M.A Grace's Blog, page 6

A is for Atari

For our first day of Gamer Decor we are going to go into the world of ATARI!!!!
 Atari Controller Coat Hooks  Atari Game Cartridge Clock 
 Atari System Iphone/Ipod Charger
 Atari Crocheted System
 Atari Controller Cake
Atari System Pictures

Would you read it?

I've decided that I'm not sure if I went 'to far' on this or not. I still plan to finish the story but I am curious if anyone will actually end up reading it. So I'm giving you a sneak peek. Here is the first paragraph of my newest work in progress..... 


The Flower





The blood washed off her pale skin easily in the shower. The water turned red as it swirled down the drain and out of existence. Abigail closed her eyes as she turned her head up towards the ceiling and let the warm water get any remaining splatters that may have tried to hide on her. Once out of the shower she wrapped herself in a towel and walked into her bedroom to dress. The dolls that sat on her shelves starring at her as if they knew what she had just done, accusing her of the deed she had carried out. Walking downstairs she stepped over the lifeless body of her parents. Their throats sliced and their chest carved open. She picked up the knife from the carpet and walked into the kitchen to place it in the dishwasher before bed. As she turned off the downstairs light she smiled seeing her handy work and tomorrow when she would find her parents dead in their living room at age six she would be forever more be an orphan.

The Choice By: Rumor Monday

Rumor Monday describes herself as a country girl who never quite got used to having chickens in the backyard. She now lives in New England, just outside of Boston, where she enjoys sitting in her backyard, minus the chickens, and writing stories.





Samantha Adler is determined to salvage her family’s mining business—even if it means committing armed robbery to do so. But she hasn’t planned on the intimidating stranger who comes between her and a clean getaway. Keith Oakley is searching for his mother’s killer, but the daring robber who stumbles into his hotel room—instead of the room of her intended target—proves to be an unforgettable distraction, even before she tries to kill him.

PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY!!!
PaperbackKindle



AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHORRUMOR MONDAY


1. What sparked your idea for The Choice?
My father loved westerns, and growing up there always seemed to be a western on the tv. The Rifleman, High Chaparral, Bonanza, The Big Valley, and Gunsmoke were favorites around my house.
2. Are any of the characters based off real people from your life?
Yes, they’re damaged but they’re also decent and trying to figure out life. I was blessed to grow up in a family like that.
3. Does the Western or Romance side of this story connect with you more?
Probably the romance because I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I enjoy creating mystery and suspense, but in order for it to feel complete I have to sprinkle in romance.
4. Bad girls, blackmail, robbery, and more. Sounds like you watched a lot of westerns growing up. Do you have a favorite?
The Big Valley is probably my all-time favorite. Heath Barkley, portrayed by Lee Majors was the perfect flawed character. He was the anger illegitimate brother, raised in poverty, while his half-brothers and half-sister lived a life of privilege. A lot of the stories centered around Heath trying to work through his anger and figure out what type of a man he was going to be. With my book, The Choice, I try to tap into that raw human emotion.
5. You choose to write everything in first person? What draws you to this writing style?
For me, first person offers the best view of a character. I feel the most connected to a character when I’m seeing the world through the first person lens.
6. You write under the name Rumor Monday. How did you come up with that name?
I love the name Rumor and Rumor Mill was already taken.
7. If you could spend the day with one of your characters who would it be? And why?
It would be Dabnus, because the whole time I was working on his scenes I was constantly thing about his back story. I think it would be fun to try and figure out what his life is like when he’s not playing Keith’s sidekick.
8. What advice would you give others that want to write in the western romance genre?
Spend a weekend watching old episodes of The Big Valley. It is a great starting point.

Book Review: The House of Dark Shadows

 THE HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS

Alex Rommel, a debonair Charleston playboy, is skeptical about online dating. When he encounters an old college buddy by chance, he learns his friend has found love over the internet. Tormented by demons from his past, a contentious land deal, the memories of the woman he loved, and his sexually insatiable secretary, Alex wades into the shadowy world of internet dating only to find the woman of his dreams—a French freelance journalist, Hope. Just when he thinks he has found true happiness, Alex’s relationship takes a mysterious turn, and he finds himself immersed in Hope’s world—one plagued by a nagging mother, lies, and drama. As pressures mount in the relationship and in his business dealings, Alex, torn between love and reality, finds himself questioning Hope’s motivations. As the sinister web of deceit and danger slowly begins to envelop him, Alex frantically searches for the truth. Not knowing who to trust or believe and with time running out, Alex must summon the courage to face the truth before the doors close and he is locked in the house of dark shadows forever.



 

Pick Up Your Copy On:AMAZON




  Robert "Digger" Cartwright is the author of several mystery stories, teleplays, and novels including The Versailles Conspiracy , a modern day political thriller, and Murder at the Ocean Forest , a traditional mystery novel set in the 1940s. Mr. Cartwright is also a noted industrialist, investor, and director of several private companies.  In the business realm, he has contributed to a number of articles on a wide range of financial, strategic planning, and policy topics and is the contributing author of several finance/economic books. He frequently contributes articles, commentaries, and editorials for the private think tank, Thinking Outside the Boxe. He divides his time between Washington, D.C., South Carolina, and Florida. 

 Authors Website

  

MY REVIEW

This is the first of Cartwright's books I've read but it will probably not be the last. From page one you already have questions to why Alex is the way he is. And with each turn of the page you are faced with more and more questions. Cartwright entangles a web of clues through the story that you pick up but some of these clues are not really clues. Giving you ideas that it will go one way and then the other. But then just to have it go the third way you didn't think of. The book is a face paced but in a good way. It isn't slow and dragging but it doesn't rush through everything to where you feel disconnected with no time to enjoy the characters. The story is well written and a very addicting page turner. You will want to be sure you have a full empty afternoon to sit down with this book because you will want to finish it when you start it with no interruptions and also you will probably want to reread it after you finish it. Every time you read this book you will get lost in the web and pick up on new things you didn't catch the first time. Just to have the story end the same way but your mind questioning that it would have ended differently again. A wonderful and recommended read.

Book Review: Emotional Abuse: Silent Killer of Marriage - A 30-Year Abuser Speaks Out

Austin James

Abuse was the enemy that plagued me for over two-thirds of my life, but through great sorrow, the ability came to me to transform myself from the ashes of defeat to a type of cleansing and healing that not only renews the spirit, but also allows it to soar to new heights.Join me on the most amazing journeys of my life, walk with me through self-discovery, healing, and know there is hope for recovery.I currently live in the Midwest and enjoy a quiet, abuse-free life, serving the Lord and helping men and women discover the truth about emotional abuse and ways to overcome it. I enjoy hiking, backpacking, reading, and for the first time in my life, inner-peace.











Burrow inside an emotional abuser's head and find out why I...
am so charming one minute and a raging manic the nextblame you for everythingmust stay in control all the timebelittle your feelings, opinions, or your accomplishmentstry to punish younever seem to support youcut you down in front of friends and familycan't stop my behavior even if I wanted tocause you to walk on eggshells around meam angry so much of the timedon't provide your emotional needscan't admit when I am wrongexpect so much of youcan't accept the word No
Go on a revealing, first hand journey with a man, husband, and father who spent 33-years locked in the prison of emotional abuse, as it destroyed his 24-year marriage and crippled the woman and children he loves, and experience an awakening that hurled him through a nightmarish journey to the most inner core of his soul.

Discover what he learned during five years of recovery as he put his emotionally destructive lifestyle behind him, and later, discovered that the horrors of his 33-year abusive life stemmed from events that happened as a teenager, following the unexpected death of his father.

If you have a dysfunctional relationship or marriage, discover:The motivations behind the abusive behaviorWhether there is hope for the relationship or if it is time to get outPractical tips to heal should your spouse commit to get helpAnyone trapped in a manipulative, controlling relationship full of anger, yelling, and arguments, yet who yearns to have a relationship and marriage full of love, emotional intimacy, and trust will gain insight and practical knowledge and guidance from this book.

Answer the questions:What role childhood plays in an abuser's lifeHow does a too-close relationship with mom affect a husbandWhat is the 'payoff' to abuse in marriageCodependency and the role of the rescuerWhat type of counseling won't work and which is bestHow to know if it's time to leave the relationshipHow to tell if your mate is really changingWhat is the Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde personalityWhat role anger plays in the abuse inflicted on othersWhat is Arrested Development and what role does it playRoot causes of abuseIf you recognize even some of these traits within yourself, or someone you love, you owe it to you and to all those around you, your spouse, children, family, friends, and coworkers to read this book.




 GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY ON AMAZON!


MY REVIEW!!

I may be bias in my review but not because I know the author or have any connection to them. But because I lived through the stories he tells. Well some of them. I was in the position of his wife Teri. My husband had been abusive to me emotionally while we were dating and then it grew as we got married until I finally walked away. I took very little to nothing from our well decorated and furnished apartment. I had to do this at a time that he had been placed in a facility for mental illness. It was the only way I got out without him talking  me back in. I even had to threaten to get a restraining order to have him leave me alone. I finally got my divorce. This book reminds me of what I went through but it gives me hope that people like that can see the error of their ways. It also proves that sometimes you just have to have faith in something to show you the path to freedom. This was a wonderfully written book of personal experience pumped full of emotional and psychological experiences on the journey between being the dominate and being the cooperative. 

Book Review: 100 Best Kindle Fire HD Tirps & Tricks

What Will You Find Here?


This bonus eBook is ideal for readers who want to expand their basic knowledge of the Kindle Fire HD. The numbered tips and tricks give you a clear idea of what you will achieve in the end. Moreover, tips included here offer additional information in a simple to understand and step-by-step manner so you exactly know what needs to be done to perform a particular step. If you are holding a brand new Kindle Fire HD in your hands, this eBook will help you discover the most amazing things your device can accomplish.


GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!AMAZON!


MY REVIEW


This is a really good investment for those who have never handled a Kindle before. It keeps things simple without going into the full you are dumb "now let me tell you that you have to press the small button on the right to turn it on. Now wait 20 seconds for it to load. Do you see the hourglass? That means its loading." It is an owners manual that helps you not only find but understand what you are finding. I believe even some of the more experienced users of kindle could find tips and tricks in this book to help make their already great kindle even better.

Book Review: 101 Jokes for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Telling jokes to your friends is a great way to have fun, don’t you think so? You love telling jokes and this eBook will bring all sorts of jokes you like. You can have a good laugh after reading through the eBook, and even ask your friends to join you. This eBook is also great if you want to grow your collection of awesome jokes. With so many funny jokes in one place, you’ll surely find something “funny” for everyone. Remember, this eBook is filled with craziest jokes to make you laugh, so don’t be surprised when you find yourself rolling on the floor. What are you waiting for? Let’s not waste time and get started with loads of laughter, smiles and fun.


Best Knock Knock JokesAwesome Animal JokesFunny Questions & AnswersHilarious Computer JokesBody JokesBusiness, Money and Holiday HumorFood JokesScience and Space JokesSchool JokesSports JokesJust for Fun


Get your child a copy today: Amazon



 MY REVIEW
Cute was one of the first things I thought of as I flipped through the pages of these jokes. I even cracked a couple of smiles as I read through them. They are easy to understand for children and are clean. There is a lot of humor out there that is inappropriate to let a young child read. This however is perfect. It is sure to keep your child giggling and you don't have to worry about them being repeated because they are safe to be heard by all ages.

Book Review: Party of Five by Vasileios Kalampakas

VASILEIOS KALAMPAKAS
Well, I'm an alright guy according to what the people around me tell me, but I rarely trust them so your mileage may vary. Other than that, I like to write fantasy and science fiction, most of the time mixing and matching them in weird amounts.
I really like writing short stories. Some of those I like to turn into novels. Perhaps you might like one of them, one day.
If you find the photo confusing, I have to make it clear that I'm not really a magical bunny - it's just that I share in the superstition that photos take away your soul.



PARTY OF FIVE



A magical bunny, daft pirates, a village of rastafari elves, two princesses, a semi-retired thief and an aspiring bard, plus flying ships, dimensional portals and a largely silly sorcerer with a dangerous, mysterious amulet.

How do they all fit together, you may ask? Fate, it seems. Or maybe not.

Add a dash of fire, a pinch of lightning and some magic to your life. And remember, it could all be just a bad trip..

This is the first book, Book I, in the "Party of Five" series of fantasy novellas.







MY REVIEW
 First let me ask you if you have ever had a book with pirates in it that wasn't great? I mean come on it has pirates! Another action packed book by Vasileios that has you flipping each page getting deeper and deeper into the adventure and action laid out in front of you. This is an easy ready for an afternoon and so well written you'll drift off as if you were the one standing watching each scene before your eyes. Can't wait to start in on Book 2.

Book Review: Argo by Vasileios Kalampakas

Humanity was forced to seek the stars.

Destined to lead mankind into an ever expanding presence, the inhabitants of HD 85512 b have known no other rule than those of the benevolent machines.

The same machines that brought their ancestors there hundreds of years before.

But what is man if he isn't free?

What is man without being able to choose for himself?

Ask yourselves the same question and remember:

Whom do you love the most?





About the Author: 


Well, I'm an alright guy according to what the people around me tell me, but I rarely trust them so your mileage may vary. Other than that, I like to write fantasy and science fiction, most of the time mixing and matching them in weird amounts.
I really like writing short stories. Some of those I like to turn into novels. Perhaps you might like one of them, one day.
If you find the photo confusing, I have to make it clear that I'm not really a magical bunny - it's just that I share in the superstition that photos take away your soul.






MY REVIEW Argo is a short enjoyable read. It is an action packed page turner that leaves you wishing even after the last page that you could continue on the adventure. Short stories have this problem with me. There is never enough pages for it. And although Argo is a wonderful and well written story this comes to be true again. I wasn't ready for the book to end. I wanted more action and to go deeper into the lives of the characters. Overall however this is a great story to lose yourself on a cold or rainy afternoon. Will be reading more of Vasileios's books in the future.

Award-Winning Author: Mary Kelly

MARY KELLY



Mary Kelly, PhD, is an economist and university professor who specializes in improving profit growth. She retired from active duty in the Navy as a commander, with specialties in logistics, intelligence, and human resources. She has lead multi-cultural teams all over the world, and loves working with organizations to improve leadership, effectiveness, and productivity. A frequent TV and radio commentator, Mary authored the award-winning Master Your World: 10 Dog-Inspired Leadership Lessons to Improve Productivity, Profits and Communication, 15 Ways to Grow Your Business in Every Economy, 360 Degrees of Leadership: Steering Around the Icebergs, and Stop the Barking.





Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-C.-Kelly/e/B001HPLZ4M/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0




Do you want to grow your business in every economic environment? Is your business stuck? Would you like to move forward? Do you want 15 ideas on how to be more profitable? Highly recommended for anyone who needs to give their business a good boost. Fabulous resource for small business owners who need to maximize their marketing, sales and training budgets.



THE TOP TEN REASONS TO GRAB THIS BOOK! You want to recession-proof your business.You want to save time and marketing money while growing your business.You want intensely customers.You want your customers and peers to refer you to other people.You want to build your company by taking great care of your employees.You want to work smarter, not harder, and make better use of your resources.You want to continue to develop the people who work with and for you.You want to continue to develop yourself, too.You want long-term, sustainable profits.It looks easy to read, and someone told you it was funny.

MY REVIEW: As I first looked at the book I thought it would be much like the others. They would tell me something and then move on. But it isn't like that. You get a chapter about a topic and then you are given workbook type questions with blanks to write your answers directly in the pages. The language used is very basic and easy to understand. This truly is a beginners guide without making the beginner feel dumb. As you progress through the steps you learn more and more in a special order on how to do things. This book cuts out your path for you. You are lead down and explained to at each step where you are going and why and more. If you are going to start a business or even if you own a business now I suggest you get this book. You'll be amazed at what simple things you've over looked or forgotten.







Other Books you can find by Mary...

 Master Your World is a concise, engaging book on business management, people management, and of course, a bit of dog management. Funny, serious, and thoughtful, Kelly's book can change how you interact with the people around you. The ten inspired lessons are designed to simplify the role of leading people, even during difficult times, and in any business organization. The book starts with the top three golden rules: Reward Good Behavior, Do Not Reward Bad Behavior, and Be Consistent. Dr. Kelly emphasizes what every manager should know: You get the behavior that you reward. The next seven lessons are how to communicate, enforce, and maintain the first three lessons while building morale, improving productivity, and ultimately, increasing the bottom line. One of the major strengths of the book is Kelly's writing. She keeps readers interested with true stories, real-life situations, and pragmatic solutions to the daily challenges managers and leaders face in today's evolving workplace. Kelly's techniques were refined during her 21 years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, but Master Your World is clearly not a military book. It is humorous, entertaining, and inspirational. Every aspiring CEO can learn something from this book. This book is highly recommended for new supervisors, seasoned managers, and senior leadership who could benefit from a refresher on how to engage their teams. Her points make busy people think, and make thoughtful people smile and think again.