Dixie Divas Review

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(More customer reviews)"Dixie Divas," by award winning author Virginia Brown, is book one of the Diva Series. The Divas are a group of 12 women from the small town of Cherry Hill, Mississippi, about 45 minutes from Memphis, Tennessee. Membership stays as 12, those who drop out, die, or move away are replaced by a majority vote. This eclectic group holds a very private monthly meeting with chocolate and alcohol being the main staples.
In Book One, we meet main characters of Eureka Truevine, aka Trinket, a 51 year old divorcee who just moved back to Cherry Hill to take care of her parents and her cousin Elisabeth Truevine Hollander age 52, aka Bitty, and recently divorced from her fourth husband Senator Hollander. We also get to see get the history of the area and the people, and great descriptions of a slice of southern small town living.
In this well-written murder mystery, the Senator ends up dead and police suspect Bitty. From an old family secret to a traitorous Diva, Trinket and Bitty manage to solve the mystery and find a bit of love just before they end up like the Senator. With the flavor of the Ya-Ya sisters and the Sweet Potato Queens, this contemporary, romantic mystery is a true southern delight. With lots of history about the area and descriptions of southern living and cooking, this story keeps the reader entertained and mystified until the end. Review by Steve (hubby)

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"You found my philandering ex-husband?" Bitty asked. "Where? Mexico? Paris? In Tupelo with a cocktail waitress?""In your closet," I answered. "Dead."Break out the hoop skirts and the zinfandel. The Divas are on the case.Wine. Chocolate. Transvestite strippers. Just another good-time get-together for the Dixie Divas of historic Holly Springs, Mississippi, where moonlight and magnolias mingle with delicious smalltown scandal. But Eureka "Trinket" Truevine, the newest Diva, gets more than she bargained for when she finds her best Diva girlfriend Bitty Hollandale's ex-husband in Bitty's hall closet. He's dead. Very dead. Now Trinket and the Divas have to help Bitty finger the murderer and clear her name. Virginia Brown is the nationally acclaimed, award-winning author of fifty novels.

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Nailed Review

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(More customer reviews)Mandy lives and breathes construction. She grew up in a family that owns their own construction company. When she graduates from high school, she starts her summer job at a site that her brother, Marc, is over. On her first day, she meets the other guys that will be working on the house with her. They are A.J., Larry and a guy that Mandy affectionately nicknames Boston, because of his baseball cap. At the job, Mandy is most interested in the quite Boston, but also loves the attention that she gets from the older A.J. Her brother, Marc, is not cutting Mandy any slack, giving her the clean up work, Marc isn't thrilled that Mandy is on his job. When the guys find out that Boston has sworn off girls for awhile, after getting his heart broken, they all start a bet to see how long that Boston can hold out. Meanwhile, Mandy and her best friend Cam hang out at Barnes and Noble, where Mandy loves to indulge herself in a great cafe drink and read construction books. Cam enjoys reading romance novels to get tips on getting a girl. This is also the place where the two meet to discuss the triangle that Mandy finds herself in. All of this rolled together plus some interesting twists in the book, equals Jennifer Laurens great novel Nailed.
I really enjoyed Nailed. It is a fast paced novel and has great flow to it. I really like Mandy's personality and how she loves construction and everything about it. Mandy is also a great headstrong heroin. In this story, the characters really come alive and I found myself rooting for Mandy and her quest to find out which guy is right for her. Even though the plot is somewhat stereotypical, Ms. Laurens writing is wonderful and adds a new twist on the story. This is a great read to pick up! Also, Jennifer is coming out with a new book in 2009 and it's called Heavenly. It looks good, so be on the lookout for it!
Reposted from http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com

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One girl. Two guys. Who says three's a crowd? When Mandy takes an unusual summer job-in construction-she has to prove she's just one of the guys. But she gets more than she bargains for being the only girl on the job. The mixture of hot guys, sunscreen, raw wood and testosterone proves to be an elixir she can't protect her heart from. Brooding Boston and flirty AJ find themselves looking at Mandy as more than just a girl who holds a hammer. Mandy soon finds herself not only lost in a whirlwind of a male-dominated world, but also the center of an inadvertently "constructed" love triangle. Mandy must choose between two guys who want her heart. But what's a girl to do when she wants them both?

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The Crimson Petal and the White Review

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(More customer reviews)This was a big, hefty mama of a book. At 894 pages it isn't what you'd call a light read. But what a book! Before I even start talking about the story let me say that this is one of the most well crafted trade paperbacks that I've picked up in a while. The pages are heavy and smooth with a silky texture that is a pleasure to touch. Combine that with an intricate and fascinating story and it makes for a book that is almost impossible to put down.
Some readers pointed out that the story doesn't really go anywhere at all. I agree. That's what makes it even more remarkable that I found it to be so compelling. The truth is...this is a "slice of life" story -- a year or so in the lives of a variety of odd, interesting characters. This is a character-driven book....not plot driven. If you're looking for grandiose, dramatic scenes, don't bother. If you like your stories to wrap up nicely at the end...then really don't bother. But if you like the idea of being a fly on the wall...getting to know a group of people and all their messy idiosyncrasies in great detail, this is the book for you.
The characters in this book were hard to like and hard to dislike. At times I found myself feeling sympathy for the least deserving of individuals, and getting irritated with the ones who seemed to deserve my sympathy the most. These were some of the most human characters I've come across in a while -- glorious in their imperfections and maddeningly difficult to pin down. Faber also does a magnificent job painting a picture of the time and place...his descriptions were some of most vivid that I've ever encountered in a novel and they involve ALL the senses.
I would not recommend this book for people made squeamish by frank sex scenes or those who are attracted to the lighter side of Victoriana (no fairies here). This is a story that gives equal attention to all sides of 19th century urban life--dark squalor, pristine elegance, and everything inbetween.

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Alkalize or Die: Superior Health Through Proper Alkaline-Acid Balance Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is my Salvation. I have FMS, Arthritis, and Thyroid Disease.I have been working on this Acid thing for awhile. Ithink every page has my name on it.Am eating only Alkaline forming foods. I am following this book to the letter. In 2 wks time I feel better. This book is so easy to understand, and for me and my problems, it is what I have been looking for. Dr. Baroody, Thank you so very much. JB Wilson ...

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Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx Review

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(More customer reviews)James Rollins is a natural-born storyteller, of that there can be no doubt. As a long-time fan of his adult novels, I have absolutely no problem embracing a whiz-bang of a YA page-turner, and this one's a doozy! The story began in Rollins' YA debut, Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow. Mr. Rollins helpfully recaps the highlights of the first book, but I really think you're going to want to read these books in order. As you may have gathered, Jake Ransom and his sister Kady are back. This book picks up their story just three months after the events of the first. The VVV (Vaguely Voldemortian Villain) that they defeated in the first novel is still gunning for them. In fact, a brief prologue set in Egypt's Valley of the Kings involves the discovery of an ancient artifact and ends with these ominous words: "With this, I will make Jake Ransom suffer."
Meanwhile, after barely escaping the lost world of Calypsos with their lives, both Jake and Kady have taken a sudden interest in self-defense. Jake studies tae kwon do, and when not cheerleading, Kady fences. The last book ended with a small clue to the fate of their missing archeologist parents. But suddenly others want to get their hands on the clue that Jake and Kady found. Something is definitely up. And the two have a strong suspicion that it has to do with an Egyptian exhibit that's about to open in New York. They're correct; as an artifact in the exhibit turns out to be the lock that fits their key--and abruptly they're transported... Not back to Calypsos. They've landed in a scorching hot desert, in a land very much like Egypt--if Egypt had velociraptors!
I don't want to tell much more. The fun is in the twists and turns, the thrills and chills. And, believe me, there are plenty! The pace of the novel gallops along breathlessly (much like a kid running from a dinosaur). Rollins introduced such terrific characters in the first novel, you'll be happy to hear that even though the setting has changed, many of those characters are back. And there's something so sweet about the relationships and interactions of these young protagonists, most of whom are still at the hand-holding stage of life. Despite their youth, however, this is an impressive group. The adult characters don't talk down to them. In addition to the returning friends, several new characters are introduced in this book, but none is more endearing than the wisling. I'm in love!
Always the most important relationship, and the catalyst for these stories, is Jake and Kady's search for their parents. There are more questions, but also more answers in this latest installment. It ends with plenty of foreshadowing for the next novel and beyond. ("A great war is coming, spreading across time.") I believe I heard there will be seven books in this series. Who knows where Jake, Kady, and I will be in our lives before it's all over? One thing I do know is that I'll be along for the duration of this wild, time-traveling ride!

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Using his father's watch as a key, Jake intends to return to Calypsos. Instead he's thrust into a strange desert land where he's joined by his friends Marika, Pindor, and Bach'uuk and his sister, Kady. As they try to figure out what to do next, a surprise attack by the beautiful young Princess Nefertiti takes them all captive.

Soon even she is battling the Skull King's minions. For Jake has something the Skull King wants-a prize that will give its owner awesome power, including control of the fearsome Howling Sphinx. In a new pounding adventure, Jake races against time to outfight and outwit Kalverum Rex, knowing that if the Skull King wins, he'll be unstoppable.

Filled with unexpected danger, challenging puzzles, and dazzling action, this is a first-rate, fast-paced thriller-a read only James Rollins could have created!

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Entwined Review

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(More customer reviews)Entwined is a delightful retelling of the Grimm's fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses. While my taste in fairy tales typically runs more to the evil witch or flesh eating ogre variety, I was quick to recognize all the basic story elements from the original. The book takes place during the year of mourning following the death of the Queen, mother to twelve daughters all named after flowers. The eldest daughter (Azalea), is the primary focus of the tale which details her efforts to take care of her sisters after their mother's death.
Azalea is a wonderful character. First seen at what is essentially her "coming out" ball, we follow her growth from a girl most concerned with balls and dancing to a girl with a strong sense of family and loyalty. All of her sisters are also well portrayed, each having characteristics that will endear them to readers and easily enable them to differentiate between each girl. Clover and Bramble, the two who are next in line following Azalea are each as well developed and eventually have their own roles to play in the story.
There are so many things going on with this story that readers will be entranced from the beginning. The dancing, balls, gentlemen suitors, and gowns will appeal to any young girl who ever fancied herself a princess. There are also elements of magic and adventure, and a villain who provides some genuinely creepy moments. The author does an excellent job creating a believable environment, and while there's not a lot of world building going on, it doesn't detract from a story that is expertly plotted and paced.
This is a great fantasy that transitions well from light moments to chilly moments of genuine peril that will keep the pages turning. There are romantic elements that are not overdone and left me with a big smile on my face, and sinister moments that made me stay up late so I could finish. The entire book has a cinematic quality to it that guarantees a great flow and makes this one a perfect recommend for young fantasy lovers. This is a fantastic choice for grades six and up, or any adult who wishes to remember what reading a great fairy tale feels like. Don't pass this one up. Recommended.

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Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment Review

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(More customer reviews)Erwin Raphael McManus, author of UPRISING and THE BARBARIAN WAY, fills readers with hope and motivation in CHASING DAYLIGHT: Seize the Power of Every Moment. Previously published as SEIZING YOUR DIVINE MOMENT, the book challenges readers to look at their dreams through God's lenses and reflect on their true calling.
In nine fast-paced chapters, McManus walks people through the process of coming to terms with a major change in their life and helps readers recognize the relationship between initiative, passion and God. Throughout the book he tackles tough questions, including how to know if a dream or passion is really from God, how to step forward in confidence and courage, and how to know if we're in God's will.
McManus points to two practical dimensions of faith that he calls "first-dimension" and "second-dimension" faith. The first dimension includes stepping out into an area that is within reach or within the realm of possibilities. For example, God asks us to do something he has asked us to do before, or something that is outside our personal comfort zone but that he's done in the lives of countless others. The second dimension is more challenging. It requires us to step into the realm of impossibilities and of things we've never seen done before, except that we feel God's leading to move forward. This book is an invitation to grasp both first-dimension and second-dimension living.
Writes McManus, "This relationship between faith and uncertainty is inescapable. What required faith for you yesterday may become commonplace for you tomorrow. Although they are still expressions of your faith, they are no longer the challenges that launch you to a new-faith experience. While at first simply trusting God to take you outside your experience is a huge leap of faith, eventually God will expect more of you. Remember, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Throughout the book, the author draws from his own experiences as well as those of friends, family and members of his congregation. The result is both a personal and vulnerable account of the author's own spiritual journey. In addition, the book is packed with biblical stories; you'll read about everyone from Moses to Jonathan to Jesus.
The writing itself is tight, packed with countless observations, insights and details. McManus is a writer whose words and pace are fast. He writes as if he can't get the words on the page quickly enough. Thoughts are racing. Ideas must be captured. If they aren't captured on paper soon, then they'll evaporate. So it's with a passionate intensity that McManus records his ideas. The approach is surprisingly easy to follow and memorable.
Overall, this is a great book. Designed for thinkers but accessible to all, it is a must-have for those who feel stuck in their spiritual journey or hunger for more. CHASING DAYLIGHT is a passionate answer to anyone who has ever longed to see more of God in their life.
--- Reviewed by Margaret Feinberg

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In this inspiring book (formerly Seizing Your Divine Moment), Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul rested beneath a tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls "the Jonathan factor."

Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us-priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's plan. By developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.

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