Aberration by Lisa Regan

Aberration by Lisa Regan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When special agent Kassidy Bishiop is brutally assaulted by a suspect she caught while undercover, who was released due to not receiving his Miranda rites, she has to concede that her life is probably over. Then something happens during the attack that she would never have expected, sending her life on a new path filled with love, laughter, and death.
This book hits you over the head with a baseball bat right from the start, leaving you so dazed you have to continue tuning pages just to keep your wits about you. I would recommend this book to any one who likes mysteries, romance, and suspense. It was a wonderful read and I just couldn't put down.


**I received an ARC in return for an honest review**

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Pretty in Pink! Interview and book review about Miss Pearl the Pekingese.

I would like to welcome two special guests to my blog.

My basset Matilda the Sock Monkey and a blog dog and author 

Miss Pearl the Pekingese

Hello Miss Pearl.

1. Tell me a little bit about your theme song and lullaby. How did they come to be?

My Daddy and Mommy's friend Ren thought I needed a jingle so Mommy called her cousin Kevin Hupp who lives in NYC (he is music producer) and he spent 2 days in seclusion looking at my photos and when he emerged he created his masterpiece song, " Miss Pearl's Song". My song is so wholesome and upbeat, the guitar and drum work plus Kevin's voice makes this a fabulous piece of music. I love it, we play it all the time. Music is medicine. People of all ages tell me they can't get the lyrics out of their heads…mission accomplished.

2. How do you manage with all that hair?  

 

I have a fabulous hairstylist who knows how to groom a show dog. Actually my hair only needs a brushing/comb out once a day to untangle any knots. It's not as hard as people think it would be. My breed was intended to look this way and I have a fabulous coat that protects me from sunburns and bug bites. I visit the groomer about once a month.

3.  3. What is it lie to ride in a buggy? 

I was afraid the first time however Shoko assured me it was Ok. The view is so much better..I  observe things I would never see from the ground plus I stay clean and safe. I love to walk but I tucker very easy then I hop in the buggy. I love to take beauty naps in my buggy, it's very snuggly inside. Lots of people have commented on FaceBook how much they like the pictures of me in my buggy.

 4. What did you like the most about being a show dog? The least? 

Meeting people is the best part. To this day, I love to greet delivery & repair people. I did like

the attention but for the most part I enjoyed meeting so many cool dogs and people. I would say the

thing I liked the least was the non stop grooming, every hair has to be in place.

5. What do you like most about being a mother?  

Obviously I love being a part of my little boy's life, we were apart for a few years and I missed him so much! He reminds me of my Daddy "Digby"who loved chasing balls too.

6. What is your favorite treat?  

Dehydrated duck…I love Oriental food!

7. I am a blog dog also. Tell us a little bit about http://www.misspearl.com. What can dogs and their people find there?

We were very fortunate to obtain the domain misspearl.com but it is a work in progress! I wanted all of my family, friends of loved ones featured on there, so people could peek inside my world. I believe every dog has a story to tell so I hope all dogs will feel special & beautiful because they are!

8. Almost dying sounds horrible. My mom believes that life is all about the journey not the destination. You not only beat death, but helped your two legged mom do the same. 

I was declared dead when I was 5, the Vet told my previous owner  I had passed away! I guess they were all crying in the waiting room..thinking I had died, but when the Vet returned for my body, I was awake! I don't recall what happened, all I know is I fought to live and I fought hard…I lost a lot of blood so I don't recall much.

I guess God had other plans for me. There was a woman (my Mommy now) who would be waiting for me.  She had cancer and her beloved sister Cathi was ready to go to heaven. My mommy cries every time she thinks what happened to me, she tells me how courageous I am. She tells me I rescued her because she doesn't think she could have made it without me. When my Aunt Cathi died, Shoko & I knew something was terribly wrong and we were so good, we were angels and didn't do anything to upset Mommy. We wanted to comfort her. Dogs are known for their devotion!

What if anything did you learn about life that would help other in a similar situation?

I know I am very strong & brave. I don't focus on events that went wrong in my life..I enjoy every second of my life and am so grateful for my blessings! I wrote in my book after my hysterectomy, I wagged my tail at Dr. Ruth. My secret is to life is "Wag your tail"! It's infectious.

9. What inspired you to write this book and can we look forward to any others?

I didn't focus too much about the sadness in my life because everybody has their fair share. I wanted to make people smile, nothing else. I love the camera and to ham it up, but I feel a special calling to showcase my breed, since we are so endangered by puppy mill breeders. Pekingese have an incredible history that dates way back, I would be sad if our ancient pedigrees were lost for future generations.

10. Now that you are a successful author, a show dog, a model, and a mother, what are your plans for the future? 

Lots! I am going to surprise everybody. 

Thank you for sharing this book with my mom and I.

My Mom's review of Miss Pearls book:

Diva Pearl the Pekingese Life after Showbiz By Miss Pearl and Vicki Gattuso

Diva Pearl Pekingese: Life After Show Biz for a Pekingese by Vicki Paul Gattuso
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute little book about a pink-loving Pekingese. Miss Pearl lives in South Carolina with her bug-eating son and adopted parents. She is a two time Best of Breed winner and is on the cover of the Orient Express. Despite almost dying during child birth, this little ball of fun fought against death and won. This experience has filled her with deep wisdom, which she has graciously decided to share with the rest of the world when she is not at the beach or on a stroll with her nanny Miss Jacquelyn. You can find her Pearls of Wisdom on her blog Misspearl.com. I found this little book to be a wonderful look at the life of a Pekingese and I think that Pearl is very lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love her.

All photos of Miss Pearl are provided by Vivki Paul Gattuso and used with permission.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Becky Bloomwood loves to shop. She is addicted to it and just cannot stop despite numerous letters from the bank telling her that she has overdrawn her account again. When her boyfriend asks her to accompany him to Manhattan, she jumps at the chance to visit the store capital of the world. A series of unfortunate events, however, causes her to lose her job, her boyfriend, and her dignity. Does she let this get her down? No, she drives on and ends up landing her dream job in a city that fits her just right. I love this book and it fits well with the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes shopping, romance, and a good read.

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Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin

Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the Vegan Sous-chef, Clementine Cooper, loses her job to a saboteur, she is devastated. Then her friend suggests that she start her own Vegan Chef business. With a little grit and a bunch of good old-fashioned elbow grease, she establishes herself as a Vegan chef coach, a Vegan baking caterer to the local coffee shops, and a Vegan cooking class instructor. Her new life is going along just fine until her dream location for Clementine's “No Crap” Cafe is taken by a smooth talking, rich, drop-dead gorgeous, carnivore. From that moment, her first cooking class is interrupted by a hamer, her life is turned upside down because not only does she start to fall for the man with a giant dead animal nailed above his door but she also finds out he drives her crazy.

I found this book fun and fast paced, and even though I am definitely and always will be a carnivore, some of the things they were cooking in this book made my mouth water. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, food, and a good laugh.
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Family Magic By Patti Larsen Book Review

Book synopsis:

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being ordinary. That my mom baked cookies instead of brewing spells. That my dad lived with us, not on the demon plane. All I ever wanted was to be like everyone else.

I know what you're thinking. You'd die to live in my world. How cool would it be if magic was real and you could do anything? 

You have no idea. Here I am in another new town, but it's the same old thing. Cheerleader bullies? How original. Friendless again? Who's surprised? I suck at fitting in. Especially when I'm in the middle of saving my family from total destruction.

My name is Sydlynn Hayle, and that's my life.

Trade you.

My Review: Family Magic by Patti Larsen

Family Magic by Patti Larsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sydlynn just wants to be an ordinary girl, but it is kind of hard when you’re half witch and half demon. She is also the sole heir of her entire coven. Can she figure out why magic makes her physically sick before having to take on this huge responsibility? Or will she be able to rid herself of her power and have a normal life on her own?
This book contains a lot of believable characters and plot twists that will keep you turning pages. I liked how the demon father kept calling his daughter Cupcake. Sydlynn's mother really did try hard to balance being a coven leader and a normal-ish mother to her confused rebellious daughter. The crazy grandmother who can only be quieted by tequila or chocolate will make you smile. Sydlynn, herself, starts out being a big whiner, but really pulls it together as she finds her own path.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt out of place and lost in the great sea of humanity. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, mystery and witches. This is a wonderful YA book and I enjoyed reading it very much.

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The Author:

Patti Larsen is an award-winning middle grade and young adult author with a passion for the paranormal. But that sounds so freaking formal, doesn't it? I'm a storyteller who hears teenager's voices so loud I have to write them down. I love sports even though they don't love me. I've dabbled in everything from improv theater to film making and writing TV shows, singing in an all girl band to running my own hair salon. 

But always, always, writing books calls me home.

I've had my sights set on world literary domination for a while now. Which means getting my books out there, to you, my darling readers. It's the coolest thing ever, this job of mine, being able to tell stories I love, only to see them all shiny and happy in your hands... thank you for reading.

As for the rest of it, I'm short (permanent), slightly round (changeable) and blonde (for ever and ever). I love to talk one on one about the deepest topics and can't seem to stop seeing the big picture. I happily live on Prince Edward Island, Canada, home to Anne of Green Gables and the most beautiful red beaches in the world, with my very patient husband and four massive cats.

Goliaths Secret - Bonnie Feuer

Goliaths Secret - Bonnie Feuer
A group of animals come across a Goliath Frog. Saddened by his inability to talk, they all try to teach him. What they learn is that every creature has their own way of communicating. This is a very cute book that is great for all ages. The illustrations are colorful and go well with the story. It is a great little book about understanding and accepting diversity.   I would recommend this book to people of all ages!

Meet and Greet with author Donnell Ann Bell plus my review of her book Deadly Recall.

I would like to welcome Donnell Ann Bell to my blog I recently had the pleasure of asking her a few questions. Here is what she said: 

Sally:  What genre do you like to write?
 
Donnell Bell : I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and mystery. 

Sally: How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?Donnell Bell: I’ve been writing fiction since 2001.  Before that I worked for a business newspaper and a parenting magazine.  My kids were getting to the age where I had to be available to them, e.g. carpools, sports and more.  So I reduced my hours.  Since I wrote nonfiction, I thought I’d write a fiction novel.  (It was a lot harder than I thought.) 

Sally: What inspires you to write?Donnell Bell:  Unfinished plot lines for one thing.  I once heard a breaking news story about a man gunned down on the New Mexico State Capital steps.  I was at work at the time and couldn’t listen  for further details.  I never discovered what happened to him.  So I finished the story.  I wrote my first romantic suspense based on that storyline.
     I love country music, and a song called Walk Away Joe inspired my debut novel, The Past Came Hunting.
      I attended Catholic school, and loved movies like The Trouble with Angels, plays like Patent Leather Shoes Reflect Up.  Except that I have to include a mystery slant, of course, so Deadly Recall was born. ;)


Sally: When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?Donnell Bell: It depends.  Sometimes the words just flow, other times the plot has to gel.  I’ve written a novel in three months.  Others have taken me two years.
 
Sally: What did you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process?  Easiest?  

Donnell Bell:    Social networking is hard for me.  I’m basically an introvert.  The writing process is pure love and fulfillment for me.  I love to get lost in my stories.

Sally: Of all your characters whom do you most relate to?

Donnell Bell:     Oh, tough question.  I think I relate to my protagonist Melanie in The Past Came Hunting, not because I’ve been in prison (she’s an ex-con), but because I’m a mom and I know what lengths I’d go to to protect my kids.


Sally: Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?

Donnell Bell: Interesting question.  I have related to my protagonists in one form or another.  Eden in Deadly Recall is more headstrong than I am, and I probably would have said, “Hey, you can’t do that.”   But I think she acted in character from beginning to end.  If I would have pulled her back, that would have been author intrusion.  I have to remember these characters aren’t me.
Sally: What is your least favorite part about writing? The Most?

 Donnell Bell:  Editing.  The story will never be quite good enough.  Writing the original draft where I’m getting to know the characters.

Sally:  When you are not writing or editing what do you do for relaxation? 

  Donnell Bell:   Tonight I’m playing bridge with friends.  I love to walk with my husband of 30 years, and of course I love to read.


Sally: What types of books do you like to read?

 Donnell Bell:  I read a lot of mystery and thrillers, and of course romantic suspense.  I read young adult, and recently I joined a book club so it will force me to read different genres.  It’s really fun.


Sally: What author(s) do you enjoy reading?  Why?

  Donnell Bell:  Oh gosh.  I fell in love with writing after reading Sandra Brown’s category romances, and then of course her single title releases. I am a huge fan of Catherine Coulter’s Historicals.  These two authors really inspired me to start writing.  I love thriller writers Lawrence Sanders, The First Deadly Sin, Second Deadly Sing, Third Deadly Sin and Fourth Deadly Sin.   And anything by Daniel Silva is on my auto-buy list.

Sally: Tell us about your books where can people find them?
 
 Donnell Bell:  My books are available from my publisher, BelleBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Books a Million, and where most books are sold.

(Click the links to take you to those sites)

Thank you Donnell Ann Bell this is fantastic thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.
For more information please visit her website http://www.donnellannbell.com/


Deadly Recall by Donnell Ann Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A young girl, worried about her beloved teacher, steals away to the chapel to say to say goodbye and beg her not to go. What she witnesses inside is more than her mind can bare. When her other teachers find her on the swings she can't remember where she was or how she got the cut on her knee. Seventeen years later, when the sexy Detective Dancer approaches her and starts asking questions about that day, the memories start flooding in. Can she remember before it is too late? I loved this book; it is one of the best I have read in awhile. I just could not put it down. I loved its fast pace, and the characters were extremely believable. I would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, romance, or an all around good book!


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Dragon Tears by Dean Koontz

Dragon Tears by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

He is becoming! His power is growing! It is his job to vanquish the evil from this earth, but a hero cop and his partner are getting in his way. Now they have till dawn to die. Time will seem to stop when reading this book; the line between the real world and the imaginary will blur, taking you on a journey of discovery. Some would say it is a classic Dean Koontz, as it includes a man, a woman, a disabled person, a dog, a really bad guy, and Elvis. I feel that this aspect is part of the charm of this book, and I love it! This my second time through and I would not hesitate to read it again. I recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, the supernatural, or an all around good book.

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The Digital Sea review and meet and great with author Thomas K. Carpenter

 
I would like to welcome Thomas K. Carpenter to my blog today

1) What genre do you like to write?

A: All of them?  My favorites are the speculative ones,  sci-fi and fantasy, but I enjoy writing in others.  Currently I'm in the middle of a historical mystery series (though it could also be termed an alternate history, which is a sub-category of sci-fi.)  I also like mixing the genres since coloring outside of the lines is more fun than coloring in them.


2) How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?

A: Since I was a teenager.  I finished my first novel right out of college.

3) What inspires you to write?

A: Stories.  I love reading them, writing them, and thinking about them.  Stories are the most efficient mode of communication because when done right, they relay more than just the words, they change people's ways of thinking.


4) When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?

A: Depends.  Sometimes on a short story, the idea comes so completely, I can write it in a weekend.  Rare, but it happens.  Most of my story ideas are ones that have been lingering in my brain or in my idea folder on the computer for years.  I have a fantasy series I've been planning for about four years now and I have quite a bit of background and notes written.  I'll get started on that after the Alexandrian Saga (the historical mystery series), maybe around 2015.


5) What do you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process?  Easiest?

A: Butt in the chair!  Dragging myself to the computer is the hardest part, especially on the weekends when I'm lying in my comfy bed with my wife, but once I've reread the previous day's work and gotten into the groove, I wonder why I wasn't jumping at the chance to write.


6) Of all your characters whom do you most relate to?

A: My protagonists tend to be underdogs with a technological bent (even if it's ancient technology!) and often socially awkward.  So all of them?  But most relate?  I might say Zel Aurora, the main character from The Digital Sea.




7) Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?

A: Sasha from The Digital Sea.  He's a tragic character.



8) What is your least favorite part about writing? The Most?

A: Not having enough time to write all the stories I want to write!  Having a stressful and demanding day job makes carving out time difficult, especially with a busy family.  The best part about writing is the feeling right after a particularly satisfying session.  I feel like I can change the world after those days.


9) When you are not writing or editing what do you do for relaxation?

A: There's time to do other things?  Once upon a time, before I realized that if I wanted to be a writer I had to give up those other activities, I gamed a lot, either on the computer (a nasty WoW addiction), console, or with friends.  I still do on occasion, but it's few and far between.

10) What types of books do you like to read?

A: Good ones!  I read lots of short fiction to better my craft and I'm working my way through Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself trilogy when I have time.  It's a load of fun, I just wish I could have a few days to just read them from beginning to end. 


11) What author(s) do you enjoy reading?  Why?

A: George R.R. Martin is hands-down my favorite.  I've read everything he's written more than once, for enjoyment and for craft.  I mentioned Joe above and Hugh Howey's Wool is a must read.  On the short fiction side, I like Ken Liu, Robert Reed, and Kris Rusch.  This would be a small list and it changes constantly.  So many good books out there!


12) Tell us about your books where can people find them?

A: My books can be found at all online distributors in both ebook and POD.  I also have a fair amount available in audio book and they should be in independent bookstores by this fall (though you can order them from bookstores right now).  I have a website at www.thomaskcarpenter.com and you can find me on Facebook as Thomas K. Carpenter.  I always announce any new releases there, so if you're so inclined, that would be the place to follow me. 


Thank you for joining me today here are my thoughts on Digital Sea, I loved it and can't wait to read more!

The Digital Sea by Thomas K. Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tell me, are you all jacked in? All the latest apps downloaded, bluetooth enabled, your whole life in the palm of your hand? What if you could just have your phone downloaded into your brain? No more worries, everything you needed would be all right there behind your eyes. This book is all about a world where all inhabitants are hardwired into a massive central network. Is this a good or bad thing? Only you can tell. This book is a fun fast-paced novel that will keep you turning pages. It really makes you question whether the total digital lifestyle we are headed towards is such a good idea. We are already exploited for our need for technology – what would evil individuals do if they had direct access into our brains? I personally fear for humanity. I would recommend this to anyone who likes technological thrillers and Sci-fi.

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The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead

The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Take the afternoon and read this, Southern Noir style with a twist. The members of the Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club meets in the park every afternoon to let their dogs romp, drink an afternoon cocktail, and most importantly gossip about the neighbors. It seems like a typical southern style community with the young and the old alike living their normal lives, but behind closed doors each has their own dirty little secrets. The question is: who gets theirs aired first? This is a fast-paced novel that will keep you guessing right up to the very last page. I would recommend it to anyone who likes revenge, mystery, and whodunnit novels.

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