#144 ~ Signora da Vinci

Signora da Vinci by Robin Maxwell Much of what is known of Leonardo da Vinci’s mother was that she was young and unmarried at the time of the birth.  In her latest novel, Robin Maxwell takes this morsel of information and builds a life for this woman full of heartache, intrigue, and triumph. Caterina da [...]

Calling All Playwrights

Dentyne is partnering with Manhattan Theatre Group to hold a contest for playwrights.  They are looking for two-character plays about relationships in the modern age.  The winner of this contest, which is open to the general public, will have his/her play performed by professional actors in front of a live audience at one of MTC’s [...]

Thursday’s Thoughts ~ What Grabs Me

Which author’s writing surprised you when you first read their work and what about it grabs you? Today’s question is brought to us by our wonderful Serena at Savvy Wit & Verse.  Great question, Serena!  As I did last week, I’m going with the first answer that came to mind ~ Margaret Mitchell. Although I [...]

Tuesday Thingers ~ Genre Junkies

Today’s question: Do you have a specialized blog where you only review a certain genre or type of book? If so, what is your favorite thing about that type of book? If not, what is/are your favorite genre(s)? What makes that genre(s) a favorite? These are some great questions this week.  Wendi, I can’t tell [...]

Mailbox Monday ~ 2.23.09

Can you believe I’m organized enough to participate four weeks in a row?  I’m quite pleased with myself.  My goal for this week is to visit every Mailbox Monday post.  I’m on a roll! I got three books again this week and they make for quite an eclectic little collection: Just Like Family: Inside the [...]

The Mom Squad by Christine Weiser ~ A Pre-Publication Review

The Mom Squad by Christine Weiser Last month I received the most spectacular offer – the opportunity to read Christine Weiser’s latest novel while it was being shopped for a publisher. Christine asked me to read it and write a review or a blurb in the meantime. I could not have been more honored and [...]

#143 ~ Soul Catcher

Soul Catcher by Michael C. White Soul Catcher is the story of Augustus Cain, a man who is lost to himself and his society.  He spends his time drinking and gambling.  When he finds himself with debts he is unable to pay, he is forced to revert to his one distinct talent – catching runaway [...]

Thursday’s Thoughts ~ Shaping History

Welcome to my very first Thursday’s Thoughts post!  I happened upon it this morning when I saw Sheri’s post about the Blogging Connections.  I found it very inspiring.  If you haven’t already read it, head over there – but only after you’ve read this, first. LOL! I like the idea of Thursday’s Thoughts because it [...]

Where Fiction Isn’t Allowed to be Fiction

Main Entry: fic·tion Pronunciation: \?fik-sh?n\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ficcioun, from Middle French fiction, from Latin fiction-, fictio act of fashioning, fiction, from fingere to shape, fashion, feign — more at dough Date: 14th century 1 a: something invented by the imagination or feigned ; specifically : an invented story b: fictitious literature (as [...]

A Cartoon Book Review by Ward Sutton

I came across an article about a literary collaboration while reading Pop Candy today that absolutely blew me away. Ward Sutton, best known for his political cartoons during the Bush Administration (check out Sutton Impact: The Political Cartoons of Ward Sutton). Barnes & Noble , as I’m sure most of my readers know, sells books [...]