Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Review & Giveaway: My Journey As a Combat Medic by Patrick Thibeault

Book Description:

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, July 24, 2012
Category: Military Medic, Memoir
Tour Dates: January, 2013
Available in: PDF, Kindle , 176 pages
My Journey as a Combat Medic is a no-holds-barred look at the modern medic in the US Army, allowing us a glimpse at the training as a soldier and as a specialist, as well as deployment and front line duties and the impact of service on civilian life, including an honest look at PTSD, from the author’s own personal experience. Rather than a technical manual, My Journey as a Combat Medic is a detailed firsthand account, concluding with a letter to new medics, providing a career’s worth of advice and knowledge as they begin their journeys. This book is about the soldiers who bring compassion and humanity to the battlefield.

My Review:

Before this, I never read much about the military before, except for what is in the news.  I loved the idea of reading a personal account of one guy from the military and that is why I accepted this book.

I wasn't expecting such a well written account.  I guess I was stereotyping and thinking that people from the military couldn't be real writes.  I was wrong!

My Journey As a Combat Medic was well written and grabbed me from the first page.  Patrick Thibeault was in the military for a very long time, starting in Desert Storm in the 90's and ending in Afghanistan. He wanted to be the best medic possible and took advantage of all of the courses and opportunities the army had available to him.

His description of learning to be a paratrooper was nail biting.  He made several jumps over his army career.

This is a heartfelt account as well.  No matter who his patient, soldier, enemy or civilian, Patrick did his best to help all.  He even treated children.  towards the end of the book Patrick talks about PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how it has affected him.  However, he makes clear that he doesn't regret his service to his country.
Patrick, I want to thank you for your years of service and your on-going work outside the military.  I applaud you!

If you're like me and don't agree with most of the wars that are fought in the world, it doesn't matter. The military is an important aspect of our world.  This is an inside account of one of our troops.  It is not a blood and guts account, so no need to be squeamish. Highly recommended!

 5/5

About Patrick Thibeault:

Patrick Thibeault was raised as an Army brat. He lived in Germany, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Fayetteville, North Carolina and his father was stationed in Seoul, South Korea where he attended Seoul American High School and graduated in 1989. During his time in Korea, Patrick watched several of the Olympic games in person as they were in Seoul, South Korea in 1988. He grew to respect and understand the different cultures he encountered.
Upon graduation from high school, Patrick enlisted in the Army becoming a paratrooper medic. The first unit that he was assigned to was the elite 3rd Battalion / 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Patrick deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm back in 1990. During his tenure with the 160th, Patrick had the opportunity to grow both as a soldier and as a medic. He attended SERE school (Survival training), went to Army enlisted flight medic school at Fort Rucker, and attended Primary Leadership training at Fort Stewart, Georgia among other types of military training. He deployed both stateside and overseas with the 160th and even spent some time on the USS. Theodore Roosevelt. During his time with the 160th, he was on both on enlisted crewmember flight status and parachute status.

He then joined the Kentucky Army National Guard. Patrick deployed twice to Ecuador during his time with the Kentucky Army National Guard. He continued to grow in the medical field and nursing field and started nursing school at Eastern Kentucky University. Patrick’s first job as a nurse was as a registered nurse in Indianapolis,Indiana. Patrick transferred to the Indiana Army National Guard where in 2000, his entire brigade travelled to Fort Polk, Louisiana to participate in the combat simulations at the Joint Readiness Training Center or JRTC.
He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in nursing in May 2003 from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2004, he deployed with his unit, the 76th Infantry Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His unit was part of Task Force Phoenix. This task force trained the conventional Afghanistan Army and had soldiers embedded into these Afghanistan units both during training and combat operations. Patrick worked briefly as a liaison for Task Force Phoenix at Bagram Airbase before going back out into the deserts of Afghanistan to serve as a medic.

Patrick started on his master’s degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner upon returning from combat in 2005. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in December, 2008. Patrick then transferred to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, part of the Kentucky Army National Guard, where he remained till he retired in January, 2011. Patrick currently works part time in a medical intensive care unit part time as a registered nurse and works full time in a urgent and primary care clinic as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hobbies include Corvettes,writting poetry, working out, Star Trek, and reading medical books. He is married to his wife Connie. They have a dog named Rocco and two cats named Savannah and Georgia. He named his cats after the beautiful city of Savannah and the other cat after the state of Georgia when he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, in Savannah,Georgia.
His awards and decorations include the Combat Medical Badge, 2nd award from both Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. The Meritorious Service Medical from Afghanistan, the Air Medal from Desert Storm. Patrick also has earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, parachute wings, and the enlisted crewmember aviation wings.
Currently Patrick is working on a book of combat medic poetry, a book about working as a nurse and a nurse practitioner from the perspective of a man and a fictional book about a time travelling medical provider who gets stuck in the past while trying to learn medicine and nursing and working on his website at http://www.medicstory.com/

Now for the Giveaway! The author, Patrick Thibeault has agreed to giveaway one PDF copy of My Journey As a Combat Medic. This giveaway is oppen worldwide and ends on February 14, 2013.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Follow the Tour:
JoyStory Jan 8 Review
So Many Precious Books  Jan 9 Review & Giveaway
JoyStory  Jan 9 Interview
Rhodes Reviews Jan 10 Review
Angela Shelton Jan 11 Review
Angela Shelton Jan 11 Interview
Every Free Chance Jan 14 Review & Giveaway
Sincerely Stacie Jan 15 Review
Jolly Blogger Jan 16 Review
Book Lover’s Library Jan 17 Review
Book Lover’s Library   Jan 18 Guest Post & Giveaway
My Devotional Thoughts Jan 18 Review
Second Bookshelf  Jan 21 Review & Giveaway
Sugar & Spice Jan 22 Review
wall-to-wall books Jan 23 Review & Giveaway
Eclectic Books & Movies Jan 24 Review
Eclectic Books & Movies  Jan 25 Interview
Dab of Darkness Jan 28 Review
Teena In Toronto Jan 29 Review
Bibliophilia, Please  Jan 29 Excerpt
MN Girl in LA Jan 30 Review & Giveaway
Ruby On Tuesday Jan 31 Review
2012: The Year In Books Feb 1 Review
The Opinionated Me  Feb 1 Guest Post
Everyday Is An Adventure Feb 4 Review
Everyday Is An Adventure Feb 5 Guest Post & Giveaway
Em Sun Feb 5 Review
Ordinary Girlz Feb 6 Review
Book Through Garden Window Feb 7 Review
Book Through Garden Window Feb 8 Guest Post
Older Mommy Still Yummy Feb 8 Review & Giveaway
Geo Librarian Feb 11 Review
Geo Librarian Feb 12 Interview & Giveaway
Peaceful Wishing Feb 12 Review
readitallbookreviews Feb 13 Review




Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 1 comments  

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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Tour & Giveaway: Deep Connections by Rebecca Graf


Thanks to the author, Rebecca Graf, I am giving away one copy of Deep Connections.

Book Description:

Publisher: Silver Tongue Press, August 23, 2012
Category: Paranormal/Suspense/Romance
Tour Dates: January, 2013
Available in: Print, PDF, and Kindle , 298 pages
Deep Connections is the story of a woman who finds herself caught in a love-triangle with a stalker closing in on her. Brenna sees herself just as a high school English teacher. Slaton sees her as his soulmate. Eaton sees her as a serious girlfriend. To someone in the shadows, she is the fulfillment of a prophecy. Through her, he will exact his revenge. Through her, he will conquer those around him. Someone has to die in order for him to have her. Brenna has to make a decision that will forever change of life and that of everyone around her.
Praise for Deep Connections:

” Deep Connections is a riveting romantic suspense thriller that will captivate you from the beginning and hold you captive until the end. If you like a scary novel with a twist of paranormal and romance in the mix, then this is the book for you. This is the first book in a series, and the end will leave you hanging and wanting more, only to make you wait for it to be continued in the next book of the series, Dark Connections.”- Kathleen Higgins-Anderson, Jersey Girl Book Reviews

” Deep Connection is a unique thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Who is stalking Brenna and why? As the layers of mystery unfold, you will be pulled into the twists and turns Ms. Graf has so wonderfully written. Wrapped around the mystery is a love triangle between Brenna, the cute sheriff’s deputy and the handsome Native American lawyer. Who will win her heart and save her from the evil stalking her? Read the book and find out. I had a hard time putting this one down. I am waiting for the sequel as I am sure it will also be a fantastic read.”- Marianne Spitzer, Goodreads.com Reviewer

” This is not a story to read by yourself at night, in a dark and quiet house. Believe me, I tried it, and I actually got a little nervous. It has a good amount of suspense and scariness, and I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened. “-Monica, The Readathon

” This was one of those books that I read in 2 days when I could steal time away from life. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about when I’d be able to get back to reading it.  The biggest disappointment, however, comes at the VERY end: When I discovered the story will continue in “Dark Connections” and that I have to wait for it to be released Winter 2013-2013! I want it NOW!”-L. Ocko, Amazon.com Reviewer

About Rebecca Graf:

Rebecca Graf is a wife and mother of three when she is not writing. From writing online for various companies to book reviews to her own novels, Rebecca spends most of her days reading and writing.
She worked as an accountant for 20 years before taking a chance and trying to make it as a writer. She has been published on sites such as BellaOnline.com, HubPages, and Natural Family Today. She also freelances where she writes for several different companies.
She is an avid reader and has found a love of writing all types of genres. She self-published her first children’s book, A Gift for a Mouse two years ago. Since then, she has started her own publishing company with a friend. Deep Connections is their first publication.
Website: www.rebeccagraf.com
Twitter: @rebeccagraf
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RebbecaGraf

This giveaway is open internationally.  Winner from the U.S. and Canada has the choice of print, Kindle, or PDF.  International winner has the choice of Kindle or PDF.  Please Use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Follow the Tour:
So Many Precious Books  Jan 8 Feature & Giveaway
Talk Supe Jan 7 Review
Lovey Dovey Books Jan 8 Review
Lovey Dovey Books  Jan 9 Guest Post
Celtic Lady Jan 10 Review
Heck of a Bunch Jan  11 Review & Giveaway
Book Lover Stop Jan 14 Review
Books à la Mode Jan 15 Spotlight & Giveaway
Paperback Pursuer  Jan 15 Guest Post
Swept Away by Romance Jan 16 Review
Rainy Day Reviews Jan 16 Guest Post : Spotlight & Excerpt
Sweet Southern Home Jan 21 Review
Every Free Chance Jan 22 Review
Every Free Chance Jan 23 Guest Post & Giveaway
The Top Shelf Jan 24 Review
My Guilty Obsession  Jan 24 Review
My Guilty Obsession Jan 28 Guest Post
Wolf Majick Jan 28 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Jan 29 Review & Giveaway
Em Sun Jan 30 Review
Every Day Is An Adventure  Jan 31 Interview
Over a Cuppa Coffee Jan 31 Review & Giveaway
Peaceful Wishing Feb1 Review
Angels are Kids & Furkids Feb 4 Review
Angels are Kids & Furkids Feb 5 Guest Post
MN Girl in LA Feb 5 Review & Giveaway
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Feb 6 Review
Melissa’s Midnight Musings  Feb 6 Interview
Rainy Days & Mondays Feb 6 Review
Rainy Days & Mondays  Feb 7 Guest Post
VW Stitcher  Feb 8 Review & Giveaway
Acting Balanced Feb 11 Guest Post
Musings of an Addicted Reader Feb 12 Review
Just Another Rabid Reader Feb 13 Review
Just Another Rabid Reader Feb 14 Guest Post & Giveaway




Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 7 comments  

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Monday, January 7, 2013

Book Tour and Giveaway, with Guest Post: Khanh Ha


Please give a warm welcome to my guest today, Khanh, author of Flesh.

The Great American Novel

Today I read a fellow author’s post on this subject. She wondered if the desire to write ‘The Great American Novel’ has been superseded by the desire to write the next million-dollar bestseller. She asked, ‘Is Anyone Really Writing the Great American Novel?’

What makes a novel great? Frankly, a novel can be set in any locale, real, or imaginary like the Yoknapatawpha County from which William Faulkner created his fictional worlds. Even more frankly, to be great a novel has to be literary. I never know any great novels in the genre of Sci-Fi, Romance, YA, or that sort. Do you? Why literary? 

Because literary fiction deals with characterization more deeply, more intensely. Not to mention the power of its descriptions of moods, scenes, and human characterization. Don’t yawn! Read The Sound and The Fury, especially the first two chapters on Benjy and Quentin, where human minds verging on insanity were skillfully wrought to the point of surrealism. Read Paris Trout by Pete Dexter. I don’t know about you but I felt a tingling in my spine just following this Trout character around. If you’re taken over by such a villain in a novel, like Trout, or Lester Ballard in Cormac McCarthy’s Child of God, then that novel must be literary.

But I don’t think any writer would intend to write ‘The Great American Novel’ when he conceives the thought of writing. Any writer who says ‘I want to write the great such and such novel’ is illusionary. A novel that can successfully examine human flaws and humiliation and racial bigotry usually transcends any locale it’s set in and becomes a global recognition in the literary world. It could be set in Pago-Pago as in Rain by W. Somerset Maugham, or in a small Cajun community in Louisiana as in A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, but these works rise above their locales to become classics.
But don’t concern yourself with such a lofty ambition to write ‘The Great American Novel.’ Every day when you sit down to write, try to stay true to yourself.

Also keep this verity in mind: ‘Most live writers do not exist. Their fame is created by critics who always need a genius of the season, someone they understand completely and feel safe in praising, but when these fabricated geniuses are dead they will not exist.’— Ernest Hemingway

And if you still obsess about writing a classic, be merciless on yourself as if you have just been told by a demon: ‘I have to write to be happy whether I get paid for it or not. But it is a hell of a disease to be born with. I like to do it. Which is even worse. That makes it from a disease into a vice. Then I want to do it better than anybody has ever done it which makes it into an obsession. An obsession is terrible. Hope you haven’t got any. That’s the only one I’ve got left.’ — Ernest Hemingway

So, do I want to write ‘The Great American Novel?’ No. Just write!

Thanks Khanh! Please be sure to read my review of Flesh, also posted today!

 About Khanh Ha:

 Khanh Ha was born in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam.  During his teen years he began writing short stories which won him several awards in the Vietnamese adolescent magazines.  He graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.  He is at work on a new novel.

 Now for the giveaway!  Khanh has agreed to offer one lucky winner a print copy of his book.  This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and will end on February 7, 2013.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.

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Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Jan 7 Interview & Giveaway
Eclectic Books & Movies  Jan 8 Review
Eclectic Books & Movies  Jan 9 Interview
She Treads Softly  Jan 10 Review
Book Lover Stop  Jan 11 Guest Post & Giveaway
Broken Teepee Jan 14 Review
MK McClintock  Jan 15 Interview
Joy Story  Jan 16 Review
From L.A. to LA  Jan 17 Review
Books à la Mode Jan 17 Guest Post & Giveaway
A Book Lover’s Library Jan 22 Review
A Book Lover’s Library Jan 23 Interview & Giveaway
Relentless Reader  Jan 23 Review
Joy Story Jan 25 Guest Post
The Wormhole  Jan 25 Interview
Sweeps 4 Bloggers  Jan 25 Review & Giveaway
Ordinary Girlz Reviews  Jan 28 Review & Giveaway
Cuzinlogic Jan 29 Interview & Giveaway
Belle of the Literati Jan 30 Review
Overflowing Bookshelves  Feb 1  Review
Overflowing Bookshelves   Feb 4 Interview
Gina’s Library  Feb 4 Spotlight/Giveaway
Crossroads  Feb 5 Review
Broken Teepee  Feb 5 Guest post & Giveaway
So Many Precious Books   Feb 6 Review
Book Bird Dog  Feb 6 Guest Post

Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:30 AM 5 comments  

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Review: Flesh by Khanh Ha


Book Description (From book jacket):

Publisher: Black Heron Press, June 15, 2012
Category: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Tour Dates: January, 2013
Available in: Print Only , 368 pages
Set in Tonkin (now northern Vietnam) at the turn of the 20th century, Flesh tells the story of a boy who witnesses the execution, by beheading, of his father, a notorious bandit, and sets out to recover his father’s head, and then find the man who betrayed his father to the authorities. A coming-of-age story of brutal self-awakening and also a tender love story, Flesh takes the reader into places, both dark and wonderful, in the human condition where allies are not always your friends, true love hurts, and your worst enemy can bring you the most solace.

Khanh Ha writes of the physical world with such sensuousness that he will make the reader’s heart ache. At the same time, though Flesh is his first novel, his knowledge of the human psyche is that of a fully mature writer. The title refers to temptation—the temptation of the flesh. But it refers equally to the obligations of kinship, the connections between us and those to whom we are related, even if we would choose not to be.

My Review:

Flesh is not just a great book, it is a masterpiece!  The characters spring to life on the very first page and stay with you way after reading the very last page. Both the characters and landscape are unforgettable!  I completely forgot that I live in 2013 Canada.

Ha writes with such poetic prose that it is sensuous, as the book jacket says.  There are secrets to be drawn out that the reader does not suspect.  They make perfect sense and explain a lot.  They also add even more value to the story.

I highly recommend this book for either historical fiction lovers or literary fiction lovers.  This literary work deserves a prize!

5/5

Be sure to check out the guest post today by Khanh Ha and enter to win this masterpiece!



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 5 comments  

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Sunday, January 6, 2013

On Tour & Giveaway: Rally Round the Corpse by Hy Conrad


Thanks to the author, Hy Conrd, I am giving away one copy of Rally Round the Corpse.

Book Description:

Publisher: Seven Realms Publishing, May 29, 2012
Category: Mystery
Tour Dates: January, 2013
Available in: Print, Kindle, Nook, Sony ereader, & iTunes, 348 pages
“Abel Adventures” is a brand new mystery series, penned by Hy Conrad, writer and producer of the landmark TV show “Monk.”
In the series debut, “Rally ‘Round the Corpse,” we meet Amy Abel, two years after the death of her fiancé.
Amy needs a fresh start.  And what better way for a shy, risk-averse woman to start over than to sink her savings into a travel agency specializing in adventure.  Her first project?  A mystery road rally through the European countryside.
At the starting line in Monte Carlo, Amy finds herself attracted to Marcus Alvarez, the most mysterious of her two dozen game-loving clients.  But the rally gets off to a rocky start when an eccentric writer, the only person who knows the game’s solution, is himself murdered back in New York.
Weird accidents begin happening along the route and Amy discovers that this fictional mystery was based on a real, unsolved case, one that Marcus knows too much about.  Now she has no choice but to join forces with Fanny, her domineering mother, before the killer strikes again.
About Hy Conrad:

Best known for his work in mysteries, Hy was one of the original writers for the groundbreaking series,Monk.  He worked on the show for all eight seasons, the final two as Co-Executive Producer, and received three Edgar Nominations from the Mystery Writers of America for “Best TV Episode.”

 In a related project, Hy was Executive Producer and head writer of Little Monk, a series of short films featuring Adrian Monk as a ten-year-old.  His latest TV work was as writer and Consulting Producer forWhite Collar.

Hy is also the author of hundreds of short stories and ten books of short whodunits, which have been sold around the world in fourteen languages.  Hy’s first full-length comedy/mystery play, Home Exchange, premiered at the Waterfront Playhouse in Key West in May 2012.  And, in a different vein, he recently authored a humor book calledThings Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know.
Hy splits his time among Key West, Vermont and New York City.
Author Website: http://www.hyconrad.com/

This giveaway is open internationally. The winner will have the choice of print or ebook if in the U.S. or Canada and ebook only for an international winner.
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Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books  Jan 6 Giveaway & Feature
Minding Spot  Jan 7 Review
Book Lover Stop  Jan 8 Review & Giveaway
Thoughts in Progress Jan 9 Review
Thoughts in Progress Jan 10 Giveaway & Interview
Book Dilettante  Jan  11 Review
Tabula Rasa Jan 11 Review
Tabula Rasa  Jan 12 Interview
Sweeps4Bloggers Jan 12 Review & Giveaway
The Bookworm  Jan 13 Review
Book Lover’s Library Jan 14 Review
Book Lover’s Library  Jan 14 Guest Post & Giveaway
Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks Jan 15 Review
Celtic Lady Jan 16 Review
Book Angels Jan 17 Review
Book Angels Jan 18 Guest Post $ Giveaway
Ann’s Reading Corner   Jan 19 Review
Booksie’s Blog Jan 20 Review
Socrates Book Reviews Jan  21 Review
Socrates Book Reviews Jan 21 Guest Post & Giveaway
How Mysterious Jan 22 Review
Library of  Clean Reads Jan 23 Review & Giveaway
Turning the Pages Jan 25 Review
Turning the Pages  Jan 25 Interview
Bookvisions  Jan 26 Review
I’d Rather Be Reading  Jan 27 Review & Giveway
Paperback Pursuer  Jan 28 Review
Writing Daze  Jan 29 Guest Post
Back To Books Jan 29 Review & Giveaway
Heck of a Bunch Jan 30 Review & Giveaway
Books à la Mode  Jan 31Guest Post & Giveaway
Review Room Feb 1 Review
Freda’s Voice Feb 2 Review & Giveaway
Man of LaBook Feb 3 Review
Man of LaBook  Feb 4 Interview & Giveaway
Melissa’s Midnight Musings  Feb 5 Review &  Giveaway
Peaceful Wishing  Feb 6 Review
Peaceful Wishing  Feb 7 Guest Post & Giveaway
Dark Haven Maven  Feb 8 Review
Butterfly-o-Meter Books  Feb 9 Guest Post & Spotlight
MN Girl in LA Feb 11 Review
MN Girl in LA  Feb 12 Interview & Giveaway
Bea’s Book Nook   Feb 12 Review
Romancing the Book Feb 13 Review
Romancing the Book  Feb 14 Guest Post & Giveaway





Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 13 comments  

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Thursday, January 3, 2013

Giveaway: THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME by Allison Winn Scotch




Thanks to Jessica Butler, Associate Publicist/Berkley/NAL I am giving away one print copy of The Song Remains the Same.

Book Description:

A Library Journal  Selection for Best Women's Fiction of 2012

One of only two survivors of a plane crash, Nell Slattery wakes in the hospital with no memory of the horrific experience-or who she is, or was. Now she must piece together both body and mind, with the help of family and friends, who have their own agendas. She filters through photos, art, music, and stories, hoping something will jog her memory, and soon, in tiny bits and pieces, Nell starts remembering. . . .
It isn't long before she learns to question the stories presented by her mother, her sister and business partner, and her husband. In the end, she will discover that forgiving betrayals small and large will be the only true path to healing herself-and to finding happiness.

About Allison Winn Scotch:

Allison Winn Scotch is the bestselling author of Time of My Life. A former freelance magazine writer, she has written for Glamour, Parents, and Men’s Health, and has a robust online presence with more than 15,000 Twitter followers. She lives in New York City and is currently at work on several screenplay projects, as well as her next book. 

Sorry, this giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on January 17, 2013.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 10 comments  

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