I'm Fundraising - look for big post coming this weekend

Hello all - this weekend I'm unveiling a fundraising post where I am trying to raise money for a CF Foundation walk I will be a part of in April.


In the process I am trying to get offers of donations for giveaways.  So I am calling out to all of you - do you have suggestions of people to approach for offering giveaways as an incentive to donate money, blog about my fund raising, tweet or just comment on my blog.  I will be doing features of the giveaway authors/publicists/publishers and I already have lined a few things up (and will be doing a giveaway myself).  I just want to make this big because it raises money for something near and dear to my heart - my nephew and research for a cure for him.


So if you have done something like this before and have suggestions either comment or email me at crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com.  If you haven't done this but have suggestions please do the same.  I'm open to all suggestions. 


And lookout on Sunday for the unveiling of my fundraising/giveaway.


Thanks and have a wonderful evening.

Review and Tour: A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists by Michelle LaRowe

A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists by Michelle LaRowe

Publisher: Revell Books

Publish Date: January 1, 2010

Paperback, 335 pages

100+ LISTS PROVIDE MOMS WITH ALL THE INFO THEY NEED:

International “Nanny of the Year” shares 112 of the most practical parenting lists

that answer everything from pregnancy through preschool.

My Review:

A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists is just what the title promises.  A book full of important lists that will help any first time or many time mom.  I enjoyed thumbing through this book and reading various lists.  Some of my favorites were the clothing size in relationship to height/length for various name brands (because we all know that different companies size differently), The  Preschoolers Library, Bully Proofing Your Kids, When to Call the Doctor and Games and Activities for the Car.  And that is just a small sampling.  There are so many great lists in this book that I just can't mention them all.  One that really stands out and I wish I had when my children were babies was the Length and Weight Guidelines for the First Year.  This has the growth charts from the doctor's office right in the book.   Both of my children dropped on the weight chart and these would have been reassuring to me as a mom when that was going on.
 

If you know of a first-time mom - this would  make an amazing baby shower gift.  I am going to give one to my sister-in-law who is due this summer.  I honestly wish I had this book when my children were smaller.  For those of  us with older children, there are still very useful lists.  I have several lists that I plan on using in the future (such as the aforementioned Games and Activities for the Car).

Grab a copy of this book and prepare to be wowed - all the information a mom needs is here (or most of it) and it is presented in such an easy way - just look for the list you need and read it in about 3 minutes.  Great for a busy mom.

About the Book:

As a professional nanny for more than 15 years and now as a mother herself, Michelle LaRowe has seen it all. She was even recognized as “Nanny of the Year” by the International Nanny Association in 2004, and the following year, President George W. Bush praised her for her dedication to in-home child care.

Now she shares her vast knowledge and expertise with moms everywhere, in her new book A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists, in which she provides the most sought-after and up-to-date information for parenting children from birth to age 5 in one easy-to-navigate resource. Also included is a special section dedicated to pregnancy.

In compiling this collection of 112 of the most practical lists for moms to live by, LaRowe ruthlessly sorted through the most reliable sources and tried-and-true recommendations for raising healthy and happy children.

Organized in an easy-to-find format, her book offers mothers the chance to find all the answers to their most pressing parenting questions in one resource. No more having to wade through outdated books, make sense of conflicting expert opinions or search for reliable information online: LaRowe has done all the meticulous research, combined with her professional know-how and experience, so that mothers can spend their time doing what they love best: Being a mom.

A sampling of the lists LaRowe provides in her book includes:

Preparing for Baby

o        What’s safe and not safe during pregnancy?

o        What to include in your birthing plan

o        Key components to include in your maternity-leave proposal

The First Year

o        Introducing solid foods

o        Top toys for baby’s first year

o        Sleep training your baby

The Toddler Years

o        Guilt-free DVDs for your toddler

o        10 life lessons to teach your toddler

o        The best bedtime routine

The Preschool Years

o        6 steps to a successful preschool playdate

o        Teaching children to share, step-by-step

o        The preschooler’s library

Family Life

o        10 house rules for every home

o        Age-appropriate chores for young children

o        Feeding a picky eater

Health and Safety Information

o        When to call the doctor

o        The top 12 safety mistakes parents make

o        Hidden household poisons

Saving Time, Money & Sanity

o        10 time-management tips for moms

o        Common children’s clothing size guidelines

o        A week’s worth of quick, family-friendly meals

LaRowe shares her professional wisdom, insights and advice in her practical, one-stop resource:
A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists: 100+ Lists to Save You Time, Money, and Sanity.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

Michelle LaRowe is a national speaker, parenting consultant, and author of the Nanny to the Rescue! series and Working Mom’s 411. The 2004 International Nanny Association "Nanny of the Year" and a credentialed career nanny who has specialized in working with multiples for more than fifteen years, Michelle has also been lauded for her dedication to improving the quality of in-home child care. www.michellelarowe.com

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

FCC Disclaimer:

This book was provided to me by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for review and blog tour.

All Amazon links on this blog do not make me money, something in the laws of NC prohibit NC residents from profiting from Amazon.com associates pages. 

Coming Soon: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (and giveaway)

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other.  Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack.  And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th.  

GIVEAWAY:
Pre-order here. Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie's blog.


I just have to say how much I love Shiver and can't wait to read Linger - I hope I'm a winner and you are too - head on over to Maggie's blog to enter and check out my review of Shiver here.

Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb

Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb


My rating: 8.75/10.0

Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: March 1, 2003



My Review:

Another enjoyable foray into the world of the future with Eve, Roarke and their friends.

I listened to this on audio and have to say I love the reader. She does magnificent Irish accents - it's like music to listen to her. She also does a great job with the differing voices - I know from the voice pretty much who is speaking.

Now on to the actual book. I think this one concentrates more on the characters and personal goings-on than on the crime and solving it. The usual mystery is there, but it really takes a back burner to relationships and things happening in Roarke and Eve's life. I enjoyed every minute. I think I really like these books because they focus on a married couple, and one that no matter what their problems, they try to work them out in their own way. Their love is great to watch.  The secondary characters play their role in this one as well, but Eve and Roarke are definitely the focus.

Quick moving plot, great growth in the characters and an interesting crime all make this 16th installment in the series well worth reading.

Rating Breakdown:

Characterization:    2.0/2.0
Plot:                      1.5/2.0
Writing:                 1.75/2.0
Attention-holding:   0.75/1.0
Ending:                  0.75/1.0
Believable:             1.0/1.0
Genre:                   1.0/1.0    
Rating:                 8.75/10.0


About the Book:

After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey Street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered.

Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitality - in one fateful shot... 

Book Tour: A Note From an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker

Join Bill Walker, author of the soul searching romance novel, A Note From an Old Acquaintance (iUniverse, June 2009), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in February and March on his third virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

My Thoughts:

Due to a crazy week - I have started this book but haven't finished it.  But I must say that as I started reading it I found it hard to put down.  I am enjoying it so far and look forward to reading more and becoming more involved with this book.  A Note from an Old Acquaintance sucks you in from the very first page. 

About Bill Walker

Bill Walker is a graphic designer specializing in book and dust jacket design, and has worked on projects by Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. Between his design work and his writing, he spends his spare time reading voraciously and playing very loud guitar, much to the chagrin of his lovely wife and two sons. Bill makes his home in Los Angeles and can be reached through his web site: http://www.billwalkerdesigns.com/

About A Note From an Old Acquaintance

Brian Weller is a haunted man. It’s been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega-selling thrillers, Brian’s life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife’s prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair.
Everything changes the morning an e-mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short-lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book-signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love.

“Please tell me why you’re doing this, Brian! Please!”
He tried opening his mouth, tried to tell her the truth, but the words
he’d always wielded with such effortless aplomb, failed him, slipping
away like smoke on a windy day. His throat felt as if it were gripped in
a vise, his mind a flat, cracked slab of flyblown desert; and her muted
sobs echoing through the phone’s earpiece made him want to take it all
back. Every word. But how could he do that, now?
“I—I’m sorry, Joanna…for everything….”
“BRIANNNN!”
THE PHONE JANGLED, RIPPING Brian Weller out of the dream. He sat
up, gasping, sounds and images jumbling in his groggy brain until
none of it made any sense.
The phone rang again, startling him.
He grabbed it, his eyes struggling against the darkness in the
room.
What time was it?
Jesus, it was only 6:00. It felt even earlier due to the late night he’d
spent at the computer.

What Are You Reading Monday - February 15

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information see Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books and join in!

Books Completed Last Week:

Reading Now:

• Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
• Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson 
• Evernight by Claudia Gray (Kindle)
• Absolute Power by David Baldacci (audiobook)

 

Next:

• A Note From an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker
• Mom's Ultimate Book of List: 100+ Lists to save you Time Money and Sanity by Michelle LaRowe 
• Listen by Rene Gutteridge
•  One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
• Sleep No More by Susan Crandall
• The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

Reviews Completed this week:

•  The Marriage Project by Kathi Lipp
• Dreams that Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams
• Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale
• Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
• Love and War: Finding the Marriage you've Dreamed of by John and Stasi Eldredge
• Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
  

Reviews to do:

• Don't You Forget About Me by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Let Them Eat Fruitcake by Melody Carlson
• Smash Cut by Sandra Brown
• Invitation Only by Kate Brian
• Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)  
• Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb (audiobook)

Summary -


Busy week again and not as much reading.  Doing well with the reviews, but need to do some catch-up.  I am going to try and spend this week reading and getting caught up.

Review: Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen

The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen

My rating: 8.5/10.0

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: May 1, 2010
Paperback, 192 pages
Genre: Young Adult


My Review:

An adorable read. It took me back to the best moments of high school, made me feel the romance and just took me out of life for awhile.

Kayla is a typical teenage girl, in fact her and her group reminds me more of my crowd in high school - the ones in the middle, neither popular or unpopular, friends with everyone. So that made this a winner in the first place. It made it really easy to relate with her and her friends. I think all girls will find it easy no matter what their popularity is.

There are all types in the book. The focus however, is on Kayla. I enjoyed getting to know Kayla as a character. She can come off a little judgmental at times, but you realize she has everyone's best interest at heart. Also as you read more about her you understand more why she is that way. I loved the aspect of the dating oracle. Her website and articles were cute and helpful for the dating scene. I like the way Kayla grows and develops through the book and look forward to where further books in this series will take her (the next is due out in November 2010).

I also enjoyed the character of Jared. He sounds amazing and just perfect for Kayla. I like the way he's described as being handsome to her. You never feel like he's the hottest guy at school, but you know that he's the hottest to Kayla and that tells a lot to me. The romance aspect was great. It's well written and has great tension. You never know if the two will get together or not, but you are cheering for them the whole time.

Overall this is a fun book to spend time with. The plot and characters are well-done and it makes a great young adult read.

Rating Breakdown:
Characterization:    1.5/2.0
Plot:                      1.5/2.0
Writing:                 1.5/2.0
Attention-holding:   1.0/1.0
Ending:                  1.0/1.0
Believable:             1.0/1.0
Genre:                  1.0/1.0    
Rating:                8.5/10.0

About the Book:

No one at Kayla’s school knows she’s the famous Oracle of Dating—the anonymous queen of dating advice, given through her own Web site. Kayla doesn’t even have a boyfriend. Two relationship disasters were enough to make her focus on everyone else’s love life. But then her advice backfires on her own best friend. And Kayla starts to seriously obsess about Jared Stewart—the very cute, very mysterious new guy in school. Suddenly, the teen queen of advice needs her own oracle of dating--and she knows just where to find one... 

FCC Disclamiers:

I received this book through NetGalley for review purposes.

All links through Amazon do not result in any commission for me, I live in NC and we aren't allowed to receive commission (I'm not sure why, but it doesn't matter), so I don't make any money - but the authors do so feel free to buy their works :)