Photograph Reviews Photography Book

The Photographer’s Guide to New Mexico: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them
By Efraín M. Padró.
The Countryman Press. Woodstock, Vermont.
96pp.
$14.95

Reviewed by R Thomas Berner Professor emeritus of journalism and American studies The Pennsylvania State University


Even before I bought this book, I knew I was going to like it. My wife and I have taken two workshops with the author, one at White Sands and the other in Las Cruces, and are ready for another. I am a big fan of Efraín M. Padró’s.

Because he and I are on a first-name basis, I’ll refer to the author/photographer as Efraín.

Efraín, who’s based in Santa Fe, begins the book with a four-page section titled “How I Photograph New Mexico.” It’s right out of his workshops, and for those of us who want to be better photographers, I can attest that it’s a value-packed four pages. One thing Efraín recommends that I’ve started to do more of: If he’s not shooting something in motion, he usually sets his ISO to 100 and uses a tripod.

One very important section in the opening is a short piece on etiquette when photographing on Native American soil. For those accustomed to being around Amish or other insular groups, the information will be redundant. Nevertheless, it’s worth repeating.

Efraín has divided the book into geographical areas and within the divisions suggested places to photograph. So Northwest New Mexico lists Shiprock, El Morro and Acoma Sky City among the 11 sites. North Central includes Taos and Santa Fe. Albuquerque shows up in Central New Mexico, and the two places Paulette and I have been with Efraín, Las Cruces and White Sands, appear in Southwest and Southeast New Mexico.

The author, who includes many of his own photographs in here, not only provides seasonal ratings for each area, but suggests lenses and filters for shooting certain events. He warns you if you’re going to encounter a low-light situation (and would need a tripod) and he advises on the best times to photograph (morning and evening, which are fairly universal, as he notes). He also suggests where to stand to capture the best light depending on the time of day. Sunrises and sunsets in New Mexico provide different lighting depending on where you’re standing and what the cloud cover is like.

Efraín concludes with his list of favorite sites, which he acknowledges is subjective.

Even if you are not a serious photographer or a wannabe like me, the book is invaluable as a guide to the sites and sights of photogenic New Mexico. About the only thing missing is a restaurant guide, and given the high number of good restaurants in New Mexico, such a guide would be unnecessary.

The revierer is R Thomas Berner, Professor emeritus of journalism and American studies The Pennsylvania State University. He is now blogging at http://rtberner.blogspot.com/ . He is an
editorial consultant, freelance writer, and photographer


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Linda Ballou Offers Authentic View of Hawai'i

Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i: Her Epic Journey
By Linda Ballou
ISBN: 10:1-932993-88-6
ISBN:13: 978-1-932993-88-2

Reviewed by Bonnie Neely, Editor of Real Travel Adventures e-zine www.realtraveladventures.com


Wai-Nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i: Her Epic Journey By Linda Ballou.
This, the author's first book, is a masterpiece and a fascinating read. The historic novel tells the dramatic and heart warming love story of Wai-Nani. By weaving the ancient legends of Old Hawaii into this compelling story, Ballou captivates the reader with her beautiful descriptions and very real characters who come alive in your imagination. The first few pages were a bit hard to read because the author has interjected real Hawaiian words into sentences in which the meaning is evident, but once I got the rhythm I could hardly put the book down. It is an excellent read, especially if you have been or plan to go to Hawaii.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Mystery Set in Hawaii Catches Island Flavor

Pele’s Realm
By Roberta Summers
Silverjack Publishing
5101 College Blvd., Suite 5049
Farmington, NM 87402
505-566-3745/505-486-4709
FAX 505-566-3698
ISBN-10: 0981673724
ISBN-13: 978-0981673721
$15.95 Amazon

Reviewed by Connie Gotsch

An unsolved Hawaiian Mafia murder of the 1970s inspired author Roberta Summers to write “Pele’s Realm.” Twenty-five years of living in the Islands, watching constant eruptions of Mauna Ulna Crater on the flank of the Mauna Loa Volcano, art studies, running galleries, and learning Hawaiian legends further served as background for the book.

The plot is simple. John and Maggie marry and settle down for what they think will be an uneventful life of love and caring for each other. Unfortunately as the former owner owner of a Honolulu art gallery, Maggie has connections to a murdered Mafia wife. The woman’s husband and henchmen fear Maggie and John know too much about her for anybody’s good. Soon the somewhat psychic John has premonitions of disaster for himself and his wife.

From here,“Pele’s Realm” could unravel into just another detective story, but Summers’ knowledge of Hawaii, down to city streets in Honolulu and Hilo; and the terrain in Volcano National Park, gives the novel a sense of place not always present in crime genres. With this setting, she uses Hawaiian custom and belief, to drive plot and develop character in the story.

Action rises amid vivid descriptions of wedding leis, curtains of volcanic fire, lush vegetation, sudden storms, sea turtle rides, and luxurious yachts. The volcano itself and the goddess Pele who controls it become central to the drama. The combination keeps the reader turning the pages to the end. “Pele’s Realm” makes a great escape from winter in the United States, and a good introduction to an ancient culture that has adapted to modern times.
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Connie Gotsch is author of A Mouth Full of Shell and Snap Me a Future and was Featured in "The Complete Writer's Journal" published by Red Engine Press.Learn more at www.conniegotsch.com


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Ruth Hartman Shares Struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Title: My Life in Mental Chains: My Struggle With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Author: Ruth Hartman
Published by Pipers’ Ash Ltd., $13.00
Publication Date: November 1, 2008
Non-Fiction, True-Life Story Chapbook
ISBN# 9781906928001
http://www.ruthjhartman.blogspot.com

Reviewed by Joanne Hirase-Stacey

I didn’t know much about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) before I read Ruth Hartman’s true story, My Life in Mental Chains. I’d heard of people who wash their hands over and over, or constantly check appliances to make sure they’re off or unplugged, but had never given their obsession much thought. After reading Ruth’s book, I’ve come to realize that OCD is an illness that consumes its victim and overtakes his or her life.

OCD seems to strike out of nowhere. Ruth led a normal life with her husband, and was a dental hygienist. Then one day, everything changed. While cleaning her dental instruments, her thoughts became obsessive. She couldn’t stop scrubbing. Her job performance began to suffer as she got behind schedule, keeping patients waiting. After her boss and fellow employees confront her, she starts to spin out of control.

She realizes she needs professional help, and despite the stigma and worry of being labeled “crazy”, Ruth bravely meets with her doctor, but doesn’t want anyone besides her husband, to know of her OCD diagnosis. She tries to hide it, to be normal, but the OCD gets worse, and it becomes hard to leave the house.

She eventually tells her family and her husband’s family. To her relief, they embrace her, support her and love her through all her ordeals. Ruth finally takes another job to help pay the bills, only to have her boss tear her down. And someone she thought was her friend abandons her. But she continues with her treatment and faces her OCD head on.

Ruth does a fantastic job of drawing you into her dark world of fear and anxiety. You’ll find yourself saddened by those who mistreat her, and encouraged by those who stand by her. You’ll cheer for her as she fights her way back, through the agonizing steps necessary to become herself again.

This book is a must read for anyone who knows nothing about OCD, as well as those who have first hand experience with OCD either as a patient or a family member or friend. It takes you into the life of one woman and her daily struggle with OCD, and gives you comfort and hope in knowing that OCD is treatable.

Hartman's book may be ordered on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=my+life+in+mental+chains&sprefix=my+life+in+mental Please copy and paste the address.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Oklahome History Paramount in New Cowboy Story

Prairie Dog Cowboy
By V. Gilbert Zabel
ISBN: 978-0-9797513-7-0
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
Genre: juvenile/ historical/ fiction

Review by Jacque Graham, author and editor

One of the newest young adult books to be released is the historical fiction book
Prairie Dog Cowboy written by Oklahoma author Vivian Gilbert Zabel using the name V. Gilbert Zabel:

Five-year-old Buddy sits in his snow-packed tumbleweed igloo dreaming of becoming a real cowboy who rides a horse. When he crawls out to run after one of the family's wayward cows, he sees cowboy rancher Caleb Hyman from the neighboring ranch riding toward him. When Buddy confides his dream to Caleb, he is told that if he practices his roping skills until he can rope a prairie dog Caleb will hire him to work on the Hyman ranch.

Buddy spends his days in the pasture guarding the family cows and throwing his rope
toward the prairie dog villages, eventually becoming adept at roping the small animals.

Two of his older brother's friends observe Buddy's pastime and tease him about being a "Prairie Dog Cowboy."

True to his word, Caleb hires Buddy. The boy successfully breaks horses to saddle
as he works for the ranch and on his family’s farm. Buddy is accepted by the Hyman
family and older ranch hands as he becomes a successful cowhand. The Hyman family
arranges to keep Buddy at the ranch, knowing that this will free him from the abuse he experiences from his family.

Zabel uses the Oklahoma Panhandle as the setting for this story and incorporates
some of her husband's early cowboy experiences for a realistic story of pre-statehood
Oklahoma. This book captures the young reader's attention while giving a realistic view into early frontier life as Buddy grows up.

This is a book that should be in every school library as well as in the hands of young adult readers. Find it at any bookstore, Amazon.com or 4RVPublishing.

The author of Prairie Dog Cowboy blogs at Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap. She reminds readers that everyone who leaves a comment on this blog will be entered in a drawing for a 4RV Publishing canvas bag. Four will be given away at the end of the book blog tour. A comment per stop equals one entry in the drawing so check out Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap, too.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

The Story of a Bump on a Golden Retriever's Nose

The Bump on Lucy's Nose
By R. Thomas Berner
Published by Marquette Books
Children's fiction


Written and illustrated by retired Penn State journalism professor R Thomas Berner, The Bump on Lucy's Nose tells what happens when 10-year-old Sarah discovers a bump on her 10-year-old golden retriever's nose. Rescued at 2, Lucy had become Sarah's faithful companion and the bond between them helps save Lucy's life.

This realistic and informative story will help children understand the importance of paying close attention to their pets and the crucial role that veterinarians play in the lives of pets.

The Lucy who inspired this story was rescued by the Berners in Pennsylvania and retired to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2003. She enjoys walking on the trails near her home and resting in the shade of pinon trees.

The Bump on Lucy's Nose is available at www.marquettebooks.com and amazon.com


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Still Offering Marketing Opportunities!

Christine Alexaninans and I still have a few places available in our authors' coop booth. We reserved it at LA Times Festival of Books (on the UCLA Campus) in the same location as in previous years. If you're interested contact Christine: chalexwrite@yahoo.com. And learn more about book fair booths in general and thisone in particular at www.sizzlingbookfairbooths.blogspot.com

E-Book Introduced for Horror Fans

Title: I,AM
Author: Deon Sanders
Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing, 2006
E-Book, 104 pages
ISBN: 1554043158 Amazon (Kindle edition)
9781554043156 Double Dragon
$5.99

"At first, when darkness covered the earth and the sun rested in the propensity of God, entrenched in the darkness was I,AM-a force of relentless evil."

The premise of Deon Sanders’ work of horror is that an evil entity, I,AM, battles directly with God--and loses. God summarily slices I,AM into three parts (an Unholy Trinity?) using a "Lance of Transgression" and converts the parts to stone.

After a brief retelling and slight re-spin of the seven-day Genesis introduction, Sanders tells us that God "...chucked the first rock into the bottom of the Black Sea near the shores of Odessa. He propelled the second rock into the hottest part of what would become the Sahara desert in Algeria hidden under mountains of sand. Then, with great thunder, God threw the last rock to the top of where the North Pole would be, near Greenland. The rock landed in a frozen iceberg under a massive peak on the tip of the Arctic Ocean."

From this passage one can garner a sense of how language is used by the author throughout the one-hundred-and-five-page book; "chuck", "propelled", "threw"-–"rock, rock, rock". The point is made, and articulately enough – but not artfully.

The plot begins in earnest by revealing that the battle, now myth, is inscribed on an ancient scroll. Along with this is a map showing the locations of the three pieces and the Lance (which turns out to be an amulet). Naturally, the path is full of peril and tests of purity; there are many attempts–-none fruitful.

Eventually, we are introduced to a character named Kumhuma who, not intending to seek the scroll nor the amulet (Lance of Transgression), is drawn to them both, finding his own challenges along the route. Once the scroll is found it is moved to a presumably safer location, and Kumhuma, in secret, dons the amulet.

Predictably, the location is betrayed, with violent results, to an evil group of mercenary Americans (financed by "Egypt, Europe, India and the United States without the President’s knowledge"). The amulet, however, makes its way safely to Kumhuma’s brother Michael, in Chicago.

Sixteen years later, the stones, now found, arrive in Chicago to be ceremoniously unveiled. It is during this event that the stones re-unite to form the evil I,AM--it seems that the only one who can stop the ensuing terror is an amulet-protected Chicago Homicide detective named Michael Zeiss--Kumhuma’s now-grown brother.

Part of the full rebirth of I,AM involves a human host and this provides another opportunity to show a taste of the book’s particular writing style and sense of humor:

"Mary walked somewhat hindered, due to the extra weight of her pregnancy. Being huge, her belt barely went around her stomach, her breasts were just about to jump out of her shirt, and her derriere could eclipse the sun... The voice of I,AM rang out and was all Mary could hear. She turned and hightailed it to the exit of the exhibit room, but the doors had a mind of their own. They closed right in front of her and she was trapped."

A larger portion of the rest of the book describes the many evil doings of I,AM as he flexes his inhuman (perhaps "too human") muscles to murder and cause chaos. We follow Detective Zeiss as he, and those near and dear to him, fight the monster-–or die trying.

Sanders’ greatest strength in this multi-genre work is that he can spin an epic tale based on widely-held beliefs while adding something elementally new. Some of the writing may be elementary, but this does have the benefit of propelling the story forward at a brisk and engaging pace. Given the long timeline of the work the result is, on balance, positive.

If you enjoy horror along with stories based in religious faith, political intrigue or detective drama I’M sure "I,AM" will fit quite nicely on your shelf.

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Deno Sandz, a husband and father of six, was born in Alabama and raised in Chicago. He is the prolific author of two supernatural/horror novels titled Miss Mary Weather: A Southern Nightmare, I AM, Pen of Iniquity.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

The Plight of Scientists Revealed in New Work of Fiction

Title: ConvergenceAuthor: Christopher Turner
Website: www.convergence-cpt.com
Download book from www.ebook.com/eBooks/eBooks/Literature/Convergence (1st 15 pages are free)
A limited number of free copies of Convergence are available. Send e-mail to Christopher Turner at general@convergence-cpt.com if you wish to have a free copy for review (please mention where you came across the book).
Genre: Science Fiction, Politics
ISBN:(eBook)


Written by a scientist for a main-stream audience, Convergence documents the surprisingly cut-throat world of science and reflects the real-world experiences of tens of thousands of young researchers everywhere. There are four main storylines, each involving a woman seemingly unrelated to the other three. Convergence begins by slowly taking the reader into the world of science and discovery, an apparently benign culture full of supportive people. However, despite the moral purity of the four main protagonists, sinister undercurrents undermine each storyline as the novel progresses. Thus, although starting out purely as a science mystery, Convergence develops into a slow-burning political drama.

At the core of the novel are ethical and moral issues that are frequently revisited throughout the book, echoing similar themes contained within The Demon Haunted World and Contact (Carl Sagan). However, at times Convergence has the convoluted but fast-paced storyline of The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown).

Unless books like Convergence make it out into the mainstream, the plight of our future scientists will likely never change. Certainly, a novel such as Convergence is long, long overdue.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Hey! Some Days Women Need a Field Guide of Their Own!

Title: The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living
Subtitle: Practical Steps for Living a Big, Bold, Beautiful Life!
Author: Corrie Woods
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781600373954
Web site: http://www.womansfieldguide.comReviewed

Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads

Have you ever felt like you were missing something vital in your life? Maybe you haven’t lived up to your full potential or maybe you feel overwhelmed by day-to-day living? Then, this is the book for you!

Corrie Woods offers a series of practical steps to living the life you’ve always wanted to live. Easy to follow suggestions lead the reader through a series of lessons and guidelines that promise to be life changing. From celebrating life to self-courtship to personal retreats to learning from the past, Woods will lead you on a journey to help you be the woman you’ve always wanted to be.

Woods credits her grandfather with planting the seed that made her decide to live her life to the fullest. She wanted to be able to end her life (whenever that may be) with the words, “If I had my life to live over again I wouldn’t change a thing. No regrets!”

After reading The Woman’s Field Guide, I truly believe that can be accomplished by following Woods’ advice … but it won’t be easy. These are steps that will force you to look honestly at yourself and how you perceive your life. Then, you have to actually complete the assignments she gives you in order to make some key changes.

The lessons aren’t difficult, but they are designed to be thought provoking. The only way you will accomplish these tasks is to look inside your own soul and listen to your conscience.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Young Adult "Mr. Touchdown" Featured on Midwest Book Review

Mr. Touchdown
By Lyda Phillips
Young Adult, new edition, Nov. 10, 2008
ISBN 9781605280295 ($13.95, paperback)
ISBN 9781440109768 ($23.95, hardcover)
www.lydaphillips.com

Reviewed by Susan Marya Baronof for The Midwest Book Review


Star athlete Eddie, his sister, Lakeesha, and two other "Negro" students, hand-picked to enter an all-white high school, are swept into the very heart of the civil rights movement in Memphis, 1965.

Chosen to integrate Forrest High by the NAACP – and his father -- we follow high school junior, Eddie Russell, as he encounters the viciousness of certain white students – the coldness of others – and grapples with the sheer unfairness of leaving his friends and teammates to come to this hostile and dangerous environment. But we also follow Eddie into his own heart, as he struggles to, in his father's words: "…look into the soul of your enemies and find in them something to love."

The richness of this wonderful book, however, doesn't arise simply from its depiction of Eddie and the other black students as they enter a strange new world; we also experience that world as old and familiar, through our other narrator -- popular, white, Forrest High cheerleader, Nancy Martin.

Nancy is smart and confident and just beginning to notice a few teeny, tiny fractures on the fault lines between her and her best friends. Her dreams are changing – expanding – catapulting her to New York and Paris, while theirs are still centered around getting married and settling down. But when it comes to the dreaded integration, Nancy hates the idea just as much as they do. At first, anyway. Because pretty soon, she can't ignore the indignities and humiliations meted out to Eddie and the others. And when the attacks become physical… That's got to be more wrong than integration… Doesn't it?

It's in the interplay of these two characters – solitary, stoical Eddie and impulsive, inquisitive Nancy, that the book becomes bigger and deeper and compellingly human.

Mr. Touchdown is a terrific read. Using vibrantly descriptive language, Lyda Phillips creates a living world of shop class and gym teachers, pep rallies and pompoms, and pulls us right into it. Middle-school students and even their older brothers and sisters will enjoy the breezy dialogue, fast-moving plot, and genuinely shocking twists and turns. Rooting her story of radical social change in the familiar routines of high school, the author gives us a book that never abandons its characters, and it succeeds as both social commentary and adolescent rite-of-passage.

It's also a warm and big-hearted book that honors each of its central characters, without robbing them of their flaws and rough spots. It celebrates the unimaginable courage of Eddie and, by extension, all the boys and girls who made history as they dragged an entire nation into becoming better than it was. And it also acknowledges the decency and grit of the Nancy Martins who witnessed that history, first-hand. And played their own small role in it. And grew up to write it down for the rest of us.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

A Writer's New Year Gift to Him or Herself--An Absolute Must

I am personally recommending this book from the pen and vast experience of Fran Silverman The reason, of course, that it will get you off to the new year with plenty of material for a killer book campaign. Click on the Amazon widget to take you directly to the sales page.

In this bleak economy, there is still one avenue that's free - being a guest on radio. Talk Radio Wants You - An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co 2009) provides all you need to know about each show before contacting a host - the theme, guest criteria, the host's opinion of the best and worst guests and what determines who gets invited back. Read more about it at http://www.talkradioadvocate.com



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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Valerie Connelly Offers Book Promotion Secrets

Calling All Authors: How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open – Revealing Publishing Myths, Misconceptions & Realities for Published Authors & Writers Who Dream of Becoming Authors
By Valerie Connelly
Nightengale Press 2007
$19.95


Reviewed by Francine Silverman

The best publishing and marketing strategies of guests on Calling All Authors are contained in a book of the same name. Valerie Connelly, the author and radio host, transcribed nuggets from her show that address subjects relevant to authors, i.e., “I carry my books in the car all the time, because almost anywhere you go today, people are waiting, and I ask them if they’d like to have a book to read while they are waiting.”

As a writer, publisher and educator, Valerie includes her own experience and has mined the brains of such experts as writing coaches, book/web designers, and publicists who have appeared on her radio show. Having founded her publishing company, Nightengale Press, in 2003 and publisher of many first time authors, Valerie does what she set out to do – separate fact from fiction in the publishing game.

Although it would have been helpful to include an index - readers and librarians treasure them – the book has many illustrations, Q&A’s and fill-ins that add to the fun.

I find myself picking up the book whenever I run out of ideas – and always find a gem.

Calling All Authors: How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open – Revealing Publishing Myths, Misconceptions & Realities for Published Authors & Writers Who Dream of Becoming Authors (Nightengale Press 2007) is $19.95 and available from the publisher at http://www.nightengalepress.com

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The reviewer edits Book Promotion Newsletter. Find it at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
She is also the "Talk Radio Advocate," and author of Talk Radio Wants You - An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co. 2009).

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Title: VGL Male Seeks Same
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
BUY Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/VGLMale.html
Genre: GLBT romantic comedy
ISBN: 978-1-60272-430-3
Name of Reviewer: Emily Moore
Rating: Five Stars (out of five)

Reviewed by Emily Moore for Rainbow Reviews

Ethan has tried everything he can think of to find a significant other. He visited the bars where all the young, hip gay men were sure to be found only to be a wallflower and not interact with anyone. He moved to the heart of "Boystown" in Chicago to be surrounded by single gay men only to have the neighborhood gentrify and the gays move due north. He found a job as a publicist for free nights at the theater and to be surrounded by handsome actors but instead is isolated in his cube writing press releases and chatting up critics. As a result, Ethan is a single, 42 year old gay man trying to convince himself that the answer to the "riddle of how to escape a solitary existence" is out there waiting for him.
When Ethan overhears a conversation about a website that is for more than just "quick hook-ups", he thinks he has found his answer. After all, if it can work for the office receptionist, who Ethan secretly refers to as "Bubbles", it has to work for him. Right? Ethan creates a profile, pours himself into the answers, and finds a relatively decent photo only a few months old. He is totally and completely honest about himself. He's all set. There's only one problem. No one bites.

With his self-esteem taking yet another shot, Ethan decides to make a drastic move and start a bit of a social experiment. He replaces his photo with one found on the internet, a truly stunning man, and sits back and waits. And he watches the responses pour in, half of them telling him how gorgeous he is and the rest simply dirty propositions for sex, lots of sex. Not quite what he was looking for. But in the middle of all those messages is one that is very different. A message from Brian.

Brian is just what Ethan has been trying so hard to find. They have similar tastes, are looking for similar things from a relationship, and Brian is gorgeous. He is, in a word, perfect. But there is only one problem. Brian is messaging the "new" Ethan, the one that the "real" Ethan doesn't look anything like. As they start messaging back and forth, Ethan becomes more enamored with Brian and worries about what will happen when Brian discovers he is a liar.

VGL Male Seeks Same is a phenomenal story about the search for love and the one person we can connect with in every way. I absolutely adored the character of Ethan, his sharp witty humor and his emotions that are worn on his sleeve. As a person that has used internet dating, I connected with him immediately and Reed nailed the reactions and thoughts that come with such a unique way of meeting people.

Things of course are not as simple as they may seem for Ethan and, although I must admit that I guessed what was to come, it was truly a joy to read from beginning to end. The messages back and forth between Ethan and Brian are quite touching and make Ethan's angst over what to do about his deception that much more substantial. My heart was completely invested in Ethan's journey and I laughed and cried along with him. Overall this is a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is the second of Reed's stories that I have read and I am now officially a huge fan. As are many of his other stories, this is set in Chicago, my current hometown, and those familiar with the city will love the details throughout. It is obvious that Reed still loves the city. The humor throughout this story is exceptional yet doesn't disrupt the more serious themes. The ending is true perfection even if the last line is, "He really needed to pee." I cannot more highly recommend this story for all readers!


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The author blogs at http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/. He is also the author of
Dead End Street: http://tinyurl.com/5mztwy
Orientation: http://tinyurl.com/5ntwyu
High Risk: http://tinyurl.com/39dror
Deadly Vision: http://tinyurl.com/3eygd4
In the Blood: http://tinyurl.com/5zwc8w
IM: http://tinyurl.com/32rsy4


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Bear Lake, Idaho, Is Setting for Historical Christian Fiction

Title: Jenny's Dream: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho
Author: Linda Weaver Clarke
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-58982-446-1
Rating: 5 star


Reviewed by Allison King



Linda Weaver Clarke has captured the essence of reaching for your dreams, no matter what happens to throw you off the path of getting there.

In Jenny’s Dream, the third book in A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho series, the oldest daughter Jenny is home from college for the summer. She is feeling trapped in the small town of Paris, Idaho and wants to go out into the world and accomplish something to show everyone she is more than a pretty girl. Her writing is what keeps her ambition in full drive, until she meets Will. He isn’t the most ‘handsome’ man in town and he is only a farmer, but she becomes close friends with him. Will secretly falls in love with Jenny, but does she feel the same way?

Jenny’s past haunts her ability to move forward in her life in love and her dreams of being a writer. She will have to make a decision that might hurt those closest to her, for her dreams to come true.

In the meantime, Jenny’s dad, Gilbert, is helping in the search of an old grizzly bear that is attacking the local sheep and scaring the town folk. He feels the need to be a part of the hunt, even thought his wife, Melinda, is against it. When he comes face to face with the legendary bear, Three Toes, Gilbert must balance the safety of the town with the concern of his family for his life.

I loved this book as much as I did the first two books in the series. I was drawn in to Jenny’s life an wondering what decisions she would make for her future. The amazing details of the family dynamics, descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the historical facts of the time all made the story believable. The ease of the writing made it feel as though I was eavesdropping in on their lives. I didn’t want the story to end (which it won’t since their will be two more books in the series)! The best part of the book was the relationship that grows between Jenny and Will. The author didn’t use the stereotypical handsome male for the main character to fall for. This was refreshing to me, since all of us on this earth aren’t as perfect as most book characters are made out to be. This relationship reminds us that getting to know a person from the inside first and being friends, can grow in to something more.

Jenny’s Dream is a book for all ages that can wrap you up and make you feel all warm inside with the love and hope that dreams can come true if you believe hard enough. ~ `Review by Allison King – for Allison’s Attic and Rebecca’s Reads. Other books by Linda Weaver Clarke are: Melinda and the Wild West: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke.shtml and Edith and the Mysterious Stranger: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke4.shtml


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.