Global Arts

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The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond takes a tour around the home as the child is getting ready for bed.  Whimsical artwork and comforting scenes show kids it's time to say goodnight.  The ideal way to wrap up a day with your child, this book is an adorable bedtime story that helps kids and parents bid farewell to the day, settle in for the night, and rest up for a new tomorrow.

"Comfy bed,
all tucked in.
Cozy blanket,
toes to chin.

Night night sky.
Night night mnoon.
Dear tomorrow,
see you soon!"

This book is sure to attract all ages in children.  My 7 year old son loved reading the book. He liked the way the words rhymed, and also said the pictures were nice.  My two year old niece loved the book, and said again, so we could read it to her again.

The cover is cute.  I look forward to seeing more of Marianne's work.    5 out of 5 stars. I received the book from the publisher.

The cover is beautiful!

The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell is a must read for history lovers. It shows that Gillian has done lots of research and has great admiration for Nell Gwynn, mistress of King Charles II. 

Nell Gwynn was born into poverty, but her wit and beauty drew her into the enthralling world of 17th century London theater shortly after the return of Charles II to the throne.  As one of the first actresses in the newly re-opened playhouses, Nell catapulted to fame, winning the affection of legions of fans--and heart of the most powerful man in all of England, King Charles II. 

Since Nell started out as simply one of the people and then became a well-known actress before catching the King's eye, Nell remained a beloved favorite of England common people until her dying day, unlike Charles' many other unpopular mistresses.

I didn't want to see this book end.  4 out 5 stars!







I was sent a copy for review from the publisher.

The cover of When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James is beautiful--romantic.

Linnet Berry Thrynne is considered a beauty.  In fact, most men would love to have her as his wife.  However, Linnet becomes betrothed to Dr. Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, who is considered a beast to many because of his temper.  As soon as Linnet and Piers meet, they immediately begin bickering with each other. 

Linnet vows to make Piers fall in love with her in two weeks.  She is not sure what she is getting herself into, as well as Piers will make it challenging for Linnet.

It was easy just to read the entire book in one sitting.  Would I read more books by Eloisa James?  Sure.  4 out of 5 stars.

Four authors come together to write four different love stories that happened during the same year in Season time in "It Happened One Season".  There is blackmail, war heroes,love affairs, and other action.  The stories include: The Seduction of Sebastian Tranton by Stephanie Laurens; Only Love by Mary Balogh; Hope Springs Eternal by Jacquie D'Alessandro; and Fate Strikes a Bargain by Candice Hern.

A brief summary:

"The Seduction of Sebastian Tranton": Sebastian must find a bride after his brother had a fifth daughter and no way can his wife have more children due to labor complications.  Sebastian attends parties and decides to escape to the host's library.  There he finds an unexpected visitor, Tabitha.  She is on an investigation, and Sebastian agrees to help, but they must pretend they are engaged.

"Only Love": Jack Major must marry, so he can ensure there is an heir to the family estate.  He realizes he is in love with Cleo Pritchard after he sees her at a ball. (They first met abroad during a war).  Jack wants to marry Cleo, but Cleo wants to be his mistress until she is sure she can carry a child from Jack.

"Hope Springs Eternal": Alex must find Penelope to tell her the news of her brother's death and how he had died.  When Alex meets Penelope he vows to take care of her, but yet he still hasn't told her about how he had killed her brother.

"Fate Strikes A Bargain":  Nathaniel is not sure how to get back into the Season after being in war for so long.  He takes a breather as he steps out in the hallway, only to meet Phillipa, who has a limp.  Nathaniel asks Phillipa to marry him because they are very honest with each other when they first meet.

The book cover is pretty.  4 out of 5 stars

I received this book from Harper Collins' Avon Romance.

Image by VancityAllie via Flickr"Glee" star and Mercury Records artist Matthew Morrison will go on a tour this summer and host a glee club competion in conjuction with VH1 Save The Music Foundation.



Matthew Morrison recently announced his major summer tour that will feature songs from his self-titled debut album, slated to hit stores May 10, along with many of the "Glee" fan favorites. In understanding the value of music education in schools everywhere and in collaboration with VH1 Save The Music Foundation, Matthew Morrison will offer regional glee clubs the chance to compete for the 'opening act' performance slot at each tour stop, and winners will be chosen personally by him. Entries can be sumbitted at www.matthewmorrison.com/gleeclubcontest.
For more information and to hear a personal message from Matthew Morrison about your participation in the competition, please visit www.matthewmorrison.com/gleeclubcontest. Matthew Morrison will also be performing an intimate acoustic performance at Songwriters Music Series: NY Edition on May 16 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. For more info and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.


The stars align on Matthew's new track "Still Got Tonight", written by Americal Idol winner Kris Allen. Single available on iTunes now!

Matthew's debut album will be available one week from today on Tuesday, May 10th! You can pre-order the album on Amazon!

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Matthew Morrison's US Tour kicks off on June 18 in Minneapolis. The tour will hit 20 plus cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre on July 23rd. Artist pre-sale tickets went on sale April 4th at www.matthewmorrison.com. General public tickets are on sale now at www.aeglive.com. Several VIP packages will be available and include artist meet-and-greets, reserved seating, priority venue entrance, collectible memorabilia and more.

MATT MORRISON Tour Dates
Saturday, June 18
Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
Sunday, June 19
St. Louis, MO - Fabulous Fox Theatre
Tuesday, June 21
Rosemont, IL - Rosemont Theatre
Wednesday, June 22
Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre
Thursday, June 23
Detroit, MI - Detroit Opera House
Monday, June 27
Philadelphia, PA - Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, June 28
Newark, NJ - New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, June 29
Boston, MA - Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre
Friday, July 1
New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
Saturday, July 2
Atlantic City, NJ - Caesar's - Circus Maximus
Wednesday, July 6
Washington DC - DAR Constitution Hall
Thursday, July 7
Greensboro, NC - War Memorial Auditorium
Friday, July 8
Duluth, GA - The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Sunday, July 10
Tampa, FL - David A. Straz Jr Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, July 11
Orlando, FL - Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, July 13
Boca Raton, FL - Mizner Park Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 14
Jacksonville, FL - Moran Theater
Saturday, July 16
Grand Prairie, TX - Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
Sunday, July 17
Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall
Tuesday, July 19
Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
Wednesday, July 20
San Diego, CA - Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
Saturday, July 23
Los Angeles, CA - NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE
Make sure you stay tuned to Matthew's official website! Fans can earn badges for activity on the site to earn prizes and be the fan leader! Listen, watch, comment, and "like" to earn badges now! Find out more at www.matthewmorrison.com.
Matthew Morrison