Loving my new Jord Watch (Review and Giveaway)

Loving my new Jord Watch (Review and Giveaway)

by Carol4 Comments
I recently listened to Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, on my smartphone, ironically enough. I’ll post my comments in a day or two, but it did make me start thinking about how pervasive technology is in my life. Even though we have device-free meals, that’s really the only time that’s carved out when I don’t just glance at my phone regularly, open up Facebook, scroll through Instagram. Granted, I know I’m not as bad as some people, but that’s not the point.  Even my watch shows me texts so I reply instantly because heaven forbid someone should have to wait on me. How much time am I using on social media or Candy Crush that I could enjoy or use more productively elsewhere? Would it be better to have a specific time set aside for answering texts and e-mails and maybe actually calling someone occasionally instead? Technology isn’t inherently evil and neither is social media, but we need to use...
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Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer

Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer

by Carol9 Comments
Hibernate with Me is a wonderful picture book. The story features a little bear and his mom/dad. No matter how rough life can gets or how shy the little bear feels, little bear always has a safe, warm home to go to. The words have a gentle rhyming pattern, and the illustrations accompany it perfectly. They are detailed, colorful and fit the moods, seasons of the story. The story was originally a song. The melody is in the back of the book. The lullaby quality of the story makes it a perfect book for bedtime. I think I'm going to give my copy to either my brother or my mom. A couple of my brother's kids are still young enough for picture books and I really like this one. Hibernate with Me is a gentle reminder that no matter how sad, small, or scared you feel, you are always worthy of love, and that brighter days are always ahead. I have one copy to...
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Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop

Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop

by Carol12 Comments
Welcome back to the Eighth Annual Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop. The event is hosted by Marlene @ Reading Reality and Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. I'm giving away a $20 gift card today, since I love gift cards. It's your choice, Amazon or The Book Depository. The contest is open through 12:01 am on November 27 and the winner will be announced later that day. a Rafflecopter giveaway document.write('< \/script>'); ...
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The Bookworm by Mitch Silver (with giveaway)

The Bookworm by Mitch Silver (with giveaway)

by Carol8 Comments
The Bookworm by Mitch Silver is a gripping thriller and enjoyable for the most part. There's so much going on though that it gets a bit overwhelming. Lara, the bookworm, is a Russian history professor who get caught in the middle of a couple of conspiracies. First, we have the WW 2  hoax that manages to draw Hitler's attention away from England toward Russia, stalling the invasion long enough that it never happens. Lara is given the Dictaphone cylinders to listen to by someone who is a little suspicious. Then we have the Alaskan oil field that is merely a prop in a "deal" between the Russian and American presidents, with no actual drilling going on. Lev, Lara's brother, discovers the charade, takes photos and barely escapes with his life. Somehow this all ties together in a well-pace novel with chase scenes, chess games, and a couple of dead bodies. The problem for me though is that it could have been fabulous, but...
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Spotlight and Giveaway: Falling for the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton

by CarolNo Comments
Book Trailer: Giveaway: Grand Prize Package: one winner will receive: 1) a paperback copy of Falling For the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton with autographed Last Dragon Pic 2) a paperback copy of A Balancing Act by Emmanuelle Chaulet 3) an e-copy of Murder of Talent 4) a 30-min video chat with author 2nd and 3rd Prize Packages: 2 winners will each get: 1) a Kindle copy of Falling for the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton with an autographed Last Dragon pic 2) a paperback copy of A Balancing Act by Emmanuelle Chaulet 3) an e-copy of Murder of Talent USA only Giveaway ends Dec 17 a Rafflecopter giveaway ...
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