I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse by Michael Franzese

Solomon or Machiavelli?

Michael Franzese changed his life from being a capo in the Columbo Crime era to helping others succeed in business legally.

Mr. Franzese shares practical advice on how to succeed in business. Even the mob needs a solid business plan in order for them to succeed. The difference between the mob business and legit business is the consequence of failure. For the legit business, it may be bankruptcy. For the mob business, it’s a matter of life or death in the literal sense. He does not advocate being a part of the mob in any way, shape, or form. His life was ruined. He hurt himself and others by engaging in these activities and then being sent to prison.

Mr. Franzese compares the advice from Solomon and Machiavelli’s philosophy. Think of both of them sitting on each of your shoulders. Solomon says, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” Machiavelli’s advice? You do whatever is necessary including but not limited to lie, cheat, and steal.

The strategy is simple. Either follow Solomon or Machiavelli. It’s your choice. It’s your life. Choose wisely. In both cases as Solomon says, “Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.”

Thrill Ride

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins is a breath-taking ride. If you do put the book down, it’s not because you want to stop reading. You have to take a break and breathe.

Kaycee is a newspaper columnist who makes fun of her own fears. She writes about fears and it begins to play games in her mind. Or is it?

A little girl is missing. Is Kaycee responsible?

Kaycee has the distinct feeling that she is being watched. She keeps seeing a dead man in various forms. When she reports it to the police, the evidence is gone. Is Kaycee really seeing things or is it all in her mind? She doesn’t want to keep crying wolf especially when the police need to focus on finding the missing girl.

Kaycee meets her fear head on once and for all. After all, it’s in her imagination. Right?

Brandilyn Collins is nothing short of an amazing author. There are no wasted words. Each word counts. You feel like you are experiencing what Kaycee is going through.

I would highly recommend this book and all of Brandilyn’s books to anyone who loves a thrill ride. I wouldn’t recommend letting go. Hold onto the sides because you are in for a ride of your life.

This is a high-quality children’s book for ages 9 and up. It contains the exactly what the title implies ~ wacky and weird animals. Each animal is dedicated to entire page of full color. Hanna explains why each is either wacky or weird. Included are what they eat, where they live and how big they grow. Some parts of the animals are magnified to point out something a little bit weird or different. This is definitely a keeper. It would be a great resource for kids too.

Included with the book is a short DVD. I enjoyed the animal bloopers but most of the DVD appeared to be like a home video instead of professional quality. My son loves America’s Funniest Videos and I was hoping for much more animal bloopers. Putting that aside, I still believe that the DVD was something extra and there were a few parts that were funny.

I would recommend this product for tutors, teachers, and students. It’s a fun book and different from others that I’ve seen. There is even a glossary at the end of the book for students to explain what some of the terms mean such as Tragelaphid, Nocturnal, and Brackish.

Jack has travelled to many places to find these wild, wacky and weird animals and it is nicely illustrated in this hardcover children’s book.

Hope amidst Tragedy

I loved this story! It is set in the late 1800’s in a remote area of Idaho. Robin makes you care about the characters and live vicariously through them.

Dru’s main objective is not only to find a suitable governess for her two children but someone her husband, Gavin would fall in love with. Why? Because Dru is dying and their marriage was one of convenience. Dru’s previous husband passed away in a tragic accident and Gavin took on the role to take care of Dru and her children.

Due to past experiences, Gavin is none too happy about his wife’s decision to hire a governess. After all, he can take care of the two girls on his own. He doesn’t need a high and mighty woman who doesn’t like to get her hands dirty to take over. Gavin doesn’t leave Emily any doubt that she is not wanted at the ranch. Emily and Gavin fight against their attraction toward one another. Emily loves the Lord with all her heart but Gavin keeps his distance with God.

Patrick, a rich landowner falls for Emily. He can give her anything her heart’s desire. He lavishes Emily with compliments and makes her feel worthwhile and special.

Emily does fall in love with the children but the question remains, “Does Dru get her wish fulfilled?”

This is a wonderful story of hope of love in the midst of sorrow and pain.