Friday, October 31, 2014

Book Watch: Bawb's Raven Feathers by Robert Chomany


Bawbs cover Title: Bawb's Raven Feathers
Author: Robert Chomany
Publisher: Invermere Press
Genre: Inspirational
Format: Paperback/Ebook

BawB's Raven Feathers is pure and simple. It kickstarts moments of self-reflection and inner peace, drawing on nostalgia while pushing the reader to live in the present and dream of tomorrow. Alternating brief chapters of prose with perfectly rhythmic, adult rhymes, this book holds appeal for the masses.

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Robert (BawB) Chomany is the author of the BawB’s Raven Feathers series, pure and simple inspirational books. He was born in Calgary, Alberta, with a clear view of the mountains to the west. These mountains eventually drew Bob in, and he spent many years living in the company of nature, exploring his spiritual side. Bob pursues his many interests with passion. You are just as likely to find him twisting a wrench or riding his motorcycle, as you are to find him holding a pen, writing. Bob still lives in Calgary, where he finds happiness by simply living with a smile and sharing his words of wisdom with others. Learn more about Robert at his website, http://bawbsravenfeathers.com/.

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Book Review: Yell and Shout, Cry and Pout by Peggy Tietz #bookreviews

Title: Yell and Shout, Cry and Pout: A Kid's Guide to Feelings
Author: Peggy Kruger Tietz
Genre: Nonfiction/Psychoeducational
Publisher: Peggy Kruger Tietz
Pages: 40

Yell and Shout, Cry and Pout: A Kid’s Guide to Feelings is an essential guidebook for adults in steering children through the confusing behaviors that emotions evoke.  When you understand the purpose of emotions, behavior becomes understandable.  Each of the eight emotions is clearly defined thorough vignettes and illustrations, keeping both adult and child captivated, thus creating an opportune time for discussion. By recognizing that all humans experience these emotions throughout their lives, the book provides a true sense of comfort. Emotions are not to be shunned, but rather embraced and explained to provide a positive development environment for all children.

My Review:

I wish I had had Yell and Shout Cry and Pout back when my kids were little.  They're grown now and somehow survived the trials of childhood and the almost deadly obstacles that come with teenhood, but it makes me wonder if they had been able to survive better had I read this delightful book by Peggy Kruger Tietz and used the principles inside to teach my kids how to deal with their feelings.

Tietz divides the book into chapters: Anger, Fear, Shame, Sadness, Love, Disgust, Surprise, and in those chapters she explains what those feelings mean to a child giving examples so that you can read aloud to your child to help them feel more secure in the feeling department.

Here's an example.  The author explains that anger tells us when we've been mistreated so that we can defend themselves.  A lot of children are confused by anger.  They're told by parents to stop being mad thus giving the child the impression it's not okay to be that way.  Tiez shows us that it's a normal thing and to stand up for yourself but showing you how to do it the right way.

This book should be in every parent's library.  I don't think there's another book out there like it and anything that helps parents be better parents by showing children how to handle their feelings can't be a bad thing at all.


Yell and Shout, Cry and Pout: A Kid’s Guide to Feelings is available at Amazon. 

I give this book 5 tree stars:


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Book Watch: Hooked by Bobbi JG Weiss









Hooked
TitleHooked
Author: Bobbi JG Weiss
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
Pages: 518
ISBN: 978-0990360001
Genre: Dark Fantasy / Horror
Format: Paperback, eBook, ePub, PDF

He is not Captain Hook.

His name is Jonathan Stuart, and he’s just an ornery post-alcoholic bookstore owner from Pasadena with a mania for fencing and a bad habit of disappointing his girlfriend. He doesn’t want to be in the Neverland, impossibly trapped aboard the Jolly Roger with a horde of greedy stinking pirates. He was tricked there by Peter Pan.

Pan happily invites children to come to his wondrous magical island, but he has to trick adults. No adult in their right mind would go willingly. Adults, you see, don’t have a very good time in the Neverland. The fairies and mermaids are against them. The island itself is against them. Most of all, Peter Pan is against them.

In particular, Peter Pan is against Jonathan Stuart. Why? Jonathan had better figure that out, and he’d better do it fast before his mutating memories insist that, not only does he indeed belong in this nightmarish hell of bloodthirsty children, ticking crocodiles and vengeful boy gods, but he’s never existed anyplace else.

So you see, he’s definitely not Captain Hook.

Well, not yet.


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Bobbi JG Weiss made her world debut one Christmas morning (cough-mutter-mutter) years ago, and as long as she can remember, she’s wanted to be a writer. Why? She has no idea. 
Probably a birth defect.

After several boring “normal” jobs, her writing wishes came true — she and her husband/partner David Cody Weiss began to make their living as full-time freelance writers, focusing on Hollywood tie-in merchandise like movie/TV novel adaptations, comics, and other related and often ridiculous products. After 20+ years of this, the “WeissGuys” decided to enter the wild world of self-publishing.

You can find more information about Bobbi, her books, her life, and her weird husband at http://www.weisswriters.com/. She also posts on Twitter, tumblr, Pinterest and Facebook unless her passwords mysteriously stop working and she can’t get on, which seems to happen a lot. Why? She has no idea. Probably computer voodoo.

Connect with Bobbi:

Book Watch: Mastering Negative Impulsive Thoughts by John & Elizabeth McIntosh


Title: Mastering Negative Impulsive Thoughts
Author: John & Elizabeth McIntosh
Publisher: GP Mx Solutions P/L
Pages: 283
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help
Format: Paperback

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Doctor John McIntosh and Rev. Elizabeth McIntosh, authors of an important new book, MASTERING NEGATIVE IMPULSIVE THOUGHTS, use “nits” as both an acronym for their book’s title and as an analogy for the clearly unhealthy effects of negative thinking.

“Negative thoughts occur impulsively, so that is why they are Negative Impulsive Thoughts, or NITs, for short,” the authors say. “The nice analogy is that nits are also head lice and both (nits and NITs) are irritating, contagious, hard to recognize, hard to eliminate, breed fast, and spread like an epidemic.”

Unlike other, similar books that claim to have a magic route to happiness and health, MASTERING NEGATIVE IMPULSIVE THOUGHTS is based on solid clinical research, say the authors, who together have extensive experience in general medicine, medical research, and holistic health/wellness practices.

Book Excerpt:

Be open with your affection and compliment each other in public – “Here comes my beautiful wife/husband/partner” – touch them gently and affectionately, and hold their hands. This affectionate approach to each other is contagious, and soon everyone around starts to do the same thing! This mutual affection also deters predators who might want to try their luck with your partner, but as your relationship is so secure, this is a non-issue anyway. The relationship will never fall apart, because you love each too much and it is balanced and mutually rewarding.

Showing respect to each other is another key, as not showing respect erodes the foundations of the relationship and each other. An example is to ask your partner for confirmation of plans if you are invited out as well as discussing important decisions with them. While you may know what the answer will be, it is courteous and respectful to confirm it with them. This will also confirm that your expectations were correct.

Most people would like their relationship to stay in the honeymoon period, when everything was fresh and exciting. Well you can, but it is up to you! If that is what you want, you need to treat your relationship as if it is still in that honeymoon period – continue to take care, pay attention to what your partner says and wants, buy her (or him) flowers, do nice touches, make things special, show that you care and the excitement can persist for years and years!

Know your partner and pay attention – what they like to do, their favourite foods, TV, music, colour, places to visit, who is their favourite mentor, what gives them the most pleasure (sexual and non-sexual). Make an effort to make the things that are important to your partner important to you, so even though you don’t really like football, try and get involved, and even if you don’t understand why she likes flowers, just buy them!

You should know these things, because if you are going to make them happy, you need to know what works for them. People do feel loved when you pay attention to the finer details. Be able to comfort your partner and help each other emotionally and practically to solve any problems by working together – “What do we have to do to solve this?” or “How can I help you so we get through this?” Work as a team and use the terms like “we”, “us” and “together” to emphasise the team effort. Know each other’s strengths and weaknesses – praise them for one and help them with the other.
Obviously, both of you are going to need to know about NITs, but when you look at your relationship and communication, are the things that you say to each other mostly positive and uplifting or mostly critical and negative? Once aware of the principle, you can recognise the NITs and start eliminating them and approaching things from the other side with so much better results!

Sometimes you might need to imagine what your partner is dealing with to understand why they are tired, irritable or home so late. Go through the exercise of “walking in their shoes for a day” by asking them in detail what they have to do. You may well find out why one person may need some quiet time when they get home, rather than immediately giving the children to the worker on their arrival home.

A good relationship is also one where you respect what the other person needs, even if that is actually taking some time for themselves (without you). A secure and complete relationship will have the security of knowing that they do want to be together and will rejoin with a renewed appreciation after the time has passed.

Communication in relationships is critical too. Use honest and simple language, without any double meanings or innuendos, making sure that what you say is exactly what you mean. Everything you say should be taken at face value, so if something is upsetting you, say what it is, and don’t talk around the subject. If you are asked if you want to do something or not, be honest – for example “Well, I am very tired and would prefer not to go, but it is important for you so I am happy to come to support you”. Make sure there is no hidden indebtedness and be honest. If one partner only does things to create a “debt” from the other person, this undermines the positive energy of the relationship severely. The result is then both sides have to do things because they need to and not because they want to. Do what you do because you love your partner and allow your partner to not do what they don’t want to do because you love them too. As long as the balance is present, this works well.
Constant sarcasm, guilt and innuendo with implications of criticism or ungratefulness leaves the other person constantly trying to work out what they are doing wrong. This undermines the relationship and if that approach continues, the person will often either pull back from their partner or withdraw from the relationship completely.

Honesty sometimes requires you to be courageous, and both parties also need to be strong enough to hear the truth without being offended. Once the truth is out and the main issues are clear, you can then work together to solve the problems. But at least you are focused on the real problem, not the underlying excuses that circulate when the truth is too hard to discuss.

Remember that we all change and grow over the years, so the nature of someone that you met aged twenty may not be what they are like at thirty or fifty! Don’t assume that you know them – ask them and listen attentively so you keep up to speed with any changing aspects of their desires, dreams and plans, as your plans ideally are going in the same direction.

Having a great relationship in a NIT-free environment is also great for your children, as they learn from it all and will tend to mimic your actions and behaviours.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Character Interview: Llad Fleck from Randall Boleyn's 'Wave Links'





Thank you so much for this interview, Llad Fleck.  Now that the book Wave Links has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?

My portrayal was okay I guess, but a lot of the events that changed my life I had nothing to do with. And it made me look kinda like I screwed up somehow. It really wasn’t like that, things just happened and I got caught in the wash. I did the best I could even though it didn’t seem like enough.

What do you believe is your strongest trait?

Well, I never thought much about questions like that, but I guess the fact that I am all- in with everything I do is a good trait. If I can get the psychic powers that I am supposed to have inherited figured out, that would be a big deal.

Worst trait?

Probably the same answer, that I commit everything I have into any given situation and don’t always think of clearer solutions. Hey, I’m still a young buck, I’ve never experienced any of this stuff before. But I am getting better at seeing the big picture. And probably, that I like the ladies a little too much.

Do you have a love interest in the book?

Kinda, I guess. There’s this red headed beauty that I saw at a party and then she haunts my dreams most every night, but I don’t think she even knows I exist. I’ve ‘known’ a lot of girls, but it was just for fun. That L word was never mentioned.

At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?

Almost right from the start. There were so many crazy things happening to me that I has no control over or any experience with, it all seemed a little overwhelming.

If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?

That’s a question I’ve actually been thinking about. My nut-case cousin has everything; billions of dollars, an interesting Institute of learning he created, and powers most people can’t even comprehend, but he is so fixated on me and owning what I might have inherited, he has become obsessed and spends all his time making my life miserable.

How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?

Well, I sure as heck didn’t see that coming. It broke my heart. But I’ll tell you this much, it’s not over yet, not by a long shot. Not until I say it’s over.

What words of wisdom would you give your author if he decided to write another book with you in it?

Give me a little bit of time and the proper resources to learn all my crazy talents so that I can level the playing field. It also wouldn’t hurt anything to have a few more beautiful ladies in my life, either.

Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future? 

Absolutely! Although we just barely survived everything that went down in Wave Links, there are too many nasty loose ends still at play that need attending. I pretty certain it will take a least two more books, maybe three to understand the depth of the threat the Mind’s Eye Institute poses to the societies of world, and then someone has to fix it. Book two, Soul Links is in the works and should be out by the end of 2014. I think if you go to RandallBoleyn.com, you can opt-in to be on a notify list to receive an email about the publishing dates.




Randall Boleyn When those first few novels transported Randall into the intrigue of other cultures and the complexity of foreign lands, his life changed forever. He wanted to experience those kinds of adventures and ended up traveling the world doing international business while living his own bizarre experiences. Realizing he wanted to create the same kind of stories he loved to read, Randall coaxed the Muse by writing, studying and learning the craft. After years of toiling with the words, the stories suddenly just seemed to happen. It was startling! It was the same joy and surprise he had relished as a reader in guessing how a plot might unfold affecting the characters’ lives. He now writes with the eye and passion of creating that next great story like he would want to read. Randall now lives in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is focused on completing the Powers Meant for Gods trilogy to publish by December 2014. Read excerpts and more at RandallBoleyn.com and sign-up for Randall’s mailing list for publishing details.  His latest book is the Young Adult Fantasy, Wave Links.

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Wave Link cover 9-16 copy  They feared how the truth might alter Llad Fleck. No one ever told him about his talented ancestors, their extraordinary heritage, or how they died. He never learned that a powerful research institute in England considered him a lethal threat. Other than the need to move on to the safety of a different city every few months, the only thing Llad knew for sure was that the men he played ball against said he had “mad skills not suitable for a fifteen-year-old.” When Llad meets an eccentric parapsychologist, Dr. Jemma Rask, she explains that she has waited decades just to teach him how to expand his mind and utilize the unique traits which she believes he has inherited. Even though Dr. Rask and her stories come across as way too weird for Llad, he begins studying her techniques. He quickly realizes that just because the link might be there, it doesn’t mean he actually has the talent or the patience to develop his abilities. After multiple killings shatter Llad’s life, he still doesn’t know who is behind the brutal murders or why he’s involved. But he knows now that he’s fighting for his life against a unknown enemy. He must discover more about his family tree and learn how to control his psychic gifts―if he has any. Alone with his grief, Llad searches for clues about his cryptic lineage while being haunted by reoccurring dreams of a mysterious girl trying to help him master the bizarre talents he will need to survive.

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Monday, October 27, 2014

Character Interview: Rafael from Mary Carter's 'Meet Me in Barcelona'





We’re thrilled to have here today Rafael  from Mary Carter’s Meet Me in Barcelona.  He is coming to us all the way from the great city of Barcelona. It is a pleasure to have him with us today at The Literary Nook!

Thank you so for this interview, Rafael. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?


I think the story should have been told from my perspective, no? I am the one who is native to Spain, I am the one who is covered in black feathers and wears stilts and make knives shoot out of my fingertips. It is a travesty that so much time was spent on Grace Sawyer. Grace, Grace, Grace. This should have been a love story between me and Carrie Ann. All the American women, they want this. They want a Spanish lover just like me. No?


What do you believe is your strongest trait?


Ah, you have noticed my muscles. Gracias. I am strong all over.


Worst trait?


You are very funny. I like your American humor.


Do you have a love interest in the book?


Yes, yes, yes! I am sorry to disappoint all the ladies, but it is Carrie Ann I want. Carrie Ann I will have.


At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?


From the very beginning! I was sent to spy on Grace. I am a lover not a spy. It was Carrie Ann who made me do it. I have never seen such golden blonde hair. She is a dream. And a devil.


If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?


You are very funny. I like your American humor.


How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?


How do I feel? Some people got what they deserved. I did not wish for such things to happen. I only wanted Carrie Ann.


What words of wisdom would you give your author if she decided to write another book with you in it?


I am not a minor character. I am a star. I a am a lover. I am a performer!


Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future?


If you are a pretty, American woman, you are welcome to see all of me. I am there, everyday, on La Rambla. I am watching. I am waiting. Come!


Mary Carter is a freelance writer and novelist.  Meet Me in Barcelona is her eighth novel. Her other works include:  Three Months in Florence, The Things I Do For You, The Pub Across the Pond, My Sister’s Voice, Sunnyside Blues, She’ll Take It, and Accidentally Engaged.  In addition to her novels she has written six novellas: Return to Hampton Beach in the anthology, Summer Days, A Southern Christmas in the upcoming 2014 anthology Our First Christmas, A Kiss Before Midnight in the anthology, You’re Still the One, A Very Maui Christmas in the New York Times best selling anthology Holiday Magic, and The Honeymoon House in the New York Times best selling anthology Almost Home. Mary currently lives in Chicago, IL with a demanding labradoodle. She wishes she could thank her gorgeous husband, but she doesn’t have one. In addition to writing she leads writing workshops.
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About the Book:


A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.

Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend—until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake—and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it.

Mary Carter's intriguing novel delves into the complexities of childhood bonds, the corrosive weight of guilt and blame, and all the ways we try—and often fail—to truly know the ones we love.

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Friday, October 24, 2014

Book Watch: Finding Daddy Warbucks by David Hwa #bookwatch


Finding Daddy WarbucksTitle: Finding Daddy Warbucks
Author: David Hwa
Publisher: Wellworth, LLC
Pages: 180
Genre: Christian Fiction
Format: Ebook

We never know how God may lead us. The twists and turns of life often leave us confused and deflated. For 10-year-old Haley, the unexpected loss of her father was such a twist. When all is lost, a little light in the darkness can make all the difference. The world is a big place for a little girl. For that matter, it's a pretty big place for anyone who has lost their way. Hayley finds her solution in a modern day prince, but she can't pull off this miracle by herself. Nick, an attorney struggling to save his job, wouldn't seem to be much help to a little girl trying to create a miracle. But life has a way of bringing us the people we need most, at just the right time. Still, there is so much that could go wrong, especially when her headstrong mother doesn't fall for the prince. But there's something Hayley doesn't see coming, something she can't see. Something she doesn't want to see, something that hides in the dark where she can't go, something unspeakable. Follow Haley's journey into the light and see how redemption is there for anyone, even the condemned. And see how love can find you-even through the darkness.

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David Hwa David Hwa makes his literary debut with Finding Daddy Warbucks (2014) a tale of a little girl's journey through loss, love and redemption. David grew up in Kansas. He graduated with a music degree from the University of Colorado and went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration from Denver University, a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center. He practiced securities law for many years in Los Angeles, California with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. He later moved to Washington, DC where continued his securities practice with the Commission and later in private practice with the law firm of Bingham McCutchen LLP. Following the financial crisis of 2008, David moved back to Colorado and opened his own securities law practice. David is single and lives in Aurora, Colorado with his two leopard geckos Gordon and Carlos. He spends his days writing, skiing, and occasionally dispensing legal advice, sometimes while on the ski slopes. For More Information

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Don't Stick Sticks Up Your Nose by Jerald S. Altman, M.D. and Richard Jacobson

Title: Don't Stick Sticks Up Your Nose
Author: Jerald S. Altman, M.D. and Richard Jacobson
Publisher: ZonaBooks, LLC
Pages: 23
Genre: Children's
Format: Ebook

 Stuff in their Ears? Sticks up their nose? Let's keep things out of our kid's ears and nose! Rhyming and beautiful, bright and colorful illustrations will gently remind children to avoid putting things where they don't go! After 14 years of practice, Dr. Altman never ceases to be amazed at what children will think of to stick up their noses or stuff in their ears. From rocks to raisins, paper to peanuts, crayons to candy and buttons to beads, Dr. Altman has removed them all! Sometimes adults marvel at the wonderful curiosity of young children...until their inquisitive natures cause them to insert unimaginable objects into inappropriate places. It's difficult to appreciate a child's creativity when it might cause a medical emergency. Don't Stick Sticks Up Your Nose! Don't Stuff Stuff In Your Ears! explains to children, in a fun, colorful, and memorable way, why it's a good idea to avoid such behavior. The kids will soon be repeating the rhyming verses while being gently reminded not to stick things up their noses and not to stuff things in their ears.

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Jerald Altman is an Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor). After publishing many peer-reviewed journal articles, he recognized the need for a children’s book dealing with a common problem in his practice. He was recognized as a Phoenix Top Doc in 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013. He is a general Otolaryngologist and he loves taking care of children’s ear, nose and throat issues. Accordingly, the idea for this book came from his pediatric patients and their incessant need to put things where they shouldn’t go!

Richard Jacobson studied architecture at Yale University and has spent most of his adult life designing interiors, landscapes, tablescapes, clothing... and just about anything else that can be fashioned in a creative way. He lives in Phoenix and  enjoys training dogs, birds and topiaries in his spare time. He once collaborated with his co-author's (then) seven-year old daughter on a painting for her newly-decorated bedroom. Asked by her mother how she had enjoyed the experience, she replied bluntly, "He's a little controlling." Years later, her accurate judgment tempered the rhyming verses he used to gently guide young children's behavior.

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Transformational Dentistry Guest Post from Zack Zaibak


Title: The Hidden Truth Behind Beautiful Smiles
Author: Zack Zaibak
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 152
Genre: Medical/Dentristry
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 We are often judged by how we look, and the first thing people notice is a smile. In The Hidden Truth Behind Beautiful Smiles, author Dr. Zack Zaibak tells how modern cosmetic dentistry can transform ordinary smiles into stunning gorgeous ones. Dr. Zaibak, honored by the Consumers Research Council of America for the last five years as one of America’s top dentists, discusses important issues relating to dental health and improving your teeth, your smile, and your self-esteem. Dr. Zaibak has been featured on national and local media outlets including ABC, WGN Superstation, Fox and Univision, and has served as an expert commentator for the Chicago Sun-Times. He is also a provider of cosmetic dental care to winners of beauty pageants. People with bright, beautiful, and healthy looking smiles are seen as more attractive, competent, and happier. In fact, a dazzling, radiant smile can make all the difference in romance – as well as career success. In only two visits, you can gain a sparkling white, perfectly shaped, celebrity smile as modern innovations make your dental visit a satisfying, comfortable, and even enjoyable experience. Dr. Zack Zaibak’s all-inclusive book unveils the hidden truth about today’s state of the art choices in cosmetic dentistry for creating smile makeovers and gorgeous Hollywood Smiles, including Lumineers porcelain veneers, Invisalign metal-free braces, teeth whitening, bonding, implants, crowns, bridges, Snap-On Smiles and gum lifts. The health of your teeth and mouth affect the well-being of your entire body. The Hidden Truth Behind Beautiful Smiles reveals the secrets to enhancing your teeth to produce an exquisite, engaging smile that will positively transform your self-image and your life.

  amazon  
Transformational Dentistry

Modern dentistry is not what it used to be, and that is extremely fortunate. In today's competitive fast-paced world, first impressions are more important than ever. We instantly judge people by their appearance and the first thing we notice is their smile. Studies show we tend to believe attractive people with beautiful, healthy smiles are more intelligent, competent, trustworthy, and enjoyable to be around. On the other hand, we form immediate negative opinions if a person's smile is unattractive with misaligned, yellowed, or even chipped or missing teeth. Fair or not, this is reality.

Fortunately, today's leading-edge cosmetic dentistry can transform nearly anyone's teeth into a gorgeous, engaging smile more easily and in more ways than ever before! 

It is truly miraculous.

That is not the only significant change. Most people avoid going to the dentist for one primary reason: fear. Specifically, fear of anticipated pain. Yet modern dentistry is practically painless, with all types of new technologies, including lasers instead of scalpels, the Wand- a pencil-like device (rather than traditional syringe) that applies anesthetic so a patient doesn't even feel it, conscious sedation, and even ultrasonic cleaners employing sound waves to clean teeth, instead of scraping.

But most importantly, modern dentistry goes far beyond simply correcting problems such as cavities. Today, we can give you back the beautiful smile of your youth, or a much more exquisite smile than nature ever bestowed upon you.

Leading edge technologies such as Lumineers porcelain veneers, Invisalign metal-free braces, implants, bonding, Snap-On Smiles, gum lifts, and power whitening have advanced cosmetic dentistry to an art form. The results are remarkable and reach far beyond a person's attractiveness. People who have been shy, quickly gain confidence and self-esteem. Many start eating better, exercising at the gym regularly, dressing more stylishly, paying more attention to makeup and hairstyles. Plus, people respond to them better. Top cosmetic dentist report patients often getting long-sought after promotions at work, greater results with clients, and vastly improved romantic lives.

A radiant, dazzling smile is truly a life changer. 

 Zack Zaibak, MS, DDS, is a licensed general dentist in the state of Illinois and one of the top practitioners of advanced cosmetic dentistry in that state. Honored by the Consumer Research Council of America as one of America’s Top Dentists, Zaibak has the latest advanced training and certification in Lumineers, Invisalign, and laser surgery.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Book Review: Horribly Good Halloween Recipes with Coffee by Billy Taylor

Title: Horribly Good Halloween Recipes with Coffee
Author: Billy Taylor
Genre: Cooking
Publisher: Billy Taylor
Pages: 49

Book Blurb:

'Horribly Good Halloween Recipes with Coffee' is a really fun book that combines many of the traditional holiday recipes with the author's love of coffee, bringing an entirely unique twist to your Halloween Party.

Review:

When I first saw this book, I thought it was recipes that compliment that cup of coffee and didn't realize these recipes had coffee right in them (no fault of the author - my bad) but I was pleasantly surprised at what I found once I started reading it.  I got this for free on Amazon (hurry before the free offer expires) and I thought it would be a great addition to my holiday cooking starting with Halloween.  I was not disappointed.

For one thing, I learned that if you're going to use eggs say in a cake mix, etc, it's best to use them at room temperature.  How I got through this far in life without knowing that?  They whisk much better and provide more volume. 

All these recipes are fairly easy to make and sound oh so yummy!  If you like things spicy, Pumpkin Seeds From Hell sounds scrumptious.

It's interesting what you can do with coffee even at Halloween; be sure to pick up your copy of Horribly Good Halloween Recipes while it's still free.  If it's not, it's worth the small investment.  Happy Halloween and happy cooking!

My Rating: 4 stars


Friday, October 10, 2014

Wings That Spread by Ramesh Sangle

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Wings That SpreadTitle: Wings That Spread
Author: Ramesh Sangle
Publisher: PartridgeIndia
Pages: 202
Genre: Family/Relationship
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 This is the story of two loving souls, Jessica, a Spanish village girl and Aniket, son of the Indian Ambassador to Spain, who first meet at a school competition. As they grow older, they fell in love with each other. But, circumstances forced them to move on with their separate lives and Aniket moves back to India. Tragedy strikes their lives individually and they both loose their loved ones. Can Jessica and Aniket ever be together? Can they be united despite the differences in culture, religion and nationality? Is the whole world just one big happy family?

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Ramesh is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins October 6 and ends on October 17.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, October 20.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Bookwatch: Living with Heart by L. Reynolds Andiric #bookwatch



Living with HeartTitle: Living with Heart
Author: L. Reynolds Andiric
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 266
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

  Reflections from the heart: intimate and provocative An eclectic assortment of sensitive, reflective, and occasionally spiritual short stories relates the experiences of an adventurous seeker and world traveler. Never a mere spectator of life, but always fully participating, L. Reynolds Andiric relays stories of intimate connections with nature and family as well as memorable exchanges with individuals randomly encountered along life’s way. Each tale conveys an insightful experience that broadened not only the author’s understanding of earth’s creatures—animal as well as human—but served to alter how the world is viewed. These accounts implore the reader to also appreciate and preserve the natural world and to cherish, honor, and respect all of humanity, regardless of our differences. Poignant, humorous, contemplative—sometimes a bit tense, these adventures will leave you wondering, What will be next?

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A medical laboratory scientist, L. Reynolds Andiric has had a long career in medical laboratory management. She is a world traveler with a love of people and nature and has an astute and sensitive connection to all beings. She currently lives in St. Augustine, Florida, and works as a technical consultant with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as part of the PEPFAR Project. She also owns LabCare & Assoc., a clinical laboratory consulting company.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Book Watch: Love Cycles: Words Inspired by Wasabe by Arlow Bailey #bookwatch




Love CyclesTitle: Love Cycles
Author: Arlow Bailey
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 108
Genre: Body, Mind, Spirit
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 After a failure in a relationship. The author starts all over in his entire way of thinking. This book walks us through Arlow's look on Spirituality, Life, Looking for Love, Finding Love, Lost Loves and then doing Positive Affirmations in order to find the strength to do it all again. Thus Love Cycles. Look for his new book Creative Dating to be coming our soon. Creative Dating is the first attempt to change showing off to showing love. It puts back the creative juices in dating instead of dinner and a movie. Find out how.

  amazon
What ever possesed me to write this book? I am from Iowa orginally. I live now in Florida. I am an Orthopeadic Physican Assistant by day. A writer poet by night. I love both parts of me. I am divorced. I understand your pain and pride. I hope you will understand mine.

Character Interview: Raf from David Lundgren's YA fantasy 'Rhapsody'





We’re thrilled to have here today Raf from David Lundgren’s Young Adult Fantasy, Rhapsody. He’s coming to us all the way from the village of Eirdale in the Forest.  It is a pleasure to have him with us today at The Literary Nook!

Thank you so much for this interview, Raf.  Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?

I guess. I’ve never been a big fan of being in the spotlight - stupid, I know, with both my parents on the Council - and I’ve got to admit I sounded like a bit of a whining git in the beginning. But at least you got to see some of the cool things I was involved in, too, like the battles and the escape from the Palace and the sewers. Ugh. Sewers suck. The melforging stuff’s a bit embarrassing, although I wouldn’t give it up for the world; it saved the Forest, after all. And then there’s Sylvia, of course. I don’t remember being quite so awkward with her when we were first getting to know each other – but even if I was, do you blame me? She’s gorgeous! (blushes)

What do you believe is your strongest trait?

Well, music, I guess. Not so much playing it (although the Elder would’ve disagreed) but just…connecting with it and ‘getting’ it. Not too many melforgers out there, really.
What else. Is ‘liking Sylvia’ a trait? Um. I don’t think I’d call myself brave. I guess I try to do the right thing (my mother would kill me if I didn’t!) and am also really keen to do something with my life now. Guess that’s why the Foreman’s always going on about going on your sojourn and broadening your perspective. Now that I’ve seen and done all that crazy stuff from the last few months, there’s no way I’m going to work as a random canopy farmer or junior Councilman.


Worst trait?

Sylvia reckons it’s my sense of humor, but I don’t know what she’s talking about; I’m a funny guy. (Ow! Quit with your elbow!) I don’t know if it’s a trait, but one thing I hate is that when I get really embarrassed about things I sweat and my cheeks go red. Annoys me so much.

Do you have a love interest in the book?

Ahem. Sylvia. Obviously. Haha, she’s rolling her eyes at me for mentioning her so much already.

At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?

Are you kidding me? When I started seeing random colors with my eyes closed! Well, actually, that had me worried in more of a ‘I’m going crazy’ sort of way; when I started worrying for real about the bigger picture, it was because the ground was collapsing under us. You know? When the Forest started dying? And then, when the Elder dragged me off to the desert and there was that whole kidnapping saga, well that was a pretty good clue that everything was going downhill quick. And as for Henja and Pavor… they terrified me. I still have nightmares about them.

If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?

Allium. Definitely. He’s just such a moron. I would probably wake up every morning and punch myself in the face. He almost destroyed the Forest! And the worst thing is: he really thought he was doing a good thing, the prat.

How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?

It’s intense. Pretty unexpected and wild stuff. I mean, I think it all turns out for the best, but it’s not all roses, either.

What words of wisdom would you give your author if he decided to write another book with you in it?

Good luck! (laughs) Sylvia’s already told me I’m not allowed to go anywhere for a while. ;) No, seriously, probably the only thing you need is to understand why I love music, why I connect with it. It’s such a big part of me. Also, it’s probably best to check with mom, too. You know she gets about me wandering off on adventures…

Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future?

You never know. As I found out on my ‘sojourn’, so much of life is balance (shut up, Cisco – I’m not being pretentious! You’re not supposed to even be in this interview, anyway!)) and if it comes unhitched or goes crazy again, I suppose I’ll do a better job of trying to deal with it the next time.  Hopefully.

About the Author:

David Lundgren was born in “a pokey town in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia)” and spent the first 18 years of his life there. He grew up in an environment “that seemed to combine the best elements of both an American and English heritage with a hybrid African lifestyle.” Lundgren is also a musician, which gave him the creative spark to create the Melforger series. He spends his time in San Francisco “teaching, enjoying frequent – and often frustrating – games of tennis, trying to learn the blues on piano, attacking Sudoku puzzles with relish, and attempting to make some headway with the ever-increasing pile of books that is waiting patiently at my bedside, developing its own gravity.”

His latest book is the fantasy/science fiction, Rhapsody.
For More Information
About the Book:

In RHAPSODY, the Forest has been completely healed and the battles of Books I and II are over, but a corrosive blackness that has been haunting Raf still seems to be growing in strength. They return to Miern to stop a traitor from assuming control of the city, but find themselves caught up in a deadly plot as they race against time to stop a dark and horrific power being unleashed on them all.

For More Information

  • Rhapsody is available at Amazon.
  • Read the first chapter here.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.