Forbes Arnone's Blog, page 6
April 21, 2015
R is for Rhapsody
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Rhapsody and Jane’s Melody
Rhapsody goes so well with Jane’s Melody. Jane’s Melody is such an amazing series with a younger musician and an older woman. They go so well together that the age difference is completely forgotten.
Jane’s Melody by Ryan Winfield
Summary:
That’s the question a grieving mother must answer when she takes in a young street musician she believes can shed light on her daughter’s death—only to find herself falling for him. A sexy but touching love story that will leave you both tantalized and in tears, Jane’s Melody follows a forty-year-old woman on a romantic journey of rediscovery after years of struggling alone.
Sometimes our greatest gifts come from our greatest pain. And now Jane must decide if it’s too late for her to start over, or if true love really knows no limits.
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 20, 2015
Q is for Quilted
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Quilted and A Holiday Anthology
Anthologies are like quilts put together with many little pieces, making a whole product. This anthology is a free book filled with many amazing holiday stories. Quilted is a perfect wrap for this book.
A Holiday Anthology Volume 2 A Collection of Winter Holiday Tales by Exquisite Quills Authors
This is a FREE Anthology on Smashwords! http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/…
Summary:
The calendar on the wall says 2014 but the holidays are a magical time where anything is possible when it comes to romance. Prepare to travel through snow or to a tropical setting with a little dash of fantasy sprinkled in to make your holiday reading enjoyable. This heart-warming collection of all new, very short stories is our way of saying happy holidays to you.
A tropical beach, a snowy ride home, or a little travel through time these stories will take you there. All you need is a few minutes for these short stories. These are complete stories, not teasers, and they are perfect tiny romances to put you in a holiday mood. The Exquisite Quills is proud to present to you: THE GIFT OF TIME by Rose Anderson, FRANKIE’S WISH by Jennifer Garcia, A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Lily Bishop, A NIGHT TO REMEMBER by Dee Ann Palmer, MARJA’S VICTORY By Barb Caffrey, CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS by Beverley Bateman, GINGERBREAD DREAMS by Victoria Adams, CHE GELIDA MANINA by M. S. Spencer, ROMANCE VALLEY by Kaye Spencer, THE CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT by Janis Susan May, TROPICAL CHRISTMAS by Gemma Juliana, A KISS AND A PROMISE by Lyndi Lamont, and A COWBOY’S HOLIDAY by E. Ayers. The Exquisite Quills is an international author community, and this collection of new stories is our gift to our readers and to new readers everywhere.
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 18, 2015
P is for Passport
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Passport and Eat, Pray, Love
Passport is a great wrap for Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, as she needed one to travel to the three countries she explored. This was an uplifting and interesting memoir that turned me on to Gilbert’s writing.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Summary:
In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want–husband, country home, successful career–but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place. Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 17, 2015
O is for Once Upon A Time
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Once Upon A Time and The Fortunate Pilgrim
Once Upon A Time is a great wrap to go with The Fortunate Pilgrim, as it’s like a fairytale filled with trials and tribulations before they can get their happy ending.
I believe this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Puzo takes us on the journey of a mother who came to American from Italy with a husband she barely knew. The journey is her caring for and raising her children in NY. The stereotypes and prejudices were strong back then even between the Italians themselves. The struggles she endured in trying to keep her family together after her husband dies and her second husband goes crazy.
She is a strong, powerful woman that endured so much grief and struggle but finally made it to Long Island to a house of her own. But at what cost?
You must read to find out, and read this nostalgic journey.
What really struck me were the memories of growing up in an Italian family. All of the crazy, fond, and strong memories came flooding back. Some happy memories of the lingo or expressions, and some sad thinking about the family I have lost that were just like this matriarch.
It truly was an amazing read, and one so worth your time. Puzo is so descriptive that you feel as if you are watching it played out on a movie screen.
The Fortunate Pilgrim by Mario Puzo
Summary:
Before The Godfather and The Last Don, there was Puzo’s classic story about the loves, crimes and struggles confronted by one family of New York City immigrants living in Hell’s Kitchen. Fresh from the farms in Italy, Lucia Santa struggles to hold her family together in a strange land. At turns poignant, comic and violent, and with a new preface by the author, The Fortunate Pilgrim is Italian-American fiction at its very best.
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 16, 2015
N is for Nautical
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Nautical and Outlander
Nautical reminds me of Outlander only because poor Jamie gets so sick when he travels by sea. I’m sure by now most of you have read this book or series, especially since the show has started. This is such an amazing series!
When I realized this author was American and wrote a book with such accuracy in locations, language, references, wars, and old wives tales I was amazed. The book is so good and it made me want to transport myself to Scotland. I will admit that at times I was tired of all of the action… the characters in the book always seemed to find themselves in trouble, but it also made it quite adventurous and interesting. I will definitely follow the series as I am completely invested in these characters and must know how they go on.
Summary:
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord…1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
To learn more about Jamberry Nail Wraps, go to my website http://jenngarcia.jamberrynails.net
If you ‘d like to pair nail wraps with your favorite books, use hashtag #reading&wrapsjjn to share!
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 15, 2015
M is for Mirror Mirror
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Mirror Mirror and Wonder
This is a longer review than usual, and it’s because I truly loved this book. Mirror Mirror wraps are perfect for Auggie, because he should feel comfortable looking in a mirror.
I don’t read many middle grade books and really didn’t know what to expect with this one. I got it on special through Audible and the blurb sounded good for the price, so I bought it. That said, I’m so happy I gave this book a shot.
Written in really short chapters from multiple point of views, Wonder truly touched my heart and soul. It’s one of those stories with a message, a profound message. Just look at the quote below.
“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”
Can you imagine going to school for the first time in the 5th grade? Middle School? Middle school is tough for kids that look like everyone else, imagine how it would be for someone that looks different?
How this boy deals with middle school is amazing. He has a true and forgiving heart, a wonderful but real family, and people that love him to the end of the earth.
I think this book should be a required read for all middle schoolers. It’s a lesson that can be used in every aspect of life, not just for mean kids.
I recommend this book for those that love great characters, uplifting and heartbreaking moments, life lessons, amazing quotes, and middle grade stories.
“‘Shall we make a new rule of life … always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?’ … What a marvelous line, isn’t it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed … what I want you, my students, to take away from your middle-school experience is the knowledge that, in the future you make for yourselves, anything is possible. If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary — the world really will be a better place.”
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Summary:
You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
My name is August. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.
August Pullman wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things. He eats ice cream. He plays on his Xbox. He feels ordinary – inside.
But Auggie is far from ordinary. Ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go.
Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, he’s being sent to a real school – and he’s dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted – but can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all?
Narrated by Auggie and the people around him whose lives he touches forever, WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.
To learn more about Jamberry Nail Wraps, go to my website http://jenngarcia.jamberrynails.net
If you ‘d like to pair nail wraps with your favorite books, use hashtag #reading&wrapsjjn to share!
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 14, 2015
Teaser Tuesday ~ UNSCHEDULED DEPARTURE by T.M. Franklin
Today for #TeaserTuesday we get a teaser AND a BONUS!
In the U.S., tomorrow is Tax Day, so how about a little freebie to help ease the pain a bit?
UNSCHEDULED DEPARTURE by T.M. Franklin is FREE today and tomorrow!
Rowan Elliott is devastated when her boyfriend, Finn, tells her he’s moving across the country to take over the family business, and thrilled when he changes his mind at the last minute and gets off the plane.
But then things get . . . weird. Finn’s acting strange, and Ro’s getting mysterious phone calls that have her questioning if her boyfriend’s really who she thinks he is. As Ro races to figure out what’s going on, she discovers it’s more complicated than she could have ever imagined.
And if she’s not careful, she could lose her Finn forever.
Here’s a little taste…
“Ro, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, pulling to an abrupt stop in the parking lot of my apartment building. “I never left a voicemail. Not today.”
I fumbled in my bag for my phone. I was not imagining this. “You did. You called—” I thumbed through my calls and held it up victoriously so he could see. “—at 12:06 p.m. today. See?”
His eyes narrowed at the screen. “That says Private Number.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I know. I was going to ask you about that.”
“Why do you think that was me?”
I rolled my eyes. “Because you left a voicemail!” My voice grew louder, a little screechy, but I couldn’t help it.
“Babe, I never left you a voicemail today!” Finn said, aggravation growing in his own tone. He pulled out his own phone and stabbed at it a few times. Finn’s familiar ringtone sounded on my phone, his picture popping up on the screen, along with his name.
“See?” he said. “At 12:06 I was driving. I didn’t call you. Whoever that Private Number was, it wasn’t me.” He tapped his phone and the ringtone stopped.
I stared at my phone and rubbed my forehead. My stomach roiled and an ache throbbed behind my eyes. “I don’t understand. I heard—”
“Let me listen to the voicemail.”
“It…got deleted.” I met Finn’s unreadable gaze and knew how it sounded. Weird. Crazy. But I had heard him. It was Finn.
Wasn’t it?
Grab Unscheduled Departure Today for the Bargain Price of NOTHING… Nada… No thin dimes! :)
T.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader’s Choice Awards. She’s since written three additional novels and several best-selling short stories…and there’s always more on the way.
Connect with T.M. Franklin – Web site | Facebook | Twitter
Filed under: Weekly Snippets, Writing
L is for Luna
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Luna and How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf
There is not one single Molly Harper book I don’t love to death. She has the best sense of humor and the greatest variety of stories. Her Naked Werewolf series is awesome, and the Luna wraps fit perfectly with moons and werewolves. All Molly Harper books are must reads… Go!!
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Summary:
Northern Exposure
Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.
For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.
If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .
To learn more about Jamberry Nail Wraps, go to my website http://jenngarcia.jamberrynails.net
If you ‘d like to pair nail wraps with your favorite books, use hashtag #reading&wrapsjjn to share!
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 13, 2015
K is for Ka Boom
Reading and Wraps (Jamberry Nail Wraps)
Ka Boom and Palisades Park
This truly was another great Brennert story, Ka Boom fits perfectly with this story. It’s the all-American story and nail wraps.
This look of the 30s through the early 70s was absolutely intriguing. The characters all stood out regardless of their capacity. The park itself was a main feature from the get go. In this story it is almost hard to tell who was the main character, Eddie or Toni, but they both carried the story forward and took me on a journey of a lifetime. Wars, high diving, first loves, equality fights, divorces, and finding ones happiness in life. There was a huge lesson in the book that I heard loud and clear and it was to always follow your dreams. I love strong women main characters and Toni sure was fierce and determined. My kind of girl. Her father, Eddie, was an amazing man, and I’m so glad he got his happy ending. I can’t state enough how every character will stick with you and leave you thinking of them as time passes.
Incredible book and one I would recommend to everyone!
Palisades Park by Alan Brennert
Summary:
Growing up in the 1930s, there is no more magical place than Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey—especially for seven-year-old Antoinette, who horrifies her mother by insisting on the unladylike nickname Toni, and her brother, Jack. Toni helps her parents, Eddie and Adele Stopka, at the stand where they sell homemade French fries amid the roar of the Cyclone roller coaster. There is also the lure of the world’s biggest salt-water pool, complete with divers whose astonishing stunts inspire Toni, despite her mother’s insistence that girls can’t be high divers.
But a family of dreamers doesn’t always share the same dreams, and then the world intrudes: There’s the Great Depression, and Pearl Harbor, which hits home in ways that will split the family apart; and perils like fire and race riots in the park. Both Eddie and Jack face the dangers of war, while Adele has ambitions of her own—and Toni is determined to take on a very different kind of danger in impossible feats as a high diver. Yet they are all drawn back to each other—and to Palisades Park—until the park closes forever in 1971.
Evocative and moving, with the trademark brilliance at transforming historical events into irresistible fiction that made Alan Brennert’s Moloka’i and Honolulu into reading group favorites, Palisades Park takes us back to a time when life seemed simpler—except, of course, it wasn’t.
To learn more about Jamberry Nail Wraps, go to my website http://jenngarcia.jamberrynails.net
If you ‘d like to pair nail wraps with your favorite books, use hashtag #reading&wrapsjjn to share!
Filed under: A to Z Challenge, Writing
April 12, 2015
Sneak Peek Sunday ~ The Truth Be Told (Book 3) by Jeanne McDonald
Cover Reveal
The Truth Be Told (Book 3)
Series: The Truth in Lies Saga
Author: Jeanne McDonald
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Jada D’Lee Designs
Expected Release Date: May 18, 2015
Jeanne McDonald is an author, a mother, a wife, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in true love. When she’s not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, chatting with friends or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in literature. A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Google+ | Smashwords
From the moment Andrew Wise and McKenzie Evans first met, they tried to fight the magnetism that pulled them together. No matter how hard they struggled with their feelings, their love was a force so strong that neither of them could deny it.
The news of Olivia Hamilton’s pregnancy, and the understanding that Drew is the father, led McKenzie to flee with the hope of rectifying her secret betrayal of falling in love with her best friend’s boyfriend. However, when Drew showed up and declared his undying love for her, McKenzie could no longer deny the truth. She and Drew were destined for each other.
McKenzie now has no choice but to face Olivia in order for her and Drew to move on with their lives together. Secrets and lies may have kept them apart, but now, in the light of the truth, their legacy shines as pure as their love.
For as long as Drew can remember, there has always been tension between him and his father, Jonathan. This time is proving no different. Since sharing the truth of his past with McKenzie, Drew is emboldened by her unwavering love and acceptance of the man he is. He’ll do anything necessary to protect the woman he loves and the life he’s come to understand she deserves. With Jonathan and Olivia teamed together to rip them apart, Drew and McKenzie, along with the aid of some unexpected allies, must join forces to overcome the obstacles that will inevitably come their way.
In this much anticipated final installment of The Truth in Lies Saga, Drew and McKenzie will unite together to conquer the past, face the future, and uncover the truth in lies that threaten to destroy them. Love brought them together and love will set them free.
Amazon ~ B&N ~ iTunes
Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
