BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever by James Eric Richey

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the book spotlight on a Romantic Suspense title via Author Marketing Experts, Inc. So if you're ready to peek behind the cover, read on my friend, read on for today's featured title is...

Two Hearts:

When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever

by

James Eric Richey

9780990918103

JER Books

About the book...

Jaxon Tagget is a cattle-rancher's son, born and raised on the Double T, just outside of Dillon, Montana. In love with his high-school sweetheart, Annie, Jaxon proposes on graduation night, presenting her with a wedding ring made from gold he mined himself. Annie accepts immediately, to the horror of her bitter, man-hating mother.

Jaxon's a wonderful husband, but the warnings of Annie's mother linger in the young bride's ears. And it doesn't help that women continue to fall all over the markedly handsome Jaxon.

Unaware of his wife's persistent doubts, Jaxon is struggling with his own troubles when he finds out his dad is sorely in need of money to save the ranch. But hope glimmers gold when he rediscovers the old mine on the Double T.

While Jaxon travels to verify the mine's productivity, Annie grows increasingly suspicious. Is Jaxon's absence what it seems, or does he have another, less faithful reason for his travels? When Annie sees a picture of the beautiful laboratory owner whom Jaxon is visiting, she's sure the only gold he's interested in is long, blond hair. Is Annie right, or will it be her doubts that forever sever their Two Hearts?

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My, my, my.

Sounds like someone isn't very trusting...though with the nudges she got from home, how could you really blame her?  Given the situation, if there was a lack of communication, I definitely could see this falling out occurring...I wonder if it DOES though.

Hmm.

Well now I'll be on the edge of my seat until such times passes that I have a chance to dive into the pages of this little read.  In the mean time though, have any of YOU read it?  If so, share your thoughts below!  If you're like me and traveling in the not-read-it-yet-but-want-to ferry, what drew YOU to it?  Was the handsome Jaxon?  How about the alluring Annie?  Maybe it was the chance to see if first love can really survive the doubts instilled from home.  

Well....curious minds want to know?

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About the author...

James Eric Richey was born and raised in California. He attended Brigham Young University, studying English with an emphasis in Literature. After graduating from BYU he returned home to California to further his education by attending law school. After passing the bar, James practiced in California for several years, but he quickly learned that he did not have a passion for the law. In 1998 James obtained his real estate appraiser license, which has given him a flexible work schedule and allowed him to pursue his true passion, writing books. Besides his writing, he also enjoys reading, running, and sailing. James currently lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with his wife, Heather, and their two daughters. 

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   PINTEREST

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Special thanks to Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc for the chance to bring this title to the forefront for all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Defiant Bride by Leslie Hachtel

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As fast as the month is going by, so are the reads...as seen by yesterday's double blog tour feature.  Well, a busy schedule never stopped me from getting into the blogosphere, so I'm back and ready to bring you another title to consider for your "to read" list.  Question is....are YOU ready?  Ready, set, here it comes!  Today's spotlight shines on....

The Defiant Bride

by

Leslie Hachtel

9781511886284

CreateSpace Independent Publishing

About the book...

Furious at being used as a political pawn, the Lady Dariana defies King Henry VII by faking her own death to avoid marrying a man she has never met. Praying the king will not retaliate against her father, she seeks refuge in the forest and learns to fend for herself. When William, a warrior knight, is felled by an arrow, she saves his life and arranges his rescue before fleeing to avoid discovery. William awakes from his injury to be told he imagined the beautiful woman in the forest. Besotted and determined to make her his own, he hunts her down and tricks her into marrying him, intent on turning her defiance into love. But even as he begins to succeed, their enemies join forces to end the marriage—even if it means that Dariana must die. When Dariana is abducted, William must track her down to fight for her life and their happiness. And, Dariana, once the most defiant of brides, must channel her own strength of will into survival, both for herself—and for the child she now carries.

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Hmm.

The cover is definitely not something I'd be drawn to; just not a big fan of the whole burly guy with girl about to loose her clothes one way or another...look.  The story isn't particularly to my tastes either at first glance, but I gotta say...there are definitely some aspects that appeal.

Lady Dariana's spirited nature and strong will tell me that she'd be a character to watch.  The fact that she defies her father in such a bold display yet gets tricked into matrimony presents a conundrum that I can't quite puzzle out.  Either her defenses were knocked down by the felled warrior or same said warrior is a rather worthy opponent for our leading Lady.  Then of course there is that surprise add in of an unborn child...obviously her and William had some time that they were not insufferable towards each other. *ahem*

So, that's my analysis.

What do YOU think?

Thoughts, comments, reactions...I'm all ears (eyes)!

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About the author...

Leslie Hachtel was born in Ohio, raised in New York and has been a gypsy most of her adult life. Her various occupations, including licensed veterinary technician, caterer, horseback riding instructor for the disabled and advertising media buyer have given her a wealth of experiences.

However, it has been writing that has consistently been her passion. She sold an episode of a TV show, had a screenplay optioned and is now working on novel number six.  “Texas Summer”, her contemporary, is now available on all major e-book sites and in print. “The Defiant Bride” is also available as an e-book and in print, as well. 

Leslie currently lives in Memphis, Tennessee with her fabulously supportive husband, Bob, her wonderful stepson, Matt and her writing buddy, Jakita, a terrier.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc for the chance to bring this book to the spotlight for you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or future promotions, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title was released just last month via CreateSpace Independent Publishing, so be on the lookout for it at a virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

SPOTLIGHT: The Jake Sullivan series...

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on two new additions to a series for all those Political Thriller fans out there.  You know who you are and you know you're gonna be interested in this.  Ladies and gents, if you would direct your attention this way please, I'd like to introduce you to The Jake Sullivan Series from author Chip Bell.  

Now for those already in the know, you may have traveled with Mr. Sullivan throughout Florida, over to Havana, and all the way over to the Middle East.  No worries world travelers; we're about to take things from the Panhandle state all the way over to the Virgin Islands...ooh la la!  Get ready for danger, mystery, and super sleuthing in order to get the job done.  Here comes, Jake Sullivan!

A Pirate Looks at Forty

Book 4

9781595717757

When a retired United States Senator’s passion for deep-sea treasure hunting off the coast of Palm Beach leads to murder, Jake Sullivan, Chief Prosecutor for the Justice Department in Miami, thinks he has an open and shut case: the DNA of the man pulled out of the warm waters near the ill-fated yacht, matches blood found on the deck. But life is never so simple for Jake.

In a rush of political maneuvering, Jake’s suspect is whisked away by the State Department under a claim of diplomatic immunity. The mystery man is no simple treasure thief; he is a covert operator for the Mossad, Israel’s elite intelligence agency.

But, Jake and his investigator, Mike Lang, are no less committed to solving the murders of Senator Daniel Simmons and his wife.

Their instincts are piqued when information leads them to the writings of an ancient Hebrew mystic and the lore behind an iconic relic of Medieval Spain lost in 1715 when a hurricane wrecked a Spanish treasure fleet off the Florida coast.

But those findings are less bizarre than their uncovering of an Israeli army faction intent on realizing a dream of a “Greater Israel.” Discovering the identity of the mysterious leader of “The Group of 40” becomes more than a quest to solve a murder investigation. Jake and Mike hope to prevent South Florida from becoming a war zone, and the fuse that could light the powder keg that is the Middle East.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sounds like someone may not get away as clean as they thought they were.

...dun dun dunnnnn.....

Now for a little more intrigue.....

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One Particular Harbour

Book 5

9781595719829

A working vacation in the Virgin Islands… what could be better? But when you are Jake Sullivan, things are never as they seem, and a mysterious nighttime meeting leads to a nightmare of a morning.

Arrested for the murder of a prominent businessman, Jake finds himself the object of a conspiracy to take away everything he has as one piece after another builds the case against him.

Jake’s best friend, Mike Lang, comes to his aid and his investigation reveals that Jake is to be transferred to an island prison from which there will be no return and arranges an escape with the help of some island characters found only in the southern latitudes.

Now fugitives, Jake and Mike follow clues from island to island pursued by corrupt police and politicians and an international oil cabal and its team of hit-men, as they race to find answers as to who is framing Jake and why.

This fifth novel by Chip Bell takes the reader on a whirlwind voyage through this island paradise, always heading toward that one particular harbor where Jake’s past and present come together to seal his fate.

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Uh-oh.

It seems the one usually pointing the finger is being pointed at this time around.  Will they be able to get out the hot water that seems so ready to boil them alive? 

Again I repeat....

....dun dun dunnnnnn.....

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About the author....

Charles L. “Chip” Bell, Jr. lives in the city of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Linda, is the father of two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, and is a practicing attorney specializing in personal injury litigation, with his main office in Arnold, Pennsylvania.

Born on February 23, 1950, in Harrison Township, Pennsylvania, he grew up in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, and he graduated from Tarentum High School in 1968, attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania from 1968 to 1972, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. He served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974, attended Duquesne University School of Law from 1975 to 1979, and graduated Cum Laude. He has practiced law as a personal injury trial attorney with the law firm of Rosenberg, Sewak, Pizzi, and Bell from 1979 to 2002, and thereafter as a sole practitioner up to and including the present date.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   PINTEREST

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Both titles are available now in both paperback and ebook forms, so be on the lookout for them at your favorite retailer.  Oh and for those that have not tried the series as of yet, but think these sound mighty interesting, I have one more bit of information you're gonna want to check out.

It seems that author Chip Bell has released an eBook titled The Trilogy, a chance for new readers to obtain the first three adventures for only $3.99, to meet Jake Sullivan, Mike Lang, and a great cast of ever-changing characters... and to become part of the legion of fans who find thrills, suspense, humor, and the tropics, an unbeatable combination.

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Special thanks to Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc. for the chance to bring these titles to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information, please feel free to click through the links above.

Until next time...happy reading!

Children's Book Week: A Mango in the Hand by Antonio Sacre

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please the reader in you, today and everyday...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, how are things going in your neck of the woods?

Enjoying the bookish delights this week has to offer?

Celebrating like it's whatever year you fancy with books filled with imagination and wonder in honor of Children's Book Week?  Good!  That's the way it should be...  ^_^ ...and if you haven't entered the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop as of yet, I HIGHLY recommend you do.  Just sayin'.  *ahem*

Today, we aim to continue the fun with a title that not only shares a simple story with delightful images, but many a life lesson in proverbs that are anything but lost in translation.  It's one of those books that might have slipped under the radar but trust me, for those with little ones at home (or those that simply enjoy the delights a good picture book can bring), you'll want to take note of this one.  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is...

A Mango in the Hand:

A Story Told Through Proverbs

by

Antonio Sacre

Illustrated by

Sebastia Serra

If you aren't already smiling from the cover image there, you might want to check your vision.  No, really; the artistic style employed is so welcoming, so smile-inducing that I couldn't help but chuckle at Francisco's earnest face, the little bees flying around the beloved mango tree and the family and friends waving their hello's from across the way.  Each turn of the page reveals another delightful scene with colors that POP and moments to explore.  Now, a picture book is certainly dependent on its pictures for true success (hence the name PICTURE book), but the story is what gets us from point A to point B and this one does it with finesse.

What starts as a simple story of a young lad overcoming several types of adversity in order to collect his beloved mangoes, turns into a tale of life lessons shared through the magic of proverbs.  Now, for those of you that might be scratching your heads at that word, a proverb is "a short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept".  Basically it boils down to a witty, memorable way of passing on the lessons learned on a general level from one generation to the next; think of them as tweets with a truth.  ^_^

Author Antonio Sacre

In this story, one is worked into at least every two page spread and while you might presume that would make the read choppy, it really doesn't...just more edutainment than first expected.  You still get to revel in the joy Francisco gets from his eventual success (though he still doesn't make it home with those mangoes; read the story to find out why!).  You still get to see the relationship between him and his papa as well as his neighborhood of family and friends.  What's more though is that while you're enjoying that aspect of the story, you and yours are also learning a little Spanish and taking away little gems like "es mejor dar que recibir" (Sometimes, it's better to give than to receive.) and "querer es poder" (Where there's a will, there's a way.).  What more could you ask for?

In conclusion, a beautiful representation of all that a picture book can truly be.  The pictures grab our
attention, the story captures our hearts and the message behind it all will dwell in the mind long after the final page has turned.  A great work on all fronts in my mind and one I'd recommend for all ages.

SIGNED review copy courtesy of author Antonio Sacre and Paula at Author Marketing Experts Inc.  website, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This book was published April 2011 via Abrams Books for Young Readers and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  (Double THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their current promotions, be sure to visit their official

Until next time...feliz lectura!
(Happy reading!)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: Tinker Bell and the Wings of Rani (Disney Fairies Graphic Novel, #2)

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...where we try our best to satiate your reading appetite with a bookish post each day.  Once you've finished investigating today's post, be sure to check out the contests currently running on the site as listed in the right hand sidebar.  One is for a thrilling mystery novel for adult readers and the other is for a soon to be released YA title suitable for all ages.  Don't miss out!

Today's featured title is one aimed at younger readers but suitable for one and all.  Hmm, I seem to say that a lot but really, reading is an activity that can be shared by all and if a story is THAT good, why not share amongst reading levels?  After all, you each take something a little different away from it anyway so the more the merrier!  Of course, when Disney is involved, it's easy to see why "all ages" is a proper fit...shall we continue?  Today's book of choice is....

Disney Fairies Graphic Novel #2:

Tinker Bell and the Wings of Rani

by

Teresa Radice and Augusto Machetto

illustrated by

Emilio Urbano, Giulia Conti, Daniela Vetro, Roberta Zanotta

A great follow-up to the first book in this graphic novel series full of magic, beauty, vibrant color, with rampant messages of good feeling. Contained within this colorful work are 5 unique stories that carry a thread of similarity...friendship.  Though each one is a special read indeed, I did have two favorites amongst these treasures.  First, 'The Most Beautiful Dress'. In this tale, Beck is in need of a dress for the Festival of Dazzling Colors and we all know how hard finding the perfect one is.  By story's end, she shows everyone that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and a little imagination can go a long way.  My second choice of fairy inspired wonder goes to 'The Wings of Rani'.  In this story, it is revealed just why Rani doesn't have wings like the other fairies.  Though graphic novels don't always tend to incorporate anything incredibly deep or profound (personal opinion guys, personal opinion), this one surprised me quite a bit.  It is a story of sacrifice and the efforts of one fairy doing the most she possibly can to make sure their world, her friends, and her family, survived to see a new day...much more than I would have imagined.

Certainly a recommended read for Disney fans regardless of age, though the little princess (or prince) in your life may fancy it solely for themselves...and who could blame them!  The colors are vivid as are the adventures that Tinkerbell and her fairy friends embark on.  The stories tend to move quickly but the images are well worth slowing down to investigate further and explore the details included.  There's a little pixie dust to spare in this Disney-esque collection....none of which you'd want to miss. 

For a sneak peek inside this installment in the series, visit the Papercutz website.  This book was released June of this year, so be on the look out for it at a bookstore near you!  Special thanks to Penny Sansevieri at Author Marketing Experts, Inc. for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this company, be sure to visit their website. 

Until next time....happy reading!

A Big, Big Dream by Michael Scott Roberts

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Ever get a craving for something sweet?  You know...the ones that leave you with the MUST GET CANDY desire?  (*nods*) Get ready...the feature of today's review will definitely bring out the sweet tooth in us all (I know it did for me)...but it will also leave you with an inspiring tale to share (definitely less calories in this option).  Are you ready?  Today's book of choice is....

A Big, Big Dream

by

Michael Scott Roberts

This is a story about a book (no really, the book is featured in the story...it's quite interesting really) about one person's journey to reach his "big, big dream". Whose dream are we taking a walk in?  Why, the infamous Mr. Milton Hershey!  What?  You don't know who that is?  He's the gentleman responsible for the creation of the Hershey chocolate empire.  (mmm, chocolate)  Oh, now it rings a bell?  Thought so.  As popular as his confections are still today, have you ever stopped to think of how he reached that worldwide recognition level?  It's a story of perseverance, planning, and a heart full of love.  From the cherished values instilled by his parents, the trials of starting a new business from the ground up, and finally his work with orphaned and underprivileged children that's still going strong today.

Within this book, you learn a little more about the man behind the corporation, and taste a bit of the sweetness entwined there-in. The beautiful illustrations combined with an uplifting, difficult, yet inspiring story make this the perfect book for readers of any age. There is also the addition of not only a down loadable narration of the story (convenient for those audio book lovers, or those with young children that wish to follow along) but an accompanying song that follows the lyrics along the top of each page (quite unique and fun if I do say so myself); both giving just the extra touch needed to stand out all the more.

I think part of the reason this book "called" to me is that Pennsylvania is my home state.  Though I don't currently reside there, I remember the area from my childhood days and Hershey was a MUST for any resident.  You go through the town and the lamp posts are all Hershey kisses.  You take the chocolate factory tour/ride and get a sample of the freshly made chocolate upon reaching it's end.  Memories versus present day may vary, just as a child's understanding of what the Hershey vision really was all about pretty much fell on the candy alone.  It's nice to revisit the area even if only in my mind's eye and walk away with a better understanding of why this confectionery world was created and to whom the benefits were intended to fall.  To sum it up, three words...a wonderful book.

Special thanks to Paula at Author Marketing Experts, Inc for the review copy. (THANKS!) For more information on AME, visit their NING site or follow along on Twitter.  To find out a more on this title and the author behind it's creation, visit the book's website.

Until next time....happy reading!

Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger by Bo Hoefinger

Hi there, everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Nice to see you all again...viturally of course.  Just wanted to say WELCOME to all the new followers (~waves~) and I hope you enjoy your time on the site....and of course to all my "tried and true" followers.....YOU ROCK, you know it, though it never hurts to say it again.  Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

To those of you reading this on 05/05/10, HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO to you!  What's that?  You don't know what Cinco de Mayo is?  Silly me...here's the Wiki link for a brief official description, but in general terms, the phrase literally means "the fifth of May" and is a day that we celebrate Mexican heritage and pride.  Ever wonder why you tend to see a few more fiestas on May 5th?  Now you know!  I bet you're wondering on how Earth I am going to tie this information in to the book discussed today....ah, ye of little faith.

It is with our little friend the chihuahua that I am able to do so.  You know them as the cute little guys that shake and shiver but love us all the same.  With tiny bodies and big hearts, their bulgy little eyes glimmer with cuteness and a tinge of mischief...no wonder many households make them a part of their families.  That's right!  Dogs are a part of many families, counted as a "fuzzy child" to many an owner.  Speaking of the little fuzzies, the book featured today (see, it's rolling right into to) is not only about a dog, but well....you'll see.  Today's book of choice is....

Bad to the Bone:

Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger

by

Bo Hoefinger

of Dogster.com's "For the Love of Dog" Blog

Who is Bo Hoefinger?  Why has he written a book with such an unusual (and attention grabbing...for me anyway) title?  Bo is the author (stay calm....I'm about to elaborate on that....) of this book but he is not like any you've met before.  Whether you stalk local author stops of your favorite writers or inundate their email boxes with words of praise, I guarantee you have not met a writer of his pedigree...I mean background... before.  Wanna know how I know?  (Just cuz....no, I'm kidding!)  He's a dog! 

Bo takes us into his world letting us get up close and personal (very personal in some cases) with his family, friends, and chance encounters.  Let's meet a few of the central members of this crew.  There's Moose...the cat.  She likes long walks on the counter and licking the just done chicken that mother had prepared for father's dinner...oops!  Copper, a later sisterly addition to the family, she tends to take the underdog position in their unusal pack but with a hearty smile and a little self-made music (yeah, she tends to pass gas...A LOT).  Father, the man that feeds them, plays, with them, administers enemas when the vet is busy and acts as a loving elevator when the bed is just out of reach.  Mother, the home engineer and entrepreneur of the family, best left to her own devices when solving a money solution creatively, but not so much in the kitchen (yeah....the Christmas party "bring-a-dish" invitations said to bring a dish, it didn't specify how edible it had to be).  Who am I forgetting...who, who, who....oh, BO!

Bo is a dog in a class all his own.  He's sweet and funny, sentimental and snarky; he's not afraid to tell it like it is nor take the blame if the situation warrants.  Many a fun and crazy antic is revealed as Bo takes an unfiltered look at his daily life and puts paw to page to share it with you.  From the first moment he chooses his family (which gets him out of "the joint"), to his final thoughts (not final, final....just last in the book) on a life well lived and the importance of family and friends, this is one memoir that is sure to please almost any reader.  Anyone that has had a dog, has a dog, or merely is thinking about getting a dog...should read this book.  Seriously, it is that much fun.  The stories shared are laugh out loud good and yet true all at the same time.  (I believe I've heard something like that before..."the truth is stranger than fiction"...not to mention some of his adventures sound oddly familiar of my own pups...)

Special thanks to Paula at AME for the review copy.  (THANKS!) For more information about this book and more, check out their site on BookBlogs.NING or follow along on Twitter!  Of course, Bo is online as well...more information on his adventures can be found at Dogster, his author page, his blog, and yes...even on Twitter! (Yep...guess you I just added to my "following" list....)

COMMENT CREATOR

Calling all pet owners!  I'm sure that you've got a million and one stories about your little fuzzies, I know I do.  Care to share one of those funny moments with us?  The comments are open....feel free to SPEAK...I mean share!

Hasta Manana....that is to say until tomorrow....happy reading!

GRAPHIC NOVEL: Prilla's Talent from Disney Publishing!

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  I trust that your weekends went well or if not at the very least are easy to overcome....in either case I wish you a wonderful week ahead full of good times, great friends, and a little work (hey, no week can be PERFECT....there would never be anything to keep striving for!).  Why the jolly good mood?  Well, it might have something to do with the feature of today's post....it might indeed, for it is very hard to have a down-trodden demeanor when one is talking about fairies, pixie dust, and Disney!  **cue the rainbows, start sprinkling the glitter**  Today's book of choice is....

Disney’s Fairies Graphic Novel #1:

Prilla’s Talent

by

Stefan Petrucha, Giada Perissinotto, and Caterina Giorgetti

What's this?  A graphic novel on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers?  Say it isn't so!  Nope...it is and it might just sound familiar too.  Does it ring a bell?  Ah, but it should! I did a post a few weeks back as a teaser about this title and included a rather lengthy preview (thanks to the kind folks at Papercutz and AME)....if you don't recall or would like to reread that fun tale, here's the link.  Since that time I have had the fortune of reading the completed work with all four enchanting tales and let me tell you, this one is worth of look.

Combining the beautiful artwork from the creators of our childhood favorites with magical stories sure to delight readers of any age, this is one graphic novel to take a chance on indeed (and that's coming from someone that generally makes a point of saying "just say no" to graphic novels).  What can I say, generally, they strike me as higher priced comic books that are over in a flash (manga & graphic novel lovers out there....put the tar and feathers down....this post goes to show how a little twist on the old fav can usher in even the skeptical non-fans of a genre)...this one was different.  You get to join Tinkerbell, Prilla and all their friends as they test the bonds of friendship, help each other discover their inner fairy, go head to head in a little fairy competition and even discover the first blush of love...all in Disney-esque fun. There's nothing risque within theses pages, just simply the thrill of discovery in all its wonder and glory.  My favorite of them all?  Hmmm....if hard pressed to decide, I think I like The Sound of Friendship best.  It's a side of Tinkerbell you don't normally get to see and the celebration being prepared for has wonderful intentions.  So clap your hands and join the other "believers" as you take pause to welcome this new addition to the timeless family.

Recommended reading for Disney lovers of all ages!  Special thanks to Paula at AME for the review copy! (THANKS!)  This collection will hit the shelves tomorrow so be on the lookout!

COMMENT CREATOR
So, speaking of comic books, graphic novels, manga...or whatever you call the variation you may read....I'm curious to know, do YOU read them?  If so, which one is your favorite?

Until next time....happy reading!

The Tao of Mia and Leo by Jeffra A. Nicholson

Hello, everyone!  Welcome back to another day, another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! 

Wow, so the other night when at a local store, there was an occurrence, a situation if you will.  A particular person was buying a rather large order (read that as a few thousand dollars) and proceeded to ask for assistance in bringing their purchase to the vehicle.  The young lady politely passed said duties to her male coworker seeing as the bags were large in size and quantity.  A short while later, the gentleman consumer sans car proceeded to ask the employee to bring the bags to the car....which remained parked halfway out in the parking lot.  Did I mention it was night?  Dum....dum...dum...

Now I'm not one to think badly of a person....and this individual although well learned and highly talkative, was certainly no cause for alarm within the store boundaries....but outside?  Bringing bags to their car?  Alone?  At night?  Let's just say that the male coworker was uncomfortable doing so (but provided a viable story as to why he could not), so could you imagine the young female worker?  Hmm....a movie comes to mind when thinking of the potential for this situation to go wrong.  Can we say, Silence of the Lambs?  (For those of you that haven't seen it, it's good...scary, creepy, but good.)  Yeah....let's give a great big thank you to horror movies for the precautionary warning bells that sound in our minds.

On the other hand, this also made me wonder....when did our trust in society, in persons blatant goodness, or at the very least potential goodness, turn into a warning sign?  I mean, the old adage of things that appear to good to be true....there was a time (grant it not in my lifetime, but I've read about them....in history books at the very least) that someone could be or was more often than not trusted at and by their word alone.  What happened?  Had the two characters from the book we feature today been there to witness said events, they might have had a differing interpretation or some words of wisdom that could alleviate the negative vibes being felt.  Allow me to introduce the pair that can carry such goodwill or clarity of thought to stressful situations.  Today's book of choice is....

The Tao of Mia and Leo

by

Jeffra A. Nicolson

We start out with a life in the midst of constant change.  Change in location, change in vocation, change in every form imaginable.  Now, enter guru kitty number 1....Samantha.  From fluffy kitten to glorious adult feline-ess, Samantha teaches Ms. Nicholson how to roll with the punches, and accept things as they are for releasing the struggle is the only way to allow oneself to find inner peace.  (Pretty thoughtful coming from a cat, huh?)  Time moves forward as does our human friend, but at one point, the paths of these two kindred souls is split, with Ms. Nicholson unable to follow her companion on her next journey.  Such is life (and I won't dwell on that too long, because I'll start to tear up at my own fuzzy friends...) and as it continued its relentless march forward hand in hand with time, her heart closed to the possibility of finding a love and friendship so pure.

Years later, after several attempts at rediscovering her own path to happiness, our author and narrator happened upon another chance to indulge in her love of a kitty companion while helping out a friend that had a lonely kitten left from her cat's litter.  But what's this?  When the time comes to accept the fuzzy baby, there is not one, but TWO beautiful kittens!  It seems that there was another left behind and so the new guru pair is born.  Mia and Leo are quite the team.  While the one loves to explore and investigate (Mia), the other prefers time alone in the quiet solitude of the night.....but don't worry, they lead each other into many an adventure and in doing so, teach Ms. Nicholson more about love, friendship, and the art of living than any person may glean on their own.

Pets have always had a way of affecting of emotionally.  We are drawn to them for many reasons, not the least of which is the love and connection we feel for them.  Is it any wonder that they can teach us things as well?  I mean, take a look at your fuzzy best buddy and tell me what you see.  Do you merely see a <insert your pet's type here>....or do you see a friend, companion, secret keeper, play mate, dinner buddy, exercise partner, lap warmer extraordinaire?

Personally, I do not have a cat...but I do have dogs.  Cats to me have often been more self-reliant than dogs and so I have always gravitated to the slightly needier Fido friends (which I love and adore and spoil to the hilt)....but that's not to say I don't like cats or that I feel they have nothing to say, for they do and often times more than we know (as illustrated in this book).  Watch the way a cat looks at the world, and you'll see a mind filled with limitless curiosity.  Witness the stealth with which they stalk the next victim of a pounce, and you'll see a shadow of their distant relatives from the tundra.  Hear the purr that is elicited as they sleep or are being stroked, and you'll see an image of pure contentment.  There is no feeling that they can not convey, nor emotion that they can not provoke from their human owners; all without words.  There is a lesson there if I ever saw one…

So, if you can’t tell from by overall wordiness, I enjoyed this book overall.  The lessons were well taught, the positive motivational statements were there but not over-baring, and if you don’t already have a fuzzy buddy, this book gives you all the more reason to get one of your own.  I say overall I liked it, because it does start out a little slow, delving deep into how the author arrived at the emotional state she was in when receiving her first kitten, Samantha…but then again, it is needed to set the right mood.  Perhaps a little shorter in this department would have suited my taste a little better.  The only other less than stellar point for me…the book size.  It’s actually square in design, allowing the type to be spread across the page more, which in theory sounds good, but it takes away from the one-handed-ness ease of a read…not to mention toting it in a bag….rectangular just works a little better (in my opinion). 

In the end, it was an enjoyable read that I am certainly glad I took a chance on.  Perhaps it will make it into your reading rotation, or at the very least you have entertained the thought of a kitty guru helping you reach a state of less-stress-enlightenment.

Review copy received courtesy of Paula at Author Marketing Experts, Inc.  For more information on them as well as their current titles, stop by their BookBlogs.NING page, or follow along on Twitter!

Until next time….happy reading!

*CLAP* Do You Believe in Fairies? *CLAP*

Hello, hello!  Welcome back to another exciting day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  I hope that your week is going well.  Today's post is not a review (yet), but more of an introduction to a bit of fun that I'd like to share with everyone.

As you may or may not know, I am not a big fan of the graphic novel genre as a whole....they just don't seem to capture my attention as they do for other readers.  There are on occasions excepts to every rule, and this is one of them.  It has come to my attention, thanks to Paula at Author Marketing Experts (AME), that Disney Publishing Works, along with all-ages comic publishers Papercutz, is getting ready to release a new set of graphic novels starring.....Tinkerbell and her friends!  Now tell me, what Disney loving fan does not know who Tink is?  I mean really...she is the starter of many a child's wish to be a fairy and her new found friends just add to the fun!  Below you will find a very generous sampling of one of the many stories that will be in the bound additions upon publication....

Prilla's Talent

Look for future posts with additional samples, and a feature post with a review in late March or early April!

Until next time....happy reading!