Magel's Ghost by Nancy Baker--Book Review

Magel's Ghost by Nancy Baker
ISBN 978-0-87839-424-1
Published by North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.

Magel's Ghost is the sequel to Magel's Daughter. As I started reading chapter one, I admit to being totally confused....and because of my confusion I didn't know if I wanted to continue reading the book or not. I did continue to read the book, as I do with any book that I have agreed to review. As the chapters unfold, so does parts of what happened in the first book, making things a bit more clear.

This is from the back of the book:
Magel's Ghost,the sequel to Magel's Daughter, continues the story of Karin as she relocated to Minneapolis. Magel has now joined the hallucinatory gathering and continues to harass Karin from beyond the grave.

Hagen, her demented cousin, assists her in the quest for power in the art community. Hagan's role is to dispose of any real or imagined enemies using his expertise as a master butcher and sausage maker. The responsibility of maintaining the purity of the family's Norwegian genealogy rests on Hagan's skills.

The characters caught in Karin's wed, involve the grandfather, gather, and son of a wealthy Minneapolis family. She is at once the ultimate fantasy and lover to all three men. The ripple effect of her destructive psychosis is hilarious.

My review:
I requested to review Magel's Ghost because it was logged as a paranormal romance. I had read one before that was really good.
I guess you could say Magel's Ghost is a romance, but I wouldn't really see it that way. Sure, there is lots of sex in the book. Here I must say that not only is there a lot of sex in the book, it is described explicitly, and most of it I found to be quite disturbing.

The last line of the description from the back of the book talks about Karin's destructive psychosis as hilarious. I didn't find much funny in this book. Sure, I laughed out loud several times while reading it. Then others (my husband and daughter mostly) would ask me what was so funny. I would then have to tell them, but it was always so out there more than funny.

I did read the book to the end. It ends in a way that yet another sequel can easily be born. This is not my type of reading at all. What I mean by that is the explicit sex scenes alone. Without those I found this book to be entertaining and engaging. It made me do a lot of wondering about these Norwegian customs...wondering if by chance they really are true.

I generally don't go into any detail about a book in my reviews as I do not want to spoil the reading for anyone else. This book is no different...besides, I would have no idea where to start! I would suggest that if you enjoy this type of reading, to read Magel's Daughter before Magel's Ghost. Both are listed below for sale on amazon if you are interested.

Mailbox Monday 11/21/11

I was thinking it was a pretty boring week then I remembered a book I had gotten that didn't get in the whole picture, but I had taken a picture of it by itself as a jump start for my review.  Oh yes, and 2 boxes of cookies from bzzagent!









In my email this past week I rec'd $5 amazon from swagbucks and $5 amazon from superpoints.  I was also paid $10 paypal from gather.

4 Essential Shopping Apps for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly upon us I wanted to share these apps with my readers.  I know that many of you use apps on your phones and these will be very helpful.

The mobile app expert, Simon Buckingham, CEO of Appitalism (the mobile app superstore) and the Appitalism team recommend the following Black Friday/Cyber Monday apps.

• Black Friday Deals ($0.99 for the Android) - Get all the info you need for Black Friday shopping! Browse hot deals and buying guides, look through ad scans and check store hours. Create a shopping list, win prizes! Everything you need to be prepared this Black Friday is here.

• Black Friday Deals & Coupons (Free for the Android) - Great coupons for saving money on Black Friday - the biggest shopping day of the year. We will also update the app for cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season and onward.

• Black Friday Survival Guide (Free for the Android) - Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and a great time to find incredible deals. blackfriday.fm wants you to be ready when the big day rolls around this year on November 26th, so we’re bringing the latest news, the biggest sales, and the best deals right to your phone with the blackfriday.fm app.

TGI Cyber Monday (Free for the Android) Cyber Monday (November 28th, 2011) is quickly becoming one of the busiest and biggest shopping days of the year. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to save the most money this holiday season. Be sure to use this app to browse all of this year’s top cyber monday deals from over 50 of the top retailers in the world, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy, and many more.

About Appitalism.com

Appitalism.com combines a social community with an online store, enabling consumers to discover, discuss and download digital media from a catalog of over ten million premium apps, songs, books, games and videos compatible with a broad range of digital devices including smartphones, tablets, PCs and eBook readers. Simply put, there is no better way to discover and download apps and digital content than on Appitalism.com

Disclaimer: This information was sent to me by Austin Rotter, 5W Public Relations for me to share with my blog readers.

Shop Hop Saturday--Still Flying (or Climbing)

I'm later than usual getting this post done this week.  There were things that I wanted to complete before making the post.

If you recall, these are my 5 mountain climbing goals that Ruthi over at abitosunshine challenged us to make:
1.  Build a new squidoo lens each week as well as update at least 2 others.
2.  Post at least 3 things a week to redgage.
3.  Post 2 things a week into my etsy store and continue to move other things to my zibbet store.
4.  Keep up with the reviews and regular postings to my blog.
5.  Sew at least a little bit each day. (this goes with accomplishing goal 3)

I did build a new squidoo lens--a music review.  I think I only updated one lens though.  Squidoo has been having it's ups and downs on whether we could get in this past week.

Again I didn't get my 3 things posted to redgage until the last minute--today.  I should change that goal to 1 a day!  Once I am in there I have a pattern--I'm a pattern type person big time.  I upload, then share, then I choose something to check out from the recommended on the side.   Then, I go and right click to open friend requests.  I click open the person before I approve the request so that I don't lose them.  I then subscribe to the person and click all content to choose at least one thing to go comment on.  Once I comment I either click a name of someone familiar to me that has already commented, or again, find something on the related list on the side.
I have loads of catching up on at redgage to return comments.  I do hope to get it in gear there too.

 I did get 2 new listings up in my etsy store.  Watch out!  I have 5 things planned to be completed and listed by next weekend.  It will be my last chance to get new items in before the Christmas Celebration starts with the online craft mall.  I also need to get a bunch of things that have expired on etsy over to my zibbet store before then.  Whew!! Busy week ahead for me business wise, especially with Thanksgiving thrown in there.

Bright Colored Quilt 

 

Bright Table Runner with Matching Hot Pads 

 

I have been keeping up with my regular posts here on my blog.  However, I am still way behind in getting reviews posted.

 

I have been sewing each day....or if not sewing working on tieing or hand sewing on a quilt.

 

In addition I just listed 2 items over at listia.  Both are sets of bookmarks.  I am trying to earn more points in hopes of winning some thread to keep up my sewing.  I keep getting out bid when there is some up for auction.

 

Winter Bookmarks--Set of 4

This is a set of 4 Winter bookmarks that I've made. They are printed on card stock and covered with clear laminate. Each measures 6 1/2...

Books > Bookmark in Hutchinson, KS

6d 23h 20m 32s

 

 

Christmas Bookmarks set of 5--Your Choice Mix or Match!

Please open the photo if you need to see the larger. This auction is for 5 bookmarks--mix or match. Your choices are Rudolph with the w...

Books > Bookmark in Hutchinson, KS

6d 23h 32m 50s

 

 

There you have it, my report for this week  :)

 

TGIFF--Solid Prints Quilt and More

Oh gosh. I finished this quilt earlier today but then got busy on some housework that I had let slide while I worked on it.

I finished this solid print quilt this morning. The photo is taken on our king size bed so it's about twin size. I'm thinking I should have put another row on the end to make it a bit longer, but I'm still very happy with the way it looks. I decided to back it with black corduroy.

Since I didn't choose to put on another row, I was left with 2 rows of squares. Actually these two rows I had somehow sewed so that no matter which way I turned them they wouldn't match up with the rest. I decided to make these 2 rows in to a table runner. It's also backed in the black corduroy, but doesn't have a middle.

I had 4 squares left so I decided to use of some of my leftover hotpad insides and turn them into two matching hotpads.

I'm hankering to get started now on the same style quilt but made with flowered fabrics. I'm holding myself back because I have a Dora quilt to finish hand quilting first....and this evening I am dedicating to cutting and sorting my coupons. I've allowed myself to get weeks behind again.

I am linking up with:

Frugal Friday Link up--4 uses for Cream of Tartar

We've made it to Friday again.
Again this week I've been sewing and sewing.  I can't wait to complete some of the projects and do a frugal post about them.  I should be able to get those projects done before next Friday, even with Thanksgiving in there.

This week from the 99 Cent Solutions book I am sharing 4 uses for cream of tartar:
1.  Create your own soft scrub.   If you have a gentle surface such as a cast-iron tub or a designer sink, you can make a effective cleaners that's devoid of harshness by mixing 2 tsp. white vinegar with 2 tsp. cream of tartar.  Rub and scrub with a sponge, then rinse with warm water and buff dry.

2.  Shine aluminum cookware.  Aluminum pots may heat beautifully, but woe to the cook who lets acid touch the pan.  Aluminum discolors like crazy.  Remove discoloration and stains by putting 1 qt. water and 2 tbsp. cream of tartar in the pan.  Bring to a boil, and as it simmers for 10 minutes, you will see the stains fade and disappear.

3.  Take stains off tile and tubs.  Stubborn stains on the tile or a bathtub ring that won't scrub off?  Put a few tbsp. of cream of tartar in a cup or jar, then add hydrogen peroxide by the drop to make a thick paste. (If you accidentally add too much liquid, you may want to dump half the entire cup before stirring in more cream of tartar, otherwise you will find the container empty fast!)  Spread the stain and let it dry.  Rinse off with warm water, and the stain should be history.

4.  Repel ants.  Sprinkle a line of cream of tartar across the path that ants are traveling to come in.  Put it across the windowsill or in corners and cracks around the kitchen.  As with boric acid, ants won't cross the line---but it's a much safer chemical to have out in your kitchen around foodstuffs and where children might be playing.

Thanks to those of you who linked up last week.  I hope to see more and more link up each week.  It's a great way to stay inspired to be frugal, save money, etc.

Don't forget to check out my current giveaways. I have more on the way. Blog giveaways are a great way to win some cool stuff. Since they have lower entries, the chances are good as well.

 

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway!

I'm so pleased to be able to bring you a postcard giveaway from UPrinting.
UPrinting does very high quality printing. I've gotten stickers and the Nightclub flyers (that are like postcards) from them. With the stickers my resolution wasn't right.
Their customer service is wonderful. Where a lot of printing businesses would print your order as is, UPrinting will not. They want to ensure your order is just what you want and high quality. They even called me on the phone to make sure I didn't need any help!

Prize details
100 pieces Postcard Printing for One (1) Winner
5" x 7"
14pt Cardstock Gloss
Front Only Printing
2 Business Days Turnaround
Free shipping

p.s. Postcards are currently on sale at UPrinting at 20% off. What will you have printed on yours?



Disclaimer: This postcard printing giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given for hosting. Check out UPrinting.com for more details.

Squidoo Hopping--Tentacles in a Twist

Tentacles in a twist---that was the message I kept getting all last night as I tried to build a new lens.  Thankfully I was able to get up this morning and get the new lens built.

KT Tunstall Tiger Suit --This is a music album review lens.  I must learn how to fancy up my lenses like I see so many others do.  My text modules just look blah.  If you can direct me where to learn how to liven them up, please do so!

I don't believe that I updated any lenses this past week.  I'm guilty of still being in a sewing frenzy.  Must learn to divide my time up better.  In the meantime, here are some of my "in the pink" lenses that could use some love to raise lensrank until I can find the time to get some updating done.

The Bride Collector by Ted Dek...

Jasmine's Lapbooks

Crash by Mayra Calvani

 

I'm sad to report that I didn't make enough this month to get paid.  I would have if I hadn't started donating though, so that is still good.  I have a long ways to go to get all of my lenses giving 10% to a charity.

I'm going to close for today and get this linky going.  I look forward to any additions to the linky this week.

 

 

 

WIP Wednesday--Trying Hand Quilting

I've stayed busy again this past week...yay me!
It took me 4 days, or maybe 5, to go through all of the posts in the linky at Freshly Pieced. I wanted that shot at winning the fat quarters, but in the meantime I seen some fantastic work! Way to stay motivated....by posting each week, and looking at others weekly posts too.

I sewed together a few of the squares for that scrappy quilt at church but didn't take a picture. I crocheted 2 washcloths so I need one more for a set in my etsy store. I didn't take a picture of those either. I also don't have pics of the material I have cut for 2 Dora fabric bags and a pillow to match the Dora quilt pictured below.

I am trying my hand for the first time at hand quilting, including the edging of this Dora Quilt. The first picture is when I was putting on the backing. The second picture is one spot I have sewn around and part of the edging.

I found some more flannel to cut for the toothbrush rug while looking through my stash. I had already cut up a couple pajama pant legs and some pj arms I found that my daughter had cut off her shirt. I do hope to have this rug finished by the weekend. I hope that with what I have now it will be "large" enough. I have more flannel waiting in a box now for the next one.

Last but not least I have the top sewn on the colorful quilt. What would the name of this design be? I am in hopes of getting it backed and pinned tomorrow.

With the two rows that I somehow got backwards I went ahead and backed with black corduroy and made a table runner. I then had 4 lone squares so I made those also into hot pads. I think I am going to sell the runner and hotpads as a set in my etsy store.

I have a question that I hope someone will see.....would it be wrong to put corduroy on the back of a quilt?

Alright, better get this posted before it gets any longer. I am linking up with the following blogs:

Uglee Pens Review and Giveaway

The UGLee Pen is a revolutionary ergonomic pen that is designed, created and used by a real physician. This Doctor-inspired grip pen is redefining the way people view pens and writing.

The UGLee Pen is good for everyone who writes (even just a grocery list), and is especially helpful to people who experience pain and discomfort when writing, for example those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.,. It's also the best writing utensil  for children who are learning to write and are developing fine motor skills, as well as helpful for special-needs children who find holding a pen or pencil properly difficult. And for high-school and college students who have to take copious notes, this pen helps keep hands and fingers from cramping.

(My review)

When I received my UGLee pens in the mail, my 15 yr. old took one of them right away.  She is left handed and having a lot of trouble with pain in her thumb.  She really liked the way the pen felt when she writes.  In fact, she's pretty protective of her UGLee Pen. 

I left for the evening and it was funny when I got back home.  I found my oldest daughter and her boyfriend sitting at the kitchen table playing a dice game.  I noticed she was using one of the UGLee Pens but didn't say anything.  When they were done with their game she asked me where I had gotten the cool pen from.  I told her I got it in for review and giveaway on my blog.  Her reply?  "Oh good, so I can have this one and tell you how I like it?"  Sure you can, but she told me right away that she loved the pen.  She didn't have to make any effort at all to get it to write.  She carries her UGLee Pen with her everywhere she goes.

I have been using "my" UGLee Pen since the day they came in the mail and also loving it.  My oldest daughter is right, it takes very little effort to get the pen to write.  The feel of the gripper is a nice natural feel.  I have trouble with carpal tunnel syndrome, and so far no matter how much writing I am doing, my wrist hasn't bothered me.

I'm so glad that I was sent 3 of the UGLee pens so that all 3 of us are able to have our own!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

On to the giveaway!

Sponsored by Tomoson.com