Review - Coffee and Fate by R.J. Erbacher

From back of book


Val is just a regular college student, with a unique ability to save people's lives, having a drink in a coffee shop.  Bud is an elderly gentleman who knows certain things that will happen to certain people and he knows something about Val's future.  When he sits down next to her and holds her hands it will start a friendship that both of them are desperate for.  It will also set off a chain of events that will dramatically change both their lives, from the gunshot that's just seconds away to a heroic battle with fate and death.

My review 4 1/2 Great to the last drop


135 pages of delightful greatness.  This is a touching story about guardian angels and friendship.  I enjoyed the unexplained special talents that assisted with the inevitable events around them.  Bud had visions of the future and had to make choices, do nothing or change fate.  Val was able to move objects, people, kind of mesmerizing.

The eyebrow raise was that Bud is over 70, Val is 18, different races and no one seemed to be affected by this, I would have appreciated a reaction.  Val tried to come up with a word to describe them and partners seemed to fit, which I would agree.  This kind of connection I wish could have been shared with friends or family though, the overall secret made it feel wrong.

You will either love the experience of reading this book or it could make you uncomfortable.  There is spirituality throughout, Val and Bud trying to understand their talents and what they were made to do with them for the greater good. Do they have the right to change destiny?

Very interesting book, I hope there will be a sequel with the story of a new beginning of the vision Bud saw for Val's future.

I highly recommend this one, a feel good refreshing read.


I read the review over at Natalie's blog Coffee and a Book Chick and picked it up due to her review.

Book club Q&A for Three Wishes

If you have read this book feel free to link your review and join in the Q&A.

SPOILERS during discussion

1)  Who was your favourite out of Carey, Beth or Pam?  Also, who was your favourite male?


2)  What was your favourite or memorable scene?


3)  Do you think there is an age females should consider the cut off to become a mom, single or not?


4)  How do you think the friendships played a role in this book?


5)  What do you think about women choosing to become a single mom?  What changes do you see happening in your lifetime with regard to women?

6)  If you were seeking a sperm donor, would you choose an anonymous sperm donor or a known donor? What would you do if a friend offered to donate his sperm?


7)  If you wanted a child and your partner didn’t, what would you do?

8)  If you could have a child but not a partner, or a partner but not a child, which would you choose?

My Responses

1)  Who was your favourite out of Carey, Beth or Pam?  Also, who was your favourite male?

Beth was my favourite, just living and enjoying life even if some choices would have been considered wrong or taboo, eg getting tattoos.  Hands down Mark was my favourite male.  He was honest, up front, sweet, listened and even had that unknown mystery to him, loved that. 

2)  What was your favourite or memorable scene?

Interesting enough, I don't know if this is because of my job but the scene where (don't remember who) had to deliver her baby for the termination and hear another woman next door delivering her child was it.  What a difficult situation but I have to say probably happens often.  I think our hospital uses the OR for terminations when they have to push.  Can you imagine, what a difficult emotional tragedy that is.

3)  Do you think there is an age females should consider the cut off to become a mom, single or not?

I personally think 45 but wouldn't mind up to 50 if it suits the persons lifestyle.  Women should know the risks and I think with all the tests available moms can make the best decision and be an amazing new mom at 50.  How many grandma's are the real moms in children's lives and some are over 50 for sure.

4)  How do you think the friendships played a role in this book?

This is one of the issues I had with this book, the friendships were not built up at all, they seemed like acquaintances.  Even when they were all together, something just seemed missing for me.  This was a major part of why I didn't enjoy this book.

   

5)  What do you think about women choosing to become a single mom?  What changes do you see happening in your lifetime with regard to women?  

I believe in choosing our destiny and going for what we want.  Children need love, single or not, I have no issue with single moms, and when it is a choice, you go in eyes wide open.   The changes I see now are women becoming leaders of the world, CEO of companies etc, so exciting.

6)  If you were seeking a sperm donor, would you choose an anonymous sperm donor or a known donor? What would you do if a friend offered to donate his sperm? 

I would totally go with a known donor.  The idea of not knowing would mess with my mind to much, all the unknown true history of a donor would not work for me.  I would be all over a friend offering, what an amazing gift to give.  I would only accept if I was happy with the choice though.  Some friends are great but won't be the donor of choice for various of reasons.

7)  If you wanted a child and your partner didn’t, what would you do?

This was another issue I had with the book, the women were making decisions for the men, it was all about them.  I seriously had huge issues with this, in a relationship this is a decision for both not an entitlement, ugggh, truly didn't get this.  I also think as soon as you consider a partner for life this should be discussed and if both want something different I think you should become friends not partners.  How ridiculous to think your boyfriend will be a donor but not the father in the true sense, totally out of their mind thinking.

8)  If you could have a child but not a partner, or a partner but not a child, which would you choose?

I am a mom but it was not a choice, definitely unplanned pregnancy, I actually wanted my tubes tied at 26, but was denied.  :-)  I wanted to be a career lady, no children, travel the world with my partner.  So hands down for me would be choose a partner.

I look forward to your thoughts, add your review and/or Q&A here.

Review - Three Wishes by Carey, Beth and Pam

Book Summary

Carey, Beth, and Pam had succeeded at work but failed at romance, and each resolved to have a baby before time ran out. Just one problem: no men. Carey took the first bold step towards single motherhood, searching anonymous donor banks until she found the perfect match.

What she found was not a father in a vial, but a sort of magic potion. She met a man, fell in love, and got pregnant the old-fashioned way. She passed the vials to Beth, and it happened again. Beth met man, Beth got pregnant. Beth passed the vials to Pam, and the magic struck again. There were setbacks and disappointments, but three women became three families, reveling in the shared joy of love, friendship, and never losing hope.

My Review - 3 More Sugar Please

This memoir was written by Carey, Beth and Pam and I wasn't touched the way I expected to be.  It is described as a true story about Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak and Astonishing Luck. 

My immediate interpretation was, where was the friendship, I didn't feel real genuine love with them, more like acquaintances.  You know the poem regarding friendships for a Reason, Season or a Lifetime, I felt like this was more appropriate.  And maybe all the recognition should go to donor 8282, he was the true lucky charm that assisted their journey's. 

One thing that stood out to me was that these women are writers, they produce work for news, magazines etc but the book about their journey didn't pull me in, it was very factual but no emotion.  We knew what they did but without really getting to know why they made the choices they did or what factors helped to make choices.

I found myself liking the men they knew and understanding why they felt pushed into making a decision instead of being in a relationship and deciding things as important as having a child together.  This was very odd to me, I truly believe they didn't think they needed a man other than for the sperm.  Live your life and when I want will happen immediate, kind of entitlement attitude, this was a turn off.  Beth was the only one that didn't fall in this category for me.  I am a career mom and believe in the balance of life to have it all but I felt that they really believed they had to give up life all for a child.  They didn't take responsibility for why they were over 40 making this decision.

Overall I didn't enjoy this memoir.  The lack of emotion and what I consider real friendship was totally missing for me.  Beth was my favourite, Pam and Mark was my favourite couple, they seemed the most real and I enjoyed their story, a fairy tale adult romance kind of.  There was definite heartbreak but again I think they bought it on themselves.  I would love to know how the men felt when they read this book, uncomfortable to say the least.

This was my chose for the bookclub - go here to join  Authors by the Alphabet (G) I realised after that it was 3 authors.  Q&A will go up later.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds with MizB - Participate, network and get some ideas to add to your TBR list.

Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2011: When the body of Beatrice’s beloved younger sister, Tess, is discovered in an abandoned building in Hyde Park and ruled a suicide, Beatrice knows the police have made a mistake. She’s certain her sister was murdered. Determined to uncover the truth, Beatrice impulsively begins to hunt for clues on her own. So begins Rosamund Lupton’s stunning debut, Sister, at once an engrossing thriller and a powerful meditation on the bonds of family. Writing her story as a letter to Tess, Beatrice gradually connects the strange, varied occurrences leading up to Tess’s death--Tess’s pregnancy; a trial drug from a pharmaceutical company; a man who may or may not have been a figment of Tess’s imagination. Beatrice’s former life falls apart as her search veers toward obsession, and she realizes she might pay a terrible price for the truth. An adrenaline-filled psychological thriller, Sister’s emotional impact comes from Lupton’s heartrending portrait of the love between Beatrice and Tess. --Lynette Mong


and

I have seen a few reviews of this one now and they sound great, about a dark, sarcastic Serial Killer, amazing character.  Reminds me of Dan Wells series which I am loving.

Have you read this series?

Love the character = Higher rating or................. Hate character = Lower rating

Blogging Friends,

I have been thinking about this for awhile now.

When you love a character in a book do you automatically give a higher rating?

and/or

When you really dislike, almost 'hate' a character do you give a lower rating?

For me it really depends.  Sometimes I feel like the author did an amazing job if I love or hate a character so much that it is a focal point of the story.  eg. Flavia from Alan Bradley's Mystery series (positive) or Annie from Chevy Steven's graphic thriller, Still Missing (negative)

When reviewing does character(s) get a whole rating, is it a huge part of the package for you?  I actually prefer plot driven stories so when the character stands out I consider it a bonus.

Share reviews that you feel have had amazing memorable characters that you loved or hated.

You can link your reviews here. (Put P for positive or N for negative) eg. Still Missing-N (Marce)





Let me know what your thoughts, thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review - The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

 

 

Book Summary

 

A man wakes up naked and cold, half-drowned on an abandoned beach. The only sign of life for miles is an empty BMW. Inside the expensive car he finds clothes that fit perfectly, shoes for his tattered feet, a Rolex, and a bank envelope stuffed with cash and an auto registration in the name of Daniel Hayes, resident of Malibu, California.

None of it is familiar.

What is he doing here? How did he get into the ocean? Is he Daniel Hayes, and if so, why doesn't he remember?

 

My Review - 4 Great to the Last Drop

 

Very intriguing mystery indeed, this one will keep you entertained while stimulating your mind.  I am still left with a 'What', what did I just read, what happened, what the hell, yup just a big 'What', but all in a good way.

 

Every character, including Daniel Hayes had me thinking, are they who the author wants us to think they are?  I really found this unique and thought provoking.  Our intro into meeting Daniel Hayes is when he awakes on the beach and then finds a wallet with the license of Daniel but he doesn't remember anything including who he is, so he accepts that he is Daniel Hayes.  This was a huge unanswered question, how did he end up at the beach, did he have amnesia and really not remember who he was.  Great quote about this "Really, all of the questions come down to one.  Who are you when you don't remember who you are?"

 

I loved the flow of the story, always getting more information and action action action.  

 

Daniel is a writer and at times there were scripted scenes, I was confused with these as I couldn't figure out if they were real, a figure of imagination or what is to come.  Another quote which explains this..... "The only real thing, the only true thing, is the present.  That's it."

 

This was a fast paced story and Daniel was living in hell throughout it all, who do you trust when you don't remember anything.  Again, this story is intriguing, I must go and read other reviews again because I feel like I was left out of the secret.  This sounds like a negative but honestly it is a huge positive for this psychological mystery.

 

I definitely want to try another by Marcus Sakey, Amateurs has been recommended to me.

 

 

I read this one after the review of Rebecca from The Book Frog

 

Another review from Dixie at Reader of the Pack

 

 

 

 

 

Teaser Tuesday with Mini Review

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

Just do the following to participate:

 

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!
Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

 

 

Teaser Tuesday (R Rated)

 

The eagles who soar through the sky are at rest

And the creatures who crawl, run, and creep.

I know you're not thirsty.  That's bullshit.

Stop lying.

Lie the f**k down, my darling, and sleep.

 

 

Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection

 

Laugh out loud funny.  This is the perfect daddy bedtime story.  Moms will also have a laugh for sure.  There are 13 pages in this story book.  It is the bed time hell for daddy and all the thoughts that go through his head when trying to put kid to bed, lmao.

 

This will make some parents angry, uncomfortable etc, you must have a sense of humour to read this.  There is cursing on every page.

 

 

 

What are you reading?

It's Monday, What are You Reading.  Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.



I completed

 My Review, a favourite of her's








I'm currently reading, very much enjoying.......

 Review should be up Tuesday










Up next is between these 2.......

June's Bookclub choice - go here to join









or

Have a great week.

Completed Mystery and Suspense Challenge

This is my favourite genre so I always enjoy this Challenge.  I try my best to include new to me authors in order to make it more of a challenge, those with an * are new to me.

Christie, Agatha - And Then There Were None *

Clark, Mary Higgins - I'll Walk Alone

Ellison, J.T. - All the Pretty Girls  Book 1*

Ellison, J.T. - So Close the Hand of Death Book 6

Emley, Dianne The First Cut *

Farquhar, Wayne - Blood over Badge *

French, Nicci - Beneath the Skin *

Grundler, C.E. - Last Exit in New Jersey

Hamilton, Steve - The Lock Artist *

Harvey, Michael - The Third Rail *

Kane, Andrea - The Girl who Disappeared Twice 

Samuels-Young, Pamela - Murder on the Down Low

Teaser Tuesday - The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes

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

Just do the following to participate:

 

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!
Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

 

 

Teaser is from 2% on Kindle

And the clothes.  The shoes fit.  The jeans felt familiar.  Calling yourself Daniel Hayes is a start.  Try it on, just like the jeans.

Isn't that cover amazingly mysterious.....

 

 

Book Summary

 

A man wakes up naked and cold, half-drowned on an abandoned beach. The only sign of life for miles is an empty BMW. Inside the expensive car he finds clothes that fit perfectly, shoes for his tattered feet, a Rolex, and a bank envelope stuffed with cash and an auto registration in the name of Daniel Hayes, resident of Malibu, California.

None of it is familiar.

What is he doing here? How did he get into the ocean? Is he Daniel Hayes, and if so, why doesn't he remember? While he searches for answers, the world searches for him-beginning with the police that kick in the door of his dingy motel, with guns drawn. Lost, alone, and on the run, the man who might be Daniel Hayes flees into the night.

All he remembers is a woman's face, so he sets off for the only place he might find her. The fantasy of her becomes his home, his world, his hope. And maybe, just maybe, the way back to himself.

But that raises the most chilling question of all: What will he find when he gets there?

Review - I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark

Book Summary

Thirty-two year old Alexandra Moreland is a rising star in the architectural world and lives in Manhattan. But when she is plagued by identity theft, her successful life is turned upside down. Someone has gained access to her bank accounts, credit cards, personal background, and is now impersonating her. Then, with overwhelming circumstantial evidence stacked against her, Alexandra is arrested for the murder of a woman she claims she's never met. Or has she?

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the Last Drop

Wow, loved it.  I'm very excited because I think the last couple of MHC novels have been good but not great.  She is my favourite author, has been since in my teens, so that is 20 years reading her.  Then I started blogging almost 2 years ago and the world of so many authors, so many books took over my life and opened my eyes to amazing works.  Now I find myself more critical.  I love that she has a formula, I think it works and I know what to expect. 

Ok, on to the review :-)

I'll Walk Alone is a who dunnit thriller that keeps you on your toes.  I loved trying to figuring it, only considered the person once, ugggh, she got me again.  I enjoyed all the characters on some kind of level and their thoughts about what was going on with Zan (Alexander) were brilliant.  Enough to keep you focused on the mystery but taking you in all different directions. 

Does Zan have multiple personalities and forgets about what she is doing or is there really an identity theft bigger issue going on?   A judge in a past case was quoted saying, he doesn't care about multiple personalities, they all have to abide by rules.

I couldn't wait for this to finish, what a great climax and the way it all came together.  It was a race to the end, for the characters and for me as the reader.

The one part I didn't enjoy was most of the witnesses lying or purposely leaving out information.  I can see this with one but I think MaryHC used this to often.  As it all came out eventually I was able to forgive this style in the end.

Great stuff, I'm so pleased.  I really must go back and find my favourites of her.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other bloggers.

I saw these two with great reviews from Natalie at Coffee and Book Chick blog.  I have been waiting for both to be on Kindle and finally got tired of waiting, very excited.

Natalie's review of Psycho

Amazon Summary

Robert Bloch's Psycho captivated a nation when it appeared in 1959. The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.

Norman Bates loves his Mother. She has been dead for the past twenty years, or so people think. Norman knows better though. He has lived with Mother ever since leaving the hospital in the old house up on the hill above the Bates motel. One night Norman spies on a beautiful woman that checks into the hotel as she undresses. Norman can't help but spy on her. Mother is there though. She is there to protect Norman from his filthy thoughts. She is there to protect him with her butcher knife.

Natalie's review of Coffee and Fate

Amazon Summary

A college girl that can move things without touch and an old man who can see certain peoples future, form a friendship that will save each other and possibly mankind.


Hope everyone has a great reading week.

Friday Find - Adult Verse Novel

Friday Finds with MizB - Participate, network and get some ideas to add to your TBR list.


Verse Novels became my simple pleasure last year and only last month I asked for recommendations on if Adult Verse Novels were available and guess what.....

One is coming in October, thank you Jennifer at Crazy for Books, she featured it, yaaaay.  I have only read the beginning of Ellen Hopkins series - Crank.

Book Summary from Amazon

In this emotionally powerful novel, three women face the age-old midlife question: If I’m halfway to death, is this all I’ve got to show for it? Holly, filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Andrea, a single mom and avowed celibate, watches her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for—a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly’s castaway husband? Then there’s Marissa. She has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts. As one woman’s marriage unravels, another one’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s is reconfigured into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all three of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness before it is through.

About the Author

Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, and Fallout. Her novels are praised by teens and adults alike, and she has been called the “bestselling living poet in the U.S.” by mediabistro.com. She lives with her family in Carson City, Nevada.  Be sure to visit Ellen Hopkins online at ellenhopkins.com; facebook.com/ellenhopkinsauthor; and twitter.com/ellenhopkinsYA.

 

 

 

Tea Time Interview with author Melissa Foster

Blogging friends, please Welcome Melissa Foster, author of Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda.  She is a breath of fresh air, get this, her email is thinkhappygirl.... how cute and positive is that.  You can follow the Blog Tour, WOW Women on Writing and visit her website here. 

Sit back, enjoy tea, hope you enjoy the time with us.


Marce - I am enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea, would you like to join me?



Melissa - I would love to. I’d like to start with a freshly brewed glass of iced tea with lemon and lime, and a few scoops of real sugar. My editor, Dominique, makes this and it is quite delicious!


Marce - When did you decide to become an author, was it a childhood dream/goal?


Melissa - I think I realized that I wanted to write full-time after my second son was born. It was 1990 and I was…some glorious age. ;-)


Marce - How did you come up with the title, Megan's Way?


Melissa - My kids and I were driving toward their school one morning and I was trying to come up with an appropriate title. I was describing to them the storyline, and I knew that the title needed to describe Megan’s desire to make her own life/death decision. They came up with several titles, and eventually we fell in love with Megan’s Way.

Marce - What is your usual response when you see the cover and how involved are you with the process?


Melissa - I have been in total control of the design process for my covers (so far). When I found the image I wanted to use for Megan’s Way, I knew it instantly. I saw the picture and felt a zing! I still feel that very same zing every time I see the cover. I just love it!


Marce - Do you have a favourite food or snack that you eat while writing?


Melissa - Well, what I’d like to eat and what I eat are two completely different things. I’m a nosher. These days I’m nibbling on Melba rounds and strawberries (because it’s summer), but if I had my druthers, I’d be eating M&Ms, nuts, chips, and probably ice cream :-)


Marce - Tell us about the scenery while you write. Music, view, special room etc


Melissa - Music is a must for me. I typically have something loud with a fast beat, like HOT 99.5 radio station. Although, there are times that I need to blast particular songs, like the Mama Mia CD or Bruce Springsteen.

As far as location, we are in a state of transition, building a house and living in a temporary apartment, so right now, I type in front of several glass doors overlooking a horse farm. It’s lovely. We recently sold the house where I wrote Megan’s Way and Chasing Amanda. Megan’s Way was written in the kitchen because we had a new puppy, and Chasing Amanda was written in a little upstairs office where I could look out on the yard.

I write for 5 hours each day, Monday through Friday, September through June. I need to be alone with my music and windows, and I’m happy.


Marce - Who are your favourites authors? Recommend a book to my followers that you think is a must read.


Melissa - There are too many authors to have a favorite. I would recommend Cutting For Stone, which I recently read and very much enjoyed. It was a nice surprise!

Marce - What is your favourite book you have written?


Melissa - I’m done with the first draft of my third novel, which is a wonderful story. I love it! That being said, my favorite book is Megan’s Way. I wrote it because of something that happened in my life and I feel very close to the story and the characters. Megan’s Way has a special place in my heart, and probably always will.


Marce - What is on your bookshelf/ereader to read next?


Melissa - I have a stack taller than my bedside of books to read. Next on my list is The Good Thief. My husband read it and my eleven year old son read it – both in just a few nights, both loved it. If an author can appeal to that wide a range of readers, they must be an excellent story teller!


Marce - Do you read other books while you are writing?


Melissa - I read one book per month, usually, sometimes two. I run a book club on The Women’s Nest, and I always read the book we select.


Marce - Do you have a Muse or get inspired by art for your stories?


Melissa - I get inspired by life. That sounds so corny, but it is an honest statement. When I am not writing, I’m looking at people and scenarios and picking them apart to see how I can bring them to life in my books. Art inspires me, yes, but I really find Cape Cod inspiring. There’s something about the people and the sea air of the Cape that get my creative juices flowing!


Marce - Bloggers sometimes find themselves in reading slumps, do you ever have writing slumps or writing block?


Melissa - I am lucky, I suppose, because I’ve yet to hit a writing slump. I have far too many stories in my head to be stumped. (Now watch, I’ve jinxed myself and won’t be able to write tomorrow.)


Marce - Any upcoming events that you would like to share with us?


Melissa - Yes! Community Bookstop is having a Twitter party for Megan’s Way. I would love for everyone to join us! Details can be found here: http://www.melissafoster.com/blog/join-my-twitter-party.

I’m also heading to NYC this week to accept the Spiritual Beach Book Award for Megan’s Way, and of course, have a summer long blog tour and Kindle giveaway going on. Details for the blog tour can be found on my Events page, and my Kindle giveaway can be found here: http://www.melissafoster.com/content/win-kindle.


Marce - How do you deal with social networking, bloggers, interaction with fans etc?


Melissa - Social networking is very time consuming, but my feeling is that if someone reaches out to me, I want to reach back. I love chatting with readers and other writers. I adore the bloggers I’ve been involved with and respect their positions and their time. I fear I spend far too much time with the social aspect of having published books, but I enjoy it. For now, I’m going to continue to try to keep up :-)


Marce - In 10 years time what would you want readers to know about you or your books?


Melissa - In ten years time I hope that my readers will know that I write about far more than what my books look like on the surface. For example, while Megan’s Way deals with relationships and life/death decisions, it also carries a theme of forgiveness and being less judgmental. Chasing Amanda, on the surface, deals with child abduction and paranormal abilities, but beneath the surface the themes of reaching beyond your comfort zone, reaching beyond the safety of the “normal” parameters of life to help others, come into play.

I’m working on my third and fourth manuscripts now. Come Back to Me is a tragic International love story, while Shades of Gray is a crossover YA/women’s fiction novel. I hope my readers will recognize and enjoy the variety of genres that I write. I write what my heart and mind tell me to, I don’t write to sell.


Marce - What do you like to do when you are not writing?


Melissa - I love to read, exercise, do anything outside, and be with my family. Some people might say I’m boring. I prefer to think of myself as being lucky enough to have great friends within the confines of my own home. I’m always chatting with girlfriends, but rarely have time to go out and spend time with them (this, I should change).


Marce - Where was your favourite vacation?


Melissa - I have been going to Cape Cod for 43 years, and I have yet to grow bored with it. It is my favorite place.


Marce - How did you feel when you got the news that Megan's Way will become a film?


Melissa - Ecstatic, amazed, delighted, numb, probably in that order.


Marce - What was your inspiration behind the story of Megan's Way?


Melissa - My mother is the strongest woman I know. She shoulders burdens without a second thought. Many years ago, she had surgery and told me it was not serious. Without going into too many details, I found out a year later that they had thought she had cancer. As if that wasn’t a strong enough blow, she then told me that if she had indeed had cancer, she had made her decision not to have treatment. This was many years ago, and treatments were not strong options at the time.

Even though I was an adult with children of my own at that time, I immediately reverted to a little girl in my mind. I was so hurt and angry. How could she decide to leave me? How could that seem the right thing to do? Well, it took many years, but eventually I understood where she had been coming from. That’s when I decided to write Megan’s Way. We are quick to judge, and I learned the value in taking the time to understand and stepping back rather than judging.

When I wrote Megan’s Way, it was easy for me to slip into the role of Olivia, as the daughter, Megan, as a mother, and even Holly—my mother is my best friend.


Marce - The secrets were amazingly crafted, what made you push the envelope with all the friends having a part of the secret?

Melissa Thank you. When I think of friendships, I think of two different levels. The first are casual friends. The second are those who will go to the ends of the earth for us, and protecting is included in that lot of friends. Coming out of my own comfort zone and pushing my own limits of what was acceptable in friendships was part of the writing process for me. I was sort of taking my own journey along side of each of the characters. I believe Megan and Holly are stronger than I could ever be.

Marce - Thank you so much Melissa for coming over to Tea Time with Marce.  I really enjoyed getting to know you better and appreciate how quickly you responded to my request to interview you.  If you missed it, my review is here.   

Melissa - Marce, I have really enjoyed answering your questions. Thank you so much for taking the time to prepare them for me, and if you or your readers would like further explanation, please let me know. I’ll be stopping in today check for comments and will be happy to answer any questions left for me.

Review - Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

Book Synopsis of Megan’s Way

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she's faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. Megan’s illness reawakens the torment of her best friend, Holly Townsend, whose long-held secrets and years of betrayal come back to haunt her. How does one choose between a daughter and a life-long best friend? Can the secret she has been keeping be revealed after years of lying without destroying everyone in its wake?

But Megan isn’t the only one struggling. Fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, even the paranormal connection she shares with her mother might not be enough to save her - her life will hang in the balance. Megan’s Way is a journey of self discovery and heartfelt emotions, exploring the depth of the mother-daughter bond, and the intricacies of friendship.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last drop

This was a work of elegance, the writing was just a style of emotional grace.  I recommend this to all book clubs, so much to discuss especially if it is among close friends.

The mystery of the forbidden secrets unfolding, so touching, I was mesmerized.  Only friends that are this in tune with each other would keeps these kind of secrets to protect each other, but in the end did it really protect them?  The true meaning of God works in mysterious ways.

I really enjoyed the title Megan's Way.  She was dying from cancer and struggling with leaving her daughter and friends.  She didn't want to deteriorate in front of everyone including herself.  There were things she decided put in place, it was Megan's Way. The emotions of this circle of friends were so genuine, a special connection indeed. 

There was also a paranormal element, a feeling, a belief they had on life after death and being able to feel Megan which was easy to believe.  When Olivia was hurt, scared etc she was able to feel it.  There was a scene where she saved Olivia's life because of this connection.

So many special moments, scenes, traditions, friendship history etc.  I recommend this one to all fans of Adult Fiction. 

Megan's Way is currently being made into a film, what an honour for Melissa.  Casting is underway now and will be filming later this summer.  Melissa says "then... it's off to the film festivals!"


Come back tomorrow for Tea with Melissa Foster, I will be interviewing her and she looks forward to comments and questions.

I am happy to be a part of the WOW-Women on Writing Tour for Melissa Foster at www.wow-womenonwriting.com

This is currently an Amazon kindle download for 99c. 

If you have read Widow's Season by Laura Brodie you will enjoy this.

What are we are reading & Best of 2011 Reads so far

It's Monday, What are You Reading.  Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.


I completed The First Cut for the book club read.





I finished this one for the WOW-Women on Writing Book Tour, my review will be up on Wednesday, a true gem.

I am starting the newest from Mary Higgins Clark tonight

Next up I think will be one from NetGalley

Half the year is done, can you believe it?  Here is my Best of 2011 Reads so far, please share your post if you did one.

Review - The First Cut by Dianne Emley

Book Summary from Amazon

A year after surviving a brutal attack, Pasadena, Calif., police officer Nan Vining returns to duty in Emley's sizzling debut, a hard-edged police procedural with a psychic twist. Nan, a 34-year-old single mom who still bears emotional and skin-deep scars, has her mettle tested by her first case back. The gory corpse of young, blonde LAPD vice cop Frankie Lynde, who got "too close to her work," murmurs a cryptic message to Nan at the crime scene. Nan's ability to hear the dead may be connected to her near-death experience or may be a symptom of post-traumatic stress, but it does help crack Frankie's case and eerily provides a clue about Nan's unknown attacker, whom she and her 14-year-old daughter, Emily, dubbed T.B. Mann or "The Bad Man." Readers will cheer as the fast-paced, high-stakes investigation empowers Nan to triumph over a repugnant criminal and her fears.

My Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please

I read this one for the Authors by the Alphabet Bookclub started by Paula over at Tome's Devotee, go here to join us.

The Thriller genre is my favourite so I expected to enjoy this one.  It started out so slow and a little to descriptive for my likings that I was bored and by half way wanted some drama to start.  The end result was that this author keeps giving a little, little, little more and wham, you are completed engaged.

I enjoyed the female detective Nan.  She came back to work after a brutal stabbing and has panic attacks that she is 'trying' to hide from others.  This part of her character was extremely interesting, at times I wasn't sure if she was going crazy, paranoid or really just needing counselling to deal with the past.  One of my favourite characters in books are strong working moms which she was, so a big plus in my mind.

The psychopath killer is so cocky in this book you can't wait for them to bring him down, ugggh, I just wanted to smack him in the face and take a gun and shove it right up his arse, lol, 'ok yes violent thoughts'.

The main case was closed at the end but T. B. Mann, The Bad Man that stabbed Nan is still out there, this was part of the storyline but in the background and it ended with us knowing there is a follow up, good stuff.

I love this quote and the simple meaning in the story.  "Deja vu means you think you've been in this place before.  Vuja de means you never want to be in this place again."  Have you heard of that before?


SPOILER - Only read on if you have read the book.  Q&A for Bookclub


1. Did you like/dislike this book? Why?


Initially I wasn't impressed, but in the end I did enjoy it.  I like thrillers a little bit more right in my face, she gave a little at a time to build intensity.


2. What did you think of Det. Nan Vining?

I love kick ass Detectives, she wasn't in your face about it, but she stood up for what she believed in and took risk, I like that.  More so I enjoy working moms that are kick ass in both areas. 

3. Was there a character that you liked or disliked more than any other? Why?

I really enjoyed Nan's daughter Emily.  I liked the dark artistic but loving daughter part of her.


4. Did you think Nan handled her fear well? Did you think she was too hard on herself?

I don't think she handled it well, she should have been in counseling to get assistance with it.  I did like that she did request this at some point.  Her not handling it could have put her at risk.


5. What were your feelings on her relationship with Det. Jim Kissick and how the author teased about T.B Mann still being out there? Do you hope to see that explored in her other books?

I didn't get enough to really have an reaction to Det. Kissick actually.  I did like the teasers about T. B. Mann, The Bad Man :-)  I would like to know more, but this is why I like stand alone's, I hate the waiting, lol


6. Describe what you liked or disliked about the writers style.

As I stated in my review, I actually didn't like the slow, giving a little trying to engage you slowly, this create a little bit of boredom for me.  At times I also felt things were to descriptive.  I struggled with the 1st half of the book.


7. Being a cop is far from easy let alone a female cop, Frankie’s friend officer Hernandez touched on it with Nan and retired cop Gerardo in Frankie’s condo; do you think the author accomplished this in her writing?

Yes I do and I like how they responded.  I remember one part, someone said 'man, and the response was wo'man'.  I also loved how Nan took control of the meeting with Lesley and he tried to make her uncomfortable but stating to the male detective that he was allowing her to lead.


8. Did you like that you knew who the bad guy was from the start? Did you find it too simplistic?

I prefer trying to figure it out but I don't mind this style, I think it was executed well.


9. If you could change something about the book what would it be?

A little more in my face, faster scenarios.  Also, exploring more about the Pearls being her death stone but maybe this is for the next in series.


10. Will you continue with the Det. Nan series?

Possibly
 
 
 
 

Waiting on Wednesday - Nicci French

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Blue Monday will be released in the UK in June so I have to wait.  This is the beginning of a new series.

Monday, the lowest point of the week. A day of dark impulses. A day to snatch a child from the streets . . .

The abduction of five-year-old Matthew Farraday provokes a national outcry and a desperate police hunt. And when a picture of his face is splashed over the newspapers, psychotherapist Frieda Klein is left troubled: one of her patients has been relating dreams in which he has a hunger for a child. A child he can describe in perfect detail, a child the spitting image of Matthew.

Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson doesn't take Frieda's concerns seriously until a link emerges with an unsolved child abduction twenty years ago and he summons Frieda to interview the victim's sister, hoping she can stir hidden memories. Before long, Frieda is at the centre of the race to track the kidnapper.

But her race isn't physical. She must chase down the darkest paths of a psychopath's mind to find the answers to Matthew Farraday's whereabouts.

And sometimes the mind is the deadliest place to lose yourself.

Go to Nicci French's site and watch the trailor and download an extract.


Thanks for commenting, I look forward to coming over to your blog to see what your WOW is.