Sunday, May 3, 2015

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!) 







Thanks for reading!

~










Saturday, May 2, 2015

"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:
Author links:
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/BeverlyOvalle

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


Sunday, April 19, 2015

Christine Ashworth Novella of "Christmas Star"

Christine Ashworth's

Christmas Star


I have had the pleasure of reviewing this book by Christine, and not even on Christmas! I found this book to be a hopeless romantic story. However, I think the book in itself, as Christine herself even stated to me, is something you can read anytime, not just at Christmas.

However, the story does take place Christmas Eve, Elle Houston has the dream wedding to a gorgeous Movie star, the man of her dreams. Everything she ever wanted and more.

This novella includes some tasty reading too, so make sure you have snacks nearby, or that you aren't on a diet. I was intrigued, and enjoying myself in so many ways as I read through this book.

I also like the fact, that because I have lived in San Diego, that I could picture it too. I love putting myself in the scene as I read, but then again, I love using my imagination, it's the best part about reading. 
 
The sexy was steamy, the cooking was delightful, and romance was perfection. Everything you could want and more!

I give this beautiful book five stars, and think that Christine is an excellent author. I love to read anything she writes. She just pulls you in, and puts you right at the scene. She knows what she is doing. 

Thank you for thinking of me, Christine! I'm glad you did! I loved this book!
  
Here are my questions for Christine:




 1. What made you write the "Christmas Star"?


I was in contract negotiations with Boroughs Publishing Group for the first two StarTide Agency series books. We were all in San Antonio for the Romance Writers of America National Conference last July, an. I had been invited to the Boroughs dinner for their authors, and to the Booze & Schmooze party after the Rita awards celebration on the last night of the conference.  I knew their schedule was full through the first quarter of 2015 for full-length novels, but they also publish LunchBox Romances - romances that take about the average lunch hour to read, and I was intrigued.

It was night, and we were sitting on the balcony of the Boroughs suite. The warm wind was blowing, and I was with Chris Keeslar, Boroughs Editor in Chief, and Megan Frampton, a wonderful author and the creator of  Heroes & Heartbreakers. We were all chatting, and I turned to Chris and said, "So, if I manage to write a Christmas LunchBox Romance, would there be room in the lineup for this holiday season?" He said to me, "Get it to me, and I'll see what I can do."

I started writing this story in the airport in San Antonio, while waiting to board my plane home to Los Angeles. Within two weeks, I had a contract for three novels, and a separate contract for Christmas Star.


2. Is Elle Houston derived from anybody in particular? How about the handsome, sexy, Movie star?
Hm. Interesting question. Romance, of course; I do love my paranormals, and hope to get back to them someday; but right now I'm working on the StarTide series, which is contemporary, multicultural, and the next 3 books will also have same sex couples as well.I read it all. Love it all. My go-to favorites tend to be historical romances, though I always try to read my friends' works first.Nope. I grew up in San Diego, and the rest is all pure imagination, lol.My fabulous editor, Chris Keeslar.  He also designed the next three covers in my StarTide series. He's definitely multi-talented!Lucky Stars Box Set: I look forward to seeing you!

Elle is a tribute to all the hard working people behind the scenes on a movie set. She's smart, talented, intuitive, and kind of amazed that this gorgeous actor wants to marry her.

Taylor Collins is an amalgam of all the people I know who consider everyone else in their life to be window-dressing.


3. The delicious food, where and what made you do that? 

I love cooking. I love feeding other people, and when I'm not writing, I'm happiest in the kitchen. The Decadent Hot Chocolate in the book is a real recipe that my husband and I found while vacationing one winter in Paris. We'd gone to the Isle St. Louis, one of the two islands in the middle of the Seine, and found this wonderful chocolatier who served this drink. Luckily, the recipe was hand-printed and posted. Tom copied it, and we still make it every year


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

Six weeks, total. It held together pretty much from the beginning, to my relief.


5. What is your favorite type of book to write?
Hm. Interesting question. Romance, of course; I do love my paranormals, and hope to get back to them someday; but right now I'm working on the StarTide series, which is contemporary, multicultural, and the next 3 books will also have same sex couples as well.



6. What is your favorite type of book to read?

I read it all. Love it all. My go-to favorites tend to be historical romances, though I always try to read my friends' works first.


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

Nope. I grew up in San Diego, and the rest is all pure imagination, lol.



8. Who designed the beautiful cover for this book?

My fabulous editor, Chris Keeslar.  He also designed the next three covers in my StarTide series. He's definitely multi-talented!


9. How long have you been writing?

Are we counting the Lord Peter Wimsey FanFic I wrote in the 1980s? If not, then seriously, and for publication, since 2000. My first published novel was Demon Soul, in 2011, by Crescent Moon Press.


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

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Stars-Box-Set-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B00UKLMF0C/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0JM5HMXT3C71RSVQWJMB
  
 
11. Anything special you'd like to add?
I love meeting people! If you're in New York in late July, I'll be signing books at the Literacy Book Signing that is held at the New York City Marriott Marquis Hotel, on July 22nd, 5:30 to 8pm...more detail is here: https://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=564

As well, I'll be at the Book Obsessed Chicks Beach BBQ on Sunday, July 26th; more detail here: https://www.facebook.com/BookObsessedChicks and here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/481932038585329/

AND, I'll be at Hot Mojave Knights in October, 2015...more detail here: http://www.hotmojaveknights.com
  


Thanks, Deneale my dear, for having me. Hugs, hon!


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

20% off "BookTheFilm for Our Readers Only!

Special Offer to Our Readers Only!

As you know, or maybe you don't, "BookTheFilm" is a book that is donating it's sales! You truly need to see this book, it is so amazing, the review for this book is featured in this blog. 

Here is the post I received from its author:



Remember it's code "rainbow."

Simply go to www.amazon.com and place your order. Or contact "BookTheFilm" on www.Twitter.com by using the @ simple in front of his name, also he can be found on facebook, should you have any questions, or wish to make any donations toward the production of the book and future books. 

Thank you for being readers, and subscribers, and enjoying our web site and supporting our authors! 


When You Know You're Doing it Right:

When You Know You're Doing it Right:


It's these little things that can tell you and put a smile on your face, and make you feel like a success:













And then here again, and within this blog to the man who help me succeed I would like to share this again:




I have more comments, from previous times. I just never thought of sharing them until now. Now that this web page, technically no longer a BLAH-G (blog) has reached over 18,000 I see it as a success. And I have all of you to thank for it. Actually, I believe "we" have each other. 

So I am saying "Thank you!" And that I am eternally grateful and I hope that you will continue to share "our" page, continue to write, and share your work with me, and others! Because "we" love reading about you and reading your awesome work!

So we're all counting on one another! So are you in? Because I sure am! 




Once again:

I thank all of you!