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OnceinaBlueMoonOnce in a blue moon, I get a chance to sit in a quiet place and have some uninterrupted time with a book. A book that has more than 10 words on a page. A book without full-color illustrations or cute rhymes. A book for grown-ups.

Because these precious moments rarely come along, I am picky about what I choose to read. And I don’t want something so complex that I have to overwork my tired brain in the process.

When One2One sent me Eileen Goudge’s Once in a Blue Moon to review, I dove in.

The characters are clearly developed, and their relationships are uncomplicated. That made it an easy read for this busy mom. And while the overall story was a bit predictable, I enjoyed the twists and turns that Goudge included for my journey. I found myself eager to find out what was on that next page.

Synopsis:

Sisters Lindsay and Kerrie Ann have known hardship from an early age. Without guidance from their neglectful mother, their only aid came from an unlikely source, a retired exotic dancer by the name of Miss Honi Love. When the girls’ mother was sent to prison, Miss Honi tried unsuccessfully to save them from being separated and sent into foster care.

Thirty years later, Lindsay is still trying to reconnect with her sister. The owner of a bookstore in the sleepy California seaside town of Blue Moon Bay, she was lucky enough to have been adopted by a loving couple. Unbeknownst to her, Kerrie Ann has suffered a very different life. Bounced from one foster home to the next, she ran away as a teenager before becoming a drug-addicted single mother. Now, newly sober, Kerrie Ann is fighting to regain custody of the little girl who was taken from her.

Neither sister’s expectations are met when they’re finally reunited. But as the two sisters engage in the fiercest battles of their lives, they are at last drawn together despite their differences, restoring belief in the unshakable bond of family.

What the critics are saying:

“Eileen Goudge writes like a house on fire, creating characters you come to love and hate to leave.” Nora Roberts

“Goudge reminds us of the delights to be had in explorations of the improbable.” New York Times Book Review

“Goudge keeps you cheering….” People Magazine

“Eileen Goudge knows the bestseller formula and sticks to it.” Kirkus

Sound intriguing? You can buy your copy HERE. Or check out Goudge’s other bestsellers, Woman in Red and The Diary.

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Music Review: Five for Fighting’s Slice

by Monica on November 6, 2009

five for fighting slice coverMy first “experience” with Five for Fighting came during the months after the horror that was 9/11. John Ondrasik’s raw and introspective “Superman” was played often. It became a musical plea for hope during those awful times. I instantly fell in love with Ondrasik’s soulful voice.

Besides writing and performing songs that speak to the heart of the human condition, John is a passionate champion for charitable causes. His whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com has already raised over $300K for various charities. A dedicated supporter of US troops, he has also produced a CD volume compilation series that is available for free to every active armed services member.

In short, not only is Ondrasik a brilliant musician…he’s a beautiful human being.

When One2One provided this album for my review, I knew I’d love it. What I didn’t know was that it would become one of those rare CD’s where I never want to skip a track.

Check out the single “Chances” below. Then head over to FFF’s YouTube channel to catch more videos.

Tracklist:

1. Slice

2. Note To The Unknown Soldier

3. Tuesday

4. Chances

5. This Dance

6. Above The Timberline

7. Transfer

8. Hope

9. Story Of Your Life

10. Love Can’t Change The Weather

11. Augie Nieto

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I admit it. I have a guilty pleasure.

I am ridiculously addicted to several television shows. They are  my escape. The kids go to bed, I get their clothes and backpacks ready for the next day, and I watch TV.

Problem is…the shows I love are on right smack-dab in the middle of dinnertime/bathtime/bedtime. We only have a DVR in the living room, but I like to go to the bedroom with hubby when he turns in for the night. Solution? FANCAST. I can watch my favorite shows on my laptop whenever I want. Schedule-schmedule. I’m far too busy to stick to what the networks thinks are my prime TV-watching times.

fancast logo

FANCAST debuted in January 2008 and now has more than 10,000 hours of online video programming; with more than 60,000 videos available, including over 13,000 full-length shows (more are being added every day). I already checked…my faves are there! I just caught the last episode of Modern Family followed by a clip of the hilarious Slo-Mo Screaming scene from a recent episode of Glee a little while ago. And yeah…I’m still grinning.

FANCAST contains content from more than 100 sources (including Hulu) and also includes extras like movies, pictorials, blogs, listings, live chats and Q&A’s with stars. There are really, really short commercial-type breaks but hey…those sponsors keep this thing free. That’s always a good thing, right?

I’m so glad Barbara from One2One let me know about FANCAST. OK, enough blabbing. I’m off to watch How I Met Your Mother (on FANCAST, of course!

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CD Review: Joshua Bell’s “At Home With Friends”

October 20, 2009
joshua bell publicity photo

I was delighted when One2One sent me a copy of Joshua Bell’s newest album “At Home With Friends.” I  simply adore Joshua Bell’s passionate violin playing.
This album is special. There is a casual, gather-with-your-best-friends, coffee-sipping vibe to this recording that makes me just want to push play and relax. And as if getting to hear [...]

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CD Review: Harry Connick, Jr’s “Your Songs”

September 29, 2009
harry pub photo

Ahh Harry Connick, Jr. It was love at first croon for me. I remember listening to my cassette (yes, I’m that old) of We Are In Love over and over and over again in college. I had a poster of him on my dorm room wall. Oh yes, we were in love. Well, at least [...]

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Our First WNBA Game–Awesomeness!

August 2, 2009
dream team collage

You may or may not recall that I was in a bit of a conundrum over my son’s desire to be a basketball when he grows up. Well, just imagine his sheer delight when I told him we were going to a professional basketball game!
Thursday night was such a treat for our family! We were [...]

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