The Proposal and Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson from Harlequin Desire 2010 (2 books in one).
This was my second time reading a Brenda Jackson book and a much more enjoyable experience.
The Proposal is the romance of Elizabeth (Bella) Bostwick, who is trying to get out from under her parents thumb, and Jason Westmoreland, a horse breeder. The story starts with Bella moving away from her parents to start a new life. She meets the hero of the story and after a few misunderstanding they fall in love. There are forces at work to keep them apart like her great uncle and his grandkids as well as her parents. However, Jason's family fully supports their relationship. After a few tense chapters where Bella's house is vandalized then set ablaze Bella agrees to marriage. Of course there is more misunderstanding that disappear when Jason declares his love for Bella. Then they go on to live happily ever after. I recommend buying separately from Solid Soul.
Solid Soul is the second book and I just skimmed it as the first chapter was about two scheming teenagers trying to match up their parents didn't appeal to me. Of course the teens are successful ad the parents agree to marry which ultimately makes it hard for the teens to act on their feelings.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
#50BookPledge In The Doctor's Bed Book 31
In The Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson from Kimani Romance 2011
I don't mind an easy read romance novel every once in awhile but I was really disappointed in this one. Not only did this book follow the very predictable Harlequin formula, I found the need to remind the reader constantly that this was an Afro American couple very annoying. I read a lot and honestly couldn't careless about the characters race. This novel did absolutely nothing for me and made me wonder if I would want to read other books by this author. I agree that description and settings are needed to develop a storyline but I don't need a recap every chapter. 1 out of 5 at best.
I don't mind an easy read romance novel every once in awhile but I was really disappointed in this one. Not only did this book follow the very predictable Harlequin formula, I found the need to remind the reader constantly that this was an Afro American couple very annoying. I read a lot and honestly couldn't careless about the characters race. This novel did absolutely nothing for me and made me wonder if I would want to read other books by this author. I agree that description and settings are needed to develop a storyline but I don't need a recap every chapter. 1 out of 5 at best.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 30 Ain't Misbehavin'
Ain't Misbehavin' by Alyson Schafer from Wiley and Sons Canada 2011
Ain't Misbehavin' is the latest of Alyson Schafer's parenting books. Unlike the other 2 books, this one is filled with solutions or suggestions to deal with different behaviours parents encounter on a regular basis. Ain't Misbehavin' groups behaviours by type covering everything from the bedroom to school to sibling rivalry to extra curricular activities. This books need not be read from start to finish if there is an area you really want to challenges in but I recommend reading all of it. Alyson offers suggestions for dealing for with the behaviour when it happens and solution to work towards at reducing and often eliminating unwanted reactions. I really enjoyed the book and am finding Alyson's tips are making life in my home less confrontational even though the gist of it is Mommy Butt Out and that is hard to do after five years. I am a firm believer in having as many tools as you need to keep your family functioning well and Ain't Misbehavin' has found a permanent home in my family library. The concepts are consistent throughout the book and even if you encounter a situation not specifically covered, you can use the techniques explained to work on a solution. Thanks again Alyson.
Ain't Misbehavin' is the latest of Alyson Schafer's parenting books. Unlike the other 2 books, this one is filled with solutions or suggestions to deal with different behaviours parents encounter on a regular basis. Ain't Misbehavin' groups behaviours by type covering everything from the bedroom to school to sibling rivalry to extra curricular activities. This books need not be read from start to finish if there is an area you really want to challenges in but I recommend reading all of it. Alyson offers suggestions for dealing for with the behaviour when it happens and solution to work towards at reducing and often eliminating unwanted reactions. I really enjoyed the book and am finding Alyson's tips are making life in my home less confrontational even though the gist of it is Mommy Butt Out and that is hard to do after five years. I am a firm believer in having as many tools as you need to keep your family functioning well and Ain't Misbehavin' has found a permanent home in my family library. The concepts are consistent throughout the book and even if you encounter a situation not specifically covered, you can use the techniques explained to work on a solution. Thanks again Alyson.
Monday, May 7, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 29 The Wealthy Barber Returns
The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton From Financial Awareness Press 2011
This book was very different from the original book. Chilton's wit shines throughout the book resulting in messages that are easy to understand when it comes to managing one's finances. I missed the story aspect of the original Wealthy Barber, but enjoyed The Wealthy Barber Returns all the same. I like that there aren't a lot of equations and math but rather good old fashioned common sense in the book. I tend think I'm pretty good with finances but even I learned a thing or two while reading as was definitely reminded of a few things I know I should be doing! If your are looking for an easy, non condescending way to find out what you can do to get your finances on track this is the book for you.
This book was very different from the original book. Chilton's wit shines throughout the book resulting in messages that are easy to understand when it comes to managing one's finances. I missed the story aspect of the original Wealthy Barber, but enjoyed The Wealthy Barber Returns all the same. I like that there aren't a lot of equations and math but rather good old fashioned common sense in the book. I tend think I'm pretty good with finances but even I learned a thing or two while reading as was definitely reminded of a few things I know I should be doing! If your are looking for an easy, non condescending way to find out what you can do to get your finances on track this is the book for you.
Friday, April 27, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 28 Honey, I Wrecked the Kids
Honey,
I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes,
Time-Outs, Sticker Charts and Removing Privileges All Don't Work by Alyson Schafer from Wiley Canada
I'm always looking for new/additional methods for nurturing my daughter and make sure we aren't getting into never ending battles. This book was an eye-opening read as Alyson seemed to have insight into what is happening in my family/my head. One of the challenges Alyson presents is to go a week without saying no to your child. This is something I'm tackling and must admit not doing well with, but I plan to stick with it because when I get it right it makes life much easier. What I like in particular about Alyson's writing is that she is writing from experience since she is a parent and lived the style of parenting she's promoting for her life. Honey, I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-Outs, Sticker Charts and removing Privileges All Don't Work is having a positive impact on my family.
I'm always looking for new/additional methods for nurturing my daughter and make sure we aren't getting into never ending battles. This book was an eye-opening read as Alyson seemed to have insight into what is happening in my family/my head. One of the challenges Alyson presents is to go a week without saying no to your child. This is something I'm tackling and must admit not doing well with, but I plan to stick with it because when I get it right it makes life much easier. What I like in particular about Alyson's writing is that she is writing from experience since she is a parent and lived the style of parenting she's promoting for her life. Honey, I Wrecked the Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-Outs, Sticker Charts and removing Privileges All Don't Work is having a positive impact on my family.
Friday, April 13, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 27 Breaking the Good Mom Myth
Breaking the Good Mom Myth by Alyson Schafer from John Wiley & Sons 2006
I really enjoyed this book, probably because it was written by a mom and she admits she sometimes has to regroup. I've read a number of parenting books over the last four years and this is by far one of the better ones. It tackles real life situations, giving you alternatives to what current society expects. The solutions offered when reviewed carefully are good old common sense and initially leave you wondering "why didn't I think of that?" My biggest take away was that I don't need to be like every other mom on the block and really shouldn't try to be, but instead be realistic with expectations of both self and child. Well worth a 4 out of 5 review.
I really enjoyed this book, probably because it was written by a mom and she admits she sometimes has to regroup. I've read a number of parenting books over the last four years and this is by far one of the better ones. It tackles real life situations, giving you alternatives to what current society expects. The solutions offered when reviewed carefully are good old common sense and initially leave you wondering "why didn't I think of that?" My biggest take away was that I don't need to be like every other mom on the block and really shouldn't try to be, but instead be realistic with expectations of both self and child. Well worth a 4 out of 5 review.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
#50BookPledge Book #26 Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig from Renaissance Audio 1999.
Not necessarily my cup of tea but an interesting book overall. It didn't take me long to realize that the motorcycle maintenance was a metaphor used throughout the book to help weave the themes together. The content wasn't something I really paid much attention to but was very interested in the story of a father and son traveling across the country on a motorcycle. I was particularly interested in chapters 32 and 33 as they tied the story and life after together. The author has given us insight into his life that he didn't need to share and really shows how life goes on even after a child passes. My rating is a 3 out of 5.
Not necessarily my cup of tea but an interesting book overall. It didn't take me long to realize that the motorcycle maintenance was a metaphor used throughout the book to help weave the themes together. The content wasn't something I really paid much attention to but was very interested in the story of a father and son traveling across the country on a motorcycle. I was particularly interested in chapters 32 and 33 as they tied the story and life after together. The author has given us insight into his life that he didn't need to share and really shows how life goes on even after a child passes. My rating is a 3 out of 5.
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