Colorful Calendar … Killer Look

Creativity sometimes takes a back seat when it comes to getting organized and keeping track of the events of your day.

That doesn’t have to be the case if you get organized with an UNDATEDCOLORING ACADEMIC AGENDA from Action Publishing Inc. While this calendar is designed for students, it can be easily adapted to work for anyone in all walks of life. They also offer a selection of day planners too.

Having just launched my own book tour service for authors, I’ve been looking for a calendar that would help keep me super organized. I needed a way to look at a month at a glance, as well as have space for day to day activities. When I saw the COLORING ACADEMIC AGENDA, I knew it would work perfectly for me. It also offers me a way to be a bit creative while going over my activities.

With the adult coloring book phase popping up everywhere, the good folks at Action Publishing have incorporated a touch of whimsy into their calendars. There’s a full page to color opposite the month-at-a-glance page, as well as small coloring opportunities throughout the daily pages.

The bonus to me is the huge amount of space you have for the week’s events. There’s also a space to track a task; a goals/notes section; my time space; and a spot you can use to sketch, jot a note or keep a journal. In addition, there’s a vocabulary word of the week, useful tips and tools section, and a weekly activity to help strengthen your life skills. I won’t even go into all the neat information listed in the back of the calendar.

The calendar comes undated so you can begin using it anytime of the year. Spiral bound makes the calendar easy to layout flat to use or fold over as you would a composition book. The 8 ½-inch by 11-inch size makes keeping track of daily events much easier providing lots of writing space.

The pages of the calendar aren’t glossy making it easy to write on. I added sticky notes over the weekdays on my monthly calendar. This allows me to move things around without having to erase if an activity changes. When the activity is done, I then write it on the month page with any extra notes I have.

I’m just getting my calendar set up, but I can see it’s going to be an invaluable tool. Not only can I keep track of my daily schedule and look at what’s set for the month, but I can also dabble with a bit of coloring to help de-stress the day.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this calendar was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

KILLER LOOK by Linda Fairstein

◊ KILLER LOOK by Linda Fairstein

◊ Series: An Alexandra Cooper Novel (Book #18)

◊ Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 29 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Penguin Audio

◊ Scheduled Audible.com Release Date: July 26, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1FWJYUBS

SYNOPSIS:

New York Times best-selling author Linda Fairstein delivers a heart-pounding thriller that explores the dark secrets of Manhattan's iconic fashion scene in her latest Alexandra Cooper novel.

New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world, well known for its glamour and style. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the runway, where American haute couture continually astounds with its creativity, daring, and innovation in the name of beauty. Yet high fashion means high stakes, as Alex Cooper quickly discovers when businessman and designer Wolf Savage is found dead in an apparent suicide, mere days before the biggest show of his career. When the man's daughter insists Savage's death was murder, the case becomes more than a media sensation: It is a race to find a killer in a world created entirely out of fantasy and illusion.

With her own job at the DA's office in jeopardy and the temptation to self-medicate her PTSD with alcohol almost too strong to resist, Alex is not anyone's first choice for help. But she is determined to uncover the grime - and the possible homicide - beneath the glitz. Along with detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, Alex must penetrate the twisted roots and mixed motives among the high-profile players in the Garment District. The investigation takes the trio from the missing money in Wolf Savage's international fashion house to his own recovery from addiction; from the role of Louisiana voodoo in his life to his excessive womanizing; and to the family secrets he kept so well hidden, even from those closest to him - just as things are about to get deadly on the catwalk.

Linda Fairstein was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the district attorney's office in Manhattan for more than two decades and is America's foremost legal expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. Her Alexandra Cooper novels are international best sellers and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard.

MY THOUGHTS:

With a Linda Fairstein novel you not only get a tantalizing murder mystery, but you also get tidbits of history and a tour of interesting spots throughout New York City. Fairstein’s latest mystery combines murder with the glitz and glamour of the New York fashion district.

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat does an excellent job giving distinct voices to the various characters. Her unique vocals and manners are spot on when highlighting the ups and downs of the characters’ emotions. Her cadence enhances the story.

Fairstein has created realistic characters that are well-developed and likable. The interaction between the characters adds depth to the story. The secondary characters are colorful and add a bit of drama.

The New York setting adds intrigue and is virtually a character in its self. Through Fairstein’s vivid descriptions the garment district comes to life throughout the novel. With an eye for detail, Fairstein pulls readers/listeners into the story with touches of clothing history and New York’s place in all things fashion.

The story has enough twists and turns to have you changing your mind about the killer’s identity as fast as super models change for the runway. Fairstein combines her protagonist’s anxiety from a previous story with current events to show her development. New readers won’t be left in the dark about the problems causing Alexandra’s condition as Fairstein fills in the blanks enough to make this a stand-alone read.

KILLER LOOK is a fast-pace thriller filled with suspense and a shocking surprise ending you won’t see coming.

Killer Look by Linda Fairstein, An Alexandra Cooper Novel (Book #18), Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, Penguin, @2016, ASIN: BO1FWJYUBS, Unabridged, Digital Download, Run Time: 10 Hours and 29 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you have a favorite calendar that you couldn’t do without? Do you enjoy books that include bits of history throughout the story?

Devil’s Bridge by Linda Fairstein, Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat

Author Linda Fairstein masterfully weaves the history of New York landmarks with suspense in her latest release, DEVIL’S BRIDGE, the 17th installment in her Alexandra Cooper series.

Bringing the various characters to life, narrator Barbara Rosenblat holds listeners’ attention with her varied pace, dialect and mannerisms. Rosenblat draws on the emotions throughout the story to boost it to another level of intensity.

A security breach in the office of Assistant District Attorney Alexandra ‘Coop’ Cooper during a high profile case could have dangerous repercussions. When Coop suddenly disappears after work, Detective Mike Chapman and the NYPD begin sorting through Coop’s cases trying to find the culprit. But could Coop’s new intimate relationship with Chapman have more to do with her disappearance than any of the criminals she’s put away?

Chapman and the gang scramble to find Coop as they are drawn to Manhattan’s waterfront where past and present go hand and hand.

The author has shifted a bit in this latest release allowing the focus to be on Chapman instead of Coop. The story is told from Chapman’s perspective giving listeners/readers new insight into the detective. Chapman weaves his way through the clues and the history of certain landmarks to find Coop.

This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as the suspense builds. The compelling novel is a fast pace adventure through the streets and waterways of New York. Even though this is the 17th installment in the series, new listeners/readers won’t be left in the dark.

DEVIL’S BRIDGE is chalked full of suspense, mystery and history making it not only a captivating read, but also informative.

Author Linda Fairstein can be found on Facebook. Narrator Barbara Rosenblat’s website is here.

Devil’s Bridge by Linda Fairstein, Alexandra Cooper Book #17, Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, Penguin Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1611764307, Unabridged, Run Time: 10 Hours and 33 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy when author include bits of history throughout a story? Does including the history make the story and characters more plausible to you?

*This post contains affiliate links.

TERMINAL CITY by Linda Fairstein

A book by author Linda Fairstein is like getting two stories in one. She writes a suspenseful murder mystery in her latest release, TERMINAL CITY, but also includes a fascinating history of Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat once again brings protagonist Alexander ‘Alex’ Cooper to life, along with a cast of returning regulars and a nice mix of new characters. Rosenblat explores the wide range of emotions of the characters with her mannerism and cadence. Her interruption enhances the already intriguing story.

Grand Central Terminal is in the heart of New York City and is the center focus of Fairstein’s latest thriller. From the world’s largest Tiffany clock to hidden underground systems, Grand Central Terminal plays a major character in this action-packed mystery. Fairstein’s extensive research of the more than 100 year old terminal adds history and intrigue to the story. She gives listeners/readers the feel of the area through her vivid descriptions and eye for details.

A young woman’s naked body is found in the tower suite of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria. As the investigation heats up, Assistant DA Alex Cooper, along with Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, believe there’s more to the murder. Soon a second body is discovered and then a third. The only thing connecting the three is identical markings on the bodies and they appear to be leading the investigation to the Grand Central Terminal.

With a presidential visit scheduled within days, Alex and the detectives have to work fast to find the killer before more bodies turn up. They soon discover another world exists under the terminal and finding the killer may prove more dangerous than they imaged.

TERMINAL CITY is a fast moving thriller filled with suspense, intriguing characters, wonderful history, bits of humor and a touch of romance. Fairstein keeps listeners/readers on the edge of their seat with twists and turns in this adrenaline-fueled plot.

This is the 16th installment in the Alexander Cooper series, but can be listened to/read on its own. Returning fans will be delighted to catch up with favorite characters, while new readers won’t be left in the dark.

TERMINAL CITY provides a wonderful history lesson while also delivering nail-biting excitement for fans of masterfully written thrillers.

Terminal City by Linda Fairstein, Alex Cooper Novel #16, Performed by Barbara Rosenblat, Penguin Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1611762631, Unabridged, Downloadable Audio, Listening Time: 11 Hours and 33 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’re having a delightful Saturday. May you find time to relax and enjoy a good book. Are you a fan of the Alex Cooper series? Do you like history woven into thrillers?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Mac And Cheese and Death Angel

Do I have a couple of amazing books to share with you today. Of course you know they’re going to be completely different genres, but I think you could ‘read them’ together - so to speak. See if you agree.

THE MAC & CHEESE COOKBOOK by Allison Arevalo and Erin Wade

I must admit the cover of THE MAC & CHEESE COOKBOOK captured my attention the moment I saw it. Doesn’t it look yummy? Visions of mouth-watering dishes of mac and cheese sprang to mind and I had to know more.

I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed by the cookbook, quite the opposite. I found this charming cookbook to be packed with delicious recipes, easy instructions, gorgeous color photos, and extremely helpful tips.

Authors (Chefs) Allison Arevalo and Erin Wade have compiled tasty recipes that will have you eager to try all 50 of them. Each recipes is written in simple, easy steps with a bit of information about the dish. In addition, many are accompanied by a beautiful full page color photo of the completed dish. There’s also a section on selecting the right noodles and how to prepare them properly.

A highlight of the book for me was the step-by-step instructions and photos on how to prepare the mac sauce - the base of each recipe. The authors also note problems that can be encountered preparing the sauce and the simple solutions to resolve these issues.

Each recipe also includes a beer and wine pairing to enrich the meal. To help even more, the authors have included recipes for fun side dishes and desserts to compliment the mac and cheese.

Some of the recipes are: Trailer Mac, Mac & Blue, Shepherd’s Mac, Winter Citrus Salad, Peanut Butter Pie, and Dessert Mac. I tried the Vermont White Cheddar Mac and was delighted with my results. The recipe was easy to follow, the instructions helpful and the end results delicious. While this dish took a bit longer than opening a box of mac and cheese, it was well worth the effort. Once the simple mac sauce is mastered, the recipes are a breeze.

Mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food, can be prepared every day of the month with this enticing cookbook and never be the same. If you grew up loving mac and cheese, this is a must have for your kitchen.

Arevalo and Wade are the owners/operators of the wildly popular San Francisco Bay Area macaroni and cheese restaurant known as HOMEROOM. A school theme is sprinkled throughout the restaurant and the entire menu is under ten dollars.

For delicious, quick and easy dishes the entire family will devour, THE MAC & CHEESE COOKBOOK is the perfect solution. 

The HOMEROOM website is http://homeroom510.com/
 
The Mac & Cheese Cookbook: 50 Simple Recipes from HOMEROOM, America‘s Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant by Allison Arevalo and Erin Wade, Ten Speed Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1607744665, Hardcover, 128 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.
 

DEATH ANGEL by Linda Fairstein

Combining a grizzly murder, buried secrets and the luscious layout of New York’s Central Park prove to be a good match for author Linda Fairstein’s latest Alex Cooper thriller, DEATH ANGEL.

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat does an excellent job giving distinct voices to the returning characters of Fairstein’s series, as well as new ones. Her cadence pulls you in holding you captive as she vocalizes the depth of Fairstein’s words. Rosenblat has you gasping for breath right along with the characters.

When a young woman’s body is pulled from a lake in Central Park, law enforcement is put on alert to find the killer and make the park safe once again. As Assistant District Attorney Alex ‘Coop’ Cooper and Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace being looking into the case, they discover the trail leads to the famous apartment building, The Dakota, located nearby. Piecing the bits of evidence together, they soon discover it could have connections to a cold case involving a missing child that rivaled the Lindbergh Kidnapping.

Meanwhile, Coop and Chapman have their hands full with a more personal matter. They’re about to be pulled into a scandal involving a judge on the verge of losing it that could cost both of them their jobs. Coop is determined to help Chapman no matter the cost as a few sparks of attraction between the two ignite.

Once again Fairstein places her characters in the middle of a bizarre crime scene and leads readers on a merry chase to find the killer. The well-developed characters continue to evolve with each new installment in the series. They’re realistic and likable.

DEATH ANGEL moves at a steady, but smooth pace. It’s action-driven with twists and surprises along the way to keep you on your toes. Readers new to the series won’t be left in the dark with prior references, while returning fans will enjoy the continuing growth of the lead characters.

Fairstein’s vivid and detailed descriptions of Central Park places the reader/listener in the middle of the beautiful backdrop. Her eye for authentic detail enhances the story and brings the setting to life. Reading/listening to DEATH ANGEL is like taking a virtual trip to Central Park with a side stop for a mysterious murder or two.

Author Linda Fairstein’s website is http://www.lindafairstein.com/
 
Death Angel by Linda Fairstein, An Alex Cooper Novel, Performed by Barbara Rosenblat, Penguin Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1611761634, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 12.5 Hours

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.

As always, I appreciate you taking time to stop by today. Hope you’re having a great weekend and ready for the holiday Monday. Now, did I tempt you to ‘read’ these two books together?

SIDE NOTE: BTW, have you noticed the posts have been in different fonts lately? I’ve been trying to find one that is easy to read and still looks pretty. If you have a preference for one of the fonts, just let me know what date was on the post you liked best. You can either leave a comment or send me an email with “Fonts” in the subject line. Thanks for your help. I want it to be easy and fun for you to read.