Elizabeth McCracken responds to the pull of grief. She embraces and succumbs to it with a fresh and frank examination of grief in all its components. And she does it well.

Elizabeth and her husband Edward’s son is born while they are luxuriating in France – a stillborn. They have called him Pudding all through the pregnancy and Elizabeth continues to do so. A year and 5 days later, their second son is born. While Pudding was born in France, her second child is born in Saratoga Springs, New York in 2007. As Elizabeth chronicles her pain and the solid truth of grief, she remembers writing in Bordeaux: “This is the happiest story in the world with the saddest ending.” She puzzles over how happy she was, how joyous she and her husband were, living pregnant in Bordeaux. And then the impossible happened. I immediately thought of the book, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” but Elizabeth states the truth about herself. Her sadness and grief are just that – sadness and grief. Her baby is still dead. And as we read through her daily struggles we gain insight into what it’s really like, losing a child, the moment to moment living of it. Like William Styron’s book about his horrible depression, the days slide by, but you are in another country. Alone.

Both Elizabeth and Edward are writers. Through Elizabeth’s eyes, we see her travel through the numbness, the despair, and how she implements humor and “just keep going” to survive. One of her most poignant moments are when people ask her if her second infant is her first child. “How many children do I have?” she asks herself. “How many are there of me?” She speaks of her second pregnancy – of making no plans, of walking on eggshells, of leaving France never to return. As she relates her experiences – the pain of friends saying the wrong things, the pain of friends not saying anything, the loss when she hears of another friend having a healthy baby, Elizabeth leads us into the chaos and uncertainty of loss. But she needs the recognition that there had been a Pudding, her son, and the condolences, she writes, “felt like oxygen.” Her rage, her friend Lib who emailed her daily, the small and large things that kept her sane; this journal like memoir carries everything of Elizabeth’s heart and mind. They do not seek to know the second baby’s gender, it is too hard.

Reading this astounding book of Elizabeth’s life with Edward, with her doctors, with the terror of her second baby hovering in her belly when Pudding was still – would always be – I felt startled with the amazing story of the human capacity to endure. Her self recriminations, guilt, the love of her husband Edward through it all – this is one memoir, though difficult to read, must be read. As Elizabeth holds Pudding in the sling of her heart and balances the thought of another child living inside her, we feel her struggle. And although we can not feel her pain, we can touch it.


Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Plot: 4.5
Characters: 4.5
Presentation: 4.5
Overall: 4.5

Book Review by Broad "A" - Ava

An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination  is available for purchase at Amazon.com


Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for providing this title for our book review as well as this giveaway. We were in no way paid or compensated for our opinions.

Enter Daily







Extra Entries

1. Become a fan of The Broads on Facebook <<<  NEW!
2. Blog about this giveaway on YOUR blog!
3. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
4. Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
5. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
6. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog  
7. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
8. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
9. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 24, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck

Here we are, back in Fernfield with Josh Framm, Buddy the golden retriever and his Mom.  Josh’s dad has recently died and Josh is still grieving his loss.  The family is going to a basketball game, and Fearlesss Buddy sneaks into the car.  As you all know, Buddy and Josh are already great basketball players.  Buddy escapes from the car into the arena with the professional players, sees the basketball and joins the game – he’s on a winning streak once again!  Golden Retriever Receiver of the Year!  As press flashes go off and the news media goes into a frenzy over Buddy’s ball expertise, the evil Russian circus owner Natalia sees pictures of Buddy with the ball on court and she and her nasty partner decide to steal Buddy.  In the meantime, Josh’s best friend talks Josh into trying out for the football team.  Simultaneously, Josh takes Buddy in for a vet check with Dr. Sullivan.  As Josh realizes that his Mom and Dr. Sullivan are dating, he decides to join football, as practice is in the afternoon and he doesn’t have to watch his own mother make a romantic fool out of herself with this strange Dr. Sullivan.

Of course, Natalie and her husband are on the lookout for Buddy and Josh.  Buddy keeps escaping them.  Then, Josh and his friend decide to take Buddy to Dr. Sullivan claiming his tail is broken so that they can snoop in his office.  Josh finds photographs of Dr. Sullivan with three other women – pretty women.

As Josh and Buddy become football heroes, as Natalie and husband are caught in their vicious schemes, as Josh finds out that all the women in the photos are Dr. Sullivan’s sisters, he grows up.   Josh ends up friends with Dr. Sullivan, Buddy takes the Timberwolves to the state championship, and all is well.  What a great Disney Air Bud movie.  Fun, adorable, coming of age movie for both Josh and his friends, this Disney movie creates beloved footage of Buddy, the amazing golden retriever.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:  I had to go online to find out the family name (Framm) and that Josh’s father had recently passed away.  That made this DVD make more sense.  Also, the names of the circus people were not clear; again I found it online but since I didn’t get it from the movie I left the review as I saw it in the movie.  These are minor things; I just wish I had seen the original Air Bud!  On the other hand, it leaves the review a little mindless on my part, but I reviewed what I saw in the movie.  Again, a great dog lovers movie, I enjoyed it and didn’t agree with some of the reviews that gave it a 2 for a plot that was predictable.  Yes, the plot is predictable, but the movie itself was funny and cute and the dog(s) were magnificent!
 

Special Bonus Feature

 

The Sports Channel Play by Play quarterbacked by the Buddies (Rosebud, Budderball, B-Dawg, Buddha, and Mudbud) and it is a hoot!  Adorable – REPLAY~!

 

Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition (Sport Whistle Necklace) is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for $22.49.

 

Review by Broad "A" - Ava

Thank you to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for providing us with a copy of this DVD to review. We were not compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own.

Congratulations to all of the LUCKY winners of these giveaways. Remember, to enter often. That way you'll have the chance to see YOUR NAME on this list.....


Lone Star Legend
Rebecca G. - Fayettville, TN
Anne F. - Jefferson, MA
Fred W. - Independence, MO
Andrea B. - Gehring, NE
Virginia L. - Cumming, GA

Carolina Pad
 Jeanne G. - Middleboro, MA
Deborah R. - Pennsboro, WV



The Swan Thieves
Barbara K. - South Jordan, UT
Mara S. - Maspeth, NY
Cynthia R. - Durham, NC
Fran A. - Jupiter, FL
Jane M. - Monticello, AR




Searching for Tina Turner
Tracey B. - Bessemer, AL
Susie F. - Aurora, IL
Julie H. - Excelsior, MN
Megan S. - Indianapolis, IN
Ron B. - Camden, DE




 Among Thieves
Rita M. - Dinuba,CA
Laura R. - Jetersville, VA
Silvana M. - New York, NY
Heather Y. - San Diego, CA
Robin R. - Hereford, AZ




Doors Open 
Deb C. - Simpsonville, SC
Julie L. - Jackson, MI
Brenda R. - Madison Heights, MI
Cheryl B. - Huachuca City, AZ
Nancy H. - Kailua Kona, HI


Prime-Time Health
Ellie S. - Tulsa, OK
Nancy S. - Yardville, NJ
Giovanna K. - Cambridge, MN


Denise's Daily Dozen
Ellen C. - Raynham, MA
Ann F. - Bartlett, IL




The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs
Lorie W. - Providence, RI 

Totally Toned Arms: Get Michelle Obama Arms in 21 Days
Gerrie S. - Goldsboro, NC
Lynn D. - Enfield, CT
Lissa H. - Winnipeg, Manitoba



The Unnamed
Lorrie H. - Glendale, CA
Esther S. - Ontario, CA
Laura D. - Villas, NH
Selma C. - Oak Park, MI
Lisa G. - Colchester, VT




Children's Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies
 Len G. - Senoia, GA 



Lipoflavonoid Plus - 100 Caplets
Brenda H. - Sabina, OH




Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You Special Edition 
Jennia M - Christiansburg, VA


Kitty's House of Horrors (Kitty Norville, Book 7)
Terri L - Pittsfield, MA
Alicia T. - Fresno, CA
Richard P. - Ozark, AL
Sheila P. - Tinley Park, IL
Marcy S. - Bridge City TX



Roses 
Sharon D. - Imlay City, MI
Jane H. - Minneapolis, MN
Maureen R. - Sanford, FL
Sharon W. - Two Rivers, WI
Shawna F. - Spearfish, SD

All About Us #6: The Chic Shall Inherit the Earth: An All About Us Novel

Teresa W. - Toledo, OH
Andria S. - Indianapolis, IN
Rebecca O. - Addison, NY
Karen S. - Naples, FL
Kayce C. - Konxville, TN
   
Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant 1.7 oz Stick
Sharon N. - Queen Creek, AZ

MyClyns
Vickie R. - Tishomingo, OK

Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success
Emma H. - Washington Court House, OH
Ann D. - Paradise, CA
Laurie C. - Swedesboro, NJ
Daniel V. - Bethesda, MD
Susan S. - Olathe, KS
 
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Stretching Your Dollar

Amber G. - Naperville, IL

Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break
Era J. - Bolingbook, IL
Linda W. - Paris, TX
Marcia P. - conifer, CO
Bobby G. - Quakertown, PA
Gina S. - Sparks, NV

Icee Slushy Maker
Tonya S. - Saint George, UT

Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Maker 
Sona M. - Saugus, CA
 
Coleman.com Gift Card
Jamie Webb - Salt Lick, KY

The Popcorn Factory
Linda A - Orland Park, IL

CYSTEX Urinary Pain Relief Tablets
Raelena P. - Portsmouth, VA

Holiday Giftpack
Gabbi B. - Hamilton, GA

Death of a Valentine
Laura G. - Red Lion, PA
Lorri H. - sherman Oaks, CA
Debra M. - Miramar, FL
Fayanne T. - Vestavia Hills, AL
Amy H. - Danville, IL


Strawberry Shortcake Sweet Surprise Strawberry Shortcake Doll
Karen N. - Tolar, TX

My Little Pony - Sweetie Belle
Michelle W. - Sun City, CA

SOFT LIPS ORGANIC LIP CONDITIONER
Jennifer V. - Beavercreek, OH


Outfit Additions
Jannet T. - San Leandro, CA

A Field Guide to Burying Your Parents
Douglas B. - Salado, TX
Bonnie H. - Summerfield, NC
Mary W. - Newark, CA
Christal M. - Stanley, ND
Veronica S. - Tooele, UT

Anti-Monkey Butt Powder
Lori A. - Mansfield, TX

Pink ValueRays® Warm Mouse III
ChiChi G. - Santa Fe, NM

My Friendship Bracelet Maker
Margaret S. - Randolph, NJ

PreHistin
Vickie S. - Harvest, AL

The Shandle
Angela T. - Lexington, KY

GO WAGALOO
Cayce K. - Swansea, MA

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Finding Mr. Right
Carolyn F. - Saginaw, MI

The Lineup
Leann L. - Statesboro, GA
Sharma D. - Fairbanks, AK
Axel O. - Houston, TX
Chrysa D. - Cambridge, MN
Dawn R. - Whittier, CA

I, Alex Cross
Darcy O. - Apple Valley, MD
Susan R. - Thousand Oaks, CA
Yvonne B. - Opp, AL
Candie L. - Calico Rock, AK
Karly K. - Carlsbad, CA

Angels: A Pop-Up Book (Pop Up Book)
Rebecca N. - Zanesville, OH

Nine Dragons
Charlene B. - New Boston, TX
Larry W. - Nashua, NH
Jason H. - Portland, OR
Debbie F. - Ellicott City, MD
Lily K. - Las Vegas, NV

Hollywood Moon: A Novel
Ann F. - Wappington Falls, NY
Mary Jane C. - Dillon, SC
Crystal P. - Dallas, TX
Deborah W. - Andover, KS
Joan F. - Utica, NY

Lit: A Memoir
Ingrid J. - Pendleton, SC
Rebekah S. - Sugarland, TX
Colleen S. - Ashland, NE

MUDFACE
Kelly D. - Coolidge, AZ
Stephanie V. - Westlake Village, CA
(Answer: Top = Broad "Z", Bottom = Broad "A")

True Blue
Beverly N. - Decatur, TN
Theresa D. - Monticallo, NY
Richard P. - Ozark, AL
Jason N. - Elko, MN
Karrie M. - Cape Coral, FL

Slice
Jeffrey H. - Dover, FL

Dogswell Gift Basket
Hilda H. - Indianapolis, IN

Nature Valley Granola Clusters Gift Pack
Jennifer J. - Greenwood, IN

DogMeat Dog Toy
Liz M. - Salt Lake City, UT

Klutz Fancy Friendship Bracelets
Jill L. - Shippensburg, PA
Kathy K. - Weare, NH

Locked In
Bonnie S. - Parkland, FL
Penny S. - Sandusky, OH
Cheryl M. - North Providence, RI
Brandy W. - Virginia Beach, VA
Lilian G. - Atlanta, GA


Miracle Girls #3: A Little Help from My Friends: A Miracle Girls Novel
Sue C. - Reagan, TN
Sharon G. - Latonia, KY
Margie P. - Dayton, OH
Carol M. - Monroeville, PA
Shawna F. - Spearfish, SD


Cheri
Frances A. - Warwick, RI
Sallie R. - Chester, VA

Leash Holder
Josh K. - Seattle, WA
 
Eden Fantasys
Angela R. - Federal Way, WA


Simon's Cat
Bobbie M. - Port Townsend, WA
Nancy H. - Castro Valley, CA
Jason N. - Elko, MN
Bonnie W. - Dixon, IL
Liz W. - Sioux Falls, SD
Eating Animals
Karen P. - Rochester, NH
Critt S. - Lakeland, FL
Kathryn G. - Austin, TX
Alicia W. - Winchester, VA
Annette C. - Austin, TX


What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures
Elsie B. - Eastlake, OH
Donna G. - Mentor, OH
Patrice J. - Magnolia, NJ
Polly J. - Cedar Creek, TX
Janet I. - Providence, RI

Squeeki Tiki
Sue S. - San Jose, CA

Switch it by Nan
Al H. - Oakton, VA

Tell Me Something True
Kathy R. - Beloit, WI
Emma H. - Norristown, PA
Benita G. - Bronx, NY
Ale O. - Nixa, MO
kayce C. - Knoxville, TN

Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
Kathy H. - Philadelphia, PA
Richard L - Warwick, RI

Naked Brothers Band Pack
Robert R. - Enola, PA

At Home With Friends
Julie L - Jackson, MI

Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms 
Allison G - Brooksville, FL   
Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin'
Robert M - Thomasville, NC

Wristlet Water Bowl
Ale O. - Nixa, MO

Detectives Don't Wear Seat Belts: True Adventures of a Female P.I.
Gary V. - Schaumburg, IL
Dawn R. - Whittier, CA
Margie P. - Dayton, OH
Brenda S. - Yacolt, WA
Anita Y. - Barnesville, GA
Stop Praying
Christopher H. - Elk Grove, CA
Janice M. - Fuquay Varina, NC
Benita G. - Bronx, NY
Renee G. - Valleyford, WA
Mike P. - Wilmington, IL
Nancy H. - Chesapeak, VA
Jill P. - Sterling Heights, MI
Pat F. - Midway city, CA
Aline B. - Topeka, KS
Lavern L. - Davenport, IA

Julie and Julia
Sheryl M. - Wilsonville, OR
Norma M. - Lena WI
Wendy A. - Los Lunas, NM
Basil L. - Nampa, ID
"Hello Dreamer" prize pack - Fairy Godmother Academy
Laura D. - Villas, NJ

6-piece professional brush set from Mineral Secrets
Sarah M. - Troy, MI

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
Carolyn F. - Saginaw, MI

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s & 30s, 4th Edition
Karla S. - Lake Forest, IL

Piggy Paint
Ale L. - Nixa, MO

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Marie F. - Levittown, PA

Wonder Bread
Jennie C. - Flagstaff, AZ

Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving
Katherine B. - Summersville, WV

SIRJJ ORGANICS
Kiara A. - Houston, TX
 
Feelin' the Vibe
Nanette O. - Santaquin, UT
Brenda R. - Madison Heights, MI
Marjorie W. - Camillus, NY
Ellen S. - Crescent City, CA
Critt S. - Lakeland, FL
The Last Song
Aimee G. - Albion, PA
Jamie W. - Salt Lick, KY
Linda W. - Paris, TX
Benita G. - Bronx, NY
Lynne T. - Baldwin, NY

Sweetly You Prize Pack
Jennifer S. - Rahway, NJ

COACH Wallet
Tammy K. - Winter Haven, FL

Evenings at the Argentine Club
Karen S. - Ranch Cucamonga, CA
AnnMarie W. - Palm Harbor, FL
Terri H. - Battle Ground, WA
Shana F. - Roseville, MI
Jill P. - Sterling Heights, MI

Topaz Color Statement Necklace
Colleen T. - Maineville, OH
Pirate Booty
Susan B. - Derby, KS

The Palace of Strange Girls
Margie P. - Dayton, OH
Bonnie W. - Dixon, IL
Critt S. - Lakeland, FL
Deborah W. - Andover, KS
Darcy O. - Apple Valley, MN

Minute Rice
Marilyn K. - Omaha, NE
Melinda O. - San Antonio, TX
WatAah!
Aline B. - Topeka, KS

Delicaé Gourmet
Marie F. - Levittown, PA

Tidings of Great Boys: An All About Us Novel
Jennifer D. - Omaa, NE
Lisa M. - Little Falls, NY
Laura G. - Red Lion, PA
Bridgette G. - Stillwater, MN
Michelle W. - Phoenix, AZ


A Change in Altitude: A Novel
Meg V. - St. Petersburg, FL
Joan S. - Eugene, OR
Kelly B. - Prescott, AZ
Steph W. - Pawtucket, RI
Kim M. - Gulf Breeze, FL

Sleepless Nights
Joanne S. - Poughkeepsie, NY
Paula P. - Florence, MS
Sheryl M. - Wilsonville, OR
Jones GABA
Marcha P. - Conifer, CO
Dick's Sporting Goods $100 Gift Card
Janet C. - Chesterton, IN

Mortal Friends
Alicia T. - Fresno, CA
Karen S. - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Donna G. - Mentor, OH

Pond's Wet Cleansing Towlettes
Heather G. - Overland Park, KA
C. E. S. - Lakeland, FL

The Impostor's Daughter: A True Memoir
Kayla D. - Tylor, TX
Carol F. - West Orange, NJ
Deb C. - Kentwood, MI
Heather F. - Rumford, RI
Maggie C. - Chestnut Ridge, NY

1-2-3 Get Organized books
Lynn P. - Fort Pierce, FL

Bo's Café
Kristie H. - Winfield, IL
David L. - Forest City, PA
Doreen L. - Metuchen, NJ
Heather J. - Cape Coral, FL
Stephanie F. - Harbor City, CA

The Lace Makers of Glenmara
Gayle A. - Warwick, RI
Ann F. - Bartlett, IL
Dorothy L. - Normalville, PA

Alex Cross's TRIAL
Sherri P. - Vero Beach, FL
Susan C. - Gresham, OR
Sue S. - San Jose, CA
Donna C. - East Machias, ME
Susan M. - Red House, WV

Cool Butterflies
Sheryl M. - Wilsonville, OR

Carolina Pad
Janet K. - Church Hill, TN

Amigoland
Jill P. - Sterling Heights, MI
Sandra A. - North Kingstown, RI
Susan S. - San Jose, CA
Amanda V. - Hanna City, IL
Shaun W. - Lawrenceburg, TN

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder
Michael C. - Kalamazoo, MI
Richard H. - Winston-Salem, NC
Clarissa M. - Pitkin, LA
Bake Me a Wish - Chocolate Cake
Natalie A. - Taylorsville, UT


The Murder of King Tut
Holly P. - Lafayette GA
Carol C. - Osyka, MS
Terra H. - Quincy, IL
Kelly B. -Prescott, AZ
DeeAnne A. - Trussville, AL
Thug Lovin' (Thug 4)
Terra H. - Quincy, IL
Ed N. - Skokie, IL
Rebecca N. - Evansville, IN
Barbara L. - Vicksburg, MI
Hilda H. - Indianapolis, IN
Ravens
Jennifer S. - Rahway, NJ
Susan V. - Belfast, ME
Claudia M. - Bella Vista, AR


$30 Gift Certificate from SkinFree.net
Chris H.

Daniel X: Watch the Skies
David C. - Pittsburgh, PA
Melissa B. - Raymore, MO
Michael R. - Wellington, KS

Sand Sharks
Cindy D. - West Jordan, UT
Karen G. - Bridgeport, NY
Angela P. - Miramar, FL
Jennifer C. - Panama City, FL
Penney W. - Hawthorne, CA
I Can See You
Michelle L. - Mena, AZ
Megan B. - Sunnyvale, CA
Jennifer C. - Panama City, FL
Linda H. - Lancaster, CA
Valerie F. - Locust, NC

New Tricks
Natalie A. - Taylorsville, UT
Elsie B. - Eastlake, OH
Alma G. - Grayson, LA
Tessandra C - Macon, GA
Benita G. - Bronx, NY


Hollywood Is like High School with Money
Susan S. - New York, NY
Debbie D. - Irving, TX
Jacquelyn C. - Chicago, IL
Diane B. - West Bloomfield, MI
Cindy D. - West Jordan, UT
The Hunted
Jenn S. - Rahway, NJ
Maya M. - Chico, CA
Sheila H. - Kansas City, MO
Sherrie P. - Vero Beach, FL
Gayle S. - West Bend, WI

By the Book
Susan S. (sent via e-mail)

April & Oliver: A Novel
Tiffany S. - Slatersville, NY
Michelle D. - Tempe, AZ
Megan B. - Sunnyvale, CA
Sandra A. - Warwick, RI
Kelli S. - Norman, OK
Italian for Beginners
Kim L. - Keller, TX
Callie G. - Scottsboro, AL
Kristen C. - Stevensville, MD
Jason, N. - Elko, MN
Megan B. - Sunnyvale, CA

Robert Ludlum's (TM) The Bourne Deception
Marcia S. - Derby, KS
Michelle D. - Tempe, AZ
Susan M. - Redhouse, WV
Denise W. - Santaquin, UT
Dorothy L. - Normalville, PA

Horizon Organic Eggs -
Nancy S. - Yardville, NJ


Ravens
Patty R. - Miami, FL
Amanda W. - Big Rapids, MI
Kathy R. - Wales, WI
Ginny B. - Chesterfield, MI
Selinda M. - Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Swimsuit
Lindsay W. - Chicopee, MA
Jessica K. - Panama City, FL
Leslie D. - Elk Grove Village, IL
Diane C. - Hudson, NH
El V. - Stoneham, MA

I have to say that I'm VERY familiar with the Monster brand, having been the mom of a rocker for many years. I think that I shelled out money for more Monster cables over the years - mostly, because they always provided the BEST quality. There headphones are no different. Monster has always made the finest professional headphones, cables and equipment  - and they've taken ALL of that GREAT QUALITY and KNOWLEDGE of sound and packed them into a GREAT pair of in-ear headphones.


What I like about them? THEY FIT INTO YOUR EAR COMFORTABLY. I have a real problem getting ear buds to fit. They create pressure against my ears that is usually painful. These Lil'Jamz are small enough to fit COMFORTABLY in my ear and at the same time provide BIG SOUND. With sound so REAL you'll feel like you're THERE with the artists.

Because Monster Lil' Jamz are made in ONE PIECE they don't resonate—so all you hear is the music—with no artificial vibrations to pollute the sound. That’s why the music is crystal clear and razor sharp. The bass is super tight. Plus, these little babies are nearly indestructible. Of course they have those great Monster cables and gold plugs that Monster is famous for. Needless to say, I'm tossing out my old tinny sounding headphones and switching over to Monster Lil' Jamz. 

I'm thinking that these would be a GREAT Valentine's Day gift for the music lover in your life, whether they be young or old (like  me). While you're at it, you might want to grab a pair for yourself!

Monster is also running a great DJ contest for the headphones right now! If a family friend or family member DJ's, be sure to let them know they can enter Monster's I am a Monster DJ contest for the chance to be included on the packaging of the 'Lil Jamz, plus win $600 in Monster DJ gear + more! http://www.liljamz.com/iamamonsterdj/
 
Ratings are based on a 5-star scale


Construction: 5
Sound Quality: 5
Quality: 5
Price:5
Overall: 5


Review by Broad "Z" - Zippy

You can pick them up at Amazon.com for $79.95 or the Monster.com website for around $90.
  
Thank you to Monster for providing us with a pair of Monster Lil' Jamz Headphones for this review and giveaway. We were not compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own.

WIN GREAT SOUNDING, VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE HEADPHONES!
Enter Daily



Extra Entries

1. Follow Monster Cable on Twitter
2. Friend Monster Cable on Facebook
3. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
4. Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
5. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page 
6. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
7. Friend Broad "Z" on Facebook
8. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
9. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
10. Blog about this giveaway
11. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 14, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck

Adorable!

Background: These young men started out with Disney in 2007 and between their reality show "Living The Dream" of their band on the road, and the 2008 "Camp Rock" their fame was assured. The I Heart Jonas DVD presents seven selected episodes from the  Disney TV Series.

I had never seen the Jonas Brothers before and I immediately fell in love with Kevin, Nick and  Joe Jonas. As they cruise through Horace Mantis Academy they are just real guys. Joe has feelings for Stella, their "costume coordinator." Stella's friend Macy (Demi Lovato) is obsessed with Nick, and when Stella thinks of dating Van Dyke the school cool guy, Joe repeatedly messes up her dates with "clothes" emergencies.

In the first episode they meet the Queen of England- hysterical - as Stella has purposely clothed Joe in an absurd outfit. The second episode Kevin decides to become a cheerleader.The guys are performing on "Great Morning USA" the day after Kevin's debut at the First Academy basketball game. Joe is sick with a croaky voice but he goes to the basketball game anyway, because he has promised Stella. The result are again hysterical.

In the third episode the boys try out for The Three Muskateers, a play. Joe backs out because of stage fright, but of course he ends up as Muskateer Porthos, so he can kiss Stella.

I will let you discover the other three episodes yourself.

The love interest between Stella and Joe, friends since Kindergarten drives the series. What I loved about I Heart Jonas is how Kevin, Nick and Joe are like all teenaged guys, with all of the teenaged angst and teenaged fun that it represents.

This is yet another great Disney DVD and I simply fell straight on into HEART with these talented young men.




Thank you to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for providing us with a copy of this DVD to review. We were not compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own.

I felt delighted to be able to sample Puppy Cakes.  It comes in two flavors, carob and banana with unflavored yogurt for frosting.  And it is made of human grade ingredients.  Yippee!

Here's how easy it is to SPOIL Fido, while giving him something that's actually GOOD for him.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray (I used paper cupcake holders)
3. In a bowl, mix:
Puppy cake mix
1 egg (I used brown organic)
3 TBS vegetable oil
½ cup water
Mix until smooth
4. Scoop batter in muffin tin (makes 6).
5. Cook at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes (mine took 22 minutes)
6. Check with toothpick for doneness
7. Cool completely
8. Mix yogurt frosting with 5 teaspoons water
9. Frost cooled muffins
10. Store covered muffins in fridge for up to 5 days

This is easy enough for my grandkiddles to do!  AND as you can see in the picture, these Goldens couldn't wait to hear that they could WOLF down their delicious cupcakes.

Also available is Fifi's FAVORITE Carob Cake Mix and Frosting

They use all natural, human grade ingredients including whole wheat flour, banana, carob powder, honey powder, salt, baking powder and yogurt powder. They test their products for quality by eating it themselves (they are not inspected by the Health Department for human consumption so we they recommend YOU eating it).

Puppy Cake will not make your dog fat when fed properly. As with any additional foods that you give your dog, cut back on their dog food for that day or take them for an extra walk.

Hey Puppy Cake, can you come up with a DOG FOOD???  I’ll buy it!

You can get more information on these delightful doggy muffins at www.PuppyCake.com.
Or email at Comments@PuppyCake.com!

Loved this product.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Flavor: 5

Good for dogs: 4.5
Overall: 4.5


Review by Broad "A" - Ava

Thank you to Puppy Cakes for providing us with Puppy Cake Mix products to try for this review. We were in no way compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own

Teenage Zenovia (Zee) has lived with her mother Audrey’s schizophrenia for 17 years.  Audrey is on medication, and it helps, but Zee has had no real friends – no life, really – due to caring for her mother.  To complicate matters, Audrey and Zee have visions, true visions, of the present and future which cause Zee to feel alienated and strange around others.  And she never knows when her mother will be lucid or in one of her fits.  One day, two women appear at the door and their lives change.

The two strange women, Charlotte and her daughter Alyssa, are members of The Brethren of the Sacrifice.  Alyssa is Zee’s age.  They convince Audrey and Zee to attend a meeting at their Devotion Center.  Zee and Audrey have attended many churches, but this one is very different.  There is no devotion to God, no regular Church, just a building.  The devotion consists of The Brethren’s own strange interpretation of the Scriptures.  Zee intuitively knows that something is off, but for the first time in her life, she has the chance for girlfriends her age and The Brethren teens include Zee in everything that teenage girls love.  Soon she and Audrey are baptized and the horror begins.

As the cult begins to become darker and more judgmental and controlling, Zee finds herself drawn into a non-Brethren relationship with Emil, although she has a crush on Tristan, who puts his faith in the Brethren before his heart or his head.  Audrey marries Phillip, a Brethren member within two weeks.  Phillip demands that Audrey stop her medications and Audrey starts to act strangely again.  Zee falls in love with Emil and loses her virginity and Emil breaks up with her to marry the woman who is carrying his child.  In order to clear up her life and her emotions, Zee confesses to Tristan’s father, one of the Elders, and they serve a Chastening on her – she is a virtual outcast and is not allowed near any of her friends.  Audrey and Phillip turn against her.  Wounded and scared, Audrey leaves 6 months later to attend Howard University where she feels her Black roots reside.  She stays with Corinne, her cousin, who is glad that Zee is free of the cult.  Zee remains celibate, thinking that God will not forgive her one sin, although she realizes that is not God’s way.

Zee’s path leads her to the Church of Revelations, where she sees Justin, Tristan’s older brother.  Once a devoted Brethren, he too is now an outcast by his own choice.

As Zee tries to take care of her mother in her thoughts, she finally finds her true path and Bishop Wilcox of the Church of Revelations sees her visions as what they truly are – a gift from God.

The ending is sad and happy as is life.  I enjoyed this quiet, lovely and honest novel about Zee’s journey back to herself.  This novel does not pack its punch loudly, but gracefully exhales with a soft tenderness that has made me a fan of Tiffany Warren.


Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Presentation: 4
Overall: 4

Book Review by Broad "A" - Ava
 
In the Midst of It All is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for $9.44

Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for providing this title for our book review as well as this giveaway. We were in no way paid or compensated for our opinions.

Enter Daily








Extra Entries

1. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
   Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
2. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
3. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
   
4. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
5. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
   
6. Blog about this giveaway
   
7. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 18, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck

It's the THOUGHT that counts right? I mean, that's what I ALWAYS told Bro "B" when he was growing up. It's what I tell hubby. It's true.

There's NOTHING more THOUGHTFUL than a personalized gift, especially if it's a Valentine's Day gift like these custom t-shirts from Just Jen. Now, I'm not the ungrateful type....but, if I had my choice between receiving  high quality Valentine's t-shirts studded with GORGEOUS Swarovski Crystals or an ordinary box of drugstore chocolate...which do you think that I'd REMEMBER for a L-O-N-G time?

I'm a hinter. As a matter of fact I "hinted" that I wanted a pair of diamond stud earrings for about 6 years. I left photos of the earrings on the refrigerator at each holiday and birthday, "mentioned" how I'd DIE for a pair of these baubles, left magazines advertising diamonds open on the coffee table, etc. Yes, he finally took the hint and bought me my earrings some 15 years ago (and I STILL wear them). I started hinting last year that I'd like a custom t-shirt that I could wear to conferences and guess what? Just Jen must have heard me, because they offered me one of their FAB shirts to review.

I was able to choose the t-shirt style I wanted (they also have caps, lingerie, hoodies, sweats, etc.) as well as the text styles and color. Of course I wanted one that said "The Review Broads" to wear at BlogHer and the upcoming Disney Social Media Moms Conference (what BETTER way to be recognized), but needed something that was kind of "Broads-like," so I asked if they could make the "O" in Broads into a pair of juicy red lips. "NO PROBLEM" they replied.

My order arrived QUICKLY (so, quickly that I was actually SURPRISED - considering all of the work that goes into making one of these rhinestone creations. Of course, now I have to come up with something ELSE to hint about for Valentine's Day (a Just Jen baseball cap that says "Broad Z" maybe).

For moms looking for the PERFECT Valentine's gift for a daughter, boyfriends wanting to IMPRESS their girlfriend or a husband wanting to give his wife something EXTRA SPECIAL this year....Just Jen offers the GOODS.

By the way, "A" and I wear the same size - so if you see one of us wearing this at BlogHer in August. Come over and say HI (I'm the shorter one, she's much taller).

We're thinking about offering caps that say The Review Broads or  Broad A, B, C, etc. If you're interested, leave me a comment. If we get enough requests, I'll ask Just Jen if she can make some up for our readers to purchase!

Review by Broad "Z" - Zippy

Thank you to Just Jen for providing me with this awesome t-shirt for this review. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are strictly  my own.

The difference, my dear, is that it REMOVES pheromones!

You’d think that working in the field of dogs and retail dog supplies would make me an expert on dog perfumery!  OK, so I’ve bought the gallon of Urine Off, and bottle after bottle of BAC OUT.  And Nature’s Miracle lives here like the mold!

Readers, readers, I am NOT rambling!  I now have a plastic TARP covering my carpet.  The cute little dachshund is in the corner of the (eaten) sofa,  He’s the reason I have plastic crinkle music coming from my floor.  NOTHING stops him.  He does this so well, I want to enter him into the Piddle Olympics!  Carpet = tinkle.  Steamed carpet, freshly cleaned = tinkle.  Stain treated carpet = I bought ANOTHER tarp!

So when Broad Z, that glam babe living in Mansion X, with her glam cleaning squad, told me she had the same problem I SNORTED (think of Sandra Bullock SNORT).  She said “let’s review GET SERIOUS!”  I said SHIP IT NOW!

I followed the (easy as pie) instructions.

1. I zig zagged the Get Serious liquid across the span of the carpet.
2. I brushed it in for 15 seconds.
3. I blotted it with a furry new Turkish towel
4. I started stomping on the towel to make sure it all came up
5. I let it dry.

Those pheromone extractors chugged into every fiber and IT WORKED.  You have no idea how happy smile I did~!  My grand kids come over and whine, Clem peed on our sleeping bags!  (It was really the carpet odor underneath, although goodness knows Clem pees on everything!)

Benefits:
•	Will not harm fibers or color
•	Nontoxic and biodegradable
•	Does not just neutralize or cover up stains, digs down deep into the padding at the base to extract any stain, odor, and pheromone that might be in the carpeting

Now Broad "Z" has done a stunning job on Champagne Living giving you all the stats of this marvelous cleaner.  How more people give up their dogs and cats to urine soiling than any other reason!  That GET SERIOUS is used in shelters for dogs and dog kennels.  How GET SERIOUS can actually be microwaved for more effectiveness (I did not have to do this).  How GET SERIOUS is ABSOLUTELY safe for humans, frogs, children, chickens, pet pigs, pets  and the mailman – all I have to say is:


IT WORKS.  This is not a dubious, off the cuff comment.  ZIG ZAG, BRUSH, BLOT, BLOT, DRY.  I like this a lot as a new novel title!

• Non-Toxic
• Bio-Degradable
• Non-Flammable
• Non-Caustic
• Non-Carcinogenic
• contains NO d-Limonene

This product is amazing.  There was never any question in this household that Clem would ever be leaving it (he owns it!).  There was no question that every time I leave there would be tinkles and toilet paper all over the house (it’s a little dachshund game, like monopoly).  And the Pet Psychic NEVER shows up!  What do know is that my carpet is shamelessly clean and odor and stain free.  The UnMansion never smelled so good!  (P.S. it comes in cat formula too).

Get Serious is available for purchase at 1-800 Pet Meds and other fine retailers in pint, 32 oz and gallon containers.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Performance: 5
Overall: 5



Review by Broad "A" - Ava

Thank you to Van Charles Laboratories for providing us with Get Serious products to try for this review. We were in no way compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own

Mary and Jimmy Gooch have been married for almost 25 years, living in Leaford, Canada.  Once slim and beautiful, Mary now tops the scales at 302 pounds.  When her father died – when her mother was placed in a convalescence home – or, really, when she lost her two babies; Mary’s heart grew hungrier and hungrier with loss.  She and Gooch, a towering, rangy man have grown farther and farther apart.  Gooch wants to travel, to talk politics; to make love, to dance – and Mary only wants to eat.  On the eve of their anniversary, Gooch does not come home.  He leaves her a note.  He has won on a lottery ticket, put $25,000 in their joint account, and left her.  To think, he says.

Mary, frantic, begins her search for Gooch.  She is no one without him.  As she travels to see his sister, Heather, then on to CA to see his mother, Eden, she somehow loses the ability to eat.  She encounters kindnesses from strangers, and decides to stay in CA near Eden until Gooch returns.

As Mary searches, she finds herself changing.  She sees the ocean for the first time.  She learns the constellations.  She makes friends with Ronnie, whose husband left her with three year old triplets.  She befriends a man, Jesus, and feels a yearning she cannot describe.

As she makes her way out of her inertia, she finds she still cannot eat.  The pounds flow off as Mary begins to feels her emotions and takes baby steps to endure Gooch’s abandonment.  Eden’s husband, Jack, Gooch’s father, dies.  She stays with Eden, waiting for Gooch to call.  She maintains some kind of contact with him by watching the bank balance.  Gooch makes withdrawals every month or so.  She knows he is still alive and out there.

When she sheds her denial and realizes that Gooch is gone, for good, she has transformed herself.  She is Mary Gooch and she will survive – and flourish – without Gooch.

In this tender, sometimes sad, always touching tale of connections and lack thereof, we feel Mary’s strength and courage.  One step at a time, she cracks open her cocoon.  She becomes not a wife, not a childless woman, but a kind and caring person who loves from the inside out.

Touching and enticing Lori Lansens’ “The Wife’s Tale” reminds us that little steps move boulders.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Plot: 3
Characters: 4
Presentation: 4
Overall: 3.5

Book Review by Broad "A" - Ava
 
  The Wife's Tale: A Novel is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for $16.49

Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for providing this title for our book review as well as this giveaway. We were in no way paid or compensated for our opinions.

Enter Daily




Extra Entries

1. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
   Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
2. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
3. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
   
4. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
5. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
   
6. Blog about this giveaway
   
7. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 137, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck

This film is porn. By porn, I mean it in the best definition possible.

Webster's dictionary depicts porn as...

3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction 

Gamer uses this concept time and time again, in it's theme and on the screen. The film knows what it is and makes no bones about it. It's just a sexual, bloody mess.....but I love it. The movie depicts a virtual human second life....like second life on crack and for anyone who's been on second life,you know it's pretty far gone as it is.

Starring Gerard Butler as a prison inmate forced into a game called "Slayers." Butler's character Kable is an Avatar forced to kill other inmates. The concept of the film is a lot of fun with plenty of relevant commentary about our online user interactions. Michael C. Hall as the developer of the game "Slayers," is the HIGH POINT of this movie. He shows that he's able to translate his work onto the big screen after an Emmy Winning performance on Dexter and his impressive work on Six Feet Under. His villain is fun, interesting and completely evil.


The film was well shot, and it was probably one of the best LOOKING films I've seen all year. The red camera really paid off in it's ability to shoot action scenes with high detail.

I have to make a point about the cinematography.

During each action scene the detail was so amazing that you'd see single grains of dirt actually flying past Gerard Butler's face while he's gunning down another inmate.

Special Features

Audio Commentary - The audio commentary was pretty standard and basically surrounded the fact that they had only the second red camera to make this. They really spent the entire time talking about their camera and their lead actor.

“Inside the Game: Controlling Gamer” – “making of” documentary - This is an  hour and a half documentary about the writers, directors and actors praising each other's performance.

“First Person Shooter:  The Evolution of Red” featurette - Another hour and a half documentary. This time it's about how they thought how great their red camera was. The cinematographer went on and on about how digital shooting sucks.

Theatrical trailer - Simply the movie trailer

Overall

Anyone who enjoys  the 80's Arnold Schwarzenegger or Dolph Lundgren films will surely love this action packed romp. While the it's not the most intellectual film made, this reviewer thought it was a whole bunch of fun.

My final rating? This flick gets 2 out of 5 explosions.

Review by Bro' B - Ben

Gamer  is available for purchase at Amazon.com for under $16 or at your neighborhood video store for $29.99.


Thank you to Lionsgate Films for providing us with a copy for this DVDReview. We were not compensated for this review. All opinions are strictly our own.

I was never one to struggle with happiness. My life is full of good friends, new experiences and FUN. Unfortunately, it's not the same for many others and Gretchen Rubin has devised a PLAN to help those who long for happiness in their lives to get their just desserts.

The Happiness Project breaks down the essence of WHAT it is that you need to change, improve and add to your life to bring joy, satisfation and engagement. It is a step-by-step approach (or rather a month-by-month approach) at creating a life that will be open to receiving the happiness that you deserve.

No - this is not one of those esoteric, mumbo-jumbo type deals. It is PRACTICAL. For example: January is all about boosting your energy levels, April about lightening up, June is about friendship, and September about pursuing a passion. If you're that highly organized type, you'll find this project to be right up your alley. If you're not, there are still lots of GREAT reminders of how your physical well-being is just as important to your happiness as your emotional is.

This is a book to be savored. A quick read through is fine, as long as you plan to go back and start at the beginning, tackling each month's projects as they are layed out. You'll find yourself hitting yourself on the head in one of those, I should have known this type of thuds. The ideas are simple - which makes this one of those projects that you'll find yourself actually COMPLETING.

Yes, Gretchen Rubin has told us how and why she spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean her closts, fight right, read Aristotle and generally have more fun, and how you we can too.

If you'd like to dive right in to YOUR Happiness Project, check out Gretchen's blog and pick up a copy of this book - PRONTO. What better time to start than now?


Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Layout: 5
Practicality: 5  
Tips: 5
Overall: 5

Review by Broad "Z" -Zippy

The Happiness Project   is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $12.00

Thank you to Harper Collins  for providing this book for our review and giveaway. We were in no way compensated for this post and all opinions are strictly our own

After 20 years the Simpson's are still a barometer for the times. I remember watching the first episode of The Simpson's when I was just six years old. My parents wouldn't let me stay up that late, but fortunately the day before it premiered I broke my leg and I got to watch it out of pity. So began my lifelong affection for The Simpson's.

Through it's existance, little has changed. They still take on important social problems weekly, with more tact than South Park. This season's topics include such subjects as the mortgage crisis in "No Loan Again, Naturally" and the justice system in "Take my Life, Please"

I was a little disappointed with this season, it being one of the season's that I never got to watch on television. The pop culture references were a little stale, with 10 year old references to Jackie Brown. On the upside, this is the first season presented in glorious high definition (second disc only). This second disc is in HD Widescreen, while the first disc is still in full screen (boo). The opening credits got a complete overhaul for the high definition episodes. The new opening credits are without question for any Simpson's fans fantastic.

Unfortunately, there is only one special feature....which is a teaser for next season's shows. I felt like it was an afterthought, and was a bit disappointed.

My final rating?  I give the Complete Season - three flaming Moe's

Disc One:

o Sex, Pies and Idiot Scrapes
o Lost Verizon
o Double, Double, Boy in Trouble
o Treehouse of Horror XIX
o Dangerous Curves
o Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words
o Mypods and Boomsticks
o The Burns and the Bees
o Lisa the Drama Queen

Additional Bonus Features Include:
• “The Twentieth Anniversary Special Sneak Peak by Morgan Spurlock”

Disc Two:

o Take My Life, Please
o How The Test Was Won
o No Loan Again, Naturally
o Gone Maggie Gone
o In The Name of the Grandfather
o Wedding for Disaster
o Eeny Teeny Maya Moe
o The Good, The Sad and The Drugly
o Father Knows Worst
o Waverly Hills
o Four Great Women and a Manicure
o Coming to Homerica


Review by Bro' B - Ben

The Simpsons: The Complete Twentieth Season [Blu-ray]  and The Simpsons: The Complete Twentieth Season are available for purchase from Amazon.com and at your local DVD dealer.



Thank you to Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for providing us with a copy for this Blu-Ray Review. We were not compensated for this review. All opinions are strictly our own.

“False Convictions” begins its demons early.  Author Tim Green drops clues in the first page – and I missed them.  Seemingly stereotypical, this novel is anything but.  I had to wade through two chapters until I caught my rythym, and then I raced right along with Mr. Green’s torrential pace.

Dwayne Hubbard, a black man from a small racist town, is charged with murder and rape of a beautiful white teenager and is thrust into a life sentence in prison by a prejudiced DA, judge and the entire town’s sentiments.

Casey Jordan, an exceptional attorney who runs a small clinic for the disenfranchised in Texas, receives a call.  The call is from Robert Graham, who runs the Freedom Projec, a huge philanthropic foundation.  Graham wants Casey to close two cold cases a year.  In return, he will donate one million dollars to her clinic.  He presents her with her first case:  Dwayne Hubbard.  Graham flies her to Auburn, New York, the small town Hubbard grew up in and who incarcerated him.  As Casey tries to gather evidence she finds that the town – and its major law enforcement officers – loses evidence, and generally makes it impossible to make a counter case for Hubbard.  Casey plunges on, meeting Dwayne Hubbard in jail and having Graham help her to get the evidence that she needs to free Hubbard.  Until she meets Jake, a journalist who has his own take on Graham and the Freedom Project.

As she and Jake dig deeper, they find themselves fighting not only to free Hubbard but to stay alive.  The novel twists back and forth like a snake, pivoting around Graham, Jake, Casey and Hubbard.

When Hubbard is set free as an innocent man, “False Convictions” heats up line an inferno.  Everything Casey believes turns back on her, and she and Jake enter a horrible nightmare of gangsters, subplots, Graham, Hubbard – and the horrific truth.

Tightly coiled, packed with plot dynamics that astound, this is a great murder mystery read that rushes head on until is smashes into a wall.  Well done.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Plot: 4.5
Characters: 5
Presentation: 4.5
Overall: 4.5

Book Review by Broad "A" - Ava

False Convictions is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for $17.15

Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for providing this title for our book review as well as this giveaway. We were in no way paid or compensated for our opinions.

GIVEAWAY
 Enter Daily




Extra Entries

1. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
   Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
2. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
3. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
   
4. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
5. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
   
6. Blog about this giveaway
   
7. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 13, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luc

Historical background:  In 1897, Ireland consists of 4 provinces.  Munster (South), Leinster (East), Connaught (West) and Ulster (North).  All of Ireland is under English rule.  The two main religions are Roman Catholic and Protestant.  Catholics are in the majority in all provinces – except Ulster.

Setting:  Northern Ireland 1905-1924. In Ulster, where Eileen O’Neill is born, power rests in the hands of the Protestants.  Eileen is Catholic.  Home Rule is being discussed, a program to allow Ireland its own parliament within England and Ireland.  But World War I stops the movement except for rebellious Irishmen who want Home Rule.  Eileen, caught up with her boyfriend, enters the fray.

Glenlea, County Armagh, Ulster, Ireland, 1905.  Eileen O’Neill is part and parcel of a typical Irish farming family.  Her mom, her dad, her brother Frankie and new baby sister Lizzie live in peace and if not abundance, self reliance.  Da has painted the house yellow to celebrate an ancestor’s 100th birthday.  The Music Men come and play, along with Da on his fiddle.  The Music men are old family friends and musicians, including Terrence, who carries a large secret.  As Eileen moves through her life, Ireland makes drastic changes and she flows through them.  Instead of marrying the man she loves, Owen Sheridan, she allies herself with rebel James Conlon, and they join the resistance.  Owen is on the other side, the side of the loyalists.  Eileen has to work in the mills to support James, yet always asks Owen for help when her attitude gets her into trouble.  The Sheridan family owns the mill.

Eileen changes, realizing her mistake in marrying James.  Ireland changes along with her.  She, James and Owen are part of the uprising Irish and loyalist Irish who partake in the monumental changes that Ulster rides into.  Always, it has been Eileen’s dream to get back the Yellow House where she and her siblings were raised and where times were simple and good.  When her mother leaves permanently with Jack, her brother, after her sister Lizzie dies of scarlet fever, she and her father lose the house.  When Eileen realizes that Lizzie is alive and living in America, she reels from shock.  The county hospital had sold Lizzie when she was brought in with scarlet fever.  In the surprise ending, Eileen buys back her house and falls back in love with her damaged family and embraces her damaged country.

If you like historical fiction, with great flourishes of families destroyed and remade, this is a classic.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Plot: 4 
Characters: 4
Presentation: 4
Overall: 4

Book Review by Broad "A" - Ava

The Yellow House: A Novel is available for purchase from Amazon.com for $10.17

Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for providing this title for our book review as well as this giveaway. We were in no way paid or compensated for our opinions.


Enter Daily




Extra Entries

1. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
   Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
2. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
3. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
   
4. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
5. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
   
6. Blog about this giveaway
   
7. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 12, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck

Extra Entries

1. Follow the Review Broads - on the sidebar
   Subscribe to The Review Broads for FREE
2. Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
3. Follow Bro'B's new blog - I Pity the Blog <<<<NEW!!
   
4. Follow Broad "Z" on twitter. 
5. Grab our badge from the sidebar and add it to your site.
   
6. Blog about this giveaway
   
7. Twitter this giveaway.

• Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).

Please make sure you leave your email address when adding a comment or I will not be able to contact you if you win.

* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on February 10,  2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email.
* The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternate winner will be chosen.
* Please make sure you check your junk mail folder
* Good Luck