Friday, February 1, 2013

Review & Giveaway: Against My Will by Benjamin Berkley

Publisher: Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc., September 1, 2012
Category: Fiction- Relationships, Abuse, Romance, Holocaust, Suspense
Tour Dates: February, 2013
Available in: Print and PDF, 247 pages
AGAINST MY WILL is the life changing novel about Danielle, a victim of marital abuse, who finds the strength to leave her husband and pursue a career in law.
Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can’t feel anything but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn’t recognize her husband or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.
Danielle tries to talk to her father but he dismisses her marital problems.  But she can confide in her Nana Rose, a Holocaust survivor who lost her entire family at the hands of the Nazis. Rose helped raise Danielle and her brother when their mother died when Danielle was only three.  Having faced death, Rose is Danielle’s source of security.  But while Danielle holds on to the fragile belief that her father’s prince charming will change, she is raped by her husband on the night of their one year wedding anniversary.
Now, Danielle has to escape.  And with the help of her beloved Nana, Danielle moves across the country and starts to rebuild her life. But will she be able to escape her past? And when one of her clients finds herself in the same terrible situation, will Danielle have the strength to help her?
As we follow Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story intersect with the diary entries of her Nana as a young girl held captive in a concentration camp.  The entries begin with Rose waking up in a hospital after the liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp.    Graphically she recounts the train ride to the camp and the emotional separation of her from her family upon arrival.    And the full weight of the family’s secrets becomes clear. This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it’s about love.
My Thoughts:

Wow, this book kept me up. Now because it was well written with a strong character study and wonderful plot, although this book is all of the above.  It kept me up all night because I could relate to is so much. 

When I was in my early twenties I was married to an abusive guy who abused me in similar ways that Danielle was abused.  Thanks to the loving support of my family, I got out pretty quick and turned my life around. However, this book made it all flood back to me. 

You might wonder how a intelligent woman can get herself in such a predicament.  I have asked myself that many times.  For Danielle, she was pushed into it by her father who thought she was marring "a nice Jewish man."  She was already 29 and he wanted his daughter to marry and have children before she was too old.

It was Danielle's grandmother, Rose (also my grandmother's name), a Holocaust survior, who helped her get away.  We learn of Rose's story from the diary she kept after she was rescued from the concentration camp.

I loved this book!  I only had one tiny issue with it, there were quite a few Yiddish word in it.  Coming from a Jewish family, I know a few Yiddish words but I didn't know all of the word in the book.  I think it would have been helpful to include a page of English translations.

My favorite part of the story was of Rose's diary entries of her experiences in the Holocaust.  I also loved how richly textured the writing and characters.  All of the main character were well defined and leapt off the page.   The book was very hard to put down!  I highly recommend it!

4.5/5

This book was sent to me for my honest review.

About Benjamin Berkley:

“Against My Will” is Benjamin Berkley’s fifth book and debut novel.  He is also the author of four self-help books:       “My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family’s Needs” (Sourcebooks, June, 2006)   “The Complete Executor’s Guide” (Sourcebooks, June 2007)   “Winning Your Social Security Disability Case” (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and “Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer’s Beware Guide to Remarriage.” (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009).
And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door.  One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for “Against My Will.”   Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley.   He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.

Buy Against My Will at:

Now for the giveaway!  Thanks to Benjamin, I am giving away on copy of this book.  If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you will receive a print copy.  If you live internationally you will receive the PDF.  This giveaway ends on March 1, 2013.  Please Use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the Tour:
So Many Precious Books Feb 1 Review & Giveaway
Reviewing Novels Feb 4 Review
Mom of 2 Dancers Feb 6 Review & Giveaway
I Know That Book Feb 7 Interview
Belle of the Literati Feb 8 Review & Giveaway
Lucybird’s Book Blog Feb 11 Review
Teena in Toronto Feb 12 Review
Books a l mode Feb 12 Guest Post  & Giveaway
Celtic Lady Reviews Feb 13 Review
Romance & Inspiration Feb 14 Review
Cheryl’s Book Nook Feb 15 Review
Sweeps 4 Bloggers Feb 18 Review & Giveaway
Love Of Film And Novels Feb 19 Review & Giveaway
Writing Daze Feb 19th Spotlight
JoyStory Feb 20 Review
The Wormhole  Feb 22 Review
The Wormhole  Feb 23 Interview
Peaceful Wishing Feb 25 Review
Beauty and Books  Feb 25 Interview & Giveaway
She Treads Softly Feb 26 Review
Over Cups of Coffee Feb 27 Review
Curling Up By the Fire Feb 28 Review
The News in Books Feb 28 Interview



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 6 comments  

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Giveaway Winners Galore

Thanks to everyone who entered the following giveaways! Winners, please reply to the email I sent you today within 48 hours to claim your books. After 2 days you will be disqualified and a new winner will be picked. Rafflecopter picks all winners using Random.org. 

Thanks again to Kaitlyn McCrystal of Touchstone Publicity/Simon & Schuster for making this giveaway possible.
The Winner is:
Patty W.






Thanks again to Jessica Butler, Associate Publicist/Berkley/NAL for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is: 
Carol M.







Thanks again to Jessica K. Bromberg / Publicity Manager of Grand Central Publishing/Forever for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Carol M.






Thanks again to Bethe Pehlke of Sourcebooks for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Julia H.







Thanks again to Marissa Sangiacomo of Grand Central Publishing for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Amanda H.







Thanks again to Kelley & Hall Book Publicity for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Patricia M.







Thanks again to Paula Krapf of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Rebecca G.






Posted by Teddy Rose at 11:50 PM 5 comments  

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

January Reviews for: The 2013 ARC Reading Challenge

Sorry for the lateness of this post, It's been crazy around here!

 Here's a reminder of the levels:

 Level Bronze (up to 12 Arcs):

Working on Silver:

Silver (24 ARCS):

Working on Gold:

Gold ( 30 ARCS):

Working on Platinum:

Platinum (35 ARCS):

You can join this challenge at any time.  If you don't see yourself in the standings above, it is because you didn't leave a comment telling me how many books you read so far. You need to do this at the end of each month.

Please post the books you read in January for the challenge in Mr. Linky, below:
If you forgot to post book in any previous months, please post them in Mr. Link below as well.

Please enter your name and the name of the book in this format: Name: (Your Name, Book Title and Author's Name) for example: (Teddy, Obsessive Reading by Helen Reader). 





Posted by Teddy Rose at 11:27 PM 11 comments  

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Friday, January 25, 2013

Giveaway: Moon Hoax by Paul Gillebaard

Thanks to  Kelsey McBride PR, I am giving away one print copy of Moon Hoax.

Book Description:

What if China convinced the world that the U.S. never landed on the moon? What would America do? Nothing? Let one of man’s greatest achievements simply be erased?

In Moon Hoax, China claims the moon landings never happened and they have proof. Losing worldwide prestige is not an option for the United States. CIA agent and former NASA candidate Peter Novak, son of a U.S. moonwalker, is selected to fly a mission back to the moon against UN sanctions to set the record straight. With no manned rocket close to flying, America must figure out how to get their man into deep space undetected and without international help. Restoring his father's good name and the reputation of his country on a one-way ticket to lunar orbit sounds crazy--but it's Peter's only chance to break free of Earth's atmosphere and fulfill his dream as an astronaut. Peter enlists a former space rival as his unlikely co-pilot, and the two battle to outwit China's efforts to sabotage the operation and beat the Chinese back to the moon. For more information, visit http://www.moonhoaxbook.com/ 

“I finally got around to reading Moon Hoax. It was a fantastic read. I could hardly put it down. Some twists and turns in the plot that I didn't expect. Thoroughly enjoyed it.” - Charlie Duke, the 10th man on the moon.

About Paul Gillebaard:

Paul lived in Nassau Bay, TX during the moon shot years, home for many of the Apollo astronauts. Living among these men who would make history inspired Paul to write this book. Paul currently resides in Orange County, CA with his wife and two children.

Sorry, this giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on February 5th.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 9 comments  

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Giveaway: Truth in Advertising by John Kenney

Thanks to Kaitlyn McCrystal of Touchstone Publicity/Simon & Schuster, Inc I am giving away 2 print copies of the Truth in Advertising.

Book Description:

Finbar Dolan  has escaped his blue-collar Boston upbringing to carve out a mildly successful career at Madison Avenue ad agency Lauderbeck, Kline & Vanderhosen.  Fin is happy.  Or so he tells himself.   He feels fulfilled by his work and content in his relationships—at least to the extent that most of his waking hours revolve around a diaper account and that he keeps everyone around him at a careful distance (other than “work wife” Phoebe and Ian, the “gay brother he never had”—except for Kevin, the gay brother Fin does have). 

 Actually, Fin is a bit of a mess.  He recently called off a wedding and now, a few days before Christmas, he’s forced to cancel a long-postponed vacation in order to write, produce, and edit a Super Bowl commercial in record time (Now, with new Snugglies Planet-Changers, the world’s first disposable, bio-degradable diapers, every time you change a diaper, you can help change the world).  Fortunately, it gets worse.  Fin learns that his once-abusive father—who left the family 25 years ago—is dying and alone.  And that neither his brothers nor his sister intend to visit (some families grow closer; others are Irish).  It’s a wake-up call to re-evaluate the choices he has made regarding romantic relationships (thirty-nine and single), marriage (see the aforementioned cancelation of wedding), children (enjoys holding and smelling them, fears being responsible role model for them), and more.

 In hilarious, insightful, and at times sardonic fashion, Fin gradually finds the courage to admit that he’s falling for Phoebe, question whether diapers are really that important, and finally tell the truth about his life and his past.

 BOOKLIST-STARRED REVIEW: “A masterful blend of wit and seriousness, stunning in its honesty.  A novel sure to appeal to fans of Nick Hornby.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS-STARRED REVIEW: “With wry humor, always on point, Kenney guides us through the maze of work, family, love (elusive) and friendship (a lifesaver). This is an outstanding debut.”

 LIBRARY JOURNAL-STARRED REVIEW: “With wry wit, excellent pacing, and pitch-perfect, often hilarious, dialog, Kenney has created something remarkable: a surprisingly funny novel about an adult American male finally becoming a man. Highly recommended.”

About John Kenney:

Kenney has worked in the ad industry for over seventeen years and that experience drives this smart, funny (the opening scene involves Gwyneth Paltrow and diapers), honest novel about (among other things) the absurdity of corporate life, the complications of love, the meaning of family, and the challenge of FINALLY finding your way in life. 

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and ends on February 5, 2013.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 9 comments  

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Monday, January 21, 2013

Giveaway & Interview: Art Maines, Author of Scammed


Are you a senior or do you have loved ones who are seniors?  If so, Scammed by Art Maines is a must read for you.  Today I am honored to welcome Art Maines to So Many Precious Books, So Little Time. 

Hi Art, thanks so much for joining us today!

Can you please tell us a bit about yourself ?

Sure! I’m a licensed clinical social worker, and I spend the biggest part of my days doing psychotherapy and counseling with clients for a variety of issues. On my days off I love bicycling (I rode over 1200 miles last year), cooking, and trying new restaurants, among other interests. I love anything that makes me laugh, too.

What compelled you to write a book about protecting seniors from getting Scammed?

My stepfather, Bill, was a scam victim to the tune of $70,000 in 2009. He’s been a part of my life since I was 6, and I saw first-hand the devastation this kind of crime can bring. I realized I had an opportunity to share with others what I was learning about scam recovery and prevention, so I decided to write the book to help others avoid getting ripped off.

When I heard about your book Scammed, I immediately thought of my mother in-law.  Although what I call a scam is actually legal.  A guy went around her apartment building knocking on doors.  For the low price of $4000 he will refinish your dining room table.  She bought into it because it was low monthly payments.  Her table would have been better off in a land fill, it was certainly not worth it to refinish for any price.  LOL!  Is there anything we can do to protect our loved ones from getting scammed by situations that are scummy but legal?

There are so many of these types of things! The main points I want family members to remember is to pay attention and stay connected to their elder. Scams frequently happen in isolation, and I recommend that concerned younger adults talk to their elder regularly about any situations like this and remind them to always ask someone they know and trust for their opinion on an unusual expense. This is part of what I call conducting a regular “scam drill,” like a fire drill, with a senior. 

You made a lot of very important points in Scammed, what do you think the most important thing that those of us with elderly parents should take away from it and remember?

Teach and reinforce with your parent the basic philosophy for scam prevention, which can be summed up as “Never let yourself be chosen, always do the choosing.”

What is next for you?  Will you write another book, do speaking engagements, etc.

 I have been very busy with speaking engagements with seniors, their families, and professionals. I love doing talks and training, so I intend to do more of those. I’d like to begin offering teleseminars to reach more people as well. I’ve also started gathering notes for what I’m thinking will be an e-book I’ve tentatively titled “Brain Hijackers,” about the neuroscience of scamming and what that implies for effective scam prevention. I have plenty of enthusiasm and curiosity to keep me going!

About Art Maines:

Art Maines, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, speaker, and expert in elderly fraud recovery and prevention.  He earned his Master’s Degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  Art and his stepfather Bill live in St. Louis.

Please read my thoughts on Scammed here.

Thanks to Art, I am giving away one copy of Scammed. It is available in Print or Kindle.  Those in the U.S. or Canada, will have their choice.  An international winner will receive the Kindle version.  This giveaway ends on February 27, 2013. Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Stops:

 So Many Precious Books Jan  21 Review
So Many Precious Books  Jan 21 Interview & Giveaway
My Life  Jan 22 Feature & Excerpt
I Feel So Unnecessary  Jan 23 Review
I Feel So Unnecessary Jan 24 Guest Post
Teena In Toronto  Jan 25 Review
Sweeps 4 Bloggers Jan 28 Review & Giveaway
Thoughts in Progress Jan 29 Guest Post
JoyStory Jan 30 Review
Writing Daze Feb 5th  Guest Post
A Book Lover’s Library  Feb 6  Guest Post
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Feb 7 Review
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Feb 8 Guest Post
She Treads Softly Feb 11 Review
She Treads Softly  Feb 12 Guest Post
My Devotional Thoughts Feb 15 Guest Post
MN Girl in LA Feb 25 Review
MN Girl in LA Feb 26 Interview



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:10 AM 8 comments  

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Review: Scammed by Art Maines


Book Description:

Publisher : Love Your Life Publishing,  October  12, 2012
Category: Non-Fiction
Tour Dates: January & February, 2013
Available in: Print and ebook, 210 pages
One in Five US Seniors are Scam Victims, Learn How to Prevent and Recover from this Crime:

When author Art Maines’ beloved stepfather Bill was cheated out of thousands of dollars, Art went on a mission to ensure no other family experiences this tragic crime.
In Scammed, Art provides a three step scam prevention and recovery program, based on his training as a social worker, therapist, and his extensive research.  Suitable for seniors or children of elderly parents, Scammed will help you:
§  Understand the most common types of scams
§  Learn the psychological ploys used by scammers so that you can spot a scammer immediately
§  Create a scam prevention plan
§  Recover from a scam with your dignity intact
§  Use the resources in your community if you suspect a scam

My Thoughts:

When I was asked to review this book I jumped at the chance.  My mother-in-law was a scam victim.  She wasn't taken for as much money as some of the examples in this book but it made me wonder how we could better protect her and my mother from being scammed. 

Art Maine's book was just the book to answer my questions.  He not only gave me ideas for protecting those I love but also some of the people I work with as a social worker.  He wrote this book in such a way that I was engaged in his writing as well as I was able to easily understand his points.  This book needed to be written and I'm glad that Maines took it on in to his very capable hands.

This book is a must for those who have elderly loved ones, who are elderly, and for those who work with vulnerable people!

5/5

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

About Art Maines:

Art Maines, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, speaker, and expert in elderly fraud recovery and prevention.  He earned his Master’s Degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  Art and his stepfather Bill live in St. Louis.



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 3 comments  

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Review & Giveaway: Through Angel's Eyes by Steve Theunissen


Book Description:

'Through Angel's Eyes' is the first person account of a 13 year old Black girl as she experiences the pivotal events of the 1963 civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama. The book is a Young Adult historical fiction that infuses the timeless wisdom of Martin Luther King into an intriguing narrative that takes readers on a roller coaster of emotion while they learn about a time when a group of courageous young people quietly said 'Enough!" and stood up for what they believed in.

My Review:

Through Angel's Eyes is the fictional account of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama as told by 13 year old Angel Dunbar.  Angel really looks up to her older brother, Jimmy.  He becomes active in the civil rights movement and Angel wants to get involved as well.  They follow the peaceful movement led by Martin Luther King.  However, Angel starts to fall for a boy, Ronny,  in her class who she finds out is in the black power moment.  With two opposing points of view on how to gain civil rights, can they come together?

The civil rights movement and the 60's is another time period I can't seem to get enough of.  Through Angel's Eyes was written for young adults but as an middle aged adult, I found it quite powerful.  At first I had a bit of trouble with the authentic southern dialect, Steve Theunissen used.  However, it was necessary for the continuity of the novel and to stay true to the location.

The character jump out off of the page and into the readers imagination.  The book debates the issue of black power and civil rights in a way for the reader to understand the difference between the two movements and the story flows beautifully.
I highly recommend Through Angel's Eyes to both adults and young adults.

5/5

About Steve Theunissen:

Steve Theunissen is a 47-year-old middle school teacher who lives in Tauranga, New Zealand. Steve combined his passion for fitness with his love of writing as he forged a career as a freelance fitness writer. From there he branched out to produce books about his next great passion – U.S. history. Through Angel’s Eyes, Steve’s first novel, draws upon his life-long study of the Civil Rights movement.

Thanks to Paula Krapf of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., I am giving away one print copy.  This giveaway is open worldwide and ends on January 30, 2013.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:00 AM 6 comments  

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