Thanks to a recent conversation with fellow blogger/reviewer at Creative Madness, I bought myself a nifty but inexpensive (under $10) little barcode scanner called a CueCat™ and Readerware™ book catalog software, thinking that I could catalog my extensive library quickly. After all, it would be so easy to scan the barcodes and let the software do the rest of the work. Well, that portion of the project is easy. What I didn’t take into consideration was the sheer volume of books I own and getting them to the computer a stack at a time to scan. Maybe I should load the software on my laptop and take it to the books instead. At this point I have cataloged 475 books and I haven’t started on the ones in bookcases yet.
The scanner works great most of the time and beeps when it successfully reads the barcode into the Readerware™ program. I can scan a batch at a time in the auto-catalog mode then let the software do its stuff. It scans selected internet book sites such as Amazon.com, finds the title, author, an image, and info about the book and automatically imports it into my database. How long would that take to do myself? I can see that it will possibly take months to get my entire library cataloged and just maybe I will actually decide to let some of the books go to a new home. I will be scanning new ones in as soon as they come into the house. Oops, I forgot the one that UPS delivered today!
This is a screen shot of the thumbnail view of my library (part of it). So now you know what happens when “Gadget Girl” finds a way to merge her love of technology with her love of books. Now if someone would just build me more bookcases and a room to put them in.
Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
Besides entertaining her readers, Terri tackles issues that she hopes will change lives. Her recent book, Predator, was inspired by her experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and her concern that people posted too much personal information about themselves. The book deals with an online predator who uses social networks as his playground. She hopes the book will change readers’ online habits. Her New York Times best-seller, Intervention, was inspired by her own personal struggles with a daughter on drugs. In the book, a mother hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter. But on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered, and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out to search for her daughter. Terri modeled Barbara after herself, and poured many of her own emotions and experiences into that character. As a result, many families experiencing drug addiction have written to thank her for telling their story and giving them hope. Vicious Cycle, Book Two of the Intervention Series, releases February 22, 2011. She’s currently working on Book Three.
Other recent books include a stand-alone novel called Double Minds, as well as Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light (from her acclaimed Restoration Series). She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 Series and Cape Refuge Series. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.
Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she’s the newborn daughter of a meth addict he’s been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.
His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan—the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.
In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Vicious Cycle, go HERE.
Watch the Book Video:
MY REVIEW:
Terri Blackstock has written another top-notch, gripping novel that I found hard to put down. With several returning characters from Intervention, the first book of this series, Vicious Cycle tells yet another tale of the horrors of drug addiction and how it affects everyone from family to friends. Additional themes include the trouble Lance finds himself in from trying to help a school acquaintance in trouble, a continued relationship between his mom Barbara and Kent Harlan that could move to another level in this book, life after rehab for his sister Emily, and details about a human trafficking ring.
With intimate details that only the family of a drug addict could know, Vicious Cycle gives the reader an up close and personal look at the life of a drug addict. While she doesn’t hesitate to reveal the ugly side, Blackstock manages to leave the reader with hope that addiction can be overcome. Vicious Cycle is both action and suspense filled but also has a strong Christian message.
I highly recommend Vicious Cycle as well as any other book by Terri Blackstock.
A devoted wife and mother, Kimberley Woodhouse is a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years.
About fifteen years ago, Kimberley began writing seriously. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters – you name it – she’s written it. It wasn’t until a dear friend challenged her to “do something with it”, that she pursued publication.
Kimberley and her family’s story have been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently her family was chosen for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER. She has recorded three albums, and has appeared at over 700 venues. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly “Extreme” home.
Thirteen-year-old Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It’s news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna’s husband (Andi’s dad) in a car accident.
But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn’t want to save them, but to kill them.
Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn’t come easy to Jenna or Andi ~ and they both sense Cole is hiding something.
A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna’s late husband that some would do anything to possess.
Watch the Book Video:
If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Haven, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
If No Safe Haven is an example of their talent, it is just the first of many books that will be birthed by mother-daughter team Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse. Every aspect of it fit together seamlessly as if written by one author yet I suspect that Kayla supplied most if not all the scenes presented from Andi’s point of view.
No Safe Haven is a fast moving, suspense filled narrative that had no problem holding my attention until the very end. The character development was excellent and the setting was so realistic I could almost feel the extreme cold. Every detail of the plot combined to create a very tangible feeling of impending danger. And just when I thought everything would be okay, something else happened to threaten the three principal characters.
In my opinion, No Safe Haven is a top notch suspense novel that should satisfy most readers who love that genre. Go pick up a copy for yourself NOW!
It took me a few chapters to become reacquainted with Ray Quinn but once that was taken care of, I was pretty well hooked. It was refreshing to find a fairly flawed hero – past his prime, physically handicapped, emotionally challenged, and an alcoholic. Although I don’t watch the series, I kept picturing Ray as Dr. House. It was probably the cane but for whatever reason, the image wouldn’t leave me.
The Corruptible narrates the story of a case Ray has taken after starting his own detective agency. He soon finds out that the simple location of some stolen files turns into a murder investigation as well as attempts on his own life. With the help of sidekick Crevis, Ray works with his former police department cronies to get to the bottom of an increasingly puzzling mystery.
Filled with plenty of drama, action, and humor, The Corruptible takes several twists and turns and reveals a few surprises before it reaches a satisfying conclusion. While not an overtly Christian novel, it does however include scenes in which Ray’s friend Pam attempts to share the gospel with him. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy novels from this type.
This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?
Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.
As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check.
In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Mynheir is the author of the Christy Award nominated The Night Watchman, the first Ray Quinn mystery. He has worked undercover as a narcotics agent, as a SWAT team member, and recently retired from his work investigating violent crimes as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit in central Florida, where he lives with his wife and three children.
Under a Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills Available June 2011
When Eva Fortier’s grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico.
Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people’s medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva’s father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl…until he sees her strength in the midst of life-threatening danger.
Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt Available June 2011
The tide of World War II washed away her happily-ever-after dreams and left heartbreak in its wake, but Eva Hilton dares to consider another chance at love.
However, the jilted teacher’s past catches up with her when battle-scarred Paul Sommerfeld re-enters her life in 1957. Together they attempt to navigate the shifting sands of their relationship as painful truths come to light. Will Eva ultimately discover that, though the tide washed away their once-upon-a-time love letters in the sand, she and Paul have a love that will be forever written upon their hearts?
Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson Available June 2011
As the rest of the nation is embroiled in Civil War, the Amana Colonies remain peaceful. Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her betrothed, Friedrich, has left to fight with the Union army. Amalie tries to overcome her worries as she sets up a communal kitchen. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich’s best friend will provide some comfort, but Matthias is abrupt and cold.
Little does Amalie know that Matthias has been in love with her since childhood but will not betray Friedrich by pursuing her friendship. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages in Amalie’s own heart. Will love claim victory?
The year is 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals. He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the right woman to capture his heart. And with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.
Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Dallas, but just outside of Amarillo, a train derailment forces them and the other passengers to seek shelter in nearby Groom. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that at least one of the Denning sisters will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is ready to pull out. Anne has no clue of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!
Who are You, and what are you doing here?
Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You’d think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles to find his true role in the world, and his growing aggression eventually breaks him.
Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with disappointment for never being “enough” for anyone—most especially her mother. Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together. After all, don’t the “chance” encounters transform your life…or are they really chance?
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Thanks to a recent conversation with fellow blogger/reviewer at Creative Madness, I bought myself a nifty but inexpensive (under $10) little barcode scanner called a CueCat™ and Readerware™ book catalog software, thinking that I could catalog my extensive library quickly. After all, it would be so easy to scan the barcodes and let the software do the rest of the work. Well, that portion of the project is easy. What I didn’t take into consideration was the sheer volume of books I own and getting them to the computer a stack at a time to scan. Maybe I should load the software on my laptop and take it to the books instead. At this point I have cataloged 475 books and I haven’t started on the ones in bookcases yet.
