Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Being Light by Helen Smith Review


Being Light
By Helen Smith

While Roy Travers is helping to install a new state of the art bouncy house, a freak gust of wind picks him and the bouncy house up dropping him in Paradise, where he meets the only other resident Sylvia. Meanwhile his wife, Sheila, is continuously searching for her husband after a while she comes to believe whole heartedly that Roy has been abducted by aliens and is determined to get him back.


Once again Helen Smith comes up with a quirky and interesting cast of characters, though this book surrounds Roy and Sheila’s problems the author manages to encompass many varied side stories that will leave you going “What in the world?” The only problem I have is that you must pay strict attention to the characters names, the author incorporates so many stories that they flow into each other, for me this is a problem since I have a horrible time remembering character names. That being said the book itself is fun and witty, the author is so descriptive in her narration of the London scenery you can see exactly what she is talking about without having ever been there. I definitely cannot wait to see what else this author has in store, especially considering this book has one of the worst cliffhangers I have ever seen.

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Monday, July 30, 2012

Divergent by Veronica Roth Review


Divergent
Divergent Trilogy Book One
By Veronica Roth

In once was called Chicago the people are divided among five pre-determined factions each one based on a person’s characteristics. But Beatrice Prior has the option of belonging to three of the five she is an anomaly she is divergent, able to manipulate the simulation that is used to determine where she belongs so she has a choice. She chooses Daunted the courageous who push themselves to face their fears in order to protect those around them until the Erudite faction begins to change everything for each of the factions.

It is interesting to think that people could be categorized by their own human behaviors but it is far too unrealistic, no one is enough alike to become an entire colony of people. The factions are inventive however with each one focusing on a set of standards that were used to improve the quality of each person life.  If you can ignore this hiccup it’s not a bad book, well written and the descriptions are so well done you can see yourself in the shambles of what was once a great city. The only other problem I have with this book is that the main character is supposed to become stronger but the way it is written she still seems the same to me hopefully in the next book we will see greater changes.

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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer Review


Agnes and the Hitman
By Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Cranky Agnes is a successful food writer and when a gun toting guy comes into her home after her dog her first call is Joey a former mobster and one of her best friends. Joey calls in his nephew, Shane who is a hitman, to come and protect Agnes afraid that the dognapper is only the beginning. Agnes not only has to contend with a dognapper but if she cannot pull off an upcoming wedding without a hitch she will lose her home and everything she thought she ever wanted. Agnes and Shane work together to pull off the wedding, stop the assassins who keep coming for Agnes and inevitably begin to have feelings for each other that will change their lives forever.

Agnes is not your ordinary damsel in distress, not only is she good with a frying pan in the kitchen but it seems to be her weapon of choice, making her truly an interesting character and when you add in Shane the hitman and a variety of eccentric side characters you have one heck of a funny and captivating novel. I have read several of Jennifer Crusie’s novels and I truly enjoy her writing and the stories she creates, they are light, fun and full of the warm and fuzzies, when you add in Bob Mayer to the equation, a former Green Beret and West Point graduate it adds a different perspective to the male character making him more realistic yet still a heartthrob. This is truly a fun book from two talented authors; if you are into contemporary romance I would recommend you give these two a try!

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Friday, July 27, 2012

The Deep by Peter Benchly Review


The Deep
By Peter Benchley
A Honeymooning couple is diving off the coast of Bermuda when they come across a shipwreck and a small glass vial that will forever change their lives. When they return to their hotel room with the glass vial a strange man approaches them trying to buy it from them claiming the glass is rare they refuse, proclaiming they must find out what is in the vial before they are willing to sell it to anyone. From there a man who doesn’t even exist officially tries to hire them to find more of the vials and soon the couple discovers what is so valuable, the small vials actually contain pure morphine. This is only the beginning of their adventure as they work with the local light house keeper to find as many of the vials they can before they fall into the wrong hands.

The man who wrote this also wrote Jaws so I was excited to be able to write a review, it turns out I wasn’t disappointed. Though not quite as scary as Jaws was this book certainly holds up with its action and adventure until the very last moment. I will say I hated the ending and it will definitely leave you wanting to know more, otherwise it was a fun and quick read.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey


Sandman Slim
Sandman Slim Book One
By Richard Kadrey

What happens when your supposed friends sent you to Hell, and kills the woman you love? Well for James Stark he survives, returning to earth after eleven years of being a gladiator fighting many different kinds of monsters and fallen angels, and now he is set on revenge. Stark will hunt down each of the people responsible, but he soon realizes there is a lot to learn in this new world as well as a lot more to his little group of friends than just sending him to hell.


This was an amazing novel, Stark is snarky and so hostile, but after eleven years in hell I think I would be too. The story itself is intriguing the author blends snippets of the past into the current day story so you’re able to appreciate the magnitude of loss that Stark faces when Alice is murdered. The world Richard Kadrey creates for Stark is purely original, if you are a hard core Christian and cannot appreciate that this is a fictitious novel you may want to skip it, Stark is neither for Heaven, Hell, or any other creatures that lie waiting in the dark he is purely for himself and the revenge that motivates him. This is definitely a fun read, though I don’t know how the author will ever be able to top this one but I look forward to seeing him try.

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Monday, July 23, 2012

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich Review


Wicked Business
Lizzy and Diesel Book Two
By Janet Evanovich

Pastry Chef Lizzy Tucker has been pulled into a world of magic and mischief when she finds out that she is someone who can find magic objects. Diesel comes into her life to protect her from his cousin and so that she can help him find the seven stones that hold the seven deadly sins. When an English professor is thrown off his fourth floor balcony Lizzy and Diesel begin a scavenger hunt that will lead them all over Boston in search for the stone that represents Lust.

Janet Evanovich did a wonderful job with this novel; she manages to encompass fantasy, romance, mystery, and fantastic comedy. Though this one may not be as funny as the first one in the series, the author did add new characters into this one that adds an interesting take into the magical world that Janet Evanovich is creating. What is interesting is the series of events towards the end of the book when we find out what happens when two magically tuned people consummate, it is interesting and adds to the fact that Lizzy and Diesel cannot be together physically in a much more potent way. This was a fantastic novel and I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series will take us. The only problem I have with the book is reading it makes me hungry, they talk about and consume food constantly and the author describes the pastries so well I almost drool for a cup cake!

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Sunday, July 22, 2012

What Dies in Summer by Tom Wright Review


What Dies in Summer
By Tom Wright

Jim Beaudry is a teenage boy whose dreams are haunted by a young woman, a dead young woman. One day Jim and his cousin L.A. stumble upon the dead body of the girl that has been haunting Jim’s dreams she had been brutally raped and murdered. Over the course of one summer these teenagers who have been through so much in their short lives find out that there is more hell that they must eventually endure.

Tom Wright creates two characters whose lives are so troubled that you cannot help but feel for them and hope that they will be able to pull through this new situation and hopefully find a better life in the end. But this is not all, the author creates a world you can envision easily, his scenes are flawless in there execution pulling you into the moment and even though there is a touch of supernatural it is subtle making it all the more believable. I am not sure who I would recommend this book to, it is a brilliant blend of horror and mystery with touches of romance and young adult, and you will either love it or hate it. As for me I enjoyed it immensely.

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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Before the Daisies Grow by Micki Street Review


Before the Daisies Grow
Capers of the Glamour Grans Book One
By Micki Street

Three women in their sixties decide it is time to go on Holiday, after much debate and consideration taking into account the message from Dotty’s deceased husband through the make shift Ouija Board, they all decide to travel to Zanzibar. But when Dotty meets a handsome stranger in a bar who tells her all about the fun she can have in Brazzina the plan soon changes and they are off to this West African Island for some fun in the sun. What they don’t realize is that the island is not quite what it was made out to be and they are soon pulled into the middle of an investigation and subsequent drug bust.

With one mishap after another Micki Street comes up with one hilarious novel revolving around three women who are eccentric and fascinating to follow along as you keep wondering how in the world they find so much trouble. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, I am by far a “Glamour Gran” so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate with the characters but as soon as they boarded the small plane I couldn’t help laughing as I myself had clutched to my husband’s hand for dear life in a similar situation, thinking the plain would surely crash just because I was on it. This isn’t the only part I could relate to but it was the funniest though I did catch myself laughing out loud at many of the antics these women find themselves in. It was all very well written and the comedy was flawless.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Excerpt From Empyreal Fate by Rachel Hunter

And Now! A Sneak Peak into Empyreal Fate! 






Darrion stared, dazed, into Amarya's face as she loomed above him, concern defining her frame. Lifting himself, he sat, uncertain how he had come to lie upon the ground. He did not remember falling; he had no recollection.
"You did well,” the elf congratulated, extending a slender hand.
Darrion rubbed his head, feeling a tenderness that had not been there before. "What happened?" he asked, taking her hand and rising.
            "I saw not of your mind, but from what I could figure, you gained entrance to the thoughts of a rambling oak. I know this to be true, for I could see your eyes swimming beneath the lids. Such does not occur unless a connection is made.” Amarya beamed, eyes sparkling with pride despite her pupil’s faint. With eager strides, she began smoothing the creases of his tunic. "You drifted too far, however – missing the mark. Your focus broke upon more than a single entity; your mind roamed in places it was not meant. As a result, your consciousness receded, and your celestial bond forged hollow spaces to compensate. Once that barrier snapped, the voices of many within the Illex, not merely the trees, poured through you. It was an overload of understanding – most mortals cannot handle such. But no need to fret; you’ve far surpassed the most capable of beginners. I am simply surprised you made contact at all."
            Darrion stepped back, feeling the lightness of his chest. With clouded thoughts, he speculated the feat he had barely attained. Few words could describe his awe - the confusion - that enveloped him. Dizziness clothed him as a tumbled reed.
Resting one palm against the bark of an oak, he listened - intent - as though searching for a beating heart against the trunk. Despite his wavering state, he was glad for Amarya’s tutelage. This feeling… it was almost surreal.
            "To my knowledge, never has a human discerned as much as you.” Amarya’s pale hand sought Darrion's shoulder, and he melted at her touch. "I'm uncertain what it means - for indeed, your ability comes as no coincidence… But the mortal mind proves oft unable to comprehend the spiritual realm. Not that it's impossible, but man forgets his possession. He knows not of the awareness beyond material senses. You, Darrion, are not like other men. You – you’re different." She shifted her jaw, examining him as if for answers.
"It’s true… I never knew the depths to which magic strayed," Darrion murmured, almost trembling from his ethereal venture. "I used to think it all frivolous tricks of the tongue."
"Not quite,” Amarya offered. "Those who perform incantations, as you suggest, are sorcerers - mere magicians who rely on handholds and false words to create masked illusions. In some cases – nigh, but rare - such illusions become reality. Regardless, the art lacks in form. Words are the derivation of mortals - a human contrivance, unnecessary for understanding. They are not real, as nature is real. Nay, words are but crude concepts – trivial in the matter of divine understanding. What is meant in one tongue may be opposite in another. How can a concept so unsure create something so pure? The answer is simple: it cannot.”



-–Scene from Empyreal Fate - Part One of Rachel Hunter’s Llathalan Annal series.

You can Purchase this book Here



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Interview with Author Rachel Hunter


Hey guys! I would like to thank Rachel Hunter for a wonderful Interview and I hope you all enjoy! :D 





Author BioBorn in 1993, Rachel Hunter has always been fascinated with words and the intricate way in which they combine. Since a child, she has been an avid writer, winding vibrant tales and elaborate stanzas on folded bits of paper.

As the years passed, her love of words never died; her adoration for reading fared no equal. Always with her nose in a book, Rachel took fondly to works spanning all genres. Yet it was the compelling grasp of fantasy and science fiction that wrenched her fascination above all.

In March of 2012, Rachel published her first short story with Trestle Press, titled, "Perfect Nothing", which recounted her harrowing relationship with an eating disorder and was also fueled by her passion for psychology. But her writing does not end there. While currently pursuing a degree in psychology and in the medical field at the University of Oklahoma, she aspires also to illuminate the creative spark of eager readers. In her desire to incite intrigue, she is simultaneously exploring new worlds and creating vast empires of her own. "Empyreal Fate" is only the first in her Llathalan Annal series. Indeed, it is only the beginning. 



Q: How did you come up with Llathala, is it something you envisioned of your own creation or did something inspire you?

A: I’ve been inspired by many stories I’ve read in the past; but, honestly, Llathala just sort of came to me. Actually, one of my main characters – Amarya – came to me first. And then the land materialized around her. I think she whispered about it in my ear and described it for me herself. I had only to listen – and understand. 



Q: With such unusual names for your characters and even for the places, how do you come up with what to call them in the first place?

A: Titles, as well as names, seem to come easily for me. Again, it’s almost as if the characters choose their names for themselves. I simply create their personalities, morals, and heritage. They do the rest.
One name that I was always sure I’d include in a novel someday was Nevaeyeh. I hope that – if I ever have a child in the future and she is female – to call her that. I find it to be a beautiful name. And it works well for the being in my story. (Watch out for her. She’s more than she seems.)



Q: I know an author falls in love with their main characters, so one of my favorite questions to ask is which of the side characters did you enjoy the most? 

A: So far, I’ve enjoyed writing Pin the most. Pin – short for Pinoque – is a creature I made up, called a Cauychin. He’s a rascally beast, cat-like almost. He is quite the witty creature, and he always insists on wearing a funny hat with a thick plume. Oh, yes, one cannot forget: he is also friend to the elves (Amarya in particular. She is the elf featured on the cover of Empyreal Fate).



Q: In your bio it says you are pursuing a degree in psychology and in the medical field at the University of Oklahoma; do any of your studies play a part in your writing of Empyreal Fate?

A: Indeed! I enjoy implementing my knowledge of psychology and personality into my characters and their environment. I am quite the ‘people-watcher’, so I’ve much to relate between characters in my fictional world and figures in the real world. Besides, I’ve incorporated various motifs in Empyreal Fate that reflect a few of my ideals. Such can be related to my own psychological insight.



Q: You are published through Hydra Publications. What made you decide on that publishing house versus self-publication or other publishing houses?

A: I wanted to go with a publisher that was willing to aid its authors with marketing, editing, and the entire publishing gig – one that was more like a writing family: supportive and ever-helpful. Thus, after several hours of research, I submitted a few query letters out to relevant publishers and was even asked to send more info to some. In the end, I received offers for two contracts – and during the same week! I chose Hydra in the end, for they dealt solely with speculative fiction genres, and their house was growing - indicating positive relationships between publisher and authors. I made the right decision. I couldn’t be happier.



Q: Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring authors?

A:  I say this to everyone - not just writers - but as far as advice…. READ. Seriously. And write to your heart’s content. It doesn’t have to make sense at all (in fact, the more nonsensical, the better). But the Muse must come out somehow; it must be beckoned and tamed, and then it must be heeded and groomed. But without the “experience” of literature under one’s belt – from reading, writing, and even research - the craft of writing will fall in shadow. At least – I find that immersing myself in words helps spark the creative flair. It gets the cogs turning, at the least.



Q: Empyreal Fate is book one of the Llathalan Annals, could you give us a hint as to what we might expect from the next book?

A: I’ve actually written the entire series, and there are five books total. However, the other four are only rough drafts, and I’ve yet to go back through them for heavy edits and rewrites. So in the end, the Llathalan Annal may end up with more – or even fewer – sequels. It all depends on whether I want to rewrite the other four books and incorporate new ideas – or whether the Muse wants to guide me with something different. We’ll see… But my only ‘hint’, if you wish to call it such, is that the world will indeed return. Part Two will be upon us soon. Are you ready?




For More Information About the Author:

For more information on Empyreal Fate:







Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Empyreal Fate by Rachel Hunter Review


Empyreal Fate
A Llathalan Annal
By Rachel Hunter

Llathala is a land full of mythical beings we know only in tales, separated by woods lives the elves and the humans who are on the verge of war. One day Darrion, the son of a poor laborer is foraging in the woods for food when he stumbles upon Amarya, one of the elven royals, forever changing his life. In the midst of the turmoil will Darrion and Amarya find a way to be together or will they be ripped apart because of where they come from?

First off I have to discuss the obvious, the writing style is not typical it has a more old-English feel to it as you go, at first it seemed a bit pretentious to me but I kept on and as I did I came to realize that if the author had written this story any other way it would not have done as well as it did in the style she uses. Now that being said this is an interesting story all on its own, with hints of Romeo and Juliet as the star crossed lovers want desperately to be together but they know they cannot, but to pull this off the author had to write a convincing romance where you feel for each faction as well as the lovers and I am happy to say that Rachel Hunter did a wonderful job. I look forward to seeing what the author does with the rest of Llathalan I can see a lot of potential writing material in the future, this is definitely worth the read.  

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Beastly by Alex Flinn Review


Beastly
Kendra Chronicles Book One
By Alex Flinn

Kyle Kingsbury rich, popular, and he thinks he is God’s gift to everyone. One day he asks an over-weight ugly girl to the prom, only because he already had a date and just wanted to humiliate the girl for fun. When it turns out that the girl is actually a smoking hot witch he soon figures out that he may have made a mistake. Now Kyle Kingsbury no longer exists he is a beast with fangs and claws that can walk upright and speak like a man. The only thing that can save him is true love.


This is an interesting re-telling of beauty and the beast, set in New York City with a modern spoiled rich kid as the “Prince” character, but not only this I love the incorporation of the beast chatting with other cursed characters in a forum it was fun to hear from a mermaid, a cursed frog prince, and of course the beast himself all while Mr. Anderson is trying to help them cope with their curses. The tale is a classic but the way the author brings it to life is altogether original and flawless.  The romance is beautiful; the author did a wonderful job with this book I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Running Man by Stephen King Review


The Running Man
By Stephen King
Writing as Richard Bachman

In a time where poverty is the norm, Ben Richards is willing to forfeit his life to save his eighteen month old daughter who is dying of influenza. Richards is soon chosen for The Running Man, a reality TV show where everyone is hunting him for a prize. When nowhere is safe and you must survive to earn your prize what would you do to win?

I don’t remember watching this movie but I know if I were to ask my mother she would swear I have seen it, growing up with a Stephen King buff I probably have, but when I first started this book the first thing I thought was Jebus it’s the original Hunger Games, without children killing each other. Ben Richards is an average guy in hard times which makes him highly relatable, well unless you are a spoiled rich kid I guess, and he is just doing his best to support his family which adds into the story a sympathetic dimension. All in all it’s an interesting read; if you are a fan of the dystopian genre then you should definitely pick this one up if you haven’t read it already.

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Friday, July 13, 2012

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Review


A Game of Thrones
A Song of Ice and Fire Book One
By George R. R. Martin

Winter is coming, this is the ominous saying of the Starks of Winterfell when the winter does come back it will bring with it creatures of old tales. Though Winter is on its way this is not the only problem the House of Stark faces when The Hand of the King dies the king himself requests that Eddard Stark become the new Hand and help him rule his kingdom throwing Eddard Stark and his family into a game full of lies, espionage, and murder. Across the sea the former prince barters his own sister for an army of warriors in hopes of gaining his rightful place, but the cruel prince underestimates the people his sister has become a part of.

There is no way to truly encompass this novel in a short synopsis, not only because it is eight hundred pages long but because the author seems to encompass almost every genre imaginable. I imagine if some authors try this they will find a jumbled mess in their hands but George R. R. Martin managed to bring together a novel that is truly epic and seamless in its telling. Not only does the author write a beautiful story between his characters making you fall in love with each one he also manages to make you hate the villains so much so that you almost wish they would soon get what they deserve. To me this is the mark of a brilliant novel, many authors can make you fall in love with characters but very few can make you hate them. 

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Reed Butler's Story by James Emory Thomas Review


Reed Butler’s Story:
Cowboys, Vampires, Zombies, and the Power of God
By James Emory Thomas

Eighteen Seventy-Nine, Reed Butler is grieving the loss of his wife and child when he is bitten by a vampire, but Reed Butler is chosen by God to put an end to the vampires once and for all. Along the way Reed Butler is joined by several different characters that will all play an integral part in the outcome.

This is an interesting take on the vampire/horror genre. I think it is the first Christian Fiction I have read that dips into the world of vampire and zombies, though I was a bit weary at first the author did a wonderful job using the right passages from the bible to intertwine with what he was writing making it a fun tie in.  The only problem I have with this book isn’t really a problem at all I just want more it was different and fun I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next though I think this novel will be hard to top.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Second Prophecy by R. Alan Ferguson Review


The Second Prophecy
The Dragdani Prophecies Part One
By R. Alan Ferguson

John Stark has been exiled to the “normal” world where he has married and created a life for himself, but one day a great wizard arrives to tell him that he is no ordinary wizard he is the last remaining descendant of the only Dragon/Wizard/Elf and he must return to his home to defeat the Evil Ulicoth. Things do not go as planned though as the King John Stark is murdered bringing about a reign of terror. When it comes to light that his wife is with child all they can do is wait for their savior to be born and come into his full powers. But Peter Stark is not like his father or any other that has come before him, he is something more powerful than their world has ever seen.

From the beginning this story captivates your attention; it is truly an imaginative tale full of creatures rarely used in novels to the most creative invention of beings. The story itself is fast paced with so many things involved I was afraid I would not be able to do it justice in my synopsis. The only problem I found is that there are quite a few typos, such as though instead of through, though they are small mistakes it gets a little annoying if not for this then this would be one of the best books I have read in a long time.

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Monday, July 9, 2012

The Truce By E. Milan Review


The Truce
By E. Milan

In an instant your life can be over but what happens afterward? This is a question many people ask, for Aaron and Amber there is life after death they both wake up in Purgatory. They can both sit and wait for their chance to be lead to Heaven but when they learn that there may be another way neither one is content to wait. To get to Heaven they must first travel through hell, once they are there though they are pulled into an epic battle two and a half millennia in the making.

I didn’t quite know what to make of this book but the synopsis was interesting enough to grab my attention, the author starts right off in killing his main characters in some cases this is a bad thing but in this case it proved to be an interesting take on the here-after. I am no master of theology so I won’t go into Purgatory or Heaven and Hell that is up to the readers discretion, what I will say is as a work of fiction this novel is along the lines of an epic fantasy including a battle that could only be imagined and is truly fun to read. This isn’t a romance novel the romance itself is shallow and not as heartwarming as it could be but it is a fantastic action adventure.
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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Exceeding Expectations By Lisa April Smith Review


Exceeding Expectations
By Lisa April Smith

There are only two things that mean anything to Jack Morgan, his daughters, and in order to protect them he must fake his own suicide. His youngest daughter Charlotte is twenty three and after years of having her every whim tended to  by her father when he dies and leaves her penniless she has no idea what she is going to do. With her older sister in a “clinic” due to having a mental breakdown after the news of her father’s suicide Charlotte knows she must do something to make money, after a suggestion from a friendly lawyer she tries her hand at modeling soon she finds the independence she craves all the while she investigates why her father had to take his own life uncovering disturbing things along the way.

Lisa April Smith does a wonderful job not only with capturing the nineteen sixties vividly yet subtly but also in enveloping not one but two beautiful romances with glimpses back to pre- World War Two encompassing the love Charlotte’s mother and father found in each other.   Even though there is a splendid romance between Charlotte and Raul this story was more about Charlotte and the pain she must overcome after losing her father and then finding a way to support herself and become independent all while searching for answers it is so well written, you find yourself easily lost in the story. I don’t usually compare authors to one another but I must say, Look out Danielle Steel it seems you have some competition for writing intriguing dramatic novels.

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Friday, July 6, 2012

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb By Melanie Benjamin Review


The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb
By Melanie Benjamin

At two foot eight inches Mercy Lavinia Bump is the perfect miniature woman. She started out as a school teacher then when she was seventeen she was approached to travel on a boat as a performer, with this first taste of fame she would continue on to become an icon during a time of great unrest. This is a fictional autobiography of the woman who became Mrs. Tom Thumb half of the perfect miniature couple.

I almost didn’t make it through this book; the author takes an interesting story and turns it into something dull and annoying. I say annoying due to the fact that Melanie Benjamin turned Lavinia Bump into an egotistical arrogant woman who thought every other little person, including her husband and sister, to be less intelligent than she was. Then there is the main dilemma of the novel which, with a quite glance at wikipedia you will find out what it is, turns out to be absolutely ludicrous. To add to these issues is the fact that Lavinia never loved Tom Thumb but actually P.T. Barnum and never even consummated her wedding, I find this entirely too hard to believe. Melanie Benjamin may be a good writer but this story turned out to be rubbish, and what was with the rant about the polygamist Mormons? Skip it and try google.

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Thursday, July 5, 2012

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich Review


Wicked Appetite
Lizzy and Diesel Book One
By Janet Evanovich

Lizzie Tucker gave up her fast paced career in New York and moved into her aunt’s old house in Marblehead and soon started working in a small local bakery life was quiet and fit her just fine. One day a handsome stranger brands her with his mark and disappears shortly after this unusual encounter another gorgeous man comes looking for her and tells her the other man is his evil cousin who is after a relic that represents gluttony, if his cousin manages to collect all of the relics that represent the deadly sins he can open the gates to hell on earth.


Not only is this a wonderful thriller it is also hilarious with outlandish characters such as the monkey who continually flips people the bird to the would-be witch whose spells continually go awry. Janet Evanovich does a wonderful job in blending multiple genres into one brilliant and cohesive novel. With fantasy, mystery, romance, and comedy this book has a little bit of everything for everyone. It is a light hearted and fun read, so if you are looking for something thought provoking you may want to go elsewhere.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Happy Fourth of July!



Happy 4th Of July hi5 comments
(I know it's cheesy but I love Mice! and yes I know it's a rat but they are so  cute too!) 


For those of you who don't know my husband is in the military so tomorrow I will not be posting and I thought I would do my Fourth of July post today since on the day of I will be out celebrating with the rest of the military families here on post. 





One of the most heartwarming sights I have seen, was last year here in Germany when the Ambulance that was offering support during the American fireworks festival had American flags in their windows. 

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!!! 




Monday, July 2, 2012

The Amityville Horror By Jay Anson Review


The Amityville Horror
By Jay Anson

December 18th, 1975 the Lutz family moves into their dream home, purchased at a steal because there had been a gruesome murder in the house. The Lutzes believe a house is just a house and are not afraid to move in, they will not stay more than a month. This is a true account of what happened to the Lutz family the terror that will forever change their lives.

Some of this story I don’t quite believe, such as they thought it strange that the wife woke up in the middle of the night and the next day didn’t remember doing it at all. Well, for me this is something I do all the time since I was a child and people will tell me all sorts of weird things I did or said while I look completely aware and conscious at the time I am still fast asleep, I must be possessed then according to this book. There were other little things that I could easily dismiss as over reactive imagination or any number of things but when it came to floating off the bed, they had me there. Even if these events aren’t real or exaggerated it is a fun read with some truly spooky scenes.

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