FRESH FROZEN by Darden North, MD is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. The twists are expertly crafted, the characters are believable and the plot is enthralling! I love a book where the author takes me to uncharted territory—Dr. North does just that! In FRESH FROZEN, the reader is taken into the territory surrounding infertility and the measures some people will take to end a painful chapter in their lives.
Dr. North explains procedures the reader needs to understand, but not in so much detail as to be superfluously boring. If anything I was intrigued by his descriptions!
There were a few times in reading this novel where I wondered how these aspects of the story were going to come together. Dr. North did not let me down. When he brought them together, it all seemed flawless—a masterful job!!
This story had it all! I cried sometimes, laughed out loud sometimes, scratched my head in wonder a few times and then got an ending I did NOT see coming! It was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
One word of warning though: Do not get cocky reading this one. Just when you THINK you have it all figured out, you find out you couldn’t have been more wrong!A great story told by a master storyteller! Thank you Dr. North and I look forward to future books!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Wow, it's been a while since I've updated this! I'm so sorry for that! Life keeps getting in the way I guess.
I just wanted to take a minute to wish you and yours a very happy and joyous holiday season--whichever holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year! I pray you are able to be with the people you love and if not, that you will be very soon!
Happy Holidays!!
Laine
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Happy Fall, Y'all!
Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. Growing up in the SC mountains, I always looked forward to the time of year when the temperatures got a little cooler, the leaves changed colors and football season started--because in the South, football isn't just a sport, it is a religion!
I have since moved from my childhood home and find myself in a beach community where the seasons change from cool and sandy to hot and sandy and back again. There really isn't much of a change in season or scenery here. I miss those vibrant color changes I grew up taking for granted.
Fall is still my favorite season, even if I don't get the thrill that came with it anymore. There's still Halloween (my kid unit's favorite holiday) and Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Christmas is looming just around the corner. Fall marks the beginning of that special 'family' time of year for me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Help Relieve The Effects of TFPS! It COULD happen to someone you love!
I was talking to a friend recently about all the problems afflicting a group we are both involved with in our area. Seems a few folks have decided they can't be happy with the well-oiled machine others have worked so hard to provide to them. Instead of enjoying the fruits of the labors of love of those who came before, they have decided it is better to revert back to a time in the past when the machine was dying of rust corrosion and decay from neglect. We were wondering in our conversation, WHY these people would not expand on a good thing, but instead try to tear it apart.
After my conversation with my friend, I thought to myself: I think I know what their deal is. It's just another case of Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome.
Say you don't know what Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome is? Well, TFPS is a detrimental disease that afflicts mostly those with low self esteem issues. It manifests itself in many ways, but is most often seen in small groups within a larger framework of people. For example, fundraiser committees within the local PTA, selection groups for a book club, and yes even scout troops and church groups may find they have a member who is afflicted by TFPS. In fact, the smaller the group, the easier TFPS is to diagnose. TFPS patients are sometimes confused with micro-managers and know-it-alls, but where those conditions can be cured or treated by calmly discussing the difference of opinion with the person, TFPS patients deny they are the ones with the issue.
Unfortunately, there is only one treatment for those afflicted with TFPS at this time. It's called the GET OVER YOURSELF pill (generic name is Shut The Hell Up). This pill is so bitter and hard to swallow that it is often refused by the TFPS patient. Because of this unfortunate side effect, TFPS patients are most often subsequently ejected from the group and left to their own devices. This is a sad event for all involved because those doing the ejecting tend to feel at least somewhat responsible and those being ejected tend to spit venom in the direction of those who did the ejecting because they fail to see their ejection was totally of their own design.
Can't you see how important it is to raise awareness for TFPS and now rather than later? Please, find it in your heart to give to the TFPS Foundation. All proceeds are guaranteed to benefit those affected most by TFPS--those left to clean up after the TFPS patients. A simple donation of only $10 will buy at least one margarita and maybe even put a smile back on the face of a well deserving victim of a TFPS patient's vindictive nature. Can you give today? Make checks payable to CASH and mail it to me. I promise to see to it that all funds are spent on those most deserving of your generosity.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who may be dealing with someone afflicted with TFPS. Do it today before it spreads! Thank you for your time!! Remember only YOU can prevent the spread of TFPS! Give till it hurts, before someone you know and love catches this dreaded disease!
Ok...so I'm bored...does it show that much??
Disclaimer: The TFPS Foundation is a figment of this author's imagination and should in no way be confused by legitimate services or charities. This is an attempt at humor. No actually funds are being solicited, but none will be refused or refunded. Hey, if you want to send me $10 for margaritas, then who am I to turn it down?
After my conversation with my friend, I thought to myself: I think I know what their deal is. It's just another case of Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome.
Say you don't know what Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome is? Well, TFPS is a detrimental disease that afflicts mostly those with low self esteem issues. It manifests itself in many ways, but is most often seen in small groups within a larger framework of people. For example, fundraiser committees within the local PTA, selection groups for a book club, and yes even scout troops and church groups may find they have a member who is afflicted by TFPS. In fact, the smaller the group, the easier TFPS is to diagnose. TFPS patients are sometimes confused with micro-managers and know-it-alls, but where those conditions can be cured or treated by calmly discussing the difference of opinion with the person, TFPS patients deny they are the ones with the issue.
Unfortunately, there is only one treatment for those afflicted with TFPS at this time. It's called the GET OVER YOURSELF pill (generic name is Shut The Hell Up). This pill is so bitter and hard to swallow that it is often refused by the TFPS patient. Because of this unfortunate side effect, TFPS patients are most often subsequently ejected from the group and left to their own devices. This is a sad event for all involved because those doing the ejecting tend to feel at least somewhat responsible and those being ejected tend to spit venom in the direction of those who did the ejecting because they fail to see their ejection was totally of their own design.
Can't you see how important it is to raise awareness for TFPS and now rather than later? Please, find it in your heart to give to the TFPS Foundation. All proceeds are guaranteed to benefit those affected most by TFPS--those left to clean up after the TFPS patients. A simple donation of only $10 will buy at least one margarita and maybe even put a smile back on the face of a well deserving victim of a TFPS patient's vindictive nature. Can you give today? Make checks payable to CASH and mail it to me. I promise to see to it that all funds are spent on those most deserving of your generosity.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who may be dealing with someone afflicted with TFPS. Do it today before it spreads! Thank you for your time!! Remember only YOU can prevent the spread of TFPS! Give till it hurts, before someone you know and love catches this dreaded disease!
Ok...so I'm bored...does it show that much??
Disclaimer: The TFPS Foundation is a figment of this author's imagination and should in no way be confused by legitimate services or charities. This is an attempt at humor. No actually funds are being solicited, but none will be refused or refunded. Hey, if you want to send me $10 for margaritas, then who am I to turn it down?
Monday, May 26, 2008
SAY GOODBYE--wild ride!!
In SAY GOODBYE, the story begins with a car accident and sets in motion a thrilling ride for anyone lucky enough to pick up a copy of this book. Gary Kemmerman has spent the last year recovering from his wife’s death and isn’t quite ready to head back into the dating world, much to the dismay of some of his neighborhood friends. When one neighbor is killed in a car accident one snowy morning, Gary is pushed into the middle of an investigation when the grieving widow insists her husband’s death was no accident and asks Gary to look into it.
The only witness to the car accident may know more than she realizes. This puts her life in danger and in trying to protect her, Gary realizes maybe he is ready for the dating scene again. When people who seem to know too much begin dying in random accidents, Gary uses all his skills as a crisis consultant and races the clock to save Becca’s life and prove his neighbor’s death was no accident.
E J Rand tells a story that is entertaining, engaging and completely engrossing! He weaves his tale one tiny thread at a time and leaves his readers no choice but to hold on and enjoy the ride. SAY GOODBYE is the first in the “Reluctant Sleuth” series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
The only witness to the car accident may know more than she realizes. This puts her life in danger and in trying to protect her, Gary realizes maybe he is ready for the dating scene again. When people who seem to know too much begin dying in random accidents, Gary uses all his skills as a crisis consultant and races the clock to save Becca’s life and prove his neighbor’s death was no accident.
E J Rand tells a story that is entertaining, engaging and completely engrossing! He weaves his tale one tiny thread at a time and leaves his readers no choice but to hold on and enjoy the ride. SAY GOODBYE is the first in the “Reluctant Sleuth” series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Next review will be: SAY GOODBYE by E J Rand
The next review I'll be doing will be for E J Rand's first book in the Reluctant Sleuth series, SAY GOODBYE. Here is a teaser from Mr. Rand's website, www.reluctantsleuth.com :
In SAY GOODBYE (published by Deadly Ink Press, February 21, 2008), a second chance at love is the last thing on Gary Kemmerman's mind — he wears his wedding ring to preserve memories. We meet him the morning he's forced to become an amateur sleuth, when the widow of a friend asks for his help. The police say her husband's fatal car crash was an accident, but she knows its murder.
The sole witness to the crash is a divorcée who also wears a wedding ring, but for protection. Becca has stopped dating. Yet they're attracted to one another. As Gary digs into his friend's murder, he uncovers a multi-million dollar corporate scam protected by a killer who hums a Disney tune. Those who get in the way wind up underground behind an abandoned building in the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Falling for Becca lets Gary say goodbye to his late wife. When his police lieutenant friend brings Becca to him despite the danger, the couple discover the depth of their passion. But because of that, Gary is faced with a dilemma: will he risk his life for the woman he's come to love, or say goodbye again.
I am REALLY looking forward to this book. It sounds like 'my alley' and hopefully the book is in the mail as I type. Be sure to check back soon. I'll let you know what I really think; you know I will! Don't I always?
Till next time,
Happy Reading!
Laine
In SAY GOODBYE (published by Deadly Ink Press, February 21, 2008), a second chance at love is the last thing on Gary Kemmerman's mind — he wears his wedding ring to preserve memories. We meet him the morning he's forced to become an amateur sleuth, when the widow of a friend asks for his help. The police say her husband's fatal car crash was an accident, but she knows its murder.
The sole witness to the crash is a divorcée who also wears a wedding ring, but for protection. Becca has stopped dating. Yet they're attracted to one another. As Gary digs into his friend's murder, he uncovers a multi-million dollar corporate scam protected by a killer who hums a Disney tune. Those who get in the way wind up underground behind an abandoned building in the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Falling for Becca lets Gary say goodbye to his late wife. When his police lieutenant friend brings Becca to him despite the danger, the couple discover the depth of their passion. But because of that, Gary is faced with a dilemma: will he risk his life for the woman he's come to love, or say goodbye again.
I am REALLY looking forward to this book. It sounds like 'my alley' and hopefully the book is in the mail as I type. Be sure to check back soon. I'll let you know what I really think; you know I will! Don't I always?
Till next time,
Happy Reading!
Laine
Monday, March 31, 2008
Here's another 'Must Read' book for your consideration: BLOOD AND BONE-Austin S. Camacho
Whenever I get a book by an author I've never read before, I'm willing to give him 15 pages to capture my attention, because, let's face it, life is short, right? I don't have time to waste on drivel.
Austin Camacho's Blood and Bone grabbed my attention on the first page, held it in a choke hold until I finished the book. It is exceptionally rare that I finish a book in one sitting, but I couldn't put this one down. The characters are engaging. The pacing is perfect. And Mr. Camacho's word choice is dead-on. He spins a mental image with his short but clear descriptions that drew me into the story and made me care about the characters. The twists were well plotted and this was just a FUN READ! I can't wait to get the rest of the series. I enjoyed this book so much; I've already started casting the movie in my head!
Thank you Mr. Camacho for a very enjoyable evening! I hope to have many more!
Austin Camacho's Blood and Bone grabbed my attention on the first page, held it in a choke hold until I finished the book. It is exceptionally rare that I finish a book in one sitting, but I couldn't put this one down. The characters are engaging. The pacing is perfect. And Mr. Camacho's word choice is dead-on. He spins a mental image with his short but clear descriptions that drew me into the story and made me care about the characters. The twists were well plotted and this was just a FUN READ! I can't wait to get the rest of the series. I enjoyed this book so much; I've already started casting the movie in my head!
Thank you Mr. Camacho for a very enjoyable evening! I hope to have many more!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Visit with Sylvia Dickey Smith
If you enjoy a great tale with mystery and a touch of romance and small-town humor, then check out the books by SYLVIA DICKEY SMITH. Here's her web address. Tell her I sent ya.
www.sylviadickeysmith.com
She's a hoot and a half and I know you won't regret your time on her site! :)
www.sylviadickeysmith.com
She's a hoot and a half and I know you won't regret your time on her site! :)
My review of DEADLY SINS DEADLY SECRETS
DEADLY SINS DEADLY SECRETS, the second installment of Sylvia Dickey Smith’s Sidra Smart series, is a tale of how small town secrets and small-minded attitudes seldom mix with pleasant results.
Sid is desperately trying to keep the private investigation business she inherited from her brother open while living in a ghost active house with her overly-involved aunt and her overly-indulged feline, as well as a dog Sid saved from going to the pound when his owner died. Sid’s love life and her professional life seem to be at odds with one another and with her past as the wife of a Baptist minister. To add another helping onto her already full plate, Sid is hired by a “tobacco-spitting, chair-rocking old codger more interested in the shine on his shoes than the dust on his furniture” to clear his dead son’s name after he was accused of a double murder. After all, just because he happened to have been spotted at the scene around the time of the crime and just because his fingerprints were on the murder weapon does not automatically mean he was guilty of the crime. But try convincing the local sheriff of that—especially when the prime suspect is no longer able to mount a defense to the charges.
Sid must trudge deep into the swamp and even deeper into the past in order to solve this case. As if that isn’t bad enough, her preacher ex-husband shows up in the middle of her date with a new man and the ghost who haunts her aunt’s house refuses to allow Sid a good night’s rest. This ghost is a long dead relative of her new client and former owner of that same house. Scrappy Kate, as she was known in life, has vital information for Sid about the present, her new case and the people involved in it.
Sylvia Dickey Smith is a master storyteller who weaves a tale tighter than a hangman’s noose. Her characters resonate with a down-home true feeling found in small towns all across America. They come alive on the page. This is a book I could not put down and highly recommend.
Sid is desperately trying to keep the private investigation business she inherited from her brother open while living in a ghost active house with her overly-involved aunt and her overly-indulged feline, as well as a dog Sid saved from going to the pound when his owner died. Sid’s love life and her professional life seem to be at odds with one another and with her past as the wife of a Baptist minister. To add another helping onto her already full plate, Sid is hired by a “tobacco-spitting, chair-rocking old codger more interested in the shine on his shoes than the dust on his furniture” to clear his dead son’s name after he was accused of a double murder. After all, just because he happened to have been spotted at the scene around the time of the crime and just because his fingerprints were on the murder weapon does not automatically mean he was guilty of the crime. But try convincing the local sheriff of that—especially when the prime suspect is no longer able to mount a defense to the charges.
Sid must trudge deep into the swamp and even deeper into the past in order to solve this case. As if that isn’t bad enough, her preacher ex-husband shows up in the middle of her date with a new man and the ghost who haunts her aunt’s house refuses to allow Sid a good night’s rest. This ghost is a long dead relative of her new client and former owner of that same house. Scrappy Kate, as she was known in life, has vital information for Sid about the present, her new case and the people involved in it.
Sylvia Dickey Smith is a master storyteller who weaves a tale tighter than a hangman’s noose. Her characters resonate with a down-home true feeling found in small towns all across America. They come alive on the page. This is a book I could not put down and highly recommend.
Monday, March 17, 2008
DEADLY SINS DEADLY SECRETS
What a wild ride that book was! I finished it a couple days ago--couldn't put it down actually! That doesn't happen for me with most books! I'll get my 'formal' and 'official' review up (hopefully) today, but I wanted to just let any of you know that if you are waiting for the LAINE LAND SEAL OF APPROVAL on this one, you GOT IT!
Don't walk, RUN to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy of this one! I love my library as much as the next gal, but this is a book worth the purchase! I wouldn't part with my copy for anything! This is definitely a book I'll read again--probably right before the next installment of the series hits the bookshelves!
Look for my 'official' review later today (maybe tomorrow)...but this week definitely! :)
Off to my writer's group meeting! Wish me luck! :)
Till next time, enjoy your time in Laine Land! :)
Don't walk, RUN to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy of this one! I love my library as much as the next gal, but this is a book worth the purchase! I wouldn't part with my copy for anything! This is definitely a book I'll read again--probably right before the next installment of the series hits the bookshelves!
Look for my 'official' review later today (maybe tomorrow)...but this week definitely! :)
Off to my writer's group meeting! Wish me luck! :)
Till next time, enjoy your time in Laine Land! :)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Reviewing a new book this week
I received a copy of Sylvia Dickey Smith's new book, DEADLY SINS DEADLY SECRETS to review for Mystery Lovers Corner (www.mysteryloverscorner.com) and I am really looking forward to reading this book.
From the back cover:
Rookie PI Sidra Smart thinks she knows where she's headed. She's divorced her preacher-husband, she's inherited a private detective business, and she's solved her first case. But then she moves into a ghost active house and discovers that the past hold the key not only to her future, but to the lives of innocent people trapped in an unholy web of deception that spans decades.
Now doesn't THAT send a few well-placed chills up your spine? Does mine! I can't wait to get into this one! In fact, I'm signing off right now to get to it! Check back with me later. I'll post my review here (if I'm allowed). If not, check for it at Mystery Lover's Corner! :)
TTFN...so many books...so little space to store them all!!
From the back cover:
Rookie PI Sidra Smart thinks she knows where she's headed. She's divorced her preacher-husband, she's inherited a private detective business, and she's solved her first case. But then she moves into a ghost active house and discovers that the past hold the key not only to her future, but to the lives of innocent people trapped in an unholy web of deception that spans decades.
Now doesn't THAT send a few well-placed chills up your spine? Does mine! I can't wait to get into this one! In fact, I'm signing off right now to get to it! Check back with me later. I'll post my review here (if I'm allowed). If not, check for it at Mystery Lover's Corner! :)
TTFN...so many books...so little space to store them all!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Other People's Opinions
I often read message boards on various sites and find one thing very interesting. It doesn't matter what the topic is, someone has something negative to say about it. Someone is going to get offended by what someone else thinks, says, does, believes, etc. And all it takes is for one person to stir the stink pot and it's Katey bar the door!
My question is a simple one. Why does someone else's opinion matter so much to some folks? I guess I wonder about this because other people's opinions rarely matter much to me. It is only those who have gotten close to me who may have opinions that might sting me, but the rest of the world can go pound dirt for all I care. Before I would allow some unknown person on a message board to get me that worked up, I'd leave the site and never look back. I know that's what I'd do because I've done it before--sometimes not as quickly as I should have, admitedly so. But I live and learn.
I've also come to the conclusion that folks who attack me for what I think have far more issues than the fact that they disagree with my opinion on the color of the sky or whether or not I encourage my child to believe in Santa or anything else. When someone attacks me because of a stated opinion, I remember a button I used to wear on my jacket in high school (in the 70's when buttons were the rage). It read, "Sounds like a personal problem to me." Their ire says far more about them than it will ever say about me. I figure that problem is their puppy and they can feed it.
Some folks are just too insecure with their own beliefs and opinions. Those folks see any difference as a personal attack on their lives. Those folks need to get over themselves! Form a support group for crying out loud! But leave those of us who are secure in our lives or are looking for answers out of their personal drama.
Just my opinion. Others may vary. Void where prohibited by law.
My question is a simple one. Why does someone else's opinion matter so much to some folks? I guess I wonder about this because other people's opinions rarely matter much to me. It is only those who have gotten close to me who may have opinions that might sting me, but the rest of the world can go pound dirt for all I care. Before I would allow some unknown person on a message board to get me that worked up, I'd leave the site and never look back. I know that's what I'd do because I've done it before--sometimes not as quickly as I should have, admitedly so. But I live and learn.
I've also come to the conclusion that folks who attack me for what I think have far more issues than the fact that they disagree with my opinion on the color of the sky or whether or not I encourage my child to believe in Santa or anything else. When someone attacks me because of a stated opinion, I remember a button I used to wear on my jacket in high school (in the 70's when buttons were the rage). It read, "Sounds like a personal problem to me." Their ire says far more about them than it will ever say about me. I figure that problem is their puppy and they can feed it.
Some folks are just too insecure with their own beliefs and opinions. Those folks see any difference as a personal attack on their lives. Those folks need to get over themselves! Form a support group for crying out loud! But leave those of us who are secure in our lives or are looking for answers out of their personal drama.
Just my opinion. Others may vary. Void where prohibited by law.
To Be Young Enough to Know It ALL, Again
Because I am the mom of a teen-aged daughter and volunteer as the co-leader for her Girl Scout troop, I spend a lot of time around kids between the ages of 13 and 18. I've realized something over the last few months. I want to be young again! Not just young, but young enough to know it all!
Yes, I wish I was young enough to know it all again! I want to be:
Young enough to think I had all the answers to every single one of life's questions, but without the knowledge that I didn't even have all the questions yet. That's when life was full of possibilities. I could change the world back when I knew it all!
Young enough to think people in their 40's were so out of the times that their advice couldn't possibly have any relevance to my life! If I was that young again, there are a few things I'd do differently this time around.First of all, I'd actually LISTEN to those 40 + yr-olds because now that I am one of them I know they actually do know what they're talking about! And they know because they've been there, done that and learned a valuable lesson from it! Yes, if I were young enough to know it all, I'd know better than to ignore that sage advice!
Then I'd get my degree, work 2 or 3 jobs if I had to in order to pay for it because it is more valuable than I realized back when I knew it all!
I would also figure out a lot earlier that other people's opinion of me really doesn't have to affect my life in any way. Someone doesn't like what I do or say or how I look or dress then that is their problem, not mine. A wise older woman once told me "if it isn't your puppy, why do you keep feeding it?" So many things I worry about turned out to be someone else's puppy. Once I started letting them feed it, my life got a lot less stressful!
I would also realize that not every comment is an insult nor is every question a judgment on my life. I'd be a lot less defensive if I were young enough to know it all again.
Yes, to be young enough to know it all, yet old enough to know better! That would make me just about perfect!
Yes, I wish I was young enough to know it all again! I want to be:
Young enough to think I had all the answers to every single one of life's questions, but without the knowledge that I didn't even have all the questions yet. That's when life was full of possibilities. I could change the world back when I knew it all!
Young enough to think people in their 40's were so out of the times that their advice couldn't possibly have any relevance to my life! If I was that young again, there are a few things I'd do differently this time around.First of all, I'd actually LISTEN to those 40 + yr-olds because now that I am one of them I know they actually do know what they're talking about! And they know because they've been there, done that and learned a valuable lesson from it! Yes, if I were young enough to know it all, I'd know better than to ignore that sage advice!
Then I'd get my degree, work 2 or 3 jobs if I had to in order to pay for it because it is more valuable than I realized back when I knew it all!
I would also figure out a lot earlier that other people's opinion of me really doesn't have to affect my life in any way. Someone doesn't like what I do or say or how I look or dress then that is their problem, not mine. A wise older woman once told me "if it isn't your puppy, why do you keep feeding it?" So many things I worry about turned out to be someone else's puppy. Once I started letting them feed it, my life got a lot less stressful!
I would also realize that not every comment is an insult nor is every question a judgment on my life. I'd be a lot less defensive if I were young enough to know it all again.
Yes, to be young enough to know it all, yet old enough to know better! That would make me just about perfect!
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