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brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

That Girl Started Her Own Country by Holy Ghost Writer

That Girl Started Her Own Country (Sequels to the Count of Monte Cristo, #6)
by Holy Ghost Writer (Goodreads Author)

read in November, 2012

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This is such an interesting little book, to short in my eyes, but then again, it's done this way for a reason. The next book just can't come fast enough as a matter of fact! I am getting a bit antsy, awaiting the arrival of the next, so that I can se...more This is such an interesting little book, to short in my eyes, but then again, it's done this way for a reason. The next book just can't come fast enough as a matter of fact! I am getting a bit antsy, awaiting the arrival of the next, so that I can see what Zaydee, (or Pipi Longstocking or Princess Jane Doe) will be conjuring up next.
I think it's a bit hard to give anything but a 5 star review for, That Girl Started Her Own Country, or any of The Holy Ghost Writer's other books, just yet, as they are all a part of a fascinating story that I really believe, once unfolded, will be definitely a set of stories, possibly all real and true, that will not be forgotten for several generations to come. I can't figure out how some can say they are giving a bad review, based on the fact that this book doesn't pick up where the 1st one left off. I was under the impression that as this may be book 2 in order of release, it is not necessarily book 2 in the series, but rather book 6. So,this would indeed explain some of those statements or reviews.
I have also read that this book is to short, (I agree, but it doesn't take away from the exceptional storytelling, or the brilliant way this story is laid out and jumps right to excitement and throws you into an adventure that will make you think for a few seconds, if you're snapped out of the adrenaline laced pages, sorta like one of those, more real then real dreams.) I have to admit, yes, I was a little annoyed that it ended where it did, but it had to end somewhere right? All the more reason to check back for book 7...
It isn't to often that you read about some of the things that are in this book. At least it isn't to much mainstream, and of course, this in turn may bring some people to just disregard the big picture that will be coming about inside these books, which is a shame. Not that I'm a conspiracy theorist, but I have read up on practically everything that is mentioned in this book, and for several years. The Bilderberger's, Skull and Bones, all a major mystery in itself, (a frightening mystery nonetheless), and then the mention of Anonymous. If you are not familiar with these names, please read up on them, and please also try your best to gather the appropriate information. The internet and information is everywhere, therefore, so are plenty of lies and rumors. I believe if you are informed and aware of these names, well, then, this book will really have you sitting on the edge of your seat! Why? Because, why would they be included? Why would an author choose to write about such "off the wall" things like the Bilderberger's, and take that chance of losing some fans, or not gaining any when some people who don't fully understand or know much about these people, groups, etc, and the reader then chooses to just put this book down and walk away. (Because it is something they don't understand). Why would this book come out next? Is there a specific reason for the second book to come out, while it is book 6? Why are they not in order? What is the importance of this story, it must be something since books 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been skipped. Is there something going on in the world as we read this book, that goes along with something that is written in these pages? The fact that these books, (Zeddy's book is book 11 out of 12), so, we have books 1, 6, and 11. What is the pattern here, and is there a reason at all? Is it really as another reviewer stated, to keep the buzz going in the coffee shops? Am I reading to much into this? Is there no rhyme or reason here.... I don't know why, but I think there is a reason they are being released in an odd order, and it does make all the more, enchanting, I think is the word I'd like to use here. Maybe it is simply due to the fact that somebody might possibly figure this out and make a correct guess on the identity of the author if indeed we were reading, book 1, then 2, then 3, etc. There are so many mysteries going on in this series, each book in it's own, each character in themselves, the author is a mystery, the storyline is a mystery, the order they are released is a mystery, and they apparently, ( because, The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter... The Secret Adventures of Zeddy, take place in 2099.), cover a very large time span.
In, That Girl Started Her Own Country, we meet up with a peculiar, "international playgirl", Zaydee. (another strange name, just as Zeddy is just a little different and not a very familiar name), and in the short time the author takes to introduce, Zaydee, and give us details on who she is, where she is, and what's going on, you will, almost immediately, begin to cheer for her.
Zaydee is an internet hacker, who is in love with an investigative journalist, who she believes is in trouble and creates an elaborate scam to help protect him. ( Oh, I forgot to mention he is writing about the Bildeberger family/group).
Zaydee ends up in prison, and neither the media, the FBI, or the judge, her "attorney", or anybody, knows her true identity.
This book follows Zaydee through prison, and a couple court scenes, and the author introduces more characters in the story, as well as a lot more uncanny mysteries that leaves us, the reader, guessing and wondering what will be happening next. You can guess and think of your own versions, until the next book arrives, but the strangest part is when the author starts to explain the twists and relationship with Zaydee, and book 6, to book 1. (All the way through to the Skull and Bones, the secret society mentioned a couple times at the beginning of, That Girl Started Her Own Country.
This book is one of those books that you are so pleased with and so thankful that you had the chance to read it, you wish to thank the author. Unless I am the only one who does this with music and books and even some movies, I don't know. But it is also a book you can read on your Kindle, sure, but some books are better when you have a real copy. (This is one of those I have to take the time and grab in paperback)
There was really only one issue I had with this book, which isn't necessarily a big deal at all. But it was mentioned about a character in the story being a member of, Anonymous, and joining them. Anonymous actually doesn't have members, and you can not join them. Everyone is Anonymous and anybody can be involved with any operations they come across online that another Anon or group has created.
I will be sitting here anxiously awaiting the next book that comes out in this peculiar but yet intriguing series. Trust me, with each book, the anticipation grows, and wow, by the way, have you read, The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter?(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

It Wasn't Me (A tale of teenage isolation)
by g brailey

read in January, 2013

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I fell in love with this author's previous book, Deathloop, and anxiously waited, and waited for another novel, and here it is! I am impressed and more then satisfied with, It Wasn't Me, and now I have to wonder, can either of these books be topped b...more I fell in love with this author's previous book, Deathloop, and anxiously waited, and waited for another novel, and here it is! I am impressed and more then satisfied with, It Wasn't Me, and now I have to wonder, can either of these books be topped by hopefully another new one? (hint:)
It is so rare that I find an author with such a twisted mind, (that is a compliment by the way). G. Brailey, takes us on some frightening adventures through the eyes of a young girl who is bullied by a few classmates, and all I really have to say about this story and the insanity at the end, is WOW!
This is the type of story you wish were longer, and more then 90 pages, because there could have been so much more added to this!
This is a brilliant look into the mind of a young girl, Ruth, who is simply sick and tired of being bullied, made fun of, and treated unfairly by classmates, and a kind of sort of boyfriend, Jake, and his other girlfriend, Fiona.
Ruth's mother passed away, and she lived with her father and her step mom, Evelyn. Evelyn and Ruth didn't get along to well, So, when Ruth's father found a school for her to attend that was extremely isolated, and pretty far away from her father. She blamed Evelyn for this and realized that along with losing her mother, she had lost her father now as well.
Ruth didn't have to many friends at her new school, but she did come across a friend named, Jennifer, who was a bit odd but she did enjoy talking with her and hanging out.
Jennifer was actually, Jennifer Rose Carr, a spirit that Ruth and a couple other girls had come across during a seance. So, she did find that to be very weird since she had the same exact name,
Towards the end, some horrifying events take place, and I can't let you in on what exactly happens, just know that this book is going in one direction on the pages you're reading, and then just like that, it takes you under, and into some of the most frightening events, you most likely won't see coming. Very clever on the author's part, very original twist, and detailed in such a way it appears to just be second nature as if it were the norm. (That's one of my favorite things about G. Brailey)
The only "complaint" I have with this is that I wish it would be longer, it is such a good story, and takes you to a few terrifying places not many take you, and it ends much to soon. I can see why it ends to soon, but I'm hoping for a 2nd, this opens up so many doors, and actually, the last few pages pens up a whole other place the author could have taken us. I wished so much I would go back 10 pages and start over from there and maybe, magically, another 100 pages or more would have popped up! (lol) But it didn't, and again, that is ok, as I believe this was simply just written to be this way. I just want the author to know that with a mind like this, and such a fascinating storyline, this could have or could still, branched/branch off into many more, maybe in like a series of sort?
Either way, the only other thing that was at least to me, a bit unnecessary, would be at the end when Ruth, explains a bit of what was happening and what somebody at the end pointed out to her. (again, I can't spoil this, because this would tell all!), but it would have been cool to have the reader figure this out on their own, I would like to think most would have figured this out, but I'm not so sure anymore. Which is maybe why the author added that in, so it wasn't misunderstood?
Either way, this is an exceptional story, very well written, and on a level of 1 to 10 on shock level, I would give this a 15!(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Hugo The Happy Starfish by Suzy Liebermann

Hugo The Happy Starfish: The Secret to Happiness
by Suzy Liebermann (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2013

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The first thing that makes this book stand out ahead of the giant stack we have to review, and many others, are the vibrant, super colorful pages and beautifully detailed characters. This caught Deegan's eyes especially and we have read and re read t...more The first thing that makes this book stand out ahead of the giant stack we have to review, and many others, are the vibrant, super colorful pages and beautifully detailed characters. This caught Deegan's eyes especially and we have read and re read this book so many times now that I know it word for word.
This is just one book in a series of Hugo the Starfish children's books, and it is the perfect pick for your child's first Hugo book. It is easy to follow, and will keep a busy 2 year olds attention! Deegan's favorite picture was when Hugo was when Hugo is wearing a backpack lol, he thinks cartoons with backpacks are hilarious. But he also enjoyed repeating words, especially the word, happy.
In this story, Hugo tries and tries and tries to find happiness. He asks his friend, Magic Manta, to help him find happiness. So, Magic Manta helps grant Hugo's wishes, but the happiness never lasts for to long. Hugo keeps becoming sad again and finds, Magic Manta, so he can ask for more happiness.
Hugo tries many things like, spending time with a friend, which did bring him some happiness, but it didn't last forever. He also found a treasure and bought everything he ever wanted, and had a big house, filled with all of his new things. But, he couldn't stay happy. ( I thought this particular part was an excellent addition to this story and the lesson taught! I often think about how money can not ever buy you everything you want and need, and we try our best to teach this to our children. Many people believe that their problems will all be answered if they just had enough money, a big house, and many things, but in the end, they are going to find that money really can not buy happiness.)
This is a lesson that even grown ups need to learn and this was certainly a good time to discuss this again with all of the little ones.
Hugo comes back to his buddy, Magic manta, and is even more sad, even though he is driving his fancy new car. He tells, Magic Manta, that he is a hopeless case. But, Manta immediately tells Hugo that he doesn't think so, and tells him it is simple to be happy and to share with others!
So Hugo starts to understand the meaning behind happiness and how to feel truly happy and decides to share his heart with others. Genevive loved this part of the story because Hugo's heart ended up being so happy that it did somersaults! lol! Genevive explained that that's what her heart does when she is the happiest little girl in the world!
Hugo the starfish is a regular length children's book, but this book has brought so many discussions up with our children, new ones each time! It is so much fun to be able to sit with the kiddos and have them chime in about what happiness is to them, and what makes them happy. That is what makes me the happiest:)
We would recommend this book to all families and for many reasons! Of course all that I pointed out above, and because this is 1 in a series of Hugo books, that all discuss different feelings, life skills and valuable lessons of character, attitude empathy, choices, consequences, and it is a very clever way to start teaching a 2nd language!
Suzy Liebermann, launched happy Language Kids Publications in 2010, as an interactive language program for children and even grown ups. This program is particularly aligned with the aims and values she upheld as a teacher of cultural art and and foreign language at a prestigious International Baccalaureate World School.
Suzy and Hugo have a super fun website where you can find free games and worksheets and news about Hugo, Suzy and all of the rest of the stories in the Hugo series. You can also find some neat information about the author and the visiting author program. (Oh and Deegan's favorite Hugo Youtube video can also be found on the home page;)
We have had a lot of fun with this book and website, and I certainly appreciate the benefit of Suzy's books and ideas she shares to help our little ones become confident, happy, sweet little human beings! This is always something I admire in authors and teachers, and people who go out of their way to help our jobs as moms and dads, just a little bit easier!

** We received a copy of this book in return for our honest review **(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 4 of 5 stars

Super Moms Inc.: Work From Home, Build A Profitable Home Business, And Find Time For Your Family When You Have Kids To Take Care Of!
by Carolyn Woods (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2013

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I like the title, it covers almost everything that you will find in this book.
This is an excellent book for people who are looking for ideas, just starting out in the work from home, stay at home, scene, and not just for moms either.
Carolyn covers pr...more I like the title, it covers almost everything that you will find in this book.
This is an excellent book for people who are looking for ideas, just starting out in the work from home, stay at home, scene, and not just for moms either.
Carolyn covers pretty much everything from where to come up with extra money when times get tough, to where to possibly grab some extra money, to long term opportunity ideas you may not of thought of and could definitely benefit from.
I also loved the addition of her personal charts and graphs on how to better keep lists, and budgets. (You know me, lol, I love lists and any charts, graphs or ideas that make my life and business easier!)
The personal stories and thoughts that she adds in with each section makes it as though you are talking to a friend, rather then just reading a "how to" manual. (She is also a busy mom of 4, so who knows better then a fellow busy mom;)
Brainstorming is great and when you find yourself in the position where you may have to earn some extra money somehow, or you quickly need money, a friend, or Carolyn's book, is a definite must have! I'm sure some of the ideas most of us have already done, thought of or tried, but there is always the "newbies" out there, of any age, as well as sometimes when stressed, the rest of us need a good, back to earth moment. This is a handy little guide to keep at home for some pointers.
Although I have to point out there are a couple things I have tried or currently do, that were not mentioned in this book, that have worked well for me. She is a mom herself, and she made me think of several more ways to earn some extra cash.
A couple years ago I was trying to gather ideas for a blog post about how to earn money for groceries, shopping, holidays, and school clothes, when you don't have internet access, or minimal internet access. I never got very far with that one, although I had some of my own brilliant ideas, I didn't have anybody else come up with anything, and I wish I would have known about Carolyn. (or that her book had come out a couple years ago, so I could've just referred my readers!)
It is especially hard for me to earn extra money from home, I am partially disabled, and have 3 small kids at home. (our oldest is grown up now and is a mommy herself!) but we also live in the middle of nowhere, so a lot of people's ideas for how to earn extra cash doesn't always fit somebody like me to well. But Carolyn does touch on almost every possible outlet and you can add or delete and come up with your own clever ways to make a profit!
I do work pt outside of our home, (I usually joke and say this is because I need a break from the little ones! lol!) But I don't earn enough to cover our gigantic expenses!! Yes, my husband works, we actually have our own trucking business, with 1 employee... him! But we also pay our own repairs, fuel, taxes, tags, insurances, it's endless and costs a hundred times more then a regular vehicle. So, I am endlessly online, trying to find what fits my family best. I have been doing this for almost 7 years now, and have learned the hard way many times!!
I also agree with Carolyn's time and money saving ideas, and didn't ever think of some of them myself, so I certainly learned something from her book.
I do have to add however, that I have been using coupons for several years, and I do keep a log of each shopping trip, each store, amount, what I saved, how much do I get back (ie: rewards, Extrabucks, Up Rewards, Catalinas, etc), and how much was spent per item. Now, this may seem like it takes forever to collect, sort, cut and scour the ads each week, and run everywhere, and it can, sure. But there are weeks, I "take off" and not bother, and there are weeks where it is very minimal.
I do save an enormous amount of money with coupons, and depending on the store, I won't spend 50 cents per item. (The highest I will go is $1 per item) Otherwise, it isn't worth my time. Of course there are things like produce, meat, milk, dairy, deli, that are super high, but if I clump it all together and some of my free groceries cover some of the high priced items, I'm happy;) I could go on and on about coupons but there is so much mis information out there since these ridiculous shows started on the television. I am always sad to see how people have been misled and how people have given up on something that can actually make you money if you play your cards right! (WalMart will pay overages and CVS and Rite Aid will in fact give you $10 in rewards to use on anything in their store, regardless of how much you just saved in coupons.) So, there are sporatic money makers as well as a LOT to be saved.
Back to the book;)
Carolyn has tried so many things and will let you know what has worked, what hasn't worked and what to look for and what to expect. I love the way she took this project on, and I admire her honesty. You can trust her as she explains how she handled things and how she came up with the ideas.
You will really end up learning something and thinking, "Wow! Why didn't I think of that??", when you are finished with her book.

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Your Daily Bible Verse by Rachelle Ayala

Your Daily Bible Verse: 366 Verses Correlated by Month and Day
by Rachelle Ayala (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2013

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I am more then satisfied with, Your Daily Bible Verse, by Rachelle Ayala. It fits perfectly on my night stand, or sometimes it comes with me in my bag or even my backpack.
This is well thought out, and would make such a great gift! Not to mention, it...more I am more then satisfied with, Your Daily Bible Verse, by Rachelle Ayala. It fits perfectly on my night stand, or sometimes it comes with me in my bag or even my backpack.
This is well thought out, and would make such a great gift! Not to mention, it is wonderful to have these close by for us to use each morning, kids included.
I especially like the back pages where she gives some very easy steps on how to memorize a Bible Verse. She makes it seem so easy even when I always found this to be a little complicated. I can memorize numbers, lol, I have phone numbers, loan numbers, account numbers, credit card numbers, some from several years ago that aren't even active any longer, but for some reason, memorizing script has always been an issue with me. Although, since using Rachelle's Bible Memorization Tips, I have to say this has helped tremendously!
I really appreciate the effort she put into this and she has helped make this a new tradition in our home with the little ones. They actually ask each morning, "What is our verse of the day mommy?" It adds a lot of breakfast discussion too.
We have already read through, Your Daily Bible Verse, and I am pleased with the verses the author chose to include in our daily discussions and memorizations. There are so many beautiful verses in the Bible and you can find 366 of them here.
Another good point about this book, is that again, this would make a great gift for practically anybody, but it will be used and re read again and again and again and again. I do have the paperback edition, but even the Kindle would be great (which by the way it is free today January 7, 2013), so if you need a copy, I would pick it up asap.
The other thing my family had fun with, was looking up our birthdays to see the verses that are listed. These are also special because they are like our own verses, and each of the kids, (with the exception of our not so talkative talking 2 year old, Deegan), has memorized. Deegan is working on it, lol, but he does love sitting together at the kitchen table with his cereal, siblings and whatever toys he brings to the table, and listening and contributing to our now, new morning talks.

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of a Gypsy
by Roberta Kagan (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2012

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Roberta Kagan has proven yet again, to be a brilliant author, and historian. I haven't read all of her books yet, but I am planning on it, as she does seem to be ending up as one of my favorite authors.
The Heart of the Gypsy, is truly a masterpiece....more Roberta Kagan has proven yet again, to be a brilliant author, and historian. I haven't read all of her books yet, but I am planning on it, as she does seem to be ending up as one of my favorite authors.
The Heart of the Gypsy, is truly a masterpiece. I actually read this twice and also did some research, because this is a topic I don't see to much and I don't really think a lot of people realize that the Gypsies were involved, or treated the way they were.
This book takes place during WW2, in Nazi controlled Europe. There is a lot of this war that we aren't taught in school, and a lot we don't know much about, (unless of course you studied this time or place, a historian) There were Resistance bands across Europe, and these were the people who formed groups of people of different nationalities, and lived in the forests.
They were a very well organized group of resistors, or partisans, who were able to survive from the land and each other. Of course they had many a horrific fight, travel, victims who came and stumbled upon their hideaways, but for the most part, they managed to survive, had plentiful food, and were very strategically placed throughout their tents and groups. They had everybody that would be needed to create their own communities and had some highly intelligent tactics and ways and means of getting enough food, (for example, sending people out to different areas for their ration cards), and even had guns, ammunition, doctors, and Christian, who was of Aryan race.
Christian, came to them to help, however he was injured with broken ribs. He was well taken care of by Nadya, a young Gypsy girl, and her brother, Ion. (Nadya and Ion's family were imprisoned by the Nazi's.)
This is a remarkable book, with plenty of history, lots of fascinating scenes, characters, and terrifying events. It isn't as much just a history book, as the author very cleverly, wove a beautiful story of romance and passion throughout the pages. I am a big fan of history books, and this one was especially a pleasure to read because my own ancestors are of Gypsy descent.
Unfortunately, I only actually ever met a couple great grandparents who arrived in our country shortly after this was began. But this is something my mom always discusses and tells me about the different family members and our history and I am proud of who we are and where we originated from.
The Heart of a Gypsy, has now entered my top 10 favorite books of all time list. I read this book over as soon as I was done with it the first time around because I was sad when it ended.
I would recommend Roberta Kagan's books to anybody who enjoys a good history book, a well written novel, (they are a little longer then some may expect but I find that her books are just the right length.) and for anybody who desires a good romance novel, although this isn't your typical, gushy, romance book.(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Blaze of Glory
by M. Garzon (Goodreads Author)

read in December, 2012

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I am always anxious to read and review a book when it is also the authors debut novel. I think these are the most exciting, and I especially love meeting the author, and being able to catch a glimpse of what might be coming in the future. M. Garzon's...more I am always anxious to read and review a book when it is also the authors debut novel. I think these are the most exciting, and I especially love meeting the author, and being able to catch a glimpse of what might be coming in the future. M. Garzon's , Blaze of Glory, is no exception to my geeky anticipation with debuts.
This is a very well thought out story, it's written as if it's just second nature to this author, and the descriptions, characters, and especially the horses. I personally have no experience with horses, but she has created some very beautiful personalities for them in this book, and just like you will get to know the other characters as if you knew them all their lives, you will also feel the same about the horses in this book.
Tea, is a 17 year old who has a twin brother, Seth. Since their mother passed away, their step father, who is pretty strict with both of them, but, tries to do what is best in his eyes, continues to raise them. Dec, (their step father) has a nephew, Jaden.
Jaden is 6 years older then Tea, and a polo player, and comes back to Canada after a few years of traveling and playing polo. Of course, you can say Tea and Jaden are first cousins, however it isn't by blood, which leads me to the next part about when Tea and Jaden fall in love.
I know this could possibly turn some people away, however, this isn't the first time this has happened, and again, it isn't by blood, so, I guess the reader should be the "judge" of that.
Tea and Seth have an incredible bond, and are the best of friends. I like their relationship, and think it is well thought out and just as I would wish or hope or want for my own children's relationships to be. Although Seth, loves his twin sister to pieces, he is a bit worried about her "forbidden love" for their cousin, Jaden. Again, another regular brotherly thing to do. Especially under these circumstances.
I also like Seth because he isn't scolding or showing disappointment, because he accepts his sister and loves her just for being her, he is more concerned about how this relationship with Jaden, will affect her life.
Although both Tea's and Seth's lives have had it's ups and downs and more then their fair share of bad luck and sadness, they are both very strong 17 year olds. Mainly Tea, who is quite stubborn and headstrong, but even if these qualities are sometimes seen as a fault, I have always thought that it depends on how you use these qualities, which is then considered, in my eyes, (and maybe because I am very similar), an asset, therefore, I do appreciate Tea's character a lot. She has the same type of "assets" that I see in my own 2 daughters and along with this usually comes good values,morals and respect.
Of course what comes next would be the growing closeness and love between Jaden and Tea. I would recommend that even if you are thinking, "omg!" or " I wouldn't want my daughters reading this!", I would read it first myself. M. Garzon, does a tremendous job with such an intricate subject and it isn't poorly written, and it is done so tastefully that you will end up cheering and filled with joy for Jaden and Tea.
I don't personally believe that every 17 year old girl who reads this book, will then turn around and think it is ok to have sex, just because everybody else is, or have sex with their cousins. That being said, you should be the judge, and if you feel your teen isn't going to have a problem and change her ways due to what she has read, then she should be just fine.
There are many, many, many things out there that we wish we could shelter our children from, and you know, it isn't going to happen. It is always there, and they will find it, read it, see it, hear it. If they have a brain, they can think for themselves and they will know right from wrong, or they will learn to accept some things that aren't as "normal" as society says.
I would not recommend this book for a pre teen and depending on maturity, maybe not even 14 or 15. But again, parents should be involved in their children's lives and if you read it, and have no issues, it is fine. I have 4 kids of my own, 2 daughters, and we did try as parents to shelter our children, and we still do. The biggest culprit, television. I would much rather they read a book then watched TV. and this book isn't going to scar them.

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

The Siren of Paris
by David LeRoy (Goodreads Author)

read in December, 2012

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This book is such a meticulously crafted travel back in time, and certainly will not be a book that is forgotten. This is one you will want an actual copy of, so you can come back to it, and read again and again, it is detailed and researched so well...more This book is such a meticulously crafted travel back in time, and certainly will not be a book that is forgotten. This is one you will want an actual copy of, so you can come back to it, and read again and again, it is detailed and researched so well, I got lost so many times in this story, and honestly, didn't want to come back some of the time.
I am kind of at a loss of words for this review, I am more then impressed with David LeRoy's debut novel, and I am more then anxious to read any news of another book coming soon.
If you enjoy history books, this will definitely exceed all of your expectations! Reading it is more like a very vivid dream, then just a book, and I found myself checking how many pages were left several times, not because I wanted it to be over, but because of the exact opposite. I was horribly sad when it ended. That being said, I would not recommend starting this book when you have a to do list, errands or anything else that will interrupt this painfully amazing journey back in time. Otherwise, you will keep people and your list waiting.
Marc Tolbert, is the main character in this novel, you get to know him beginning with his funeral.
In 1939, Marc was 20 years old, and was on his way to medical school until he decided to go back to Paris, to attend art school. 1939 of course, was a most terrifying time, and Marc chooses to ignore all of the signs that the world, including Paris, (France) are on the brink of a devastating world war. The author goes into explicit detail, bringing all of the actual historical events and figures into play, as we relive his past with him.
As disgusting as a time as this is, David LeRoy, manages to carefully articulate a story of spirituality with this book. He doesn't leave anything out of this story, and there will be times you will cringe at the events taking place on the pages, and yet, at the same time, you will be re living a time in history, as though you were really there or at the least, watching a movie.
You will be with Marc, as he tries to escape France, spends time in concentration camps, and witnesses the people and children trying to leave the country. Of course he also falls in love in this story, and with that, comes betrayal.
When Marc dies, he doesn't get to pass into eternal peace, until he answers one question successfully. This is of course a very emotional book, and again, I can't stress enough how brilliant of a job this author did with captivating the reader, pulling the reader in from page 1.
You will find it a tad bit hard to just let go of this book, and I feel I must stress that this book may not be for everyone. (Although, David LeRoy is able to use his creativity and imagination to turn something so grotesque, into a story that will draw in many different types of readers.)

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **(less)

brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Broken Build: Silicon Valley Romantic Suspense
by Rachelle Ayala (Goodreads Author)

read in December, 2012

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This is yet another excellent book by one of my new favorite authors, Rachelle Ayala.
So far, I have to say, Rachelle Ayala, is a very well rounded author who seems to be able to write many different styles her own. It is almost magical, maybe mystica...more This is yet another excellent book by one of my new favorite authors, Rachelle Ayala.
So far, I have to say, Rachelle Ayala, is a very well rounded author who seems to be able to write many different styles her own. It is almost magical, maybe mystical, the way she can intertwine a few different "types" or genres, into one book. ( Michal's Window, was another one like Broken Build. 2 different books, 2 completely different stories and characters) yet somehow, they end up being the, Rachelle Ayala, genre. If you have read either of these books, you know what I'm talking about.
Ok, so enough gushing over this author, lol, I just haven't read such fascinating books like this in a long time. Not that Rachelle Ayala is a V C Andrews or a Roland Dahl, but I remember those books when I was younger, as being fascinating books I would have given my pinky finger to sit up and finish that night. It's the same way with Rachelle's books.
Broken Build is about, Jen Jones, who has some dark secrets in her past. Jen changes her appearance in hopes of a fresh start at life.
Jen Jones, (or Jennifer Cruz), has a past with David Jewell, a software CEO, who she takes on a job with. David doesn't recognize her, he hasn't seen her for 6 years, but there comes a time when he will find out who she is, and this ends up threatening their relationship.
Together the 2 have to rescue David's daughter, who is believed to be with his dead wife's family.
This story starts right from the first chapter and Rachelle, doesn't miss a beat! I wasn't super surprised, that this author would outdo herself yet again. Simply because, Michal's Window was such a shockingly good story that was filled with romance, betrayal, and heart pumping suspense. But I was very, very impressed.
Rachelle's knowledge and computer savvyness adds so much to this suspense, mystery, thriller, techno thriller, romance novel. Just like her genuine love for writing comes through each description, each character and each page of her books, Broken Build will hit you full force with Rachelle's meticulous style, you will be counting down the days until her new novel comes out in 2013!!
I should warn readers a little bit about this book.
As I stated previously, I loved Broken Build!! However, this may not be suitable for everybody, as there will be some scenes that some may not find appropriate and there may also be some language that some do not find suitable.
There is a lot of computer "lingo" in this story as well, which may be a bit hard to grasp. But, Rachelle, does do a fine job describing in great detail what these words, and phrases mean.

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **(less)

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May 15, 2013 09:40am
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I like the title, it covers almost everything that you will find in this book. This is an excellent book for people who are looking for ideas, just starting out in the work from home, stay at home, scene, and not just for moms either. Carolyn covers pr...more
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I am more then satisfied with, Your Daily Bible Verse, by Rachelle Ayala. It fits perfectly on my night stand, or sometimes it comes with me in my bag or even my backpack. This is well thought out, and would make such a great gift! Not to mention, it...more
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brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars The Siren of Paris by David LeRoy (Goodreads Author) read in December, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a meticulously crafted travel back in time, and certainly will not be a book that is forgotten. This is one you will want an actual copy of, so you can come back to it, and read again and again, it is detailed and researched so well...more
Dec 27, 2012 06:13am · see review
brandy oliver rated a book 5 of 5 stars Broken Build: Silicon Valley Romantic Suspense by Rachelle Ayala (Goodreads Author) read in December, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is yet another excellent book by one of my new favorite authors, Rachelle Ayala. So far, I have to say, Rachelle Ayala, is a very well rounded author who seems to be able to write many different styles her own. It is almost magical, maybe mystica...more
Dec 27, 2012 12:28am · see review

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