Showing posts with label Author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Author. Show all posts

Monday, October 22, 2012

Book Review | And One Last Thing ...By Molly Harper


Book review | And One Last Thing ... By Molly Harper
can’t begin to tell you how much I laughed when I read the first sentence of this book, And One Last Thing ... By Molly Harper. It has to be my ultimate laugh out loud and “NO she didn't just write that” best first sentence. But you can be the judge:
"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."
Now you want to read more right! Don’t get all judgmental I am not always reading chick lit books and really took this recommendation from one of the book clubs I joined on goodreads.com. I had no idea what the book was about but really wanted that quick train read. And reading a nice relationship book can put you in the right frame of mind when things get a bit crazy in your own kitchen.

Share a Book Rating | 4 - Great book, but hey you tell me is it a 5!! Read below will have details about the story so here is your warning ** SPOILER ALERT **

Book Review | Setting & Characters


The main theme of the book does center on the main characters behavior after she sent the email that we would all want to send at the end of a very bad relationship but it does not over power the story. With this act she discovers her true desires in life as an individual, lover and family member. Set in the isolated woods of a family cabin, a place to retreat to in the hysteria of a push of the ENTER button, she finds comfort in her own discoveries. The author does a brilliant job focusing on the main characters discovery with the entire additional sub characters each playing a voice in her head. The strength of family, new friends and losing it all can lead to a self-discovery.

I have to say the lake setting and day turning into night writing was a favorite scene for me as I wish I could trade places with that peacefulness. And the pursuit of being an author kept me wanting more for this girl!

Book Review | A little research

Goodreads.com has an author review of Molly Harper. On her blog she states that she was “A former newspaper reporter and church secretary, I write paranormal romance and romance novels. This blog is where I shamelessly promote them.”

I found this great video. Love when I can see the author and learn more about them. Check it out


Product Description from Amazon 
"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."
Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit.
Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.
Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?
Other links to Molly Harper


Conclusion| My thoughts 

Like I said I really enjoyed this book and the first sentence might be my 2012 Best first sentence, laugh out loud award. Molly Harper brought us into a family situation that many of us shy away from. The author leads us through a relationship that ended in turmoil and shows that a second chance can happen for each person. Although, these signs might have been there through out the relationship it can lead to drastic measures on both sides when these two people aren't  meant to be together. No matter if the buzzed florist delivers the wrong package or that voice in your head leads you to change. It is a good thing and over time bitterness aside a new beginning will come to you once you accept.

So I say read it pick it up at the library (like I did) share it with a girlfriend and laugh, enjoy her new experiences and remember all in time things move forward. 


Question| what would you do if you got the wrong flowers? Please share.


Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer



p.s. While you are reading this, I am reading Enchanted Inc. I'll post a full review in an upcoming post. Be sure to subscribe to A Reading Journal so you don't miss it!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Did you recall? | author reviews


In the past I wrote some post on Authors I have read. This post is just a recap on some post you might have missed. I enjoyed learning about them and I hope you do to!


Author | Tom Franklin 

Author Notes :: Tom Franklin | A Reading Journal

Author Notes :: Tom Franklin. W e read this book in the begininng of the year. This is a brilliant story between two men, a town and a murderer. The best part was the secret at the end. Here is my review of the book.

Author | Sarah Addison Allen

Author Notes :: Sarah Addison Allen | A Reading Journal

Author Notes :: Sarah Addison Allen. L The Girl Who Chased the Moon et's get to know Ms.Sarah Addison Allen. A few months ago I read her book The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel. I gave the book a 4 rating. Share a ..

Author | Kathryn White 

Author Notes | Kathryn White | A Reading Journal

Author Profile | Kathryn White. Below is a list of books she has written over the years. She states on her site that her first book was written when her daughter was one. Now that is amazing. What a great gift to her child. :). Will It Snow Again? The Nutty Nut Chase; Click Clack Crocodile's Back. Here is a list from goodreads.com for her full selection. .... J


I am reading some great books this month. I look forward to finding more about the author in this months selection. I will be sure to share with you!

Can you recommend another Author? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

thought | writing inspiration


Today I was thinking about my favorite authors and the books they have written that have made me dream about becoming a writer. But I am wondering what was their inspiration. What made them say today I am writing?

Writing | Inspiration - Authors

Below are a few authors that inspired me through there works a variety of genres.

to

Writing | Inspiration - Links

Next, I wondered how they stayed focused below are some links for writers needing that extra push of inspiration.

Writing | Inspiration - for me

Well, its kind of like I need the challenge. It is not going to go into the computer unless someone is watching me. Kind of like losing that 10 lbs without the "weigh in" its not going to happen. So what do I use for inspiration and motivation...

  • A great day
  • a memory
  • a dream of what the story could be
  • a clear mind 
  • silence
What inspires you to write? Authors please share.


Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Monday, June 18, 2012

About the Author :: Jennifer McMahon


In February I read Jennifer McMahon's book DON’T BREATHE A WORD and it made me scared to even look under the bed to grab that missing sock. Check out my review in a previous post here.

Here is a quick bio from her website.
"I was born in 1968 and grew up in my grandmother’s house in suburban Connecticut, where I was convinced a ghost named Virgil lived in the attic. I wrote my first short story in third grade. I graduated with a BA from Goddard College in 1991 and then studied poetry for a year in the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College. A poem turned into a story, which turned into a novel, and I decided to take some time to think about whether I wanted to write poetry or fiction....."

Like I said a her books are great. In my Share a Book rating it is a 4 - Could have been a 5 but nothings perfect!

Details about the Author
 Other books

Island of Lost Girls
by 
3.43 of 5 stars 3.43 avg rating — 3,148 ratings — published 2008 — 9 editions


Dismantled
by 
3.53 of 5 stars 3.53 avg rating — 1,527 ratings — published 2009 — 11 editions


Check out her books - let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Monday, June 11, 2012

About the Author :: Cathy Lamb

I love reading books and drift into a new world or part of a tale that takes me on a journey. But most of all I enjoy learning about the authors. A few months ago I read First day of the Rest of My LifeBy Cathy Lamb.

I couldn't put the book down. (I bet all Authors aim for that in their readers :) What made me want to keep reading was my feeling of at home in the setting. I love Oregon. Not just because my favorite girl lives there but for the beauty of the country and the people. As a NYer we are use to the quick pace and never a good morning smile to a passer by but in OR its a norm. And I love it, so Ms Lambs books was a nice reminder of how beautiful that part of the country is to live in.

Cathy Lamb is a lovely storyteller. I was engaged in all of the characters and her twist in the plot were very alluring. Who knew I would end up in Israel??? Or be so intrigued by all the smaller characters - those Mob sisters were a HOOT and I just fell in love with her coaching style in her main character. And the scenes from the characters childhood - heartbreaking. Like I said a MUST READ. In my Share a Book rating it is a 5 - Loved it! Can't wait to share with you!!

Below are some details about the Author.
Beach Season
by 
3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 13 ratings — published 2012



A Different Kind of Normal
by 
4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings — expected publica
Check out her books - let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Monday, May 14, 2012

Author Notes :: Paula McLain

Let's get to know Paula McLain. I searched the web and this is what I found on the Random House author page. "Paula McLain received an MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan and has been a resident of Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony. She is the author of two collections of poetry, as well as a memoir, Like Family, and a first novel, A Ticket to Ride. She lives in Cleveland with her family."

For Book Clubs - Check out these Questions for The Paris Wife  READER'S GROUP GUIDE 

  • In many ways, Hadley's girlhood in St. Louis was a difficult and repressive experience. How do her early years prepare her to meet and fall in love with Ernest? What does life with Ernest offer her that she hasn't encountered before? What are the risks? 
  • Hadley and Ernest don't get a lot of encouragement from their friends and family when they decided to marry. What seems to draw the two together? What are some of the strengths of their initial attraction and partnership? The challenges? 
  • The Ernest Hemingway we meet in THE PARIS WIFE—through Hadley's eyes—is in many ways different from the ways we imagine him when faced with the largeness of his later persona. What do you see as his character strengths? Can you see what Hadley saw in hiM?


A book review with the Author (from YouTube))

About this author (from Goodreads.com)
Paula McLain has published two collections of poetry, “Less of Her” and “Stumble, Gorgeous,” both from New Issues Poetry Press, and a memoir entitled “Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses” (Little, Brown, 2003). “A Ticket to Ride,” is her debut novel from Ecco/HarperCollins. She received her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996, and has since been a writer-in-residence at Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, and The Ucross Foundation Residency Program, and received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council. Individual poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals, including the Gettysburg Review, Antioch Review, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. As well as teaching part-time at John Carroll University, she is a core faculty member in the low-residency MFA Program in Poetry at New England College.

Looking forward to checking out her other stories.

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer



Other Books :: 

  
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