Review & Blog Tour Stop: Telling Lies by Cathi Stoler

Telling Lies
by Cathi Stoler

How many lies does it take to get away with murder? Magazine Editor Laurel Imperiole is vacationing in Florence, Italy, with Aaron Gerrard, Chief of Detectives of New York City's 13th Precinct Identity Theft Squad. A chance encounter brings Laurel to a startling realization: she's just bumped into a dead man: Jeff Sargasso, an art dealer and husband of a close friend who supposedly died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. When he vanished, Sargasso had been brokering the sale of a priceless masterpiece that was lost during World War II to CEO Alfred Hammersmith and billionaire Miayamu Moto. Hammersmith perished along with Sargasso on 9/11, and it is believed that the access codes to the $15 million deposit--ten percent of the asking price--died with them. Could Sargasso have faked his own death to steal the money? The painting's whereabouts are unknown. Laurel enlists the help of private detective Helen McCorkendale, and together they follow the threads that lead from Florence, Italy, to New York. On the way, the women tangle with Israeli Mossad agent Lior Stern and several stop-at-nothing collectors. All are determined to have the painting for themselves. Ignoring Aaron's advice, Laurel puts their volatile relationship in jeopardy. As Helen and Laurel search for Sargasso, the painting and the money, they find themselves enmeshed in a sinister skein of lies that could end in death.

Here's What I Think:While the the concept of this book is grabbing, I am not totally sure that the execution is there. The characters are not fully developed and the plot line has a few holes in it. Having said that, I did enjoy the book. The author's writing voice is there and read, she just needs to work on the structure of the story as a whole. If you are looking for a book that is worth your time, but doesn't require your undivided attention, this is the one for you. 

 

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

Review & Blog Tour Stop: When Did I Get Like This? By Amy Wilson

When Did I Get Like This? By Amy Wilson

Book Description: When Did I Get Like This? is the hilarious story of one mother’s struggle to shrug off the ridiculous standards of modern parenting, and remember how to enjoy her children

Over the last seven years of long days with little children, I have had many moments of joy, calm, and peaceful reverie.

This book is about the other moments.
Before I became a mother, failing at something did not shake my fundamental belief in my capabilities as a human being. But now that I am the mother of three children under the age of seven, I have one overriding daily thought: I suck at this.
What kind of mother feeds her kids dinosaur chicken nuggets? Three times a week? What kind of mother lets hand washing after using the toilet slide, as long as it was just Number One? And then I wonder: When did I get like this? Why do I doubt my parenting abilities, day after day? Why does motherhood, a job as old as Eve, have me teetering daily on the edge of sanity?
With each new stage of motherhood, I tell myself I will never again be suckered by the question, “Don’t you want what’s best for your children?” And yet, time after time, I am. Sometimes, I am right to obsess. Other times, the record will show, it has been distinctly counterproductive.
I’m working on it . . .


About the Author: Amy Wilson is the author and performer of the one-woman show Mother Load, which started off-Broadway, and has been touring the country ever since. She made her Broadway debut in the Tony-Award-winning play The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and has appeared in dozens of other plays in New York City. On television, she was a series regular on Norm and Daddio, and appeared on Felicity, Ed, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Deadline, Boston Common, and All My Children. Her film credits include Kinsey, Kissing Jessica Stein, Keeping the Faith, and Ira and Abby.

Her writing appears regularly in Babytalk magazine, on parenting.com, and on CNN.com’s “Living” page. Her favorite productions are her three young children, whom she raises with her husband in New York City.


Here's What I Think: This book speaks to every single woman who swore they would never become their own mother but inevitably did anyway! I love Amy's voice in this book, it reads like a couple of girlfriends chatting over a much need latte in the bookstore while their kids harass the story-time reader. She doesn't pull a single punch in this very realistic, not to mention hilarious book about the real world as mom! All those things that you were sure you were the only person to ever feel, think or experience are laid out in this great read. If you are a mom - you need to read this book. You will laugh, you will cry and you will totally relate to some part of this book.

 

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

Review & Blog Tour Stop: The Big Show Stopper by Ken Dalton

The Big Show Stopper


by Ken Dalton

Book Description: Brady Blackstone, America's richest and favorite concert performer, dies in a tragic accident while Bear and Flo, along with thousands of northern Nevada's music lovers, look on in horror. However, before Bear can maneuver Flo back to their apartment to complete her birthday celebration, they stumble across a clue that makes them question if Brady's death was an accident. In The Big Show Stopper, Pinky, a sleazy but successful defense attorney, and Bear, a street-wise ex bartender, mix madness with mayhem as you meet Brady's less than grieving widow-a trigger-happy Carson City Cop named Ice Conner-travel in first-class luxury with Pinky as he follows a questionable lead to an exotic location and suffer with Flo in Bear's old pick up while they drive to another of America's armpit locations where they discover Brady Blackstone's killer.

About the Author: Ken was born in 1938. In a turn of bad luck, the dreaded Polio virus found Ken not long after the picture on the right was taken. At the end of World War II, Ken’s family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming for a year where he learned how to live through snow blizzards, avoid walking through the large pile of coal in the basement, and how to survive life as an Army Officer’s brat on a base called Fort Warren. By the age of sixteen, after eleven years of operations, therapy, and braces, Ken’s luck changed dramatically when he met the girl of his dreams at a party. A few years later they married, produced three wonderful children, and settled into a happy life in Southern California. In 1966, Ken, who worked as a technician for Pacific Bell, and his family left Southern California for the green hills of Sonoma County where they bought a home in Sebastopol surrounded with apple trees. A few years later, Ken and Arlene built a new home on three and a half acres. They raised cows, pigs, and learned how to build outstanding fences. While their children grew, they hosted two exchange students, Eva Reimers from Sweden, and Tanja Wuttke from Germany, both of whom are still loved members of the Dalton clan. Also during those years, Ken was promoted to management at Pacific Bell. He eventually ended up responsible for all the central offices, sixty-three, in an area that covered five counties. In 1977, Ken, Arlene, Bob Wiltermood, and his wife Norma, designed, built, and operated a 2000 case winery named Pommeraie Vineyards. They produced award winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. However, after Bob died, the winery was sold. Ken and Arlene moved to a hilltop in Healdsburg. With the winery gone, and time on their hands, Ken and Arlene started to perform with the Camp Rose Players. Twenty years and forty productions later, both are still acting and singing. Life was good. All Ken had to do was learn some lines and bow when the audience applauded. Then, ten years ago, in a moment of madness, Ken started to write. His first article was published in Golf Illustrated in August 1996. More golf articles followed in national and regional magazines including Golf Magazine and Fairways and Greens. After a two-year stint on the County Grand Jury, Ken felt the need to begin his first novel. Now, after a decade of struggle to learn the craft of writing, Ken has become the publishing world’s latest overnight sensation.

Here's What I Think: This book was a pretty quick read. It is part of series in that the characters remain the same but the store certainly can stand alone. The book has a unique quality of being amusing while still suspenseful.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this book for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. The development and interaction of the characters is the real story in this book, even though the plot centers on the murder mystery. This was a fun weekend read and was able to keep my attention - which is always a plus!

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

Review & Blog Tour Stop: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Book Description: Heiress of one empire and prisoner of another, it is up to the daughter of Cleopatra to save her brothers and reclaim what is rightfully hers...

To Isis worshippers, Princess Selene and her twin brother Helios embody the divine celestial pair who will bring about a Golden Age. But when Selene's parents are vanquished by Rome, her auspicious birth becomes a curse. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, the young messianic princess struggles for survival in a Roman court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother's dreams. Can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win-or die?

 

About the Author: Stephanie graduated from Smith, a small women's college in Massachusetts where-to the consternation of her devoted professors-she was unable to master Latin. However, her concentration in Middle Eastern Studies gave her a deeper understanding of the consequences of Egypt's ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion.

Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the transformative power of magic realism to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Roman or Egyptian and has-to the consternation of her devoted husband-collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

Here's What I Think: From the description I was really excited about this new perspective on the story of The Golden Age. I was thrilled to figure out as I read it that it would not just be a moment in time but it covered a large part of Seleste's life. The characters are so vivid and well constructed you can actually get the notion that you are there in the room, almost even inside Seleste's head. I will say that the book has a lot of historical fact, so if you are not into history, specifically that of Egypt, you may find that the store slows at some points. However, I think it was an engaging read that I read in just three sittings! I thoroughly enjoyed the voice of the book as well as the description and detail, that was interesting and not long-winded as books that are very descriptive can be.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book for review purposed, I was in no other way compensated to publish this review.

Review & Blog Tour: Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

Book Description: Coming of age amidst the seething unrest of the Civil War era, feisty fourteen-year-old Katie McCafferty infiltrates the Molly Maguires, a secret Irish organization, to rescue a lifelong friend. Under the guise of Dominick, a draft resister, Katie volunteers for a dangerous mission in hopes of preventing bloodshed. Katie risks job, family, and ultimately her very life to intervene. A series of tragedies challenge Katie's strength and ingenuity, and she faces a crisis of conscience. Can she balance her sense of justice with the law? Call Me Kate is suitable for readers from eleven to adult. The story is dramatic and adventuresome, yet expressive of daily life in the patches of the hard coal region during the Civil War era. This novel will appeal to readers of the Dear America series, as well as more mature readers who will enjoy the story's rich context and drama.

About the Author: Molly Roe is the pen name of Mary Garrity Slaby, a veteran language arts & reading teacher at Lake-Lehman Junior Senior High School. Mary holds a Ph.D. in education from Temple University, and Pennsylvania teaching certification in six areas. She has pursued the hobby of genealogy for the past decade. Mary was born in Philadelphia, raised in Schuylkill County, and currently lives in Dallas, Pennsylvania with her husband, John. They are parents of two grown children, Melissa and John Garrett, cover illustrator of Call Me Kate. Digging into the past has given Mary newfound respect for her ancestors and a better understanding of history. Call Me Kate is the first in the author's trilogy of historical novels loosely based on the lives of the strong women who preceded her.

Here's What I Think: This book takes a different perspective than most books about this particular time period. It is a fresh take a story I thought I was familiar with. Additionally have it come from the point of view of a young person, who is not only going through the normal teenage issues of find herself, but also treading the dicey waters of war. I definitely found myself rooting for Kate early on as she is written so strongly by Roe. Actually the book could have been set in modern day where the younger generations are having to take on the financial burdens of their families as the world around them struggles to find a balance. The book takes into consideration many relationship dynamics and creates a very dramatic baseline. This was a very quick but intense read. In fact it was a little rushed for my taste but still complete.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book to review, I was in no other way directly compensated to publish this post. These are my real and honest opinions.

Review & Blog Tour Stop: Cleo by Helen Brown

Cleo By Helen Brown
A big Congrats to Helen for making it to #35 on the NY Bestsellers List!!

About the Book: Helen Brown wasn't a cat person, but her nine-year-old son Sam was. So when Sam heard a woman telling his mum that her cat had just had kittens, Sam pleaded to go and see them.

Helen's heart melted as Sam held one of the kittens in his hands with a look of total adoration. In a trice the deal was done - the kitten would be delivered when she was big enough to leave her mother.

A week later, Sam was dead. Not long after, a little black kitten was delivered to the grieving family. Totally traumatised by Sam's death, Helen had forgotten all about the new arrival. After all, that was back in another universe when Sam was alive.

Helen was ready to send the kitten back, but Sam's younger brother wanted to keep her, identifying with the tiny black kitten who'd also lost her brothers. When Rob stroked her fur, it was the first time Helen had seen him smile since Sam's death. There was no choice: the kitten - dubbed Cleo - had to stay.
Kitten or not, there seemed no hope of becoming a normal family. But Cleo's zest for life slowly taught the traumatised family to laugh. She went on to become the uppity high priestess of Helen's household, vetoing her new men, terrifying visiting dogs and building a special bond with Rob, his sister Lydia, Helen - and later a baby daughter.
 
About the Author:

Helen Brown is one of New Zealand’s widest read and longest running columnists. For 28 years she has shared her quirky perspective on life’s so-called ordinary events including births, deaths and marriages – not to mention the mysteries of supermarket queues, cat litter trays and living with teenagers.

She has written nine books, including a number one best seller. Her most recent book “Florascope” was released in USA and Canada last September after print runs in New Zealand and Australia.

Helen was a regular panelist on TVNZ’s Beauty and the Beast, an agony aunt on the children’s television show What Now? and has written television soap operas and radio current affairs. In 1991 she was awarded a Nuffield Press Fellowship to Cambridge University, UK. Before moving with her husband Philip and three children to Melbourne nine years ago she was a full time feature writer for the Sunday Star Times in Auckland.

She wrote “A Slice of Banana Cake” in the bath where she gets most of her ideas.

I had a chance to ask Helen my usual question for authors: What's the back story on the big story?" This is what she had to say: 

Thank you for inviting me to share some of my thoughts with you today.

People sometimes ask why it took nearly 25 years for me to write a book about my son Sam’s death and the part our cat Cleo played helping us rebuild our lives.
Frankly, I wasn’t ready any sooner to tell our story in a way that had any hope of helping others. I needed the distance of decades to encompass all the elements of Sam’s death and make some kind of sense of how it changed us as individuals and as a family.
It took many years to truly forgive the woman who ran Sam over. First, I had to accept it was simply an accident and she wasn’t the evil witch my grieving mind had conjured up. Years later I began to realize our tragedy would’ve had nearly as huge an impact on her life as it did on ours. I would still love to meet this woman, put my arms around her and tell her I forgive her from the core of my being. She has never come forward. Perhaps she’s no longer alive.
Also, it took many years for the hero from that day, Arthur Judson, to write to me and describe how he had stayed with Sam at the scene. It would have been so easy for him to make excuses and walk away. The knowledge that Sam hadn’t died alone was an enormous comfort. Arthur is quite elderly now. He wrote to me last Christmas, saying he and his wife had read the book. He was relieved I had found peace.
For Rob and me, Cleo was our last living link with Sam. When our magical cat finally died at 23 and a half, we both felt a sense of completion. Cleo had been our guardian for so many years. She was finally ready to release us and trust us to look after ourselves.
Appreciating what Cleo had done for us made me think of other animals and the extent to which they help and heal humans. They have been doing this for thousands of years with little thanks from us. Some scientists are beginning to investigate the many benefits animals bestow on our health and well being – not a moment too soon.
All these things had to happen before I was ready to embark on the book : Forgiveness, gratitude and, at long last, a sense of peace.




Here's What I think:  This was another difficult book for me to read, being the mother of three small boys and knowing that something so tragic could happen at anytime. I have a huge amount of admiration for Helen. In the same situation I am not sure that I could write this story even after 25 years and certainly not with such beautiful eloquence. The raw emotions that are written just rip at your heart strings. Though the book is written in Helen's voice, you are given a sort of bird's eye view of their lives and their process of getting back to living it. I have long believed in the healing powers of animals. I personally believe it has a lot to do with their unconditional loyalty as well as their lack of indulgence if they dont' like - they put it out there like it is. As always, I was intrigued by the difference in language and lifestyles of people in another country. This is beautiful book that made me cry and ache with the pain of Helen's emotions, but ultimately I saw the life lessons and once again have been shown that it all happens for a reason.

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

Wind Warrior Blog Tour Giveaway

Cynthia Roberts, author of her debut historical romance, Wind Warrior has something pretty darn dynamic for all of BMWL2R visitors, friends and subscribers ... one of the largest blog tour promotional giveaways ever attempted.

Breaking into the world of romance fiction is a challenge unto itself but more so, when you’re a newly published author. Busy Moms Who Love to Read is excited to participate in this venture with Cynthia and help introduce Wind Warrior to the world of romance readers. The bonus … every one has the chance to compete for not one, but five pretty extraordinary prizes which will include:

1. Romantic Two-lid willow picnic basket with deluxe service for two ~ $125.00 value

2. Succulent Godiva Chocolate Tier ~ $75.00 value
3. Exquisite Pearl & Crystal Necklace ~ $50.00 value
4. Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value
5. Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value


To view the gifts & read further descriptions visit her website at http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com.

Contest Rules Are As Follows

1. Leave a comment at the end of this post
2. Tweet the following text: Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts A story of longing, wanting & a love so strong it conquers human evil. On sale now at Major Book Retailers
3. Post the same tag on your Facebook and/or Myspace Profile
4. Become a fan/follower/subscriber of the blog you visit
5. The list of participating blogs are registered on Cynthia’s website and you may enter to win on every one, however, only one family member may do so in a household.
6. Open to ALL not just the US & Canada
7. Each participating blog will randomly choose five entrants to compete for the grand prize pool where the final 5 winners will be randomly selected
8. Winners will be chosen on Sept. 30th and notified via email by Cynthia
9. All finalists must provide their email, name and official delivery address at the time of finalist selection to Busy Moms Who Love to Read.
10. All prizes will be shipped no later than Oct. 30th directly from the distributor
11. The steps above will be checked to determine your eligibility.


Wind Warrior ~ The Iroquois Series ~ Book One

Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.
Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivates their hearts.


On Sale Now at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobel ISBN# 978-1-61663-162-8. Read more than a dozen reviews on her website at http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com.


Disclaimer: I was in no way directly compensated to publish this post. However, my posting does make me eligible for a separate contest sponsored by Cynthia Roberts.

Review: Ruby's School Walk by by Kathryn White, Miriam Latimer (Illustrator)

Ruby's School Walk by by Kathryn White, Miriam Latimer (Illustrator)


Book Description:

On her way to school Ruby sees a world her mother cannot experience.In an old house, she spies bats with red eyes peering out and scary witches that flit about. And these arent the only dangers on her path: tigers, crocodiles and mighty beasts abound! I must be brave, I must be strong, chants Ruby as she musters the nerve to scare them off; but will it work? Young readers will love joining this imaginative girl as she faces her fears and learns how to keep them in check.

About the Author:

Kathryn White is a former Curator of the Bronte Parsonage Museum. She has edited editions of the Poetical Works, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey and is the author of The Brontes: A Pocket Biography.


Here's What I Think:
This book came at a perfect time for my son. He is starting kindergarten in fall and very excited. It is a truly charming story of a little girl learning to overcome her fears. The illustrations are stunningly beautiful. And story has a great message without being overtly preachy. All three of my boys enjoyed this book and we have read it several times since it's arrival.

DISCLAIMER: Although I did receive a copy of this title from Barefoot Books in conjunction with MamaBuzz, I was in no other way compensated to publish this review. This is my real and honest opinion.

Review & Blog Tour Stop: Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle

Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle


Book Description:

How do you fight despair and learn to meet the world with a loving heart? How do you overcome shame? Stay faithful in spite of failure? No matter where people live or what their circumstances may be, everyone needs boundless, restorative love. Gorgeous and uplifting, Tattoos on the Heart amply demonstrates the impact unconditional love can have on your life.

As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, job training, and encouragement so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. Tattoos on the Heart is a breathtaking series of parables distilled from his twenty years in the barrio. Arranged by theme and filled with sparkling humor and glowing generosity, these essays offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we could find the joy in loving others and in being loved unconditionally.


Tattoos on the Heart reminds us that no life is less valuable than another.

About the Author:

Father Gregory Boyle was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1982. He received his Master of Divinity from the Weston School of Theology; and a Sacred Theology Masters degree from the Jesuit School of Theology. In 1988, Father Boyle began what would become Homeboy Industries, now located in downtown Los Angeles. Fr. Greg received the California Peace Prize, the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from Bon Appétit; the Caring Institute’s 2007 Most Caring People Award; and received the 2008 Civic Medal of Honor from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
Since 1986, Father Gregory has been the pastor of Dolores Mission in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The church sits between two large public housing projects, Pico Gardens and Aliso Village, known for decades as the gang capital of the world. There are 1,100 gangs encompassing 86,000 members in Los Angeles, and Boyle Heights has the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in the city. Since Father Greg—also known affectionately as G-dog, started Homeboy Industries nearly twenty years ago, it has served members of more than half of the gangs in Los Angeles. In Homeboy Industries’ various businesses—baking, silkscreening, landscaping—gang affiliations are left outside as young people work together, side by side, learning the mutual respect that comes from building something together.

About Homeboy Industries


Homeboy Industries traces its roots to “Jobs For A Future” (JFF), a program created in 1988 by Father Gregory Boyle while he was serving as pastor of Dolores Mission parish in Boyle Heights. Begun as a jobs program in 1988, offering alternatives to gang violence in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city, the program soon grew beyond the parish.


With the addition of a small bakery in a run-down warehouse across the street from Dolores Mission, JFF had its own business, one where it could hire the most challenging, difficult to place young people in a safe environment. The hope was that they could learn both concrete and soft job skills, to make them stronger, better prepared candidates for permanent employment. A tortilla stand in Grand Central Market downtown solidified the evolution of JFF into Homeboy Industries.


In only a few years, Homeboy Industries has had an important impact on the Los Angeles gang problem, with young people from over half of the region’s 1,100 known gangs seeking a way out through Homeboy. Thousands of young people have walked through the doors of Homeboy Industries looking for a second chance, and finding community. Gang affiliations are left outside as these young people work together, side by side, learning the mutual respect that comes from shared tasks and challenges.


Homeboy became an independent nonprofit in August of 2001, and has since grown into a national model. This year, we will celebrate our 20th anniversary as an organization in our new headquarters located in downtown Los Angeles, just two blocks from Union Station. Homeboy serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to leave gang life, for whom the barriers and challenges are great, and for whom there is virtually no other avenue to enter the mainstream.


In addition to providing job training and placement assistance and other free programs, a distinctive feature of Homeboy Industries continues to be its small businesses, where the most difficult to place individuals are hired in transitional jobs, thus giving them a safe, supportive environment in which to learn both concrete and soft job skills, while simultaneously building their resume and work experience. Former rivals find themselves working side by side, finding true community and friendship in place of the limited community of gang life. Homeboy’s businesses now include the Homeboy Bakery, newly re-opened in our new Headquarters downtown, Homeboy Silkscreen, which prints logos on apparel and provides embroidery services; Homeboy Maintenance, which provides landscaping and maintenance services; Homeboy Merchandise, which sells t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and mouse pads with the Homeboy logo, now with a retail storefront in the new Headquarters, as well as online ordering; Homegirl Café, newly expanded in the new building with 86 seats, plus a dedicated Catering kitchen provides a training ground dedicated to female clients in all aspects of the restaurant and service industry. Homeboy Press has been publishing a literary magazine since 2008.


100% profits from book sales of Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion go directly to Homeboy Industries. In this difficult economy, Homeboy Industries has had to lay off some of their staff. Your purchase of this book helps support a much needed organization in our country today.


100% commissions generated through book sales through Condor Books, at our Products page, will be donated to the Homeboy Industries Review, a yearly publication of poetry and essays written and published by the young men and women involved in Homeboy Industries' writing and publishing skills program. Please support by purchasing a book.


Here's What I Think:

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book I was in no other way compensated to write this review.

Blog Tour Stop & Review: The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel


Book Description:

After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself, but she'd leave it all if it meant being rid of the guilt she harbors over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs—including a way to pay for her sins every time he hits her. Kim and Rick’s new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick’s abusive behavior, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Soon to intersect Kim’s and Rick’s lives is Debbie, who has saved countless women from abuse through the shelter she runs but might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Meanwhile, as Rick’s wrath extends to their baby, Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting that innocent life—and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light. A gripping, gritty novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the risks we take for those we love can touch the lives of others forever.

About the Author:

Alison inherited the writing gene from her father, Lee, and grew up composing stories on everything from napkins to typewriters. Her talent earned her awards throughout school, a two page spread featuring her work in her senior yearbook, and even saved her from failing college chemistry. But it wasn't until she moved to California after college that she wrote her first full-length novel, and that's when God made Alison's oldest dream come true.


Waterbrook Press (now Waterbrook Multnomah) picked up Worlds Collide and published it in 2005. Violette Between followed it in 2006 and earned Alison a nomination for the prestigious Rita Award from the Romance Writers of America--a shock, since she hadn't realized she was writing romances. After taking a break to become a mom to Abigail and Penelope Jane, she landed two contracts, with David C. Cook and Zondervan, to write a total of four more novels that will release in 2010 and '11.
Parenthood turned Alison's head (as well as her husband Daniel's) to children's books, and together they penned That's Where God Is, the first in a series of children's books on spiritual formation, which will also release in 2010.
Alison and her family now live in Colorado. When she's not writing, she's reading, obsessively stalking her favorite online parenting forum, playing trains (or hide and seek, or school) with her daughters, or out with the whole gang exploring their new home state

Learn more about Alison at http://www.alisonstrobel.com/ or follow her blog at http://alisonstrobel.com/alison-blog/2010/6/12/let-the-tour-begin.html

Here's What I Think:

This book grabbed me in the first chapter. There is a very realistic and interesting mix of characters in this story. And they all need each other, or at least think they do, no matter how wrong the reasons, to survive. It really comes down to what does it truly mean to love someone else. I was gripped by the plot right away and the book did not disappoint. Although the story is at time heart-wrenching, it is very well written. The characters are very well developed, to the point that you can sympathize with their bad choices. Over all this book was a great read. I would strongly suggest it for a book club read, as there is lots to discuss!

What's super cool is that Alison is offering a free download of the ebook version of The Weight of Shadows being offered for free for Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader, and Apple iPad through June 19th.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book from Alison Strobel, I was in no other way compensated to write this review.