BOOK REVIEW: Diary Of A Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bettie Youngs Books (April 15, 2010)
• Language: English

In Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker, Marla takes her readers for a hilarious romp through her days as an L.A. matchmaker and her daily struggles to keep her self-esteem from imploding in a town where looks are everything and money talks. 

From juggling the demands her out-of-touch clients to trying her best to meet the capricious demands of an insensitive boss to the ups and downs of her own marriage to a Latin husband who doesn't think that she is 'domestic' enough, Marla writes with charm and self-effacement about the universal struggles that all women face in their lives. 

Readers will laugh, cringe, and cry as they journey with her through outrageous stories about the indignities of dating in Los Angeles, dealing with overblown egos, vicariously hobnobbing with celebrities, and navigating the wannabe-land of Beverly Hills. In a city where perfection is almost a prerequisite, even Marla can't help but run for the Botox every once in a while.

This is a wonderful and comedic approach to matchmaking in Beverly Hills!  Marla shares her experiences of working at a prestigious dating service company that matched rich men up with beautiful women.  The reader shares her wit as she shares her thoughts on the expectations of these rich men and the frustration of the lack of humanity in her clients.  Many of the men were classified as being 4's or 5's however, their bank accounts warranted them women who rated 9's or 10's and Marla shares how their demands and expectations sometimes exasperated her sensibilities.

Author Marla Martenson tells her tale in a delightful and up beat manner that the reader cannot help but feel drawn into the prose being shared.  You will find yourself giggling over some of the antics and shaking your head in disgust over some of the demands.

As well, Marla and her co-workers must keep up an appearance to their clients, they must always look presentable or be dismissed for lack of conduct.  Other times, Marla has to go to extravagant parties in order to recruit new women who would consider becoming companions to rich, and usually, much older, men.  You will feel her detachment and disgust when these beautiful women fall under par for most of the clients, making her work even more stressful.

As well, you reap in her joy when she does successfully match two people together, sometimes even bewildering herself.  This is a different approach to romance but I thought Diary Of A Beverly Hills Matchmaker was deserving of four out of five stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a witty, memorable read.

Visit Marla Martenson at her Blog~!!

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

BOOK REVIEW: Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen

Every Day A Friday:  How to be Happier 7 Days a Week

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (Sep 13 2011)
• Language: English
• 
  

The title comes from research that shows people are happiest on Fridays. 

Pastor Joel Osteen writes how we can generate this level of contentment and joy every day of the week.

Known as a man who maintains a constant positive outlook in spite of circumstances, Osteen has described this message as a core theme of his ministry. Combining his personal experiences with scriptural insights and principles for true happiness, he shows readers how every day can hold the same promise and opportunities for pure joy that they experience at five o'clock on Friday.

Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Listed by several sources as America's largest and fastest-growing congregation, Lakewood Church has approximately 45,000 adult attendees every week. Millions more watch Joel's messages as they are broadcast on national and international television networks. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children. 

You can visit his website at www.joelosteen.com

Every Day A Friday was an inspirational read, filled with many uplifting and encouraging quotes in order to emphasize the positives in your life.  I found it motivational in many apsects as the author uses many positive key words to keep the reader focused, as well as, sharing many biblical passages to back the claims made throughout the pages.

I enjoyed reading the anecdotes from the bible as well as from Joel's own life experience, it added a nice blend of fact which inspires to give you the whole picture on how your life can change with a few simple techniques.

The book is compiled into seven areas that everyone should focus on in order to change their lives from the negative into the positive.  With chapters like "Don't Give Away Your Power", "Know What To Ignore", "Laugh Often" as well as many others, you will find something to enhance your own personal power with.  You will find something useful to use as a guidepost for creating yourselves a better life.

The book is written in a clear, concise and friendly manner without any pretentiousness or over-compensating bearing.  I would give this a four out of five stars and believe everyone should read this at least once in their lives, especially those who are lost and confused and looking for a positive solution to their misery and depression.

"God promises that when you praise, you will be raised!"

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

BOOK REVIEW: Eye On The Iditarod by Aisling Lara Shepherd and Hope Irvin Marston

Eye On The Iditarod:  Aisling's Quest

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Windward Publishing (December 1, 2011)
• Language: English

I was born to race. Born to drive a team of sled dogs. Born to follow my dream of running the Iditarod. 

This is the real-life story of a young girl with a big dream. From the time she was three years old, Aisling (pronounced Ashley) Lara Shepherd loved watching sled dog racing on television. Inspired by the drive and determination of the dogs and the people who race them, Aisling set out on a personal quest to one day run her own dogs in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska. 

Follow eleven-year-old Aisling as she conquers obstacles, deals with heartbreak and loss, and achieves great victories--all while keeping her eye on the Iditarod. 

Author Hope Irvin Marston worked with Aisling to complete this inspirational story of courage and resolve. This book also offers an informative and engaging look into the world of sled dog racing and the joys and challenges of caring for and training sled dogs.

I have to say that this is a really great book to read with your children.  It has a wonderful, "feel good" attitude that just screams, "NEVER GIVE UP!".  You will read how, Ainsley, who is born legally blind, faces all the obstacles that came her way and never lets anyone tell her that it couldn't be done.

Ainsley is a beacon of hope to anybody, young or old, in showing how if you dream and believe, you can make it happen.  Ainsley has a wonderful support network around her, from her single mother to her grandparents, who manage their time to help Ainsley fulfill her dream of running her own dog sled team in Alaska.

The reader is taught a lot about the dogs that run the sleds; we learn how they each have a role on the team and how they bond to make the team stronger.  We read how Ainsley guides her dogs by love, compassion and instinct and how the dogs respond to her as well.

This would make a great book to have in classrooms, libraries or even your own home.  It's not a long read, the print is larger than normal, but the essence you find it the pages will stay with you even after you have done reading and I can almost guarantee, you will feel the need to do some more research on this past time, such as I did.

The book contains many resources for classrooms to use, as well as a glossary of terms for those of us who are just reading about sled dogs for the first time.

I would give Eye on the Iditarod:  Aisling's Quest a five out of five stars.  Its imaginative, thought provoking and uplifting.  Continue to follow those dreams Ainsley, you are a poster child for tenacity and living your life, your way!

Eye On The Iditarod

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

BOOK REVIEW: Whatever Happened To Pudding Pops? by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and Brian Bellmont

Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?  The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the '70s & '80s

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; First Edition edition (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• 
  

If you owe a couple cavities to Marathon candy bars, learned your adverbs from Schoolhouse Rock!, and can still imitate the slo-mo bionic running sound of The Six Million Dollar Man,Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the '70s & '80s is for you.

The book, by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and Brian Bellmont, takes you back in time to the tastes, the smells, and the sounds of childhood, when the Mystery Date board game didn’t seem sexist, and exploding Pop Rocks were the epitome of candy science.

But what happened to the toys, tastes and trends of our youth? Some vanished totally, like Freakies cereal. Some stayed around, but faded from the spotlight, like Sea-Monkeys or Shrinky Dinks. Some were yanked from the market, revised and reintroduced...but you'll have to read the book to find out which ones.

So flip up the collar of that polo shirt and revisit with us the glory and the shame of those goofy decades only a native could love.

This was a great book to peruse and if your the kind of person who enjoys reading in the bathroom, then this book is definitely right up your alley.  Filled with many interesting tidbits about the things we have come to know and love.  It's an easy read, which doesn't have to be read in order or in one sitting, its one of those books that you can read whenever you wish to & always find something to enjoy.

There were many icons from the era that I had forgotten about and it was really interesting to be reminded about these blasts from the past.  The book reads in alphabetical order which makes it easier to find what your looking for, such iconic pleasures like, metal pudding containers, K-Tel, Hugo (Man of a 1000 Faces), Big Wheel, Fantasy Island, Bazooka Joe and so much more.  

If you have lived thru the times, then there is something in this book that you will enjoy reading and remembering about.  Its written with clarity and an easy-to-read format and though the reading levels states 18 and older, I feel that anyone with a reading capacity could easily understand the prose found within.

I would give this a 4.5 out of five stars.  I thought the authors did a remarkable job in their research, but I would've loved to have seen more information with each of the icons as well as a few coloured photos would've been nice.  However, it's a fun and entertaining read and I am sure everyone will get a kick out of remembering those "good ole days".

Whatever Happened To Pudding Pops?

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

Vamplayers by Rusty Fischer

Vamplayers is a YA Paranormal Fantasy.

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Medallion Press; Original edition (December 13, 2011)
• Language: English

When Lily Fielding is turned, she has no idea what is happening or why, all she knows is that Rick Springfield's "Jesses Girl" is playing in the background as her and her mother are overcome by Vampires.  As she watches her mother try to devour her, Lily prepares for her death but is saved by the Saviours and becomes a Sister at the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts.

There are two paths one can follow at the school, either become a Saviour or a Sister.  Everyone wants to be a Saviour, a select group of people who hunt and destroy vampires.  However, Lily is just a Sister of The Sisterhood of Dangerous Girlfriends and to add to the insult, she's third sister to Cara and Alice and truly has no say in any of the adventures the girls find themselves upon.

When the girls are given their next mission, going undercover in a secluded, posh high school, the girls believe the job will be an easy one as they plan their identities.  However, before the first day of school is over, Lily is on her own as her sisters get wrapped up in Bianca, the socialite who has it all while Lily follows Tristan, the Vamplayer looking to turn the whole school into a bloodfest.

Lily is unsure who to trust and she cannot figure out why her sisters are acting weird, almost like they have forgotten their mission and who they are.  Lily believes Tristan may have something to do with this and continues to bait him, however, along the way, Lily's own feelings come into play and she must come to realize that what she has come to believe all along, may not be what it seems.

When Lily finds herself fighting a Royale vampire of the oldest blood, she must use all of her skills and wits, for her sisters are not there to help her and there is no way to contact The Saviours to come and bail them all out. 

I quite enjoyed this read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a YA Vampire love story.  The outcome was great and the author doesn't leave the reader hanging with impossible and unanswered  questions, everything is tied up nicely and leaves the reader wishing for more.

I enjoyed the writing style of author, Rusty Fischer, it was fresh and comedic in places.  I found the dialogue enjoyable as well as the characters.  I read this book in just a few hours, it has enough to keep the reader glued to the pages if you are reader of paranormal YA and I hope to read more from the Sisters. 

Though I figured out who the vampires were, it was still a great unfolding of events, the predictability didn't offend me as much as it usually does, for the writing style/technique more than makes up for anything that could be lacking to the reader.

I would give this a 4.5 out of five stars, I thought that it would have been more beneficial to have had more background information on Lily, Alice and  Cara, I just didn't feel for Alice and Cara as I felt I should have and I believe it was because I didn't know much about why they were there or what makes them tick.  I'm reading Rusty Fischer's "Zombies Don't Cry" and I must say he is a new YA paranormal favourite author of mine.  Keep up the groovy work Rusty~!! 

SYNOPSIS:
At the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts, Lily Fielding is a measly trainee who dreams of one day becoming a Savior—those who visit vampire-infested high schools and put down the undead with their deadly crossbows. When Lily and her classmates Alice and Cara begin their latest assignment, it seems like just another run-of-the-mill gig: they’re to simply spot the Vamplayer—part vampire, part player—identify the popular girl he’s set his sights on, and befriend her before the Vamplayer can turn her to do his bidding. Before long, however, the Vamplayer sets his sights on Lily's friends, and she is left to face the threat alone while protecting her friends from the dark forces she has sworn to resist.


** Reviewed by me...as I see it~!! **

BOOK REVIEW: The MacGuffin by Michael Craft

The MacGuffin is a literary fiction mystery.

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Questover Press (July 17, 2011)
• Language: English

Cooper Brant is an architect, for his father-in-laws energy company, and he finds himself surrounded in mystery.  His father was murdered fifteen years ago for his work in creating a machine that will generate power without the use of fossil fuels.  Cooper was the first person upon the scene and finds himself still a suspect in his father's murder.

Arcie Madeara is the cop hot on his trail, she has reason to believe that Cooper knows more about his fathers death than he lets on and begins to hound Coop, however, as the two draw closer there is more than mystery in the air as the two come to find companionship in one another's company.

Bix Emery is the head of Emery Energy, a no-nonsense cowboy who oozes power and everyone does his bidding.  Bix comes across as a fatherly figure, helping Cooper gain his footing in the company and grooming him to become the President one day.

I would give The MacGuffin a 3.5 stars out of five.  While I enjoyed the read, I was greatly disappointed with the ending wrap-up.  I felt it fell flat and left the reader with an emotionless outcome to a decent mystery build.  I found the dialogue forced in some instances and some of it lacked interest. 

I wasn't overly impressed with Detective Arcie Madera and thought her honing skills of deduction were seriously lacking and have no idea what her overall beauty has to do with this mystery.  It took me about a quarter way through the book before I started to feel the characters and their plight.  It was then that the characters became likeable as each of their personalities began to be separate from one another.

If you like mysteries, then you will enjoy this one, I just like a lot less predictability in my mysteries and this one didn't even leave me guessing.  As the story unfolds the reader is left with a fairly decent murder mystery as you follow each of the characters to their final destinations.

SYNOPSIS:
A cold-case murder fifteen years ago halted promising developments in the quest for clean energy when the rumored prototype of a groundbreaking water engine was stolen or destroyed. Now the race is on to repower America, and Cooper Brant, still grieving that long-ago murder of his father, suddenly finds his family visited by a second violent death, raising the stakes to unearth lost secrets. When Coop discovers how the two crimes are linked, a grim message becomes clear. He’s next.

  **  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

BOOK REVIEW: I Didn't Ask To Be Born by Bill Cosby

I Didn't Ask To Be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) is a Literary Comedic look on life by Comedian, Bill Cosby.

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (Nov 1 2011)
• Language: English

In this hilarious collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, I DIDN'T ASK TO BE BORN offers a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.

Over the past century few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His success spans five decades and virtually all media-remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly housing project.

In the tradition of his bestselling books, Fatherhood and Cosbyology, the doctor of comedy holds forth on everything from first love to the Bible. Bill Cosby may not have asked to be born, but we're sure glad he was.

I loved the wit and humour shared within these pages and found my giggling over some of the thoughts and antics of Mr. Cosby.  This book delivers the same punch at jokes as only Bill Cosby can deliver.  I loved his viewpoints on God and death and found myself chuckling over his thoughts more than once.

His veiws on fatherhood and the discipline of his children was shared in such a manner that anyone can relate to his anecdotes.  The story about Peanut Armhouse was a very strange tale but worthy of the read, like Mr. Cosby, to this day I wonder whatever happened to Peanut.

Each of the stories shared from his past are down with great visual representation and you can feel yourself traveling along his trip down memory lane.

I thought this was a very decent read and would give it a four out of five stars.  I would've liked to have seen more comic approach in his words but I was delighted with what was shared nonetheless.  And as always, Bill Cosby gets the last word and you'll need to read more to find out why.

  "Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!"