Book Review - Mind Dimensions Omnibus

*I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion.* Let's start with some background on the books shall we?
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Mind Dimensions Omnibus Author - Dima Zales All 5 books in the popular Mind Dimensions series from a New York Times bestselling author, available for the first time in one convenient, discounted omnibus edition. Over 1500 pages of thrilling action, adventure, and unique mind powers.

The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions Book 1) 
Darren's had it easy his whole life. Finishing Harvard at eighteen, a lucrative job on Wall Street at twenty-one—all things are possible when you can cheat by stepping outside time. Thanks to his ability, he's a know-it-all, but what he doesn't know is how he's able to do what he does. That is, until he meets Mira and discovers her dangerous, hidden world.

The Time Stopper (A Mind Dimensions Story Prequel) 
Mira can stop time, but she can't change anything. After her parents are murdered, she'll do anything to get revenge—even take on the Russian mob.

The Thought Pushers (Mind Dimensions Book 2) 
Darren’s life turned upside down when he met Mira. Now, as he races to uncover his own identity, he confronts new enemies—and realizes his unique powers might extend further than he ever imagined.

The Enlightened (Mind Dimensions Book 3) 
Kidnapped, consciousness expanded—and that’s just the start of Darren’s day. As a new danger comes to light, he has one chance to save a loved one’s life and avenge the wrongs of decades past. Some crimes can never be forgiven.

The Elders (Mind Dimensions Book 4) 
Darren’s new powers are unpredictable, but they’re precisely what he needs to save everyone he loves. The Elders can teach him what he needs to know, but their help comes at a price. Ultimately, Darren has to make a choice. What is he willing to sacrifice for those he loves? 
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 All in all I would say that this series is a nice, easy weekend read. Great for the beach or a short road trip. There is nothing new or surprising as far as being able to stop time goes, no "new science" so to speak. That doesn't make it a bad story though! I felt very comfortable in the world that Zales created for us. I really enjoyed being able to just hop from one book right into the next one without having to stop and order the next one in the series. I was satisfied with the character development as well as the story arch but it is not a heavy complicated read like say Game of Thrones. I would reccomend this book for anyone who enjoys series books as well as light Scifi Lit and is looking for an easy read. You can purchase the E-Book on Amazon.

Book Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Let me just say that this review is either going to be too short or too long. I don't want to say too much and end up ruining anything for those of you who haven't read this series yet. I am also so obsessed with this series that I could just sit here and write about it forever and a day.


Something about this story just spoke to me. I am well aware of how lame that sounds, and I don't even care. It was AMAZING. My bffl Sara was talking about it for weeks and I'm the type of person who normally boycotts things when it looks like the masses are enjoying it. I suck like that, so I rolled my eyes as I promised to read it if she dropped it off for me. (Sorry Sara, I know you couldn't see the eyeroll, but it was there and I now feel super guilty and stupid for it)

I got the first book, The Hunger Games, on a Thursday night and started it sometime Friday. By Saturday afternoon I was done and when I got to the last page and saw the words "End of book 1" I immediately texted Sara with, "WTF?! How could you not leave me book two???" or something along those lines. I debated whether I should go pick up book 2, or wait to find someone to borrow it from, when all of a sudden, light shown down from the heavens and focused on my iPad. OF COURSE!! It's 2011 and even though I am ANTI the e-reader movement b/c real books are my favorite thing ever, I immediately checked my Kindle app and purchased the digital version.

But, I had a problem. I had to pace myself. One of the girls from work who has now made it on to my "favorite people ever" list had offered to lend me book three, but it was only Saturday and I wouldn't see her till Monday. I made book two last with only 10 pages left by the time I got to work on Monday. Then, I realized that we were closing early and the stock girls were not on the schedule which meant, NO... it couldn't be... I wouldn't be getting the book till the following week?!?!?! Thankfully my new favorite person never checked the schedule and came in anyway, with book in hand, and saved the day.

Knowing that there were only three books in the series, I decided to take it even slower with the last book. I made it last till Wednesday night. When I was done with the very last word, on the very last page, of the very last book, there were tears in my eyes. NOT b/c of the writing or the ending of the story, but because the story was over. These characters I had learned to love, and trust, (and distrust) and bonded with...were all of a sudden gone. I will never know any more information about Katniss, or Peeta, or Haymitch. This breaks my heart. I feel as though I'm mourning the loss of a friend.

So, go, right now, and get a copy of these books. I've provided a link to the box set, but you can also buy them one at a time with free super saver shipping on Amazon, or download them to your e-reader... borrow them from a friend, or from the library... I don't care what you do as long as you READ these books.


Oh, I guess I should tell you a bit about what happens otherwise this isn't a very good review is it?
Life, death, rebellion, love, trust, enemies, government, growing up, a black cat, siblings, friendship, war, despair, and above all else, hope.

Book Review: The Gift by Pete Hamill

This is a short book so I'll try to keep this short as well.
At 153 pages this was a quick easy read for me. It was easy to get sucked in to Peter's world. The descriptions of Brooklyn in December during the Korean war were vivid and realistic. Peter is a character you feel like you know. He's the kind of guy girls would have a crush on and men would want to be friends with. He reminded me a lot of boys I knew when I was younger and I couldn't help but wonder if he was anything like my relatives. There is so much we don't know about our families. Our mothers, our fathers. People we share a mirror with every day yet know very little about.
This heart warming tale is perfect for the holiday season. Grab a cup of tea or cocoa and five yourself an hour or two to enjoy a great Christmas story about a young Navy boy home on Christmas leave.

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A note from the author!

A while back I posted a review for a book I had read with the bookclub I joined. You can find that review here... Book Review: Neither Sand Nor Sea 

Kathleen read my review. This was her response...

Hi Kerri (spelled the same way as my daughter!)

Marisa forwarded me your link.  Wonderful, kind words, not just about my book but me as well and I sincerely appreciate them.

Thanks so much for such a nice review and one that does capture the essence of the story in so many ways.  I remember your saying your cried when reading about Carla and her mom - I didn't tell you that night, but I cried writing it...me and my mom!

When you need reading glasses, give a holler...I keep lots around the house - I'm either losing them or one of my Golden Retrievers is chewing them

Again many thanks - I'm posting your comments on my website.

Warm regards...kathleen

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How cool is that?! 

Have you ever heard back from someone who you've done a review on?

Book Review: Neither Sand Nor Sea by Kathleen Kubik

Product Details

• Pub. Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Moo Press
• Format: Paperback, 368pp

• ISBN-13: 9780976680512
• ISBN: 0976680513

Synopsis

In every life there comes a time to discover one's own strengths and weaknesses. For Carla, this journey will take her from the working world of Manhattan to the islands of the Caribbean, and back to her childhood at the Montauk seashore. Fate will play its hand in her life, and in the life of Norwegian sea captain Erik Andreassen. In the span of a year, the choices they make will shape their lives forever.

Find it new on Amazon for  $4.98 or less. Used copies start at $0.40
Find it on Barnes and Noble for $13.50
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I recently joined a book club full of newly wed local woman who I have come to call my dear friends. The first book I read as part of the club was Neither Sand Nor Sea by Kathleen Kubik. Kathleen happens to be related to one of the girls in our book club and we had the pleasure of having her at our meeting. Kathleen was fabulous and everything I had hoped she would be right down to the fabulous frames of her glasses which I wanted to steal.

I LOVE to read. It's a passion of mine that is ranked right up there with zombies.
With that said, I'm also pretty picky about what I read. I was a little apprehensive about reading a book with a beach on the cover because as much as I love the beach it seemed a little... girly for me. But I figured, hey, what the heck, I'm trying to be more lady like, I"ll give it a chance.

I am so glad I did.

This book is about a year in the life of a young woman around the same age as myself named Carla Montgomery. Carla faces many struggles over the course of the year with work and with men and with personal issues from her past. The book is strong, well written and touching. I laughed, I smiled, I sighed knowingly, I pleaded her to "STOP!" at certain points but most importantly this book made me cry.
It's not a sad book, it's just written in such a way that you feel what Carla feels. The author did a fabulous job at capturing the voice and spirit of this young woman on her journey. The tears are important because I am not one of "those" girls. I don't cry while watching the Hallmark Chanel, I might even laugh at girls who do.
This book touched me in a way that has quickly landed it on my list of favorite reads. It was a cleansing cry, a cry for my mother, for me, for all women who know the pain of heartache whether it be from the loss of a loved one or a broken heart.

Please, read this book. Take it to the beach, read it by the pool, tuck it in the cabinet in your bathroom for all I care... just read it.