Saturday, April 28, 2012
Books, Books, and More Books: A must read from Jacqueline Paige
Books, Books, and More Books: A must read from Jacqueline Paige: Book Review of Mystic Perceptions by Jacqueline Paige Released 2010 224 pages Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book II in the ...
A must read from Jacqueline Paige
Book Review
of Mystic Perceptions by Jacqueline Paige
Released
2010
224
pages
Paranormal
Romantic Suspense
Book II
in the Hidden Senses Trilogy – Dream Visions coming in July 2012
Book
One in the Hidden Senses Trilogy
Buy
link: Class Act Books
Book
Synopsis:
Tagline:
Does she risk everything again?
Jacinda
Brown keeps to her safe existence doing investigative research, avoiding people
and places with people. To most, it appears she has a normal life; blending
completely undetected in her lonely continuation.
She
doesn’t investigate people; she can’t get that close. Through her hand she can
feel emotions, thoughts. With a touch she can see what has been.
Unfortunately
fate tosses her into a situation where her carefully guarded secret and her own
conscience are at war when she finds herself working with detectives to find a
killer. Jacinda clashes with the very strongly grounded detective, Reid
Merritt, destiny has forced her to work with.
At some
point he begins to matter, making her decision harder. Will he look at her with
abhorrence, like she’s some sort of freak when she’s through?
What
will be the price, this time, for the ability she doesn’t want?
Author
Information:
I am a world class
multi-tasker, a mother to five adventurous and unpredictable children, a cafe
manager and I have a colossal imagination that allows me to step outside of
reality into a world of paranormal romance with just a touch of suspense.
Writer of all things paranormal, mythical and magical. Reader of anything!! http://jacqpaige.webs.com/
Book Review:
So if
you follow my blog, you know I love Jacqueline Paige as an author. This was a fabulous book and I loved it, but
it was totally different than the Magic Seasons Series. This book was more grown up… and that’s not
exactly the word I want to use. It was a
murder mystery with the detectives being assisted by a woman who could read
emotion by touching someone or something they had touched while emotional. The part I think I love best was that she
didn’t want this “gift”.
Growing
up I was a shy child and often felt that others were speaking badly of me. Now that I’m older and have had time to
process it most of them probably weren’t and the ones that were weren’t worth
my time. However, I didn’t feel that way
when I was younger. In fact, I often
wished that I could see what people were really thinking about me. Now, of course, I know that they were
probably not thinking about me at all but rather about what people thought of
them. I would hate that power now.
Jac,
our main female protagonist, is sort of like “Rogue” from marvel comics. She can’t touch anyone without seeing all
their emotional thoughts. That would be
so hard. I can’t imagine not being able
to touch people, but then I’m a touchy-feely sort of person. But imagine being alone and not able to tell
anyone about yourself. Now you’re
getting the picture.
And the
men, well let’s just say Ooo-la-la. Well
before I give away anything too pertinent I’m going to stop and say, Read this
book for yourself.
I give
this book 5 out of 5 clouds.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Witches by Phil Stern
Book Review
of Witches by Phil Stern
Book
Synopsis:
When it comes to magic, women have always been
in control.Until Now.
For centuries, only gifted young women have been able to wield magic, using their special gifts to protect those in need.
But now a powerful wizard has appeared, attacking empowered women across multiple worlds.
A young Terran-based sorceress, the strongest of her generation, must find and stop the magical madman before he can bend the Coven to his depraved will. Along the way, she must also confront doubts about the role her fellow witches may have played in her own family’s demise.
Author
Information:
Phil Stern is the author of both Contemporary and Science Fiction.
His debut novel, The Bull Years, was published in 2011. A hard-hitting commentary on both the frustrations and ultimate validation of modern-day life, The Bull Years follows the lives of four people throughout the late 80′s, 90′s, and into the 21st century, directly addressing the gradual alienation and disconnection often experienced during young adulthood.
"I wanted to write about characters everyone could relate to," Stern says. "We've all had our ups and downs. I think people sometimes feel everyone else has experienced more success than they have, or are more firmly grounded in our world than they could ever be. My hope is that everyone will recognize a little part of themselves in Steve, Sophia, Dave, and Brooke."
Born in 1970 in Ossining, New York, Stern grew up with a love of all types of science fiction, including the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, John Wyndham, Piers Anthony, and more.
"Speculative fiction is so different today than it was back then," Stern says. "I wanted to write stuff a bit more recognizable to fans of my generation. Science fiction should be about ideas and alternate worlds, strong characters and good stories.
Going into talk radio after attending SUNY Albany, Stern hosted regular shows in the New York City area, Albany, Utica, NY, and Greenville, NC. He later went into the advertising and sales industries.
Stern now lives in Florida, and is working on his next novel.
His debut novel, The Bull Years, was published in 2011. A hard-hitting commentary on both the frustrations and ultimate validation of modern-day life, The Bull Years follows the lives of four people throughout the late 80′s, 90′s, and into the 21st century, directly addressing the gradual alienation and disconnection often experienced during young adulthood.
"I wanted to write about characters everyone could relate to," Stern says. "We've all had our ups and downs. I think people sometimes feel everyone else has experienced more success than they have, or are more firmly grounded in our world than they could ever be. My hope is that everyone will recognize a little part of themselves in Steve, Sophia, Dave, and Brooke."
Born in 1970 in Ossining, New York, Stern grew up with a love of all types of science fiction, including the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, John Wyndham, Piers Anthony, and more.
"Speculative fiction is so different today than it was back then," Stern says. "I wanted to write stuff a bit more recognizable to fans of my generation. Science fiction should be about ideas and alternate worlds, strong characters and good stories.
Going into talk radio after attending SUNY Albany, Stern hosted regular shows in the New York City area, Albany, Utica, NY, and Greenville, NC. He later went into the advertising and sales industries.
Stern now lives in Florida, and is working on his next novel.
Book Review:
Phil
Stern is an unusual author. If you did
not know that his name was Phil and he was a man it would be easy to think he
was a female as his writings often have female leads and he is in tune with
that strong, yet vulnerable side women really want to see in female leads. You know this is true, when you are alone at
home you yell at the foolish girls in movies that go into dark basements with
no weapons and die, or have to be rescued; wonder why anyone would go into the
woods on a hike in skimpy clothing and high heels; and bemoan the weak woman
who needs to be rescued.
Real
women are strong, weak, vulnerable, powerful, and use all of that to take care
of themselves and everyone around them.
This is what Tiffany does in Witches. She has had a rough life, we find out, but
she doesn’t whine or blame anyone. She
works hard to help others and she is more powerful that you would think.
Phil
Stern brings this world to life and makes you want to get in there and help
Tiffany, not because she needs it but because she brings out that quality in
you. I enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting and was totally
amazed to find that time had passed while I was in this other world.
My only
complaint was that the story ends with characters that hadn’t been introduced
before and I was really confused by it.
I am going to hope that as I read more I can connect these character in
another book to help me come to some sense as to why they suddenly showed up.
I give
this 4 out of 5 clouds.
Ungolden Silence... The hardest book I have ever recommended strongly. You must read this
Book Review of Ungolden Silence by Lydia E. Brew
Title
– Ungolden Silence
Format
– Print & Ebook
Genre
- Fiction
Publisher
- Xlibris
Release
Date – 2008
Book Review:
So I
know you are thinking… there is something different about this review and I
just started reading. You are 100%
right! I usually give the synopsis and
author information before the review, but in this book I had to put the review
first.
Let me
start off by saying that this book was amazing.. and horrible, an easy read and
a very hard read, fascinating and terrifying.
Yes contradictory.
This
book is well written, easy to read and follows the life of a woman and the
people who love her. It is about abuse
and rape and how it impacts not only this woman but everyone who loves her and
how this rape impacted everyone. This
made it a difficult read, yet in a way I was glad I read it. Hard as it was to read about this topic, the
story made me think and I glad I read it.
We need to make this topic less taboo and more about the crime. I will be asking my 16 year old daughter to
read this and then talking about it with her.
No I am not wanting her to read about rape and hear about these things,
but I do want her to know that no matter what happens talking about it is the
right thing.
I think
every woman and man should read this book.
I think serious judicial concern
and effort should be made before any young person reads it. While this is a topic we need to talk about
and remove the stigma attached to the victim, not every young person could
handle the topic. My daughter can and we
will talk about it (she is 16). I need
her to know that talking about it is the right thing and that no matter what
happens, she can always tell me anything.
Despite
the difficult read and the emotional toll this book took on me, I highly
recommend everyone read it. There is a
quote in the book that sums this feeling up:
““Silence is not golden. It is not
golden at all when it allows people to do things that are wrong.”
I give
this book4 out of 5 clouds because of the emotional toll it takes on the
reader, but I give it 5 out of 5 clouds for making you sit up and pay
attention.
Book
Synopsis:
Ungolden
Silence will explore the world of rape and expose the myths through articles
that are based on facts. The main question that needs to be answered is why one
human being would rape another human being. These reasons are explored in a
compelling story that will make the reader ask questions. Beatrice James wanted
to take her co-worker Elaine on her first professional trip, she had to
convince her employers and Elaine’s parents that she wanted to take Elaine on
the trip. Elaine was in charge of the campaign.
Thomas
Paige is a well-respected community leader, however, there is whole other side
of side of him. The man can be charming when he needs to be and that is why he
can get away with sexually harassing and raping women. He began to harassed
Beatrice did not want Elaine to have to deal with it. Beatrice did not want to
deal with the fact that she was being sexually harassed.
When
any crime takes place, the families of the victims as well as the criminal are
involved. Ungolden Silence will illustrate that the criminal is a real
person, and rarely does he commit crimes just for the fun of it.
It is
important to know that rape is a part of violence. Through the characters of Ungolden
Silence it is hoped that society will begin to find a way to eliminate the
acceptance of violence, which includes the act of rape.
It is
through Beatrice, Elaine, and their colleagues that Ungolden Silence
begins to explore the world of rape. Each of the main characters discovers what
he has believed about rape and violence is not entirely true. A good example of
this is when the firm’s secretary is told what happened on the trip. She
discovered that some things that she was told when she was young was a myth.
Through
all of the characters, Ungolden Silence offers an alternative to the everyday
acceptance of violence. When it comes to rape, it tells us that the rapists are
human beings and there is a way to curb the crime.
What
does the author wants the reader to take away is that the story is about a
woman was rape while she and her business partner was away on a business trip.
Her business partner is disabled but that is an important part of the story.
However, it is not the main story.
Book Excerpt
(yes this can be read by all):
This is at end and this is a part of a speech that its
being given at a launch of a magazine on domestic violence.
Shara stepped to the
microphone and said “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Attitudes must change
if this problem is going to be solved. I went to Washington the second that I
heard Beatrice had been raped. The firm had a limo for Elaine and Beatrice so
that Elaine could be as independent as possible. When I got to Washington, the
rape and the act that a “community leader” was accused of rape was a major
story. The limo driver just knew that the lady was a hooker, and he was mad.
Again, it was the victim’s fault. This driver did not have the facts. Why
didn’t I set him straight? Well. I thought I had to protect Beatrice’s privacy
right?”
“Right,” the crowd answers
slowly.
“NO, WRONG, ladies and gentlemen. This is what we are talking about;
wrong because RAPE IS A CRIME! When
it comes to sexual harassment or anything about sexual dysfunction, we don’t
listen, we don’t tell. It is personal, private. NO! It is a crime and everybody needs to tell the world. Beatrice
was not the first female that the man raped not even close to the first.”
“Each case of rape is
different. In Beatrice’s case, this man was chasing her all the time that she
was in Washington. Am I blaming her? To a degree, yes.”
“The audience seemed
repulsed; “People. Please understand that what is being said here tonight is
known by all people in the firm, especially top team members. I am not saying
this to hurt my colleague. This is to make you see and understand what we are
saying. The man who raped her stalked her all week. The women who saw the “bad”
side of him kept quiet. That enabled him to cause more pain. He used that
silence, and his list of victims got longer and longer. The women kept silent
because they did not want to face the attitude that we as a society give them;
oh, it was nothing. It was something when Mr. Paige touched my colleague
inappropriately the second they were alone. She did not want him. We must allow
women to say what they do and do not want men to do to their bodies. We must
change the attitude about sexual problems, and we must listen when a woman is
trying to get a man to stop. When a woman says a man is bothering her, we must
hear and make sure the man understands that he must stop.”
Author
Information:
Lydia E. Brew was born with
cerebral palsy but has not allowed her physical limitations to stand in her
way. Her writing also provides insights into the world of the physically
challenged. She graduated from Texas Southern University where she received The
Society of Professional Journalist Sigma Chi Citation for Achievement. She was
a member of the drama club and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Under
the leadership of one of her journalism professors, Miss Brew penned her first
book Edith, The Story of Edith Irby
Jones, M.D. about the first African-American to graduate from The Arkansas
School of Medicine. Upon finishing college, Miss Brew worked with the Houston
Association of Black Journalists. She is a Christian and attends St. Timothy’s
United Methodist Church.
Miss Brew founded Lydia’s Educational and Charitable
Organization (LECO) when she decided to encourage young people to write. LECO
did this by sponsoring a yearly contest in which the contestant had to write
about positive role models who were alive and from the Houston area. Each
student who wrote an eligible essay was given a certificate of participation.
Winning writers received cash prizes.
Her second book Our Learn Together Book is based on the
biography of Dr. Jones. It tells her story in a simplified format on one page
and allows the child to writes his biography on the other. There are activities
in the back where children can learn developmental skills and older children
can learn to do research.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Books, Books, and More Books: Shadow of Witte Wieven Review. A good solid YA ro...
Books, Books, and More Books: Shadow of Witte Wieven Review. A good solid YA ro...: Book Review of Title by Author Book Title: Shadow of the Witte Wieven Author: Debbie Peterson Genre: Paranormal Romance ...
Shadow of Witte Wieven Review. A good solid YA romance
Book Review of Title by Author
Book
Title: Shadow
of the Witte Wieven
Author: Debbie
Peterson
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: InkSpell
Publishing
Publication
Date: April 21st 2012
Format: eBook,
Kindle, Paperback
Book
Synopsis:
Despite
a contract on her head, lone Drug Enforcement Agent, Aliyana Montijo must
ferret out a mole and stop the assassination of top DEA officials, as so
ordered by the Colombian drug lord she seeks to take down. The task is a
daunting one, for there is no one she can trust. No one that is, until she
encounters a most unlikely ally.
Former
seventeenth century captain of the Dutch West Indies Company, Wolfaert Dircksen
Van Ness, now from a parallel dimension, encounters the beautiful agent during
an unearthly storm in the Bermuda triangle. Drawn to the Spanish beauty he
rescues, he pledges his assistance, despite her reluctance to accept either his
help or his heart.
Can
Wolf bridge both space and time to claim the woman he loves?
Book Excerpt
Aliyana nodded as she released a breath and said, “Yes, as a
matter of fact they did. Hank has demanded a tour of Mercado’s empire. He said
that he wants to see the way they produce cocaine from start to finish. By so
doing, he could point out their faults and help them improve production.
According to Ortiz, Hank had the audacity to boast about his knowledge of the
latest in drug manufacturing technology as if they were a bunch of ignorant
‘campesinos.’ As you can imagine, this rankled them a bit.”
“I’m surprised they aren’t going to use this outing as an excuse
to kill him,” Cornelius remarked.
Aliyana shrugged as she cast a brief glance downward. “They
actually mentioned that. However, as much as Mercado would like to permanently
get rid of the man, he’s going to show a bit of restraint and allow the ‘pig’
to live—for now.”
“Did they mention whether or not Mercado planned to comply with
this requested tour?” asked Cornelius.
“He is going to comply, but not in the way Hank intends,” she
replied. “Mercado is going to take him much farther south, to a factory and lab
he no longer uses. He is sending some of his employees ahead to clean the place
up and make ready for their visit. Emil wants everything to look as if the lab
is in full swing.”
“So Mercado is conducting the tour personally then?” asked Wolf.
“Yes, he is. He doesn’t trust Hank. Therefore, he wants to observe
his every movement, personally.”
“How long will it take them to get to this lab?”
“If it’s the one I think it is, about three, maybe four hours. Why
do you ask?”
Wolf brushed a hand against his beard as he contemplated this
unexpected opportunity. “How many such places could he possibly take Morris?”
“I only know of two,” she said.
“How long would it take to get to other one?”
Aliyana shook her head as she lifted a shoulder. “Oh, I don’t
know—perhaps an additional half an hour or so. That’s why I think he’ll opt for
the closest one.”
“Did they say when they intend to conduct this tour?”
“Day after tomorrow. Hank is supposed to arrive at dawn. If you
still want to follow the man, you will get your chance then.”
“So travel time, to and from is at least six hours, maybe more,”
Wolf mused aloud. “The tour itself will take some time. What would you think,
another hour maybe two for him to thoroughly inspect the facilities?”
“Every bit of that and then some,” Aliyana said as she knit her
brows in consternation. “Wolf, why are you asking all of these questions?”
“With Mercado out of the way, I’m thinking this might be the
perfect opportunity to escort you inside the man’s office so you can raid those
files on his computer.”
“But we don’t have all of the numbers to his pass code yet,”
Aliyana replied. “I can’t get inside without them.”
In response to the reminder, he allowed a slight smile to emerge
and for several long moments, he held her gaze without saying a word. Her
confusion finally gave way to understanding. He could see it. She drew in a
sharp breath as a burst of anger exploded onto her cheeks.
“You have the ability to get me inside that office anytime you want
to, don’t you Captain Wolfaert Dircksen Van Ness,” she spat.
Wolf folded his arms against his chest, flashed a full-fledged
grin, and bounced his brows.
“I can’t believe you would withhold that information from me,” she
seethed as her eyes shot lethal daggers into his person. “And you just let me
keep watching that screen for hours on end when such a need didn’t exist—”
“Oh come on, Aliyana,” Wolf laughingly protested. “You surely
didn’t think I’d allow you to go in there until the safest possible moment, did
you?”
His humor did nothing to improve her anger. If
anything, it only served to fuel it. She shook her head then and let him have
it--with both barrels blazing--in Spanish, of course. And he enjoyed every
minute of the delightful display.
Author Information:
Debbie Peterson, author of “Spirit of the
Rebellion,” is about to release her second novel, “Shadow of the Witte Wieven,”
through InkSpell Publishing. This paranormal romance combines a seventeenth
century sea captain, a modern DEA agent, and the Bermuda Triangle to send you
on an incredible adventure, filled with intrigue and romance.
Debbie has always had a soft spot for
fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. She
incorporates these aspects into all of the paranormal stories she writes. When
she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, she spends time with the beloved
members of her very large family. She also pursues her interests in family
history and all things ancient and historic.
You can connect with her:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebbiePeterson1
Website: http://dk-peterson.com/
Important Links
Author Website:
Twitter:
Publisher
Website:
Goodreads:
Purchase the book:
From
the Publisher: http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/4/post/2012/01/shadow-of-the-witte-wieven.html
Book Review:
One of my family’s favorite television
shows is Dr. Who. We love the idea of time travel and all the
fun of the story. Now I find a book that
includes time travel, but not in the stereo-typical manner. In the book, “Shadow of the Witte
Wieven,” Debbie Peterson brings to life a world of time travel, romance, intrigue,
and a hint of mysticism with the tales of the Bermuda Triangle. The characters are well fleshed out, including
the supporting cast.
I love that the lead character is a
strong female character. She is a take
charge woman who can take care of herself, yet she also has a tender side that
enjoys the care she receives from the handsome and caring Wolf pack leader.
I did feel that she accepted the whole
time travel, other world ideas a little too easily, and some of the plot lines
were a little contrived; but otherwise the story was well thought out and satisfactorily
concluded.
I would give this story 4 out of 5
clouds.