My Book Reviews

The Kringle Chronicles: Catching Santa Book One by Marc Franco

2012-02-28T12:59:00.001-08:00

Catching Santa by Marc Franco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you tired of the old tale of Santa in his jolly red suit? Do you think he would be more fun if he was more like a commando? Well then this book is for you. When a rogue assistant of Santa named SR starts turning naughty children into wood and locking them up instead of just giving them a lump of coal, it is up to Jakob and his friends to set a trap to catch Santa and lure SR out into the open. Do they succeed? You are going to have to read this book to find out. This is a children's book but I would recommend it to readers of any age who are still kids at heart or if they were once teased about still believing in Santa.

Edited by:

Find Marc Franco on Facebook

Find Marc Franco on Twitter

Find The KringleCronicles on Facebook

Find The KringleCronicles on twitterHere is an author interview Marc did recently:

Here is an authorinterview Marc did recently:

Before we get started, could you tell us alittle about yourself?

I’m a dad of three great kids,husband to a wonderful wife, brother, son, pet owner, author and former sexcrimes detective. Being a Navy brat, I grew up living around the world. My dadmet my mom in Spain. She’s a Spaniard. I guess that makes me half Spanish. Sheis also the reason I speak fluent Spanish. I drive a Jeep. Let’s see,what else? Oh yeah, I love the beach, surfing, swimming and any sport thatinvolves the water. I play competitive soccer. I have a PS3 and love to play the Battlefield games. Okay, Ithink I just bored your readers.

How long have you been writing? 24years on and off. I’ve ten books yet to publish.

Why did you start writing? Iwas bored. See, during my first year of college I was working for Pan Am. Nowwait. I have to mention that I’m not that old. The year is 1987 and yes, Pan Amwas still around, although not for much longer. Iwas an international travel baggage inspector. Translation: I sat around duringmy 5 hour shift until summoned by a ticket agent. This happened maybe twiceduring a shift. I would then physically inspect travelers baggage searching foranything suspicious. So, after I’d complete myschool work, I’d write. Have you always wanted to be a writer? Nope, not really. I mean I never thought I’d pursuepublication. Writing was a hobby.

Who or what has had the most influence on you as a writer? No one person. Well, God, because I always want to do what’sright in his eyes.

Do you have a favorite book, place, song, person, or moviethat inspires you? Inspiration? Wow. It comes from allplaces. My brain is little ADD(my wife's diagnosis) so data comes in fast andscattered. And when it comes I scramble to find my writing journal to downloadthe brain dump. My favorite book is Genesis, yes, just Genesis. Creationfascinates me.

How much research do you usually put into your books? Research, hmm, let me think because it depends on what I’mwriting about. Catching Santa was quick -- 4 hours. All I did was researchGermanic Santa lore. On the other hand The Eternal Library has taken weeks andresearch continues to consume my time.

Do you base events or people in your books off of your life,or your friends' and family's lives? Sure, the threeJablonski children in Catching Santa are based on my kids. I even use theirfirst names. Their surname, Jablonski, is my mother-in-law's maiden name.

What do you do when you're not writing? I workout at the gym with my wife, hang with the kids andplay soccer.

What was your favorite book or author as a teen? Anything R.A. Salvatore. What's your favorite now? Joseph Delaney of the Spook’s Apprentice series andanything written by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

What is your writing process? Eachbook is a project. I outline first -- so as toknow where I am and where I ‘m going with the story. Seriously, I see theoutline as a skeleton. Once in place I add the flesh. I know that’s gross butit works for me. Do you write regularly at certain times or just wheninspiration hits? I usually write either during theearly morning hours or late evening hours. It just depends. If inspiration hitsI write it in my writing journal which is never to far or I’ll record a voicememo on my iPhone.

What keeps you motivated? It’s funcreating and seeing my work in print and online. Positive reviews and awardsare cool too.

What is your favorite quote? “Believe in love. Believe in magic. Believe in others.Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don't, who will?” – Jon BonJovi

Are there any books you wish you'd written? No. Not yet.

What is Catching Santa about? I thought you read it? No, just kidding. It’s about a specialboy, Jakob, and his friends. They find themselves in the middle of an age-oldpower struggle between Santa and Santa’s former assistant, the devilish S.R.See, things begin six days before Christmas and weird things are happening in11-year-old Jakob's Florida neighborhood. His friends are convinced theirChristmas is in danger, and then live snowmen strangely appear and confirm thethreat. Jakob dismisses the bizarre events as an elaborate hoax concocted bythe neighborhood bully. But when the bully turns into smoke, a devilish strangerappears as the mastermind behind the mayhem demanding that Jakob catchSanta...or else!

What inspired this book? I was tiredof the Disneyesque portrayal of Santa and wanted to create a whimsical BrothersGrim-like story with sci-fi and fantasy elements.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Don’t give up. Give 100%. Look and see what others are doingand do it better.

Interview provided by:

Cris Francet
Marketing & Publicity
Phone: 863-546-0760
Fax: 407-505-4243
Email: cris@pantsonfirepress.com
Web: www.pantsonfirepress.com

2012-02-28T12:08:00.002-08:00

Black Maps by Peter Spiegelman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Despite his family’s wishes John March became a deputy sheriff for a small town until his wife was killed. Then he became a private investigator. In this book his lawyer asks him to investigate a blackmail case for one of his clients, a high profile banker. In doing so March finds himself in a mess bigger than he bargained for. This book is a great mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. I found it very enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who likes PI crime books.

Edited by:

Dashing though the Snow By Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

2012-02-28T12:03:00.001-08:00

Dashing Through The Snow by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a group of workers at a small town grocery win the lottery their joy is overshadowed by the sudden disappearance of one of their co-workers. The amateur sleuth Alvirah Meehan and her friend Reagan Reilly, a private investigator, jump in to unravel a mystery so big that it takes the whole town on a wild ride. I liked this little book. It was worth the quick read and written in the classic Clark style. Great characters, wonderful story, and just when you thought you knew exactly what was going on, they throw in a curve you never would have expected. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a comfort book to curl up with by the Christmas tree.

Edited by:

Reaching Riverdale Review with a meet and greet with the author Geeta Schrayter

2011-09-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I would like to welcome Geeta Schrayter to my blog today She isjoining us to talk a little bit about herself and her new book ReachingRiverdale.

Thanks for having me Sally!

1. You said in Reaching Riverdale that it is best to writeyour plans in pencil rather than pen.

Q:) What plans have you written in pen that you have inevitablycrossed off?

A:) Acting would probably have to be one of them. I grew upwatching my eldest brother perform as the lead in a lot of his high schoolplays, and I was always in awe. I wanted to act too, when I grew up, butin movies and television. I was convinced I’d move out to California and becomea star.

When other girls were writing their names inside hearts with thatof a boy they had a crush on, I was practicing my autograph.

I did end up going to Los Angeles for an acting seminar onesummer, and a lot of my high school friends ended up signing my yearbook withsome sort of encouraging message regarding that plan. But considering I’mcurrently in Connecticut answering your questions, clearly that didn’t happen.

Q:)What did you pursue instead?

A:) Well, being a writer was the other plan I wrote down in pen.Only I never crossed that one off. So I went to college and got a degree incommunication with a journalism concentration, all the while focusing on thefact what I really wanted was to be an author. Becoming one is a goal that’sbeen as constant as change usually is. And, since we’re here talking about mydebut novel, its one plan I’ll never have to forgo.

Oh, and all that autograph practice? It wasn’t for nothing… butwhen I was younger, I’m not sure I knew it’d be for books instead ofblockbusters.

2. You wrote so passionately about the small town of Riverdalethat I found myself wanting to move there myself.

Q:) Are you from a small town?

A:) I grew up in a couple of small towns. They were places whereyour parents would let you wander off down the road with a friend to play inthe woods, or give you a dollar after a bit of pleading then let you walk tothe local convenience store for an ice cream or a candy bar.

In one town, some of my summer afternoons were spent sitting onthe stonewall that separated our yard from the farmer’s next door, naming allof his cows. A couple times one would escape and end up in our front yard. Iremember keeping an eye on them while the farmer was retrieved so they wouldn’twander into the road. Although, there wasn’t much traffic, so I doubt there wasany real danger.

Q) Do you still live in one?

A:) I don’t think I can call it a “small town” sincethere’s over 30,000 residents, but it used to be. It was a quaint littlefarming community when my mom was growing up, and it still has a lot of smalltown qualities – charm, if you will - despite its size.

3. There is a lot of baking in your book and it sounded so yummyit made me hungry.

Q:) Do you like to bake?

A:) I love to bake. I still remember the first thing I made on myown. I was probably 11 or 12 and it was a raspberry strudel. Pies,cookies, cupcakes, muffins, cakes, bread, biscuits – you name it, I loveto bake it.

In some ways, baking is like a piece of heirloom furniture, inthat it’s something that can be passed down from generation to generation. Mygreat-grandmother taught my grandmother, my grandmother taught my mother, andthen my mother taught me. Tips and secrets were passed down as were familyrecipes. I love going into my grandmother’s old recipe box and consulting oneof the well-used cards covered in her pretty cursive to make somethingdelicious.

Q:) What food is your favorite feel good thing to make and oreat?

A:) Well, unfortunately for my hips, I do love a freshbatch of gooey cookies. I’m also a fan of soup, and Indian food is almostalways guaranteed to make me feel good.

4. I know it is silly but I believe the bad person is as much apart of a story as the hero and I found Rick to be a wonderful bad apple.

Considering the apple references all throughout the story, I likethat you just called Rick a bad apple. That’s precisely what he is.

Q:) Who was your favorite character to get to know in ReachingRiverdale?

A:) I’d have to say Mr. Carter. I just love the way he sort ofencompasses what he does – he’s got that rough exterior, but he’s a big softyunderneath – almost like a loaf of bread!

In reality, I love talking to older generations. They’ve treasuretroves of information and fabulous stories to share if you take the time tolisten.

Q:) How did that character change from your original plansfor them?

A:) Actually, Mr. Carter didn’t become an integral part of thestory until I was well into writing. In fact, he wasn’t even a part of the plotwhen I first started. I had planned on Mr. Palmer sort of being that charmingolder man you can’t help but love, but then the bakery aspect came to be andMr. Carter evolved with it.

5. For a first book, I think that this one is a smash hit.

Thank you! I’mvery excited with how it came out

Q: ) What are your plans for future projects?

A:) Presently I’m working on a novel that takes place in India. Igrew up around Indian culture, I’ve been there three times and kept a blogchronicling my experiences there, so all of those aspects are fuel for theliterary fire I’m stirring. I hope everyone who’s enjoyed the adventures in NewEngland in this first book will like traveling around the world with me in thenext. It should be finished in January.

I’m also working on a book that continues some of the storylinesin Reaching Riverdale, so I’m excited for that as well.

6. According to your goodreads.com profile you are an avidreader.

Q:) Who are some of your favorite authors?

A:) Hmm, let’s see… Jane Austen, Nora Roberts, Mark Twain,Marion Chesney, Emily Griffin, Nathanial Hawthorne, James Patterson, NicholasSparks, the Bronte sisters… to name a few.

Q:) How have those authors changed over the years?

A:) I can’t say they really have. The Scarlet Letter wasone of the first classic novels I read and I’ve been a fan of Mark Twain sincereading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in school.

But I’m trying to branch out more now. I love my classics and agood romance, but there are so many people who praise authors such as JohnGrisham I figure I should give them a shot, too.

Q:) Who has remained a constant favorite?

A:) Jane Austen has been my favorite since the day Idiscovered Pride and Prejudice. I’m obsessed with her, but somewhat of atraditionalist in that I haven’t read any of the fan fiction that’s based onher novels. If I want to read about Mr. Darcy, I’ll go get lost in Pride andPrejudice for the thousandth time. Or Persuasion (second favorite) or Sense andSensibility (third) perhaps.

7. What advice do you have for someone who is juststarting out writing?

A:) Well, “don’t give up” is always a good place to start.If you love writing then write. Not to sound like a Nike commercial but just doit. I can’t stress that enough.

There may be people who tell you having writing aspirationsis silly or not very practical but you can’t listen to them.

Write what you feel. Don’t write and worry about finding agentsand publishers down the road. I truly believe everything that’s meant to happenwill happen. Worrying will do nothing but give you frown lines.

You’ve started writing, now don’t stop.

8. When you are not writing what do you do for funand relaxation?

A:) I love to read, spend time with my family and friends, drivearound with the windows down and the music up, shop, take day trips, cook, bakeand go for a nice run – especially now with the brisk autumn air.

Oh! and as soon as the holiday season arrives, act like asugarplum fairy.

I’m obsessed with the holidays and you’re likely to find meoutside catching snowflakes on my tongue, inside baking cookies, singingholiday songs, wrapping presents, mailing piles of cards and just generallytrying to sprinkle good cheer around. If I had a personal slogan during thattime of year it’d probably be: "Why visit the North Pole when Geeta’s sonear?!"

9. Which character from Reaching Riverdale do youmost relate to?

A:) While my life hasn’t played out like Annebelle’s, some of herfrustrations and dilemmas are certainly relatable to me. Particularly, thedesire for small town life versus city living has always been something I’vefought with. As a solution, I’ve decided that I need to have at least threehomes. So I better get to work on writing some bestsellers.

10. What is the best part of becoming a publishedauthor? The worst?

A:) Having people read my book is definitely the best part. Theonly person I let read the story while I was working on it was my sister, thenmy mom when it was finished. So during that entire time, it was just the threeof us who could discuss it. Now that others have read it it’s surreal havingthem talk to me about it – name things they loved, characters they related toet cetera.

It’s also made a few friends who aren’t necessarily the readingtype pick up a book and read. Since I consider reading so important, that’scertainly a plus.

As for the worst part, honestly, I can’t really say there is one.After all, this is a dream come true!

Ok, ok, well, all the paparazzi and the fans pestering me forautographs whenever I go to the grocery store can be vexing…

Just kidding! Someday, maybe…

Thank you Geeta!

If you would like to know more about Geeta you can find her

On GoodReads.com Here

Her website Here

Follow her on twitter Here

Or FaceBook Here

My Review of Reaching Riverdale.

Reaching Riverdale by Geeta SchrayterMy rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annebell is always trying to get away from her home town of Riverdale despite her friends and families wishes that she will ultimately decide to stick around. When she returns home for her graduation party Annabell finds her beloved bakery closed heartbroken she takes it upon herself to bring it back from the grave. With a little help from her friends she learns that a little tender loving care can go a long way. This is a hometown book that will warm you to the soul and I would recommend it to anyone who likes, romance and, feel good books.

View all my reviews

Senior Year Bites by J.A. Campbell

2011-09-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

Senior Year Bites by J.A. Campbell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you find yourself suddenly turned into a teen vampire then this book is a must have instruction manual. High School is hard enough to handle without the drama of being turned into a vampire. This is a wonderful book about how one such teen does just that. She turns a horrible situation into a positive one by becoming a hero instead of a monster. I found that Senior Year Bites is something you can really sink your teeth into at any age and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read.

View all my reviews

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Millennium No.1 By Stieg Larsson

2011-09-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has several plot points. You begin the book in the middle of a trial where Mikael Blomkvist is being charged with liable for printing a false magazine article about a big financial tycoon. Then it moves on to a old man from the Vanger family who is trying to solve the disappearance of his granddaughter. The Old man hires Lisbeth Salander the Girl (whom is actually a 20 year old woman) with a dragon tattoo to do a background check on the man who is being sued. Mikael then in turn is hired to find the missing granddaughter. During, the process of his investigation he finds out about the background check and hires the woman with the dragon tattoo to help him. This book reads like a magazine. The different plots and character's life stories are intertwined though out the book. I fond myself thinking that at the end of a chapter it should say to continue this story turn to page 20. It isn't until all of the characters are introduced that this book really gets going and is a very intense crime drama that makes your blood race and you find that deep down this book is about the hidden abuse of money and women. Would, I recommend this book? Well, that would depend on the person reading it. If you like to read magazines and you are not the kind of reader who stops reading a book, if you don't like the first chapter then you will like this book. I think that the middle of this book is well wroth reading the rest.

Search the Dark by Charles Todd

2011-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Search the Dark by Charles Todd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Search The Dark by Charles Todd
Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent to a small town to find two missing children but instead of answers he finds more questions. Even though he is constantly haunted by a ghost from his past the inspector expertly wades though the evidence to find the real truth.
This is a mystery book so there are several crimes to solve. I found that about halve way though I was yelling at the pages saying all right that's enough time to solve. The clues were subtle but obvious and a casual gumshoe would get it right away. That said I love the fell of this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries.

View all my reviews

Meet and Greet with Author Devin O'Branagan

2011-08-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to welcome Devin O'Branagan to my book blog.
Thank you Devin for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me.

1. You wrote Red Hot Liberty and Show Dog Sings the blues at the same time was this task difficult? What were some of the challenges? What were some of the rewards?

Yes, it was very difficult to write RED HOT LIBERTY and SHOW DOG SINGS THE BLUES at the same time, but I have made the decision that from now on I will work on multiple projects at once. It does keep the creative energy fresh and helps avoid writer’s block. I’m also hoping it will allow me to produce books more quickly.

2. When you created the character Valentino DeMitri in Red Hot Property, did you have any idea that he would turn out to be such a force of nature that he would need to be carried over into Red Hot Liberty?

When I initially conceived of Val, he was merely intended to be the comic relief in RED HOT PROPERTY. However, midway through the book he took on an incredible life of his own. People responded in amazing ways. One English professor from Auburn University wrote me a letter and suggested that Val was a metaphor for Christ. I’ve had members of the gay community write and ask for photos of him. Elderly women have expressed interest in adopting him. And a multitude of straight women of all ages have sent fan mail declaring their love for him. Personally, I find myself talking to him when I’m depressed or scared. I believe that the character of Val tapped into the archetype of compassion—a wounded soul who is healed by loving others. He is the type of human being we all want to have in our lives. So, to answer your question, Val will always be part of the RED HOT novels in one way or another because he simply must be. He is the soul of that series. I fully expect that someone will start a fan club for him long before anyone gets around to starting one for me! LOL !

3. You have written many types of books from chick lit to Young Adult. What is your favorite kind of book to write?

Whatever book I am working on at the moment is the kind of book I always want to write. When I finished writing my urban fantasy GLORY, I did not want to return to writing my RED HOT chick lit series. Now I’ve finished RED HOT LIBERTY, I’m having a hard time working on the sequel to GLORY. It’s not easy for me to shift gears, which is another reason I plan to work on multiple projects simultaneously from this point forward.

4. Besides books what other literary things do you write?

I write a humor column for TAILS Magazine. I am also working on a fantasy called “Vampire-Hunting Dogs in Space” that is being told entirely in cyber-space.
Devin's Tails
5. You said that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Show Dog Sings the Blues will be donated to Australian Shepherd Rescue? What other things do you do to help animals?

I’ve held two huge raffles to benefit Best Friends Animal Society (the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary). I donate money from plush toy sales at my online gift shop to Aussie Rescue, Border Collie Rescue, and Cat Rescue. I donate autographed copies of my novels for auctions to raise money for Basset Hound Rescue and other organizations that raise money for animal welfare.

6. You normally write about Australian Shepherds. Was it difficult to step out of your norm and write about another breed?

Yes! When a Basset Hound won the first Best Friends raffle I held, the prize was to feature him as a character in my novel RED HOT LIBERTY. I did tons of research. Now I need to learn about Labradoodles for the dog who won another Best Friends raffle I held. (Bocker the Labradoodle will become a character in the third book in the RED HOT trilogy.) It’s challenging because I want to portray the dogs well. I have another book coming up soon that will introduce yet another Australian Shepherd as a main canine character, and I asked my adviser if I should make the character another breed instead so as not to OD my readers on Aussies. She wisely reminded me that Aussies are what I know best and can most accurately portray. So, I will stick with my own breed whenever possible.

7. What are some of the things that inspire you to write?

I’m not sure how to answer this question. I’ve been writing since I was five years old. I can’t imagine not writing. I need very little inspiration, as the passion is inborn.

8. Can you tell those who don't know a bit more about about your very successful website and forum at http://www.devinwrites.com

I have a wonderful website which offers a lot of entertainment. There are book trailer videos, a multitude of book excerpts, free short stories, fun bios of many of the characters in my novels, book giveaways, a gift shop with custom-made products tied into the themes of my novels, pages devoted to the real-life animals featured in my books, a bookstore where fans may buy autographed (and pawtographed) copies of my novels, a hub from where people can follow the cyber-adventure of “Vampire-Hunting Dogs in Space,” links to all three of my entertaining blogs, an archive of my eNewsletters, and a sign-up box where fans may subscribe to those newsletters. Most exciting of all, is my online forum. What began strictly as a writers’ forum over a year ago is now also a gathering place for artists, readers, animal lovers, and people who want to share their metaphysical interests. For the writers, we have a critique forum, brainstorming sections, monthly flash fiction contests, news updates about the publishing industry, marketing strategies, and a whole lot of moral support. I encourage everyone to visit and consider joining our great group.

9. What are your plans for future projects?

My next release will be the paranormal thriller THRESHOLD. It is about a little boy who has a near-death experience and returns with a mission. I am also working on the sequel to GLORY and a prequel to SHOW DOG SINGS THE BLUES.

10. When you are not writing what do you do for fun?

I read. I meditate. I am also a gourmet vegetarian cook.

11. Your books are so full of faith and the pursuit thereof. Is this a reflection of your own life or something that just seemed right for the work?

All the fiction I’ve written, from the time I wrote my first story at age five, has been a means for me to explore issues of spiritual faith, courage, honor, and integrity. The themes of my novels reflect my own lifelong journey of discovery.

Devin has written many books all of which can be purchased on her website http://www.devinwrites.com/

Bellow are the reviews for the ones that I have read.

Red Hot Property by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DEVIN O’BRANAGAN RED HOT PROPERTY
What do you do when a bubble blowing, pink bunny slipper wearing, Cuban psychic reads some bird bones and tells you to uproot your whole life and start over in a new town and career? Well if you are anything Molly O’Malley and have a young child's welfare to consider you do exactly what she says. This upbeat book is filled with joy sadness and a whole lot of love. It will make you sing, dance, laugh, and cry. It is well worth the read for anyone who likes romance, chick lit, or just an all around good book. I have to say that this it a wonderful book that I will read over and over.

Red Hot Liberty by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Safety was Molly's cry until she met Liberty True and her flag wearing Basset hound Ross. When Liberty first entered Molly's new office she was off put by this forceful tinfoil hat wearing woman who talked about survival and government conspiracies. As their friendship grew however Molly found more then she bargained for. She realized that somethings life, friendship, love, and faith are worth fighting for no matter the consequences. As with Red Hot Property I loved this book it was filled with new and old characters that despite their fictional status I have grown to love them as if they are real and they affect my life accordingly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes, romance love, friendship, or is searching for the meaning of life.

Show Dog Sings the Blues by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever met a dog that you swore, that if it walked on two legs instead of four, it would be more human then most people. Well Tali is one such dog born and raised to be a pampered show dog in this book she finds out that she is more then just a pretty face. In a unfortunate event during a play date Talie is mixed up with her Cow dog sister and forced to help on the ranch, unaware that by doing so she helps herself and others find out that there is more to life then what you see on the surface. Deep down life and death are powered by love and that makes the world go around. I loved this little sister novella to Red Hot Liberty it gives you real insight into the powerful mind of a dog and reminds us that just because they can't speak, that doesn't mean they don't have hearts or souls. I would recommend this to anyone who likes dogs, friends, and a good laugh.

Witch Hunt by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book you live and suffer with several generations of the Hawthorne family, as they battle with persecution, exile and execution, that ends in a modern day massacre. This travesty is created and led by one man who has the power to motivate the masses to condemn what they didn't understand. It really makes you wonder how far people will truly go to prove that their religion is the best.

Since the very beginning of time, the human race has tried to interpret, enforce and follow Gods law. They have instead, distorted, abused, and, disobeyed it for their own spiritual gain. This horrible reality has not improved at all over the centuries even though we claim to be more civilized. For some reason people are driven to exterminate anything that they don't understand in the name of their religion even if innocent lives are harmed in the process. This book reminds us that faith can be a very powerful thing for both good and evil and how you use that faith defines you as a person.

I think that this book is well worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.

I received this Pre-reader copy from the author.

Glory by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Glory By Devin O'Branagan
Love, Hate, Life, Death,and Faith, these are words that we all take for granted every day, yet they seem to be what holds the fabric of the universe together. This book is about a young girl who finds that each one of those words are more than just words they are power. When Glory finds out that she is the cure for a deadly plague she is thrown into a world she only thought existed in the movies. With the help of some very unconventional friends she finds herself in a deadly race to save all of humanity. I found this book to be very enjoyable and well worth the read because it was filled with love, loss, and passion. It is not like any other book that I have read of this kind and should not be treated as such just because of the subject matter or characters in it. This book is all about the the power of Faith and should be approached that way.

For more information on Devin or any of her work please feel free to check out her website Devin Writes and her Tails magazine blog Devin's Tails I Will see you there!

I would like thank Devin from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my questions. Please, keep writing such entertaining books! You will always have me as a reader.

Wizard's First Rule By Terry Goodkind

2011-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is the Wizards first Rule? Simple, Man is stupid they will believe anything that you tell them if you make it believable enough even if it is not the truth. This book is about a man that finds out that he is more then he seems. I really enjoyed this book but, I like wizards and magic and I would recommend it to anyone who does.

View all my reviews

Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah

2011-07-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a bird who falls out of her nest because she has forgotten how to fly. Elizabeth Shore aka "Birdie" realizes one day that her life is not all it is cracked up to be. She has a husband, and two wonderful kids but somewhere along the way she has lost herself. After a tragedy in the family shakes her foundation. Grief forces her from her nest and she realizes that has to find the deep down love for herself and her lost passions before she can fly up to her nest to be loved once more. Along the way there is hurt feelings, and a drastic brake-ups but in the end she gains more than she bargains for. I really enjoyed this book it reminded how important it is not to give up on my writing no matter how hectic my real life gets. The only problem I had with this book is that the pacing is painfully slow but maybe that was the point as it was a book about healing relationships and that process is never easy or quick. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, or is struggling to find themselves.

View all my reviews

Range Feud by J.A. Campbell

2011-07-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Range Feud by J.A. Campbell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this latest installment of Into the West Tina's adventure continues to unfold. This time while checking the fence she is once again drawn to the mysterious canyon that takes her into the past. This book is a wonderful adventure that is like a long kiss good bye it leaves you hungry for more. It is written for young adults but I would recommend this book to anyone who likes, adventures, mysteries,and a little romance with a hunky cowboy.

View all my reviews

High Noon by Nora Roberts

2011-07-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

High Noon by Nora Roberts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever loved someone or something so much that if anything happened to them you would stop at nothing to seek retribution for your loss. That is exactly what this book is about love, loss, and the power they both have over people's lives. I have to say that I loved this book from beginning to end. The best and worst part of this book is that the characters were so real that you didn't want the book to end so, when it did you were left hanging wondering about the well being of all the characters not just those in the last few pages. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, suspense, and a good mystery.

View all my reviews

The Wild Soccer Bunch Book 2 Diego the Tornado

2011-07-12T22:03:00.001-07:00

The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 2, Diego the Tornado by Joachim Masannek

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Wild Soccer Bunch Book 2 Diego the Tornado

This is the second book in the Wild Soccer Bunch series.
In this new book there is a new boy in town who wants to play on their team
The problem is that the boy's father a famous soccer player doesn't want his son to play with a bunch of kids he wants him to play with a real soccer league. It is up to the Wild Soccer bunch to learn what it means to be a team and a friend. This is a great book about the power of teamwork and friendship. I would recommend this book to any young adult who likes soccer, friends, and a good laugh. My four children all read this book and they loved it!

View all my reviews

Bleachers By John Grisham

2011-07-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Bleachers by John Grisham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bleachers By John Grisham
Sometimes a sports team is the back bone and life blood of a whole town. In this book
a infamous coach is dieing. His death has brought everyone back to their hometown to honor him. In the process they lay to rest more then just a great man.
They learn to accept the power of a man to motivate a group of people throughout their entire lives not just when they are on the field.
This book makes you realize that it is more than a sport it is a state of mind. I would recommend this book to anyone who has had a mentor not just those who like football.

View all my reviews

True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

2011-06-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a routine investigation of a weird phenomenon a scientific research writer finds more then he bargains for in the small town of Boon Creek. This book is all about love loss and the power of a community to look out for one of their own. I loved the sentiment of this book that true love can not be put in a box and studied scientifically. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and the mysteries of small towns.

View all my reviews

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2011-06-17T18:52:00.001-07:00

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I were to describe this book in the manor of the book itself I would think that its color would be blue. Not just any blue mind you but the pure blue of the sky after a rainstorm. The blue that is so beautiful it makes you happy and sad at the same time. This book chronicles the life of a child in Nazi Germany during WWII. It is Schindler's List and the Diary of Ann Frank rolled into one. This story is narrated by the soul collector and this unusual view point gives this book a unique twist on reality that is both creepy and compelling at the same time. I laughed and cried until my sides hurt. I think that this book is wonderful and a must read. For anyone who likes drama, or historical fiction or an all around good book. It is going on my to read again list!

View all my reviews

Witch Hunt by Devin O'Branagan

2011-06-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Witch Hunt by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book you live and suffer with several generations of the Hawthorne family, as they battle with persecution, exile and execution, that ends in a modern day massacre. This travesty is created and led by one man who has the power to motivate the masses to condemn what they didn't understand. It really makes you wonder how far people will truly go to prove that their religion is the best.

Since the very beginning of time, the human race has tried to interpret, enforce and follow Gods law. They have instead, distorted, abused, and, disobeyed it for their own spiritual gain. This horrible reality has not improved at all over the centuries even though we claim to be more civilized. For some reason people are driven to exterminate anything that they don't understand in the name of their religion even if innocent lives are harmed in the process. This book reminds us that faith can be a very powerful thing for both good and evil and how you use that faith defines you as a person.

I think that this book is well worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.

I received this Pre-reader copy from the author.

View all my reviews

No Permanent Scars By Michael Hemery

2011-06-10T14:42:00.001-07:00

No Permanent Scars by Michael Hemery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder when you fell off your bike and scraped your knee as a kid if it would leave a scar? This book is all about the scars that we acquire throughout life both emotional and physical. I loved the sentiment in this book but I did not like the way it was put together. I enjoyed the lazy humor but it switched between childhood and adult memories causing it to loose some of the flow. I would however recommend this book to anyone who is alive and is not offended by swear words.

View all my reviews

The Midnight Club by James Patterson

2011-06-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Midnight Club by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are two types of law the street law and the the law enforced by cops like John Stefanovitch this book is all about the battle of the these two laws. Just when you think one or the other is getting a head in the game something happens that turns it all around. Even though this is not one of James Patterson's best novels it is still a good solid read with a good feeling ending. I would still recommend this book to anyone who likes crime dramas.

View all my reviews

Odd Hours By Dean Koontz

2011-06-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The saga of Odd Thomas continues in this compelling novel that takes Odd to the Ocean to save a young pregnant women. Along the way he befriends an old actor, a scared lady and a woman who like himself feels the twinge to help people. With a little help from a Ghost dog and Frank Sinatra, Odd is in a race to stop a group of bad men that are intent on making a quick buck no matter how many lives are lost as a result. I would have to say that Dean Koontz really knows this character every page comes alive in your hands and you can't help but stroking each page to move faster to find out what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes, humor, fantasy, horror, and a good old fashion book that you want to read over and over.

On a side note I hate that authors have to be labeled. Dean Koontz is labeled horror but I would not really classify Odd Thomas Horror and a lot of people are not reading it because they think that it is horror. Granted there is death in there shooting and stabbings but it is not really gory or over the top. The Odd Thomas series is very funny. If you don't like Horror then don't read Intensity but if you like a good amount of humor and can stand a few shootings then Odd Thomas is for you.

View all my reviews

You've Got Murder by Donna Andrews

2011-05-17T23:18:00.001-07:00

You've Got Murder by Donna Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think there for I am! This is what a AI is thinking and feeling when her programer goes missing. She decides that it is her job to to save him. With a little help from her friends she sets out on a quest that leads to some extraordinary detective work and a weird adventure. Well this book started out very interesting and got better and better until the end where it fell flat on it's face. It falls under the category of well I am done writing now wrap it up. Leaving several plot points hanging.

View all my reviews

Isabel's Bed By Elinor Lipman

2011-05-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this book Isabel, was in the wrong place at the wrong time and has decided to write a book about it. Not knowing the first thing about writing she hires a ghost writer. The lives of all of the charterers intertwine in a weird set of events that lead everyone to find themselves a different place in their lives then where they started out. If you are the kind of person who reads the first ten pages of a book to see if they will like it or not then this book is defiantly not for you. The first chapter or two of this book are very boring and poorly written but like in the book itself the author finds their grove and it is well worth the read. I love the interaction between the characters and the personal growth that they all go through. I would recommend this book if you like, Chick Lit, romance or a bit of fun read when you have nothing better to do. I found this book in the trash.

View all my reviews

Red Hot Property by DEVIN O’BRANAGAN

2011-05-15T22:15:00.001-07:00

Red Hot Property by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DEVIN O’BRANAGAN RED HOT PROPERTY
What do you do when a bubble blowing, pink bunny slipper wearing, Cuban psychic reads some bird bones and tells you to uproot your whole life and start over in a new town and career? Well if you are anything Molly O’Malley and have a young child's welfare to consider you do exactly what she says. This upbeat book is filled with joy sadness and a whole lot of love. It will make you sing, dance, laugh, and cry. It is well worth the read for anyone who likes romance, chick lit, or just an all around good book. I have to say that this it a wonderful book that I will read over and over.

View all my reviews

The 5th Horsemen by James Paterson and Maxine Paetro

2011-04-26T20:44:00.001-07:00

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Once again we are transported into the life of Lindsay Boxer. This time around she is torn between the job she has and the one she really wants to do. Unlike most cops who welcome promotions, the Lieutenant misses being on the street bringing the bad guys to justice. There are two cases that Lindsay and her team have to solve in this book. The in first case dead girls are being left in expensive sports cars. Meanwhile, at a local hospital people are unexpectedly dying.
I have to say that I have a real love hate relationship with this book. The car girl murders were great and the twist at the end was well worth the read. The ICU deaths on the other hand were preposterous and unbelievable. Their only purpose being for future plot development. That said I did like this book an would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries, and drama.

View all my reviews

Westward, Yo! by J. A. Campbell

2011-04-21T16:35:00.001-07:00

Westward, Yo! by J.A. Campbell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every child hates to move and Tina is no exception. She is leaving her best friend and a wonderful mall for desert and a old farm house. Tina's only consolation is that she can work for a local ranch where she can ride in exchange for a little hard work. When the ranch owner asked if she would like to go on a cattle drive with them she jumped at the chance. On their journey one of the calves goes astray however and her well trained horse takes her on a wild goose chase to retrieve it. You will never believe the wild adventure she has. I have to say that with out a doubt this short story is well worth the read for any age group that likes fantasy, horses, and a little bit of mystery.

View all my reviews

Speak to Our Desires b y Brenda W. Clough

2011-04-21T16:33:00.001-07:00

Speak to Our Desires by Brenda W. Clough

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to know exactly what someone wanted just by looking at them? No guess work or painful conversation where they may or may not be truthful with you? Well that is what this book is all about. Ellie Quartern and her mother have a gift of sight that allows them to see what peoples deepest desires are. Its main focus is a search for Ellie's mother. She has gone missing so Ellie hires Tim Coates a privet investigator to find her. In the possess they both find something wonderful and horrible out about themselves. I really like the concept of this book but I do not think that it was executed very well. It seemed to be out of order and it ended very abruptly leaving you with a sense of informational loss. If you have nothing better to do and you like mystery, romance, drama and a bit of fictional documentary all rolled in to one then this book is for you.

View all my reviews

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

2011-03-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan heart has failed and at 34 he has found himself on a waiting list for a new one. Impatience for life gets the better of him and he searches for a new doctor. Dr. Hobbs finds him a heart in record time and the transplant is a success. A year later things begin to happen to him that make him wonder if it was all worth it. This is a book filled with love suspense, danger and a little Poe thrown in for good measure.

This is not my favorite Dean Koontz book but it is not bad either. I think that it was a little slow on the upstart but the ending was fast paced and well worth the reading of the rest of it. The subtext of this book is that you can't buy life you just have to live it and let it be as it should be. I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, horror, and drama. I bought this book from a used book store.

View all my reviews

With the Tide by Mary Bright Carr

2011-03-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

With the Tide by Mary Bright Carr

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

When I write a review about about a book I normally start by telling the, would be reader what the book is about. Then I state my opinion on the book and whether or not I would recommend it as a worth while read.
For this book, I have to break that format because frankly after reading this 217 page book I have no Idea what it is about. I was lost from page one on! This book is a list of sentences that have nothing to do with one another. I give this book a 1 out of 10 and I hope that this pre-reader copy gets a big edit before it hits the press for real. I think that it could be a good book if it had some sort of flow, direction, plot, or point but it bounces all over the place leaving you dumbfounded.
This book is a pre-reader copy provided to me by the publisher Publishing Works Inc.
Publishing Works was launched in 2003 as an independent press specializing in regional titles. Since then, the company has grown dramatically to embody a list of titles that spans diverse genres, age levels, and subject matter.

View all my reviews

The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

2011-03-24T13:36:00.001-07:00

The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a Historical fiction of Queen Elizabeth I and her lover. I find that in historical fictions the names of the people get in the way. I think that this is the case with this book the beginning of this book dragged a bit while everyone was being introduced. The ending was good however and worth the read.
This audio book was from a free bin at a local book store

View all my reviews

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

2011-03-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was about a lawyer thinks she made a big mistake and walks out on her job. She ends up in country where she is mistaken for hired help. She learns that hard work is not always fast sometimes you have to slow down and discontent. This is a great book it is funny and down to earth.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

The Triumph of the Sun by Wilbur Smith

2011-03-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Triumph of the Sun by Wilbur Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a Historical fiction of the Holy War between Egyptians and Arabs in Cairo during 1884. I think that this book was well written at first I was apprehensive about this book because the description on the back does not do it justice. The love scenes are a bit redundant but this does not affected the enjoyment of this book.
This audio book was from a free bin at a local book store

View all my reviews

Titanic's Last Secrets: The Further Adventures of Shadow Divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler by Brad Matsen

2011-03-24T13:32:00.001-07:00

Titanic's Last Secrets: The Further Adventures of Shadow Divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler by Brad Matsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about the people who discovered the Titanic. They decide to go back for a second look to find out why the Titanic really sunk. Did you ever wonder why the titanic sink without more of a warning? I think that this book is a must read for all!
This audio book was loaned to me by a friend

View all my reviews

Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

2011-03-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a woman's husband has a genetic defect that causes him to jump to important events in his time line. I think that this book is good up to a point but the ending is lackluster.
This audio book was acquire from the McKay's free bin.

View all my reviews

Sundays at Tiffany's

2011-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Almost, every kid has an imaginary friend Jane Margaux is no exception her special pal is Michael. One of their favorite things to do is eat sundaes at Tiffiany's, when her busy mother takes her out, for their weekly trip to admire the jewelry. This was not to last however because Jane was turning nine and Michael had to leave he didn't want to that was just the unwritten rule of being an imaginary friend. He told Jane that it would be alright because she would soon forget him. The thing is that she didn't she just loved him to much to let him go. Now she is all grown up and still likes to eat sundaes at Tiffiany's one day she happens to run into her old dear friend Michael. They pick up their relationship right were they left it and something extraordinary happens.

I have to say that I loved this book from beginning to end. Since I had a rough childhood I had many imaginary friends a whole city in fact. Many a times I wished that they would all be could be real so that I felt less alone. This book is about the power of love and how it can make the impossible possible. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romance, and drama, or had an imaginary friend when they were little.

View all my reviews

Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by Malika_Oufkir

2011-03-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by Malika Oufkir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a Documentary about the life of Malika Oufkir her father was the General for the king. The king even adopted her when she was little. Then her father turned against the king and was excited for treason. The king then imprisoned his entire family for twenty years until they escaped to France. I really liked this book it is all about how politics can crush humanity. This book shows that even if you are put through the worst time of your life your family is the most important thing in it. I also liked that while she was imprisoned she wrote stories to stay alive and to keep her family alive as a writer this was very moving. I give it a 4 out of 5 it flows well and is worth the read. This audio book was bought at Great Escape.

View all my reviews

Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver

2011-03-24T12:15:00.001-07:00

Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about the fact that there is more to a crime than just the persons committing it there are also victims and they are not always obvious. I think that this book is very good it had several unexpected twists.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophine Kinsella

2011-03-24T12:14:00.001-07:00

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was all about the fact that opposites attract one sister buys to much the other reuses her coffee grounds. When they are thrown together there is a grand battle of love and war. I think that this is a very funny delightful book a must read for any sister.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

The Shack by William P Young

2011-03-24T12:13:00.001-07:00

The Shack by William P. Young

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is about a man finds himself through learning to let go of a great loss and he finds a way to live again. I think that this is one of the best books I have read in a while. This is a must read for every one but not for the faint of heart as there is a great tragedy in it.

Update I after looking at the other reviews of this book I want to add the fallowing:

Well according to the other reviews on this book you will either love it or hate it. I personally thought that it was very well written everyone who gave it poor stars over analyzed it. Since it had God in it they wanted it to read like the bible. It is a work of fiction and should be approached as such.

This audio book was loaned to me by a friend

View all my reviews

Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

2011-03-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When women in Virginia keep coming up brutally strangled to death. It is up to Chief Medical officer Dr Kay Scarpetta to use forensic evidence to solve the crimes and the only clue she has to go on is a lingering smell of maple syrup at the crime scene. This is good book that keeps you guessing until the very last page. It is well worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes crime dramas. I acquired this copy from a used book shop.

View all my reviews

One for the Money Janet Evanovich

2011-03-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a down on her luck girl that decides to become a bounty hunter. I think that the people are described well and it is funny needed more action though.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

On the Steet Where you Live by Mary Higgins Clark

2011-03-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

On the Street Where You Live by Mary Higgins Clark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the street where you live.by Marry Higgins-Clark
This book is about a small suburb is in an uproar over the newly discovered remains of two young women that disappeared over a century apart.Soon there is a race to figure out if this killer is a copycat or something more mysterious before he strikes again.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 I think that this is a great who done it novel that keeps you guessing till the end and.it is well worth the read.
This paper back book was acquire from the McKay s free bin

View all my reviews

Odd Thomas Dean Koontz

2011-03-24T12:09:00.003-07:00

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book and the best review I can give it is a line from a book itself.
"I see dead people but by golly I do something about it!" Odd Thomas
If you like mystery, Spence, and Ghosts, with a bit of hummer thrown in this is a book for you. A must read for all old and new and old Dean Koontz fan

On a side note I hate that authors have to be labeled. Dean Koontz is labeled horror but I would not really classify Odd Thomas Horror and a lot of people are not reading it because they think that it is horror. Granted there is death in there shooting and stabbings but it is not really gory or over the top. The Odd Thomas series is very funny. If you don't like Horror then don't read Intensity but if you like a good amount of humor and can stand a few shootings then Odd Thomas is for you.

View all my reviews

The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

2011-03-24T12:09:00.001-07:00

The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is about a woman finds a secret in a nineteenth- century family members journal that affects her whole family. I think that this was a decent book the only problem was that there was allot of filler before you got to the real meet of the book. It is a must reed for all new mothers though. It is all about God loving his children and everyone is special even if they have genetic problems.
This paperback book was bought at southern thrift

View all my reviews

The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing by Marilyn Durham

2011-03-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing by Marilyn Durham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a western were a man goes to jail for killing the men who hurt his wife. When he gets out he robs a train to get money to buy back his son. In the process he falls in love with the hostage. I think that this book had good points and bad. It had a tendency to drag in the where and when departments but the who the book was about carried it.
This hard back book was acquire from the McKay's free bin.

View all my reviews

Kiss me Deadly by Michele Hauf

2011-03-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

Kiss Me Deadly (Silhouette Nocturne) by Michele Hauf

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is about a vampire who accidentally falls in love with the witch who tried to kill him. This book is very good if you like romance, vampires, witches and a bit of the Devil thrown in for good measure. I give this book a 6 out of 10 for an old idea that was given a new twist. I read this book on-line for free at http://www.kobobooks.com/

View all my reviews

IT by Steven King

2011-03-24T12:05:00.001-07:00

It by Stephen King

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book is about a crazy demonic clown that kills a bunch of children. Then when the surviving children growup to be adults they go back and face there fear of clowns and try and kill it. Now I know there are many people out there who think that killing all clowns is a good idea but I believe that this is a whole lot of pages for not allot said.
This book was checked out of the library

View all my reviews

Innocent By Joe Prentis

2011-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Innocent by Joe Prentis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Innocent by Joe Prentis This book is about a small town with big town problems. Every one has been a victim at one point in there lives what they chose to do with this is up to the person. I could relate to the people in this story it was very believable and even though it was a work of fiction you find yourself drawn into the story and are swept away by it. I give this a 5 out of 5 because it is believable and it kept you guessing right up till the end. It has a very important subject matter. This pre-reader copy of the book was provided for me
by the author.

View all my reviews

Glory by Devin O'Branagan

2011-03-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

Glory by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Glory By Devin O'Branagan
Love, Hate, Life, Death,and Faith, these are words that we all take for granted every day, yet they seem to be what holds the fabric of the universe together. This book is about a young girl who finds that each one of those words are more than just words they are power. When Glory finds out that she is the cure for a deadly plague she is thrown into a world she only thought existed in the movies. With the help of some very unconventional friends she finds herself in a deadly race to save all of humanity. I found this book to be very enjoyable and well worth the read because it was filled with love, loss, and passion. It is not like any other book that I have read of this kind and should not be treated as such just because of the subject matter or characters in it. This book is all about the the power of Faith and should be approached that way.

View all my reviews

The Free Fall of Webster Cummings by Tom Bodett

2011-03-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Free Fall of Webster Cummings by Tom Bodett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is about a man who falls from the sky and decides to find himself on the way down. I think that this book had a great beginning but the ending fizzled out and got lost somewhere. I think that the author may have turned out the light as he wrote the last few pages or just got tired and decided he was done writing .
This hard back book was acquire from the McKay's free bin

View all my reviews

Echoes from the Macabre: Selected Stories

2011-03-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Echoes from the Macabre: Selected Stories by Daphne du Maurier

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is a collection of short stories. I found these stories to be very interesting and would have been something as a larger body of work but as they are written they seemed lacking substance. You will either love them or hate them.

View all my reviews

Echo Park by Michael Connelly

2011-03-24T11:54:00.001-07:00

Echo Park by Michael Connelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about Detective Harry Baush of the open unsolved unit finds himself in a bigger case then the one that has haunted him for thirteen years. I think that the characters were believable and the plot flowed well and keep you guessing till the end.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

The Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula K. LeGuin

2011-03-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Earthsea Trilogy: A Wizard of Earthsea; The Tombs of Atuan; The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book One - A Wizard of Earthsea
This is about a young man's journey from a lonely poor boy to a wizard of legend. I think This little adventure is well written. It is about the way pride and envy can make you loose yourself. This is one man's quest to find it again before it destroys him forever Just like any quest it is full of adventure, joy and pearl.

The moral of it all being to face your fear head on and beat it before it beats you. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy especially young adults.

Book Two- The Tombs of Atuan
At age five a young girl is taken from her family and is striped of everything including her name. Her job is to be the High priestess to the ancient and nameless powers of the earth. Her whole existence is changed however when she meets a thief who has come to claim a treasure that was long since lost.

I think that this book is about the dangers of major organizations that have to much power and how they can take everything away from you. Then blind you from the reality of what is really important Love!
A quote from the book says it best
"What she had begun to learn was the weight of liberty. Freedom is a heavy load, a great and strange burden for the spirit to undertake. It is not easy. It is not a gift given, but a choice made, and the choice maybe a hard one. The road goes upward towards the light but the laden traveler may never reach the end of it." © Page 141 in the book The Tombs of Autan by Ursula K. Le Guin
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy especially young adults.

Book Three- The Farthest Shore
In the beginning of this book a boy fallows a wizard on a quest to find what has gone wrong with the world. In the end the Wizard fallows the man to his destiny. This book is about the circle of life and the balance between good and evil. Everything that lives must die and everything that dies must live first. That is the way of the world. I think that this book was a good summery of all that one has learned from the other books. That you have to live and do what you love because that is what holds the world together. Balance and order are accomplished by the the opposites of Life, Death, Hate and love.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy especially young adults.

As a whole this Trilogy is a fantasy twist of the truths of reality. They all are worth the read for young and old alike.

View all my reviews

Dancing in the Dark by Mary Jane Clark

2011-03-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

Dancing in the Dark by Mary Jane Clark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dancing In The Dark by Mary Jane Clark ISBN 9780312481172

This book is all about a troubled young girl that goes missing. When she is found three days latter no one seems to believe her story until it happens again. Diane a Key News Reporter has to cancel her trip to the Grand Canyon and instead head to Ocean to interview the lost girl who everyone believes “Cried Wolf” What she finds there is more than what she bargained for. I found that this book takes a good look at what a troubled teen will go though to get the attention they need to feel loved and accepted. I would recommend this to anyone who likes crime, mystery, drama.

View all my reviews

Cross Country by James Paterson

2011-03-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

Cross Country by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about Alex Cross who investigates a murder that takes him all over the world. I think that this is a solid book that has a good beginning fair middle and a happy ending.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

Can you Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

2011-03-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a woman on a plane spills all her secrets to a stranger when she meets that stranger later there is trouble. I think that this is a great book about the meaning of being a couple.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

BS by Jerry Serra

2011-03-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

BS by Jerry Serra

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about business culture and how we can change it. I give this 4 out of 5 for originality and humor. This book the the reason that my husband and I chose to work form home. It is all about how time is wasted in the business world by the formality of titles and procedure . If every business including the government read this book and fallowed its teachings then this world would be a better place.[return]This book was provided free of any obligation by Publishing Works, Inc. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

View all my reviews

Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell

2011-03-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a continuation of the story of Kay Scarpetta. I think that this is not one of the better Kay Scarpetta books it lacked the fire and suspense that the others had, but if you like Patrica Cornwell and her Kay Scarpetta books. You should read this because it is part of the story.
This audio book was from a free bin at a local book stor

View all my reviews

Belong To Me Marisa De Los Santos

2011-03-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a family that finds itself and learns that it is not always easy dealing with each other. This is a great book for anyone who has a big family. It is all about the trials and triumphs of having some family lost and some gained.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon

2011-03-24T11:17:00.001-07:00

Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book all around the world people are dead or missing and they are all linked to KIG. I think this was a good solid book. The twist at the end was good. I would recommend this to anyone who likes suspense or thinks that the government has to much power.
This audio book was bought from Great Escape

View all my reviews

The Anastasia Syndrome By Marry Higgins Clark

2011-03-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Anastasia Syndrome by Mary Higgins Clark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories. I think that this was an OK book of short stories some better then others.

1) Anastasia is about a woman who assumed the identity of the person that she was doing research on for a book.
2) Terror stalks the Class Reunion is about a student who kidnaps his teacher after a class reunion.
3) Lucky Day is short about an usual friendship.
4) Double Vision two twins one is murdered the other has to solve the crime before she is next.
5) The Lost Angel is about a little girl who is kidnapped by her father.
This paper back book was acquire from the McKay's free bin

View all my reviews

3rd Degree by James Patterson

2011-03-24T11:11:00.005-07:00

3rd Degree by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Women's Murder club series. It starts out with the now well known Lindsay Boxer diving into a burring town house and ends with a bang. I was afraid that this book would lack some of the flare that the other two did, but the plot was new and fresh and filled with triumph and tragedy. I did find, however that this book lacked the red haring twist that drew me into the other books. I think that the political satire theme thought the book did not really lend itself to that and might have detracted from the plot. I would recommend it as a good read and look forward to the others in the group. This book was lent to me from the library of Me-Me thanks again.

View all my reviews

2nd Chance by James Patterson

2011-03-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

2nd Chance by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about the newly promoted Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Woman's Murder Club. They This book is about the newly promoted Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Woman's Murder Club. They are at again, in this wonderful sequel to "1st To Die" This book expertly covers all of the different ways that a person deals with the pain you feel at the loss of someone you love. I also found the ending to be well written it kept me guessing right up until the last shot was fired. I would recommend this book as a well worthwhile read if you are a mystery lover

View all my reviews

1st to Die by James Patterson

2011-03-24T10:52:00.001-07:00

1st to Die by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do you get when you put together the Police Homicide Inspector Lindsay Boxer, the Medical Examiner Clair, the Assistant DA Jill and the Chronicle Reporter Cindy? The Woman's Murder club of coarse. This is about a group of professional ladies that normally wouldn't have anything to do with each other out side of their normal duties. Putting their combined knowledge and friendship together in a off duty effort to salve unusual crimes. I give this book an 8 out of 10 in my opinion it had good flow and I enjoy the character layout of Lindsay Boxer. I did however think that the hook of the book was not, executed very well. It seemed to loose the idea of being a mystery novel. When it became an introduction to the Woman's Murder club book, instead. I think that this book is well worth the read and look forward to the continuation of the series now that the introductions are all out of the way. I borrowed this book from my Mother-in-law while I am held up at her house thanks MeMe

View all my reviews

4th of July by James Patterson

2011-03-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

4th of July by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book we are once again transported in to the dramatic life of Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer. This time around she is faced with a battle for her reputation as a cop and an unknown predator who doesn't like how close Lindsay is getting to the truth.

This is the 4th book in the Woman's Murder club Series but it has not lost its allure or readability. I love the way that it always keeps you guessing exactly who did what right up till the very last page. The most obvious choice is not always the right one and many times it takes a dramatic turn sending you for a loop. I would highly recommend this book and the previous ones in this series to anyone who likes cop drama mysteries. I give it a four out of five stars.

View all my reviews

Conspiracy by Jasmine Cresswell

2011-03-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

Conspiracy by Jasmine Cresswell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

his book is about Verity Marlowe. After the death of her husband she falls in a downward spiral of alcoholism and self-pity. Until one day a funny encounter with someone from her past shakes her loose from her stupor. Just in time to get back to work and save her country and her childhood friend. He and his family are in trouble and she is the only one who speaks his language. She rushes to his aid only to find that the other agent in charge of the whole thing is Michael Strait. To her shock she realizes that the simple truths that she knew about him were really well crafted lies. Can she forgive him enough to save a country and herself.

This book clearly suffers form back of the box syndrome sometimes I wonder if the person who writes the synopsis on the back flap really reads the book at all. At first glace I thought that this book was just another run of the mill anti-terrorist book. This is not the case however it is a very delightful book filled with funny lines romantic scenes and a bit of a twist. I would recommend this book it is well worth the read and I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

View all my reviews

Witch Hunt by Devin_O_Branagan

2011-03-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Witch Hunt by Devin O'Branagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book you live and suffer with several generations of the Hawthorne family, as they battle with persecution, exile and execution, that ends in a modern day massacre. This travesty is created and led by one man who has the power to motivate the masses to condemn what they didn't understand. It really makes you wonder how far people will truly go to prove that their religion is the best.

Since the very beginning of time, the human race has tried to interpret, enforce and follow Gods law. They have instead, distorted, abused, and, disobeyed it for their own spiritual gain. This horrible reality has not improved at all over the centuries even though we claim to be more civilized. For some reason people are driven to exterminate anything that they don't understand in the name of their religion even if innocent lives are harmed in the process. This book reminds us that faith can be a very powerful thing for both good and evil and how you use that faith defines you as a person.
I think that this book is well worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.
I received this Pre-reader copy from the author.

View all my reviews

Dabblings: A Journey of Horror and Hope by Steve James

2011-03-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dabblings: A Journey of Horror and Hope by Steve James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Heather finds out that her family is not all they appear to be, she is forced to chose between the truth that she knows it right and the loyalty that she feels toward her family. Throughout this book her faith is put to the test and she has rely on Gods love to get her through. I got this book from a Christian magazine when my friend told me that my previous reading material was not religious enough. I told her that you can find God in anything even if they don't come out and say “GOD” in the text. It was extremely funny when it arrived and I opened the front cover and found a whole page of warnings. It stressed that this book was not for the faint of heart because it contained explicit and graphic images. I found that these images were just as intense if not more than the books that I had already been reading further emphasizing my point. That said, since this book is really about faith, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, horror, mystery and the battle between good and evil. I would however heed the warnings and avoid it if you can't separate fiction from reality.

View all my reviews

Wild Animus by Rich Shapero

2011-03-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Wild Animus by Rich Shapero

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Please note that before you read any more of this review that it does contain a spoiler this is done for a very good reason to save you the effort of reading this book all together. This book is about a man who gets high on drugs then he dresses like a Mountain Goat from head to foot (yes I said Mountain Goat) and goes into the wilderness where he gets eaten by a pack of wolves. From what I can tell the author of this book was trying to portray the power of the wilderness but it was lost in the stupor of a dug induced banter that made no sense at all. Please do not read this book do not recommend it to friends and if you happen upon it walk away quickly so that you are not tempted to even pick it up. I got this book out of a free bin and now I know why it was there.

View all my reviews

Mistress of Molecules By Gerald M. Weinberg

2011-03-23T17:14:00.001-07:00

Mistress of Molecules by Gerald M. Weinberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mistress of Molecules By Gerald M. Weinberg

What will life be like in the future? In this book we are living on colonies all over the universe each place is different but the goal is the same to survive. Libra is trying to do just that and make her little corner of the universe a little better for others in the process. She is a young chemist who like her father has set out to defeat the rule of the church and free the people of Precursor. She does this by creating chemicals that cause confusion and delays. Her efforts are misguided but noble and continue until she meets the very alien who is sent to stop her.

I really enjoyed this book even though it represents a fictional, futuristic place the atmosphere felt real. I liked the diverse characters and the interaction between them. The subtext of this book is that people with power always seem to forget about the welfare of the people they are there to protect. It is well worth the read and I would recommend it to any one who likes science fiction, romance and drama.

View all my reviews

The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set by L.M. Montgomery

2011-03-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set by L.M. Montgomery

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a eight book series that chronicles the life of Anne of Green Gables. These book expands her life from her rocky start to a full grown women.

I laughed, cried, lived and died right along with all of the characters in these books from beginning to end. It is well worth the read I have even got my daughter to read them it is a timeless classic that will continue to delight people for many generations.

View all my reviews