Thursday, December 30, 2010
Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson
The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..
Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.
Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.
My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book! Suzanne is a show host who does her own research. She absolutely loves breaking stories and seems to go out of her way to drag everyone's dirty laundry out. Her boss tells her to tone it down, get sources, and drop one certain story but she refuses. Soon the tables are turned on her and she is arrested for murder when the police arrive at her home and find a body and her with blood literally on her hands. She hires the best PI there is, it just happens to be her ex-fiance and his partner, the ex whom she betrayed in college. Marcus isn't happy about taking the case but he and Alex agreed to take it on. Now they just have to all stay alive to prove Suzanne's innocence.
I absolutely loved Marcus and Alex. They were wonderful people, each has their flaws and issues but that is life. I never did really like Suzanne but I half think that was the point of the whole book. You just like to dislike Suzanne. She has no morals, ethics and seems a complete conspiracy theorist. The twists in the book were unexpected. Lots of suspense and just overall a good book!
4/5 this was a good suspenseful read that anyone would enjoy!
Thank you to Librarything for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Earl of Darkness by Alix Rickloff
From the moment Aidan sees her, Cat’s spirited beauty enchants him, but her uncanny abilities are what he truly needs, for Cat can understand the mystical language in the diary he inherited from his murdered father. So Aidan makes an offer: translate the book or be thrown in prison as a thief. And as Cat slowly deciphers each page, she and Aidan are drawn together by passion . . . and into the violence of the Other world that is the Kilronan legacy. Can they defeat those who seek the book, or are their lives in even greater danger than their hearts?
Tempted by Fate Giveaway Winners!
Brook, east.ofeden, and Loretta Canton. I'll now email the winners. Congrats!!
There were 10 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
1.8. Brooke
2.6. east.of eden
3.5. Loretta Canton
4.7. Maureen
5.1. elaing8
6.2. Martha Lawson
7.10. Zoe
8.4. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
9.3. Linda Henderson
10.9. Benita
Timestamp: 2010-12-29 18:47:39 UTC
The Scent of Jasmine by Jude Deveraux
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. Catherine or Cay as her friends call her completely adores her godfather, Connor, and would do anything for him. Alex is accused of murdering his bride on their wedding night and is now a fugitive from justice. Per her godfather's request Cay takes a package to his old friend's son and it turns into the adventure of a lifetime! Alex can't believe Conner sent a woman to rescue him but now he's stuck with her and they have to get away so he can prove his innocence. But the woman Connor sent could be just what he needs...
This was a 4/5. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm Giveaway Winner
Kendra Smith. I'm sending her an email now :)
There were 6 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
1.1. Kendra Smith
2.6. Benita
3.2. Linda Henderson
4.5. Loretta Canton
5.4. Martha Lawson
6.3. Cheryl F
Timestamp: 2010-12-23 16:41:13 UTC
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Guest Blog Katie Salidas & Ebook Giveaway!
After being forced to reveal her true nature to Fallon her human best friend, Alyssa finds she done more than just broken vampire law, she's created a new pawn in the Acta Sanctorum's game of vampire extermination..
Hunters & Prey, an Immortalis novel, Urban Fantasy, by Katie Salidas, was released by publisher Rising Sign Books, LLC. in December 2010.
Becoming a vampire saved Alyssa from death, but the price was high: the loss of everything and everyone attached to her mortal life. She’s still learning to cope when a surprise confrontation with Santino Vitale, the Acta Sanctorum’s most fearsome hunter, sends her fleeing back to the world she once knew, and Fallon, the friend she’s missed more than anything.
Alyssa breaks vampire law by revealing her new, true self to her old friend, a fact which causes strong division in the group that should support her most: her clan.
Worse yet, her revelation entangles Fallon in the struggle between vampires and hunters and The Acta Sanctorum is ready to attack again, with a new army of hybrid creations: the Frenzy Soldiers.
If Alyssa hopes to survive and keep her mortal friend safe, she’ll have to be willing to make a deal with the enemy, and regain her clan’s support. It will take everyone working together in a precarious truce to fight against the Acta Sanctorum’s new threat.
Immortalis: Hunters & Prey by Katie Salidas, was released in March 2010 – Distributor – Ingram
ISBN 978-0-9844196-5-4– Fantasy Trade Paperback - $13.99 – Page Count 300
Learn more at http://www.risingsignbooks.com/
About The Author:
Author of the hot new Urban Fantasy series, Immortalis, Katie has always had a desire to entertain. Since, early childhood, she's dreamed up fantastical characters and scribbled them into pages of various journals and notebooks. Taking an interest in vampires at an early age, she devoured every book, featuring those mysterious, blood sucking creatures, in any genre she could find. She claims that, of all the monsters out there, vampires had always been the most interesting.
It was only natural that a love of reading about vampires, and a love of writing, turned into a desire to write her own stories.
A Las Vegas native, having grown up in the famed City of Sin, Katie loves to feature it as a recurring setting for many of her stories.
Blog
http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ksalidas?ref=profile
Facebook Author Fansite
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/katelv
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=58814031&trk=tab_pro
http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie
GoodReads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3395431.Katie_Salidas
*****Now the wonderful Author above has offered to do a giveaway of one of her 4 books (in ebook format). They are avaliable from Smashwords so you will be sent a coupon if you win. To enter, leave a comment with your choice of the books listed below and your email address. The giveaway will last until January 20, 2011 so tell your friends!!!!
1. Immortalis Hunters & Prey (Book 2 Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
After being forced to reveal her true nature to Fallon her human best friend, Alyssa finds she done more than just broken vampire law, she's created a new pawn in the Acta Sanctorum's game of vampire extermination. If Alyssa hopes to keep her friend alive and her clan safe, she'll have to call in all the support she can, even if that means making a deal with the enemy.
2. Immortalis Carpe Noctem (Book 1 Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
Bleeding to death after brutal mugging , twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by an unlikely hero. The cold and aloof vampire, Lysander. By saving Alyssa, he unwittingly thrust her into a dark world filled with blood lust and thousand-year old vendettas. Now, she must find the strength to accept her terrifying new reality or die by the hands of Lysander's enemies.
3. Halloween Fantasies (paranormal erotica)
Touted as the sexiest party of the year, the annual Halloween Fantasy Ball is the one place a girl can let loose and succumb to her wildest fantasies. Disguised as a sexy vampire huntress, Sasha captures the attention of Dante, a real life creature of the night. And this sexy vampire has a few fantasies to share.
4. House of Immortal Pleasures -(paranormal romance)
Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne’s friends see it. And since Daphne isn’t showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly sent into a fantasy room to meet her creature of the night, Connor.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Duchess of Sin Giveaway Winners
Kendra, Cheryl F. and Lisa R.
I will now send out the email to the winners.
There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
1.3. Kendra
2.8. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
3.10. Lisa R/alterlisa
4.5. elaing8
5.7. Michele
6.6. Linda Henderson
7.2. Mary
8.12. Nancy
9.13. mbreakfield
10.9. Maureen
11.1. PoCoKat
12.4. Chelle
13.11. Brooke
Timestamp: 2010-12-17 17:09:39 UTC
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
Joy Ballard has a secret: she's a cooking show host who can't really cook.
When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a lowcountry boil.
Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.
Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?
My Thoughts:
This was an entertaining book! Joy has to take over her father's cooking show with one 'minor' problem....she can't cook! The cooking show is picked up by a national station and now Joy is going to have to be even more creative in hiding her secret. Luke on the other hand CAN cook and Joy thinks he will be her salvation. She can host while he cooks. Before she can get that worked out, her secret is spilled, on the air, and she and Luke lose their jobs!
I loved how the author made you feel what the characters felt. Joy basically had to respect her father's wishes and continue with the show. She didn't have only herself to think about but her mom and nieces (she is helping raise). I also like how she and Luke have complimenting personalities instead of similar ones...that made it much more interesting. Overall a delightfully fun, romantic read.
This book is a 4/5. A sweetly romantic read.
Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Fall Guy by Simon Wood
Todd Collins has failed in every job he's ever undertaken, but that all changes when he backs his jalopy in a shiny, new Porsche belonging to a drug dealer. When the police stop the drug dealer for a broken taillight that Todd has caused and discover a cocaine shipment, a West Coast kingpin holds Todd responsible. On the run from organized crime, Todd discovers his true calling.
My Thoughts:
This was definitely a thriller! Todd backed into the wrong car and gets thrown into the chaos. He is running from criminals who think it is his fault they lost so much money when through an unfortunate (for Todd) series of events leads to their drug shipment being found. He gets tangled in crime's sticky web and finds that he may just fit there....
Todd was a very interesting character. He seems to start out just an average joe who wishes for more and whose money doesn't make ends meet. Then when he gets into the criminal world, he makes some armature mistakes but finds his footing fast! He does have a conscience and I liked that. He wanted revenge and took it but didn't go overboard like I half expected him to.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a good, quick read that had some harsh insight into human nature.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tempted by Fate Giveaway!
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective. Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determi... more »ned to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .
Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.
- You must be a follower to participate
- Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
- US & Canadian Residents only
- No PO Boxes
- Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
- You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
- Contest is open until December 25, 2010
- Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
- Directly from Hachette: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.
Tempted by Fate by
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective. Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .
My Thoughts:
This was a good book. Willow is a Guardian and takes that job seriously. She is trying to find the person who murdered her mom and being set up for murders by the man she is trying to stay one step ahead of. Rick is a detective and has his hands full when Willow falls into them. She is his main suspect in multiple murders but his method of interrogation tends to be to seduce the truth out of her. They have to trust each other to find the truth and out run the evil trying to catch up with them.
I loved Willow's character. Her whole attitude was just great. Rick sounds so hot! Anyway, the book kept my interest through the whole thing and was an absolute page turner. It had me guessing through most of it as I thought one thing would happen and expected the predictable and it just wasn't! A well written book with wonderful characters that are well developed....highly recommended.
This was a 5/5. It is going on my keeper shelf and I am going to find the rest of the series!
Thank you to Hachette for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
The Remains by Vincent Zandri
Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape. Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead. Now, it s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year. But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He's back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.
My Thoughts:
This book was chilling! Rebecca and Molly were kidnapped as children and swore never to reveal any of this to protect their parents. Shortly after they got away, the kidnapper was captured and jailed for 30 years. Now Rebecca's parents and sister are dead and she is receiving strange texts, paintings with hidden messages, and having horrible nightmares.
A page turner through and through! I love how you aren't just given the story of what happened to the twins but have to 'work' for it. Some of the twists were predictable but not many! Rebecca's character was wonderful to get to know and it was so creepy some of the things she went through. Wonderful plot, great imagery, and just a good book!
This was a solid 4/5....really close to a 5/5 but I'm still creeped out! If you love the terrifying suspense it is a must read! Just remember you won't be able to sleep!
Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm Giveaway
Still wounded from a disastrous love affair, advertising executive Ethan Phillips has spent the past five years outwitting Cupid with a series of dekes and fakes. Who knew the tricky cherub would get wise? Rather than piercing Ethan's heart with an arrow, he douses it with amaretto-flavored milk. A quick visit to the drycleaner and a stern lecture on the dangers of gorgeous, charming women, and he figures he has made another clean getaway. But when the sexy woman turns out to be Chase Logan, his new systems programmer, Ethan's got no where to run. Her charm, humor and intelligence soon have his heart racing and his libido revving. Suddenly, the man who spent his time running from Cupid, is now looking to borrow a few arrows. Ethan's ready to give chase and pursue love. Will he catch the heart of his programmer or just be left catching his breath.
Thanks to the wonderful author, Bronwyn, I have a SIGNED copy of this book to giveaway. Just leave me a comment with your email address and you will be entered to win. US only....sorry! Good luck to all!!!!!
Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
April Gardner Book Launch!
Buy the book today and receive:
1. Gifts from the author
2. E-gifts from generous supporters
“In Wounded Spirits, April Gardner has skillfully blended research with fiction to create a story that entertains and educates. Wounded Spirits has something for everyone: forbidden love and romance, brutal war scenes, sacrificial love, history of the 19th century, and a faith that triumphs over adversity. This is a debut novel to remember.”--Suzanne Woods Fisher, Bestselling Author of The Choice
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement’s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?
A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.
Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?
Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?
BUY NOW! And receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE AUTHOR—
Every buyer receives a PDF of the first chapter of the sequel, Warring Spirits
PLUS a personalized, signed book plate mailed straight to you!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WOUNDED SPIRITS—
“This is a solid debut from Ms. Gardner, one that demonstrates not only her skill with words, but her insight into the human condition. The characters will grip your heart, the story will seize your mind, and the hope at the end will leave you with the surety that your God is bigger than any human troubles.”-Rosanna White, Christian Review of Books
“Wounded Spirits is a powerful story of love, loyalty, the effects of war, and faith in God. The writing is vivid and compelling. The characters were so real I felt I knew them, and I was caught up in their lives and compelled to read on. The ending was sweet yet realistic. The story and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author.” --Melanie Dickerson, Author of The Healer’s Apprentice
BUY NOW! And also receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE SUPPORTERS OF
WOUNDED SPIRITS, including—
Three free e-books!
A set of children’s greeting cards!
A free devotional book mailed to your house straight from the author!
Just for writers--two free critiques from professional editors!
All these gifts (and much more!) will be yours by purchasing Wounded Spirits today. Follow this link to learn how. http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
As a thank you for your interest in Wounded Spirits’ Amazon Launch, follow this link http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2 to enter the drawing for a bundle of amazing books! (No purchase necessary)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Don Burns
It's official: stumbling, bumbling James Lessor and Skip Moore are licensed private investigators. Now, that's some scary stuff. It could take time to get Moore or Less Investigations off the ground, so James takes a job with a traveling carnival show. But this show has a dubious reputation, having had a string of accidents and at least one death in the past year. When they're hired to investigate what's caused the carnival chaos, James and Skip set into motion a dizzying, roller coaster chain of events. After a terrifying trip on the Dragon Tail ride, a not-so-fun dust-up in Freddy's Fun House, and a host of threats, James and Skip realize they'll get anything but cooperation from this cantankerous cast of carnies. But when a carnival worker is murdered, James and Skip will have to act fast-because they might be next in line. For James and Skip, the only thing sweeter than the smell of corndogs and fried dough will be the sweet smell of success-but in this case, 'success' means getting out alive. This investigation is going completely off the rails.
My Thoughts:
This was an amusing read! James and Skip get their PI Licence from the Florida Department of Agriculture. As a side job, James gets a job at the carnival and is asked to investigate the 'accidents' surrounding the event. Skip has the article where a woman fell to her death from one of the rides and is suspicious. As they investigate, the carnies are uncooperative, a man is murdered and someone is targeting them now!
For a mystery, this book was so funny! The two PIs are smarter than most think, but still bumble around a lot. The women are so much more competent (of course!) and the gadgets are helpful. The best part is the relationship between James and Skip. They are room mates on top of partners but friends above all else and it shows....mostly in humor! Apparently these characters have had books before but this one stands quite well on its own and will make you laugh out loud!
I rate it a 4/5. Not exactly what I was expecting, but very entertaining. The ending will leave you hanging though!!
Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Children of Dreams by Lorilyn Roberts
"Children of Dreams" is borne out of Lorilyn Roberts' shattered dreams. The inspiring story of turning stolen dreams into life-changing hope not only for her but two destitute children will bring tears to the reader as he identifies with her feelings of insecurity and fear. The timeless theme of God's faithfulness-the stuff out of which God brings redemption-will leave the reader riveted to the pages of this book. "Children of Dreams" is more than an adoption story set in the remotest regions of the planet. Facing insurmountable odds-communist blockades, life-threatening illness, betrayal and deceit-Lorilyn Roberts' courage and determination never to give up will touch the reader. Despair transformed into heavenly joy and evil overcome by God's redemptive love will inspire even the most skeptical to believe in miracles. "Children of Dreams" resonates with Biblical truth at a deep level and in a sense is everyone's story. Timeless in nature, "Children of Dreams" is sure to be a favorite adoption story for years to come. Ms. Roberts is intimately familiar with adoption, having also been adopted as a child, and is able to present the spirit of adoption, as never before captured, in this tender story. Comparing the adoption of her daughters to her adoption by the heavenly Father throughout the story flows naturally.
My Thoughts:
I was very touched by this book. Ms. Roberts takes the reader through the emotional turmoil of wanting a child so badly and having that dream ripped away while her husband moves on with someone else and has his own child to attempting to adopt children and facing insurmountable obstacles. With God's help, she persevered and now has two beautiful daughters but there is an amazing story of how she got from divorcee to mother....and it is a beautiful story! Her comparison to how we are adopted by God is, I believe, original and right on!
Let me start this section by saying, I don't generally read this type of book. I usually stick to fiction, but the description and cover caught my attention. I was immediately taken through a roller coaster of emotions when she described her desire for a baby, her divorce, the hoops she jumped through, her joy of finally getting her babies, her fear for her children's' health and safety, and many many more. She has a unique understanding of how we are adopted by Christ because of her experiences and I think it makes a beautiful book. She doesn't take a 'lofty' approach of I did all this, but says instead that GOD did all this for her and that to me is the most important thing. She adamantly states that she waited on God and that is why everything worked out for her in the end. It wasn't an easy journey for her or her daughters but God brought them together in His time and way.
I rate this book a 5/5. You will laugh, cry and feel an emotional roller coaster while you take the journey with Ms. Roberts!
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Guest Blog Joe Sivak
school. That was about a year after my mother died from Alzheimer's disease.
The book is a memoir about my mother's futile struggle with the disease. After she passed away
I had a tremendous need and sometimes furious drive to record the journey in a timeless and
permanent way. As a teenager, I had been my mother's primary caregiver for a few years , as
the disease progressively robbed her of her cognitive abilities, personality and her very essence.
At the time writing about it was very cathartic.
The disease process is profoundly isolating for families and I wanted to scream out and tell
the world. That element is there in so many Alzheimer's memoirs. Unfortunately the issue of
isolation has not improved in our society and much as we like to pretend it has in the last thirty
years since my mother was diagnosed. At that time most people had not heard of Alzheimer's
disease and of course now it is a household term, but as a society we are still ignorant and
terrified about it till it affects our own family. The isolation is still there.
The book is a bit unusual or even paradoxical from an Alzheimer's memoir point of view in that
It presents a dual perspective. First is a family caregiver specifically a teenager son, which is a bit
unusual and at times even bizarre, since that is not the prototypical demographic of a caregiver.
The other perspective is a clinical one from a physician. I have treated thousands of patients
and their families affected by many psychiatric and neurological problems including many
Alzheimer's victims. The clinical information is broken down and translated for the reader.
So you essentially have these two very different points of view sort of flip-flopping but sort
of coming into what I hope is a harmonious symmetry. The third aspect of the book is an
underlying and ongoing commentary on all the relevant sociological and psychological issues
this book interfaces with. Such issues as the state of health care delivery, being a doctor, and
the aging population are addressed and sometimes not in a very convenient way for those
that need to hold onto pretense and prejudice for security. For example as a society we really
don't treat the aging population with the honor and dignity they deserve. We are pretty much
obsessed with youth and appearance. We also have a lot of bias toward the medical profession
if not at times completely vilifying the field. So in that sense speaking candidly about things
albeit my opinion yet based on experience may open the readers eyes, on some issue conversely
it may propel some to try to look the other way even more. It's not always politically correct, but
it is a memoir and it is honest. It is sort of visceral, some people will cry some will laugh some
will get more angry, it makes you feel first, then think.
The manuscript was hard to finish, it lay dormant for some fifteen years, I never had an ending.
Even after the death of an Alzheimer's victim, there is never an ending for the five million
families affected by the disease. something hit me, after all these years. We are all universally
humanly connected by this disease process, and I had the clarity to finish this book.
I love writing, but most of my energy and creativity is spent in my day job. I am currently
working on a novel about psychiatric residency. Fiction is obviously a much different prospect
than a memoir but it taps a different part of your brain and soul to create something like this
compared to a memoir.
Joseph J. Sivak MD
www.niagarapress.net
http://alzheimmers.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Can-I-Go-Home/357170603956
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The book candidly traces with graphic detailed description and dialogue the course of the fatal illness. The emotional issues of such pivotal events as the loss of autonomy of driving a car and entry into a nursing home are experienced through the eyes of a young son. From a concurrent viewpoint Alzheimer's is explained with the wisdom of a 21st century physician who has personally experienced the emotional anguish, and thus the fact-based journey is a truly unique dual-perspective Alzheimer's memoir. The story juxtaposes the active uphill battle to become a doctor set against the backdrop of the passive helpless struggle of losing a parent to the disease
The narrative provides explicit commentary on the modern plight of the physician and the global connection family members of an Alzheimer's victim painstakingly share. The unusual, seldom before elicited insights of the dual-perspective vigorously address universal issues such as coping, hope, futility, humiliation and societal bias toward the disease throughout the text. About Joe Sivak: Joseph J. Sivak MD is a board certified adult psychiatrist with twenty years of experience in direct patient care. He has taught and lectured in the United States and internationally in the areas of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood disorders, and chronic suicidal ideation. He completed medical school at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and Residency Training at the University of Rochester. Dr. Sivak has served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Alzheimer's Association and the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross and hosted a weekly mental health Radio Program for eight years on KUWS- Wisconsin Public Radio. Currently Dr. Sivak serves on the legislative committee of the Minnesota Medical Association, is a assistant professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth College of Pharmacy and is in full time private psychiatric in Duluth
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland
Jules broke off her wedding to Cruz practically at the altar. Not just once, but twice. Now the man Jules loves best can't stand the sight of her. Only for Pop could Jules have made such a sacrifice. And now Pop is gone, leaving Jules with his struggling Washington State potato farm; with a sister excluded from his will; and with a heart wounded by the sacrifice she has made on behalf of her father. It looks like strengthening her relationship with her sister and improving the prospects of the Blue Bayou farm will be Jules' chief concerns. But when cancer takes the life of her best friend, Jules finds herself caring for her friend's two small children as well as the Blue Bayou. A drought-stricken farm. A promise to a dead friend and two needy little lives. And disturbing memories stirring up a growing relationship with her sister. How can one woman handle it all? The answer lies with a God who holds the keys to yesterday, today, and tomorrow---and to the heart of the one man whom Jules could ever love.
My Thoughts:
This was a good, quick read. Jules is a bit skittish when it comes to commitment, and that is putting it mildly. Her mother left, taking her younger sister when she was young and moved to Florida. She has been engaged and 'almost' married twice....to the same man! Cruz is the neighboring farmer to her Pop's farm and Jules' ex-fiance. When her father dies and leaves the farm for her to run her life gets complicated quickly and she realizes she could only ever love Cruz. The problem is he is done waiting on her, can she and God change his mind?
I thought all the characters in this book were well written. I thought it was good that the strong character, Jules, had several flaws and wasn't perfect. She had to 'win' Cruz back. She also had a lot on her plate with her sister and the two kids. I did love the mental picture I conjured of Cruz from the author's description! I think the message in the book was great as well, everyone has issues, they have to heal, forgive and/or be forgiven, and with God's love and guidance anything is possible.
I give this a 4/5. It is a 'one sitting' read that you will enjoy.
Thank you to Zondervan for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.