Resurgence

I have been thinking a lot lately about changing the format of my little blog. I still want to include book reviews, but I want to explore more. I started Boomda's Little Corner what feels like another lifetime ago...before children and being a working mom.

One of the many things that I think about incessantly is how to support my Jabberwocky through the school system when it is becoming more and more apparent that he learns very differently from his classmates. In time we will need to explore assessments to better understand his strengths as a learner and how best to support his needs. Right now, books like the Gift of Dyslexia by Ron Davis and Superparenting for ADD by Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Jensen have given me some strategies to try. What I love most about the books is the approach that while a Learning Disability or ADD/ADHD may be a challenge, with love, support and understanding it is a gift when harnessed properly.

As parents we want our kids to live a carefree childhood learning about friendships, responsibilities and fun. It is a bit of a shock when we realize that there will be mountains to climb and roadblocks along the way. I work in Special Education and have for many years. Understanding that my child has a learning disability has been a real journey, and at times there has been a grieving process. It is not to say that I do not see my child's strengths, I do, there are many. I am now more aware that as a parent I will need to build and rebuild his self-confidence and stamina.

Back to the blog, I am going to start to explore all aspects of my life, including reading, crafting, parenting and anything else that comes along. Get ready, we call November Birthdaypalooza because every family member has a birthday coming up. Each child gets a cake on their birthday and at their birthday party which I plan with them and attempt to make. I foresee some minions and such making its way to Boomda's Little Corner.

I am excited about this adventure, and hopefully a few of you will be too!

T

Unravelled Review and Giveaway

UNRAVELLED by M.K. Tod

Two wars. Two affairs. One marriage. Set at the intersection of love and war, Unravelled delivers a page-turning mixture of emotion and sacrifice.

Edward Jamieson survived his duty in World War I as a signaller. Returning to life in Canada, eventually he meets and falls in love with Ann Winston. They marry and have two children, life is good until 1935 when they receive an invitation to attend the Vimy war memorial ceremony in France. Edward is uncertain about returning to the memories of the loss of war, and the memories of Helene Noisette, the love who got away. 

What ensues is a series of decisions that put their marriage in peril. Ann and Edward work to put their marriage back together as Hitler sets the stage for the Second World War. WWII sees Edward enlist with a top secret spy training, which once again forces him to keep secrets from Ann. In turn, Ann volunteers as a counselor for grieving women. The stress and agony of war wage once again on Edward and Ann's marriage. 

As the title suggests, stories unravel on the stage of the world wars. M.K. Tod creates a narrative that presents an honest look at marriage after adultery. It is a fantastic mix of fiction supported by research and nonfiction. What drew me to the story was an incredible balance of graphic detail and humanity.

If you would like an opportunity to read Unravelled by M.K. Tod, enter to win below.

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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction and blogs about all aspects of the genre at A Writer of History. Her debut novel, UNRAVELLED: Two wars. Two affairs. One marriage. is available in paperback and e-book formats from Amazon (US, Canada and elsewhere), Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. Mary can be contacted on

Twitter: @MKTodAuthor, Facebook, and Goodreads.

A book launch event for UNRAVELLED will be held on October 8, 2013 starting at 7 p.m. at the Duke of York at 39 Prince Arthur Avenue in Toronto, Canada.

Read Chapters One and Two of UNRAVELLED and visit A Writer Of History for more information.  

CONNECT WITH M.K. TOD 

Blog: A Writer Of History

Facebook Page: M.K. Tod Author

Twitter: @MKTodAuthor

GoodReads: M.K. Tod

Book Review: Forgotten

Another fascinating book from Catherine McKenzie! What would happen if everything in your life was taken away, if you had to start all over again?

Following her mother's funeral, Emma Tupper pursues her mother's dream of visiting Africa. Hardworking, stubborn Emma takes a month long sabbatical from the law firm that she had been dedicating 80 hour weeks in pursuit of a partnership to explore Africa. Only, what was supposed to be a month long sabbatical turns into a six month journey following an earthquake and illness that leaves her stranded in Africa with no way to communicate back home. 

When Emma finally returns to her apartment, she finds all of her things missing and Dominic, a photographer who has just broken up with his fiancee, moving in. Emma tries to call her friends and boyfriend, but can only leave messages. Dominic takes pity on Emma and allows her to stay with him. Slowly the two become friends as they try to piece together Emma's old life, finding that it is not as easy at one might have thought. 

I am a huge fan of Catherine McKenzie's writing and I loved Forgotten as much as I adored Spin and Arranged. Emma is a strong character who has to work her way through some unique, but tough situations upon her return. She is real, she gets frustrated, confused and sometimes upset, however she is never whiny or annoying. Emma's pursuit of finding herself in the rubble of what remains of her life is a great read!

Book Review: The Night Shift

Dr. Brian Goldman has been an emergency room practitioner for decades. That alone, makes him remarkable, however, on top of his dedication to medical emergencies, he also prefers the night shift. In The Night Shift Dr. Goldman shares stories of cases during his twenty years in the Emergency Room at Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto.

What I loved best about the book is Dr. Goldman's ability as an author to intersperse factoids about the stark realities of the medical field with humane stories while also balancing respect, empathy, humour and truth. As one who reads non fiction rarely, and if I do it is generally around education, I started the book with a little trepidation. I was surprised at how much I truly enjoyed this book.

Book Review: Promise Me by Harlan Coben

Full disclosure, I am in love with Myron, I just adore his character (and yes, I am fully aware that he is fictional). Harlan Coben demonstrates his quick wits through Myron and Winn whose dialogue and banter is one of the many reasons I return to his books over and over again.

In Promise Me, Myron makes a promise to a friend's daughter that puts him in a situation that makes him suspect number 1 in her disappearance. While Myron has been on sabbatical for six years, he has to pull all the stops to clear his name, protect his friend's daughter and find the bad guys.

The worst part about finishing this book was knowing that I am quickly running out of books in this series.

Book Review: Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first book in the Dexter series that has also become a hit TV series.  Jeff Lindsay introduces readers to Dexter Morgan, an average citizen with a job as a forensic technician with the Miami Dade police department, whose specialty is studying and understanding blood splatters. What even his sister does not know, is that he is a serial killer of serial killers.

I have never watched the Dexter TV series , however I have heard plenty about it. While I really liked the concept of the book, I really struggled with being inside the mind of a serial killer. While I understood that Dexter has control over his urges, I really did not enjoy when he was battling moments of weakness. 

Having said that, I will likely read more of this series because I am drawn to this very unusual mind and life style, much like drivers staring at a car accident as they drive by...just can't help myself

Review: Can You Keep a Secret?

Emma Corrigan is returning to London after she has blown her chance at a promotion with Panther Cola, at a disastrous sales meeting. When she is seated on a plane next to an attractive stranger, she spills all her secrets to him when she thinks the plane is going to crash due to turbulence. Emma tells him everything from her desire for promotion, to watering her office mate’s spider plant with orange juice, to her dislike for g-strings. When the plane lands safely and Emma realizes she has just revealed absolutely everything to the attractive stranger she consoles herself with the idea she will never see him again.

Well, if only that had been true…turns out that the attractive stranger is the Panther Cola’s allusive CEO. Maybe he has forgotten the ramblings of a scared stranger…

Sophie Kinsella is a favourite author of mine. I can always count on her for some brain candy. Can You Keep a Secret? is no exception with many moments that made me laugh out loud. I loved Emma’s inner dialogue, her fears, her doubts and her triumphs. The supporting characters created a great cast around Emma; there were characters to cheer for and others to hate. A fun book, I thoroughly enjoyed! 

Dead is the New Black

Nightshade, California is home to the psychic Giordano sisters; Daisy, Poppy and Rose. Also home to a soul sucker who is attacking teenage girls around town. With an eclectic cast of paranormal characters and some norms too, the Giordano girls attempt to find out who is causing Nightshade's cheerleaders to seizure and be hospitalized.

Dead is the New Black is a fun YA paranormal novel and the first book in the series. Marlene Perez has created a wonderful role model in Daisy. The book was a quick read that was hard to put down. I am definitely going to be recommending this book to the YA readers I know!

Review- Fatal Fixer-Upper

Avery Baker, a textile designer from New York, gets an unexpected letter from her Great Aunt Inga referring to a need to put things in order and right some wrongs. After consulting with her mom, Avery decides to head out to small town Maine to meet with her Great Aunt. Unfortunately, when she arrives in Waterfield, Avery finds that Great Aunt Inga died a few days before and she is the sole heir. Unsure what to do with her newly acquired rundown Victorian cottage, Avery returns to New York to think about her next steps. Ultimately, she decides that with the help of handyman Derek Ellis and a little hard work she can turn a little profit if she fixes up the cottage. Moving her life temporarily to Waterfield, Avery meets a cast of characters, some of whom make her feel at home. She also stumbles upon some trouble and a few mysteries.

I really liked this first novel in the Do-It-Yourself Mystery series by Jennie Bentley. It took some time for the story to build; however once it did, I could not put the book down. The cast of characters are interesting with a mix of good, bad and evil that kept me trying to figure out what was going on. I am looking forward to continuing with this series.

Review: Lone Wolf

Luke Warren picks Cara, his daughter, up from a party one night when they are in a severe car accident. Cara recovers after surgery; however, her father remains in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. Georgie, Luke's ex-wife calls their son Edward in Thailand to come home. Edward is forced to face his family in crisis, while also trying to rebuild relationships after years of running away from the hurt and secrets. Georgie’s husband Joe represents Edward in the court case that ensues to decide who has the right to make a decision about whether to pull the life support and donate Luke’s organs, or to wait for a miracle.

As in many of Jodi Picoult's books, the story is told from multiple characters’ points of view. Through each family member's recounts of the past and present, we learn of secrets and regrets. What I found interesting was how Picoult compared the Warren family unit to the wolf pack. The whole notion that everyone, or wolf, has a job and a role to play, was beautifully interwoven throughout the story. I have always appreciated how Picoult forces me as a reader to look at situations from several angles, creating characters that need to be understood through their points of view. While I did not always agree with Cara’s beliefs, I could empathise with her desperate need to believe her father would survive. 

Review: The Winter Palace

This historical fiction novel follows the Russian court from 1743 to 1764 introducing the reader to Empress Elizabeth, the youngest surviving daughter of Peter the Great and Princess Sophie of Prussia, who in turn becomes Catherine the Great. The character propelling the story is orphaned Varvara Nikolayevna who is assigned to Empress Elizabeth's court.

In time Varvara gains the attention of the Arch Duke who trains her as a court spy. Varvara becomes one of the Empress' most treasured spies as she maneuvers around the castle taking note of tidbits of information to take back to the Empress. In 1744, Princess Sophie of Prussia is betrothed to the Grand Duke Peter and becomes Catherine, the Grand Duchess. Varvara becomes on of Catherine's ladies in waiting and in time, the two women plan and survive a coup that allows Catherine to assume the Russian throne.

I really enjoyed this book and the perspective of life behind the castle walls. Eva Stachniak used incredible descriptive language to aid the reader in seeing how unglamorous and cut-throat it was. I look forward to reading the next book from Catherine's point of view.

Guest Blogger Spot!

I am not going to lie, I am a little giddy!! I was offered a very exciting opportunity by Wanda Lynne Young over on her Bookalicious Yummy Mummy blog. To read my review of Idol Hands by Cynthia Hill click on the image! Let me know what you think!!!

!

Review Back on Blossom Street

Lydia Goetz begins the book with starting a new knitting class at her knitting shop, A Good Yarn. As in previous Blossom Street books, the story revolves around the participants of the prayer shawl knitting class. Susannah, from the flower shop next door joins the class with her employee Colette, a widow who is trying to get a way from a messy work situation involving her boss. Alix, from the first book in the series is back, trying to find a way to relax as a very elaborate wedding is being planned for her and her fiance Rev. Jordan Turner.

Debbie Macomber writes stories where the characters are intricately and beautifully woven together with the theme of friendship and knitting. I really enjoy the characters I meet in The Blossom Street Series and I love reading about knitting.

Review: Casting Spells

Sugar Maple is a picturesque small town in Vermont where tourist enjoy little boutiques and the fall leaves. However not everything is as it seems, Sugar Maple is inhabited with witches, warlocks, vampires and sprites. An ancient spell cast on the small town keeps all within its limits safe and their secret lives hidden. However, Chloe Hobbs, daughter of the great sorceress who cast the protection spell, needs to find her true love and her magic powers to continue to protect Sugar Maple and its inhabitants. When a murder occurs within the town's limits a new threat arrives in the form of Luke Mackenzie, a police officer investigating his friend's death. Now Chloe needs to figure out how to reinforce the spell, find true love and keep Sugar Maple's secrets hidden from Luke.

I liked this very quirky book! The characters were so far fetched that they were endearing and I loved Chloe's inner monologues. While parts may have been predictable so much of the book was pure enjoyment for me!

Review: The Hour I First Believed

The Hour I First Believed is the first fiction novel that I have read by Wally Lamb. The tragedy at Columbine is at the center of this spiralling novel. Caelum Quirk and his wife Maureen both work at Columbine High School. While Caelum is at home in Connecticut dealing with a family emergency, Maureen is trapped, hidden in a cupboard in the library during the Columbine shooting. What I found intriguing about Wally Lamb’s approach to the tragedy is that he showed the reader the raw emotions of a survivor of the Columbine tragedy and those very close to the survivors. It was a unique perspective for me.  

However, The Hour I First Believed was so much more than just a survivor’s tale; it took the reader on a journey in Caelum’s family history when the Quirk’s move back to his family farm in Connecticut. I will confess that this part of the story was not my favourite as it went back through journals and diaries to delve into the secrets in Caelum’s family history.

The Hour I First Believed was a book I enjoyed for it gave me a perspective that I had not considered before. Unfortunately, I found that there were many storylines to follow and a few that I could have done without. 

Review: Mackenzie Blue ARC

Tina Wells has created a spunky and lovable character in Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee. In the first book of the Mackenzie Blue series, Zee is going in to seventh grade and things are not looking good. Her best friend has moved away, she is supposed to be helping Jasper who just moved from England, she desperately wants to win the Teen Sing competition, a new Music teacher and somehow her diary has gone missing. However, while these events were definitely speed bumps, Zee, with a true sense of self, finds her way.

What I really liked about this book is that Zee made mistakes and owned them. She is not perfect, but she is real. I loved the images, drawings, lists and texts. The book was fun with true messages through out. I even found myself laughing out loud at times. I immediately passed it along to some tween readers who also enjoyed the book immensely!

Disclosure: This book was sent to me as part of the First Look program with HarperCollins Canada

Review: Daniel X: A Graphic Novel

Daniel’s parents were murdered when a powerful alien in pursuit of The Book which ranks aliens by their power and abilities mercilessly attacks his family home. Orphaned at the age of three, with mystical powers that he must begin to udnerstand and learn to control Daniel eventually becomes an alien hunter who will seek revenge on the alien who murdered his family. He systematically begins killing the notorious aliens one by one. In this segment, Daniel is hunting Number 7, Ergent Seth. With his band of make believe friends and his supernatural abilities, Daniel faces and attempts to conquer evil.
My first graphic novel ever and I must admit I am a new convert to the graphic novel genre. I was pulled in right away and loved it! I couldn't put it down. Daniel is an alien hunter and for someone who isn’t a huge fan of Science Fiction, the format of a graphic novel works really well because I had some context to help me understand. James Patterson has found an excellent way to engage our reluctant readers.

Review: The Girls

The Girls by Lori Lansens is the story of 29 year-old conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen. As they approach the milestone of being the longest living craniopagus twins (conjoined at the head) Rose decides to begin her autobiography. The story is told mostly by Rose, but Ruby also sporadically writes her point of view on significant events in their lives as well.

The reader finds themselves immersed in the fascinating lives of the conjoined twins living in a small Ontario town with their adoptive parents. The retellings are amusing and at times horrifying.

What I liked about The Girls is how their story was told from each of their perspectives. While Rose was the dominate narrator it was nice to read of Ruby's impressions. The Girls was a novel that truly took me into someone's life that I could never imagine. Ruby and Rose were quirky and endearing characters who will stick with me for a long time.

Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacob's was our Book Caucus' first selection to read together.

Georgia Walker is the single mother of Dakota who opened Walker and Daughter, a knitting shop, to help support them. Walker and Daughter becomes the setting that gathers a very eclectic group of women together week after week to share the many challenges and celebrations in life. The characters create the true story, from Anita, the spunky widower who encouraged Georgia to sell her knitting and eventually open the yarn shop, to James the father who left many years ago but is back to make amends, to Kat the best friend who over time drifted away from the friendship and herself, to Dakota a determined child who is on the brink of adulthood and the cast of many other women who cross the Walker and Daughter doorstep.

Kate Jacobs has created a cast of characters who are endearing and while they have their own personal crises, help Georgina find a way through hers. The Friday Night Knitting Club is a nice read that reinforces that everyone comes into our lives for a purpose. While I enjoyed the story, I found that I longed for the characters to be more developed. There were so many people with great stories that I wanted to know more about them.

As our first book club selection The Friday Night Knitting Club garnered some discussion, but many of us wanted more character development. I would like to read the next one to see what happens to Dakota, Anita, James and Kat.

Review: Seven Up

I read this as an ebook on my Treo. Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum are a fun and quick escape for me.

Stephanie, bounty hunter extraordinaire, is handed Eddie DeCooch's case for apprehension. Should be easy, he is an aging, impotent octogenarian who was once a Mafia hitman. As usual nothing goes to plan and Seven Up is filled with near misses as Stephanie chases DeCooch in a giant white car around town. Then to top it all off Dougie and Mooner, Stephanie's stoner friends, go missing and it all seems to be connected to Eddie DeCooch. Stephanie pulls out no stops calling upon Ranger to help out, only this time there are strings attached, ones that have Stephanie a little hot and bothered. One thing leads to another and mud wrestling, car wrecks, dead bodies, crazy family dinners and hot, steamy moments with sexy leading men lead Stephanie on yet another topsy-turvy adventure.

What makes these novels for me are the characters and the humour, Grandma Mazur has me laughing out loud every time! I leave lots of time in between each novel I read in this series, which is why I think I like each new installment a little bit more than the last.