Phenomenon Trilogy Update

For some time now, Chris has been wanting to move his blog to a site that looks a little more like an official website. It's done. Looking for Chris on the web? We mad it easy on you just type ChrisRaabe.net or go here. We know you don't need any new challenges in your life. 

You can even click here ... Home of All Things Phenomenon

Please go ahead and check out Chris Raabe's book webpage

Ok, here's one more chance... CLICK ME CLICK ME

This past Saturday we were surprised to see a fantastic article in the Omaha World Herald about Chris and friend/author John Kalkowski. This should take you there Chris and John are good friends and co-workers at Andersen Middle School. If you know Chris at all then you know he gives John a hard time about which book the kids like better. Truthfully, we are thankful to have a partner in crime for Chris. They do many book events together and bounce ideas off one another. What a blessing.

Are you looking for a last minute Christmas gift? Currently we are waiting for a big shipment of books to arrive at our house. Until they arrive, you can order from our website ORDER BOOKS HERE or from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and locally from The BookWorm (90th and Center) and Barnes and Noble (143th & Center). All three books are also available in kindle format. FYI: there's a kindle app for apple devices.

Wishing each and everyone of my readers a happy holiday season. Blessings!

Lots of links in this post

No excuses for not finding the book.

Going Postal

I am heading to the post office in a few minutes with these boxes of books. There are kids (and adults) waiting for THE PHENOMENON TRILOGY to arrive at their doorstep in the next couple days. This series is a thrilling story about four high school kids who find themselves in the midst of danger, adventure, government conspiracy and love. I know the books my husband wrote are amazing but when I hear other readers gush about how they can't put the book down, I feel a surge of excitement shoot through my body.

R.E.V.I.E.W.S 

R.E.V.I.E.W.S

R.E.V.I.E.W.S

WE LOVE THEM! If you have read The New Phenomenon, On The Run, or End Game by Chris Raabe please take a minute to write a quick review over at Amazon or Goodreads. If you have not yet read these books you can find them on Amazon or better yet get a signed copy straight from the author. Contact me at melanie@chrisraabe.net to set up payment and delievery.  Please check out his facebook page HERE and "like" it so you receive updates. Chris' blog is RIGHT HERE. Feel free to leave Chris messages or order books. We love to hear from our readers!

Have a great day. Read On!

Taking ON THE RUN to the Schools

After taking some time off from the book for a number of reasons, this week Chris and I have been connecting with several local schools in hopes to get THE PHENOMENON SERIES in the hands of students. People young and old are eating this series up, now to figure out how to get it to the masses.

We are looking for reviews to be posted.  If you have read The New Phenomenon or On The Run please take a few moments to write a review (it can be just a couple sentences). Places to post review include but are not limited to...

Amazon.com (print and ebook)

Good Reads

BarnesandNoble.com

Chrisraabe.net

Facebook...Chris has 2 book pages. Please use https://www.facebook.com/authorchrisraabe 

Thank you to everyone who has read our books. 

The Phenomenon Goes On The Run

BOOK UPDATE

1. ON THE RUN has been well received so far. The reports I am hearing are that this book is better than the first book.  Love that!

2. Our official release date of OTR is January 15, 2013 and it looks like everything is going as planned. That day the ebook will also be released on kindle. If you do not have a kindle or a device that allows you to use the kindle app don't worry it will be released 91 days later in other formats.

3. Our new business cards were ordered today...they look great.  Seriously, it's the little things that get me so excited!!

4. We are still hoping to get the rights to publish our first book, THE NEW PHENOMENON. I don't want to bash anyone...oh that's not true.  I DO but trying hard to take the high road.

5. The author (my handsome husband), is a great speaker and presenter. If you or your organization is looking for someone to speak about writing, reading, publishing, teaching and/or motivational speaking please contact me through this blog or at melanie@chrisraabe.net.
Please check out Chris' website... http://chrisraabe.net
Like his facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/authorchrisraabe (he has a new author page)

Contest Ideas

Have I mentioned that my husband wrote a book, actually two books?

THE NEW PHENOMENON     and    ON THE RUN

Ok, now that I think about it, I might have mentioned it before. (wink wink) We need some ideas for a contest. The official release date for ON THE RUN is January 15, 2013. I can't believe it but that date is just around the corner. In conjunction with the release we want to run some contests and give away some copies of the new book. You read that right, we want to GIVE AWAY a few copies. Our big dilemma is, how are we going to do that? This is where you come in.
*You can email me at melanie@chrisraabe.net
*You can leave me a message on this post.
*You can leave a message on Chris' book page  http://www.facebook.com/authorchrisraabe
*If you have my phone number call or text me.

If you live in Omaha or the surrounding area, I want to remind you that there is a book signing at Brewsky's (156th & Q St) tomorrow, Tuesday, December 18th from 5:30-7:30 pm. We will have lots of books available for purchase and the author will have his pen in hand read to personalize your book. We look forward to seeing you.

Thankful for Days 14-20

DAY 14: I am THANKFUL for WiFi at the orthodontist office so I can work while waiting on kiddos.

DAY 15: I am so THANKFUL!! What more can I say...love pedicures.

DAY 16: I am THANKFUL for my friends who listen to me, support me and even call me out when needed. This was the evening I had a friend date with Susan Snyder...PF Changs, 007 movie and then a stop at the Cheesecake Factory. However, she isn't the only friend I have who I can trust. You know who you are, thank you!

DAY 17: I am THANKFUL for tickets to watch Husker Football in Memorial Stadium on a beautiful fall day in November with my handsome hubby!

DAY 18: I am THANKFUL for quiet time with God. My day runs so much better when I put God first instead of my own agenda.

DAY 19: I am THANKFUL for grace. Chris and I have trudged through some very difficult months recently. Because God has freely given grace when we didn't deserve it, we have learned that we also need to extend grace to others. Our marriage is back on track but only by the grace of God.

DAY 20: I am THANKFUL for the support of our family and friends. Launching a second book when the first one is causing us so much grief takes guts.  However so many people have encouraged us to press on. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our street release of On The Run: The Phenomeneon Trilogy and those of you who were there in spirit.

Book Launch for On The Run

Oh my word! I am so behind on gratitude posting. Don't let that you think for one minute I don't have enough  gratitude in my life to talk about. Even through the rocky times I know the love and grace of God will carry me to the other side.

Last night was the Street Release for Chris' most recent book: On The Run: The Phenomenon Trilogy. The night was a huge success and we look forward to sharing this book with the rest of the world. I have included LOTS of photos of friends and family members who were able to come out and celebrate with us. Sorry I don't have photos of everyone.

The Author and Beautiful Daughters
Now That's a BIG cake!

The Heller/Birge Family
Always so supportive!

Klint is adamant that he wants only 1 book!

Lisa Pelto from Concierge Marketing, on hand for help

Jerry, Barb and Mark

Jennifer, Lorraine and Tiffiny in the back

Aw, the Little Clan

Mark and Chris are so proud of their hairy faces for NoShaveNovember

Working hard!

I love My Man! So Proud!

Emmy was so excited to get her book!

Reagan and her buddies

The Seatons

DeLay family...some of our fav people

Sydney is ready to bust into that book

Chris and His Proud Mama

Yay The Felkers

Katie, don't spoil the twists and turns of book #2 with your class

Olivia's clan 

The Snyders

We have lots of books and they are only available through us until January 15, 2013 when we have the official release.  At that time the book with be in stores and on-line as a paperback and ebook. You can contact me at cmero5@yahoo.com if you are interested in purchasing book 1 The New Phenomenon for $16 plus shipping or book 2 On The Run for $13.86 plus shipping.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanks Concierge Marketing

DAY 13: I am THANKFUL for our friends at Concierge Marketing. They are making it happen! We are on the verge of our street release for On The Run, book two of The Phenomenon Trilogy. You won't find this book in bookstores until January 15, 2013 but you can come to one of our signings to receive your early released book.  Yep, you can read it, review it and be in the know two months before the rest of the world. We are so excited to share this new book with all of Chris' readers and it is happening all because we have found great leadership at Concierge Marketing. Our first publisher did their best but it just wasn't good enough. Lunker Productions is taking us to the next level.

We are excited to announce the street launch of On The Run, the second book of The Phenomenon Trilogy by Chris Raabe.

You are invited to join us at 

Fernando's Cantina

380 N 114th St (southwest corner of 114th and Dodge) 

Omaha, NE  68154 

Monday, November 19, 2012

6:00 - 8:30 pm

Get your signed copy of ON THE RUN before it is released to the rest of the world. We will have light snacks, but you are welcome to bring your family for dinner, kids eat free on Mondays at Fernando's.

This is something to be THANKFUL for!

Running from Place to Place

I guess I forgot to post this so when it says "this weekend" it really means the 3rd weekend in June

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I love watching our daughters participate in their activities.  There have been some pretty boring events but "at the end of the day" my heart is filled with joy as I watch these 3 girls do the things they love so much.

This weekend Chris and I had 4 different places to be so it was necessary to call in the the big dogs...grandparents.  Papa and Nana not only enjoying watching their granddaughters but are willing to help us out when we are in a tight spot.  Thank you so much!!!

Our 1st commitment of the weekend...Em played softball on Saturday and Sunday in Omaha, Chris and I missed both games but not only were Papa and Nana able to make the Sat game so were Opa and Oma.  What a treat. This weekend the Cats went 1-1.  Em had nothing to hang her head about, she walked, had some good hits and played well at short stop. Missing activities is so hard. Em, we are proud of you!

ready for BP

good eye Em! Never mind, you aren't even looking at the ball.  ha ha

 The 2nd place we needed to be was in Norfolk at Reagan's soccer tourney.  This was our last set of games together as Toro Fusion.  The club has fallen apart so when our coach decided to go to Elite, most of us made the choice to follow him.  (Try-outs are this week)  I hope the only thing that changes about our team is the color of our uniforms.  Love these girls and their parents.

keeping cool in the shade before the Championship game.

Reags taking a PK...if I remember correctly she made it right in the corner.

1. Saturday morning after a rain delay we beat a 12 year old team from NW Iowa

2. Sat afternoon we tied a Norfolk 11 yr old team in a poorly played game.

3. Sunday morning we dominated Columbus' tournament team which was sweet after the way they beat us in Lincoln 2 weeks ago.

4. Sunday at 5pm we headed into the championship game playing Columbus AGAIN!  They came for blood.  When I say that, I'm not exaggerating much.  I was so proud of our coaches and girls for playing with honor and not stooping to a level of play that includes illegal tackles and severe body checking.  

I don't say this lightly when I tell you I prayed for Reagan's safety.

Our girls brought home 2nd place and I couldn't be prouder.

 The team bonding that happens on overnight trips leads to very special friendships.

The parents bonded out around the fire pit as well.

The 3rd commitment we had for this weekend was in Red Oak,IA for Chris' 20 year class reunion and a book signing at the Pudgy Pumpkin Patch.  No, Chris did not go to a very small girls' school.  ha I'm not sure when everyone else showed up.

Last but certainly not least we were the drivers for my parents who were flying out EARLY this morning. Chris made it back home to play the role of chauffeur at 4am.

We got it all done and now I'm am happy to be home with my feet up and nothing but silence in the background.  Aw, just what a girl like me needs after too much noise and chaos.

David Crowder

...was not at our church today but we did have David Potter back for a wonderful church service filled with music. "Rock the Temple"  Loved it!  David Potter left Christ Community Church about 18 months ago to pursue seminary in St Louis, Mo.  What a blessing it was to be lead by David again.

There was a line in a song today that spoke to me.

"I lay no claim to this blood bought life."

What a powerful reminder that it has nothing to do with my "greatness" it's all about the shed blood of Jesus.  What I do here on earth is nothing compared to the life of the perfect lamb that was slain at my expense.  Thank you Jesus!

I pray that you experience the peace of our loving Father.  God gave all he had to save us from our sin. 

**************BOOK UPDATE***************

I wish I had more to tell you...soon my friends.  But what I can tell you is this, I finally read all of book #2.  It is good.  OK, it is really good!!  There are some new characters introduced that you will enjoy getting to know. The book brought me to tears a few times, I laughed and even felt uncomfortable in a few situations.  The author received a suggestion from me that he did not readily accept.  Speaking as a mom, I wanted some stuff taken out of that book, we'll see what happens.  :)  I can't wait to hear your responses. 

Chris has been revising (FINALLY) and got through to the final page last night.  Revising book #2 is a little different than the first.  Chris has noticed he did a better job writing this time around. We are still hoping for an October release.  More news later as it becomes official.

Blessings to you all this week.

Peru State Talks about The New Phenomenon

My last several posts have been about the book.  It's time for me to blog on another subject...next time.  :)

Chris is a Peru State College graduate.  Their website has a nice article about Chris and his visit.  Here is the link...

http://www.pscbobcats.com/news/2012/3/9/GEN_0309125721.aspx?path=general

We continue to be excited with each and every new event with THE NEW PHENOMENON.  The book is selling well, now our marketing person (me) needs to figure out how to get this thing going globally.  Please feel free to share this info or any book info from my blog with your readers and friends.

Until next time, blessings to you this beautiful spring day!

I Blog U Read

Another wonderful review by a blogger at I Blog U Read.  Please take just a few minutes to click on the link to read the review and then leave a comment.  I don't know who this person is but I do like what they had to say about The New Phenomenon.  Woo Hoo!!!

Making changes are usually difficult, even if they are positive changes.  We appreciate those of you who have been with us during our book journey.  It has been educational, exciting, frustrating and sometimes even a little fearful.  We are ready for a couple of changes. #1 an ebook...praying it will happen sooner rather than later.  #2 time to get the second book of this series ready to publish.  Both of which open up an areas of the unknown again.  Please join us in prayer for wisdom.

Pudgy Pumpkin Patch

Here he is...my Main Man (ok my only man) meeting, greeting and signing books for readers of THE NEW PHENOMENON. Wow, what a fantastic day!!

(Quick side note: notice the Iowa Hawkeye jacket...ewww!  Not in Husker territory anymore.  ha ha  I'm just kidding.  That guy was one of Chris' old coaches and gave us one of his CDs that we listened to on the way home.)

We made our second trip to Red Oak, IA and spent 3 hours at the Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Store.  What a delightful store.  I should have gotten a better picture.  When we walked in I think Chris was fearful that I would buy a little bit of everything.  I loved it all!  I know we will be back to RO this summer and I will bring my money with me.  :)  Just a quick shout out to anyone who loves a gift shop that has a little of everything, Elaine Hollen's gift shop is the place to stop.  Then we ate at Casa De Oro...very yummy Mexican restaurant with wonderful service.

So many classmates, old neighbors and former teachers stopped in to see this guy they knew way back when.  A couple girls (my age) said they have some good stories on Chris, we'd have to sit down and talk when our kids weren't around.  ha ha  I'm sure that is true.

Again, we sold out of books.  Thank goodness Chris and I were able to dig up some extras to take down there just in case.  It's hard to rely on the "professionals" when they don't seem to give good advice.  We could have sold more books today if we would have had them with us.  So frustrating!  But what an awesome problem to have.  Thank you God for blessing this adventure!!!!

Our next big trip with THE NEW PHENOMENON will be over spring break when we go to Grand Island, NE.  Chris will be speaking at 3 schools during the day and 2 evening book signings.  I can't even tell you how proud I am of Chris.  He loves speaking but gets such joy out of seeing kids read. 

We know none of this is possible without God's hand in it.  We make plans but He shows us a better way.  We think we have it all under control when really we are just walking through the doors God has opened.  Our prayer is that we continuously seek and follow God's direction so that we can point all glory to our Creator.

Molly update:

She is back on the vent and spending the weekend resting for a 2nd try early next week.  Praying for this sweet girl!

Posting the Poster

I love to create but have very little confidence in my ability to do it well.  For some time I have been struggling to create a poster and business cards for Chris' book.  You may be giggling but it is difficult for me for several reasons.  First I am a perfectionist. Oh, the stress I place on myself for no reason at all.  Secondly, I have not had the time to sit down and make some simple decisions.  Last, I really do work best under pressure.  Maybe that's just what procrastinators always say.

I am happy to display my newly created poster here on my blog.  The picture was taken in Red Oak, IA where the story of The New Phenomenon takes place.  If you are familiar with small towns, the water tower is a visible display of school spirit.  My hometown has a white water tower with Redmen painted on it. Red Oak is the home of the Fighting Tigers and has a bright orange water tower.  I love this casual picture of Chris. 

Tomorrow I will pick up a printed version, make the needed changes and then send them off to our next book event.  Speaking of book events...

The Pudgy Pumpkin

Red Oak, IA

Saturday March 10, 2012

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

If you are in the area, please stop in and say "hi".



What Are You Reading?

Do you have a list?  I do and it seems to be growing.  What a funny idea for me to have a "Books I Want to Read List".  Can I just say, that is totally out of character for me!  Less than 10 years ago I could count on one hand the number of books I had read for enjoyment.  Today, I am willing if only I could have a 25 hour day.

I really enjoy Francine Rivers as an author.  She has a new book, maybe even 2 out, I'm on the waiting list at the library.  My other favorite Christian author is Karen Kingsbury.  The Redemption series is wonderful which leads into the First Born and Baxter series.  The Shack has been on my list for about 2 years and as soon as I can get it from my mother-in-law I'll be diving into that story.  My friend Vicki has my interests up about a book titled, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore".  Too bad they couldn't come up with a longer title.  On top of those I have 3 Debbie Macomber books on my night stand.

Geesh, my high school English/reading teachers would be shocked to know that I read books.  I'm pretty sure they knew I read the Cliff Notes and tried to get detailed info from all my friends before every quiz.  You see, I just didn't have time to read in high school.  My life was packed full.  If it weren't for some fun/laid back classes, school itself would have messed with my social life.  Phone calls, sports and boys really did occupy way too much time after school to focus on something as boring as sticking my nose in required reading.  :)

Now that I have a nook color I have my nook books and my "physical, hold the paper & turn the page" books. I like the Nook but I seem to read faster and get less distracted when I read books printed on paper.  I don't know why that is.  One a positive note, it is hard to find time to read and when I do, often it is late at night. Often a few pages in I fall asleep.  The Nook saves my spot every time.  Love it!

I have 3 books to plug today.  The first isn't surprising...THE NEW PHENOMENON by Chris Raabe.  In the near future author Chris Raabe will be speaking at Peru State College.  I don't see this as a venue that will sell lots of books but it's great exposure and I'm praying that the novel is incorporated into their reading choices for YA lit classes.  Another note worthy comment is we have our own domain.
http://chrisraabe.net  will take you directly to Chris' blog.  This is just a starting place eventually we will do more with it.  One more comment, it you have not gone to the facebook page for The NEW PHENOMENON and liked it, please do so now. CLICK HERE We will be doing a book give away in the next month.  You must like the book and make a comment on the post to be entered in the raffle.

The second book that I plan to read soon is THREE BURNING BODIES by Brian Bogdanoff.  He is a retired local police officer who wrote a non-fiction book about a case he helped solve.  We met with Brian today for tips.  His book is doing very well and has even been a number one seller on Amazon.  His book is available in e-version as well as printed form.

Last but certainly not least I've gotta send out a shout for my Daily Bible in Chronological Order.  We are reading it together as a family.  There are many stories already (we're only in Exodus) that I have read or heard many times over the years but suddenly they make more sense when you know what happened 400 years before and after.  The girls are asking great questions too.  When I don't know the answer we look it up or I say, ask your Sunday school teacher.  LOL!

This week I'm sending up some special healing prayers for Evan and his mom at Mayo Clinic, Dylan at UNMC, Klint at Lakeside Hospital and Dad.

Red Oak, The Home of The New Phenomenon

On January 3, 2012 the newly published young adult fiction author (and his smokin' hot wife) traveled to Red Oak, Iowa to share his novel with the home of the fighting tigers. Red Oak holds a special place in Chris' heart, after all it is the setting of the first book in the Phenomenon Trilogy. We were thrilled with the excitement that was generated by the five book talks in the schools.  At the end of the school day we zipped to the public library to find a crowd already waiting to purchase THE NEW PHENOMENON by Chris Raabe. 

In case you are not from a small town, let me explain something to you.  The people of towns such as Red Oak, Ia support the school, the city and the interests of the community.  If only we had known there were so many distractions already on the calendar that day we might have changed our date. 

1. High school boys basketball game at home

2. High school girls basketball game away

3. High school wrestling

4. City Council Meeting

5. THE IOWA CAUCUS...how did we miss this one????

We still had great sales and met so many wonderful people. (funny side note: chris' old girlfriend stopped by but sent her son in to buy a book, she wouldn't come it.)  We want to send out a shout to the Red Oak community and say THANK YOU!  So many of you asked about book #2.  It is still being edited and revised but we will let you know when it is available, we hear there's a possible October 2012 release. 

We gave away a bunch of these shirts

If you didn't get one we left some at the library.

Chris speaking to the middle school students

He saw about 280 kids at the first stop of the day.

Chris gave some tips about the writing process.

1. have a plan

2. write on

3. revise revise revise revise

4. edit

 5th Graders took in every word the author had to share with them and then eagerly peppered him with questions about the cover, the characters, making money and book #2.

 Our last group of students for the day was a bit of a surprise.  Chris thought he was going to be speaking to two small groups of 9th and 10th grade students which turned into several hundred 9-11th grade high school students.

It was fun to watch Chris give the same presentation to each group but change it just enough to capture the interest of the student.  Some may say he pushed the envelope just a little at Red Oak High School but the kids loved it.

What use to be Red Oak Jr High is now Red Oak Middle School.

In general it is the same building with some minor changes.  Thank goodness they got rid of the pink walls.

You may recognize the name of these streets from the book. 

Here it is...the house where Christian grew up.

He really had his bedroom in the basement and really hit his head going down the stairs on numerous occasions.

Notice the wrap around drive way and there's even a boat parked  back there.

This picture is one of my favorites from the day.

Red Oak is the home of the fighting tigers and you bet, the water tower is bright orange...there it is in the background.  This picture should have been on the back of the book.  :)

I also want to say "HEY" to our friends the Brownlees.  It was fun to see your parents...hope you enjoy the book.  We miss you!

Good are always the way of the Lord.

It's embarrassing that I have to admit again my lack of trust...ok probably faith.  I told God what we needed and then I doubted we could do it.  He exceeded it because it was Him and not me doing the work.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?  He always has our best at heart.  Thank you for loving me and coming to my rescue time and time again!

Great are you Lord!!!

Exceptional Showings by Father and Daughter

Here she is...my sweet little Kindergartner, ready to perform in front of a

sold out gym.  Every mom, dad and grandparent armed with a camera, video recorder and tripod.

I grew up in a school with a place large enough for parents to watch their little darlings perform.  Anymore, school districts can not afford such luxuries so we cram into cafegymatoriums in hopes we snag good seats before all the other crazy parents arrive.  Turns out we were in the second row but still had a hard time seeing little Liv because of her placement on the risers.  As you can see, that didn't stop this mama with a super duper zoom-in lense.  I will prevail!!!

Monday both Olivia and Reagan performed with their classes but we attended on the Tuesday show.  Too bad I didn't sneak in while Reagan was singing on Monday because she went home sick and didn't make it back to school.  So it's not that I like to just take pictures of Liv, I didn't have a chance to see Reagan sing with her classmates.  Never fear, she did recover just in time to make gingerbread houses on Wednesday.

Again, because my sis-in-law lives near by we were able to do lunch on Tuesday before the concert.  Holly, we are so happy to have you and Stephen in the metro.

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 A snapshot of Chris and the publisher, Cindy at Brewsky's Bar and Grille for the second book signing of

THE NEW PHENOM3NON.

Again, a fun night visiting and getting books into the hands of young readers.  I want to give a shout out to a few friends who have been so great to support us everywhere we go. 

Good to see the Vints, Christensens and Gerdes Families!

We also ran into some old college friends, thanks Pattersons!

Time and time again, I step back and look at the blessings in my life.  If I didn't ever have trials, I don't think I would recognize the beauty.  I don't want to ask God to take away the trouble just help me through it.  The sun shines so much brighter after a week of cloudy days.  My body feels so healthy and alive after battling off the flu.  And I feel the Father's loving arms around me after I have tried to make it on my own.

Thank you God for loving mankind so much that you sent your son to Earth for our benefit, not yours.

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son,

that we would not perish but have life everlasting.

John 3:16

NOTE:
Purchase books at Chris' website   http://chrisraabe.wordpress.com/about/  click the "buy" button at the top.
Please submit book reviews to http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.goodreads.com/  We love 5 stars (wink wink) but do leave your honest opinion.