Monday, July 29, 2013

Review: Mrs. Kimble By: Jennifer Haigh

Mrs. KimbleMrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ms. Haigh's first novel is an amazing tale of one man, the women he married, the children he had, and the changes over time.
Ken Kimble is seen in his relationship with others, and over time (time and time again) he goes through changes and development (or lack thereof) of his personality. Each woman he married has a glimpse of him, the time, and of family - they are reflections and yet so much more.
Birdie, his first wife, a woman of the fifties that he abandons along with his two children, his ministry, his family, his job - all for the love/lust of a student. How Ken leaves and the wake afterward (that lasts years) for Birdie, Charlie, and Jody strips these characters raw and to the truth, the pain, the anger, and even the ambiguity.
Joan who had no one when she had a mastectomy and was alone (despite her brother) in her father's death, becomes wife number two. Joan has money and connections, she lives in a mansion in Florida and is introduced to Ken as her friend's daughter's boyfriend. Ken creates a new world, with no past, and shows himself to be an opportunist. Lies come naturally and naturally they unfold. Once independent and career driven, Joan becomes shrunken and a sadness envelops her, that even cancer seems like a sweet outlet.
Dinah, the youngest and last wife of Ken, once was the babysitter to Charlie and Jody. A chance encounter has Dinah swept off her feet - afterall she did have a crush on him when she was 14 and him hitting her in his car certainly had her in the air. This time Ken is more than established, having millions from Joan and selling off Joan's uncle's real estate business (that he conned to get), yet he is still searching for more. The charm of a big home and new gowns that lacks Ken's presence in their son Brendan's life leaves a bitter taste and has her having an affair. After Ken's heart attack, Dinah extends the olive branch to Charlie and Jody - it works, for her, not their father. The evil she once overlooked in his character is stained when he takes off and has the government looking into him.
I loved the depth and vulnerability of each character. I felt for each one, even Ken - which is too easy to dislike, but with each page develops more pity from me. I recommend this as a must read.

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Review: Just Like Heaven By: Julia Quinn

Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1)Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, I am a Julia Quinn fan and no matter what - even if she wrote a menu, I would give it 5 stars.
Honoria Smythe-Smith is Marcus Holroyd's best friends little sister, they grew up together and due to circumstances, while Honoria's brother is out of the country Marcus is "watching after her".
Honoria's third London season is coming and while last season a few suitors disappeared (thank you, Marcus) she is looking forward to finding a husband and working on a family. After a chance encounter, a visit to the country sends her to Marcus' neighbors and an accident occurs. Honoria is just what the doctor ordered and what happens next, is simply magic.
I love these books and I love Happily Ever After, I love to read people falling in love - in particular the moment a friend looks a little different and begins to have a different appeal.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Review: Awaken By: Meg Cabot

Awaken (Abandon Trilogy, #3)Awaken by Meg Cabot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Something in the Underworld has gone amiss. The Furies has come and the Fates seemingly have abandoned them. With a hurricane on the island and John becoming dead all seems lost to Pierce.
Having to return to the island, leaving the Underworld with chaos, to find the only being that could hold John's soul - Thanatos, Pierce is in danger. Among the madness of a hurricane, the Furies have unleashed and present themselves to harm her and all she loves. There is also something more evil among the living, the Rector family.
This was a great book to end the Abandon Trilogy. I found it so fast paced that I lost myself into the pages for a couple hours, only to find the end and a need for the characters I enjoyed to continue on.

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Review: Fifth Grave Past The Light By: Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, #5)Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charley Davidson Grave Series is BACK!!
With an attempt on her and Cookie, how can things get crazy? Add a crazed husband, an arsonist that Charlie wants to protect, Garrett's comeback from Hell, a woman who predicts death, 27 dead women hanging in her apartment, and the son of Satan - Reyes, trying to take their relationship up a notch... I guess, that is the book.
A fast paced, wonderful read. I find I am falling for characters left and right, loving the quotes, and finding a kindred spirit in Charlie's attitude.
I can't say enough about this series and how it is a MUST in any reader's library to experience (you'll thank me later, and I get to say 'I told you so').

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Review: Island Girls By: Nancy Thayer

Island GirlsIsland Girls by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*** This was won on Goodreads ***

I think if one wants to lose themselves this summer in the perfect beach read - this is it. A remarkable, intricate woven tale set in Nantucket.
Rory Randall has passed away leaving behind an assortment of women, from his wives to his children. A stipulation within his will has his three girls staying in the Nantucket home in order to sell and split the monies between them.
Arden is eldest, born from his first wife, Nora, has made great achievements and has a tv show of her own - which could be in jeopardy with the new girl she is being forced to train and gear the show in a different direction. Meg, from his second wife, Cyndi (the babysitter of Arden), is a college professor working on getting tenure and trying to hold off her attraction to a co worker that came straight out of one of her favorite novels. Jenny, Justine's daughter and Rory's adoptive daughter, has a computer company, works out of the house, and has had their father's undivided attention for years.
A split and argument occurred causing the girls to lose their bond and as the past wounds get opened and heal, their futures are being laid before them.
I really liked this book. The many facets of women and the man they all loved. I also loved how the development of each character unfolds and leaves the reader satisfied. I recommend losing yourself in this book with the sound of the waves in the background and the sun warming your skin.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Review: Chakra Clearing : Awakening Your Spiritual Power to Know and Heal By: Doreen Virtue PhD

Chakra ClearingChakra Clearing by Doreen Virtue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this helpful book. Doreen Virtue explains the Chakras and the need to clear them. She has meditations in the pages and on CD. The step by step in using different methods - meditation, visualization, angel therapy, and other sources (massage, aromatherapy).
The negative can cling to you, it can become gunk on your spirit - your spirit can take on this and make you depressed to ill. It is essential to take care of yourself, mind, body, and soul.

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Review: Angels 101 By: Doreen Virtue PhD

Angels 101: An Introduction to Connecting, Working, and Healing with the AngelsAngels 101: An Introduction to Connecting, Working, and Healing with the Angels by Doreen Virtue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A nice book that introduces Angel Therapy via Doreen Virtue style. A definition of the Angelic Realm, how to connect, which angel to connect to, signs from the Angels, to reaching from help and healing - each chapter is broken down in a color scheme.
A nice book, easy read, filled with information that can be found in deeper depth in another one of her books.

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Review: Crystal Therapy How to Heal and Empower Your Life with Crystal Energy By: Doreen Virtue PhD and Judith Lukomski

Crystal TherapyCrystal Therapy by Doreen Virtue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The crystals are pictured and laid out for the reader to use as a reference in regards to working with crystal healing. Being that Doreen Virtue works Angel Therapy, the crystals are associated with Archangels, the healing properties for each, and the messages that each crystal carries.
The back of the book uses charts and understand with what crystal to heal what ailment or need the person has is extremely helpful.

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Review: A California Childhood By: James Franco

A California ChildhoodA California Childhood by James Franco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting look into the actor, artist, renaissance man. The book contains personal photos and stories from his childhood, also has his artwork displayed in a few pages, and then short fiction stories that leave you still trying to figure the enigma that James Franco is.
I was surprised at the intimate family photos, his abstract art, but what really stunned me were his stories. I read them as easy as if the written word was being spoken and found a depth and profoundness to them that left this reader sinking deeper into meanings and what was the tale truly about.
This would compliment any personal library.

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Review: Mirrors of Time : Using Regression for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing By: Brian L Weiss, MD

Mirrors of TimeMirrors of Time by Brian L. Weiss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Regression is the topic and the CD contains the hypnosis. Brian Weiss introduces new and old to the idea of regression, what to expect, why it is done, and the benefits of it. Regression is used to gain insight and to heal the soul.
I think that this is a good book to have in your library and the CD will easily become part of your collection especially for using at night or to relax.
I hope that this will help you along your way in your spiritual journey.

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Review: What Would Betty Do How to Succeed at the Expense of Others in This World and the Next Mrs. Betty Bowers America's Best Christian As Told To: Paul A Bradley

What Would Betty Do?: How to Succeed at the Expense of Others in this World-and the NextWhat Would Betty Do?: How to Succeed at the Expense of Others in this World-and the Next by Paul Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, so I might have a wicked sense of humor - but this book makes me laugh out loud hysterically. Written from a very narcissistic "so close to Jesus" crusader christian.
This is very tongue in cheek, self- righteous, and not to be taken seriously -- although it could be offensive possibly to those that see a bit of themselves in Betty.
Betty's views from movies to clothing and out and out another person's behavior leaves you laughing throughout.

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Review: How to Write Love Letters By: Michelle Lovric

How to Write Love LettersHow to Write Love Letters by Michelle Lovric
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am in love with this book. A how to with history and examples of love letters of famous couples and writers. You will find yourself lost within the images, stories, different lovers (from the Abandoned Lover to the Urgent Lover).
I love the written word and find that I collect love letters of the past (even when I find them in between a book in a second hand store). I am also feeling that this is a lost art that is unappreciated and going away to people making texts with abbreviations.
Slow down, enter another time, feel the love, and become inspired - this book will not let you down.

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Review: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs By: Scott Cunningham

Encyclopedia of Magical HerbsEncyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A MUST have in any herbalist, magical, naturalist library. Contains pictures along side the herb, folk names, gender, planet, element, powers, and magical uses. Also has cross reference names in the back to help the person searching.
I love this book and find it helpful when looking to make a mix or when I have a celebration.

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Review: The Meditation Bible By: Madonna Gauding

The Meditation Bible: The Definitive Guide to Meditations for Every PurposeThe Meditation Bible: The Definitive Guide to Meditations for Every Purpose by Madonna Gauding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The world and our minds are swamped done in the day to day - what better way to care for yourself - mind, body, and spirit, than to meditate.
Amazingly illustrated and broken in color group, you will find the perfect help for at least five minutes of your day. Breaking down the actual meditation, from the purpose, thoughts, breathing, posture - this will help even those that have problems slowing down the day.


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Review: Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life By: Ken Robinson with Lou Aronica

Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your LifeFinding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life by Ken Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not a book to pick up lightly or not throw yourself into. Finding Your Element will have you reaching inside of yourself in the infinite quest to grab your talents and push them forward.
Whether you are looking at the questions in your life - What would I rather be doing? What am I good at? What brings me happiness? and even the harder ones (as if they weren't hard enough) What does my spirit crave I do? Is this all there is?
Chapters with activities, stories, and history - leave the reader with a map to take on their own life journey.

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Friday, July 5, 2013

Review: Star Cursed By: Jessica Spotswood

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles, #2)Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cate Cahill had no choice but to enter The Sisterhood. The Brothers are out searching for witches and finding enough to condemn in one way, shape, or form. Finn has entered The Brothers and finds his way to New London and back to Cate.
The prophecy is not too clear, but one thing is certain - both the Sisters and the Brothers are trying to get to the oracle/witch before the other. Drama ignites when the discontent within the Sisterhood leads one group to wait and saved as many people as they can and the other is bent on power, destruction, and the "new terror".
Cate has her sisters brought to the convent and a rife between them begins. One will bring life and death, one will bring ruin, and the strongest will bring peace - but will require a sacrifice. Cate, Maura, and Tess will never be the same.
This is the continuation of The Cahill Witch Chronicles started in Born Wicked. I felt as though this helped the story move along to what will be the next book and has developed a few interesting tangents that will need to be explored and tied off. After all that, I think I was a little disappointed in this one compared to the first, but I will continue the series.

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Review: The Witch of Little Italy By: Suzanne Palmieri

The Witch of Little ItalyThe Witch of Little Italy by Suzanne Palmieri-Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A family filled with secrets and magic, filled with years of sorrow and glimpses of joy.
Eleanor Amore has come home to her grandmother and great aunts, leaving behind a cold mother, an abusive boyfriend, and carrying a child inside her. She has years missing from her and knows the answer lies with the Amore sisters, yet truth always has a price.
Chapters that flash from Elly and her Aunt, that mingle the past within chapters of the present- a world of magic, witches, family bonds is weaved.
I am amazed at how swept up into this book I was, maybe the characters are relatable, maybe it is my own Sicilian heritage that kept the pages flipping and the magical world to surround my mind. Whatever it was, this is a great read.

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Monday, July 1, 2013

Review: The Book of Chakra Healing By: Liz Simpson

The Book of Chakra HealingThe Book of Chakra Healing by Liz Simpson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The study and practice of Chakra Healing is ageless. Energy medicine is on the rise and has results.This book goes through all seven Chakras hitting on the archetypes, altars, physical exercises, crystal healing, meditation, daily questions, and affirmations. Beautiful artwork and photography lend a hand to the study and understanding, along with charts and glossary.
I recommend this for the library of any one looking to heal or be healed.

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Review: ALL LOVE: A Guidebook for Healing With Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki and SKHM By: Diane Ruth Shewmaker

All Love: A Guidebook for Healing with Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki and SKHMAll Love: A Guidebook for Healing with Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki and SKHM by Diane Ruth Shewmaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This works as a guidebook for those that are studying Reiki, especially Sekhem-Seichem. The book is great for healers and teachers. It contains history, the value, the practice, sacred symbols, the understanding of energy work, and the uses.
I used this in my studies and find that it was as great as an instrument as the 'hands on' teaching.

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