$200 Have it Your Way Giveaway- Sign Up Now!

FREE Blogger Opportunity! We will be giving away $200, in their Have it your way event! How will this work? Whatever the winner wants, the winner will get! Kindle Fire, PayPal Cash, Amazing, Wal-Mart, Target! Who cares, they get just what they want! Blogger get FREE Facebook llink with the option to purchase additional links! About the event

• Prize: Whatever you want up to $200 (shipping included) Do you want a Kindle Fire? Maybe an iPod, hummm maybe gift card to Target, oh wait Paypal cash? We don't care we want you to have it your way! So let the games begin, and let's have some fun with this one!

Details

• 12/21/12 and end on 1/21/13
• FREE Facebook Link - With Announcement Post
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• Additional links will be $2 - Daily Votes $3 - Paid links will be moved up on Rafflecopter.
• Sign up HERE

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury Book Blast: Win $100 Amazon or Paypal!

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury 

A young Poseidon must triumph over aquatic terrors in this Heroes in Training adventure. The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?

Purchase

Amazon * Amazon Kindle * Barnes & Noble

Heroes in Training by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams deliver fun, adventures, and a few surprises as ten-year-old Olympians go on a journey of a lifetime to discover their true identities and defeat their Titan enemies.


Praise for Heroes in Training
"Readers will gobble this down and look for more, make no mythtake."
~ Kirkus

“This is a fun read, casting Zeus in the role of relatable kid, and there is a nice balance between his primary goal of survival and his sense of destiny and adventure. . . Share this title, and likely more to come, with those still too young for Percy Jackson’s adventures.”
~ School Library Journal



The Series

#1 Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
#2 Poseidon and the Sea of Fury
#3 Hades and the Helm of Darkness
#4 Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire

Aladdin Paperbacks (ages 6-9)
http://series.simonandschuster.com/Heroes-in-training

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Book 1)


After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....
   
     Ten-year-old Zeus is mystified (and super-annoyed) by the fact that he keeps getting hit by lightening. Every. Single. Year. He also longs for adventure, as he has never been far from the cave where he grew up.

     Zeus gets his wish--and a lot more than he bargained for--when he is kidnapped by dangerous, giant Titans! In self-defense, he grabs the first thing he sees--an actual thunderbolt he pulls from a stone that is covered in mysterious markings. Zeus is the only one who can decipher the markings, and sets off on a quest to rescue his youthful fellow Olympians from the evil Cronus. Armed with his trusty thunderbolt (named Bolt, of course), Zeus is on an adventure of a lifetime--and a journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Gods.

Hades and the Helm of Darkness (Book 3 coming April 2013)


The Heroes in Training are entering the Underworld—if Hades can conquer his canine fears, that is.

The Underworld usually isn’t really meant to be a fun place—but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus—a snarling, three-headed dog—Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

But with magical water that causes forgetfulness, hot beds of lava, and another epic battle with two more Titans standing in their way, will Zeus and his heroes make it out of the Underworld with everyone intact?

Author Suzanne Williams

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of nearly 40 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. She is co-author (with Joan Holub) of the popular Goddess Girls series(for ages 8 - 12) and Heroes in Training (ages 6 - 11). Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.

Website * Blog

Author Joan Holub

I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children's books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job.

I illustrated my first published children's book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts -- Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee!

Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children's books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.

Twitter * Website * Blog

Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12


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Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #spon)- Week 1

Welcome to my first edition of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! I am so happy to be taking part in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. As I said before in my announcement post, I have some health issues that make it very hard for me to lose weight. So when I came across this program, I knew I needed to try it.

I have been selected to try the Women's Diabetes Select Program, which basically means that it is made especially for those with diabetes. Some of you may know that every little thing you eat and drink plays a huge part when it comes to living with diabetes. You have to be particularly careful of everything. This is why I love Nutrisystem so much, the food is already made and all you have to do is heat it up and enjoy, woohoo!

I have been on the program for about a week and a half now and I am excited to share with you my first weigh in results. Are you ready? I weighed myself on the morning of 11/16 and started the program that same morning. So on the 23rd, I weighed myself again and was SHOCKED to see that I had lost eight pounds. EIGHT POUNDS!!!! I couldn't believe it, I weighed myself on two different scales just to be sure. And yes, it was right! I am so excited! Now I know that this is not going to happen every week, it's just my body's way of reacting to the new food and eating schedule but hey, I'll take it!

So this brings me to talk about may favorite foods from the week. I am absolutely LOVING the Creamy Chocolate Protein Shake that I drink every morning with my breakfast, yum! My favorite breakfast item so far has been the Cinnamon Bun. I *love* these and you would never know it was healthy by tasting it.

My favorite lunch entree so far has been the Steak and Cheese Melt and my favorite dinner has been the Italian Flat Bread Pizza. Seriously, they are so good. In fact, I'll be ordering a ton more of them when it comes time to send in my next food order. 

Now we come to my favorite part of the meal plan: dessert. Oh yes, there are desserts. There is one dessert in particular that I am a little obsessed with. It's the Chocolate Brownie Sundae. Oh. My. God. This little cup of awesome is amazing, even better than most regular ice cream that I've had. I wish I could eat one everyday!

(Please note that these are not my pictures. Next week I promise to have my own photos of my meals to share with you.) I'm so excited to be taking this journey and I am hopeful that I will continue to lose weight and become healthier. I'd like to once again say thank you to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!
Remember to stop by next Wednesday for Week Two's results!

Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!

*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (61)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Half Lives Author: Sara grant Expected Publication Date: July 9, 2013
Synopsis:
I learned that surviving isn't all it's cracked up to be. If you survive, you've got to live with the guilt, and that's more difficult than looking someone in the eye and pulling the trigger. Trust me. I've done both. Killing takes a twitch of the finger. Absolution takes several lifetimes.

Seventeen-year-old Icie's parents have given her $10,000 in cash, a map of a top-secret bunker, and instructions to get there by any means necessary. They have news of an imminent viral attack and know that the bunker is Icie's only hope for survival. Along with three other teens, she lives locked away for months, not knowing what's happening in the outside world or who has survived. And are they safe in the bunker after all?
Generations in the future, a mysterious cult worships the very mountain where Icie's secret bunker was built. They never leave the mountain, they're ruled by a teenager...and they have surprising ties to Icie.
This high-stakes, original, and thought-provoking adventure from Sara Grant follows two unlikely heroes, hundreds of years apart, as they fight to survive.

I came across Half Lives while searching to see if there was going to be a sequel to Dark Parties. I really enjoyed Dark Parties and was hoping there would have been a sequel by now but I emailed the author and she said while she has several ideas for a sequel, there are no imminent plans for publication. So I decided to go with Half Lives for this week's WoW. I love the sound of it and seriously can't wait to get my hands on it!

What about you? What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

First Time: Legend of Garison Fitch Book Blast - Win a $50 Amazon Gift card!

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?

Purchase

Kindle * Nook * Smashwords

Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."

~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."

~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."

~Scott, Saudi Arabia

Also Part of the Series:

Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?

Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.

Purchase

Kindle * Nook * Smashwords

Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.

Links

Twitter * Facebook * Website

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Teaser Tuesday (61)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Reached by Ally Condie

"I saw the top of her head first, then her shoulders and the green of the silk against her skin, she looked up and I saw her eyes. I knew her then and I know her now. I'm almost sure of it." page 114

Review: Sheltered by Debora Chapoton

Title: Sheltered Author: Debra Chapoton Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Synopsis:
Living together unsupervised, five troubled teens confront demonic forces and are compelled to deal with their problems in distinctly different ways. Paranormal meets psycho meets Goth in this story of a supernatural haunting and budding love.

High school junior, Ben, hacks into his step-father's real estate holdings and provides rooms in an old two-story house to various outcasts: the schizophrenic kid, the angry Goth girl, and the homeless girl who worships him. When Megan needs a place to live she comes to the rooming house with a different set of problems and the ability to confuse and attract Ben.

One by one strange and mysterious occurrences stretch the teens’ beliefs in the supernatural. How they deal with demons, real and imagined, has tragic as well as redeeming consequences.
~My Thoughts~
!WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SLIGHT SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
High school student Ben has come up with a plan, it isn't exactly a perfect one, but one he thinks will help others and himself. He has rented a house under a false name from his step-father's real estate company and has even found a way to pay the rent through the company. Ben is using the house as somewhat of a boarding house, renting rooms to troubled teens who have nowhere else to go. 
Megan is the newest teen to move into the house. After leaving home and needing to prove herself, she has come to live at the home with the other teens. There's Cori, a goth girl with a very bad attitude, Emily, a very shy homeless girl with a massive crush on Ben, and Chuck and Adam, twin brothers who are complete opposites.
After only being at the house for days, Megan notices that some things just aren't right. The kids are weird and there are very strange things happening in the house. She and Ben must try to figure out just exactly what is going on and try to stop it before something devastating happens. 
The Characters: Each character in this story was fascinating in their own way. Ben was smart, caring and honestly just wanted to help out the other teens. He drove them to school, to work and anywhere else they needed to go. He seemed very genuine and true. Megan was the same, wanting only to finish school with good grades and get her life back together. Chuck and Adam were opposite in every way. Adam was charming and sweet while Chuck was shy and a little withdrawn. 
I'm not sure how I felt about Cori. She was very mean and went out of her way to hurt anyone who came in contact with her. Honestly, I didn't like her at all for quite some time. But as the story went on, I started to understand her and why she acted out the way she did. 
The Setting: Most of this story takes place in an old house that Ben has rented. I had absolutely no trouble navigating my way around the house in my mind and could definitely find my way around easily if I was dropped into the middle of it. There are a lot of creepy things going on in this book and the house was the perfect setting for it. There's an old attic and a creepy basement, two things that always add a little suspense to a creepy story!

The Writing: This is my first book by Debra Chapoton and I really enjoyed her writing style. Each character had their own way of speaking or thinking and they all came across as unique. A lot of times with multiple points of view, the characters will all talk and sound the same and it is easy to get confused as to who is speaking. But that is not the case here. Her writing is also direct without any unnecessary filler, which is always appreciated.
The Storyline: This is where things start to get tricky for me. While I enjoyed the story, some parts left me confused and wanting more. I'll start with what I liked. Each of the characters has their own subplot and I really enjoyed these. They gave us a glimpse into their lives and how they ended up at the boarding house to begin with. In some cases, there was abuse and neglect, while others were cases of bullying and homelessness. Each story was different and I enjoyed each of them. 
While I did like the idea of the demons possessing the teens and other strange things going on in the home, I felt like a lot of this went unanswered. While it is hinted at to who or what the demons where, we weren't told why. Why are they there and what did they want? It also confused me as to why some of the teens became possessed while others had no trouble at all. I'm assuming this was based on their happiness or background, but I couldn't be sure. There was also the aspect of Ben's "plan", why he rented the house in the first place and what he was really up to. I was a little disappointed when this was revealed, I was hoping for something more. 
My only other concern was the religious aspect of the story. While it isn't obvious and in your face, it's still there. Had I known this, I may not have agreed to a review. I don't subscribe to a religion and I tend to stay away from any religious fiction, no matter what the faith. But like I said, this wasn't overdone and I was able to look past it.
Overall, Sheltered was an interesting and creepy read. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down because I was so invested in what was going on with the teens. I recommend this to fans of the paranormal or anyone who is looking for a deeper and darker read. 

~About Debra Chapoton~

Debra Chapoton has taught kids of all ages in her main career as a teacher. She has a BA in Spanish and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She started writing in 2002 and was surprised to find out that the characters quickly take over the action and dialogue in the stories. 
Her first YA novel, Edge of Escape, was self-published and then discovered by Piper Verlag Publishing and translated into German. Stalking and obsession get a sympathetic twist in this story of physical and psychological survival.
Her second YA novel, Sheltered, detours into a different genre as she writes about five teens who confront supernatural forces. Two boys and three girls all harbor secrets which make some of them susceptible to demon possession. Embracing all things supernatural might protect them, but are they ready for the consequences?
Chapoton has also written eleven chapter books for middle grade kids and a non-fiction work for adults, Crossing the Scriptures.
When she’s not writing Chapoton enjoys the quiet of the full log home she designed and built with her husband. They live in the middle of 62 acres of beautiful woods in northern Michigan.

For more about Debra Chapoton, visit her websites here and here. 
~Purchase~ Amazon B&N Smashwords The Book Depository

*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Dreaming of Summer Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Dreaming of Summer Blog Hop! This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Me, My Shelf and I. This hop runs from November 27th to December 2nd.

For this giveaway, one winner will be able to choose one BEACH/SUMMER related book of their choice from The Book Depository, up to $10(USD). Open INT, you are eligible to win as long as The Book Depository ships free to your country (check HERE). So what are you waiting for? Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter and make your way down the linky!

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Showcase Sunday (31)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Bought:

My Beautiful Failure by Janet Ruth Young

Won:

While He Was Away by Karen Schrek - Thank you, Reflections of a Bookaholic!

Heaven by Christoph Marzi - Thank you, Tea and Text for this awesome book and the tea!

Rebel Heart by Moira Young - Thank you, In The Next Room!

It was another smallish week here for books, but that's ok! I am actually almost caught up on review books which means I will finally have some time to get through some of the books that have been piling up on my shelves. I am so incredibly far behind on them. I wish I could pop at least one of these out a day but alas, I'm a slow reader and that is not to be. I need to freeze time for everyone else and spend a few weeks getting caught up :) Anyway, I want to say a huge thank you to the bloggers and publishers that sent me these lovely books! You are AWESOME!

What goodies did you get this week? Leave me a link and I'll come check them out!

On My Wish List (60)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Author: Stephen Chbosky Publication Date: February 1, 1999
Synopsis:
It is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all you need is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

This has been on my wish list for a long time. Even before the movie and all the hype surrounding it. I don't even remember how I came across it, but I knew I needed to read it. Now that the movie is out, I have seen it everywhere. Hopefully I can get my hands on it soon!

What is your heart's desire this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Review: The Good Woman by Jane Porter

Title: The Good Woman Author: Jane Porter Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Synopsis:
The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg feels burned out and empty, and more disconnected than ever from her increasingly distant husband. Lonely and disheartened, she attends the London Wine Fair with her boss, ruggedly handsome vintner, Chad Hallahan. It’s here, alone together in an exotic city, far from “real” life, that Chad confesses his long-standing desire for Meg.

Overwhelmed, flattered, and desperately confused, Meg returns home, only to suddenly question every choice she’s ever made, especially that of her marriage. For Meg, something’s got to give, and for once in her life she flees her responsibilities—but with consequences as reckless and irreversible as they are liberating. Now she must decide whether being the person everyone needs is worth losing the woman she was meant to be.

~My Thoughts~

The Good Woman is the story of Meg Brennan Roberts, a forty-something-year-old married woman with three children. She works as a publicist for a successful winery and attends as many baseball games, dance recitals and horse back riding lessons as she can. But something is missing. Meg is becoming depressed and is feeling alone and neglected by her husband, Jack. When she travels to London for work, Meg's boss, Chad, takes this opportunity to let her know how he feels about her. This couldn't come at a worse time. Meg is confused and conflicted. Could she really risk losing her family just for the chance to feel wanted?
As if this isn't enough, Meg has a large family with their own problems. Her mother is sick and her sisters are all struggling in their own ways. Meg has always been the strong one, the good one, the perfect one. The choices she makes will not only affect her husband and children, but the entire family will be caught up in the storm.

Jane Porter is a brilliant storyteller. This is my first time reading one of her books but I can promise you that it won't be the last. In fact, I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Good Daughter in February, the second book in The Brennan Sisters trilogy. Even though this book was over three hundred pages, it felt as if it was only one hundred. It was incredibly easy to read and it sucked you in for hours before you even realized how much time has gone by.
I'm glad this series started with Meg, the oldest of the Brennan sisters. Her story is one that just about every woman can relate to, especially if you have been married for a long time. Meg has three children between the ages of ten and sixteen, all of which have their passions. Meg works very hard at her job in a winery, yet still comes home every day to make sure each child makes it to their activity. Even with babysitters helping out, she is exhausted. Jack, her husband, doesn't help out nearly enough when it comes to the house or children and Meg is burning out quickly. If that isn't enough, Jack doesn't seem very interested in Meg at all lately, even at night when she tries to start something physical. 
I found Meg to be very authentic and I quite liked her. She is trying to juggle work, kids and a large family into her hectic schedule. She doesn't get much help and she is embarrassed to tell her husband that she feels ignored. I could fully understand and sympathized  with her. I think anyone who is trying to do too much with little help is bound to break eventually. 
Aside from Meg, the other family members felt just as real. Each sister had their own personality and life situations that were not far fetched. There is a lot going on in this book, but it never felt like too much. In fact, it just served to drive home the fact that this family could actually exist. No family is perfect, but the way you chose to interact with one another is crucial. The Brennans are a unique clan, yet so much like every other family. 
The only concern I had going into this book was the sexual aspect. I know Jane Porter is a romance author, and I wasn't sure how graphic this book was going to be. I don't usually read romance books, I prefer to not have any details when it comes to character's sexual encounters at all. But Jane handled it tastefully and I was not bothered by any of the romance scenes. 
The relationship between sisters is always a complex one. Sometimes the bond is close and sometimes there is barely a bond at all. Porter does an insanely good job capturing the real side of life within a large family, as well as married life. Her characters are genuine and believable, their actions relatable and real. 

I can't praise this book enough. If you love Chick Lit, family drama or are just looking for something to help you forget about your own struggles and to suck you in completely, this is the book for you. 

For more about Jane Porter and The Good Woman, visit her website here.


~Purchase~
Amazon B&N The Book Depository









*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Waiting On Wednesday (60)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Good Daughter Author: Jane Porter Expected Publication Date: February 5, 2013
Synopsis:
Love was given to all, except herself . . . Kit Brennan has always been the most grounded of her sisters. A Catholic school English teacher for seventeen years and a constant giver, her decisions have been sound—just not very satisfying. Her fortieth birthday is right around the corner, causing Kit to consider some wilder notions, like skipping right past the love and marriage to raising a child all by herself . . . A girls’ weekend away is just the reprieve Kit needs from school, Mr. Wrongs, and life-changing decisions. It’s there that she meets a man who’s dangerous; a man who challenges who she thought she was, or rather should be. Kit wants to indulge herself this once, but with one of her students in crisis and the weight of her family’s burdens weighing heavy on her heart, Kit isn’t sure if now is the time to let her own desires take flight . . .

I chose this book this week because today I am finishing up the first book in the series, The Good Woman. I am loving this book and I can't wait for The Good Daughter to arrive at my door. I am taking part in the blog tour in February so I will be receiving a copy from the publisher sometime soon. Even though my review won't post until then, I plan on diving into this book as soon as possible. This is my first time reading a book by Jane Porter but I am definitely a forever fan now!

What about you? What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!