AND THE MUSIC PLAYS ON

----- 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.

Letter to the Author from Reviewer Ron English

Title:  One Night in Tehran: A Titus Ray Thriller

Author:  Luana Ehrlich
Website: http://www.luanaehrlich.com
Genre: Christian thriller
ISBN: 1500157236
ASIN: B00MKK5HEM
Amazon Purchase Link:

Reviewed by Ron English originally for Amazon

Amazon Reviewer: Ranking 330,190

 

Mrs. Ehrlich, I have just completed reading your novel, "One Night in Tehran". To say I was delighted with the storyline is an absolute understatement. You are a wonderful writer and storyteller. I don't know what I was expecting, but you exceeded by a country mile all of them. You set the stage for the next book. Your skill matches beautifully that of John Grisham and James Patterson. I have often said that authors and TV dramas could be just as interesting without profanity if they majored on the story. You have proven this to be true. The skillful and beautiful way you handled the Christian faith aspect was so well done that no one outside the faith should be concerned or have any hesitation in picking your book up and diving in. Christians on the other hand will marvel at the wonderful treatment you provided your faith and ours. Our Lord, I am sure, is happy with your book and will bless you abundantly as people discover this work. God bless you richly and thank you for this powerful story of intrigue and local setting. With best wishes for your next book and the next appearance of Titus Ray, Your Norman Fan, Ron English

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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.

Spicy Reads Loves Contemporary Romance

Title: One to Save Author: Tia Louise Author's Web site link: http://www.AuthorTiaLouise.com Genre or category: Contemporary Romance ISBN: 978-1508738503 Reviewer's rating: 5 Stars BUY LINKS: Amazon: http://smarturl.it/OTSA iTunes: http://smarturl.it/OTSi Google Play: http://smarturl.it/OTSG Nook: http://smarturl.it/OTSN Kobo: http://smarturl.it/OTSK ARe: http://smarturl.it/OTSAR Paperbacks on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/OTSAp CreateSpace: http://smarturl.it/OTSC     Reviewed by  Shayna Renee originally for her Spicy Reads blog ONE TO SAVE was a sizzling, suspenseful romance that took me to another place. I completely lost myself in this book! Derek and Melissa are characters that stuck with me from the beginning and embedded themselves in my heart. I felt the complete and undeniable love they they feel towards each other, and I felt the utter gut wrenching heartache that they went through in this book. I absolutely LOVE each installment of the ONE TO HOLD series, but this book, this incredible book, left me a blubbering mess and pulled emotions out of me left and right. Tia Louise is a genius at setting the scene, giving her readers a vivid, beautiful depiction of all that is going on, transporting us to this lovely world with ease. Tia Louise fans will fall in love with the latest ONE TO HOLD novel!  And ladies...get ready to SWOON your panties off, because DEREK ALEXANDER is BACK! Derek and Melissa have come so far. But secrets, lies, and deceptions prevent them from having the happily ever after they both deserve. Melissa knows what it's like to be in a relationship full of lies, and she WILL NOT go through that again. When Melissa pushes Derek away, he is devastated and broken. He knows he was in the wrong, protecting her but not communicating with her. He is determined to make things right. He will stop at nothing to see her smile once again. But what if it's too late? Fool me once and all that.  ONE TO SAVE was one helluva page-turner. Steamy, action packed, and heartwarming, I can never get enough of this series. A story about finding your light in the darkness and never letting it go, Derek and Melissa's love story will be one to remember, one to cherish, and one to learn from. I know this was the happily ever after I always wanted for these two, but I hope that it isn't the last we hear from them. #DerekAndMelissaForever MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tia Louise is the author of sexy books with a twist. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest * * *  One to Hold   * * *  One to Keep  * * *  One to Protect  * * * One to Love  * * *  One to Leave * * * One to Save

 

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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.

Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection (Awakenings & Aha Moments)

Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection  (Awakenings & Aha Moments)

ISBN-10: 1492252050

5

Gems of Inspiration By Glenn Poveromo

“I find it inconceivable that any title other than Tales2Inspire could possibly be assigned to Lois Stern’s Topaz Collection. Lois‘ compilation of inspiring stories is a powerful and touching tribute to the inherent qualities of compassion and strength of the human spirit. Each story touches the reader’s emotions and offers inspiration in a different, yet similar way. From the journey of Gabriel Cordell in Roll of a Lifetime, to the adventurous spirit of Luke Potter and his family in New Life in the Country, to the deep compassion and understanding of Dr. Pirnot in As I Am, the human spirit is highlighted and will move your soul in a very deep and powerful way. In a world that is seemingly dominated by the prominence of the media’s negative “News,” Tales2Inspire is a refreshing tribute to the kind and compassionate deeds that exist everywhere in our global society. I highly recommend the Topaz Collection to anyone seeking to witness the human spirit at its best.”

Glenn Poveromo

Author of: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life, Learn to Live Your Best Life Possible and Simple thoughts About Life and Living

Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection: Awakenings & Aha Moments

Each story in this book is a winner from the annual Tales2Inspire international competition, anonymously selected by a jury of accomplished authors. You will read a 'baker's dozen' amazing stories, including stories about a man who rolls across America in his non-motorized wheelchair, a new horse owner tho learns how to communicate with her recalcitrant horse while observing other horses in pasture, a trumpet that literally saves the life of one musician . . .

This is just a sampling of the thirteen inspiring stories you will find within the pages of this book.

http://www.tales2inspire.com

Marie Lavender's Writing in the Modern Age: What Does 'Inspiring' Mean to You? by Lois W. Ster...

Marie Lavender's Writing in the Modern Age: What Does 'Inspiring' Mean to You? by Lois W. Ster...: What Does 'Inspiring' Mean to You? by Lois W. Stern Recently I received a question from one viewer asking, What do you mean...

----- 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.

Morgan St. James Reviews Her Oft-Referenced Book on Book Promotion

The Frugal Book Promoter:

Subtitle: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher

(Second Edition)

From the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers

First Edition Awards: Winner USA Book News, coveted Irwin Award

Award for Second Edition: USA Book News winner, silver medal from Military Writers Society of America, e-book honored by Global Ebook Awards

ISBN: 9781463743291
To order paperback or e-book: http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromo 

Five or five stars

 

IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE THIS BOOK, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET IT

By Morgan St James "MYSTERY LOVER" (California) originally for Amazon.

This review is from: The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher. (How to Do It Frugally) (Paperback)

Carolyn Howard-Johnson should be called the "Guru of Frugal Promotion." Her ideas, suggestions and references are absolutely spot-on. I've been referring to this book for promotion of my books ever since I got it. With my 11th book. "La Bella Mafia" due to come out, once again I thumbed through it to find the most important things to put in the Media Kit because promotion for this book will be going to several major outlets in TV, radio and newspapers. You would think by Book #11, including my own book about writing, I'd have it down pat, but every time I refer to "The Frugal Book Promoter" I find new things that will save me money and make my books more visible.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Morgan St. James is the author of
Writers' Tricks of the Trade: 39 Things You Need to Know About the ABCs of Writing Fiction
La Bella Mafia

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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.

LA Now and Then Reviewer Hopes for Film

Title: The Necessary Bride

Author: Patsy Frost
Where to buy the book Genre: Historical Romantic Women’s Fiction

ISBN-13: 978-1501069628

Publisher: Createspace

  
Reviewed by Marlan Warren. Originally published in her L.A. Now and Then blog 

  “Can a lady like you watch livestock and people fall down and die of thirst in the desert, the flies swarming on the sun-bloated carcasses and smell the stench of ‘em after they bust open?”—Rape, forced marriage, death by childbirth and the repressive status of women in Early America take center stage in Patsy Frost’s historical romantic masterpiece, The Necessary Bride. As the saga draws to a close, its heroine proclaims that if she had not run away to seek her fortune in California, her life as a Maryland “lady” would have been “proper” and “dull” (in between those times when the vicious Baltimore males would not be treating her like chattel). Frost puts a fresh spin on a story about wagon train travel in the Old West by letting us view it through this adventurous young woman’s eyes—urging us to feel what she feels in her heart as she gradually builds a new life that is built on trust and mutual respect with a man who is not of her culture or race.

This painstakingly crafted tale brings the smells and tastes and emotions of that time into bold relief through meticulously detailed scenes of pioneer life. The author also deftly manages multiple points of view to provide character insights that keep even the villains from coming off as one-dimensional. 

 

Frost subtly alters reader perceptions by loosening the writing style from narration-heavy, archaic language to a looser, more contemporary tone when this bold young seeker finally reaches her destination and her destiny. Did the pioneers have oral sex? Read and find out!

 
Seamless lively action carries the story, making it a fun page turner. The last line portends a sequel. One can only hope there is one soon, and also a film.
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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.

LA Reviewer Craves More in Contemporary Fiction Series

Title: Roadmaps for the Sexually Challenged [All’s Not Fair in Love or War]

Author: Marlan Warren

Website: http://roadmapsforthesexuallychallenged.blogspot.com

Where to buy (Kindle E-Book Only): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TYKV5ZG

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

ASIN: B00TYKV5ZG

Publisher: Roadmap Girl Publications

 

Reviewed by Barbara Tira originally for L.A. Now and Then blog

 

When I found "Roadmaps," I put down the best-seller-turned-movie I was reading at the time, so I could savor Ms. Warren's story until the very end. As a longtime Los Angeleno, I was immediately drawn back into the lifestyle, loves, and struggles in the expansive, diverse, and incomparable Los Angeles of 20 years ago, the likes of which is just a memory today. But whose emotions, challenges, and successes remain Universal.

 

This novel/memoir is for anyone who has ever known the epitome of joy and the profound depths of despair. For those who have loved passionately, and for those whose hearts have been trampled to shreds. For those who have found, or for those who are still seeking the strength and spirit to rise again.

 

I eagerly await the sequel!  I want more!!!!!

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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.

Amazon Reviewer Samara Calls Jukebox Astonishingly Good!

Title : Jukebox

Author : Saira Viola
Genre : Crime Satire Literary Fiction Contemporary
ISBN-13: 978-1508460053
ASIN: B00TISPEJ2
Available for Kindle
Author's Website

Reviewed by

Samsara

originally for Amazon

 

It's been a long time since I picked up a book and was knocked off balance by a writer who is so talented that she takes your breath away. In the first few opening lines Viola punches you in the face with her unabashed and swaggering prose; this is a writer who is so fresh she feels like an adrenaline injection.

There is something exciting about her writing style, direct, fast and street style sassy! Jukebox gripped me from the very beginning; I loved every minute of reading about these people who in turn sicken me with their vile behaviours yet still manage to engage my imagination and delight me with voyeuristic pleasure.

The attention to detail is stunning; she has succeeded in making her all of her characters ridiculous yet real at the same time. The accuracy is not only with the way she dresses and describes them; it is present in their diction and turn of phrase.

Benjamin Zephaniah describes her as having a beautiful and twisted imagination; she is also a proficient story teller and like Zephaniah her writing is gritty, realistic and unafraid.

Now and again fiction comes along that is not just a book; it's a text, a little piece of history reflecting the society from which it was produced. Jukebox is about a city of players from all walks of life, self-obsessed, greedy and manipulative, a satirical viewpoint of our own selfish, social media obsessed society.

I can remember the first time I read Toni Morrison and Arundhati Roy, that feeling that you are in the presence of genius, a writer who is magnificently gifted and no matter how hard you tried you would never even come close to being able to write like this. I already know this is a book I will return to and read again.

Ultimately Viola has created a satire that is so bloody British you expect Vinnie Jones to appear in the pages, if it were a film it would be directed by Guy Ritchie and would be set to a John Murphy soundtrack.

Expect to hear good things about Saira Viola; Jukebox is a work that will be talked about, a contender for the Booker... Absolutely! Although I suspect with Saira Viola the best is yet to come.

 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author's Website

http://www.bloodhoundbooks.com/authors/

Saira Viola 

				Saira Viola Saira Viola is a writer, poet, social commentator and song lyricist. She has devised a pioneering literary technique she calls sonic scatter...
				View on www.sairaviola.com	Preview by Yahoo

 

 

 

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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.

Jodi Webb Gleans New Ideas from Book Proposal Demystified

Title:The Nonfiction Book Proposal Demystified: An Easy-Schmeasy Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Your Book

Author: Nina Amir

Website: www.ninaamir.com
Genre: Writing Craft

Publisher: Pure Spirit Creations

Publication Date: July 9, 2014
E Book: 46 pages

AISN: B00LNR8HKO

To buy the book: 

At Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNR8HKO/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20

At Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/456487

THE NONFICTION BOOK PROPOSAL DEMYSTIFIED

Reviewed by Jodi Webb originally for The Muffin

After reading The Nonfiction Book Proposal Demystified, I'm looking at book proposals in a whole new way. In the past they seemed like a chore to do before sending your book out to an agents or publisher. Nina makes you see that, aside from being a helpful tool for agents and publishers, a book proposal can be a helpful tool for YOU, the writer. Do you have a dozen book ideas rattling around in your brain? Which one to work on first...how will you decide? It's easy. Writing book proposals will help you judge the marketability of your ideas as well as strengthen any weaknesses you may find in your idea BEFORE you begin writing.

The Nonfiction Book Proposal Demystified breaks the book proposal down by section telling you what should be in each section and helpful tips like how long each section should be, what you shouldn't be saying and how the agent/publisher will be looking at each section. The book also recommends several other books that cover book proposals. This is short book that provides step by step instructions and makes an overwhelming job manageable.

 

More about the Author: 

 

Nina Amir, the bestselling author of How to Blog a Book and The Author Training Manual, is a speaker, a blogger, and an author, book, and blog-to-book coach. Known as the Inspiration to Creation Coach, she helps creative people combine their passion and purpose so they move from idea to inspired action and positively and meaningfully impact the world as writers, bloggers, authorpreneurs, and blogpreneurs. Some of Nina's clients have sold 300,000+ copies of their books, landed deals with major publishing houses and created thriving businesses around their books. She is the founder of National Nonfiction Writing Month, aka the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge, and the Nonfiction Writers' University.

More about WOW Mini-Review Blog Tours:

WOW-Women on Writing organizes WOW Blog Tours of all lengths and types: everything from blog tours featuring interviews, guest posts, review and giveaways to social media reviews to tweet tours. We're also always open to new creations if you have something special in mind to promote your book. Nina is on one of our latest offerings, the WOW Mini Review Tour. The WOW Mini Review Tour launches with a review and giveaway on WOW's blog The Muffin http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2015/02/authorpreneur-how-to-build-business.html then moves on to at least six other blogs that feature a review as well as reposts of the review on spots such as Amazon, Goodreads, Pinterest, B&N and Powell's. To learn more about WOW Blog Tours contact us at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com

More About The Reviewer

 Additional book reviews by Jodi Webb can also be found at Words by Webb (http://jodiwebb.com) and Building Bookshelves (http://blogs.republicanherald.com/bookshelves/)

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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.

Woman of La Mancha Great Companion to Man of La Mancha

Title: The Woman of La Mancha

Paperback: 354 pages

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Fleur-de-Lis Press (May 5, 2014)

ISBN-10: 0965252043

ISBN-13: 978-0965252041

 Author's Web site. http://www.karenmannwrites.com

Buy the book at Amazon

or Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

Review by Renee Roberson for WOW Blog Tours

 

The Woman of La Mancha is an epic historical adventure that spans ten years and follows the lives of Don Christopher, a noble knight of Spain’s King Philip, and the girl from a local wealthy family he is betrothed to from the moment she is born, Luscinda. Christopher is six years older than Luscinda, but they share a very special friendship as children and always knew they were destined to marry. Unfortunately, this plan goes awry when Luscinda mysteriously goes missing when she is 11 years old.

 

The story is told from the viewpoints of the two main characters—Christopher, and that of a young girl who wakes up in the back of a cart in 1583 with absolutely no memory of who she is. Christopher is heartbroken and spends more than a year searching the nearby towns and countryside for his beloved Luscinda, while the young girl with no memory is adopted by a peasant family and begins a new way of life, with the name Aldonza.

 

You will want to read this book for many reasons. The amount of research into this time period that went into into writing this is almost astounding. Details of how peasants and nobility lived, dressed, ate, hunted, spent their pastimes, etc. are all included in the novel. The reader also gets a firsthand look into the seedy underbelly of wants and desires of those who lived in 15^th-century Spain, as the mysterious girl ends up living and working in a high-end brothel as part of her journey.

 

Over the course of the book both Christopher and Luscinda (who also takes on the names of Aldonza and Dulcinea at different times) are faced with many challenges and must look deep within their hearts and their faith to overcome them. They learn what they must do to survive, and are assisted by a cast of colorful characters and villains. I can honestly say that I was surprised by the mystery behind what caused Luscinda to disappear in the first place, and I could not put the book down because I wanted to know if Christopher and Luscinda would eventually find their way back to each other.

 

The book was written as a companion book to Don Quixote, as it tells the story of a woman named Dulcinea whom Don Quixote loved from afar, but readers do not need to be familiar with it to enjoy this book.

About Karen Mann:

 

Karen Mann is the Administrative Director of the brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program at Spalding University in Louisville (spalding.edu/mfa) of which she is also the co-founder. Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in various anthologies. Her second book, The Saved Man: The First Century, is available as an ebook on Amazon. After having lived in Indiana most of her life, she now lives in California. Connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/karenmannwrites 

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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.

Dr. Bernie Siegel Recommends Tales2Inspire

Tales2Inspire ~ The Emerald Collection (Beyond Coincidence stories)

Author: Lois W. Stern
ISBN: 1492321397
Quoted from Amazon review
Book's Web site:  www.tales2inspire.com
Published by CreateSpace
ISBN: 1492321397
Genre: Inspirational, motivational

Quote from noted physician, healer, author, and humanist, Dr. Bernie Siegel, (A Book of Miracles, the Art of Healing, 365 Prescriptions for the Soul) took note of the Tales2Inspire ™ series, with the words:

"These are books with a heart - filled with stories which reveal what happens when we choose to live in a way that is life enhancing for all God's creatures. Our potential is miraculous when we choose to inspire the vapor of love. The people in these stories have always been my teachers. Read and learn the lessons of life.”

 

 

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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.

SharingwithWriters Tip on Getting Reviews

Thought readers and subscribers of this blog (peeps who are often writers and reviewers) would like to see this tip from my last #SharingwithWriters newsletter:

Tip from Midwest Reviews: Beth Cox, editor of the Beth Cox Report newsletter, says, “I'd like to start by reminding every author, publisher, and publicist out there that the post-Christmas months are the "off season" for the Midwest Book Review. That means if you submit your book for review consideration now, then you'll have substantially less competition than usual! By far the number one reason that we have to pass on any submitted book is "too many books, not enough reviewers."

To subscribe to SharingwithWriters go to http://howtodoitfrugally.com/newsletter_copies.htm and use the subscribe window at the top right corner of the page.
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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.

Truth-About-Books Reviewer Loves Wacky Book

Title: Leeram in Fordlandia
Author: Buell Hollister
Author’s Website: buellhollister.com
Genre: Humor
ISBN: 978-1-939166-59-3
Reviewer’s name: J.B. Maynard
Reviewer’s Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Link to Book
Leeram in Fordlandia is published through Merrimack Media.

Reviewed by J.B. Maynard originally for Truth About Books

Gilbert Greenbush acquires a shrunken head in an estate cleanout. That’s when his life really begins. Leeram, the shrunken head in question, is ancient tribesman who can communicate with his newfound trustee from beyond the grave through the use of this creepy object. What seems like a good-luck charm and companion at first, turns into a spirit guide and trusted friend that sweeps Gilbert up in an adventure to the Amazon and beyond! Do you know what PETA means? Do you know what an Atlatl is and how to use one? After you’ve cracked open this wacked out tale, you’ll never be able to say “no” again.

Leeram in Forlandia is a rare gem by Buell Hollister. It’s uncommon to get ahold of such a wacky, romantic comedy with this much real historical influence. I found myself laughing my @#! off at the witty banter between Gilbert and Leeram on a regular basis.

Ever new character was funnier and more interesting than the last. People Like: Suxie Redbone, A larger-than-life amazon in charge of the river cleanup operation; or Lisa LePage, an ex PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) member and a very supportive and likeable love interest throughout the story; or even Pericles Xerxes Pangloss… um need I say more?

Leeram in Fordlandia is packed with comedy and historical facts like Henry Ford’s involvement in the automotive industry and the creation of the fictitious Fordlandia, and how to use an Atlatl. Let me explain: an  Atlatl is a primitive propulsion device for a spear. You hold the shorter stick with a cupped end in your hand along with the spear. The back end of the spear goes into the cup so that when you throw the spear or javelin the Atlatl acts as an extension of your arm. Anyways, I immediately YouTubed it and you should too… looks like fun.

Now back to the review. Once the Greenbush was on the water, Buell showed an aptitude for boating and nautical terminology that made the ride feel realistic and gut wrenching, but I knew I was in good hands! On another side note:  I actually would love to see this book in graphic novel form someday. It lends itself well to illustration.

Eventually, Buell takes into the spirit world. This book takes a very unique look at the afterlife by suggesting that wormholes are the gateways between life and death, and by detailing certain objects that spirits can communicate through; such as a shrunken head, radio, or a dolphin.  

This book jumps through scenes at a fevered pace. While this allowed Buell’s tale to cover more ground, it felt nauseating at times and it detracted from the value of certain scenes. On the other hand, some scenes were completely unnecessary and felt shoe-horned in just to fit in more background than was needed. These fumbles took a little away from the entertainment value at times, but they didn’t stop me from devouring this book.

I do hope this book becomes a movie or series someday. I feel that Leeram in Fordlandia is definitely set up that way. I can’t tell you who this book is mainly geared towards because I think that nearly anyone would get a kick out of it; not only that, but I think they’d learn something in the process. Thank you, Buell, for a read that felt a lot like a vacation.  

 J.B.Maynard

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author, Buell Hollister, is a University of Virginia graduate with a BA in English, and subsequent training in biology.
He has been a newspaper journalist, contributing writer for several boating and general interest periodicals, free-lance editor, short story writer, and sometimes poet. He is a former Boston Correspondent for the National Fisherman. He spent fifteen years with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, first in their underutilized species promotion program, then helping to develop commercial fishing gear that reduced bycatch (juvenile fish and untargeted species). He created the Massachusetts Clean Vessel Act program to improve coastal water quality. His plan was used by other states and is now the national standard. He is the past President of the St. Botolph Club in Boston, a club centered around the arts.
 

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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.

Suzanne Lummis Endorses "Old Woman" Book of Poetry

 

Title: Persons of Interest

Author: Lorine Parks
Genre: poetry
Publisher: Los Nietos Press, 2015, 95 pages
ISBN: 9780692307007
It's available on Amazon for $13.50.

Blurb from Suzanne Lummis, poet and instructor in poetry for UCLA Extension Writers' Program

 

“Among these charming and inventive poems we get, as part of the bargain, the wonderful "Old Woman" series. Women of all ages will emphasize. Women writers of all ages will be jealous they hadn't thought of it first. I know I am.” SUZANNE LUMMIS

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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.