The Hole in the Middle by Kate Hilton

About:

Sophie Whelan is the epitome of the modern super woman. When she operates at peak performance, she can cajole balky employees, soothe her cranky children, trouble-shoot career disasters, throw a dinner party for 10, and draft an upbeat Christmas letter—all in the same day.

But as Sophie’s 40th birthday looms, her seamless life reveals disturbing web-like fractures. Conflict with her boss, blossoming jealousy of her husband’s femme fatale business partner, and her feelings of hopeless inadequacy as a mother and daughter, are cracking the edifice of her life.

Rescue may be at hand when Lillian Parker, a wealthy widow who befriended Sophie during her university days, makes Sophie an irresistible offer. Why, then, does Sophie hesitate? The answer is the reappearance of Lillian’s nephew, Will Shannon, the great unresolved love of Sophie’s life. As she remembers the vivid drama of their college romance, Sophie confronts the choices she has made in life and in love and looks for the one answer that has always eluded her: what does she really want?

The Hole in the Middle is a heartbreaking love story, a laugh-out-loud portrayal of the twin demands of work and family, and a fresh take on the hot debate about having it all.

Thoughts:

When I saw that this book was a review opportunity, I jumped at the chance. Being that I am in my 30's and knowing that the big 4-0 is looming in the near distance, I felt a connection to the main character, Sophie before I even had a chance to open up the book. Sophie is a lovable character and a woman that I think a lot of us can relate to. So many women today try to have it all--and I have to wonder is that even possible? If you are questioning that yourself, this book is a must-read. It's the perfect book to cozy up with a drink of choice, a snuggly blanket, and lose yourself in. Kate Hilton nailed it when she wrote this book!

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.


About the Author:

Kate Hilton has worked in law, higher education, public relations, fundraising and publishing.  She has an English degree from McGill University and a law degree from the University of Toronto.  She holds down a day job, volunteers for community organizations, raises two boys, cooks, collects art, reads voraciously and likes her husband.  In her free time, she writes. On good days, she thinks she might have it all.  On bad days, she wants a nap.

The Hole in the Middle is Kate’s first book.  Kate is represented by Beverley Slopen of the Beverley Slopen Literary Agency in Toronto.

You can connect with Kate Hilton here:

Website: http://www.katehilton.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4342012.Kate_Hilton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateHiltonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katemhilton

Buy the Book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Hole-In-Middle/dp/1443429538/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_ACQW


A huge thank you to Chick Lit Plus and Kate Hilton for the opportunity to read and review The Hole in the Middle. Any opinion expressed above is my own, and no other compensation was given. 

The Green Ticket by Samantha March

Synopsis
College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.

While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself – is is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.

Review
The moment that I opened this book, I was in love. Samantha's writing style is incredible: easy to read, the words just flow together in a way that makes reading so much fun! I loved reading the book from Alex's point of view. Her group of friends are the rock in her life, without them I don't believe that Alex would have succeeded in following her dream to manage a spa. Suddenly Alex has landed her dream job, has found Mr. Right, and if it all seems to good to be true? It is because it is. Shady things are being discovered daily about her dream job, which makes Alex wonder if going through the dramatics is truly worth it?
I rate this book a high five out of five stars--if I could, I would give it more! I stayed up into the night reading (that is how I know that I found myself a winner) and was finished within a few days. Samantha March knows what she is doing when she writes a novel--I cannot wait to add more novels by her to my collection as they become published.

About the author

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and her debut novel Destined to Fail. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

Want to connect with Samantha? You can find her here:

http://samanthamarch.com

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Where to buy

Amazon: Print or eBook
Barnes and Noble: eBook

Kobo: eBook

Marching Ink: Print

I received an e-book of The Green Ticket in order to facilitate the above review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was given. A big thank you to Samantha March and Chick Lit Plus for this great opportunity!

Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp

About the Book

In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiance, and got laid off from her job. Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Carribean to help with some mysterious personal business. While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby discovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles and unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes. Abby's world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own psycho drama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse? Packing nothing but her suitcase and a sense of humor, Abby travels down an unfamiliar road, but it's all she can do to hang on for the ride...Or will she wake up with "Rum Punch Regrets"?

My Thoughts and Rating

This book was everything that I expected it to be--and more. Filled with visions of St. Kitts, beaches, local island bars, it made me feel as if I were there alongside Abby and her adventures. The only thing that I regret about this book is that I didn't read it on the actual beach! The characters were fun, Abby's adventures into self discovery made me cheer her on and will her in the direction that I wanted her to take. I am hoping that there will be a follow up to see what happens with Abby and her love life. Anne Kemp is a colorful author who I see going far with her novels. I am thankful to have discovered her and her spectacular talent!

Rum Punch Regrets definitely scores a 5 out of 5 stars. I may even have to give it an extra star for the delicious recipes (to include Rum Punch) in the back of the book. I think this is a spectacular book to read in the summer while lounging around. Anne Kemp will have you yearning for a beach getaway in no time.


Where to Buy

Amazon
Barnes & Noble


About the Author

Anne Kemp is the author behind the Abby George series, which includes her debut novella, All Fruits Ripe, and her first novel, Rum Punch Regrets (available in print and ebook as seen above). She is also the columnist behind "Anne in Progress", which appears monthly in the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the DC-Metro area. As a blogger she was nominated for a 2012 Bloggers Choice Award for Best Humor Blog, and is known for penning "The Ultimate Late Bloomer".

Want to keep up with Anne Kemp? You can find her at any and/or all of the following: Twitter, Facebook, and her website

A portion of her proceeds are donated to Lupus LA.



I received a copy of the book to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was given. 

Viewer Discretion Advised by Cindy Roesel

About the Book
LIVE FROM MIAMI! The sensationalism shown on television can only be topped by the drama that happens behind the camera. After being fired from her job in Los Angeles, Charlene "Charley" Thomas moves to sizzling Miami and begins working as news director at a local television station. While getting used to her new gig, Charley wakes up to the fact that her station manager, Jonathan Lefton, is the boss from hell who will do anything for a story no matter who gets hurt in the process.  When nude pictures of noon anchor, Miranda Andrews, are discovered in the men's room of a Key West bar, all hell breaks loose. They end up on Lefton's desk and he promotes her over the main anchor, sparking off a firestorm. Miranda's quickly thrown into the mix and assigned special reports. Charley finds herself overseeing an investigation that could shine light on the guilt of a dirty cop. Real life begins to mimic the drama of broadcast news when station personalities face life and death all for rating and Emmys! Viewer Discretion Advised is a modern day "Sex and the City" meets "Broadcast News".

My Thoughts & Rating
I have to admit that when I began to read this book I was a little worried it would be strictly about working for a news station--which I know nothing about. My fears were quickly snuffed out when I got a few pages in. There was a romance where I cheered Charley on, a dirty cop who I just knew would be up to no good, and a boss who reminded me of plenty of bosses from my own past. Cindy Roesel is a talented, entertaining, and imaginative author. I loved this book and am crossing my fingers that she will come out with a sequel! I rate this book a five out of five stars! A quick read that will grab your attention and make you secretly wish you were in the television station business. I cannot wait to read more of Cindy's books!

Where to Buy

Amazon Barnes & Noble

Book Excerpt 
“Did you just see the promo for that bitch? She even looks good.” Lefton screamed.

“Especially since she looked punched out a couple days ago,” she answered calmly.

“And?” he screamed, ready to implode.

“And what?” she said.

“I’ve already called our lawyers. That bitch will not be on the air tonight, or ever.”

Charley had a crazy idea. He’s either going to love it, or fire my ass. “Jonathan, I have a wild idea. Here me out before you scream anything.”

“Don’t play *** games with me right now.”

“I’m not,” she took a deep breath. “What if we do nothing?”

“Nothing!” He screamed into the phone. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Charley took the plunge. “Jonathan, you’re predictable. They expect you to react this way. They hope to get tons of publicity from you throwing a fit. How about we sit it out? Let them play their game.” The silence was deafening. “Are you there? What do you think, Jonathan?”

“I’ll call you back.” And he hung up.

John barged in. “So, what happened?”

“I told him to ignore it,” she said leaning back in her chair. A big smile broke out across her face until she spilled soda on her blouse. “Damn.”

“You did what?” John yelled, passing her a tissue. “You still have that vodka in here?”

“We don’t need it John. I could tell he loves the idea. He’s just trying to figure out the best way to make it his idea.”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely,” she smiled confidently.

“I hope you’re right.” His voice tone was unsure.

“I am,” she said. She pulled the noon rundown. “Noon looks like a good show.”

***

At five o'clock, Nancy Dennison premiered on channel-three news.

Normally, all eyes in the WCAR newsroom were on all six station monitors. Tonight there was special attention focused on channel three. The reporters, who weren’t out doing live shots, pulled up their chairs. Even the editors who never stopped editing found time for a break. When the five o’clock newscast ended, Charley’s phone started buzzing.

“She looked good, Thomas. You better be right.” And he hung up.

We’ll see in the overnight numbers, she reached into her refrigerator for the bottle of vodka.

“Their numbers will reflect a sampling,” John said reading her mind. “Miranda’s strip club stories better kick some ass. Set me up!”

“No problem.” She filled two glasses with Citron.

“Hey Charley,” he said reaching for his drink. “Would you like to go out and get a bite?”

“Like dinner?” she asked, pausing to look at him.

“Yeah,” he said. Charley saw his cheeks starting to turn red. A guy that blushes, she thought. How sweet. “You do eat, don’t you?”

“Uh.” She regained her composure. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

He tossed back his drink and stood up. “I’ll find you after the six, okay? We’ll go to the News Café. Find out what everyone thought about Nancy.”

Her eyes followed John as he walked back to the desk. Maybe he’d like to go to Gotham Steak at the Fontainebleau Friday night?


About the Author

Cindy Roesel is an Emmy Award winning television broadcast journalist. After working for twenty years in newsrooms filled with ambitious backbiting adrenalin junkies, she is turning her experiences into novels. Cindy lives in Miami with her shih tzu, Sassy.

Want to learn more about Cindy? You can connect with her at any and/or all of the following:

Twitter

Facebook

Her fabulous blog

LinkedIn

Cindy Roesel website

E-mail


I received a copy of the book to read and write my review. All opinions expressed above are my own and no other compensation was given.

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark {Book Review}

There is something about summertime and reading that makes them go hand in hand. Although my days of lounging in the sun reading the day away are over for the time being, I still try to squeeze in time to read whenever my life allows me to do so.

I recently sunk my teeth into Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark and let me tell you that I devoured this book in no time at all. When I heard about the book tour the title alone screamed at me that I must read it--and that I did.


Synopsis


Meet Julia Sullivan, a travel writer who finds herself traveling around the world in order to write her article for a travel magazine. From the Caribbean to Europe she has seen it all. But Julia has missed many deadlines and her writing has slacked so much so that the magazine's desire to keep her on staff has dwindled. She is given one last chance to prove that she is the writer that she once was. Her task? Head to Eufaula, Alabama and produce a story that readers will connect with and desire to go and visit.

After arriving to Eufaula she makes it her mission to dive right into what southern living in Alabama is all about. Sweet tea, southern nights and the annual Pilgrimage. Her guide is handsome and charming, the city grows on her, but once there in Eufaula there is a shocking discovery that could ultimately ruin her career and the Pilgrimage.


My Thoughts


I loved this book from the start. Julia was funny, witty and I loved reading her thoughts and experiences  about the South, being that I, too, live in the South. Dancing Naked in Dixie was written in a humorous and witty manner. I loved reading about Eufaula and Lauren Clark's writing had me craving to go on a road trip. It was a delightful read and I loved reading this as a way to kick off summer. The overload of southern charm had me smiling and grateful that I get to live in the South and made me relate to the book so well. Loved it!


My Rating


I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. Fun, witty, and just full of southern charm, this book is sure to be a great read during the stifling summer months ahead!


About the Author


Lauren Clark is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie. She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.


Where to Buy:


Kindle Edition

Paperback Edition

Nook Edition 


I received the book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was given. 

Memoirs Aren't Fairytales: A Story of Addiction

When was the last time that you started a book and absolutely could not put it down? Can you think of a time? For me it had been a very long time. So long in fact that I cannot remember the last book that gripped my attention and had me feeling that I had to know what would happen next.

Enter Memoirs Aren't Fairytales: A Story of Addiction. I have to say that this isn't my typical type of novel. I usually go for something lighthearted with a happy ending. This story is everything but that.


Synopsis

Having gone through a horrible college nightmare Nicole and her best friend, Eric, leave Bangor, Maine for the big city of Boston. Nicole is a fragile young girl who wants nothing more than to erase her past and have a new beginning. With freedom enters possibilities lurking in the shadows. She experiments with drugs and that is when her entire world begins to crash around her. Heroin has taken over her life. A once bright girl has now become addicted to heroin with the first experimentation with it. Her body is covered in track marks. She becomes a prostitute. She loses everything, to include the very ones that she loves.


My Thoughts

Holy cow. When I was asked to read Memoirs Aren't Fairytales: A Story of Addiction by Marni Mann I was unsure if I would--or could--like this book. The synopsis is so dark, so gripping, that I decided to try it out and if I couldn't finish it I wouldn't beat myself up.

I couldn't put it down. In less than 72 hours I completely read the book. I don't have any experience with addiction, neither myself nor my family members, but that didn't stop me from being engrossed with this book. It was written in such a real, lifelike manner that at times I would force myself to put the book down and remind myself that this was merely a story and it was not my life.

I felt for Nicole. I wanted to cry as I read the first time she tried heroin. I felt sick as I read the times she had to sell her body to simply get the drugs that she needed to survive. This book was such a page turner. It was amazing, sad, and gave me a huge wake up call on how truly tragic that addiction and drugs can be on one's life.


My Rating

Definitely 5 out of 5 stars. Although a somewhat dark book, I recommend that everyone reads this story. Addiction is real. Drugs are everywhere. Read this book and become addicted to the reality of what can happen to a seemingly bright, intelligent woman when drugs cross her path.


Where to Buy

Amazon
Barnes & Noble 


Follow & Fan Author Marni Man

Facebook
Twitter
Web


I received an e-book in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given and all opinions expressed above are my own. 

Chasing Rainbows--Book Pick of the Week

Bernadette (or Bernie as she is referred to throughout the book) has just lost her father. His death was unexpected and took a toll on Bernie. Her husband has left her--five years after the death or their baby daughter--for another woman. She quits her job where her boss is best described as nothing more than a jerk. With no job, no husband and recently losing her father unexpectedly, Bernie takes her life into her own hands and figures it's no time like the now to begin to live the life that she wants.
When it seems that Bernie's life is going down a downhill spiral she begins to solve the book of cryptograms that her father left for her in the wake of his death. Every puzzle that she solves somehow relates to Bernie and her life.   At first it seems that her life will not get better, but Bernie starts to realize that her father has left her answers to puzzles and these answers begin to slowly let Bernie realize that maybe her father really did know best.
With her best friend by her side, a new and mysterious neighbor down the street, she realizes that sometimes in order for us to be happy and fulfilled we sometimes need to chase the rainbows and find our happiness there. 

I loved Chasing Rainbows. Kathleen Long wrote an addicting novel and made me smile, laugh and at times, want to curl up beside Bernie and cry. Her writing style was smooth and I loved how I could pick up Chasing Rainbows and not have to read for a long time to feel any sort of connection to her characters. 
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this book to my readers if you are looking for a light read with a lead female character that you want to cheer on and relate to on some level. 

Kathleen Long is RITA nominated, RIO Award and two-time Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winning author of fourteen novels of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women's fiction. Her additional honors include National Readers Choice, Holt Medallion and Booksellers Best award nominations.

Buy Chasing Rainbows on Amazon or Barnes and Noble today!

I received a copy of Chasing Rainbows from Chick Lit Plus. All opinions above are my own and no other compensation was given. Thank you, Chick Lit Plus!

Book Pick of the Week: Chosen by Chandra Hoffman

I love finding a book so invigorating that I cannot put it down. It is while reading these types of books that the exhaustion the next day is well worth it.

Chosen by Chandra Hoffman was one of the above. This book was so intense and had me wanting, no, needing, to find out what was going to happen next. My heart would pound and I would read every chance that I got. I found myself staying up until midnight to squeeze in those next pages and chapters.

Here is a brief description as told on the book jacket:

It all begins as a fantasy...


A caseworker in her "paperwork-signing" suit alongside beaming parents cradling their adopted newborn: this is the blissful picture that keeps Chloe Pinter, director of Portland's Chosen Child domestic adoption program, happy as she juggles the demands of her boss and the incessant needs of adoptive and biological parents. 


But the dream job that offers Chloe refuge from her turbulent personal life soon becomes a nightmare involving three very different couples" the college sweethearts who, after suffering fertility problems, are now expecting their own baby' the wealthy husband and desperate wife for whom adoption is a last chance; and the couple who has nothing--except the baby everyone wants. But when a child goes missing, perceptions of family and future are challenged, posing the questions: What happens when you get what you thought you wanted? How far would you go if it wasn't what you wanted after all?


Right when I read the book jacket I knew in my heart that I had to read this book. As a mother who has struggled with unexplained infertility, as a sister to four adopted siblings, I knew that this book would be a great read.

The characters were so believable--it was as if I actually knew them. Once I started to get deeper into this book I saw that some of the characters were not who they seemed to be on the outside. I could relate to a few of the characters, but I think that the characters whom I could not relate to are what kept me captivated the most.

I could not imagine having to make a sacrifice so large such as putting my child up for adoption. Chandra Hoffman made me feel as if I were the mom who was placing my child with their forever family. The ache in their hearts--you truly get to see a point of view that many of us do not get to witness every day.

When I got to the portion of the book where the child goes missing, I felt sick to my stomach. Once the parent of the missing child realized that the child has disappeared, I once again felt like I was this character. The panic. The heart racing. The collapsing onto the ground--it was written in such a believable manner and had me feeling as if I had to hug my daughters that much closer.

All in all? I loved this book. Chandra Hoffman's writing skills are phenomenal. The characters did not seem to be stereotyped as they sometimes do in books that have well defined characters who play a certain role. It was as if I knew all of the characters in my own life.

I highly recommend this book to all of my blog readers and friends. I cannot tell you how many times that I told my Mom that she must read this book. I raved about it so much and she is now going to read it. I loved Chosen and hope that once you read it, you will understand when I say that I could not put this gripping read down.

Chick Lit Plus is hosting an Amazon gift card giveaway! Simply visit the Chosen blog tour page and leave a comment. Super easy!


Want to learn more about Chandra Hoffman and keep up with her social networks? You can "like" her on Facebook and/or follow her on Twitter.

A huge thank you to Chick Lit Plus for this amazing reading and review opportunity! I received the book to read and no other compensation was given. All opinions expressed above are my own.

The One With Books, Shredding and a Princess

* I think having a 3rd baby has zapped my blogging mojo. Seriously. I have no clue what to write. Until I get more substantial material I may stick with gobs of pictures of my babies. Because that's how I roll.

* I just finished Summer Rental. It was a delicious, fun read. Yes, I just called it delicious. I wanted more and more and more...can't wait for her next book!

* I am now reading Jaycee Dugard's book. It's a heart wrenching read so far, but I can't put it down. Just to read everything that she went through and how she survived it all just makes me admire her for her strength. Have you read her book? Thoughts?

* Brynlie and Madelyn have well baby check ups PLUS shots for both. Fun times and I'm pretty sure I'll be packing Dum Dums for Madelyn and have Brynlie's milk bar ready for her. Not a huge fan of shot day--especially since TWO of my girls will be on the receiving end.

* Did two weeks of the post baby boot camp DVD. I have now moved onto Jillian and her excruciating 30 Day Shred. Holy sore muscles! I love it so far. I've lost (well, depending on the day) 5 pounds. I'm sure it has to do with my eating. Doing better, just not great. But hey-I feel better and for now that's what counts.

* I have a new favorite summer drink. Friends meet Skinnygirl. It's summer in a glass. It makes me want to invite y'all over to have some with me. Go now and buy some-I know you'll thank me so let me just say you're welcome.

* Bachelor Pad starts Monday night. Three awesome hours of Bachelor and Bachelorette castoffs all living amongst one another. I think I'll break out the Skinnygirl for Monday!

* I'm addicted to HGTV once again. Poor husband has to listen to me and my big dreams for our home. I've started him in the right direction--I can't wait to do some of our bigger projects. Lots of pictures and posts to come.

* How's your week? Are you going to BlogHer? Or are you like me and a little a lot jealous that you aren't going? Sometimes I want to go, but I'd miss my little family way too much right now. Maybe sometime down the road. Maybe not. We'll see.

* And here's the cutest princess ever wishing you all a fabulous end of your week!

I'm a Book-aholic...

I have been on a reading rampage lately...I mean it's out of control. In the past couple of weeks I've finished TWO books. I know, right?! Two?? How did I manage that one?

I like to credit this with two things. One being that when the girls nap I sit out on the front porch with my Diet Coke and read, read, read.

And two being that since we're in Texas I've been reading a lot. The girls are loving their cousins and Mamo & Papo which equals mucho reading time for this beyond exhausted Momma.

Now you're probably wondering what books I've been getting myself lost in. They're both excellent. One is not for the, um, prudish ones...just sayin'--you'll see what I mean when I get to that one...

First book I finished was one that I mentioned that I was reading a few days ago--The Art of Racing in the Rain. I'm pretty sure there were lots of tears lost with this book as I read it. This book is told through the dog's eyes {his name is Enzo...love it}. He tells you the story of his master's life--how it went from everything a man could want in life to the bottom...the rock bottom. I recommend it to everyone--I promise it's a great read and I read it so quickly. I didn't want to put it down...and I look at dogs in a different way now. It's weird, but after you read it you'll get what I'm saying.

 The next book is the one that I'm not sure who will like it. It's graphic in more ways than one...that's for sure. The book is Candy Girl and the author is also the screenwriter for Juno. I loved that movie so when my sister offered for me to read this book I thought why not?  This book is about a 25 year old who moved from Chicago to Minneapolis to be with a man who she fell in love. She's walking by a strip club and sees that they're having an amateur nite. She thinks to herself, what the hell, and goes for it. It's a fast read, but there were parts that made me gag a little. It was a pretty good book--it was funny and interesting to see the stripper's point of view. I've never known what they go through on a daily/nitely basis so this was definitely an inside view, haha!

I'm now reading Love the One You're With. It's good so far, but I'm only a few pages into it. I'll update with what I think after I'm done with it.

Are you reading anything right now that you think is a must read? I'm ready to buy a few more books before I run out of good reads!

What are YOU Reading?

I finished the book I talked about in this post and I loved it. I loved the entire thing--the beginning, the middle AND the end. A lot of times I start getting bored while reading a book...not that one! Like I said before--it's an excellent summer read--perfect for the summer days coming up.

While my Mom was driving me to the airport on Saturday I realized that I had forgotten my spare book to begin reading on my flights home. Ugh! Totally like me--a little scatterbrained and forgetful...go figure. I knew I wouldn't last 10 minutes in the airport with nothing to read so I hit up one of the airport bookshops. I ended up buying this one:

A woman has adopted a little boy. In the first chapter she is getting home from work and sees a missing child flier that has arrived...she looks at the picture of the boy and it looks very similar to her son. To read more in depth about it click here to be taken to the book's page on the author's site.

So far I love, love, LOVE it! It's a little different from books that I have read in the past, but I am seriously happy with my pic. I'm hoping to get it finished by this week--so far so good! 

What are you reading this week? Anything new and fun? Feel free to share below--I loved all of your suggestions last week!

Reading Books--Do You?

I'm skipping This or That? Tuesday this week. I may be heading out of town on short notice, and I would hate it if I couldn't get to each of the participant's blogs. Don't worry--once things settle down over here in my part of the world I'll be starting up again.

So today's post is all about reading. When I was younger I loved to read--you could find me any time of day curled up with my nose in a book. Then entered middle school where reading wasn't "cool". I still read, just not as often.

Once I got older and moved away to Texas, reading started entering my world once again. I love it--I know that I can open a book and be lost in a world that isn't mine, even if it's only for a few minutes here and a few minutes there.

Today after taking Isabella to the doctor {which we found out she has the virus Madelyn had for over a week. Lovely.} I put the girls to bed and actually curled up. With a real life book. I know, right? A book? Not a magazine? Not a blog? But a book? With pages? And doodles courtesy of Isabella?

Yep. I was in heaven. I read and read and read...until I drifted off to sleep myself {another shocker, I know!}. I'm reading All We Ever Wanted Was Everything. And it rocks. Each time I pick it up I cannot put it down. I get lost in her writing--seriously, if you like chick lit, easy reads, a good summer read or a beach read you will enjoy this!

Are you reading anything good now? What types of books do you read and do you make time for yourself to actually sit down and read?

On a different note...I used to do a book swap on my blog {way back in the day} where basically if you had an unwanted book that you were done with you would write a post about the book on your blog and come and link up over here. Whoever commented first on your post would get the book.

The only rule was that if you commented that you wanted a book you had to list one yourself. It was a lot of fun! Let me know if you would be interested in participating--if I have enough readers who would like love this idea I'll start it up again!

Moments Like This...

Leo, you are truly an amazing Daddy.

Thank you for being you.

Love you.