I Would Rather Read a "How To" than a Crummy Novel - how about you?

While I have been able to get back on track with my reading, I am still not back to where I was before. I have actually found that reading educational books - like how to's - has helped me ease back into enjoying reading. I have been reading books on better gardening techniques, how to sew, books about homemade knitting gift ideas, good housekeeping concepts and all sorts of others.
The more I talk to people the more I realize that this happens to a lot readers. It's sort of normal ebb and flow of life and trying to find time to read on top of finding books worth reading. I have noticed that I will read the first 3+ chapters of a book and if I am not totally engaged I will not try to find time to read it. So I have found myself more interested in learning how to use a knit kit than reading a story about vampires and their strife. I think it is partly just that I am burnt out on the genre I was so entrenched in and partly because my children are becoming more and more active - giving me less and less time to get chunks of reading in. But do not fear - my reading is picking up again and I will be back soon with some great reviews. Thanks for sticking around!

Don't Miss Out on the $500 Cash Giveaway over on My Other Blog!

I just wanted to let you all know that I am hosting a $500 cash giveaway over on my mommy blog! Don't miss your chance to win $500 in paypal cash OR a $50 Amazon.com eGift Card or a $30 Amazon.com eGift Card. Go to the Jump into 2012 Giveaway post to enter!

My Suggested Books for Your New Kindle!

Were you one of those lucky ducks that got a Kindle or Kindle Fire for the holdiays this year? I am still in love with the Kindle I got for Christmas last year. 

If you did get a new Kindle, here are some great books for you to check out: 

Here are some cool accessories too:

Review: Chameleon (The Rippler Series Book 2) by Cidney Swanson

Chameleon (Book Two in the Rippler Series) By Cidney Swanson

Book Description:Sixteen-year-old Samantha Ruiz has a lot on her mind. The crush who kissed her but changed his mind. The BFF who thinks Sam is in an abusive relationship. The geneticist who wanted Sam dead but now wants her ALIVE. And of course, Sam’s still dealing with a tendency to disappear into thin air.

When Sam learns of her nemesis Helmann’s Nazi-like plan to establish a Thousand-Year Reign, she’s determined to fight him. Along with Will and Mickie, Sam flees to France to meet Sir Walter—their best hope for stopping Helmann’s brave new world.

But Sam isn’t any safer in France. Someone is following her. Someone invisible. Sam will have to figure out how to hide from an enemy she can’t even see.

 

About the Author: Cidney Swanson is the author of The Ripple Series. She began writing at age seven; her first novel began with “Ouch,” and her characters have been suffering ever since. Cidney lives in Eugene, Oregon with her husband, three kids, two cats, one dog, and entirely too much rain.

Here's What I Think: I love a series book that jumps in right where the last one left off. Chameleon finds the Ripplers, Sam and Will - chaperoned by Mickie of course -  off on their much anticipated class trip to Europe where they meet Sir Walter much sooner than they unexpected. And the adventure and danger starts right off. I love the journal entries from Helga and Hellman. It is so interesting to me when an author can change voices and have the reader actually feel like the storytelling has been picked up by someone else. I am impressed by Swanson's well thought out story lines that interweave back and forth, yet still keep it all easy to follow - it's truly a talent. I am very excited to read Unfurl - the third and final book in the series - which was just released on Amazon!

 

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this book for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like an honest review of your title, please contact me at polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Guest Post: ANGIES LIST

Authored by Leandro Delgado
I used my wireless internet San Antonio connection to help us find the best person to do some much needed upgrades to our home. We recently moved to Texas and bought a house quickly because we didn’t have much time. The house that we bought is great, but the décor is a little dated. By dated, I mean there was orange carpet in the bathroom. That was the very first thing that had to go. There was also wallpaper in the living room and splashes of muted color everywhere was it didn’t need to be. The good thing is that the house has a ton of potential, but we had to find the right people to update the home. We used this website called Angie’s list. We had used it to find people to service our rental properties before and had good experiences. People who use service and repair people review the person and there services on the website. Most people leave detailed reviews of their experiences which helps you when you are looking for a good person at the right price. We haven’t had any problems with anyone since we started using Angie’s list to contract out the work.