Review # 148: From My Mother by Margreet Dietz

Description:

     Nadia is an experienced marathoner who is going after her most challenging goal yet - completing a 100-kilometre ultrarun; but as she begins putting the pavement behind her, she discovers that the past - her maternal grandmother's specifically - is the reason her family is free to pursue what they love. Grandmother, Oma, was a widow in 1950's Czechoslovakia after a communist takeover. She managed to escape to the Netherlands, but her journey was long and difficult. Now ninety-four, and living in a senior apartment, Oma's past has made her fearful and paranoid of the future. Although Oma and Nadia's lives are similar in certain ways, Nadia knows that she will never have to suffer as much as Oma did earning her family their freedom.

Review:

     I was quite taken back by how much this book actually moved me. It is a very touching and genuine story of love and survival from one generation to the next. I wasn't too crazy about the running aspect, but I quickly got over it, because the story-lines, (ultrarun and grandma Oma), meshed and flowed so well. I may not be a fan of running, but I felt like the two topics crossed-over and worked nicely together. The technical runner's language didn't distract from the stories of the two women, but made it stronger. Margreet Dietz is talented with words, and her experience with ultrarunning makes this a must-read for runners/athletes of all levels. It is a very motivational book, full of emotion - a marathon of words - that take the reader through the highs and lows of a family's past and present.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)


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

Review # 147: This Brilliant Darkness by Red Tash

Description:

     Bloomington Indiana. Home to a couple thousand college students - and to the Greachin, a dark creature bent on stalking and destroying university professor, Christine Grace. 

     Christine isn't herself. Her mind wanders, she suffers from hallucinations and blackouts, strange messages and thoughts plague her, and she has an eerie suspicion that someone - or something - is watching her. Her boyfriend, Tom, and coworker, Richard are stumped, but her strange attitude paired with the appearance of a constantly shining star over the town lead the three to believe there has to be more to the seemingly unconnected events; especially when they all become targets of the Greachin's unholy power. Can they find their connection to the beast before it succeeds in destroying all that they care about? Are there others willing to fight? Or was their fate sealed centuries before they were born?

Review:
   
     I was really excited when I first picked up this book because the author, Red Tash, compared it to Stephen King's The Stand, one of my favorites. I have always been a fan of multi-viewpoint novels, so that aspect didn't scare me away, but the "dark urban fantasy" tag left me uneasy. I have read too many books in the fantasy genre that didn't live up to my expectations, so I wasn't sure what to expect from This Brilliant Darkness. I am glad that I didn't let that deter my attentions, because this book is fantastically well-written, fast-paced, detailed, and full of sinuously dark curves. I was thoroughly drawn to the characters, including the Greachin, unwilling to put down the book for fear that I would destroy the building tension. Each cleverly-titled chapter led me deeper and deeper into Christine's new reality. The character development was top notch, enabling me to sympathize with the characters; and their relationships/personalities were strikingly realistic. I enjoyed reading about Christine's relationship with Tom, Richard, and Tristan from each of their perspectives. Red Tash has a way of making her characters stand out when it's their turn to speak; the viewpoint changes were not choppy, and I did not find the change-overs at all confusing. In the like, the dialogue was smart, modern, and engaging, with a good overall flow. I would not change anything about it, except the ending - I wish there was more to it, but maybe there's more to come? I hope so. Recommended to college-age adults and older who relish a great fantasy/horror novel that will leave them craving more.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


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

Review # 146: Better Off Without Him by Dee Ernst

Description:

     Mona Berman is a best-selling romance novelist, the mother of three teenage girls, and a dedicated wife. She has a great job, has penned twenty-seven romances, and is optimistic about her family's future. Until that is, her husband, Brian, decides to pack his bags, file for divorce, and leave her for a skinny, French twenty-something.

     Faced with the biggest shock of her life, Mona must recover by finding herself before everything swirls down the drain. Can Mona be the woman she was without Brian? Are the romances in her books truly fiction? Is love still an option? With help from her romance savvy daughters, her best friend, a crazy aunt, a matchmaking neighbor, and a plumber "too sexy for his"... everything, she may still have a chance at "happily ever after"!

Review:

     This book is definitely one of the better romantic comedies I have come across lately. I love characters with real personalities, real flaws, and the ability to overcome whatever gets thrown at them, and that is what I see in Mona Berman - as well as in her cohorts. Mona is hit with news that would floor any woman, but that doesn't stop her from making the most of a bad situation. Dee Ernst's characters are genuinely fun to read about; it feels like they live next door, and I wish they did! The story-line isn't your typical "chick-lit" romance, as a matter of fact, I thought the premise of a newly divorced mother of three finding herself and loving again was refreshing; especially since Mona was looked to as an authority on love, and her own happy ending, (with Brian), failed. I also appreciated that I didn't really know who Mona was going to end up with. The book had a mild predictability, not enough to displeasure readers, and the dialogue was smart, funny, and encouraging. Readers will have no problem falling in love with the characters, particularly Mona's crazy aunt and three daughters - I hope that they make appearances in Dee Ernst's future novels. Recommended for lovers of the chick-lit genre, as well as those looking for an example of how to be 'Better Without Him...'

Rating: On the Run (4/5)


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

Review # 145: Women Writing the Weird edited by Deb Hoag

Description:

    Women Writing the Weird is an anthology of fictional stories surveying the weird and strange, featuring short stories by twenty-six of today's most talented female authors; including: Nancy A. Collins, Aliette de Bodard, Caroline M. Yoachim, Rachel Turner, Mysty Unger, Helen Burke, Carol Novak, Gina Ranalli, Eugie Foster, any many more...  Editor Deb Hoag remarks that the "weird fiction" genre contains- "Stories that delight, surprise, that hang about the dusty edges of "mainstream" fiction with characters, settings, plots that abandon the normal and mundane and explore new ideas, themes and ways of being." 

Review:


    When I think of all the meanings associated with the word "weird", I imagine a great many scenarios. I have used the word to describe a plethora of things lately, ranging from peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches, to the clothes Abby Sciuto wears on NCIS, the series finale of LOST, my spaghetti-eating cat, and even myself. So when I spotted Women Writing the Weird, I harbored a vast amount of questions as to the level and realm of the "weirdness".
     I was happy to read Deb Hoag's introduction, "The Wild Women Are Loose," because it solidified my theory that everyone has a different sense of "weird" - most including journeys into the unusual, strange, unbelievable, and even impossible; no matter how insignificant. I can honestly say, that each story was completely unique and mindbogglingly ethereal, my favorites being The Scene Changes by Mysty Unger, A Stray Child by Rachel Turner, Bird in the Hand by Flavia Testa, Catfish Gal Blues by Nancy A. Collins, Phat is a Four-Letter Word by Deb Hoag, and Beneath the Skin by C.M. Vernon. Whether they made me giggle, frown, or cringe, each story left a resounding and detailed "weirdness" imprinted on my mind. I enjoyed the creepiness, the surprise, and the peculiar nature each story seemed to encapsulate; some more unexpected than others. I also liked how Deb Hoag introduced each author with a few notes about the story being showcased, as well as her own thoughts. These intros allowed me to see each piece from a different perspective.
     Overall, I really enjoyed what the anthology had to offer singularly, and as a whole. The stories are short, but don't let their size(s) fool you; they will affect the reader in mysterious ways. I must note that there were a few "erotic" stories in the collection, but many of them were tasteful and well-written. I would gladly read this collection again, and recommend it for women, (and men), who crave the "weird", or who'd just like to visit...
   
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


*** I received this anthology from the publisher (Dog Horn Publishing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Ready to get "weird"?
Buy Women Writing the Weird Today!

http://www.doghornpublishing.com/women_writing_the_weird.html

Review # 144: The Infinite Library by Kane X. Faucher

Description: (From Amazon)

     Follow Alberto Gimaldi, code-cracker and bibliophile, as he unravels the mystery of an infinite library and discovers the treachery of the librarian Castellemare. What is the hidden plot of the library, and how will this impossible place set into motion a catastrophic narrative by the artful textual manipulation of unwitting agents in the real world? What is the buried and secret connection between all text and all life? 

     A novel of dark mystery, infinity, and a compelling story for all those who love books and book-related enigmas. Codes, ciphers, and the sinister await those who would set foot inside the Infinite Library.

Review:

     Whoa... So, I was cruising through upcoming titles on LibraryThing a couple months ago when I saw this amazing cover - a book addict's dream - The Infinite Library. Even the title pulled me in. Being the bibliophile that I am, I knew I had to read it, and thanks to the author I finally got the chance. As previously stated - Whoa; I seriously had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I am happy that I did! The Infinite Library is vast, both in content and length, (548 pages), and its conveyance of language and description is breathtaking. I started out reading at a quick pace, but came to the conclusion that it was better savored in small digestible chunks than devoured in a mass reading frenzy. I can attest to the validity of the back cover blurb, it is definitely, "A novel of dark mystery, infinity, and a compelling story for all those who love books and book-related enigmas." Alberto takes some time to get used to, but his personality and well-developed character becomes, dare I say - enjoyable - as the intriguing plot progresses. Strangely, I have mixed feelings about Castellemare, for some reason he seems to ride the fine line between good and evil, but that's probably because I sometimes like to side with the antagonizing party. The dialogue is rich and well-written, flowing almost effortlessly throughout the entire piece. I say "piece" because the book is artfully drafted as if the written word, (devoid of technological influence), is still treasured in a green society. I can almost imagine myself in a dusty library surrounded by the sight, sound, and smell of yellowing pages while reading. The only qualm that I have is that the other two volumes are not published yet. I believe I will enjoy them, especially if Kane X. Faucher continues to write with such beautiful style. Recommended to readers in the mood for a literary challenge at a controlled pace.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)


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

Review # 143: Mondays at 3- A Story For Managers Learning To Lead by Greg Giesen

Description:

Now announcing the newest department manager of DataDump Corp: Justin O'Brien!

     These are not the words Justin expects to hear when he is called into his boss's office. Nor are they the words his co-workers anticipate. Sure, he is good at his job, but does he have any idea how to "lead"? His entry-level attempts at management, compounded by his boss's MIA status, leave his department vulnerable to morale decline, as well as a lack of productivity. But just as he gets to the point of calling it quits, he discovers a workplace advice columnist called "Ask Dr. Mac" and sends in the letter that will change his life, and career forever. With Dr Mac's guidance, Justin becomes the manager, and the man, he never knew he could be. 

Review:
     
     This book is a must read for all managers, as well as those seeking leadership positions. I was hesitant to read this book at first because its length, (447 pages), and subject matter. I was under the impression that this would be another dry "self-help" guide about management techniques, but I was mistaken. Greg Giesen has written an easy-to-read-and-understand story that everyone can relate to - problems at work, lack of motivation, relationship qualms and general uneasiness as related to the work environment. His characters are dynamic and realistic; flawed, but willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. The story-line is filled with real-life situations including how to deal with inter-office squabbles, how to connect with employees, how to earn the respect of employees or peers, how to boost work ethic, and how to deal with stresses in and out of the workplace. I learned just as much about management and life skills from Dr. Mac as Justin did, so I know that those seeking advice on managerial positions would do the same! I was also impressed by how the book was set up in parts, and how the dialogue evoked the amount of emotions it did. I admit, I laughed, teared-up, and rolled my eyes with Justin and Dr. Mac throughout the whole book. Overall a great resource for business managers/employees, as well as for those seeking life advice - great story with many lessons to be learned!
     

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

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

Review # 142: AyJay's Millions- An A.J. Carlin Mystery by Jack Wasserman

Description:

     A. J. Carlin is a paraplegic private investigator trying to solve a New York double homicide. She has been hired by Eddie Dahlgren to find his wealthy niece and boyfriend; she's investigating the death of a friend, and she's dealing with problems of her own - including a possible million dollar inheritance. Will A.J. be able to track down the killer before the next victim falls prey? Or will the twisted truth lead her towards a more dangerous outcome?

Review:

     The premise definitely got my attention! A paraplegic P.I.? That's pretty creative - and as soon as I started to get to know A.J. and her no-holds-barred, crude yet capable attitude, I knew I was going to enjoy reading about her experiences. She is a strong character, multi-faceted, full of spunk, and is very clever about using her "handicapped" status to her advantage. I liked reading about A.J.'s colleagues, as well as the nicknames she gave to them; their interactions ranged from cautious to comical.The story-line was refreshingly different, but had a few rough points. I thought the dialogue moved the short chapters along quite nicely, especially A.J.'s quips and wise-ass one-liners about herself. I also thought it was interesting that author Jack Wassermann was so in-tune with A.J.'s thoughts and actions as a woman, including her paraplegia. There was plenty going on to hold my attention, and I appreciated the fast pace, but I was not overly spellbound by the book as a whole. However, I would definitely consider reading more by this author, especially if he decided to include A.J. in other adventures. Recommended to mystery lovers with a taste for action and witty humor, as well as those who love a good ending!

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

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

Review # 141: From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds by Amy L. Peterson

Description:

     Amy is single, career oriented, financially stable, and ready to seize her life - but not ready to settle down and have kids. Mark is slightly older, a divorcee, and has four children. The pair have worked around each other for years, but now that they are both single, sparks start flying- and so do tackle boxes. Amy goes from single lady to step-mom of Simone, Samantha, Conrad and Elizabeth in record time, and the events that follow - the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly - change their lives in ways they never imagined. 

Review:

          From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds is a humorous and lighthearted memoir chronicling author Amy L. Peterson's unexpected journey into step-mother-hood. Amy's writing style is wonderful, ranging from laugh-out-loud funny, to heartwarming, to serious in the span of a few pages. I had to crack a smile every time I read one of her seventy tips for step-moms/step-moms-to-be. Some of my favorites were: "Tip # 56: You can't get a refund just because you're not having fun.", "Tip # 38: A woman's desire to get rid of junk is directly proportional to a man wanting to hang onto it.", and "Tip #11: "If your first meeting with the kids doesn't go well, rest assured that it won't be the last thing that won't go well." I loved Amy's down-to-Earth and authentic storytelling ability, as well as her ways of bringing characters and situations to life - just because a book is based on fact doesn't necessarily mean it sounds like fact; fortunately, this book netted the fish. Dialogue was also well written, as was the ending. I am not a mom, but this book let me in on the secrets of doing the best with what you have, and welcoming the unexpected. I would love to read more by this author - whether fiction or nonfiction - and recommend this book to women and mothers everywhere! I enjoyed the cover as well!

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

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

About The Author:

Amy L Peterson is a happily married wife, stepmother, author, amateur photographer, outdoors woman and keeper of numerous spoiled fuzzy animals. Her writing is diverse, her photography of animals and wildlife unique, and her pets have trained her how to get what they want.

Amy met Mark at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the early 1990s and married him after he carried a rubber raft, oars, foot pump, camping gear, and fishing gear to 10,000 feet while backpacking in Montana. In addition to his prowess, Amy was attracted to Mark’s limitless supply of fishing tackle, and his interest in every kind of critter. The fact that he came with four children in denial about until she married him.

Amy summarized just some of the fun of entering into instant stepmotherhood in From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds. This humorous, entertaining book includes over 70 tips for stepmothers and women thinking about taking such a plunge. These tips are tried and true since all four of Mark’s children survived their time with Amy. Amongst the kids is one social worker, one mechanical engineer, and two college students.

Between bouts of being a wife and stepmother, Amy spends way too many hours photographing and writing about wildlife. Her publications and photos have appeared in Grit, Moxie, Montana, Travel Impulse, Women’s World, Bonaire Nights, and Pacific Coast Sportfishing. Her article about Nunavet wildlife was featured on the Nueltin Lodge web page, along with a photo of a monstrous pike she claims to have caught.

Amy has also co-authored numerous technical documents for the State of Michigan, all of which are really quite boring. Her favorite past time is writing mostly true stories of the various animals she’s spoiled or encountered in the wild. She is currently working on a book about all the animals Mark "always wanted."

Her blog at amylpeterson.com, is focusing on her book excepts and many a reviews she is receiving every day.

This is Amy’s humorous and compelling story of becoming a stepmother. The book has catchy chapter titles like "Can't We Just Duct Tape Them Together and Send Them Outside?" And it contains over 70 tips including "Tip #44: You can't exchange a bad child for a good head of lettuce." This book is a must read for stepmothers and future stepmothers, and a fun romance that might just make you giggle somewhere along the way. 

Follow Amy:

• Official Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

Buy the Book:

• Goodreads
• Amazon

Tour Schedule:

• 8th April - Debdatta @ b00k r3vi3ws - Review, GIVEAWAY & Guest Post
• 9th April - Nilsa @ Nilsa's Book Blog - Review
• 10th April - Literary Corner @Allahabad Post - Author Interview
• 11th April - Patricia @The Joy of the Written Word - Review
• 12th April - Pragya @Reviewing Shelf - Review and GIVEAWAY
• 13th April - Kathleen @Jersey Girl Book Reviews - Review & Guest Post
• 15th April - Twitter Party #zero2fourkids
• 16th April - Aparajita @Le’ Grande Codex - Interview & GIVEAWAY
• 17th April - Rachel @Stressed Rach - Review
• 18th April - Nicole @Purple Penguin Reviews - Review
• 20th April - Cece @Cece's Reading and Writing Safari - Guest Post & GIVEAWAY
• 22th April - Sue @Books books the magical fruit - Guest Post
• 23rd April - Allizabeth @The Paperback Pursuer
• 25th April - Elemillia @Book Reviews, Fiction Reflections n' More
• 26th April - Ella @Mymcbooks Blog
• 27th April - Donna @My Life. One Story at a Time.
• 28th April - Joy @Joy's Galaxy

***In honor of this great event, the From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds e-book will be 99 cents until the last day of the tour.***

Review # 140: King's X by Stephen T. Harper

Description:

     There was once a great thief that stole the King's X - a relic with a secret: No one ever really dies. We always come back; a vicious circle. Once we come back- we forget, but there is one person who knows the truth, and for 600 years they've been running.     The year is 1968, and Los Angeles is about to have a run in with a brutal force known as "The Enemy". Detective Wendell Book meets a girl named Molly Reed who has been "awakened" to find that she isn't who she thinks. Her past lives/reincarnations and memories are intertwined with Wendell's, and lead them on a quest across the city, (and time), to find the King's X once again. With their ever-growing knowledge of the past, can the pair, (and their historical counter-parts), escape the evil lurking at every turn and find the relic? Or will they fail, forget, and live to repeat it all over again?

Review:


    I have read some excellent books lately, but believe me when I say that this one is so good it needs film rights! The whole time I was reading, a virtual "film version" was playing in my head - action, suspense, drama, intrigue, superb detail, and a compelling story-line; what more could a reader ask for? Stephen T. Harper is a master of words. I found the level of detail amazing, but not overpowering to the characters or dialogue. His vocabulary choices were perfect for the text, and both spoken words and inner monologues were realistic as well as entertaining. When I first began reading, I discovered that this book was different than my usual review picks. The intelligence/ style of the writing paired with the jagged plot-line made King's X a worthwhile challenge; something many readers shy away from. The characters span time, the story jumps back and forth between characters/eras, there are several different perspectives, and the littlest fact, if overlooked, can potentially lead the reader to a dark alley, so to speak. I don't back down from challenges, so I knew I was in for a treat. I stayed awake all night to finish, heart pounding, eyes bulging from their sockets with every new twist, and the ending almost killed me! - (No spoilers)! I haven't been that surprised by an ending since Dumbledore took a surprise dive from Hogwarts. The characters affect the reader immediately. Khali and Molly were intense characters, as was Wendell, and they were all multi-dimensional; their inner monologues only strengthened their development and influence. I cannot wait to read more! Hopefully I will get to review the next book because I don't think I can wait for whenever the release date is. Highly recommended for lovers of all genres who like a book with some substance.


Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)

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

Review # 139: Unnatural Selection by Thomas Price

Description:

     The ozone layer has been depleted, the earth has been scorched by a unfeeling sun, and the only plague-ridden humans on the surface must scavenge and cannibalize to survive. The "end" of civilization has come and gone, but for those that took refuge below the waves, the horrors of the surface are unimaginable. Is there life? Is the planet healing after years of misuse, overpopulation and abuse? Or is all hope for a human-sustaining environment lost? 

     Jesse Baines made it into the underwater sanctuary known as Pacifica before life on the surface collapsed, but he wants to go back to the world he left  behind. He is sick of being confined to the underwater community and pushes for trips to the mainland. Unfortunately, his neighbors and superiors don't agree with him; until that is, Pacifica is damaged and a small team must brave the surface to find replacement parts. But what begins as an adventure, turns into the team's worst nightmare when they come face-to-face with the unspeakable horrors of post-apocalyptic California; disease, radiation and mutation are just the beginning...

Review:

     Being a microbiologist, I am quite familiar with Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection, so the title, as well as the cover image (peppered moths), spiked my interest. The idea of the end of the world is not a new one, but Unnatural Selection twists that notion into something new and eerily believable. With the overpopulation, pollution, and lack of natural resources in today's world, how can everyone doubt the idea of the apocalypse? Sure, it is probably a million or so years away, but why keep pushing our limits? Thomas Pryce's above ground world is wrought with peril, strange creatures, and a landscape as barren as the Taklamakan Desert, while the underwater protective "bubble" of the Pacifica gives its inhabitants a false sense of security. The story-line is detailed, full of action and left me wanting more. Pryce's use of metaphor was exquisite, and his descriptions were a literary buffet to a reader like me! I enjoyed all of the characters, but Matrin, Jesse and Santos were my favorites. The development of the characters was also spot-on; I was disappointed to see some of them go... (no spoilers)! Dialogue was fresh and entertaining, plot was action-packed, and the ending left a sequel to be desired. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and its scientific post-apocalyptic flair! Highly recommended!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

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

Review # 138: Tell Me A Story - Stories From A Childhood In Old New York by Bea Gold

Description:

     Tell Me A Story - Stories From A Childhood In Old New York by Bea Gold is a volume of thirty-six one-page illustrated stories based on the author's memories of growing up in 1930's/1940's New York. Each story is told from the perspective of a Jewish, first-generation American child and is accompanied by Bea's own paintings. The book showcases the complete set of paintings shown at The Silver Lake Art Collective in Los Angeles, California.

Review:

     Tell Me A Story... is a beautifully written and illustrated childhood memoir that will leave the reader nostalgic for family tradition and life in old New York. The stories are authentic, written with just enough detail to inspire visions of the past, and are enjoyable for adults and children. Bea Gold's artwork snapshots the fervor encapsulated in one moment of memory, taking the reader down memory lane - whether Bea's, or their own. I was impressed by her mature, yet child-like writing style, as well as her amazing ability to project ideas, voices, and personalities with a single word or phrase. I will definitely be recommending this book, and its artwork, to friends, family and readers because it almost takes on a life of its own. Bea Gold is a very accomplished artist and noted public-servicewoman. I hope to see more of her stories and artwork in future volumes. This book will definitely be staying out on my coffee table!

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)


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

Review # 137: The Yard by Alex Grecian

Description:

     After failing to unmask and capture the infamous killer - Jack the Ripper, London's Scotland Yard detectives, dubbed "The Murder Squad", are doubted by the citizens they are sworn to protect. But when a new threat descends upon London's Victorian era streets, and a detective ends up dead, the squad and their new leader, Walter Day, must stake their declining reputation on finding an elusive killer. Working with the Yard's first forensic pathologist, Dr. Kingsley, Day must find the killer before another detective ends up sewn-up in a trunk. Can new-age science and Sherlock-ian sleuthing come together to solve so gruesome a case? Or will London's streets run red before the weeks end?

Review:

     I have always been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and Encyclopedia Brown - AKA the detectives of my childhood; so when I heard about Alex Grecian's The Yard, I knew I had to find a copy. Victorian era London is graphic, with bloody good detail and characters that rough-up the senses. Each character has their own back-story and their actions keep the reader guessing. I particularly enjoyed reading about Hammersmith and Kingsley, who were well-developed and thoroughly entertaining. The plot had me hooked from page one, and although I discovered who the killer was way before the ending, I was consistently surprised by the twists and turns throughout. The dialogue was also quite entertaining, but I felt that it may have been a little bit too "recent" in some areas; this didn't take away from the overall readability. Great first novel, spectacularly detailed, and page-turningly-action-packed! I definitely recommend this book to all mystery lovers as well as fans of Sherlock Holmes and Victorian London; I hope that Alex Grecian writes a follow-up or two since he left the ending open, and I will be looking into his graphic novel series Proof as well!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (G. P. Putnam's Sons - Penguin Group USA) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 136: Fit Moms For Life by Dustin Maher

Description:

     Dustin Maher has created a dynamic fitness program catered to busy moms that don't have time to do something for themselves! Fit Moms for Life- How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay Your Kids is a training manual full of easy exercise plans, balanced meals, waist-line shrinking tips, and transformation stories that will leave any woman - mom or not - motivated, accountable, challenged, and feeling healthier and happier than they have in years! Heres what others have had to say about it:

"I wish I looked and felt this good when I was 20!" - Julia, 35, mother of three kids under the age of 5.

"Dustin's program is the best investment you will ever make in yourself and your life. It is a real program based on science and based on the information that he knows that will help you to get the best body for you." - Crystal

"You'll be a better mom and a happier person if you just take a little bit of time for yourself." - Liz 

Review:

     I am not a mother, but I know plenty of woman who are, and who don't take enough time for themselves between diaper changes, soccer games, packing lunches and doing the laundry - as well as every other job under the sun. I hear that motherhood is amazing, but you shouldn't have to lose a piece of yourself just because you have a new job description. So many women get stuck in a rut after they have kids that they don't know where- or how- to begin again, but Dustin Maher's Fit Moms for Life sets up a starting line. His program, (books, workout DVDs, websites, and in-person training), have helped transform 5,000+ moms thus far, and he plans to build a community of one million+ moms by the end of 2015. The premise is simple: "Putting yourself first is the least selfish thing you can do", so why not live and feel the best that you can?! I was quite surprised by what this ~200 page guide had to say; this program may be catered to moms, but it also works for those of us who have busy lives and schedules to uphold. The workout plans are simple, straight-forward, and fun to do - as is the menu planning and recipes. The side planks and burst-cardio were a couple of my favorites, as well as the easy-to-do crock-pot chicken with herb rub and the gluten-free coconut macaroon recipes. I also found the success stories very uplifting and motivational, the overall format of the book aided in keeping the reader focused and excited about the program. I will definitely be using this program in my daily routines, and highly recommend it to moms and busy women everywhere. The websites and online communities are some of the best resources I have see for motivating and encouraging women to live and feel the way they should - happy, healthy and balanced. For more information, go to: www.DustinMaherFitness.com, or FitMomsforLife.com .

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

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

Review # 135: Broken Words - The Abuse of Science and Faith in American Politics by Jonathan Dudley

Description:

     Science. Faith. Politics. Three universal concepts with a compendium of diverse denominational meanings - but that does not mean that viewpoints within these topics do not overlap. Why do some Christians believe abortion, homosexuality and evolution are against God's commandments and teachings, while others are taught to accept these practices and ideas? Why does there have to be a right or wrong? Author Jonathan Dudley exposes and explains the misinterpretations and misuses of these concepts throughout history, and in today's ever-changing world.

Review:
    Broken Words is an in-depth, insightful, honest and equal-sided look into abortion, homosexuality, environmentalism and evolution throughout evangelical/Christian history. Given my educational and religious background, I was very interested to hear someone else's thoughts on these matters, especially since most books on the subject seem so "one-sided". I was surprised to learn that the author was so young, yet so mature and experienced in his writing and convictions. His to-the-point analysis of the bible and evangelical history were engaging and unbiased. I have often wondered why the meanings of certain passages in the Bible were so skewed, and his well researched explanations helped me to gain a better understanding. I consider myself a Christian - nondenominational - and Jonathan Dudley's arguments against the religious taboos of abortion, homosexuality, and evolution closely resemble my own. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered why science, faith and politics are so defiant in their attempts of agreement. I am excited by the prospect of another book by this author, and wish him much luck with his MD at JHU-SM!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


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

Review # 134: Terry's Upside by Richard Bonte

Description:

     Rod Lafleur lives a comfortable life in Paris with his family and their twenty thousand inherited gift shares of the Allen Toy Company. Privately owned, the company has prospered, although the Lefleurs and their relations  have no say in, or ownership of the company. Unfortunately, this means that the inherited shares are worthless in the open market, and therefore aren't making the shareholders any real profit. Cue Terry Roberts, Rod's distant cousin who shows up unexpectedly with a moneymaking scheme that brings out the greediness in everyone. Is Terry really who she claims to be? Or is there something more sinister behind her motives? Can Rod find the truth before it's too late?

Review:

     The fist thing I noticed about Terry's Upside was its strange cover, why a moss-covered tree? Is the author referring to the family "tree" and the relationships shared by the characters? I also wondered about the book's overall format - was it originally written as a screenplay? Why were there no quotation marks when the characters were speaking? I am a bit obsessive about punctuation, so this pet peeve was a little hard to get over. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the story-line, but I wasn't a fan of the pace. I found that it lacked the action and "thrills" I am used to, so the reading was slow going. I also wasn't too crazy about the legal terminology. I did however enjoy the ending, which I wasn't expecting. I wish Richard Bonte much luck on future books, the idea was great, but this one just wasn't my cup of tea. If you are a fan of legal financial thrillers, this book may be for you.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3/5)


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

Review # 133: Teach Children to Read Faster - The Automatic Reading Teacher (A One-To-One Reading Teacher) by Dennis Brooks

Description: 

     Illiteracy is a worldwide problem, and according to the Central Intelligence Agency it is estimated that 793 million adults are unable to read or write. That is why new methods must be created to increase reading proficiency/speed in children, like Dennis Brooks' Teach Children to Read Faster - The Automatic Reading Teacher. Suffering from Dyslexia, the author developed this method to improve his reading, writing and spelling abilities, eventually quadrupling his overall reading speed. His "Say-Spell-Say" methods used with second language students, as well as school-aged children, have proven effective and are now available for use at-home and in educational institutions. There are 50+ lessons, tests, and guidelines for parents/educators, as well as sections about gifted children, auditory learning, automatic reading and syllable stress. 

     Examples of method:

• arms = a.r.m.z 
• teeth = t.e.t.h 
• book = b.oo.k 
• bicycle = b.i.s.i.k.e.l 
• television = t.e.l.e.v.i.z.h.o.n 
• Massachusetts = ma.sa.choo.sits 
• My cat has nine lives. = Mi kat haz nin livz. 
• The sheet is clean and neat. = The shet iz klen and net.

Allizabeth's Review:


     I applaud Dennis Brooks' Teach Children to Read Faster - The Automatic Reading Teacher for being such an innovative way to teach children the basic sounds, syllables, and phonetics of the English language. At first, I was not sure what to make of the "Say-Spell-Say" method or the phonetic (fonicz) decoding the author explained, but as I moved further into the workbook, I realized how the lessons were set up and blended together. I myself have always pronounced words phonetically, (Wednes.day, prin.cip.ple, Fe.bru.ar.y, etc...), so I understand the concept, especially when it comes to multi-syllabic words. However, I am not sure I agree with the use of these methods without associated content; what good is a word if it doesn't have meaning or definition? Just because a child can sound out a word does not mean they understand what they are saying. I was also confused by the disordered alphabets, but I can see how they could help certain students understand uppercase versus lowercase and the irrelevance of alphabetical order. I am very interested to see more data on its effectiveness with second language students, particularly since a student of mine found the syllable breakdowns easier to pronounce than the actual words.  I would recommend using this approach along with other methods - I am partial to old-school Dick and Jane myself. Great as a resource for the parents and educators of school-aged children. Rating: 3/5 (Bounty's Out)

MSC's Review:


     The phonics method - Fonicz - presented in Teach Children to Read Faster - The Automatic Reading Teacher by Dennis Brooks is confusing and monotonous to read. I think that teaching someone to read an incorrectly spelled word, phrase or sentence is counter-productive. The use of lists of words with no associated context is the same as teaching math by reciting numbers. The method of learning introduced in this book is too boring to hope that anyone could focus enough to learn anything. Also, there is no association of words with a picture or a contextual definition. I would not use this book as instructional material in a class from Pre-K through adulthood. Rating: 2/5

Literary Lola's Review:

     Teach Children to Read Faster - The Automatic Reading Teacher by Dennis Brooks does not take a traditional approach to the study of the English language. Instead, it washes out the formal rules and merely attempts to replicate the sounds of words based on one particular person's pronunciation tactics. There are several different dialects in the USA alone, not to mention all of the countries of the world. You cannot water down the study of phonetics into one, simple, easy to read 1, 2, 3 process book. I would not recommend this book for children. There are ways to teach reading without dummying it down to this level. This review is written by someone who holds a degree in English and a minor in Cultural Studies. Although I do not agree with the author's approach, I do not mean to belittle his attempt to fix the issue of widespread illiteracy. This is a noble ideal and it should be highly praised. Rating: 2.5/5

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

Review # 132: Ten Healthy Teas by Valerie B. Lull

Description:

     What does your tea do for you? Does it soothe arthritic pains and sore throats, settle nausea, aid in circulation, detoxify the liver, improve memory, calm nerves, inhibit bacteria, lower blood pressure, fight the flu, speed up weight loss, heal hemorrhoids, make birthing bearable, or fight against Cancer? If not, here are some healthy and delicious teas that can! Teas include: Ginger, Garlic, Green, Black, Chamomile, Cranberry, Peppermint, Raspberry, Goldenseal, Echinacea,and Lemon.

Review: 


     Living with a British grandmother, I am quite partial to teas, both hot and cold. I have been brought up drinking Orange Pekoe, Green, English Breakfast, Peppermint, and recently, Hibiscus teas; so when I saw this book, I knew I was interested. The cover is inviting, just like Valerie B. Lull's writing style, and although the book is small, (around  forty-one pages), the content makes Ten Healthy Teas a worthwhile read. With over thirty tea recipes, their histories, and a few tea drinker's tips, this short guide is surprisingly full of great info, especially about how drinkers can benefit from the herbal properties of each tea. I never knew that Lemon and Goldenseal teas detoxified the kidneys and liver; or that Garlic tea could improve cholesterol levels. Overall, it is a great resource; I am surprised that Hibiscus tea isn't mentioned though, it is filled with antioxidants and is quite delicious! Highly recommended for tea lovers and those looking for a tasty break from the ordinary.


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


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

Review # 131: Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin

Description:

     What do you do when you are a high class, rich, entitled, yacht-owning woman who finds out that her husband has a mistress on the side? For spurned wives Alex, Rachel, Kathleen, and Megan the answer is clear - get a "timeshare boytoy"; aka hire and share sexy stripper Michael Harrington! 

     Recovering addict and victim of a bad break-up, (and a crappy real estate market), Megan has her doubts about this new venture - but friends know best, right? Unfortunately, their plans go awry when prostitutes start turning up dead at Bayside Yacht Club, and everyone's a suspect - even their husbands. What is the killer's real agenda? Will Megan's growing feelings for widower Detective Matt Donovan protect her from the killer's twisted game? Or will her proximity to the case leave her and her friends sliced stern to bow?

Review:

     When I first spotted the cover of Deadly Pleasures, I couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into. I am not usually a fan of the semi-erotic paperback romances that my grandmother enjoys, but from chapter one I sensed a difference. Mary Firmin is a very talented writer. Her attention to detail, the fast-paced sinuosity of the story-line, and her well-written characters immediately caught my eye; but for me, the smart balance of humor tied the whole book together. I ended up starting the book at 11, fully intending to take my time, and went to bed at 3:45 craving a sequel. The story goes from light and lively on one page to dark, twisty and surprise-full on the next. I did manage to figure out who the murderer was before the reveal, but the possibilities were endless. Admittedly, Mary Firmin's ability to introduce well-developed and realistic characters mid-story had me second-guess myself a couple of times. Back to the cover, I am not a fan, but I get the idea. The adage,"Don't judge a book by its cover", comes to mind - the murder mystery far outweighs the eroticism insinuated by the cover image. I recommend this book to adults (17+) of both genders who enjoy a mystery that will leave them satisfied. Now all I have to do is wait for the sequel...

Rating: On the Run (4/5)


*** I received this book from the author (Lightning Book Promotions) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Deadly Pleasures Book Trailer

Mary Firmin's Websites: 

Website: http://maryfirmin.com

Blog: http://maryfirmin.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/firminmary

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.firmin

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Pleasures-Mary-Firmin/dp/1462042376/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332019124&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-pleasures-mary-firmin/1002999103?ean=9781462042371&itm=2&usri=deadly+pleasures

Deadly Pleasures Tour Schedule

Tour Schedule:
April

• 2nd - Babs @ Babs Book Bistro
• 3rd - Dawn @ I Love Books
• 4th - Allizabeth @ The Paperback Pursuer
• 5th - Molly @ Reviews by Molly
• 6th - Louisa @ Words I Write Crazy
• 7th - Tabby @ Insightful Minds
• 8th - Nikki @ Close Encounters of the Night Kind
• 9th -Tana @ Tana Rae Reads
• 10th - Jennifer K @ My Life With Books
• 11th - Vidya @ Books Are Magic

Interview: Sykosa, Part I: Junior Year by Justin Ordoñez

Please enjoy this interview with Justin Ordoñez, author of the YA novel (for 18+ readers), Sykosa. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $550 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.  

1. Who or What is a Sykosa? Sykosa is a sixteen year old junior in high school. She’s the main character of a novel I’ve written by the same name. For a quick rundown, she attends a prestigious preparatory academy, is part of the school’s coolest clique, “the Queens,” and she has started dating the boy she’s secretly been crushing on for a year, Tom. It’s taken a year to start dating him because A) there was this SUPER HUGE thing that happened during her sophomore year, and it delayed things and made being intimate with Tom difficult, and B) she kinda starts seeing stars around him and loses the ability to behave in any type of serious manner. 


2. Why is Sykosa different from other novels? It’s different because youth driven literature has become full of metaphors for danger that seem to have split into either science fiction or fantasy. (Before I go any further, I like both genres, so I’m not being a snob!) Sometimes, it feels like instead of dealing with real problems, it’s easier to have kids use magic. And instead of facing real contemporary issues, kids should fight aliens or something. These metaphors are meant to represent real life, but I fear they’ve slightly crossed over into a bit of denial about contemporary Americanism, which is a hard topic to write about since our country is in an identity crisis, and has been for about 11 years. Sykosa is an attempt to counter-act this trend. When I was young, I read books about young people that blew me away like One Fat Summer and The Outsiders. These books felt real, and it felt like I could slip into them at any moment. The writing was gritty, it was unapologetic, it was brilliant. I just don’t see many of those around, and I wanted to write one, and I wanted to write one with a female protagonist. 


3. Why did you chose cross-gender writing? Toward the end of the my high school education, I was allowed to split my school day from my normal, traditional education and a newer style, self-directed educational program. I took an English class where my English teacher, someone who I’m still friends with to this day, gave me only one assignment for an entire semester, and it was, “Perform a deep self-evaluation of yourself and your writing and come up with one goal for what you’re going to improve on.” At the time, I was seriously into writing, and had taken to writing a few books per year, but most of them were in the first person, and they were just me talking about myself. The issue was that I had been in a serious car accident the year prior and I had injured a friend in it. (He fully recovered, but never forgave me). I had tried to write a first person story about myself many times since the accident, but I was constantly failing because I was dealing with some lingering self-loathing and guilt. As a way to get away from it, I decided I wanted to work on a story I had been thinking about for a while, but that I never started writing for one super scary reason. The main character was a teenage girl. Odd as it might sound, I was intimidated by the fact that the main character was a woman. So I faced my fear and said my goal would be to write women better, and I proceeded to work with several teachers and several female students to help me craft a female character that was realistic, yet met my vision of her as well. This challenge stuck with me into my adult life, and it eventually found its ultimate form in Sykosa.


4. How will I know I’m a fan of Sykosa? I’m glad you asked! Sykosa.com has tons of stuff to help you determine if this book is right for you. Below you’ll see some humorous diagrams I’ve made, but at the website you can read an excerpt of the book, watch the book trailer, read character profiles and really get a solid understanding of Sykosa’s world.

5. What kind of stuff influenced you to write Sykosa? The primary motivators for Sykosa were Buffy The Vampire Slayer and It by Stephen King. It so happened, in 2001, I moved in with a woman I was dating. She was a fan of Buffy, so I had to watch it and became a fan myself. While most people were probably drawn to the vampire killing, it was the last thing I was interested in. I thought Whedon created an interesting cast of personalities and analyzing them was something I enjoyed. At the time, I was reading It. What I liked about It was the small town, insular feel to the novel, and how the inhabitants of this town were able to show a “front” of values, but were secretly hiding and allowing evil to proliferate all around them. From these two things came Sykosa, a girl who does not have any super powers, nor does she kill any vampires, but she did have a traumatic event happen in her life, and she’s struggling to deal with it, and its made no easier by the fact that her small, insular parochial school has decided to ignore the incident. 


6. What is your most favorite and least favorite part of Sykosa? The most favorite part is easy. It’s Sykosa’s best friend Niko, who just gets my blood pumping every time I have to write her. I love Sykosa, she’s definitely the main character and the story would never work without her, but I could sing Niko’s praises all day and all night. She’s such an interesting young woman and to see how she’s developed over the years as I’ve written the story has been a real treat. When someone first reads Sykosa and then decides to talk to me about it, I’m secretly waiting to hear them mention Niko. It’s never the first thing they say, it’s never the last, it’s always sandwiched somewhere in the middle, “By the way, this Niko—I love her!” My least favorite part… Wow, that’s hard to answer, isn’t it? In the middle of the book, there’s a section called an Interlude, which is a story structure that Stephen King used in It, and that I borrowed as an homage to it. There’s a section where Sykosa, Niko and her mother are driving in a car together. I swear, I rewrote it fifty times—maybe more—and it’s never read right to me. It just never has. 


7. What kind of writing schedule do you keep? Let’s put it this way: I recently heard a story that there are “cat writers” and “ox writers.” I’m an ox writer. I put in the time, every day, whether I’m feeling it or not, whether its terrible or not, even if I know I’ll just end up deleting it, I push through it and I do it anyway, and somewhere along the way, it ends up coming together as a story. 


8. What’s the coolest story you have from writing Sykosa? Sykosa is interesting in the sense that it took me a long time to finish it. The first couple years I was writing it, I was really just writing stories about the characters, feeling everyone out, figuring out how they fit together, but there was no plot holding it together or pushing anything forward. In 2003, I seriously debated quitting, as it had been the hardest piece of writing I had ever taken on, and to be honest, I was somewhat used to overcoming challenges easily and without a lot of adversity. And while I usually worked on the book on my bus ride to and from work, this one beautiful, sunny day, I decided not to. I sat on the bus and kept the binder of writing closed on my lap. When the bus stopped at Pioneer Square, a homeless black woman sat next to me. She noticed the book, then said to me, “So you’re writing a novel?” I couldn’t tell how she knew that, but I said, “Yes, I am.” She asked me what it was about, but I’m terrible at talking about my work, so I gave her the gist, “teenage girl” “high school” “likes her boyfriend” etc, etc. The conversation lasted one stop, when the bus opened its doors, the woman reached out with her hand, put it on my own (which was clinging to the book like I was protecting it or something) and she said, “Justin, I want you to know, God blesses this book. He blesses it, and you can’t quit.” I had never mentioned to her that I was quitting it. I started working on it after she left the bus, and I never spoke or saw her again. True story. 


9. Do you have any tips for people who are struggling with writing or want to take it up? I do. First off, keep struggling. It’s a worthwhile struggle. There’s a lot of be gained from writing. And for those who want to take it up and for those who are already writing, I can’t stress this enough: Draft. And by the I mean, write in drafts, don’t sit in a chair and challenge yourself to make it perfect now, write it perfect now, but instead write in drafts. If something only gets 5% better, that’s fine, cause it’s just one draft of what will be many, and eventually, that 5%, that 3%, that 7%—it adds up and you end up with a really good story. But, if you try to knock it out of the park every time you step up to the plate, you’ll swing the bat a whole lot, and you’ll be tired and exhausted when you’re done, but you won’t have a ton to show for it. That’s when most people quit. They think, “I can’t do this” or, “I don’t have the talent.” They don’t understand they’re doing it wrong, that’s all. 


10. When you’re not writing, you’re… Singing karaoke. I go once a week with some close friends of mine. It’s a fantastic release, also you get feedback from an audience, which you sometimes miss from writing, and you can forget how exciting it is to share your work with others. My favorite song to sing right now is Gaga’s “You and I.” Gaga has got a great voice that she can make raspy if she needs to, and I’ve got a voice that can match the raspier songs, so I think I do her proud. Otherwise I’m singing the Killers, Kings of Leon, Oasis or Lauryn Hill.   As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Sykosa eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. 


The prizes include $550 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of Sykosa for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event
4. BONUS: Leave a comment on this post*

Leave a comment, win $100: One random tour commenter will win a $100 Amazon gift card. Just leave a comment on this post, and you'll be entered to win. For a full list of participating blogs, check out the official tour page. You can enter on just my blog or on all of them. Get out there and network! 


About the book: YA fiction for the 18+ crowd. Sykosa is a sixteen-year-old girl trying to reclaim her identity after an act of violence shatters her life and the lives of her friends. Set at her best friend’s cottage, for what will be a weekend of unsupervised badness, Sykosa will have to finally confront the major players and issues from this event, as well as decide if she wants to lose her virginity to Tom, her first boyfriend, and the boy who saved her from danger. Get it on Amazon. 

About the author: Sykosa is Justin Ordoñez's life's work. He hopes to one day settle down with a nerdy, somewhat introverted woman and own 1 to 4 dogs. Visit Justin on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.