Year End Thanks And Reviews

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on all the wonderful people I’ve ‘meet’ these past 12 months thanks to blogging.

I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has dropped by Thoughts. Your continued support is appreciated more than mere words can express. I’m thankful as well to all the talented authors who have guest blogged sharing thoughts on writing, their books, and life in general. A thanks also goes out to all the publishers and those who work for them, the publicists and promoters, and the authors themselves who have graciously offered books for giveaways during the year and provided review copies for me to enjoy.

That brings me to a number of reviews I’d like to share today. As usual these are from very different genres. But hopefully you’ll find something that catches your attention among these reads.

WILD THING by Robin Kaye
 

I know every time I pick up a book by author Robin Kaye I’m going to experience an entertaining and passionate love story.

WILD THING is a fine example of her work. The story sizzles with the pulse-pounding sexual tension. It also gives you laugh out loud moments like how the Kincaid children were named. It’s a story that moves along quickly, but is filled with lots of details.

Toni Russo is the manager of Action Models and loves living in New York. She dresses in goth but tends to blend into the background wherever she is. That is until she has to oversee a photo shoot in the rugged wilderness of Idaho.

To make matters worse, Toni has a fear of the wilderness. She was lost in the woods for 3 days when she was young.

Hunter Kincaid is the whitewater rafting guide that owns River Runners. It’s his responsibility to take Toni and the 10 models out into the wilderness for a week-long photo shoot. Thankfully he has the help of his 2 brothers, Fisher and Trapper, to guide this zany group.

Sparks fly when the city girl and the outdoorsman collide. Hunter is immediately drawn to Toni, while she battles her attraction to him.  Their path to each other is filled with twists, turns, humor, tender moments, and heart-pounding romance.

Kaye creates characters rich in personality. They are realistic with flaws and quirks, dreams, hopes, and fears. She ties the story in with her previous release, YOURS FOR THE TAKING, and leads the way to future stories about Hunter’s siblings.

WILD THING is a great book to relax and enjoy quite time with. Escape to the wilderness and immerse yourself in Hunter and Toni’s fun and passionate journey to love.

Author Robin Kaye’s website is www.robinkaye.com

Wild Thing by Robin Kaye, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1402257279, Paperback, 384 Pages 

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

LOVE, GOD, AND THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING 

by James F. Twyman

I was intrigued by the title of this book, LOVE, GOD, AND THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING. I thought it might contain some wonderful French recipes.

There were recipes of a sort, but not for food. It was recipe-related advice for living. It also gave an alternative look at how and why we prepare food as we do.

This book is based on a true story of author James Twyman’s chance meeting with a French chef who helped change his life. Twyman tells of befriending Roger Dufau, owner of a bed and breakfast outside Toronto, and how it lead to transformations in his own life.

While Dufau creates delectable dishes, he also imparts thoughts on love, God and relationships. He explains how love and caring can be shared through food and the way it is prepared. Dufau noted that sometimes the best things are often the simplest.

This is an inspiring story that teaches one to look closer at what they really want in life. It shares thoughts on how letting go of certain things can sometimes make room for greater growth.

Twyman has written an easy conversational story that will pull you in until you can almost smell Dufau’s delicious cooking.

Author James Twyman’s website is www.jamestwyman.com. 

To read an excerpt of the book, click here. This book can be purchased at

 
Love, God, And the Art of French Cooking by James F. Twyman, Hay House, @2011, ISBN: 978-1401935238, Paperback, 169 Pages

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

 

RAINWATER by Sandra Brown

As much of the nation (and the world) faces economic hardships and drought, the audio release of author Sandra Brown’s RAINWATER is a reminder of earlier hard times.

The story is set in 1934 when drought and economic depression gripped the country. Ella Barron runs a boardinghouse in Gilead, Texas, and cares for her 10-year-old son, Solly, who has behavior problems.

Ella runs a strict house with focus and balance. She fears unrest when she takes in a new boarder, David Rainwater. A relative of the local doctor, David is dying.

Meanwhile, there is growing racial tension and social unrest in the town. Problems arise due to a government program designed to help farmers and local residents down on their luck. A group of hoodlums misuse the program to their own advantage.

During this time David shows interest in Solly and it leads them to discover he is autistic. The feelings between Ella and David are also changing. She finally allows herself to give in to his calming presence.

In the end a sacrifice is made that changes everyone’s life and leads to new beginnings. RAINWATER is a tender love story filled with great emotions. It captures a turbulent time and is filled with suspense with a bit of mystery. 

Victor Sleak does a terrific job narrating the story. His voice conveys the calming effect of David, while his mannerisms gives depth to Ella’s emotions. He brings the supporting characters to life, each in their own unique way.

Author Sandra Brown’s website is www.sandrabrown.com

 
Rainwater by Sandra Brown, Read by Victor Slezak, Simon & Schuster Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1442345027, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: 7 Hours (Book Format @2010)

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 again for your support and for stopping by today. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and joyous New Year!