Released March 2011

www.lynsaysands.net
www.avonromance.com

Usually, I don't hesitate to recommend reading a series out of order or missing the first book. With Lynsay Sand's The Heiress, I'm torn. The story could work by itself, but, on the other hand, there's a minor plot that carries through from the first book. That really makes me think it's better if you read this series in order.

If you read The Countess, you met the Madison sisters--Chrissy, Suzette and Lisa. If you didn't, here's a quick recap. After learning their father has gambled a huge amount of money, Suzette and Lisa head to their sister's house where they are virtually turned away by her new husband, "Dicky." When Chrissy's husband is poisoned, they learn that he's not who he said he was. He was actually an imposter posing as his supposedly deceased twin brother. The real Richard Fairgrave, owner of the estate, is very much alive and determined to keep Chrissy in his li…

Released March 29, 2011

www.HQNbooks.com
www.kristanhiggins.com

Divorce attorney Harper has been dating hunky firefighter Dennis Costello for the past couple of years. She thinks she's ready for more. Since Dennis hasn't proposed, Harper decides to switch things up. However, he doesn't seem as agreeable. Before they can really discuss it, Harper's sister, Willa, calls to announce she's getting married.

Harper is shocked because Willa's still young and this will be her third marriage. Not to mention, Willa's only known the guy for a couple weeks. Worse still, the "guy" in question is Harper's former brother-in-law. Heading to Montana for the wedding is going to be tough because Harper's ex-husband, Nick, will be there and the two haven't seen each other since the divorce.

When Harper's flight home is delayed due to computer outages, she agrees to accept a ride across country with Nick. Maybe this isn't her best idea. The more tim…

Released March 2011

www.hmhco.com

Technically, this isn't a new cookbook. Beat This and Beat That have made the rounds before. If, like me, you missed them, Beat This! Cookbook is a must-have. If you're looking for healthy, look elsewhere. If you're looking for recipes that will impress your guests, you'll find many winners here!

The cookbook is laced with humor from start to finish. I spent more time chuckling than I think I ever have reading one of Alton Brown's cookbooks (another must-have collection in my opinion.) Many times, I was mentally high-fiving the author for being so completely right. When talking about how brownies are best when cooked "custard-like," I call it "mooshy" but same difference. I haven't tried her brownie recipe yet, mainly because Alton Brown has a killer recipe with tons of melted chocolate that I think is the world's greatest, though her recipe is similar so I'm betting just as awesome.

The roast chicke…

Released March 2011

www.andrewsmcmeel.com
www.laurawerlin.com

On a cold fall or winter day, who doesn't love the idea of a steaming bowl of soup and a hearty grilled cheese sandwich? I know grilled cheese is a family favorite.

With Grilled Cheese Please, Laura Werlin offers up dozens of delightful grilled cheese sandwich recipes. Long gone are the days of a couple pieces of bread with a slice of bland American cheese in between. Instead, you're treated to a variety of hearty sandwiches, some with meats or veggies added to the mix.

Grilled Cheese Please opens with a description of the different breads and cheeses that you can incorporate into a grilled cheese sandwich or panini. Then it dives into delicious recipes. Start with the easy-to-make Spinach, Egg & Manchego or one of my all-time favorites, Welsh Rarebit. (And kudos to the author for not caving into the "Welsh Rabbit" that so many American cookbooks call it.) For those unfamiliar with this British staple--my…

Released October 2010

www.chrisharrisonwriting.com

Head Over Heel: Seduced by Southern Italy is Chris Harrison's book detailing how he ended up leaving his home country, Australia, for Southern Italy. In a nutshell, it was all for love. The book is part memoir, part relocation guide as he details the challenges he faced not only being allowed to remain in Italy but also getting a driver's license and getting necessary medical care when the average wait for care, due to national health care, is six months. For anyone considering packing up and moving to Italy or any other country for that matter, there is some solid information in this book.

As for the memoir aspect, there were times when I felt the book was a little too personal for my liking. I understand his passion for his girlfriend and know that's why he was in Italy, but I didn't really want to hear about their sex life. I also didn't care to read how his colored underwear supposedly stained a load of sheets o…

Released February 2011

www.lynsaysands.net
www.avonromance.com

Christiana "Lady Radnor" should be grieving, but there are more important things at stake. What started out as a fairy tale romance turned horribly wrong once "Dicky" had her dowry in hand. The discovery of her husband's body requires her attention, however he was a selfish, verbally abusive jerk, so she's relieved her marriage is over. She and her sisters decide to put him on ice, literally, until a better time. Things don't go as planned when he appears at a party very much alive and acting very unlike himself.

Richard Fairgrave is shocked to learn his brother has been pretending to be him for the past year. Now that his brother's dead, he's ready to resume his place in society. A stunning wife isn't what he expected, but he's willing to play along. The problem is his charming manners and kind attention to his "wife" leaves Christiana shell-shocked. Not to menti…

Released January 2011

www.writing-world.com

I've been a freelance writer for four years. Much of the information put forth in Moira Allen's guide is going to help a newbie. She covers the basics and delves into more advanced topics. However, the main focus of the book seemed to be on magazine writing and even manuscripts. She really didn't delve much into writing web content. That's where I make my money.

What you get out of Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer is really based on what you plan to write. I've dabbled in magazine writing, but honestly, waiting for the pay to arrive doesn't fit my needs. My husband pays the majority of the bills, my income is simply there to cover groceries, gas and unexpected expenses. Not everyone is in that situation, so your needs are likely to be different.

I prefer a steady paycheck that comes in once a week as promised. That's why I stick to SEO work. There are downsides there too. Work loads can be sporadic. In…

Released March 2011

www.davidccook.com
http://melodycarlson.com

The third book in Melody Carlson's Four Lindas Series continues each friend's story. For those new to the series, the Four Lindas all share the same first name but use their middle names instead.

Abby is fretting over her husband following his heart attack. She's not sleeping and has pushed off plans for her bed and breakfast. Everyone knows she's about to crash and burn and they want to help rescue her before she burns out.

Attorney Janie, a widow, seems happy with her significant other and her office in the basement of Abby's bed and breakfast is coming along. Just when her life seems to be on an upswing, the ex-wife of her new beau comes to town determined to win her ex-husband back.

Caroline wrestles with the decision to put her mother in a nursing home. Her mother's reached the final stages of Alzheimers, but Caroline can't imagine being uprooted from the only place you've ever lived at…