Sunday, June 15, 2014

My Name is Harley, Unlucky 13 & Happy Father’s Day


It’s that time of year when we celebrate Dads and give them the praise they so richly deserve. Happy Father’s Day to all!

Today I have two books to share with you. Both were quite intriguing to me and I hope you’ll find them interesting too. First, I have a delightful tale to share with you followed by an action-packed audio book that seems fitting since we just observed Friday the 13th.

MY NAME IS HARLEY AND THIS IS MY STORY by Harley Doodle Barley
 
My Name is Harley coverHarley Doodle Barley has done something many dream about doing, but few undertake. Harley has written a book about his life.

Harley is the sweet Corgi fur-son of Donald and Kaye Barley, who helped him write his book. This charming book is filled with beautiful color and black-and-white photos showing Harley from his arrival to live with his new parents to present day.

The photos show the things Harley enjoys in life, as well as his duties around the house. In addition, they shows various trips he’s taken with his family and the friends waiting for him when he returns home. The photos, along with Harley’s commentary, will have you aahing and smiling.

MY NAME IS HARLEY AND THIS IS MY STORY is a delightful book that reminds readers to cherish the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. 

An amusing tale of a dog’s life told through striking photographs taken by the loving parents of the four-legged fur baby. If you’re an animal lover, this fun book is a must for your library collection.

My Name is Harley and This is My Story by Harley Barley, Photography by Kaye Wilkinson Barley and Donald Scott Barley, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2014, ISBN: 978-1499741170, Paperback, 94 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author. No request for a review was made or suggested and receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my opinions of the book.

UNLUCKY 13 by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
 
Unlucky 13One of the interesting elements of author James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series is the numerous sub-plots playing out at once. These various plots keep readers/listeners in an adrenaline-driven state from beginning to end.

Narrator January LaVoy does an excellent job giving distant voices to the various characters. LaVoy’s mannerisms and cadence adds depth to the story and enhances the suspense listeners feel as the plots unfold.

Life is going well for San Francisco Detective Lindsay Boxer. She’s enjoying her job, she has great friends to relax with and a beautiful baby girl and handsome husband to come home to. Life heats up for Lindsay when ‘belly bombs’ start going off in the city. It seems a local hamburger chain is being targeted and it’s up to Lindsay and her partner to stop the killer before another victim explodes from the inside out after eating a hamburger.

Meanwhile, a killer from Lindsay’s past has come out of hiding. Psychopath Mackie Morales is returned to San Francisco to see her son and make Lindsay pay for the death of her boyfriend. 

Lindsay’s boss is on his honeymoon with one of Lindsay’s best friends, Yuki. When their Alaskan cruise is cut short by armed gunmen hijacking the ship and demanding ransom, Yuki sends a short video message to Lindsay. The couple’s friends watch the news closely fearing for their lives as the terrorists begin killing passengers.

The various elements of this story make for a pulse-racing read. The story switched back and forth among the sub-plots keeping listeners/readers on the edge of their seat. The story is fast-pace and told from several perspectives.

UNLUCKY 13 is the 13th installment in the Women’s Murder Club series, but can be read/listened to on its own. However, having read/listened to prior installments in the series will give readers a better understanding of some of the characters interaction.

This is an intriguing story that may cause you to second guess yourself the next time you order takeout burgers.

Unlucky 13 by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, A Women’s Murder Club Novel, Performed by January LaVoy, Hachette Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1478953005, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: 7 Hours and 19 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for visiting today. I hope you’re having a fun Sunday and if you’re a Dad – take some time to relax and enjoy your day. Happy reading my friends.

*This post contains affiliate links.

8 comments:

  1. Hey, who can resist a dog?
    Not a father but I do have one and will be calling him today!

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  2. Aw, Thank You, Mason!!!!!!!!
    sending hugs to you from the whole Barley family, and happy beyond words that you enjoyed the book. <3

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  3. Mason - One of the things I love about your blog is the variety of books you feature. And today's post is no exception. Thanks for that!

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  4. HI Mason - many will love Harley's story ... while the 13th story in the Murder series does sound very intriguing and rather terrifying .. but I'm sure I'd enjoy it .. even if I was somewhat anxious! Cheers Hilary

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  5. MY NAME IS HARLEY AND THIS IS MY STORY sounds positively delightful!

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  6. Harley is such a cute dog. : )


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  7. Unlucky 13 looks interesting and I love books centered on dogs.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.