Books are food for my soul! Pull up a beach chair and stick your toes in the sand as the Jersey surf rolls in and out, now open your book and let your imagination take you away.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Why Qualified People Don't Get Hired Or Stay With The Company by Molita Powell (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Pump Up Your Books! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Molita Powell, author of Why Qualifies People Don't Get Hired Or Stay With The Company!






Author Guest Post

Then and Now


The online Wikipedia Dictionary defines employment as ‘A contract between two parties, one being the employer and the other being the employee.’ The online Meridian Dictionary gives an additional meaning as ‘Being an activity or the like that occupies a person's time.’

In this book, qualified people are also referred to as talented and high performers. They include anyone who has worked in the same position long enough where they can leave and work with another company in the same or similar industry, utilize their skills, knowledge and education to do the same or similar type of work with little or no supervision.

So many of us invested a lot of time and money in our education in hopes of getting that one job where we can put all that knowledge and skills to good use. So is there any wonder that we want to be selective in our choices of employment and employer?

We look for jobs within a certain geographical radius and perhaps a more specific location closer to home, the downtown area or a shopping area. We may choose an area close to a school or university, or closer to our kid’s school.

In other words, the location has to be convenient. We put the same thought process into choosing the places to work, the size of the company, the various departments and the type of products or services that make up their core competency.

Well, that was a very long time ago when we had options. We would target the company within our primary area of study and apply there. We would submit the job application along with our resume and a cover letter via air mail or fax, and then wait. Here we were taught that if we did not hear back within a reasonable time after applying, we should follow up with the Human Resources Department and inquire as to the status of our job application. Sometimes the response would be promising. Back then, we were able to have a conversation with the person doing the hiring and discuss our qualifications over the phone. We received insights as to whether we possessed the skills and knowledge that matched what they were looking for. Here, we could also find out whether the position was still open, whether there were additional positions opened or if they had anything where we could be a good fit. It may not be the ideal position, but it got us in the door to learn those skills for which we were lacking.

The other practice that employers did was to hold on to our resumes for future needs. Back then, one could count the number of applicants applying for the same position.

There were times when companies would have to extend the advertising period until they had enough qualified applicants from which to select for an interview.

It was not uncommon to be notified by mail if the position was closed, if we were not selected for an interview or for the position for which we interviewed.

Fast forward to today. We submit our resumes online and we wait, and wait, and very rarely do we bother to call to check on the status. Why? There are so many more applicants just like us applying for the same position and we apply to so many places, some unknown.

We would hear employers say today that they would get as much as 400 applicants for one position. That would be 399 “Dear John” letters sent, or 399 email replies. All we can do is keep applying until we get a call, any call.

We are putting in a lot more mileage to go to the new job. We are working in jobs we’ve never done, and that are not even related to our hard earned college degree. Why do we do this? We do this because our choices have become limited. There are fewer jobs available for the number of qualified applicants actively going after the same positions.

So now, we have to be willing to be flexible and to compromise in some areas. Sometimes, we even have to make sacrifices. We have to be willing to take the pay cut, drive the distance and work the unfavorable shifts if needs be. It’s a matter of extreme necessity that we become open to make these life adjustments. Consider the consequences when we decide the job is too far out or the pay is not quite enough for us to maintain the lifestyle we had come to enjoy.

Have you checked the news recently? Do you know how many qualified people you are now competing with for that job you are still on the fence wondering if you should take or not? Do you know how many people would not hesitate for a second to say “Yes, I accept the offer”? Do you know how long some of these qualified people have been waiting in line for a call back or even a job interview?

Many people have had their unemployment compensation run out or close to it. People can’t afford to be as selective anymore to turn down any offer that finally came their way.

If you were lucky enough to hit the jackpot and get a job interview, it would mean your resume passed the appearance and content test. Every job hunter must have that all important resume. It should be clean, well-organized, easy to read and brief.

When companies receive hundreds of resumes to filter through, you want yours to be eye-catching for the right reasons. Is the person doing the screening able to scan your resume in under a minute and determine whether it’s worthy of a second opinion and for consideration?

When preparing your resume, consider what you want them to know about what you’ve accomplished over the years, and your potential. It may not always be what you wrote on paper, but how it’s written. Are you familiar with the saying, ‘it’s not what you said, it’s how you said it’?

Many people would write what they think the employer want them to write. There is nothing wrong with that if you can show support for it.

It’s not uncommon to have several versions of your resume. In fact, it’s recommended that you design your resume to the position for which you are applying. Chances are you may be a Jack or Jill of all trades. However, you do not want to show them all off at the same time unless you are writing your autobiography, and that will be after you get hired.

Focus on the skills the position requires. Highlight your skills which closely match the qualifications, especially if your experiences span across several business types. If however, you held several positions in the same field of manufacturing, food service, health care, real estate or in whatever industry, highlight them. Be brief in your descriptions and be specific. Use bullet points if necessary. Your experiences should show consistency, longevity and expanded knowledge of the industry.

There was a time when interviewers wanted to know the short-term goals (within the first year) and the long-term goals (5 to 10 years) of the prospective employees. These goals showed that we were interested in staying with the company for a long time. Then, it was easier to collaborate with the immediate supervisor to meet some of those goals.

Today it’s difficult to say where we would like to be in the next 5 to 10 years since no company is immune to closures or downsizing.

The interview questions today look for competencies and skills set to determine experience and expertise. Companies want to know how engaged you are in the company. The more engaged you are, the greater the likelihood you will stay with the company. This may or may not always work in the favor of the potential employer or employee.

There are so many variables now that job hunters need to be aware of when trying to find a job in almost the same way as the employers who are looking to hire. Today we have to look at how liquid the company is and how long they’ve been in business. After all, we don’t want to get hired by Company X today only to be laid off tomorrow. Or, get hired and not be able to receive equitable compensation and benefits due to cut backs.

We can never hear too much or too often how important it is to be prepared, both physically and mentally. Know what you are looking for and be prepared to present yourself first and foremost. That is the first thing you are judged on by the interviewers and the person at the front desk. Their opinions count in deciding whether or not you get hired to join their team. You lose points for being late so make sure that ‘Be on-time’ is on your to-do list for the job interview.

We see a lot of interstate and intrastate migration of qualified professionals and sub-professionals across state and county lines searching for any job they can get. Some immigrants return to their home country or travel north to try their fortune in Canada. These folks are in touch with the reality of the job market and know that companies are moving jobs to where it’s more economical to operate. Therefore, if you need one of those jobs, you have to be willing to travel to where they are located.

The current economy has left the unemployed facing such financial hardship that some may be more willing than others to take a cut in pay. Prospective employers know that this willingness does not always translate to accepting the low pay. The ones who do accept are more likely to continue looking for higher compensation and will leave as soon as they do.



About The Author

This is the first book for Molita Powell. Her career has taken her from San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas. She has worked in small, medium and large companies across several industries and witnessed the growth, re-organization and demise of some of those companies. Others are struggling to keep up with competition and with the changing tides of the economy. 





Book Review



Why Qualified People Don't Get Hired Or Stay With The ompany by Molita Powell
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Publication Date: November 28, 2012
Format: Paperback - 166 pages
ISBN: 147823511X
Genre: Business / Career


BUY THE BOOK: Why Qualified People Don't Get Hired Or Stay With The Company


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.


Book Description:

Why do you think the younger folks get hired over someone with experience? They are more eager to learn and adapt to a career change, and come cheaper.

It’s good to have transferable skills, but do not put yourself in a financial bind where you regress in your career. Too often we see career-focused, qualified individuals in new careers and work in jobs that are out of character for them. These are the same ones who were always sharply dressed in the latest trends, and the proud owners of the newest electronic toys.

The problem is, while they were busy working, they were not managing their own finances. When the regular paychecks stopped, they found themselves scrambling to pay for even their basic expenses. In order to not lose the things they’ve accumulated, they were forced to accept the first job they were offered. This is a job and pay they would not have otherwise taken.

This is yet another reason why we see companies not hiring qualified individuals who carry a large amount of debt. They may also not hire young people for high salary positions. Companies are looking for qualified and financially responsible workers who they can trust, train and promote to leadership positions to make financial decisions on their behalf.

Financial responsibility is an actual requirement for church members wanting to become Deacons. Financial institutions use this to fill positions that involve the handling of money.

If individuals are not able to manage their own personal finances, would you want them to handle yours? Glenn Shepard said it best, ‘Don’t take financial advice from people who are broke.’


Book Excerpt:


Prologue

As the economy changes, we see the role of the company and its leaders change to reflect a new vision. The result is a revolving door where the number of employees who exit is greater than those allowed re-entry.

Who can ignore the local and world news about the increasing unemployment rates everywhere? News on the radio and online continually remind us of the state of the economy; how many jobs were lost each week, each month versus how many new jobs were created during the same time period.

People who have been working for years at the same company, or may have just changed jobs are now a local and national statistic of the unemployment rate­­ - perhaps through no fault of their own but a result of unfavorable decisions made by long trusted decision makers and industry leaders.

It was reported that many of the recent layoffs consisted of highly qualified workers who were having a difficult time finding new employment. Some people may be taking the much needed break and started looking for new employment only when their unemployment compensation was close to running out. This may account for the length of time they remained unemployed.

Admitting that times have changed is no cliché. Most of us can recall our experiences going through the motions from getting laid-off and the process of looking for new employment. We remember what it was like each time starting as a new employee and observing the differences in leadership styles across the various industries.

We observed the manner in which the managers and supervisors interacted with the employees, the amount of attention they gave, when the leaders interacted and under what circumstances. We then make the connection as to why so many qualified applicants are not getting hired. After all, they have what employers need and are looking for now. Why are they not getting hired?

Unemployed workers are reading self-help and how-to books, and following the step-by-step instructions to prepare them for their next work opportunity. They are attending workshops and joining support groups to network. They go to job fairs, meet with hiring managers and leave resumes with companies looking to hire. Still, they remain unemployed.

Why do some careers have a higher turnover rate than others? How do companies determine who stays and who gets the pink slip? Is there a hint of inequality that goes into the decision making?

Does this same inequality determine who gets the job, how much they are paid and the amount of visibility they get within the company?

This book is meant to change our internal dialogue when we become unemployed, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Included are some insights for the unemployed and underemployed who are actively looking to get back into the work force or looking for a new challenge. Know there are no short cuts, quick fixes or easy streets to get back to being employed.

There are some things we have no control over. We need to recognize what we can change and proceed accordingly. Take the initiative to manage your own career. Utilize the free resources available to get started. Connect with your network of friends and find the motivation you need. Take a break before jumping back into another position.

Remind yourself that getting laid-off from one position is not always a negative. It can be a humbling experience the first time around or if you’ve been unemployed for an extended period of time. Use the time off to re-group and take inventory of your current job skills and experiences. This is your opportunity to decide whether you want to continue in the same career or choose another path. Once you’ve made your decision, act on it.


My Book Review:

Why Qualified People Don't Get Hired Or Stay With The Company is an informative book that can be utilized by both individuals and company management. Author Molita Powell walks the reader through three sections that focus on The External Role, The Leadership Role and The Individual Role. The External Role deals with the following factors: the state of the economy, the job market, and the role that companies play in hiring people. The Leadership Role deals with the factors that relate to the company management: leadership styles; management styles and accountability; employee empowerment vs. employee engagement; employee motivation; and leadership do's and don'ts. The third section, The Individual Role deals with the what an individual can do to get hired. This section features: education; available resources; individual responsibility; options, change and owning your career desire; and how to get yourself hired.

The book emphasizes that companies are looking to hire individuals who are highly skilled, qualified, and financially responsible. These three premises could lead the company to train and promote the individual into a leadership position within its managerial level. In a sense, if the individual wants to obtain gainful employment with a chance of advancement, then they need to have their bases covered, and be able to demonstrate that they are responsible in their personal life which will carry over into the employment world.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a job, those who are looking to make a change, and for college students who will be looking for gainful employment after graduation.


RATING: 4 STARS ****



Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Work For Hire by Margo Karasek (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Margo Karasek, author of Work For Hire!







Author Guest Post


I started writing Work For Hire completely by accident. Here’s the short of it:

When I graduated from law school—yeah, I thought being a lawyer was a good idea, even though I always dreamed of being a novelist—I finally decided to take the plunge. I quit my cushy law firm job to write . . . a historical spy thriller. Yup. You read that right: a historical spy thriller. I was born behind the Iron Curtain and stayed there until shortly before the Berlin Wall came down, so—trust me—I had some good material to work with. And I was determined on perfection; I would research every fact to guarantee accuracy. Of course, that required a lot of time—and money—because most of my research had to take place in the archives of ancient European capitals. I had to dish out hefty cash for all the old paper documents. Meanwhile, I also had to somehow pay my rent. So when a part-time tutoring opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it. Hey, what could be easier? I could research, write full time and make lots of money just working a few hours a day. Perfect.

But, like for my protagonist Tekla, things didn’t turn out quite as I had expected. You see, when I stepped foot in the house of my first client, I really felt like I tumbled down Alice’s rabbit hole and ended up in a world I never imagined could exist. Suddenly, unexpectedly, I had to deal with kids who spent more money in one night out than I made in a whole month . . . and that was when I worked as an attorney. They went on glamorous trips, shopped for clothes straight off the runways and lived in the most amazing locations. Balenciaga. Prada. The Hamptons. Nobu. Privet jets. I was enmeshed in a vocabulary so completely foreign to me. Of course, at first, I was completely dazzled and awe-struck. This new world I was experiencing was so exciting; it was like living a television show or a movie. Hello Sex and the City! But, then, I started noticing the cracks beneath the gilded surfaces: the broken families and, often, morally questionable decisions. I guess I got to see first hand the price that some had to pay to live in extreme privilege. And I started thinking. Here I had the makings of an amazing story—heck, I didn’t need to make much up because the truth was far more outrageous than fiction—and I was plucking away at history, when the present was so much more interesting.

So I took a step back and just started putting some words on paper—err, computer screen. The plot for a new book kind of poured out of me, and it was so different from anything I had ever worked on. Tekla’s—the main character’s—voice was so strong to me that I had to let her speak in the first person, even though I always worked from the third person point of view. I found her funny and misguided and sometimes even frustrating. But I liked her, and her story. And a couple of chapters in, I finally realized I was writing a chick lit novel. That took me back a step, because even though I devoured chick lit as a reader, I never envisioned I’d be capable of writing such a book myself. But, there you have it: Work For Hire came out this past May. And, yeah, I’m still plucking away on my historical spy thriller—in my spare time—because, for now, I am just having too much fun writing women’s fiction!



About The Author


Margo Karasek decided to be a writer the instant she finished reading her first novel as a kid. She loved the possibilities and freedom in observing and writing about everyday people, whose experiences--through her words--could make a lasting impact. This passion led her to NYU, where she earned a journalism and anthropology degree, with the highest honors. But since she couldn't figure out how writers made a decent living, Margo went on to law school--where she had a blast. Unfortunately, actually practicing law was nowhere near as fun as learning about it in school, so Margo took the ultimate plunge: she quit her cushy law firm job to become a full-time novelist. And, to help make ends meet throughout the process, Margo also began tutoring for some of the wealthiest, best known families in New York as a side-gig. The latter job gave her some powerful ideas for her first novel. Margo currently lives in Queens, New York with her husband and their two children, and is busy working on her next book.


AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
GOODREADS
Margo Karasek ~ Work For Hire ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours




Book Review



Work For Hire by Margo Karasek
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Self-Publishing
Publication Date: May 24, 2012
Format: Paperback - 326 pages / Kindle - 445 KB / Nook - 2 MB
ISBN: 147936407X
ASIN: B008600RF4
Genre: Women's Fiction


BUY THE BOOK: Work For Hire
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.


Book Description:

Tekla's law school career couldn't be any better. She has top grades. She's on Law Review. She's a frontrunner in a mock oral argument with a sweet prize: a judicial clerkship. One problem, though: Tekla has no more money to pay for school. She needs a part-time job. Fast.

Luckily, her roommate has just the solution: help two uber-wealthy prep school teens, the twin son and daughter of a billionaire Wall Street short-seller and a world-renowned model turned fashion photographer, with their schoolwork, and earn $150 an hour. Plus, enjoy an additional perk on the job, in the form of a gorgeous photo assistant who happens to have his eye on Tekla.

Easy money.

Well, not so much. Within days, Tekla's job begins to unravel. In a world of super-wealth and high fashion, Tekla finds herself surrounded by a peculiar cast of players: two teens whose self-destructive behavior becomes ever more erratic, a father whose ambitions for his son constantly test Tekla's notions of what is fair and ethical and what is cheating, a mother whose emotional negligence borders on abuse, and a gorgeous man who may or may not be what he appears.

As Tekla struggles to hold onto a job that takes more time and energy than she ever anticipated, her own school life begins to suffer. She makes an enemy of a professor who seems to want nothing more than to bring her down. And he's succeeding. Soon Tekla's life is a paradox: without her high paying part-time job, she can't afford law school; but with it, she'll surely flunk out of school.


Book Excerpt:


“What exactly, Miss Reznar, do you think you are doing?”

I stood in front of Mr. Lamont’s desk and stared at his annoyed face. His tortoiseshell glasses perched on the tip of his nose. He glowered at me like a put-upon headmaster who had to deal with yet another disruptive student, except nothing about Mr. Lamont’s office—not the surely priceless artwork or the one-of-a kind antiques—reminded me of school. Certainly not the sort of schools I went to.

So what exactly was I doing here, standing like a petulant child called to task for her misbehavior?

I shifted my weight from foot to foot and glanced down at the pink bowtie below Mr. Lamont’s chin and the matching socks on his feet.

I really wanted to snicker, but I didn’t, because I unfortunately knew the answer to my own question.

Xander’s essay. Or, more specifically, my reluctance to write it for him.

When Lisa called insisting I see Mr. Lamont immediately, I knew what I was going to be in for: a scolding. 

“Well?” Mr. Lamont demanded and lounged back in his chair.

The leather of the massive executive chair engulfed his small frame. Napoleon must have looked the same on his throne.

I rubbed my palms against my leg, shifted from foot to foot again, and ogled the club chairs next to me. Boy, wouldn’t it be nice to just slide into one and give Mr. Lamont a piece of my mind: That it was rude of him to keep me standing while he sat, because for all his wealth and power he was no emperor, and as for Xander . . . Well, I was trying to actually teach him how to write and I didn’t exactly feel comfortable doing the work for him. And shouldn’t he—Mr. Lamont—be grateful—because writing was an essential life skill?

But the words hovered at the tip of my tongue, unsaid, and I remained standing.

“I’m tutoring your children?” I offered instead, sounding weak and pathetic.

Mr. Lamont snapped up straight in his seat and leaned over the desk.

“That’s right!” He banged his fist on the mahogany surface for emphasis. “You should be tutoring my children. That means helping them with their homework—none of this experimental teaching crap. I am not paying you to waste time, and Xander does not need another writing instructor. That’s what I pay his school tuition for. So please do your job, and leave others to do theirs. And now, if you’ll excuse me.”

He sat back in the chair, fixed his glasses firmly on his nose and picked up a stack of papers.

Clearly, as far as he was concerned, I was no longer in the room.

Too bad I couldn’t actually disappear just as fast as his attention had.


My Book Review:

Work For Hire 
Work is the story about a young law school student named Tekla, who is faced with a financial dilemma ... she needs money to pay for law school expenses and dorm rent. With an extremely tight budget, Tekla finds herself unable to afford any added expenses. Her friend Ann suggests that she move back home with her parents and commute to school. Tekla doesn't want to move back in with her parents because of her overbearing mother. Tekla's roommate Lauren suggests that she get a part-time job tutoring, she gives Tekla the name of her aunt, Patricia Jacobs, who owns a tutoring business. After interviewing with Ms. Jacobs, Tekla is placed with the very wealthy Lamont family. The Lamont's have two troublesome teenage twins named Xander and Gemma. Tekla finds her integrity constantly being put on the line when the Lamont children and their parents make it clear that they expect a lot more from her than just tutoring. Tekla finds it hard to turn down some of the demands placed upon her. She doesn't always make the right decisions or choices, which puts everything she aspires to be at risk for a family that seems to take advantage of her at every opportunity. Tekla's world is turned upside down: her school work is suffering; she's having a hard time with a professor; and a cute guy is attracted to her ... can she get her life back on track before she flunks out of law school?

Work For Hire is a fast-paced entertaining story written in the first person narrative and set in New York City. The reader follows Tekla's trials and tribulations of trying to attend law school while working as a part-time tutor to a wealthy family's troublesome teenage children. Tekla is constantly battling one crisis after another, she is pulled in so many different directions, it's a wonder that she doesn't lose her mind!

This is the debut novel for author Margo Karasek, who weaves a charming tale loosely based on her own personal experience of attending law school and working part-time as a tutor.

This humorous story has a lot of law school, job and romance drama that Tekla has to deal with as she travels down the crazy path of life. With a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and interactions, Work For Hire is an enjoyable read that will tickle your funny bone.


RATING: 4 STARS ****






Monday, February 25, 2013

Love at 11 by Mari Mancusi (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Mari Mancusi, author of Love at 11!







Author Guest Post

Why I Love Chick Lit


These days it’s almost as if “chick lit” has become a dirty word—invoking images of Pepto Bismal pink colors and cartoon girls with stiletto heels on their feet and cosmos in their hands. After the market became glutted with these books in the early 2000s, editors—who had once begged for these tales of girls in the city—now wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole. And comparing your book to Sex and the City or Bridget Jones’s Diary was pretty much a death sentence.

Which is a shame, in my opinion, since there were some really awesome books and authors that came out of that trend. Books and authors that spoke right to my 20-something old self. Finally I had books I could relate to—characters who were just like me. Struggling through first-jobs and bad boyfriends and wardrobe malfunctions galore—they made me laugh, they made me cry. They made me realize that no matter how bad or mortifying things were at the moment, that I, too, could have a happy ending. And while not all heroines walked into the sunset with the perfect guy—that offered hope and optimism that things would be okay.

And I think that’s important in our often dark world. Not every book has to have some deep moral message—or even—shock, horror!—great literary merit. Some books should just be for fun. To make you laugh. To entertain you on a boring afternoon. To give you comfort when you need it most. And that’s what chick lit does for me!



About The Author


Mari Mancusi is a multiple Emmy award-winning television producer and author of novels for adults and teens. She’s worked at television stations in New York, Boston, San Diego, and Orlando and is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communications. When not writing or producing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, 80s music, and her favorite guilty pleasure—videogames. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Jacob and their daughter Avalon.


AUTHOR WEBSITE
AUTHOR BLOG
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS
Mari Mancusi ~ Love at 11 ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours



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$10 Amazon Gift Card

Contest Dates: Feb 4-25, 2013




Everyone who leaves a comment on Mari Mancusi's Love at 11 Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours will be entered to win a Kindle Touch! One bonus winner will win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Love at 11 before February 25th and sends their receipt to Samantha@ChickLitPlus.com, will get five bonus entries. Use the Rafflecopter below to get more entries to win! Please note this is open to US citizens only.

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Book Review



Love at 11 by Mari Mancusi
Publisher: NLA Digital Liaison Platform LLC
Publication Date: March 21, 2012
Format: eBook - 236 pages / Kindle - 853 KB / Nook - 844 KB
ASIN: B007NN0GI8
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Chick Lit


BUY THE BOOK: Love at 11
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
iTUNES


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.


Book Description:

When Maddy graduated from Columbia University, she was ready to change the world. She'd get a job at Newsline, meet a nice guy, and live happily ever after with a real designer handbag on her arm. Five years later, she's stuck producing puff pieces for the local News 9 San Diego--where "if it bleeds, it leads." She's still single, her family's falling apart, and so is her knock-off Kate Spade.

Even a promotion--complete with hot camera guy--can't seem to turn her luck around. After all, the promotion means working with the most narcissistic anchor on the planet and hot camera guy Jamie? Well, he'd be perfect...except for that pesky model/actress fiancee of his.

But just as Maddy's ready to give up on her dreams, a secret scoop from her favorite knock-off purse guy has her suddenly chasing a huge lead. And Jamie is right by her side--in all the right ways. Can she bag the bad guy in an exclusive expose, put her family back together again, and win Jamie's heart? Stay tuned...it's the story of a lifetime.


Book Excerpt:


Argh, my head.

My head really, really hurt.

And I was dying of thirst.

I pulled the blankets over my head to block the rays of strong San Diego sun from blasting my sensitive morning eyes. What time was it? Why was I naked?

Uh-oh.

A flashback of memory—a snapshot of my body on autopilot—hit me like a rock dropped from ten stories up.

The last thing I remembered clearly was leaving Moondoggies. With Jamie. Getting refused at the next club. With Jamie. Going back to my apartment.

With Jamie.

The rest was blurry. But what I did remember was truly horrifying. Blasting ’80s music from my stereo. Mixing up margaritas (like I needed more alcohol!) in my blender. Jumping on my bed, singing and dancing like a idiot to Simple Minds.

Making out with Jamie like there was no tomorrow.

I slowly rolled over to face the other side of the bed. To confirm my worst fear. Was there another body in my bed?

There was.

Not just any body, either. But a sexy, rumpled, naked, sound asleep, Jamie body in my bed.

Again. Uh-oh.

I groaned. How could I have been such an idiot? Gotten so drunk I didn’t even remember having sex with the guy? That was so bad. So alcoholically bad. On about a million and three levels:

a) Having sex and not remembering it.
b) Having sex and not remembering it with a guy I barely knew.
c) Having sex and not remembering it with a guy I barely knew who happened to have a fiancée he was going to marry in three months.
d) Having sex and not remembering it with a guy I barely knew who happened to have a fiancée he was going to marry in three months and that I had to work with day in and day out for the foreseeable future. 

Now what should I do? Did I snuggle up next to him and pretend I had planned the seduction? Get the hell out of bed and pretend I’d slept on the couch, hoping he didn’t remember, either? Make breakfast? Leave the country and open up shop as a WWJD bracelet maker in Tijuana?

Hmm. Speaking of, what would Jesus do in a case like this? No, bad question. He wouldn’t have gotten himself in this mess to begin with.

I noticed with some relief a ripped open condom package on my nightstand. One of the ones Jodi had stuffed in a drawer one time “just in case.” Thank god, even in my drunken blackout I’d still had the wherewithal to be safe.

I tried to crawl out of bed, but at that moment the sleeping Jamie rolled over, tossing a heavy arm over my body and pulling me closer so I was spooned against him. I was stuck. Extremely comfortable, but stuck.

I felt his hot breath warm my skin and tried to think back to the night before. Damn it, why couldn’t I remember the hot sex I’m sure we must have had? I bet it was incredible. He was incredible. Not that I should be thinking about that. After all, he was taken. And not just kind-of taken, but wedding-invitations-and-white-dress taken.

Oh my god, I was the other woman.

How ironic that I’d been out mourning the fact that my father had cheated on my mother and had inadvertently helped some other guy cheat on his fiancée. And not just any other guy, but my new coworker! How was I supposed to work with him now? Would I have to go into Richard’s office and beg for a new photographer to combat the awkward morning-after syndrome?

Jamie grunted contentedly and snuggled in a bit closer. Was he conscious? Could he possibly know whom he was holding in his arms? Maybe he had been completely aware of his actions this whole time. Had he been as drunk as I? I couldn’t remember. Was he a good guy who made a mistake or a jerk who liked to cheat on his fiancée by taking stupid, drunk girls home and screwing them?

I suddenly felt disgustingly dirty. Why had I been so easy? Slut girl: give her a drink and watch her spread her legs. Except, that wasn’t me at all. Hell, I could count the guys I’d slept with on one hand and still have a thumb left over. What in the world had possessed me to drunkenly hook up with a guy I barely knew who was getting married in a few months?

I thought of Jen, sound asleep in LA, trusting that her fiancé was alone in his bed too and not curled up, buck naked, in another woman’s arms. She trusted him, and I’d helped him betray that trust. My stomach rolled, and not just from the hangover. I needed to get up. Now.

I squirmed out from under Jamie and vacated the bed. Scanning the room, I found a pair of boxer shorts and an old t-shirt strewn on the floor. After donning the ensemble, I walked to the bathroom.

Staring in the mirror wasn’t pretty. I looked like hell on toast. Black circles under my puffy eyes. Makeup smeared. Bleh.

I brushed my teeth and washed my face and then hit the kitchen to make eggs. What the hell, right? Even the “other woman” needed to eat a balanced Atkins breakfast, and maybe it would get my mind off things at the very least. I tried to swallow down the guilt, but it determinedly rose like bile to my throat. The smell of the scrambled eggs only served to nauseate me further.

“Maddy?” a sleepy voice behind me said a few minutes later. I whirled around. Jamie stood in the doorway, deliciously rumpled. He’d donned his blue jeans but no shirt. I scolded my eyes for straying a second too long on his perfectly sculpted chest. After all, I’d already done more than my share of sampling the forbidden goods already. Time to get my mind out of the gutter and behave like a responsible human being.

I realized my heart was pounding in my chest as I waited for what he’d say next. Then I remembered my manners.

“Do you want some eggs?”

“Maddy, I’ve got to ask you . . .” He raked a hand through his mussed hair in a way that made me pretty sure his question wasn’t whether the eggs came from cage-free chickens.

“Yes?” Cool, calm, collected. Whatever he wanted to ask me, I’d be okay with it.

“I had a lot to drink last night and I wasn’t sure . . . Well I woke up and . . .” He looked around the apartment. “Are we at your place?”

“Yeah, ” I said quietly. He didn’t even remember agreeing to come here. Guess that answered my question about his level of sobriety.

“Oh. Right. And I woke up in . . .” He pointed vaguely toward the bedroom. “. . . and I didn’t know . . .” 

“You want to know if we had sex.” I spelled it out, shocked at how clear and cold my voice sounded.

“Y-yeah.” His face reddened at my bluntness. He hadn’t been so shy last night.

“I don’t know, Jamie. I don’t remember either. But I woke up in my bed naked. And you were naked next to me. So I’d say chances are pretty darn good.” I realized I sounded angry. Hurt. Don’t let him see that you care.

“Oh God, ” he cried, sinking down onto the sofa, head in his hands. “Oh God.”

I stared down at him, not sure what to do or say. This was so outside of my expertise it wasn’t even funny. I’d never had a one-night stand before. And I certainly had never hooked up with someone who had a fiancée. What would Miss Manners suggest in a case like this?

“Don’t worry, ” I said harshly. “It’s no big deal. Just forget it ever happened.” I actually had reservations about letting the jerk off the hook like that, but it took two to tango and so really, I was as guilty as he was, right? Best to just move on and forget it ever happened.

He looked up. “God, I’m so sorry, Maddy. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m such an idiot.” His face was white as a ghost and it appeared he couldn’t meet my eyes. “I swear to you, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’m not that guy. I’m really not.”

“I said it’s fine, ” I cried, my voice breaking on the word. Don’t cry, Maddy! Don’t you fucking cry! But I couldn’t help it. It was all just too horrible. I felt sick and confused inside. What was wrong with me? I should be screaming at him and telling him to get the hell out of my house. Instead, I was feeling sorry for the jerk. Like, I hated him for what happened, but at the same time, his distraught face tugged at my heart.

Jamie rose from the couch and approached me. He took my trembling body in his arms and pulled me close. Unable to stop myself, I buried my face in his chest and started sobbing like a baby. He smoothed my hair and kissed the top of my head.

“Shh, ” he whispered soothingly. “I’m sorry.”

“I said it was fine, ” I repeated, bawling. He led me over to the couch and sat me down. “The eggs will burn, ” I protested.

He nodded and walked back into the kitchen, switching off the stove. So much for breakfast, I guess. Then he returned to the couch, sitting down beside me.

“I’m sorry, too, ” I said, staring down at my lap. “I never should have—”

He pressed a finger to my lips, stopping my words. “No, ” he said. “You did nothing wrong. It was completely my fault. Here I am trying to comfort you over your family situation, and I end up making it that much worse. I’m the only one here who needs to fucking apologize.”

He pulled me into another hug, holding me close. I could feel his heart beating fast in his chest. He held me there for a moment, not saying anything. It should have been suffocating, but the closeness was strangely calming.

Finally, he pulled away, meeting my eyes with his own sad green ones. God, he was good-looking, I couldn’t help thinking. Jennifer was one lucky girl.

“What do you want me to do?” he asked, his expression earnest. “Is it going to be too hard to work together now? Do you want me to ask them to reassign me to news?”

I swallowed hard. What did I want? Was I going to be able to move on from this? Or would it be eternally awful and embarrassing and weird between us?

“I don’t know, ” I said truthfully. “I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before.”

He gave me a wry smile. “Yeah, me neither, ” he said.

“I guess if you think we can work through it . . . and be mature adults and all that, ” I mused. “I guess then it’d be okay to try working together still.”

“Are you sure? I mean, I’m totally fine with that. But I don’t want to make things hard for you. I feel so awful as it is.”

I shook my head. “I’m a big girl, ” I said, though I didn’t completely feel it at the moment. “I’ll be fine. We’ll just have to keep it professional from now on. Stay away from the Scooby Snacks.”

Jamie laughed. “If I never have another Scooby Snack it will be too soon.” He paused, then held out a tentative hand. “So, still friends?” he asked.

I shook it, hoping he didn’t notice my fingers were still trembling. “Friends, ” I agreed.

But inside I wondered if it’d really be that easy.


My Book Review:

When Maddy Madison graduated from Columbia University, she was ready to save the world, be the voice of truth and ethics in journalism. She dreamed of working at her favorite network TV magazine, Newsline. Five years later at the age of twenty-seven, she still toils away at local News 9 San Diego as an assistant producer, where she produces fluff pieces of sensationalistic trash instead of the thought-provoking and legitimate stories that she yearns to get on air. So what's a girl to do when her dreams are yet unfulfilled? Why she keeps going ... and lands a promotion as an investigative producer and a hot new cameraman to boot! But life doesn't get easier for Maddy even with the promotion: she has to deal with a conceited news anchor; the hottie cameraman she is attracted to is engaged; her parents are getting a divorce; she has a sixteen year old wild child sister Lulu; and she still gets fluff stories. Just when she's about to give up, a chance at an exclusive expose may just be what she needs to get her life back on track.

In Love at 11, author Mari Mancusi weaves an entertaining tale of one woman's dream to be a credible and ethical producer in the broadcast news industry, while dealing with family, love and career issues. Written in the first person narrative and set in San Diego, producer Maddy Madison takes the reader along for the journey as she weaves her way through life's crazy path.

This story has a nice mixture of intrigue, life issue with family and career, humor and romance. It's a fast-paced story that keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages. Spunky Maddy Madison is realistic, she has flaws and is easy to relate to. Who hasn't dreamed of becoming someone important and doing great things, only to have real life intervene? The great thing about Maddy is she doesn't let it get her down, she keeps on trucking. Add in the crazy behind the scenes insiders look into the broadcasting world and a romance with a hunk who's engaged, that's Maddie's crazy world in a nutshell!

With a quirky cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; and a crazy fun storyline, Love at 11 is simply a fun book to read!

Author Mari Mancusi adds her personal experience in the broadcasting industry to the story with some really fascinating behind the scenes insight into local TV newsrooms.

Love at 11 is a lighthearted story filled with humor, romance and intrigue. Author Mari Mancuso's sense of humor comes shining through in a zany and entertaining way, this book is guaranteed to make you laugh and smile.


RATING: 4 STARS ****




Saturday, February 23, 2013

Stuck On You by Heather Thurmeier (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes back Heather Thurmeier, author of Stuck On You!







































Author Guest Post


Thank you so much for having me on your blog again, this time to chat about my new release and the second in the Reality TV Romance trilogy, Stuck On You.

Stuck On You is Paige’s turn to be in the spotlight, only this time it’s not to date a bachelor with a bunch of other women. This time Paige is on an adventure reality TV show similar to The Amazing Race but with a few twists that make it something new and different. Last time, Paige had to work on her own to try to “out-date” the other girls. Is that even a thing? LOL. But this time it works to her benefit to form an alliance with another team… A team of mountain climbers.

Can I just take a moment to say yum? YUM!

Miles is a mountain climber with the body to prove it and Paige can’t wait to climb his mount… Wait, what was I saying? Right. Miles has climbed the highest peaks in the world, but his biggest challenge is still to come. Somehow he has to figure out how to win the game while being completely distracted by Paige. Easier said than done. Both Miles and Paige know that working together in an alliance will work to their benefit—if they can keep their hands off each other and their heads in the game.

I’ve watched a lot of reality TV and I have to say, rarely do alliances work out the way the contestants involved in the alliance think it will. Once in awhile teams will form a bond that is so strong it takes them all the way to the end of the game. But I’d say more often than not, someone on the alliance ends up yelling, “I can’t believe you stabbed me in the back just to win!” Really? I always wonder why they don’t know in advance to expect that sort of outcome. Do these contestants really go on a reality TV show never having watched one before? Do they really not know the other contestants are going to lie, manipulate, and switch sides just to win? Don’t they know that they too are going to do all of those things themselves?

Do you think Miles’s team and Paige’s team will be able to work together in their alliance to make it all the way to the end of the game and win? I could tell you, but I won’t. You’ll have to check out Stuck On You to find out how things play out for Miles and Paige…And I don’t think you’ll see this ending coming!

Heather Thurmeier
~Heart, humor and a happily ever after



About The Author


Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. Her passion is contemporary romance—writing stories filled with laugh out loud moments, uber-hunky heroes, sassy heroines, and always a happily ever after. Author of romantic comedies: Meadow Ridge Romance series, Bunny Hills and Bikinis, and the Reality TV Romance trilogy. You can find out more about Heather's books, news and giveaways by visiting her blog: heatherthurmeier.com.


AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Book Review



Stuck On You by Heather Thurmeier
Book 2: The Reality TV Romance Trilogy
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Publication Date: February 11, 2013
Format: eBook - 212 pages / Kindle - 369 KB / Nook - 389 KB
ISBN: 1440552029
ASIN: B00B03EHTG
Genre: Contemporary Romance


BUY THE BOOK: Stuck On You


BUY THE TRILOGY: The Reality TV Romance Trilogy
Falling For You - Book 1
Stuck On You - Book 2
Lost Without You - Book 3 ~ Release Date: July 1, 2013


"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author

"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst

Love and LattesLove on LandingLove or LuxuryBunny Hills and BikinisFalling for You, Stuck on You ~ Available now! Lost without You ~ Coming Soon!


Book Description:

If being forced to team up with reality TV’s favorite bad girl wasn’t enough, falling for her brother might just make this reality show a real nightmare.

Paige Anderson agrees to be on a new reality show called Treasure Trekkers, a show where contestants use handheld GPS units to find hidden caches filled with prizes, with her good friend Cassidy. But when Cassidy is unable to compete, Chip Cormack, the show’s producer, steps in with a last-minute replacement to be Paige’s partner—Zoe Oliver, reality TV’s favorite bad girl.

Jack Miles (aka Miles) is a mountain climber with the body to prove it. Miles convinced his climbing partner Ben to come on the show with him for one reason—to prove to Ben that they can still hike together, regardless of the fact that Ben lost his foot in a tragic accident. Miles isn’t about to let anything get in his way of winning—not even beautiful Paige.

But when Miles and Paige are thrown into an alliance with their teammates, working closely together leads to more than just good strategy. Can Paige steal Miles’ heart while surviving Zoe long enough to win the game?


Book Excerpt:


“Never could resist a pretty brunette in heels, could you?” Ben laughed and rolled over. “Just don’t let it screw up our partnership with them. On second thought, maybe we shouldn’t make an alliance with them if you’re starting to fool around with Paige. It could complicate things more than it’s worth.”

“It was one kiss, not a complication.”

“Still. Maybe we’re better off on our own.”

Miles glanced over to Ben. What was the right decision for their team? Working with the girls could lead to complications, especially if he had to watch Paige in those heels and yoga tops everyday. But the girls were also pretty stubborn and that might be just what they needed to get enough caches to win.

Not to mention, the thought of Paige falling down another hill without anyone to rescue her but Zoe made him break out in a cold sweat. What if something worse happened and he wasn’t there to help? 

That settled it.

“An alliance with the girls is our best option right now if we really want a chance to win. Even if we only pair up with them long enough to collect most of the caches they’ve already gotten, it will be worth it for the points alone. After that point, we can reevaluate the situation.”

“I’ll give it another day, but if working with the girls holds us back in any way, we’re on our own again.” 

“Deal,” he agreed reluctantly.

It really was the only option. That way he could get Ben closer to winning. Miles could already see the spark of excitement coming back to Ben. If they won, it would be all it took to make Ben realize how much he’d missed having a little more adventure in his life.

And if he got to flirt with Paige a little more along the way, that was pretty okay too.


My Book Review:

After her unsuccessful stint as a contestant on the bachelor reality TV show The One, Paige Anderson has agreed to compete in another reality show, a geocaching adventure show called Treasure Trekkers, similar to The Amazing Race. Thinking that she would be partnered with her friend Cassidy Quinn, who was the winner of The One, Paige couldn't wait to spend some time with her friend while racing for treasures in caches hidden around the NY metropolitan and lower Hudson Valley areas. But a sudden twist to the game came right before it started, when Cassidy had to bow out of the competition, and suddenly Paige found herself partnered with Zoe Oliver, the bitchy bad-girl nemesis from The One. And if that isn't enough, Paige finds herself attracted to a hunky muscled mountain climber named Jack Miles, who is partnered with his best friend and climbing partner Ben. Can Paige win the race and Jack's heart?

In the second book of the Reality TV Romance Trilogy, author Heather Thurmeier once again transports her readers into the world of reality TV with another tale of romance and adventure. In Stuck On You, the story picks up where it left off in book one, Falling For You, with the focus of the story on the lovable but shy Paige Anderson. With a cameo appearance from Cassidy Quinn, the main character in the first book; returning characters, Zoe, Evan, Chip and Spencer; and new characters Jack Miles and Ben; the reader follows the ten teams who embark on a twenty-eight day endurance adventure in the search to find as many of the 500 treasures hidden in caches only using a GPS, in order to gain the most cumulative points and win the half million dollar grand prize. And it wouldn't be a reality TV show if there wasn't some flirting and romance thrown into the mix!

This was such a fun story full of adventure, humor and romance. You can't help but get caught up in the action of the geocaching adventure where the teams have to overcome challenges and obstacles; and then add in the steamy attraction between Paige and Jack into the mix, and you have a story that keeps you entertained and turning the pages.

I had a mixed reaction to Paige, there were times I was in her corner and then there were times I wanted to shake the hell out of her and tell her to get a backbone! But when you add hunky Jack Miles as a love interest, I found myself wanting Paige and Jack to get together. Jack oh Jack, you stole my heart! I loved the story surrounding his past and the awesome friendship he has with his best friend Ben. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention my favorite character Zoe ... oh my goodness, how I so wanted to hate this bitchy girl, who knew she hid her true sweetness?! I'm a converted fan and can't wait to read her story in the third book of the trilogy, Lost Without You.

With a wonderful cast of characters who are real, have flaws, and are easy to relate to; engaging dialogue and quirky interactions; a richly descriptive NY setting for the geocaching adventure; and a steamy romance that will make you sigh, Stuck On You is an entertaining read that will keep you stuck on the trilogy!

Stuck On You is the second book in the Reality TV Romance Trilogy. While each book can be a stand alone read, why not take the time and follow it in sequence, as one book flows so smoothly into the next.


RATING: 4 STARS ****




Friday, February 22, 2013

Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 2/24 - 3/2/13


Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 2/24 - 3/2/13


Monday 2/25/13

Love at 11 by Mari Mancusi


In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Love at 11


When Maddy graduated from Columbia University, she was ready to change the world. She'd get a job at Newsline, meet a nice guy, and live happily ever after with a real designer handbag on her arm. Five years later, she's stuck producing puff pieces for the local News 9 San Diego--where "if it bleeds, it leads." She's still single, her family's falling apart, and so is her knock-off Kate Spade.

Even a promotion--complete with hot camera guy--can't seem to turn her luck around. After all, the promotion means working with the most narcissistic anchor on the planet and hot camera guy Jamie? Well, he'd be perfect...except for that pesky model/actress fiancee of his.

But just as Maddy's ready to give up on her dreams, a secret scoop from her favorite knock-off purse guy has her suddenly chasing a huge lead. And Jamie is right by her side--in all the right ways. Can she bag the bad guy in an exclusive expose, put her family back together again, and win Jamie's heart? Stay tuned...it's the story of a lifetime.







Wednesday 2/27/13

Work For Hire by Margo Karasek





In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review

Book Description: Work For Hire


Tekla's law school career couldn't be any better. She has top grades. She's on Law Review. She's a frontrunner in a mock oral argument with a sweet prize: a judicial clerkship. One problem, though: Tekla has no more money to pay for school. She needs a part-time job. Fast. Luckily, her roommate has just the solution: help two uber-wealthy prep school teens, the twin son and daughter of a billionaire Wall Street short-seller and a world-renowned model turned fashion photographer, with their schoolwork, and earn $150 an hour. Plus, enjoy an additional perk on the job, in the form of a gorgeous photo assistant who happens to have his eye on Tekla. Easy money. Well, not so much. Within days, Tekla's job begins to unravel. In a world of super-wealth and high fashion, Tekla finds herself surrounded by a peculiar cast of players: two teens whose self-destructive behavior becomes ever more erratic, a father whose ambitions for his son constantly test Tekla's notions of what is fair and ethical and what is cheating, a mother whose emotional negligence borders on abuse, and a gorgeous man who may or may not be what he appears. As Tekla struggles to hold onto a job that takes more time and energy than she ever anticipated, her own school life begins to suffer. She makes an enemy of a professor who seems to want nothing more than to bring her down. And he's succeeding. Soon Tekla's life is a paradox: without her high paying part-time job, she can't afford law school; but with it, she'll surely flunk out of school.









Thursday 2/28/13


Why Qualified People Don't Get Hired 
Or Stay With The Company by Molita Powell




In association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review

Book Description: Why Qualified People ...


Why do you think the younger folks get hired over someone with experience? They are more eager to learn and adapt to a career change, and come cheaper.

It’s good to have transferrable skills, but do not put yourself in a financial bind where you regress in your career. Too often we see career-focused, qualified individuals in new careers and work in jobs that are out of character for them. These are the same ones who were always sharply dressed in the latest trends, and the proud owners of the newest electronic toys.

The problem is, while they were busy working, they were not managing their own finances. When the regular paychecks stopped, they found themselves scrambling to pay for even their basic expenses. In order to not lose the things they’ve accumulated, they were forced to accept the first job they were offered. This is a job and pay they would not have otherwise taken.

This is yet another reason why we see companies not hiring qualified individuals who carry a large amount of debt. They may also not hire young people for high salary positions. Companies are looking for qualified and financially responsible workers who they can trust, train and promote to leadership positions to make financial decisions on their behalf.

Financial responsibility is an actual requirement for church members wanting to become Deacons. Financial institutions use this to fill positions that involve the handling of money.

If individuals are not able to manage their own personal finances, would you want them to handle yours? Glenn Shepard said it best, ‘Don’t take financial advice from people who are broke.’








Friday 3/1/13

Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester




In association with Providence Book Promotions

Author Guest Post / Book Review

Book Description: Goodnight, Brian


Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, Goodnight, Brian is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.










Saturday 3/2/13


Sophie's Run by Nicky Wells

Book 2: Rock Star Romance Trilogy



In association with Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Author Interview / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Sophie's Run 


Her famous star remains her rock while life takes her on a little detour…

Who says that the road towards true love is straight and even? Sophie is certainly discovering that it is anything but.

So she has finally found the man of her dreams! Well… she knows who he is, even though she hasn’t actually quite met him yet. But she misses her opportunity, and then her life goes crazy. Rock star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he is just trying to be helpful. A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life. Then, just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel commits an act of unspeakable betrayal.

Sophie has had enough. Confused and distraught, she decides that it is time for radical change. Surprising herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey eventually gets her life back on track.












***


Margaret From Maine by Joseph Monninger




In association with AToMR Tours

Book Review

Book Description: Margaret From Maine


The end of Maine Guardsman Sgt. Thomas Kennedy’s conscious life is ushered in by a flash of light on a plain in Afghanistan. While he languishes in a veterans’ hospital, Thomas’s devoted wife, Margaret, is raising their son on a dairy farm in rural Maine. She receives an invitation to Washington, DC, to meet the President of the United States as he signs a bill in support of wounded veterans with war veteran and West Point graduate Charlie King as her appointed escort. Charlie and Margaret’s shared circumstances inspire them to confide in one another. Suddenly, the pair creates a private world all their own, leaving the effects of war behind them. Margaret’s vows to her husband linger, raising a series of harrowing choice.