I really wanted to like this book. I mean, it's Stella Cameron, right? To be fair, this was published twelve or so years ago, so this Kindle edition is just a reprint of a previously published book.
Perhaps most problematic for me (yes, I'm one of *those* people) was the bad formatting. Indentations in the middle of paragraphs, a systematic removal of periods at the ends of sentences, a lack of quotation marks where they were needed, and the occasional misused word. For me, all these factors together made this book difficult to read, and I felt let down to read a Stella Cameron story I didn't enjoy.
There are two main characters: Aiden, a New York City detective, and Olivia, an introverted British photographer. At first, the scenes written from the two points of view were properly separated. Around chapter two, the Americanisms and the Britishisms started running together, and sometimes Aiden thought in Britishisms and sometimes Olivia thought in Americanisms. This became unduly distracting.
Dialogue between Aiden and Olivia was sometimes stilted and awkward, and sometimes Olivia was uncharacteristically forceful or aggressive. In a scene toward the end of the book, Olivia's behavior was consistent with the growth of the character, and I cheered her on.
Olivia's parents were completely extraneous and could have been left out of the book entirely, except as references Olivia made in conversation. Otherwise, they should have been fleshed out more. Instead, they were tragically unfunny clueless parents that wasted a chapter of my time. Conversely, Boswell, a somewhat minor character, was the most appealing character in the entire book, and his unwavering fealty to his core self was a joy to read.
I knew how the bad guys were keeping tabs on Aiden and Olivia less than halfway through. I did not guess the logistics or the why, but I most definitely knew who. I was sometimes distracted trying to figure out why this person would betray them in this way, and that distraction took away from my immersion in the story as it unfolded.
Bottom line - the core story is good, but overall I had to try too hard to enjoy reading it. Your mileage may vary.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Movie: Fast Five
This was complete and utter escapist fantasy!
It didn't matter that parts of the plot were completely unbelievable. It didn't even matter that there were no captions.
The parts of the scenery that featured the ocean and the countryside surrounding Rio were breathtaking! Made me totally want to visit and see the ocean. Guess that's going on my bucket list. lol
I admit being shallow enough to *totally* enjoy the fight between Johnson and Diesel. I'm sure it was choreographed all to hell, and yet it looked like they were having so much fun with each other.
Yes, I finished high school. Yes, I'm older than twelve. Yes, I'm even a girl. Yes, I just adored this movie. Not everything has to be a high-brow cinematic masterpiece.
It didn't matter that parts of the plot were completely unbelievable. It didn't even matter that there were no captions.
The parts of the scenery that featured the ocean and the countryside surrounding Rio were breathtaking! Made me totally want to visit and see the ocean. Guess that's going on my bucket list. lol
I admit being shallow enough to *totally* enjoy the fight between Johnson and Diesel. I'm sure it was choreographed all to hell, and yet it looked like they were having so much fun with each other.
Yes, I finished high school. Yes, I'm older than twelve. Yes, I'm even a girl. Yes, I just adored this movie. Not everything has to be a high-brow cinematic masterpiece.
Book: Bloody Freak by Emily Barker
Bloody Freak is the first in what is purported to be a series (note: there are at least three other books, as I've downloaded them to my Kindle). I've already gotten the second one and may make myself read it, since I can hope it's edited more professionally than this one.
Though the story has good bones, that's overshadowed, for me anyway, by the poor editing job. I'm pretty sure it was just run through a spellcheck, rather than having any actual editing done. I still have hope, but honestly, the editing has gotten worse since I started reading, rather than better.
There is a sexual situation early in the book, and then again in the last few pages of the book. The earlier one was much more graphic, and frankly, both were gratuitous to the storyline. The denouement wasn't exactly - there was just a speech by one character that basically wrapped everything up in a pretty bow just when things were getting interesting. The conflict I was expecting, even hoping for, did not materialize, and having it would have made the book much better.
There are sentence fragments, misused and misspelled words, a lack of commas where commas are sorely needed, and no apostrophes in possessives. Some examples: discrete instead of discreet; whose instead of who's; passed instead of past; conscience instead of conscious; conflictions instead of convictions (I'm not sure on that one, because conflictions isn't even a word.); everyday instead of every day; into instead of in to; went instead of gone; your instead of you're; queue instead of cue, rights instead of rites. Mistakes are not few and far between - they are on nearly every page, and frequently, there are several on each page.
I see the possibility of a pretty good storyteller here in this book, and hope that Ms. Barker will find herself a good editor or two and keep getting better.
Though the story has good bones, that's overshadowed, for me anyway, by the poor editing job. I'm pretty sure it was just run through a spellcheck, rather than having any actual editing done. I still have hope, but honestly, the editing has gotten worse since I started reading, rather than better.
There is a sexual situation early in the book, and then again in the last few pages of the book. The earlier one was much more graphic, and frankly, both were gratuitous to the storyline. The denouement wasn't exactly - there was just a speech by one character that basically wrapped everything up in a pretty bow just when things were getting interesting. The conflict I was expecting, even hoping for, did not materialize, and having it would have made the book much better.
There are sentence fragments, misused and misspelled words, a lack of commas where commas are sorely needed, and no apostrophes in possessives. Some examples: discrete instead of discreet; whose instead of who's; passed instead of past; conscience instead of conscious; conflictions instead of convictions (I'm not sure on that one, because conflictions isn't even a word.); everyday instead of every day; into instead of in to; went instead of gone; your instead of you're; queue instead of cue, rights instead of rites. Mistakes are not few and far between - they are on nearly every page, and frequently, there are several on each page.
I see the possibility of a pretty good storyteller here in this book, and hope that Ms. Barker will find herself a good editor or two and keep getting better.
Book: Dirrty by Celia Juliano
Dirrty was well-written. Much better than I expected with a title like Dirrty. No typos or incorrect homonyms. Obviously professionally edited. The biggest obstacle to me loving this book was that the main female character was married, until the last two pages, and not to her love interest. I'd get sucked into the story, then get sucked back out because I couldn't believe that a grown woman had this little self-control.
Chiara (sometimes called Claire) is unhappy in her marriage. She decides to flirt a little as she passes a local construction site on her way to pick up her boys at school. But then she takes it to the next level almost immediately, and embarks on this full-fledged affair with Rocco, complete with sneaking off to have sex in his parents' garage while the whole extended family is in the house for a family dinner. Some of the dialogue between Chiara and Rocco was more than a little cheesy, but I think that was actually on purpose, considering the quality of the rest of the book.
Hey, I've been there. A woman sometimes feels the need to flirt a little, feel appreciated or attractive, know that the unhappiness at home is not because of something lacking in her. But then, a woman has to be an adult. Think about the consequences of her actions and whether or not she can handle those consequences.
In the end, things worked out for Chiara and Rocco, but I kept expecting them not to. I mean how often does a woman end up happily attached to the man with whom she started an affair while she was still married? Yes, it happens sometimes, but more often ends badly. Many of the obstacles to their mutual happiness seemed forced or manufactured, and their care for each other frenetic rather than natural. As deep as I'd get into the story, I still wouldn't always believe what was happening.
So, four stars for the quality of the writing and the way the author kept me reading to the end, even though I didn't particularly like Chiara or her relationship with Rocco. Your mileage may vary.
Chiara (sometimes called Claire) is unhappy in her marriage. She decides to flirt a little as she passes a local construction site on her way to pick up her boys at school. But then she takes it to the next level almost immediately, and embarks on this full-fledged affair with Rocco, complete with sneaking off to have sex in his parents' garage while the whole extended family is in the house for a family dinner. Some of the dialogue between Chiara and Rocco was more than a little cheesy, but I think that was actually on purpose, considering the quality of the rest of the book.
Hey, I've been there. A woman sometimes feels the need to flirt a little, feel appreciated or attractive, know that the unhappiness at home is not because of something lacking in her. But then, a woman has to be an adult. Think about the consequences of her actions and whether or not she can handle those consequences.
In the end, things worked out for Chiara and Rocco, but I kept expecting them not to. I mean how often does a woman end up happily attached to the man with whom she started an affair while she was still married? Yes, it happens sometimes, but more often ends badly. Many of the obstacles to their mutual happiness seemed forced or manufactured, and their care for each other frenetic rather than natural. As deep as I'd get into the story, I still wouldn't always believe what was happening.
So, four stars for the quality of the writing and the way the author kept me reading to the end, even though I didn't particularly like Chiara or her relationship with Rocco. Your mileage may vary.
Movie: Sleeping Dogs Lie
Please note: there is implied bestiality referred to in this movie several times. That doesn't bother me, but if that squicks you, go find another movie to watch. Really.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this movie. I really wasn't expecting much. I mean, Bobcat Goldthwaite? So, the end result was quite a pleasant surprise.
There are some incredibly nuanced family moments scattered throughout the movie. Melinda Page Hamilton puts in a good enough performance for an unknown that I can see she will be really great in the right part.
Amy's brother was played so kooky as to border on caricature, though his reaction to the news at the prison was particularly well done.
The friendship-at-work chemistry between Amy and Ed was really great, and I would have loved to see that relationship grow into something really intimate, as friends. Once they crossed the line into a romance, they were just not convincing. The speed with which Amy "recovered" from breaking up with John and moved into something with Ed was completely ridiculous. Though the film ended on a Happily Ever After note, I know that's one relationship that isn't going to last long.
Regardless of how unbelievable I felt their relationship to be, I enjoyed this film quite a bit.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this movie. I really wasn't expecting much. I mean, Bobcat Goldthwaite? So, the end result was quite a pleasant surprise.
There are some incredibly nuanced family moments scattered throughout the movie. Melinda Page Hamilton puts in a good enough performance for an unknown that I can see she will be really great in the right part.
Amy's brother was played so kooky as to border on caricature, though his reaction to the news at the prison was particularly well done.
The friendship-at-work chemistry between Amy and Ed was really great, and I would have loved to see that relationship grow into something really intimate, as friends. Once they crossed the line into a romance, they were just not convincing. The speed with which Amy "recovered" from breaking up with John and moved into something with Ed was completely ridiculous. Though the film ended on a Happily Ever After note, I know that's one relationship that isn't going to last long.
Regardless of how unbelievable I felt their relationship to be, I enjoyed this film quite a bit.
Book: Aiden's Bayou by Kimberley Reeves
Aiden's Bayou is a fun, relatively quick read. Good characterization throughout, with a couple of inconsistencies. Well-written, with few editable errors. For the most part, I love her brothers - I always wanted protective older brothers like these. Her mother is a classy dame. Cold-hearted bitch, but classy. Her father is a slightly stereotypical Italian family man, who doesn't seem quite as smart about his daughter as he is about his business empire.
Some things I noticed jumped out at me and made the story a little less great. For those small things, I'm taking off a star. Keep in mind that I didn't really notice them until I was done with the story, so they certainly didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
Any human being with even the tiniest bit of curiosity would probably have used the internet to find out what people were saying about them. I know that in Quin's situation, I most definitely would have. Then again, if he had, the huge dust-up with his mother wouldn't have been a plot point, and the story would have had less punch.
I found it slightly unbelievable that Aiden, who takes everything her parents dish out at home, could be such an assertive and savvy businesswoman out in the real world. The intro into her previous love life took up a little too much time and didn't really add to the plot, particularly as neither partner is mentioned again, except in passing, in Aiden's thoughts.
Aiden's best friend, Vivian, says at one point in the story that she's "been in love with you for years." Apparently, she didn't think that a legal researcher with a solid employment record would be good enough for the likes of James Champagne and so never even flirted with him. Nowhere else in the book does this lack of self-esteem really show through. She's smart and attractive and cares deeply about her friend Aiden.
SPOILER ALERT! In the end, guests at a wedding are told that there had been several mistakes, and that they were actually present to witness a double wedding. Except that, any marriage licenses would have had to be obtained prior to this little switcheroo, and therefore, neither wedding is actually legal.
The chemistry between Aiden and Quinten is fairly sizzling, and the descriptions of unexpectedly seeing someone across the room, someone with whom one is freshly in love, are perfect and tug at the heartstrings. Ah, to be young and in love again! I really did enjoy this book while I was reading it, and would gladly read something else by this author in the future.
Some things I noticed jumped out at me and made the story a little less great. For those small things, I'm taking off a star. Keep in mind that I didn't really notice them until I was done with the story, so they certainly didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
Any human being with even the tiniest bit of curiosity would probably have used the internet to find out what people were saying about them. I know that in Quin's situation, I most definitely would have. Then again, if he had, the huge dust-up with his mother wouldn't have been a plot point, and the story would have had less punch.
I found it slightly unbelievable that Aiden, who takes everything her parents dish out at home, could be such an assertive and savvy businesswoman out in the real world. The intro into her previous love life took up a little too much time and didn't really add to the plot, particularly as neither partner is mentioned again, except in passing, in Aiden's thoughts.
Aiden's best friend, Vivian, says at one point in the story that she's "been in love with you for years." Apparently, she didn't think that a legal researcher with a solid employment record would be good enough for the likes of James Champagne and so never even flirted with him. Nowhere else in the book does this lack of self-esteem really show through. She's smart and attractive and cares deeply about her friend Aiden.
SPOILER ALERT! In the end, guests at a wedding are told that there had been several mistakes, and that they were actually present to witness a double wedding. Except that, any marriage licenses would have had to be obtained prior to this little switcheroo, and therefore, neither wedding is actually legal.
The chemistry between Aiden and Quinten is fairly sizzling, and the descriptions of unexpectedly seeing someone across the room, someone with whom one is freshly in love, are perfect and tug at the heartstrings. Ah, to be young and in love again! I really did enjoy this book while I was reading it, and would gladly read something else by this author in the future.
Book: Meandros by Sasha White
I got a real feel for the two main characters, and would have enjoyed reading more about them, if their lives together had continued.
I was just getting into the story, looking forward to more about this couple and their sizzling relationship, and Bam! the story was over.
That is my only complaint about this one, is that it's short, short, short. Really short.
I was just getting into the story, looking forward to more about this couple and their sizzling relationship, and Bam! the story was over.
That is my only complaint about this one, is that it's short, short, short. Really short.
Book: Wild and Steamy - various authors
Of the three stories in this anthology, I actually only enjoyed Vixen, the middle story.
The first story, The Blushing Bounder, was so confusing at first, that I put it aside (figuratively, since this was a Kindle edition) and moved on to read other things I found more interesting. After a few weeks, the fact that I had not finished this one began to irk me, so I made myself read it. Not my cup of tea. This was the first steampunk story I'd ever read, and apparently, I'm not a fan.
Vixen was a cute little romp, with wonderful sexual tension, a realistic mother/daughter relationship, and good characterization. It had a leg up on the others, because I already read and enjoy shifter fiction. I would enjoy reading more about these four characters and their continuing lives.
Kitten-tiger and the Monk was least enjoyable. I understood the dystopian world in which the story was set, but I just didn't give a rip about the characters, not even when they were in mortal danger.
All three stories were well-written, just two of them not all that appealing this to particular audience.
The first story, The Blushing Bounder, was so confusing at first, that I put it aside (figuratively, since this was a Kindle edition) and moved on to read other things I found more interesting. After a few weeks, the fact that I had not finished this one began to irk me, so I made myself read it. Not my cup of tea. This was the first steampunk story I'd ever read, and apparently, I'm not a fan.
Vixen was a cute little romp, with wonderful sexual tension, a realistic mother/daughter relationship, and good characterization. It had a leg up on the others, because I already read and enjoy shifter fiction. I would enjoy reading more about these four characters and their continuing lives.
Kitten-tiger and the Monk was least enjoyable. I understood the dystopian world in which the story was set, but I just didn't give a rip about the characters, not even when they were in mortal danger.
All three stories were well-written, just two of them not all that appealing this to particular audience.
Book: The Last Witness by John Matthews
I am 27% into this book, and just cannot get any further. This will be one of a handful of books in my entire life that I don't finish.
It is written in some form of Canadian English that is unlike any Canadian English I've ever read. I can even read formal British English without losing any comprehension, but this one is leaving me behind. The author writes in long, convoluted, run-on sentences that are so confusing I have to read them three or four times to figure out what he's trying to say. I'm having trouble keeping the cast of characters straight, and frankly, right now, I don't really care about any of them except the little girl.
In addition to the strange language in which this book is written, there are a plethora of small mistakes, like using "wiseness" instead of "wisdom" that distract me even more from the story and make me wonder whether this author's first language is even English.
The other reviewer says that this book explodes when the two stories collide, and I'd like to be there for that, but I just can't keep reading this any longer. I'm thankful that I downloaded it when it was free.
Sorry, Mr. Matthews, but I won't be looking for any of your other work, either. No fanlove here.
It is written in some form of Canadian English that is unlike any Canadian English I've ever read. I can even read formal British English without losing any comprehension, but this one is leaving me behind. The author writes in long, convoluted, run-on sentences that are so confusing I have to read them three or four times to figure out what he's trying to say. I'm having trouble keeping the cast of characters straight, and frankly, right now, I don't really care about any of them except the little girl.
In addition to the strange language in which this book is written, there are a plethora of small mistakes, like using "wiseness" instead of "wisdom" that distract me even more from the story and make me wonder whether this author's first language is even English.
The other reviewer says that this book explodes when the two stories collide, and I'd like to be there for that, but I just can't keep reading this any longer. I'm thankful that I downloaded it when it was free.
Sorry, Mr. Matthews, but I won't be looking for any of your other work, either. No fanlove here.
Book: UnderHeaven by Tim Greaton
I'm taking off a star for typos and errata that could easily have been picked up by one more solid run-through by a proofreader/editor. The chronic overuse of commas in multiple-adjective descriptions comes to mind. Those commas slowed down my reading, taking me out of the story pretty seriously a couple of times, and just generally being annoying.
I read Mr. Greaton's short story The Santa Workshop and enjoyed it mildly - could have enjoyed it a lot more without the errors and typos. It was an interesting premise but too pat for me. At any rate, in the "back" of this Kindle purchase was an excerpt from Under-Heaven. I really got hooked into the story and wanted to read more. Luckily for me, Mr. Greaton had it for sale at 99 cents. I probably could not have afforded it otherwise, and frankly it's worth more.
This was a very long story about a young man's life after he dies. It's complex, with thorough descriptions and good characterization, and even some history thrown in for good measure. Parts of the story dragged a bit. After all, I really didn't need to know what the boy did every single minute of every single day the first few weeks in his temporary home. Those parts were over relatively quickly, though, and the rest of the book sucked me in and kept me reading well past my bedtime for several nights.
Despite some other reviewers claims, I did not find this book overly religious, and I'm not a christian. It was an interesting exploration into what happens after a person dies, from an individual child's point of view. There was no proselytizing or pushy imagery. I would call the premise spiritual rather than religious.
The young boy's life in Under-heaven is alternated periodically with the story of another young man who's holding out hope that his parents get back together. Descriptions of an addict's behavior were spot-on, and the parts of the story told from a five-year-old's point of view were true to the character's age without being simplistic or simple-minded.
The two stories are connected, though I didn't realize it until about halfway through the book. HOW they are connected was not what I expected, and yet, it was appropriate and made sense.
I devoured this book more than I enjoyed it, and it's the kind of book that if I owned it in print, I would probably keep it on my shelf and reread every few years to pick up on something new. The plot was full-tilt right up until the big reveal, after which the book ended pretty quickly with a slightly lame wrap-up that was inconsistent with some of the characters I'd come to know while reading. And, just fair warning, it's not a happily every after. It's a happily enough for now.
I read Mr. Greaton's short story The Santa Workshop and enjoyed it mildly - could have enjoyed it a lot more without the errors and typos. It was an interesting premise but too pat for me. At any rate, in the "back" of this Kindle purchase was an excerpt from Under-Heaven. I really got hooked into the story and wanted to read more. Luckily for me, Mr. Greaton had it for sale at 99 cents. I probably could not have afforded it otherwise, and frankly it's worth more.
This was a very long story about a young man's life after he dies. It's complex, with thorough descriptions and good characterization, and even some history thrown in for good measure. Parts of the story dragged a bit. After all, I really didn't need to know what the boy did every single minute of every single day the first few weeks in his temporary home. Those parts were over relatively quickly, though, and the rest of the book sucked me in and kept me reading well past my bedtime for several nights.
Despite some other reviewers claims, I did not find this book overly religious, and I'm not a christian. It was an interesting exploration into what happens after a person dies, from an individual child's point of view. There was no proselytizing or pushy imagery. I would call the premise spiritual rather than religious.
The young boy's life in Under-heaven is alternated periodically with the story of another young man who's holding out hope that his parents get back together. Descriptions of an addict's behavior were spot-on, and the parts of the story told from a five-year-old's point of view were true to the character's age without being simplistic or simple-minded.
The two stories are connected, though I didn't realize it until about halfway through the book. HOW they are connected was not what I expected, and yet, it was appropriate and made sense.
I devoured this book more than I enjoyed it, and it's the kind of book that if I owned it in print, I would probably keep it on my shelf and reread every few years to pick up on something new. The plot was full-tilt right up until the big reveal, after which the book ended pretty quickly with a slightly lame wrap-up that was inconsistent with some of the characters I'd come to know while reading. And, just fair warning, it's not a happily every after. It's a happily enough for now.
App Review: Random Mahjong
Random Mahjong
I found this accidentally while I was on Amazon searching for something else. I actually downloaded it through my Android phone, though.
The colors are vibrant, with pretty backgrounds and several different choices of tiles. The board moves as I remove tiles, making the remaining tiles bigger and easier to see and match up. The only downside I've found is that if I get down to the last tiles and can't remove them, the board reloads exactly as it was and I get to try again. I'd rather it shuffle the tiles and give me a new chance. However, that is a very small nitpick and most definitely has not kept me from playing the game late into the night when I'm supposed to be charging my phone. lol
The ad bar across the bottom is barely noticeable, and hasn't distracted me at all from playing.
The colors are vibrant, with pretty backgrounds and several different choices of tiles. The board moves as I remove tiles, making the remaining tiles bigger and easier to see and match up. The only downside I've found is that if I get down to the last tiles and can't remove them, the board reloads exactly as it was and I get to try again. I'd rather it shuffle the tiles and give me a new chance. However, that is a very small nitpick and most definitely has not kept me from playing the game late into the night when I'm supposed to be charging my phone. lol
The ad bar across the bottom is barely noticeable, and hasn't distracted me at all from playing.
Update - I've also downloaded this to my Kindle Fire, and it plays beautifully there, too. It also has the extra plus of being larger. lol
Book: Rock Hard (Sinners on Tour) by Olivia Cunning
This is billed as erotic romance. I wouldn't describe it that way at all. I did not read the other book first. In fact, I had never heard of this author prior to buying this book. I probably won't be buying the next book.
This is soft-core porn with a plot, and there's nothing wrong with that, if that's what you're paying for.
There's no romance, or at least none that jumped out at me and said, "Hey! I'm romantic!" There was nothing satisfying about Sed and Jessica's relationship and its forward motion (they got back together, that's all the resolution there was). To me, it wasn't erotic so much as sexually explicit. The two are not always interchangeable. There were shining moments in the plot that gave me hope for more, but in the end it those moments just led to more hot sex.
If you want to read a book that'll get you geared up and in the mood, by all means, this is the book for you. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, sex in public places, frank language, group sex, sex with drugs, BDSM. Once I let go of my expectations and read it as is, I was delighted. If I'd continued to think this was some kind of erotic romance novel, I would have been deeply disappointed.
This is soft-core porn with a plot, and there's nothing wrong with that, if that's what you're paying for.
There's no romance, or at least none that jumped out at me and said, "Hey! I'm romantic!" There was nothing satisfying about Sed and Jessica's relationship and its forward motion (they got back together, that's all the resolution there was). To me, it wasn't erotic so much as sexually explicit. The two are not always interchangeable. There were shining moments in the plot that gave me hope for more, but in the end it those moments just led to more hot sex.
If you want to read a book that'll get you geared up and in the mood, by all means, this is the book for you. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, sex in public places, frank language, group sex, sex with drugs, BDSM. Once I let go of my expectations and read it as is, I was delighted. If I'd continued to think this was some kind of erotic romance novel, I would have been deeply disappointed.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Book Review: Born To Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann
Downloaded this one to my Kindle from the local library after quite the wait. lol Born To
Darkness is dystopian futuristic paranormal romance, for lack of a
better category. Its US is a dark and dreary place; the US in which
these events happen is one I can see coming, and hope like hell I'm
wrong about.
I loved this! Brockmann's other books about the SEALs had kinda reached a point where the number of people who merited at least a brief mention was getting just a bit unwieldy. I look forward to seeing more about some of the main characters (I do love my military men and my Troubleshooters!), and it still seems like she's reached a pretty decent resting place for now. It might be interesting if at some point in the future of this series, she's able to tie it back in some way to previous characters.
The cast of this book is fairly large, too, with eightish main characters and nearly a dozen secondary/supporting characters. The characters were written in such a way that they interacted with each other frequently enough that getting to know the characters (and not just as couples) was easy and the transitions between events were mostly seamless. The friendships were wonderfully-written.
Establishing the couples as couples was a bit rushed, particularly in the case of Dr. Z and Diaz. That one went from less than zero to eighty in a matter of seconds, it seemed like. Despite this, each of the couples was believable to me, and I want to see where they go from here. The sexual/physical intimacy these couples experienced was a little off for a Brockmann book. Not that the chemistry felt forced, as another reviewer mentioned, but not as hot as I've come to expect. I think this was due more to the need to build this world and these relationships, and I'm willing to be in this for the long haul. I truly believe that the chemistry will build with subsequent stories as the characters deepen their emotional connections with one another.
Brockmann subscribed to the strength-through-adversity school in creating her heroines, as each has faced and triumphed over some dark and scary stuff. Having said that, those women still have ISSUES, which are bound to come up in future books. I like that these women are real for the future in which this is set, not for today's US or today's science; they are not one-note perky pollyannas but complex women.
Fair warning: there is frank sexual abuse, sexual intimacy without emotional connection and male/male sexual interaction. If any of this bothers you, move along. Born To Darkness does not give us a happily ever after. When it's done correctly, I sometimes prefer the happily enough for now which we get in this book.
It's apparent to me that there will be more to this story, and I for one am looking forward to it!
I loved this! Brockmann's other books about the SEALs had kinda reached a point where the number of people who merited at least a brief mention was getting just a bit unwieldy. I look forward to seeing more about some of the main characters (I do love my military men and my Troubleshooters!), and it still seems like she's reached a pretty decent resting place for now. It might be interesting if at some point in the future of this series, she's able to tie it back in some way to previous characters.
The cast of this book is fairly large, too, with eightish main characters and nearly a dozen secondary/supporting characters. The characters were written in such a way that they interacted with each other frequently enough that getting to know the characters (and not just as couples) was easy and the transitions between events were mostly seamless. The friendships were wonderfully-written.
Establishing the couples as couples was a bit rushed, particularly in the case of Dr. Z and Diaz. That one went from less than zero to eighty in a matter of seconds, it seemed like. Despite this, each of the couples was believable to me, and I want to see where they go from here. The sexual/physical intimacy these couples experienced was a little off for a Brockmann book. Not that the chemistry felt forced, as another reviewer mentioned, but not as hot as I've come to expect. I think this was due more to the need to build this world and these relationships, and I'm willing to be in this for the long haul. I truly believe that the chemistry will build with subsequent stories as the characters deepen their emotional connections with one another.
Brockmann subscribed to the strength-through-adversity school in creating her heroines, as each has faced and triumphed over some dark and scary stuff. Having said that, those women still have ISSUES, which are bound to come up in future books. I like that these women are real for the future in which this is set, not for today's US or today's science; they are not one-note perky pollyannas but complex women.
Fair warning: there is frank sexual abuse, sexual intimacy without emotional connection and male/male sexual interaction. If any of this bothers you, move along. Born To Darkness does not give us a happily ever after. When it's done correctly, I sometimes prefer the happily enough for now which we get in this book.
It's apparent to me that there will be more to this story, and I for one am looking forward to it!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt coupon
I haven't tried this one yet, and I'm looking forward to it. Yoplait is already my favorite yogurt, and I'd really like to try the lactose-free offerings. In the meantime, here's a coupon, courtesy of MyBlogSpark.
Yoplait recently announced its new Yoplait® Lactose Free yogurt. Inspired by the Yoplait yogurt we know and love, Lactose Free comes in four delicious flavors - Strawberry, Peach, French Vanilla and Cherry - and contains 50% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup. Lactose Free contains NO artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes - like chocolate crème brulee and strawberry cheesecake.
Lactose intolerant or know someone who is? You can visit http://bit.ly/IiJBKU to download a printable coupon for $0.30 when you buy any flavor of Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt cups.
*The coupon offer for Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt is not valid in some states, including Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.
Yoplait recently announced its new Yoplait® Lactose Free yogurt. Inspired by the Yoplait yogurt we know and love, Lactose Free comes in four delicious flavors - Strawberry, Peach, French Vanilla and Cherry - and contains 50% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup. Lactose Free contains NO artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes - like chocolate crème brulee and strawberry cheesecake.
Lactose intolerant or know someone who is? You can visit http://bit.ly/IiJBKU to download a printable coupon for $0.30 when you buy any flavor of Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt cups.
*The coupon offer for Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt is not valid in some states, including Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Reviewers to trust, or to avoid
When you are looking at cookbooks on Amazon, look for reviews by either "Gramma" or "Lucy Ditty." I've noticed each lady tends to give fair, unbiased reviews featuring her own honest opinion Both ladies have apparently been cooking a long time, and review a LOT of cookbooks. Gramma's profile says she owns something like 600 hardcopy cookbooks, and who knows how many digital. Even though the vast majority of books I "buy" are free for my Kindle, I have begun to look for a review by either lady before I'll bother getting the cookbook.
On the other hand, "Harriet Klausner" reviews other books, fiction mostly. She reviews so many every day, I cannot imagine how she has time to read, much less the two books a day her profile states. Very few of her reviews show less than four-star ratings, and I'd take her opinion with a large grain of salt. I've noticed that she's started posting reviews as "A Customer" and then signing her name at the bottom of the review. I see her name and I just don't even bother reading.
On the other hand, "Harriet Klausner" reviews other books, fiction mostly. She reviews so many every day, I cannot imagine how she has time to read, much less the two books a day her profile states. Very few of her reviews show less than four-star ratings, and I'd take her opinion with a large grain of salt. I've noticed that she's started posting reviews as "A Customer" and then signing her name at the bottom of the review. I see her name and I just don't even bother reading.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Blockbuster DVDs at home for Dummies (well, this one, anyway)
Had a free two-month deal with Blockbuster for DVDs at home, with unlimited exchange in-store. It ends tomorrow.
The first week, I got DVDs three times - one day turnarounds. Keep in mind I live in Dallas, where there is most assuredly a Blockbuster warehouse for this service. Nonetheless, I was impressed by that. After that first week, I was lucky to get DVDs once a week. It would take two days to get to them from me, then another day to check in and sometimes another day to mail out whatever was next in my queue, and sometimes two days to get to me after they said it was mailed.
In addition, after experiencing the selection wonderland that is Netflix (granted, more than four years ago), I was sorely underwhelmed by Blockbuster's DVD selection. At least half a dozen times, I searched for something that was fairly recent, and they didn't have it. Online, I'm talking, not in-store.
There is no Blockbuster anywhere near me, so those unlimited in-store exchanges were worthless to me. Totally wish I could have taken advantage of that, because that would definitely have added to the value.
The queue interface is not as intuitive as I remember Netflix being, and it's really easy to get the queue disordered accidentally, and have to spend an hour fixing it back to the right order. It's a three step process to add TV seasons to the queue, and to make certain that each series comes in order, one series at a time. How to do that is nowhere in the help information - I had to chat with a customer service rep to learn how to do it, and then only after I'd gotten Season One, DVD 1 and Season Two, DVD 1, of the same series, both at the same time. The reasoning behind that particular thing is both irritating and ridiculous.
Bottom line for me: slightly more expensive than Netflix for poorer service and a lackluster selection. Not worth my money. Cancelled. Cancelling took me to ELEVEN screens, wherein Blockbuster asked me three separate times if I was sure I didn't want to pick another plan instead of cancelling.
Maybe someday, if I live next door to a Blockbuster, this might be worth it. But by the time that happens, there probably won't be any Blockbuster stores left in the state.
Friday, March 23, 2012
To sleep, to sleep
For about the last two years, I've had a weird sleep schedule. At first, it was just that I was up late, sometimes not going to bed until three or four in the morning. It progressed over time until I *couldn't* sleep until five or six in the morning. By the time Baby Potatohead came along, I couldn't sleep until after the sun came up. Since all the Potatoheads were night owls, and they lived with me, this was not really an issue, other than sleeping so late in the day that I could not get normal daytime chores, like going to the Post Office or the bank, done during working hours.
Things leveled out some after I moved out of the apartment, and couch-surfed with a friend for three months. I was still a night owl, with occasional nights where I didn't sleep until five or six in the morning, but mostly, I was going to sleep by two or three. That may have been because said friend has a school-age daughter and their morning routine would frequently interrupt my sleep long enough that I couldn't go back to sleep, thus making me tired earlier that night. It may or may not have had something to do with having cable on the TV. I am used to going to sleep with the TV on the Law and Order channel, and in absence of TV, then a DVD movie. I cannot count the number of times I've gone to sleep to Speed or Armageddon or Die Hard. Yes, the movies have to be blow-shit-up for me to sleep to them. Don't ask me why.
Now, though, my sleep schedule is so messed up that it's actually creating extra stress for me. I don't sleep every day anymore. That's right, I don't sleep every day. I try to. I get tired. I go to bed. I read boring books. I close my eyes and meditate. I do any number of things that have worked for me before and no joy. One night last week, I went to bed early because I was tired. 9PM is very early for me. Six hours later, I realized I had finished three books and was still awake. I tried sleeping to a favorite TV episode on my Kindle Fire. I barely dozed for a few minutes. I meditated, my usual four-four meditation. All that, and I didn't actually get to sleep until nearly ten the following morning, thirteen hours after I went to bed. Then, I didn't sleep but about five hours.
So now, I sleep one "night," then am awake for the remainder of that day and all of the following day, finally falling asleep sometime in the late wee hours of the third day. In other words, let's say I sleep Monday morning, from about six until about two in the afternoon. Then, I'll be awake the rest of Monday, all of Tuesday, and finally be able to fall asleep sometime around five or six on Wednesday morning, if I'm lucky. Sometimes, it's actually much later than five or six. Basically my wake time is at least thirty-six hours.
It's driving me crazy. Crazier. It's a serious struggle to drag myself out of bed on the occasions when I DO have something to do that requires me to be somewhere before noon. Heaven forbid I have to be somewhere at eight or nine in the morning, particularly since that also requires me to build in an extra two hours for the bus ride. Grrr.
On top of this sleep schedule weirdness, I'm also not sleeping well. Once I'm asleep, I don't wake up. That's not the issue. I just wake up five to eight hours later, and feel like I haven't slept at all. I think it would be a thousand times worse if I weren't using my CPAP, but frankly, I'm afraid to sleep without that thing. I dread the idea that the machine might have a mechanical issue, because I haven't had insurance for four years. I have no means of replacing the little bits, like the mask or the hose, much less a machine that costs in the neighborhood of $800.
My landlord/roommate thinks it's just an oddity about my circadian rhythm that I have to adjust to. Who knows? Depression? Menopause? Anxiety? Stress? My body resetting itself? Some health issue about which I'm clueless?
While I don't know what's causing it, I do know that it's causing me frustration and irritation. I'm cranky enough normally. Me uber-cranky is just not pleasant. Not for other people and not for me.
Things leveled out some after I moved out of the apartment, and couch-surfed with a friend for three months. I was still a night owl, with occasional nights where I didn't sleep until five or six in the morning, but mostly, I was going to sleep by two or three. That may have been because said friend has a school-age daughter and their morning routine would frequently interrupt my sleep long enough that I couldn't go back to sleep, thus making me tired earlier that night. It may or may not have had something to do with having cable on the TV. I am used to going to sleep with the TV on the Law and Order channel, and in absence of TV, then a DVD movie. I cannot count the number of times I've gone to sleep to Speed or Armageddon or Die Hard. Yes, the movies have to be blow-shit-up for me to sleep to them. Don't ask me why.
Now, though, my sleep schedule is so messed up that it's actually creating extra stress for me. I don't sleep every day anymore. That's right, I don't sleep every day. I try to. I get tired. I go to bed. I read boring books. I close my eyes and meditate. I do any number of things that have worked for me before and no joy. One night last week, I went to bed early because I was tired. 9PM is very early for me. Six hours later, I realized I had finished three books and was still awake. I tried sleeping to a favorite TV episode on my Kindle Fire. I barely dozed for a few minutes. I meditated, my usual four-four meditation. All that, and I didn't actually get to sleep until nearly ten the following morning, thirteen hours after I went to bed. Then, I didn't sleep but about five hours.
So now, I sleep one "night," then am awake for the remainder of that day and all of the following day, finally falling asleep sometime in the late wee hours of the third day. In other words, let's say I sleep Monday morning, from about six until about two in the afternoon. Then, I'll be awake the rest of Monday, all of Tuesday, and finally be able to fall asleep sometime around five or six on Wednesday morning, if I'm lucky. Sometimes, it's actually much later than five or six. Basically my wake time is at least thirty-six hours.
It's driving me crazy. Crazier. It's a serious struggle to drag myself out of bed on the occasions when I DO have something to do that requires me to be somewhere before noon. Heaven forbid I have to be somewhere at eight or nine in the morning, particularly since that also requires me to build in an extra two hours for the bus ride. Grrr.
On top of this sleep schedule weirdness, I'm also not sleeping well. Once I'm asleep, I don't wake up. That's not the issue. I just wake up five to eight hours later, and feel like I haven't slept at all. I think it would be a thousand times worse if I weren't using my CPAP, but frankly, I'm afraid to sleep without that thing. I dread the idea that the machine might have a mechanical issue, because I haven't had insurance for four years. I have no means of replacing the little bits, like the mask or the hose, much less a machine that costs in the neighborhood of $800.
My landlord/roommate thinks it's just an oddity about my circadian rhythm that I have to adjust to. Who knows? Depression? Menopause? Anxiety? Stress? My body resetting itself? Some health issue about which I'm clueless?
While I don't know what's causing it, I do know that it's causing me frustration and irritation. I'm cranky enough normally. Me uber-cranky is just not pleasant. Not for other people and not for me.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Dreams
Had the strangest dream today (yes, I didn't get to sleep until after 0600, so it was today). This was one of those rare occasions when I was dreaming, then wake up, do something, and go back to sleep and slip right back into the exact same dream. Brendan Fehr (Michael Guerin, Roswell) represented my brother (worst casting EVAR, brain!) and it was full of the most bizarre and wonderful events. The dream left me with something important to my waking life, and all I can consciously remember are Brendan as my brother, a vague recollection of having a sister and a welcome and much-needed hug from a real-life friend I haven't actually seen in person in fifteen years. Oh, and the word "skin," imbued with great importance, though not related to the story-arc of Skins on Roswell.
I have new insight into the importance of hugs in my life, and the strange idea that I've been hugging wrong.
I have new insight into the importance of hugs in my life, and the strange idea that I've been hugging wrong.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Book: Underground Guardians: Protector by Lisa Renee Jones
I read the first third and it was rough and slow reading. Then I took a break to read several other books. I came back to this book, night after night, and would read a few pages and just give up and pick another book to read. At the end of each book, I would try to read this one again.
Mason is tortured by his belief that he is Arion (and yes, this was purposely styled after the Aryan Brotherhood of Nazi Germany), by his belief that Holly won't love him if she knows (something), by his belief that Holly needs to love him of her own free will without knowing that he has Mated her as an Arion. There were several times that I was disgusted that this educated and seemingly strong woman would just knuckle under to Mason's orders, particularly when it related to matters of trust - hers for him or his for her. He would basically say, "No, we're not going to talk about it, we're going to screw instead." I paraphrased, of course, but it was pretty much the same result every time. She would want to discuss whatever he was keeping from her, and he would insist on having sex instead. And she would give in. Again.
The sex scenes were blah, and it seemed more like some chemical reaction that made them need to rut constantly than a passionate need to touch each other. I get being in love and this wasn't it for me.
I got to 83% and finally decided in the middle of a paragraph that I really just didn't care what happened to any of the characters or care how the book ended or care that I was leaving a book unfinished. I just felt relieved to be done. I skimmed through the rest of the book, and what few things caught my eye were more tortured Mason, tell instead of show about the Arions, and Holly being overpowered by Mason yet again to have sex. She's crying desperately over something and two paragraphs later, she's screaming in ecstasy. Oooookaaay.
So, your mileage may vary, and it was definitely not one I enjoyed.
This was a free Kindle download.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Book: Abduction of Mary Rose by Joan Hall Hovey
This is a fairly good mystery, with decent suspense in places. Hovey's work here verges on very good, but never quite makes it. I see evidence that she can (maybe will, maybe already is) be a great writer, as the bones of the story are wonderful.
The opening hooked me right in, and the first third of the book kept the momentum going. As the story progressed, though, the suspense lessened, the dastardly villain was revealed (about halfway through) and the instances of proofreading errors increased greatly. It became more of a chore to keep going, and just about the time the mistakes made me consider quitting, the book reached its climax. The 3/4 in place of dashes, starting with the first page and continuing through the entirety of the book, were especially annoying.
I did keep reading to the end, because I had come to care a bit about the main character, Mary Rose's daughter, Naomi. As far as characterization goes, Naomi was definitely most fleshed out and easiest to understand. Secondary characters were less consistently well done and in some cases, not well at all for their importance to the continuity.
This book was not a dog, but wasn't great, either. Solid three stars for keeping me interested in what happened to Naomi long enough to ignore the other stuff.
This was a Kindle edition that I downloaded while it was free.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Book: Second Star by Dana Stabenow
I found this book on one of my searches for free Kindle downloads. I put off reading it because I just have so many Kindle books on my phone!
One I started, I had a really difficult time stopping for little things like eating, and I did not go to sleep until I finished it.
This is hard science-fiction, no fantasy here. Wonderful characters about whom it was easy to care - I cried in at least two places, so much did I care about the characters. Even though much of the book is basically "a day in the life," it was far from mundane. When the story heated up and the real action got started, it was even more fascinating.
Polished writing and professional editing. I did not find a single editable error in the entire book. Considering the state of many of my Kindle reads lately, I'd almost give an extra star just for that, if I could. :)
My two regrets: I did not find this book, or its sequels in the 90s, and the two Kindle sequels are completely out of my budget.
Suitable for about 13 and up. There are a couple of sexual situations alluded to, but not actually put on paper (so to speak).
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Book: Ten More Bodies by Connie Triplett
I made myself finish this one, because the last book I tried to read, I
had to give up, and I refused to give up on two books in a row. I'm
giving it three stars because it was a good story that could have been
great. FBI agents, serial killers, small-town law enforcement, southern
settings, maybe a touch of romance. All things I love in a book. I
took a chance on a book with only two reviews, with one being from the
alleged proofreader, and thought I couldn't miss. Boy, was I wrong.
The writing was high school level, with awkward sentence structure, grammar errors and an inexplicable dearth of commas where they really should have been. Gads! Chapters were rife with short sentences, quotation marks around conversations with no idea who was actually speaking, and thought processes that seemed more suited to high school students than trained FBI agents. There were characterization issues and problems with realism: federal agents don't hop on planes on a whim, or visit death row prisoners just because they ask. Nor do they conduct entire investigations without reporting to a supervisor. Trained federal agents who happen to be female and "serial killer specialists" don't scream like ten-year-olds and give up on life just because there is no immediately obvious way to get out of a dangerous situation without a male agent readily to hand.
I'll give Ms. Triplett credit for an intriguing idea that could have kept me immersed, but not for writing a good book. The end leaves room for a sequel. Unfortunately for this author, I won't be looking for it.
If grammar errors don't bother you, feel free to read this book - you may just like it. Otherwise, steer clear.
This was a free Kindle edition.
The writing was high school level, with awkward sentence structure, grammar errors and an inexplicable dearth of commas where they really should have been. Gads! Chapters were rife with short sentences, quotation marks around conversations with no idea who was actually speaking, and thought processes that seemed more suited to high school students than trained FBI agents. There were characterization issues and problems with realism: federal agents don't hop on planes on a whim, or visit death row prisoners just because they ask. Nor do they conduct entire investigations without reporting to a supervisor. Trained federal agents who happen to be female and "serial killer specialists" don't scream like ten-year-olds and give up on life just because there is no immediately obvious way to get out of a dangerous situation without a male agent readily to hand.
I'll give Ms. Triplett credit for an intriguing idea that could have kept me immersed, but not for writing a good book. The end leaves room for a sequel. Unfortunately for this author, I won't be looking for it.
If grammar errors don't bother you, feel free to read this book - you may just like it. Otherwise, steer clear.
This was a free Kindle edition.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Book: Killer Temptations, volume 1 by Danity O'Shae
I enjoyed this book, a little bit. I wanted to enjoy it more, but the plot kept getting interrupted with sex scenes. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE sex in my books - the more graphic the better, though I prefer tastefully graphic, rather than prurient. But in this case, the sex scenes were fairly short, not really very appealing, and were stuck in right when the story itself was starting to get interesting. Some scenes were necessary, considering the subject and plotline. Necessary or not, they nearly always felt intrusive rather than important to forwarding the movement of the plot, and the attraction between the two main female characters seemed contrived and was never convincing to me.
There is a really good story lurking here, about the underground S&M club scene, and the women who get into it, for whatever reasons. It just never lived up to its potential. The relationships were good, but not really great, not enough to make me really care about following these women into the next book.
Supremely annoying was the author's use of the word breast, always referring to both breasts. She would say nipples or titties, but the word breast was always singular. The first couple of times, I just thought it was a typo, but it continued to happen. She used it a lot, and I got so tired of it.
At the time of this review submission, I'm the sole dissenting vote in a small field of five-star ratings, so your mileage probably will vary.
This was a free Kindle edition of the book.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Book: Embers of Hope, Flickers of Passion by Kristen James
Gag me. With a spoon.
The writing level in this book is someone taking college courses, writing a novella for a class assignment. Poor sentence structure, mixed up words, bad grammar, and so on. It needs a solid once-over from an editor/proofreader (the author's blurb claims she is one, but if so.....) to clean up the mess. I was mentally rewriting the book while I was reading it.
The premise was good - a woman moves to Texas from Oregon, meets a guy, marries him, has a baby with him, then comes home because her best friend's husband died. The woman has secrets about her time in Texas, things she didn't tell either her best friend, Cassie, or her mother, Margaret.
To the book's detriment, therein lies much of the conflict in the story - Savannah reconciling her secrets within herself, and sharing them with her friend and her mother. In what could have been an interesting twist, turns out that the guy Cassie sends to pick Savannah up at the truck rental place when she hits town is Cassie's dead husband's best friend, and is also the firefighter who rescued Savannah from an apartment fire two years ago. Unfortunately, Cassie is angry at Jason for killing her husband (not that he actually did), and the chemistry between Savannah and Jason is tepid, at best. The enmity between Cassie and Jason is the remaining conflict in the story. There's a small B arc with Savannah's ex-husband suing for custody, but it's not even really interesting. That B arc did have the most glaring mistake in the book, so wrong that it stuck in my mind. A woman CANNOT keep a man from seeing his children just because he is not paying child support. CANNOT. In the eyes of the law, paying child support and spending time with your children are two completely disparate things.
Jason resists getting sexual with Savannah (with one maddening exception) for over 80% of the book, for reasons that didn't make sense to me at all. When they did finally consummate, there was a lot of ear-nuzzling and back-rubbing, leading to the least satisfying sexual experience I've read in quite a long time. I mean, they were talking throughout their encounter! If the sex is good, conversation with full words is damn near impossible. The one sexual encounter about halfway through the book happened on the couch with the toddler playing in the kitchen. Every mom I know lets her kid play in the kitchen unsupervised. And every mom I know thinks that you can indulge in some heavy petting on the couch and the kid won't even notice the noise.
I would have like to have enjoyed this book, but I really didn't. Too bad, because it could have been a really good story. I might give Ms. James another try in five or six years, in the hopes that her writing has matured, or she has a better editor. But since there are so many books out there to read, probably not.
This was a free Kindle edition.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Book: Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater
Love a man in uniform, especially when he's a cowboy, but...
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. It was well-written, a very pleasant change for a Kindle edition, with great characterization and colorfully scenic backdrops. Laughably accurate as to high school football in Texas, particularly in small towns. It was a sweet love story, with a sweet ending. Nonspoilery comments: there is no cursing and no sex, only some very tame kisses, and a scene or two with fairly frank descriptions of a man struggling with battle fatigue. That's as untame as it gets.
Ms. Gillenwater set this book (and future books, I presume) in West Texas (not to be confused with West, TX, lol) on a working ranch outside of a small town. The small town is named after the heroine's family.
Descriptions of work done on the ranch, and on the neighboring cotton farm, were accurate, to the best of my knowledge, but glossed over a few things, maybe because such descriptions of spring roundup activities, for example, would have been inappropriate for the christian audience.
PTSD is a serious issue, not just for many of today's returning Armed Services veterans, but for those who have been back for years, or even decades. Good work on that front, too, Ms. G. Great foundation for further information in the upcoming books, since PTSD is not a "curable" thing, but an ongoing struggle.
A minor quibble is that the two-year-old in the story, the heroine's son, was asking questions of his uncle at the wedding. They were cute questions, but I found it difficult to believe that two such conscientious parents (and yes, I'm including the hero) would have gotten to the wedding stage of the game without having a talk with the toddler about the changes they were making to his life. Talk about just asking for a temper tantrum!
What strained my credulity, almost to the breaking point, is the idea of a town where every character described is a devout christian, even random people just visiting the town. Seriously? Not real, not even in a small Texas town. Then, to be even more unbelievable, the hero of the story was a grown man, nearing thirty, as far as I could gather from the descriptions of his life both before and after his military service. I have never met a grown man, however plain, however devoutly christian, nearing thirty, who had not only never kissed a girl/woman (at all), but had never even dated. Not once. Uh-huh. And from all accounts, he was far from plain. Sorry, Ms. G. Ya totally lost me there.
I finished the book, and if christian fiction were my bag (how I wish I had known what this was before I "bought" it!), I probably would have loved this story. I did recommend it to several christian friends of mine, who I imagine will think it eminently readable. For me, though, the praying and talking to the Lord and God will provides and all that was overkill and, along with the above issues, took two stars away from an otherwise wonderful story.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. It was well-written, a very pleasant change for a Kindle edition, with great characterization and colorfully scenic backdrops. Laughably accurate as to high school football in Texas, particularly in small towns. It was a sweet love story, with a sweet ending. Nonspoilery comments: there is no cursing and no sex, only some very tame kisses, and a scene or two with fairly frank descriptions of a man struggling with battle fatigue. That's as untame as it gets.
Ms. Gillenwater set this book (and future books, I presume) in West Texas (not to be confused with West, TX, lol) on a working ranch outside of a small town. The small town is named after the heroine's family.
Descriptions of work done on the ranch, and on the neighboring cotton farm, were accurate, to the best of my knowledge, but glossed over a few things, maybe because such descriptions of spring roundup activities, for example, would have been inappropriate for the christian audience.
PTSD is a serious issue, not just for many of today's returning Armed Services veterans, but for those who have been back for years, or even decades. Good work on that front, too, Ms. G. Great foundation for further information in the upcoming books, since PTSD is not a "curable" thing, but an ongoing struggle.
A minor quibble is that the two-year-old in the story, the heroine's son, was asking questions of his uncle at the wedding. They were cute questions, but I found it difficult to believe that two such conscientious parents (and yes, I'm including the hero) would have gotten to the wedding stage of the game without having a talk with the toddler about the changes they were making to his life. Talk about just asking for a temper tantrum!
What strained my credulity, almost to the breaking point, is the idea of a town where every character described is a devout christian, even random people just visiting the town. Seriously? Not real, not even in a small Texas town. Then, to be even more unbelievable, the hero of the story was a grown man, nearing thirty, as far as I could gather from the descriptions of his life both before and after his military service. I have never met a grown man, however plain, however devoutly christian, nearing thirty, who had not only never kissed a girl/woman (at all), but had never even dated. Not once. Uh-huh. And from all accounts, he was far from plain. Sorry, Ms. G. Ya totally lost me there.
I finished the book, and if christian fiction were my bag (how I wish I had known what this was before I "bought" it!), I probably would have loved this story. I did recommend it to several christian friends of mine, who I imagine will think it eminently readable. For me, though, the praying and talking to the Lord and God will provides and all that was overkill and, along with the above issues, took two stars away from an otherwise wonderful story.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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Friday, December 16, 2011
Freebie: A Cold Creek Christmas
In my capacity as a Harlequin Ambassador, I received five copies of A Cold Creek Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne. Just got the package today, so I can't review it yet.
Here's the back cover.
Just back from a tour of duty, all Major Brant Western wanted was a hot meal and a warm bed. What he didn't need was the stunning socialite in disguise who'd just shown up at his family's Cold Creek ranch. Scandal trailed bad girl Mimi Van Hoyt - aka Maura - everywhere she went. But once Brant discovered her secret, how could he turn her away?
Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard was not Mimi's idea of a fun time in the Tetons. Then why was she starting to think this sexy soldier could be more than her shelter from the storm? And the more determined Brant was to protect her and her unborn child, the more she believed that this honorable, irresistible military man was the only man for her.
OK, so a man in uniform, mountains, snow, and a baby. What more could you ask for in a book? lol
It looks like there are actually several books by Ms. Thayne that are set in Cold Creek, so if you like this one, there are others in the series, possibly with some of the same supporting characters.
Let me know if you think you'd like to read it.
Here's the back cover.
Just back from a tour of duty, all Major Brant Western wanted was a hot meal and a warm bed. What he didn't need was the stunning socialite in disguise who'd just shown up at his family's Cold Creek ranch. Scandal trailed bad girl Mimi Van Hoyt - aka Maura - everywhere she went. But once Brant discovered her secret, how could he turn her away?
Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard was not Mimi's idea of a fun time in the Tetons. Then why was she starting to think this sexy soldier could be more than her shelter from the storm? And the more determined Brant was to protect her and her unborn child, the more she believed that this honorable, irresistible military man was the only man for her.
OK, so a man in uniform, mountains, snow, and a baby. What more could you ask for in a book? lol
It looks like there are actually several books by Ms. Thayne that are set in Cold Creek, so if you like this one, there are others in the series, possibly with some of the same supporting characters.
Let me know if you think you'd like to read it.
BzzCampaign: Kroger Private Selection - dessert
I am part of the Kroger Private Selection BzzCampaign on BzzAgent, and got coupons to try several Private Selection products for free, and to purchase others at $2 off. (I could share the coupons, too. Anybody want one?)
In addition to the ice cream bars I've already reviewed, I picked up Northern Spy Apple Crisp, using one of the $2 off coupons. It sounded interesting, and I wanted to try something else that wasn't ice cream.
These mini-dessert bowls come two per package, and I guess I misread the package, because I thought there were four, and was disappointed when I opened it. At the shelf price of $4.59, these are fairly expensive desserts, and I would not ordinarily pay that much - particularly when I can get an entire apple pie for about a dollar more. Or, you know, make one. lol
That said, the apple crisp was really good! The spiced apple pie filling was perfectly seasoned and the crispy topping was just the right amount of crunchy. With a small bowl of vanilla ice cream, I think this would make a really great dessert for a single or couple who want a tasty dessert without much effort. And if your food budget is bigger than mine, then the price is probably reasonable.
This dessert gets a thumbs up from me!
In addition to the ice cream bars I've already reviewed, I picked up Northern Spy Apple Crisp, using one of the $2 off coupons. It sounded interesting, and I wanted to try something else that wasn't ice cream.
These mini-dessert bowls come two per package, and I guess I misread the package, because I thought there were four, and was disappointed when I opened it. At the shelf price of $4.59, these are fairly expensive desserts, and I would not ordinarily pay that much - particularly when I can get an entire apple pie for about a dollar more. Or, you know, make one. lol
That said, the apple crisp was really good! The spiced apple pie filling was perfectly seasoned and the crispy topping was just the right amount of crunchy. With a small bowl of vanilla ice cream, I think this would make a really great dessert for a single or couple who want a tasty dessert without much effort. And if your food budget is bigger than mine, then the price is probably reasonable.
This dessert gets a thumbs up from me!
BzzCampaign: Kroger Private Selection - appetizer
I am part of the Kroger Private Selection BzzCampaign on BzzAgent, and got coupons to try several Private Selection products for free.
When I was at the grocery store the other day, one of my selections was the mini-quiche appetizer. There are nine per package, and the shelf price was $6.79. Under normal circumstances, I would not pay that much for an appetizer, and consider that price to be much too high for a package of nine.
My package, when I opened it today, contained only eight. Lucky me. lol Had I paid for this purchase, I would complain.
I prepared the quiches as instructed on the box, and let them cool a couple of minutes. The crusts were pretty good - flaky but not crumbly, and didn't taste floury. A good-tasting crust is hard to make. So, thumbs up on the crust, Kroger chefs.
As for taste, they were good, but not great, and I wasn't really impressed. The mushroom quiches were a bit overpowering. I think they would have tasted better had the mushroom bits been distributed into the egg mixture, rather than all sitting at the bottom. The spinach quiches had more spinach than egg, and though I like spinach, I didn't particularly like this flavor at all. The florentine quiche was the best of the three, with a good balance of ingredients, spiced well (as in neither bland nor heavily seasoned) and was actually the most attractive visually.
All in all, this product did not make the cut, and I am not likely to repurchase them, nor can I recommend this specific appetizer to friends or family.
When I was at the grocery store the other day, one of my selections was the mini-quiche appetizer. There are nine per package, and the shelf price was $6.79. Under normal circumstances, I would not pay that much for an appetizer, and consider that price to be much too high for a package of nine.
My package, when I opened it today, contained only eight. Lucky me. lol Had I paid for this purchase, I would complain.
I prepared the quiches as instructed on the box, and let them cool a couple of minutes. The crusts were pretty good - flaky but not crumbly, and didn't taste floury. A good-tasting crust is hard to make. So, thumbs up on the crust, Kroger chefs.
As for taste, they were good, but not great, and I wasn't really impressed. The mushroom quiches were a bit overpowering. I think they would have tasted better had the mushroom bits been distributed into the egg mixture, rather than all sitting at the bottom. The spinach quiches had more spinach than egg, and though I like spinach, I didn't particularly like this flavor at all. The florentine quiche was the best of the three, with a good balance of ingredients, spiced well (as in neither bland nor heavily seasoned) and was actually the most attractive visually.
All in all, this product did not make the cut, and I am not likely to repurchase them, nor can I recommend this specific appetizer to friends or family.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Review: Aveeno Hand Cream
I have got the driest hands on the planet I think. Not just regular dry skin, but creepy, rustling snakeskin husks on the ends of my arms. I have found a hand lotion that is just about perfect: Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream. If I use it, even just once a day, my skin doesn't get all dry and flaky and just plain gross (in my mind, anyway). It soaks in quickly and holds up to my obsessive hand-washing habits. It is really good stuff. And no, I'm not getting a farthing for this, just turning you on to some fantastic hand lotion. I wish they had it in bigger sizes so I could use it on my legs. Yes, if a white girl's legs can be ashy, mine are. :D
BzzCampaign: Kroger Private Selection
I got into the Kroger Private Selection BzzCampaign and got my BzzKit last week. I was finally able to get to the store yesterday. This not having a car thing really sucks! My BzzKit included coupons for three free items as well as several coupons for $2 off those same items. With the $2 off coupons at my local store, this leaves these items under $2 each. Great deal!
Anyway, I had never been to this Kroger before, since I've only been here in the house a couple of weeks. It was a very unfamiliar layout.
I did manage to find the PS frozen appetizers and the frozen desserts, but this store doesn't carry the PS frozen pizza. The manager who helped me said that this was a small store and didn't carry everything. (I thought it was a normal sized store, so I'm afraid to see a regular store by her standards.) I picked out my few groceries and my Private Selection items - Northern Spy Apple Crisp, ice cream bars (look at lot like Dove bars), and little tiny quiches, plus a couple of other items.
When I got to the register, the girl had trouble ringing the coupons, and it turns out that I could not use all my PS coupons in one trip. Talk about annoying. The same lady manager came to the register to help and she's the one who translated the couponspeak for me, and took back the items I had chosen for which I could not use coupons on this trip.
So, Kroger wants me to try their items and review them, but won't let me buy them all in on trip. Not very useful, guys. And grrrr. We can't all just bop on down to the grocery store three times a week.
I got home with the quiches, the ice cream bars and the apple crisp. The ice cream bars are wonderful! The chocolate coating is the right thickness and very crunchy. I love those, and plan to use another coupon next time I'm able to get to the store, though I might have to find another Kroger.
I have tried the PS ice cream before, the actual ice cream that comes in cartons, and found it tasty. Not as good as my favorite, but a good alternative and much less expensive, particularly at Kroger.
The Private Selection items are packaged differently, in black, and look more elegant than the traditional Kroger store brand items. I'd like to see the PS selection include some spices, maybe, the more unique ones, and maybe things like special dips or spreads, maybe even hummus.
I'll report more after I've had a chance to try the other items!
<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/privateSelection.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=3221553847&Campaign=4752798868&Uid=143335&token=932a9633509ed2cd2457c6342aaced01" alt=""/>
<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/privateSelection.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=3221553847&Campaign=4752798868&Uid=143335&token=932a9633509ed2cd2457c6342aaced01" alt=""/>
Strange Dreams
Lately, I've been having trouble getting to sleep before 4AM, which makes it even more difficult to actually drag my ass out of bed (or technically, recliner) when my alarm goes off at 11AM. This morning, just before my alarm went off, I was dreaming that I was sleeping on a couch in my room, and I heard some guy talking. This guy (his name is Andrew) pushes open my bedroom door, thinking it was someone else's bedroom. He notices that it's not the room he thinks it is and just stands there for a moment, I guess dumbfounded. I smile at him and tell him he can turn on the overhead light, which he tries to do, but I had turned it off at the fan when I went to bed. Mind you, in real life, I rarely tell anyone it's OK to turn on the overhead light, and most definitely not when I am still half-asleep. I really don't much like overhead lights, particularly the ones they put in ceiling fans. Anyway, he comes into the room and sits on the couch in front of my legs and picks up my hands and starts playing with them absentmindedly. And then...the alarm went off. In my dream, I was interested in this guy almost as soon as I saw him standing in the doorway with that goofy look on his face.
I tried to go right back to sleep so I could get back into the dream and see what happens next. Sometimes that works for me. Definitely didn't this morning. Ah, well.
I tried to go right back to sleep so I could get back into the dream and see what happens next. Sometimes that works for me. Definitely didn't this morning. Ah, well.
Home-schooling
Something I wrote as part of an application process for some online work. If you happen to swing by and have thoughts, I'd love to hear them. I did write this off the top of my head, with what little I know from friends and family on both sides of this fence.
Education is a hot topic for parents, today more than ever. Public school systems come under fire for poor retention or "adjusting" test scores to garner more state and federal education money. State and federal governments are at a loss how to fix an ailing system.
Aside from public education and charter schools, schooling at home, or home-schooling, is an option more and more parents are choosing for at least a portion of their children's education.
Home-schooling gives parents the freedom to choose classroom topics, to a great extent. As long as the basics are covered (with quarterly to annual testing, depending on local requirements) to the state's satisfaction, home-schooling parents have the opportunity to increase the breadth of the student's learning to include religion, astronomy, philosophy, and so much more. Such simple things as trips to the zoo can now become lessons in science or biology. Committed parents and students can complete comparable lesson plans in half or a quarter of the time required in attending public school, leaving the remainder of the days free for other family activities.
A great deal of material is available on the internet, about home-schooling in general and including lesson plans for various subjects. Parents on a budget can find free material, and other parents with larger budgets can buy comprehensive lesson plans for subjects with which they are unfamiliar. Most school districts choose to offer home-schoolers inclusion in physical education activities or extracurriculars, and many areas have home-school cooperatives, where student may learn a subject or engage in sport activities together.
On the other hand, being a home-schooling parent nearly always requires that the teaching parent remain at home, so as to be available to the students during the day. Even if the home-schooling parent works from home, rarely is the income as high as if that same parent were working a full-time job. This lack of income can sometimes adversely affect home life, and to raise a family with only one income requires a great deal of commitment on the part of the entire family.
Public schools offer students a different socialization level, experienced teachers and a strict schedule. Many parents prefer this for their children, and many children need the regimen to learn effectively. It's easy to see, on a six-week schedule, how well or poorly the student is progressing, and where he or she needs help. Students make life-long friends in public schools, and are able to participate in things like school dances and graduation events. Many parents do not have the option to remain at home, particularly with more and more single parent families in this country. In this case, public school or a charter school would the parent's most viable choice.
How to educate a child is one of any parent's most important priorities. Each family must consider the options and make the choice that satisfies that family's needs in the best way possible.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Book: Effected Intent by Alan Ross
The premise of this book is a pretty good one: bioterrorism coming from a disenfranchised segment of our own population.
Unfortunately, that's as good as it gets. The books randomly wanders backward in time. The "hero" of the book is primarily stuck emotionally as a teenager. He calls the prison office manager mom, and he talks and thinks about girls like a chaste fifteen-year-old (except during the flashbacks).
The point of view changes from person to person, and without notice. Everyone's thoughts, including a chemist and high-level alphabet agency personnel, are immature and remarkably random. There's gratuitous sex, and by that I mean that a main character picks up a girl in a strip joint and abuses her, badly. It's not too graphic, but it has nothing to do with the story, except to make it more obvious that the character's a bad guy. I like sex in my books, but this was just totally unnecessary to the plot, and the scenes felt like afterthoughts. Next time, author? Just leave them out unless they serve a purpose.
The chemist is a Vietnam veteran, and his first experience with The Wall is poignant and touching and probably the best part of the entire book.
The case is solved, singlehandedly, by the "hero," who happens upon boxes full of current network information for a major chemical company. Yeah, because some major American corporation is going to just print out usernames and passwords, toss the papers into boxes and send them to the recycler. Said recycler just happens to be a prisoner who mines all that information to snoop on the company's network and outfox everybody, including a CIA agent. I suspended my disbelief for the duration of the book, because many things were implausible, even to my non-secret-agent knowledge.
Once the case is solved and the bad guys are caught in the act, the book ends. Fffffft! No loose ends tied up, no resolution for any of the characters, just done. Buh-bye.
Bottom line is, I could have enjoyed this book, and have enjoyed others which presented similar theorems. Instead, I was relieved to get to the end of the book, so I could move on to something else.
This review was based on the Kindle edition of the book, for which I paid $0.00.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Book: Rescue Me by Sydney Allan
This was a really cute book, with rivalry between twin sisters, and animal rescues, and friends who are far more persistent than one finds really welcome. The kind of persistence that in hindsight makes you know that those are the best friends you ever had. However, I thought I was going to go into a diabetic coma from the saptastic last few pages. Good grief! I made myself slog through it, but sheesh.
I did find that the vast majority of the heroine's issues were resolved very neatly, quite unlike my life has ever been, and in the end, she did not face any challenges that really made her push herself far beyond her previous limits.
Her relationship with her family, the biggest obstacle in her way, was all a result of a complete lack of maturity (at 24, the horrors!) and a seriously bitchy mother who preferred her twin daughters to be at odds with each other.
Lest you get the impression that I did not enjoy the book, I did. I just had a few minor quibbles. Until the sappy ending. lol
This was a very low-priced or free Kindle purchase on Amazon.
I did find that the vast majority of the heroine's issues were resolved very neatly, quite unlike my life has ever been, and in the end, she did not face any challenges that really made her push herself far beyond her previous limits.
Her relationship with her family, the biggest obstacle in her way, was all a result of a complete lack of maturity (at 24, the horrors!) and a seriously bitchy mother who preferred her twin daughters to be at odds with each other.
Lest you get the impression that I did not enjoy the book, I did. I just had a few minor quibbles. Until the sappy ending. lol
This was a very low-priced or free Kindle purchase on Amazon.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Book: Taken By Love by Mindi Winters
Good solid premise, but OMG the typos and grammar errors!!!!
Proofread and edit, people! At least pay attention to those squiggly lines in MS Word.
Since I got a new phone, I've been reading much more using the Kindle for Android app. I've noticed a disturbing trend in the Kindle editions - many more typos, more extra words, bad sentence structure. Does publishing a book into an e-book format automatically release an author or publisher from the due diligence of providing as error-free a book as possible?
I think not, and I'm disappointed that so many of the books I read lately make me want to take a red pencil to my phone screen.
This book was the worst example I've yet to see among the dozen or so books I've managed to read over the last three weeks since I got my new phone. Oy vey.
Proofread and edit, people! At least pay attention to those squiggly lines in MS Word.
Since I got a new phone, I've been reading much more using the Kindle for Android app. I've noticed a disturbing trend in the Kindle editions - many more typos, more extra words, bad sentence structure. Does publishing a book into an e-book format automatically release an author or publisher from the due diligence of providing as error-free a book as possible?
I think not, and I'm disappointed that so many of the books I read lately make me want to take a red pencil to my phone screen.
This book was the worst example I've yet to see among the dozen or so books I've managed to read over the last three weeks since I got my new phone. Oy vey.
Monday, November 14, 2011
NaNoBloMo - Different Homes
blogHer writing prompt: When was the first time that you realized that your home was not like other people’s homes?
I guess I was about twelve when I had a sleepover with a girl from school and noticed that her parents were so encouraging, not just to her, but to all of us. No ideas were too stupid to share. They were actually interested in what us measly ol' twelve-year-olds wanted to discuss. It was very uncomfortable for me until the parents left us girls to our own devices. I just didn't know how to deal with adults like that.
I guess I was about twelve when I had a sleepover with a girl from school and noticed that her parents were so encouraging, not just to her, but to all of us. No ideas were too stupid to share. They were actually interested in what us measly ol' twelve-year-olds wanted to discuss. It was very uncomfortable for me until the parents left us girls to our own devices. I just didn't know how to deal with adults like that.
PSA: United Health Care's Solutions for Caregivers
It's not just older Americans that sometimes live alone and need help, but certainly we need to pay more attention to our elders. SolutionsForCaregivers has lots of good information for people with elderly or disabled (or both) friends or family living nearby.
Did you know that:
19% of Americans age 65 and older live alone
- Just because you don´t live with your loved one, doesn´t mean you can't help them prevent household accidents. Take simple precautions such as placing water absorbent, non-skid mats on floors in front of sinks or encouraging your loved one to wear shoes that provide traction.
15% of Americans age 65 and older are unable to lift ten pounds, leading to a lack of mobility
- This can make even simple tasks like cooking dinner difficult for your loved one. Help offset this by placing appliances in easy-to-reach places and purchasing items such as a pasta pot with a built-in strainer that make everyday tasks easier
42% of Medicare enrollees age 65 and over have limitations in activities of daily living
- Activities such as grocery shopping can become more tedious as a loved one gets older so stock up on nutritious foods that won´t spoil to help make trips to the store less frequent.
19% of Americans over the age of 85 experience symptoms of depression
- One way to fight depression is by socialization, so engage family members in group activities such as cooking dinner together. Establish a new family tradition in the kitchen this holiday season and think of ways to include your loved one in the action, such as reading a recipe or sharing stories.
UnitedHealthcare cares for caregivers and these tips are just a few examples of the help available to you through Solutions for Caregivers. This resource can assist you whether your loved one is around the block or across the country. Visit www.
Harlequin coupon for eBooks!
Never be without a great book this month with our Ebooks Exclusive promotion: save 25% on any titles from the Ebook Store! Whether you're waiting for a flight, a doctor or even a never-ending mall lineup, make sure you're prepared with a good read. Enter the exclusive coupon code* SAVE25NOV11 on the Checkout page to redeem the offer. Start shopping now!
—The Harlequin.com Team
—The Harlequin.com Team
Friday, November 11, 2011
BzzReport: Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin campaign
Yesterday, I finally got my BzzKit for the Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin BzzCampaign.
I got a full size Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, and eight samples/coupons to share with friends.
I tried both the cleanser and the moisturizer this morning. The cleanser does moisturize - I could feel the difference in my skin, even while I was rinsing my face. The cleanser is a little more liquid than I'm used to using, and I used a bit too much this first time. It's not as effective on the oily patches right at the corners of my nose as I'm used to from my usual facial cleanser, but time will tell how the difference will show in my face.
The moisturizer is a little pump and needs a good bit of priming before any product actually emerges from the dispenser. It's actually less liquid than the cleanser, and I'll have to learn how much to use. I'm not used to using a moisturizer, because I sweat so much it's just pointless. Luckily, we're heading into cooler weather and I'll be able to give this moisturizer a really good effort.
Hours later, my skin feels good - soft - and I don't have any of the itchiness I frequently have on my face once the dryness sets in.
The campaign ends on Tuesday, so I'm thankful I got this package in before the due date. :D
Who wants a sample?
<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/burts.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8693751420&Campaign=6466804197&Uid=143335&token=37fbd0376bf0a8bdf1370108b060b9cf" alt=""/>
I got a full size Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, and eight samples/coupons to share with friends.
I tried both the cleanser and the moisturizer this morning. The cleanser does moisturize - I could feel the difference in my skin, even while I was rinsing my face. The cleanser is a little more liquid than I'm used to using, and I used a bit too much this first time. It's not as effective on the oily patches right at the corners of my nose as I'm used to from my usual facial cleanser, but time will tell how the difference will show in my face.
The moisturizer is a little pump and needs a good bit of priming before any product actually emerges from the dispenser. It's actually less liquid than the cleanser, and I'll have to learn how much to use. I'm not used to using a moisturizer, because I sweat so much it's just pointless. Luckily, we're heading into cooler weather and I'll be able to give this moisturizer a really good effort.
Hours later, my skin feels good - soft - and I don't have any of the itchiness I frequently have on my face once the dryness sets in.
The campaign ends on Tuesday, so I'm thankful I got this package in before the due date. :D
Who wants a sample?
<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/burts.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8693751420&Campaign=6466804197&Uid=143335&token=37fbd0376bf0a8bdf1370108b060b9cf" alt=""/>
Saturday, November 5, 2011
To Pen or To Pencil
I think yesterday's BlogHer prompt was about whether one prefers to use a pen or a pencil when writing, you know, on paper, like in the olden days.
Well, I still write on paper like in the olden days, and I definitely prefer a pen. I am a pen whore. I have to try out lots of pens, then when I find one I like, I have to use that kind forever and ever, Amen. It does depend what kind of paper on which I am writing, and why I am writing. I mean, do I need a smooth, fancy line, or big, bold letters?
I'll use a pencil sometimes, too, but it's got to be a mechanical pencil, and pretty much only when using a pencil is required by some obscure rule. I even do crosswords with pen.
Hmmmm. My Amazon search box isn't working. Brat.
Well, I still write on paper like in the olden days, and I definitely prefer a pen. I am a pen whore. I have to try out lots of pens, then when I find one I like, I have to use that kind forever and ever, Amen. It does depend what kind of paper on which I am writing, and why I am writing. I mean, do I need a smooth, fancy line, or big, bold letters?
I'll use a pencil sometimes, too, but it's got to be a mechanical pencil, and pretty much only when using a pencil is required by some obscure rule. I even do crosswords with pen.
Hmmmm. My Amazon search box isn't working. Brat.
Monday, October 24, 2011
State of Mind
Depression has been a part of my life for so long, I don't remember how to really be happy. With or without medication, my depression runs in cycles, from just generally depressed to really, really depressed. Kind of like my own special version of manic/depressive disorder, only without the manic phase. Without medication, those really, really depressed times are especially debilitating.
This year, in addition to moving into a depressing time of year, I'm having a rough emotional patch with changes in my family situation and changes in my life. Seems like I cry at the drop of a hat (or the blink of an eye) and have trouble just doing basic things like bathing and feeding myself.
Depression is not going to win this war, but I worry that this will be the year it wins a major battle for a piece of me.
This year, in addition to moving into a depressing time of year, I'm having a rough emotional patch with changes in my family situation and changes in my life. Seems like I cry at the drop of a hat (or the blink of an eye) and have trouble just doing basic things like bathing and feeding myself.
Depression is not going to win this war, but I worry that this will be the year it wins a major battle for a piece of me.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Changes
By some fluke of television programming, I watched the season finale of Criminal Minds where JJ is reassigned to the Pentagon. So, that was the end of the '09-'10 season? I had read a few things online and knew that for part of the following season, JJ was not a part of the BAU team. Seeing it was so much more emotionally gripping than just reading about the changes in the cast. Anyway, part of her exit interview voiceover resonated with me and I had to write it down.
"This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I think of everything as a lesson, or because I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept. Things we don't want to know but have to learn. And people we can't live without but have to let go."
My life has been full of those things, and like them or not, they've had a strong influence over who I am today. I wasn't always so 'zen' about them. I fought change tooth and nail, railed against injustices to me and generally hated the world. At some point, I chose to see lessons in things and make an effort to be and see positivity around me, regardless of the "reality" bombarding me at every turn.
I'm on the outs with my family. I don't really know why. I know what I've been told, but there's something else, unarticulated, at the heart of it. I didn't want this to happen, but I'm learning I have to just accept it and move on. My relationship with my core family will never be the same, and it's their loss, but it's mine, too.
I don't want to know anything about child abuse or pedophilia, and I've had to learn them anyway. Those things in particular have taught me a lot about how strong I am and how much I want to survive regardless of the obstacles. My experiences have shaped me, and more important to me, have helped other people when I've shared them.
My daughter is married now, with a just-now one-year-old son, and is moving to Italy with her Air Force husband. I never thought I'd have to lose that relationship until I died, but I have. As an extension, I've lost my relationship with my only grandchild. That one is hitting the hardest. I don't understand it at all. This change can't all be chalked up to teenage rebellion or new marriage or new baby or adjusting to military life or moving to a new home/city/country, though those are easy excuses readily at hand. So I'm attempting to let go with love and see what I can learn from this hurtful experience other than "keep your heart closed - no hurt that way."
So, last night, I cried watching those last few minutes of Criminal Minds. Today, I cry again, thinking about why those words were so powerful.
"This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I think of everything as a lesson, or because I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept. Things we don't want to know but have to learn. And people we can't live without but have to let go."
My life has been full of those things, and like them or not, they've had a strong influence over who I am today. I wasn't always so 'zen' about them. I fought change tooth and nail, railed against injustices to me and generally hated the world. At some point, I chose to see lessons in things and make an effort to be and see positivity around me, regardless of the "reality" bombarding me at every turn.
I'm on the outs with my family. I don't really know why. I know what I've been told, but there's something else, unarticulated, at the heart of it. I didn't want this to happen, but I'm learning I have to just accept it and move on. My relationship with my core family will never be the same, and it's their loss, but it's mine, too.
I don't want to know anything about child abuse or pedophilia, and I've had to learn them anyway. Those things in particular have taught me a lot about how strong I am and how much I want to survive regardless of the obstacles. My experiences have shaped me, and more important to me, have helped other people when I've shared them.
My daughter is married now, with a just-now one-year-old son, and is moving to Italy with her Air Force husband. I never thought I'd have to lose that relationship until I died, but I have. As an extension, I've lost my relationship with my only grandchild. That one is hitting the hardest. I don't understand it at all. This change can't all be chalked up to teenage rebellion or new marriage or new baby or adjusting to military life or moving to a new home/city/country, though those are easy excuses readily at hand. So I'm attempting to let go with love and see what I can learn from this hurtful experience other than "keep your heart closed - no hurt that way."
So, last night, I cried watching those last few minutes of Criminal Minds. Today, I cry again, thinking about why those words were so powerful.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Who we are
Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we're going.
Scars I've got aplenty. My life has been full of bad things, good things and things right down the middle of the road.
For some reason, the bad things stick in my memory more readily. Sometimes, when the bad things revisit, I'm reminded that I believe things happen for a reason. I'm a survivor. Without those previous experiences, I'd be handling new challenges differently, less well.
Not that I'm exactly handling all the new changes in my life in an exemplary manner, but I'm adapting more easily than I might otherwise.
I know, a more complete update is in order. I'm not really ready to write about all of it yet.
Scars I've got aplenty. My life has been full of bad things, good things and things right down the middle of the road.
For some reason, the bad things stick in my memory more readily. Sometimes, when the bad things revisit, I'm reminded that I believe things happen for a reason. I'm a survivor. Without those previous experiences, I'd be handling new challenges differently, less well.
Not that I'm exactly handling all the new changes in my life in an exemplary manner, but I'm adapting more easily than I might otherwise.
I know, a more complete update is in order. I'm not really ready to write about all of it yet.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Directions
I created this blog originally to share my struggles, in the hopes that someone out there could at least know that they are not alone. It's sort of turned into book review central. I'm hoping to get back to my original plan, and to blog more. I haven't been making time to blog a little each day. Anyway, if you read my blog, just thought you'd like to know. lol
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