Book Cocktail # 10

BOOK COCKTAIL # 10
Were you able to identify our last book by the cocktail recipe? I hope so. It's a great read! Great Expectations
Here is another cocktail. Give us your best guess on this one.

Stir these elements together gently and see what book emerges.

1. Vengeance and Obsession
2. A Salty Tale
3. A dominating and remote sea captain
4. A landmark in American Literature and the only major work by its author.
5. Is it a story of Man against Beast, or Symbolism, or just a book about a man who eventually just goes down the drain, so to speak? 
6. A book renown for it's scope of interpretations. Everyone, it seems, has their own opinion on what the author was really saying.

GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away a 2 sets (6 beads to a set) of my handmade fabric beads (Mocha Collection) to 2 persons who leave a guess in our Book Cocktail Quiz # 10.

You must be a resident of the US or Canada and a blog follower to win. Deadline is April 15th.

These beads can be slipped on a chain or ear-loops for a unique jewelry look, added to your gift wrapping or used to enhance your favorite craft. Their uses are only limited by your imagination.

The Imperial Yacht World Cruise and Party Time

What's Happening with our Virtual Cruise?

So glad you asked. We're currently enjoying our Bon Voyage Party, so you've got plenty of time to get on-board and join in the fun. The craft deck is buzzing with activity, too. Some of the topics are art quilts, machine knitting, and scrapbooking. You can learn how to 'Jitterbug' in our 50's group, and get a peek at a future adventure we'll be taking in our Sunken Treasure group. Authors will be dropping books to fill up our Royal Library, and famous chefs will be demonstrating their talents in our Grand Galley. LOTS of activities! We're just getting started and would love to have you as a shipmate. Check out our Yacht here.

Movers and Shakers 'MeMe'

Movers and Shakers 'MeMe'

The Movers and Shakers MeMe is a post that will explore the explosive and impelling force of just 20 words. Words that impel me to continue turning pages. They might be an unexpected plot twist, startling revelation, special bit of humor, or frigid warning of things to come. Sometimes they may be words that shove me on an emotional roller coaster. Whatever their purpose, the author has succeeded in pulling me further into his/her story. In my selection, I'll be careful not to use 'spoilers'. Here are my newest Movers and Shakers. If you have a Movers and Shakers selection from your current read, why not share it with us. Bloggers who would like to have the html code for the Movers and Shakers Badge can email me at btlblog@lyndacoker.com 

~ Standing abruptly erect Martin staggered away from the scene of his unspeakable humiliation... ~

LAST SNOW By Eric Van Lustbader

(Review Completed)

~ Cracker screamed. J. P. screamed. Walt heard himself scream too. ~

A DISTANT MELODY By Sarah Sundin

(Review Coming Soon)

Last Snow By Eric Van Lustbader

LAST SNOW

By Eric Van Lustbader

About The Book: 

Excerpt: 

Video

An American senator, supposedly on a political trip to the Ukraine, turns up dead on the island of Capri. When the President asks him to find out how and why, Jack sets out from Moscow across Eastern Europe, following a perilous trail of diplomats, criminals, and corrupt politicians. Thrust into the midst of a global jigsaw puzzle, Jack's unique dyslexic mind allows him to put together the pieces that others can't even see.

Still unreconciled to the recent death of his daughter and the dissolution of his marriage, Jack takes on a personal mission along with his official one: keeping safe from harm his two unlikely, unexpected, and incompatible companions, Annika, a rogue Russian FSB agent, and Alli, the President's daughter. As he struggles to keep both women safe and unearth the answers he seeks, hunted by everyone from the Russian mafia to the Ukrainian police to his own NSA, Jack learns just how far up the American and Russian political ladders corruption and treachery has reached. And though Jack's abilities are as good as its gets, there is much more to gain—and lose—on this journey than the truth about the Senator. 

About The Author: 

ERIC VAN LUSTBADER is the author of many bestselling thrillers, including the New York Times bestsellers The Testament and The Ninja. His first Jack McClure book, First Daughter, was also a New York Times bestseller. He has also been chosen by Robert Ludlum's estate to continue the Jason Bourne series. His Jason Bourne novels include The Bourne Legacy and The Bourne Betrayal. He and his wife live in New York City and the South Fork of Long Island.

My Thoughts:

I've never been a fan of 'Prologues' until I started reading Eric Van Lustbader's books. No author has ever been able to shock me into turning pages the way he can. I promise you, if you read the prologue to LAST SNOW, you won't have the option of putting the book down. In fact, you won't be able to get to Chapter One fast enough! Here's just a small sampling taken from the prologue:

        

~ He sees what will happen reflected in the eyes of a wisp of a girl striding toward him, sees it an instant too late. He is still absorbing her look of horror when the narrow Caprese van strikes him full on and kills him instantly. ~

LAST SNOW is the sequel to Van Lustbader's book, FIRST DAUGHTER. This book reads great on its own. The author manages to pick up all the threads of the previous story, weaving them through without confusing the reader. It's an intense thriller, a twisted, nothing-is-what-it-seems journey into the international political scene. But it's way more than that. It's also a great example of deep characterization. Jack McClure, Special Advisor and closest friend to the new President of the United States is an addicting character. Flawed, troubled, and sometimes a pitiable guy, he's also inspiring and memorable. The two women close to Jack draw on the deepest parts of his fears, longings, and needs. They shape him in ways he's unprepared for as they traverse Europe in search of answers. Staying alive is a priority.But for Jack, just keeping-it-together emotionally and mentally sometimes takes first place. 

Snippet:

~ "...You have found the land of the blind because you can see for miles. You're the one with the ability to make sense out of the chaos of life. You see, interpret, understand the disparate elements, you can sense if they connect or not. This is why we need you, Mr. McClure, why no one else will suffice." ~

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by the Author.

Lidia's Italian American Scallopine By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Lidia's Italian American Scallopine

By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich,
Author of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

Everyone loves scallopine, and I'm sure it's one of your favorite choices in your neighborhood Italian restaurant. The wonderful thing about scallopine is that the recipes are often so versatile. Any of the recipes that you find here can be prepared with veal, chicken, turkey or pork. One thing you do need is a meat mallet with both smooth and toothed sides. For more scallopine recipes, visitwww.lidiasitaly.com this month!
To serve four, I suggest starting with any of the following; remember it's your choice!

• twelve 2-ounce veal slices
• four 6-ounce boneless and skinless chicken breast halves
• eight 3-ounce slices of boneless center cut pork loin
• eight 3-ounce turkey cutlets.

All of them should be pounded from ¼-inch thick to about ¹/8-inch thick by placing two at a time between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound the scallopine with the toothed side of the mallet, then with the smooth side.
Flouring the scallopine helps to caramelize the outside of the scallopine before the inside becomes overcooked and tough. It also helps to thicken the sauce lightly and give it a velvety texture. Flour the scallopine just before browning them; otherwise, you might get a soggy coating.
Scallopine with Peppers, Mushrooms and Tomatoes
Serves 4

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 medium red and 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced ½-inch thick
• 2 cups trimmed and thinly sliced assorted mushrooms
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 servings scallopine
• All purpose flour
• One 24-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon crushed hot red pepper
• 6 fresh basil leaves, torn into quarters

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy, wide skillet over medium heat. Toss three garlic cloves into the pan. Cook, stirring until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in peppers and mushrooms, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the peppers are softened, about 8 minutes.
Heat 3 tablespoons of the remaining olive oil and butter in a large, heavy skillet. Add three garlic cloves to the pan. Cook, until golden, about 2 minutes. While the garlic is browning, dredge the scallopine in flour to coat both sides lightly, tap off the excess and add as many to the pan as fit in a single layer. Cook until golden brown on the underside, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining scallopine and remove from pan.
Pour off the fat from the pan and pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss remaining garlic into the pan. Cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red pepper and season lightly with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat so the sauce is simmering. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Scrape the mushrooms and peppers into the sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until the peppers are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the basil, tuck the scallopine into the sauce. Simmer until the scallopine are heated through and the sauce is lightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and additional red pepper. Divide the scallopine, topping each serving with some of the sauce.

Pan Fried Parmigiano Reggiano Coated Scallopine
Serves 4

• 4 portions scallopine
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups fine, dry breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• All purpose flour
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Season the scallopine with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs and milk together in a bowl. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley together on a plate. Spread the flour out on a separate plate. Dredge the scallopine in flour and tap off excess. Dip the floured scallopine into the egg mixture, turning well to coat both sides evenly. Let excess egg drip back into the bowl, then coat the scallopine in breadcrumbs, pressing with your hands so breadcrumbs adhere.
Heat olive oil and butter in a wide, heavy skillet. Lay as many breaded scallopine into the pan as will fit without touching. Fry until the underside is golden, about 4 minutes. Flip the scallopine and fry until the second side is golden, about 3 minutes. As the scallopine fry, adjust the heat so they brown gently and slowly and the bits of coating that fall into the oil don't burn. Transfer the scallopine to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Remove as many browned bits from the pan as you can, and fry the remaining scallopine. Serve the scallopine immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
© 2010 Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, author of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

Author Bio
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, coauthor of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipe, is the author of five previous books, four of them accompanied by nationally syndicated public television series. She is the owner of the New York City restaurant Felidia (among others), and she lectures on and demonstrates Italian cooking throughout the country. She lives on Long Island, and can be reached at her Web site, www.LidiasItaly.com.

Lynda's thoughts: I haven't tried this recipe yet, but it's definitely on my mind. I'm thinking it would be a great meal to go with a  romantic movie on a Friday or Saturday night. What movie would you suggest I rent that would compliment this meal?

Big Bad One Bowl Brownies

You've Got To Try These! Delicious doesn't even come close. And check out Ciao Italia's Blog while you're waiting for these to finish baking. I'm munching one now, can you smell caramel?

Big Bad One Bowl Brownies

Ciao Italia Blog
Makes one 8 inch square pan of delicious thick brownies
 

 Line 8 x8 x 2-inch pan with a sheet of aluminum foil with a 1-inch   overhang. Lightly butter or spray the aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to  350F.

 4 one ounce squares unsweetened baking chocolate
 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
 1 cup light brown sugar
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
20 caramels diced (to make 1 cup. This is the bad part!)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Fill a medium size sauce pan 1/3 full of water and place it over the heat. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Place a 1 ½ quart size glass bowl over the top of the pan and add the chocolate to the bowl. Do not let any drops of water get on the chocolate or it will clump up. Allow the chocolate to melt. Add the butter and allow it to melt into the chocolate. Stir to combine well.

Remove the bowl from the top of the pan and whisk in the sugars until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla; whisk in the eggs one at a time.

Whisk in the flour, baking powder and salt until the mixture is smooth and thick. Fold in the caramels and nuts with a spatula.

Spread and pat the mixture evenly in the pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until firm to the touch; do not over-bake. The texture should be chewy. Cut into squares.

Note: for thinner brownies use a 9 x 12 inch baking pan.

Thank You Giveaway

Thank You Giveaway

To say thanks in a tangible way to all my readers, I'll be sending a mystery package to one winner each month. This package could contain 1 book, or 2, or 3, or 4, o 5, or 6, or... You'll just have to win one to see what you get. Every month's package will be different. I have shelves of books that need homes, with more arriving each week, so now's your chance to have a few come live with you.

To qualify, you must be a blog follower, and you must comment on at least two posts each month.

Winners will be chosen randomly from this group and their names posted here. 

So don't give up, you have a new chance to win each month if you leave two comments in that month.

In your comments, be sure to leave a contact email address so that I can get in touch with you.

That's all there is to this easy Giveaway! 

MARCH 2010 Winner Is (_____________) IT COULD BE YOU...

'You Gotta Be in it to Win It' By Fauzia Burke

I hope you enjoy this article from Publicist Fauzia Burke as much as I did. Every author struggles with deciding where to put their promotional time and energy, and Fauzia has some great thoughts on that subject.

'You Gotta Be in it to Win It'

By Fauzia Burke

From many years of promoting books online, the one thing I know for sure is that each book has its own sales trajectory. Some start selling right out of the gate and reach great heights, others take the scenic route and sell steadily for years, and yes, there are some that don't sell well at all. We -- publishers, marketers, authors -- can make the same effort for both kinds of books and yet some books resonate with buyers better and more quickly than others. Why is that?

As much as I would love to say, "I know the answer," or "I guarantee your book will be #1 on Amazon if you hire us" it's just not possible. We have worked on many books that have become huge bestsellers and many more that we wished would have sold better. What I do know is that as publicists, we work with diligence and commitment, believe in the books we promote, are creative and flexible, follow-up religiously, and hope for a little magic.

When books don't sell as well as we'd hoped, it is of course disappointing. However, the effectiveness of an online campaign should not be judged by book sales alone. Through TV you can reach millions of people with one segment, where this is not true online. Online exposure is diffused. You may get millions of hits, but they will be staggered. The millions of people will more likely come from different sites and see the information at different times, days, months or even years. When you think of online exposure think longevity and message control.

The Internet offers longevity. Web features and links are available to readers now, and new readers months and years from now. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, these features are able to grow thanks in large part to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, which thrive on the constant sharing of information.
Additionally, it is amazing how well online placements translate into long term visibility on Google. Earlier this year we worked on Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton. Published by Scribner, it was a New York Times Best Seller. We are very proud of the Web campaign we ran, and feel it was a strong component of the overall campaign, while by no means the most important. Scribner did a spectacular job with the publicity. Doug was on TV, radio and had reviews in major newspapers including the cover of The New York Times Book Review. Out of curiosity I decided to check out the long-term visibility of this publicity campaign. Six months after the book was published, I did a search on his name and book title on Google. In the first 4 pages and 40 links, 24 were from promotional activities. To my surprise (and delight) 67% of the promotional links were Web features. TV made up 4%, print 13%, event promotion 17% and there were no radio links at all. In this case, it was clear that the Web features had staying power.

It is also easier to buy a book online. Unlike most advertising, TV appearances, print features, speaking engagements and radio interviews, all Web features are linked directly to a bookseller. Making the step from "I like this book" to "I want to buy this book" is literally one click away.

Like the Lotto ad said, "You gotta be in it, to win it." If you are not available online when people are searching for information, the chances of them finding your book and buying it are slim. Remember that every reader who takes the time to "seek and pull" online information on your book or related topic is an interested, committed, and qualified buyer. Just the kind we like.
©2009 Fauzia Burke


Author Bio
Fauzia Burke is the Founder and President of FSB Associates, an Internet publicity firm specializing in creating online awareness for books and authors. For more information, please visit FSB Associates. To follow our results in real time, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Follow Fauzia Burke on Twitter: www.twitter.com

Songbird Under a German Moon By Tricia Goyer

Songbird Under a German Moon

By Tricia Goyer

Read an Excerpt

About The Book
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds' hearts may find the answers...in each other.

But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

About The Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.  She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

My Thoughts:

A sweet, sweet romance with a touch of inspirational tones. The Historical setting of 1945 gives this story a rich background in which to develop and the author writes about it as if she lived the experience herself. Betty Lake and Frank Witt are lovable characters, so like members of your family, that you can't help caring what happens to them. Mix those elements with a good dose of intrigue and suspense, and you have a very satisfactory read. Betty, who joins the USO, is not the usual Hollywood Party Girl, but a very vulnerable young woman with a hunger to live life and help others, if she can. Frank, a war-hardened photographer, doesn't think he can risk falling in love. When these two meet in post-war Germany, each has something to learn. If sweet romances are your style, then definitely put this one on your list.

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by litFuse Publicity


Try these other tour sites for more reviews and spotlights.

Lena Nelson at A Christian Writer's World    
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2010/02/songbird-under-german-moon-tricia-goyer.html


Verlina at What You Reading Now?    
www.WhatYouReadingNow.blogspot.com

Julie at Julie Arduini    
http://www.juliearduini.com/Blog/tabid/72/BlogID/1/Default.aspx

Melissa at Red Lily Café    
www.redlilycafe.blogspot.com

Audrey at Brizmus Blogs Books    
http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com

Tabitha at Through My Eyes    
http://tabithabird.blogspot.com/

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life    
http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com 

WHAT ERA? CONTEST
!

Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and why?

Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!

You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.

THE OCEAN BETWEEN By Lynda Coker

THE OCEAN BETWEEN
By Lynda Coker
Contemporary Romance/Multi-cultural/Sensual

The Wild Rose Press
Barnes and Nobles
BAM
Borders

~ A LOVE STORY THAT LINGERS IN THE HEART ~

VICTORIA BALLARD is a New York financial executive who considers men to be an unnecessary annoyance. With her career on track, she focuses on the adoption of four beautiful orphans, a crowning completion to her well-designed life-plan. However, life is a nasty trickster who is about to spring one on her.

PRINCE RASHID DAVAR has decided to make Victoria his wife. He soon learns that a man of the Middle East mates with a woman of the West at his own peril. And when he does…the pairing nearly destroys them both.
Is love strong enough to bridge an ocean, or forgiving enough to blend two conflicting lives into one yielding heart?

EXCERPT:

...Rashid took the stairs two at a time. Identifying
The source of the problem did not take long...the
verbal tirade echoing through the lounge came from
his private compartment at the rear of the plane.

“Let me out of here! I’m an American citizen and
this is kidnapping. I’ll have you all arrested and
executed for this! I’m warning you, Califar. You tell
that unscrupulous, deceitful, desert creep to get back
here and let me go!”

Rashid took a step forward and then paused.
The sudden cessation of verbal ranting was more
unnerving than the previous clamor. The pregnant
silence made the hairs on his arms stand erect. With
this woman, he was certain the calm was a precursor
to worse atrocities. He hoped he was wrong and she
had exhausted her vile temper instead. The thud of a
solid object slamming against the other side of the
door ridiculed his supposed control.

He yanked off his robe and headdress. Slinging
them toward the back of a chair, he barked a
command to his two bodyguards.

“Give the pilot orders to depart...NOW!”

Both went forward to deliver the message,
almost jamming the small doorway in their attempt
to pass through at the same time. Consumed with
his own anger, he could not find any humor in the
speed with which they fled one loud, but small
woman. He wondered about the quality of his
personal security.

Spearing Califar with a glacial look, he
motioned him forward. “You will ignore any sound
you hear from the other side of that door.
Understood?”

“May I speak frankly?”

Rashid stiffened. “If you must.”

“This woman you’ve made your wife is a
stranger to you and to our customs. These are
extreme circumstances for her. Despite her less than
respectful manner, she is still deserving of the gentle
persuasion you always accord the women in your
life.”

“Are you telling me how to treat my wife?”
Rashid lashed in reply.

“As your servant...never,” replied Califar. “As
your friend...I offer a reminder. Guard well your
actions this night and remember with what care you
have always protected what is yours.”


“I will deal with the princess in whatever
manner suits me,” growled Rashid.




~ Author Lynda Coker ~
I hope you'll pick up a copy of THE OCEAN BETWEEN and take love's journey with Rashid and Victoria. You won't be disappointed.

  

GIVEAWAY:

I'm giving away 5 free copies of RETURN TO WAYBACK, a contemporary western anthology which includes my story, Payback in Wayback.

You must be a blog follower to qualify and live in the US or Canada.

To Win: (1) Buy a copy of The Ocean Between (Print or ebook) between March 9th - April 10th, 2010, email me a copy of the receipt to btlblog@lyndacoker.com. (2) Leave a comment or review about what you thought about The Ocean Between in the comment area of this post along with your email address, so that I can contact you.
CONTEST END April 15th

The first 5 entries that satisfy all requirements will be our winners. 

Winners will be posted here.

Return to Wayback published by www.thewildrosepress

First Daughter By Eric Van Lustbader

FIRST DAUGHTER

By Eric Van Lustbader
Watch The Trailer

About The Book:

Jack McClure has had a troubled life. His dyslexia always made him feel like an outsider. He escaped from an abusive home as a teenager and lived by his wits on the streets of Washington D.C. It wasn't until he realized that dyslexia gave him the ability to see the world in unique ways that he found success, using this newfound strength to become a top ATF agent.

When a terrible accident takes the life of his only daughter, Emma, and his marriage falls apart, Jack blames himself, numbing the pain by submerging himself in work. Then he receives a call from his old friend Edward Carson. Carson is just weeks from taking the reins as President of the United States when his daughter, Alli, is kidnapped. Because Emma McClure was once Alli's best friend, Carson turns to Jack, the one man he can trust to go to any lengths to find his daughter and bring her home safely.

The search for Alli leads Jack on a road toward reconciliation . . . and into the path of a dangerous and calculating man---someone whose actions are as cold as they are brilliant, and whose power and reach are seemingly infinite.

Faith, redemption, and political intrigue play off one another as McClure uses his unique abilities to journey into the twisted mind of a stone-cold genius who is constantly one step ahead of him. Jack will soon discover that this man has affected his life and his country in more ways than he could ever imagine.

Catch a interview with the author here

My Thoughts: 

FIRST DAUGHTER by Eric Van Lustbader opens with a chilling setup, a great hook, and the promise of a good read. Agent Jack McClure's past, and the loss of his own daughter, feeds a lot of this story as he is given the task of finding Alli Carson, the President-Elect's missing daughter. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed the action, not too heavy but enough to keep me interested. But, to be honest, I got lost in the mating of religion and politics. While it's obvious that in today's reality, the two are strange and dangerous bedfellows, this topic was strewn throughout this book with a heavy hand. This is my first Lustbader book, and while this particular story wasn't a great read for me, I'd definitely try another one of his books.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author.

Movers and Shakers "MeMe" - 3/6/2010

Movers and Shakers 'MeMe'

The Movers and Shakers MeMe is a post that will explore the explosive and impelling force of just 20 words. Words that impel me to continue turning pages. They might be an unexpected plot twist, startling revelation, special bit of humor, or frigid warning of things to come. Sometimes they may be words that shove me on an emotional roller coaster. Whatever their purpose, the author has succeeded in pulling me further into his/her story. In my selection, I'll be careful not to use 'spoilers'. Here are my newest Movers and Shakers.

1. "Then I was on my back, holding the ball to my chest. Sister Mary was on top of me,..."

~ TRY DARKNESS By James Scott Bell ~

2. "...180 seconds. Then she would open the vial of specially prepared anthrax."

FIRST DAUGHTER By Eric Van Lustbader

3. " Excuse me, sir. You didn't know I was coming. How could you have a room prepared for me?"

AN EARL TO ENCHANT By Amelia Grey

Are You the Devil in Prada?

Are You the Devil in Prada?

By Vivian Diller Ph.D. with Jill Muir-Sukenick Ph.D., edited by Michele Willens,

Authors of Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change

Miranda Priestly, the imperious and dismissive boss in The Devil Wears Prada, is what some researchers call a "Queen Bee," a woman who takes pleasure in making other women, particularly younger women, feel inferior, stupid and lacking what it takes to make it to the top. Threatened by her younger, sexier staff, she is the contemporary version of the spiteful, envious queen in Snow White, imploring the mirror to confirm that she's the fairest of them all.

If by your own definition you're an older woman, you have to ask yourself: Am I in any way related to Miranda Priestly? Do I secretly harbor feelings of jealousy and maybe even resentment toward younger colleagues who seem to be trying to advance their careers by being flirtatious and even exhibitionistic? Understandably, this can make you feel unattractive and sexless, irrelevant and unimportant. In a word, old. You may not have been able to confide these sentiments to anyone, but if you did, you'd discover that you're certainly not alone. What's wrong with holding onto these feelings is that eventually they may actually "Mirandize" you. Their very acknowledgment is the first step in dealing with them. The next is determining how objective and legitimate they are and how many come from your own misperceptions.

What those of us at midlife and beyond sometimes fail to realize is that there has been a tremendous shift in how young people -- and perhaps especially women -- see themselves in the world of work. To them, the boundaries between casual and business attire, and behavior, are not as absolute. What may seem provocative and inappropriate to an older generation is inconsequential to the younger one. The latter are not as docile as their predecessors, and their expectations are greater. If your path to success was steeper and longer than the one they have to climb, you may feel resentful and angry at the unfairness of it all.  

It would be nice to say "get over it" and move on. Unfortunately, it is a fact that your marketability diminishes as you age because you cost more, you pose a bigger risk in terms of health issues, you have family restrictions, and so on. What's more, businesses may believe they stay "hip" by replenishing their work force with younger staffers. 

To add to this, as we explain in Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change (Hay House), there is a bias toward attractiveness called the "halo" effect, which says that the quality of one trait is automatically applied to every trait: that is, an attractive person is also assumed to be responsible, intelligent, adaptable, and so on. And, superficially, younger equals more attractive.

Clearly, looking good is important in all jobs, even if it's not overtly stated. (Something we know very well, having been professional models before becoming psychotherapists.) It's understood that you are expected and even required to project a certain image. If the prevailing standards align with yours, that's great. As we say in Face It, "Beauty is in the way you feel about yourself. It's how you walk and talk and connect to others."  

But once you equate beauty with youth, (and both with professional value) you're fighting a losing battle. At some point, you'll feel anxious, marginalized, and dispensable. Every new employee can represent a threat, and you may become the obsessed victim of your own thoughts or fears. Trying too hard to look younger, you may feel compelled to have excessive surgeries or dress in a way that invites ridicule. That's a pity, because you risk losing your credibility at a time in your life when you've fully earned it.      

When you got your job, it was because you were an attractive candidate in all respects. You may be older, but you're also more valuable because of your work experience and accumulated wisdom. If you're convinced that each new employee is a potential usurper of your position, it's unlikely you'll work well with that person. When you unwittingly regress to such adolescent behavior, you lose perspective on all you are and all that you have achieved. 

Recognize that what keeps you vital in any organization is your enthusiasm, flexibility, and receptivity to change. In those ways, you become a role model for the next generation of women, rather than that gal in Prada.

© 2010 Vivian Diller Ph.D. with Jill Muir-Sukenick Ph.D., edited by Michele Willens, authors of Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change

Author Bios
FACE IT: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change by Vivian Diller, Ph.D, with Jill Muir-Sukenick, Ph.D. and edited by Michele Willens is a psychological guide to help women deal with the emotions brought on by their changing appearances. As models turned psychotherapists, Diller and Sukenick have had the opportunity to examine the world of beauty from two very different vantage points. This unique perspective helped them develop a six-step program that begins with recognizing "uh-oh" moments that reveal the reality of changing looks, goes on to identify the masks used to cover deeper issues, defines the role beauty plays in a woman's life, and ends with bidding adieu to old definitions of beauty so women can enjoy their appearance -- at any age!

For more information on the book, authors, and events, please visit http://www.faceitthebook.com or visit their fan page on Facebook.

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren

SONS OF THUNDER

By Susan May Warren
Blog Tour Information

About The Book:

Sofia Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the otherthe past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, theyll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sofia is forced to make her choice, shell learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.

About The Author:
I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
I grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

My Thoughts:

If you love all thing 'Greek', you'll especially find it easy to get into this intriguing story. The lives of so many people are shattered on the most horrific wedding day imaginable. Among them, two brothers, who are forced to flee  the shores of their home and then are immersed into a life both foreign and dangerous. With them, is a young Greek friend, a girl, who will shape their destiny in ways not even dreamed of.

Author Susan May Warren hooked me on page four with this passage;

   "A tentacle tightened around his ankle--yanked him under.
   No! He thrashed, frenzied, and connected with flesh.
   He broke free and surfaced so fast he slammed his head on the overhanging cave wall. Panic sent him back to the bottom. His head burned. This time his feet found purchase on the jagged wall and he shot out into the foamy whirlpool in the center of the cave..."

This type of tension runs throughout this story like a snaking river, never far from you, always just around the corner. You'll love the way the plot turns, this way and that, not allowing you to see its intent until the end. This is my first book by Susan May Warren, and this author is going on my A-List.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by the Author

CONTEST
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.

Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:

•    Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
•    6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
•    Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!

5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!

You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!

TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM

GONEAWAY Into The Land by Jeffrey B. Allen

GONEAWAY Into The Land

By Jeffrey B. Allen

About The Book:

Shifting in and out of reality, this inspirational story follows 12-year old John Greber, who with his mother, Ellie, suffers abuse at the hands of John’s father, whom he calls “The Beast.” The Beast abandons his family and kidnaps John’s six-year old sister, Marny. John vows revenge as he seeks to confront his father and rescue his sister.

About The Author:

Born: New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1953.
Jeffrey B. Allen graduated High School from Central Bucks East in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It was 1972.

He studied art at Bloomsburg University for two years before attending Boston University where he majored in European history and minored in set-design and fine-art. A one year hiatus in the form of a hitchhiking trip helped to temporarily satisfy his restless and inquisitive nature. Allen attributes that early journey to laying the foundations for his strong views on politics and religion. Later, he traveled through Europe and Mexico forming some strong opinions concerning the relationship between history, politics and religion. “Those years of learning, searching, and questioning have contributed greatly to the philosophical depth of my writing.”

Allen graduated from Millersville State University in architectural design and taught for two years while also working toward his Masters Degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. After a brief teaching career, he created his own architectural woodworking firm in 1981.

By 1982, Allen was owner and president of Artistic Furnishings Incorporated, a design house and a manufacturer of custom architectural millwork. The company employed designers, artisans and support staff. His work can be seen throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey in private residences and businesses. During those years he traveled at home and abroad and studied the architectural works, both classical and modern, within every city he visited. “The inventiveness of the architect and the genius of the structural engineer always amazes me; so many of the nuances of history can be discovered within the architecture of civilized man.”

In 1996 Allen received his fifty-ton US Coastguard captain’s license and followed that with extensive sailing adventures and chartered voyages. In 2006 Allen received the Colonel Holt Business Achievement Award. In 2007 Allen sold his architectural woodworking business and soon after published his first Novel, GoneAway Into the Land. He writes as the Interior Design Specialist for the Lehigh Valley Examiner and contributes articles as an expert author for publication through Ezine Articles, Helium.com, and other internet sites. Allen is currently working with a new publisher and expects his second novel, Beneath the Quarry Waters, to be published in early 2010.
Today, Jeffrey Allen lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he consults in the field of interior space planning, although most of his time is devoted to writing.

My Thoughts:   
   DEEP! THOUGHT-PROVOKING! ASTONISHING!
   Those are just a few of the adjectives I'd begin to use to describe Jeffrey B. Allen's mind-bending journey into the fantasy world of John Greber. But wait a minute. Is it really a fantasy? Parts of this story most definitely are. However, the reality and fantasy are so expertly entwined by the Author that life takes on a whole new realm of realism.
   I'm a very fast reader but, in reading GONEAWAY INTO THE LAND, I found that I needed to slow down, let the authors words have time to sink down and make a foundation for things to come. It took me three days to complete the story which flows effortlessly through the almost 500 pages. I experienced a boatload of emotions as I followed John on his quest. Some were uncomfortable, some scary, some were so sweet. I must say that I've not read anything quite like Goneaway Into The Land before. Because of that, I'm looking forward to Jeffrey B. Allen's next book. GOOD BOOK, JEFFREY!

 A complimentary review copy of this boot was provided by the author