Blog Tour: Lovesick by Spencer Seidel

The Mystery

LOVESICK is the story of a teenage love triangle gone wrong.  It involves a murder that rocks one town to its core after police discover a confused and startled teenager sitting in pool of blood belonging to his best friend.  The teenager is Paul Ducharme and he is holding the murder weapon.  He is also clutching his dead friend’s body.  He has no idea on how got there or any recollection of a crime taking place.  He just knows that he didn’t do it.

Dr. Lisa Boyers, a forensic pathologist, gets a call from Attorney Rudy Swaner who is representing Paul.  Rudy and Lisa are old friends so he called upon her for a favor.  Rudy is a part of Lisa’s past that she wanted put behind her but she somehow feels compelled to help.  Rudy asks that she interview Paul who claims he has no recollection of the events of the night his friend, Lee was murdered.

What Lisa finds is a toxic relationship between three teens – two best friends and a love interest. Wendy was the girl of Paul’s dreams but rather than ending up with him, she ended up with Lee in a relationship that was less than healthy.   Wendy is now missing and her boyfriend, Lee, is dead.  The suspect in both these crimes is Paul and the police think that they have an open and shut case. However, the police are missing key details and when Lisa investigates, she finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation.

As media attention grows, Lisa is dragged into the spotlight.  As she works to prove Paul's innocence, she finds her dealing with an overbearing reporter who wants to expose her past, a past that she worked hard to put behind her. Unfortunately for Lisa, things are not as they seem and Lisa’s past will come back to haunt her whether she likes it or not.  

As Paul recants the events leading to the night he found Lee’s body, he and Lisa work together to unravel what happened that night.  Paul is only able to meet with Lisa for a short time every day so the mystery slowly unravels.  When Lisa is not meeting with Paul, she is struggling a past that is about to rear its ugly head out into the open. 

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a suspense filled mystery, LOVESICK is the book for you. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.  Spencer Seidel leaves you hanging on to the edge of your seat with a fasted paced and unpredictable mystery. There is a twist at the end that you won’t see coming but you will have to read the book to find out what that is. The clue I will give you is not to trust people who try too hard to be normal and blend in.  Those are often the ones you shouldn’t trust and if you sense that they are creepy, they probably are.

Source: Thank you Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for sending me this book to review.

Read It: You can get your own copy HERE. You can only get it in Kindle form at this time. The paperback will be released in June. 

About the Author: Spencer Seidel’s love of reading and writing began in childhood after he read Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His first novel is titled Dead of Wynter and was published in 2011.  Keep your eye out for Spencer Seidel – he will definitely be going places.

There is currently a Scavenger Blog Hunt to promote this new novel, Lovesick! The links will give you more information.

Are There Any Health Benefits When Using a Steam Mop?

If you have ever watched a late-night infomercial where someone was trying to sell a steam mop you may have heard them talking about all of the various benefits of using a steam mop versus a traditional mop and a bucket full of water or any of the million other modern cleaning gadgets. You may have even heard them mention that it is healthier than using other types of cleaners. But what are the health benefits of using a steam mop? Are there any?

There are actually some health benefits to cleaning with steam. When steam is hot enough it can kill dust mites, mold and other allergens. The main health benefit of using a steam mop however is that you will replace the health hazard of using other cleaners and detergents. Most cleaning products contain chemicals that can be irritating and even dangerous. Any product that requires you to use it in a well ventilated area or wear rubber gloves can’t possibly be safe. Many people have even developed allergies to some of the toxic chemicals and solvents in common cleaning products.

Read More.

Stopain Review and Giveaway

Review

I was recently contacted to review Stopain Cold a topical analgesic for pain relief. Stopain is available in four formulas: Stopain Spray, Stopain Extra Strength Spray, Stopain Extra Strength Roll-on and Stopain Gel. All the formulas provide fast, temporary relief of pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, muscle aches and back pain. What it does is stop the pain and allows you to get moving again. Sounds simple, right?

The best thing about Stopain is that it goes on cold. If you have arthritis, your joints are constantly inflamed so using a cold product makes a sense. (If you have arthritis inflamed joints, you know what I am talking about.) Further, it is not sticky so it doesn’t stick to your clothes. It is also non-drip so you don’t have to worry about it dripping as you apply. Last, it has a menthol scent that you only smell when you find apply it and I don’t know about you but that is long enough. 

Read More and Enter to Win. 

Movie Review: Jack and Jill

I recently saw Adam Sandler’s latest movie, Jack and Jill. Rated PG, it stars Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, and Al Pacino. I am a big Adam Sandler fan and I don’t miss a movie of his. I have watched his movies over and over and Funny People was one of my favorites. Other personal favorites include “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” and “I Know Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Jack and Jill, however, was okay but doesn’t top a list of favorites. Actually, I was expecting more but nevertheless it worked for me.

Adam Sandler plays twin siblings, Jack and Jill. Jack is Jewish, successful and sarcastic. He works as a television advertising executive. Jill is Jack’s twin sister from the Bronx. Jill is a washout, whiny, loud and dimwitted character who never shuts up and speaks loudly. I am not sure that Adam Sandler did a good job playing Jill. In fact, it was obvious that it was just Adam Sandler in drag.

In the move, Al Pacino is playing a character is throwing temper tantrums in public. I am not sure I was happy with seeing Al Pacino playing a desperate third rate version of himself. What it comes down to is that Al Pacino’s role is to promote – that being Dunkin Donuts. In addition to Katie Holmes, a number of other celebrities make appearances: Norm MacDonald, Dana Carvey, Regis Philbin, Nick Swardson, Tim Meadows, and David Spade.

Jack and Jill are twins that were born a few minutes apart and Jack hates spending time with Jill. Jill visits during the holidays and she drives Jack crazy. It is not until the end of the movie that Jack learns a valuable lesson about how much he loves Jill. The “tension” between the twins is further accelerated with Jack trying to land Al Pacino for a Dunkin Donuts commercial. That tension is somewhat related to Jill’s annoying nature but it is also attributed to Jack being a jerk. If not for his wife, Jack would be much worse. She is either telling Jack to behave or ignoring his actions.

As for, Al Pacino, he meets Jill at a Lakers’ game and instantly falls in love with her. He tries to pursue her in the strangest of ways but Jill won’t budge. She is not even interested in Al. Jack, on the other hand, is desperate to get Al Pacino for the Dunkin Donuts commercial. He even dresses up as his sister and goes on a romantic evening with Jack. That is where you see (if you haven’t already) that Jill is just Adam Sandler in drag.

I forgot to mention Felipe, Jack’s gardener. He also plays his own grandmother. (I am thinking a Hispanic Tyler Perry but low rate.) Felipe falls in love with Jill. So, Jill finds love and Jack finds conscience. What else did you expect?

I wish I could say something good about this movie but Adam Sandler’s done better. I was pretty disappointed.

Teenage as a Second Language - Book Review and Giveaway

Review

As a mother to a preteen boy, I am still trying to catch up preteen language and since he turns twelve next month; the teen years are not that far away.  Rumor has it that something happens between the cute baby days and age thirteen that makes us wonder how our children turned into aliens from another planet overnight.

Understanding your teen seems nearly impossible and trying to read up on their unpredictable moods and actions isn’t as easy as it was when they were younger. That is where “Teenage as a Second Language” can be pretty helpful.  Two doctors, Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder help you to better understand the teen years. What is more is that the doctors have removed all the psych stuff that none of us actually understand and give you information that actually makes sense. 

Despite the fact my son is not yet a teen, I recommend buying this before your child hits the teen years.  This way you will be ahead of the game when you when your sweet little child morphs into an alien who barely gives you a glance as he or she walks into the front door and heads to the bedroom.  The book will also allow you to turn to it over and over as you get through the teen years with your kids.  Every chapter is full of information you will need to work with and better understand your teen. The authors cover issues such as sneaking a peek at your teen’s cell phone, understating signals that your teen might be in distress, understanding outward appearance, knowing when to back off, when to be involved, and even the dreaded talks about sex and sexual behaviors.  “Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent’s Guide to Becoming Bilingual” can be purchased through many fine retailers including Amazon. 

Be sure you visit the Talking Teenage website for more helpful information.

Giveaway 

One lucky reader of this blog will win a copy of Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent’s Guide to Becoming Bilingual.  All you have to do is share with us one tip you have learned about raising teens or that someone else shared with you.  It can also be one that you learned by driving your parents crazy.  You can also let us know if you have no tips to share because unless you have raised a teen, there is no way of knowing what it is like.  

Leave your email address as well so I have a way to contact you.  The winner will be picked via a random number generator on Monday, December 12 so you have until 11:59 pm on December 11 to enter.  Leave your email address so I have a way to contact you.  U.S. addresses only. 

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. Meryl L. Moss Media Relations sent me copy of Teenage as a Second Language for review. The opinions expressed belong entirely to me. Thank you Deb and Meryl L. Moss Media Relations for allowing me the opportunity to review Teenage as a Second Language.

eChook Swag Bag Giveaway and Review of eChook Memoir Review

E-VENT:  So, You Want to Write a Memoir -- Live-chat with Tessa Smith

Meryl L. Moss Media Relations has another fantastic E-VENT coming up It is their first ever writing workshop with eChook Founder Tessa Smith McGovern echook.com.   The event is titled “So, You Want to Write a Memoir.”  It is a live chat with author, memoirist, and digital publisher Tessa Smith McGovern.

Tessa Smith McGovern.

You may be thinking that this isn’t something for you but if you have ever written a blog, updated a Facebook status, tweeted your thoughts or even sent a text, you are part of the latest social media treads.  This move from emailing to blogging to Facebook shows one very important thing: the need to share our personal stories.

Tessa Smith McGovern will be chatting about what it takes to write and publish a short memoir live on BookTrib on December 7 at 3 p.m. eastern standard time. Tessa will be ready to answer your questions and discuss her memoir writing tips. It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned writer, journalist, or just a blogger, stop by, ask questions and be entered to win awesome eChook prizes. All you have to do is send an email to memoirchat@booktrib.com and you will be registered to attend the free event. You can also learn about Tessa’s writing classes by clicking HERE.

Review of Memoir Vol. 1

Memoir, Vol. 1

Tessa Smith McGovern has released a new eBook app story collected called Memoir, Vol. 1. It is available for an introductory price of $0.99 on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Nook, Kindle and online e-book.  This app which is part of a short story collection called eChook that features short memoirs from various authors with unique writing styles. It includes chapters from writers such as Tricia Tierney, Leslie Feller, and Rebecca Dimyan. You can check out a sample story by Megan Smith-Harris titled “Makeover” at the eChook site.

The eChook app idea came from the 16^th century chapbook which is a small single chapter book. The apps are based on this idea and designed to be read in about ten minutes. A couple of my favorites were “One Night Strangers” by Rebecca Dimyan and “Dating Writers” by Jennifer Armstrong.

eChook also has calls for open submissions.  If you are in aspiring writer, check the submissions page out and attend the “So, You Want to Write a Memoir” E-VENT.

Giveaway

echook.com

Tracy at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations was kind enough to offer for giveaway an eChook swag bag of teas and treats with a mug, mouse pad and Chap Stick to help the winning eChook reader relax while reading.  This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. The contest is open through November 30 at 11:59 pm.  I will announce the winner the following day.

If you would like to enter to win, visit the authors’ page and scroll down the page to where it states: “Congratulations to the authors of Memoir Vol. 1.”  Review the available excerpts and tell which one of the stories sounds the most interesting to you.  Leave your email address as well so I have a way to contact you.  The winner will be picked via a random number generator. 

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. Meryl L. Moss Media Relations sent me copy of Memoir Vol. 1 for review. The opinions expressed belong entirely to me. Thank you Tracy and Meryl L. Moss Media Relations for allowing me the opportunity to review Memoir Vol. 1.

Wordless Wednesday – October Already!

Way too much Halloween!