Happy Easter everyone!!! I am sitting here at work and have some down time so I figured I would put up another post! This is not a typical type of book I review, but it was interesting none the less. Basically a very short how-to book on treasure hunts you can put together for basically any party. For those of you into those types of things, this book would be a big help! visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
This cute little book is perfect for any party. Whether it is a birthday, shower, or even a holiday like Christmas, this book has some great ideas!
Nancy Kruse has created a how-to book on treasure hunts for different occasions. She takes you through, step by step, telling you how it should be set up and how many clues one should typically use. She then shows all different examples of clues to specifically use first and last and then all of the in between clues to use. She even breaks the book up into different rooms where you could hide the clues in your home, including places outside of the house as well!
All one needs to make a successful party is this book, pen, paper, and the gifts that the guests will eventually find at the end of all of the clues. Teens and adults alike would like this book and the party it helps to create. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to put a little added twist into the party they are hosting!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
SAY GOODBYE-EJ RAND
Below is my reivew of this book...I am very curious to know if other's felt differently than I did about it. Both my raves and criticisms are below. Enjoy.
This book is a tough one for me to review. My opinions of the story seem to be all over the place. The first half of the story left me bored and tempted to let it go unread, but the latter half was well written and evoked the proper emotions I think the author was hoping his readers would experience.
Gary lost his wife to cancer about a year ago. Not really doing much of anything with his life, he winds up right in the middle of a murder case. His neighbor dies in a car accident and the cops determine that it is accidental. Gary is asked by the victims’ wife to investigate because she is certain her husband was murdered due to information he stumbled upon while at work.
Gary meets Becca, the only witness to the crash. They instantly form a strong bond. The two of them, plus some friends in the police department, and a few others will stop at nothing to figure out what really happened. Things really start to heat up when more and more people wind up dead. Gary is certain these ‘bad’ guys are sending him a warning message when they go after Becca. This makes him all the more determined.
The plot of the story is exciting and is what made me want to read the book in the first place, but I found that during the first part of the book I had to read the words very slowly. If I didn’t, I realized I was lost and needed to start the page or chapter over. I found I did not need to do this for the second half of the book. E J Rand appears to have worked out his writing kinks after the first eighty or so pages. I felt the first eighty-ish pages jumped from topic to topic and conversation to conversation a bit too quickly, which is why I think I kept getting lost.
My only other criticism would have to be how the chapters were broken up. They are set up to tell you the exact time, down to the minute, when things in the chapter are happening. Sometimes it would even go backwards. I found this distracting to the story.
I give a lot of credit to E J Rand for his creativity. I think the storyline was well thought out and very creative. I really thought Becca and Gary’s characters were well formed and very likeable. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys mystery. There are definitely parts of this story that you would not be able to predict!
check out more reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
This book is a tough one for me to review. My opinions of the story seem to be all over the place. The first half of the story left me bored and tempted to let it go unread, but the latter half was well written and evoked the proper emotions I think the author was hoping his readers would experience.
Gary lost his wife to cancer about a year ago. Not really doing much of anything with his life, he winds up right in the middle of a murder case. His neighbor dies in a car accident and the cops determine that it is accidental. Gary is asked by the victims’ wife to investigate because she is certain her husband was murdered due to information he stumbled upon while at work.
Gary meets Becca, the only witness to the crash. They instantly form a strong bond. The two of them, plus some friends in the police department, and a few others will stop at nothing to figure out what really happened. Things really start to heat up when more and more people wind up dead. Gary is certain these ‘bad’ guys are sending him a warning message when they go after Becca. This makes him all the more determined.
The plot of the story is exciting and is what made me want to read the book in the first place, but I found that during the first part of the book I had to read the words very slowly. If I didn’t, I realized I was lost and needed to start the page or chapter over. I found I did not need to do this for the second half of the book. E J Rand appears to have worked out his writing kinks after the first eighty or so pages. I felt the first eighty-ish pages jumped from topic to topic and conversation to conversation a bit too quickly, which is why I think I kept getting lost.
My only other criticism would have to be how the chapters were broken up. They are set up to tell you the exact time, down to the minute, when things in the chapter are happening. Sometimes it would even go backwards. I found this distracting to the story.
I give a lot of credit to E J Rand for his creativity. I think the storyline was well thought out and very creative. I really thought Becca and Gary’s characters were well formed and very likeable. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys mystery. There are definitely parts of this story that you would not be able to predict!
check out more reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
THE GRACE NOTE-BRIAN L. DOE
I try really hard to not judge a book by its cover because more often than not I find that it doesn't give me the correct opinion of the book, but for some reason I did not care for the cover of this book, so I couldn't help but think that I may not like this story. Boyyyyy was I wrong. I loved it, couldn't put it down, and read it virtually straight through til' the end.
Brian L. Doe did an amazing job with this one and I was proud to read it. visit www.frontstreetreviews for a copy of the review below as well as more great reviews!
Captivated from the very first page, Brian L. Doe has created a story of tragedy, redemption, and love. This book came full circle; starting with my tears upon the pages at the beginning, then spilling again at the last pages.
Alexander Brogan is a violinist and a Julliard instructor. His life appears to be going perfect; his job is going extremely well and he is with a woman whose passion is stronger than anything he has ever known. Simply put, he is captivated by her. When a terrible tragedy takes her away from him, Alex finds himself spiraling down into a black abyss. He no longer knows who he is or what he wants. He feels his life is basically over and passionless.
Moving to a small town to get out of the city and away from the memories, Alex finds himself spending a lot of time doing a whole lot of nothing. One day he hears a girl playing the violin; his neighbor of all people. Thinking that fate is playing a cruel trick on him he tries to ignore it. As much as he tries, Alex can’t stop thinking of the violin and the beautiful music it creates. These memories are bitter sweet because with the good feelings comes the sad memories of what he once had before it was ripped away from him.
Giving in, Alex decides to instruct the girl, finding out that she is a prodigy. Alex soon finds himself caught up in his new life, feeling as though he is being given a second chance, but at the same time feeling as though he is betraying his beloved.
This beautifully crafted story takes its readers on a journey. This journey teaches us that when unexpected tragedy strikes, you can still continue living your life. It teaches you about fate and human emotions; allowing us to experience Alex’s most vulnerable side as we fight with him to get out of his grief and continue his life with new vigor, but never forgetting those he loved and lost. We are right beside Alex every step of the way as he learns how to love again and re-create himself into a man so filled with love and passion that you can’t help but fall in love with him.
Brian L. Doe is very talented with his words and painting his readers a very clear and vivid picture. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced a loss in their life. This uplifting and heartfelt story will give you hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
Brian L. Doe did an amazing job with this one and I was proud to read it. visit www.frontstreetreviews for a copy of the review below as well as more great reviews!
Captivated from the very first page, Brian L. Doe has created a story of tragedy, redemption, and love. This book came full circle; starting with my tears upon the pages at the beginning, then spilling again at the last pages.
Alexander Brogan is a violinist and a Julliard instructor. His life appears to be going perfect; his job is going extremely well and he is with a woman whose passion is stronger than anything he has ever known. Simply put, he is captivated by her. When a terrible tragedy takes her away from him, Alex finds himself spiraling down into a black abyss. He no longer knows who he is or what he wants. He feels his life is basically over and passionless.
Moving to a small town to get out of the city and away from the memories, Alex finds himself spending a lot of time doing a whole lot of nothing. One day he hears a girl playing the violin; his neighbor of all people. Thinking that fate is playing a cruel trick on him he tries to ignore it. As much as he tries, Alex can’t stop thinking of the violin and the beautiful music it creates. These memories are bitter sweet because with the good feelings comes the sad memories of what he once had before it was ripped away from him.
Giving in, Alex decides to instruct the girl, finding out that she is a prodigy. Alex soon finds himself caught up in his new life, feeling as though he is being given a second chance, but at the same time feeling as though he is betraying his beloved.
This beautifully crafted story takes its readers on a journey. This journey teaches us that when unexpected tragedy strikes, you can still continue living your life. It teaches you about fate and human emotions; allowing us to experience Alex’s most vulnerable side as we fight with him to get out of his grief and continue his life with new vigor, but never forgetting those he loved and lost. We are right beside Alex every step of the way as he learns how to love again and re-create himself into a man so filled with love and passion that you can’t help but fall in love with him.
Brian L. Doe is very talented with his words and painting his readers a very clear and vivid picture. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced a loss in their life. This uplifting and heartfelt story will give you hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
THE HERMIT- RAY HOLLAND
I honestly did not think I would like this story very much, but it was unlike any other I have read and really was quite entertaining. I think this is a good read for anyone, and can lighten any mood. check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews like the one below.
Ray Holland breaks his story up into two parts; The Mayor’s Daughter and The Hermit. Part one focuses mostly on the Mayor’s daughter. The reader soon learns that she is a nice enough girl, with a nice enough life. Her focus in this hilariously light story is finding men to play ‘bouncy-bouncy’ with, (and no, I did not make up that word. It came from the book, I swear!). When she sets her sight on a man, she goes home with him. As they are doing their thing, the earth shakes, strange animals make appearances, and vortexes appear. This is Ray Holland’s way of telling the reader that amazing things happened in the bedroom.
Part two of the story focuses more on the hermit. This hermit went to hermit school, did an apprenticeship with another hermit and now for the past fifty years has made his career out of being a hermit. His spiritual life goal is to reach the High Plane of Astral Everythingness. There are approximately 143 steps that need to be taken to get there. Well on his way to reaching this goal, he starts to get distracted by visions and dreams of the Mayor, his daughter, and a few others, all of whom he has never met before.
The story continues on its light and hilarious path and the two characters end up meeting. The best way to describe this story is to first say that all seriousness goes out the window as soon as you open the front cover. This oddly fascinating and refreshingly original story is unlike any other! I wouldn’t even know what category to put it in. It isn’t a children’s book because it has adult humor in it, but at the same time it is non offensive. This story can be enjoyed by all. It’s like thinking of some of the silliest things and words you can possibly think up in your head and mixing it in with a simple story line. It is really quite genius!
Ray Holland has an amazing talent for writing, but also an uncanny knack for breaking the unspoken rules of traditional storytelling and creating something truly inspirational- an amazing read that will keep you grinning ear to ear until the very end!
Ray Holland breaks his story up into two parts; The Mayor’s Daughter and The Hermit. Part one focuses mostly on the Mayor’s daughter. The reader soon learns that she is a nice enough girl, with a nice enough life. Her focus in this hilariously light story is finding men to play ‘bouncy-bouncy’ with, (and no, I did not make up that word. It came from the book, I swear!). When she sets her sight on a man, she goes home with him. As they are doing their thing, the earth shakes, strange animals make appearances, and vortexes appear. This is Ray Holland’s way of telling the reader that amazing things happened in the bedroom.
Part two of the story focuses more on the hermit. This hermit went to hermit school, did an apprenticeship with another hermit and now for the past fifty years has made his career out of being a hermit. His spiritual life goal is to reach the High Plane of Astral Everythingness. There are approximately 143 steps that need to be taken to get there. Well on his way to reaching this goal, he starts to get distracted by visions and dreams of the Mayor, his daughter, and a few others, all of whom he has never met before.
The story continues on its light and hilarious path and the two characters end up meeting. The best way to describe this story is to first say that all seriousness goes out the window as soon as you open the front cover. This oddly fascinating and refreshingly original story is unlike any other! I wouldn’t even know what category to put it in. It isn’t a children’s book because it has adult humor in it, but at the same time it is non offensive. This story can be enjoyed by all. It’s like thinking of some of the silliest things and words you can possibly think up in your head and mixing it in with a simple story line. It is really quite genius!
Ray Holland has an amazing talent for writing, but also an uncanny knack for breaking the unspoken rules of traditional storytelling and creating something truly inspirational- an amazing read that will keep you grinning ear to ear until the very end!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
AUTHORS
I have had quite a few authors contact me recently who have seen my blog. They have requested a review of their book. Originally this site was intended just for readers who were looking for a good book, as I already review for frontstreet.com, but I am finding that I do have a little bit of time in my busy schedule to do some reviewing on the side.
That being said, if any authors are interested in having their book considered for review, please email me at ashley.denis@maine.edu. Your review will be posted not only on this site, but on http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/ as well. Two places for your book to be seen! Can't beat that! :-)
Please visit the above site, or sift through some of my reviews here if you would like to get a feel for the way I write.
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That being said, if any authors are interested in having their book considered for review, please email me at ashley.denis@maine.edu. Your review will be posted not only on this site, but on http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/ as well. Two places for your book to be seen! Can't beat that! :-)
Please visit the above site, or sift through some of my reviews here if you would like to get a feel for the way I write.
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ETHICS
Okay, I just responded to an email from an author, a pretty amazing one at that, about the topic of ethics when it comes to reviewing. I have never seen any actually written down, but are there a core set of them in a book somewhere that reviewers are supposed to know about and follow? If so, someone please email me or write on here to share it with everyone.
I always have used common sense when I write my reviews. As you can see on some of them, I write less than favorable reviews, but in my opinion I am always being honest. the big 'BUT' in my book is that there is a difference between being honest and open about a book and being a total jerk-face. Yes, I said jerk-face. :-)
I hope in my not-so-positive reviews I have at least shown authors the respect they deserve. I may not agree with the topic they write about, the message they are sending, or the way they write their books, but for the record, they deserve TONS of credit and respect. They are pouring their heart and souls out to the public and sharing their creation. I look up to each and every author so much and hope to someday be able to say I did more than have a few of my reviews published. Although I did just recently have one published on the front page of a book, ahmm, but that's getting off topic.
So yea, if anyone out there has any knowledge of a set of ethics around reviewing, please let me know! and to those reviewers out there who aren't aware. Our words can cause a lot of damage. There is a difference between disliking a piece of work and saying it needs some more editing, than just writing down hurtful things just because you can. Think about that next time you go and write a nasty review.
I always have used common sense when I write my reviews. As you can see on some of them, I write less than favorable reviews, but in my opinion I am always being honest. the big 'BUT' in my book is that there is a difference between being honest and open about a book and being a total jerk-face. Yes, I said jerk-face. :-)
I hope in my not-so-positive reviews I have at least shown authors the respect they deserve. I may not agree with the topic they write about, the message they are sending, or the way they write their books, but for the record, they deserve TONS of credit and respect. They are pouring their heart and souls out to the public and sharing their creation. I look up to each and every author so much and hope to someday be able to say I did more than have a few of my reviews published. Although I did just recently have one published on the front page of a book, ahmm, but that's getting off topic.
So yea, if anyone out there has any knowledge of a set of ethics around reviewing, please let me know! and to those reviewers out there who aren't aware. Our words can cause a lot of damage. There is a difference between disliking a piece of work and saying it needs some more editing, than just writing down hurtful things just because you can. Think about that next time you go and write a nasty review.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
THE COURTIER'S SECRET-DONNA RUSSO MORIN
This book was awesome! It gave great some great history, allowed you to see what life was like back then, and really showed you the courage of one girl and her fight to live a life worth living. I couldn't put this book down! Below is my review, which you can also view at http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/
This story was absolutely enchanting. Set in the 1600’s, with King Louis XIV as ruler, Donna Russo Morin gives her readers an inside look at what life was like inside the walls of Versailles. She allows us to experience just how ridiculous people acted to get in the good graces of the King and Queen and to witness their everyday lives in general.
Jeanne Yvette Mas du Bois is a beautiful young woman stuck in a life she has no desire to live. Unlike all of her acquaintances, who are ecstatic to be fortunate enough to live within the same walls as the king and live a life of privilege, Jeanne is frustrated with it and views it as a mundane life. Jeanne has the spirit and desires of a woman living in our time; she wishes to be allowed to do what men do, to be respected, and to be heard. She feels all women are reduced to are frilly dresses and endless gossip.
Her true passion is wielding a sword. Having been taking secret lessons from her uncle for quite some time, she finds that she is very skilled. Having to hide this part of herself frustrates her to no end. When Jeanne and her uncle find themselves enmeshed in a real battle with men trying to kill the Queen, she meets Henri Boucher D’Aubigne. Henri is a musketeer. Yearning for purpose in life, and wanting to be closer to Henri, Jeanne does the unthinkable; she dresses like a man and becomes one of them, under the alias ‘Jean-Luc’.
As time goes on, Henri meets Jeanne and falls in love with her, not knowing the connection between her and ‘Jean-Luc’. Together they fight for their love in a time when it is not common for men and women to marry for love, but rather money and status. Jeanne must fight not only to keep her secret, but also to decide what to do with the fate her father has chosen for her; which is for her to marry a wimp of a man who she does not even know or love.
I found this story to be refreshing and utterly exciting. Obviously a very talented writer, Donna Russo Morin has created magnificent characters that you cannot help but fall in love with; they are so vibrant and full of life. She creates Jeanne to be this character that is uncomfortable in her own fancy shoes and wishes to be something else, which I think most people find themselves going through at one point or another in their lives. This causes her to be very relate able, which I feel only makes her that much more loveable. She is a strong woman who stands up for what she feels is right, which I think is something we all wish we sometimes had the courage to do.
Donna Russo Morin has added a perfect amount of detail; no more and no less would have made this story any better. This is truly one of those stories that will stay in your heart long past reading the last page. I would recommend this book to everyone. I think men and women alike would get a great deal out of this story. Women would find that their hearts are set aflutter with the romance and the courage of this young woman fighting for what will make her happy, and men would smile with satisfaction at the action scenes and the honorable way some of the men were brought up to be.
This story was absolutely enchanting. Set in the 1600’s, with King Louis XIV as ruler, Donna Russo Morin gives her readers an inside look at what life was like inside the walls of Versailles. She allows us to experience just how ridiculous people acted to get in the good graces of the King and Queen and to witness their everyday lives in general.
Jeanne Yvette Mas du Bois is a beautiful young woman stuck in a life she has no desire to live. Unlike all of her acquaintances, who are ecstatic to be fortunate enough to live within the same walls as the king and live a life of privilege, Jeanne is frustrated with it and views it as a mundane life. Jeanne has the spirit and desires of a woman living in our time; she wishes to be allowed to do what men do, to be respected, and to be heard. She feels all women are reduced to are frilly dresses and endless gossip.
Her true passion is wielding a sword. Having been taking secret lessons from her uncle for quite some time, she finds that she is very skilled. Having to hide this part of herself frustrates her to no end. When Jeanne and her uncle find themselves enmeshed in a real battle with men trying to kill the Queen, she meets Henri Boucher D’Aubigne. Henri is a musketeer. Yearning for purpose in life, and wanting to be closer to Henri, Jeanne does the unthinkable; she dresses like a man and becomes one of them, under the alias ‘Jean-Luc’.
As time goes on, Henri meets Jeanne and falls in love with her, not knowing the connection between her and ‘Jean-Luc’. Together they fight for their love in a time when it is not common for men and women to marry for love, but rather money and status. Jeanne must fight not only to keep her secret, but also to decide what to do with the fate her father has chosen for her; which is for her to marry a wimp of a man who she does not even know or love.
I found this story to be refreshing and utterly exciting. Obviously a very talented writer, Donna Russo Morin has created magnificent characters that you cannot help but fall in love with; they are so vibrant and full of life. She creates Jeanne to be this character that is uncomfortable in her own fancy shoes and wishes to be something else, which I think most people find themselves going through at one point or another in their lives. This causes her to be very relate able, which I feel only makes her that much more loveable. She is a strong woman who stands up for what she feels is right, which I think is something we all wish we sometimes had the courage to do.
Donna Russo Morin has added a perfect amount of detail; no more and no less would have made this story any better. This is truly one of those stories that will stay in your heart long past reading the last page. I would recommend this book to everyone. I think men and women alike would get a great deal out of this story. Women would find that their hearts are set aflutter with the romance and the courage of this young woman fighting for what will make her happy, and men would smile with satisfaction at the action scenes and the honorable way some of the men were brought up to be.
THE OLIVE HORSESHOE-BEN F. SMALL
if you like detail, this book is great. if you like blood and gore in detail, the first few pages of this book will shock and awe you. It's a good read. Not one I would read again, but it's definitely worth picking up and indulging yourself in. below is my review. visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for for more great reviews!
I felt as though this book could have been condensed down by about 100 pages and still been able to follow the same general story line. I do not mean this as a criticism but rather a compliment. Ben F. Small has turned this great suspense novel into a very descriptive, fleshed out adventure. I wouldn’t trade in those extra 100 pages for anything!
Denton Wright is a billionaire. When he learns that his father has been brutally tortured and murdered it becomes his mission to find out why. The authorities are chalking it up to be nothing major, but Denton knows there is something big behind all of this. He relies on his good friend and sometimes bed partner Mandy to help him uncover clues. Jenna Rogers’ father was killed alongside Denton’s father. They were on a trip together in Cadiz when the murder took place. Denton flies to California to meet Jenna and her right hand man Carlos to figure out their next move.
Carlos and Mandy hook up. Jenna and Denton hook up. Relationships are formed. The four of them go on a very dangerous mission to uncover the truth. They learn that the two men were killed due to possible knowledge of something called the Olive Horseshoe. Flying to the Spanish Coast, Mandy and Carlos go undercover as tourists and sign up to go on the same tour the two men were on when they were killed. Denton and Jenna are close by, doing a bit of digging on their own with the help of Denton’s FBI friend Fred.
They think the tour buses used on the tour are also used to pick up and drop off large amounts of drugs along the way. Things get heated when more and more people get killed in connection with all of this, some of them being people Denton holds near and dear to his heart.
The only criticism I have is the romance bit of this story. Denton is with Mandy, they decide they don’t love each other and just have something casual. The rest of the story is of Mandy falling head over heels for Carlos and Denton doing the same for Jenna. Then the last few pages of the books it switches again; Mandy and Denton start to feel as though maybe they do love each other. Ben F. Small leaves it at that. I felt as though that part of the story was unnecessary. It took focus away from the important and relevant part of the story.
The rest of the story was filled with fantastic description, suspense, and action. I really enjoyed the beginning where you get to be there witnessing the two men’s death. I was so horrified by it that it is part of what fueled me to read the book; I wanted to find their killers right along with Denton and Jenna.
Ben F. Small has a great story he has created and should be very proud of himself. His writing is clear and his creativity is grand! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys suspense!
I felt as though this book could have been condensed down by about 100 pages and still been able to follow the same general story line. I do not mean this as a criticism but rather a compliment. Ben F. Small has turned this great suspense novel into a very descriptive, fleshed out adventure. I wouldn’t trade in those extra 100 pages for anything!
Denton Wright is a billionaire. When he learns that his father has been brutally tortured and murdered it becomes his mission to find out why. The authorities are chalking it up to be nothing major, but Denton knows there is something big behind all of this. He relies on his good friend and sometimes bed partner Mandy to help him uncover clues. Jenna Rogers’ father was killed alongside Denton’s father. They were on a trip together in Cadiz when the murder took place. Denton flies to California to meet Jenna and her right hand man Carlos to figure out their next move.
Carlos and Mandy hook up. Jenna and Denton hook up. Relationships are formed. The four of them go on a very dangerous mission to uncover the truth. They learn that the two men were killed due to possible knowledge of something called the Olive Horseshoe. Flying to the Spanish Coast, Mandy and Carlos go undercover as tourists and sign up to go on the same tour the two men were on when they were killed. Denton and Jenna are close by, doing a bit of digging on their own with the help of Denton’s FBI friend Fred.
They think the tour buses used on the tour are also used to pick up and drop off large amounts of drugs along the way. Things get heated when more and more people get killed in connection with all of this, some of them being people Denton holds near and dear to his heart.
The only criticism I have is the romance bit of this story. Denton is with Mandy, they decide they don’t love each other and just have something casual. The rest of the story is of Mandy falling head over heels for Carlos and Denton doing the same for Jenna. Then the last few pages of the books it switches again; Mandy and Denton start to feel as though maybe they do love each other. Ben F. Small leaves it at that. I felt as though that part of the story was unnecessary. It took focus away from the important and relevant part of the story.
The rest of the story was filled with fantastic description, suspense, and action. I really enjoyed the beginning where you get to be there witnessing the two men’s death. I was so horrified by it that it is part of what fueled me to read the book; I wanted to find their killers right along with Denton and Jenna.
Ben F. Small has a great story he has created and should be very proud of himself. His writing is clear and his creativity is grand! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys suspense!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
THE SERPENT AND THE SCORPION-CLARE LANGLEY-HAWTHORNE
I don't have time to really say much, but my review that I did sums it up nicely. It was an interesting book. I really liked it, and think it is definitely worth reading!
Taking place in the early 1900’s, I found this mystery to be different than the last few that I have read. First of all, it took place in the past; that in itself made it a very unique and refreshing read. Second, not only was there a fantastic mystery that needed to be solved, but the romance between the main characters was very stirring. Usually I am one for a sizzling, red hot romance, but this, due to the time in which the story takes place, was very prim and proper, but at the same time extremely satisfying.
Ursula Marlow is a very talked about woman. She is the center of most gossip in fact. Whether it be because she refuses to marry Lord Wrotham until she is able to stand on her own two feet and successfully manage the business that was left to her when her father died, or because she is a suffragette who believes that women should be treated equally in a relationship, in business, and should be able to vote, there is definitely a lot to gossip about.
Ursula befriends a woman named Katya Vilensky while at a function. They meet up by chance a few weeks later in Egypt and spend some time together. While out doing some shopping, something goes horribly wrong and Katya winds up dead. Chalking it up to almost nothing, the officials appear to be doing nothing to try and find her killer. Ursula vows to find out who is behind this. She starts to uncover little clues along the way that help convince her that there is a bigger picture to this murder.
Word is sent from England that someone is found dead inside Ursula’s Oldham factory. This factory was a special project that she created; a place where single women could work and get back on their feet and learn skills. Fearing the worst, Ursula rushes back to London and finds that one of her young women who worked in the factory is found dead, and the factory burned down. Ursula is now more determined than ever to find the link between these two deceased women and to try and understand how she plays a part in all of this.
While all of this is going on, Ursula is trying to map out her feelings for Lord Wrotham. She knows she loves him and wants to be with him, but in order for his reputation to stay untarnished she needs to agree to marry him sooner rather than later. She has a stubborn streak that tells her she needs to wait it out and learn to be successful and self-sufficient so that people will respect her. Each time she sees Lord Wrotham she struggles with these feelings.
Clare Langley-Hawthorne has created a very well balanced, like able story. It is filled with the mystery her readers are seeking, romance, and an ending that will leave you puzzled and anxious to find out what happens next. Her writing is clear and concise and she paints a beautiful picture of what it was like in the early 1900’s in Egypt and England. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Taking place in the early 1900’s, I found this mystery to be different than the last few that I have read. First of all, it took place in the past; that in itself made it a very unique and refreshing read. Second, not only was there a fantastic mystery that needed to be solved, but the romance between the main characters was very stirring. Usually I am one for a sizzling, red hot romance, but this, due to the time in which the story takes place, was very prim and proper, but at the same time extremely satisfying.
Ursula Marlow is a very talked about woman. She is the center of most gossip in fact. Whether it be because she refuses to marry Lord Wrotham until she is able to stand on her own two feet and successfully manage the business that was left to her when her father died, or because she is a suffragette who believes that women should be treated equally in a relationship, in business, and should be able to vote, there is definitely a lot to gossip about.
Ursula befriends a woman named Katya Vilensky while at a function. They meet up by chance a few weeks later in Egypt and spend some time together. While out doing some shopping, something goes horribly wrong and Katya winds up dead. Chalking it up to almost nothing, the officials appear to be doing nothing to try and find her killer. Ursula vows to find out who is behind this. She starts to uncover little clues along the way that help convince her that there is a bigger picture to this murder.
Word is sent from England that someone is found dead inside Ursula’s Oldham factory. This factory was a special project that she created; a place where single women could work and get back on their feet and learn skills. Fearing the worst, Ursula rushes back to London and finds that one of her young women who worked in the factory is found dead, and the factory burned down. Ursula is now more determined than ever to find the link between these two deceased women and to try and understand how she plays a part in all of this.
While all of this is going on, Ursula is trying to map out her feelings for Lord Wrotham. She knows she loves him and wants to be with him, but in order for his reputation to stay untarnished she needs to agree to marry him sooner rather than later. She has a stubborn streak that tells her she needs to wait it out and learn to be successful and self-sufficient so that people will respect her. Each time she sees Lord Wrotham she struggles with these feelings.
Clare Langley-Hawthorne has created a very well balanced, like able story. It is filled with the mystery her readers are seeking, romance, and an ending that will leave you puzzled and anxious to find out what happens next. Her writing is clear and concise and she paints a beautiful picture of what it was like in the early 1900’s in Egypt and England. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Monday, March 2, 2009
UNSEEN-NANCY BUSH
okay, words can't describe this story. Okay they can, which is what I did below, but seriously this book is so freaking amazing. I'm going to wait a year, then read it again, and probably do this every year after that. It's one of the good ones peeps! trust me!
www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews!
Knowing that Nancy Bush is going a bit out of her element with this thriller story had me a bit skeptical at first. Within the first chapter, hell, the first page even, I knew this book was going to be a hit. I can say with complete confidence that Nancy Bush has found her niche. She has created such an amazing, thrilling story filled with horror, mystery, intrigue, and romance. My eyes were glued to this book. Not once did this story go dry or even slow down with the excitement.
Lucky, as she likes to call herself, has a knack for sensing when someone is bad. She spends her time following after and killing men who hurt people, or who have intentions on hurting people. Her main targets appear to be rapists, pedophiles and women beaters. Lucky is sly and quick and able to cover her tracks well, always using a different vehicle to follow these bad people.
Gemma LaPorte doesn’t remember what happened. She wakes up in a hospital bed with a nasty injury on the side of her face. Determining she’s been in an accident of some sort, Gemma realizes that the last memory she has if of three days ago. At around the same time of her accident, a man was mowed down with a vehicle in the parking lot of a soccer field where children were playing. After the accident it was discovered that this man was a pedophile that had tried to grab a little girl in his van. Gemma is considered a suspect, but she cannot remember anything that has happened.
At the same time these events are taking place, a man who calls himself Wolf is going around killing women who he considers to be witches. The cops have no idea who is committing these crimes and burning their bodies. While Wolf stalks and kills these women he obsesses over the thought that he is after one particular ‘witch’. All signs point to Gemma LaPorte, but the stories don’t connect until further into the book.
Nancy Bush has proven that she has an extraordinary talent for writing. All of these events are connected and the ending will blow her readers right out of the water! As you read this book you will think you have pegged what is going on, just to be shocked into realization that it is something else entirely. I would recommend and highly suggest readers who enjoy thrillers that are fast paced and unrelenting seek out this book. It will be worth every penny spent! Nancy Bush has found her true calling in writing about dark and scary things!
www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews!
Knowing that Nancy Bush is going a bit out of her element with this thriller story had me a bit skeptical at first. Within the first chapter, hell, the first page even, I knew this book was going to be a hit. I can say with complete confidence that Nancy Bush has found her niche. She has created such an amazing, thrilling story filled with horror, mystery, intrigue, and romance. My eyes were glued to this book. Not once did this story go dry or even slow down with the excitement.
Lucky, as she likes to call herself, has a knack for sensing when someone is bad. She spends her time following after and killing men who hurt people, or who have intentions on hurting people. Her main targets appear to be rapists, pedophiles and women beaters. Lucky is sly and quick and able to cover her tracks well, always using a different vehicle to follow these bad people.
Gemma LaPorte doesn’t remember what happened. She wakes up in a hospital bed with a nasty injury on the side of her face. Determining she’s been in an accident of some sort, Gemma realizes that the last memory she has if of three days ago. At around the same time of her accident, a man was mowed down with a vehicle in the parking lot of a soccer field where children were playing. After the accident it was discovered that this man was a pedophile that had tried to grab a little girl in his van. Gemma is considered a suspect, but she cannot remember anything that has happened.
At the same time these events are taking place, a man who calls himself Wolf is going around killing women who he considers to be witches. The cops have no idea who is committing these crimes and burning their bodies. While Wolf stalks and kills these women he obsesses over the thought that he is after one particular ‘witch’. All signs point to Gemma LaPorte, but the stories don’t connect until further into the book.
Nancy Bush has proven that she has an extraordinary talent for writing. All of these events are connected and the ending will blow her readers right out of the water! As you read this book you will think you have pegged what is going on, just to be shocked into realization that it is something else entirely. I would recommend and highly suggest readers who enjoy thrillers that are fast paced and unrelenting seek out this book. It will be worth every penny spent! Nancy Bush has found her true calling in writing about dark and scary things!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
APHRODISIAC-ALLYSON ROY
This was definitly one of those book that I could not put down. I have no complaints of this book, only that it ended. I was drawn in from page one and never lost interest. This shows that Allyson Roy has a gift! I look forward to hopefully reading more books in the future.
Below is my review. check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews
Saylor and Benita’s friend, Gwen Applebee, has committed suicide; or so the police think. Saylor, otherwise known as Dr. Oz, Sex Therapist, thinks Gwen was murdered. Reading Gwen’s supposed ‘suicide note’ leaves Saylor convinced that the letter is really a secret message intended for her and Benita to figure out and hopefully lead them to uncover her secret; a secret worth being murdered over.
Gwen was an extremely intelligent woman. She was working on deciphering an ancient tablet to get the exact ingredients to create a perfume that acts as an aphrodisiac to men. Realizing the power of this, Gwen kept the ingredients of her findings a secret. The same people who are claiming to have killed Gwen are now coming after Saylor, giving her seven days to find the ancient tablet. The pressure is on for her to give them what they want or she and her family will be in grave danger.
Saylor and Benita go on a wild goose chase to try and understand what it is that Gwen was trying to tell them in her note. When they find themselves threatened by her killers to not go to the cops they realize just how alone in all of this they really are. They both find themselves leaning on family and current crushes for help and support. They soon realize just how dangerous this perfume really is if given to the wrong
This story was amazingly entertaining. On top of this hair raising search for the truth, Allyson Roy also throws in a sizzling romance between Saylor and a boxer that she meets. Instead of focusing on just the murder/mystery plot, she allows her readers to enter into Saylor and Benita’s everyday lives. We experience the seminars and therapy sessions Saylor and her aunt hold, Benita’s ex-husband fighting to win her back, their flirtatious attitudes, and some romantic scenes with her newest romantic crush that will leave you breathless.
What I particularly liked about the way Allyson Roy wrote this story was the way she was able to gauge her detail. I felt that she gave just enough to keep us following along and visualizing all of the events, but did not go over board to cause the reader any boredom. I think this is a vital piece in a book that can make or break the story. Allyson Roy has really perfected this!
Allyson Roy has done a wonderful job at allowing her readers to connect to her characters. She makes them extremely likeable and relatable. I would recommend this to any hip, modern adult who likes thrilling rides, hot men, and women who know how to hold their own!
Below is my review. check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews
Saylor and Benita’s friend, Gwen Applebee, has committed suicide; or so the police think. Saylor, otherwise known as Dr. Oz, Sex Therapist, thinks Gwen was murdered. Reading Gwen’s supposed ‘suicide note’ leaves Saylor convinced that the letter is really a secret message intended for her and Benita to figure out and hopefully lead them to uncover her secret; a secret worth being murdered over.
Gwen was an extremely intelligent woman. She was working on deciphering an ancient tablet to get the exact ingredients to create a perfume that acts as an aphrodisiac to men. Realizing the power of this, Gwen kept the ingredients of her findings a secret. The same people who are claiming to have killed Gwen are now coming after Saylor, giving her seven days to find the ancient tablet. The pressure is on for her to give them what they want or she and her family will be in grave danger.
Saylor and Benita go on a wild goose chase to try and understand what it is that Gwen was trying to tell them in her note. When they find themselves threatened by her killers to not go to the cops they realize just how alone in all of this they really are. They both find themselves leaning on family and current crushes for help and support. They soon realize just how dangerous this perfume really is if given to the wrong
This story was amazingly entertaining. On top of this hair raising search for the truth, Allyson Roy also throws in a sizzling romance between Saylor and a boxer that she meets. Instead of focusing on just the murder/mystery plot, she allows her readers to enter into Saylor and Benita’s everyday lives. We experience the seminars and therapy sessions Saylor and her aunt hold, Benita’s ex-husband fighting to win her back, their flirtatious attitudes, and some romantic scenes with her newest romantic crush that will leave you breathless.
What I particularly liked about the way Allyson Roy wrote this story was the way she was able to gauge her detail. I felt that she gave just enough to keep us following along and visualizing all of the events, but did not go over board to cause the reader any boredom. I think this is a vital piece in a book that can make or break the story. Allyson Roy has really perfected this!
Allyson Roy has done a wonderful job at allowing her readers to connect to her characters. She makes them extremely likeable and relatable. I would recommend this to any hip, modern adult who likes thrilling rides, hot men, and women who know how to hold their own!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
WITCH'S PAWN-TONI LOTEMPIO
I read this book and another book by Toni LoTempio and loved both of them. The other one I read was a romance called "Nom de Plume". I think that she does a consistently wonderful job and is a very talented woman.
Charity Jordan is a woman with quite the past. She is the head writer for a soap opera and going about her life in a normal fashion. When her soap opera takes a gothic twist, she finds herself back in her home town of Bender’s Crook to film. Trying hard to forget her past, Charity is forced to remember the day that her sister died, falling off of a cliff, while Charity lay unconscious.
Using the old Manor House as the place to film their soap opera, Charity and her cast explore the house only to find a big portrait of a woman named Estelle dela Bordeaux, a witch who was burned at the stake 300 years ago. Freaked out that she looks exactly like her, Charity starts to have odd flash backs and to hear voices. She starts to have visions of the night that Estelle was burned alive and the promise for vengeance on all who helped kill her.
As the days wear on, strange things start to happen to Charity and her cast. She feels as though Estelle is trying to take over her soul to complete her vengeance on the descendants of those involved in her death 300 years ago. Slowly but steadily cast members start to disappear and some even show up dead. Who is it that is killing them? Has Estelle really come back after all this time to seek her revenge?
I found this story to be both wonderful and frustrating. I really liked the plot line. I enjoyed the depth of the story and the twists and turns that were involved. I think that Toni LoTempio did a marvelous job at using her creativity to create a wonderful story unlike no other.
What I found a bit frustrating was the fact that I felt unable to get close to any of the characters. At first I would get close to one, thinking they were intended to be one of the main characters, and then they would die. So I would then proceed to get close to another character, thinking maybe they were the underdog and would last throughout the story; then they would die. I kept doing this until I realized there was almost no one left. I think that the story would have had greater impact on its readers if one of the characters could have stuck around so that we could really get to know them; instead new characters kept being introduced. The only character I can think of that stayed the same throughout was the police chief, but he was not a likable character because he doubted everything going on the entire time, so I felt he was not very important.
Other than that one small glitch I got caught up on, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and really liking the ending. I think that Toni LoTempio has set it up so that she can continue with this plot line and create at least one other book with it. I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good super natural thriller. I would not recommend this to horror story lovers who like the blood and gore because although characters died in very creepy, creative ways, the details of the blood and gore were amiss.
check out more reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
Charity Jordan is a woman with quite the past. She is the head writer for a soap opera and going about her life in a normal fashion. When her soap opera takes a gothic twist, she finds herself back in her home town of Bender’s Crook to film. Trying hard to forget her past, Charity is forced to remember the day that her sister died, falling off of a cliff, while Charity lay unconscious.
Using the old Manor House as the place to film their soap opera, Charity and her cast explore the house only to find a big portrait of a woman named Estelle dela Bordeaux, a witch who was burned at the stake 300 years ago. Freaked out that she looks exactly like her, Charity starts to have odd flash backs and to hear voices. She starts to have visions of the night that Estelle was burned alive and the promise for vengeance on all who helped kill her.
As the days wear on, strange things start to happen to Charity and her cast. She feels as though Estelle is trying to take over her soul to complete her vengeance on the descendants of those involved in her death 300 years ago. Slowly but steadily cast members start to disappear and some even show up dead. Who is it that is killing them? Has Estelle really come back after all this time to seek her revenge?
I found this story to be both wonderful and frustrating. I really liked the plot line. I enjoyed the depth of the story and the twists and turns that were involved. I think that Toni LoTempio did a marvelous job at using her creativity to create a wonderful story unlike no other.
What I found a bit frustrating was the fact that I felt unable to get close to any of the characters. At first I would get close to one, thinking they were intended to be one of the main characters, and then they would die. So I would then proceed to get close to another character, thinking maybe they were the underdog and would last throughout the story; then they would die. I kept doing this until I realized there was almost no one left. I think that the story would have had greater impact on its readers if one of the characters could have stuck around so that we could really get to know them; instead new characters kept being introduced. The only character I can think of that stayed the same throughout was the police chief, but he was not a likable character because he doubted everything going on the entire time, so I felt he was not very important.
Other than that one small glitch I got caught up on, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and really liking the ending. I think that Toni LoTempio has set it up so that she can continue with this plot line and create at least one other book with it. I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good super natural thriller. I would not recommend this to horror story lovers who like the blood and gore because although characters died in very creepy, creative ways, the details of the blood and gore were amiss.
check out more reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
THE ODYSSEY AND THE IDIOT-KEITH J. PRICE
Hmmm how to describe this book. Well, I will say that the content of this book snuck up on me. I was totally expecting one thing, and got quite another. I honestly thought I wouldn't get much out of this book, but I was wrong. This book was deep man. Really freakin' deep. It totally made me re-think my life, and what I'm living for. It helped open my eyes to the positive things around me. It made me laugh. It made me want to be a better person. All of that in such a short story about a dad and a random road trip with his two kids. I am impressed. Keith J. Price, if you are reading this...you rock man. Mad props to you! :-)
Below is my review. Check out more great reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
Before deciding if I wanted to even read this story, I thought to myself a bit skeptically ‘okay, this guy wrote about a road trip with his two kids…cute…but honestly, who cares?! ‘ This story wasn’t going to be a wild fictional tale that kept me on the edge of my seat, but rather a road trip about a family I don’t even know. Hmm….
I decided to take the plunge, (after all, the story is only 120 pages, so it won’t take much time out of my life if I end up not liking it), and boy am I glad I did! This story was not meant for you to become close to his kids or follow along where they went specifically. This was something bigger! Keith J. Price shares with his readers his life; his flaws, his experiences, his reason for living. He teaches us that there is so much good in life and that you can get all that good without even leaving your home. He allows us to experience a road trip that he takes with his two young children while he sorts out parts of his life. This trip helps him to process a bad incident at work, and to remind himself how much he is loved by his family and how lucky he is. He also allows us to take a trip down memory lane and experience certain events taking place in his life that were landmarks for him.
What really kept me turning the pages was Keith J. Prices’ humor and utter honesty. He tells it like it is. He talks about his kids bugging the crap out of him, snobby waiters, his views on god, his hatred of Nazis; all of which was done in a way that kept the reader grinning and letting out an occasional snort of laughter.
I came out of reading this book not feeling like this guy was better than me, or that he is luckier than me. I came out feeling reminded of just how lucky I am and how wonderful my life really is. Keith J. Price has written a terrific book that I would recommend to everyone. There are so many different things to take away with you that you will find in these 120+ pages. This is a book I will refer to again and again!
Below is my review. Check out more great reviews at www.frontstreetreviews.com
Before deciding if I wanted to even read this story, I thought to myself a bit skeptically ‘okay, this guy wrote about a road trip with his two kids…cute…but honestly, who cares?! ‘ This story wasn’t going to be a wild fictional tale that kept me on the edge of my seat, but rather a road trip about a family I don’t even know. Hmm….
I decided to take the plunge, (after all, the story is only 120 pages, so it won’t take much time out of my life if I end up not liking it), and boy am I glad I did! This story was not meant for you to become close to his kids or follow along where they went specifically. This was something bigger! Keith J. Price shares with his readers his life; his flaws, his experiences, his reason for living. He teaches us that there is so much good in life and that you can get all that good without even leaving your home. He allows us to experience a road trip that he takes with his two young children while he sorts out parts of his life. This trip helps him to process a bad incident at work, and to remind himself how much he is loved by his family and how lucky he is. He also allows us to take a trip down memory lane and experience certain events taking place in his life that were landmarks for him.
What really kept me turning the pages was Keith J. Prices’ humor and utter honesty. He tells it like it is. He talks about his kids bugging the crap out of him, snobby waiters, his views on god, his hatred of Nazis; all of which was done in a way that kept the reader grinning and letting out an occasional snort of laughter.
I came out of reading this book not feeling like this guy was better than me, or that he is luckier than me. I came out feeling reminded of just how lucky I am and how wonderful my life really is. Keith J. Price has written a terrific book that I would recommend to everyone. There are so many different things to take away with you that you will find in these 120+ pages. This is a book I will refer to again and again!
Monday, February 2, 2009
THE SCENT OF ORANGES-JOAN ZAWATZKY
Below is my review for this amazing book. I won't say more because I would just be repeating what I already wrote below....but I think after reading my review that you will believe me when I say that this is a must read, and a must own! I am proud to have it on my book shelf!!!! :-)
As I turned the last few pages of this story I felt as though I was coming out of a sort of trance. I would wake up in the morning and immediately open the book and continue reading as well as read late into the night. This story was so amazing that I never wanted to put it down; hence the trance-like feeling I got.
Linda, the youngest of three siblings, has made the trip back to her family farm in South Africa all the way from Australia. Her father recently passed away so she makes her way back home to attend his funeral and to reconnect with her brothers. Reading a letter that her father wrote to her a few months before he died, she is asked to look into her very difficult past and right a wrong.
When her brother, Hannes, was fourteen years old he was brutally murdered. Wanting to place the blame on someone as soon as possible, three dunk black men are convicted and sent to jail. The letter states that they were forced to sign their names, admitting that they were guilty. Linda dives head first into this self investigation. She interviews people who worked for her father back at the time of the murder and also old law enforcement. Linda starts to uncover some ugly truths, one of which points her eldest brother, Connie, as her prime suspect. As she delves deeper into this, she finds her memory of the time around the murder slowly coming back to her in bits and pieces.
Linda finds herself threatened and even attacked by unknown people, trying to throw her off course and warn her to let sleeping dogs lie. With the help of some family and friends, and her acute ability to connect with the dead spirits, Linda uncovers the mystery so that her father and brother can rest in peace.
I was absolutely awestruck by the description of the farm. I felt as though I could smell the flowers and oranges and feel the cool breeze on the back of my neck as I read this. Joan Zawatzky has created characters that amaze, inspire, infuriate, and disgust her readers. I could feel the strong determination in Linda, even when she kept hitting dead ends and had her life threatened.
The elegance of Joan Zawatzky’s writing is a big part of what made this story so memorable and delightful. Her words flowed right though me and led me into a story so full of life, nature, and relationships, I never wanted it to end. This is a book I will proudly display on my shelf and read again and again. Anyone who has an appreciation for a good, solid read will enjoy this. Simply amazing!
As I turned the last few pages of this story I felt as though I was coming out of a sort of trance. I would wake up in the morning and immediately open the book and continue reading as well as read late into the night. This story was so amazing that I never wanted to put it down; hence the trance-like feeling I got.
Linda, the youngest of three siblings, has made the trip back to her family farm in South Africa all the way from Australia. Her father recently passed away so she makes her way back home to attend his funeral and to reconnect with her brothers. Reading a letter that her father wrote to her a few months before he died, she is asked to look into her very difficult past and right a wrong.
When her brother, Hannes, was fourteen years old he was brutally murdered. Wanting to place the blame on someone as soon as possible, three dunk black men are convicted and sent to jail. The letter states that they were forced to sign their names, admitting that they were guilty. Linda dives head first into this self investigation. She interviews people who worked for her father back at the time of the murder and also old law enforcement. Linda starts to uncover some ugly truths, one of which points her eldest brother, Connie, as her prime suspect. As she delves deeper into this, she finds her memory of the time around the murder slowly coming back to her in bits and pieces.
Linda finds herself threatened and even attacked by unknown people, trying to throw her off course and warn her to let sleeping dogs lie. With the help of some family and friends, and her acute ability to connect with the dead spirits, Linda uncovers the mystery so that her father and brother can rest in peace.
I was absolutely awestruck by the description of the farm. I felt as though I could smell the flowers and oranges and feel the cool breeze on the back of my neck as I read this. Joan Zawatzky has created characters that amaze, inspire, infuriate, and disgust her readers. I could feel the strong determination in Linda, even when she kept hitting dead ends and had her life threatened.
The elegance of Joan Zawatzky’s writing is a big part of what made this story so memorable and delightful. Her words flowed right though me and led me into a story so full of life, nature, and relationships, I never wanted it to end. This is a book I will proudly display on my shelf and read again and again. Anyone who has an appreciation for a good, solid read will enjoy this. Simply amazing!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
DOWN TO A SUNLESS SEA-MATHIAS B. FREESE
Below is a book that is a bit different than any I have ever reviewed. It is a book of short stories. I usually avoid those at all costs, but as you will read in my review I am very pleased that I took a chance with this one. Mathias B. Freese has done a wonderful job putting together a compilation of these short stories. Below is my review!
Not being a big fan of short stories, I looked into this book before agreeing to read it. Realizing that Mathias B. Freese has worked in the mental health field for many years sparked my interest. Also working in the mental health field, I was intrigued enough to agree to read these stories when I found that Mathias B. Freese focused his stories on deviant and damaged people. This was right up my alley!
I got through these stories in one short afternoon and found I enjoyed most of them very much; One of my favorites being Echo. From the way I interpreted this short story, Jonathan is a man who has been making friends and connections with people his whole life. He enjoys these feelings of friendships, but at the same time stays somewhat aloof from making a deep connection. Realizing his pattern of making friends just to later break up the friendships and be alone again, he explains all of this to a current friend of his just before breaking it off with him. Soon after he ends this friendship, he also breaks off his relationship with his wife.
Jon is unable to think about and understand the hurt that he is causing to these people. Instead, he focuses on the strange feelings of fulfillment and release he gets when abandoning these relationships. This is a terrible way to live and shows how damaged Jon really is. This is a harsh reality that he will probably live with for the rest of his life.
Mathias B. Freese writes very clear and concise, not adding any unnecessary details to his stories. He is a powerful writer who kept me entertained throughout all of his stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short stories, but more importantly, to those who enjoy the darker side of humanity. It is like stepping into a therapy session where nothing is off limits to talk about and you learn all of the deep, dark secrets of these troubled individuals. You can’t talk back and offer solutions, but it really jump starts your mind and gives you a lot to think about!
Not being a big fan of short stories, I looked into this book before agreeing to read it. Realizing that Mathias B. Freese has worked in the mental health field for many years sparked my interest. Also working in the mental health field, I was intrigued enough to agree to read these stories when I found that Mathias B. Freese focused his stories on deviant and damaged people. This was right up my alley!
I got through these stories in one short afternoon and found I enjoyed most of them very much; One of my favorites being Echo. From the way I interpreted this short story, Jonathan is a man who has been making friends and connections with people his whole life. He enjoys these feelings of friendships, but at the same time stays somewhat aloof from making a deep connection. Realizing his pattern of making friends just to later break up the friendships and be alone again, he explains all of this to a current friend of his just before breaking it off with him. Soon after he ends this friendship, he also breaks off his relationship with his wife.
Jon is unable to think about and understand the hurt that he is causing to these people. Instead, he focuses on the strange feelings of fulfillment and release he gets when abandoning these relationships. This is a terrible way to live and shows how damaged Jon really is. This is a harsh reality that he will probably live with for the rest of his life.
Mathias B. Freese writes very clear and concise, not adding any unnecessary details to his stories. He is a powerful writer who kept me entertained throughout all of his stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short stories, but more importantly, to those who enjoy the darker side of humanity. It is like stepping into a therapy session where nothing is off limits to talk about and you learn all of the deep, dark secrets of these troubled individuals. You can’t talk back and offer solutions, but it really jump starts your mind and gives you a lot to think about!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE-MARTHA POWERS
An excellent read! Below is my review!
Martha Powers does an amazing job creating a story that is filled with adventure, mystery, and romance. This multi-layered book kept my attention the whole way through; I never wanted to put it down.
Clare thought she had a normal life. She had a job, was engaged, and thought she knew who she was. When her mother Rose dies of cancer, she is sent into a tailspin. Assuming she already knows she’s adopted, Clare’s doctor tells her that she may want to seek out the medical history of her real parents to see if breast cancer runs in her family. Totally shocked about hearing that her whole life was a lie, Clare calls off her wedding to go in search of her real parents.
Her search takes her to Grand Rapids, Minnesota where she desperately searches for clues from her past. As her search progresses she sets up a meeting with a man named Nate. To help cover why she is really in Grand Rapids she has decided to interview Nate about a book he has written for her job. Feeling a connection with him, she divulges into her story and is grateful when he decides that he wants to help her search for her parents.
As time goes on, Clare starts to have flashbacks of her mother and father and what happened one horrific night when she was four years old. As the flashbacks get worse, Clare realizes she is getting closer and closer to the truth about her identity and what really transpired that awful night years ago that tore her away from her parents. If that isn’t enough, the truth starts to leak out about why Clare is in Grand Rapids. Someone starts to send her threatening notes; they slash her tires, and even try to kill her. Confused as to why someone would want to hurt her, Clare becomes more determined than ever to break the conspiracy of silence that the town seems to have.
This story has amazing depth. Not only is Clare on a search to find out who she really is, but the hair raising action takes your breath away and the attraction between Clare and Nate is undeniable. Martha Powers fills her story with twists and turns that make the reader want to keep reading until the end.
The clarity of Martha Powers’ writing is also worth noting. Nothing was confusing, the use of description was just right, and the characters were fun loving and oh-so real. I would recommend this book to any reader out there who enjoys a good book filled with action, mystery and a budding romance.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Martha Powers does an amazing job creating a story that is filled with adventure, mystery, and romance. This multi-layered book kept my attention the whole way through; I never wanted to put it down.
Clare thought she had a normal life. She had a job, was engaged, and thought she knew who she was. When her mother Rose dies of cancer, she is sent into a tailspin. Assuming she already knows she’s adopted, Clare’s doctor tells her that she may want to seek out the medical history of her real parents to see if breast cancer runs in her family. Totally shocked about hearing that her whole life was a lie, Clare calls off her wedding to go in search of her real parents.
Her search takes her to Grand Rapids, Minnesota where she desperately searches for clues from her past. As her search progresses she sets up a meeting with a man named Nate. To help cover why she is really in Grand Rapids she has decided to interview Nate about a book he has written for her job. Feeling a connection with him, she divulges into her story and is grateful when he decides that he wants to help her search for her parents.
As time goes on, Clare starts to have flashbacks of her mother and father and what happened one horrific night when she was four years old. As the flashbacks get worse, Clare realizes she is getting closer and closer to the truth about her identity and what really transpired that awful night years ago that tore her away from her parents. If that isn’t enough, the truth starts to leak out about why Clare is in Grand Rapids. Someone starts to send her threatening notes; they slash her tires, and even try to kill her. Confused as to why someone would want to hurt her, Clare becomes more determined than ever to break the conspiracy of silence that the town seems to have.
This story has amazing depth. Not only is Clare on a search to find out who she really is, but the hair raising action takes your breath away and the attraction between Clare and Nate is undeniable. Martha Powers fills her story with twists and turns that make the reader want to keep reading until the end.
The clarity of Martha Powers’ writing is also worth noting. Nothing was confusing, the use of description was just right, and the characters were fun loving and oh-so real. I would recommend this book to any reader out there who enjoys a good book filled with action, mystery and a budding romance.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
LITTLE NELL-BARRI BRYAN
Below is my review of 'Little Nell'. It was an excellent quick read that left me satisfied.
True to its title, this story is all about Little Nell. As a young child she is an orphan that is sent on a train to be basically auctioned off to the highest bidder. Having quite a temper and a very un-lady like mouth, there are not many takers; until John comes along that is.
John’s family is falling apart right before his eyes. His dear, loving wife is slipping further into madness with each passing day due to the fact that their three year old daughter Nell has died. Deciding that he must do something about it to save his family he takes his two sons, David and Richard with him to meet the orphan train to try and find a replacement daughter. They find this spitfire with the same blue eyes and red hair and change her name to Nell. John’s wife is just unstable enough to believe that her daughter has come back to her.
Years later John has died and once again Sarah is mentally unstable. David, Richard and Nell are now grown adults. Thinking that John and Sarah are her biological parents, Nell is confused. She has been experiencing feelings of an un-sisterly like kind towards her brother Richard for quite some time. She is pretty sure he feels it too, seeing the way that he looks at her and the kisses he steals. Nell is mad at herself, and feels worse when her brother David catches on to the two of them, reminding them how incest is a sin. With Nell being the only member of the family who doesn’t know this well kept secret, she continues to struggle with her feelings. Things get even stickier when outsiders find out about their attraction to each other and try to butt in. Will Nell and Richard ever get to be together and be happy? Will Nell ever find out the truth about her upbringing?
Barri Bryan does a great job writing this story. It is quick, to the point, and the reader is dragged into the drama from page one. Your heart can’t help but go out to Nell, who has so many feelings coursing through her; confusion, shame, and excitement. Barri Bryan does an excellent job of making her characters very real like with very real emotions that the reader can relate to.
I read this book in one sitting because I could not find a pause in the story that felt appropriate to walk away from. This is a great story for a rainy or snowy day when you are cooped up in your home looking for something to entertain and keep you occupied for hours. Her writing is clear and concise, and her characters are loveable and not easily forgotten.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
True to its title, this story is all about Little Nell. As a young child she is an orphan that is sent on a train to be basically auctioned off to the highest bidder. Having quite a temper and a very un-lady like mouth, there are not many takers; until John comes along that is.
John’s family is falling apart right before his eyes. His dear, loving wife is slipping further into madness with each passing day due to the fact that their three year old daughter Nell has died. Deciding that he must do something about it to save his family he takes his two sons, David and Richard with him to meet the orphan train to try and find a replacement daughter. They find this spitfire with the same blue eyes and red hair and change her name to Nell. John’s wife is just unstable enough to believe that her daughter has come back to her.
Years later John has died and once again Sarah is mentally unstable. David, Richard and Nell are now grown adults. Thinking that John and Sarah are her biological parents, Nell is confused. She has been experiencing feelings of an un-sisterly like kind towards her brother Richard for quite some time. She is pretty sure he feels it too, seeing the way that he looks at her and the kisses he steals. Nell is mad at herself, and feels worse when her brother David catches on to the two of them, reminding them how incest is a sin. With Nell being the only member of the family who doesn’t know this well kept secret, she continues to struggle with her feelings. Things get even stickier when outsiders find out about their attraction to each other and try to butt in. Will Nell and Richard ever get to be together and be happy? Will Nell ever find out the truth about her upbringing?
Barri Bryan does a great job writing this story. It is quick, to the point, and the reader is dragged into the drama from page one. Your heart can’t help but go out to Nell, who has so many feelings coursing through her; confusion, shame, and excitement. Barri Bryan does an excellent job of making her characters very real like with very real emotions that the reader can relate to.
I read this book in one sitting because I could not find a pause in the story that felt appropriate to walk away from. This is a great story for a rainy or snowy day when you are cooped up in your home looking for something to entertain and keep you occupied for hours. Her writing is clear and concise, and her characters are loveable and not easily forgotten.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
YOUR EVERY DESIRE-MARY EASON
I think my review says it all, but to reiterate the fact....DAMN this was a book filled with chemistry and passion. Aaron and Kylie have it bad for each other!!!! I'm surprised they were ever able to leave the bed room... Not only is this story sizzling on the romantic side of things, but it is also very well written. So many romance books that I have read are just filled with mediocre writing and good sex scenes. This book had both! I also loved the fact that Kylie owned her own business and was struggling to make more of it throughout the book. It made me like her character so much more!
Here is my review! Enjoy :-)
Mary Eason has done a wonderful job creating a very juicy, sexy story. This fast paced, rather short romance book got right down to the romance. No other details or story plots got in the way of Aaron and Kylie’s sizzling passion for each other.
Kylie has known Aaron for awhile. In fact, she was the one responsible for hooking him up with her friend, and house mate Mariah. Kylie has a little secret though; she has the hots for Aaron, and bad. She is good at lying to herself and stuffing her feelings down deep inside and settles for just being his friend. When Aaron decides to break it off with Mariah because of his upcoming job promotion which leads to him leaving the state, Kylie is shocked. She thought for sure Mariah was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with; and who wouldn’t? She’s gorgeous!
Truth be told, Aaron has been trying to break up with Mariah for a while. He does not love her, and hasn’t even slept with her. What he has had are the hots for Kylie since the day he met her. After trying for days to locate Mariah to tell her he wants to end their relationship, he goes to Kylie for help. Knowing she is lying by the look in her eyes, Aaron gets the feeling that Mariah has been cheating on him. Feeling as though their relationship has basically already ended, Aaron takes Kylie in his arms and shows her just how much he has been pining for her.
Both Aaron and Kylie make a lot of assumptions about each other and keep their feelings locked inside because they are afraid of rejection. Due to their lack of communication, they are way off base with each other when it comes to having an actual relationship. The one thing that is right on target though is their passionate lovemaking. They can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other. Aaron’s big move out of state and Kylies growing business is muddling things up for them. Will their romance fizzle and die? Or will Kylie and Aaron find a way to make it work and become honest with each other? <>Mary Eason makes it clear to hear readers that she means business when it comes to the topic of romance. She knows how to get to the readers’ heart and how to turn the heat up a notch. I think a lot of books benefit from detail in the story, but Mary Eason seems to be able to do just fine without an excessive amount of it. What she does pay attention to is what Aaron and Kylie notice about each other; Aaron can’t seem to get enough of Kylie’s eyes, especially the way they change color when they make love, and Kylie can’t get enough of Aaron’s perfect looks. These are the types of details in a romance book that make it so the readers can really get inside the characters’ heads and enjoy the story that much more. I would recommend this story to any romance lover out there. It is a quick read that can be finished in one sitting and will not leave you disappointed!
For more great reviews check out www.frontstreetreviews.com
Here is my review! Enjoy :-)
Mary Eason has done a wonderful job creating a very juicy, sexy story. This fast paced, rather short romance book got right down to the romance. No other details or story plots got in the way of Aaron and Kylie’s sizzling passion for each other.
Kylie has known Aaron for awhile. In fact, she was the one responsible for hooking him up with her friend, and house mate Mariah. Kylie has a little secret though; she has the hots for Aaron, and bad. She is good at lying to herself and stuffing her feelings down deep inside and settles for just being his friend. When Aaron decides to break it off with Mariah because of his upcoming job promotion which leads to him leaving the state, Kylie is shocked. She thought for sure Mariah was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with; and who wouldn’t? She’s gorgeous!
Truth be told, Aaron has been trying to break up with Mariah for a while. He does not love her, and hasn’t even slept with her. What he has had are the hots for Kylie since the day he met her. After trying for days to locate Mariah to tell her he wants to end their relationship, he goes to Kylie for help. Knowing she is lying by the look in her eyes, Aaron gets the feeling that Mariah has been cheating on him. Feeling as though their relationship has basically already ended, Aaron takes Kylie in his arms and shows her just how much he has been pining for her.
Both Aaron and Kylie make a lot of assumptions about each other and keep their feelings locked inside because they are afraid of rejection. Due to their lack of communication, they are way off base with each other when it comes to having an actual relationship. The one thing that is right on target though is their passionate lovemaking. They can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other. Aaron’s big move out of state and Kylies growing business is muddling things up for them. Will their romance fizzle and die? Or will Kylie and Aaron find a way to make it work and become honest with each other? <>Mary Eason makes it clear to hear readers that she means business when it comes to the topic of romance. She knows how to get to the readers’ heart and how to turn the heat up a notch. I think a lot of books benefit from detail in the story, but Mary Eason seems to be able to do just fine without an excessive amount of it. What she does pay attention to is what Aaron and Kylie notice about each other; Aaron can’t seem to get enough of Kylie’s eyes, especially the way they change color when they make love, and Kylie can’t get enough of Aaron’s perfect looks. These are the types of details in a romance book that make it so the readers can really get inside the characters’ heads and enjoy the story that much more. I would recommend this story to any romance lover out there. It is a quick read that can be finished in one sitting and will not leave you disappointed!
For more great reviews check out www.frontstreetreviews.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
THE LONG ROAD HOME-LAUREN N. SHARMAN
I think what caught my interest the most about his book was that the story line was unlike anything I have ever read before. Although there was a bit of romance in the story, the main focus was reuniting a girl with her long lost family; her brothers to be exact.
I found myself in love with the characters, and rooting for everything to work out. It really touched my heart. It was nice to read about a family that was so troubled, and went through so much, and in the end for everything to work out.
Below is my review I did. for more of my reviews and others, go to www.frontstreetreviews.com
Being the final book in the McCassey series did not confuse me at all when I decided to read this book first. I am not entirely sure what the other books in the series were about, but I feel that I did not need to read them ahead of time in order to completely enjoy this book. Lauren Sharman did an excellent job with her characters and told an amazing story.
Georgia McCassey has lived a hard life. At the age of nineteen she has endured more than most have in their entire lives. She was taken away from her mother at the age of fifteen by her abusive father as revenge against her mother. Dolan McCassey raped his daughter, got her hooked on drugs, and whored her out for money. Finally seeing her chance, Georgia leaves his apartment in search of her three older brothers that she has heard so much about, but never actually met
Georgia does not intend on actually meeting them because she feels the things she has done in her past would make them ashamed of her, so she decides to just get a good look at them so she can put a face to their names. The situation changes when they catch her looking at them while they work at their garage. Georgia suddenly finds herself immersed in their world; some of it good, some of it scary. She must fight her demons inside herself and decide if she will be able to believe that she is actually good enough to be around her new family and change her life around for the better.
Lauren Sharman creates a world of wonderfully believable characters. They are rough around the edges, far from perfect, but every bit as lovable. She is able to show her readers just what family is all about; watching each other’s backs and making sacrifices in the name of love. I did not have a favorite character because I loved them all. I was able to finish this book in one sitting because there seemed to be no part in the story that I was willing to walk away from and take a break.
Lauren Sharman also seems to have a knack for clarity in her words. I never once was confused. Her story was very straight forward, moved at a steady rhythm and never once got boring. These are the kinds of stories that I love to read; the organization and planning of this story is apparent on every page. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read and who has time to tuck in and read it start to finish.
I found myself in love with the characters, and rooting for everything to work out. It really touched my heart. It was nice to read about a family that was so troubled, and went through so much, and in the end for everything to work out.
Below is my review I did. for more of my reviews and others, go to www.frontstreetreviews.com
Being the final book in the McCassey series did not confuse me at all when I decided to read this book first. I am not entirely sure what the other books in the series were about, but I feel that I did not need to read them ahead of time in order to completely enjoy this book. Lauren Sharman did an excellent job with her characters and told an amazing story.
Georgia McCassey has lived a hard life. At the age of nineteen she has endured more than most have in their entire lives. She was taken away from her mother at the age of fifteen by her abusive father as revenge against her mother. Dolan McCassey raped his daughter, got her hooked on drugs, and whored her out for money. Finally seeing her chance, Georgia leaves his apartment in search of her three older brothers that she has heard so much about, but never actually met
Georgia does not intend on actually meeting them because she feels the things she has done in her past would make them ashamed of her, so she decides to just get a good look at them so she can put a face to their names. The situation changes when they catch her looking at them while they work at their garage. Georgia suddenly finds herself immersed in their world; some of it good, some of it scary. She must fight her demons inside herself and decide if she will be able to believe that she is actually good enough to be around her new family and change her life around for the better.
Lauren Sharman creates a world of wonderfully believable characters. They are rough around the edges, far from perfect, but every bit as lovable. She is able to show her readers just what family is all about; watching each other’s backs and making sacrifices in the name of love. I did not have a favorite character because I loved them all. I was able to finish this book in one sitting because there seemed to be no part in the story that I was willing to walk away from and take a break.
Lauren Sharman also seems to have a knack for clarity in her words. I never once was confused. Her story was very straight forward, moved at a steady rhythm and never once got boring. These are the kinds of stories that I love to read; the organization and planning of this story is apparent on every page. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read and who has time to tuck in and read it start to finish.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
3 ACES-RICHARD IDE
I don't have much to discuss when it comes to this story. I think my review will spell it all out. I do want to stress that i give the author a lot of credit for writing this book. The amount of detail he uses in this story is unbelievable. In fact, I haven't seen this much detail in a book more than a few times in my reading ventures. As stated in my review, I think the detail hurt this story a bit, but it may feel like the opposite for people who don't mind a lot of detail.
This story took me about three weeks to get through. Although this was a very well written story, I do feel that the detail was a bit much. I think it could have been just as powerful a story without all of the detail.
Abner Weaver is a Vietnam War vet who makes his living driving trucks and delivering goods. He picks up a woman named Dawn at a stop who says she is in a tight spot and needs to get away. Charmed by her looks, he takes her as his passenger, under the assumption that she will be getting off in a nearby town and that will be the end of that. What ends up happening instead is that she sticks with Abner and together they make a pretty good trucking team.
Abner learns more and more about Dawn’s past; how she is trying to win custody back of her daughter, how her father used to be a gambling addict, etc. Dawn also learns a bit about Abner’s past; that he was in the war, has PTSD from what he endured, and that he will not tolerate any of her drinking. The two acquire a dog, and that completes their team. An issue involving Dawn and the game of cards erupts and their team breaks up.
This story does not have twists and turns and does not leave you hanging on the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen next. What the story does have are some great characters that you learn to love and a whole lot of information. I honestly think that after reading this I could successfully go out and drive a big rig and I think I could honestly go and gamble successfully at cards. I made myself push through and read until the end, but I think some would throw in the towel because of all of the detail.
For those folks out there that really enjoy books that delve into the story in great lengths, then this is the book for you. If you are a truck driver, a card player, or interested in Vietnam, then this is also a good story to read because there are a lot of interesting things about all three of these categories. All in all I would say this was a good read, but it does take some stamina to push through until the end.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
This story took me about three weeks to get through. Although this was a very well written story, I do feel that the detail was a bit much. I think it could have been just as powerful a story without all of the detail.
Abner Weaver is a Vietnam War vet who makes his living driving trucks and delivering goods. He picks up a woman named Dawn at a stop who says she is in a tight spot and needs to get away. Charmed by her looks, he takes her as his passenger, under the assumption that she will be getting off in a nearby town and that will be the end of that. What ends up happening instead is that she sticks with Abner and together they make a pretty good trucking team.
Abner learns more and more about Dawn’s past; how she is trying to win custody back of her daughter, how her father used to be a gambling addict, etc. Dawn also learns a bit about Abner’s past; that he was in the war, has PTSD from what he endured, and that he will not tolerate any of her drinking. The two acquire a dog, and that completes their team. An issue involving Dawn and the game of cards erupts and their team breaks up.
This story does not have twists and turns and does not leave you hanging on the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen next. What the story does have are some great characters that you learn to love and a whole lot of information. I honestly think that after reading this I could successfully go out and drive a big rig and I think I could honestly go and gamble successfully at cards. I made myself push through and read until the end, but I think some would throw in the towel because of all of the detail.
For those folks out there that really enjoy books that delve into the story in great lengths, then this is the book for you. If you are a truck driver, a card player, or interested in Vietnam, then this is also a good story to read because there are a lot of interesting things about all three of these categories. All in all I would say this was a good read, but it does take some stamina to push through until the end.
check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews!
Monday, December 1, 2008
KUDOS FOR A FRIEND!!!
Hey folks! Usually I just post reviews and such on this site, but I'm really excited to share with you some information about a friend of mine. Susan Helene Gottfried, author of Trevors's Song, has just come out with a demo tape to the band in her book, the ShapeShifters.
Here is a little blip about it!
ShapeShifter : The Demo Tapes -- Year 1
A band's demo tape is intended to introduce listeners to their music. Likewise, this collection of short pieces allows readers into the fictional world of Trevor Wolff and his band, ShapeShifter.
Originally published online between April 2006 and March 2007, The Demo Tapes -- Year 1 brings together the moments that parallel -- but never encounter -- Susan Helene Gottfried's debut novel, Trevor's Song. Arranged chronologically and with introductions to each, this is a must-have volume for anyone who's ever wanted to hang with a rock band.
Here is the link to her page to check out more about, and for purchasing information! http://www.westofmars.com/index.php?id=thebooks
For those of you not familiar with her book, Trevor's Song, here is the link for you to go and check it out!! http://www.westofmars.com/index.php
Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to check out those links! You won't be disappointed! This lady has some mad writing skills and you owe it to yourself to see if Trevor's Song and the demo tape is something for you!
Here is a little blip about it!
ShapeShifter : The Demo Tapes -- Year 1
A band's demo tape is intended to introduce listeners to their music. Likewise, this collection of short pieces allows readers into the fictional world of Trevor Wolff and his band, ShapeShifter.
Originally published online between April 2006 and March 2007, The Demo Tapes -- Year 1 brings together the moments that parallel -- but never encounter -- Susan Helene Gottfried's debut novel, Trevor's Song. Arranged chronologically and with introductions to each, this is a must-have volume for anyone who's ever wanted to hang with a rock band.
Here is the link to her page to check out more about, and for purchasing information! http://www.westofmars.com/index.php?id=thebooks
For those of you not familiar with her book, Trevor's Song, here is the link for you to go and check it out!! http://www.westofmars.com/index.php
Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to check out those links! You won't be disappointed! This lady has some mad writing skills and you owe it to yourself to see if Trevor's Song and the demo tape is something for you!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
INSATIABLE DESIRE-RITA HERON
Like I've said about so many books I've had the pleasure of reviewing, this book makes it into my top list of all time books. It is most likely in my top 40 or 50 best reads ever. What is awesome is the fact that there is going to be a sequel coming out!! Rita leaves us at a cliff hanger that makes me very anxious for her sequel to come out.
Rita Heron is also a very skilled writer, which you will see as soon as you start reading her book, so I will definitely be seeking out other books from her.
Below is my review that I did for Insatiable Desire. You can also check it out on www.frontstreetreviews.com along with other great reviews from some amazing reviewers.
Rita Heron does an amazing job at creating a story that is thrilling, sexy, and past faced. I read Insatiable Desire in one sitting because I could not find an appropriate place to put it down. There was excitement on every page and I found myself unwilling to walk away from that excitement.
Vincent is a complicated man. In fact, he really isn’t fully a man; he is part demon. His father was a demon, and his mother was human. After witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of his father when he was just a young boy, Vincent has blocked out most memories of that specific event and those around that time in his life. Now, years later, he is a detective and finds himself called back to his home town. There are multiple murders taking place and the local psychic, Clarissa, thinks the murders are all connected. The spirits of the dead girls are trying to tell her something and are crying out for help. Vincent hasn’t seen Clarissa since he was a boy. Realizing fast that she is no longer an awkward looking little girl, he finds himself lusting after her almost immediately upon their reunion. He knows he is a dangerous man and has desires inside of him that are animal like and on the verge of evil, so he vows to stay away from her. He finds this to be a very hard task because it is evident that she is attracted to him and he cannot get her off of his mind. Although Vincent doesn’t remember all of his past, he does remember a snap shot of his father telling him that he had bad blood inside of him.
Clarissa senses that Vincent may be the key in helping her to solve this mystery. Young girls keep showing up dead; and they are all dying at the hands of their greatest fears. Clarissa senses that the killer may not be human. She knows enough about Vincent’s past to know that he is probably more connected in this than he is willing to admit.
Rita Heron has an amazing ability to create characters that get under your skin and latch on and stay with you. They are personable, intense, and intriguing. She has a great skill with her words. What I really enjoyed was the fact that she was able to weave an intricate story that involves everything from romance, to demons, to mystery, to murder. What I also love is the fact that Rita Heron leaves us at a cliff hanger which leads her readers to believe that the excitement is just beginning and there is much more to come. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great read that will leave you captivated!
Rita Heron is also a very skilled writer, which you will see as soon as you start reading her book, so I will definitely be seeking out other books from her.
Below is my review that I did for Insatiable Desire. You can also check it out on www.frontstreetreviews.com along with other great reviews from some amazing reviewers.
Rita Heron does an amazing job at creating a story that is thrilling, sexy, and past faced. I read Insatiable Desire in one sitting because I could not find an appropriate place to put it down. There was excitement on every page and I found myself unwilling to walk away from that excitement.
Vincent is a complicated man. In fact, he really isn’t fully a man; he is part demon. His father was a demon, and his mother was human. After witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of his father when he was just a young boy, Vincent has blocked out most memories of that specific event and those around that time in his life. Now, years later, he is a detective and finds himself called back to his home town. There are multiple murders taking place and the local psychic, Clarissa, thinks the murders are all connected. The spirits of the dead girls are trying to tell her something and are crying out for help. Vincent hasn’t seen Clarissa since he was a boy. Realizing fast that she is no longer an awkward looking little girl, he finds himself lusting after her almost immediately upon their reunion. He knows he is a dangerous man and has desires inside of him that are animal like and on the verge of evil, so he vows to stay away from her. He finds this to be a very hard task because it is evident that she is attracted to him and he cannot get her off of his mind. Although Vincent doesn’t remember all of his past, he does remember a snap shot of his father telling him that he had bad blood inside of him.
Clarissa senses that Vincent may be the key in helping her to solve this mystery. Young girls keep showing up dead; and they are all dying at the hands of their greatest fears. Clarissa senses that the killer may not be human. She knows enough about Vincent’s past to know that he is probably more connected in this than he is willing to admit.
Rita Heron has an amazing ability to create characters that get under your skin and latch on and stay with you. They are personable, intense, and intriguing. She has a great skill with her words. What I really enjoyed was the fact that she was able to weave an intricate story that involves everything from romance, to demons, to mystery, to murder. What I also love is the fact that Rita Heron leaves us at a cliff hanger which leads her readers to believe that the excitement is just beginning and there is much more to come. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great read that will leave you captivated!
Friday, November 14, 2008
THE WIZARDS DAUGHTER-VICTORIA GRAYDALE
This story, as I mention in my review, is most focused on just a few days time. It is a pleasant story that takes you through the kidnapping of the wrong girl, the attempt to make it right, the realization that it won't work, and the fleeing to safety so that one can avoid certain death and the other won't be forced into marriage.
It is a good, quick read that involves wizards, and young ladies who are ready and waiting to fall in love, a few good battles, and some amazing characters that you will no doubt fall in love with.
Below is my review, check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for other reviews to some great books!
At first glance of the cover art of this book, I thought it was going to be a teen fantasy book. What I realized after the first chapter that it was far from a book for teens to read; this was strictly for adults. Even though the cover art threw me for a loop and made me expect something different than what I got, I am not disappointed in the story. I think Victoria Graydale did a great job creating a lovely story.
Phaedra has been taking care of Millie since they were children. At birth, Phaedra’s mother died and a wizard took pity on her father and brought Phaedra to Lord and Lady Alcock. She grew up with their daughter, who was around the same age as she. Due to a childhood illness, Millie’s body grew up to that of a lady, but her mind stayed immature and innocent. Phaedra knew that Millie’s father wanted her to marry, and vowed to only let her marry someone who would treat Millie right and not take advantage of her.
Phaedra is kidnapped by a man named Adrian and taken to Cedrik, an evil man who wants to marry Millie, by force if necessary. Adrian realizes the terrible mistake he has made; He kidnapped the wrong woman! Mistaking Phaedra for Millie, he realizes that this mistake could be fatal; Cedrik does not take kindly to such mistakes. Both Adrian and Phaedra decide that it is in the best interest of everyone to get Millie and take her to the wizard so that she can be safe from the grasp of Cedrik. Phaedra is doing this for Millie, and Adrian is doing it to save his own hide from the wraith of Cedrik.
As their journey takes them further and further away from Cedrik, Phaedra and Adrian start to realize just how much they really care for each other. Will they be able to reconcile their differences and fall in love, or will Phaedra’s stubbornness and Adrian’s gruffness push each other further and further apart?
Victoria Graydale does a great job at the cat and mouse game with these two characters’. One minute you are sure that they will fall into each others’ arms and consummate their love, and in the next they are in a fight and cannot stand to look at each other. I found her writing to be very seductive, and always leave you waiting for the next encounter between Adrian and Phaedra.
This story does not go into great detail, and it not drawn out; in fact, it is a very fast paced novel that would be great to read front to back on a rainy day. It all takes place in just a few days time, and involves just one big adventure. You get just enough fighting, loving, and mystery to make this a great story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy, and a good love story.
It is a good, quick read that involves wizards, and young ladies who are ready and waiting to fall in love, a few good battles, and some amazing characters that you will no doubt fall in love with.
Below is my review, check out www.frontstreetreviews.com for other reviews to some great books!
At first glance of the cover art of this book, I thought it was going to be a teen fantasy book. What I realized after the first chapter that it was far from a book for teens to read; this was strictly for adults. Even though the cover art threw me for a loop and made me expect something different than what I got, I am not disappointed in the story. I think Victoria Graydale did a great job creating a lovely story.
Phaedra has been taking care of Millie since they were children. At birth, Phaedra’s mother died and a wizard took pity on her father and brought Phaedra to Lord and Lady Alcock. She grew up with their daughter, who was around the same age as she. Due to a childhood illness, Millie’s body grew up to that of a lady, but her mind stayed immature and innocent. Phaedra knew that Millie’s father wanted her to marry, and vowed to only let her marry someone who would treat Millie right and not take advantage of her.
Phaedra is kidnapped by a man named Adrian and taken to Cedrik, an evil man who wants to marry Millie, by force if necessary. Adrian realizes the terrible mistake he has made; He kidnapped the wrong woman! Mistaking Phaedra for Millie, he realizes that this mistake could be fatal; Cedrik does not take kindly to such mistakes. Both Adrian and Phaedra decide that it is in the best interest of everyone to get Millie and take her to the wizard so that she can be safe from the grasp of Cedrik. Phaedra is doing this for Millie, and Adrian is doing it to save his own hide from the wraith of Cedrik.
As their journey takes them further and further away from Cedrik, Phaedra and Adrian start to realize just how much they really care for each other. Will they be able to reconcile their differences and fall in love, or will Phaedra’s stubbornness and Adrian’s gruffness push each other further and further apart?
Victoria Graydale does a great job at the cat and mouse game with these two characters’. One minute you are sure that they will fall into each others’ arms and consummate their love, and in the next they are in a fight and cannot stand to look at each other. I found her writing to be very seductive, and always leave you waiting for the next encounter between Adrian and Phaedra.
This story does not go into great detail, and it not drawn out; in fact, it is a very fast paced novel that would be great to read front to back on a rainy day. It all takes place in just a few days time, and involves just one big adventure. You get just enough fighting, loving, and mystery to make this a great story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy, and a good love story.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
RED FIRE-A GODS OF MIDNIGHT NOVEL: DEIDRE KNIGHT
Okay, this was another sexy as all freakin hell book. I felt like I was under a trance while I read this. I wanted my world to go away so that I could stay in this world that Deidre Knight created. Don't get me wrong, my life isn't terrible, but this was just so sexy and exciting that I wanted no interruptions!
Regardless of the genre of book it is, the feeling I got from reading this book is what tells me if it is a truely great read. When my reality becomes unexciting and I find myself wanting to get away from it, and the world that the author creates becomes my reality, if only for a few hours, then I know that author has me; hook, line and sinker. This is EXACTLY what Deidre Knight did for me.
Below is my review I did of her book, which goes into more detail about how truely amazing her story is...
Deidre Knight had my body, heart, and soul tingling with excitement throughout her entire, powerfully written, story. Her characters are strong and sturdy in their personality, her words cut right to the heart, and her plot line leaves you breathless and wanting more.
Ajax Petrakos is a Spartan Warrior. He and six other warriors are given a choice by the god Ares; they could move on to the afterlife that awaits them at their deaths, or they could become immortal protectors of the world. They choose immortality, and from there vow to protect the world from all evil. Centuries go by and Ajax finds that he is getting sick and tired of everything; He longs to be set free. During his free time he is drinking and sleeping with women to try and pass the time, until he gets a summons from his King and the real adventure starts. The Oracle foretold that Ajax will encounter a battle that will cause him to fight for his life, and at the same time, he will finally meet the woman he has been promised to for many years; Shay Angel. This is a woman that has been in his dreams and in the Oracles’ vision and he has had a constant lusting for
These two meet up, and realize that their paths were meant to cross and that their destinies involve each other. Their sexual energy is evident right from the start, and together they know they must engage in a battle with one of the most powerful, and evil demons in order to restore order. Together they experience triumph and heartache; all the while falling more madly in love with each other as each passing day goes by.
Deidre Knight has created a true God. Ajax is that man you see in your dreams at night that you wish would come and sweep you off of your feet; quite literally, since he does have wings. He is the definition of a man, and his body leaves you breathless. The seduction scenes between Ajax and Shay leave you trembling. Deidre doesn’t do what a lot of writers do and have them give it up and go for the gold in the bedroom right off. She leaves you waiting; and waiting. Her ability to seduce the reader with her words, which tell of Ajax pulling Shay in for a passionate kiss because he can’t stop himself, or how he nibbles her ear and growls into it softly how much he wants her, leaves her readers trembling.
The characters’ personalities are one of a kind. I fell in love with Ajax because he is a true hero, with all of the right qualities. I feel in love with Shay and her two overprotective brothers because I found that I would respond to things the same way they did had I been in their situation (and I would have LOVED to have been in Shay’s situation!). Deidre Knight’s ability to keep her story exciting and making her readers turn the pages faster and faster, not wanting it to ever end is the sign of a truly excellent story. This is one that I would recommend to anyone who likes spicy novels about warriors, demons, and romance. This is one that I will read over and over again.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews of some great books!
Regardless of the genre of book it is, the feeling I got from reading this book is what tells me if it is a truely great read. When my reality becomes unexciting and I find myself wanting to get away from it, and the world that the author creates becomes my reality, if only for a few hours, then I know that author has me; hook, line and sinker. This is EXACTLY what Deidre Knight did for me.
Below is my review I did of her book, which goes into more detail about how truely amazing her story is...
Deidre Knight had my body, heart, and soul tingling with excitement throughout her entire, powerfully written, story. Her characters are strong and sturdy in their personality, her words cut right to the heart, and her plot line leaves you breathless and wanting more.
Ajax Petrakos is a Spartan Warrior. He and six other warriors are given a choice by the god Ares; they could move on to the afterlife that awaits them at their deaths, or they could become immortal protectors of the world. They choose immortality, and from there vow to protect the world from all evil. Centuries go by and Ajax finds that he is getting sick and tired of everything; He longs to be set free. During his free time he is drinking and sleeping with women to try and pass the time, until he gets a summons from his King and the real adventure starts. The Oracle foretold that Ajax will encounter a battle that will cause him to fight for his life, and at the same time, he will finally meet the woman he has been promised to for many years; Shay Angel. This is a woman that has been in his dreams and in the Oracles’ vision and he has had a constant lusting for
These two meet up, and realize that their paths were meant to cross and that their destinies involve each other. Their sexual energy is evident right from the start, and together they know they must engage in a battle with one of the most powerful, and evil demons in order to restore order. Together they experience triumph and heartache; all the while falling more madly in love with each other as each passing day goes by.
Deidre Knight has created a true God. Ajax is that man you see in your dreams at night that you wish would come and sweep you off of your feet; quite literally, since he does have wings. He is the definition of a man, and his body leaves you breathless. The seduction scenes between Ajax and Shay leave you trembling. Deidre doesn’t do what a lot of writers do and have them give it up and go for the gold in the bedroom right off. She leaves you waiting; and waiting. Her ability to seduce the reader with her words, which tell of Ajax pulling Shay in for a passionate kiss because he can’t stop himself, or how he nibbles her ear and growls into it softly how much he wants her, leaves her readers trembling.
The characters’ personalities are one of a kind. I fell in love with Ajax because he is a true hero, with all of the right qualities. I feel in love with Shay and her two overprotective brothers because I found that I would respond to things the same way they did had I been in their situation (and I would have LOVED to have been in Shay’s situation!). Deidre Knight’s ability to keep her story exciting and making her readers turn the pages faster and faster, not wanting it to ever end is the sign of a truly excellent story. This is one that I would recommend to anyone who likes spicy novels about warriors, demons, and romance. This is one that I will read over and over again.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more reviews of some great books!
HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE-MICHAEL GREENBERG
This was definitly a powerful story to read. This is a small thing, but I really liked the title of this book, and think you will fully understand and appreciate it once you've gotten through the entire story. Michael Greenberg is a very strong man for being able to tell his story and share it with so many people...
This true life account of Michael Greenberg’s daughter going through her first bout of psychosis is truly eye opening and revealing. His ability to take us into her mind, and give us a glimpse of what it feels like to be manic is astounding. This book packed more of a punch than a text book regarding this illness ever would.
Sally is fifteen years old. Up until now, she lived what she and everyone else thought as a ‘normal’ life. Her father, Michael Greenberg starts to notice her behavior change. She is pacing, acting out verbally, obsessively writing, and saying things that don’t appear to make any sense. Michael finally decides that she needs to be hospitalized because he cannot give her the help that she needs. So begins Sally’s long, hard battle of not only trying to get better, and come back into reality, but also come to grips with the fact that this is never going to go away.
After spending over twenty days in the psych ward, Sally is able to go home. The work is far from over for her. She has to take lots of medication, go to appointments with a psychiatrist that meet multiple times a week, and basically learn how to live all over
What I think I loved most about this book was the fact that it was so real. This could have been anyone’s child. Michal and Pat dealt with the cards they were given in the same way most parents would; fear, frustration, confusion, sadness, and most of all, determination. I think that this book will help inspire many families who have children with a mental disorder to realize that there is hope and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, it is a constant uphill battle, but progress can be made, and your child can still live a wonderful life; they do not have to be defined by their illness.
Michael Greenberg did an amazing job at allowing the reader to see into Sally’s mind, but at the same time not confusing us. His words were clear and concise and very, very real. It is very apparent that he has a skill with using words. He is able to turn his story into something much more than just words on paper; he turns them into hope for others. I think this was also probably a liberating story for him to write as well. I believe it is very therapeutic to write about troubles you have had and to be able to share them with the world and get support from people going through similar circumstances.
I would recommend this book first and foremost to anyone who knows anyone who has a mental illness of this sort. I would also recommend this book to any and everyone. I think it is a great learning tool for people that have never had to experience anyone who is mentally ill to learn about it and be prepared if it ever comes their way. I give Michael Greenberg much kudos for writing this book, and I hope his daughter Sally is staying strong.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews!
This true life account of Michael Greenberg’s daughter going through her first bout of psychosis is truly eye opening and revealing. His ability to take us into her mind, and give us a glimpse of what it feels like to be manic is astounding. This book packed more of a punch than a text book regarding this illness ever would.
Sally is fifteen years old. Up until now, she lived what she and everyone else thought as a ‘normal’ life. Her father, Michael Greenberg starts to notice her behavior change. She is pacing, acting out verbally, obsessively writing, and saying things that don’t appear to make any sense. Michael finally decides that she needs to be hospitalized because he cannot give her the help that she needs. So begins Sally’s long, hard battle of not only trying to get better, and come back into reality, but also come to grips with the fact that this is never going to go away.
After spending over twenty days in the psych ward, Sally is able to go home. The work is far from over for her. She has to take lots of medication, go to appointments with a psychiatrist that meet multiple times a week, and basically learn how to live all over
What I think I loved most about this book was the fact that it was so real. This could have been anyone’s child. Michal and Pat dealt with the cards they were given in the same way most parents would; fear, frustration, confusion, sadness, and most of all, determination. I think that this book will help inspire many families who have children with a mental disorder to realize that there is hope and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, it is a constant uphill battle, but progress can be made, and your child can still live a wonderful life; they do not have to be defined by their illness.
Michael Greenberg did an amazing job at allowing the reader to see into Sally’s mind, but at the same time not confusing us. His words were clear and concise and very, very real. It is very apparent that he has a skill with using words. He is able to turn his story into something much more than just words on paper; he turns them into hope for others. I think this was also probably a liberating story for him to write as well. I believe it is very therapeutic to write about troubles you have had and to be able to share them with the world and get support from people going through similar circumstances.
I would recommend this book first and foremost to anyone who knows anyone who has a mental illness of this sort. I would also recommend this book to any and everyone. I think it is a great learning tool for people that have never had to experience anyone who is mentally ill to learn about it and be prepared if it ever comes their way. I give Michael Greenberg much kudos for writing this book, and I hope his daughter Sally is staying strong.
visit www.frontstreetreviews.com for more great reviews!
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