Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - A Good Family Flick?

Here is a review I recently read about the new animated movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. I'm hearing a lot of good things about this movie, along with surprise by adults that it's enjoyable and very watchable.

Nothing cloudy about meatballs chance of success

Have you seen the movie, or do you plan to see it? What are your thoughts - is it a good family flick?

Book Review – Death by Dorlana Vann

Excellent – a very quick and enjoyable read. Death is really two books in one. First is Jaclyn's Ghost, which I had read pre-publication, loved, and blogged about it here. This is the story about fashion model Jaclyn Jade, who has to find the reason she doesn't make it into Heaven after her untimely and murderous death. She enlists the help of a psychic that can hear ghosts, as well as a mysterious and intriguing ghost named Logan. An exciting adventure ensues and one that is sure to captivate readers – it did me!

The second story is Passage to Mesentia. Here, Dorlana Vann surprises the reader with twists and turns that test Wade and Bella's relationship as they search for answers to the murder of Bella's archeological parents. A mysterious and surreal stranger named Ben solicits their help in finding an ancient Egyptian artifact believed to be the reason behind the murder, all the while pulling in Bella with his romantic and tragic past.

Dorlana Vann is a newly published author, fellow member of the Humble Fiction Café writers group, and a friend. Read the book if you get a chance, and watch for more of her novels in the future.

HFC/Good Books in the Woods - Author Event

This is just a quick courtesy reminder about the exciting author event being held this Saturday at Good Books in the Woods. While I haven't yet been to Good Books in the Woods, it looks like an interesting and fun bookstore to visit and was featured in the Lifestyle section of the Houston Chronicle on Mar 24, 2009. I will be there along with several other members of my writers group, Humble Fiction Cafe, between 12-3:00 p.m. If you already have Split, bring it along to have it signed by some of the contributing authors, or you can purchase your copy there. We will also have contests to give away books, plus you can listen to poems and short stories being read by the authors.

Since this is my very first book signing ever, I'm really excited and am hoping for a great turnout. Please tell you friends in the Houston area to stop by!

For those who have attended (or hosted) book signing author events, tell me... what should I expect? Any tips/tricks or recommendations to help make it more successful?

Humble Fiction Cafe: An Author Event Not to be Missed!

Book Review - My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jodi Picoult is an author that writes complex characters and isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects. She has an ability to get into the heads of her characters and make them come alive. And so it is also with My Sister’s Keeper.

My Sister’s Keeper is the story of a family in turmoil. From her birth on, Anna spends time in and out of hospitals as a donor for her sister Kate, who has leukemia. In fact, Anna’s whole existence resulted from preimplantation genetic diagnosis because her parents sought a donor match to treat Kate’s medical condition, and this role became Anna’s life within minutes of her birth.

The story starts when Anna is thirteen and seeks medical emancipation from her parents. In the process of discovering who she is and her role in life, Anna makes decisions that dramatically affect her family. My Sister’s Keeper explores family dynamics, motivations, emotions, and morality, and it does not disappoint.

I loved this book and was pulled in at it’s opening sentence,

“When I was little, the great mystery to me wasn’t how babies were made, but why.”

It is a novel that actually brought me to tears, so real the emotions.

Have you read My Sister's Keeper or other Jodi Picoult books? What did you like/dislike?

Do You Read Christian Fiction? Then I need your help. « from Hope and Faith

Do You Read Christian Fiction? Then I need your help. « post from Hope and Faith

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An Author Event You Won't Want to Miss!

On Saturday, Sept 19, members of Humble Fiction Cafe will be at Good Books in the Woods. The event is from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and will feature author readings, book and e-book giveaways, and more.

Click here for more information.

Click here for a map.

Hope to see you there!

Book Review - A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt

A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt

Warning – this review contains spoilers.


This is the story of a U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper, Joel Montgomery, coming to grips with his broken past and helping a sick child get his most desired wish – that of a family.

While this Christian fiction story is heartwarming, it is also predictable. Joel fulfills the wish of a child with cancer by parachuting into the kid’s schoolyard, and then proceeds to fall for his beautiful teacher, Amber Stanton, who is trying to adopt the sick child. Joel and Amber each must overcome issues from their past before they can truly move forward.

This debut novel was an easy read with a happily-ever-after ending, but I prefer more flaws that provide depth and dimension to characters. Certainly they were Christians, but Joel and Amber seemed too perfect to feel real. Everyone was nice, polite, prim and proper, and that part felt contrived.