Year: 2013

Review/ Extracted

Review/ Extracted

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Extracted
Series: Book 1 of the Lost Imperials
Authors: Sherry Ficklin & Tyler Jolley
Pub Date: November 2013
Pages: 320
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Source: I received this book during my attendance at BEA 2013

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Welcome to the war. The Tesla Institute is a premier academy that trains young time travelers called Rifters. Created by Nicola Tesla, the Institute seeks special individuals who can help preserve the time stream against those who try to alter it. The Hollows is a rogue band of Rifters who tear through time with little care for the consequences. Armed with their own group of lost teens–their only desire to find Tesla and put an end to his corruption of the time stream. Torn between them are Lex and Ember, two Rifters with no memories of their life before joining the time war. When Lex’s girlfriend dies during a mission, the only way he can save her is to retrieve the Dox, a piece of tech which allows Rifters to re-enter their own timeline without collapsing the time stream. But the Dox is hidden deep within the Tesla Institute, which means Lex must go into the enemy camp. It’s there he meets Ember, and the past that was stolen from them both comes flooding back. Now armed with the truth of who they are, Lex and Ember must work together to save the future before the battle for time destroys them both…again.

 

Before I get into my review I just want to wish all the best to Sherry and Tyler on their success of Extracted.

Tyler Jolley, ME and Sherry Ficklin (June 2013 BEA)
 

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Spencer Hill breakfast during BEA earlier this year and I have to admit at first I was very nervous about going because I really didn’t know who was going to be there. I was one of the first to arrive and then shortly after that Tyler came in.

It was so nice because I got to talk to Tyler for quite a bit and then slowly everyone else arrived. I didn’t get any pictures at breakfast and I think its because everyone was talking and eating. But none the less it was so much fun and after breakfast we all walked to the Javitis together. It was so nice to hang out with some awesome Spencer Hill authors.

Spencer Hill was probably the one booth I hanged out the most in and I am looking forward to sharing my reviews on their books with you guys.

Okay back to Extracted.

This was the one book I read on my train ride back from NYC. After meeting the authors I knew that I wanted to read this asap and I honestly packed it away in my bag to avoid reading it before hand because I was so going to read it before hand.

It was nice to curl up in my seat on the train and sit back and read. I took my time reading it and I have to say that it took everything in me not to speed read it because there was parts that I wanted to read through quickly to find out what was happening.

Before I get into my review, don’t you just love the cover? I love it and this is one of those covers that actually suits the book.

I am not all that big into sci fi/fantasy but I am a fan of time traveling and I am just starting to enjoy steampunk. So if you know of any good steampunk books please let me know.

Extracted is told in two points of view and that is from both main characters Lex (Hollows) and Ember (Rifters). I always worry when the book is done in this format but I have to say it worked out fantastic. You could clearly see that each of the authors took a character and wrote it. It was nice to have that distinction.

In the world of Extracted there are two groups of people. One group is called the Rifters and they are specially trained to protect the time stream from the Hollowers. The Rifters are basically the good guys and the Hollowers are the bad guys.

Ember and Lex are members of the opposing groups and they end up getting caught in the middle of this time stream war. They travel back and forth to different periods in time being careful as not to alter the time stream because if they do everyone will suffer the consequences. I loved how references were made in certain periods of time in the book so there was some history added to the book as well.

Every time you enter the time stream it erases your memories that you. Its not until Ember and Lex meet at the Chicago World Fair that they start to remember things about themselves such as the fact that they are brother and sister. How will this play out since the are both in opposing groups?

Lex’s group the Hollowers are at the Chicago World Fair because they need to steal some plans from the past that will benefit the Hollows now. I loved Lex because he was a loyal friend and his motto was like leave no man behind which we need more of.

Ember was the one character I loved because she was a kick ass character and she didn’t need any guy to protect her or defend her. She is a strong and independent girl but she is always sensitive and caring, which is something more books need more of.

There is so much I want to say about the book but I am afraid if I say anything more I will ruin the plot lines. So I will tell you that if you are looking for a fantastic book to pick up I have to recommend this. This is by far my favorite read of 2013.

As you read the book you will feel as though you are actually visualizing it. I love those kind of books that make you feel as though you are a part of it.

I loved the book and I love that even though there was a lot going on everything was neat and tidy. I am dying to read the next installment and really said that I might have to wait another year or two to do so. AGH how could you do this to me Sherry and Tyler?

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Book Signing with Chris Nilan happening this weekend

Book Signing with Chris Nilan happening this weekend

Posted on by Cindy

If you are a hockey fan you probably know all about Chris Nilan. So this book signing might be of interest to you.

I know I would love to go and bring Michael but I am sure it will be crazy so perhaps we will avoid it. The event is happening this weekend, Saturday November 16th at 2pm at Indigo Place Montreal.

I do believe that Chris still lives in Montreal. Perhaps if he hears about this post he will contact me because I am sure my son would get a kick out of seeing him and meeting him again.

 

One of hockey”s most feared enforcers reveals his off-ice battles with heroin and depression.

Chris Nilan, who grew up in the tough and gritty Irish enclavein Boston, was a feared enforcer for the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, and a Stanley Cup champion never afraid to go into the corners or take off his gloves. He was a valued teammate whose very presence on the ice affected the way the game was played. Always a colourful character, Nilan was married for many years to the daughter of the longtime girlfriend of Boston mob figure Whitey Bulger, among the most notorious, ruthless and murderous gangsters in American history-almost all of his Habs teammates attended the wedding. As an enforcer and as a teammate, Nilan ranks among the greatest of all time.

When the cheering stopped, however, Chris Nilan did not do well. The same qualities-his aggressiveness and high-emotion style-that proved so valuable on the ice did not serve him well when his career ended. Nilan turned to drugs and alcohol to dull his pain, and nearly died from an overdose. Nilan”s story is a fascinating and troubling exposé of the booze, bills and drugs that destroy so many athletes after their careers are over. But it”s also a story of triumph-Nilan has been the victor in his fight against his demons.

 
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
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Book Spotlight/ Tara's Cross

Book Spotlight/ Tara’s Cross

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Tara’s Cross
Author: G.J. Bachman
Publisher: iUniverse Genre: Memoir
Pages: 176

Purchase at iUniverse

Rescuers pulled George Bachmann, a New York City firefighter from Ten House, from beneath the rubble of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. He survived the terrorist attacks, but somehow, his memory had been temporarily left behind. As Bachmann recuperated, he knew he needed to remember what had happened and he needed to confront his dreams, which was not an easy task. His mind was privy to an unknown piece of history that drove him to the brink.

In this memoir, Tara’s Cross, Bachmann describes the unimaginable events at Ground Zero. He tells not only of his physical recovery, but also shares the return of his memory through a series of dreams. He reveals the details of the magnificent sighting on West Street where he witnessed the two highest ranking NYC officers saluting each other at the foot of the North Tower before they perished on 9/11.

A tale of survival and salvation, Tara’s Cross is a testament to how the mind and soul heal themselves and how the spirits of the honored dead guide them home. This love story, set against the backdrop of the attacks on the World Trade Center, is also one of courage and recovery.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Another awesome signing I got to attend

Another awesome signing I got to attend

Posted on by Cindy

Today I was lucky enough to attend another local signing with two awesome authors.

 

 Catherine McKenzie contacted me earlier to let me know that she was going to be doing a signing at my local library in October but I was sadly unable to attend at the last minute. I was disappointed because I would have loved to hear her talk about her book in that kind of setting but I honestly was okay because I knew she was coming to my local Chapters a few weeks later.

When I walked into Chapters at first I have to admit that I had a bit of hard time finding the table. I thought that perhaps I got my dates wrong or that it was cancelled at the last minute but as I was walking around I spotted them in a little cubby hole in the store.

It was nice to see Catherine again and I was telling her that her books seem to be my vacation books because I just read her newest book Hidden on my vacation this summer. My review for that will be up in December when I will be apart of Catherine’s book tour. I am excited for that.

I also got to me another local author, Isabelle LaFleche who is also a Montreal author. It was really nice to meet her finally. I was invited to her book launch of J’adore Paris earlier in the summer by Tina http://bookshipper.blogspot.ca/ but of course I was unable to attend.

You can read about that event that Tina posted on her blog by CLICKING ON THIS TEXT

Then when I was in Hungary I was invited to another event that was being hosted by Harper Collins Canada that had both Catherine and Isabelle in attendace CLICKING ON THIS TEXT (this is a post that Tina wrote on her blog).

Just before leaving the signing Catherine and Isabelle got their table moved into a better location and I hope their signing was a success.

It was so much fun talking to both Catherine and Isabelle and I got my copy of Hidden signed by Catherine. Isabelle signed both her both her books J’Adore New York and J’adore Paris for me. I am super excited to read both Isabelle’s books because Tina has spoken very highly of Isabelle and her books.

Just before I left Catherine and Isabelle graciously allowed me to get pictures. And yes that is two bowls of candy on the table.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

new Product Line from Mary Kay

Posted on by Cindy

 

 How I was first introduced to Mary Kay Cosmetics was really interesting. When we were looking to buy a house 14 years ago we looked all over the place until finally deciding on the house we have now.

The couple who owned it was going through a divorce and trying to get rid of it. Well the lady who lived here bought Mary Kay and well her rep was right on top of things and when the house sold she contacted me and introduced herself.

I was hesitate at first but once I met her and the products I fell in love with Mark Kay and I bought on a regular bases. My rep who turned into an awesome friend did my make up for the wedding. I loved what she created.

When I had Michael I stopped buying Mary Kay just because I wasn’t wearing alot of make up and I think once you have a child you prioritize how you will spend money and I figure I had enough to get me through for awhile.

Even though I stopped buying we remained friends. Over the years we have been through so much.

Recently she told me about a new make up line Mary Kay was coming out with. Its called Mary Kay at Play. Its affordable make up for everyone. The quality is still the same in the products.

 This is what I bought: Baked Eye Trio, Eye Crayon, Jelly Lip Gloss and Lip Crayon. She was so sweet and gave me a sample of the Mary Kay Extra emollient Night Cream. I literally bought one of everything in this collection.

I should tell you that everything in the Mary Kay at Play collection is $12.

 The first product I am going to talk about is the Baked Eye Trio. I love the packaging of this. I really like this eye shadow trio and I am pretty sure that eventually I will be buying the other ones in the collection.

 The Baked Eye Trio I got is On The Horizon. The colors are a brown, beige and a rust color. As you can see from the swatches I did they are pretty pigmented and this is without a primer on it. You can probably wear them on their own or with a smokey affect. They mix and match perfectly.

 From the Mary Kay website:

  • Silky, super smooth, buildable colour lets you decide your look and intensity.
  • Wear one shade or two or three!
  • Lightweight, luminous, high-colour payoff.
  • Glides on easily. Applies evenly. Crease-resistant
  •  Other shades available is: Ocean View, Tuxedo and Earth Bound

    • To see what the shades look like you can click on this text

     Sticking with the eyes I picked up this Purple Smoke Eye Crayon. It went on very creamy. Its very lightweight on. Its very smooth and it lasted for quite awhile with and without a primer. Its a very pretty purple with some shimmer to it. I wish you could tell what it was really like in the pictures.

    I am sure I will be wearing this alot during the holidays. I am thinking of picking up Gold Mine as I think that will look really nice and perhaps Green Tea as well.

     This is taken in front of the window.

    This is taken in natural light.
     
  • Use as an eye shadow and as an eyeliner!
  • Glides on smoothly and blends easily.
  • Smear-proof.
  • Versatile and buildable – you choose the level of colour intensity.
  •  Its available in: In the Navy, Green Tea and Gold Mine
    • 
     
    

     Onto the lips. I picked up the Lip Crayon in the shade Candied Apple. As you know this is so out of my comfort zone but it looked so pretty that I just had to get it. Its got a little bit of a shimmer to it. I think this will be something that I will probably purchase the other shades in. Its a beautiful product and I really liked it. I found to make it work for me so that it wasn’t in your face I used a little bit and blended it in. A little bit at first and then gradually added more to my lip.

    From the Mary Kay Website

  • Soft, lightweight, buttery texture glides on smoothly and evenly without drying lips.
  • Blends easily. Offers buildable shades.
  • Put your own spin on it by pairing it with Mary Kay At Play™ Jelly Lip Gloss.
  •  Its available in these shades: Toasted, Violet Love, and Perfect Pink.

    • Finally the last item I bought was the Jelly Lip Glosses. This was actually really interesting in texture because its a little thicker then a normal gloss. As you can see I went with a nude color and it gave me a little color that was super glossy. After wearing it I did notice my lips were soft and smooth. I am interested in the Berry Me so I might pick that up.

    From the Mary Kay website

  • Brilliant, intense shine with a sheer wash of colour.
  • Leaves lips feeling soft, smooth and quenched with moisture.
  • Feels comfortable.
  • Its available in: Crushed Plum, Hot Tamale and Berry Me. 
    • I have to say I am impressed with the Mary Kay at Play line. Its very nice and the quality is excellent in my opinion. I love that when I wear it I feel unique because this isn’t something you can buy in the stores and not everyone will be wearing this.
     
    I love the price value of this as well. I don’t mind spending $12 on an item if its good quality stuff and I have to say that it is.
     
    Have you ever worn Mary Kay? What do you think of this new line?
    
    
    copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
    If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
    Review/ Lost In London

    Review/ Lost In London

    Posted on by Cindy

    Title: Lost in London
    Author: Cindy Callaghan
    Pub Date: October 15, 2013
    Publisher: Aladdin (Simon & Schuster Children)
    Pages: 240
    Genre: Middle Grade

    About the book:
     
     
    A tween’s foreign exchange experience lands her in London luxury—and some hot water as well! Twelve-year-old Jordan isn’t unhappy, but she’s definitely bored. So when she gets the chance to take part in a London exchange program, she’s thrilled to ditch her small town in Delaware and see the world across the pond.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Unfortunately, Jordan’s host sister in London, Caroline, isn’t exactly enthusiastic about entertaining an American girl. Despite the chilly welcome, Jordan finds herself loving the city and Caroline’s group of friends, who are much nicer than Caroline herself.
    And then a major misstep leaves Jordan and Caroline trapped together overnight—inside Daphne’s, the world’s largest department store. Given they have complete access to all the fancy shoes, designer dresses, and coolest makeup around, there are worse places to be stuck. But when the girls’ fun has not-so-fun consequences, Jordan’s wish for excitement abroad turns into a lot more than she ever bargained for…
     
     
     

     

    When I was sent the email to ask if I would be interested in reviewing Lost In London I quickly jumped at the chance to read this because it sounded like a great book.

    London is a city I would love to visit one day (hopefully soon). I was lucky enough to fly into Heathrowe airport when we went to Hungary this past summer and I got to see some amazing things from the sky but my dream is to actually visit the city and do some sight seeing.

    This was a super quick read and I managed to read it within a few hours. I really enjoyed the book and I will actually be passing it on to my son’s school library as I am sure the girls in the school would love to read it.

    Jordan is your typical 13 year old girl who is fed up with being bored all the time and she just wants to live life a little bit. I remember when I was 13 feeling the same way and just wanting to have a little fun and excitement because I had friends in school who got to travel and see places and for me the extent of that involved spending the summer in Montreal with my grandparents. It was fun and I cherish those memories but I always longed for more.

    I love the cover of the book and its so nice to see many incorporated into such as the red double decker bus, the red phone booths, and Big Ben in the back ground. I think girls will be drawn to the cover and the book.

    When Jordan discovers that her school is taking part in exchange program she knows that this will de-bored-ified her life and bring a change that she needs. She quickly brings this to her parents attention who say yes she can go with exceptions she must get a A on her report or she will be stuck doing chores to pay for the trip.

    Jordan is a little disappointed when she arrives in London because her host family isn’t there to meet her and they have sent their driver to pick her up. Although she likes the idea of being driven around.

    When she arrives she meets Caroline who would rather go shopping then sight seeing with Jordan. So upon arrival Caroline convinces Jordan to go with her and her friends (Ellie, Gordo and Sam) shopping. They are headed to one of the biggest department stores in London, Daphnes.

    I knew right away that something was going to happen during this shopping trip, I wasn’t quite sure what it would be but I have to say I was a little excited when I was reading it because it was always a dream of mine and I am sure I am not alone in this dream. Can you guess what it was?

    Don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you but I will say that what happened lead to a string of events that pointed to a British girl and an American girl being behind it. But were they really or is it just made to look like it?

    I have to say that I was surprised and had no clue who was behind what was going on because you think its one person because the evidence points that way which makes for a great mystery.

    Will Jordan be able to see the sights of London or will Caroline have other plans for her?

    I really enjoyed the book and I think alot of girls will as well. I love the terms used in the book that are typical terms you would use in London which made me long to go there and visit. Have you ever been to London?

     

    About Cindy Callaghan: Cindy grew up in New Jersey and attended college at the University of Southern California before earning her BA in English and French, and MBA from the University of Delaware. She recently exited corporate America after nearly twenty years, and is now fully entrenched in business consulting, writing, and family. She is very involved with her children’s activities, including coaching the occasional soccer team. Cindy lives, works and writes in Wilmington, Delaware with her family and numerous rescued pets.

    copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
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    The Broke & Bookish Secret Santa Event

    The Broke & Bookish Secret Santa Event

    Posted on by Cindy

    This weekend as I was going through my blog roll and catching up on blogs, I was thrilled to have seen that the Broke & Bookish were once again doing their Secret Santa.

    I am so happy because I believe I have been taking part in this for the last three years. I almost missed out on this last year but was able to squeeze in.

    This has been one of my favorite Secret Santa’s to take part in.

    If you are interested in taking part be sure to check out The Broke & Bookish blog for information on how do so.

    copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
    If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.