Doing Double Duty

Do you like to find items that do double duty for you by serving several purposes instead of just one?

Think about books. They could be thought of that way. They can educate, but they can also entertain. I think of candles being multi-purpose items. They give light, they give warmth, and they can be pleasant to smell.

Thanks to Ivanka and the other wonderful folks at OmniiDeals, I recently had the opportunity to enjoy two of their lovely candles. I selected one of their 16 oz. Glass Lid Essential Series Jar Candles and a Three Pour Pillar Candle in Forest Blend Premium Fragrance. Here are my thoughts on the candles, along with bullet points from the company.

Goose Creek Blueberry Cheesecake with Glass Lid Essential Series Jar Candle, 16 oz.

◊ Burn time: 90 hours

◊ Goose Creek Candles are the most fragrant cleanest burning candles on the market

◊ Made in the USA

◊ Every candle has the maximum amount of fragrance per liquid ounce

◊ We know you will love our handmade, smokeless, extra fragrant jar candles

This delightful candle has a juicy blueberry smell with a hint of cheesecake blended in. The aroma is rich and delicious. The deep blue color of the candle represents the color of blueberries perfectly. The two wicks give the candle a brighter flame.

The candle comes in a thick, fairly heavy glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Once the candle has been used up, the jar could be used for storing a multitude of items. Just with the lid off, the candle gives off a pleasant scent.

The candle was packaged very well for minimal chances of breakage in shipping.

This is a lovely candle to look at or enjoy while burning. It has an enjoyable fragrance that’s not overpowering.

FTC Full Disclosure – I was provided the item mentioned above by OmniiDeals. However, the post was written solely by me and all opinions are my own given honestly and freely.

Goose Creek Candles Forest Blend Premium Fragrance, Three Pour Pillar Candle, 3x4 Inch

◊ COLORFUL DESIGN. Add a pop of color to any room’s décor with our pretty three-pour pillar candle. Designed to best allow even melting and no smoke residue.

◊ UNIQUE DESIGNER FRAGRANCES including Apple Bourbon, Forest Blend, Morning Fog, Warm Vanilla and more.

◊ LONG BURNING for hours of ambiance and fragrance. Compared to other leading, more expensive brands!

◊ MADE TO BE THE BEST Goose Creek Candles are all poured in the USA with the highest quality ingredients available.

◊ SAFE AND NON-TOXIC for hours of clean, invigorating fragrances.

This four-inch tall pillar candle is my preferred for its intoxicating scent. I couldn’t find anything on the packaging to tell me the exact scents used in the Forest Blend, but it reminds me of sandalwood one of my favorite fragrances.

The beautiful tri-color earthy tones of the candle would complement any room’s décor. The candle featured a creamy beige on top followed by a layer of seafoam green in the middle and a base resembling mocha coffee.

The scent is relaxing, a bit fragrant but not overpowering. It hints at the outdoors on a tranquil fall day. The delightful aroma lingers in the air even when the candle isn’t lit.

A small medallion is attached to the candle with raffia for a decorative touch. Once the cellophane wrapping and medallion are removed from the candle, you’ll want to place it on a candle holder just in case there is any residue when burning. The single wick burns clean and smoke free.

The candle comes carefully package to help ensure non-breakage in shipping.

FTC Full Disclosure – I was provided the item mentioned above by OmniiDeals. However, the post was written solely by me and all opinions are my own given honestly and freely.

Thanks for dropping by today. Do you find candles relaxing or just useful for light? Do you enjoy scented candles or prefer no scent at all?

Trust: Betrayed And The Glass Wives

Have you ever thought about how some things are so different, but so similar at the same time?

Well, I have two completely different books to share with you today. At their core, however, the stories are similar in that they focus on family, hope and the search for happiness.

TRUST: BETRAYED by Cristiane Serruya

Sophia, Ethan and Alistair are in the spotlight once again as their lives go forward (and back) in TRUST: BETRAYED, Book Two in the Trust Trilogy by Brazilian author Cristiane Serruya.

Dark secrets continue to plaque each member of the unique trio as their lives unfold from their past deeds. Sophia wants a relationship with Alistair, but can’t seem to find peace within herself and allow herself to move on. Needing redemption and feeling unworthy of love, Alistair tries to push Sophia away. He loves her and wants to save her from his own demons. Ethan, meanwhile, reeling from his loss of Sophia has created his own alternate reality. Still in love with Sophia, he will pay any price to have her back.

Misery, guilt, pain and fear surround these three main characters. They are tormented daily with their problems. The author continues to develop her characters, giving their more depth and expanding their emotions. She has created well-balanced characters that are realistic and easy to like, even with their bad flaws.

TRUST: BETRAYED moves at a steady pace holding the readers interest. There are twists and turns that keep you wondering what could possible happen next. 

While dealing with secrets from the past, the author moves the story back and forth in time. Her smooth transition makes it easy to follow along without getting lost in a time warp. In addition, there are several steamy sex scenes.

The characters draw you in and the writing holds you spellbound until the end. Serruya’s writing has a mesmerizing rhythm, though she writes of dark and complex events. The story will leave readers looking forward to seeing how the trio fares in the next installment.


Author Cristiane Serruya’s website is http://cristianeserruya.com.br/
 
Trust: Betrayed by Cristiane Serruya, Book Two in the Trust Trilogy, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1482586473, Paperback, 556 Pages

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

THE GLASS WIVES by Amy Sue Nathan

As families split apart forming new units, the idealized notion of a traditional family can change drastically.

The family core is the focus of Amy Sue Nathan’s debut novel, THE GLASS WIVES: A Novel. She explores what makes a family unit and why traditional sometimes has to be altered.

Narrator Joyce Bean does an excellent job bringing these characters to life. Her varied vocalization gives each character their own distinct voice. Bean brings out the various emotions and energy the author has woven throughout the story.

Evie Glass never thought her ex-husband Richard could turn her world upside down again. But when Richard died suddenly in a traffic wreck, she found out how wrong she was. Now she is left to raise their twins on her own.

Richard’s second wife, Nicole, is also left to raise their infant son on her own. She turns to Evie, wanting to create a family unit with her and Richard’s other children.

At first, despite the tragedy of Richard’s death, Evie sees it as a way to free herself and the twins from ever dealing with Nicole and her baby again. She didn’t count on how deeply her children cared for their half brother. And she especially didn’t count on having to seek financial help to keep her home without Richard’s monthly support payments. When Nicole offers to pay rent and move in with her and the kids, Evie dismissed it, but soon realizes she doesn’t have a choice.

Just as things are settling into a familiar routine, Evie discovers Nicole may be up to no good, trying to pull off a scheme behind her back. Evie has to decide if she can trust the woman who had an affair with her husband and destroyed her marriage.

Nathan has created likable characters with realistic problems and emotions. While Evie came off a bit self-centered to me at times, she also had moments of compassion and tenderness for balance. Nathan also weaves in how secrets, even among friends, can sometimes be damaging. In addition, the author gives vivid descriptions and explanations for a Jewish life that add another layer to the story.

THE GLASS WIVES moves at a steady pace and holds the reader/listener’s attention with a few surprising twists and turns along the way.

Author Amy Sue Nathan’s website is http://amysuenathan.com/

The Glass Wives by Amy Sue Nathan, Performed by Joyce Bean, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1480514751, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours, 6 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 for stopping by today. What interesting book are you reading/listening to today?

Returning To Harmony with Author Jodi Thomas

It’s always a pleasure to welcome author Jodi Thomas back to Thoughts in Progress as it means she has a new installment in her Harmony series. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME is her latest release.

The fifth book in her popular Harmony series, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME presents a story where big dreams are brewing - and anything and everything is possible. Here’s a brief synopsis:
     Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony’s library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.
     Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adam. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before.

Publishers Weekly has given CHANCE OF A LIFETIME a starred review and had this to say about it: “Another winner...Fans will be delighted.” 

Jodi joins us today to talk about her intriguing town and the people that call it home. 

As the holidays wind down and we cuddle into the cool nights, I’d love to take you along on a journey with me to a small town in Texas called Harmony. 

When I began CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, I started with Emily, a librarian. She’s kind and caring with a secret that keeps her fears compartmentalized in her mind. When a friend from her past asks a favor, she agrees not knowing how far into an adventure they’ll stumble while discovering each other and a secret of the town. 

If you are looking for a book that will let you step out of daily life into a world of mystery, laughs and falling in love, you’ll enjoy CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.

So, come along with me to Harmony.

Jodi, thanks for visiting with us again and giving us another look at Harmony and its residents. The idea of a librarian with a secret makes for a fun adventure.

Jodi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 36 novels and 11 short story collections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in the Harmony series, won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. 

For more on Jodi, her writing and her Harmony series you can check out her website, visit her on Facebook and find her on Twitter.

As a special treat I’d like to share a review of CHANCE OF A LIFETIME from Fresh Fiction written by Sandra Wurman.  

     First let me let you in on a secret -- I've never met a Jodi Thomas book that wasn't absolutely dog eared from being read so many times. They are all like warm cozy friends that just beg to be taken back down from the book shelves and revisited. When given the opportunity to read or review a Thomas book I grab it with gusto. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME is destined to become one of my favorites and I'll wager that it will be yours as well. Thomas managed to interweave a host of stories and characters in this wonderful contemporary tale infused with humor and mystery. The pages come alive as you are invited into the world of people who live in small town Harmony.
     Who would have thought a library could hold not only a wealth of knowledge but secrets as well. As a centerpiece of a community the library is a place people go to for many reasons and it would appear that the Harmony library has its share of stories to tell -- no pun intended.
     The librarian Emily Tomlinson's life appears to be an open book with the inhabitants fully aware of the tragic and violent attack fifteen years ago when she was just a teenager. A teenager who happened to be in the wrong place at the absolute wrong time. In her memories of the event all she recollects is that her best friend Tannon Parker wasn't there for her, such a breach of faith it would form a chasm between the two that was impossible to bridge. Tannon it appears harbors his own nightmares of that evening. He remembers getting there too late to stop the attack but his memories go even further. As time goes on he realizes that Emily didn't fully realize the events of that night and no one should reopen those barely healed wounds.
     Tannon has unfulfilled dreams of his own -- those dreams and wishes included Emily and a desire to get back a normal, fulfilled life hopefully with someone who cares for and about him. Emily still has an aversion to being out past dark. And her life has definitely stalled into a comfortable nonthreatening routine that borders on loveless and downright boring. Well that's all about to change and change is supposed to be good for the soul.
     There's someone in this quiet little town that has a grudge against the towns lawyer Rick Matheson. Rick thinks of his practice as barely existent and yet he is continually being put in harm's way with no clues as to motive or person of interest. These accidents are not minor in any way. Luck has been on Rick's side as he has survived life threatening injuries. He barely recuperates from one "accident" when there is another attack. Law officials are taking note of these attacks and have decided Rick needs protection. Moving into the local bed and breakfast seems a logical and hopefully safe place where Rick won't be alone and at the same time hopefully not put others in jeopardy. The Matheson's are lifelong residents of this little town and they are working behind the scenes to guard Rick even if he is reluctant to admit to the danger.
     There's something about small town living that is very compelling. Knowing all your neighbors should make you feel safe and yet in CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, Thomas effectively casts doubt on that belief. There's a huge cast of characters in her latest book too numerous to mention much less give any insight into but heed my words this is a masterfully written story about a group of people who will grab hold from beginning to end. You almost dread finding out if any of them is the culprit.

Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books that featuring small towns? What is it about small towns that appeals to us and draws us in?

*****

BTW, those who guessed yesterday concerning the 'can you name it' photo were all correct. It was a clothes pin.

Thanks for playing along.
 

Frozen Heat by Richard Castle

I wasn’t sure what to expect listening to a book reportedly written by a T.V. character. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by the action and suspense that ended with me looking forward to the next installment.

Narrator Johnny Heller does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He gives each their own distinct voice making it easy to keep up with the characters’ exchanges. His cadence will make you laugh at the humor and hold your breath when the suspense takes over.

NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat is being shadowed by reporter Jameson Rook, who she is also romantically involved with. When an unidentified woman is found stabbed and frozen in a deliver truck, Heat gets the case. But when she discovers the woman is stuffed into her own dead mother’s suitcase, Heat’s investigation takes a drastic turn.

With Rook’s help, Heat begins to reinvestigate her mother’s murder, as well as the frozen woman’s. Learning the frozen woman was best friends with her mother leads Heat and Rook on a journey to Paris and back. Battling an incompetent captain, missing key pieces of evidence, and several attempts on her life, Heat is determined to find the killer of both women no matter the cost to herself.

The action is fast-paced filled with tension, suspense, a bit of romance, a touch of humor, and some surprising turns. The twist at the end brings the story to a close, but opens a lead for Heat and Rook’s next adventure.

The story is a good take-off from Castle. Many of the characters could be based on the characters of the show. If you’re a fan of the T.V. show Castle, then FROZEN HEAT is a must read (or listen). This is the four installment in the Nikki Heat series, but is a stand alone story.

Whoever author Richard Castle is, he’s done a terrific job with FROZEN HEAT.

Author Richard Castle’s website is www.richardcastle.net

Frozen Heat by Richard Castle, A Nikki Heat Novel, Read by Johnny Heller, Hyperion Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1401326302, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 11 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.
 
Are you a fan of the show Castle? If so, what elements draws you back each week? Has anyone else read any of the Nikki Heat series? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

 Stories that could have some facts based in truth pull me in quickly as realistic actions and fantasy characters play out in an intriguing tale of murder and suspense that is plausible. Author Hank Phillippi Ryan puts these elements together in her latest thriller, THE OTHER WOMAN, with great results.

Narrator Ilyana Kadushin does an excellent job bring the characters to life providing each with their own distinct voice. She has a flare for expressing the emotional ups and downs throughout the story causing you to feel the excitement as the tension mounts.

Protecting one’s source is extremely important to rising T.V. star Jane Ryland. It’s so important she loses her job when she refuses to reveal a source involving charges against a prominent businessman. Landing a job as a newspaper reporter working for a former rival, she’s assigned puff pieces. However, as Jane goes about her job she discovers a candidate for Senate may be hiding a secret mistress just days before a pivotal election and it seems his wife thinks so too.

Meanwhile, Boston Detective Jake Brogan is busy investigating a possible serial killer and trying to keep the media from dubbing the suspect as ‘the bridge killer.’ Two bodies of unidentified women have been found by bridges and Jake isn’t making much progress.

When the body count rises, the third victim turns out to be someone connected to the case involving Jane’s dismissal from T.V. Jane and Jake begin to realize their cases may be related. As they battle their attraction for one another, they each set out to find a ruthless killer bent on silencing a scandal or making a name for himself.

The action is fast-pace and filled with highs and lows true to reporting. Ryan’s detailed descriptions of the Boston area places you in the heart of the action with the characters making the setting a major part of the story. There are twists and turns and just when you have it figured out, another turn takes you in a different direction as dirty politics, revenge, betrayal and seduction lead to murder.

Ryan’s journalism background shines through in THE OTHER WOMAN. She has created a dedicated journalist in Jane as she deals with high standards for reporting and her desire to have a forbidden relationship. Jane has strength and determination, but also a vulnerable side. Jake is a dedicated cop trying to do the right thing as he battles his feelings for Jane.

While at times there appears to be not one but several other women, in the end there is truly only one that is THE OTHER WOMAN. Will it be who you think it is? This is a adrenaline-driven story that will hold you captive from opening paragraph to the last line. Jane and Jake, a crime-fighting duo to rival Lois and Clark.

Author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s website is http://www.hankphillippiryan.com/  

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan, Read by Ilyana Kadushin, MacMillan Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1427226808, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 30 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.

*Side Note: Author Kate McGuinness was scheduled to visit today to talk about her latest release, TERMINAL AMBITION, but was unable to due to unforeseen circumstance. Hopefully we can reschedule her visit for a later date. 

Pines by Blake Crouch

If you enjoy visiting quaint, peaceful towns, author Blake Crouch’s latest release PINES may have you rethinking that.

As I listened to this spine-tingling thriller, I had verses from the old Eagles’ song HOTEL CALIFORNIA running through my head. You’ll understand when you listen to or read PINES.

Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke is not a perfect man. He’s cheated on his wife and doesn’t spend enough time with his young son, but he’s a dedicated agent and a good man at heart. Crouch has created a strong protagonist in Burke making him realistic with flaws and a vulnerable side.

Narrator Paul Michael Garcia does a wonderful job bringing this story to life. His vocalization of Ethan’s range of emotions is gripping. His cadence draws the listener in and holds them spellbound as the suspense and terror explodes. Garcia gives distinct vocals to the supporting characters as well.

Burke is sent to Wayward Pines, Idaho, to search for two missing federal agents. When he and his partner are involved in a violent hit-and-run upon arriving in town, Burke’s world is turned upside down. He wakes with no ID or other possessions, a hazy memory and a dead partner.

Recovering from the wreck, Burke is faced with more questions than answers. He stumbles upon the mutilated body of one of the missing agents only to become the prime suspect in the killing. With no one to turn to, Burke soon realizes there is something terrible wrong in Wayward Pines. He can’t seem to make contact with the outside world and he can’t seem to find the road leading out of town.

Crouch takes the story on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Burke tries to find his way home and come to terms with his surroundings. There are twists, turns, highs and lows that keep the listener/reader wondering what is real and what isn’t. The action is adrenaline-driven with mystery and suspense around every corner leading to a surprise ending.

PINES is one of those stories that may cause you to re-evaluate a few things as the plot stays with you long after the last sentence.
Author Blake Crouch’s website is http://www.blakecrouch.com/
  
Pines by Blake Crouch, Performed by Paul Michael Garcia, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1469215952, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours 38 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.
 
Do you enjoy stories that have you second-guessing what is suppose to be real to the protagonist? What about stories that lead to you wondering, ‘what if’ as you place yourself in the protagonist’s shoes? Thanks so much for stopping by.

A Mile In His Shoes Review

Remember we’ve talked about variety being the spice of life?

Well today is no exception. I’m sharing my thoughts on a DVD movie. While the movie recently aired on TV, I missed it and was glad to find that it had been released this month on DVD. One of the main reasons I wanted to see it is because it’s based on a true story.

Here’s a brief description of A MILES IN HIS SHOES: From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler". 

Thanks to the good folks at Propeller (where ideas take flight), I have a copy of A MILE IN HIS SHOES to offer as a giveaway. Just leave a comment on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to be entered. Be sure to leave your e-mail address with your comments, if it’s not included in your profile. Now my thoughts.

A MILE IN HIS SHOES

Coach Arthur ‘Murph’ Murphy (Dean Cain) badly needs help to keep his struggling minor league baseball team going. On his way to find new talent for the team, Murphy encounters a young farm boy named Mickey (Luke Schroder).

Murphy quickly realizes Mickey has an incredible pitching arm. He’s perfect for the team, but Mickey’s parents don’t agree. Mickey has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.

Murphy finally convinces the parents of the benefits and Mickey is allowed to join the team. However, the team also received benefits. Not only is Mickey’s pitching ability helpful, but he also inspires new spirit in the team.

This is a touching story of how our lives are sometimes taken in different directions than we had expected. The story deals with determination, faith, courage, and the wonderful power of friendship. It’s inspiring.

I have enjoyed watching Dean Cain’s performances since his days as Superman on Lois and Clark. His portrayal of Murphy was another great performance with depth. He plays Murphy with great emotions causing viewers to feel his hope and determination. 

Schroder’s portrayal of Mickey is heartwarming and touching. He does an excellent job showing the problems Mickey faced while dealing with his Asperger’s syndrome.

Even if you’re not a sports fan, A MILE IN HIS SHOES is a delightful movie to watch and add to your DVD library.

The movie is rated PG (some mild thematic elements). The DVD contains special features: The Making of A Mile In His Shoes, the movie trailer, and a Thomas Kinkade Painting Gallery.

For more on the movie, check out the website, find it on Facebook, and watch a clip on Youtube.

A Mile In His Shoes Starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder, Thomas Kinkade and Nasser Group North, @2011, ASIN: B0055QRYEG, 1 DVD, Listening Time 1 Hour, 29 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Have you seen the movie? Do you enjoy inspiring, ‘feel-good’ movies? Thanks so much for stopping by.