FIRST LOVE Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir By Violeta Barrett

By 1956 Violeta Barrett had been working for a Wall Street investment firm more than a decade. Recently separated from her husband and feeling overworked, Violeta decided to vacation in Mexico. After her plane landed in Mexico City, a stranger with a deep, accented voice introduced himself as her tour guide. Violeta and Jorge had no idea they were about to begin a four-year romance that would endure the test of time and distance.

In her compelling memoir, Violeta shares a nostalgic and emotional journey where principles, love, and obligations collide and force unexpected decisions. Energized by the Mexican culture and Jorge's charm, Violeta is soon caught up in the joy of being loved. But before long she must return to her obligations, leaving Jorge behind. Through the more than seventy love letters she would receive from Jorge for the next few years, the two share a forbidden passion -- until the forces of morality prevail.

Nearly fifty years ago, Violeta and Jorge fell in love, changing their lives forever. Their heartfelt story proves that true love is not affected by time. It is ageless. It is eternal.

~My thoughts on this book~

Yes, I started and finished this book in one sitting!!! I'm a sucker for a good love story. This one tugged at my heartstrings.

http://youtu.be/oVU9Ay-6zX0

Bring Back Summertime By Jeanne Starr Gater

When Jeanne Starr Gater picks up the phone one morning, she receives the shock of her life. Her strong, robust, athletic husband, Dr. Julius Gater, is in the hospital! -- comatose, suffering from a stroke, broken bones...Dr. "J" IS DYING!!

A car accident that morning has left her husband unconscious, though still alive and hanging on for dear life!...And it has been a good life -- full of sunshine! Why this! .. Dear GOD! ... Why this?!

She knows she must get to him -- and fast! They had come through too much together. If she gets to the hospital in time, they will come through this awful thing too. But she needs all her resources now. In her inner spirit, she petitions her God for mercy and compassion and strength to bring Dr. "J" back from near death. Next, over time, she contacts her family and friends for their positive thoughts and prayers. She begins her long hard journey to "BRING BACK SUMMERTIME."

Thus begins the remarkable true story of one woman's courage and faith in the face of the bitterest of odds, and one man's miraculous recovery despite doctor's dire predictions. Family, and friends, new and old gather round to offer support, faith and love, as the Gaters' begin their trek back to a normal life. They encounter incredible (and numerous) obstacles from resistant medical personnel and uncooperative rehabilitation staff, to other family misfortunes. Their very survival as a family depends on their determination to hold fast to their hopes and faith.

BRING BACK SUMMERTIME is a soul searching story of a family's struggle for the restoration of physical strength, grace and human dignity. A story that portrays the power and strength of human bonding, prayer and the belief in the power of God to sustain and revive. This family somehow does not allow itself to be thrown even by this devastating accident. They continue their noteworthy accomplishments, as they struggle to deal with the prolonged recovery of Dr. "J". Their story is truly an inspiration to all.

~My thoughts on this book~

The above statements pretty much express everything I have to say. I was moved to tears at times, and strongly admire the author and her family for never giving up when faced with very difficult circumstances.

Waiting On Wednesday10/05/2011

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

• Pub. Date: October 2011
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover , 336pg
• Sales Rank: 25

• Series: House of Night Series #9
• ISBN-13: 9780312650254

One Grave At A Timeby Jeaniene Frost

 

How do you send a killer to the grave when he’s already dead?

Having narrowly averted an (under)World War, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’s voodoo queen just keeps on giving—leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity—forever. But one wrong step and they’ll be digging their own graves.

my thoughts~

I never tire of Cat & Bones! They are tied for first place as my all time favorite literary couple! One Grave At A Time was not a quick read for me. I wanted to relish it, because I knew the next book wouldn't be coming out soon. This book introduced some new characters, while some of the regulars were involved too! I ♥ One Grave At A Time and look forward to the next book!

Meggie Brooks By Daphne Woods

Growing up in a small rural township in New Jersey, Meggie Brooks lives an almost idyllic life, enjoying the beauty of her extended family despite her relatives' often hilarious, dysfunctional, and sometimes mysterious behavior. But there are some things too strange for even a child to ignore, and as the years pass, Meggie is forced to question whether all is as it seems. As she uncovers the secret that has held the family in its grip for twenty years, the greatest desire of her heart is to find love and acceptance, but can she overcome the loss of her best friend, the deception of her family, and the betrayal of the man she loves? Will she ever find a man who shares her values, or is she doomed to a life of loneliness?

A young girl's journey into adulthood, a poignant search for love, a family saga full of mystery and intrigue, and a passionate romance -- this amazingly rich novel is all these and more.

~My thoughts on this book~

I was enamored with Meggie from the very beginning. This book shows the idiosyncrasies that are apparent in most families, large or small. We learn how ones past can effect the future of more than one person. I was adopted as a child, and have a second cousin who was adopted also (Her adoptive mother was sister to her natural mother as in this story. They did not tell her right away, and when they did she was upset about it until my parents asked me to talk to her and explain that it isn't a bad thing to be adopted.) But, I digress, to return to my review, this book is one that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I look forward to more works from this author.

In My Mailbox 10/2/11

To Review~

Meggie Brooks by Daphne Woods

Bring Back Summertime by Jeanne Starr Gater

FIRST LOVE Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir by Violeta Barrett

to review~
Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen
The Pumpkin Man by John Everson
Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl
Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
Small Time Christmas Anthology
Twilight Fulfilled by Maggie Shayne
Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

just for me~
If I Die by Rachel Vincent
Twisted by Gina Showalter
Envy by J.R. Ward
Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep
One Grave at a Time by Jenienne Frost