Allesandra's Bequest: Book Review

When I joined GoodReads, I had no idea that I'd be able to reach out to authors and have them contact me. When the chance came though, I took it. I left my contact information on a forum post and ended up hearing back from an author, specifically R.M. Fraser, within hours. His book, Allesandra's Bequest, is a short story fiction.

According to Barnes & Noble:

Do you believe in soul mates? Can the demons that haunt Allesandra's past be overcome with the love and support of her newlywed husband, Izz? Perhaps suicide is the solution? There are lessons to be learned by both in this epic short of a couple who fall for each other, and what they must do to stay together forever.




My Review:

I was instantly hooked upon opening the ebook. I usually don't like reading books on my phone, because I love the feel of an actual paperback, but this was a short story, so I figured I could manage.

Allesandra's Bequest is written extremely well - the story tells of the present first, of Allesandra and Izz's life, and then flashbacks to the years prior, something I enjoyed. What I didn't like was the limited description of the characters. I was only able to see their shadows forming in my head, their outlines, but nothing specific. Maybe the author wanted readers to conjure up their own images, but I had trouble.

The song titles representing the chapters are incredible, especially the inclusion of the actual songs at the end of the chapters, extremely powerful, yet totally understandable and fitting. I feel like, as a reader, I was able to figure out what the characters were feeling.

I'm against suicide, so I was hesitant about reading this book. While I still don't think suicide is the way to go in any situation, especially Allesandra's - in which she and her sister were abused by their father, the demons of the past never escaping - I feel like I was able to understand what she was feeling at that point in time.

The end was my favorite, but I was left wishing the book was longer, wanting to find out more about how Allesandra and Izz met and what became of Izz in the years following...

From R.M Fraser:

Allessandra's Bequest is "unique in that it was originally a concept album I had been working on in my musician/poetry days. The album was never recorded, though everything is still in my head. What it translates to is that each chapter of the book represents a track from the album. The narrative wraps around these lyrics in each chapter to tell the story, which is about abuse, PTSD, grief and loss, suicide, and soul mates. The two main characters are 20 somethings."

It's available at B&N, iTunes, Sony, Kobo, Diesel, Baker & Taylor, and Smashwords.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Meeting Victor Cruz

For my brother's birthday, I decided to surprise him by pre-ordering Victor Cruz's new book, Out of the Blue, thus securing him and my father a place in line at his book signing!

They're both huge Giants fans, and one year for Christmas, I bought them Giants tickets. Another time, I was able to meet David Diehl and score two signatures. I also met two other Giants players and got their signatures. The 'man cave' is starting to look pretty complete with all the Giants gear!

We got to the bookstore early, even though I already had a number in line - #86!

When we were allowed in the store, we waited in line for a bit longer. Cruz finally arrived and the line slowly moved little by little, as every one took their pictures and had their books signed. When it was our turn, I was nervous! Can you believe that? I was nervous to be the photographer; it wasn't as if I was shaking hands with Victor Cruz or asking him to sign my book. That was all my brother and my father.

They were psyched about meeting him, and my dad even cracked a little joke with Victor Cruz. I was surprised he didn't do the salsa though because he does it at home all of the time, especially when it's football season and the Giants win!

Afterwards, we went to an awesome burrito place in town - seriously, they were delicious. I hope I made me brother's day memorable - with a picture and book to prove it - I'm sure I did.

Kyle's 20th Birthday

[Via Instagram: kristynnicole1]

A few weeks ago, my brother's friend decided to throw a little surprise birthday dinner at a place in Hoboken for my brother's birthday. She told him that she wanted to take him out alone, meanwhile she told all of his closest friends, as well as myself and Sal, to meet them at the restaurant.

Sal ended up getting out of work early that night, thankfully, and we hurried to the restaurant.
We didn't make it in time, but it turned out even better when we walked in, sat at the table and my brother looked up and started laughing! Prior to showing up, I was getting ready and he asked me where I was going, so I told him I was going to a bar with my friend (he had no idea Sal was leaving work early). My brother even invited me out to join him for dinner, but I quickly declined.

It was great seeing the smile on his face when he realized I was there. Dinner was delicious and the view on the Hudson River was gorgeous. I would definitely go there again.

[Via Instagram: kristynnicole1]

Now my brother and I weren't always close like this, but I am so glad we are now. It's incredible to live with one of your best friends, because that's seriously what he's been! I've looked up to him, even though he's my little brother, over the last few years because he's accomplished so much during his two years so far at college, and he's going to school to be a (get this...) DOCTOR! Yup, my brother the doctor. So whenever I think I can't do anything, especially when I was in school, I'd always think ... "My brother has it so much harder, and if he can do it - take tests and pass his extremely difficult classes - then so can I!"

I'm going to miss him when he goes off to school, but I will definitely be visiting often!

I love you Ky - Happy Birthday!

Swim: Book Review

Recently I've been using my Iphone to download free books to my library, and one of them just so happened to be written by one of my favorite authors - Jennifer Weiner. She wrote Swim, a short story, which inspired her newest book The Next Best Thing (a book I am dying to read)!

Synopsis According to Barnes & Noble:

(click on the link above to get it for free)

Ruth has left her job writing for a hit television show for reasons she’d rather not discuss and is supplementing her increasingly dwindling savings with freelance writing projects—namely, helping anxious high school students craft a perfect college essay and lonely souls craft captivating online dating profiles. When she’s not working, she’s swimming—lap after lap at the local indoor pool, in a desperate attempt to wash away the sting of professional failure and heartbreak that she can’t seem to shake. It takes an unexpected client to show her that appearances...


My Review:


I was instantly hooked upon reading the first page, and I wanted to find a coffee shop like the one Ruth returned to day after day, to meet her for a cup of coffee and to discuss what she'd been working on that day! Being an application consultant for young teens from private schools, after having been a writer and even a screenwriter for a show, until she was heartbroken. Not only is she heartbroken, but she's extremely self conscious due to a pink scar the size of the bottom of a soda can, because people would always talk about her, especially in college at the parties she would attend. One specific party led her to the gym to swim, and essentially that has become her sanctuary ever since. That is until someone sets her up with an online dating profile, and the rest is history! Okay, maybe... you'll just have to read it to find out! Not only do people begin to surprise Ruth, but she surprises herself, and probably those who read the book, as well. I know I was surprised by the ending. 


It makes me want to go out and buy The Next Best Thing!

"Spending your whole life underwater isn't natural, Ruth Anne!" - Grandma 

My Rating: 5 Stars

Brave: Movie Review

I rarely write about movie reviews, but when the movie has a powerful story line like Brave did, I must.

I took the children I watch to see Brave on Free Movie Tuesday, and they absolutely loved it. I could tell because they sat there quietly the entire time (aside from one bathroom break) and they were intrigued, laughing when it was funny and gasping when they were scared! I have to admit it was more of a kids movie than anything, but it had meaningful morals that even adults could learn from.

I love how this movie was the complete opposite of Disney's 'prince saves the princess' movies. Merida, the princess, essentially saves not only herself, but also the kingdom! It shows girls that we can be powerful too, and that if we are brave enough we can accomplish anything we put our minds too. This movie was about the strength of family, as well, which I thought was great - because family really is everything.

According to Fandango:

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

"Some say fate is beyond our command, but I know better. Our destiny is within us. You just have to be brave enough to see it."

My Rating: 4 Stars

I'm a Tone It Up Girl!

While searching online one day to find a workout program that would fit my busy schedule and one that I would be motivated to do week after week, I came across Tone It Up. Karena and Katrina, the two founders of Tone It Up, are the "new faces of fitness" according to Jane Fonda! They're not only business partners and fitness trainers, but also best friends!

Right from the Tone It Up Website:


"Here you'll find a community of women, of all ages, inspiring and supporting one another to live the life of their dreams; happy, healthy and out of this world!  Explore the site, get to know other team members, download free workouts, print delicious recipes, find inspiration and get ready to tone it up with your trainers, Karena and Katrina!


How to get started with the Tone It Up Lifestyle

• You can find new fitness videos and motivation every week on the blog, ToneItUp.com.

• Don't miss a beat! Sign up for our emails to recieve weekly workouts, recipes & motivation! The TIU Newsletter

• Stay connected with Tone It Up on twitter here, it's easy on your phone! twitter.com/ToneItUp.  A lot of women make twitter names for TIU.  Ex. TIUkate or KateTonesItUp :)

• On facebook?  We are too!  facebook.com/ToneItUp

• We just launched a new workout DVD!  7 full workouts, to tone head to toe~ Your Beach Babe DVD Check it out at BeachBabeDVD.com

• Nutrition is one of the most important parts of our lifestyle at Tone It Up.  What you put in your body affects your mood, fitness goals, energy and lifespan!  Join our lifetime membership here~ Tone It Up Nutrition Plan

• Connect with other Tone It Up members here and build your TIU Profile~ community.ToneItUp.com"

I started this transformation, this new lifestyle almost 4 weeks ago, and I have not looked back - well except, to track my progress! I have not only signed up for the weekly emails, but I also signed up to be a part of the community - where I can communicate and bond with other women going through the same exact lifestyle change - exercising and eating lean, clean, and green! 

I was able to purchase the Beach Babe DVD - which I live by! By doing these workouts every week, as well as cardio (on the tread climber) and quite recently the 30 Day Ab Challenge, I have seen results! I haven't purchased the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan, yet, because of the price ($150), but I have only heard great things about it! I have been watching what I've been eating and I drink as much water as possible during the day to stay hydrated. 

[via instagram: kristynnicole1]

I workout 6 days a week, usually two times a day [cardio & toning exercises], but if I can't work out twice a day, I combine my cardio and toning exercises. Checking in with the community, allows me to see my work out written down, and feel proud and accountable for all that I've accomplished. 

I also purchased their Perfect Fit Protein, which is 100% natural protein, Organic, Gluten-Free, Raw, Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher, Non-Fat, Sugar-Free, Allergen-Free and Free of Dairy, Lactose, Soy, Corn and Wheat. I use it when making smoothies, post workouts, and they post recipes on their website for pancakes and even peanut butter balls and cookies! 

[via instagram: kristynnicole1]

I hope to include recipes I've tried, and my progress during this lifestyle change. I am not doing this to lose weight, but rather to feel more confident in my skin and to become a healthier person, one step at a time. I essentially just wanted to TONE IT UP!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

The Lovely Bones: Book Review

I've heard such good things about the book, The Lovely Bones, especially when they turned the book into a movie. So I had extremely high expectations when I bought the book on one of my goodwill trips. I was glad that I didn't pay full price for this book when I reached the last page though, because it definitely didn't reach my expectations... not even close.

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

Once in a generation a novel comes along that taps a vein of universal human experience, resonating with readers of all ages. THE LOVELY BONES is such a book — a #1 bestseller celebrated at once for its artistry, for its luminous clarity of emotion, and for its astonishing power to lay claim to the hearts of millions of readers around the world.

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."

So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her — her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, THE LOVELY BONES succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.

My Review:

I must admit, I was captivated at first, and just reading the first few pages with the detailed description of Susie's rape and murder, I was on the verge of tears. I also liked the fact that she was able to watch life go on, after she died, noticing that people must move forward, while you're dead. It was also interesting to see how everyone was coping with her death, but I guess that's the child life specialist in me. While her father was angry and intent on finding Susie's killer, her mom was slightly less angry and more upset than anything. Her sister, Lindsey, didn't want to be known as Susie's sister, because then she's associated with the murder. Emotions rose for her friends, especially Ruth, who wanted to find out more... more about Susie... more about the murder. It's a powerful story, don't get me wrong, however, I hated the fact that years and years go by in the story. While I liked the ending, to an extent, I feel as if Susie never received the justice she so rightfully deserved. 

If you haven't read it, I would recommend you read it, only because it is a powerful story that will make you wonder, but don't be surprised if you're angry with the ending. 

"These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence: the connections - sometimes tenuous, sometimes made at great cost, but often magnificent - that happened after I was gone. And I began to see things in a way that let me hold the world without me in it. The events that my death wrought were merely the bones of a body that would become whole at some unpredictable time in the future. The price of what I came to see as this miraculous body had been my life" (page 320). 

My Rating: 3 Stars