Pages

Monday, December 30, 2013

Rest Not in Peace by Mel Starr Book Review









Rest Not in Peace
The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #6
By Mel Starr


 

About the book: 

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry--with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants--has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.
 
The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.
 
The sixth tale following Hugh de Singleton, Rest Not in Peace is sure to find its place among fans of detective and medieval historical fiction.

My review;

   This is a really good addition to the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton Surgeon series. Sir Henry Burley who is a guest at Brampton Castle owned by Lord Gilbert, has asked Master Hugh, who is a  surgeon for a drink to help him sleep. The problem is that when he went o bed Sir Henry was alive and well even after a night of dancing, music and more. No one can explain why he is found dead by his valet the next day.
   Lord Gilbert asks Master Hugh to find out how and why he was killed. The biggest problem is that Sir Henry's widow is full of accusations. The book is filled with twists and turns and very fast moving. I really enjoyed it. I am going to read the next in this series the seventh called The Abbot's Agreement as soon as it is released. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Kregel Publications for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Cooking With Beans By Rhiana Jones Book review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.







Pinto beans, garbanzo, lentils and black, beans of all types are a frugal and nutritious ingredient for any dish.

Beans are low in fat, high in protein and vitamin C. They give you a great big nutritional bang for a little tiny monetary buck. They're also packed with fiber which helps you keep a healthy digestive track.

Unfortunately, they can also sometimes be a little boring. Check out Cooking with Beans for some easy, frugal and very tasty recipes to take the boring out of beans. These family friendly meals will also turn your kids onto the goodness of beans.


My review;

    In the days of cowboys they had many meals of just beans. They are very good for you. This book really talks about different kinds of beans and some great ways to cook these. I am Italian and my grandmother always made lentil soup.  This book will also help you stretch your food dollar. This is a book that is filled with a lot of recipes and great ideas. I rate this book a 4/5. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson Book Review

 

About

After turning out plutonium for the Cold War, the shuttered Hanford Nuclear Facility's poisoned buildings still pose a risk to the surrounding community. The men who guard the facility are told the dangers are under control, but then the worst happens--a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Kieran Mullaney survives the blast, but his attempts to discover what really happened are met with silence and threats. Convinced that Hanford is hiding something, Kieran reconnects with his old friend, lawyer Emily Hart, and enlists her help in finding out the truth. But the deeper the two of them dig, the stranger--and more dangerous--this case gets.





My review;

  The Hanford Nuclear Facility explodes and  everyone is shocked in the middle of the night.When a man named Keiran Mullaney who made it through the explosion tries to find out what really happened he realizes he is in real danger.
   Kieran  asks his friend Emily Hart who is a young lawyer to help him find out what is really going on. As they get deeper into the mystery they decide they need more help. Ryan, who is Emily's father is a lawyer but he is no longer interested in being a lawyer. Ryan does  decide that he would help them because he has not talked to Emily in a long time and he really wants to speak to his daughter again.
     They realize that they are facing an uphill  battle and real danger. This is fast moving and  very exciting read. I was very interested in the storyline.  The characters were very real and well described. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Bethany House for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson Book Review







Happily Ever After …Or Happily Nevermore?

Gisela’s childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father’s death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke’s son, Valten - the boy she has daydreamed about for years - is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it’s only for a taste of a life she’ll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten’s eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

My review;
     Gisela has been daydreaming about the Duke's   son Valten for many years. When she hears that he is having a ball she knows that she must attend. She knows that she will never have a life she dreamed of but, she must have a small taste. The moment her father died her life changed and her stepmother has treated her like a servant.
        Once she is there Valten finally notices her. Before she knows it she in love. Although they are unaware there are some      who will not let the two get together . The more they love each other the more danger there is.    Cinderella being told in a different way.                                     
   The book is filled with action  and intrigue. I really enjoyed it's fast pace. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Booksneeze for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.                                                                                  

Consoling Angel by Denise Alicia Book Tour and Giveaway

 
 
Author Name: Denise Alicea
Book Title: Consoling Angel
Genre and Sub-Genre:  Young Adult, Time Travel, Romance
Word and Page Counts:  24 pages
Publisher and Publication Date:   Book Baby Sept. 6, 2013
  
 
 
 
Blurb


 


Mira did not know what she had in store the day she fell asleep while wanting to escape her current situation. Overcoming a death from someone so close and burying herself in school and an internship has kept her somewhat awake and alive. An admiration for the actor, James Dean was all that kept the memory of her father alive. If she couldn’t be with her father, she could at least remember what they shared an admiration for together. She always wanted to meet James Dean… she didn’t know it would come true. Be careful what you wish for. It may just come true.




 

 
Excerpt

 


My life couldn’t be more complete. As we reached the apartments, I slowly got off the bike, surprised at myself that I had done this. Ordinarily, I’d never get on a motorcycle. James leaned over and caressed my cheek. Before I could open my mouth to tell him what was to happen to him, he gave me a quick peck on the lips. I couldn’t let James walk away, not now.

Something in me grasped his wrist; my breath caught in my throat. I no longer cared about the rain. I must have looked like a drowned rat to him. "I have to tell you something," I blurted as I waited for his reaction.

James smiled, then chuckled as he caressed my face. The rain was preventing me from seeing clearly. "Sweetheart, it’s raining and you’re soaked. I hope this is important." Pulling him toward me, I faced him. I could change history. I could have him live out his life as he was meant to. If I couldn’t save my father, I could save him.

"In the future, when you become famous, please be careful. Remember this: there will be a day that you are off to a race. You will not see a car until it’s too late. James, please promise me. It could mean your life." I must have sounded like a complete and total idiot to him. Geez! I think I watched Back To The Future too many times. I sounded like Marty talking to the professor about his impending death.

Chuckling, he shook his head, expelling the rain off his head and onto me. Laughter erupted between us as I covered my face. He then cupped my face, kissed my forehead. "Are you sure you’re not an angel? I cannot promise anything, but baby, I can promise I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll pick you up here and you can ditch your responsibilities. Ride with me."

Sighing, now I knew how all those girls felt when they looked at him. What an offer that would be. Ditch school to ride with the man who was loved by so many. I was determined he’d listen to me. Gripping his hands from my face, I gazed into his eyes. "I’m serious!"

Before I could utter another word, his lips descended on mine. My body went toward him and melted. I couldn’t help but respond as I brought him closer. I was lost in his warm lips as they caressed mine. Lingering near my lips, he breathed, "I know you are." Then, winking as he kissed me again, smiling that beautiful smile of his, "How else can my angel guard me if she isn’t with me?"




 

 
Works In Progress

 



 

The Lucky Valentine


On an internship in London, England Ana finds herself in a tiny bookshop where she finds an old valentine stuck into a book she starts to read. Before she knows it she finds herself in England, but during the Blitz (World War II). There she meets the handsome Sgt. Marcus Hunter. Will Ana be able to go back home ?

 
 
 
 
 
 


Bio:
Born to the great
lively city of Manhattan, NY, and raised in quiet Connecticut. Denise started writing
when drawing and painting were not enough. Deciding to try a new type of medium, she thought to
start with poetry. After her first success and first reading at the age of fifteen. Her writing began to
take on new life with her own worlds of fantasy, time travel, action, adventure and of course
romance.
She draws inspiration from her favorite childhood cartoons and experiences to her current
day ones.
When not writing, Denise loves technology, reading (romance, YA, anime, nonfiction, fiction) ,
blogging,
watching movies and TV shows and of course volunteering for many RWA chapters. She
also enjoys
blogging at her personal
blog
 
 
and
book review blog at
The
Pen & Muse
.



Links Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Consoling-Angel-ebook/dp/B00EZ6WDHS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378351053&sr=8-2&keywords=denise+alicea

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/consoling-angel-denise-alicea/1112031516?ean=9781483507491

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/consoling-angel#readThisOn Apple

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/consoling-angel/id699154367?mt=11

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/denise-alicea/consoling-angel/_/R-400000000000001111064

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Denise_Alicea_Consoling_Angel?id=hR40AQAAQBAJ

Web Address: denisealicea.com



Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seryndpt64

Book Trailers http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ENJ6HKDrwUw#t=0


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

15 Winter Reads 15 Bestselling YA Authors Book Blast and Giveaway


Winter Reads Cover

Sit back, relax in your favorite reading chair and enjoy 15 Winter Reads from 15 bestselling YA authors. There is something to delight every reader in this box set – paranormal romance, futuristic sci-fi, historical, time travel, and contemporary. Many of the Indelibles have given you access to both the first and second books in their series – you’ll be reading well into the New Year!

LIMITED TIME BOX SET - from 15 bestselling YA authors ON SALE 12/29 - 1/11 for just $1.99


Amazon * Barnes & Noble


15 Winter Reads includes:


 
Iron ButterflyThe Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn

Escaping an experimental prison, Thalia tries to hide her past and her gifts, from her friends. But her past isn’t always easy to escape, especially when it hunts you down.

 
TrembleTremble (Celestra Series) by Addison Moore

Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.

 
ExiledExiled by RaShelle Workman

Venus wakes to find herself no longer on her home planet of Kelari, but on Earth with a week to get back or she'll die.


Dragonfly CoverDragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore

Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.

Amazon  * Facebook  * Twitter  * Goodreads  * Pinterest

 
open mindsOpen Minds and Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads

 
untraceableUntraceable by S.R. Johannes

When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.

 Twitter * Facebook * Blog  * Goodreads

 
date an alienHow to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien by Magan Vernon

Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn't plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex’s senior year progresses, everything changes and she can’t figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.

 
flutterFlutter of Luv by L.M. Preston

Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend’s shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school’s football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.

 
watchedWatched by Cindy M. Hogan

It takes more than a school trip to change Christy's life. It takes murder.

 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

   
clockwiseClockwise and ClockwiseR by Elle Strauss

A follow up to Clockwise, Casey and Nate travel back in time and race against the clock to rescue Casey's rebellious brother Tim from frontline battle in America's civil war.

 Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads

   
5.5"X8.5" Post Card TemplateGlimpse (Zellie Wells #1) and Glimmer (Zellie Wells #2) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...

 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

 
spy like meA Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling

After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she'll go to protect the ones she loves.

 Blog * Twitter * Goodreads

 
Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

An eternal soul mate, a supernatural family who has known her for centuries, and lifetimes of erased memories: this is Maryah Woodsen’s life. She just doesn’t know it yet.

 Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

 
lacrimosaLacrimosa by Christine Fonseca

In the world of angels and demons, one thing is clear - some sacrifices should never be made. Even for love.

 
spruce knollThe Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

The town of Spruce Knoll hides many secrets—and many dangers, among them are that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that she is far more than she realizes.

 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads




Giveaway Details
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends
1/11/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway -- ~Inspired Kathy~ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Friday, December 27, 2013

The Third Heaven The Rise of the Fallen Stars by Donovan M. Neal

Donovan-Neal-Long  

The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars
by Donovan M. Neal

Small web versionAuthor Bio:  

Donovan Neal M. S. N. P. has served in the ordained ministry and as an instructor in the Bible for 20 years, and is the author of the self-published book, ‘The Gospel Explained.’ Donovan is also a prolific songwriter and singer having written over 50 different songs of praise and worship for the local church, and has performed in various schools and churches in the Ministry of Christian rap.

He is an Adjunct Professor at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also a freelance writer for Examiner.com. Donovan has spent his entire 23-year career, helping underprivileged and disempowered populations ranging from abused and neglected children, adults with disabilities, to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. He has recently become the executive director of Hospitality House; a food pantry in Walled Lake, Michigan working to end hunger in his community. ​

He has been an experienced trainer in such areas as nonviolent crisis prevention intervention to adult CPR and First Aid with the Red Cross, Working with Different Personalities, and many more. Donovan brings a wealth of experience and interests that has allowed him to write on a host of subjects ranging from gaming, internet/technology, Christian themes, to nonprofit management and leadership.

Author Links

http://donovanmneal.wix.com/donovanmneal http://donovanmneal.wordpress.com/ http://www.amazon.com/Donovan-Neal/e/B00BSFQ6VS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 https://twitter.com/Donovanmneal http://www.pinterest.com/donovanmneal/pins/ http://www.linkedin.com/pub/donovan-neal-m-s-n-p/46/640/9a https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163462.Donovan_M_Neal  


Guest Post;

The quick and dirty guide on how to develop a character by Donovan M. Neal
Character development is one of the most foundational aspects that a writer must look at in developing their novel. Characters bring the story to life. Characters can be people, animals, even places. If you have read the book Dune by Frank Herbert. The planet Arakkis was a character for which the book was named. If you read his work you remember the fact that it was a desert planet and void of water. Where the giant worm lived the provided the spice that supplied the known galaxy. Dune. The very planet was a character.
  1. What is the characters name?
  2. Does the name have a meaning?
  3. Who named them?
  4. Do they have a nickname?
  5. Give a one-sentence summary of your characters storyline.
  6. What is the characters race/ethnicity?
  7. What is their gender?
  8. Where do they live? What is the climate like?
  9. Do they have an accent, or peculiarities of speech?
  10. Does the character have special powers and or abilities if so what if any limitations do they possess?
  11. What is the characters motivation? What does he/she want abstractly?
  12. What is the characters conflict? What prevents him/her from reaching what they want?
  13. What is the characters epiphany (what will he she learn, how will he/she change?)
  14. Then write out a one-paragraph summary of the characters storyline.
Note that you should do this for each character, and if there is an organization or group within your novel the same should be done for them. What you’re doing here is part of the novel’s world creation. But populating the world is more important than the world itself.
Now that we have the basics down. Or what I call the outline of your character. Let’s add some color to them. By color, I mean we are going to add the personality to them. The temperament of your character. I have found that one of the best ways of figuring this out is with the help of the Myers Briggs temperament indicator. (MBTI) Briefly stated it lists 16 types of personalities. Find the temperament from the indicator which best fits the character you are creating and your going to get a great idea of how they perceive the world and what drives them, what they are afraid of etc. It’s a great resource for any writer. You can find the link here. http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
A second great place to find and learn more about character development is http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CharacterDevelopment At this site you can find a variety of different character tropes. It is a cornucopia of resources to help make your characters stand out, and pop. I personally love the old fashioned dungeons and dragons alignment system that helps to establish the moral compass of your character. You can find an example of it here. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CharacterAlignment Using this you can also identify where your character’s moral compass begins in the story to where you would like them to end. Finally, If you are having trouble naming a character. Type into your favorite search engine the term, “You books genre then then term “name generator” you will then get a list of various sites where you can find customized character names. Find, select and modify one that fits your needs.
I want to thank my host for allowing me the opportunity to share and I wish those aspiring writers out there great success!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Book Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: Theoneustos Ministries

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013



098948050X.main.jpgBook Description:

  The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars is book one of a three part series that tells of the fascinating story of the Fall of Lucifer.   Lucifer, God’s perfect creation and who dwelt in his very presence, walked in the midst of the stones of fire. Yet rose up to betray the Lord and bring Heaven itself to civil war.

Many tales have referenced this great angelic war but few have sought to explore the dynamic relationships between God and the angelic hosts. Why did a third of heaven seek to overthrow their creator?   See Lucifer and his actions in a light never before seen. Journey back to the beginning, and see the drama unfold before your eyes: as allegiances are broken; choices made, and why all of creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.

The prequel to the Bible is here!

Excerpt: The first 2 chapters can be found on my blog for free

http://donovanmneal.wix.com/donovanmneal



  Donovan-Neal-Long  


Follow The Tour Here

 

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Remember This by Kenya Carlton Virtual Book Tour


 
 
Remember This
Kenya Carlton

Genre: African American Romance

Book Description:

Ex-ballerina turned rehab designer Cece Newman competes in a reality show that could give her fledgling company the boost that it needs. Assigned a relic of a house in a renovation challenge, Cece soon becomes suspicious of the producer’s intentions.  When she finds the house is one of many properties her ex-fiancĂ© and baby daddy Brock Thorn owns, Cece is convinced that she is being set up for failure.  Ready to drop the project and what’s left of her career, Cece has to find a way to ignore the handsome athlete while she navigates around his kooky family.  Cece must also convince their daughter that mommy and daddy won’t be getting back together again, a job easier said than done—especially when the attraction between the two is hotter than ever. 

The biggest hit Brock Thorn took on or off the field occurred when Cece Newman left him at the altar. Five years later, Brock is more determined than ever to get answers from his baby’s momma. Even in regards to joint custody of their daughter, Brock’s only form of contact with Cece is through her loving, protective sister Lily. Brock packs up his high profile life and digs his heels in at the crappy house he’s inherited—the very one Cece is set to renovate.  As he dodges cameras and uninvited family members, Brock must get to the bottom of his failed romance with Cece—especially if he has any chance of getting back the life that was lost when Cece left.


About the Author:



Native of Chicago Illinois, Kenya worked in the Network operation Center for PBS and TLN television stations. Executive producer of her own production company Black R.O.K Productions Kenya produced a pilot for travel series Destination Everywhere, Independent short film Dawn shown at the Chicago Latino film Festival, and wrote and directed the documentary Our Africa. Writing titles available; Jaded, Sweet as Sin, Brazil re-issue, Devil’s Play, and Remember This.



Kcbookcafe.com



Twitter @kcbookcafe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 13 Spotlight

Author Karen Swart




December 26 Spotlight

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! 




December 30 Spotlight

Booklover Sue