Whoopi Goldberg: Book Signing Coming Up This Sunday

Whoopi will be signing her new graphic novel The Change this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ. Here is a link to purchase the book https://bookends-online2.square.site/product/whoopi-goldberg-book-ticket-host-of-abc-s-the-view-emmy-oscar-golden-globe-tony-award-winner-signing-the-change-sunday-july-28th-1-00pm-each-person-needs-a-book-for-entry-/675?cs=true&cst=custom

Goodreads Blurb

Whoopi Goldberg brings new meaning to what it means to be a superhero in a new graphic novel!

Isabel Frost is a woman who has spent her life as wife, mother, grandmother—a life she feels isn’t all she had hoped for, with a husband who has grown in another direction. A college graduate with a degree in science, Isabel is an amazing gamer, who plays with people all over the country. With the help of her comic-loving grandson and irreverent best friend, she must learn to control her abilities and embrace her new identity as The Change —both the change of life AND her surprising and extraordinary superpowers.

Author Biography

Whoopi Goldberg is one of an elite group of artists who have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) and is the bestselling author of the Sugar Plum Ballerina series, Book, and Is It Just Me? While performing in the Bay Area she created the characters that became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy Award–winning album, and the HBO special that helped launch her career. Spanning decades, Whoopi’s credits include roles in the well-known films The Color Purple, Ghosts of Mississippi, Sister Act, and Ghost. She produced the documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley, and she appeared in and was one of the producers of the critically acclaimed 2022 feature film Till. She loves VW Bugs, working casinos, and comfortable clothing; is a passionate supporter of the audio arts and dedicated collector of audiobooks; and heads the Whoopfam Group, makers of Emma & Clyde, Whoopi & Maya, and other recreational and medicinal marijuana products.

Book Mail: The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

I couldn’t wait to receive an ARC copy of Jean Hanff Korelitz, who wrote The Plot, which had a twisted ending. The follow-up to her previous book is The Sequel. The book cover on the right is the book written by the character Anna Williams-Bonner. A review will follow when I’m done reading it.

Goodreads Blurb

Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business. That is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?

But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. That it does means something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly… Anna, herself. What does this person want and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.

With her signature wit and sardonic humor, Jean Hanff Korelitz gives readers an antihero to root for while illuminating and satirizing the world of publishing in this deliciously fun and suspenseful read.

Author Biography

Jean Hanff Korelitz is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels THE PLOT (The 2021 Tonight Show Summer Reads pick), YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN (adapted for HBO as “The Undoing” by David E. Kelley, and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland), ADMISSION (adapted as the 2013 film starring Tina Fey), THE DEVIL AND WEBSTER, THE WHITE ROSE, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and A JURY OF HER PEERS. A new novel, THE LATECOMER, will be published on May 31st, 2022. Her company BOOKTHEWRITER hosts “Pop-Up Book Groups” in person in NYC and online, where small groups of readers can discuss new books with their authors. http://www.bookthewriter.com

Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Goodreads Blurb

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors–until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This outstanding book brought me so much joy. It’s been a while since I devoured a book in three days, not allowing me to take a break from this heartwarming story. This book gave me all the emotions, with characters who stole my heart. Shelby created characters who made us want to know more about their stories. I learned early on how this story was going to unravel. I was happy with how the story turned out.

The leading character, Marcellus, who happens to be a giant Pacific octopus, makes the story interesting with his countdown to the end of his life. I was sad that, as the reader, you knew his death was imminent, but his smarts and skills will show the powers these beautiful creatures have. It was great learning more about the lifespan and abilities of an octopus.

This story is a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows a son who never knew his father, and his mom abandoned him. He searches for his possible father after locating a picture and a high school class ring. You have a seventy-year-old widow who had lost her husband and her son, who died a mysterious death when he was eighteen. This story beautifully weaves together these broken hearts who lost a lot but have so much to give to each other. Marcellus (the octopus) helps the characters figure out the mystery between these two lives, which brings new opportunities and locates what they lost. The characters’ growth and resilience throughout the story will leave you feeling hopeful.

I loved Tova Sullivan’s strength in pushing through the loss of her family and working hard at her age in the aquarium. His mother’s actions scarred Cameron Cassmore. He was a lost character trying to make it through the day in hopes of locating his happiness. I have a fascination for all sea creatures and was so happy I got to spend some quality time with Marcellus, the hero of this story. Marcellus days were outnumbered, but that didn’t stop him from making Tova realize who Cameron was to her. His friendship with Tova meant a lot to him. His memory of Erik, Tova’s son, made him want to bring Tova joy again. This is a magical story that will brighten your life.

Author Biography

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, will be published by Ecco/HarperCollins (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) in Spring 2022.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.

Review: Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin

Goodreads Blurb

Spend the holidays with your favorite blue cat! In this rockin’ spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is Christmas in July, a perfect time to read this book. So far, it is my favorite Pete the Cat book. I was so excited with the stickers. Pete, this time, was taken away from his warm weather at Key West to help Santa bring gifts to all the children. My favorite was the mini van being flown by the reindeer. It was epic. Pete the Cat, though small, was able to complete his task.

Author Biography

Eric Litwin (Mr. Eric) is a guitar strumming, book writing, harmonica blowing, song singing, folksy, fun type of guy. He is the # 1 New York Times Best Selling author of the first four Pete the Cat picture books and the author of the new musical series The Nuts. Eric’s books have sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into seven languages and won 15 state and national awards including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award. He has also recorded award winning music CDs. Eric is a popular performing artist who plays guitar, sings, tells musical stories and brings books to life. He is also a nationally respected keynote speaker on interactive literacy and music. Eric is the co-creator of The Learning Groove which offers parent and child music classes and preschool music curriculum. Eric likes music, books and coffee.

Review: A Bramble House Christmas by CJ Carmichael

Goodreads Blurb

Finn Knightly a.k.a. Finn Conrad wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is an outstanding romance that I will cherish forever. This was such a touching story with Willa and her son Scout. Their story tugged at my heart. Willa is a strong character who has gone through a lot with her son and her patients. Finn was upset that Willa took advantage of his poor father before he died because he left her fifty thousand dollars. Scout was a true hero in this story. He overcame cancer and was able to be himself and enjoy life as a kid. Willa and Finn both had a secret when they met, but love overcame the hurt and deception. A story you will need some tissues while reading.

Author Biography

USA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.

Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors–her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.

Visit C.J.’s website at http://CJCarmichael.com

For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub…

Review: Full Color Life: How to Live a Creative Balanced Life by Margery Walshaw

Goodreads Blurb

Have you ever asked: What if I could work for myself? How can I pursue my creative dreams? How do I become more successful?

The idea of being creative triggers mixed reactions. Some people admit to feeling a passion for creative activities, but modestly claim their efforts aren’t good enough. Others shake their heads as if to push the thought away and say they have to make a real living.

Margery Walshaw has worked with creatives throughout the world. She’s noticed that those who are most successful view life as if seeing a rainbow — dramatically and in full color.

Here she has written an empowering guide to help businesses and individuals, even those who aren’t in artistic fields, find their creative spark and develop the self-belief and tools to make their business and personal life flourish.

She encourages people to release preconceived ideas and harmful phrases such as “I can’t” and “what if” while moving purposefully toward a life that is happier, more fulfilling, and responsible.

More than a testament for creative expression, Full Color Life provides inspiration and instruction for individuals and businesses. It’s about embracing challenges, finding opportunities, and discovering those elusive rainbows that lead us to a creative, balanced life.

Read this book and enjoy the journey in your Full Color Life.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Margery is a true cheerleader. Her wonderful book of how to live a creative life really brought so many outcomes, troubles, and ideas that we all go through, which stops us from doing what we love. Loved how she added interviews of actors and writers who all at some point ran into struggles in getting to where they are at today. The key is to never give up and to take negative thoughts away. She broke the book up into three sections. The three parts were self-belief, discipline, and perseverance. A combination of all these three aspects will make us see our goal and accomplish it without procrastination. I was struggling to start a masters program, and I just keep on stressing out the amount of work and time I need to put into it. I add so much negativity that it stops me from achieving my goals. After reading this book, I will take Margery’s ideas and thoughts because, yes, I can do it, and so can you.

Author Biography

Margery Walshaw has served as an editor and publicist to novelists who are published by Berkley, Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, and Scholastic. She has managed screenwriters whose scripts have sold to major production companies and television networks. Additionally, as a book packager she helps many successful indie authors with guidance on editorial, art direction, and social media.

Her articles have appeared in national publications and she has also worked on publicity campaigns for nationally and internationally recognized companies. She was privileged to teach public relations at Pepperdine University in Malibu and has provided many professionals with writing instruction along with ghostwriting of their own books.

Margery holds a Bachelor’s Degree from U.S.C. and returned later to earn her Master of Arts degree in Professional Writing also from U.S.C. If ever stranded on a desert island, her one wish is to be with another writer.

Review: Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks

Goodreads Blurb

A gentle Eastern European immigrant arrives in New York City after his family and his life have been torn apart by his country’s civil war. A man who loves to bowl rolls a perfect game–and then another and then another and then many more in a row until he winds up ESPN’s newest celebrity, and he must decide if the combination of perfection and celebrity has ruined the thing he loves. An eccentric billionaire and his faithful executive assistant venture into America looking for acquisitions and discover a down and out motel, romance, and a bit of real life. These are just some of the tales Tom Hanks tells in this first collection of his short stories. They are surprising, intelligent, heartwarming, and, for the millions and millions of Tom Hanks fans, an absolute must-have!

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Was excited that Tom Hanks had written a book and couldn’t wait to read it. I am not a fan of short stories. Felt like it took a long time to finish reading this book. I would get lost in some of the stories. I loved that most of the stories were of the past. I also loved the different types of writers that opened each chapter. Overall, some of the stories were very good and interesting. Others were confusing and boring.

Author Biography

Thomas Jeffrey “Tom” Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor, filmmaker and writer. He is known for his roles in Big (1988), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Saving Private Ryan, You’ve Got Mail ( 1998), Cast Away (2000), The Da Vinci Code (2006), Captain Phillips, and Saving Mr. Banks (both 2013), as well as for his voice work in the animated films The Polar Express (2004) and the Toy Story series.

Hanks has received six Academy Award nominations including two consecutive wins for Best Actor for Philadelphia, and Forrest Gump in 1993, and 1994 respectively.

He has received numerous honors including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2002, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2014, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor both in 2016, as well as the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2020.

My Current Book Club Read: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Goodreads Blurb:

Author Biography

Review: A Cold Creek Noel by RaeAnne Thayne

Goodreads Blurb

Caidy Bowman had been the apple of her family’s eye—until a devastating tragedy forced her to hide from the world. She was used to devoting her time to the animals on her family’s ranch. Then widower Ben Caldwell and his two adorable children arrived in Pine Gulch, and suddenly, Caidy wanted more than a life in the shadows….As the town’s new vet, Ben needed a place to stay for the holidays—and for his family to heal from their own loss. He absolutely wasn’t looking for love again! But Caidy Bowman’s sparkling green eyes and sweet smile touched Ben’s broken heart, giving him hope for a new future. Their future—if he could convince the beautiful cowgirl that Christmas was a time for new beginnings….

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It is a heartwarming story based on Christmas, with characters who are insecure due to their tragic past. RaeAnne knows how to create characters who reflect on everyday issues people encounter in life. These issues are relatable, and readers can sympathize with them. She provides the readers with the personal struggles both Caidy Bowman and Ben Caldwell lived with.

RaeAnne is known for creating sparks between her characters. When Caidy and Ben first meet, there are fireworks, but the character’s arrogance puts a damper on the possibilities. Ben is a veterinarian who is a widower with two young children. Caidy has hidden away on her family ranch due to the horrifying deaths of her parents, which she takes the blame for.

The magic of Christmas will bring Ben and Caidy to a place of forgiveness, love, and happiness. They are both family-oriented and always looking to help others. Love can overcome the demons of the past. A story based on Christmas always brings the joy and the magic of the holiday season.

Author Biography

I’m not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all — through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s-it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Review: A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst

Goodreads Blurb

A destination wedding in Italy’s Lake Como brings three best friends back together to face the secrets of the past in this romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Best friends Ava, Madison, and Chelsea made a pact to reunite for each other’s weddings when their careers sent them in different directions. But after one of them makes a choice that tears the group apart, an upcoming wedding might be their last chance to heal old wounds.

Ava is about to marry the man she loves in a lavish ceremony on the shores of Lake Como, but she’s haunted by the mistakes she’s made.

Madison’s made a name for herself as an influencer in the fashion world but is threatened by a scandal impacting everything she holds dear.

And Chelsea has the perfect family she always craved, but her professional dreams have fallen by the wayside.

As they return to Italy’s gorgeous coast, the three women revisit their life-changing first trip to Lake Como during college. When Madison comes face-to-face with the college sweetheart who was at the heart of one of the most pivotal times of her life, can they forge a new way forward?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Can friendship withstand the test of time? This story of three friends finding their place in life will show you how ugly friendships can get. Ava, Madison, and Chelsea are living life to the fullest. Their friendship with Ava, who is quite needy, will change their lives forever. This story will take you down a rabbit hole of emotions and leave the reader questioning whether forgiveness is a possibility.

I could relate to this story because I have had past friendships that went sour. When you have a friend who tries to run every person’s life, it never ends well. This book brings up so many emotions of wanting to feel loved and wanted. Maddie was constantly looking for her parents’ acceptance and love. She tried to find that love with her friends and her followers. I connected so much with Maddie since I am also a fashion lover. I loved reading the parts about fashion. The romance between Maddie and Riggs was precisely what readers yearned for.

Jennifer delved right into developing characters that made this story come to life. She created a fun storyline with exciting opportunities for the future. She slowly twisted that happiness into a moment that will change the characters’ and readers’ lives forever. It was hard having to be present at the one moment that destroyed the four characters’ friendship, but the retelling of events drove an unexpected dagger to the heart. Forgiveness can bring you to a place of calmness, acceptance, and second chances. Will the time apart and discussing what happened help the characters find forgiveness, and how powerful is friendship? I would not have been so forgiving for the events these characters endured.

Author Biography

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at http://www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at http://www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.