"The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks

*****
When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.
Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.
Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, The Lucky One is Nicholas Sparks at his best—an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.


Did You Know?---

Zeus was modeled after one of Nicholas’s dogs?

Nicholas had to do more research for this novel than any other?

The setting of the novel is fictitious?

This was the first novel Nicholas wrote in the limited third-person omniscient perspective?

OH!!! Nicholas Sparks can write and write EXTREMELY well. Absolutely heart warming story. Fell in love and I have placed him on my favorite authors list. This book was easy to read, suspensful, amazing action, loved it. A must read to anyone who loves a great love story. Beth was a big hearted single mom who loves her son before anyone else. The compassion towards her son in the story line melts my heart. Wonderfully magically told. Great book. Ending had my heart racing!!!! love

"Silver Knight" by Caron Rider

****
When seventeen-year-old Diana recognizes an elderly priest in a video on YouTube, she realizes that reincarnation is real and that she’s been alive before! Every night in her dreams, she relives her past learning that it’s kill or be killed. Now a bishop at the Vatican whom she saved in another life calls on her once more. She is needed to help defeat evil within the catacombs of Rome. But when she arrives in Rome, she meets Alexander – the man of her dreams! Through the centuries she has loved him…betrayed him...been killed by him. Will she give him another chance or this time will she strike first?

Great book. I got a little lost during the memories and past times. One of those books where you really need to pay attention. I loved it. Read in a few hours. Fantastic story, awesome characters. I am interested in reading the next book!!!!! Caron Rider's imagination mixed with historical and ancient history was awesome. I will loan this book out to my close reading friends but MINE. lol. Minus having to remember what time period the story jumps to, it is an easy read. Dianna and Alexander are amazing and I do want to read the next book! So if you read this Caron, keep me in mind for a review ((wink wink)) lol. Awesome!!!!

"So Pretty it Hurts" by Kate White

*****

At long last, the "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Hush" and "Cosmopolitan's" editor-in-chief brings back sassy writer turned amateur sleuth Bailey Weggins in an addictive mystery involving the death of a supermodel.

Holy Crow!!! Can I say "edge of my freakin seat???" Absolutely love love loved it!!!!! Amazing detail. Kate White had me guessing through the whole book. This book was a win from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and thank gosh I won it! Easy to read, amazing characters, loads of action and suspense, even a bit of love! Must read and I must have other bailey weggins!!!!!! MUST HAVE!!!

 

"Sisters of Isis" by Lynne Ewing

*****
Meri, Sudi, and Dalila are three girls who live in Washington, D.C., but have little else in common. Or so they think. When an ancient magic is revealed, so are their true identities as Sisters of Isis. The Summoning After receiving an anonymous invitation to dinner at the Sky Terrace, Sudi meets a mysterious guy named Abdel, and two other girls, both strangers. Sudi doesn't know whether to laugh or run when Abdel claims that she and the other girls are the descendants of Egyptian pharaohs, powerful ancestors who have given them magical gifts and powers of transformation. But when evil forces begin to threaten her world, Sudi has no choice but to believe. Divine One It's bad enough that Meri had to leave her laid-back life in California for a snobby prep school in Washington, D.C. Now her mom, Senator Stark, has decided to run for her party's presidential nomination, and Meri is being forced into the spotlight more than ever. But while Meri dodges the paparazzi, the Sisters' newest enemy--Apep, the Egyptian god of darkness and chaos--is on the loose, devouring innocent people and bringing unnatural storms. Meri knows he must be stopped. But have things already spun too far out of her control?

If anyone knows me, I am in love with ancient Egypt. This book caught my eye at the bookstore and I snatched it  up. Finally getting to it, I read it in a day. I want the rest of the books right now. Wonderfully written, easy to read, great descriptions and incredibly awesome characters. I am dying to know what happens next. Lynne Ewing is an exceptional author and I am definately going to rate this as a MUST READ if you love YA with loads of fantasy and magic stuff...Loads of action, love and so on!!! Loved it and I am totally looking forward to the next addition!!!

"The Bliss Experiment: 28 days to personal transformation" by Sean Meshorer

****
HAPPINESS IS GOOD. BLISS IS BETTER. We have a higher standard of living and more ways to instantaneously fulfill every desire than ever before. Then why are we unhappy? Because happiness isn’t what we really want. Happiness alone is fleeting and not deeply transformative. Bliss is a spiritual state where happiness, profound meaning, and enduring truth converge. With bliss comes an unshakable joy, a practical wisdom, and a lasting solution to our personal and planetary sufferings. Based on a successful seminar taught by Sean Meshorer, a leading spiritual teacher and New Thought minister, The Bliss Experiment contains dozens of stories of real people learning from everyday situations, backed by more than five hundred scientific studies. This is the one essential book that distills and unifies seemingly competing practices, philosophies, religions, and psychologies. Meshorer includes exercises that have worked time and again for people from all walks of life—including him. Meshorer suffers with severe chronic pain and is able to live his life to the fullest through the practices he shares here. Bliss helps with stress, anxiety, and depression. It makes people more successful, better able to see and seize opportunities, and build or improve relationships. Give these ideas and practices twenty-eight days of dedicated attention and you will see results. You only need a moment of bliss to benefit the rest of your life. The text includes links to bonus videos of Sean Meshorer expanding on the book’s themes and demonstrating the exercises.

Fantastic Book. Uplifting and spiritual renewing. This book is being passed on to some others but for this type of "self-help" book I am wanting back. Loved it and congrats to Sean Meshorer. Loved it!!!

This book was a goodreads first-reads giveaway! Thank you Goodreads.

"Blue Haired Alien Girlfriend" by John H. Carroll

***

Blue Haired Alien Girlfriend is a short story about an unusual young couple. Joshua is a manager at FishBurgers. He meets a young blue haired alien named Mariella.
It's a quirky romance story with unusual characters. It is FREE at Smashwords. :)

 

This short story is pretty cute, I wish it was a bit longer since the ending was just like "poof" gone. Cute idea, could add more story to it. Easy to read. Good writing, just needs a bit more of description and a bit more to the story line. Keep working hard at it. This could turn out big and amazing if it is rewritten and turned into a whole series...

 

"Nephilim" by L.A. Marzulli

*****
Two years ago, Art "Mac" Mackenzie was a respected newspaper journalist with a wonderful family and a great future. Now he lives by himself, eking out an existence as a freelance writer. His faith in God, humanity, and virtually everything else is gone. What's left is a pile of bills and the ache of his eldest son's death. Enter a woman in a psychiatric ward, with an off-the-wall story of how aliens abducted her, created a baby within her, and later stole it. From her seemingly twisted account springs the potential media story of the century . . . and more trouble than Mac has ever imagined. In this engrossing page-turner, Mac follows his story to Israel, where he comes across the remains of one of the nephilim: an ancient biblical giant, sired by demons and born of human women. Mac's encounter is just the tip of a terrifying supernatural iceberg -- for the nephilim are back on earth. And Mac has stumbled onto their secret. Nephilim winds from the Holy Land to the Nevada desert, through mind-numbing dangers and choices that will affect the future of the human race. Just one hope stands between Mac and destruction: the power of the risen Messiah. But can it save Mac and his children from the evil spiritual forces that spawned the nephilim? Or fulfill his agonizing quest for meaning and purpose in life?
Author Biography: Lynn Marzulli is the author of "Nephilim" and possesses an in-depth knowledge on the topic of UFO cults. He is a musician and composer who has recorded a number of albums.

Thrilling, action packed and addicting! Amazing read from page one until the end. Draws a line through what you think and what you beileve. Fell in love with this author due to this book. Easy read full of action, horror, mystery, suspense, love and humor. I am dying to get ahold of the next in the series. Fantastic job Lynn Marzulli. You have me completely addicted. This book is a must read and will totally throw you around. Fantastically written and obsessivly addicting!!! Must order book two!!!!

"Dead Reckoning" by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse Book 11)

*****
New in the #1 New York Times bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series-the basis for HBO®'s True Blood!

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...
Gasps!!! What on Earth is going on!!!!!! Now I must rush and go grab the new one!!!! NOT FAIR!!!!! Of course the usual, humor, action, horror, love, easy to read!!!! But Eric??? REALLY??? I dont want to spoil it for anyone but grrrr... Love Sookie's role in this book, poor dear is yet thrown in the middle of everything yet again... There wasnt Jason in this book...I was hoping a bit more of Sookie's Brother...I am sure there will be in book #12. Love it!!!!!! MUST READ!!!!

"The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant" by Jean M. Twenge Ph. D.

****
Comforting and intimate, this “girlfriend” guide to getting pregnant gets to the heart of all the emotional issues around having children—biological pressure, in-law pressures, greater social pressures—to support women who are considering getting pregnant.The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant is a complete guide to getting pregnant—the medical, psychological, social, and sexual aspects, told in a straight-forward, funny, and compassionate manner, like talking to a good friend who’s been through it all. Jean Twenge covers everything you'll be wondering about and advises what you can do at home, before getting a doctor involved.

I entered the Goodreads, First reads giveaway for this book for a good friend of mine, She has read it and this is what was said..."OMG!" LOL. It was very helpful and interesting and has helped her alot. She just found out she was pregnant...How funny huh? Anyway must read to anyone who wants babies!!!!

Twenge explains how to prepare mentally and physically when thinking about having a child, how to talk about it with family, friends, and your partner, how to know when you’re ovulating, and when best to have sex, how to tilt the odds toward having a boy or a girl, how to handle the great sadness of a miscarriage, and what to do when you do get pregnant.
Trying to conceive often involves an enormous amount of emotion, from anxiety and utter disappointment to hope and joy. With comfort, humor, and straightforward advice, The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant is the bedside companion to help you through it.

"Sapphire of the Fairies" by Richard S. Tuttle (Sword of Heavens book one)

****
The sky is dark. Neither the sun nor the moon have been seen in decades. The land is fruitless, and the seas are barren. No law exists, only the rule of might is exerted over a hapless people by those who can wield it. In a land of darkness and despair, there is one shining light, an ancient prophecy that foretells of the coming king and his companion, the vanquisher of evil.
Sapphire of the Fairies is the first of seven volumes of the epic fantasy series Sword of Heavens. Explore a vast continent where elves, dwarves, unicorns, fairies, demons, dragons, and man all exist. Sapphire of the Fairies begins the saga of five humans on the verge of adulthood. Living in a land where no one can be trusted, these five adventurers must restore the magical Sword of Heavens and defeat the Evil One, an evil sorcery whose minions roam the world in an attempt to defeat the ancient prophecy.

OH! Just by looking at the book I had questions. Personally the cover on this book is horrid and repulsive... Then I started reading...whew! Clean writing, easy to read, would be great for my step son to indulge in!!! Love magic, love adventure, good job!!!!! Will recomend to others!!

"What Necessity Decrees" by Carola Robert

*
'What Necessity Decrees' offers an astounding new theory of conscious evolution based on relationship. By defining the tensions of increasing relating-awareness as the catalyst for man's emerging conscious necessity, it explores the implications of relationship.
As it crystallizes the essence of texts like the ancient Greek myths, the bible and the Arthurian legends, it unlocks the code of human condition hidden in these scripts. Thereby re-interpreting the story of conscious beginnings, it describes what happens when the tensions and pain of this process are inappropriately 'resolved' by consecutive generations and how each new generation reflectes not only the challenge itself but its various outcomes in lineage.
Based on 12 psychological archetypes the book then explains how in-divi-duality (internally divided duality) moves further apart in every generation, thereby polarizing the next one. Until biblical references like 'the sacrifice' and 'redemption of sin' become understood as the signs of negatively resolved, conscious evolution, that call for the full realisation of relationship.

Not an easy read, interesting informational essays though. It could have been more. It was a bit boring, but did have an excellent amount of information. I had a hard time finishing this book. I do not like to give one to two stars on books. Unfortunetly, This one falls hard on a 1.5...

Thank you to the Goodreads First Reads giveaways.

"Battlegrounds to Boardrooms" by Sam Divine, Jr.

***
Very heart felt towards his children.  Must be extremely hard to put your life down on paper and to share it with the world. Being wealthy to being poor and back again... Short book and was hard to put down. Good job and loved it. Will pass on to others.

Thank you to the goodreads, first reads giveaway for this book!!!

"Rebounders : How Winners Pivot From Setback To Success" by Rick Newman

****
Let’s face it: Setbacks happen, and failure is always a possibility. But here’s the good news: Amazing success has been achieved by people who once fell flat on their faces. The secret lies in how we respond to life’s bumps and pot holes and unwelcome detours—from getting fired or losing a business to enduring a professional rejection or pursuing a passion that fails to pan out. Misfortune, it turns out, can be a springboard to success.

In Rebounders, U.S. News & World Report journalist Rick Newman examines the rise and fall—and rise again—of some of our most prolific and productive figures in order to demystify the anatomy of resilience. He identifies nine key traits found in people who bounce back that can transform a setback into the first step toward great accomplishment. Newman turns many well-worn axioms on their head as he shows how virtually anybody can improve their resilience and get better at turning adversity into personal and professional achievement.

• Setbacks can be a secret weapon: They often teach vital things you’ll never learn in school, on the job, or from others.
• There are smart ways to fail: Once familiar with them, you’ll be more comfortable taking risks and less discouraged if they don’t pan out.
• “Defensive pessimism” trumps optimism: Planning for what could go wrong is often the best way to ensure that it doesn’t.
• Know when to quit: Walking away at the right time can free the resources you need to exploit better opportunities.
• “Own the suck”: When faced with true hardship, taking command of the pain and sorrow—rather than letting it command you—lays the groundwork for ultimately rising above it.

Each lesson is highlighted by candid and inspiring stories from notable people, including musician Lucinda Williams, tennis champ James Blake, inventor Thomas Edison, army veteran and double-amputee Tammy Duckworth, and Joe Torre, former manager of the New York Yankees.

In this uncertain and unstable time, Rebounders lays out the new rules for success and equips you with the tools you need to get ahead and thrive.

Very interesting and makes me believe i can do ANYTHING!!! Very motivating or "get off your bum and get to work" motivational book. Will definately pass this book on to others. Must Read.

Thank you to the goodreads, first reads giveaway for this book!!!

"CurbChek: Reload" by Zach Fortier

*****
Curbchek-Reload is a darker account of the streets as they were worked by Zach Fortier, a dangerously deranged cop. Welcome back to the inner city and the twisted mentality of Zach Fortier. Patrolling the streets, broken and mentally damaged from years of urban violence, Zach fights a loosing battle to maintain a hold on reality. Join him in the passenger seat of a police cruiser for more of the darker and meaner side of life: The inner city. In Curbchek-Reload you get a front row seat to an attempted murder of a cop, suicide attempts, rapes, and DARK cop humor. Curbchek-Reload - Fasten your bullet proof vest and buckle your seatbelt, it is gonna be a wild ride!!!

I cant decide which of Zach's books are better than the others!!! This book is just as incredible as his other two. Zach really defines how the police work. The truths to these books are horrifying and yet seeing the situations through his eyes makes it more real. Again very easy to read, Zach has his writing career for a long time. Fantastic book I cant say it enough. I hope there will be a fourth book!!!! If so I will be first in line (scratching and biting) to get it!!! Congrats Zach, I will pass on this book and definately Rate it a Total Must Read!!!!!!!!

"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman

****
When Richard Mayhew stops one day to help a girl he finds bleeding on a London pavement, his life is forever altered, for he finds himself propelled into an alternative reality that exists in a subterranean labyrinth of sewer canals and abandoned subway stations. He has fallen through the cracks of reality and has landed somewhere different, somewhere that is Neverwhere.

Loved this read. Fantastic play on words, great descriptions, awesome characters. A whole different approach to London "underground". Loved the main character, Richard, and I tell you what, his snob of a girlfriend/fiance is a total witch!!!! Amazing ride through a fantasy. This book is a must read to anyone. A bit spooky in parts and loads of action with a hint of humor. I am passing this book on as it was passed to me! Loved it!!!

****
Richard Mayhew is a plain man with a good heart and an ordinary life that is changed forever on a day he stops to help a girl he finds bleeding on a London sidewalk. From that moment forward he is propelled into a world he never dreamed existed a dark subculture flourishing in abandoned subway stations and sewer tunnels below the city a world far stranger and more dangerous than the only one he has ever known...

really REALLY good book.