First Impressions: Hidden Passages-Tales to Honor the Crones by Vila Spiderhawk

Synopsis from the Back of the Book:  An anthology of eight beautifully crafted stories about women of different cultures and eras, the Crones, sharing their wisdom and their joy, their hearts and souls with girls and women in times of difficulty, change, and transition. 

My First Impression:  This book appealed to be because it is presented as a Celebration of Womanhood.  I think that the art of storytelling and sharing of wisdom between generations is getting lost along with a multitude of other things.  We have so many other options for entertaining ourselves that we just don't seem to listen anymore and are often distracted.  

Previous generations have so much to offer.  While their experiences are certainly a little bit different, I think the overall message is something that can be learned from.  I'm looking forward to immersing myself in these tales which are sure to contain strong women and learning experiences.


I took a moment to visit the authors website and there were several rave reviews for the story on there. I hope you will take a moment to look at her site and and read some of the excerpts she has posted. 


http://www.vilaspiderhawk.com/booksFSHP.asp

About the author:  Vila Spiderhawk lives in the woods on Pennylvania with her husband.  She has several books to her credit including Forest Song: Finding Home, Forest Song: Little Mother, Forest Song: Letting Go, and Forest Song Cookbook.

First Impressions: The Sixth Surrender by Hana Samek Norton

Synopsis from Goodreads:  In the last years of her eventful life, queen-duchess Aliénor of Aquitaine launches a deadly dynastic chess game to safeguard the crowns of Normandy and England for John Plantagenet, her last surviving son.

To that end, Aliénor coerces into matrimony two pawns-Juliana de Charnais, a plain and pious novice determined to regain her inheritance, and Guérin de lasalle, a cynical, war-worn mercenary equally resolved to renounce his.

The womanizing Lasalle and the proud Juliana are perfectly matched for battle not love-until spies and assassins conspire to reverse their romantic fortunes.

My first impressions:  I chose this novel because it has two of my favorite elements in a novel.  It is a historical and there are several strong female characters. The first thing that I thought when I looked at the cover art was that this women is a problem solver.  She will go to any means to protect whatever she is protecting.  I haven't finished it yet, but so far I am really enjoying it.  I'm curious to see how Juliana deals with her marriage to an unlikely groom.  I wonder what lengths she will go to in order to regain her inheritance.

So far I've enjoyed the writing.  The one thing that would be helpful for me is a cheat sheet of who's who.  There are so many names being thrown around that I've gotten lost a couple of times.

I'll give you an update when I finish this story.  In case you missed it, check out Hana's Guest Post . 

I received a copy of The Sixth Surrender from the publicist in order to participate in this blog tour.

First Impressions: Bobo's Daughter by Bonnie Barnett

Synopsis from Goodreads:  Bonnie Barnett first met her father at the circus. She was a four-year-old spectator; he was one of the world's most famous clowns, a veteran performer for shows like the Shrine Circus and The Ed Sullivan Show. Though his star persona was always present in the periphery of her life, she rarely got to see him in person, and the inconsistency of her mother, a former clown herself, only increased her loneliness. As she entered adulthood, put herself through college, and sought spiritual fulfillment, Bonnie found herself seeking out her father at every turn. It wasn't until she finally showed up at this doorstep that he stopped being a larger-than-life myth and became a very human father, full of faults, regrets, and love. Bobo's Daughter recounts Bonnie's quest for the affection and acceptance of her legendary father--and the lessons she learned along the way. 

My first impression:  I selected this book because it involves a relationship between a father and daughter.  A "normal" father and daughter relationship can be complex and difficult.  Factor in celebrity and it takes on another dimension.

You can read an excerpt


Thank you to Lindsay at Phenix & Phenix for sending me this book to review.  I hope to be able to read it soon and share all of my thoughts about the book. 

First Impressions: Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Synopsis from Goodreads:  Widowed and jobless, Lydia King moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism and has dedicated his life to caring for them. As fall colors the countryside, will anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life and romance, or will another tragedy flood her with infinite despair? 


My First Impressions:  I was drawn to Lydia's Charm because of the story.  A young mother who has to do what needs to be done.  It seems like a story of strength and perseverance which we all know that I adore. 

Thank you to PTA Reviewers for giving me the opportunity to review this book.  

First Impressions: The Love Goddess' Cooking School by Melissa Senate

Release Date: Oct 26, 2010


Synopsis from Goodreads: Holly Maguire's grandmother was the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine–a Milanese fortune teller who could predict the right man for you, and whose Italian cooking was rumored to save marriages. Holly has been waiting years for her unlikely fortune: her true love will like sa cordula, an unappetizing old-world delicacy. But Holly can't make a decent marinara sauce, let alone sa cordula. Maybe that's why the man she hopes to marry breaks her heart. So when Holly inherits Camilla's Cucinotta, she's determined to forget about fortunes and love and become an Italian cooking teacher worthy of her grandmother's legacy. 

But Holly's four students are seeking much more than how to make Camilla's chicken alla Milanese. Simon, a single father, hopes to cook his way back into his daughter's heart. Juliet, Holly's childhood friend, hides a painful secret. Tamara, a serial dater, can't find the love she longs for. And twelve-year-old Mia thinks learning to cook will stop her dad from marrying his phony lasagna-queen girlfriend. 

As the class gathers each week, adding Camilla's essential ingredients of wishes and memories into every pot and pan, unexpected friendships and romances are formed–and tested. Especially when Holly falls hard for Liam . . . and learns a thing or two about finding her own recipe for happiness. 

My First Impression:  I was drawn to this book initially by the title.  My recent obsession with food related books has yet to be satisfied.  The second thing that I noticed about this book was the cover.  I wondered about the kitchen, whose kitchen is it, what happens.  Then I read the synopsis and knew that I had to read it.  


I know cover images are very important.  I've admitted myself that I do judge a book by its cover (just as I did with this one).  Knowing that the cover image played an important role in my own desire to read the book, I'm sure that you can imagine my surprise when I came upon this post from Girlfriends Book Club outlining how this wasn't the original cover.  I've learned that authors don't have much say in what their covers look like, but I didn't realize that it was driven by booksellers.  I suppose it makes a certain amount of sense.  The booksellers can see what books are being picked up and either bought or put back on the shelf.  Would I have had the same reaction to the initial book cover?  It's hard to say.  What about you?  Which cover would drive you to pick up this book.






First Impressions is a feature in which I tell you about a book that I've received, but not yet read.  My copy of The Love Goddess' Cooking School was sent to me by the publisher with the hope that I would review it.  

First Impressions: The Dead Rise First Rapture Countdown

Synopsis:  In the small town of Jordan, Oklahoma residents find themselves the victim of a shocking terrorist attack. A society so completely dependant on technology for its security and commerce has suddenly been turned upside down. Even worse than the uncertainty of their immediate safety is another problem that no one can explain.

People who have been dead for years are popping up all over town, appearing and giving witness that the Rapture of the Church is eminent but for the lost, the Great Tribulation. Who will listen to their message and repent and who will refuse to believe their own eyes?

Meet Jack, a pastor who is suddenly slapped in the face by what has happened and then baffled when he spots Sister Gregg, a former member of his church. The only trouble is the last time he saw the woman was at her own funeral. The town begins to shake at these events and as a church turns to their leader, Pastor Jack desperately searches for the answers he must give his congregation. How much time remains for people to repent is anyone’s guess, for Jack and his flock it’s a race to reach the lost.

The Dead Rise First is a fast paced, intriguing read for anyone interested in the Rapture. This book brings something new to readers and is provoking discussion among scholars with this one question: why do the dead rise first? Although purely fiction, the events are based on scriptural answers that unearth a new understanding concerning the rapture of the Church. Does it reveal a mystery about how God will raise the dead in Christ as seen in 1Thess. 4:13-14? Will it be the same way Jesus resurrected in Matthew 27:52-53? You decide.

Synopsis from the Authors website

My thoughts:   This is another one of those books that presents a very unique idea.  All of the reviews that I have seen for it present a lot of enthusiasm.  It is a bit of a departure for me, but I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.  Have you read it?  What did you think? 


Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for review from the publicist.

First Impressions of The Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman

Synopsis from Goodreads:  THE DOOR IS OPEN . . . For young widow Ellen Wood, her Victorian home is a refuge—a place to feel safe with her eleven-year-old son, Charlie. But when money grows so tight that Ellen could lose the house, her sister, Hannah, makes a radical suggestion . . . rent out some of the rooms. Soon Ellen has three lodgers: Sabine, a German coworker of Hannah’s, recently separated from her husband; Allegra, an eccentric but wise novelist; and Matt, an up-and-coming young journalist in search of his voice, who has just landed a plum job in London. Ellen thinks three strangers are the last complication she needs, but they make her realize just how isolated she has become. Their presence exposes a secret she’s been keeping hidden, as well as a conflict with her sister that is both shocking and revealing. And while a love affair with a younger man seems like a fantasy powered by her imagination, Ellen can’t deny her deep connection to Matt, or the changes he inspires in her and her relationship with Charlie. Outside her home’s sheltering walls lies a world of opportunity as well as danger. Now that she’s had the courage to open the door, does Ellen dare step through?Witty, moving, and deeply insightful, The Home for Broken Hearts celebrates everything that makes life worth living, from an author who knows just how to speak to the heart. 

My thoughts:  Rowan Coleman has several titles to her credit for both adults and teens.  I recently discovered that several of these titles are already on my Goodreads list of titles that I want to read.  She has penned such titles as The Accidental Mother, The Accidental Family, Another Mother's Life and Mommy By Mistake.  I've had the Accidental Mother on my list for awhile but have yet to find it locally.  Rowan lives in England with her daughter and son.  

I thought it was interesting that when I searched Goodreads for Rowan Coleman's info this title didn't actually show up.  It comes up as The Happy Home for Broken Hearts.  I wonder why the change in title?  I'm looking forward to reading this one.  

There is a neat Q&A with Rowan at the Simon and Schuster website.


Disclosure:  I received my copy of The Home for Broken Hearts from the publisher. 

First Impressions: Escapades of Romantically Challenged Me by Maya Jax

From Maya's Website:

The Scene: Aspiring screenwriter Lelaina Zane finally lands a Hollywood break, but it’s cut short when her dad has a heart attack and she has to return to her home town.  Now that she’s back, her parents want her to stay, show some responsibility and join the family law firm.
Her Ex: Her first love, first kiss, first… you know, and first guy she caught with another woman.  Full of apologies and a proposition, he wants her to stay and be with him.
Her Dilemma: With one embarrassing disaster after another, a devastating blow from Hollywood and four weeks until the Bar Exam, Lainey has to decide if she’ll stay and have it all — career, love, money — or return to LA to pursue her impossible dream. 

My thoughts:  I've already confessed that I do consider the cover when deciding if I'm even going to consider reading a book so I can honestly say that the cover was an influence on this selection.  In my quest for a summer of light and fun reading I was presented with the opportunity to read Escapades of Romantically Challenged Me by Maya Jax, and I jumped on it.

Reading the synopsis I thought that it just looks like a fun read.  Having perused Maya's website I suspect that thought is about right.  I'm looking forward to reading this one.  Look for my review soon as I'm getting ready to dive into it.

Disclosure:  I received my copy of Escapades of Romantically Challenged Me by Maya Jax from the author in conjunction with Pump Up Your Book Promotions

First Impressions: Lumby on the Air by Gail Fraser

Synopsis from Goodreads:  Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

My thoughts:  Its no secret that I have loved this series.  I've read books one through four so far.  The Lumby Lines was my introduction to the fabulous little town.   The series continues with Stealing Lumby (which is my favorite book in the series so far).  The third installment, Lumby's Bounty was still entertaining and introduced us to some new townsfolk.  The fourth was The Promise of Lumby where some previous stories were continued and the new veterinarian was introduced..  I was so excited to learn about the fifth installment,  Lumby on the Air. 
I haven't had a chance to read Lumby on the Air yet, but wanted to introduce it to you because its releasing on Tuesday July 6th.  I would encourage you to go out and pick up the entire series.    It is a fun, lighthearted series with great characters, a little bit of intrigue and a touch of romance.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

You can check out Gail Fraser and the Lumby Series at http://www.lumbybooks.com/

You can look for my review soon, if you get a chance to read any of the Lumby series, pop back by and let me know what you think.

First Impressions: Shoulder Bags and Shootings by Dorothy Howell

Synopsis from Goodreads: 
Fashionista and amateur sleuth Haley Randolph is in hot pursuit of the season's newest must-have handbag. But soon she's also in hot pursuit of a killer--when she discovers the corpse of none other than her designer purse party rival. . .

Life is beyond fabulous at the moment for Haley Randolph. She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt's Department Store where Haley works. And now Ty's grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes. Things would be perfect if she could just get her hands on her latest fashion obsession: the new Sinful handbag.

Every store in town is out of stock, and Haley would rather die than buy a knockoff. But when she finds the body of her nemesis, Tiffany Markham, in the trunk of Ada's Mercedes, she's not so sure she wants to trade places after all. . .

Topping the list of suspects, Haley doesn't deny seeing red when Tiffany and her business partner not only stole her purse party idea, but also made more money. But Haley wasn't jealous enough to commit murder. Now she'll have to solve this mystery quickly--and find that Sinful bag--before she becomes a killer's next fashion fatality. . .

My thoughts:  I'm not one of those women who has a different handbag for every occasion.  I'm more of a grab and go kind of girl, but I can certainly understand the appeal.   I am certainly looking forward to reading this one.  This is the third installment in what is becoming known as the Haley Randolph series.  I haven't read the first two which are Handbags and Homicide and Purses and Poison.

Shoulder Bags and Shootings is coming out on June 29th.  Grab a copy and lets talk about it.  

First Impressions: Shadow of the Swords by Kamran Pasha

Synopsis from Goodreads:   An epic saga of love and war, Shadow of the Swords tells the story of the Crusades—from the Muslim perspective.Saladin, a Muslim sultan, finds himself pitted against King Richard the Lionheart as Islam and Christianity clash against each other, launching a conflict that still echoes today.
      In the midst of a brutal and unforgiving war, Saladin finds forbidden love in the arms of Miriam, a beautiful Jewish girl with a tragic past. But when King Richard captures Miriam, the two most powerful men on Earth must face each other in a personal battle that will determine the future of the woman they both love—and of all civilization.
      Richly imagined, deftly plotted, and highly entertaining, Shadow of the Swords is a remarkable story that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.

My thoughts:  I am on a real historical kick lately so when I was given the opportunity to read and review this one, I jumped on it.  Not only am I interested in the different time periods, I am interested in reading about different perspectives.  This one covers new territory for me so I'm really looking forward to reading it soon.  Stay tuned for a review.

I had to do a First Impressions Post to tell you about this one because it is releasing today, June 22, 2010.  If you get a chance to pick it up, stop back by and let me know what you think. I look forward to discussing it.


Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the publicist for review. 

First Impressions: Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts

Description from the Publisher: 
"Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.

Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivate their hearts."

My First Impression:  Having read an excerpt of this novel it seems like it is going to be a fantastic read.  It contains all of the elements that I enjoy in a novel.  It is a historical romance (I seem to be a sucker for them lately) with a strong heroine.  I might even learn a thing or two about Native Indian life.

This is the first in a the Iroquois Series.  Book Two titled Captive Heart is expected to be released sometime in the Winter of 2010. Visit her website to read an excerpt of Captive Heart.

You can view the trailer for Wind Warrior:


Wind Warrior is releasing today.  Check it out.

First Impressions: Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn

Synopsis from the back of the book:  Brooklyn's famed Park Slope neighborhood has it all: majestic Prospect Park, acclaimed public schools, historic brownstones, and progressive values.  Among bohemian bourgeois breeders, claiming a stake in Park Slope is a competitive sport.

In Amy Sohn's smart, sexy, satirical peek into the bedrooms and hearts of Prospect Park West, the lives of four women come together during one long, hot Brooklyn summer.  Frustrated Oscar winning actress Melora Leigh, eager to relieve the pressures of raising her adopted toddler, feels the seductive pull of kleptomania; Rebecca Rose, missing her formerly robust sex life, begins a dangerous flirtation with a handsome neighborhood celebrity; Lizzie O'Donnell, a former lesbian (or "hasbien"), wonders what draws her to women despite her sexy husband and adorable baby; and Karen Bryan Shapiro consumes herself with a powerful obsession- snagging the ultimate three bedroom apartment in a well maintained, P.S. 321-zoned co-op building.  As the women's paths intertwine (and sometimes collide), each must struggle to keep her man, her sanity... and her playdates.

My thoughts: I had high hopes for this one when I read the synopsis.  It struck me as a fun read.  I should have known what I was in for when I saw the quote on the front of the book stating "Makes Desperate Housewives look like amateur hour".

I was a bit skeptical after the first page that the story was going to live up to my hopes, but I trudged on hoping for the best.  Sixty pages in I determined that this book is just not for me and I gave up.  Usually by that point in a book you can see where the story might be headed.  I didn't feel like this one was going anywhere. There was a lot of name dropping and celebrity worship.  It was also much racier than I expected.   I can handle a little bit of raciness in a book if the plot can support it.  This one starts off racy and just keeps on going.  It could be possible that the plot can support it later on, but I will have to wait for someone to tell me.  I am going to pass this one on to another book lover, hopefully she likes it better than I did.


You can visit these blogs to see what they thought of Prospect Park West

Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
Country Bookshelf: http://www.countrybookshelf.blogspot.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
Booktumbling: http://booktumbling.com/
Books Gardens & Dogs: http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/
Renee’s Reads: http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
Star Shadow: http://www.starshadowblog.com/
My Book Views: http://my-book-views.blogspot.com/
Jeanne's Ramblings: http://www.jeannesramblings.com/
Avid Reader: http://www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com/
Books Like Breathing: http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
I Heart Book Gossip: http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/
Knitting and Sundries: http://www.jewelknits.blogspot.com/
My Life In Not So Many Words: www.ziarias.blogspot.com/
A Room Without Books Is Empty: http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/
Booksie’s Blog: http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
I Read: http://bookswithcoffee.wordpress.com/
Books in the City: http://booksnyc.blogspot.com/
Teresa’s Reading Corner: http://www.teresasreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
Reminder List: http://reminderlist.blogspot.com/
Loving Heart Mommy: http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/
Tethered Mommy: http://www.tetheredmommy.com/
Wise Owl Book Review: http://www.wiseowlbookreviews.com/
The Book Tree: http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/
The Down Home Diva: http://thestuffyouneedtoknow.blogspot.com/
Once Upon a Twilight: http://twilightsdance.blogspot.com/

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

First Impressions: Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran

Synopsis from Goodreads:  She’s been burned not once but twice by London’s so-called gentlemen . . .Gwen Maudsley is pretty enough to be popular, and plenty wealthy, too. But what she’s best known and loved for is being so very, very nice. When a cad jilts her at the altar—again—the scandal has her outraged friends calling for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it’s time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor—Alexander Ramsey, her late brother’s best friend and a notorious rogue.So why won’t a confirmed scoundrel let her be as bad as she wants to be? Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils his deepest unspoken desire. He has no wish to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on a wild romp from Paris to the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex’s past and Gwen’s newly unleashed wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs.

My First Impression: I just received this book yesterday and did not have time to read it before the tour kicked off today.  It has been a long time since I've read anything that is actually categorized as a "romance".  From the synopsis it seems like it is going to be pretty good, and it has gotten rave reviews all over the blogosphere.  It is also historical fiction which is one of my favorite genres. 

How many of us judge a book by its cover?  I know I shouldn't, but I often do.  This cover leads me to believe that this book might be a little on the racy side.  I'm looking forward to this one.

Other Tour Participants:
Rundpinne: http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/
Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
My Five Monkeys: http://www.tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/
Books and Things: http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/
The Bibliophilic Book Blog: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
My Book Addiction and More: http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
The Book Girl: http://www.thebookgirl.net/
Poisoned Rationality: http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com/
She Reads: http://mandyfish-reads.blogspot.com/
Taking Time For Mommy: http://takingtimeformommy.blogspot.com/
Avid Reader: http://www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com/
Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks: http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com/
Books Like Breathing: http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/
Knitting and Sundries: http://www.jewelknits.blogspot.com/
See Michelle Read: http://seemichelleread.blogspot.com/
In The Hammock: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
Reminder List: http://reminderlist.blogspot.com/
Drey’s Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
DK’s Everything Books Blog: http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/
Loving Heart Mommy: http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/
The Book Tree: http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/
The Down Home Diva: http://thestuffyouneedtoknow.blogspot.com/
Once Upon a Twilight: http://twilightsdance.blogspot.com/

A New Feature: First Impressions

I wanted to introduce a new feature here at Teresa's Reading Corner.  It has been my philosophy so far to only post about a book after I've read it.  I realized that perhaps I could generate more discussion on books if others were reading them at the same time, and thus First Impressions was born.

Periodically I will post my first impression of a book that I've picked up but not finished yet.  What do you think?