Sunday, November 24, 2019

Book Review: Full Circle From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again By Andrea Barber




ABOUT THE BOOK
She grew up in front of the world on the beloved sitcom Full House, but then actress Andrea Barber abruptly left Hollywood. Why did she leave and what did she do for twenty years out of the spotlight before returning to television? This is her funny and inspiring memoir of fame, heartache, resilience—and the reboot of a lifetime . . .
 
When Kimmy Gibbler burst into the Tanners’ home on Full House in 1987, audiences immediately connected with the confident and quirky pre-teen character, played by ten-year-old actress Andrea Barber. During an eight-season run on one of the most popular series of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Andrea came of age in front of millions. But she was as far removed from her character as a girl can get. The introverted young star was plagued with self-doubt, insecurities, and debilitating anxieties that left her questioning her identity after the show’s cancelation. Andrea wouldn’t return to the public eye until 2016, for Fuller House. So what happened in those intervening decades that Andrea jokingly calls “the lost years”?

For starters, Andrea never stopped working. But it was on a series of life-changing transitions: earning a college degree, then a Master’s, building a career in international education, getting married, and starting a family. She also faced some unforeseeable transitions: navigating a sudden divorce after nearly twelve years of marriage, and second-guessing her capabilities as a single mother. But it was her devastating bout with post-partum anxiety and depression that derailed Andrea’s life—and became a crucial turning point.
 
Full Circle is a raw, refreshingly honest look into the life of a celebrity who has never been fully comfortable in the spotlight. Here Andrea shares her deeply personal struggles with mental health in a way she has never done before. She opens up about fighting her way back and finding solace—while finding herself—all before her life came full circle with her costars and lifelong friends on Fuller House. Sharing her journey from child star, to champion of mental health, and back to stardom, Andrea writes in a way that feels like catching up with an old friend.



MY THOUGHTS
I grew up watching Full House. I looked forward to it every friday night. Growing up I would LIVE for TGIF line ups that included Full House, Step by Step and Family Matters. Still amazing shows to watch. When I saw this book available for review on Netgalley, I jumped on it. I prayed that I would be approved for it. I started reading this book immediately and loved every minute of it. 

I love reading biographies. I love knowing how people got to where they are, and more about them as a person. When you think of Andrea Barber - she is known for loud clothes, and being the annoying neighbor on Full House. While I read, I got to know the REAL Andrea Barber. I learned that she did not  like the outfit choices on full house. I learned she was so opposite of who she played on tv. 

I loved hearing about her big break and how she ended up on full house. I loved reading about her. This book she opens up about her struggles of being a child star. I love her style of writing. I laughed a lot in this book. 

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. I am grateful for the experience. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: Deadly Christmas Pretense Author: Dana Mentink --- On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Deadly Christmas Pretense FB Banner

About the Book


Book: Deadly Christmas Pretense
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre:  Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Deadly Christmas Pretense Cover
.A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.
Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?
Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Dana-MentinkDana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of this author. I try and read everything that comes  out. One thing that you will experience is heart pounding suspense with twists and turns. This book is the 2nd book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboy Series. I have read both books, but both in the series can be read as a standalone. In this book we meet Liam and Tammy. Liam is a cowboy at Roughwater - and Tammy is a past relationship that did not work out. Liam sees Tammy's car go flying by and is in danger of being hit by the train. Who would go after Tammy? Who is coming after her? This book is filled with twists and turns - and will leave you guessing. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. 

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, November 1
Emily Yager, November 1
KarenSueHadley , November 2
Blogging With Carol, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
Bigreadersite, November 3
She Lives to Read, November 3
Genesis 5020, November 4
mpbooks, November 4
Betti Mace, November 5
Quiet Workings, November 5
Older & Smarter?, November 7
Maureen’s Musings, November 7
Splashes of Joy , November  8
Moments, November 8
EmpowerMoms, November 9
Remembrancy, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 10
For the Love of Books, November 11
Hallie Reads, November 11
Daysong Reflections, November 12
Texas Book-aholic, November 13
janicesbookreviews, November 14
Inklings and notions, November 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a  a book necklace, Amazon gift card, and a paperback copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.