Review: The Truth about Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo

Goodreads Blurb

A theme park princess must put her life back together after her happily ever after falls apart in this contemporary YA romance from Karole Cozzo, author of How to Keep Rolling After a Fall and How to Say I Love You Out Loud.

Everything was supposed to be perfect. Alyssa has a job she loves, working as Cinderella at her favorite theme park; a fantastic group of friends; and a boyfriend who will no longer be long distance. But as the summer progresses, her prince becomes less charming and more distant, and Alyssa’s perfect summer falls apart.

Forced to acknowledge that life is not always a fairy tale, Alyssa starts working to pull her herself back together. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her friend Miller’s support, she’s determined to prove that she’s more than just a pretty princess. And with his help, maybe she’s finally ready for something better than dreams. Maybe she’s ready for something real.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When Disney becomes a theme for a book, Yay!! Sometimes, fairy tales don’t play out like you dreamed them to be. Alyssa has the perfect life and her dream job. She gets to be a princess for a theme park. Who doesn’t want to dress up like a princess while making other little girls’ dreams come true. Unfortunately, life isn’t as simple as we could plan it. Sometimes, your dream fairy tale turns to shreds in a heartbeat. We sometimes don’t see how close love is until you open your eyes. Princesses know how to keep their heads up high so their tiara sparkles and shines. I truly recommend you read this wonderful fairy tale and see Alyssa transform from princess to… you will need to read to find out. Love this magical book cover it really gives the reader the fairy tale dream.

Goodreads Author Biography

Karole lives outside of Philadelphia, PA with her loving husband, exuberant little girl, and smiley little boy. She adores YA Romance, because it would be awesome if life in general had a requisite feel-good happy ending rule. Vices include obscene Haribo gummy consumption, addiction to Starbucks NF vanilla lattes, and tendency to hoard Bath and Body Works 3-wick candles.

Review: The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares

Goodreads Blurb

Summer for Sasha and Ray means the sprawling old house on Long Island. Since they were children, they’ve shared almost everything—reading the same books, running down the same sandy footpaths to the beach, eating peaches from the same market, laughing around the same sun-soaked dining table. Even sleeping in the same bed, on the very same worn cotton sheets. But they’ve never met.

Sasha’s dad was once married to Ray’s mom, and together they had three daughters: Emma, the perfectionist; Mattie, the beauty; and Quinn, the favorite. But the marriage crumbled and the bitterness lingered. Now there are two new families—and neither one will give up the beach house that holds the memories, happy and sad, of summers past.

The choices we make come back to haunt us; the effect on our destinies ripples out of our control…or does it? This summer, the lives of Sasha, Ray, and their siblings intersect in ways none of them ever dreamed, in a novel about family relationships, keeping secrets, and most of all, love.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Life comes full of surprises. This was the first book I have read from Ann. I was lost halfway through the book, going from character to character. It started getting interesting halfway through the book. This book brought two families that share kids in common but live their separate lives. Two of the kids, Sasha and Ray, are not related but never met even though they share Ray’s sisters. This book is filled with love, secrets, courage, and strength. The two families can’t be together until an unexpected tragedy brings them all together. I learned that we need to all love and care for each other because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Goodreads Author Biography

Ann Brashares is an American young adult novelist. She is best known as the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.

Review: Two Days Gone by Randall Silvis

Goodreads Blurb

What could cause a man, when all the stars of fortune are shining upon him, to suddenly snap and destroy everything he has built? This is the question that haunts Sergeant Ryan DeMarco after the wife and children of beloved college professor and bestselling author Thomas Huston are found slaughtered in their home. Huston himself has disappeared and so is immediately cast as the prime suspect.

DeMarco knows—or thinks he knows—that Huston couldn’t have been capable of murdering his family. But if Huston is innocent, why is he on the run? And does the half-finished manuscript he left behind contain clues to the mystery of his family’s killer?

A masterful new thriller by acclaimed author Randall Silvis, Two Days Gone is a taut, suspenseful story that will break your heart as much as it will haunt your dreams.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow, I am speechless. Randall is truly a gifted writer who writes stories that make you struggle with your belief in good people. His writing makes you see, feel, and place yourself in the story. This is the first book I have read from Randall, and I just found another favorite author to read. This story really tore my heart apart. His writing really grasps the reader from the very beginning, making you feel sadness, hope, strength, weakness, and death in the worst ways. Life is precious but can disappear at the blink of an eye. Each word I read leads me to more mystery, secrets, and revelations. I loved both Ryan and Huston as strong-willed characters who are in search of answers and freedom. I truly was captivated by how this story unraveled and set the reader and characters free of the torment. This thriller mixed with poetry and mystery will keep you wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

Goodreads Author Biography

Randall Silvis is the internationally acclaimed author of over a dozen novels, one story
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.

Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement

Review: Without Words by Delancey Stewart

Goodreads Blurb

After an accident in the line of duty, firefighter Roberto DeRosa’s life is turned upside down. His career fighting fires is over, and he’s left with an uncertain future and an injury that makes communicating difficult for him. The only time words flow easily is when they’re lyrics and he has a guitar in his hands. Talking to women is definitely out, especially if they have bright blue eyes that seem to see right into his soul.

Dani Hodge is on the brink of realizing her dream of opening a small combination wine and book store in San Diego’s funky Ocean Beach neighborhood. But before she can open the doors, there’s work to be done, more work than she can do herself.

When the tattooed guy who completely ignored her at a bar walks by and offers her a hand wrangling a tile saw, Dani can’t afford to say no—and why would she say no to Mr. Strong and Silent when his stare conveys more than words could?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is a wonderful book that sparks love at first sight to a full-blown lust and desire. I loved how both Dani and Rob had many scars from previous relationships. This made the story more fun since they were so attracted to each other but were so worried about how either one would leave. Rob was a character with many flaws who had a huge heart. I loved that Dani, though scarred from her past family history, was able to succeed and had a clear mine of what she wanted in life. This was a wonderful romance filled with love, hope, and determination. I assure you that wine and chocolates truly make this the book extra enjoyable.

Goodreads Author Biography

I’m USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It’s a guarantee.

I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there’d be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)

I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher… I’m not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don’t forget to join my newsletter!

Upcoming Book Tour: David Baldacci

A new book tour was added for Paramus B&N.

About this Event

Join Barnes & Noble – Paramusin Paramus, NJ on Saturday, November 15th as we welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldaccito discuss his new book NASH FALLS. In this page-turning thriller, when Walter Nash is recruited by the FBI to help bring down a global crime network his life is turned completely upside down.

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To make this event safe and enjoyable for all attendees, please read the below guidelines ahead of buying a ticket, so you know what to expect on the day. To avoid disappointment, we must stress that there will be no access to the event for non-ticketholders.

TICKET INFORMATION

**A ticket includes

  • **A ticket PER PERSON includesone pre-signed copy of NASH FALLS, along with admission to the event space for the Talk/Q&A. (LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE)**

Book Admission – $34.21 (Admission + one pre-signed copy of NASH FALLS: **LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE**: A ticket PER PERSON includes:

–>For tickets that include admission to the discussion, there are SEATED and STANDING tickets:

For Seated Tickets: Limited quantity is available and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a ticket guarantees entrance to the event for the discussion and signing. However, this ticket may not necessarily guarantee a seat at the event, as later arrivals may be placed in a line behind the seated audience.

For Standing Room-Only Tickets: Limited quantity is available and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a ticket guarantees entrance to the event for the discussion and signing. Ticket holders will be granted a standing view from behind the seated audience — some views may be more limited/obstructed than others.

  • Books will come pre-signed, but there will be a signing line for personalizations after the discussion. Photographs with the author will be allowed at this time.
  • Ticket holders will be admitted into the event beginning at 1:30 PM on the day of the event. Please have a copy of your ticket available (either printed out or on your phone) for check-in.
  • Any gifts for the author will be collected at check in.
  • To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise you to arrive no later than the start time of the event. Late arrivals may not have the opportunity to enter the event space.
  • No books or memorabilia will be signed at the event.
  • No large bags will be permitted into the event.
  • If you require special assistance or require a carer to be present, please contact the store in advance of the event.
  • Barnes & Noble may cancel this event at any time with or without notice to the ticket holders.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

  • Some outside queuing may be required, so please do come dressed appropriately for all weathers.
  • The exact time at which the event ends will be determined on the day.
  • Due to health and safety and space limitations, those without a ticket will not be permitted to join the queue.
  • **Masks are strongly recommended if you are not vaccinated.
  • All event guidelines are subject to change.
  • If you have any additional questions, you can call the store directly at: (201) 445-4589.

Link to purchase a ticket: https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3448

Review: Where Is the Eiffel Tower by Dina Anastasio

Goodreads Blurb

Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!

When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it  ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World’s Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.

This book, part of the  New York Times  best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is truly one of the most magnificent structures ever created. I am happy that after all that hard work, Gustave went through that the Eiffel Tower didn’t get destroyed. I haven’t seen it in person, but I am obsessed with this beauty. I love the images in the book and was happy to learn the history.

Goodreads Author Biography

Dina Anastasio grew up and lives in New York City. She lived in West Cork, Ireland, for many years. She is a freelance writer and past editor of Sesame Street Magazine (four years). She is a mother of two with three grandchildren.

Review: Summer at the Shore by Carol Ross

Goodreads Blurb

Risking his life for others is all in a day’s work for Coast Guard petty officer Jay Johnston. Until he comes to the rescue of Mia Frasier after her small plane goes down. Maybe it’s because the empathetic blue-eyed vet wants to save the world just as passionately as Jay wants to create a safe haven for his five younger siblings, but there’s no denying their bond. Despite his growing feelings for Mia, a romantic relationship isn’t on Jay’s radar. How can two people always on the move stay in one place long enough to create a family of their own?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Another amazing story by Carol. She sure knows how to grasp the readers attention with a life and death situation. This story truly touched my heart. It was a story that, though it was fiction it truly could be someone’s life situations. I love the chemistry between Jay and Mia. They are both fighters who have worked hard to get where they are today. Mia is a veterinarian who loves to save animals from cruelty. Jay is in the Coast Guard and assists in saving life’s when they are in the ocean. This book was full of drama, secrets, hope, and love. Each character was perfect for this novel. Made the story come to life. If you are looking for a book that takes you to dangers in life and finding love, then look no further.

Goodreads Author Biography

Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.

Review: The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Goodreads Blurb

The Bad Guys next mission? Rescue 10,000 chickens from a high-tech cage farm. But they are up against sizzling lasers, one feisty tarantula, and their very own Mr. Snake…who’s also known as “The Chicken Swallower.” What could possibly go wrong?

Get ready to laugh up your lunch with the baddest bunch of do-gooders in town!

My review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was such a cute, funny book. Perfect for children to read and enjoy. I love the illustrations, and the plot was very good.

Goodreads Author Biography

Aaron is an Australian author of children’s books and artist who until the mid-2000s was also an actor. His award winning picture books include Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley, The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon and the best-selling Pig the Pug.

In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994’s The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003’s CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.