, she begins to question her own sanity, leading her to wonder if anything is what it seems. Searching for answers, Esther must confront her past while looking towards a new future—one in which she is finally accepted. Through humor and heartbreak, Esther learns that blood does not mean family, that absence does not make the heart grow fonder and that silence can speak volumes.

Put I'm Still Here on your TBR list! 

**My thoughts**

This read was a rollercoaster of emotions, making me laugh out loud and then choking up from moment to moment. Esther is messed up, yet trying to figure out herself and what she wants out of life. When you read about her crazy family and antics, you almost want to say, "No way that happened!" Yet, it is completely believable at the same time. 

I like Esther, because she is witty and just real. I wish I could be as quick-tongued as she is, yet I wouldn't want to deal with her problems. I want to be her friend, but know that I would be shaking my head at half of her antics and stories.

And you've gotta love two hottie doctors! O.K. is well beyond okay. I think I developed a bit of a crush on him, myself.

I also loved the setting. I am familiar with Ohio and Upstate New York, so I felt at home while reading a lot of this book.

If you love crazy, laugh-out-loud, tug-at-your-heartstrings stories by women like Helen Fielding, Sophie Kinsella, Marion Keyes, you will love Esther and her story.

Buy on Amazon / B&N / Kobo

About the author:

Telling stories of resilient women, Kathryn Biel hails from upstate New York and is a spouse and mother of two wonderful and energetic kids. In between being Chief Home Officer and Director of Child Development of the Biel household, she works as a school-based physical therapist. She attended Boston University and received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges. After years of writing countless letters of medical necessity for wheelchairs, finding increasingly creative ways to encourage the government and insurance companies to fund her clients' needs, and writing entertaining annual Christmas letters, she decided to take a shot at writing the kind of novel that she likes to read. Her musings and rants can be found on her personal blog, Biel Blather (kathrynbiel.blogspot.com). She is the author of Good Intentions (2013) and Hold Her Down (2014). Please feel free to follow on Twitter (@KRBiel) or on Facebook (Kathryn R. Biel: Author)

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'I'm Still Here' by Kathryn R. Biel Book Tour Blast!

I'm Still Here

It started out as an ordinary day for Esther Comely-Cox, if you consider simultaneously totaling your car, smashing a Ho Ho in your face and meeting a handsome doctor ordinary. Estranged from her family over her sister's mental illness and death, Esther can't help but feel alone. And when Esther hears the voice of her twin sister who committed suicide seven years ago, she begins to question her own sanity, leading her to wonder if anything is what it seems. Searching for answers, Esther must confront her past while looking towards a new future—one in which she is finally accepted. Through humor and heartbreak, Esther learns that blood does not mean family, that absence does not make the heart grow fonder and that silence can speak volumes.

Put I'm Still Here on your TBR list! 

Buy on Amazon / B&N / Kobo

About the author:

Telling stories of resilient women, Kathryn Biel hails from upstate New York and is a spouse and mother of two wonderful and energetic kids. In between being Chief Home Officer and Director of Child Development of the Biel household, she works as a school-based physical therapist. She attended Boston University and received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges. After years of writing countless letters of medical necessity for wheelchairs, finding increasingly creative ways to encourage the government and insurance companies to fund her clients' needs, and writing entertaining annual Christmas letters, she decided to take a shot at writing the kind of novel that she likes to read. Her musings and rants can be found on her personal blog, Biel Blather (kathrynbiel.blogspot.com). She is the author of Good Intentions (2013) and Hold Her Down (2014). Please feel free to follow on Twitter (@KRBiel) or on Facebook (Kathryn R. Biel: Author)

Follow Kathryn:

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'What If It's Love?' by Alix Nichols Book Tour Blast!

>>> Can a Paris bistro heal a broken heart?

Charm, wit and poignancy abound in this gripping contemporary romance.

Introverted heiress Lena moves to Paris to nurse old wounds reopened by her neglectful boyfriend. Enter Rob, a charismatic and handsome Frenchman who waits tables at La Bohème -- a café on Lena’s street -- and has big dreams.

He makes her laugh and forget her insecurities. She stirs something infinitely tender in his soul. Before they know it, they’ve fallen for each other, even though both had good reasons to fight the budding love.

But their passionate romance is cut short when she discovers his dirty secret...

***

WHAT IF IT’S LOVE? is the first book in the “Bistro La Bohème” series.

>>> Is the “Bistro La Bohème” series for you?

If you’ve enjoyed “Amelie” and “Friends” and like smart heroines, sexy heroes, witty dialogue and heart-stopping romance, then give this series a try. It will delight you with an unforgettable cast of imperfect and charming young men and women who work or frequent an ordinary yet special Parisian café. They fall in love, cope with heartbreak and chase their dreams with a passion that makes them endearing even when in the wrong.

Welcome to the Bistro La Bohème! Take a seat by the window, order your café crème and lose yourself in these deeply romantic and heart-warming tales of love, friendship and finding out where you belong.

***

The books are interconnected, with a recurring setting and characters. But each story is self-contained, and you can read it as a stand-alone.

Rave reviews!

“Exceptionally entertaining.” -- 5 stars, Readers’ Favorite

“Stunning, beautifully written romance” -- 5 stars, Amazon reviewer

“I loved the relationship between Lena and Rob. What begins as a slow simmer quickly becomes molten between the two of them.” -- 5 stars, Amazon reviewer

Buy on Amazon

 

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About the Author:

I am an avid reader of chick lit, romance and fantasy, caffeine addict and a badge-wearing Mr. Darcy/Colin Firth fan.

I released my first book at the age of six. It had six postcard-size pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. The book was titled “Eliza and Robert” and had atrocious mistakes in every single word. Some words were written in mirror image. Unintentionally. I remember being immensely proud of my creation.

Turns out there’s a remarkable constancy to my life: decades later, I still love the name Robert and the genre romance. As for my spelling and grammar, they are only marginally better than at age six (thank God for editors!).

I live and work in Paris, France. When not writing, I read romance (what else?) and spend time with my family.

Sign up to Alix Nichols's monthly Newsletter to get notified of new releases and offers, and receive a free ebook "Bistro La Bohème Cookbook: Quick and Easy French Recipes" (http://www.alixnichols.com/sign-me-up)

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

What If It's Love?

by Alix Nichols

Giveaway ends September 07, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

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FREE 8/20-8/22! For fans of 'Once Upon a Time' ~ 'Dream Killers' by S.M. Blooding

The Sea of Dreams spat me out with no memories, no idea of who I was or what my purpose might be. When Captain Bo, dream killer extraordinaire, arrived, I took a chance to explore. On the road of discovery, I tripped upon dreamplanes floating dead in a graveyard, scared children attempting to survive their dreams turned nightmare, strange guardians, rogue Dreamlanders, and ships with hearts of silver. I learned more about Dreamland than I ever thought possible. But people are dying. They’re disappearing. Dreamland is twisting, shifting, ripping. I don’t know how best to help, how to save those I’ve met, who have wormed their way into my heart. If only I knew who I was, what I’d been born to do. Then I found out. I know who I am. I wish I didn’t. Dream Killers is geared for fans of Once Upon a Time. The first season (Spring 2014) consists of 3 novellas called episodes. It follows River as he discovers who he is and his role in Dreamland. Dream Killers is to Dreamland Stories what Agents of Shield is to the Marvel movies. Dreamland is an intense, rich, fascinating world with lots going on. If you like fairy tales, are looking for something new,try this one.

Purchase 

Get it for FREE Wednesday August 20 - Friday August 22

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Meet the Author:

SM “Frankie” Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, and Jack the Bird. Jack has refused to let her to take up the piano again, but is warming to the guitar. It might help that Frankie has learned more than two strings. She’s added a few more Arabic words to her vocabulary, but don’t invite her into conversation yet—unless, of course, you’re willing to have a very . . . slow . . . conversation. She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories. She’s also an investigator with a local paranormal investigation group, Colorado Paranormal Rescue!

'The Cube' by Yaniv Finkelshtein

Blurb:

Aliens on an advanced but dying planet send out a cube containing a shape-shifting robot and knowledge that can solve every problem on Earth. The Cube is brought to Earth after it attaches itself to an Israeli satellite, resulting in a flowering of scientific discoveries in that tiny country.

When the U.S. and Russia learn of the Cube's existence, they want it, but unfortunately, they aren't the only ones determined to have it: a spacecraft with super soldiers from an advanced planet is approaching Earth.

Will the Cube be a Pandora's box releasing destruction, or can competing nations cooperate long enough to win Earth's first interplanetary war? This action-packed science fiction novel is the first by a talented new Israeli writer.

Available on Amazon

**FREE through 8/19**

Review of 'Jaded' by Michelle Bellon

To what lengths will a man go for the woman he loves?

Reed Dartmouth will learn the answer to those questions time and time again throughout his relationship with Jade Montgomery.

When he first meets her as a young, gentle boy the heartache from losing his mother only a year before is still fresh and painful. Jade is different from anyone else he’s ever met; tough, sassy, and even a bit cruel. But she’s also the same as he is: she knows what it’s like to lose a parent.

Their friendship begins and a bond like no other is formed. Time passes and Reed learns that not only are Jade’s parents dead, they were murdered and she’s made an oath to one day bring them justice. No matter the price.

As they grow older their love evolves but for Jade, old habits die hard and she can’t stop hurting those she loves the most. Even in the midst of searching for her parents’ killers, passion ignites and jealousy burns as Jade tests Reed’s devotion for her. Will she push him too far?

**My thoughts**

Wow, what a roller coaster ride! From the very beginning, I like Jade, even though at times I don't want to. She is captivating and frustrating at the same time. Her constant push-pull makes you want to just shake her and you yell at Reed for falling for it. At the same time, you can totally understand why he keeps going back for more. Both of them are damaged. Both are seeking to fill a void. Both are very confused. 

Their devotion to each other is strong, despite Jade's constantly changing emotions and actions. They are just too messed up for that devotion to come across as anything that is remotely healthy. I don't think they know any better. I'm torn between cheering them on and wanting to force a separation. 

There is plenty of action as they seek to solve the mysteries of the past. This was a great one to read with a margarita in hand on a summer evening!

Buy on Amazon

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About the author:

Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four children. She drinks ungodly amounts of coffee and has an addiction to chapstick.

She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won three literary awards.

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | LinkedIn

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Check out Michelle's Other Books

 
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Review of 'Batter Up' by Robyn Neeley

Description
She mixes more than flour and sugar into her cake batter, and he’s about to find out if a little bit of magic is to his taste...

Bakeshop owner Emma Stevens has a secret — a delicious, slightly unorthodox secret. Each Monday, she mixes up a premonition to share with the bachelors of Buttermilk Falls, and sets one lucky man on the path to true love.

When reporter Jason Levine finds himself mixed up in a Las Vegas bachelorette party, he hears the strangest rumour: the marriage is happening thanks to magic cake batter. Seriously sceptical, and sick of frauds, Jason journeys to the backwater town of Buttermilk Falls to expose the baker and release the townspeople from her evil clutches.

But when Jason meets Emma, tempers flare and sparks fly. Will Jason cling to his logic at the expense of a future, or will he let himself fall under Emma’s spell?

**My thoughts**

I loved this book! I love the concept of a simple spell revealing the name of one's future wife in a bowl of batter. I love a dash of paranormal in a romance, without it overpowering. I love books about people who work in bakeries or as chefs. Toss in a dash of comedic relief, and you have the recipe for a sweet romance designed for savoring on a summer afternoon.

I also loved that it took place in a small town in Upstate NY, named after one of my favorite hiking spots!

Emma is strong with just enough stubbornness and plenty of self-reliance. She is guarded with her heart and with her secret craft. Jason has been looking for a change in his life and aches to right some wrongs from his past. Both of them are harboring secrets that are keeping them from looking for their own happily ever after, not realizing that the answer to their hopes is right in front of them. As in any good romance, they have their ups and downs. Some moments may be predictable, but who cares? A well-written tale is worth it. And this one, my friends, is a fun one. I want more!

Book links

Amazon \ Goodreads \ Escape Publishing

'Anger: How to Control It So It Won't Control You' by Dr. Tiffany Brown

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dr. Brown will be awarding an ebook copy of Anger: How to Control It So It Won't Control You to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Everyone has experienced it at least once in their life. Some have experienced it at least every day.

I have traveled all over the world and have seen it in every place. I have struggled with it as well. It’s a family problem for generations. It can be your greatest motivator or worst enemy.

Anger. Anger is defined by the Webster Dictionary as a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

I will show you not only how to control your anger from a Christian perspective but also have manage it until it motivates you; not hinders you. Get Ready. Anger is nothing more than manifestation of fear. Once you eliminate fear, the anger will be gone. Become Fearless.

Read an excerpt:

Section 2 - What is Fear and its connection to anger?

Fear is defined as a perceived threat of some type. It can be emotional or physical. When you feel that you’re in some form of danger. This activates your fight or flight response. Most animals respond to threat by either fighting or fleeing. However, we don't always have the option to fight what threatens us. Instead, we have anger. Words are the civilized way that we get to fight threat.

Some of my biggest blowups often involved a fear of being alone. When I have depended on people to reciprocate support for me on various levels, (new venue, in a relationship, or just life) they have disappointed me. I have never felt more rage in my life. It wasn't the disappointment that I was feeling or the feeling of being used. It was the thought that all my hard work wasn't good enough. I was unworthy, not loved, and alone.

Anger is just a manifestation of fear. For some people, when you are fearful of something, the first response that comes up is usually anger. Anger is a mask of fear.

I have learned that despite it all, I must be able to rely on myself and God. People, situations, and organization will fail you time and time again. When God is with you, nothing is against you.

You can do all in Christ that strengthens us (which is my current Church's motto).

Through my personal evolution of how to handle my anger, I have become fearless. I think before I move, I think instead of becoming angry. I am also slow to anger. I have now begun to think about the motivations behind people's actions. Sometimes, the only answer is indifference. Never fight anger with anger. It causes long reaching effects in ways you cannot even possibly imagine.

Fear is nothing more than an illusion of a possible threat. If you can control your response to your fears, then the anger will melt away.

About the Author:

Dr. Tiffany Brown is a native of Atlanta has taken great pride in her education and strives to continue broadening her knowledge. Graduating with a degree in Political Science from the prestigious Spelman College in 2001, a Master's degree in Public Administration from Clark Atlanta in 2004 and also a Doctorate in Public Policy from Walden University in 2009, she earned these achievements through determination and the desire to achieve her goals. She has held positions with the United States Government Accountability Office, Fulton County District Attorney's Office, Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, Georgia Conservation Voters, Supreme Court of Georgia, Equifax, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Atlanta Bar Association. Upon Graduation from Walden University, she has truly impacted change as an academic and practitioner. She is former 2009 Write-in Atlanta Mayoral Candidate and owner of 3 companies: Tribute Contracting LLC, a minority owned government consulting firm TB LLC; Tiffany Brown Design House; Tiffany Brown Holdings Inc. - Consulting firm that has five divisions: entertainment, vending, radio, food, nonprofit management and book publishing. She is an author of several books: Daily Reflections of Life: A Book of Affirmations for the Ambitious and Prayers of a Faithful Woman. In 2010, She is honored as a Influencer by BOSS Network. The BOSS Network is a women's empowerment alliance dedicated to highlighting women and creating opportunities for growth through networking beyond events. BOSS was named among the top 100 websites and one of the top 10 career sites for women in 2010 by Forbes.com

Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter

Buy the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.



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'Weird Criminal Law Stories Volume VI: Women in Trouble!' by Leonard Birdsong

More silly and unlawful conduct by women than anyone could ever imagine!

There’s a story for everyone in this book. You can read about the 6-foot, 400-pound woman arrested for fraud with $26,000 found stuffed in her very ample bra; stories of women who get naked and do disorderly things like steal cars, smash windshields and freak out in airports; the story of the dying woman who asked her husband to have a replica of her vagina carved on her tombstones which he could look at instead of chasing women after her death; stories of women teachers who have sexual affairs with high school boys; a woman who called New Haven police from a nightclub to give her a ride home; a story about a Texas women who asks her son to set a snake afire in her backyard and burns down her house; a story of a Japanese madam who specializes in providing 330-pound prostitutes to men who like women with “explosive boobs and butts”; a story about an Arizona lady who was the spokesperson for the State Department of Public Safety who was forced to resign when she learned that she was an undocumented alien living illegally in the U.S.; a “drunken dummy” or two; and a wide variety of just plain, stupid criminal stories about women in trouble that make this anthology worth reading. It is Professor Birdsong’s funniest yet!

**My thoughts**

There is a reason that they say truth is stranger than fiction. These true stories of unlawful shenanigans will make you shake your head, roll your eyes, and on occasion laugh out loud. These are the people who find their way onto Weird News segments, or the bottoms of articles in publications like Reader's Digest and Uncle John's Bathroom Readers. Many of them live on in infamy, not for their tremendous contributions to society, but because of their sheer stupidity. It really makes one want to weep for the future.

This isn't a book that you want to sit down and read from cover to cover all at once. I think you can better appreciate it if you take it in installments, much like you would when reading those other publications I mentioned. It would be great to have sitting on your coffee table, as it would definitely lead to some interesting conversations with guests! It could also be a great little piece to pass some time on the throne, if it were available in a hard copy. (No judgment passed on those who keep an ereader on hand for those moments.) 

I did sometimes feel like the added commentary was trying a little too hard. Then again, his commentary was at war with my own commentary that was screaming in my head as I read each little tidbit. This is another reason that I would recommend reading this book in installments. 

My favorite stories were probably the ones that came directly out of Ohio. I grew up there, so I am always amused to see dumb stories from back home. I can more easily picture the shenanigans as they happen. Thank you, Professor Birdsong, for providing me with some entertainment!

Buy on Amazon

About the Author:

Professor Birdsong received his J.D. from the Harvard Law School and his B.A. from Howard University. He teaches law in Orlando, Florida. After graduation from law school he worked four years at the law firm of Baker Hostetler. He then entered into a varied and distinguished career in government service. He served as a diplomat with the U.S. State Department with various postings in Nigeria, Germany and the Bahamas. Professor Birdsong later served as a federal prosecutor. After leaving government service, and before he began teaching, Professor Birdsong was in private law practice in Washington, D.C.

Find the Professor on Twitter and his website

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'Jaded' by Michelle Bellon

To what lengths will a man go for the woman he loves?

Reed Dartmouth will learn the answer to those questions time and time again throughout his relationship with Jade Montgomery.

When he first meets her as a young, gentle boy the heartache from losing his mother only a year before is still fresh and painful. Jade is different from anyone else he’s ever met; tough, sassy, and even a bit cruel. But she’s also the same as he is: she knows what it’s like to lose a parent.

Their friendship begins and a bond like no other is formed. Time passes and Reed learns that not only are Jade’s parents dead, they were murdered and she’s made an oath to one day bring them justice. No matter the price.

As they grow older their love evolves but for Jade, old habits die hard and she can’t stop hurting those she loves the most. Even in the midst of searching for her parents’ killers, passion ignites and jealousy burns as Jade tests Reed’s devotion for her. Will she push him too far?

Buy on Amazon

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About the author:

Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four children. She drinks ungodly amounts of coffee and has an addiction to chapstick.

She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won three literary awards.

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | LinkedIn

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Check out Michelle's Other Books

 
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