Monday, 10 June 2013

Military Thriller Offered Free

Title – Time Fall
Author – Tim Ashby
Genre – Military History, Thriller
Publisher – Author Planet Press
ISBN-10 1481026674
ISBN-13 978-1481026673
Special Offer – http://www.timefallbook.com
 
Synopsis:
 
Lt. Art Sutton’s team of six US Rangers parachute into Nazi Germany…  but they vanish in 1945.  They land, a few minutes later, in 2011. The Rangers are unaware of the passage of time all around them and the valiant, misguided soldiers begin to attack “enemy” targets.

They face the age old question - What is good? What is evil?
KIRKUS BOOK REVIEW
Author Ashby’s (Devil’s Den, 2011) historical actioner follows six U.S. Army Rangers who jump from an aircraft in 1945 and travel nearly 70 years by the time they hit the ground.

Near the end of World War II, Lt. Arthur Sutton leads his troop on a covert mission in Germany, but the soldiers are unaware that they’ve landed in 2011. One of their raids inadvertently thwarts a planned terrorist attack but also gets a German counterterrorism outfit on their trail. In the future, the men must work with a sergeant whose thirst for vengeance—his Jewish family suffered Nazi atrocities—causes him to become unhinged while they’re being pursued by retired Gen. Hanno Kasper, a loyal Nazi who’d rather see them dead than taken alive. Despite the time traveling, Ashby’s novel isn’t so much sci-fi as historical fiction with a modern-day setting: The soldiers believe it’s 1945 for much of the story; Kasper wallows in archaic Nazi principles, always carrying the Iron Cross given to him by Hitler when he was a young boy; and American investigator and Vietnam vet Eddie Cassera delves into the past after finding a recently killed solider who’s been MIA for decades. Time traveling, in fact, is a minor plot device, and the author is prudent in its execution—characters concentrate less on how they arrived in the future than what action to take while there. Sutton, who loses the others after an injury, is an ideal man out of time. Scenes of the lieutenant slowly grasping his circumstances are handled deftly; his fascination with such contemporary things as an iPad or YouTube aren’t tongue-in-cheek but endearing, as when he’s shown a video of his favorite musician, Benny Goodman. In the same vein, Sutton’s relationship with Paula, a German woman who sympathizes with his plight, is endurably unassertive—a comfortable enhancement that doesn’t call attention to itself. Ashby’s blissfully concise prose makes this 350-pager feel half the length. History buffs will delight in the World War II backdrop, but the book’s action, style and unremitting pace make it a triumph across-the-board.

Book tour information:

Filled with historically accurate details, Time Fall is a complex tale that keeps readers riveted through every surprising twist. To read an excerpt and to enter to win a FREE copy of Time Fall, visit http://www.timefallbook.com/. To get your copy now, visit http://amzn.to/12mA0mW (print) and http://amzn.to/1aK4Xzt (digital). You can also get your copy at all major book retailers.
   


About Tim Ashby

Timothy Ashby's life has been as thrilling as one of his action/adventure novels. Visit his author blog at www.timashby.com.
An international lawyer, businessman and writer, Tim Ashby worked in Washington DC as a counter-terrorism consultant to the U.S. State Department, and then as a senior official - the youngest political appointee of his rank - at the U.S. Commerce Department, responsible for commercial relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. He held two Top Secret security clearances and worked with a number of colorful characters, including members of the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He has lived in the Caribbean and Europe as well as various places in the United States. An avid historian, he published widely on military history, archaeology, business and international relations. A licensed attorney in Florida and the District of Columbia, Tim Ashby has a PhD degree from the University of Southern California, a JD from Seattle University Law School, and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Scotland.
Submitted by:

Nikki Leigh, promotional services
Visit my new Website - http://www.nikkileighauthor.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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Saturday, 8 June 2013

Lehoux's Fantasy Books in Re-Release

 
Masquerade
Third book in THE SEVY SERIES
Author: Sarah-Jane Lehoux.
Information on the series:
http://sarah-janelehoux.com/sevyseries.htm
Genre: Fantasy
Original Publisher: Mundania Press, 2010..
Now in re-release by the author.
Reviewer's Rating for Masquerade: 5 of 5 Frodos
ISBNs:
Thief:   ISBN 148417433X  ISBN-13: 978-1484174333
Shades of War:  ISBN: 148485716X  ISBN-13: 978-1484857168
Masquerade:  ISBN: 1484860292  ISBN-13: 978-1484860298


Reviewed by Eric Townsend originally for Frodo’s Blog of Randomness
 
 
I’m pretty sure that it is Sarah-Jane’s mission in life to torture her characters, most especially Sevy. However, that doesn’t prevent Masquerade from being an excellent addition to the series. Sevy has to battle a whole host of new enemies, most of all the seemingly all-powerful Kirydan who quickly manages to get her wrapped around his finger.
The characters in Masquerade are, as is par for the course with the Sevy Series, the greatest strength of the book. Revik, the dark elf, takes on a greater role as he attempts to help Sevy escape from Kirydan. We find out more of Revik’s devotion toward his family and delve deeper into who he is as a person, as well as some hard sacrifices he is willing to make for a friend. While Sevy is still the focal point of Masquerade, she’d have it no other way, she isn’t like herself for the vast majority of the book. Under Kirydan’s spell she acts more and more like his pet/love slave, which is truly hard to watch, or in this case read.
 
The void of a heroine is taken up by Revik’s daughter, Yy’voura. A new character in the series, Yy’voura is a fun loving young dark elf who seems to want nothing more than to play yet another game with her friends, unfortunately those friends include Kirydan who has messed with her mind in a powerful way. As the book progresses we learn more about who Yy’voura truly is and what lengths she will go to in order to help her family.
 
Kirydan is an excellent villain. He’s got magical powers (always helps), good looks (doesn’t hurt) and even seems to have control over certain magical creatures as well. While he is definitely contemptible there is a vulnerability and a tortured past that gives the reader, as well as the other characters in Masquerade, just enough pause which is just what he wants. He’s corrupted, twisted and pitiable, and while that might seem slightly cliché it works in this case.
 
The plot is very heavily focused on the back and forth between attempted freeing of Sevy and company and further conquest by Kirydan. It is a balanced battle and will keep the reader anxious to find out which side will come out victorious, and what price they will have to pay in order to do so. For those of you who like a little naughtiness mixed in with your fantasy, Masquerade delivers just the right amount. With romance, daring attempts at rescue, a freakishly powerful yet seductive villain and plenty of magic Masquerade delivers the perfect combination.
 
As you can clearly tell, I thoroughly enjoyed Masquerade, just as I have with [earlier books in the series] Thief and Shades of War. While they have all been excellent books in my opinion, the elements in Masquerade work even more perfectly than the previous ones and it has quickly become my favorite. Even though Masquerade was just released I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!
 
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Author-Producer Reviews Metaphysical Fantasy

Title: Dark Innocence (The Star-Seer's Prophecy, Book 1)
Author: Rahima Warren
Author's Web site link: http://www.starseersprophecy.com/
Genre or category: Epic Fantasy/Metaphysical
ISBN-10: 0981627838
ISBN-13: 978-0981627830
Reviewed by Harris Smart originally for the bi-monthly e-zine called Contents (subudcontents.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/contents_issue4.pdf)


Dark Innocence is the story of a therapeutic journey cast in the form of a fantasy novel. It is the first volume in a trilogy The Star-seer’s Prophecy. Rahima Warren, a Subud member and psychotherapist writes, “Wishing to share what I have learned on my journey, I originally thought I might write a self-help book or a memoir. But what emerged – unplanned and in a creative, passionate torrent – was this fantasy trilogy.”

The true import of the book is summed up by a quotation at the beginning from Viktor Frankl, the concentration camp survivor, “What is to give light must endure burning”, because it is a narrative about the healing ordeal its hero, Kyr, must undertake in order to find his humanity after a life which has begun in the most hellish of circumstances.

Kyr has been born into world dominated by an all-powerful sorcerer, the Soul-Drinker, who has banished its rightful divine power, the Goddess, and turned it into a horror of suffering and evil.

The Soul-Drinker’s power is resisted by The Circle, a secret group who seek to overthrow the sorcerer. They are inspired by an ancient prophecy promising the arrival of an heroic Savior. Kyr is this unlikely source of redemption. Born and raised as a slave of the Soul-Drinker, subject to a life of cruelty and degradation, he manages to break free and to begin a process of becoming human within the wisdom and protection provided by The Circle.

As a fantasy narrative, this novel can take its place amongst Tolkien and the best of science fiction writers such as Ursula LeGuin.  It is a well-sustained, exciting and suspenseful narrative written in a lucid and powerful style. As one comment on the book says, “This riveting story is a call to awaken, to face the unfaceable and to find the heart of humanity.”

In his work with The Circle, Kyr undergoes a series of encounters and lessons which gradually lead him away from his life of addiction and savagery. He moves beyond the abuse he has suffered to repent of his wrong actions, to overcome guilt and shame, to put self-hatred behind him, to learn human qualities such as kindness, forgiveness, compassion, joy and love. At the end of this journey he is able to create a work of art and to resolve that his future journey is to bring to others the liberation he has himself experienced.

The author includes an Afterword in which she provides some questions and guidelines ‘To help in deepening your experience of the book and how it has affected you”. This book certainly invited me to reflect on my own journey and the extent to which I could relate to the process which is expressed through its symbols, metaphors, actions and characters. While Kyr’s situation is an extreme one, I feel that most people will find in the story a journey towards redemption which will touch on their own.

It should be stressed that this is a book which deals with adults themes and includes moments of violence and both the distortion and the beauty of sexuality, all pointing ultimately towards an outcome of human wholeness.

The ancient prophecy foretells that Kyr must undergo three hells and this first book of his inner journey is just the first. The remaining two books of the trilogy will tell of the others.

The final paragraph of the Afterword draws our attention to the fact that each individual journey of healing also contributes to the healing of the macrocosm. “Dark Innocence” takes place in a fictional society, and yet it may show us something about what we might heal, change and develop in our own society. For example, how might we devote more energy towards healing and forgiveness, and less towards punishment and vengeance? How could that change our society overall?”

About the reviewer:

Harris Smart:  BA(hons), MA, author of 7 books, fellow in Creative Writing at Stanford University; University lecturer, producer with Australian Broadcasting corporation; and of theatre events and music festivals. He is also Director of the Centre for Creative Ministries, bringing together art, spirituality, and healing and
curator of 7 art exhibitions (focus on art of spirituality or work of disadvantaged people)

Submitted by:

 
Beth Barany | Author, Speaker & Creative Consultant for Authors & Publishers
Oakland, CA 
510-333-7320

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Book and Cat Librarian Wants More Than Five Stars for YA Novel

Title: Wild Awake
Author: Hilary T. Smith
Author's Web site: http://www.hilarytsmith.com/
Genre: YA
Publication date: 5/28/2013
Rating: 5 stars
ISBN: 9780062184689
Originally reviewed for The Book and Cat Librarian. www.bookandcatlibrarian.com.



Can I give this book more than 5 stars? Please? I was blown away. At first, I was impressed by the writing, and I took notes about what I liked, so that I could improve my own writing. For instance, the character development and amount of detail that went into describing characters, and everything else, was amazing. While we're on the subject of characters, Smith's were 3-dimensional and so vivid. Plus many were really interesting. The introduction of all these new characters into Kiri's life was part of what made her adventure so fun and um adventurey.

The story sucked me in. With such great writing, that was bound to happen, but not all well-written novels are as absorbing. One note I took while reading said "Fun, crazy, mysterious story." That should tell you enough about this book. You know what was really neat? There was a MONTAGE in the book! It was of her playing the piano and all the prep work she was doing to get ready for a recital. 

The pacing was fantastic, except for one part where there was some filler and I had trouble getting through it, but that was not far into the book and it didn't last many pages at all (this was the only negative thing I have to say and it's such a small thing in the grand scheme of things). Once I got past the short hump, the story gained momentum again.

Speaking of momentum, the story starts off with a sane teenage girl. Once she finds out that her sister was murdered, we see how this news triggers a drug-fueled mental breakdown. Things get intense, but it happens at the right pace. It was a bit hard to read, because her mental illness was described too perfectly and was so realistic... but who am I kidding, even if it was hard to bare, I could not stop reading!

There was even a love story! OK, there usually is, but this one was in the middle of the madness and was with a somewhat mysterious stranger, which is always the most fun in books.

Kiri goes on an incredible life-changing journey, and I'm so happy I got to take it right along with her. Is it realistic for her to suddenly become sane at the end? No, so that doesn't happen, because that takes time, meds, and therapy, but the book ends on a positive and perfect note (hehe, she's a musician... NOTE. Yeah, yeah, I'll stop).
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Kirkus Reviews Crime Novel with Sarcastic Protagonist


Title: Devil's Run
Author: Frank Hughes
Website: http://www.frankhughesauthor.com
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Pub Date: Aug. 16th, 2012
ISBN: 978-1478354550
Page count: 332pp
Publisher: CreateSpace
Reviewer: Kirkus Indie
Review Posted Online:
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1st, 2013
 

KIRKUS REVIEW

A pedal-to-the-metal crime novel in which a sarcastic private investigator gets more than he bargained for while working a missing person case.

Former federal agent Nick Craig is a man who doesn’t “play well with others.” He is impudent, ill-mannered and quick to deliver acerbic one-liners. Working as a private investigator for a respected Manhattan-based security consultant, Craig grudgingly accepts what appears to be a routine case: to find a University of Washington student who has disappeared. The case quickly grows complicated as Craig explores the dorm room of Kenneth Boyd (whom his own lawyer father called “a wimp”). His belongings are gone, his computer’s history has been erased and his car has been meticulously wiped clean. The only lead is a picture of Boyd with an attractive young woman known around the campus as a hard-core environmental activist. Further investigation leads Craig to Vermont and the base of a radical environmentalist who is being watched by the FBI. After witnessing the murder of that radical and his colleague (and almost getting killed himself), Craig eventually lands in the mountains of Colorado where he finally stumbles on a grand-scale conspiracy—and all of its jaw-dropping revelations. While the storyline is ingeniously knotty, it also requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief; some of Craig’s exploits are incredible. But because the pacing is frantic and the narrative engaging, readers will undoubtedly not be too distracted.

This action-packed thrill ride, reminiscent of Ian Fleming and Nelson DeMille, will satisfy the most demanding literary adrenaline junkie.

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Romance Features Alpha Male of Authors' Dreams

Title: Hex upon Me
Author: Beth Mikell
Author’s Website: http://bethmikell.wordpress.com/
Link to buy: Hex upon Me on Amazon
ISBN: 9781301159970
Genre: Fiction, romance, contemporary

Synopsis:

Savannah Deason made her workaholic status a life choice, opting out of anything resembling a relationship. Aside from the occasional bed warmer, the feisty, sarcastic executive enjoys her Gucci dreams with a champagne chaser. Until a night out on the town lands her hung over in bed with a tattooed, biker god of sin or so she labels him, anyway. But a twist of fate introduces Savannah to an ‘oh my’ god faster than her nail polish can dry.

Hexon James Montgomery is anything but normal—sexy with just enough lickable qualities to beg a saint to riot. As the third generation CEO of MK Steel, he has everything, including a piss-poor attitude upon women. Love ’em--enjoy ‘em—and then walk. Having been burned by his ex-fiancé, Hex isn’t looking for a repeat performance. Yet, Savannah aka his sarcasm princess, obliterates his single life credo until trust burns on the edge of sanity.

Excerpt:

“You know,” he whispered, “had I known last night what I know now, I could have persuaded you to stay this morning.”

She drew a sharp breath, thrown off-balance by his closeness and his sexy male scent filling more than the office. “Um…excuse me?”

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to smooth over her hip. “You heard me, princess--nothing like schmoozing the boss lady to get ahead...or at least a late slip excusing my tardiness.”

Savannah turned her dark eyes on him, attempting her death glare, but only succeeded in drowning in his playful blue eyes. The warmth of his hand on her body made her heart skip, traitor. “I know you did not just go there. You must either be incredibly arrogant or completely stupid, Mr. James. Besides, last night was a mistake, plain and simple. It’s best left forgotten, know what I mean?”

She heard herself say the words, but somehow her body wasn’t listening to the facts. Her pulse leaped through her chest and up her into throat until her parched mouth felt dryer than the Sahara Desert. Worse still, her two-timing body wanted to jump into his arms. The verdict was in…she was definitely a hussy where he was concerned.

He stood, towering over her, his hand sliding around her waist, hauling her up against his body.

Again…she fit perfectly.

He leaned his head just inches from her lips. “Tell me something, princess, if I make a liar out of you…will you forgive me?”

 About the Author:

My roots are in Florida, born and raised and I’m as American as the apple pie I learned to make about ten years ago. At thirteen, my family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, I traveled to many countries around the world, including the Middle East.

I fell 'in love' with love at a young age and continue to believe that love really does conquer all…or at least leave me blessedly happy by the end of a book. I adore alpha males…the my-way-or-the-highway-take-no-prisoners kind of heroes, especially when they screw up and land themselves in ‘hot water’ with the heroines. It’s what makes me read another romance. It’s the moment when the Hero comes to save the damsel in distress by assessing, fighting, and then saving. Tilting the romantic ink is my passion and sharing it, my desire.


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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Romance Reader Recommends Lusty Novel

Jaded Hearts
By Olivia Linden 
Author's Web site link, http://Vialinden.com
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Amazon
Rating: 5 Star 

Reviewed by Patrice, originally for Amazon


 I simply adore this book. The author weaves love, lust, hard decisions, good times and bad into a literary tapestry that encompasses the essence of both "coming of age" and coming into womanhood.

Olivia Linden tackles hard topics and issues close to the heart of both men and women. Both John and Julian come together to create the single "perfect" man of many women's dreams. While Jade comes to terms with the demons of her past and must make the choice to move past them, and choose a love that is right for her.

This book is written with elaborate yet realistic detail, laughs, sensuality, suspense, intense romance, and realism.

I recommend it for all to read!
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Monday, 27 May 2013

Poem for Children Gets Librarian's Thumbs Up

Al the Green Rain Train
By Alfred Guajardo
  • Paperback: 28 pages
  • Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 11, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 145679924X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1456799243


  •  
     
    Reviewed by James C. Scott MA, MLS, Information Services Librarian, originally for Amazon

    This book is about a Green vintage locomotive cartoon character that spreads his goodwill, with mother nature’s wonders, like constructing a Rainbow, filling a lake, making a tornado, and more, as most is written in a poetic and educational form, not only structured for a beginner, while being peppered with rhymes, chimes, and colorful Illustrations, but for an advanced reader as well, that will enjoy the definitions for each illustration, as he or she thumbs through the glossary, looking up words like appreciation, conservation, awareness, tornado, and more. A learning experience to be remembered and appreciated, may this book be one of the many your child reads and enjoys.

    About the Author:

    Alfred Guajardo was born in Loveland, Colorado, raised in Sacramento, California. My nephew and niece Juan Manuel, and Selena Rose Guajardo, asked me to write a poem for them, one thing led to another, and after a year and a half I ended up writing a book that they both enjoy, and my philosophy in reading, is that if your child is not able to read, he or she will learn sooner or later, better sooner, then later, as reading is the stepping stone towards a never ending educational journey, In due time with a little help, your child will not only learn to read but will enjoy it as well. Thank you and enjoy your quantum leap in meeting your child for a unique odyssey.


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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

    Sunday, 26 May 2013

    Tiffany Loves Books and Loves This Paranormal

     



    Descended 
    Fallen Guardian Saga #1
    By Debra Ann Miller
    Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
    Published by: Amazon & Debra Ann Miller
    ISBN-10: 1480177806
    ISBN-13: 978-1480177802
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Recommend
    Reviewed by Tiffany originally for Amazon and her Tiffany Loves Books blog 


    So... I started reading this novel feeling a little lost. Let me be honest, it had been a while since I read the blurb and I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Well that being said, the preface drew me and was a total distraction once chapter one started. It was a kind of over-anxious attempt to complete a puzzle while only having one piece. Make sense? I was in over my head. I managed to maintain this sense of confusion for the first couple of chapters...
     
    Then I completely fell in love. The story is well set up and once the story telling starts I was completely swept up into it. It is an impossible to put down, action packed, romantic, suspenseful read that is captivating. Miller manages to always maintain the element of the unknown that allows for many surprises and constantly keeps the reader guessing. I love how Miller does high school drama. It is unique, well done and never boring or dull. I love Vie's wit and her quick and smart responses. I love the wide array of well-developed characters, the attention to detail and a very well done third person narration.

    All in all, it is an excellent read. I was completely captivated and am looking forward to the sequel. I love the resolution to this novel- It ends well yet it left all this intrigue and a few unanswered questions which make reading the sequel a must. I love the romance in this novel and how utterly spellbinding Descended is. This is a read I definitely recommend.

     
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

    Friday, 24 May 2013

    Reader Compares New Sci-Fi Novel to Asimov

    Reach
    By Karen A. Wyle
    Second in series after Twin-Bred
    Genre: Sci-Fi
    ISBN: 978-1484889886
    (ASIN: B00CWH5SPG)

     
    Reviewed by R. Lee Holz originally for Amazon and Goodreads

     

    Reach is a worthy sequel to Twin-Bred, which I praised as one of the most original and beautifully written Sci-Fi novels I've ever read. The story line of Twin-Bred is continued and raised in level of depth and complexity. At the same time, a new and exciting story line is added. There is enough back-story provided that Reach can be read as a standalone novel. However, I think readers will benefit greatly from having first read Twin-Bred so as to fully understand how and why the Twin-Bred came into being and why the concept is so different from the usual human/alien encounter books. I trust and hope we are seeing the beginning of one of the outstanding Sci-Fi adventure series. Although the scope and focus differ greatly, I compare the emerging Twin-Bred series with Asimov's great Foundation novels in terms of interest and, particularly, political intrigue. Highly recommended.


    About the Author:

    Learn more about author Karen A. Wyle at  www.KarenAWyle.net and
    www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle

     

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

    Wednesday, 22 May 2013

    Help Navigating Financial Reality

    On Wed, May 22, we will launch All the Rules Have Changed, What You MUST Do to Succeed in the New Financial Reality by Matt Rettick. The copy is below. Please check your bonuses at http://alltherules.homestead.com/bonuses.html and let me know ASAP of any changes. I'll be out of town from  Thurs 5/16-5/21 (Monday) so I'd like to get all the changes prior to that.  I've included FB post and tweets and would love to see you really hit it for this launch - Matt Rettick is a well-known financial guru and this should be a great launch. If you didn't opt in for this, just ignore it - many of you have said to include you in all. If you can, promote this book in some way. Thanks so much!



    All the Rules Have Changed
    By Matt Rettick
     
     
    This book is for those who are concerned about their financial future? Will you have enough money to retire comfortably one dayDo you feel like you’re drowning in debt? Is your family financially safe? Do you want help succeeding in the new financial reality?  
     
    Matt Rettick, is a true financial insider, with over 24 years of personal experience in the financial services industry, covering investments, insurance and asset protection strategies. He is a sought after speaker and advocate for financial education and the need for "longevity planning" in retirement.  
     
    Having struggled with debt himself in the past, as well 
    as witnessing his grandparents suffer hardships because of an under planned retirement, Matt committed himself to raising awareness about the importance of building a sound “Financial Fortress” around your money, your family and life, to create the financial security you’ve always dreamed of. This drive to help others eventually led him to personally help thousands of his own clients, and then assist thousands of other financial advisors across the country on the best ways to help their clients reduce debt, save consistently and invest wisely!
     
    Here's what one expert said, 
     
    “Matt Rettick never fails to deliver! I have known him for many years as both a friend and a business associate. Matt, and my husband Jack, co-authored their previous book, Fiscal Fitness – 8 Steps to Wealth & Health, and together we forged a lasting partnership. Matt'shonesty and integrity shine as he guides the reader through his early personal financial woes and ultimate path to success.  He leaves no stone unturned and lays out a bright future for all who follow his plan.“ 
     
      ~ Elaine LaLanne, Wife to the late, great Jack LaLanne
     
     
     WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
     
    You’re probably not going to get rich beyond your wildest dreams. But that’s OK. You still can achieve all that’s important to you.
     
    Don’t expect to make lots of money off the stock market. The Dow Jones industrial average may (or may not) have averaged gains of more than 10 percent a year since 1928, but who has the 80-plus years to see if it makes them wealthy?
     
    The government isn’t going to take care of you, now or later. Government entitlement programs—including Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security—are all in trouble.
     
    Job security—and the benefits that came with it, including a lifetime pension when you retire—is gone forever. You’re on your own. Small businesses, entrepreneurship, and lean corporate machines power today’s economy.
     
    Your home’s equity will never again be a reliable source for pulling out an equity line of credit or a supplement to your income in retirement. Just look at what the recent recession did to home equityin 2008 and 2009.
     
    Health-care costs are rising so rapidly that unless you’re prepared, they’ll destroy you and those you love.
     
    Retirement has been retired! Age 80 has become the new 65. Many of those who reach 65 and want to quit their job can’t because of the economy or what the stock market has done to their nest egg.
    ·        
       Don't miss a chance to protect your nest egg and grow it into a secure, reliable, and ever expanding asset and income stream, which will benefit you, your family and your future. And when you buy Matt’s book today, you'll download dozens of great bonus gifts to secure your “financial fortress” and protect your family for generations to come. http://bit.ly/MRett

    Blog tour by:

    http://www.bestsellerservices.com/
    "Make your book an Amazon #1 Bestseller"
    Publicist & Book Marketing Specialist
    "ALL my experiences with you have superseded my expectations and you gave me more value than the cost of your program. For your professionalism, skill and plain fun personality, I thank you!" - Michelle Podlesni, author of #1 Bestseller Unconventional Nurse
    303 838 3399
    skype:  denise.cassino
    www.BestsellerServices.com
    www.mybestsellerlaunch.com
    http://www.facebook.com/denise.cassinohttp://www.twitter.com/denisecassino
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

    Tuesday, 21 May 2013

    Teresa Morrow Reviews Wise Woman Collection

    Title:Wise Woman Collection: Courage of the Soul
    Author: Marion Elizabeth Witte and Melissa Murphy
    Author's Web site link: http://www.wisewomancollection.com
    Genre or category: Inspirational Stories: Personal Growth
    ISBN-10: 0988241102
    ISBN-13: 978-0988241107
    Publisher: Wise Owl Publishing, Inc.
    Reviewer's rating 5 out of 5 stars

    Reviewed by Teresa Morrow originally for Amazon




    About the book:
    Book Description
    Where Have You Triumphed in Your Own Life?
    It takes a tremendous amount of courage to live a human life.
    Each of us is a warrior, taking a personal heroic journey, facing the
    challenges and obstacles presented to us along the way.
    There are those crossroads that appear, turning points where one must
    choose between living a life of victory and succumbing to the curse of
    defeat.  These moments of truth are marked by defining events that
    challenge the human spirit to reach deep within to find courage at the
    soul level.  From those depths we must summon and bring forth what is
    required to create a life of meaning and worth.  It’s a call to courage –
    to face our fears and to overcome – to suffer trials and to conquer.
    Courage of the Soul is a book that chronicles the life-changing events of
    ordinary people who found their measure of courage, and through their will
    and determination they have not only survived their circumstances, but
    they persevered.  And having persevered, they triumphed.
    In Courage of the Soul, the reader will find a connection between the
    narrated stories and their own life experiences.  In reality, the stories
    of each of us are the stories of all of us.  And in our own unique way,
    each of us has met life’s challenges by taking the journey required to
    unearth the courage of our own soul.

    About Marion:

    Ms. Witte holds bachelors degree in business administration and
    accounting, and she has received several academic and professional awards,
    including graduating Summa Cum Laude from college and completing her
    education in three years. Upon passing the licensing exam while a junior
    in college, she became the youngest CPA in the United States that year.
    While in Minneapolis she worked for an international public accounting
    firm and she served as president of the National Association of
    Accountants and the American Society of Women Accountants. She moved into
    general business management after leaving public accounting, and served as
    the executive vice president for one of the largest tour operators in the
    upper Midwest.  Upon moving to California, she became a partner in a
    jewelry manufacturing company, and subsequently formed a computer
    consulting firm, a real estate development company, a CPA firm and a
    publishing company.

    Submitted by author advocate Teresa Morrow, aka The Author's Cheerleader
    Promotion Manager for Spiritual Authors & Speakers, Inspirational Author/Poet/Coach. She is author of
    Life Lessons from the Heart (2012 Smashwords)
    DISOWNED: A Journey of Transformation from Abandonment to Healing (2013 Amazon Kindle) Learn more about her at
    http://www.teresamorrow.com
    and at @teresamorrow

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

    Wednesday, 8 May 2013

    Book Tour: Learning How To Promote on Cyberspace with Karen Leland

    Title – Ultimate Pinterest Guide for BusinessAuthor – Karen LelandAuthor's website link - http://www.karenleland.com/  Genre or category – Business Promotion, Online Marketing, Social Media MarketingISBN-10: 1-59918-5-083ISBN-13: 978-1-59918-508-8 

    Ultimate Pinterest Guide for Business by Karen Leland

     

    Pinterest is the third largest social media site after Facebook and Twitter. It gets 10 million unique views a month and has over 25 million members.  

    Pinterest is a social bookmarking site that allows users to create a visual, online pinboard with images they love organized around topics of their choice by category. It’s the fastest growing social media site in history, the third-largest network after Facebook and Twitter and has over 25 million members and 10 million unique visitors a month. 

     
    The most recent studies indicate that nearly 20 percent of women using the Internet are on Pinterest, 72 percent of Pinterest users are female, and 66 percent of those are age 35 or older, and the average amount of time visitors spend surfing the Pinterest site is an hour.

     
    Karen Leland, author of the new book “Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business,” has created a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to hitting the road running and quickly making Pinterest into a valuable source of prospects, promotion and profits. 

     
    “Great business brands are about telling compelling, congruent stories, and Pinterest is at its core about storytelling in pictures,” says Leland. “Pinterest has tapped into this visceral lover of visuals, and no small business, entrepreneur or corporation can afford to miss the boat on bringing what they offer beyond words and into images.”

    About Ultimate Pinterest Guide for Business

    “The Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business” is designed to help businesses use Pinterest to its maximum potential. The book provides both beginning users and seasoned veterans with the ability to find their specific area of interest “at a glance.” It uses step-by-step how-to, sidebars, examples, case studies, expert interviews and tip sheets to show how, from setup to strategy, to use Pinterest for promotional, branding and marketing objectives. 

     
    The book explores the ins and outs of signing up and getting started on Pinterest and how to create boards that get noticed, drive traffic and convert fans into customers. Special chapters are devoted to creating a strong community and enthusiastic following through high-engagement activities, contests, social media outreach and smart pinning strategies.

     
    In addition the book outlines specific marketing applications to small businesses, from architecture firms to theater companies.  

     
    About Karen Leland

    Karen Leland is the best-selling author of nine business books and the President of Sterling Marketing Group, where she works with entrepreneurs, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies around the globe on building stronger personal and business brands. Her clients have included AT&T, American Express, Marriott Hotels, Apple Computer and Johnson & Johnson, among others.  

     
    She is a regular speaker for business groups and has spoken for the Young Presidents’ Organization, American Management Association and Direct Marketing Association, among others. Karen is a frequent guest of the media and has been interviewed on “The Today Show,” CNN, CNBC and “Oprah.”

     
    She writes a regular branding and marketing column for Entrepreneur.com and has been published in Woman’s Day, Self, The Los Angeles Times and others. Her latest book is “Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business.”

     

    What People Are Saying

    Every small business should read this book — not only because it will show you exactly how to use Pinterest to promote your business but for the marketing and branding lessons Karen Leland has managed to weave throughout the book. Make Pinterest work as hard as you DO! -Berny Dohrmann, Founder, CEO Space, Bestselling Author, “Redemption: The Cooperation Revolution”

    “Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business” provides the reader with a step-by-step approach and a clear path for maximizing communication in their business or profession. Karen's in-depth knowledge of social media, marketing and branding are a bonus for anyone wanting to integrate Pinterest into their marketing mix. -Michelle Patterson, Executive Director, California Women's Conference

     
    Karen Leland's “Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business” is a gem! She has provided the must-have, must-read playbook for pinning in business. I've learned so many ideas, details and strategies that will impact and improve the Pinterest portion of my business and life.

    -Susan RoAne, Author, “How to Work a Room” and “The Secrets of Savvy Networking”

     
    WOW. This book is AMAZING! If you're ready to learn everything you need to know about successfully using Pinterest, then read and absorb the strategies in this brilliant book by Karen Leland! -James Malinchak, The World's #1 Big Money Speaker® Trainer & Coach featured on ABC's hit TV show, “Secret Millionaire,” Founder, BigMoneySpeaker


    Can you make money using Pinterest? Absolutely! Karen Leland's new book shows you the exact steps to master the art of relationship marketing on Pinterest. Read this well-written, comprehensive book, and you'll be attracting and converting leads into paying customers in no time! -Mari Smith, Social Media Thought Leader, Author, “The New Relationship Marketing,” Co-author, “Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day”

    Authoritative, accessible and specific — this guide is an invaluable resource. -Gretchen Rubin, Author, “The Happiness Project”

    Karen Leland has one of the best grasps on branding I've seen. “Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business” is more than just a book on using Pinterest for marketing; it's a handbook for anyone who wants to understand how to approach branding and social media in today's complex online world.  - Olivia Fox Cabane, Author, “The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism”

    Karen is the behind-the-scenes secret for the success of many small business brands. Her take on Pinterest makes this a fascinating book with a roadmap on how to use this popular platform to increase community engagement, brand visibility and sales. - Susan Harrow, Author, “Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul”

     
    For much more information about Pinterest, Karen Leland and this book, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2013/04/05/pinterest-for-business-tour/
     
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.