The New Book Review

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

Mainstream/Literary Read on Culture Gets Five Stars

Title: Tall man small shadow
Author: Vipin Behari Goyal
Author's Web site link: http://vipinbeharigoyal.blogspot.in/
Genre: Fiction/ Literature
ISBN : 978-8182534124
Book Cover

Available on Amazon
Rating-5 star

Reviewed By Rosa Maria originally for Amazon.com

TMSS: The Power of the Cultural Matriarch, July 30, 2013

This novel is truly a challenging read on many levels. Each vivid character is faced with a highly emotional life situation that threatens his/her cultural traditions and social standing. Just as we begin to fear that the central characters cannot possibly get their lives on the right track and the threat of suicide is ever present, the true power of the cultural matriarch comes to light each and every path. The honor of editing this novel for Cyberwit was mine, and the author is truly a skilled writer with engaging philosophical insights. Definitely a 5-star rating on this one, and I look forward to his next novel.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vipin Behari Goyal, viping19@gmail.com, Mobile No:9928805905. He blogs at: Author's Diction--My Blog

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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, 12 August 2013

Midwest Book Review Celebrates the Environment

Sublime Planet

Celebrating Earth Day and the Universe
Magdalena Ball & Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Cover Photography by Ann Howley

Genre: Poetry/Environment
CreateSpace, www.createspace.com
ISBN Paperback: 9781482054705 $12.95

Kindle www.amazon.com $4.95

Reviewed by John Burroughs, originally for Burroughs' Bookshelf on Midwest Review

Award-winning poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball present Sublime Planet, a poetry compilation with a strong ecological theme. Some of the free-verse poems have been previously published in a variety of print and online journals; now they are gathered into a single volume to celebrate Earth Day, and promote environmental awareness. Lucid and erudite, Sublime Planet succinctly reminds one that the body that it is part of a much greater ecosystem, and stirs the soul with its call to the duty of stewardship.

"The Giraffe"

A tongue generous

as my head he reaches

for me, barriers no match

for his long neck, sniffs

my hair, kisses my face.

He is unaware

he is endangered,

I unaware he might

be dangerous.

Saturday, 10 August 2013

Science and Religion: A Discussion by Daniel Friedman

Unknown 01:00 Nonfiction: Religion, Nonfiction: Science 0

Title: The Broken Gift
Author: Daniel Friedmann
Author's Web site link: http://danielfriedmannbooks.com/
Genre: science/religion
ISBN 978-0978457228
Book Cover: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZDxJYbmgw0/UdNHrcHuWcI/AAAAAAAAA8w/vZ2cSyIR7Ng/s320/The-Broken-Gift-1000x1600-no-subtitle-1.jpg
Available: http://www.amazon.com/The-Broken-Gift-Daniel-Friedmann/dp/0978457226

THE STORY BEHIND THE BROKEN GIFT

In my fourth year at university, some fundamental questions concerning our origins began to re-appear. The research involved in answering these questions at one level took most of my life but most intensely about 2 years. It took a year or so to write it all down and back up every statement with a peer reviewed source or biblical source. Publication of The Broken Gift proceeded over the past 6 month or so.

In discussion with my nephews who experienced a very detailed science education on origins seemingly in conflict with Sunday school teachings were not getting satisfactory answers. I knew I could get a better understanding of our origins from our two largest sources of knowledge - Science and the Bible.
Many have asked how can one even compare religion and science on this issue- they come from very different points of view? True, but they both claim to know what happened and when - one or both must be right? The Broken Gift focuses on hard evidence of what happened and when - once that account is reconciled it discusses how it happened, which for science and religion is somewhat different.
How did you pick the points to compare? Science has developed a certain timeline of events from apes to modern day. Genesis also contains a timeline of events from the beginning of time until 4000 years ago. I picked the key defining moments of those timelines to compare against each other and to compare and contrast what happened, when and how. This knowledge was exciting and fresh and I was encouraged to write the book, The Broken Gift, sharing what I had found.

So what did I find? That the Bible and science are mostly in agreement as to what happened and how - although not completely on when it happened, and by studying both the Bible and science we can get as close as we have ever gotten to understand how we came to be.

So, how did we get here? Reading The Broken Gift can encourage quality time with your family. They will enjoy having a discussion about science, religion and the meaning and purpose of life.

Whether you agree or disagree. Either way, you will be fascinated! Visit Banyen Books & Sound November 7th, I will be available to talk with or autograph your book.

ABOUT DANIEL FRIEDMAN

Daniel Friedmann is CEO of MDA Corp., specializing in robotics. He has a master's in engineering physics and 30 years' experience in the space industry. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics. He is also a longtime student of cosmology and religion. Daniel Friedmann has been mentioned in the National Post, Toronto Star and Idea City. Connect with Daniel Friedmann on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Genesis-and-Science/141524692605591
and at http://danielfriedmannbooks.com/.

SUBMITTED BY:

Yvonne Wu
Internet Publicist | Author & Speaker Assistant
The YP Publishing
Canada: 905-341-0997
USA: 1-347-674-9951
http://theyppublishing.com
http://speakerspromotion.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.

Friday, 9 August 2013

Lit Amri Praises New Romance Novel

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Romance 0

Crocuses & Blackbirds

Book 1 of The Golden Path Quintet

Author Margaret Montrose

Author's Web site: www.thegoldenpath.co.uk

Genre: Romance

Reviewed by Lit Amri originally for Readers' Favorite : Rating: 5.0 stars
The Golden Path Quintet: Crocuses & Blackbirds is Book 1 of the Golden Path series by Margaret Montrose. Nineteen-year-old Julie finds her way to the Cathedral, a place which will ease her troubled soul and guide her way toward the enigmatic Ellen MacAlister.

The Golden Path Quintet is as mesmerizing as an intricate poem. It is a story with more layers than one could expect. There is something about the story that I cannot quite put my finger on it. Perhaps enlightenment is a suitable word, but this novel is by no means religious. It certainly has depth that will satisfy the readers, as it did me. The relationship between Julie and Ellen is somewhat surreal yet beautiful at the same time. The novel explores not only storytelling but also love, faith, and friendship. While the story is not hard to read, Montrose has a subtle way of asking more from the readers through her amazingly beautiful prose than the typical contemporary romance requires.

The story is told in a fantastic and charming manner. With The Golden Path Quintet, Montrose has indeed presented the dynamics of life that we often forget or intentionally refuse to acknowledge. Readers who enjoy novels with a dreamlike realism will definitely love this novel. Read, think and cherish it; share it with your loved ones, friends, and other book-loving enthusiasts that you know, because this might be one of the best books you will read this year.

Thursday, 8 August 2013

Doctor Pens Medical Thriller

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Thriller 0

Title: Not For Profit
Author: Glenn Shepard
Website: http://mysteryhousepublishing.com/
Genre: Medical Thriller/Adult
Publisher: Mystery House Publishing
ISBN: 9780615765525

Reviewed by Mel U originally for ReReadingLives blog

Review:

Not for Profit by Glenn Shepard, M. D., is a very gripping, edge of your seat work that amazed me with one exciting totally unexpected event after another. Evidently, there a quite a number of what are called "medical thrillers" in which physicians use their specialized knowledge to create interesting works of fiction. Dr. Shepard is a highly experienced plastic surgeon and he employs his knowledge very skillfully to bring verisimilitude to Not For Profit without making it seeming like we are reading a text book.

The story line begins with a very moving prologue in which the lead character does plastic surgery on a pro bono basis in a clinic in West Virginia on a woman with a cleft pallet. The operation is described in enough detail to make us feel we are there. From there we begin the first of numerous place shifts when we are taken to Afganistan to a combat drone center. A high value target has been spotted and the presentation of the American attack is very exciting. Then we move around Afganistan a bit (now America's longest war) then we go to the plastic surgery clinic of a plastic surgeon in Jackson City, North Carolina. These portions of the story are told by in the first person. We learn a good bit about the business side of running a plastic surgery practice. (And there is more to it than just doing nose jobs and breast implants!)

The narrative also details the activities of terrorists in the vicinity of the clinic and flips back to Afgainistan. I was really drawn into the novel by all these place changes,trying to figure out what they have to do with each other. I thought the author did a brilliant job creating exitement and suspense through this devise. At every turn something unexpected happened. I do not want to give away much at all of the great plot action but the doctor, a good man with his flaws, is framed for murder, goes up against a hospital corporation where only profits matter, there is lots of sex, and we slowly discover a vast plot involving a potential terrorism attack. Nobody hardly is who they seem at first to be.

For sure Not For Profit is great escapist take you away from the mundane reading but it has very serious points to make about the business side of American hospitals and geopolitical issues. As a bonus we learn a lot about orchids as growing them is a passionate avocation of the central character. We sense that the doctor draws inspiration from the beauty of the orchids in doing his surgery. He also values women to a large extent based on their looks and OK there are a lot of breast references in the narrative.

It is a very American book, the sex scenes are for sure vivid and if filmed in full would be for an adults only movie.

I liked this book a lot and endorse it with the qualification that it has vivid and violent sex scenes.

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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, 7 August 2013

Harbaugh Novel Judged Witty, Smart

Unknown 01:00 Fiction 0

Title: Her Grace in Disgrace

Genre: Regency romance
Author: Claudia Harbaugh
Publisher: Indi
ASIN #: B00DJBYGJS
ISBN is: 1490341684
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1bspqxC
Web site: http://www.claudiaharbaugh.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaHarbaughbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaudiaHarbaugh

Intriguing characters, witty and smart, excellent work from this author

Reviewd by Christina M. Liebler originally for Amazon

I am an avid reader of kindle freebies and books in general. I also love Jane Austen and historical novels, so I thought I would give this one a chance. I was really amazed that this was a first book for Claudia Harbaugh. So many are poorly edited and under developed. Not this one.

I found this book to be engaging and interesting from the first page. Loved the wit and laughs throughout the story line. Her characters were well developed and the story line was interesting and unpredictable. Ms. Harbaugh has a writing style that is unique and fun to read. I highly recommend if you are looking for an easy and rewarding read this summer. I look forward to reading more in this series very soon!”

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

If You Like Philip Marlow or Mad Max...

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Detective Fiction: Mystery 0

Title: TWIST
Author: Myron Night
Author's Web site link: www.MyronNight.com
Genre or category: hard-boiled detective novel, dystopian futureISBN-10: 1935961845
Name of reviewer: Beth Bacon (aka Beth A B)
.
Reviewed by Beth Bacon (aka Beth A B) originally for Amazon.com
Review:

If you like Philip Marlow and / or Mad Max...
...You'll love Adam Twist, hardscrabble detective in the year 2075. He's living in a bleak, tough world where resources are scarce--and so is justice. Here's the story: The czar-like head of the INside world hires Adam to go OUTside to find his 20-year-old daughter, Dora. She ran away from her life of comfort to, she believes, help orphans. What I loved about Twist are the characters. Even the smallest roles have punch and life and spirit. No one is purely good or evil, though some are pretty close to evil. Myron Night's descriptions are gripping and full of vivid imagery. This is a fun, escapist read for those who get their kicks escaping to a world where environmental destruction has blighted the continent. It's a world where justice and liberty, like a huge tornado, have blown away leaving nothing but devastation in its wake. Adam Twist manages to find a rag-tag team of cohorts to help him fight the powers that be. I enjoyed the "twisted" and strangely whimsical references to the Wizard of Oz. I won't give away the ending, but Dora doesn't end up like Dorothy, and the OUTside is nowhere like Oz
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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, 5 August 2013

Teresa Morrow Reviews Inspirational Book

Unknown 01:00 Nonfiction: Inspiration 0

Title: Awakening the New You
Author: Ricky Roberts III
Website: http://rickyrobertsiii.com
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ASIN: B00B2AX7QQ
Reviewed by Teresa Morrow http://teresamorrow.com originally for Amazon

Just like all his other books, Ricky Roberts III, does not disappoint with
his latest book, Awakening the New You. He offers his personal experiences
layered with his insight of how we all can live a life where we know we
are valued. Ricky always strives to bring the reader along for this
journey called life and wants each of us to know the value we can hold and
do hold in this world. He offers the message of peace, love and beauty
that no only surrounds us but also lives within us.

About the Author:

Ricky Roberts III lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is the founder of
You Are Valued, a nonprofit organization that creates positive change by
embracing the value of every man, woman, boy and girl through community
involvement, outreach, discussion and inspiration. This is Ricky's fourth
book, proceeded by: You, What Really Matters, and Where did the Gift GO.
When he's not writing, Ricky is a speaker and youth advocate. You can read
more about Ricky and his book on his website at
http://rickyrobertsiii.com.

Review link: Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-the-New-You-ebook/dp/B00B2AX7QQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1374089153&sr=1-1&keywords=ricky+roberts+iii

Submitted by:

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

Sunday, 4 August 2013

Glen Aaron Reviews Historical Fiction

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Historical 0

Title: The Middle of Nowhere

Author: Paula Duncan McDonald
Web link: www.pauladuncanmcdonald
ISBN: 978-1-62141-695-1
Publisher: BookLocker.com
Category: Historical FictionReview link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16209701-the-middle-of-nowhere
Rating: Four-point-three Stars

Reviewed by Glen Aaron, originally for MIDLAND REPORTER-TELEGRAM and Goodreads

When an author brings you to the feeling of a character in her book without telling you how the character feels; when an author makes you either love or hate the protagonist without telling you to do so; when nature descriptions live by their own vitality, you know you are reading a novel written by a gifted author.

THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Paula Duncan McDonald begins west of the Pecos when Apaches had been cleared of the area and free land was being offered for settlement. It was “the middle of nowhere.: But the story quickly evolves from the settler family to the tale of their daughter, Skitchy, the second generation. It becomes her story of life and love, identity and survival, during the desperate years of the Great Depression in West Texas when severe drought and relentless dust storms wracked the land.

The history of the Pecos area as well as the landscape are woven into lives filled with authentic details. . . . Skitchy’s deeply personal and wrenching story took place then, but with little effort of focus by the reader, we quickly see it is our time as well.

The book quickly draws West Texans in with shared knowledge as it begins: “There are place on earth where life has to work harder to survive, and only the hardy, the most adaptable and resilient, thrive. The northern edge of the Chihuhuan Desert west of the Pecos River was such a place.”

It is no wonder that Paula Duncan McDonald can make us feel so intensely as she creates and relates this epic story. She draws her knowledge from [her own family] as well as solid historical research, as she takes off into “the middle of nowhere.”

Saturday, 3 August 2013

Goodeads Reviewer Rates Cyber Thriller Excellent

Unknown 01:00 0

Title: A BORN VICTIM
Author: R P Rochford
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
ISBN: 9781300850519
ASIN: B00BWYJ0BS
Publisher: Self-published
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richard-P-Rochford/263101677168540
Twitter: @R_P_Rochford
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=253852626&trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Reviewed by Sophie Bristow Harris originally for Goodreads
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Debut Cyber~Thriller

This review is from: A Born Victim (Kindle Edition)

I came across Richard Rochford's debut novel quite by chance and I'm so glad I did!

It started quite slowly, introducing the main character before leaving her behind for a bit whilst the story built up to bring her storming back in.
The book covers bullying at work, cyber violence that spilled into real life, sexual violence, verbal bullying and murder in the most horrible detail ~ I loved it!!
There was also simmering romance running through the book, some ended happily others never took off...
There were twists and turns galore. Just when I thought I knew who the perpetrators were I was cleverly (and I was happy it wasn't who I thought they were!) shown who they really were.

I really liked the way the main characters were all linked together and thought their personalities were well developed and on the whole very likable. The bad guys were described in a way that made me want to reach through the pages and cause them pain and fear like they did to their innocent victims.

I received this excellent novel from the author himself, Richard Rochford, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank You Richard, a well researched debut and I very much look forward to reading your future books.

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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, 1 August 2013

Eric Trant's Tours Thriller

Unknown 11:10 Blog Tour, Fiction: Thriller 0

Title: Wink (#WINK)
by Eric W. Trant

Author Web site: www.EricTrant.com

Author blog: http://diggingwiththeworms.blogspot.com/
Author's Facebook page
Paperback: 275 pages
Publisher: WiDo Publishing (April 16, 2013)
ASIN: B00CE4OP1K
Twitter hashtag: #WINKWink is available as a print and e- book at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

SYNOPSIS

A moving, fast-paced and incredibly emotional story about love, friendship and transformation.

In this thriller set in a rural Gulf Coast town, Marty Jameson finds refuge in the attic from his mother's abusive rages. But only during the day. At night the attic holds terrors even beyond what he witnesses in his home. With a family made up of a psychotic mother, a drug-dealing father and a comatose older brother withering away in the spare bedroom, Marty feels trapped.

Next door, wheel-chair bound Sadie Marsh obsessively watches Marty's comings and goings from her bedroom window, despite her mother's warning about the evil in that house. Evil which appears to Sadie as huge black-winged creatures.

Marty, emotionally torn by the violence and dysfunction in his family, is drawn to Sadie and her kindly mother. But if he is to save his new friend from the supernatural horror threatening them all, Marty must transform himself from victim to hero. And to do so, he must first confront what lurks hidden in the shadows of his attic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric W. Trant is the author of several short stories and the novels Out of the Great Black Nothing and Wink from WiDo Publishing. He is an advocate for organ donation and lost his 18 month old son in May of 2012. Eric and his wife courageously donated their son’s heart, kidneys, and liver. The couple went on to begin a foundation to support organ donor families. Eric speaks openly about this emotional journey on his blog and the topic of organ donation is very close to his heart.

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Engaging, Character-Driven, Dystopian for Your Summer Reading List

Unknown 01:00 book tour, Fiction: Mainstream, Fiction: Sci-Fi 0

.

Title: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Author’s Website: http://shapingdestinythebook.com/
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopia
ISBN-10 0615823742 (Kindle)
ISBN-13 978-0615823744 (Paperback)
5 Stars

Reviewed by Robyn Chausse

Due to bio warfare we are now under military control—a scary, yet common, dystopian scenario. But add some genetic engineering, an organized “underground”, spice it up with potential romance and stir with the manipulator of all manipulators and you have a novel that keeps the pages turning.

What I love about Pipe Dreams, and what frightens me the most, is the believable plot that could very well happen tomorrow. The story centers around current research into behavioral genetics, the identification of gene markers that scientists hope will help control or modify negative behavioral traits.

Allison keeps up the pace with plenty of plot twists and engaging dialog. She offers us a diverse cast of characters each with their own convictions and strives to illustrate “how our individual pursuit of dreams affects our collective reality.” She pulls us into the story with visually descriptive scenes conveying her character’s emotions as in this example where the main character encounters one of society’s outcasts:

“Something brushed her ankle. Jerking her leg away from whatever slithering thing had braved the morning, she slapped the pavement with her purse. Nothing moved and she dared a glance beneath her. Amidst dead and rotting leaves, an arm was barely visible. Vanessa startled, but did not scream. She didn’t need to rouse the callers from their dirty sleep. She just needed to leave. As she began to walk away, a tiny voice scratched out a noise that sounded horribly like, “Please.” Vanessa froze. In the silence that followed, there was no voice, no wind, no movement. The hushed world waited, as if everything would take its cue from her.”

Although listed as dystopian/science fiction, the current day placement of the story and character-driven focus makes this novel attractive to a broader range of readers.

This is Destiny Allison’s first novel, but it is her second book. Shaping Destiny, her memoir, was published in March of 2012.

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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, 30 July 2013

Nine Fold Heaven: New Historial Fiction on Tour

Unknown 01:00 book tour, Fiction: Historical, Fiction: Suspense 0

Title – Nine Fold Heaven

Author – Mingmei Yip
Author's website link – http://www.mingmeiyip.com
Genre or category – Suspense, historic fiction
ISBN – 978-0758273543

In this mesmerizing new novel, Mingmei Yip draw readers deeper into the exotic world of 1930s Shanghai first explored in Skeleton Women and into the lives of the unforgettable singer-spy Camilla, the magician Shadow, and the gossip columnist Rainbow Chang.

The Nine Fold Heaven is the story of an ex spy and nightclub singer who undertakes an emotional and dangerous journey to reunite with her lost lovers and the baby she was told was stillborn, and to discover the secret of her parents’ murder.

Click here to read the prologue and first chapter:

About Mingmei Yip

Mingmei Yip has been writing and publishing since she was fourteen years old and now she has twelve books to her credit. Her five novels are published by Kensington Books and her two children’s books are published by Tuttle Publishing.

Mingmei’s new novel is The Nine Fold Heaven (2013), the story of an ex spy and nightclub singer who undertakes an emotional and dangerous journey to reunite with her lost lover and the baby she was told was stillborn, and to discover the secret of her parents’ murder.

Mingmei’s fourth novel is Skeleton Women (2012), a story about a singer spy, a magician, and a gossip columnist scheming to survive the gang wars in lawless 1930ies Shanghai.

Her other four novels are equally exciting:

Song of the Silk Road, (2011) is a romantic adventure on China’s legendary ancient trade route with the lure of a three million dollar reward.

Petals from the Sky, (2010) is a Buddhist love story about a woman who tries to escape her dysfunctional family only to find she’s been running away from her heart.

Peach Blossom Pavilion (2008) her first novel, is the story of the last prestitous musician-courtesan of China, received numerous favorable reviews and is now in its fifth printing.

Mingmei is also the author and illustrator of Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories (2005) and Grandma Panda’s China Storybook, (2013).

Mingmei is also a renowned qin (ancient string instrument) musician, calligrapher and painter. In Hong Kong, she was a columnist for seven major newspapers. She has appeared on over sixty TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and the US.

Visit Mingmei at: www.mingmeiyip.com

Comments about Nine Fold Heaven from Amazon –

The latest book from author Mingmei Yip takes the reader on an epic journey -- both emotional and geographically. The Nine Fold Heaven is the story of a young Chinese woman, Camilla who is taken from an orphanage at the age of four, and forced to work for one of the worst gangs in Shanghai. Not that she has a bad life with them. In exchange for her various "services" to the gang, from sexual favors to singing entertainment to assassinations, she is well taken care of, as least in material objects. Her emotional life however, has been completely deprived and suffocated.

~*~

The prose and the description of the setting lends an authenticity to the story that made it feel like a real history to me. I was intrigued by the comparisons between Chinese culture and American culture (although this was in the 30s) and there are both positives and negatives to both in my opinion. The clashes between opposing viewpoints in politics and religion gave more dimension to the characters and created a thought-provoking larger conflict than just what Camilla was going through. But the most important thing, especially in historical fiction, is for the setting to feel realistic and I felt like the streets of Thirties Hong Kong and Shanghai were brought to life in this book.

~*~

Camilla is a noir heroine who readers will love to hate or hate to love. The author makes it clear she's a product of her environment and never apologizes for her behavior which she shouldn't. The narrative is colorful and an exotic mix of cultures and traditions and will bring the sounds and flavors of a troubled lawless past society to life.

Reviews for Mingmei Yip books -

Skeleton Women “A guilty pleasure....enjoy the exotic location and characters.... This is a large, luscious box of chocolates. Go on. You know you want to." -- RTBook 4 star Review

Song of the Silk Road “Lively…fascinating…filled with unique companions, unforeseen dangers, unexpected joys, and bitter sorrows…” -- Publisher’s Weekly

Petals from the Sky “Strong…powerful…emotional…vivid…poignant…” -- Coffee Time Romamce

Peach Blossom Pavilion “Engrossing…atmospheric tale…fantastical escape!” – Honolulu Advertiser

If you like strong women in exotic locations and like to learn about new people, places and times – Nine Fold Heaven is a must 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.

Friday, 26 July 2013

Reader Calls Novel Glittering Masterpiece

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Literary 0

Title: A Glittering Chaos

Author: Lisa de Nikolits

Author's Web site link: www.lisadenikolitswriter.com

Genre, Literary Fiction

ISBN: 192670892X

Reviewed by Brittany Clayton

Lisa de Nikolits does it again with this lip-biting, on the edge-of-your-seat-tale that takes you on a spiritual journey with Melusine through heartache, tears and the unexpected.

Expect late sleepless nights as you endevour on this journey with Melusine and experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. This book certainly goes against everything you've heard about Vegas… what happens in Vegas did NOT stay in Vegas this time!

A recommended read for anyone and everyone who enjoys a read that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions!

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Netherlands Reviewer Loves Native American Fiction

Unknown 01:00 Fiction: Historical, Fiction: Native American, Fiction: Paranormal 0

Title: Where The Rain Is Made
By Keta Diablo
Keta's Keep Blog: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Genre: Historical/Paranormal/Native American
Nominated for Bookie Award by Authors After Dark
Available at http://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI
ASIN on Amazon: B00771XAUW
Five Stars

Reviewed by Bersaba originally for Amazon 

I absolutely loved this story. It paints a rich and vivid picture of the Dog Soldiers and their way of life, fitting this history into the story in such a way you learn a lot about the Dog Soldiers without being lectured. I really liked how Diablo doesn't try to turn the Cheyenne into 'noble savages' as sometimes happens in romance, but how she writes them with both their good and bad sides, making them more real and recognisable this way.

The romance and action in this story are well balanced and fit together perfectly, weaving a bittersweet lovestory that's not just about Cesca and Meko, but about a whole way of life. The one thing I could say against this story is that I would have loved to read more from Meko/Ethan's point of view as he's a very cool and intriguing character and I'd have loved to read a bit more about what makes him tick. I really hope Diablo decides to continue this series as I for one will surely read any sequel.