The Sewing Mom

Candace Bushnell, the author of Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle has written another engaging novel and, as a member of Parent Reviewers, I had the good fortune to be asked to read it. If you enjoy books filled with eccentric characters, gossip, rumors, intrigue, sex, and even murder, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell is the right book for you.

One Fifth Avenue is certainly filled with interesting and eccentric characters. From the somewhat rags to riches story of Annalisa Rice to the born into privilege Lola Fabrikant, there really is something for everyone including a couple of book authors and even a well known movie starlet.The story centers around the lives of the people living in One Fifth, a spectacular building located in one of Manhattan’s poshest neighborhoods. The building has both historical and architectural significance in New York. People dream of living in this fabulous Art Deco building, some using any means possible just to get their foot in the door to set up residence. Once moved in, most don’t ever want to leave. So special is living at One Fifth, rumor has it that murder may have even be committed in order to stay in residence.

While the residents of One Fifth Avenue all lead separate and varied lives from each other, they do have many things in common. First of all, there is the money. From having just enough to have purchased the least expensive unit to having millions of dollars and owning the unbelievable two story penthouse apartment, there is money. Then there is social prominence, some have it while others strive to get it in any way that they can.

As a reader of One Fifth Avenue, you’ll find yourself anxiously awaiting the turn of the page as you read on to learn more about the relationships of the people living inside as well as those who wish they did. Get your own copy of One Fifth Avenue and consider giving a copy as a gift!

Book Info:
# Hardcover: 448 pages
# Publisher: Voice (September 22, 2008)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1401301614
# ISBN-13: 978-1401301613

Tags: books, Bushnell, New York, One Fifth Avenue

Sunshine and Lemonade is giving away a Twilight prize pack that includes the following items:

The Twilight Movie Companion:

As if that isn’t enough, how about some Twilight themed chocolate?!
And, this would be something my daughter would love, a copy of Entertainment Weekly with Edward on the cover:
Plus, the Twilight 2009 calendar (if I don’t win this, I’m going to have to buy it!)
But wait, there’s more, how about a Barnes & Noble gift card to buy more things Twilight!
And, of course, every reader needs a good bookmark:
And then there is the wonderful poster:
So, if you’re a Twilight fan, and who isn’t, head over before Friday and enter this contest!

Tags: Barnes & Noble, books, contest, giveaway, movies, Twilight

I spent my weekend reading a book that my daughter had received, Ariel’s Journey, written by Doug Kane and Christy Wood. This book is the first in a series revolving around the lives of several teenage girls, their families and their love of horses, particularly the Icelandic breed of horse. Doug Kane, one of the authors, owns an Icelandic horse farm in Ohio, and incorporates his knowledge and experience with this unique breed of horse when writing these books.In Ariel’s Journey, the story begins with an introduction to the female characters and how they came to be where they are. As high school girls tend to do, they don’t always get along, even though they really do have so much in common. The Icelandic horses, or “Icies”, start out as a point of contention, some people thinking they’re not as good as other breeds of horses. In an effort to resolve some of their differences, an overnight trail ride and camping trip is planned for the girls who are not necessarily willing participants.During the trip, the girls not only discover their own strengths and abilities, they also learn of the amazing abilities of the “Icies” who take them on a journey back in time. The girls learn to overcome their differences in order to better work together to fight off enemy warriors and rescue a princess. Once the girls return home, they find they have forged close friendships, become stronger physically and mentally, and look forward to their next adventure.

I found the book to be a good read and appropriate for pre-teens on up. Some of the dialogue is a bit slow, or repetitive and sometimes awkward. I also thought the romance between one of the girls and a boy she meets from 800 years in the past could have been left out. It didn’t really add anything to the main plot of the story and, since the 2 characters really knew nothing about each other, it was based purely on a physical attraction.

I enjoyed the battle planning and the involvement of the girls. They were not only involved in the actual planning, but played integral parts in the winning of the battle and rescuing of the princess. The battle was exciting and played out in a way that was surprising and exciting to read.

After finishing the book last night, I immediately recommended it to my daughter. I think she will enjoy it as much as I did, if not more. I’m also thinking of getting another copy as a gift for one of my daughter’s friends. I definitely recommend this book and think you should get your own copy of Ariel’s Journey.

Tags: Ariel's Journey, books, Doug Kane, horses, Icelandic