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Saturday, October 31, 2009

ENDED Book Giveaway - The Gate House By Nelson DeMille

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille delivers the long-awaited follow-up to his classic novel The Gold Coast.

When John Sutter's aristocratic wife killed her mafia don lover, John left America and set out in his sailboat on a three-year journey around the world, eventually settling in London. Now, ten years later, he has come home to the Gold Coast, that stretch of land on the North Shore of Long Island that once held the greatest concentration of wealth and power in America, to attend the imminent funeral of an old family servant.

Taking up temporary residence in the gatehouse of Stanhope Hall, John finds himself living only a quarter of a mile from Susan who has also returned to Long Island. But Susan isn't the only person from John's past who has reemerged: Though Frank Bellarosa, infamous Mafia don and Susan's ex-lover, is long dead, his son, Anthony, is alive and well, and intent on two missions: Drawing John back into the violent world of the Bellarosa family, and exacting revenge on his father's murderer--Susan Sutter.

At the same time, John and Susan's mutual attraction resurfaces and old passions begin to reignite, and John finds himself pulled deeper into a familiar web of seduction and betrayal.

In THE GATE HOUSE, acclaimed author Nelson Demille brings us back to that fabled spot on the North Shore -- a place where past, present, and future collides with often unexpected results.

Nelson DeMille is the author of By the Rivers of Babylon, Cathedral, The Talbot Odyssey, Word of Honor, The Charm School, The Gold Coast, The General's Daughter, Spencerville, Plum Island, The Lion's Game, Up Country, Night Fall, and Wild Fire. He also co-authored Mayday with Thomas Block and has contributed short stories, book reviews, and articles to magazines and newspapers. His newest book, THE GATE HOUSE, is the much-awaited follow-up to his beloved novel The Gold Coast and will be released in October 2009.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I look at Gates"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 22
  • Random number generator will be used - 5 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 23
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected

WINNERS - cathyandharold, wandapanda, mittens0831, erma.hurtt, letessha


Friday, October 30, 2009

Review - How to Lower Your Cholesterol With French Gourmet Food: A practical guide By Alain Braux

If you read the newspapers or hear the news there is cholesterol epidemic in the United States. Chef Alain Braux has created a wonderful cookbook that will help you eat better while having gourmet food.

When I saw the title I though that French Food was loaded with creamy sauces, lots of butter -- thing that you must avoid if you have cholesterol problems. I was surprised when Chef Braux stated that he had lowered his cholesterol by following his "french" diet.

Chef Braux designed this book as a practical guide. It is a nutrition/cookbook hybrid. It contains a great deal of nutrition information specifically targeted on lowering serum cholesterol and recipes to help you apply this information. He explains what is cholesterol and uses himself as an example. The best part is that he suggests what kinds of food you should eat and which ones to avoid.

Chef Braux shows you how to pick your food. We all think we know how to pick food but in this cookbook he explains how vegetable should look before you buy them. For every piece he explains clearly how to pick your food the right way. He then proceeds to tell you how to cook the vegetables the right way.

I also like Chef Braux explanation of cooking terms, such as: Blanching - To blanch vegetables, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, drop them in the water, bring the water back to a boil and cook for no longer than one minute or until they turn bright green.

Since I am not a great cook, I decided to try a simple recipe. The one I chose was Muffins Fondants aux Noix (Tender Walnut Muffins). It was an easy recipe to prepare and bake. I LOVED them. When you get this book, try them, these muffins will become a staple in your household.

This is one cookbook that I would recommend that you add to your collection.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

ENDED Book Giveaway: Girl on Top By Nicole Williams

Nicole Williams is the tell-it-like-it-is career expert who you wish could fight your work battles for you. But with her ingenious approach-taking the tactics used to land a man and applying them to your career-you'll be able to handle any work situation and come out on top. Here, Nicole introduces twenty tried-and-true dating rules such as "Don't Give Away the Milk for Free" and "Don't Waste the Pretty" and reveals how they can be applied just as effectively in the office.
Other strategies include:
  • Keep It Brief
  • Don't Bash Your Ex
  • Have Others Sing Your Praises
  • Play Hard to Get
  • Keep the Fire Alive
  • Be Willing to Walk Away
Among other topics, Nicole dishes on how much to reveal at work as well as what to put up with from your boss (and, more importantly, what not to). She tackles everything from having the money talk to leaving them wanting more on a job interview. And sprinkled throughout GIRL ON TOP is fashion advice ("Top Ten Commandments of Style") and checklists to determine if you need to get a life.
Nicole's keen insight and candid advice will teach you how to recognize the good guys from the bad, win the kudos of those who matter, and create the career of your dreams.

Nicole is the best-selling author of Wildly Sophisticated: A Bold New Attitude for Career Success and Earn What You're Worth, and the founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams, the first media and content company marketed toward young professional women. Her advice is featured regularly in major media outlets including Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times. Nicole also regularly appears on The Today Show, ABC's Primetime, Good Morning America, Fox News, and CNN.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like the girl"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 23
  • Random number generator will be used - 5 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 24
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
WINNERS - atreau, s2s2, cherdon, cindy323, droopydog63

ENDED Book Giveaway: Seven by Jacqueline Leo


What is it about the number seven that has such a hold on us? Why are there seven deadly sins? Seven days of the week? Seven wonders of the world, seven colors of the spectrum, seven ages of man, and seven sister colleges? Why can we hold seven numbers or words in our working memory--but no more? Author Jackie Leo explores everything about this mystical, magical, useful, and fun number in her new book.

SEVEN REASONS YOU NEED THIS BOOK

1. SEVEN is a tool to improve the quality of your life.
It is a way to define time, synthesize ideas, and keep your mind performing at top speed in an era of distractions.

2. SEVEN is culturally significant. It pops up everywhere, structuring our world in ways so fundamental, we notice them only when we pause to look. Across the ages and across cultures, the number has acquired a huge scientific, psychological, and religious significance.

3. SEVEN is intriguing. Why, out of hundreds of recipes in a cookbook, do people return to the same seven, over and over? Why, when asked to choose a number between one and ten, does such a large majority of people choose seven? Why does it take seven rounds of shuffling to obtain a fully mixed deck of cards?

4. SEVEN is influential. You'll learn how the number seven shapes our thinking, our choices, and even our relationships.

5. SEVEN is practical. Throughout this book are Top Seven lists covering the best ways to get someone's attention, to build your personal brand, and to put yourself in the path of prosperity and good luck.

6. SEVEN is fun. You'll encounter surprising facts, intriguing puzzles, and hilarious anecdotes.

7. SEVEN is wise. You'll hear stories about the meaning of seven from Mehmet Oz, Sally Quinn, Liz Smith, Christina Ricci, and many others.

Artfully designed and full of enough insights to keep you engaged in conversation at the water cooler for years, SEVEN will provoke, enlighten, and amuse.

Media guru JACQUELINE LEO has held a number of high-level positions in publishing and television. She founded and launched Child magazine in 1986, and went on to be editor in chief of Family Circle magazine and editorial director of the New York Times Women's Magazine Group, where she launched Fitness magazine. She was senior producer and editorial director of Good Morning America, editorial director for Consumer Reports, and vice president and editor in chief of Reader's Digest. She is currently director of digital operations for the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. She lives in New York City.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.


Giveaway Rules:

  • One entry only - just say "I like sevens"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 24
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 25
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected

WINNERS - edeliz, souldolphindream, bsw529, augustlily06, walkermisc

Saturday, October 24, 2009

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun By Wess Roberts

The bestselling classic on leadership is now updated in a revised 20th anniversary edition, available for the first time from Hachette Audio!

Discover the leadership secrets of the warrior who centuries ago shaped an aimless band of mercenary tribal nomads into the undisputed rulers of the ancient world-and who today offers timeless lessons in win-directed, take-charge management. Based on historical research-and filled with illuminating maxims-this essential guide offers the wisdom of a man who unified thousands, led the charge, kept the peace, picked his enemies wisely, and negotiated brilliantly-all the vital management principles that lead to success.

Listeners will learn:
  • Never to underestimate the power of an enemy to rise against you on another day
  • Never to give a Hun a reward that holds no personal value to yourself
  • Never to arbitrate, for it allows a third party to determine your destiny
  • Never to misuse power, for such action causes friction and rebellion in the tribe and nation, and much more.
This invaluable guide will help anyone manage people much more effectively.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like secrets"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 25
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 26
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
WINNERS - browncoatsummer, chlorinebrain, jayfr

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: Hope for Animals and Their World By Dr. Jane Goodall, Thane Maynard, Gail Hudson

At a time when animal species are becoming extinct on every continent and we are confronted with bad news about the environment nearly every day, Jane Goodall, one of the world's most renowned scientists, brings us inspiring news about the future of the animal kingdom. With the insatiable curiosity and conversational prose that have made her a bestselling author, Goodall-along with Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard-shares fascinating survival stories about the American Crocodile, the California Condor, the Black-Footed Ferret, and more; all formerly endangered species and species once on the verge of extinction whose populations are now being regenerated.

Interweaving her own first-hand experiences in the field with the compelling research of premier scientists, Goodall illuminates the heroic efforts of dedicated environmentalists and the truly critical need to protect the habitats of these beloved species. At once a celebration of the animal kingdom and a passionate call to arms, HOPE FOR ANIMALS THEIR WORLD presents an uplifting, hopeful message for the future of animal-human coexistence.

Jane Goodall is the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees. An internationally renowned conservationist, she is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and has received many distinguished awards in science. Dr. Goodall is also the author of many acclaimed books, including the bestseller Reason for Hope.

Thane Maynard is the director of the Cincinnati Zoo.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like animals"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 26
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 27
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
WINNERS - wmknox, allisonsattic, lkish77123

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: True Blue By David Baldacci

A mysterious high-profile homicide in the nation's capital collides with the dark side of national security in David Baldacci's new, heart-stopping thriller.

TRUE BLUE

Mason "Mace" Perry was a firebrand cop on the D.C. police force until she was kidnapped and framed for a crime. She lost everything-her badge, her career, her freedom-and spent two years in prison. Now she's back on the outside and focused on one mission: to be a cop once more. Her only shot to be a true blue again is to solve a major case on her own, and prove she has the right to wear the uniform. But even with her police chief sister on her side, she has to work in the shadows: A vindictive U.S. attorney is looking for any reason to send Mace back behind bars. Then Roy Kingman enters her life.

Roy is a young lawyer who aided the poor until he took a high-paying job at a law firm in Washington. Mace and Roy meet after he discovers the dead body of a female partner at the firm. As they investigate the death, they start uncovering surprising secrets from both the private and public world of the nation's capital.

Soon, what began as a fairly routine homicide takes a terrifying and unexpected turn-into something complex, diabolical, and possibly lethal.

David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at www.david-baldacci.com and his foundation at www.wishyouwellfoundation.org, and to look into its program to spread books across America at www.FeedingBodyandMind.com.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like blue"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 27
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 28
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
WINNERS - gwknox, ezmerelda, egreca

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: What the Dog Saw By Malcolm Gladwell

Over the past decade, Malcolm Gladwell has become the most gifted and influential journalist in America. In The New Yorker, his writings are such must-reads that the magazine charges advertisers significantly more money for ads that run within his articles. With his #1 bestsellers, The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers, he has reached millions of readers.

And now the very best and most famous of his New Yorker pieces are collected in a brilliant and provocative anthology. Among the pieces: his investigation into why there are so many different kinds of mustard but only one kind of ketchup; a surprising assessment of what makes for a safer automobile; a look at how we hire when we can't tell who's right for the job; an examination of machine built to predict hit movies; the reasons why homelessness might be easier to solve than manage; his famous profile of inventor and entrepreneur Ron Popeil; a look at why employers love personality tests; a dissection of Ivy League admissions and who gets in; the saga of the quest to invent the perfect cookie; and a look at hair dye and the hidden history of postwar America.

For the millions of Malcolm Gladwell fans, this anthology is like a greatest hits compilation-a mix tape from America's alpha mind.

Malcolm Gladwell is a staff writer for The New Yorker. He was formerly a business and science reporter at the Washington Post.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like Dogs"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 28
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give awa
  • I will post the winners here on November 29
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
WINNERS - copperllama,phyllisskoglund,simplystacieblog

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly

LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is off the chain in the fastest, fiercest, and highest-stakes case of his life.

Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer.

The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation--not just of languages but also of the cultural norms and expectations that guided Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the U.S.

And instantly his world explodes. The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him and Bosch travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he's lost. In a place known as Nine Dragons, as the city's Hungry Ghosts festival burns around him, Bosch puts aside everything he knows and risks everything he has in a desperate bid to outmatch the triad's ferocity.

Michael Connelly, a #1 New York Times bestselling novelist and a former journalist, has won numerous crime fiction prizes. He lives in Florida. For more information, visit www.michaelconnelly.com.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like dragons"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 29
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on November 30
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected

WINNERS - tanyainjville, mom1248, danvice

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold


Once in a generation a novel comes along that taps a vein of universal human experience, resonating with readers of all ages. THE LOVELY BONES is such a book -- a #1 bestseller celebrated at once for its artistry, for its luminous clarity of emotion, and for its astonishing power to lay claim to the hearts of millions of readers around the world. Now in an audiobook edition read by the author, with movie tie-in art.

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."

So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her -- her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, THE LOVELY BONES succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.

The major motion picture version of THE LOVELY BONES, directed by Peter Jackson and starring Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Saoirse Ronan is scheduled for release on December 11, 2009.

Thanks to Hachette for this Giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:
  • One entry only - just say "I like lovely bones"
  • Leave your email (I cannot contact you without your email)
  • Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
  • Please no PO Boxes!!!
  • The drawing will last till November 30
  • Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
  • I will post the winners here on December 1
  • Winners have 24 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected

WINNERS - kats7960, domino1, pjgirl74