Freda's Voice

BOOKS: 1. Care For Creation - Christy Baldwin 2. Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Character Encyclopedia 3. Ask Me Everything (recommend) 4. Earth: The Book: A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race - Jon Stewart (recommend) 5. Illustrated Cook's Book of Ingredients (recommend) 6. The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell (HIGHLY recommend) 7. Tulips in the Sand - Caryn Gottlieb-Fitzgerald 8. Spilling the Beans on the Cat's Pajamas - Judy Parkinson 9. Life - Keith Richards 10. Case Closed? - Susan Hughes 11. The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) - Dr. Barbara Becker-Holstein 12. A Path Less Traveled: A Miller's Creek Novel - Cathy Bryant (recommend) 13. Grow Herbs - Jekka McVicar 14. Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine... Maybe - Dr. Barbara Becker-Holstein 15. The Family Dinner - Laurie David (cookbook) (recommend) 16. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender 17. Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee (recommend) PROD

About Product: EZ SOX are fun learning socks for children and a helpful teaching tool for parents. It helps build the confidence that pre-schoolers need as they learn to dress themselves. En`cour´age`ment n. 1. The act of encouraging; incitement to action or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity. The act of giving hope or support. ©2010 My Opinion: Although my kids are grown, I was sent a pair of socks to check out and review. When they arrived, I was instantly struck by how cute they are. Then I inspected them further. I love that little ones can use the tabs at top to learn how to pull on their own socks. It is a great way to teach kids how to dress themselves, or undress. I also love the styles, since they are designs every child will love. The criticism I have is the skid writing on the bottom. I know it is used to stop kids from sliding on floors, but feel there should be more on the sole. The area is very small, and I know from experience wi

Synopsis: Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar. Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love. Author Bio: LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many

* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall open to a random page. * Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. * Please avoid spoilers! My Teaser: She found rocking motion for her hips and rhythms so pleasing that she felt like an exotic dancer upon him. Twice he brought his hands to her hips again to stop her, and she realized that she was exciting him to the point that he must pause, lest their experience end too soon. ~Page 374, Lost Reflections - Melanie Nowak

Synopsis: On the eve of her ninth birthday, unassuming Rose Edelstein, a girl at the periphery of schoolyard games and her distracted parents’ attention, bites into her mother’s homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the cake. She discovers this gift to her horror, for her mother—her cheerful, good-with-crafts, can-do mother—tastes of despair and desperation. Suddenly, and for the rest of her life, food becomes a peril and a threat to Rose. The curse her gift has bestowed is the secret knowledge all families keep hidden—her mother’s life outside the home, her father’s detachment, her brother’s clash with the world. Yet as Rose grows up she learns to harness her gift and becomes aware that there are secrets even her taste buds cannot discern. ©2010 My Opinion: The author had a great idea when she sat down to write this story, but for my tastes, I'm not sure it was put out there right. It just didn't co

Synopsis: The producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David's new mission is to help America's overwhelmed families sit down to a Family Dinner, and she provides all the reasons, recipes and fun tools to do so. Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table. Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engag

Synopsis: Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled? Read my review HERE . Thank you to Cathy Bryant for the giveaway! I have 1 copy up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter: OPEN TO US & CANADA NO P.O BOXES (One per household) Mandatory Entry: Comment about the book, and leave an email address. NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY. Additional Entries: +1 Follower via Google Friend Connec

Synopsis: Following on the heels of the best-selling book The Truth, SECRETS is the continuing diary of a girl moving into her teen-age years. The Girl has plenty to fill her journal. The pages reveal a new school, a new baby in the family, new friends, a new guy and a new set of issues to face. Share the secret world of an almost-teen as she learns which secrets to share and which to keep to herself. Author Bio: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self. She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. ©2010 My Opinion: This second book in The Girls series picks up where the first book left off. The tradition continues in this book, where you feel this teen girl blossom in so many ways. I still believe these books are great tools for girls ages 10-13, as it answers some questions girls that age ask, like friendships and boys. I think it is a great way for mothers to get their daugh

Welcome to Week 4 with me! Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence that grabs you. *Post it. *Link it here. It's that simple. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender Page 56: I got caught, that day.

Synopsis: Packed with practical horticultural advice as well as inspirational recipes and projects, Grow Herbs will encourage new gardeners to make herbs a part of their garden design, and shows experienced herb-growers how their plants can be put to use in the kitchen and around the house. ©2010 My Opinion: This is a great tool for people who want or already grow herbs. It has an index that surpasses any I have seen, complete with stuff I had no idea about like flea treatments. How cool is that?! Honestly, I can't wait until Spring when I can start my boxes here. I would have already but we just moved in not too long ago. This book is going to help me in so many ways, from exact preferences in growth, light and maintenance. A definite must have for any green thumb! 5/5 ~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Synopsis: Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled? Author Bio: Cathy Bryant is a former public school teacher who handed in her chalk for a private music studio and writing career. Her passion is to write heart-stirring stories that show God?s life-changing grace. Her debut novel, Texas Roads (a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) released in early 2010. A Path Less Traveled, the second book in the Mill

* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall open to a random page. * Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. * Please avoid spoilers! My Teaser: No matter how painful, she had to face the facts. She wasn't making enough money to support her son and pay her bills. ~ Page 168, A Path Less Traveled - Cathy Bryant

Synopsis: Critics and readers loved Lisa Scottoline’s first collection of true-life stories, which only encouraged her—now she’s back with these all-new, exciting adventures. She’s farther down the road now, and the scenery has changed—ex-husbands Thing One and Thing Two are in her rear-view mirror, daughter Francesca has moved into an apartment, and Lisa’s finding the silver lining in her empty nest, which has lots more room for her shoes. And some things have stayed the same—Mother Mary is still the feistiest octogenarian on the planet, who won’t part with her recipe for tomato sauce or her thirty-year old bra. In this book Lisa and Francesca spill all their family secrets—which sound a lot like yours, if you understand that three generations of women is the formula for spontaneous combustion. Inspired by her weekly column entitled, “Chick Wit” for The Philadelphia Inquirer, this is a book you’ll have to put down—just to stop laughing. Thank you to Valerie & Macmillan Publ

Synopsis: In the mothers’ and daughters’ version, this girl encapsulates the spark and energy that your daughter has inside of her, and that you had inside of yourself as a girl. It is this special capacity for fun and wisdom that we need to protect in our girls and get back to ourselves! Let’s rejoice in the girl inside of ourselves. Let’s give courage and affirmation to our daughters and granddaughters so they know from the inside out, it is ok, in fact, essential to keep her alive, as they grow up. Author Bio: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self. She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. ©2008 My Opinion: Attention! Mom's of girls ages 10-13, this is a book for them. It's a girl's diary viewpoint of life, from everything to family, love and puberty. This is a great book to give to your daughters, nieces, granddaughters and friends, to help them connect on

Synopsis: Egypt's first female pharaoh disappears around 1457 BCE - was she murdered? Find out how DNA closes the case. The ancient Arabian Peninsula city of Ubar vanishes, seemingly without trace. Find out how old maps and modern space shuttles help solve the mystery. Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage is never heard from again. Find out how spectroscopy points to some probable explanations. Case Closed? examines these and six other mysteries from ancient and modern times. Accompanied by photos, maps, diagrams and illustrations, this book reveals how modern science sheds new light on people, vessels and entire civilizations throughout history that simply vanished. In some cases, the mystery has been solved. In other cases, readers can examine the latest evidence and decide for themselves. Author Bio: Susan Hughes writes fiction and nonfiction. Susan is the author of Virginia, No Girls Allowed and Earth to Audrey. She lives in Toronto. ©2010 My Op

Welcome to Week 3 with me! Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence that grabs you. *Post it. *Link it here. It's that simple. Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee (TOURS NOVEMBER 30) Page 56: He stared back at her, that wildness in his eyes tempered with caution.

"No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win kindles, iPods, and get free books! “It's the age-old tale:      Boy meets girl.      Boy stalks girl.      Girl already has a stalker.      Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.” It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come! Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get: ‘Unspent Time’ exclusive short story collection No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook Signed hi-res poster + bookplate (These are all exclusive items and will not be

Synopsis: Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar. Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love. Thank you to Anna & Hachette Book Group for the giveaway! I have 5 copies up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter: OPEN TO US & CANADA NO P.O BOXES (One per household) Mandatory Entry: Comment about the book, and leave an email address. NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY. Additional E

* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall open to a random page. * Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. * Please avoid spoilers! My Teaser: Uncertain days--to say the least. Anna sipped at her own wine, unsure what to say. ~Page 196, Duchess of Sin - Lauren McKee

Synopsis: The long-awaited autobiography of the guitarist, songwriter, singer, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Ladies and gentlemen: Keith Richards. With The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the songs that roused the world, and he lived the original rock and roll life. Now, at last, the man himself tells his story of life in the crossfire hurricane. Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, learning guitar and forming a band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. The Rolling Stones's first fame and the notorious drug busts that led to his enduring image as an outlaw folk hero. Creating immortal riffs like the ones in "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women." His relationship with Anita Pallenberg and the death of Brian Jones. Tax exile in France, wildfire tours of the U.S., isolation and addiction. Falling in love with Patti Hansen. Estrangement from Jagger and subsequent reconciliation. Marriage, fam

Welcome to Week 2 with me! Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence that grabs you. *Post it. *Link it here. It's that simple. The Holy Quran PAGE 56: O you who believe! *I read this everyday, along with my Christian bible. I am not bias, just curious.* THERE IS NO LINKY THIS WEEK DUE TO A FAMILY STAYCATION. PLEASE LEAVE LINKS IN COMMENTS, THANKS.

Synopsis: Strike while the iron's hot and bone up on the origins of your favorite expressions Cat got your tongue? Well, for Pete's sake, use this collection of colorful expressions to enrich your everyday speech. This book spills the beans on our best-loved euphemisms and most curious sayings, explaining their fascinating origins and the remarkable stories that surround them. It rounds up the usual suspects -- the catch phrases, quotations, and expressions that keep our language flourishing -- and makes them easy to find in a convenient A-to-Z format. Did you know that . . . * The expressions all that glitters is not gold and apple of the eye have each been in use for more than a thousand years? * To bark up the wrong tree comes from the sport of raccoon hunting? * Embarrassed parents can thank the songwriter Cole Porter for the euphemism the birds and the bees? Author Bio: Judy Parkinson is a graduate of Bristol University. She is a producer of documentaries, music

* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall open to a random page. * Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. * Please avoid spoilers! My Teaser: When I first met Linda I was just astounded that she wanted to come along with me. Once again the girl puts the make on me. ~ Page 184, Life - Keith Richards

Synopsis: A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself". ©2010 My Opinion: After I read the book , I knew I had to see the movie. While watching the movie, I was instantly reminded of how many feelings the book brought out in me. The movie was bringing those same feelings out. There were times when I laughed, was excited for her character, and even somber when it was over. I really enjoyed the film adaption to this book. I feel the filmmaker had a clear vision of the book and really brought Elizabeth Gilbert's words to life. A fantastic movie, that my hubby watched, so I really recommend this to everyone. Preferably after you read the novel. 5/5 ~I watched this movie on my own. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

This challenge is one to do, as you can combine with other challenges. I am picking 50!!! Which will be listed upon completion. # go to the site and grab the button (click the photo on the sidebar) # decide how many books you want to read from your shelves (minimum of 20 - no maximum) # find a new home for the books once you read them # post the titles and the authors of books you've read and passed on # project runs from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 # crossover challenge books are allowed My reads and Reviews: 1. The Cost of Dreams - Gary Stelzer http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/01/cost-of-dreams-gary-stelzer.html 2. Beautiful Mess - Diamond Rio http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/01/beautiful-mess-story-of-diamond-rio.html 3. The Mudhogs - Dalton James http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/01/mudhogs-dalton-james.html 4. Men With Red Ties - Nastya Polikarpova http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/01/men-with-red-ties-nastya-polikarpova.html

Synopsis: On an impulse, 20 year old Riley Matthews follows her best friend's advice and joins her at The Squeaky Hinge Bar and Grill for some much needed fun in a life that had become dull and routine. How could that one act turn the events in her life around so drastically? Within days, Riley is thrown into a tangled web of money, men and murder. Searching for love, confronting her past and terrified for her life, there is only one person that can save her. Tulips in the Sand is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that is sure to keep the pages turning and your night light on. ©2008 My Opinion: This little mystery was a great afternoon delight. It had just the right amount of mystery to keep my interests and even threw in a dab of romance. I was thrown off a little. I thought I had it all figured out and it was slightly off. That's a good mystery if you ask me, one that challenges what you think you know. A little boring to start, but good once you get into it. 3.5/5 ~I won my copy

Synopsis: The Carrie Diaries is the coming-of-age story of one of the most iconic characters of our generation. Before Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. She's ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of high school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseparable. Then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With an unforgettable cast of characters, The Carrie Diaries is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Readers will learn about her family background, how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impression her early friendships and relationships left on her. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins. Author Bio: Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed,

Synopsis: Remember folding paper into a hand-held fortune teller, paper airplane or secret note square? Whether a fortune teller novice or a seasoned paper-folding expert, the new book World's Best Origami challenges readers with more than 100 of the most unique and best-loved origami patterns ever created. Professional origami artist, Nick Robinson, guides readers through the process of folding paper. Projects are rated from beginner to advanced and include everything from the traditional swan and poppy box to truly amazing pieces such as a geodetic tower and a jet plane! Each diagram is clearly displayed with easy-to-understand folding instructions for a perfect outcome every time. The book teaches readers how to: - Choose the best paper for the project - Make basic folds and perfect creases - Follow clear and simple folding instructions for a successful project outcome - Gain an understanding of origami symbols Thank you to Wendy & Alpha Books for the giveaway

Synopsis: In today's global market, cooks are constantly coming across unusual or unknown ingredients in recipes; it seems that almost every day new varieties of fruit and vegetables, rare meats, exotic spices, and flavorings are available at supermarkets, butchers', and farmers' markets. The ultimate comprehensive 'show and tell' reference to ingredients from around the globe, The Illustrated Cook's Book of Ingredients showcases fresh food and explains how to get the best out of it. Packed with annotated images and expert information that tells which varieties are best, and how to buy, store, and eat them, more than 250 "simple classic" recipes, and over 2,500 photographs, The Illustrated Cook's Book of Ingredients is an invaluable reference for food lovers and cooks intent on making the most of all the ingredients available today. ©2010 My Opinion: Another hit in my home! This book is fantastic! It has recipes in it, but this book gets

Welcome to the first week of me hosting this awesome meme! I'm so glad you decided to continue in. Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence that grabs you. *Post it. *Link it here. It's that simple. The Carries Diaries - Candace Bushnell Page 56: I knew I should have been embarrassed, but I was so relieved it was over, I couldn't be bothered.