Freda's Voice

Welcome to the May Edition of Monthly News! I started a new blog, Galoots of Giveaways , dedicated to spreading the word of Canadian-friendly giveaways.That doesn't mean other people can't enter, like US or otherwise, I'm just sticking to making sure other Canadians can get some stuff too. BOOKS: 1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (HIGHLY recommend) 2. The Book of Tomorrow - Cecelia Ahern (recommend) 3. Backseat Saints - Joshilyn Jackson (recommend) 4. Winter's Passage - Julie Kagawa (recommend) 5. Dog Days - Elsa Watson (recommend) 6. The Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa (recommend) 7. Star Wars: Mysteries of the Jedi (recommend) 8. Shadow Sight - E.J. Stevens (recommend) 9. NIV Once-A-Day 31 Days of Wisdom - Zondervan 10. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover - Ally Carter PAGE COUNT: 15842 PRODUCTS: 1. Dove Beauty Bar  2. Neutrogena All Naturals  3. Pirate Costume 4. Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light MOVIES: 1. The Hunger Games Yearl

When Cammie Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she’s in for an exciting end to her summer. After all, she’s there to watch Macey’s father accept the nomination for vice president. But when you go to the world’s best school (for spies), “exciting” and “deadly” are never far apart. Soon the girls find themselves trapped in a kidnappers’ plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.   Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; Reprint edition (May 18, 2010) ISBN: 9781423116608 My Opinion: The narrator in the audiocopy  has a nice voice and speaks well.  I wasn't sure I was into the idea of teenage girls being in "spy school", but as the story progressed it became more interesting to me and not so far fetched. It didn't always keep my attention at first, then I'd hear a word like, covert, and I'd start listening again. I had no idea this was a third in a series, it can be read as a stand alone easily

This 31-day reading from the book of Proverbs from the New International Version of the Bible will speak to your deepest needs as you engage with God's Word. Practical and insightful, these devotions---written by the staff at trusted ministry Walk Thru the Bible---will fill each day with wisdom and understanding about who God is and what he has intended for the lives of his people. NIV 2011. The New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible is the world's most popular modern-English Bible---easy to understand, yet rich with thedetail found in the original languages. Kindle: 221 KB Print Length: 96 pages Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (January 10, 2012) ASIN: B004PYDL7Q My Opinion: I read this book everyday in May. It was refreshing reading and learning the lessons in each Proverb. I felt a sense of goodness flow within me while learning the lessons God intended us to know. I know it sounds cliché but, it really does lift my spirits and s

Good afternoon readers! We have author, Allen Wyler, joining us today to answer a few questions and talk about his book, Dead End Deal . So, Allen, please tell us about your book. It’s a blitz-pace thriller about a neurosurgeon who, while in Korea, is framed for a murder. While hunted by police he must evade a professional hit man while trying to find a way back to the United States. I figure it’s Three Days of The Condor meets Michael Crichton.    Who or what inspires your writing? Wish I could say that someone or something inspires me, but for me writing is hard work that comes from wanting to achieve one goal: create a thrilling read.    When did you know you would be a writer? It was something I’d always dreamed of. One day I came home from making rounds at the hospital and sat down at the computer to write a book. Life has never been the same.    How long did it take you to write your first novel? It’s hard to know because I worked on it off a

Retirement is a scary step for many seniors, in many different ways. Here are ten books that explore the many ways retirement can be challenging, and help you find practical solutions to each problem.  1. What’s Next: Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Jo b (Kerry Hannon) Hannon has traveled the country to interview a variety of people who have made a successful midlife career transition, and have been happier as a result. Read this book years before you retire, so you can make the most out of a positive change in your life. 2. How To Retire Happy: The 12 Most Important Decisions You Must Make Before You Retire (Stan Hinden) Hinden does a great job of thoroughly covering everything from Medicare to estate planning, so you understand the most important decisions you must make before entering retirement. This book helps an upcoming retiree to focus on the decisions that will impact their retirement the most. 3. Stop The Retirement Rip-Off: How To Avoid Hidden Fee

SHOULD BE READING Thud... crunch. Grunt.... thud. My head shot up at the sounds coming from outside. Cole? No other sound came. I sighed. I guess it was just the wind.

For many women, achieving lightweight hair means compromising on conditioning. Yet, by avoiding conditioners hair misses out on conditioning nourishment. To help women get their ‘bounce’ and conditioning back, Pantene Pro-V launched Aqua Light , a collection of hair products made for women that desire lightweight hair that’s full of body and natural movement. The Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light collection includes: - a silicone-free shampoo that cleanses the hair and rids it of heavy residues, and rinses out in seconds; - a weightless conditioner that moisturizes the hair, leaving it soft and easy to comb through; - a weightless conditioning shake, which is a no-rinse formula that protects your strands from the heat of hair styling tools, such as the blow dryer or hair straightener. Together, these products condition your tresses from root to tip, leaving them weightless and full of body. My Opinion: I received the new line from iDivine, and started using it the next

Some things are best left unseen... Ivy Granger's second sight is finally giving her life purpose. Ivy and her best friend Jinx may not be raking in the dough, but their psychic detective agency pays the bills--most of the time. Their only worry is the boredom of a slow day and the occasional crazy client--until a demon walks through their door. Demons are never a good sign... A demon attorney representing the water fae? Stranger things have happened. And things are about to get very, very strange as a bloodthirsty nightmare hunts the city of Harborsmouth. There's blood in the water... Kelpies have a reputation for eating humans. Unfortunately, Kelpies are the clients. When an Unseelie faerie this evil stalks the waterways of your city, you have to make hard choices. The lesser of two evils... Sacred Oaks Press July 24, 2012   ISBN: 9780984247585 Excerpt:    Welcome to Harborsmouth, where monsters walk the streets unseen by humans…except those with sec

Welcome to Week 76 with me!   Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you. *Post it. *Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.    "It did rain pretty hard all night. That could have washed them away." the captain pointed out. "Yeah, but deep grooves?" Mitch speculated. "Rain alone wouldn't wash that away."

Mysteries of the Jedi is a dynamic visual guide that brings the Star Wars galaxy to life for a new generation of Star Wars fans. In it, younger readers will meet all the Jedi heroes from Anakin to Yoda, understand what it takes to become a Jedi, find out how to wield a lightsaber, discover the secrets of the Force, examine the tools of the Jedi trade, and more! Lively test and bold, kid-friendly design provide a new approach to the much-loved characters and themes of the Classic and Prequel Trilogies. Mysteries of the Jedi uncovers the mysteries of the Jedi Order, the Force, and the dark powers that threaten them, for children aged 7 and up. Hardcover: 96 pages Publisher: DK Publishing (February 21, 2011) ISBN: 9780756671976 Purchase at Amazon.ca My Opinion: I think this is one of the best books that has references to all of the movies made in a series. It covers the newest and the oldest, and puts it in a format that makes more sense than if you watched

'Hearts Restored' by Prue Phillipson is now available as a free download in the Kindle store from today until Sunday.  What can a young man of fifteen do when he is told by his mother that  the three cousins he is about to meet all want to marry him? Daniel  Wilson Horden has arrived in London with his parents from their home in Northumberland on the very day of King Charles II's triumphant return to his capital. Receiving his own personal wave from the king, Daniel longs only to serve him, but first he must keep at bay the threat of marriage. His two French cousins are adamant in their pursuit of him, but Daniel  is intrigued by his English cousin, Eunice, whose Puritan father snatches her away from the reunion celebrations. Unaware that his gallant attempt to save her has endeared him to her, Daniel only just  escapes the marriage trap which his younger French cousin lays for him  and is sent off to study at Cambridge University. Once she returns to  her father

Anytime Costumes is a great online site for all your costume needs. There are a variety of styles to choose from, as well as a vast selection of themes. They even have a plus size section and can equip you with all the accessories you need to make your costume amazing! Where else can you go to get you and your pet a new costume ? My Opinion: I was sent the pirate costume of my choice.... I went wench style.... I got the standard size and it fit well. I don't really have the boobs for it, but I still pulled it off! I like how it felt and flowed when I walked too. I look forward to wearing it on Halloween this year and even Talk like a Pirate day.... well, why not?! I look like a swashbuckling sea-wench, all I need is my parrot and peg leg! I definitely think this is a great source for costumes, and will be back to get some more.... I got my eye on a few! 5/5 Recommend? YES!!!! They're awesome and affordable! And F.Y.I..... they are having a contest right no

Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it's only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble. But one day, Sam sees them harassing an eccentric schoolmate of his named Jennifer. When Sam finds the courage to face the bullies down, he loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one. Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons and the devil and death. And here's the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies--prophecies of something terrible that's going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it. With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart. Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original edition (August 1, 2010) ISBN: 9780373210138 Author Bio:  Julie Kagawa worked as a professional dog trainer for several years, until she sold her first book and stopped training to write full-time. My Review of Book 1, The Iron King , is HERE .

SHOULD BE READING The woman stared at me over the gold rim of her glasses, lips pursed in a disdainful expression. She wore a black business suit that clung to her body, and her hair pulled into a tight yet elegant bun, giving her a stern demeanor. Her makeup was perfect, and towering black heels made her seem taller and even more imposing.

In Elsa Watson's Dog Days, s truggling café owner Jessica Sheldon volunteered to be the chairperson of Woofinstock, Madrona’s annual dog festival, to overcome her reputation as “number one dog hater” in her dog crazy Northwestern town. Determined to prove her dog-loving credentials, Jessica rescues Zoe, a stray white German shepherd— and in the process the two are struck by lightning. Jessica wakes to discover paws where her feet should be, and watches in horror as her body staggers around the town square…. Zoe and Jessica have switched bodies. Learning to live as a dog is difficult enough, but Jessica’s real worry is saving her café from financial ruin. To complicate matters, she’s falling hard for Max, the town veterinarian. It’s clear that Zoe is thrilled to live life on “human terms,” thoroughly relishing all of the fun and food Woofinstock has to offer. But Zoe is also anxious to use her new human skills to find her missing family—who may not want her back. An

Welcome to Week 75 with me!   Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you. *Post it. *Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple. "That sounds uncomfortably close to a threat, Erlking."

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey. Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....   Kindle: 211 KB Print Length: 51 pages Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 1, 2010) ASIN: B003N2QUZG My review of Book 1, The Iron King My Opinion: This was a great little short story taking us through the Winter territory. The story picks up exactly where The Iron King leaves off, so you really feel like you haven't missed a thing.

SHOULD BE READING As evening fell, Ash pulled several food items from the horse’s pack and gave them to me; bread and dried meat and cheese, ordinary human food. Apparently, he remembered my last experiment with eating faery food, which hadn’t turned out so well. I nibbled the dry bread, gnawed on the jerky and hoped he wouldn’t mention the Summerpod incident and the embarrassment that followed.

Good evening readers! Today I have a treat for you. Author Kersten Kelly is joining us to talk about her book, Economics: A Simple Twist on Normalcy , and answering a few questions for us. First let's learn about the book. The book is a unique compilation of examples of pop culture, history, social media, business, sports, and education all explained through an economic lens. It uses current market trends and examples that can be applicable and enjoyable for anyone. It is written in a narrative non-fiction format so it flows easily and does not read similarly to a textbook. Economics is part of daily life, and this book challenges readers to question how and why people make decisions by adding a simple twist on normalcy.   Who or what inspires your writing? I am inspired everyday by the people around me. It seems like I learn so much each day, and I try to apply those things to my written work. It is absolutely critical to continue to think outside the box and an

Neutrogena is a member of the Johnson & Johnson company line. They are the #1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand. Their products are manufactured and sold in more than 70 countries. Neutrogena Naturals is a new skin care line for the more sensitive skins. My Opinion:  I received a few products of their new Naturals line for review from Klout . It was a perk I received. I'm so glad I did too. I am always on the hunt for a good product for cleaning my skin and making it feel soft all throughout the day. At my age, 35, I thought acne and problem skin would be gone, but it isn't. I didn't have much until later in life and always try to take care of my skin. I find this Neutrogena line helps do exactly what I look for, it cleans, and you notice it, and it leaves my skin so soft. And not just for a minute, for most of the day actually. I definitely am going to stick with Neutrogena for now. It is the best I have used so far. 5/5 Recommend? Yes! D

Clare Moorhouse, the American wife of a high-ranking diplomat in Paris, is arranging an official dinner crucial to her husband's career. As she shops for fresh stalks of asparagus and works out the menu and seating arrangements, her day is complicated by the unexpected arrival of her son and a random encounter with a Turkish man, whom she discovers is a suspected terrorist. More unnerving is a recurring face in the crowd, one that belonged to another, darker era of her life. One she never expected to see again. But it can't be him--he's been dead for 20 years.... Like Virginia Woolf did in Mrs. Dalloway , Anne Korkeakivi brilliantly weaves the complexities of an age into an act as deceptively simple as hosting a dinner party. Thanks to Anna and Hachette Book Group , I have 3 copies up for grabs. Fill in the Rafflecopter form to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to Week 74 with me!   Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you. *Post it. *Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.    I woke up on the ground, my muscles cramping with pain.Everything about me felt pummeled and crushed, like I'd been squashed by a stampeding cow.

Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As "Mrs. Ro Grandee" she's trapped in a marriage that's thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting "Ro" make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy---one who shares her past and knows her future. The tarot cards foretell that Rose's beautiful, abusive husband is going to kill her. Unless she kills him first. Hot-blooded Rose Mae escapes from under Ro's perky compliance and emerges with a gun and a plan to beat the hand she's been dealt. Following messages that her long-missing mother has left hidden for her in graffiti and behind paintings, Rose and her dog Gretel set out from Am

READ MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.  Duration: 2 Hours 7 Mins Rated: PG-13 Action, Drama, Sci-Fi My Opinion: This movie was really good, and for the most, part lived up to the image I had in my head. After reading the book, I was hoping that certain areas in the movie adaption would be left alone, and I was happy to see that those elements are what they enhanced in it. There were a couple of missing moments, but that's to be expected if you compact all that action into a couple of hours. Still it was good.  Now I have to tell you, the hubby didn't read the book and was still entertained by the film. Yes, it is manly enough the other half won't complain about it being a chick-flick. You may even see him get right into it! So I r

Born into the lap of luxury and comfortable in the here and now, spoiled, tempestuous Tamara Goodwin has never had to look to the future—until the abrupt death of her father leaves her and her mother a mountain of debt and forces them to move in with Tamara's peculiar aunt and uncle in a tiny countryside village. Tamara is lonely and bored, with a traveling library as her only diversion. There she finds a large leather-bound book with a gold clasp and padlock, but no author name or title. Intrigued, she pries open the lock, and what she finds inside takes her breath away. Tamara sees entries written in her own handwriting, and dated for the following day. When the next day unfolds exactly as recorded, Tamara realizes she may have found a solution to her problems. But in her quest to find answers, Tamara soon learns that some pages are better left unturned and that, try as she may, she mustn't interfere with fate.   Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: W