A Quick Review of…You!

The Lip Solution - 2 Part Solution for Soft Lips

The Lip Solution – 2 Part Solution for Soft Lips

I don’t have a book to review this week, because I’ve been working a lot of hours getting a new product launch ready for the end of the summer. I did a soft launch this week, by sending out samples, and getting a Facebook, and Twitter presence going, but I’ve been fretting over blogging and such. So this got me to thinking, why not review the blog readers?

I used to read blogs regularly, and I love book blogs, but then my reading list got backed up, from doing reviews, and from real life getting in the way. I’m also a writer, both novels and screenplays, so between this and running our businesses with my husband, I barely have time to read a book for my monthly review here, much less check out all of the blogs I love. But, there are a few that I check in with daily, either because they are funny, or informative, or just because I love the photos they post (usually home decor, and design sites). Oh, and I’m always looking a horse related sites too. Somehow in my crazy busy schedule, I find time to let go of reality, and visit my online life at the sites I’ve become addicted to.

Here at Bookend Babes, we all have our favorite blogs, and we’d like to know what makes a blog “sticky” for you? What are the things that bring you to a blog? How often do you go to the blogs, and what are you looking for? Do “mommy blogs” keep you entranced? Cooking, design, organization, books? What brings you back, checking your Blog Feeder for new and interesting tidbits?

Let us know what type of blogs rock your blog feed, and what kind of things you like to see or read about, and you’ll be eligible for our giveaway of The Lip Solution’s Lip Polish & Lip Slick Combo in Plain Jane (unflavored) from www.lipsolution.com This is a $25.00 value.

Change of Heart by Jenna Bennett

Yes, Jenna Bennett finally has a new Savannah Martin novel out! I loved this one. I’ve read every book in the series, but I think this one is my favorite. If you haven’t read the others, you can still start here, but I suggest you start with the first book, A Cutthroat Business, and you’ll be hooked.

When Savannah sees her co-worker, and boss, washing blood from his hands, she’s immediately suspicious, and matters get worse when there’s a connection between him and the open house she’s supposed to host.

We get to delve further into the relationship with Savannah and Rafe in this installment, and suffice it to say, it’s a bit more on the steamy side than the previous novels in this series, but the mystery is well plotted, and the story is a page turner.

From Amazon: It’s late February, just two months after Savannah Martin and Rafael Collier finally worked things out between them, and Rafe is already sneaking out of bed in the wee hours.

Catching fellow realtor Tim Briggs rinsing blood from his hands in the office sink makes for a welcome distraction, and when Tim disappears just as one of his clients is found dead in a nearby park, Savannah throws herself into the investigation with abandon.

But even the murder mystery taking place right under her nose can’t completely distract her from worrying about personal problems. Has Rafe changed his mind about their relationship, or is something else going on? And what are the chances of Savannah coming out of this latest debacle with her life – and her heart – intact?

ALSO IN THIS SERIES

1) A Cutthroat Business
2) Hot Property
3) Contract Pending
4) Close to Home
5) A Done Deal
5.5) Contingent on Approval (holiday novella)

Give Jenna Bennett’s Savannah Martin, real estate mystery series, a try. You won’t be disappointed. She didn’t make the USA Today Bestseller list by accident.

Crowd-Funding for Filmmakers by John T. Trigonis

Don’t let the title fool you, this book isn’t only for filmmakers. John Trigonis has written a book that will appeal to anyone looking to fund a project. There are so many projects, that aren’t film, that have been crowd funded. (The Tesla Museum for instance.)

I have to admit, when I was crowd funding my short film, No One Knows, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d talked to others who had tried this type of sourcing and learned a lot, but not nearly as much as what I’d have learn if I’d had John’s book back then. It always seems these titles are published after the fact.

I can say this, if I ever have to run another campaign (even though ours was beyond succcessful), I’d use what I learned in this book.

John compares the biggest funding sites, Kickstarter and Indiegogo. He uses examples of successful campaigns to show how they reached their goals.

This is about the basics, the approach, assembling as team (yes, this is a team effort, you’d kill yourself trying to do it alone), deciding on incentives for different levels of funding, and working through your objectives.

One very important aspect, after the campaign is done, the follow up and follow through. John walks you through the “dos” and “don’ts” and gives great pointers. He should know, he’s been in the inside track, funding his own projects.

Are you ready to crowd-fund a project? What will yours be? Do you have what it takes? Read John’s book and find out.

(disclaimer: I was given this book in exchange for a truthful review, but I’d have gladly paid the full price)

Smart Talk by Lisa B. Marshall

For anyone who has ever had to talk to another person, this is a great book. From the very basics of introductions, and shaking hands, to any type of public speaking, this is the book that should be on everyone’s shelf, or (audio version) iPod.

Lisa B. Marshall has the education and experience, and makes it seem so easy. I know I’ll be using the parts about giving and getting feedback on a daily basis, in both my writing, and as my position as a business owner. I now know I could have  been communicating with my employees so much better. Where was this book 17 years ago?

From Amazon:

Have you ever lost out on a promotion? Struggled with a difficult conversation? Been put on the spot and blanked? Imagine if…

…you were better at persuading others and negotiating for what you want.

…you were more fluent at introducing yourself, making conversation, and following up.
…you were better at delivering feedback, receiving criticism, and using positive language.
…you were perceived as more diplomatic and charismatic.

Smart Talk applies up-to-date communication research to everyday situations and gives smart, practical, step-by-step directions to achieve results. Smart Talk is no ordinary book— it’s the Swiss Army Knife of communication—a comprehensive set of tools to build strong relationships and avoid communication breakdowns.

With proven strategies and practical action plans, Smart Talk will help you resolve conflicts, strengthen your natural charisma, and master the art of persuasion. Never again will you dread a holiday party or be rendered speechless at a business meeting. Backed by solid research and written in an engaging narrative style with a warm sense of humor, communication expert Lisa B. Marshall translates her wealth of experience into practical, fresh advice to help you navigate any complex situation, and achieve professional success.

We could all use a little help “talking smart.”

Live Wire by Harlan Coben

 

I met Harlan Coben many years ago at Bouchercon in St. Paul, MN, and I’ve been in love with him ever since. He was pleasant and funny, and his personality shows in his writing. When I met him, he’d won the Anthony Award for best mystery. Of course I bought his books (they were in paperback, so I bought all of the Myron Bolitar series).

When Coben changed agents, his writing changed too, and Myron Bolitar seemed like he’d be left behind. Thank goodness Coben went back to his roots. I love the characters in the Myron Bolitar series. Live Wire is one of the latest with Myron, but you can pick the series up with any book. I guarantee, if you read Live Wire, you’ll want to go back and read the rest of the Myron Bolitar books.

Myron was a sports agent, but is now a “talent” agent, working for rock stars, athletes, actors and more. His clients bring him lots of mysteries to untangle. Live Wire brings Bolitar to the investigation for two of his clients, a rock star and a tennis player. And in Coben fashion, he doesn’t disappoint.

From Amazon: When Myron Bolitar gets involved in the family drama of his former tennis star client and her rock star husband, he discovers secrets about his own family, specifically his brother, who abandoned the Bolitars long ago. As Myron races to locate his missing brother while their father clings to life, he must face the lies that led to their estrangement-including the ones told by Myron himself.

I highly recommend any book Harlan Coben writes.
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