An Author Event: Ree Drummond

Here's what's happening at Barnes and Nobel in Union Square....

Late last year I discovered a fantastic show.  It was about an accidental country girl living on a ranch with her family, cooking great food and taking beautiful photographs.  Oh, and she's a famous blogger too.  I'm not a long time reader of The Pioneer Woman blog.  I vaguely remember checking it out way back when it started in 2006. I never read her cookbook but thanks to my love of the Food Network, I discovered her.

During her introduction, I texted Julie that "she's purty."  Julie told me I have a girl crush on her, which I am not ashamed to admit is absolutely true. How could I not?  She is amazing, warm and welcoming.  She showed us a visual presentation because she is nervous talking in front of crowds.  I loved the presentation.  It was an intimate portrayal describing how she came to be who she is. She told stories and showed pictures of herself growing up as well as her wedding, her husband and kids, and life on the ranch. These are all things that are presented on her tremendously personal blog, but to have her share them in her own voice was great. 

She didn't talk about the cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks:  Food from my Frontier at all, referencing it briefly in a slide only at the very end.  I did look through the cookbook while waiting for her to sign it.  I'm looking forward to making the gazpacho, fig-prosciutto pizza, and for dessert?  Homemade vanilla bean ice cream with peach-basil topping.  Swoon.

I especially enjoyed her serenading Charlie with Endless Love.  For those you who don't know, Charlie is her basset hound.  Her sweet rendition included singing Charlie's part in a hopeless howl.  Classic.

I wanted to spend more time with her.  She is very amusing, gracious and well, down to earth.  She took her time with each and every person whose books she signed, sharing friendly pleasantries and smiles. 

She also imparting some wisdom on her audience, saying that no matter what you do, be it cook, write, take photographs...you're going to get better at it the more you do it.  She started a blog as a hobby, posting photos of her family, anecdotes and recipes.  Now is the author of 4 books, stars in her own TV show, and has a well known blog.  Not bad for an accidental country girl.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Pumpkin Roll

I love Josi S. Kilpack's Sadie Hoffmiller series and I wanted to take a moment to mention that the sixth book in the series, Pumpkin Roll, has just been released.  This is a culinary cozy series that has a more serious side to it as it progresses ~which is what I like about it.  It's also a shining example of an older female protagonist who still has moxie.  Of course, due to my towering review pile, I'm a book behind in the series (I still have Blackberry Crumble to read), but that doesn't mean you have to be! (My reviews, thus far.) 

Now, normally we don't do big announcements regarding book releases, but Ms. Kilpack has a giveaway connected with the release of this book that I thought was worth the mention...

In conjunction with the release of Pumpkin Roll the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for a new iPad. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before November 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and notified November 3^rd 2011.

Yes, leaving a comment (with your email address) on this post is really all you have to do to enter.  It's that simple.  Only 1 comment below per person will be counted toward the contest. For additional ways to enter, go to www.josiskilpack.com


(Full disclosure, I, Jenn, am getting an extra entry by posting this on Girls Just Reading, but this is an awesome giveaway and creates extra chances to win for everyone.  I'd have shared it with you anyway!  Seriously.)

Jenn's Review: Madam President

Summary: A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President. There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto (or VETO!)...and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.

With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.

Review: This is another favorite in our house, although my three year old daughter did learn how to veto her nap... so maybe I should be cursing this one.  (Literally, she says "Veto.")  There isn't a huge amount of story to this, but it is fun to watch Katy as she goes through her day as President.  She uses an Executive Order to get more waffles, has secret service follow her around the playground, and holds press conferences.  Her cabinet members are the toys in her cabinet (Mr. Potato Head is the Secretary of Agriculture, of course) and the mess in her room is a National Disaster.

The pictures are beautiful and there is lots to discuss in each one -plus there are lots historically accurate posters and books in the background of many of them.  It's a great way to introduce governmental terms to children, though you might want to skip the veto page, now that I think about it...  I also love that it may plant a seed of inspiration for little girls, that was much harder to find when I was growing up.

New Release Today: Virals by Kathy Reichs

Just wanted to remind everyone that the first novel in Kathy Reichs' new YA series, Virals, is out today.  It's a little paranormal, a little forensic, a little thriller... a lot of fantastic. (My review)

I will be heading out to buy it in hardcover today. Yes, I have a paperback ARC, that I begged off a fellow blogger, but this one's a keeper! ...So I wanted to take a minute and encourage you to do the same.   Really, it's worth it!

Summary: Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As Tory and her friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their new found physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot –if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.


Fortunately, they are now more than friends: they're a pack. They are Virals.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Life Choices

This is a little something new that we are trying out, here at GJR, so let us know what you think. It's hard to review a self-help book because people come to them for certain reasons, so instead we are spotlighting one.

About Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths If you feel “stuck” in a situation that appears to be beyond your control, these stories will show you how others have coped with crisis and uncertainty, made tough choices and positive changes in order to find deeper meaning and satisfaction in their relationships and learned to live with purpose every day. Rarely do we find a book that addresses so many different challenges. Life Choices does this in a powerful and inspiring way. This book is about experiences, the people who lived them, and how they created successful lives. From values and self-fulfillment to legacy, this book offers new resources for people who have tough choices to make every day.

Filled with wisdom and love, this book is a soothing companion for anyone searching for the courage to make a choice to change his or her circumstances. These authors and their stories prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that success belongs to everyone, no matter where they come from or what has happened to them. They are living proof that miracles can and do happen. You can be one of these people. You can navigate through difficult times and find your pathway to the life you choose to lead. Put the strength of others to work for you. Courage is not the absence of fear or pain. Courage is taking the steps to move through it.

Authors appearing in Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths include:
Aimmee Riley
Andrea Chestnut
Anne Abernathy
Anne Dreyer
Bob Walker
Charlotte Foust
Dan Roberts
Deborah Clark
Dr. Casey McNeal
Edie Raether
Elle Swan
Ginette Bedsaul
Jennifer Joseph
Jennifer Tarlin
Jesse Ferrell
Judi Moreo
Karen Phillips
Mary Monaghan
Nancy Todd
Rev. Cattel
Sandra Gore Nielsen
Sandy Kastel
Sherial Bratcher
Stephen Philpott
Susan Haller
Vickie Lane

About Judi Moreo
Judi Moreo is the author of You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power, and it’s companion, Achievement Journal. She is also the co-author and compiler of Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths (Turning Point International). Judi is an award-winning businesswoman and motivational speaker. Her superb talent for customizing programs to meet organizational needs has gained her a prestigious following around the world. Her passion for living an extraordinary life is mirrored in her zeal for helping others realize their potential and achieve their goals. With her dynamic personality and style, she is an unforgettable speaker, inspiring motivator, and an exceptional life coach.

If you would like to find out more about the woman behind Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths, visit www.judimoreo.com. If you would like to find out more about the book, visit www.lifechoicesbook.com.

I want to thank Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for sending me the information on Life Choices to spotlight.

We'd also like to offer 1 copy of the book to giveaway. Please leave your email address in the comment section by Midnight ET on April 6th to qualify.