Live To Read

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop!

2012-03-11T00:19:00.000-06:00

What can you win? You choice of two books:

I also have a list of Romances/Harlequins having to do with the moon that I will send to the winner to choose from as well! Thank you all for stopping by!

I have two other giveaways going on right here:

Calico Joe by John Grisham

Massive ARC/Book/Swag Pack Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Masters of the Veil by Daniel A. Cohen

2012-03-11T00:18:00.000-06:00

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer.Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot.As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.

Goodreads Summary

Sam is the perfect hero. He tends to do well in school and on the football field. However, after one bad game, he finds himself in an oddly still world. He learns that he might have frozen time...but how and why? Magic always seems to have consequences and it isn't long before Sam is taken into a "leaning institution" to control his newfound abilities.

Sam goes through the "normal" lessons that are supposed to teach him about his magic, but he ends up learning plenty about himself...about his own strengths and weaknesses. Being a teenage boy, he doesn't have the time or the will to sit around learning magic and desperately wants to get back home (who wouldn't, right?). Sam still manages to keep his good humor, for the most part. The other characters will intrigue and mystify the reader at times. The author develops them to that point where the reader wants more, but has to wait until another chapter. The plot itself is different, a little Harry Potterish with Cohen's own twist. This book has some slight tinges of romance, mystery, magic, and humor, perfect for young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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Katana by Cole Gibson

2012-03-11T00:05:00.000-06:00

Rileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline had given her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of 15th-century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings.

While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana--a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her.

Goodreads Summary

The reader will be drawn in after the first chapter thanks to the main character's, Rileigh's, humor and wit. Rileigh is just the average teenager who is concerned about her social appeal and status as well as what her friends are doing and how does she look in those cute shoes. Well...she *was* a normal teenager. When Rileigh and her best friend are attacked in a mall parking lot, she discovers that while some people have inner strength, she has an...inner samurai??? Kim, a shockingly good-looking Asian teenager, tracks her down and tells her to come to him when she wants more information after that stunt in the parking lot. Kim, as the reader will discover, is a bit of a love interest...yet another plot point the reader can look forward to!

The novel develops from there, with Rileigh discovering just how much her inner samurai can do and why she has one. Kim and Rileigh slowly begin to delve into a potential relationship even as Rileigh's own friendships begin to falter slightly as the secrets she finds herself keeping begin to pile on top of her. Rileigh's best friend, Quentin, is a bit of a stereotypical "gay friend," but he infuses the novel with plenty of humor and may rival Rileigh as the favorite character. Kim, with his stoicism and few words, will keep the reader intrigued and the other characters fit the novel perfectly.

The plot itself is very fast-paced. Rileigh goes from shoe-shopping to skilled fighting in a manner of weeks. The samurai learn that there may be a traitor in their midst, but who? This book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

The House of the Wind by Titania Hardie

2012-03-10T23:48:00.001-06:00

Bestselling author Titania Hardie delivers a love story about a woman's voyage to overcome grief at an historic fourteenth century house in Tuscany.

Goodreads Summary

Looking for a different romance? The writer begins this book with a tragedy that will lead the reader to believe there will be constant action, but what follows is a little like a slow-moving creek. However, the author has a way of writing that will likely intrigue the reader to keep reading. A young girl in the 1300's desires to marry her love, but her parents attempt to force her to enter a convent. She finds herself with a sudden choice and a gust of wind that makes that choice for her. The reader will enjoy following her story and learning what becomes of her.

The reader will meet two other women who are bound together in an intricate web of DNA and coincidence. The reader will get to know both young women very well. The reader will understand the sad events in their past and their hope for the future. The novel has a constant undertone of mystery. The two women discover their ties and the novel weaves back to the myth of Saint Agnes...a myth worth reading up on if one is to read this book. The author writes with a lyrical twist and fills the book with plenty of detail. The detail will make the scenery and environment of the places, especially Italy, the novel is set in. Although the plot does not move as fast as some readers may be used to, this book is definitely worth reading if a reader enjoy romance with intrigue.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

2012-03-10T23:16:00.000-06:00

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.Lucy Marsh has lost everything but her determination to provide for her brother and sister. When she realizes her father's death was no accident, she decides to accept a proxy marriage in order to get her siblings out of harm's way. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, and nothing there is as she expected

Goodreads Summary

Lucy has a lot on her plate, considering her fathers' recent death and having to raise her sibling by herself. When someone steals from her father's pawn shop, she knows something has to change. A sudden change happens when Lucy opens her door to a...marriage proposal from a well-meaning father of the groom. Lucy can't think of any solid reason to say no and agrees, especially if it helps her siblings. However, the new groom didn't quite get the plan...he isn't too happy about his new bride and doesn't think she can handle ranch life. How will resourceful Lucy cope with this situation?

Lucy's character is easy to like. She is brave and strong even when everything seems to be falling around her. The reader will love how her intentions are always good. Nate, though grumpy at times, is actually pretty likable. He works for everything he owns and measures his successes carefully. The other characters fit perfectly in to the plot of this novel, the reader will enjoy getting to know them as well.

The reader will love reading through this book to discover how Nate and Lucy end up-will they get along or call it quits? The reader will love that it isn't "instant love," but a growing relationship with its ups and downs. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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Giveaway and Help Me Get Votes!

2012-03-07T21:55:00.000-06:00

Books/ARCs to choose from (winner may choose 3): After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel, winners' choice of 2 Harlequins, ARC of Seize the Storm by Michael Cadnum, ARC of The Story of Us by Deb Caletti, ARC of Lexapros and Cons by Aaron Karo, ARC of Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown, choice of a romance books (I will send book choices to winner), etc...

Swag pack: Signed Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown Bookmark, Simone Elkeles bookmarks, The Faerie Ring bookmarks, randomized young adult/adult/romance bookmarks of winners' choosing, etc...

To vote, simply follow the link in the "vote for me" portion of the rafflecopter and vote for Live To Read ~Krystal. I am hoping to count up the votes here and compare them to the votes on the spreadsheet *fingers crossed they match!* Thank you all for being such loyal and amazing bookfriends!

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Creating The Antagonist

2012-03-07T11:25:00.001-06:00

A challenge for every writer I've ever talked to. And the driving force behind the story line. Without the conflict there is no story. The bad guy is as crucial as the hero/heroine, maybe more.

How do you not only create but on some level relate to the evil? I'm a nice person... even if I'm the only person who thinks so. Breaking away from the 'want to be nice and sweet' into the 'shit down your neck' kind of thinking can be easy … which might not be a good thing.

Most of us (Which is me being nice and saying EVERYONE) have a dark side. That part of us that wants to key the side of the cheater boyfriend’s car. The side that rears its ugly head and flips the bird at the driver tailgating you. The teeth gnashing witch that wants to chop the balls off the married boss sexually harassing you. Frustrated, hurt, angry, indignant and wounded. When the only songs on your playlist are: Earl had to die by the Dixie Chicks & Alanis Morissette's Jagged little Pill album.
You ALL know the dark side I'm referring to.

When I write an antagonist I tap deep into that side of me, mix in my drama queen to really blow it out of proportion. Add evil intent/objective, lack of conscience and reason. Throw the whole batter into my plot and go for it. I may hate my own antagonist, but deep down inside where the dark ember burns no matter hard I try to deny it in my everyday life...there is a connection to a well formed antagonist.
On what level does the bad guy matter to you?

Wendy S. Hales
www.wendyshales.com

Mental Restraint

2012-03-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

As I was driving down the street one day, I became conscious of the world’s       condition. Contrary to what you would think, it wasn’t the abandon houses I drove by; it wasn’t the cracked pavement, or homeless people that seem to be in unison. It was the children. GOD gave me the understanding that a child is nothing but an adult that is trapped. In their minds, they live in an orchestrated fantasy world. Their world is orchestrated by other children that have aged over time and learned to be adults. The older children (adults) determine what the younger children wear, eat, and drink. And for the most part, a child is okay with the control. For most children, it is all they know. They live in a mental fantasy world, because their knowledge is limited.

Limited knowledge brings forth the purpose of school. A school should strengthen a       child’s mind, because one day that child will have control of other children and he/she should be mentally prepared and able to take on that task. This is what separates a child from an adult, knowledge. And, this is also what hinders are society…knowledge. Knowledge is the key ingredient in this book. My main goal is to educate many and erase the “get rich quick” mentality. The term get rich quick was created for those that lacked knowledge, because they knew that without intelligence, an individual would fall for anything. Getting rich quick is a scheme. And, if I sell you a book that is nothing but a scheme, I have not only cheated you out your money, but I have also helped you go deeper in debt.

A lot of us have aged in features. Some of us, our hair is graying, while others have gone completely white. Even with physical changes, mentally we could still be trapped. Our lack of knowledge can keep us at the same mental stage we were at as 8 and 9 year olds. This observation exposed to me the purpose of this literature. Our lack of knowledge is constantly putting this world deeper in financial strife. So many people do not understand the financial system and remain limited and under someone else’s control.

This book was written to strengthen your knowledge. Regardless of your age, you       can be freed from this mental bondage. This one book is not the answer to all your problems, but it has been composed to be the “push” that so many of us need during these trying times. As you begin to read and take in this information, pray. Pray for understanding. Pray for mental strength. Pray and ask that the bondage be removed. After you pray, remember that prayer is not the only requirement. You have to take action, move forward. This book is your push to help you make that move. Take in the knowledge from this book and put it to work!

As I think back on that day, I noticed the children were on the playground at their school. I could hear laughter and see children playing with on another. Although the community was dying and the living conditions were getting worse, they found joy. They found joy with one another. They found joy, because mentally they were limited. They couldn’t understand the dying community, the abandon homes, and the increasing murder rate.  Mentally, they were trapped. They were happy with having someone control their life and made the best of what they were given. Not knowing that       someday their bodies will age, that strength would weaken, that hair would gray, and that their minds will remain trapped. They will inherit debt that they have no knowledge of. And although they may live to be one-hundred, mentally they will be that same child I observed on that day.  Never being properly taught and forever being controlled.

Nicholas L. Maze

www.nicholasmaze.com

Guest Post by Kimberly S. Lin

2012-03-07T04:00:00.001-06:00

Inspiration for Recession Proof. Was it based from your own experiences?

The inspiration behind Recession Proof was from my own experience as a young professional woman trying to survive and navigate life as a twenty-something in a recession. Not only survive, but also most importantly, find fulfillment. I think many people struggle with this issue regardless of their age or career/relationship path and that’s why I think the book is so well received. I wanted to tell “our” story.

And I wanted to do it in a way that dealt with serious contemporary issues but in a positive, intelligent, honest and witty way. My girlfriends really inspire me and women in general inspire me. A lot of the conversations in the book were taken verbatim from conversations I had with friends. So many readers get the feeling that they’re looking in a mirror or they’ve had that exact conversation with a friend of theirs.

I think people might be misled by the title. It is far from a serious financial book. I like to think that it’s fun and light. That’s why I chose to write it in the chick-lit genre. I’ve always admired authors like Emily Giffin, who espouse the idea that just because we write stories about women for women— it doesn’t mean our work is fluff. Not that there’s anything wrong with a fun beach read. But what inspires me, as an author is being able to empower women and showcase how we really think and talk. I just hope my readers continue enjoying my work and it continues to resonate and of course, make them laugh.

Downfall (An Intervention Novel) by Terri Blackstock

2012-03-07T01:25:00.000-06:00

Emily Covington has turned her life around after a drug addiction, but her family still has trouble trusting her in this unabridged audio download of Downfall. Though Emily has committed herself to a year-long treatment program and has been sober for almost a year beyond that, even her mother walks on egg shells around her, fearing she'll relapse. After her behavior during her drug years, Emily realizes she has a lot to prove. When police discover a home-made bomb under Emily's car, and she then learns the wife of one of her friends was murdered that same morning, she knows things are deadly serious.
But who wants Emily dead? And why?
A conversation she had with two men, an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and a plan for a double-murder all conspire for one explosive ride ... and Emily is the only one who can identify the killer and save the life of the next potential victim.
As she frantically works to solve this ever more complicated puzzle, Emily finds herself playing right into the killer's hands.

Goodreads Summary

Emily has finally turned her life around, but she learns that trust is not so easily earned back. The reader should refer back to the first books in the series to make sure that he/she understands the magnitude of Emily's change and the overall significance. The reader will be happy to re-acquaint him/herself with the familiar characters and meet a few new characters. Emily knows that someone is after her, but she doesn't know the motive or who the antagonist could possibly be. She must discover the answer to these two imperative questions or risk an early demise.

Emily's character is nice enough. The reader may have a hard time connecting to her at first, especially if he/she hasn't read the first few books, but that connection will slowly grow stronger. The other characters, especially Emily's mother, are easier to connect to. The reader will likely figure out who the antagonist is, but it is still exciting to see who it really is and just why he/she would do what he/she did.

The events are pretty fast-paced. The chapters are relatively short, easy to get through and put down when the reader wants to savor the novel or wait to see the next events. The ending is slightly expected, but does contain a few twists that will hopefully surprise the reader. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Giveaway of Calico Joe

2012-03-06T18:28:00.000-06:00

A surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball…

Whatever happened to Calico Joe?

It began quietly enough with a pulled hamstring. The first baseman for the Cubs AAA affiliate in Wichita went down as he rounded third and headed for home. The next day, Jim Hickman, the first baseman for the Cubs, injured his back. The team suddenly needed someone to play first, so they reached down to their AA club in Midland, Texas, and called up a twenty-one-year-old named Joe Castle. He was the hottest player in AA and creating a buzz.

In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas dazzled Cub fans as he hit home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shattered all rookie records.

Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…

In John Grisham’s new novel the baseball is thrilling, but it’s what happens off the field that makes CALICO JOE a classic.

Goodreads Summary

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Farsighted by Emlyn Chand

2012-03-06T12:38:00.001-06:00

Advanced Chem? Easy. Psychic powers? Gotcha. Save the girl? Uh...

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.

Goodreads Summary

Alex is one of those protagonists that a reader will be hard-pressed to forget about. He is blind, but sees the world in different ways. He has visions that can reveal hidden dangers or events to come. Alex is sort of normal, aside from the unusual visions, but everything changes for him when Simmi comes to town. Simmi is the exact type of girl he has always wanted to date. She interests him and gives him a chance at a normal friendship....and maybe something more.

When Alex delves deeper into his visions, he finds that the truth is not always clear. Soon he is having difficulty orienting himself-is the world around him real or fake? Are his visions really coming true? The reader will love this fast-paced plot that will make the book difficult to put down. Alex's character is the true drawing-point, the reader will connect to him with ease. The other characters are interesting and the author connects them to the plot perfectly; they are fun to get to know. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

2012-03-06T12:27:00.000-06:00

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

Look for the sequels ENTICED in September 2012 and EMBLAZE in March 2013!

Goodreads Summary

Looking for an angel-themed mystery with a dash of romance? This just might be your perfect book. The author includes a quote with each chapter that emphasizes what is to come, the reader will most likely come to love those quotes. Violet and Lincoln are introduced to the reader first. Violet is an admirable main character, the reader will not find him/herself hating her or thinking "why did she do that?" much, at all. Lincoln is the love interest for the first portion of the novel, and even until the end. Lincoln is that all-around good guy. He is someone who could offer a shoulder to cry on and seems to always be there for his friends. However, he has more than a few secrets too...secrets that Violet should, perhaps, know about.

When Phoenix is first introduced in the novel, the reader will wonder just who and what he is. The author leaves him an enigma; he doesn't apologize for himself and literally has that "take me as I am" attitude. He becomes a bit of a love interest himself. The other characters function as supporting characters, the reader will enjoy meeting them as well. The plot itself is very fast-paced and developed down to the last detail. The author manages to give the reader enough details to keep the reader turning the pages, but doesn't reveal the full mystery.

The reader will find that the further he/she immerses him/herself in the book, the more intricate the plot becomes as well as the relationships between the characters. This book is nearly impossible to put down and worth reading cover to cover. Embrace is perfect for young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Susan Abel Sullivan Interview

2012-03-06T10:42:00.000-06:00

1) What was your main inspiration for this book?
Since the book is a collection of stories, each one had its own inspiration, such as a record album remembered from childhood, a talent show accident, a train smothered in kudzu, and vacuuming.

2) How did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
It started as a challenge to write a better novel than the drivel sold at the TG&Y (a forerunner of WalMart) I worked at during my senior year in high school. I spent all summer banging out the manuscripton the electric typewriter I’d received as a graduation present. Once I started college, I was hooked on fiction writing.

3) I've heard your writing has appeared in a few magazines, could you send over some links?
None of my work is currently archived online, but my stories and poetry have appeared in such print and online publications as Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, ASIMBest of Horror Volume II, Beyond Centauri, Alien Skin, Writers’ Journal, and New Myths.

4) What makes a character "hard to write about?"
Actually, characterization is one of my strengths as a writer. For me it’s like method acting. I put myself in the character’s shoes and become one with them. I have an aptitude for Drama/Acting, so creating characters is fun for me.

5) When creating your characters, do you base any of them off of your friends/family/enemies?
Absolutely, although they are always composites drawn from several people rather than just one. I might use the physicality of one person, add the personality of another, and draw from the life experience of a third. Sometimes a character will spring from my head like one of Zeus’s children without any real life basis.

6) How did you choose the title of this book?
My publisher and I knocked around several ideas. In the end we selected CURSED from the fact that each of the characters is cursed in some way and WICKEDLY FUN STORIES so that readers would know it was a collection of, well, wickedly fun stories, as opposed to a novel. And I’ve been told I have a wicked sense of humor, so there you go.

7) What new book or short story are you creating next?

I’m currently revising an urban fantasy novel titled THEWEREDOG WHISPERER. Think NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION meets AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. And I’m writing the discovery draft of a YA novel about thesupernaturally challenged.

THE GAIA WARS – FREE ON AMAZON, one day only!

2012-03-05T21:06:00.000-06:00

Kenneth G. Bennett’s YA fantasy adventure, THE GAIA WARS—the first entry in a new, highly-acclaimed YA series—will be FREE on Amazon one day only: Tuesday, March 6, 2012. http://amzn.to/y7wO6Z

Kirkus Reviews calls The Gaia Wars "A solid first entry of a promising, imaginative new young adult fantasy series featuring a well-crafted character," and readers agree. As of March 1, 2012, The Gaia Wars and its sequel, Battle for Cascadia, had received 57 reviews on Amazon and 96 reviews on Goodreads, for an average of 4.5 stars.

"Gaia Wars" is amazing. I got sucked into the story within the first five pages and the pace and excitement made it impossible to put down. Kenneth G. Bennett has created a very fresh take on the epic fantasy tale, so if you like Tolkien, CS Lewis, Harry Potter, and other "big" stories, you'll love "Gaia Wars."

"I picked this up and literally did not put it down until I'd reached the back cover. Wow, impressive how quickly and deeply you get immersed in "Gaia Wars." And it's surprisingly original for the genre. Beautiful language, superb story telling, non-stop action."

"A mythic story that's startling and exciting from beginning to end."

Get your FREE copy of Kenneth G. Bennett’s THE GAIA WARS, today only on Amazon http://amzn.to/y7wO6Z And check out the sequel, BATTLE FOR CASCADIA, here. http://amzn.to/xGC7HQ

About The Gaia Wars

Deadly secrets have been buried in the Cascade mountain wilderness for centuries. Hidden. Out of sight and out of mind.

Until today...

Warren Wilkes, age 13, doesn't like what a greedy housing developer has done to his peaceful mountain community, so he vandalizes the developer's property, flees into the wild, and stumbles upon an ancient human skeleton revealed by torrential rain. More than old bones have been exposed, however, and the curious artifact Warren finds makes him question his own identity, and his connection to an ancient terror. A terror destined to rise again and annihilate all that Warren loves. He must fight or see his whole world destroyed.

Winners!

2012-03-05T18:19:00.000-06:00

Massive ARC/Book/Swag Pack Giveaway: Stella and Sandy!

Simone Elkeles Signed Novel: Jeryl

Congratulations!

Doxocology Tour! Comment for a Chance to Win and Fill Out the Form on the Website for Live To Read (there is a giveaway for taking 5 seconds to do the latter)!

2012-03-05T08:55:00.002-06:00

Please enjoy this guest post by Brian Holers, author of the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

Not just for Christians

One of the beauties of self-publishing is that the gatekeeper has been fired. In this new world of books made possible by the Internet, no one is left to guard the door. To tell the reader what is what. This state of affairs may introduce an element of confusion for dogmatic readers, but the good news is, new breeds of literature are being created.

Self-publishing allows literature to cross over in new ways. Traditional Christian fiction publishers, for instance, disallow most references to sex, and even the most juvenile profanity. Self-publishing changes this. Not to suggest a writer should ever debase a genre—as writers we are obliged to choose our words carefully. But the old Christian books kept many readers away. “I’m not going to read that. That’s Christian. It’s boring.” Still, nearly every Christian I know periodically swears, fights, and even becomes amorous from time to time. Christians like good stories too, with depth of character, excitement, whimsy, action. The success of a book like The Shack shows the need for stories of real people dealing with real problems, in a faith-based context. It doesn’t even have to be good literature.

As humans, we all look for answers. Stories are stories. Conflict builds to crisis, which leads to a form of resolution. Sure, some people never doubt their faiths, even in the face of horrible tragedy. Others do. Some never ascribed to a faith in the first place, and instead spend their days casting about for a context to this condition we call humanness. The problem with much traditional Christian literature is this; when a character is pushed to a crisis, and the only change we read is “he fell on his knees, then and there, and accepted Jesus into his heart,” that incident may describe a beautiful sentiment, and may have value to a real person in real life, but as a reader, it doesn’t tell me anything. A reader wants details. He wants to see the sweat break out. She wants to hear the thoughts and words that accompany the character’s condition. Literature is literature. We want to see development. We want to get inside the characters. We want to get to know them. That’s why we care. Regardless of the genre label put on the book.

Doxology is a story in between. The book has a religious message; given its primary setting in rural north Louisiana, that message is Christian. But the characters are just people. They experience the same emotions all people do—love, joy, loss. Their conflicts grow and grow until they must be resolved. Like real people, they go astray, take paths of separation from God, or just from what is good for them. They experience desires that can never be fulfilled, want things that can never be had or even understood. They discover the traits in their lives that aren’t working, and set out to find new habits that will work. Many Christian values are universal—a belief, despite evidence to the contrary, that our lives are worthwhile. An understanding that letting go, and learning how little we are in charge, makes life more manageable. A certainty that the kindness and compassion we offer to others is returned to us a hundredfold.

Some say God. Some say the universe. But we all--when we’re honest, and when we pay attention, have a sense of something looking out for us, giving us what we need. Putting people we need into our lives. We give credit for these gifts as we see fit. Good literature promotes a point of view by showing the reader how a character’s modes of operation and beliefs work for her (or don’t). Good literature, whatever its genre, lets the reader inside. Lets the reader do part of the work. Doxology, in this vein, is a story at the crossroad of God and man. It presents God as the characters experience God, and as real people experience God, looking out for them, giving them what they need. Coming to understand how God has been there all along.

Doxology is a love story. Faith plays a role, as it helps the characters find answers and resolution, improves their lives. Like Jody and Vernon and the others, we all look for redemption from brokenness of the past. They and we find it, as people both real and imaginary alike do, in family, friends, productive work, a sense of place, a faith in something greater. Doxology is a story, first and foremost. Its characters face problems. Their conflicts grow. They look for resolutions and ultimately find them, imperfect as they are. We the readers get to know them, and we care. We sympathize. They matter.

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Doxology eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

Purchase your copy of Doxology for just 99 cents
Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
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Help my blog win:

The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.

About the book: Fathers, sons and brothers reconnect over tragedy in this blue-collar Southern tale of love, loss, and the healing power of community and family. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the author: An arborist by day and a novelist in every moment he can steal, Brian makes up stories from the treetops. Visit Brian on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

WORLD WEAVER PRESS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF “CURSED: WICKEDLY FUN STORIES” BY SUSAN ABEL SULLIVAN

2012-03-05T08:53:00.000-06:00

FIRST FICTION COLLECTION FROM
NEW INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER
ON SALE NOW!

New York, NY (March 5, 2012) – World WeaverPress (Eileen Wiedbrauk,Editor-in-Chief) has announced the release of Cursed: Wickedly Fun Stories bySusan Abel Sullivan, their first speculative fiction collection as an independent publisher.

“Susan Abel Sullivan has written an engaging collection that appeals to both the young and young at heart,” commented Wiedbrauk. “I’m excited to be a part of bringing this collection to readers and thrilled to publish Susan as our first World Weaver Press author; she’s an asset to WWP and a writer not to be missed.”

Cursed: Wickedly Fun Stories is a speculative fiction short story collection featuring witches, werewolves, limericks that can change fate, and a sinister vine bent on murder and the destruction of Alabama. These stories draw in readers with their lighthearted tone and delight with their wickedly sly sense of humor. Cursed: Wickedly Fun Stories features pieces previously published in Andromeda Spaceways, Inflight Magazine, AlienSkin, and Beyond Centauri, as well as a never before published short.

The digital edition of Cursed: Wickedly Fun Stories can be purchased online at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Smashwords.com.

Susan Abel Sullivan lives in a Victorian house in northeastern Alabama with two dogs, way too many cats, and a ghost. When not writing she likes to get her groove on by teaching Zumba classes. She is a graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop for speculative fiction. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous online and print publications, including Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, ASIM Best of Horror: Vol II, New Myths, Writers’ Journal, and others. She is currently working on a YA novel about the supernaturally challenged. Visit her website at susanabelsullivan.weebly.com or twitter @susan_abel.

World Weaver Press is an independent publisher of science fiction and fantasy, dedicated to producing quality novels,novellas, novelettes, and collections and anthologies of short fiction. World Weaver Press seeks to publish fiction that engages the mind and ensnares the story-loving soul. Find out more at worldweaverpress.com

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall By: Julie Klassen

2012-03-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

Fleeing a dishonorable man, Margaret abandons her pampered upper-class world for an anonymous life "below stairs." But will danger or love find her first?

Goodreads Summary

Set in 19th century England, this story offers an “upstairs, downstairs” view of the privileged and servant classes. Margaret Macy has led a privileged life with a doting father that she adores and younger siblings she loves and protects. When her father dies and her mother remarries, there is a grasping stepfather and new suitor in her life who intend to force her into marriage for the inheritance she will soon receive. To escape their plans, Margaret becomes Nora, a servant looking for a position in crime-ridden, poverty-stricken London. She winds up working for two brothers – one of whom she turned down as husband 2 years before and the other who she had hopes of marrying.

The author’s descriptions of Nora’s attempts to learn tasks like making beds and emptying chamber pots are humorous. Coming down to the servant level makes Nora a much more sympathetic, friendly character. Walking a mile in her servants’ shoes brings out the best in her. I really enjoyed the humor provided by the supporting characters: Joan, Fiona, Mrs. Budgeon, Monsieur Fournier, and many others. The image of servants turning to the wall to avoid their betters is funny yet sad. The romance was great to read, but readers may want to bop her on the head because as late as page 257, Margaret is still drawn to older brother, Lewis Upchurch, rather than Nathaniel.

This story was hard to put down. I loved the minor characters. Their pride in their positions and kindness toward one another were heartwarming. The storyline about Nathaniel’s eye-opening condemnation of the slavery on their island plantation added to the feeling in the story that every character improved their moral fiber.

Four and a half stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*
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Excerpt from Doxology! Please Vote For this Blog Via this link :

2012-03-05T04:00:00.000-06:00

Please enjoy this excerpt from the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

Sunday is Vernon’s wash day. And though he has enough money to buy a dozen of the nicest washing machines known to man, Vernon Davidson washes his clothes by hand. For his washing, as for everything else Vernon does, he has a system. As far as Vernon is concerned, his clothes come out looking cleaner and newer than any machine could get them. He wears all of his clothes during the week according to the schedule he has printed in black marker on the insides of the garments. Five sets of work clothes, three sets to rotate before or after work on those five days, and two sets for the weekend. When he wakes each Sunday and slips off his underwear, his drawers and closet are completely empty. If the morning is cool, Vernon goes out and washes his clothes wearing only a cotton robe. But if any warmth hangs in the air, as it often does by the first of March, Vernon goes out in the yard and washes his laundry naked.

Vernon wakes on the first Sunday in April with a nagging headache. He rubs his temples and lies thinking about Leonard. Finally he shakes it off, opens his eyes and stands up. Though spring is well along, a touch of chill is in the air, so he puts his robe on after kicking his underwear into the giant laundry pile, then goes into the kitchen to start breakfast.

For the last dozen years, since he quit going to church, Vernon starts Sunday mornings with a large breakfast of eggs, bacon, French toast, orange juice and coffee. He could have started working Sundays years ago if he had wanted, just to fill the time, but he never has. Sunday is the only day of the week he eats anything besides fried bologna and cheese sandwiches, which he makes twice a day for himself in the same greasy cast iron skillet he uses on Sundays to make his breakfast.

Once the coffee is going and the bacon and eggs, Vernon walks back into the bathroom. Though he usually doesn’t stop by the mirror in the hallway, this time he does. He turns and looks at himself face on. He opens his bathrobe, stands and flexes the long, corded muscles that still run through his torso after sixty years, pats the flat part of his stomach. In the bathroom he grabs a comb, comes back to the mirror and quickly whips it through his long gray hair. He works the comb through, notes again that he hasn’t lost a single strand. Then he combs through his thick gray beard and fluffs it just a bit. He smiles at himself wide, taps his perfect teeth. Better to turn gray than turn loose, he says to the reflection as he pulls on a chunk of his hair. I’m still looking good.

He goes back to the kitchen, takes his squeezable jar of yellow mustard from the refrigerator and squirts a quarter inch of the oily yellow substance into a glass. Then he unscrews the lid of a bottle of Jack Daniels, smells it out of habit, winces, and pours in three fingers’ worth. His stomach gags, as it often does, with the first sip. Vernon lowers the glass, catches his breath, and raises it again. This time it all goes down, and the bitterness radiates out through the hinges of his jaws, his stomach, the top of his head. He slams the glass down on the counter, proud of his effort. After a minute the sour taste goes away, and the whiskey begins to do its work on the rest of him. Everything starts to settle. By then the food is ready, and he slides it all onto a plate, pours a large cup of coffee, and sits down to eat.

By the time the food is gone, the good part of his drink is leaving him, as it seems to do earlier and earlier these days. He goes back to the kitchen for another round of the whiskey and mustard. Then he clears the dishes from the table and, with the sink already full, puts them on the counter. “Leave those for the cleaning woman,” he mutters to himself. He eyes the mess in the rest of the house, papers all over, dust on the floor. Vernon likes to pretend.

Back in the bedroom, he picks up all the clothes and places them in the proper piles. Then he carries them all to the rear door, steps outside, and looks across the creek running through his back yard. Vernon smiles. Everything in his yard is the deep, rich green of spring, and not a weed is anywhere to be found. He’s thought about planting flowers once or twice, something to break up the single note hue that soon enough will turn to brown. But, though everything outside is as it should be, nearly all color is missing from Vernon’s yard.

Nevertheless, things are looking good on his side of the creek. On top of that, a few days earlier someone showed up while he was at work and cut the grass at the Baptist church camp on the other side of the creek. Funny how things work out. Vernon sold that property to the church fifteen years ago, back when he was still part of it.

The arrival of spring means a lot of things. It means the mill where he has worked for thirty six years will bring some young guys in, guys Vernon will harass into doing his work for him. It means the bullfrogs that sing their throaty songs as he lies in bed at night will be back in tune any time now. And it also means Easter, and the Baptists he loves to terrorize will be showing up for lunches on the grounds at their camp across the creek starting next Sunday afternoon. And when they come, the men to stand around and talk about fishing or hunting over fried chicken and beans, the women to compliment one another on their new dresses, the boys to run around the playground and wear grass stains on their new Easter pants, Vernon will be there washing his clothes in the yard, in all his bearded, gray haired glory, as naked as the good lord made him. And that’s exactly what he’ll say to whichever one of those do-gooder men comes to the edge of the creek to complain about it in response to the shrieking of their children or the pecking of their wives.

“This is the way the good lord made me!” he shouts into the air, shrugs off his robe to the ground and spreads out his arms. Practicing for the first confrontation of the season. He can already picture the guy standing over there, usually Jerry Reeves or Tom Staples or Donnie Lyles. One of them is who they usually send. He just loves to see the looks on their faces as they stand there in their Sunday best, striped or polka dotted choke chains hanging from their necks, trying to look him straight in the face and not to let their eyes wander downward.

They always say the same things. “Come on Vernon, it’s kids over here. Come on Vernon, put some clothes on brother, my wife…” Sometimes they even try to guilt him. “Look at you brother Vernon, look what you’ve turned into, you orta be ashamed of yourself.”

But Vernon Davidson cannot be guilted. Not after what he’s been through. And certainly not after the four or five glasses of whiskey and mustard he’ll have in him by Sunday noon.

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Doxology eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

Purchase your copy of Doxology for just 99 cents
Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
Visit today’s featured social media event

Torn by Amanda Hocking

2012-03-03T23:34:00.000-06:00

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself--that she's a changeling switched at birth--she knows her life will never be the same. Now she's about to learn that there's more to the story... She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined--and they'll stop at nothing to lure her to their side.

With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to marry a powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who's strictly off limits...and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she's ever wanted...in both worlds.

Goodreads Summary

Now that Wendy knows that she is a changeling, she is beginning to discover more facts about her past. Wendy must leave her family to live in Trylle. There she discovers that her new home is on the verge of a war...in order to potentially avert such an event she must marry someone with influence...and ignore several growing attractions. Wendy has one love interest who is not suitable to her new status and she has another waiting for her. Readers will have different reactions to this love triangle, some will not like the tension while others will enjoy how Hocking handles the three.

Wendy's character is developed further. She is forced to make decisions in her new life that can't have been easy to comprehend. Overall, Wendy tries to think of her people and make decisions based upon their best interests. The other characters are very different from each other and easy to pick apart even though there are many to remember. The author does a great job of infusing each character with personality and depth.

The plot itself moved quickly. The reader will fly through this book. Torn is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

3 Stars

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Redwood Bend: A Virgin River Novel By: Robyn Carr

2012-03-03T21:55:00.000-06:00

Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. As she stands by the side of the road pondering her next move, Katie hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive. Original.

Goodreads Summary

Katie Malone finally feels that she is getting her life back on track after her husband’s death, the burning of the family hardware store, and hiding out in Vermont to avoid being a target in a murder case. Now, she and her twin sons can finally join her brother, so they will be near family again. On the way to Virgin River, California, her SUV has a flat. It’s raining, her cell gets no reception, and she can’t budge the lug nuts. Who comes roaring up but motorcycle riding Dylan Childress? A spoiled child actor who was pulled away from L.A. by his actress grandmother, he feels that his life is missing something, but is absolutely against the idea of marriage and family. Too many of his family members have been divorced and remarried with way too many blended families. In the end, the attraction and caring between Katie and Dylan is strong enough to overcome his fears. The down-to-earth townspeople of Virgin River are there to provide help and humor throughout the story.

Katie and Dylan are likable characters and their attraction makes for some steamy reading. Her respect for what he sees as his limitations, and his attempts to go beyond them endear them to the reader. Situations with her sons, a mama bear, Grandmother Adele, her driver Randy, and Jack and Preacher at the restaurant/bar in town add fun dialogue to the story.

Three and a half Stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*

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Voices of the Dead by Peter Leonard

2012-03-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

Harry Levin, a Detroit scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, follows Hess, a German diplomat Nazi, to Munich. He intends to kill Hess. Hess, protected by diplomatic immunity, cannot be held accountable in the U.S. for the drunken driving killing of Levin’s daughter. As Levin learns more about Hess, Harry, who escaped, also remembers Hess to be the young SS officer who led the mass murder of Jewish prisoners during World War II. Working with likely and one unlikely, funny accomplice, Harry attempts to either bring Hess to justice legally for his past and present crimes, or he is determined to bring his own brand of justice.

The author’s writing feels fast and to the point. There are no long-winded speeches from his characters. The suspense keeps you reading, hoping that Hess is stopped. Sometimes, the fast-pace makes the circumstances seem too unexpected or improbable, but every situation builds on the one before to a conclusion that satisfies the need for justice.

Adult readers will enjoy the suspense and the underground glimpse into a facet of 1970s fascism in Germany which was a shock to me.

Three and a half stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*

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Massive ARC Giveaway!

2012-03-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

Swag Pack filled with bookmarks (quite a few signed), Book Postcards, etc... this portion of the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL-don't worry, there will be a bigger International giveaway coming up!

Thank you all for being amazing supporters of my blog =)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop! (USA/CAN)

2012-03-02T16:59:00.001-06:00

I also have some Harlequins I can offer the winner if he/she chooses :) The winner will receive his/her choice of two of the books above (along with some Harlequin).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Life Is But a Dream by Brian James

2012-03-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

Alec and Sabrina are crazy in love. Problem is: Sabrina’s really crazy.

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? Her decision may have fatal consequences.

Goodreads Summary

Sabrina sees the world differently from others, she sees nothing wrong with this. Sabrina is a schizophrenic and her parents check her into a Wellness center to reorient herself and get her back on regular medication. Their plan backfires, Sabrina meets Alec and they fall in love. Sabrina believes Alec to be "the one" for her and he reciprocates her affections. The reader will have to make up his/her own mind as to whether Alec truly cares for her or is merely using her in her unhealthy state. The two begins to scheme together and their plans slowly turn into actions that could change Sabrina's life.

Sabrina is a nice enough character. The reader may get annoyed with her whimsical ways and firm belief that her way of viewing the world is the right one, but she is normally a good character. Alec appears to care for her, but the reader can never be quite sure. The other characters are not focused upon, Alec and Sabrina are in their own little world. The events of this book were fast-paced and "different." When the reader gets close enough to Sabrina he/she will truly feel as if he/she is in Sabrina's head and different world. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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Coveted Excerpt! 4/24/2012 release

2012-03-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Author Shawntelle Madison has penned one of the most innovative books to date – well written with a first person heroine that will keep you smiling for days – witty, clever and great fun – COVETED is a book you’ll want to read over and over again,here’s what people are saying:

“A smart, sexy, rip-roaring good time.”—New York Times bestselling author Angie Fox

“I’m obsessed with Shawntelle Madison’s fantastic urban fantasy debut, featuring hoarding werewolves, magic, and mayhem! More, please!”—Michelle Rowen, bestselling author of That Old Black Magic

SOMETIMES WHAT YOU COVET IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP.
For werewolf Natalya Stravinsky, the supernatural is nothing extraordinary. What does seem strange is that she’s stuck in her hometown of South Toms River, New Jersey, the outcast of her pack, selling antiques to finicky magicalcreatures. Restless and recovering from her split with gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Thorn, Nat finds comfort in an unusual place: her obsessively collected stash of holiday trinkets. But complications pile up faster than her ornaments when Thorn returns home—andthe two discover that the spark between them remains intense.

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison (Excerpt)

Recession Proof by Daniel Maiman, Kimberly Lin

2012-03-02T16:42:00.000-06:00

Sometimes going after what you want is the hardest thing you will ever do... Meet Helen. Smart, successful and obliviously trapped. For the past six years, Helen has given her life and her heart to her cushy corporate finance job and to Mark without question. However as the Recession sweeps the Nation, she is one of many left unemployed and with the burning question of what does she really want in life. RECESSION PROOF is a debut novel for anyone that has settled in their career and relationship but has discovered that what really matters in life is living it... "I read the entire book in two sittings. Wonderful read!" - Shirley from Audrey Magazine "I am thoroughly blown away! You write with some spunk and I felt myself nodding along and chuckling while reading it thinking ‘this is so relevant’. You just ‘get’ the feel of the book and where it’s coming from. I probably mean I’m hooked!" -Annie from WEMAKEPLANS

Goodreads Summary

You should aim for your own goal in life, no matter what that goal is. What happens what all of what you've worked so hard to accumulate vanishes? Do you smother yourself in self-doubt? The authors attempt to answer these questions in this book.

Helen finds herself free of a boyfriend, which isn't the worst thing, and free of a job-which is very bad. Instead of wallowing, Helen decides to figure out what she wants from life-both professionally and for her own enjoyment. She sets out to find what makes her tick, resulting in a book that will help others with similar questions or problems.

Helen is easy to relate to. The reader knows that Helen truly experienced everything she writes in this book. A reader with similar problems may commiserate and realize that all might not be lost. Helen's feelings and emotional turmoil are captured in this book eloquently, the reader will have no problem connecting to Helen. The other "characters"/people in the book will impact different readers in varying ways, they round out the book nicely though. This book is recommended to those worrying about or wondering about economic problems and what comes after the crash.

4 Stars

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Perception by Kim Harrington

2012-03-01T18:55:00.000-06:00

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

Goodreads Summary

Clare Fern's life is changing and she isn't happy about it. The popular crowd are suddenly paying her attention-and causing trouble for her with her boyfriend-stealing enemy, Tiffany. Her brother is acting differently and she has to figure out which boy, Gabriel or Jason, she wants to stick with. Just when Clare thinks she has enough on her plate, a girl from her own school disappears and Clare really wants to help-against her mother's wishes.

The romance between Clare and Gabriel develops further in this book. The reader will probably root for one over the other right away, but there are some revelations later on in the book that will make this decision harder. Gabriel is always there for Clare, but Jason did demonstrate his love in a big way in the first novel in this series. The romance is not the focus, however; Clare develops a new friend...one that was close to the girl who ran away. The other characters are, of course, fun to get to know. They all have different impacts on Clare and it is interesting to see how those impacts play out.

The mystery itself will keep the reader in suspense throughout the novel. The author manages to keep that air of intrigue that is so crucial to a mystery's plot. The murderer's point of view is portrayed in parts of the novel, keeping the reader constantly aware of the evil permeating the novel. Clare has to figure out the mystery...or she may be next. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez

2012-03-01T04:00:00.004-06:00

Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade.

When a new boy shows up at school, the girls are infected with a case of seriously creepy crushes. But when their obsession turns to violence, Jessica and her friends start to wonder if there’s more going on than just a little friendly rivalry. Are the smitten girls turning into love zombies?

And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on Dominic Gray, the cute but moody new singer for Side Effects May Vary, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day and lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she's a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe?

Goodreads Summary

Ready for a new character on the Nightshade scene? Author Marlene Perez delivers a humorous, exciting book once again. The reader is introduced to Jessica, a seemingly normal teenage girl. Jessica notices a creeping tattoo(ish) image on her arm, she isn't quite sure what it is and if she should be worried. When she meets with Flo and a few other girls, not by choice, she discovers that she is a Virago. A Virago is a female warrior who is called upon to help when there is evil afoot. Jessica isn't quite sure about the source of evil, but it is undeniable that there is something off, once again, in Nightshade.

Jessica's character was easy to like. She was very easy to relate to as well, comes off as a clever, brave, and somewhat sassy teenager. The secondary characters are fun to get to know, particularly the love interest. There is a subplot concerning Jessica's growing relationship with Dominic, the reader will be able to look forward to the chance of some romance incorporated in the plot with the mystery and action. There will be at least one facet of the plot for every reader.

The events were fast-paced, the author always handles the events in an orderly, detailed, and exciting manner. There are several unexpected scenes and discoveries that will keep the reader guessing. This book was very hard to put down, many readers will finish within a day or two of picking the book up. This book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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The Book Depository

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

2012-03-01T04:00:00.003-06:00

Eden won the battle-she saved her true love from the darkest evil. But the war has only just begun. With secrets swirling around her, powerful allies unraveling, and life-and death-as she knows it eroding, Eden and those she loves tread dangerous ground. Can she trust anyone? Will her unearthly powers be her salvation or her downfall? A sweeping, dark, and sexy paranormal romance that will haunt readers with an inventive mythology and a cinematic New York City filled with shadows and longing.

Goodreads Summary

	This book is a continuation of the Touch Mortal series. Eden and Az are circling each other, unable to kiss, but still desperately in love. Kristen has fallen into the depths of her schizophrenia, emerging into sanity often, but having trouble maintaining it. Gabe is "off" due to his newly Fallen status. The characters as a whole are in disarray with Eden in particular withholding a dangerous secret from Az. The plot of the novel is roughly the same as the first book, the reader will learn more about the characters and the Siders. The author handles the delicate relationships between the characters perfectly. The characters are very dynamic, always changing as more events come up and decisions are made-demonstrating the author's skill. The plot is intricately laid so as to maximize the readers' understanding. The reader will thoroughly enjoy this novel. The events of the book were fast-paced, but not so fast as to confuse the reader or force him/her to reread a scene. The romance between Eden and Az is believable, the reader will likely root for them. Gabe and Kristen's despair is palpable, they will appear very sympathetic to the reader. Overall, this book is shockingly well-written and an intense read. A Touch Morbid is recommended to young adult/teen/adult readers.

This book is a continuation of the Touch Mortal series. Eden and Az are circling each other, unable to kiss, but still desperately in love. Kristen has fallen into the depths of her schizophrenia, emerging into sanity often, but having trouble maintaining it. Gabe is "off" due to his newly Fallen status. The characters as a whole are in disarray with Eden in particular withholding a dangerous secret from Az.

The plot of the novel is roughly the same as the first book, the reader will learn more about the characters and the Siders. The author handles the delicate relationships between the characters perfectly. The characters are very dynamic, always changing as more events come up and decisions are made-demonstrating the author's skill. The plot is intricately laid so as to maximize the readers' understanding. The reader will thoroughly enjoy this novel.

The events of the book were fast-paced, but not so fast as to confuse the reader or force him/her to reread a scene. The romance between Eden and Az is believable, the reader will likely root for them. Gabe and Kristen's despair is palpable, they will appear very sympathetic to the reader. Overall, this book is shockingly well-written and an intense read. A Touch Morbid is recommended to young adult/teen/adult readers.

5 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
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The Book Depository

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

The Drowning Girl by Caitlín R. Kiernan

2012-02-29T20:39:00.000-06:00

India Morgan Phelps-Imp to her friends-is schizophrenic. Struggling with her perceptions of reality, Imp must uncover the truth about her encounters with creatures out of myth-or from something far, far stranger...

Goodreads Summary

India is schizophrenic and the reader will know her as Imp in the novel. She has a distinct and intriguing personality that a reader will either like instinctively or have a hard time connecting to. The story is told from her perspective in the first person, making it easier for the reader to get to know her. Imp will inform the reader of the "family curse" that seems to strike random females within her family tree. The reader will enjoy getting the facts on Imp's background and past. Imp is one of the rare characters who holds nothing back. She will reveal all to the reader, almost to the point where the reader wants her to stop. Her thoughts seem to run together fluidly, but with no real transitions. Although the reader could almost get confused, the author keeps the stories and histories from blending together.

The reader will enjoy meeting Imp's unique love interest. In a way, she keeps Imp stable...or as stable as possible. Her character is interesting and will likely appeal to the reader. When an surprise comes in and interrupts their somewhat idyllic world, the reader will be both surprised at the twists and turns in the plot and have a hard time putting this book down. Imp's world could be considered zany, but she seems to enjoy it at times. The reader will become accustomed to Imp's world and maybe even begin to enjoy it. The vivid emotions and shocking revelations will keep the reader on his/her toes. Imp's unusual world will captivate the reader with its sudden imaginings and off-the-wall conclusions. Overall, this book is worth a second look on Goodreads or Amazon and recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Stone Relics by Katy Walters Guest Post and Giveaway!

2012-02-28T07:50:00.002-06:00

One of my favourite characters in Stone Relics is Dr Lucy Roberts.
I have put up a short pitch of the book so that I can then explain one of my favourite characters. They do say to write about what you know. Sometimes that can be true. I was a psychologist and hypnotherapist for so many years and delight in drawing upon facets of my work for the books.
Pitch for Stone Relics.
It's 2065 and Ben Tobin Super Cop is an enigma, his true identity known only to the few. Working as an undercover agent for MI8, Ben is monitored by a secret organization buried in the bowels of Whitehall.
He heads an investigation into the gruesome deaths of young women left with putrefying snakes covering their bodies an ancient stone relic of a Prehistoric Snake-Bird Goddess relic wedged at their feet. Other young women are abducted chosen to become sacred prostitutes to a prehistoric Goddess.
Ben suspects this is the work of a sinister cult. They take victims from London, France, Germany and America.
At the start of the investigation, to his horror Ben develops a crippling phobia of snakes threatening the investigation, his job, his life. Desperate, he turns to a psycho-neurologist, a titian haired beauty. Because she is a rebel she is unlikely report him to MI8. Reluctantly she agrees to help him, only to be drawn into a love relationship fraught with danger.

Lucy’s character draws upon Past Lives as part of her therapy practice. Part of my work also involved Past Lives. This is such a fascinating subject and one i still find exciting. I am not sure I believe in it as there is no proof but part of the book is based on a past life or lives really. Lucy is not just a prop for Ben as love interest, she is the catalyst for Ben discovering things about himself and about the crime he is investigating. It is through her that we find out about Ben’s history, his flaws, assets, likes, dislikes and emotions. I have always been fascinated with Past Lives. It is not something that I could not say i believe in and there is no proof really. Lots of stories especially from India about reincarnation and memories of past incarnations but nothing really concrete about Europeans. However, it is so intriguing and one that I used regularly for people with severe problems.
A past life can act as a symbol, a covering from a trauma so traumatic that it is intolerable for the mind to bear. So as Lucy explains to Ben, our brains are really clever and develop a counter anxiety often in the form of a phobia. As the person is coping with the phobia they do not have to face the true cause of the panic attacks. It is through Lucy’s therapy that the plot and the symbolism of the sinister cult unfold. Their ensuing love affair is tempestuous, romantic and quite sexy at times. This too holds secrets about Ben and Lucy, that only their affair can reveal.
Lucy is a beautiful woman, with amber eyes and titian hair, but she has flaws, one being an inner insecurity hidden well below her steely exterior. She is also a sincere and warm sympathetic character but can also be feisty when confronted. Ben at first is surprised saying, ‘She is a mean as her cat.’ But for all that Lucy is what he needs a fighter, someone who will believe in him, someone who will go the last mile for him.

Find and follow Katy Walters on:

Author Website
Author Blog
Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook

Buy the book at:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes & Noble

*Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win one print copy of the Stone Relics! USA/CAN please*

The Weeping by O'Dell Hutchison Review and Guest Post

2012-02-28T07:48:00.000-06:00

Twenty years ago, Catherine Whitley was the victim of a horrible crime. Betrayed by her friends, including the boy she loved, she was left to die when the Rock Harbor Opera House caught fire, taking a disturbing secret with her to her grave.

Seventeen-year-old Heath Ingram was driving the night his Jeep careened off the road, killing three of his closest friends. Once a popular, outgoing athlete, Heath now suffers from severe depression and crippling anxiety. His parents decide to send him to stay with his uncle in Rock Harbor, Oregon for the summer, praying that by getting away he will be able to put this awful tragedy behind him.

When Heath starts working at the newly renovated Rock Harbor Opera House, he meets Molly, a young dancer who awakens in him a desire to start over and move on. But, when he begins having visions of a half-burned girl in a white dress, he starts to think he may be slipping even further over the edge.

As the apparent hauntings become more intense, Heath begins to fear for his safety. With the help of his friend Josie, Heath discovers an unsettling secret that ties the mysterious girl to both their families. When two of their friends die unexpectedly, Josie and Heath realize that something, or someone, is after the children of those who wronged Catherine, and they are next.

Goodreads Summary

This novel reads like a well-written horror story. The reader will be instantly captivated by the very first chapter in the book, where a young girl cries out for her boyfriend only to suffer a terrible fate. Heath, the main character, is no stranger to loss. He believes himself to be the killer of three of his friends, their deaths due to an unfortunate accident. His parents figure that the best way to remove the problem would be to remove the boy from all objects, areas, and people that will continually remind him of the accident. Heath is sent to live with his uncle. There, he is distracted, but not in the way his parents imagined.

Heath's character is sympathetic; the reader will feel bad for him and his part in the early demise of his friends, that memory will always be tough to live with. Although Heath can be grumpy and sullen, he still makes for an interesting main character and one a reader can connect to. When Josie appears in Heath's life, the reader may decide what he/she thinks of her. She can be annoying, but she appears genuinely interested in Heath-but for what reason? Molly is more of the love interest; she is viewed as kind, intelligent, and quiet. Catherine, the ghost of the girl mentioned in the very first portion of the book, has every right to be angry. Her story develops over the course of the novel and the reader will be drawn to her story and the obvious feelings of love, hate, and hope she emits to the reader. The other characters round out the novel, but they do not affect the novel as much as the ones mentioned above.

The events of this novel are fast-paced and the undertone of the book is eerie, perfect for this story. Heath leads the reader through the novel with Catherine filling in the gaps. The reader will not expect the twists and surprises in this book, nothing is very predictable. The ending will both surprise and satisfy the reader. Young adult/teen readers should take a look at this book!

4 Stars

Find this novel:
Amazon
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A haunting we will go...

I have a very overactive imagination, especially when I’m scared. It really kicks into high gear when I’m lying in bed at night. I can easily take a small thump, which is more than likely something harmless such as the refrigerator kicking on, or the house settling, and turn it into a full-fledged zombie attack in a matter of seconds. As I lie frozen in my bed, I’ll quickly run through my plan of attack:

Grab the old wooden rocking chair in my room and smash it to pieces against the wall.
Take one of the wooden legs and use it as a weapon.
Run to the living room, wielding said wooden sword and grab my keys, phone and dog.
Fight off the zombie who managed to break in through the window.
Barely make it to the garage, open the door and prepare for the horde of undead waiting to eat my brains.
Start the car (praying it actually does start), then plow my trusty Nissan backward, mowing over the flesh-eating monsters trying to get to me.
Flee to safety.

Once I have my plan, I eventually fall asleep, surrendering myself to a barrage of crazy dreams.

About five years ago, I was at a local theatre painting the set for a show I was directing. It was over the Christmas holiday and my entire crew was out of town. It was the perfect time for me to get the painting done without any distractions. I locked all the doors, turned on the stage lights so I could make sure the woodgrain effect had the proper shadowing, and set to work.

About an hour later, as I stood on the ladder painting away, I heard what sounded like footsteps walking up the stairs to the tech booth. I glanced up and thought I saw someone walking through the booth. I called out, asking if anyone was there, but received no answer. A few seconds later, the stage lights went out. Luckily, I still had the work lights for the stage, so I wasn’t totally left in the dark.

I climbed down from the ladder and walked out to the lobby, my mind racing with who it could possibly be. It was well after midnight, and very unlikely that anyone other than my stupid self would be at the theatre that late. The doors were locked and firmly closed and all the lobby lights off, just as I’d left it. I walked up to the booth, calling out for someone, but no one answered.

I walked into the booth, checking both spot lofts and found no one up there. I turned the lights back on and went down to finish painting.

No sooner had I climbed the ladder when the footsteps came back. This time I glanced up to see the shape of a man standing in one of the spot lofts watching me. The stage lights were so bright I couldn’t see who it was. I climbed down from the ladder, shielding my eyes and walked to the edge of the stage. I was both a little freaked out and a little pissed that someone was messing with me. When I got to the edge of the stage, the figure was gone.

I decided I was done for the night, and walked back to put the lid on the paint can when suddenly, all the lights went out - stage lights, work lights - everything. Thankfully, I had a small light on my keychain to help guide me out of the theatre.

Since that night, I’ve had other encounters. One night, several of my crew members for another show I’d directed claimed to see a man standing in the second floor scene shop watching them during the show.

During a sold-out performance of yet another show I’d directed, I went upstairs to watch the show from the spot loft. I was up there alone, but after the show, several of my cast members asked me who was in the loft with me. I insisted that I was there alone, but they all claimed someone was standing behind me.

My logical self has many explanations for what could have happened on those occasions: The power went out the night I was painting and the thumping noises I heard were probably just the ice machine or the building settling. My crew probably just saw a piece of wood in the shape of a man standing in the scene shop, or maybe a homeless person wandered in and got lost (It could happen). Whatever the case may be, I had plenty of inspiration for “The Weeping”. Thanks to my overactive imagination, and maybe even a little help from a wandering soul, I was able to take all of these events and mold them into a tale that combines two things I love the most: Ghost stories and theatre.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a ghost? I’d love to hear about it.

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

PrintRunner Giveaway!

2012-02-27T08:20:00.000-06:00

If you're the type of person who needs to print out postcards, bookmarks, stickers, calendars, etc...PrintRunner may be the perfect website for you with its quality online printing. This giveaway will concern the stickers. If you haven't heard of custom sticker printing before, check out PrintRunner's Sticker page. The stickers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. You choose how many you want to print and simply upload the picture you would want to use.

Details of the giveaway prize:      Stickers
                        Sticker Shape           :       Standard Stickers
                        Flat Width               :       2"
                        Flat Height             :       3.5"
                        Quantity                   :       250
                        Paper                        :       Premium Sticker Stock
                        Colors                      :       Full Color ( 4 Color Process), Black and White
                        Proof                        :       NONE
                        Ready to Ship In      :       3 Business Days
                *Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this.

Beth Aldrich Guest Post!

2012-02-23T07:50:00.000-06:00

Congratulations, you've garnered a book deal with a major publisher and you've written the book; but that's just half the work. The most challenging work is about to begin. Most writers do just that, they write; but with today's competitive book market, good writing is only half the battle. Nowadays, writers are encouraged to be active in social media and other forms of marketing so they can ramp up their book's presence-to stand out on the bookshelves and increase sales.
When I began my book journey two years ago, little did I know that I'd be embarking on the ride of my life. With 12-hour work days, writing the book and "getting the word out" about my book in any way I could. Knowing that I would be responsible for my own "tour" expenses, I decided to build my presence in social media as a way to reach my target audience of busy moms, so that the sponsorship money I raised would be best spent traveling to book tour events. Knowing that many moms like to connect online through social media, I began making connections and generating useful and trustworthy content to build my following. Nothing good comes easy and it's been a daily challenge to garner followers (legitimately) who appreciate and value my content. Through my networking and connections I decided to partner with, SocialMoms.com, a popular moms online social media community filled with articles, content and great mom networking. With the power of social media, we created a book launch virtual party and contest with over 100 moms bloggers who participated. I acquired book tour sponsors who donated prizes for our contest so that all participants would have incentive to be a part of the fun and excitement. I love to get involved with contests and communities and I wanted to create that for the moms who took the time to be a part of this special project; within weeks of my book's launch, there were thoughtful blog posts about my book, spanning the internet, from real moms-the demographic I was hoping to tap. Word spread like wildfire and on my book's launch day, and the throughout the month that followed, my book was a best seller in two categories on Amazon. The mom bloggers agreed to Tweet, FB and share their blog posts and in exchange, we offered sponsored goodie boxes of book-inspired products (all garnered from months of product partnering sponsorship deals), exposure on our blog and cross promotion through social media. We had a multi-prize drawing the night before the book launched, and announced winners via a private newsletter designated just for the participating bloggers. All-in-all, it was a successful book launch, thanks primarily, to the hard work and support of the mom bloggers in our book tour contest, social media and my tenacity to get the word out.
When people ask me, "How did you know what to do to promote your book?" I always tell them that I networked with other authors, researched what other author have done in the past and trusted my judgement. I know that I love prizes, so I spent weeks and weeks, acquiring products that I knew I'd love to receive as a participation gift goodie box. I also understand the power of communication, so I interacted with the registered participants regularly, sharing all of the steps of my book tour publication, along the way. I often connected with the moms on Twitter, through Twitter parties (where we had, yes, more prizes), and on Facebook. I made sure I was following everyone that was following me on social media and I always tried to re-tweet their tweets, etc. With consideration and on-going communication, relationships were built with new mom friends throughout the process. The folks at SocialMoms.com were so supportive, offering advice and ideas, making the launch everything that I hoped it would be. Some of the mom bloggers even agreed to help me host in-person parties in their cities, making my ground tour a huge success. We used the power of social media to get the word out about our on-location book events, which helped raise attendance and bring more awareness to my book's brand.
Real Moms Love to Eat: How to Conduct a Love Affair with Food, Lose Weight and Feel Fabulous (Penguin Books, NAL, January, 2012), had a fantastic launch and I can certainly say that the power of social media helped contribute to it's kick off success.
To find out more about Beth and her book, visit, RealMomsLovetoEat.com; her book is available where ever books are sold, or online at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Moms-Love-Eat-Fabulous/dp/0451235584/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1) and BarnesandNoble.com

Autographed Copy of Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles!!! GIVEAWAY :)

2012-02-22T18:35:00.000-06:00

An autographed copy courtesy of Simone Elkeles herself is up for grabs-be excited people!

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ARC Tour for Of Poseidon by Anna Banks!

2012-02-21T20:41:00.000-06:00

Can't Wait For Embrace by Jessica Shirvington?

2012-02-21T20:38:00.000-06:00

“Shirvington’s debut is smart, edgy and addictive—and sure to leave readers clamoring for the rest of the series.” — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED

“One of the best YA novels we've seen in a while. Get ready for a confident, kick butt, well-defined heroine.” — RT Book Reviews

“This absorbing debut, the first in a series, features an appealing, well-written protagonist; diversely drawn characters; intricate . . . mythology; and an exploration of free will versus destiny.” — Booklist

“Fans of romantic fantasy with a paranormal twist will find Violet and her adventures captivating.” — VOYA

Want to watch Violet Eden's story from the beginning? Check out Entertainment Weekly’s Shelf Life: http://shelf-life.ew.com/ !

Witchful Thinking by H.P. Mallory Videos!

2012-02-21T20:36:00.000-06:00

From H. P. Mallory—the exciting author of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble—comes her new paranormal romance featuring the sassy, self-deprecating witch Jolie Wilkins.

Jolie thinks she’s seen it all, but life continues to spring surprises. The latest shocker? She’s just been crowned Queen of the Underworld. Jolie may possess a rare gift for reanimating the dead, but she doesn’t know the first thing about governing disparatefactions of supernatural creatures. She can barely maintain order in her own chaotic personal life, which is heading into a romantic tailspin.
First there’s sexy warlock Rand, the love of her life, from whom Jolie is hiding a devastating secret. Then there’s Sinjin, a darkly seductive vampire and Jolie’s sworn protector—though others suspect he harbors ulterior motives. As the two polar opposite yetmagnetic men vie for Jolie’s affection, she must keep her wits about her to balance affairs of state and affairs of her heart. Overwhelmed, under pressure, and longing for love, Jolie decides it’s time to take charge—and show everyone that this queen won’ttake jack.

Something Witchy This Way Comes on sale 7/31

The Witch Is Back on sale 9/25

#1

#2

#3

Ever Heard of the Frugal Dad Website?

2012-02-21T16:57:00.001-06:00

The site's name mainly speaks for itself. The website was created by a dad looking to portray and promote a conservative outlook on finances. In the "About" tab, viewers may read the site creator's whole story and just why he thought creating and maintaining this website was worth it. His reasons are very clearly laid out and fun to read through. The reader will most likely find him/herself relating to at least one of the situations the Frugal Dad describes. Although many of the what the Frugal Dad states may not be "new or surprising," they are all facts that apply to finances and most likely the viewer's finances directly. The statements may seem simple enough when stated one at a time, but it is rare that all of them are employed successfully. If interested, a reader is also able to look at some of the websites/publications that have featured the Frugal Dad. The site is easy to navigate; there are 6 tabs clearly labeled at the top of the page. A viewer with specific questions may leave a comment on a blog post or contact the site creator himself.

Viewers who happen to be college students should read the "Scholarship" tab, where they will learn that they might have a chance at a scholarship for their education. This tab is another example of how Frugal Dad ties in his beliefs to his actions. For more information regarding the "Scholarships" tab, the student or parent should directly email the Frugal Dad. The "Archives" section is separated by the month and year. Browsers will find plenty of different articles to read through on certain subjects-the titles are very clear and up-to-date.

The "Coupon Codes & Deals" tab provides a myriad of different Internet locations to find the perfect coupons. The Frugal Dad even provides a warning, however, to make sure that one is not buying an object just to use the coupon. The coupons are separated out and placed under applicable tags such as Department Stores, Personal Finance, Shoes, etc... It is easy to find what one might have thought of as a "hard-to-find" coupon. The site stresses the importance of being as frugal as possible and only spending on the necessities. The "Coupon Codes & Deals" tab also includes some helpful information about certain stores and certain offers that one might not have known about before. Find discounts at Newegg.com!

The Qur'an Dilemma (English Volume 1) Analyzed by: former Muslims

2012-02-20T10:40:00.000-06:00

This is the most beautiful book I’ve read in years. The quality of the pages: paper, color, print, and decorative art draw the reader into the text. The organization of the book helps the reader to understand this difficult analysis writing with color coding and a pronunciation guide. The Preface gives a Guide to Reading the Book which leads you to a “key” before reading Part I. As with any ancient text written in a language other than your own, you rely on translations. The authors, in the “key”, discuss the reliability of non-Arabic Qur'ans. This very thorough analysis refers to 3 different translations and discusses whether, in the author’s opinions, the translation truly relates the intent of the original.

While this book could probably be an excellent analytical source for those who would seriously study world religions, many of us are probably reading The Qur'an Dilemma just to gain an understanding of a religion other than our own. This text is almost too in-depth for a casually interested reader; however, the analysis is so organized and well-planned that all readers will find they gain some knowledge and understanding after reading it.

Young and mature adults will enjoy the text and may gain new insight into Islam’s Holiest Book. The text could probably motivate readers to search for more information about Islam or other world religions.

Four Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Cover Reveal!

2012-02-20T04:00:00.001-06:00

WITCHFUL THINKING by HP MALLORY - FREE EXCERPT!!

2012-02-19T19:31:00.000-06:00

Buy this book: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/214350/witchful-thinking-by-h-p-mallory -- on sale, 2/28/2012

Witchful Thinking: A Jolie Wilkins Novel by H. P. Mallory (Free Excerpt)

Jolie thinks she’s seen it all, but life continues to spring surprises. The latest shocker? She’s just been crowned Queen of the Underworld. Jolie may possess a rare gift for reanimating the dead, but she doesn’t know the first thing about governingdisparate factions of supernatural creatures. She can barely maintain order in her own chaotic personal life, which is heading into a romantic tailspin.

First there’s sexy warlock Rand, the love of her life, from whom Jolie is hiding a devastating secret. Then there’s Sinjin, a darkly seductive vampire and Jolie’s sworn protector—though others suspect he harbors ulterior motives. As the two polar opposite yetmagnetic men vie for Jolie’s affection, she must keep her wits about her to balance affairs of state and affairs of her heart. Overwhelmed, under pressure, and longing for love, Jolie decides it’s time to take charge—and show everyone that this queen won’ttake jack.

SIMON & SCHUSTER ACQUIRES LIFE’S A WITCH BY SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR

2012-02-18T15:03:00.002-06:00

New York, Thursday, February 16, 2012¾Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers announced today plans to publish Life’s a Witch by Brittany Geragotelis. This young adult paranormal novel follows the life of Hadley Bishop, a descendant of one of the women executed in the Salem witch trials. Geragotelis originally self-published the book on Wattpad as a free serial e-novel, where it has already gotten over 18 million reads. She also published a CreateSpace/Amazon paperback edition, which was print-on-demand. The book is slated to be released in Fall 2013 and will be edited by Books for Young Readers Senior Editor Alexandra Cooper. The deal was brokered by Justin Chanda, Vice President and Publisher, with Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, and Simon & Schuster has North American and audio rights to the book.

Simon & Schuster will also publish a prequel to Life’s a Witch in the form of three e-book installments in Fall 2012. The prequel title is What the Spell? The launch date for the first installment of this original e-book will be September 4, 2012. The prequel centers on Brooklyn Sparks, a witch who has just come into her powers, which revolve around matters of the heart, sort of like a magical Cupid. She quickly begins to abuse her powers to gain popularity and win the guy she likes, Asher—whom she finds out is also a witch. Fans of Life’s a Witch will see Asher’s backstory revealed in this prequel, while new readers will be introduced to the world of witchcraft that Geragotelis has imagined. Simon & Schuster will follow up by publishing this prequel as a book in December 2012. Then Life’s a Witch will be relaunched in Fall 2013, and the sequel to Life’s a Witch will be published in Fall 2014.

Author Brittany Geragotelis was managing editor of American Cheerleader magazine before publishing her book on Wattpad and CreateSpace. She also runs a book blog called Brittany the Book Slayer. Despite the book’s popularity on Wattpad, Brittany was having trouble finding a traditional publisher until PW Daily ran a story on her decision to self-publish Life’s a Witch and the enthusiastic fan reactions to it.

“It's hard to argue with 18 million Wattpad reads," says Justin Chanda, Vice President and Publisher. "But the truth is that it was the strength of Brittany's writing, these wonderful characters she's created that convinced us—here is someone we want to be working with!”

“I'm incredibly thrilled to be teaming up with Simon & Schuster on the re-launching of the Life's a Witch brand,” says Geragotelis. “I'm drawn to how far they'll go to create a great new series and love that they're not afraid to break the rules and try something new. With their guidance, and my loyal fan base behind me, I know we're about to do something magical.”

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Little Simon Inspirations™, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy™, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Nickelodeon’s® Dora the Explorer®, and SpongeBob SquarePants. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at http://kids.simonandschuster.com.

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Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliot

2012-02-18T11:25:00.000-06:00

"Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles...but real freedom is sweeter."
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, " "Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.
Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future.
"Sweeter than Birdsong" is a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events.

Goodreads Summary

Kate is not a woman who gives in to her family's demands for marriage. She has recently graduated from college and is very proud of her hard work and degree. In order to achieve her dreams, she must decide whether she should run from her family and try her own luck or stay and marry at a young age. The reader will be rooting for Kate throughout the book.

Kate's character was likable and easy to connect to. The reader will enjoy her passion for learning and success, she isn't cut from the same cloth as many women of that time period. The love interest, Ben, will capture the readers' heart as well as Kate's. He is intelligent, quiet, and very musical. He notices Kate very early on in the novel and their relationship will proceed on a sweet note. The other characters can be fun to get to know, but many will leave the reader with a myriad of different reactions.

The plot is fast-paced; the author has a very fluid and clean way of writing that contains no awkward transitions or bad sentence structure. The reader will find the plot and events easy to understand and follow, there should be no confusion. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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Cover Reveal

2012-02-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

Finn Finnegan
Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

Title: Finn Finnegan
Author: Darby Karchut
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.SpencerHillPress.com)
ISBN: 978-1-937053-32-1

Release Date: March 12, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book
Genres: Middle Grade/Young Adult, Fantasy

In Darkness by Nick Lake

2012-02-17T08:47:00.000-06:00

In darkness I count my blessings like Manman taught me. One: I am alive. Two: there is no two. In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake a boy is trapped beneath the rubble of a ruined hospital: thirsty, terrified and alone. 'Shorty' is a child of the slums, a teenage boy who has seen enough violence to last a lifetime, and who has been inexorably drawn into the world of the gangsters who rule Site Soleil: men who dole out money with one hand and death with the other. But Shorty has a secret: a flame of revenge that blazes inside him and a burning wish to find the twin sister he lost five years ago. And he is marked. Marked in a way that links him with Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haitian rebel who two-hundred years ago led the slave revolt and faced down Napoleon to force the French out of Haiti. As he grows weaker, Shorty relives the journey that took him to the hospital, a bullet wound in his arm. In his visions and memories he hopes to find the strength to survive, and perhaps then Toussaint can find a way to be free ...

Goodreads Summary

The best quality of this book is the raw emotion. The author writes beautifully, capturing the tone and syntax the main characters would have utilized. The author incorporates Haiti's earthquake to the country's attempts at liberation. The plot line flows perfectly, the reader will not be confused at all with the switching view points. The reader will be introduced to both characters early on in the book and will get to know and like them both within the first few chapters.

The Goodreads summary does a wonderful job of explaining the plot. The events are fast-paced and there is plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader turning the pages. The characters are very likable, they both have qualities that make them very similar. The main characters are brave, resilient, strong, and charismatic in many ways. The secondary characters mold the main characters into who they are; in that way, they do have a large impact on the story. The author is very descriptive, the reader will be able to picture the scenes and environment.

Overall, this book is a terrific read. The reader will see the parallels between modern day Haiti and the sordid past. The reader will be able to connect with the main characters and think of them as friends, he/she will be rooting for them. There is a raw intensity to this book that makes it very hard to put down, the reader will likely finish the book within a day or two. This book is highly recommended to young adult/adult readers.

5 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

It all comes down to the college admissions essay

2012-02-16T23:09:00.000-06:00

Guest post written by Justin Hinston

I remember back when I was applying to college and writing admissions essays. I even remember typing it on a type writer! That was kind of tough, but I'm so glad that I don't have to type everything on a computer now. My son is lucky that he's able to write his admissions essays on a computer and edit them over and over again without printing it off. He's been working on a whole bunch of those essays because he's applying to several different colleges.

I've been trying to help him out by finding tips on how to really make an impact on the college essay. I'm certainly not writing it for him, but I want him to have the best shot. While I was online looking up some of those tips, I ran across the site www.debtsettlementfamily.com. I thought that it would be a good site for my wife and I to look at because we're in some debt and want to get that settled soon. So I think that we're going to use that site to help us.

I have found all kinds of tips for him to help him write his essay. I told him to write his story and then use the tips.

Emily's House by Natalie Wright and a Giveaway!

2012-02-16T07:53:00.001-06:00

Fourteen-year-old Emily Adams is flunking math - and life. But Emily has a secret that she has kept even from her best friends. Soon the ancient legacy coursing through her veins will force her secret to be revealed. Dormant for over a thousand years, an evil has arisen and this time, it will destroy anyone - or anything - that stands in its way. Three teens embark on a dangerous journey and risk everything. For Emily, the fate of her friends - and her world - lies in her hands. Travel with Emily as she unlocks the secrets of her Celtic ancestors as she goes on a mystical journey to the inner house and beyond.

Goodreads Summary

Emily, the main character, has not had the easiest life. She lost her mother at a young age and her father as well-her father, though still alive, pays no attention to Emily or life in general. She endures her harsh aunt who has nothing kind to say to her and isn't doing well in school. Emily plods through life without any real motivation until she discovers that she just might have a higher purpose-maybe even a "save the world" purpose.

The author creates a world with Celtic mysteries and traditions that will entrance the reader and leave him/her wanting more. Emily navigates this new world and acts as a guide for the reader as well. Emily is a good character, the reader will connect to her with ease. At times, she may need more motivation and the reader will want to push her along, but she gradually develops a "can-do" attitude over the course of the story. Emily's friends are her motivation at times and the reader will most likely enjoy them.

The events are moderately paced and the reader will enjoy the atmosphere and air of possibility the author crafts. The reader will finish the novel satisfied and look towards the next in this series. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Falling In Between by Devon Ashley

2012-02-16T04:00:00.003-06:00

Finally! A private conversation. And all I had to do was throw myself off a cliff, drown in a pond in my undies and let him put his hands on my breasts to bring me back to life. Yay me…(yeah, that’s sarcasm)

Yep, that pretty much sums up the most craptastic night of Jenna Baker’s life. She drowns after jumping off a cliff, meets a hotty named Chance in the pearlescent in-between and is brought back to life by her soon-to-be boyfriend Robert.

Just when things start to move forward with Robert, the guy she'd been crushing on for a year now, in walks the man of her dreams – literally. Chance suddenly appears in her dream every time she closes her eyes. So it's Robert by day and Chance by night. One in the real world and one in the dream world. What could possibly go wrong?

Absolutely nothing – until she comes face to face with the guy she met in the in-between, and realizes her romantic rendezvous with Chance may be more than just her imagination.

Note: Jenna's coming of age story is a little edgy. There is mild language and some sexual content.

First chapter excerpt here: http://devonashleywrites.blogspot.com/20...

Goodreads Summary

This book has so much more to offer than that gorgeous cover. The main character was very dynamic, she doesn't feel like a character guided by the author, she feels like the author's creation who goes on to form a story. The main character, Jenna, is fun and likable. When she has what one could call a "bad fall," her life changes. During her drowning, she meets a boy named Chance. Chance is apparently also in the "in-between." The book takes off from there with sharp turns in the plot and surprises that will leave the reader guessing.

Jenna as a character appears very real. She behaves just like one might expect a teenage female to behave. She has to make a choice between two very different boys, a decision that she does not take lightly. Chance, one of the love interests, is not easy to dismiss. He is very gentle with Jenna. Robert, the guy Jenna has had a crush on, obviously cares for Jenna. The author does not make the choice between the two guys easy, but it does serve to draw out the reader's attention and anticipation.

The plot itself was very interesting. The idea of an in-between is different and the author portrays the idea as novel and intriguing. The events were fast-paced, the characters drove the plot and events. The carefully constructed relationships between the characters were done with obvious care on the authors' part, they all fit in like puzzle pieces. The majority of the characters were likable and easy to relate too. Young adult/teen readers will be excited for this book.

5 Stars

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Act of Grace by Karen Simpson

2012-02-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

would Grace Johnson, a bright, African-American high school senior, save the life of a Ku Klux Klansman named Jonathan Gilmore?
That question hovers over Grace's hometown of Vigilant, Michigan, and few people, black or white, understand her actions-especially since rumor has it that many years ago, a member of the Gilmore family murdered several African-American residents. And if Grace had her way, she would not reveal the circumstances that led her to make what some deem to be a foolish sacrifice and an act of treason against her race.
The decision to remain silent, however, is not Grace's to make, for the spirit of her ancestors have emerged and insist, in ways Grace cannot ignore, that she bear witness to the violent racial history that continues to divide the town of Vigilant. But when Grace discovers a century-old tale of a bloodsoaked, eye-for-eye vengeance that includes the mysterious death of her own father, she questions whether she has the ability and the will to accept the mind-bending spiritual challenge in front of her.
As Grace reluctantly embarks on the unlikeliest of journeys and into the magical world of the African-American traditions used by her ancestors to fight slavery and oppression, she undergoes a spiritual transformation that leads to the true nature of her calling: to lead Jonathan Gilmore, the town of Vigilant and her own soul on a path toward reconciliation, redemption and true grace.

Goodreads Summary

Grace has not had it easy and is looking to get out of her small town and get away from her mother. Her mother appears to hate Grace at times for no reason, her dad passed away long ago. Grace just wants to graduate and leave. Grace turns eighteen and experiences an unusual event. Her paternal side contacts her and tells her that she is special, she is able to access the spirit world. From the spirit world she learns disturbing things about the death of her father and disappearance of town children from the past.

Grace's character will be easy to connect to from the first couple of chapters on. She is sweet, intelligent, and witty. The reader will likely feel sympathy for her and root for her throughout the book. The other characters can be either a hit or a miss depending on the reader. The events of this book are intriguing and exciting. The reader gets to follow Grace through her very different life and experience what Grace experiences. The mystery behind the disappearance of the children and her fathers' death is interesting. The undertone of the novel is filled with suspense and sets the tone of the novel for the reader. The author's way of writing is lyrical and poetic, the reader will love the style. This book is recommended to young adult/adult readers.

4 Stars

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Halflings by Heather Burch

2012-02-09T22:56:00.001-06:00

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Goodreads Summary

Nikki was a normal teenager until she was attacked at random and saved by a man she didn't know. When three young men show up at random and attend her school, she doesn't know quite what to make of it, but she knows that one of them was connected to the day she was attacked. Nikki expects that there might be something fishy going on, but she doesn't know the half of it. She discovers fairly early on in the novel that the three men are Halflings...and they were sent to protect her.

Nikki's character was fun and easy to connect to. She has a somewhat cautious, but welcoming exterior. The three boys are terrific to read about. They literally act like family...with all of the antics that goes along with that quality. The reader will not know which one to root for as a love interest and which one he/she likes best and would rather hoard for him/herself. Nikki's best friend can be sassy and a little on the pushy side, but the reader will appreciate her devotion to Nikki.

The plot was fast-paced. The reader did not have to wait long to discover the true mystery in the book. The events were richly detailed and easy to follow. The author's lyrical way of writing will likely appeal to the reader. Although the point of view from which the story is told switches around from character to character, the characters are easy to get to know and enjoy. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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What are the challenges you face as a writer in your genre? By Perry Martin

2012-02-09T09:26:00.001-06:00

The first challenge I had to face was to figure out what genre my first novel, "Pretty Flamingo" fit into. It's essentially a Romance-Drama but it does have a strong element of mystery about it - - and even a touch of the paranormal. I tried calling it a Mystery/Love Story but, apparently there's no such category so.......... it's a Romance-Drama!

With that settled I was then challenged to make sure the reader really identified with the characters - - particularly the two leads. It was important that my intended audience were really pulling for them in the romance scenes as well as the dramatic sequences. I learned along the way, and in several subsequent rewrites, that you can't just say, "Robert was a very likeable guy." and expect the reader to automatically like Robert. You have to make Robert a likeable guy, by the things he says and does; by making the reader privy to his inner dialogue and by sharing his hopes and dreams. All the really well-written and successful books in my genre had that in common - - characters you liked (or hated, depending on the part they play) and identified with.

My next challenge was how to handle the romance aspect of it, particularly since that part of the story is told in flashback and concerns two teenagers. I had to remember what it was like to be a teenager in love. We think differently at that age and, consequently, I had to resist the impulse to write too "cleverly" and use words that a teenager wouldn't use. Because of that, there is subtle difference in writing style between the chapters set in 2004 and those set in 1969. Also, there was a temptation to get carried away with the love scenes. I was fortunate to have a female business partner I could send my chapter drafts to and she always let me know if I was overdoing it with the "smoochy-smoochy" stuff. Thanks to her I deleted two chapters that were over-the-top and basically redundant as they were just a rehash of earlier love scenes, just set in a different locale.

Then, I had to make sure I stretched out the various conflicts - - both romantic and dramatic - - in a way that kept the reader turning the pages before finally "letting them off the hook" so to speak, and allowing each aspect of the story to reach a satisfying conclusion. Part of the challenge was in making sure the flashback chapters, and subsequent returns to the present, were handled smoothly. According to reader reviews I've seen, I achieved that - - I'm glad to say.

The ultimate challenge, though, was to try and make the story as unique as I could, while still appealing to readers who enjoy Romance-Dramas. I think that would be the challenge for most Romance writers - - finding a storyline that hasn't been done before. Or, if it has, then adding an interesting twist to it. As an example, look at almost all the successful romantic comedy movies there have been over the years. For the most part they followed this simple formula: Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finally gets girl. That's it. But the challenge is how take that formula and weave some unexpected twist and turns into it, giving it enough uniqueness to stand out from the competition.

About the author - In his long and varied career as a musician, songwriter and producer Perry has worked with such people as Lefty Frizzell, Hank Snow Jr. and Sheb Wooley. Over the years as a solo performer or with a band he has also been the supporting act for such show biz luminaries as the Bee Gees, Ambrosia, Little River Band, B.J. Thomas, Hal Ketchum and Lonestar - - to name just a few.

More recently he completed his first novel, "Pretty Flamingo". Based on actual personal experiences the book is essentially a mystery/love story that takes some very unexpected twists and turns.

Guest Post and Giveaway with Author Greg Kiser!

2012-02-09T09:23:00.001-06:00

How did you do it?

Getting Started

Think of a high concept. For me, that’s the ability to tap into the internet with your mind. So you can surf the internet the way you peruse your own memory today.

Try to remember the lyrics to a song. Might take a few seconds, then you remember. You find that information in your brain, obviously. Sort of a local hard drive, to use computer terms.

Now imagine you’re transparently tapped into the Global internet 24x7. Try to remember the lyrics to a song. They’re there instantly. Feels like you found them in your brain, just like before. But you didn’t. You found the words on a server in Germany. Doesn’t matter, all transparent to you.

Characters make a great story.

For me, anyway, it’s all about the characters. I’ll give a book 50 to 100 pages. By then if I haven’t connected with at least some of the characters then I generally won’t finish the book. Unless, maybe, the plot is just a killer, like The Da vinci Code, or something like that. Preferably, I’m looking for the protagonist to blow me away because most of the time you are reading from his/her point of view.

But occasionally it’s enough if the antagonist is blowing me away, such as the Hannibal series by Thomas Harris.
Now, you put together a novel that has two or three characters that I can identify with? Or more? That’s a novel I’m not going to put down.

Character driven plot – rare gems these days

They make the best TV and movies too. Think about Breaking Bad – hell yes the story is outstanding. But the cast, the cast! Walter, Jessie – sure. But also Hank, Skylar, the various villains. So you don’t mind when they switch scenes because the cast is great so all of the subplots are intriguing.

For my own novel, I probably relate to Mitch the most since I was in the Navy and I had similar discussions with my mother. My Mom always pushed me hard to get an education.

But I am most entertained by Cheslov. And most surprised by him. He is the character everyone who reads my novel seems to talk about. Some are darkly drawn to him. Most found him fascinating in his evilness. But he’s the one people remember. Me too.

Confidence is key

Just know that if you get in front of the keyboard at the right time of day for you, then you’ll write. Think about your characters, where the story is going to go. You don’t have to have it all planned out. It doesn’t have to be the next Da Vinci Code in terms of plot development. It just has to flow, to take on a life of it’s own.

Don’t start off thinking about how the hell you’re going to write a 300 page novel. Just start off and let the journey occur. Think about it and make your characters come alive and write their thoughts and lives and then let the interactions occur and you’ll be amazed and surprised and hopefully delighted by the results.

Conflict

OK – so you have the high concept. Now what? Well, you have to have conflict. For me, I created a moral dilemma between the protagonist, the ‘monster’ Cheslov, and a local politician who thinks he has a direct connect with God.
Next – ratchet up the tension at every opportunity. I made my protagonist an ex-Navy seal so he could pretty much deal with anything. Made Cheslov part wolf, paranormal. Then went into detail explaining how screwed up the politician is, he’s hooked on drugs due to his wife’s death, etc. Keep ratcheting up.

Then create an outline – and write, write, write to fill in the outline. Don’t worry about adjectives or effect or the best dialogue or even grammar/punctuation.

First Draft

My initial draft took 3 months to write. Then finishing the novel took another 3 years.

Oh – and don’t let ANYBODY read that initial draft. It will suck, indeed.

I finished the first draft and put it down and thought – hey, this has got to be one of the best books EVER. The agents will be beating down my door when they get so much as a whiff of this manuscript! So I set it aside and took a little break. Felt like I was on top of the world.

A month later I opened the manuscript and started printing and reading (you must print and read to get the full effect. Not good enough to read a word doc directly from the computer. Better yet, print and read out loud to understand how the dialogue really sounds – helps avoid unrealistic speech. Example: “What is up with that” quickly becomes “What’s up with that” when you’re reading aloud).

Anyway, I started reading and was horrified at how bad it was. Thus started the 3 year polishing cycle.
Creating the initial draft is the hardest. The initial overall idea of what your book is going to be about. Who are the characters, what’s the high concept, where will the conflict come from.
Once you get past that and start writing, it gets easier.

And once you get that initial draft completed – then it’s fun. Truly. From that point forward, you only need to polish. Just pick you’re your gem every few days and polish for a few minutes. Hear someone say something funny at the mall, consider a tree limb in a park and how you might describe it, smell a familiar smell and let your mind run – all of these ‘experiences’ … feel them and bring them back into your novel as you polish and make it shine and breathe life into it. That’s the best part. Oh, it’s so hard to get that gem established at first. But once you do, it’s your gem. And it may never sell, it may never make millions of dollars – but it’s your gem and you can publish it and you can get it in print and you can show your friends and one day your children and one day, many years from now, you’ll read that work as a different person, as an older person. You’ll wonder who wrote that? You’ll be amazed all over again.

Greg Kiser is happily married to a wonderful and inspirational wife, Serena, and has two beautiful children – Miller and Grace.
Greg graduated from Southern Polytechnic University in Atlanta with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Greg also earned his MBA from the University of South Florida. He is currently a Director at Cisco, a high tech fortune 50 multinational corporation.
Greg has written extensively for fortune 50 high tech firms in describing next generation networks and painting pictures of the true evolution of technology for the consumer.

Book Title – inSyte
Genre – Paranormal Thriller
Format – Print & E-book
Released – May 13, 2011

Email – gkiser@cisco.com
Website - http://www.gkiser.com/gk/HOME.html
Blog - http://gregkiserinsyte.blogspot.com/

Purchase Links:
Paperback - http://www.amazon.com/inSyte-suddenly-answers-interesting-questions/dp/0615484875/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1328135846&sr=1-1-catcorr
Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/inSyte-ebook/dp/B004YWKIB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328135846&sr=1-1

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WondaWedge Inflatable Back Support

2012-02-08T11:08:00.002-06:00

WondaWedge is a cute color for the beach or park, this back wedge seems to be well-made. The package insert described 3 ways to use the wedge for different levels of support. I found the sitting upright support to be most comfortable. I like to sit on the floor and lean against the couch when I read, using this wedge is a similar experience. Using the WondaWedge for a little night time reading would also be a great idea; you can remain upright rather than holding the book awkwardly near your head. The user does not have to fill the WondaWedge entirely with air, you can pick which level suits you best.

It feels very sturdy…for just sitting and reading where you don’t have a piece of furniture or a wall to lean against (it’s much more comfortable than a bed backboard.) It probably won’t get much use in the house, but we’re keeping it in the car, so it’s ready for use at the beach. The WondaWedge is easy to carry around and reinflate when you decide to use the product. The beach is not the only ideal place to use the WondaWedge. Anyone who buys this product may find it useful for camping, napping, fishing, taking the product to a college dorm (works great for me!), etc... The WondaWedge website provides numerous ways the product has been used. Potential buyers may also want to browse the testimonials of buyers who have enjoyed their WondaWedge.

It is also important to note that WondaWedge donates a portion of the ThinkPink WondaWedge sales to breast cancer research as well as donating WondaWedges to 62+ hospitals without adjustable hospital beds. If you are a reader who enjoys reading in bed or at the beach, this may be the product for you! Find the WondaWedge in your favorite bookstore or online.

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The Silk Box: A Love Story by Shirley Mihoko Hairston

2012-02-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

Surrender

Mimics of Rune #2
by Aimee Laine
Release Date: September 3, 2012
Target Reader: Adult
Keywords: Paranormal Romance, Shape-shifter
Back of the Book

Face the past or look to the future? Both will hurt. One could kill her.


All her life, Lily Crane has supressed her childhood memories, masking the signs of abuse with a variety of looks. From brunette to blonde, tall to short — as a Mimic, changing shape is her gift. Her right. Her achilles heel.

It’s Lily’s latest likeness, chosen simply by accident, which threatens to repeat a history she’s desperate to forget. Worse, she must do so without the one man who takes all her pain away: Cael Aldridge.

Cael has no intention of leaving Lily on her own. He never has. Now, with the woman he loves in the hands of a predator who wants Lily for her genetics, Cael will do everything he can to bring her home.

Alive.

He can only pray he isn’t too late.

Goodreads Summary

It is hard to believe that Mihoko Hairston’s account of her mother and father’s lives and romance is contained in just these 256 pages.   In this historical fiction novel, readers will hear individual accounts of the terrible bombing of Hiroshima, of the first years of American occupation in Japan, of the air force’s flights into Korea, of the Japanese invasion of China, and more. The subject of racism in the U.S. is described within American cities and on military bases; cultural aspects of imperial Japan are mentioned, such as the place of geisha in society. Distrust between races and cultures is evident in many of the book’s characters; yet, the characters are very likable. The author’s talent at dialogue really drew me into the story; she successfully switched between Southern American slang to respect-filled Japanese to crude military jargon. “Mi-Chan”, a young Japanese girl, uses her own experiences and the wisdom found in her Zen Koans book, a treasure in her “silk box”, to carry on, though her life has been altered and nearly destroyed by the American bomb. A Zen teaching from which she finds peace: “While you are living, know you are dying.” She intends to live in the present and find joy in whatever ways – big or small - that she can.

Her willingness to see beyond the barriers of culture and race, beyond hatred and unfairness, help her to lead a fulfilling life despite tragedy. Adults will enjoy reading about the heartbreaks and joys of Mi-Chan’s and “Sonny’s” lives.

Four Stars

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Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz

2012-02-07T15:56:00.000-06:00

Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.

Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.

As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.

A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.

Goodreads Summary

This book weaves an intricate tale of love, loss, and hope. Ally is what some people call a runner, she runs from her past. She refuses to turn around and face the things she is afraid of. When her father dies, she returns to her home after a long career of flying around the world as an air flight attendant. When she returns home, she uncovers some long-held secrets and bits of hope. Sunila is across the world. She is the next main character the reader is introduced to and will have a massive affect on Ally and the reader.

This book covers some hard issues. Child labor is discussed. How would you feel if it were your child toiling away at such a young age in dangerous conditions? It is easy enough to ignore when it is across the world, but what if it was your own blood? It is interesting that Ally and her father appear to forge an even deeper bond once he is gone, perhaps death does not end all relationships. The ending of the book will shock the reader, the author does a great job of dropping hints without even remotely giving away the big finish.

Ally's character is likable as is Sunila's. The other characters who affect the two main characters are fun to get to know, the smallest words have the ability to change one's life. The reader will be absorbed into the book, it is very difficult to put the book down. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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Gods and Fathers by James Lepore

2012-02-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

TITLE: Gods and Fathers

AUTHOR: James LePore

PUBLISHED BY: The Story Plant

ISBN:ISBN-10: 1611880297
ISBN-13: 978-1611880298

GENRE: Suspense

SYNOPSIS: Nationally bestselling author James LePore has established a reputation as a writer whose vividly drawn characters and morally complex plots have kept readers up to all hours turning pages. His new novel promises more sleepless nights and more nonstop thrills.
Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.
Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.
GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.

AUTHOR BIO: James LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades, and an accomplished photographer. He is the author of three previous novels, A WORLD I NEVER MADE, BLOOD OF MY BROTHER, and SONS AND PRINCES, as well as the story collection, ANYONE CAN DIE. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife, artist Karen Chandler.

AUTHOR SITES: website: www.jamesleporefiction.com

ADDED INFO: Published date 02/07/12
300 pages

EXCERPT:
“Why can’t you stay at your mother’s when they’re away?”
“I told you, Basil’s worried about security.”
Though this statement was challengeable on several levels, Matt let it pass. The marriage six years ago of Debra DeMarco, nee Rusillo, and Basil al-Hassan, a rich and handsome Syrian businessman, had marked the beginning of the end of Matt’s long and tortured fight for a place in his son’s heart. Armed with the ultimate weapon—-her new husband’s money—-Debra had made quick work of destroying the last vestiges of Matt’s hopes. A penthouse on Park Avenue, a beach house in Easthampton, a flat in Paris, a “cottage” in Bermuda, clothes and cars virtually on demand, Matt had no way of competing with all this, and no way of expressing his anger—-until tonight.
“What about Mina?” Matt asked.
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you seeing her?”
“She’s studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, studying. You keep repeating what I say. She’s a student. Students study.”
This statement was delivered dismissively, not sarcastically. You’re stupid, Dad. I’m tired of you. Why am I bothering with you? are what Matt heard, and it occurred to him, with a clarity that shocked him after all these muddled and painful years of effort and rejection, effort and rejection, ad nauseum, that he could not hurt Michael, that his own son was indifferent to him, and this was a blow, and strangely a release.
“Well, your friends are assholes, and you are too, Michael. You’re an arrogant, shallow asshole. Where you came from, I don’t know. But not from me.”
“That could be. Maybe Mom had an affair–like you did--and I’m not your son. Do I care? No, I don’t. Can I go upstairs now? I’ll leave in the morning.”
In the kitchen, Matt poured himself another scotch. He took the pizza out of the refrigerator and sat down to eat it, surprised to find that he actually had an appetite. Until tonight, despite the bad cards he had drawn, he had never stopped trying to break through to his son. It’s over, he said to himself, over and done. He’s not your son. He’s Debra’s son, Basil’s son. You lost him a long time ago.
He finished the pizza and was wrapping the garbage to take out in the morning when the doorbell rang. Looking out the kitchen window he saw that it was snowing heavily. Those idiots, he thought, they’re probably stuck someplace. No choice but to let them in. But when he swung open the front door, it wasn’t Adnan and Ali, but his friends Jack McCann and Clarke Goode, homicide detectives who he had worked with for many years, standing facing him. He could see their unmarked car at the curb, and behind it, blocking his driveway, a Pound Ridge patrol car, its engine running and headlights on, two uniformed officers in the front seat. McCann, a florid Irishman whose blue eyes were usually lit by some inner secret joke, looked grim; and Goode, a gnarled black man who never failed to greet Matt with a big smile, was not smiling. Far from it.
“Come in. What’s up?” Matt said. Then, nodding toward the street where the patrol car sat: “What’s with the uniforms?”
The two detectives stepped into the foyer.
“Take your coats off,” Matt said. He could see they were dressed for work, sport jackets and ties on under their trench coats.
“Matt...,” McCann said.
“Talk, Jack,” Matt said. “Is somebody dead?”
“Is Michael home?” Goode asked. He had not taken off his coat, and neither had McCann.
“That’s his car out there,” Matt said. “You know that.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s upstairs.”
Matt looked from McCann to Goode, then back to McCann; looked in the eyes of each, and did not like what he saw. “What about Michael?” he asked.
“We’re here to arrest him,” McCann replied.
“For what?” Drugs, Matt thought, good, let the kid get a taste of the pain he’s always inflicting on others. Him and his two Arab suppliers.
“For murder, Matt,” Goode said.

Review:

Matt DeMarco hasn't had the perfect life. His divorced wife took his son with her when she left, leaving him with a nonexistent relationship with his son. He is a successful attorney, but his focus on work leaves much to be desired. It is interesting to watch what happens when someone's life changes so completely overnight-which is exactly what happens to Matt. His son's girlfriend is murdered and his son is the main suspect. Matt must work quickly to prove that his son is not guilty and to uncover the real killer.

Matt is an interesting protagonist. He is not the easiest person to get along with, a little too hot-tempered. However, he has his heart in the right place, he takes care of family. The other characters were fun to get to know for the most part. The reader will meet and gradually develop a friendship with Matt's son and girlfriend. The other characters round out the story. It is Matt who takes the stage more often than the other characters, however, his rationalization and conceptualizing skills set him apart and will serve to make the reader believe in his ability as an attorney.

Overall, this book is a fast-paced read. The murder will set an undertone of suspense with tinges of fear-his son's life is at stake. The novel switches view points many times, but the reader will still most likely manage to get to know the main characters well and grow attached. The different locations and times where certain information is obtained will be of interest to any mystery lover as well. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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Announcement from Simon & Schuster!

2012-02-06T18:52:00.000-06:00

#1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR KRESLEY COLE
TO PUBLISH NEW YOUNG ADULT SERIES WITH
SIMON & SCHUSTER BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

NEW YORK, Thursday, February 2nd, 2012– Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers announced today that it will publish The Arcana Chronicles, a new young adult series by Kresley Cole, the #1 New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark (IAD) paranormal series published by sister imprints Gallery/Pocket Books.

Cole’s IAD books have been translated into seventeen foreign languages, have garnered two RITA awards, and consistently appear on bestseller lists in the US and abroad. Lothaire, her first hardcover novel in the series, was published on January 10 and was an immediate New York Times bestseller.

The first book in The Arcana Chronicles is titled Poison Princess and will be published on October 12, 2012. This is the author’s first young adult novel.

Poison Princess centers on sixteen-year-old Evangeline “Evie” Greene, a privileged teenager from Louisiana. When an apocalyptic event decimates her hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes the hallucinations she’d been having for the past year were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux. As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens have been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side . . .

“I couldn’t get this idea out of my head, kept imagining what would happen if the twenty-two Major Arcana cards of a Tarot deck—like the Magician, Death, or the Empress—were real kids. I envisioned them with special abilities based on the characteristics of their Tarot card and plotted out how they would use those powers to battle other cards. I’m delighted to have the chance to develop a new mythology around the Arcana,” said Kresley Cole.
“We’re thrilled to have Kresley Cole on our list,” said Justin Chanda. “Kresley’s an expert on books filled with romance, intrigue, passion, adventure, suspense and deceit—all the ingredients for the perfect teen novel!”

Robin Rue at Writers House negotiated the deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. The deal includes world rights. The Arcana Chronicles will be supported by a major marketing campaign and national author tour.

#          #          #          #

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Little Simon Inspirations™, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy™, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Nickelodeon’s® Dora the Explorer®, and SpongeBob SquarePants. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at http://kids.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com

Four Letter Words by Bill Giovannetti

2012-02-06T08:32:00.000-06:00

Thou shalt tolerate every opinion... except the Christian’s. Today’s postmodern “prime directive” leaves many followers of Jesus tongue-tied. In the global village, isn’t it unreasonable—and even dangerous—to suggest that the Bible has a monopoly on truth?
The church needs a new breed of Christ-follower. We need Christ-followers who are alert to today’s touchy ideas—the truths that fire up more heat than light. We need Christ-followers who can make a clear case for the Bible’s worldview; who are ready to help our friends think through their beliefs; who can recognize inconsistencies and challenge them; and who can do all of this with humility, confidence, humor, and love.

When the questions are hard and the answers unpopular, will you stay devoted to Christ?

Are you ready to speak the truth even when your friends roll their eyes, take offense, or walk away? There has never been a creed more life-giving and logical than the biblical, Christian worldview. Four Letter Words helps you say so with courage, compassion, and grace.

Goodreads Summary

The author sets out to accomplish a certain goal-to alert Christians to today's touchy issues and possible answers-and succeeds in his goal. Even if one is not a Christian, this book will lead to tough questions that will require deep thought and time to interpret and decide upon. The issues are handled very well, the author writes with clarity and subtlety. Issues touched upon include sexuality-why wait?, pain and suffering in the world, is God always right, etc...

The author writes in a very personal manner, the reader may feel as if he/she truly knows the author and can understand his point on the issues. The author does not shove any truths or otherwise in the readers' face. Instead, he offers up different opinions and background information from various religious sources. The reader will enjoy the parts with "Advice from a Dad," where the reader can completely understand the authors' reaction to whichever issue is at hand. The book is broken down into distinct topics and those topics are kept and the author does not stray from them. The topics and answers are very clear, there are not double meanings. Overall, this book is a fast read and very interesting, recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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Mornings with Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul 366 Devotions by Judy Baer, Tricia Goyer (Goodreads Author), Gwen Ford Faulkenberry, Sharon Hinck, Keri Wyatt Kent, Camy Tang (Goodreads Author), Erin Keeley Marshall, Guideposts Books (Editor)

2012-02-06T04:00:00.001-06:00

With this new book of “daily encouragement for your soul” from Guideposts, you can begin each morning with a Bible verse, a related personal story from one of the authors, and a suggested “faith step”. The “faith step” is a recommendation for prayer, thoughtful reflection, or good work for that day.

The devotions are primarily aimed at women, but their insights may sometimes be meaningful for either gender. For instance on January 17^th, we’re reminded that prayer is energizing for us and treasured by God. On January 30^th, we’re encouraged that contentment can be found in God. In our busy days, every advertisement, news item, and day at work or school tells us that we should be discontent with our grades, achievements, looks, relationships, and material goods. In God, we can rest content in His love for us.

Whether a reader searches for many faith based moments in their day…or rarely contemplates Scripture, these daily devotionals will add a welcome moment of reflection and thankfulness.

Four and a half stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard

2012-02-05T01:15:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cozy Amish town along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Café, and love is a gift God gives with grace. . .
Summer Of Secrets
Summer has come to Willow Ridge, but Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life--marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englischer arrives in the café claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling--including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other. . .
"A heartwarming new voice for fans of Beverly Lewis." --Emma Miller

Goodreads Summary

Rachel is the main character of this novel and very easy to like. She is sweet, kind, and caring. She also lives in an Amish community and carries out their values. Rachel married her childhood sweetheart, Micah, at a young age and used to feel secure in her marriage. When a stranger comes to her community, the stranger interrupts everything Rachel knew about her life and past.

When the stranger doesn't leave, Rachel has many decisions to make. Those decisions lead to strife in her marriage life and confusion in her heart. Micah is a character the reader will like. He remains stable and brave for Rachel, even in their little tiffs. The reader will love getting to know all of the characters in this novel. The author does a wonderful job connecting the reader to the characters. The secondary characters may appear to play small parts, but they have a large impact on the book.

The events are well-played out. The author ties up all loose ends and the reader will put the book down feeling satisfied. The characters will be hard to forget after placing the book down, the overall Amish environment is very richly described. This book is great for adult readers.

4 Stars

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Weight-Loss Apocalypse: Emotional Eating Rehab Through the Hcg Protocol by Robin Phipps Woodall

2012-02-04T23:52:00.005-06:00

This book was written to start a new conversation about how Dr. Simeons' protocol has relevance, not only as a hormonal therapy, but as a means to end our national eating disorder. Instead of continuing to apply the protocol as a short-term diet, it shoulder be discussed as a real solution --a tool to end irrational eating for emotional fulfillment. This country is dealing with a crisis: an addiction to eating emotionally, and the obvious result is the overwhelming increase in obesity.Think about the number of people in our culture who eat without hunger. When you observe our nation's behavior with food, it's very clear that fat isn't what we should be obsessed about, and weight shouldn't be the target of the problem. We need a genuine desire to eat less, one that isn't dependent on weight loss as a reward. This requires each of us to be accountable for our own emotions, and find happiness in life not centrally stimulated by food. "Finally a book that credibly answers the questions every doctor, patient, and skeptic needs to know about the hCG protocol." - Dr. Heidi Anderson, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine"I've been prescribing hCG for weight loss for over four years, and nothing I've read comes close to having this level of expertise. Without question, this is the most informative and enlightening book about Dr. Simeons' hCG protocol available." - Dr. Ed Hagen, OB/GYN "Robin's approach to the hCG protocol is ingenious. Using the protocol as a way to heal the mind and body as an emotional and physical therapy is exactly what this country needs." - Becky Crowther, Registered Dietitian, Life Coach

Goodreads Summary

If you are thinking of an hCG approach to dieting, this might just be the book for you. The author lays out the "rules" and facts succinctly and keeps the book manageable for the reader who does not normally read weight-loss books. Although the author is firm in her opinions, she does not try to force them on the reader; the reader will be able to make up his/her own decision.

The book focuses on emotional eating. Without getting to the root of the emotional eating, how is one supposed to stop? The book contains intelligent answers to questions such as these, ones the reader will be able to think over. The book integrates weight-loss and weight-gain with societal rules and norms to make the author's approach seem plausible. It is important to make permanent choices about one's weight-loss or it is likely he/she will regain the pounds; there is a heavy emphasis on that statement that the reader will likely find him/herself agreeing with the author. This book is a quick read, but one an adult reader would like to pick up if he/she is interested in hCG.

4 Stars

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Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania by Rosa Alexander

2012-02-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

“I do not want to hear another word about your crazy American Dream!”

Words such as these from Rosa Alexander’s father during his frequent drunken rants often drove young Rosa to seek solace beneath her weeping willow tree. One day, however, her aunt Klara visits from America, giving Rosa hope for a brighter future. Rosa held on to her dream for years, waiting for the chance to leave her beloved homeland and find a home across the ocean. The time never comes, however, and eventually Rosa marries Alan and starts a family; believing that perhaps America is not part of her plan anymore.

As life becomes increasingly harder, in 1985, Rosa and Alan finally make plans to escape the cruel eye of the Romanian government and find freedom in America. They are forced, however, to leave their children—Julia, 8; and Peter, 4—behind. When Peter and Julia are not able to join her and Alan as hoped, Rosa struggles through enormous sorrow as she begins an almost four-year battle to reunite her family.

Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania, based on the emotional true story of Rosa Alexander’s American Dream, relates how Rosa’s dream eventually becomes a grown-up search for peace and a yearning for her family to be together. As Rosa begins to trust God, she not only hears His voice but also finds her own. Rosa’s story reminds readers that with faith, dreams can come true.

Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania differs from many books on the market as it takes the reader to a different world yet encourages him/her in his own world to remember the value of love for one's family; friends; country. This book also encourages readers to hold onto . . . to never give up on their dream. As she tells her story, Rosa
reminds readers that a dream can come true - even if it takes 50 years.

Goodreads Summary

Rosa deeply desires the American Dream, but she has hard work ahead of her if she is to achieve her dream. As Rosa matures and grows, she cherishes her dream and keeps it close to her heart. When Rosa marries, she finally gets to America and begins to build her dream. The only problem for Rosa concerns her children, she is unable to take her two children with her. Rosa must figure out a way to once again complete her family while still adjusting to a new world.

Rosa's character was fun to read about. She was very kind, even inspirational with her deep belief in her dreams. She certainly loves her family and is willing to go the extra mile to reunite her family. The other characters are mostly great to get to know. There are only a few "obstacle" characters along the way. The reader will enjoy watching Rosa grow throughout the book.

The plot moves along fairly quickly. The reader will not be confused by the rapidly shifting plot, the author outlines each scene and will leave the reader with a road map of sorts. The reader may enjoy this book especially knowing the book is based off of a true story. This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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The Opening by Ron Savarese

2012-02-04T22:49:00.000-06:00

The Opening addresses the age-old question 'what happens when we die?' with a spiritual fantasy of immense charm and imagination. At once an insightful meditation on life’s passages and a vision of unearthly realms, it creates its own enchanted worlds where characters connect with one another between here and the hereafter across the thinnest of lines. Joe St. John wanders out into a blizzard and falls through an opening that leads him to amazing, sometimes harrowing places where he encounters the major turning points in his life. Along the way, he revisits his missed opportunities, uncovers his life’s core trauma, and is given mysterious geometrical symbols that hold the key to his future.
As Joe's soul hovers between two worlds he will discover the truth about life and death, and be confronted with the ultimate choice: save his own life, or give it up for someone he loves.
A sparkling, hallucinatory, fast-paced read with unexpected twists of plot, imbued with a childlike sense of wonder. You’ll love floating in the book’s magical dreamscape, and may find yourself wanting to read it again and again to uncover its mystical insights and layers of meaning.

Amazon Summary

The main character may not be the easiest one to warm up to, but may be worth the attempt. The reader meets Joe with a life that he doesn't seem to like and when he stumbles around, drunk, in a snow storm the reader will know that he/she will struggle with Joe's character. Joe is on the prickly side and does not appreciate what he has; he feels stuck in his life. The author focuses almost exclusively on Joe and his life rather than on any other characters and the reader will get to know him well.

As the snow storm continues, Joe reflects on his life, both current and past. He acknowledges certain truths and begins to understand himself better. The reader will find this an interesting and somewhat confusing journey. Joe will see that life is not all about careers and success, but that he should have placed a little more worth in personal friendships and relationships. The conclusion will leave the ending shrouded in mystery, but the reader will have to pick up this book to uncover what actually occurs. This book is recommended to adult readers.

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Defending a King ~ His Life & Legacy by Karen Moriarty

2012-02-04T22:29:00.002-06:00

This in-depth description of Michael Jackson’s life, especially his last years, gives insight into his personal and professional life. Chapters written with the input of Jackson’s bodyguards let the reader see his love for his children and his careful attempts to keep them safe. The stories of the bodyguards show Jackson’s love of reading too. They transported “hundreds of books” from stores to Neverland for their boss; he read the classics, a wide variety of sciences, and biographies. These and other interesting facts about Michael Jackson will paint a vivid picture of the “King of Pop”, the man that his fans may not have known. While reading, I was surprised at the number of charities and people he helped; I was shocked by the many people who took advantage of him.

The author, a self-described huge fan of Michael Jackson, includes explanations for his “bizarre” behaviors that may not sound plausible to some readers. Some of the day-to-day accounts of his actions and movements may be too much information. Despite the overly reported minutiae, readers, like me, disinterested one-time fans will appreciate learning more about Jackson, an entertainer who added to our lives with his terrific entertainment. We, who may have always doubted the extent of the crimes and idiosyncrasies that Michael Jackson was accused of in the entertainment news and mainstream media, appreciate this deeper look at the man. Author Moriarty gives, almost too much, background and explanation for many circumstances in Jackson’s life and death.

Adult readers who have loved his music may want to know more about the Michael Jackson. They will enjoy reading/skimming this book.

Three and a half stars

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*Reviewed by Colleen*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

2012-02-04T22:25:00.001-06:00

Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?
When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.
Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon-so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.
Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?

Goodreads Summary

Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.

Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon-so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.
Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?

4 Stars

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*Reviewed by Colleen*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Cover Reveal!

2012-02-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

Evergreen, book #2 in Mer Tales (Everblue is book #1)
Release Date: June 29, 20912

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Goodreads for Onyx: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12905437-evergreen
Website: brendapandos.com
blog: brendapandos.blogspot.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Pandos-Author/147707291958883
twitter: @brendapandos

Synopsis:

A kingdom on the brink of war.
A king on the fringes of insanity.
A family running for their lives.
Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide?
Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

2012-02-03T04:00:00.005-06:00

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

Goodreads Summary

This book will transport the reader to a very different world, the world of Syrena. Syrena is currently in trouble...all over a missing girl who is a bit of a "fish whisperer."

Emma and Galen are the main characters. Their relationship starts off rocky and continues that way through the majority of the book. Galen is seeking that special girl, he believes there is a strong chance Emma could be her. Emma is dealing with normal teenage issues, from school to a lack of boyfriend to family. Emma is more happy-go-lucky, inquisitive, and funny while Galen is more of an enigma. He can be charismatic, but he can also be a bit of a cold fish at times (punny, I know).

The secondary characters are fun to get to know. Galen's friend and a relative accompany him on his quest, the sparks from their relationship will keep the reader intrigued. Many of the secondary characters have a quality that is memorable to the reader, they also play a very important part in the plot.

The events in this book range from slightly romantic encounters to scary whale shockers to the discovery of a whole different world underwater. The reader will be kept entertained through every scene. This book is highly recommended to teens/young adults/adult readers.

5 Stars

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Time Slice by Kerry Downing

2012-02-03T04:00:00.004-06:00

Newly retired workaholic Roy Washburn is not ready for a life of leisure. On a trip to the mall with his wife, he finds a small metal cylinder with odd markings. One nudge of the cylinder’s triangle-shaped pointer and Roy finds himself embarking on an exciting new adventure in the Time Stream. There he meets The Traveler, a tall, gangly being who shows Roy how to use the cylinder to visit other civilizations that co-exist on "his" Earth, each occupying a different, thin Time Slice. The Traveler solicits Roy’s help in recovering an object invented by his murdered father and beyond his own reach. Roy is his last hope. At first it seems that the Traveler’s wish might be easily granted. But after Roy’s wife Emily becomes ill and his daughter’s long-held resentments rise to the surface, he can no longer "travel" at a moment’s notice. He also discovers the very real physical and mental risks involved in roaming the Time Stream. Despite the dangers, Roy is determined to help the Traveler. But he can’t do it alone. Fortunately he has a loving wife and a core group of loyal friends. But first he must convince them -- and his daughter -- that he isn’t crazy ...
Goodreads Summary

What would you do after retirement? When Roy, the main character, accompanies his wife to the mall, he finds an odd cylindrical object. When he somehow activates the object, he finds himself in the mysterious time stream. It is there that he meets The Traveler, a boy on a mission. The Traveler begs for Roy's aid and Roy decides to help him. Little does he know that there will be plenty of complications to make his mission that much harder.

As a character, Roy is easy to like. He is a helpful individual who can be kind and inquisitive. The other characters are interesting to get to know, the reader will want to know more about The Traveler, an unusual character. The events were fast-paced and fun to read about, the author took the idea of time traveling, added a mission, and threw in complications to make the whole idea even more exciting. There were several twists and unexpected events along the way, adding to the readers' anticipation. There is plenty of action, especially when Roy deals with the "bad guys."

The author writes with plenty of detail and with a fast pace. The reader will connect to Roy rather quickly and warm up to the other characters. This book is recommended to young adult/adults readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Fast Forward Academy!

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Looking to prepare for the EA tests and perhaps pursue a career in that field? This might just be the website to make that happen. Fast Forward Academy enables students to prepare and study well for the EA test via selected study guides and practice tests. The student may choose between four different types of exam preparations, each of the tax preparer exams are well-suited to his/her needs. Each plan will provide the student with an 800 question bank and an EA study guide, the very best to succeed.

At Fast Forward Academy, the student may be assured of high quality preparation. After each test, the student will receive detailed responses that should help him/her prepare to take the official exam. If a student is unsure of how others have done, there is plenty of information available on the site, including testimonials from previous students. If the potential buyer/student needs any more convincing, all of the information regarding the courses and the site are easily navigable and accessible. Check out this site today it you are looking to take an EA test!

Oath of Office by Michael Palmer

2012-02-01T19:39:00.000-06:00

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Heartbeat Away and The Last Surgeon comes a shocking new novel at the crossroads of politics and medicine.

What if a well respected doctor inexplicably goes on a murderous rampage?

When Dr. John Meacham goes on a shooting spree the office, his business partner, staff, and two patients are killed in the bloodbath. Then Meacham turns the gun on himself.

The blame falls on Dr. Lou Welcome. Welcome worked with Meacham years before as a counselor after John's medical license had been revoked for drug addiction. Lou knew that John was an excellent doctor and deserved to be practicing medicine and fought hard for his license to be restored. After hearing the news of the violent outburst, Lou is in shock like everyone else, but mostly he's incredulous. And when he begins to look into it further, the terrifying evidence he finds takes him down a path to an unspeakable conspiracy that seems to lead directly to the White House and those in the highest positions of power.

Goodreads Summary

Dr. John Meacham appears to be going about business when something odd happens-he kills two patients, his business partner, and staff. Dr. Welcome is blamed as he helped Dr. Meacham earn back his medical license after losing it to alcohol abuse. Dr. Welcome believed in Dr. Meacham's capability as a doctor. As a result, Dr. Welcome is under inspection himself. Dr. Welcome still believes in Dr. Meacham even after the horrible shooting, he resolves to dig deeper into the occurrence and uncover the other possibilities-that maybe Dr. Meacham's shooting was something else entirely. Dr. Welcome discovers that similar occurrences have can be found in the town itself as well as a suspicious termite mound with termites that are far from the norm. The book takes off from there.

Dr. Welcome is a character the reader will like. He is inquisitive, intelligent, and caring. He exudes integrity, the reader knows that what he is telling him/her is true, he holds nothing back. The other characters the reader will have to decide his/her opinion of them, some are easy to relate to while others will make the reader want to shake him/her. The events are fast-paced, the mystery does not lag or include extraneous information. The transitions are smooth and the plot is easy to follow while still containing intricacies that will force the reader to think. The plot develops over the course of the book and the reader will unlikely not be able to guess at the ending-there are plenty of surprises and twists that the reader will have to think twice about. This book was exciting and fun to read, recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

2012-02-01T04:00:00.058-06:00

When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles. But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all...

Goodreads Summary

The best quality this book contains is the raw emotion the author is able to portray through the characters. Not much of anything is held back, the reader will truly feel as if he/she is in the middle of the plot.

When Rosie's mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington's Disease, Rosie must make the terrible decision of discovering if she, too, has the gene. However, before she can even take the test, she is told by her mother's best friend and midwife that she cannot possibly have the gene. With further prompting, her mother's best friend admits to swapping out Trudie's baby for a healthier one. Rosie doesn't quite know what to do, but being an inquisitive type, she sets out to find her real parents. What she finds instead is a stable, happy family with a daughter who may be Trudie's real daughter hiding many secrets and a star of a mother who won't give her the time of day. Rosie must make several life-altering decisions in her quest to discover her real family, as well as discovering what a "real family" truly is...could she have already had this "real family" with Trudie?

As a character, Rosie is very open and sincere. She is easy to like, but she does have her faults. Her boyfriend, Andy, is engagingly sweet and very supportive of Rosie's decisions. It is interesting to note that this story is not based around one main character at all-there seem to be at least two main characters and several very important second characters that push the plot along at a fast pace.

The events of this novel were always intriguing and could definitely be dramatic-as the topic would suggest. The characters will pull the reader right into the story and hold his/her attention throughout the novel. This book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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Partials by Dan Wells

2012-02-01T04:00:00.057-06:00

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

Goodreads Summary

Another terrific dystopian readers can look forward to. In the forbidding environment Dan Wells created, the reader will learn of the deadly RM virus. The RM virus is believed to be spread by "Partials" or militant, partially human forces. The RM virus barely leaves anyone alive in its path, killing newly born infants within a day of their birth. Kira, the main character, is very young, but already a medic. She strives to find a cure for this deadly virus, even if it means going to the enemy's camp.

With the shreds of humanity forced into a small space, no one feels safe. Humanity is at risk of extinction and strict laws are employed to keep citizens from fully panicking. Kira and a group of friends, also part of the "military," set out to save humanity-or die trying. Kira was easy to connect to, she is a sympathetic character with quite a few secrets that she doesn't even know about lurking in her past. The reader will love getting to know the other secondary characters, they each stand out and some harbor secrets. The events were very fast-paced, making the book hard to put down and one an avid reader may finish in a day or two despite the book's thickness. Look for another great dystopian sequel from this author!

4 Stars

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Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood

2012-02-01T04:00:00.056-06:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty meets Cassandra Clare in this spellbinding fantasy

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Goodreads Summary

Cate is protective of her little sister, but now they aren't so little anymore and she must decide on her own future. Cate is a strong character, many people depend on her and she is very young herself. She has a sweet personality, though she can be unyielding at times. Cate's sisters the reader will have varying reactions to. The youngest sister is easier to like while the middle one seems to only cause trouble needlessly. The other secondary characters were interesting, many will stick out and factor importantly into the book's plot.

The events moved along at a fast clip, the reader will be hard pressed to be bored throughout the novel. Cate and her sisters quickly go from a quiet life to trouble within a few chapters. The author describes the rich history and environment beautifully, the reader will easily be able to immerse him/herself within the novel. The author handles multiple issues such as feminism and religion and manages to weave magic into the two.

The slight love triangle is a tad annoying, but the author handles that issue well too. There really isn't a question as to who the main character is going to choose, if there was more emphasis on the love triangle it would've been nice if it was less predictive. The love interests are both hard to choose between, the reader will likely be happy with both! This book is recommended to young adult/teen/adult readers.

4 Stars

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Bewitching by Alex Flinn

2012-02-01T04:00:00.055-06:00

"It is the story of Kendra and her first 300 or so years of life. In Bewitching, Kendra ponders whether to help out a modern day plain-looking stepsister, while also reflecting on her experiences in the 1666 British plague, the court of Louis XV, and on the Titanic." (Source: author's Facebook intro)

Goodreads Summary

Another amazing fairy tale from Author Alex Flinn. This is a book to watch out for come February! The reader is introduced to Kendra Hillferty, a young girl with too much responsibility on her shoulders. Her entire family is suffering from the plague, one of the only member of her family left alive is her brother. Kendra doesn't know it yet, but she is a witch. She makes this astounding discovery when she heals her brother who was at the brink of death. Knowing that she will be charged and tried as a witch, Kendra takes her brother and runs.

Kendra doesn't seem to have very good luck. She finds a gingerbread house that appears to be empty. Starving, her brother and her decide to stop and eat. The reader will likely know what happens after the witch who owns the gingerbread home comes back... Kendra's bad luck doesn't end there. She attempts to help a mermaid, an attempt that goes horribly wrong; she tries to help a prince, but she is banished instead. Finally, Kendra has found a stable-ish life. She goes to high school and stands out, but is relatively normal as compared to her prior self. It is there that she meets a potential friend and someone she could maybe help. She knows how her "helping" has turned out over the centuries and is understandably wary.

Kendra's character is different. She is certainly not like most main characters a reader will find in other books. She has "personality" and isn't one to be pushed around. Clever, enigmatic, and with a sense of humor, the reader will enjoy Kendra's narration of events and past stories. The other secondary characters are just as interesting, from all walks of life and status levels. The events were fast-paced and exciting, these stories were not necessarily predictable. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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The Miseducation of Cameron Post by emily m. danforth

2012-02-01T00:20:00.002-06:00

When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief she’ll never have to tell them that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.

But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.

Goodreads Summary

*slight spoilers*

This was one of the last books I finished in 2012. The novel was also one of the best books I read in 2012. emily m. danforth is a debut author I cannot wait to read another book from. Cameron's voice is so raw and real, the reader will connect to her instantly and feel like her friend throughout the book. This is one of those books that will actually allow the reader to grow with the main character. Cameron begins the novel when she is twelve and precocious to say the least. She goes through a shoplifting phase and the ever-popular truth or dare...it is the latter that led to Irene, Cameron's friend, daring Cameron to kiss her. A completely new experience for Cameron, she is taken by surprise when she finds that she really, really liked that kiss.

Around that same time, Cameron suffers a terrible loss, her parents had an accident and passed away. Cameron's life is shaped by this loss, turning her into someone I think her parents could be proud of. Life goes on and Cameron matures further, moving on to several other girls including an unashamed lesbian who keeps Cameron stocked with certain movies and embarrassing post cards. It is interesting to note that although everyone experiences that awkward puberty phase, and some may question their sexuality, Cameron remains like a rock. She knows who she is at her current moment in time even if no one else wishes to acknowledge her or pay attention. She may not know where she will end up or who she will end up being, but her certainty of herself in the present is admirable.

I knew something big would alter Cameron's life when she continued to have a crush on Coley, a crush that was seemingly not returned. When Coley's boyfriend is away, however, her attitude changes and she is, at times, the pursuer in their awkward relationship. The fact that she more or less jerks Cameron around is annoying and heartbreaking, Cameron could do much better. It is thanks to Cooley that a series of circumstances occur leading to Cameron's enrollment in a "reform school for homosexuals" aka Paradise. Paradise is very richly described, the author clearly did her research. The reader experiences this odd school through Cameron, following her through many marijuana smokes with her two friends, the complete breakdown of another student, the awkward sessions with a counselor, and the eventual plans Cameron makes with her friends for "something more."

Cameron was one of the best characters I have had the pleasure of reading about. She is so candid in her narrative, holding nothing back. It is impossible not to love her if you give her a chance. Her belief in herself, bravery, honesty, and sharp edges come together to make one heck of a main character. The secondary characters are actually an integral part of this novel, they affect Cameron in varying ways and the author takes steps to develop them to an unusual extent for secondary characters. The reader will truly step into Cameron's world and mind in this novel. The author has a very fluid way of writing, though the book is over 400 pages, it is impossible to put down. The reader will want to continue reading about Cameron long after setting the book down. This is a must-read for young adult/adult readers in 2012.

5 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Above World by Jenn Reese

2012-02-01T00:11:00.001-06:00

Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony's survival is at risk. The Kampii's breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. But can Aluna's fierce determination and fighting skills and Hoku's tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt - growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains - here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.

Goodreads Summary

This book has got to be one of the best dystopians I have managed to get my hands on. The world created by Author Jenn Reese is rich and extremely detailed as well as varied. The reader meets the main characters, Aluna and Hoku, right off the bat. They are both very likable and make nice foils for each other. Aluna is far more impetuous and inquisitive while Hoku is more cautious and shy. The two seem like an unlikely pair, but their differing personalities add to their charms.

Aluna and Hoku are part of the Kampii, a "tribe" of humans living underwater. The author describes a human history filled with error, one that caused humans to seek alternative living styles due to the overcrowded typical environment. Aluna and Hoku are off to a rough start at the beginning of the novel, Aluna's volatile temperament costs her several reprimands and the chance at a tail-at least until next year. Outraged, Aluna decides to take control over her own destiny and possibly help her people. There have been some strange occurrences regarding the Kampii breathing devices, they appear to be breaking down; Aluna decides to try to figure out the mystery behind them and why they are breaking.

The secondary characters in this novel are among the most memorable I have ever read. The author creates them to be incredibly dynamic and they each have stand-out characteristics that will make the reader want to get to know them. The events of this novel are exciting and innovative, the author puts the reader in a scary alternative world. The characters will act as the readers' guide to so many different places described so amazingly well by the author. Readers of all ages will love to delve into this novel.

5 Stars

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Guest Post by Author Karice Bolton

2012-01-31T23:44:00.000-06:00

First, I wanted to say a big thank you to Krystal for letting me say hi to you all!! I am the author of The Watchers Trilogy, which is a paranormal romance series set in the sometimes soggy Pacific Northwest. I live here and love it, but some do complain about the dampness, but when it is sunny we certainly all enjoy it!!
I wanted to quickly touch on location and writing about locations before providing a little excerpt from Legions, the second book in The Watchers Trilogy. Awakening is the opening book in the trilogy, beginning in Whistler Village. I have to say, if you ever have a chance to go up there, totally do it! It is beautiful no matter the time of year, but when the snow is falling and the lights are twinkling, it is breathtaking. There is so much to do day or night! It’s great! Check out this link Whistler Village . Anyway, the trilogy begins in Whistler and becomes a pivotal location as the trilogy unfolds.

Many places through out the Northwest (Seattle, Kingston, Victoria) are integral backdrops for the scenes I write about, and I think often they can play as an important role as the story itself. There is something really wonderful about being able to capture what it is like to be on a ferry chugging off into the sound, with the feel of the cold steel walls and the water rippling or crashing in the ferry’s wake.

One thing that is so cool about imagery is that a reader can conjure up two very different feels from one particular locale based on some little tweaks. For instance, during one of my battle scenes in Legions, Ana and Athen are fighting demons on and around a ferry. The coldness of the steel and the frigid water crashing against the ferry as they fight to save themselves and the mortals, leaves the reader with a very different feel of anger, excitement, and adrenaline brewing as opposed to when Athen and Ana are falling back in love in Awakening on a simple ferry ride to Kingston. Those first few moments when Athen and Ana are together experiencing the beautiful scenery are so tender and sweet instead of brutal and cold. Right before he lifts her up and kisses her, he places her gently on a stairwell railing, letting the cold steel penetrate her clothing. The cold of the steel is not conveying a message of danger and brutality, but rather their actions are signaling warmth and love between two people and the cold steel is just there. One little ferry ride can produce very different outcomes. Anyway, that’s what happens to my poor mind when I go for a simple ferry ride. I can’t leave well enough alone. J

It was an amazingly rewarding experience to write The Watchers Trilogy, and I love being able to share it. Below is an excerpt from The Watchers Trilogy: Legions – hope you enjoy!

The Watchers Trilogy: Legions

I kept deathly still and tried staring as hard as I could and listening as best as possible to try to pick up what they were doing. Watching them deliberate over an unknown, continued to raise the red flags. To my horror, they started their way over towards where I was. They didn’t seem to know I was up in the tree, and I was at least now able to see them better. Unfortunately, with the close proximity I could now sense them as well. They were what I expected.

The closer they got, the quieter I breathed, the slower I blinked my eyes, the harder I prayed they wouldn’t see me. When they were only about 100 feet away or so, they stopped. My heart began beating so fast that I was worried I was going to give myself away.

They were spreading out and, before I knew it, fighting began amongst them. The females and males were going at it regardless of gender. Another one of the demons somersaulted and missed their intended target, landing on their back. Another one of the demons came over to help him up. One of the females attempted to jump on the shoulders of another, missing as well, landing with a thud on her side. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. These demons were horrible. There was no way they could be this bad. Unless it was a trap, and they knew I was here, luring me down thinking I could take them and then they could finish me off.

I didn’t get that feeling, however. I think they were truly this bad. They must be minions or newly-formed - not sure which one. Either way, it was fascinating. I couldn’t believe my good luck or bad luck, depending on how I’d want to look at it considering I was stuck up a tree like a cat. The fighting actually seemed to be getting worse by the minute, and I was worried that I might not be able to stifle my laugh. I hoped I wasn’t going to be that poor in my battles.

The confidence began growing lightning-quick inside of me, and that’s when I decided to do it. These were about as unskilled as I could get, and I took it as a sign. I think it was time to practice. Cyril and Arie would be furious, but that thought only popped in after I had already let go of the tree, flying down to the soil awaiting my arrival.

Landing with one knee on the ground, and the other ready to lunge, I looked up at the group of demons: a smile across my lips appeared as a laughter I didn’t recognize began coming from deep within. A sound I didn’t know was possible began oozing out of my soul. Pointing at my first victim and curling my finger to welcome her, I imagined she was the serpent woman luring Athen. She didn’t have a chance.