Sunday, November 27, 2011

Review # 70: Stay Tuned by Lauren Clark

Description:
      For Melissa Moore, TV producer, life and career have always stayed behind the camera; that is, until Alyssa Andrews, disgruntled WSGA news anchor, decides to knock-out her co-anchor during the live 10 o'clock newscast. With no replacements on set, Melissa has a choice: go to commercial indefinitely, or pick up a mic and start reading from the teleprompter herself? Little does she know that her split second decision will not only redeem the night's botched broadcast, but earn her a whole new job title: temporary News Anchor.
     Unfortunately, Melissa isn't sure about her new-found success. Her husband Chris is never around, always "working" and only communicating through nonspecific post-it notes, and her mother, currently in a nursing home, continues to start trouble -- and fires. On top of that, her new co-anchor is putting on the moves, while a former co-worker becomes her stalker: one that wants her dead.
     Can Melissa keep her new job, save her marriage, deal with her mother, keep her high ratings, and protect herself from becoming the 10 o'clock news? Stay tuned to find out...
Review:

     When I first picked up this book, I couldn't help but love the cover: bright, cute, and simple, yet, (as I would later figure out), a pretty accurate representation of the text. The book was an attention grabber from start to finish. It was one of those books that made me laugh one minute and sprout nervous goosebumps the next. Melissa is a great character, complex, but written and described in a way that all women can relate to. She's a strong female lead, full of insecurities, but doesn't allow them to dictate her life, and when the pressure is on, she deals with it - not afraid to get help from her friends; Candace in-particular. I found that all the characters, even those second-rung, were well-developed and fun to meet. The dialogue was believable and enjoyable, often the reason for my head-shakes and stifled laughter; there were a couple rough spots, but nothing that impeded the book's steady flow and pace. Being a fan of the news, especially the more general news shows like The Today Show, I have always wondered what it must be like to work behind the scenes, as well as under the pressure and bright lights of the cameras. After reading Stay Tuned I realize that it is fun to think about, but show-biz is not for me; it's crazy, stressful, hectic, and hilarious, but overall, reporting the news is a serious business - one that Melissa Moore knows all to well. Lauren Clark did a wonderful job bringing her TV experience and her talent for writing together to make a book that will satisfy a reader's palette and leave them wanting more. A sequel perhaps?...

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from Novel Publicity as part of the Stay Tuned Holiday Blog Tour in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Intrigued? Want to read more?


Now please enjoy this sneak peek of Stay Tuned...

Chapter 1
Alyssa Andrews was missing.
Gone, vanished, MIA with just minutes to airtime.
“Melissa, where is she?” Our news director, Joe, shot a harried look in my direction. After dealing with a broken studio camera, spotty satellite reception, and last-minute script changes, his nerves were fried to a crisp.
“She’ll be here,” I promised, knowing my confidence was a front. Alyssa, one of WSGA-TV’s main news anchors, was a constant source of angst in my already-stressful job.
She was young, talented, gorgeous…and chronically late.
This lack of punctuality was a problem, especially when WSGA ran a show at exactly six and ten o’clock every night. Not a moment later.
WSGA was Macon, Georgia’s number one news station and had been for two years running. If we wanted to keep it that way, timing was everything. Every second mattered.
I produced both evening shows, which meant—among a dozen other tasks—organizing the day’s stories, writing copy, and checking video. Each segment had to run seamlessly between three-minute commercial breaks.
Deep breath, Melissa. Send up a little prayer. She’ll show up.
The red numbers on the clock continued to march forward. 
Another deep breath. Everything’s in place. Alyssa just needs to walk in and get on set…
“Tighten up on camera one.” Joe peppered the room with demands. “Mic check, now, not yesterday.”
Tim Donaldson, Alyssa’s co-anchor, obliged, counting backwards from the number five.
Joe’s thick fingers punched buttons on the massive keyboard in front of him. “Bring up the live shot.”
Still, no Alyssa.
Joe raked a huge hand through his long gray hair. “Five minutes!” he growled, with a glare into his empty coffee cup.
At this point, it was Joe’s show to run. He was in charge. I shuffled my scripts. “How about I call her?”
“She’s an adult,” he grumbled. “You shouldn’t have to.”
Joe expected nothing less than perfection. He was experienced, hard working, and a stickler for detail. Alyssa’s nonchalance made him crazy.
Which, at 9:55:36 on a Friday night, gave him the patience of a gnat. On crack.
This was particularly dangerous for an unsuspecting new employee, all of twenty years old and pimple-faced, who crept up behind us.
Joe ignored him at first, barking an order to me instead. “Fine, fine. Melissa, tell Princess A. she’s needed in the studio.”
On autopilot, I punched her extension, eyes focused on the row of monitors above my head in case she decided to appear.
While the phone rang, the new kid rocked on his heels nervously. I flashed a smile and shook my head gently in his direction, hoping he’d get the hint.
Not now.
Nope. The kid stood there, coughed lightly, and waited for one of us to turn around.
“What?” Joe finally snapped.
The force of the word made the kid’s body jerk back. Jaw open, unable to speak, his face turned crimson.
Joe waited about a second for the kid to talk, and then leaned back over the control panel. He pressed at switches, clearly annoyed. The kid looked sick. Joe rolled his eyes. My anxiety level cranked up ten notches.
9:58:09. Less than two minutes.
Wait…a flash of an ivory suit and blond hair.
“There she is,” I interrupted the tension with a cool nod toward the monitors.
Front and center, Alyssa sauntered into the studio, lips puckered, blowing her shell-pink nail polish dry. She slid into her seat next to Tim, and gave him a playful pat on the shoulder.
Joe muttered something I couldn’t repeat.
I stifled a loud sigh of relief and glanced around the room. The new guy was the only one in the building unimpressed with Alyssa’s arrival. With a shaking hand, he reached out and tapped Joe’s burly shoulder.
“Mr. Joe, there’s a problem with one of the machines—”
Joe’s back stiffened. He turned a millimeter in the kid’s direction and exploded. “Get your butt back there. Get one of the engineers. Fix it. Call someone.”
I caught the now-completely mortified kid’s eye, and motioned for him to come toward me. Grabbing the nearest piece of paper, I jotted down the engineer’s extension and held it at arm’s length with a kind smile. Poor guy. Lots to learn.
With a grateful look, the new kid plucked the scrap from my fingers and darted away.
Time to get started.
I settled in, gripped my pen hard, and looked up.
Okay. Alyssa’s collar was turned under. Minor detail, but sure to garner at least five viewer complaints. You wouldn’t believe what people called in about.
I leaned toward the microphone to let Alyssa know.
“Dare you not to tell her,” Joe muttered. It wasn’t a secret that the guys would willingly let Alyssa go on air with underwear on her head. She hadn’t made friends. Or tried to.
Tim, her co-anchor and current boyfriend, didn’t count.
“Just part of those darn producer duties, Joe. You know that.” I flashed him a smile and pressed the button to talk. “Alyssa, fix your collar.”
Her mouth parted into an O. Alyssa frowned, glanced down, and straightened the pale edge. Just in time.
Like a well-directed movie, the WSGA-TV opening video flashed across monitor one. Macon, Georgia’s skyline filled the screen.
My body tingled with a familiar rush of excitement. It happened every time we went on air. The cameras and lights, the beat of the music, the thrill of live television.
Here we go.
Seconds later, Alyssa and Tim appeared under the lights, their bright anchor smiles pasted on.
“Good evening, I’m Alyssa Andrews.
“And I’m Tim Donaldson.”
And on it went, without a blip, for the first ten minutes. I started breathing again after the third break.
Stanley and Sunshine, the weather cat, were ready for the five-day forecast, check.
Commercial break, check.
Sports, check. I didn’t worry about that three-minute slot. Plenty to talk about, visual stories; the anchors could get away with jokes and ad-libbing. Viewers loved it.
We rounded out the show with an inspirational kicker about a local scholarship winner, a kid first in his family to go to college. He’d won forty thousand dollars and was going to Georgia Tech to study astrophysics.
The show wrapped with a standard goodnight, credits, and a wide shot of the WSGA set.
The second the master control operator switched to break, Alyssa flounced off the set in silicone fashion. She barked into her jewel-encrusted cell phone about her min-pin puppy’s cancelled spa appointment and stomped out of the studio, teetering precariously in four-inch heels.
Yikes!
I climbed the flight of stairs back to the newsroom, relieved the night was almost over.
The phones started to ring five seconds later.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Review # 69: Gladius and the Bartlett Trial by J. A. Paul

Description:
     Gladius and the Bartlet Trial is the tale of fifteen year old Gladius Oldmont's epic adventure into adulthood. The Bartlett Trial is a journey that all Wiggins must complete at the age of fifteen in order to be considered an adult. So Gladius, filled with his father's stories, believes he is ready to journey into the Longwood Forest and become a legend in his 17th century village and beyond. Besides the usual stresses of the trial, Gladius is also being relied on to win prize money so that his family can keep their farm, and he always lends a helping hand to those he meets along the way - taking on a lot of extra responsibilities. But somehow, he manages to keep up a steady pace and face every obstacle, (scimitar cats, death bats, dragons, etc.), with bravery, intelligence, and the survival skills he's been taught since childhood. He even manages to make friends along the way, including Elle, a beautiful girl. Unfortunately, he also runs into Mulhurt, an evil tyrant, who terrorizes all the surrounding lands in search of an ancient absolute power. Now he must decide whether to continue his trial, or join forces against Mulhurt and save everything he cares about. Can he find the ancient power before Mulhurt does, and prevent the destruction of his home?
Review:
      For a first time author, J. A. Paul definitely knows how to craft an epic story-line, as well as fully developed characters and dialogue richly detailed in "story-teller" fashion. Even me, a college-aged woman, enjoyed the fast-paced and fantastical realm created by the author, so I know middle schoolers and older grades will be excited and entertained by this read; especially since I have already been begged by two cousins and a nephew, (ages 11, 13, and 15), to lend out this book. Not only is it a great book for kids, but I believe that it is a great opportunity for parents to read with their kids and get involved. There is so much to learn from this book, including survival skills and life lessons, that I think kids would be really interested in; I know I was! I hear that this is the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait for the next installment, and I will be passing my copy along to a few kids who I know will love it. I could see this becoming some sort of anime or graphic novel, and I will keep an eye out for any other books by J. A. Paul; another book to review coming soon, I hope? I recommend this action-packed adventure to kids 9 and up!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 68: Praying for Your Future Husband- Preparing Your Heart for His by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer

"God has a beautiful romance prepared for you. Prayer is the key to unlocking the love story … with your future husband and with God, the lover of your soul."
Description:
      Praying for Your Future Husband- Preparing Your Heart for His is a book for Christian females, (teens and older), containing stories about finding "The One", and the struggles we sometimes face along the way. Besides stories, there are patches of scripture throughout, and many opportunities to write down thoughts and reflections; there are also discussion questions and exercises included.
Review:
     Honestly, I had never pondered about praying for my future significant other. First thoughts: How does that work? and, Would it really make a difference? Well, after reading through 13 chapters and 207 pages of stories and scripture-filled prayer ideas, I have to say, I actually get it. The way this book is set up, it does an amazing job answering the why's and how's. Subjects include praying for: his heart, a God lover, patience, understanding, trust, loyalty and faithfulness, strength, protection, intimacy, "the List", contentment, and commitment. I also really liked how they included a section of scriptures to be used in prayer, and a section in each chapter for reflection and feelings on specific topics of discussion. The authors, Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer write great books, so I had a feeling that this collaboration would also produce a noteworthy book, even if I didn't originally get the why's, and it is just that. Full of wisdom, hope, inspiration, and encouragement, Praying for Your Future Husband is a must-read for anyone who has ever thought about having a husband or being a wife. I believe that it would also benefit men to read this book, or maybe a couple authors should write a more male-based "Praying for Your Future Wife..." book. Thanks for renewing my outlook on the future, your experiences have, and will continue to influence your readers.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah (Blogging For Books) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 67: Spirit Seeker by Jamie Haden

Description:
     Talisa Santiago has never truly fit in with the people around her, but she yearns for acceptance. She is of Native American descent and the granddaughter of a powerful shaman, but her family's history has been kept a tightly-bound secret by her overprotective mother who has been controlling their "nomadic" existence since she left the desert. After years of moving from place to place, Talisa finally begins to feel at home on the remote island of Silence, North Carolina where she meets people like her, and through their stories and friendships, she begins to discover her birthright. It is here that she meets Jag, the school bad boy, who she begins to fall for and eventually date; against the better judgement of her friends and mother. But everything isn't as it seems, and secrets from Talisa and Jag's pasts are finally coming into the light. Will a side of her she never know existed dictate how she lives the rest of her life? Or will she follow in her parent's footsteps and run away from it?
Review:
     First-off, love the cover art - thumbs up to Greg Smallwood for his design. Secondly, I applaud Jamie Haden on an amazing debut novel that doesn't follow today's supernatural fiction trend. Much of the young adult fiction I read has to do with vampires, werewolves, witches, etcetera, but Jamie Haden brings the beauty and mystery of Native American mythology to light in Spirit Seeker. Not only is the reader immersed in the stories of Talisa's childhood, but they experience everything as she does: her realization and transformation into a spirit seeker, her connection to Jag as a human and a shape-shifter, and her bond with Miguel and Dakota. Her characters are unique and well-developed - I admit my favorite is Dakota - and the dialogue is very believable and enjoyable. However, I did find some small wording and grammatical errors, but they were easily overlooked and didn't distract from the flow of the storyline. I have always been interested in Native American mythology, so I very much appreciate how Jamie Haden wove the stories throughout the text. The only part that irked me was Talisa's whining, but after finishing the book, I attributed it to her past, and I cannot wait to see her mature further in future books. I hope that I have the opportunity to read and review the sequel Illuminate- Alive, she cried .

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 66: Death is a Relative Thing by Holly Patrone

Description:
     What happens when your husband unexpectedly dies while having sex with you? Well, you get a reputation that leaves a lull in your dating life, that's for sure - and April Serao would know. Six years ago her husband, Sal, died in bed with her, and now she can't even get a date, (unless it's with an inanimate object). So now she's a widowed single mom raising three teenage boys and attempting to hold a full-time job as a Technical Support Engineer at a software company. If that isn't stressful enough, her mother, Marie, won't leave her alone long enough to get anything done, which is the reason she's in her present predicament. Marie drags April to a celebrity psychic so she can talk to Sal, unfortunately his disembodied self decides to stay afterwards to recruit April's help; attempting to thwart her attempts at getting to know a new business associate on a more "personal" level. Can April find a way to deal with work, kids, love, ex-living ex's, and angry neighbors?
Review:
    When I was first contacted to review this book, I had my doubts due to its small size and vague cover description, but after reading it, I was very surprised by how enjoyable it was! This chick-lit was funny, witty, and ironic, each chapter more over-the-top and full of laughs than the last. I thought that April was a great character that most women could identify with, and the dialogue, especially between Sal and April was fun and laden with sarcasm. The book was quick, but satisfied my craving for fun and romance, it even had a little paranormal flair. The plot was refreshingly well-written and kept me entertained till the last page - unlike a lot of the chick-lit fiction I have been reading recently, and the cover was adorable! Kudos to the author, I can't wait to read her next book -- hopefully a sequel?

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 65: Box of Rocks by Karla Telega

Description:
     Middle-aged Maggie and Cher are best friends and complete opposites; but when Cher feels that Maggie is heading towards a mid-life crisis, she decides to follow the advice of Maggie's therapist and find her a hobby. So after a "few" drinks, the pair comes up with a list of suitable hobbies including: ghost hunting, target practice, rock collecting, wildlife photography, soap making, fencing, belly dancing, tie dying, dog training, crawdad racing, bull riding, and even worm collecting. After knocking a few off their list, they start collecting rocks; meanwhile, Paul, a doctoral student, is finishing his thesis on archaeology and discovers a gold-filled burial ground. Unfortunately, Paul isn't the only person aware of this "gold-mine" and someone's willing to kill to protect its location. So when Maggie and Cher "stumble" upon a murder investigation, they may have found just the distraction they are looking for - except for the fact that they are now targets of a criminal who is a perfect example of Murphy's Law.
Review:
     Move over Janet Evanovich, Karla Telega's new book surprises like an ACME anvil! When I started Box of Rocks, I realized that the characters, Maggie and Cher, were just like Evanovich's Stephanie and Lula from the Stephanie Plum series; completely unmatched, but an outrageously hilarious duo that left me laughing so much it hurt. Telega's characters are vibrant, well-developed and completely believable which makes the serious, yet laugh-out-loud plot all the more enjoyable. Reading this book reminded me of some of the shenanigans my friends and I have gotten into and the conversations that ensued. Box of Rocks is a fast-paced, smartly detailed, and gut-bustingly funny mystery, and I really hope there's a sequel!

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Review # 64: Hot Water by Erin Brockovich and CJ Lyons

Description:
Rock Bottom's AJ Palladino returns in Erin Brockovich's Hot Water!
    Colleton River is a new-age nuclear power plant with the potential to make medical isotopes that could save lives. So when the plant and its employees begin suffering unexplained accidents, including radiation leaks and malfunctioning equipment, Owen Grandel, the plant owner, has no choice but to call on environmental activist and consumer advocate AJ Palladino. Unfortunately, AJ is unsure about taking the case. She's a single mom, has a son with cerebral palsy who is currently in a wheelchair, her mother is an agoraphobic hoarder, her grandma is blind and diabetic needing a full-time caretaker, her father-in-law hates her, and she is just getting the pieces of her life back together after almost losing everything. What changes her mind? A check with lots of zeros. 
     Assuring her son that she will be home for his birthday, she heads to South Carolina to check the plant out and deal with the anti-nuclear protest groups, but her investigation takes a turn for the worst. The plant mishaps accelerate, her family is attacked, her son goes missing, a gater gets up close and personal, and a hurricane decides to stand between her and the people she cares about. Can AJ find a way to save the plant, the community, her son, and herself before a total meltdown?
Review:
     After reading Rock Bottom, I knew I had to delve deeper into the world of AJ Palladino. Not only are Brockovich's characters well-developed, but also fully dimensional and genuine. I feel a connection to all of her characters- AJ, Elizabeth, and David in particular; each of them well thought out and spun artfully into the overall plot. The story-line is anything but disappointing, consistently fast-paced, and full of suspenseful twists and turns. I didn't expect some of the outcomes, however, the ending was perfect, tying up most of the loose ends but allowing room for future books in the series. Honestly, there is a lot going on in this book plot and detail-wise, but if you are in the mood for a riveting action-packed environmental thriller, then this is the book for you.


Rating: On the Run (4/5)


*** I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Review # 63: Growing Up Country: Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl by Carol Bodensteiner

Description:
     Growing Up Country is a fun and innocent childhood memoir about growing up in the 1950's on an Iowa farm full of cows, chickens, Sunday dinners, and mischief. Each chapter is a single story or memory of growing up on the farm and learning family values, hard work, determination, respect, and discipline. 
Review:
     This memoir was everything I expected! It was an entertaining flashback of memories from "the good old days" with a genuine feel. The details were well-written and vivid, allowing me to get lost in Carol Bodensteiner's charming childhood stories, without the bulk of facts seen in other memoirs. The writing style was easily readable and very enjoyable, I even recommended it to a thirteen year old as a good candidate for a book report. I liked that it wasn't written just for adults, but also gave children a look at how life was in a different time; even though most life lessons have remained the same. I didn't grow up on a farm, but I did grow up in the country, so I appreciated the author's childhood thoughts and ideas, especially those that reminded me of my own grade-school memories. I haven't read many books about happy childhoods lately and it is refreshing to read about one that was so full of love and laughter. Overall, I am very happy I was able to read this book and get a look at a true American family. I only wish that the book hadn't ended so soon.


Rating: On the Run (4/5)


*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Review # 62: Sikander by M. Salahuddin Khan


Description:
      In 1986, Sikander is a seventeen year-old Pakistani who dreams of going to America to study and live. But his plans are crushed when he flees his home after a disagreement with his family, which leads him to join a band of mujahideen warriors who are fighting Soviets in Afghanistan. After two years away, the mujahideen prevail, and Sikander decides to return to Pakistan and make a life for himself. Here he falls in love with and marries an Afghan woman while running a successful business. But following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America, turmoil ensues in the Middle East, and Sikander must help his wife's family flee from Afghanistan to Pakistan, a dangerous trek that ends in Sikander's capture, torture, and imprisonment by U.S. Forces. The land he's always dreamed of is now a painful scarring nightmare that he may not survive. 
Review:
     M. Salahuddin Khan's first novel is a remarkable coming-of-age journey full of rich detail and remarkable characters. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first received it, but after a few chapters, I knew that I was reading an amazingly crafted and emotionally charged novel. The characters are realistic and well-developed, seemingly taking on a life of their own through the well-written dialogue. The details are vivid and captivating, allowing the reader to experience the Middle East as beautiful one moment and war-torn the next. The plot flows nicely and is very solid, never losing ground and keeping up the fast-pace. The style reminded me of The Kite Runner, another excellent book, and I recommend both to adults interested in the Middle East, biographical historical fiction, or those who just want to read excellent stories about life's journey.


Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)

*** I received this book from JKS Communications in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 61: My Sweet Saga by Brett Sills

Description:
     Brandon is a run-of-the-mill 30 year old, but with no zest for life, he feels like his is just going through the motions. He works a dead-end job, is unsure about his upcoming nuptials, feels hated and judged by his future in-laws, and his racist butt-hole of a father just reappeared in his life. So it's no great shock that he can't manage to focus on anything in-particular; that is, until his lotto-winning father insists that Brandon accompany him to Stockholm, Sweden to meet a man that could change their lives. It is here that Brandon meets Saga. A beautiful Swedish woman that shows him not only how to live, but how to love. Unfortunately, this new-found love of life leads him to impersonate a NASA employee, become a national hero, get arrested, break indecent exposure laws, and have two fiances. 
Review:
     This book was a total over-the-top surprise! Brett Sills' writing style, dialogue, and characters are brilliant. Never have I laughed so much at some of the most ridiculously funny and crude material that I've ever read. The characters are well-developed and strangely relatable, and the discussions they have are full of wit and blunt-edged sarcasm. It was fun to read a book completely in a male's point of view, especially since most romance/comedy reads focus on the women. My Sweet Saga is completely unique with a plot full of unforeseen twists. It is refreshing to read a book about how messed up and wonderfully unexpected life can be. I highly recommend this to adults who want to read something different and laugh out loud doing it! I will be anxiously waiting for Brett Sills' next novel! 


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


*** I received this eBook from Admiral J Press in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 60: The Story of Solomon Bear by Phillip Laird

Description:
     Solomon Bear is the beloved toy and best friend of a little girl growing up in home devoid of love and happiness. So when the pair is split up, Solomon Bear will stop at nothing to find her. Along the way, Solomon bear meets other toys that show him that he has all the tools he needs to find her, leading him to places he's never imagined, and hopefully, into the arms of his lost little girl.
Review:
     The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my favorite childhood stories, and The Story of Solomon Bear parallels it. I found the poetic writing style of Phillip Laird to be very beautiful and well-written. His verses are enjoyed and understood by both children and adults, and even though there aren't many characters, the ones that you get to know are well developed and realistic. The content is emotional and touching, with a bit of humor to lighten the mood, and the descriptiveness is vivid. I only wish there were a few illustrations. I recommend this book for children of all ages, and the adults who read to them.


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


***I received this eBook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 59: The Pineville Heist by Lee Chambers

Description:
      Aaron Stevens is a wealthy teen who has a very rocky relationship with his money/ business-oriented father. But business hasn't been great lately, so the Mill that his family owns may be shut down, forcing people out of jobs and killing the town's livelihood. Suffice to say, people aren't exactly happy about it. So when Aaron hears about a $5 million robbery at the local bank, he decides to find the culprits and get it back, not for him, but for the town. Unfortunately, after Aaron and his friends find the money, they become the targets of dangerous crooks who will stop at nothing, (even murder), to get the money back. 
Review:
     I haven't enjoyed a teen read this much since high-school! This book is a fast-paced, action-packed, thrill ride that will have the reader glued to the pages. I honestly couldn't put it down the first day I got it because I never hit a dull point that I wanted to stop at. This book has well-developed characters, a tight-knit plot that kept me guessing, believable dialogue, comedic interludes, blood, guts, dead bodies, gunfights, and it flows pretty well. The only problems I had were with the drastic, and sometimes unnoticed, point of view changes. There are many characters, so keeping tabs on who is thinking or speaking is important, section dividers may have helped. I didn't realize that it was originally a screenplay until after I read it, but I think it would make a great movie! Overall, I was very impressed with Lee Chambers first novel, and I recommend it to teens and adults who enjoy action, violence, and an unlikely hero who has to grow up to save the day.


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


*** I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 58: Dumpsterotica- How Dirty Are You? by Allie Beck

Description: 
     Marcia and Joe have been together for 4 years and married for 2; but their relationship, as well as their sex-life, is kind of stale. So when Joe takes Marcia out for dinner, he has no idea what to expect from their romantic date, especially when it makes its way into a grimy, stinky, garbage-filled dumpster behind the restaurant.
Review:
     The designation of erotic comedy was right on the nose, (but so was the spaghetti). I was a little frightened of this book upon receiving it; not sure what to expect of a short story with the name "Dumpsterotica". Well, it was definitely down and dirty. There were situations in those ten pages that shocked and appalled me, literally making my skin crawl - and not in a good way. Overall, I thought that it was kind of hilarious; Allie Beck's writing style flows well and her characters are entertaining, but Marcia and Joe's relationship was really depressing. I hear there's another book coming out in this series, might be good for another laugh, however, the subject matter is still seriously grotesque.


Rating: Bounty's Out (3/5)


*** I received this eBook from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 57: Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir by John Paul Stevens

Description:
  Five Chiefs  is memoir detailing John Paul Stevens' life and career as a Supreme Court Justice, which includes sections about the Chief Justices he served under.
Review:
     I have never been a "politics-junky", but as I have gotten older I've realized the importance of politics in today's society. So when I read the blurb, I decided to try reading it. Thankfully, John Paul Stevens writing style and organization wasn't as dry and boring as I thought it would be. Sure, some sections seemed to drone on, but many times it was because I was not associated with the cases and legal terms described. It took me longer to read because I had to look up several law definitions, which could have been avoided if there was some kind of side-note for those of us without background in law studies. I liked the inclusion of the photos, comics, and the copy of the Constitution of the United States; they made the material a little bit more enjoyable. I am glad that it was written like more of a down-to-Earth conversation than a full-blown law textbook, minus those few definitions. It is obvious that John Paul Stevens is very passionate about what he wrote, and he definitely knows what he is talking about. The length was also desirable for a person who isn't a political studies or law major; I would have expected a much lengthier memoir for all that I learned he, and his colleagues, accomplished. Overall, I would recommend Five Chiefs if you are really interested in The Supreme Court and politics because it is filled with facts, stories, and gossip about many of the past Supreme Court Justices. 


Rating: Bounty's Out (3/5)


*** I received this book from Little, Brown and Company, (Hachette Book Group), in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 56: Love and Capital- Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution by Mary Gabriel

Description:
     Mary Gabriel's Love and Capital is an account of the lives of Karl and Jenny Marx and their family before, during, and after Karl Marx's revolutionary idea - Capitalism/Socialism.
Review:
     Being a history-buff at times, I knew I had to read Love and Capital. I have read textbooks on Marx' political role, but never had I read an account that talked about the man himself; his unyielding love of his wife and children, the trials that almost destroyed everything he'd ever built, and, overall, his humanity. Mary Gabriel does an outstanding job demonstrating the lives, loves, and times of the Marx family, including several pages of black and white photos, drawings, and maps. I found her biographical wring style very entertaining, there were only a few spots where I had to muddle my way through the text. Due to the book's size, there is the tendency for drifting into monotony, but I thought that it was well-organized and seldom became boring. One detail that irked me though, was that Jenny Marx wasn't really a "head-lining character". The title is a tad-bit misleading, I expected to read more about their relationship and less about debt, his affair, and his life's work. Still, it was refreshing to see Jenny Marx described as the support behind her husband, and ultimately, the mother of the Socialist revolution. Overall, I felt that this biography was written beautifully with attention paid to every detail, and I would recommend it to those who love history, or even as a reference for those studying Marx himself.


Rating: On the Run (4/5)


*** I received this book from Little, Brown and Company, (Hachette Book Group), in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 55: Little Did I Know: A Novel by Mitchell Maxwell

Description:
     Written by award-winning Broadway director and producer Mitchell Maxwell, Little Did I Know  is a first-time novel loosely based on Maxwell's early career. After college, in the summer of 1976, Sam August travels to Plymouth, Massachusetts to follow his dream of directing musicals out of an old theater. Little does he know, that putting on a show and running a business can be a crazy ordeal, filled with unexpected twists and turns - just like life. Not only does he have to deal with living in the 70's, but also with new relationships,  business propositions, bills, schedules, rehearsals, love, and a couple of mischievous raccoons. Will his plans succeed? Or will they be crushed by reality? Either way, it will be a summer he won't soon forget.   
Review:
     First-off, I have to say that I am a fan of Broadway plays and musicals, so once I heard about this book, I had to jump on the chance to read it. For a first novel, Mitchell Maxwell does an amazing job with his characters and level of detail. By the end of chapter ten, (the chapters are the perfect short-length), I had a pretty good idea who everyone was, what everything looked like, and how everyone acted. His characters are very well-developed, and the dialogue isn't stressed; but I wish that there wouldn't have been as many 70's cliches involved. I found most of the novel very entertaining, but for a book about Sam's dream of directing, the reader never really sees a full rehearsal. Overall, I loved the plot, (although predictable in some spots), and the humorous twists and turns kept my nose in the book. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys an entertaining read about life's quirks; and any fans of GLEE.


Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this ARC from Book Trib, (Prospecta Press), in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 54:Mocked by Faith (Mocked Series) by Michele Richard

Description:
     American born Alexia Cross is 18, lives with her parents in a gated religious community, and is slated for an arranged marriage to a man she's never met. To make things more complicated, Justin, her husband to be, is from a similar religious community in England, but was caught trying to find love outside of the fold. So after they are married, and subsequently have their first meeting, they find it difficult to get to know each other, especially since they are from such different backgrounds. Both of them fear acceptance and have no idea what to expect, especially when it comes to love, trust, support, sexuality, and even the decision to have children. This book is the first in a series by Michele Richard and chronicles the couples awkward and tumultuous first year together.
Review:
     I admit that I normally wouldn't have been interested in this book, but after reading the blurb, I decided it was worth a try. After I started reading I realized how interesting it really was. The premise and story-line were very well-written; Michele Richard's world of "The Gates" fully immerses the reader into the lives of Alexia and Justin. I felt that the alternating chapters in each character's point of view were an integral part of understanding their relationship and development, although there were a few confusing sections where there was too much happening at once and/or the dialogue became redundant; (I noticed there was a lot of unneeded info about the way they dressed and about their sexual lives). Overall, I found the book fast-paced and hard to put down; it packs a lot of emotion and is recommended for anyone looking for romance with some substance in their next read.


Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5) 


*** I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Review # 53: A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections On Jesus' Own Words by R.P. Nettelhorst

Description: 
     A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections On Jesus' Own Words by R.P. Nettelhorst is a book filled with one year of daily Christian devotionals. Each page (day) holds a different bible passage and a short explanation of its meaning, and in some cases, how it applies to the reader and their relationship with GOD and his son.
Review:
     Forget the little devotional desk calendars, A Year with Jesus is the new way to get close to the Lord with daily bite-sized bits of the bible. This book isn't just a random collection of Christian bible quotes, but a ten-sectioned journey through the words of Jesus Christ Himself! Topics discussed include: Love and Hate, Truth and Lies, Arrogance and Humility, Friends and Enemies, Belief and Disbelief, Patience and Impatience, Deserved and Undeserved, Good and Evil, Fidelity and Treachery, and lastly, Life and Death. This is a very complete devotional covering a good amount of the New Testament, and is written in a down-to-earth simplistic manner; great for those who want to bring a quick shot of faith into their day. Overall, I am very impressed with how R.P. Nettlehorst set this book up, and how it manages to make the reader feel closer to their Savior.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
 
*** I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 52: Up, Down, or Sideways by Mark Sanborn

Description:  
     Up, Down, or Sideways is a self-help book dedicated to helping you get through your up, down, and sideways struggles in life and success. In today's economy, as unpredictable and scary as it may seem, Mark Sanborn shows you how to take control of your life and career, no matter how uncontrollable the present and future seem.
Review:
     I am sort of a closet fan of reading other people's opinions on how to live life to the fullest. So, when I got the opportunity to read Mark Sanborn's new book, I grabbed it. At first glance, I noted the simplicity of the overall design, bright enough to draw your attention, but styled in a very professional way. I think that this setup gets more attention in the self-help/motivation genre because people want a certain level of professionalism; especially if the book is supposed to help them in some way. As for content, I liked Mark Sanborn's philosophies and realistic perspective on life. I felt like he was talking just to me, almost like we were going through the same things, or some variation. I enjoyed his tips and methods for getting through life's unpredictable times and optimistically dealing with personal economics; his own experiences were included which I thought was a plus. The sections on optimism and gratitude were particularly eye-opening, and all the material could be applied to any public, private, or work relationship. I have found myself practicing some of the skills he described, including learning from other people's mistakes and accepting "good shoulds". Overall, I was pleased with Mark Sanborn's take on life and success, and I may even pick up his other books.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Review # 51: Craved by Stephanie Nelson

      Gwen Sparks is the typical girl next door - if you lived next door to a skilled witch who could read the thoughts of the dead and owned her own magic shop, that is. Her ex is a werewolf, and her new love interest is a vampire, and if that isn't enough excitement, local witches are being murdered, leading Gwen in search of a dangerous killer. Unfortunately, she must work with her ex, deal with a psychotic ghost, and try to keep her neck off the chopping block, while simultaneously trying to keep her life in check. Sometimes being a witch that everyone can count on can be a total bitch...
Review:
    The first thing that pulled me in was the cover: the color and the mystery/allure behind her dark eyes spoke to me, "You want to know what I know," and I did. As soon as I started reading I realized that this urban fantasy was everything I liked about YA fiction but for a more mature audience. The characters, particularly Gwen and Aiden, are realistic and well-developed, and the dialogue/actions between them have a really good flow. I enjoyed getting to know them and was definitely a fan of their chemistry- especially in a few of the more mature passages. The plot wasn't the normal cookie-cutter paranormal romance and it held a few fast-paced surprises, including the ending. Stephanie Nelson definitely knows how to write a book that keeps the reader excited and entertained. Glad to read a book that didn't have the same "human + vampire/werewolf  = undying love" theme. Overall, I can honestly say that I can't wait for the next book in the series; I hope it comes out soon!

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this eBook from an affiliate of the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.