In Between You and Me

Publishers Weekly says: "McLaughlin and Kraus explore the dark side of fame...and provide an empathetic backstory to the sorts of salacious tales that readers see in the tabloids."

In Between You and Me, twenty-seven-year-old Logan Wade has built a life for herself in New York City, far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. But when she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.

Logan hasn’t seen Kelsey since they were separated as kids; in the meantime, Kelsey Wade has become one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful celebrities and carrion for the paparazzi. But the joy at their reunion is overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her controlling parents.

As Kelsey grasps desperately at a “real” life, Logan risks everything to try and give her cousin the one thing she has never known—happiness. As Kelsey unravels in the most horribly public way Logan finds that she will ultimately have to choose between saving her cousin and saving herself. (Publisher's summary)


Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus are the authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Nanny Diaries and Citizen Girl, Dedication, Nanny Returns and their first young adult novel, The Real Real. .  They work together in New York City. Check out their website here: http://emmaandnicola.com/

An e-copy of this novel was provided by the publisher Simon & Schuster, Inc. and Altria Books for review.

Me and Murder, She Wrote

"Do you want to write or do you just want to talk about it?"
                                                                                  ~~  Peter S. Fischer

"From a sleepy small town in the middle of Long Island to a place at the table in the exciting world of Network Television, Peter S. Fischer lived the impossible dream...all a part of the fabric of an adventure that had no right happening...but did."

In this autobiography, Peter Fischer shares the story of his remarkable career in Hollywood. If you grew up watching Jessica Fletcher solve weekly mysteries on Murder She Wrote, followed kindly Marcus Welby, M.D. as he made housecalls, are a TV history buff or have wondered what life was like award winning TV writer this fast paced book might just be what the doctor ordered.

"Fischer provides an engaging glimpse into the interpersonal relationships that enriched his life and career."  Trivia questions are offered at the end of each chapter.

If you are a writer the glimpse into the creative process is inspiring. A great script all the way around!



"Murder, She Wrote" creator Peter S. Fischer discusses his career and Angela Lansbury         
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-712030

Notice: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes only. The thoughts reflected here are my own and are shared freely.

Currently Reading Autism Breakthrough

"Reading Autism Breakthrough brought chills to my body and tears of joy to my soul. This book must be read by every parent of a child with autism who wants a step-by-step plan to reach and transform their child. I was there in person when Raun K. Kaufman's miraculous story began.

"His full recovery from severe autism -- through The Son-Rise Program that his parents developed to reach him -- changed my life and the life of my daughter, who showed all the signs of early stage autism. Today she thrives because I knew exactly what to do: ignore all of the dire predictions and immerse her in precisely the principles and techniques described in Autism Breakthrough.

"I couldn't recommend this book more enthusiastically - not only for those who love a child or adult with challenges, but for all parents and professionals. This book turns the all-powerful principle of unconditional love into a practical blueprint that anyone can follow."

    ---Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, #1 NYT bestselling author

of The Power of Intention and thirty other books.

My own introduction to autism came in the 1970s by way of a small paperback book entitled Son Rise. This remarkable book tells the story of two parents who were determined to save their son from a condition they did not understand. Going against advice and working tirelessly they began to see small successes. Son Rise is the story of Raun K. Kaufman and is a book I've never forgotten.

Today St Martin's Press (and NetGalley) offered me the chance to read Autism Breakthrough  written by that little boy I first learned about in the mid 70s. Raun's story is an important one that shares "the ground-breaking principles behind the program that helped him, and thousands of other families with special children. Kaufman explains that autism is frequently misunderstood as a behavioral disorder when in fact it is a social relational disorder. He explains what it feels like to be autistic, and shows how and why The Son-Rise program, which focuses on the parent-child connection, works. And he offers clear, practical strategies for working with children that readers can apply immediately—in some cases, parents see a change in their children in as little as one day. Autism Breakthrough makes available for the first time in book form the principles and practical applications of The Son-Rise program, presented by someone who not only teaches the program, but has experienced the joy of it in his own life."

Review forthcoming.



A Need To Know, A Woman's Quest to Uncover Her Royal Family Secret

"The beautiful owner of this book is dearer to me than my life."

~ August, Your protector. 

The story begins in 1940s London. It is the morning after a particularly terrifying air raid when Eve, a young German-born Jewish woman, first learns  the details of a dark family secret. At the breakfast table her father hesitantly tells her about Emilie, her great-great-great grandmother. Emilie had been married to August. A Royal. A Prussian prince. Hardly looking at her he shares the unbelievable ...  Eve is a princess. 

Captivated by this shocking news Eve considers the intriguing possibilities. Her father tells her there is a diary and allows her to briefly hold the treasured gilt-edged notebook before it is whisked away. This diary is the only proof of where we came from he tells her, nothing else exists, promise me you will not go looking...

At sixteen she had thought she knew everything about her father and now she was being asked to forget her family's royal connection, put her own questions aside and to heed his dire warnings ...when I am gone this notebook will be yours to hand down to the next generation. But you must not do anything about what I am telling you. There is nothing more to find out.... I just wanted you to know that you have blue blood flowing in your veins...

For many years, even after his death, Eve honored her father's instructions. Then forty years later her mother dies and the notebook becomes hers. Her passion for answers returns. With the help of her husband Ken and youngest son Timothy the journey into the past begins.

Eve Haas has written a fascinating memoir about the years she spent trying to untangle her family genealogy and piece together the truth about her ancestors. The search is told in sober broad strokes; ultimately the irony of her own life is revealed. The painful quest takes Eve and Ken back to their own escaped childhoods and a still divided Germany. Experts on European royalty are consulted, a multitude of letters written, clues followed and relatives sought. There are more than a few scary moments and countless twists and turns to overcome.

In the end, however, Eve uncovers her birthright and learns why one life was saved and another sacrificed. This compelling memoir clearly demonstrates how history and our ancestors' decisions and secrets can help make us who we are today.

About the author:
EVE HAAS was born in Breslau, now Poland, in 1924. She and her family fled Germany to London when Hitler came to power. She pursued a writing career, married, and raised a family, continuing to write children’s books and contribute to magazines and newspapers in the UK. She lives in North London, England.

Note: According to the publisher's website, a movie based on this book is in production.

Arcade Publishing
(c) 2009, 2013

Secrets of Dynamic Communication

"Prepare with Focus,

Deliver with Clarity

Speak with Power"

"Communication - public speaking, in particular - doesn't just happen. It's a hard-earned skill requiring study and diligent practice." 

Michael Hyatt

New York Times Best Selling Author

Former CEO, Thomas Nelson Publishers

     If you are worried about standing in front of your first or next group and giving a talk Ken Davis is here to help. No doubt about it public speaking can be difficult even if you are passionate about your topic. 

     Secrets of Dynamic Communication gives all of us the necessary tools to be a successful speaker and shares more than a few secrets along the way:

The Most Import Ingredient

#1  -  Focus - Know what you want to say ... and don't try to say too much.  Have a single objective and know what it is.

The Presentation

#2  -  Deliver - Never forget the audience. Being prepared and speaking well is only a part of the process... the audience must be engaged.

Practice, Practice, Practice

#3  -  Speak with Power - Let your body talk. "Body language, voice inflection, facial expression, and gestures convey the conviction that makes you believable." Humor, humor is good. 

    This new revised and updated edition is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their pubic speaking presence. The writing is engaging, definitely reader friendly. Short enough to provide the information is a timely manner and long enough to give spot on lessons on how to give a great talk. 

The end of chapter "Review" is a bonus and I encourage each prospective speaker to complete the questionnaire.  

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for review purposes. The words are my own.

Reading Daybook

Reading Anne Truitt's:

Delectable

"Montana real estate agent Quint McCoy will tell you that the most important thing is location, location, location. It's a lesson he learns all too well when he goes incommunicado for a four-week fishing trip to Alaska. While he's away, his mother Molly turns his office into the pie shop she has always dreamed of, Big Sky Pie. But that's not the only surprise in store for him.

"On her way out of town, Quint's soon-to-be ex Callee McCoy only wants to say a fond farewell to her beloved mother-in-law. But Molly soon persuades Callee to stay and lend a hand at the new shop, even if it means heating up the kitchen with Quint. As Callee and Quint rediscover their recipe for love, they realize that some couples are so sinfully good together that one delectable taste is never enough ...." (Publisher summary).

 A heartfelt thank you to Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing) for the Advance Readers Copy (ARC e-copy) a pleasant afternoon read. This is a story full of interesting characters and a believable plot that moves right along.