Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review - Differences: Sibling Rivalry is Bad... But it's Worse When There's Money Involved by Brian W. Smith

Differences by Brian W. Smith
Source: Purchased from Hollygrove Publishing
Paperback, 224 pages
Published June 6th 2011 by Hollygrove Publishing

About the Book

A wealthy man dies and leaves his dysfunctional kids $100,000 each. But in order to get their inheritance, they have to team up and go on a scavenger hunt to find the money. They have forty-eight hours to find the money or it will be donated to charity. Can these six malcontents deal with their differences long enough to find the money?

About the Author


Brian W. Smith is president of Hollygrove Publishing, Inc. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and currently lives in the Dallas, Texas, area with his wife and two sons. His educational background consists of two Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and criminal justice and an MBA from the University of Dallas.

Read my Interview:          Smith, Brian W.  2/6/11

My Review
I pre-ordered Differences back at the beginning of the year and couldn't wait to read it!  When I came, I had to stop everything and read it!

It's a tough situation when a parent dies.  The children each think that they should be entitled to certain things, but then they listen to the reading of the will to find out what the verdict really is.  The children in this book have a big surprise when their father's will is read.  They each get a certain portion of money, but there is a string attached.  They have to go on a scavenger hunt to find the money, and time is ticking!

I thoroughly enjoyed the situations brought up in the hunt for the money.  Secrets were revealed, and Beulah's was something I never expected at all.  I liked how the children were forced to work together.  Their father gave them more in the end than any money could have bought them.  Did they find the clues in time?  I will never tell because you NEED to read this book!

Of course, this just wouldn't be a Brian W. Smith book without humor added in.  Here is an example of what I mean:  "She looked more disinterested than a gay man getting a lap dance from a female stripper."  p.8    Brian W. Smith always writes about deep issues, but he has a way of incorporating humor into the story to keep you smiling!

Brian W. Smith never fails to bring readers something new with each book.  You can always bet that he is going to keep you entertained, but teach you something at the same time.  Just when you think you have a favorite Brian W. Smith book, he comes out with a new one that tops it!   This is a must-read for book clubs.  If I was in a book club, this would definitely be one that I would recommend for a good discussion.  No matter what type of book you like to read, I recommend that you purchase this book and read it.  If you haven't read anything by Brian W. Smith (is that even possible?), then I guarantee after you read this book you will want to read more of his work!

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Perfect!  Highly Recommend!


Where can you buy it?

I would recommend:
Hollygrove Publishing.com

If you click on that link, you will be able to see and purchase all of the other great Brian W. Smith titles.  I've read several of his books.  Here are links to my reviews (they are all 5/5 diamond books):

Deadbeat
Beater
Mama' Lies Daddy's Pain
Nina's Got A Secret

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.





Posted by Cheryl at 6/27/2011 5 comments
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Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading


~Mailbox Monday~
Hosted this month by

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

Here is what I got

Paperback, 264 pages
Published May 27th 2011 by Life Changing Books (first published May 2011)
Won from the author!

Soul, satisfying sex is usually the ultimate weapon. For Diamond Robinson, it may turn out to be a serious problem. On the surface, she appears to be your average beauty, living next door. But Diamond is full of deceit, mischief, and seduction. She loves good loving so much that she's willing to do anything, including sleep with someone who you'd least expect. When her sexcapades spiral out of control, one thing leads to another, and her lover ends up dead; leaving everyone she's ever loved, against her. Unknowingly, both she and her nymphonic road dogs gets themselves mixed up with secrets and lies that lead to unstoppable turmoil.(
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Paperback, 304 pages
Published April 25th 2011 by Balboa Press
Received from the Author for Review

ONE DAY. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES TO CHANGE A LIFE...

A YOUNG COUPLE. A NEW BABY. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. As a wife, new mom and successful career woman, Kristen Brown thinks her life is set. Until one morning, her husband doesn't wake up.

In this bittersweet memoir, we experience Brown's new life as a young widow mom grappling with the shock, pain and regret following her husband's unexpected death while managing a stressful work situation amidst the downfall of the economy. But not wanting to be a "sad mom," she instead harnesses her emotions into a positive force in her life. Through a process of life-changing experiences like surfing, getting "inked" and starting her own company that takes her to Hollywood, she discovers her life's purpose to be the role model for her daughter she longs to be-and becomes a role model for others in the process.

Kristen Brown captivates us with her story of transformation that is filled with the universal elements of loss, love, hope, humor and our ongoing search for answers that changes our perspective on the meaning of life and how we should live it. Kristen Brown bares her soul and shows us that loss can color our experiences and empower us to do more, be more and hope for more than we ever thought possible.


---------------------


The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: August 23rd 2011 by Ballantine Books (first published 2011)
Received from the Publisher for Review

The Victorian language of flowers was used to express emotions: honeysuckle for devotion, azaleas for passion, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it has been more useful in communicating feelings like grief, mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, and decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. "The Language of Flowers" is a heartbreaking and redemptive novel about the meaning of flowers, the meaning of family, and the meaning of love.



********************************************************

We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

This Week:

Mon., 27        Differences by Brian W. Smith 
Mon., 27        Pussy Whispers by Dean Anthony Jean-Pierre
Tues., 28       Wikked by L.M. Blakely 
                    (challenge book 9 of 13)
Tues., 28       Scarred for Life by Fredric A. Almond 
                    (challenge book 10 of 13)
Wed., 29       Sensuous Dragon by Deep Rivers 
                    (challenge book 11 of 13)
Wed., 29       Shawna Hill Book Tour - Guest Post and Giveaway!
Thurs., 30      Homefires by Emily Sue Harvey Pump Up Your Book Tour
Fri., 1            The Frog Pond by Otis Randolf (Tentative-) 
                     (challenge book 12 of 13)
Fri., 1            Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones by Moses Miller 
                     (challenge book 13 of 13) -last day for challenge

Currently Reading:

Up Next to Read:


These are the rest of my 13 Week Challenge reviews


© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission
Posted by Cheryl at 6/27/2011 9 comments
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Friday, June 24, 2011

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - K.P. SMITH - WEEK OVERVIEW & FINAL GIVEAWAY

Week With An Author - K.P. Smith

Overview of The Week:


In case you missed anything this week, here is what happened:



Sunday
WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR K.P. SMITH - TOMORROW THROUGH FRIDAY


Monday
WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - K.P. SMITH - BOOK REVIEW OF KENDRA'S DIARIES BY K.P. SMITH & GIVEAWAY
MONDAY'S WINNER OF GROWING PAINS: KENDRA'S DIARIES BY K.P. SMITH IS...

Tuesday
WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - K.P. SMITH - WHO IS K.P. SMITH? & GIVEAWAY
TUESDAY'S WINNER OF GROWING PAINS: KENDRA'S DIARIES BY K.P. SMITH

Wednesday
WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - K.P. SMITH ! EXCERPT FROM GROWING PAINS: KENDRA'S DIARIES & GIVEAWAY



Thursday
WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - INTERVIEW WITH K.P. SMITH & GIVEAWAY




FINAL GIVEAWAY

Giveaway:
This is K. P. Smith's final giveaway!

To win, just comment on this original blog post at Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I will pick a winner via random.org.  The deadline to enter for today's giveaway will be 9:00 p.m. tonight.  Make sure you give me your e-mail address so I know how to contact you!



Thank you K.P. Smith!

I would like to thank you for being  a part of Week With An Author K.P.!  You are a great author and interesting person!  I thought everything went great this week, and I am glad I got to spotlight you on my blog for a whole week!

It was nice to have the chance to get to know you more and read your book Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries!  I enjoyed spreading the word about your and your first book! 

If anyone has interest in being a part of Week With An Author, please check out my page: Week With An Author.

Don't worry.  If you didn't win a copy (even though you did have 5 chances to win!), here is a link that you can click to purchase your own copy!

Visit the author's website: http://kendrasdiaries.com/

Purchase the Book at:

(you get your copy autographed if you purchase at the author's website!)


© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Posted by Cheryl at 6/24/2011 1 comments
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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Wednesday and Thursday's Winners of Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries by K.P. Smith Is .......





 

AND THE WINNER IS.....


Wednesday   -   Sidne
Thursday -  Staci


Congratulations!

Don't worry if you didn't win today.
Stop back tomorrow for your last chance to win!

BETTER YET, JUST CLICK ON ONE OF THESE LINKS AND BUY THE BOOK!!!
 
Visit the author's website: http://kendrasdiaries.com/

Purchase the Book at:

(you get your copy autographed if you purchase the author's website!)






© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Posted by Cheryl at 6/23/2011 1 comments
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WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - INTERVIEW WITH K.P. SMITH & GIVEAWAY


K.P. Smith Interview

Thank you for the opportunity to interview you for Black Diamond’s Book Reviews and being the Author of the Week! Author interviews are very important.  They give the readers a chance to find out more about the author, and I think it is more likely that a reader will develop some kind of connection to the author and be more likely to follow that author and read upcoming books!

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born and raised and currently reside in New Orleans, LA. My career to date has been in the Insurance Industry. I am the proud mother of two sons.


When did you start writing and how did you get started?

I can’t say I remember one particular moment. But I do know I loved writing papers and book reports in English tests and that I preferred an essay question test over any other form. Writing is something I always enjoyed and was considered “good” at.


What kind of books you like to write?

I will have to get back to you on that one. Growing Pains; Kendra’s Diaries is my first novel.


Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?

I always hear write whether you want to or not. But that doesn’t work for me. I have to be in the mood to write. But when the feeling comes over me to write I will write anytime and anyplace. I am known for carrying around notebooks.


What are you reading now?

I have been so busy getting Growing Pains published nothing right now. But I am behind on the Women’s Murder Club series and plan to catch up soon. I think I am on #8.


What are some of your favorite books and authors?  

I grew up on Judy Blume. As I got a little older, Sweet Valley High books, Flowers in the Attic series, and Mary Lou Higgins Clark were always in my hands. Since then my favorite authors have been Terry McMillan, James Patterson, Danielle Steel and Sydney Shelton.

My three favorite books of all time are Disappearing Acts, Family Album and Rage of Angels.


Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

Yes! Yes! Yes! And to be perfectly honest I don’t think I like it.  I am reading it from an author-reader perspective and not just a reader. Have to figure a way to turn it off and go back to the way it was before.


Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?

I did read when working on Growing Pains but it was more for a diversion and relaxing purposes than for writing.


What is a typical day in your life like?

Awake between 5:30-6:00 drag myself up, tell my kids at least 10 times to get up. I get on the treadmill of life of work, getting the kids where they have to be, working after my day job and try to squeeze in some pleasurable things before I crash to get up and start all over again.


Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?

N/A


What’s next for you?

I have started on the next book in the series which is titled at this time; A New Beginning.  I have learned so much through this process most of it through trial and error and think I have a lot of offer through my experiences. I am going to do some consulting to help authors who are where I was about a year and a half ago, have a dream to write but don’t have a clue of what to do about it.


What three artists would I find in your IPod or CD player?

Old School- O’Jays, Teena Marie & 80’s music.

New School-Anthony Hamilton, Jennifer Hudson & Fantasia.


If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?

Milk, Juice, other staples and whatever the boys want for dinner.


What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?

No one but oh how I wish Beyonce!!!!


What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

I have always dreamed of owning my own television station.


Choose a book title for the story of your life.

Easiest question so far; Growing Pains!

 

 

Where would the readers be able to contact you, such as Facebook, website, etc.?

 

Facebook-Doin It Publishing Fan Page

 

Twitter-@kendrasdiaires

 

Website-www.kendrasdiaries.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615390307/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img 

 


Giveaway:
K. P. Smith is going to give away a book each day during her stay here at Black Diamond's Book Reviews!

To win, just comment on this original blog post at Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I will pick a winner via random.org.  The deadline to enter for today's giveaway will be 9:00 p.m. tonight.  Make sure you give me your e-mail address so I know how to contact you!


Visit the author's website: http://kendrasdiaries.com/

Purchase the Book at:

(you get your copy autographed if you purchase the author's website!)


 

 

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.


Posted by Cheryl at 6/23/2011 1 comments
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