Friday, December 30, 2011

Giveaway on my 2nd blog!

To celebrate my new blog, I'm giving away 5 ebook copies of my latest release, Shadows of Pain. The rules are simple:


* Follow my blog 'Ashley's Christian Book Reviews'

* Leave a Comment WITH an email address! If I can't contact you, you can't win.

* It will be via Smashwords coupon so the giveaway is international!

* Giveaway ends January 15 so I will announce the winners on Jan 16.

* Please spread the word!

Book Description:
Revenge is sweet….unless you are on the receiving end of it.

“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”

Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…
“…I need you.”

Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.
As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?
Only God can save them from this unknown killer…

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Book Description:


The Art of Art Thievery

When Hiram Jacobs is murdered, the responsibility for his internationally renowned security company falls upon his daughter, Desiree. But a container full of stolen paintings screams the ugly truth—that her father was a thief. Option A: Turn the goods over to the law, disgrace her father’s name, destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums with the fact that they have been displaying clever forgeries. Option B: Surrender the art to the bad guys. But then she becomes an unwilling accomplice to the thieves, and her father’s murderer would walk free. Worse, a death threat warns her not to cooperate with federal agents. Can she trust God to guide her down the right path when no option seems right…let alone safe?

Art stole her heart…

Now can she return the favor?

If Desiree Jacobs knows anything, it’s art. Her father, whose security company is internationally renowned, taught her everything he knew. Most of all, he taught her about honor. Integrity. Faith. So surely God will forgive her for despising the one man determined to destroy her father’s good name?

Special Agent Tony Lucano knows Hiram Jacobs is an art thief. But what he can’t figure out is Desiree. Is she the innocent victim…or a clever accomplice?

Then Hiram is murdered. And along with his company, he leaves Desiree a hidden container full of stolen paintings. But she can’t admit her father was a thief! That would destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums that have been displaying clever forgeries. No, she must find out why her honest father would turn criminal. And she must return the priceless art to the rightful owners without their knowledge. Even if it means facing down a ring of cutthroat art thieves…or accepting help from the man she most distrusts.



My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book! Desiree Jacobs is stuck in a hard position. Her deceased father ran a security company that is known and respected...but he was also an art thief. She has few options, none with a positive outcome! The bad guys want the paintings back, the FBI want the truth and she has a short time to figure out how to make her father's disastrous decisions into something positive!

The author did a wonderful job with this whole book. Desiree is put in a difficult position that no one would want to be in and is inventive in her choice! Tony is set to figure this case out but doesn't understand one thing about it...Desiree. The attraction between the two is great, Desiree's decision inventive and the suspense is great! I love how the author wove God throughout but wasn't 'in your face' about it, it just seemed natural.

I rate this a 5/5. This one stays on my keeper shelf.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Armin Feldman & Dorene Sager Guestblog & Contest Info!

WE BET YOU KNOW YIDDISH!
My brother, Armin Feldman, and I (Dorene Sager) have written what we feel is a great cookbook with scrumptious Jewish recipes.  It’s titled Our Mother’s Recipes, Carrying on a Tradition of Jewish Foods and Jewish Recipes.  All of the recipes come from a treasure trove of our mother’s recipes we discovered after she passed away.  In getting our mom’s things in order we found hundreds of hand written and typed recipes she had stored in several shopping bags.
Not only did we write a cookbook, we also shot a TV pilot for our cooking show.  The show mixes our mom’s great Jewish recipes with a little Yiddish thrown in for good measure.  You can see the pilot at www.OurMothersRecipesOnLine.com.
Why Yiddish? It’s because we learned it growing up in a Jewish household.  Yiddish has also crept into the English language and most people don't even know it.  What is Yiddish?  It's a Germanic language originally spoken by the Jews of Central and Eastern Europe. As the Jewish people migrated to the United States, they brought their fabulous recipes and their Yiddish along.
A favorite American food is the bagel.  Those ring-shaped rolls are first boiled and the dough is then baked in the oven.  Bagel is a Yiddish word and originally an Eastern European Jewish dish.  Bagels are delicious, but made even more delightful if you add a schemer (large spread) of cream cheese or butter.  Schmeer actually has a double meaning.  Didn't you hear about the politician who got a schmeer (bribe)?
We remember as kids watching a football game one fall. The announcer gave a bio on one of the players.  He finished by saying "that's the whole megillah" (story).  The glitch (a minor malfunction) was that the big macher (important person) didn't know he was speaking Yiddish.
Okay, you get the point.  Now schlep (drag, haul or travel) out the cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon), and schmeer it on your favorite kind of bagel.  You’ll have a fabulous nosh (snack) and now you've got the whole megillah!  By the way, then schlep over the gym and work off a few calories so you’ll be ready to start making fabulous dishes from our cookbook.
lease let us know what you think of the cookbook.  Ciao!  Did we say chow? (how appropriate is that) even though it’s not the least bit Yiddish!

Dorene Sager

Armin Feldman and Dorene Sager
Book:  Our Mother's Recipe's
Genre: Jewish Cookbook
Video Intro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6sp-uy6Gic
Amazon.
website: http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com
Bio: 
Dorene Sager and Armin Feldman are sister and brother.  the idea for the cookbook sprang from the discovery of a treasure trove of their mother’s recipes after she passed away. Now Our Mother’s Recipes, Carrying On a Jewish Tradition is a Web site, a cookbook, a TV show and a place to learn about what the best Jewish cuisine has to offer.
 Dorene Sager: Dorene represents the best of so many different things. Dorene is a cookbook author, a wife and mother, a commercial real estate broker, a devoted family member, a true friend and so much more.  Dorene is a fantastic cook in her own right. She learned a lot about cooking from her mother, Helen Feldman.  Dorene is married and has three children and 6 grandchildren.  Dorene and her husband just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Dorene enjoys reading, movies, playing canasta, and of course cooking.
 Dorene says,
 I had so much fun working with my brother putting together all of the different ways to showcase our mother’s recipes.
Armin Feldman: Armin wears a number of hats too. Armin is a cookbook author, husband, dog lover, supporter of friends and family, medical doctor and a lot more. Armin is also a wonderful cook.  From the time they could reach the kitchen counter, their mother taught Dorene and Armin how to make traditional Jewish recipes. If you watch the videos on their website, http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com , you can feel the joy these siblings radiate while cooking their mother's recipes.  You can also sign up for the recipe of the week sent right to your email address.
Armin says, What a treat to work with the best sister ever in creating all of these venues to showcase our mother’s remarkable culinary skills.
Description:
Add a wonderful cuisine to your everyday meals and special gatherings. Traditional Jewish cooking is flavorful, fun and hearty particularly with Our Mother's Recipes, Carrying on a Jewish Tradition. These recipes have been handed down through many generations influenced by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German and Eastern European styles of cooking. In our family all of these cultural influences were combined, synthesized and affected by local ingredients through the years resulting in sumptuous, rich and wonderfully fulfilling traditional Jewish dishes. Try our mother's farfel instead of noodles. Replace that tired chocolate cake with some really yummy Helen Feldman brownies or warm fruit compote. You will have the secret to Jewish penicillin, chicken soup with matzo balls. There's enough here to keep you going for years of great food, family, friends and memories to enjoy.
There will b a virtual book tour starting on December 15th. see the vtb banner.
The full schedule is on http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com
The Book Launch will be on February 1.  Anyone who buys the book from Amazon on February 1 will get 10 entries into the Book Launch Contest.  There are other ways to get entries.  One is to comment on three of the blogs on the tour days.  See the schedule.
Contest
To get your entries and to find out how to get more entries visit http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com to access the contest form .
 
The prizes:
$100.00 Amazon Gift Certificate for a Kindle
Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Certifcates
Authors can choose a video book trailer or Facebook Welcome Page instead of the Kindle.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

Book Description:
Protected by the dark of night, Jaimie Piper runs. But is anywhere safe when Evil is hunting you?
She’s just a twelve year-old girl, bumped around between foster homes and relegated to school classes for challenged kids, those lagging in their test scores or with behavioral issues. But her real problem is that she can sense something the other kids can’t—something dark. Something compelling her to run for her life.
All Crockett Grey wants is to mark the anniversary of his daughter’s death alone.
But when his student Jaimie comes to him, terrified, her need for protection collides with his grief, and a tangled web of bizarre events sends them both spiraling toward destruction.
Crockett’s one hope of getting his life back is to uncover the mysterious secrets of Jaimie’s past and her strange gift. It isn’t long before his discoveries lead him to a darker conspiracy, secrets guarded by the highest seat of power in the world—the Vatican.
 
My Thoughts:
This was a very good book.  Crockett Grey is mourning the anniversary of his daughter's death the same way he does every year when Jaimie shows up at his house.  A series of horrible and bazaar events occur and Crockett is determined to help Jaimie.  The problem is she is running from an Evil that only she can feel.  But how deep does the conspiracy run that is keeping the secrets?
The plot was great, there were plenty of twists, turns and bumps along the way.  Characters were developed wonderfully and fully.  The intensity of the book was major!  I wouldn't let any young readers read the book, just for that reason.  I seriously felt like getting up and locking my doors as I read this book!
I rate this a 4/5.  I was completely taken in!
 
Thank you to Waterbrook for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Muir House by Mary E. DeMuth

Book Description:
'You'll find home one day. Sure as sweet tea on a hot afternoon.'

Words from Willa Muir's sketchy childhood haunt her dreams and color her days with longing, regret, and fear. What do the words mean? Willa is far from sure.
When Hale Landon places a ring on her finger, Willa panics, feeling she can't possibly say yes when so much in her past is a mystery. Bent on sorting out her history, Willa returns to Rockwall, Texas, to the Muir House Bed and Breakfast, a former funeral home.
But the old place holds her empty memory close to itself. Willa's mother utters unintelligible clues from her deathbed, and the caretaker of the house keeps coveted answers carefully protected. Throw in an old flame, and Willa careens farther away from ever knowing the truth.
Set in a growing suburb of Texas, The Muir House explores trauma, healing, love new and old, and the life-changing choices people make to keep their reputations intact.

My Thoughts:
This book was a page turner.  Willa's past won't let her move forward into her future.  When her boyfriend proposes, she goes home to find out what happened in the missing year of her life.  Her mother doesn't help because of her mental health, the keeper of the Muir house isn't speaking, and there is an old flame hovering.  With all the obstacles, how will Willa ever find the truth she seeks?
This book surprised me.  I wasn't expecting the depth it had and I'm so glad that I read it!  Willa's search for home and the missing year is something we can all sympathize with but the author makes it to where you feel her hurt, frustration and confusion!  The Texas setting was wonderful and I enjoyed the faith element in the book.
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good book.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Code Blood by Kurt Kamm

Book Description:
Cold Lewis, a rookie fire paramedic, is obsessed with finding the severed foot of his first victim after she dies in his arms. His search takes him into the connected lives of a graduate research student, with the rarest blood in the world and the vampire fetishist who is stalking her. Within the corridors of high-stakes medical research laboratories, the shadow world of body parts dealers, and the underground Goth clubs of Los Angeles, Lewis uncovers a tangled maze of needles, drugs and maniacal ritual, all of which lead to death. But whose death? An unusual and fast-paced LA Noir thriller



My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book.  Colt is a the newest paramedic at the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  On the scene of a strange one vehicle accident, he is dumbfounded that he cannot find the severed foot of the victim.  He doesn't realize the 'help' that they had losing the foot.  From there, it all gets deeper and darker!
The author does a great job with the story, making it realistic.  I liked Colt and was anxious as I followed his story as to what would happen next.  There is great detail and the supporting characters are interesting as well.  I am interested to see what story this author comes up with next!
This is a 4/5.  An intriguing noir story.

Thank you to the Candence Group for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Book Description:
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Karou is a normal girl...errr maybe not.  Her family is a group of monsters that she keeps up with in her sketch book.  Her human life is a series of errands run for one of the monsters.  She has a best friend, former love interest, job to do, but always has felt as if her life was almost a vapor and she was meant for something else.  She always wondered but never was able to investigate her curiosity until Akiva.
I love all the characters in this.  The 'mosters' are great and I hope to see more of them.  Karou is a great character to get to know.  I love the way the author brings her to her fruition.  Akiva is a great character.  The storyline is wonderful and I've never read anything like it.  Brimstone is probably my favorite.  The woman reading is great with voices.  I can't wait for more from this world!
I rate this a 5/5.  The story is great and unique!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this audio book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, December 5, 2011

OutLawed Love by J.M. Krumbine

Book Description:
Kate Sharpe, US Marshal, is a woman on a mission with no time for love or romance. Her prisoner, the handcuffed hottie, Kyle Archer, just turned State’s evidence on notorious mobster Jonathon Bragan. Kate’s responsible for getting him from the courthouse to the jailhouse, but can she do it without losing her heart?

My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Kate is a US Marshal and has one goal.  To get her prisoner moved to Miami.  The problem is when things go haywire on the airplane and she winds up plastered against said prisoner, Kyle Archer....a major hottie!  Now she has to keep him alive and her heart intact!
The author did a good job making her characters likeable.  I love the position she put Archer in.  Kate is a great, strong character and a perfect match for Archer.  It is an interesting plot line with several twists and turns.  I hope there is a sequel with Kate's brother!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, quick read.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the reviews stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh Excerpt!

The Cossack untied his own horse. He mounted, his pistol aimed at Nathan. “We have some distance to cover. Circle around the barn. We’ll ride through the woods to the north of the village then turn east to the road going toward the mountains. Ride slow, I don’t want to draw anyone’s attention. I’ll be right behind you with my pistol pointed at your horse. If you try anything, I’ll shoot him.”


For several minutes they rode through the trees. The firelight flickered on the trees, casting weird shadows all around. Nathan looked from side to side straining to see a friend, someone who might be able to help. It was eerie. The only movement were women mourning over their dead. On the north side of the village, Nathan turned his horse east. They came to the road.

The Cossack nudged his horse beside Nathan’s. Without warning, he tossed Nathan’s rifle into the air. Nathan snatched it with his left hand and held Aza’s reins in the other.

“Good reflexes.” The Cossack smiled. “You and your horse make a good team.”

Nathan looked away. He acts as if this is a game.



Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.


ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.

Amazon Author page.

Amazon reviews.

ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble

Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.

Personal Facebook page

Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.

Twitter @tomblubaugh

Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.

Check me out on Goodreads.

Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).

Genesis Project

Jericho Commission, Inc.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

Book Description:
Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.
Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?
 
 
My Thoughts:
I love this series!  Chloe and Sawyer's story has been a long time coming!  They are opposites, she is a wild child and he is the straight and narrow sheriff.  But they may not be as different as they think.  Always an attraction has shimmered between the two of them but neither thinks it is a good idea. 
I love Chloe's wild child side but her caring is just as big!  She loves her family, dogs and life.  If only her asthma didn't slow her down!  Sawyer is a hunk!  I like that he had a past to 'overcome' and wanted to do something positive with his life.  He turned it around well.  The attraction between them--wow!  I adored seeing more of the other characters from previous books too!
I rate it a 4/5.  If you've read the other 2 books, it is a must read but it is a good book by itself!
 
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

Book Description:
Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Ash Zinders is in charge of the Secret Service protecting the Vice President's unruly daughter.  The one thing he never wanted on his team was a woman and yet the thing he is having to contend with is Agent Megan Connors.  Megan has proven herself as an agent and resents A2Z's distaste for women on his team.  Lindsay has her demons to face and isn't sure who she can trust.  The team and everyone around her remote prison are in danger no matter what she chooses!
I loved the characters.  Ash & Megan were the perfect competitive match.  The old ranch hand and his son are wonderful.  Everyone being a suspect is great, there is no one who is above their scrutiny.  Several twists and turns.  You feel all the emotions of the characters and stay engrossed in their world to the end!
I rate this a 5/5.  I can't wait for another book from this author!
Thank you to the publisher, Tyndale, for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Interview of Author Rochelle Melander

AW: Tell us about yourself…

Rochelle Melander: I've been an avid reader since I could read, at about age 3. Reading is still one of my favorite activities in the world. I get a big treat out of going to the library and stocking up on books! I have also been writing since I was young--though in elementary school I wanted to be an actress. Currently, I split my time between three vocations: writing books and articles, coaching (I coach writers and do wellness coaching), and editing. When I am not writing, coaching, or editing, I am hanging out with my children and husband. We love taking walks with our two dogs, reading books, watching movies, and playing games.

AW: What general do you write and why?

RM: I spend most of my time writing nonfiction--both about spiritual matters and writing. I've always been curious about how we can live happier, more efficient lives. I spend a good deal of my time reading spiritual nonfiction and positive psychology—and love passing on the information to people who read my books and articles.

AW: Tell us about your book….

RM: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) provides writers with a complete toolkit for writing their nonfiction or fiction book in less than a month. The book includes three sections: training, the marathon, and recovery. In the training section, writers learn how to overcome their fears, train their lives, and create a plan for their book. In the marathon section, readers get a bunch of short, helpful chapters designed to get them over any writer's block that happens during the writing marathon. The recovery section teaches writers how to shape up their manuscript for submission. The book concludes with a resource section.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

RM: In 2004, my friend Sue Lang and I wrote a book in 9 days. Every book I have written with my husband has been written fast. I wanted to write a book that would help both nonfiction and fiction writers write fast and not lose their minds.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?

RM: I've always loved Meg from A Wrinkle in Time (and the rest of the series). That's my favorite book of all time--so I have read and reread Meg's story. Plus, I love that she is imperfect and uses her imperfections to help save her father.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

RM: I wrote it fast--in just 26 days during National Novel Writing Month. Then I added another 25,000 words in just two weeks. The difficulty for me came in the revising. I was surprised to find out how much I repeated myself. When I did the revisions, I did a document search for every single quote I used to make sure I did not duplicate them. I also had a couple of trusted readers review the book for repetition. Sometimes I hated cutting chapters that repeated ideas, but the book became better because I was willing to do that.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?

RM: It is National Novel Writing Month, so I have just begun to work on a series of books for children. I started the series during last year's NaNoWriMo and wrote 2 1/2 books. I am taking the same characters and writing more books about them this year. It's fun to go back to their world.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

RM: I do not know if this is a quirk, but I like to be disconnected when I write. I do not check email or Facebook or Twitter until I have my word count in. Once I get online, I feel pulled in too many directions to settle down and write. My other quirk is that I do not like talking about a book before I write it. It uses up too much of my writing energy.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?

RM: Get in the habit of writing every day. Also get in the habit of submitting. Once these habits are habits, you will find that writing is much easier!

AW: Where can we find you? (facebook, twitter, blog, website, etc)

RM: Here are my various online places:
http://twitter.com/#!/WriteNowCoach
https://www.facebook.com/WriteNowCoach
http://www.writenowcoach.com/
http://www.writenowcoach.com/blog/
AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? (your website, publisher, amazon, etc)
The book is available at my site http://www.writenowcoach.com/
Writer's Digest: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/write-a-thon/
And of course, on Amazon and wherever books are sold!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Guest Blogger, Author Rochelle Melander

Is God Calling You To Write?
By Rochelle Melander

I am a writer.

My job is to pay attention to the world—to the terror and beauty that brushes up against our life each day, to the passions that break our hearts and make those same hearts sing, to the language we use to express our hopes and hurts. I pay attention to the things that most of us never notice and I make stories out of them. I shape them into a form that I hope will help people to face the beauty and terror of their own lives.

I was a little girl when God first called me to this task of shaping experience and idea into stories. In those days, I wrote and performed plays. I wrote poetry. I kept a journal. Over the years, God called me again and again to this task. Sometimes I listened. Sometimes I didn’t.

When I was 31 and pregnant with my first child, God came calling again. Three times. It seems that these things always come in threes. That fall I attended three author events. At the first one, as I watched Kevin Henkes walk up to read his book to 45 children (and me), I heard a voice in my head: this is what you need to be doing. I heard the same voice a few weeks later as I listened to Patricia Polacco read her wonderful book, Pink and Say. And then, attending a writing workshop with my hero Madeleine L’Engle, I felt my heart leap within me and the absolute sureness that writing was what God had always intended me to do with my life.

I began to take God seriously, to transition my life from parish ministry to writing. Here are some things I learned about callings that might help you in your writing ministry:

1. God will call you again and again and again until you finally pay attention. If you are wondering what God wants you to do with your life, look at yourself as a seven year old, a ten year old. What stirred your heart then? Chances are God is still calling you to some form of that first passion. Forgive yourself for not hearing God the first and second and twenty-second time. God will call you again.

2. In order to hear God whispering, you need to pay attention. Get a little less busy. Be more idle. Take walks. Stay silent. Ask God to show you the next step.

3. Know that not everyone will rejoice with you. Some people will think you are crazy. That’s okay. Most of the people God calls to do God’s work—whatever that may be—are thought of as crazy or worse. Look at Saint Joan. So what. Who cares what others think? Do what God has called you to.

4. Listen to that call to action. Take the steps necessary to answer God’s call. Until you do the thing that God has called you to, the thing that brings you joy and serves the world, you will experience angst. When you start moving, your anxiety will begin to disappear. As author and minister Frederick Buechner said, “Vocation is where our greatest passion meets the world’s greatest need.”

5. Finally, get support. Find a friend, a coach, a therapist, a school, a support group, a mentor, a prayer partner—anyone who will encourage you to do the thing that God has called you to do.

In the past ten years this support has been filled in many surprising ways: writers who shared their struggles in books that came out at just the right time, friends who were on a similar path or who could simply affirm mine, and music that made my spirit soar. Today, ask God how your life might shine in the places you dwell and in the tasks God has called you to do.

Your turn: How has God called you to the task of writing?

Author Bio
Rochelle Melander is a certified professional coach and the author of 10 books, including a new book to help fiction and nonfiction writers write fast: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) (October 2011). Melander teaches professionals how to get published, establish credibility, and navigate the new world of social media. In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Writing Group, a program that teaches writing to at-risk tweens and teens. Visit her online at http://www.writenowcoach.com/. She will be blogging about NaNoWriMo all month at http://www.writenowcoach.com/blog/.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carison

Book Description:
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing. Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.




My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one. It is a perfectly timed release. Parrish Springs has a new store. Matilda Honeycutt has bought a store wanted by a city counsel man and has opened nothing more than a second hand shop...or is it? As the accepting towns people visit they find more than they ever expected!
I liked the characters in this book. The author wrote them perfectly. The townspeople being so standoffish was just what they had to be. Matilda was great and I liked the magic of the store. It is a good quick read that will put you in the holiday spirit.

It is a 5/5. Great read for Christmas.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

April Gardner's Wounded Spirits

Priase for Wounded Spirits:


April Elstrom

http://homeschoolblogger.com/elcloud/784713/
I really enjoyed Wounded Spirits.  It was an impressive first novel by April Gardner.  The storyline had a few twists that were predictable, but just as many that were unexpected. To be honest, I realized I didn’t know much about the relations between settlers and the Native Americans in the  states of the southeast. It left me wanting to read more about the history of that area, especially after I read April’s closing notes which showed how many of the people in her story were real people from history rather than fictional characters.
I look forward to reading more books from April Gardner.



I love reading historical fiction, it always makes me feel as if I am getting a history lesson while reading a great fiction story,and with Wounded Spirits, thats exactly what I got. The author does a fantastic job of weaving a great fiction tale around the truths of history. The characters are so well developed that it is easy to believe the story that unfolds.While faith in God is mentioned often in the story, it isn't overdone,instead seeming very appropriate for the characters. A story that captured my imagination,with characters that stayed in my heart and mind long after the last page. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what life has in store for Adela!On a scale of 1 to 5 I would give this book a six, because its just that good!!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Shadows of Pain by Ashley Dawn :)

My newest book, Shadows of Pain is released today!!! It is avaliable on Smashwords for $2.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105017

To celebrate the release of Shadows of Pain, my publisher reduced the price of my first book, Shadows From the Past to $0.99! http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/42323


Check them out and tell me what you think!!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Echo Falls by Jamie McDougall

Book Description:
Running from a nightmare stalking her every move, Phoebe Martin arrives in Echo Falls hoping she has finally found a safe place to stop. But trouble has a way of catching up and soon the signs are there.
After a vicious attack in an alley, policeman Aidan O'Bryan is left with Phoebe as his only path to understanding why the Echo Falls werewolf pack - his pack - is being attacked. When another pack member is killed, Phoebe is forced to confront her past before she loses Aidan and everything she has come to love.
Love and duty become one as Aidan strives to prevent Phoebe from becoming the next victim. But with Phoebe just as determined to protect Aidan and her new home, secrets from her past threaten to tear them apart.
Will love give Phoebe the strength to trust Aidan and face her fears, or will her past destroy her future?

*Warning: Contains adult situations and language

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book. Phoebe is running. She has been running for months but Echo Falls feels like home. She knows trouble could be following, and probably will be there before she is ready for it! When she meets Aidan, she is drawn to him like she's never been drawn to a man before. The problem is, what happens when her past catches up with them?
Phoebe was a strong, determined woman but also is easily hurt. I like that the author doesn't make her too strong or too weak, she is a good mix of the two. It is obvious she wants to trust but is afraid. Aidan is strong, a leader and very protective of Phoebe. I loved all the support characters, especially the baby!
This is a 5/5. I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Price of Trust by Amanda Stephan

Book Description:


What was going on? Was she allowing herself to think too much of this little town? Or just the people in it. She blushed as she remembered how her heart had sped up as Joe had sat next to her. Carly Richards is on the run. For the last two years, she's skipped from town to town, ducking her dangerous and well-informed ex-fianca © every few weeks, never settling anywhere for long. With the death of her parents, Carly's vulnerability made her trust a man with an attractive facade, now that same man tracked her across the country, always nipping at her heels, preventing her from reaching out to anyone other than her God. Now she's in Montana, and surely that is far enough away from Texas and her abusive past that she can rest. But her emotional scars are reluctant to heal, and Carly resists the friendliness of those in the small town she lights upon, especially handsome farmer Joe Baird. Without a car and money, though, she has little choice but to dig in and begin building back up her savings so she can run once more. Caught in the circumstances, the kind people around her begin to creep into her softening heart. God is at work, and she has to trust him to not only take care of her, but care for the people she is learning to love. Carly must learn the Price of Trust.




My Thoughts:


I loved this book. Carly is running. Somehow she has now run into a life she has been trying to avoid. She loves the town, the people are great, and then there is Joe. He is a wonderful man that she could see herself falling for but can't let that happen. She has to stay mobile and not get attached. If she gets attached to people they could get tangled in the mess she is in and be hurt.


I loved Carly. She had her moments but through the whole story, she was considering the consequences of her actions to others. Joe was wonderful too. His strength and faith were very drawing. I also love how the town seemed to just take Carly in. There were a few people who were mean but Joe's family was so close and loving. Not to mention the wonderful couple at the store. The author did a wonderful job with all of her characters and I can't wait to read more from her!


I rate this a 5/5. I completely enjoyed this book!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description:
When Trevor MacDaniel, a high country outfitter, rescues a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, he can’t foresee the far-reaching consequences of his action, how it will entwine his life with gifted sculptor, Natalie Reeve—and attract a grim admirer.
Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.
Drawn by the heroic story of the child’s rescue, a twisted soul sees Trevor as archangel and adversary, and threatens their peaceful mountain community—testing Trevor’s limits by targeting their most helpless and innocent.



My Thoughts:
This was a good book. Trevor is a hero. He teaches children survival skills, helps police solve cases and saves Natalie's nephew from a mountain lion. Natalie is a sculptor who has her own difficulties. Trevor's talents attract the wrong kind of attention and now, the innocent are the ones at greatest risk!
I like that the author made her characters realistic. Trevor was a hero but he wasn't cocky or even thought of himself that way. Natalie's talent was intriguing. All of the characters were fit into their roles perfectly and developed quite well. There is plenty of suspense and several twists that make this book great.
I rate it a 5/5. Unique story line & great characters!

Thank you to Waterbrook for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Interview of Author Anita Estes

1. Tell me about your newest book, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer?
This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story.

2. What are some of the pitfalls you experienced in dealing with your son’s addiction and in writing this timely and powerful book?
It is sometimes very difficult for a parent to recognize the warning signs of an addiction in their teenager, especially in this culture today when drinking is so accepted. This was my downfall. I kept thinking my son was just going through a stage, especially because he would repent when something bad happened, like losing his license for a year or failing out of college. He would turn back to God and do what was right for a while, but then he’d fall again.
One of the pitfalls in writing the book was trying to figure out a way to take my personal experience and help others learn from it. I didn’t want to offer just another informational or book of advice on addiction, so I kept it in a journal format. I wanted others to see that God held me thought this very difficult time and that He can do the same for them. I also wanted to be very honest and real because as Christians we sometimes think we need to cover up our pain and even try to keep it from God and fellow believers. I wanted to show people that you can show God your pain, cry out to Him and go through different stages with Him right alongside. The last thing you should do in a crisis is stay mad at God and stop taking or communicating with Him.
3. What did you learn from this experience?
I learned that God is faithful even when we’re not, even when we get mad at Him and don’t understand what he’s doing. God wants us to draw near to Him and cast ALL our concerns, cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He has very big shoulders to carry our burdens and for us to lean on and even weep upon. I also learned that God is true to His word. You can believe His promises as long as you understand them, have faith and continue to trust God with the outcome. I also learned that it’s very important to surrender your prodigal to God. That’s the best place for them.

4. How did you get to that place of complete trust in God.
First, you have to have a personal relationship with Him. One is which you communicate and pray every day. A distant relationship with God will not carry you far. At first I didn’t understand why God allowed this in my son’s life. I was disappointed in God. But as I began to read the Word more and search for scriptures that spoke to my situation, I was able to apply the promises to my son. I began to press into prayer and God’s Word like I had never done before. Prior to this, I considered myself a prayer warrior, but my son’s addiction brought me into a deeper understanding of God and prayer.

5. What are some key excerpts?

I think there are many of them, but here are just a few:
Suggestions: It is difficult not to be consumed with your addicted child, but you must not put him or her first. Your marriage and your own physical, emotional and mental stability are very important in order to be able to see things from a clear perspective. While you can pray fervently, don’t let the child or problem consume your thoughts and your time. Make time for you and/or your spouse, your other children and yourself. Spend time in prayer for other’s needs as well as your own.
Life Changing Promises:
During this time I really learned how to pray the scriptures and promises. I needed encouragement everyday and some promises that I could hold onto continually. Here is one more that I clung to:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV). I drew on this verse for God’s strength. I tried not to be afraid, but I had a lot to fear for Ben. I tried to steel myself against the inevitable. My son was going to fail the drug test and be kicked out of the program. Even if this were so, the world would still be intact. I certainly would be shaken, though it wasn’t what I wanted to happen
Suggestions: Find some scriptures and promises of your own that ring true to you and your situation. Write them down, memorize them and quote them frequently when doubt and fear overwhelm you.
Here’s two excerpts from the chapter “Glimmer of Light”
Jesus doesn’t want us to put any relationship above Him and get our peace and joy from them. These words pierce my heart, for this is the work God is doing in my life. I cannot depend on anyone for joy or happiness. I must rely solely on Jesus. He must be my source. It’s not that I can’t receive joy from others, but Jesus needs to be the root of my joy.
Later in that chapter:
I believe God spoke a clear Word to me to continue to come against Satan as Moses came against Pharaoh. Satan does not readily let go of what he perceives to be his. Even though Ben is God’s child, as the nation of Israel was the Lord’s, Satan is reluctant to let go of what he thinks he possesses. Pharaoh needed to be confronted time and time again, and kept relenting on his promise to let the Israelites go.

6. What is the takeaway value of your books and of Letters to God… in particular?
All my non-fiction books and articles are written to either help Christian’s grow in their spiritual walk with God or to reach those who are hurting and hurl them a lifeline in their storm. My books lean heavily on the power of prayer and God’s amazing compassion, mercy and love. I want others to intimately know the awesome God I know and the power of praying His promises. I want to alert Christians to the enemy’s tactics so they can avoid his traps and use prayer as a powerful weapon. All of my writing is geared to coming away with a fuller understanding of God, His promises, and the transforming power of prayer.
In Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son I want those who are watching a loved one caught in the blinding windstorm of addiction to understand that God did not want this for them and He invites them to dialogue honestly with Him. I want parents, family, relatives and friends to be equipped with spiritual tools for coming against the powers of darkness involved in addiction. My desire is to help guide them on this dark journey and lead them into the light of God’s presence.
7. What one issue ignites your passion?
Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.
8. Where can you buy your books?
You can buy this book and any of my others at http://www.anitaestes.com/ For a sneak peak of Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son go to http://tinyurl.com/3pmzusd
On Tues NOV. 8TH ONLY I’ll be having a book launch for Letters to God… and you’ll be able to get a lot of FREE Gifts when you purchase the book on that day. You can find out more about the launch on my web-site, http://www.anitaestes.com/ or this direct link http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Author Spotlight: Write-A-Thon author Rochelle Melanger

MILWAUKEE, WI – (October 14, 2011) -- Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) is the 10th book authored by Rochelle Melander, a certified professional coach, accomplished editor and writer. As the Write Now! Coach, Melander teaches professionals and novices how to write fast, get published, establish credibility, and navigate the new world of social media. According to a study conducted by the Jenkins Group, 80% of the U.S. population, want to publish a book.

Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days is a compendium of writing tools, performance techniques, problem-solving exercises, encouragement and life skills for nonfiction and fiction writers. Detailed dos and don’ts for the writer about query letters, agents, publishers, writer’s platform, marketing, and reading lists round out the complete training system for writing a book in 26 days.

Release of the book coincides with the build-up to National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). This annual challenge draws 200,000 people who write a 50,000-word novel or work of nonfiction in 30 days. In 2009 Melander, who has always written on tight deadlines, completed Write-A-Thon during Nanowrimo and joins the list of participants who not only finished the race but published afterward.

Melander’s goal is to teach readers how to make writing a priority in their lives. She says, “Until people, can make writing a life priority, it will never happen.” Writing a book is much like running a marathon. First one has to train, prepare, plan, and then run. After passing the finish line the runner/writer may then take a deep breath, congratulate themselves for making it all the way through and review the strategy, or in the case of writing a book, revise and edit.


Experts who have achieved much in their fields are drawn to writing a book as a marketing tool but face time constraints and inexperience in the publishing world. Each chapter of Write-A-Thon assists the reader through written exploration to find their voice, select a genre, develop real lists of experiences, passion, and purpose to inform the writing and edit and revise. Melander teaches writers to define their ideal reader, create an author’s platform, and work well with agents, publishers, and editors. Developing “what if” statements propel the writer in lieu of hackneyed affirmations.

“Write-A-Thon is designed to support professionals who want to write a book but do not have the time, background, or knowledge to write a book fast. Write-A-Thon provides the magic formula that makes writing a book in 26 days an achievable goal for anyone with a book idea,” says Melander.

Many “how to write books” come across as lectures placing the author high above the reader. Melander takes readers along the journey granting permission to take or leave suggestions and to keep writing despite distractions, so-called writers block and daily life. English classes teach readers how to diagram a sentence. Rochelle Melander through her new book and coaching practice, guides writers who read how to uncover the structure and mechanics of what they read to understand what works, what does not work and why.

General advice to writers is to write what you know which works but Melander urges her audience to go beyond, to invent their story, to learn about it through research and interviewing others who have had the experience. Through a series of exercises – not boring writing prompts – readers are counseled to get out of the box and not limit themselves to what they know but open them up to what they can know. The author writes that it is okay with her to, “write nothing but garbage just get it down on paper.”

The book defines each genre, nonfiction, fiction, fantasy, and so forth, presenting published examples to clarify the descriptions. Melander makes no assumptions about the reader’s knowledge and gracefully educates the writers in training.

Today people strive for financial security, a loving relationship, and above all happiness. Melander cites studies that show that writing makes one healthy, happier, and better able to achieve goals. (Details of studies available upon request).

Melander is the founder of The Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, uniting parents, teachers, and professional writers - to mentor youths to make sense of their lives through writing. As founder of WriteNow! Coach, Melander provides one-on-one programs, group classes and makes the most out of social media through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.



Author Bio:
Rochelle Melander is the CEO of Write Now! Coach, a writing, editing, and coaching practice that she founded in 2001. Her 10th book, Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) will be released in October 2011.
As the Write Now! Coach, Melander coaches professionals, executives, writers, business owners, and aspiring authors. Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander values the power of writing to change the lives of writers and readers. She teaches aspiring authors how to make time to write, shape their ideas into a book or product, sell their work, and navigate social media.
Write Now! Coach evolved from Ms. Melander’s related careers as an author, feature writer, copywriter, editor and coach. Rochelle writes a popular Ezine, Write Now! Weekly Writing Tips, blogs regularly, and hosts the Write Now! Mastermind Class.
In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, a program that teaches at-risk teens how to use writing to express dreams, set goals, and connect with readers.
Rochelle Melander earned two Masters degrees and is a certified graduate of Coach-U. She is a graduate of the National Writing Project Summer Writing Institute and in 2006 was awarded a writing fellowship by the Louisville Institute, part of the Lilly
Foundation. Melander is a member of the International Coach Federation and the American Society for Journalists and Authors.

She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, the writer Harold Eppley, and their two children.


Sunday, October 30, 2011

Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephen

Book Description:
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!
When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.
Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.
Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is harder than it looks!
My Thoughts:
I loved this book. Becky is the single mother of two interesting children. She has decided to move to a small town, homeschool her kids and live a simple, enjoyable life. She doesn't expect to meet three eligible bachelors all of whom her children like. Scott, is a flirty cowboy and a great male influence on her son. Jack is an old friend and now pastor of their church. Pearce is a single father to an adorable little girl and has wonderful eyes!
I like that the author put so many possibilities for Becky. She didn't just meet one man and poof, it was difficult both in choosing and in making the relationship work. Becky is infinitely patient and I love that her children aren't portrayed as perfect. While they mind, they also have a bit of rebellion in them. The three main male characters are great! Each of them have their own positives and negatives.
I rate it a 5/5. It was a sweet romance with a few twists thrown in.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of the book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Ther Harbinger of Retribution by CL Ragsdale

Book Description:
The Harbinger of Retribution is a thing of beauty and of nightmares. A seven foot tall statue of black marble depicting a cloaked woman with two swords crossed over her chest, residing in a back room of the local church in the town of Redemption which has seen more than its share of unfortunate events. At least that's how the story goes, and why Irene's Eerie Adventures has come to town.
Cameraman Troy Stenson is elated to find that the object of their investigation does not disappoint in the sinister factor, on the surface anyway, and it even has a curse. The only cloud on his horizon is his partner, Irene Waters, who refuses to judge by appearances alone. To Troy’s chagrin she is proven right as it soon becomes clear that the only trouble being caused by the statue is figuring out what kind of trouble it's supposed to be causing. Mostly because no one can agree on what the supposed curse is actually supposed to do.
There is the information given by Reboot's now infamously incorrect Research Department stating the Harbinger's mere creation caused disaster to its talent but eccentric creator, and then to the town that harbors it. A story encouraged by the ancestors of the artist who claim that the statue really belongs to them, and denied by the pastor of the church where it now resides. Straightforward enough, except the situation is further complicated when the Reboot team finds a competing legend warning that the Harbinger's departure would lead to disaster in Redemption. As for the townspeople they are split as to which story to believe, and the rumors and tall tales just keep getting bigger and more out of control. Irene and Troy and do their best to sort out what facts they have, but are hampered in their investigation by the lack of assistance from their boss, Bernie Youngman, who has suddenly turns surly and uncooperative.
These events may have soured Troy's initial hope of an exciting story, but Irene is convinced that there is more going on than a mere curse. Solving that mystery, however, will involve overcoming her issues with pastors, separating who is lying from those who are merely indulging in wishful thinking and convincing her partner that there really is a story to be had even if it isn't the one he wants

My Thoughts:
Once again, I completely enjoyed this author's work! Troy and Irene are investigating claims that a statue, kept in the church, is causing strange things to happen in a small town. It seems that some thing just getting rid of the statue will stop these occurrences but others think giving it away will cause more problems. The town's pastor, sheriff and resident aunt all have differing stories. Long lost heirs show up and Irene and Troy only have a day to get to the bottom of this strange mystery.
I like that we learn more about both of the main characters, though I still want to know more. The mystery concerns the whole town and intrigues both Irene and Troy. Bernie is strangely grouchy but the next book is set up wonderfully. I love the image I have in my mind of the statue, it is terrifyingly beautiful. I can't wait for the next in this series.
I rate it a 5/5. You will enjoy it and if you haven't read the earlier books in this series, you will want to!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

True Grime by Natasha Deen

Book Description:
Grime cop and teen fairy Pepper Powder lives for one thing: protecting the human species from magical zealots who seek to eradicate them with Violent Illness of Unusual Resistance and Strength (humans call them “viruses,” but their mistake is understandable. The very young often get their words wrong.). When a terrorist leader releases a necrophage bomb, it not only decimates Grime headquarters, it turns Pepper into the magical world’s first fairy amputee—but she’s not going to let a little thing like a missing leg stop her. To catch her criminal, and prevent him from unleashing a VIURS in one of the human world’s biggest shopping centers, West Edmonton Mall, she goes undercover as a human. But once Pepper's theories of humanity collide with the reality of bullies, cliques, and environmental destruction, will she still believe humanity's worth saving?

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book! Pepper is a Grime officer. She has one goal in her ferry existence, to protect humans. She and her partner go undercover to stop an escaped convict from dooming the human race. They become teenagers in a Canadian high school and learn a lot about human adolescence. Will they be able to stop the attack or just become pawns in a bigger strategy?
I loved Pepper! She is a strong, no nonsense type of girl and very caring at the same time. The fact that they had to integrate into a human high school made a lot of human problems come into a different light. It makes you think about some of the things we just accept and how wrong it would seem to someone unused to it. Her partner, the lab workers, doctor and even her boss were wonderful characters that just added to a great story!
I rate this a 5/5. It is a great and original story!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Guest Blogger, author Chris Lindberg

Writing Friends
A guest post by Chris Lindberg
As a writer, how often do you find yourself encountering writer’s block, second-guessing your decisions as you create, having trouble finding the right word, or just plain wondering “is this story going to be any good when I’m done with it?”
If you’re like me, it happens at least once every time you sit down to write. Luckily, most of the time we can dig ourselves out of these ruts: after all, we are writers, and the worlds we’re creating are our own, right? But on those rare occasions where the rut is just too deep, your solution just might be to find a good writing pal.
A few years ago, I was taking a writing class, creating character studies for what would ultimately be two of the main characters in my debut novel, Code of Darkness. One of the characters was Mira Givens, a twenty-something social worker who’d recently moved from her small hometown to the big city, and makes the fateful decision to befriend a loner who turns out to be the target of a covert Federal manhunt. I wanted her to be tough and resourceful for the rigors my story was going to put her through, but also a believable character: I didn’t want her to be Wonder Woman or Lara Croft. And of course she had to be a character the readers were going to care about.
Luckily, my studio class provided a forum for my fellow writers and I to bounce ideas off one another. And outside of the sessions, a few of us would get together to help each other through some of the challenges we faced with our projects. All this resulted in not only Mira becoming more fleshed out as a character, but many of the other main characters benefited as well.
For most of us, writing is a solitary act – we tend to have our best, most creative thoughts when we’re alone, undistracted by other voices or opinions. But having a writing friend or two can definitely help get you over those humps you just can’t get over on your own. And they don’t always have to be writers: my wife, who claims she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body, gave me more ideas than she’d probably ever take credit for.
So the next time you find yourself in a writing rut you can’t get out of, reach out to a writing friend and bounce an idea or two off of them. I’ll bet you’ll be happy you did.
_____
Chris Lindberg’s first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting www.codeofdarkness.com, or visiting Facebook and searching on “code of darkness.”
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search “code of darkness” on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he’d love to hear from you.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Noctourne by

Book Description:
When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him and soon comes to realize that the feeling is mutual. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension—and Nicole can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t want her there.

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her.

But as the sexual tension between them builds, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns the terrifying truth—that her host is an ages-old vampire who is torn between his love for her and his desire for her blood—there’s nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and he’s the only one who can save her life.

Filled with unexpected twists and surprises, Nocturne is a page-turning, haunting, and deeply romantic story of forbidden love that will grab your heart and not let go.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. Nicole is driving to the airport from her friend's Colorado wedding when an avalanche and car crash strand her. She is rescued by a very handsome, but standoffish man, Michael Tyler. The more she gets to know about him, the more attracted to him she becomes. Michael is attracted to Nicole in more ways than one. What will happen when she figures out his secret?
The intense attraction between Nicole and Michael was so strong that it was impossible to not feel it! Nicole's hurt and frustration are clearly felt throughout the book as she tries to understand Michael. He is brooding and secretive, yet his laugh and dancing eyes captivate! I enjoyed the scenery the author described, it was beautiful. I both loved and hated the ending so you can't get much better than that.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a good romance with paranormal twists!

Thank you to FSB for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.