The Seance by Heather Graham

"A chill falls over Christina Hardy's housewarming party when talk turns to a recent murder that has all the hallmarks of the so-called "Interstate-Killer" murders from fifteen years before. To lighten the mood, the guests drag out an old Ouija board for a little spooky fun . . . and that's when things become truly terrifying.

Summoned by the Ouija board, the restless spirit of Beau Kidd, the lead detective -- and chief suspect -- on the original case, seeks Christina's help: the latest killings aren't copycat crimes, and he wants his name cleared. Back in the real world, cop-turned-writer Jett Braden is skeptical of Christina's ghostly encounters, but his police sources confirm all the intimate details of the case -- her otherworldly source is reliable, and the body count is growing.

The spirits are right. The Interstate Killer is still out there, and Christina's life is hanging in the balance between this world and the next." ~ back cover synopsis

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The third page had me laughing out loud, by the fourth I was tearing up and, soon thereafter, flat out crying.

This is the perfect mix of ghost story meets murder/mystery. It was action packed and tender in all the right places. I totally thought I had it figured out, from early on. Then, at the last minute, I thought it was someone else... And STILL had it wrong!

 I love, love, love Heather Graham!

Check it out at Amazon.com !!

Happy Reading!

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall

When I got the idea for this blog, I kind of thought I wouldn't go back and do books I've read in the past but in posting a recent rant about books and movies to my other blog, I can't help thinking that this is really an exception. Usually I am horribly disappointed in the screen adaptation of books and prehaps this is an exception because I read the book after I saw the movie. Maybe this is simply an example of a really crappy book made into a really phenomenal movie.

If you have seen the movie The Ultimate Gift, stop there. This is a really heartwarming story that follows a careless, well-to-do young man as he reluctantly tries to fulfill the terms of a will so that he can claim his inheritance. He has twelve tasks to complete before he can claim the prize which turn out to twelve steps to becoming a better person. I laughed, I cried, and when it was all over... I truly did want to be a better person.

The book tells the same tale, but through the eyes of the lawyer who executes the will, doling out the tasks step by step, and determining whether the heir has met the terms outlined in the will. The problem I had with the book is that the lawyer, of course, doesn't experience each task but merely consults with the youth as he comes to check in at the end of each mission. The book is dry and lacks the depth and feeling of the movie.

If you really must have the full experience, I would recommend reading the book first as to lessen the let down when comparing the two. So often you'll look to the book to lend deeper meaning and insight than the movie can give... That just isn't the case here.

Apparently many people don't agree with me. You can go to The Ultimate Gift website and order your own Ultimate Gift experience. It sounds like a kind of neat thing...

Tis the season to think about others and reassess ourselves. This is a great movie to get you going in the right dirrection. And you can always use the book if you run out of wrapping paper.

Joshilyn Jackson's Next Release!!

I  LOVE Joshilyn! My mom just emailed me the info last week! I can't hardly wait!

Backseat Saints will be out June 2010!

Visit Joshilyn's site!!

Just Getting Started

I am notorious for having a bad memory. I can never remember titles, authors, plots, or character names. Maybe this is because I usually plow through my reading at ungodly speeds and staying up late just to finish. My reading patterns come and go, but in a good stint I have been known to read 6 to 8 books a week. When I finish a book I like, I put it back on the shelf and know that in 6 months I can go back and read it again and it is sometimes like a whole new story! Maybe if I keep a little journal I will remember the stories a little better. Maybe I'll be able to stear someone to a good book or author, or warn you away from the not-so-worth-while ones.

Maybe someone will recommend new ones to me!!

Anyway, it is what it is. Feed back is always welcome!!