Watch A Proud Video!

Watch A Proud Video!

Here is the YouTube link:

https://youtu.be/mxreelp3_Mg

Please enjoy it! It was created with Power Point, and I didn't know how to share, so I recorded it to YouTube! 

I had a limit, I could've went on forever, and I "had" to include a graph. This was for School, and I had to "Brand Myself." And this is what I chose. After it is graded I will post the grade here as well. 

Thank you for viewing! 

"The Berenstain Bears in God Bless Our Country" by Mike Berenstain

"The Berenstain Bears in God Bless Our Country" by Mike Berenstain

I grew up reading and loving "The Berenstain Bears!" Brother and Sister bear did everything and learned so much, and Mama and Papa Bear taught them right from wrong, and helped us as Children to do the same. 

So when the chance to review "God Bless Our Country" for 'BookLook Bloggers' came to me, (Harper Collins Christian Publishing), I jumped at the chance! 

The book includes a sheet of stickers, here is a screenshot of said sheet: 

The book is about the Fourth of July, our Soldiers, our great Country and how God blesses our Country, and how blessed we are also.

The book, written by Mike Berenstain, (which the books are usually written by Stan and Jan.) is beautifully detailed and explains everything just as clearly, so that every Child will understand.

I truly enjoyed this book, it is everything I knew it would be and more. A beautiful five star review, perfect to share with the whole family. 

I loved how it touches base with America, the Statue of Liberty, our Flag, the Country, and made it work together so perfectly. Not many Children's books have portrayed and put it together as perfectly as this! 

Everyone will enjoy it, time and time again. This will be a book you will be honored to have in your collection, and to hand down to your next generation of grandchildren too. 

Make sure to check out this book, you will glad you did. Everyone loves the Berenstain Bears! 

"My Daddy Wears His Art" by Kim Carmichael & Solera Winters

                                              

When I first started doing my reviews, I knew I would want to review every kind of book put out, because I love to read. But with doing it online, I was noticing that finding and involving those that write Children's book are hard to come by.

Luckily two of my favorite authors wrote one, and when I read it, I truly admired it instantly. It is about about tattoo's, but not just in the sense of the tattoo itself, but also how Children bully one another about the dumbest things.

Sorry, but that is the only proper way of wording it.

We were all kids once, and we seen it happen, if we weren't the one being picked on, or were the one doing the picking. Don't even deny it. We've all been there and done that.

But now of days, the whole situation has gotten way out of hand. As adults we label, so naturally the kids are going to do it too. "We learn what we live." Im sure you've heard the phrase.

But before I go on, I have a things from this book I would like to share with you:

Read the dedication. This in itself explains it. A road we have all traveled, and seen.

I wanted to share this, so that we gave credit to the artist too, because all artists deserve credit. And the drawings in this are very colorful, and thought out. I give the art work five stars!

The story is written out beautifully, I have not shared the entire thing with you, only part. It is very heart felt and poetic. And in the end, it will put a very beautiful smile on your face.

I enjoyed this book very much, I give it five beautiful stars! Kim and Solera did a wonderful job. Every child needs to read this, it will help them to understand, especially if they have parents with tattoos and friends who judge. 

Now here are my questions for these lovely ladies:

Kim = Purple Solera = Blue

1. I can kind of tell where this story came from and why. But I would like you to briefly give me a little bit of details of the reasoning in the writing of this book.

I was inspired by my indelibly marked series and Solera and I were talking one day about children’s books and hence the book was born. 

We have a lot of friends (especially on line who have tattoos and thought it was something that hadn't been addressed from the children's perspective, and when we were talking about Indelibly Marked we thought, a kid's book could offer a different perspective.

2. The artist who drew the beautiful pictures. Do you personally know this person, or were you led to them?

I found them online cause we were on a limited budget.  

The artist worked well with our concept.

3. How long did this book take to write?

Honestly a couple of weeks it took longer to get the pictures done LOL with poetry once you get going its easier to write fast.

We got into a rhythm of brainstorming and then writing and revising. It didn't take long to go through the process. Kim and I work really well together that way.

4. How did "both" of you write this book together? Please explain:

I did the poetry Solera did the edits and we both plotted it.

What she said. LOL
5. Is this the only Children's book that you both have written?

I have another one but I’m trying to figure out what to do with it.

I have one other as well, but I haven't done anything with it. I know it needs work and there are always other projects.

6. Do either of you have tattoos? If so, how many?

Alas no, I’m a chicken LOL.

Nope, ditto. LOL

Deneale responds: Are you guys kidding me?!?!

7. Why do you think it is people "label" those of us who have tattoos?

Same reason they label people who are different or outside the norm.

It's a prejudice like anything else. People are uneducated and make assumptions on appearance rather than character.

8. Do you have a photo you can share of your Dads tattoo of you and him?

My dad didn’t have tattoos, but I have a photo of my puppy!

My dad didn't have tattoos but my step dad did-one from when he was in the navy. The standard anchor. LOL But I don't have a pic available of it.

9. What does your Dad think of this book?

My father in law thinks its great!  Got a kick out of it.

Unfortunately both my dad and stepdad have passed away.

10. Have you read this book aloud at any Children's events or library reading for Children? If not, why not? If so, how was it?

I read it to my kid and he loved it.  I am actually quite shy so I tend not to go places in person.

I haven't read it to anyone. I'm with Kim, pretty shy when sharing my work.

11. Do you plan on writing any other Children's books in the future?

I do I love them!

I'm not sure if I will or not. I do know I'll write more stories with Kim. We even have a fairy tale that will be coming out later this year. (For adults though, not kiddos.)

12. Please list your social media sites and book information here:

(These are obvious I'm not color coding!)

facebook:  Kimcarmichaelnovels

www.kimcarmichaelnovels.com

www.chargge.com - The website for all things Hollywood Stardust

@kimcarmichael4

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Solera-Winters/225137857620841

http://solerawinters.weebly.com/

@solerawinters

13. Any information or comments you'd like to add:

I may not have tattoos but I have been bullied my entire life, I think everyone needs to take a stand against ridicule that is painful like this.  Always stand up for what you believe is right.

I agree, my feeling is that the message of the book is important--anti-bullying and doing the right thing.

Thank you Deneale for having us.

"Unworthy Heart" by Dorothy F. Shaw

 

Dorothy F. Shaw

will 

pull you in with:

"Unworthy Heart"

When Dorothy asks you to read a book, one thing you need to remember, is her warning labels in her books, are meant to be heeded. 

No, I'm serious.

I remember reading her first book. And then I read this one, I will tell you all this, and this is hard for me to admit. Allow me to lower my head, and whisper this, because it is hard for me to admit this. Seriously. It is. And I swear, if anyone holds this against me, I will scream! So...here goes....

Are you ready?!

Dorothy is the only female author who literally and truly gets me wet, wet. And I mean to the point that I need my husband bad. He begs and pleads with me to read her books, over and over again. He asks all the time, if she has new books out, and what they are, when 'he' is horny and I am not. He will buy them for me, no questions ask. Her books are just that good. Better then any vibrator, better then any other dirty book, movie or magazine. But...that's just me and my opinion. 

So here she did it to me again, hands me a book, and has me read it. Oh my heavens. Where is hubby? At work. Oh this sucks....

But you don't care about me. You want to know what causes this book to be so yummy and delicious that I need my man, and you will need yours? Right?

Well here goes:

Maiya Rossini meets this hunk named Ryan. And he is luscious. Her friend Jodi may try to help her not to fall too fast, but yeah, that's not gonna help.

She checks him out from top to bottom right when she see's him. Oh my, those tight jeans. That body. Like Maiya says, he's trouble with a capital T. Only thing is, this pretty little lady, has a problem where she thinks things and they come out of her mouth. 

It's all right, because he checks her out too. And yes, he's single. And he has a little boy. But he doesn't introduce her to his son right off the bat, he doesn't want to jump right in, and do the "Hey I'm a single Daddy thing" thinking it may cause problems. But his goal is to be the perfect Daddy, and set an example, and not upset his son. 

The lust and love, and sex is mad and passionate and it is so wonderful, and sexy it is something that you would only dream of. You even will see him thinking about Maiya, and taking care of his own needs, and exploding all over himself. It makes you laugh, but also see, and feel. 

Ryan is a rare man, not the average jerk.. He wants to live happily ever after, and have the perfect relationship and family. At first, Maiya is leery, because she can feel he is keeping something from her, and its just that he is being cautious. He doesn't want to hurt his son, he doesn't want to upset him, and he doesn't want to cause an upset in his Father son relationship.

This book is so wonderful, so many feelings, so many emotions. I was going through them all. I truly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It was most excellent. A love story worthy of reading, because it had a true need for family in it, and it made it work, and it wasn't just about the sex, but about making things work. I enjoyed that it was put together so beautifully. 

This book is a five star review, you will enjoy it. I did, its a very interesting love story, and I'm certain that many people need to see more like these. I think this was an excellent piece of work, but then again, everything Dorothy writes is. 

I also found her dedication touching:

Make sure you check this book out, you'll be glad you did!

Here are my questions for Dorothy:

1. What made you write this book? Almost 5 years ago, as I was learning to write, I had written a handful of short stories and then one 7k word short. I decided after that to write a novella. I tend to do things in order, and writing a full novel was not on my radar yet. I started what I thought would be a 20k word novella and then as I blew past that word count goal and realized that I wasn’t even half way done telling this story, it occurred to me that maybe I was writing a novel… Onward I went, and then Ryan’s brother, Jimmy, showed up and along with it, I realized my hero had 9 siblings…and so a novella, turned into a novel and that turned into a series. Here we are. 

2. How long did it take you to write this book? I started this book almost 5 years ago. I finished it 3 years ago this month to be exact - while on a flight to Chicago, heading to the Romantic Times Convention. I was determined to not show my face until the book was done. So it took 2 years…but there were several breaks in between. =)

3. Are any of the characters derived from anyone special? As a new writer when I wrote this book, and because it was my first book, Maiya was cut from me. She’s not me, and definitely has her own issues, but I used my own experience as a redhead with tattoos in a corporate world to fuel her. Ryan was based on a co-worker that annoyed the crap out of me… and again, they are not the same people, as Ryan is his own, but my friend gave me the base to build on. Jodi is based on my actual friend and former co-worker Jodi…to me, they are exactly the same and I can’t read Jodi’s lines without hearing my friends voice in my mind. =) 

4. The cover design, where or who designed it for you? Cover art by Kanaxa at Samhain Publishing. She did a fantastic job! Hopefully she does all my covers for the series. =)

5. Do you have any future plans of anymore books? YES!!! Defensive Heart, book 2 is due out September 8th 2015 and then Shattered Heart, book 3 is coming some time around January 2016 or so… =P

6. When writing something so steamy and sexy, do you get aroused or turned on? ABSOLUTELY!!!! I have no idea how else to answer that. But, seriously, if it doesn’t turn me on, then how can I expect it to turn my reader on?

7. What are your favorite types of books to write? Contemporary and Paranormal Erotic Romance - Gritty, sexy, real...with some heartbreak along the way. They need to earn their happy ending. 

8. When you created this book, please tell me how you 'designed' such a delicious and yummy character? As I mentioned above, I used myself and a friend as a frame, a mold if you will. But then as the characters grew in my mind, that frame or mold was filled up. They become their own, as they should. They become real and thats also as it should be. Add in a decent amount of human issues, because hello, we’re all suffering from the human condition in this world and I believe you have a solid multidimensional character. But also, I don’t like to make them perfect. I know it’s fantasy and believe me I love reading about a HOT HOT guy and even a totally perfect gorgeous woman, but who am I to decide whats hot or perfect? I think its our little flaws that make us beautiful. An interesting mole, maybe a nose with a slight curve, lips that are a little thin. Maybe full hips or a petite chest…etc. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

9. What posses you to write these type of books? I have to. Too easy, I know. But its what I like to read, and so its what I have to write. Have. To. It can’t be helped. I don’t think I could write a book without any angst in it, and I know I can’t write one without sex in it. I mean, I guess I could, but I don’t want to. No fun in that. Life is messy, sexy and crazy...I want to show it.

10. Please provide for us your links to your social media sites and books:

http://www.dorothyfshaw.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DorothyFShaw

https://twitter.com/DorothyFShaw

UNWORTHY HEART -  http://amzn.to/1CvDGO7

SPARE HEARTS - http://bit.ly/12nLZtO

THREE TIMES LUCKY - http://amzn.to/1Akj1Qs

11. Any last words? 2 questions for you about Unworthy Heart: Did I make you laugh? Did I make you cry?  Thanks, Deneale for hosting me on your site! Always a pleasure my dear. You are awesome! Big hugs!

Bonus:

 Dorothy F. Shaw lives in Arizona, where the weather is hot and the sunsets are always beautiful. She spends her days in the corporate world and her nights with her Mac on her lap. Between her ever-open heart, her bright red hair and her many colorful tattoos, she truly lives and loves in Technicolor! As Dorothy sees it: the journey is the best part!

"Lucas" by Susan Fisher- Davis

Lucas

By 

Susan Fisher- Davis

When Susan came to me, she offered me up several books. I was excited, because she was led to me by another great Author, Christine Ashworth. (I'm going from memory here, and I am almost positive I have that right, if not I will fix it.)

Anywho--

I am always excited to read another new book by an author that I am unfamiliar with. And if an Author I am already familiar with, sends them my way, then that makes me even more excited.

When she sent me the book, I firstly, kept looking at the cover. I wasn't ready to go any further, I mean look at it. Tell me, you wouldn't just starting turning pages. No, you're going to admire that hunk too. Don't even lie.

It's no wonder she dedicated the book to the photographer! 

This book is pretty emotional, and makes you think about relationships and people, some of you have been on this road that I read. And I am sure will relate to the words. 

Immediately I felt strong feelings for Emily Walters who has an ex-husband who is being released from prison. I pictured him as a descent looking guy as well, because you see, Emily has taste. She can't help it he turned out the way he was, you see we don't all come with warning labels, unfortunately.

Emily knows she will need protection, and she remembers one of 'the bad boys of Dry River' Lucas Taggart, and she remembers that he doesn't put up with anyone or anything. He is one of those type of bad boys who just  doesn't back down from anyone.

Now as for Lucas, he isn't the type interested in marriage. But on the other hand, he is interested in Emily's land: 'Whispering Pines'. 

So in agreement, and understanding, and of course a bit of an eye brow raised, and an evil plan afoot, they get married. 

Adam, still considers Miss Emily as his wife, and wants to come home and make things work. But Lucas, who now holds her hand in marriage, also now holds her heart as well. Something Lucas didn't plan on.

Once Adam is finally out of the picture, Emily will have a big announcement for Lucas. One she has been keeping secret. 

What do you think it will be? Now that Adam is finally out of her life for good, will she stay with Lucas, or move on and be a free woman?

Read this amazing five star book and learn for yourself, because it is an amazing read, and you will be pulled deep within its pages, and keep wanting more. You will be pulled in different directions, and end up talking along as you read, rooting the characters on, trust me. I was.

Here are my questions for Susan:

 

1. What made you write this book?

  I love cowboys, and bad boys who turn into good men. I was sure, at the time, I didn't want to add anymore to The Men of Clifton, Montana series, but I since have. That series will include nine...so far. The Bad Boys of Dry River, Wyoming will consist of six.

2. Are any of the characters derived from anyone in particular?

   Not really. I've just always been a fan of cowboys and I love horses. A man on a horse? Even better.

3. I was also raised saying things like: "twins run in our family." When ever I say it to anyone else, I'm told it's an old wives tale. Who taught you the "legend?!

    The only thing I was taught that stuck with me was to never give up my dreams. My mom knew I loved to write. She told me to keep at it because if I didn't, I'd regret it when my life passed me by and I didn't at least, give it my all.

4. A love story over two sexy men, what kind of woman could resist that? Why should she hafta choose?! 

Only brewing trouble! Someone ends up getting hurt every time. 

5. I literally drooled on my iPad screen and had to wipe it off seeing the cover. I too, would've dedicated it to the photographer. That was amazing. Tell me you didn't drool!

Of course I did! Lol!! You should have seen the ones I had to choose from. I was sent a cd filled with pics of Josh and I had the hardest time picking one! It's his and the photographer's first time doing a cover. The photographer has already sent me another new model and he will be Cooper Bad Boys of Dry River, Wyoming Book 3

6. How long have you been writing?

   

    It seems like forever. I wrote a story when I was in 6th grade that won a contest and I think the bug bit me then but it wasn't until a year ago that I decided to really do it and submit to publishers.

7. Any suggestions for people wanting to take a stab at writing a book or two?

    Get an editor! It's harder than people think it is. Don't use a friend or family member, get a REAL editor. Your friends or family are not going to give you the constructive criticism you need. A real editor will also tell you whether it's good enough to pursue or not. LISTEN to them! I applaud anyone who wants to write a book but not everyone can and readers will pick it apart if your grammar is wrong or you switch tenses or POVs. It's hard. Make sure you get the right kind of help.

8. What all education have you had?

    High school grad and a Business Administration degree

9. Who are your favorite Authors?

    I'm a big fan of Lori Foster and Kimberly Raye

10. Please list your social media sites, and where to purchase your books:

 

    All of my books can be purchased through Amazon.com, Secretcravingspublishing.com, smashwords.com, barnesandnoble.com, itunes

Twitter: @susandavis37150

FB: https://www.facebook.com/skdromanceauthor

Webpage: susanfisherdavisauthor.weebly.com

11.. Any thing you'd like to add?

       I have a monthly newsletter. Every other month, I post a hot excerpt from a book being released and I post a cover reveal before anyone else sees it. To sign up, just go to my webpage or FB and hit contact. 

   All of my books, though in a series, can be read as standalone, though it is good to read from the first book so you can meet the upcoming characters. My books come out every two months, alternating each series.

Review Childs Book: "Do you want to play with my balls?"

"Do you want to play with my balls?"

By the Cifaldi Brothers

Illustrated by Santiago Elizade

When I first seen a public posting about this book it was on facebook. And yes, I am aware that it is a book for Children, and that Children don't 'usually' have dirty minds like some Adults do. 

I put the video on my wall here it says I am sharing a video from Jennifer Thomas:

 https://www.facebook.com/denealek

Anyway.... as someone who reviews books, I feel I am entitled to my opinion. And that is just what I am going to give you. So pull up a chair, or close the page, the choice is yours.

"Do you want to play with my balls?"

The illustrations in the book are beautifully done, I made certain to look closely- and they were not taken out of context. The artist used bright colors, and the pictures are very nice and go along with the wording, and as I stated: not out of context. 

When I searched the book on Amazon, I did note however, that it listed the book in the humor section. Personally, I do think that the brothers who wrote the book meant it to be funny. But because of the artistry, Children will be drawn to the book. And the dialect does explain good things like "keeping them out of your mouth." As with most toys, this is how germs are spread. 

Not to mention, as with this post, there are now many toy balls that have water in them, and what not, that if you squeeze them, they will in fact break, and 'look funny.' Not to mention, sadly you can I am certain, get ill from the things inside of the balls.

Admittedly this part made me laugh. But the point is probably meant to for Adults, but to explain something totally different to Children. 

When I first seen this post I was agitated. That's the truth. But then I thought; because it's something I do before I jump to conclusions now that I am older and wiser.

I think the brothers wrote this book to entertain both the Child and the Adult as the Adult reads to the Child. Think about it for a second from my point of view, don't be hasty. 

It's not the 'same old same old!' It's a totally different read. The Child doesn't know why you're smiling, but you are. You're both happy, and reading together. 

Now do you see and understand where I'm coming from?

Because of the oddity though, I think it should have an explanation inside the front, to explain the Authors goal, to put smiles on everyone's faces. (If it was the goal!) if it wasn't their goal, then my apologies. I guess I made them look good, where in fact they were being ornery! I guess only they know, honestly. Perhaps maybe they will read my review and seek me out and let me know! Wouldn't that be nice?!

My scoring on the book is four stars for the conclusion of what I think was the goal. The Artistry I give five out of five stars. 

I would like to know what you thought of the book, please leave your comments in the section. (The book does go on more then the screen shots I shared. It even speaks of hair on the balls!) 

If my opinion and review has offended anyone, I apologize. (But before you do get offended please feel free to read my disclaimer page.) We all know what they say about opinions......

Here is who published this book:

(I didn't find this info until after I had already written my review!) 

www.bumbumbooks.com

Thanks for reading!

~

"A Saints Salvation" by Beverly Ovalle

A Saints Salvation

By

Beverly Ovalle

When Beverly came to me I didn't know I was going to be reviewing a book about the Military. But once I started reading, I was even more excited. I have been wanting something totally different to read and review, and this definitely met the criteria. 

Before I begin, I would like to divulge something I read in the beginning. Beverly was inspired to write this book, because of a tattoo on her Son. Therefore, to her Son, I would like to say: "Thank you!" Because of it wasn't for your tattoo, we wouldn't have been touched by this amazing story.

Saint is Corporal Nicholas Santiago. 'Saint' is a nickname he has acquired. He is serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. Also known as O.E.F. 

He had received a 'Dear John' letter while he was serving. Just what every person looks forward to while serving their Country. 

Petty Officer Angelina Jones doesn't want to be Saints rebound girl, she wants to be his true love. And she knows she is and can be. She knows they are meant to be something more. She knows it inside and out. 

These two want to make things work, but together they must struggle to succeed. As with any relationship, their are complications. Can they make it work? Can Saint change like he wants to?

There is so much here to enjoy, this read is everything you will want and more. It is very heart warming, and emotional. 

I loved the fact that the Military was involved, and that someone would and could enlighten people and allow them to see through the eyes of the Military. It is about time someone wrote from their point of view. This was a long time coming!

I truly enjoyed this book, and give it a high five star review!

My questions for Beverly:

1. What made you decide to write this book?

I was missing my son and having been in the military it just seemed to come out.

2. Did you do any special research for this book?

I mainly talked to my son. Many of the emotions were his from the book in the beginning. I also talked to a few veterans that were in Afghanistan. Plus my own experiences in the military helped.

3. Were you in the Military or O.E.F.?

I was in the US Navy.

4. How long did it take you to write this book?

It took me about nine months. I started it and put it aside for quite a while because it turned into a romance and there was a definite ick factor, LOL. When I came at it fresh and changed it a bit I was able to finish.

5. How long have you been writing books?

For the past two years. I dabbled with stories just playing around before that.

6. What all education have you had?

I’m a high school graduate. I’ve taken a few college courses, management, accounting, sign language, water aerobics, soap making and belly dancing! Oh, stained glass art and glass blowing.

7. What suggestions can you offer to those wanting and or trying to 'become' successful writers?

Persevere. Don’t give up on your dream and live life to the fullest. There is no better experience than living.

8. Who are your favorite authors and why?

Christine Feehan, her dark series just draws me in. Anne McCaffrey, I love dragons and she is the one that hooked me. Issac Asimov, his writing kept me reading when I was younger.

9. We're any of these characters derived from anyone particular?

The hero in A Saint’s Salvation has my son’s personality.

10. Please provide for us your social links and links to your books and such:

Book Links:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Saints-Salvation-Beverly-Ovalle-ebook/dp/B00II8OTU8/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-saints-salvation-beverly-ovalle/1118637570?ean=2940148157076 

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-asaint039ssalvation-1425306-149.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/a-saints-salvation

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=824&zenid=0273b80c166317bb654c8145d5a109c2

Author links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor

Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/BeverlyO

Website: www.beverlyovalle.com

Blog: www.beverlyovalle.net 

Blog:  http://beverlyovalleromance.blogspot.com/

Tumblr:  http://ovalleba.tumblr.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ovalleba

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FatedDragons

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/ovalleba/

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/BeverlyOvalle

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BeverlyOvalle0211/posts

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SSLYblog

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou

Blog:  http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com

11. Anything you'd like to add?

Thank you for having me! I appreciate being able to blab about myself and my books. I actually donated all of the proceeds from A Saint’s Salvation to the Wounded Warrior Project and other Marine Charities I’ve found. One day I may keep the royalties but aiding wounded veterans is where my heart lies.  

Special Notes:

Veteran's Crisis Hotline=

1-877-838-2838