Thursday, December 8, 2011

Textual Healing

by: Eric Smith

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Few people have to deal with a haiku-speaking flower-shop-owning ninja every day on their way to work. Unfortunately for Andrew Connor, he is one of those people.

And poor Andrew, his week has been a rough one. His former bestseller, Chasing Fireflies, is on clearance at Barnes & Noble for $1.37, his girlfriend left him for a corporate America action figure, and he's been tricked into joining Textual Healing, a support group for writers who can't seem to write anymore.

Dealing with his employees at his failing used bookshop, a strange new love interest from the Midwest, and a pet sugar-glider that has somehow managed to destroy his entire apartment... when will he ever find the time to put pen to paper again?

A quirky comedy set in present day New York and New Jersey, Textual Healing follows the story of Andrew, a self-deprecating, once famous author, his small bookstore in Hoboken, and the colorful characters that surround him.


The fact that this is a self published book always surprises me. The cover is professional and the editing is superb. I only saw one error that I remember.

The characters aren't too in depth. Really the only person you get to know is Andrew (aka Ace), which makes sense as it's from his point of view. And the timeline is one week. It will shock you as much as it does Andrew when he asks himself if it's really been only one week toward the end of the book. I actually stopped reading and went back. lol

It's a light fast read. The story is well developed all the way through, and it has plenty of quirky moments. Nothing really beats the haiku speaking, Ninja Orchid lady. She sneaks up on Ace all the time and when she leaves, she always does some Ninja move in the middle of the street. Always good for a laugh.

The story is complicated but treated with an easy manner. I don't want to give too much away, but really it just illustrates why I was blown away that the timeline was only a week.

So yeah, it's a fairly light, quirky love story. Romance written by a guy...bromance? No that sounds wrong...LOL. It's good fiction, enough said. I saw a review that said it's romantic comedy...yeah that fits.


And I just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous giveaway happening over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom. It's a Green Faery Pendulum Board and a gorgeous pendulum to use with it. They are both made by Brynn McCullough.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Westmore: The Aftermath

by: Carol Cassada

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
In the eagerly anticipated sequel, a car accident changes the lives of the families of Westmore. One family comes together as one of their own fights for survival. While another family rallies together to protect a relative from prison. What happens when secrets are revealed? Find out in Westmore: The Aftermath.


I really enjoyed the first book in the Westmore series. I gave it 4 stars, and I couldn't wait for the next book in the series. And here it is.

The writing jumps around from being too formal to being too casual. And the story lines are moving too fast. There is something big going on in the story and then poof, the conflict is over. Like Jeff, Marie's husband has been a jerk for years and Catherine tells him he's a tool and he just says "yeah you are right" and starts acting sweet and apologetic.

The other problem is the reactions of people. When Alicia shows up at Marie's house when she should be at the trial, Marie simply things to herself that Alicia must have something important to say and then politely offers her tea or coffee as if it were a regular visit. Realistically Marie should have met Alicia with "What are you doing here?" and some measure of shock.

Those are just a few examples. I'm feeling let down after the first one. But I still think Carol Cassada has potential as an author. In fact, if she just took some more time editing this story it could be as good as the 1st one. Right now it has a feeling of something published too soon.

I was still invested in the characters and wanted to know what happened, I just with the issues around the main story lines would get cleaned up. There was a great flow, it's not a short story but it moves fast and easy. One of those beach reads - although I guess this isn't the season for that. lol

I'm sorry to have to give this 2 stars, but it just needs more work.


Guest Post - Gregory Allen


Can Authors Write in Different Genres?

Whenever I’m interviewed, I’m always asked what genre I write in. It’s the toughest question I seem to get as an author because I’ve never been able to say “I write vampire books” or “I’m a sci-fi mystery man’. The truth is: I write whatever story comes to me at that moment. But mainly, I write about people overcoming obstacles and adversity – and there are numerous settings and genres those stories can play out in.

My debut novel Well With My Soul has been classified as literary fiction as well as gay fiction (because one of the characters was gay). So people would begin to assume I only can write gay-themed novels. My novelette Proud Pants: An Unconventional Memoir was a book about addiction and a dying man coming to terms with his life (who happened to be my real-life half brother). Next year readers will be able to get a sense of feminine side when Patchwork of Me comes out (about a woman who is driven to therapy because of an invisible rash and discovers a past she never knew she had). All of these deal with adversity, but each have a different writing style and genre attached to them.

I understand that many readers want to be able to return to a beloved author and know exactly what they can expect from them, but I tend to think giving the unexpected can also be a great thing. There is no need to treat readers as simple-minded people who can only ‘handle’ one thing from an author. I love reading different types of books and as Jonathan Lethem points out in this interview; really only care about good quality writing.


My background as an actor and writer was in children’s theater. All of my first musicals were written for the stage and I received my equity card (the actor’s stage union) from doing children’s shows. So to write a book for children seemed second nature to me when I wrote Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero With Autism. And to add to that, my godson has autism and I knew I wanted to bring attention to the subject told through a different way. Most books I found were all from the perspective of a sibling and not the child. So his older sister and I worked on this story, submitted it to MeeGenius Publishing for their author challenge and the public is able to vote on it until December 18. (Shameless plug: I’d love for all readers to click on the link to see the story and please vote: http://meegenius.com/challenge/chicken-boy-the-amazing-adventures-of-a-super-hero-with-autism-by-gregory-g-allen )

So the next time you think an author must always write in the same genre, just remember this: Ian Fleming (James Bond stories) also wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And where would we be without that story?

More information on author Gregory G. Allen can be found at www.ggallen.net

Thank you so much, Gregory. I think if an author can tell a great story, I'll read anything he or she writes. I love the mysteries Janet Evanovich writes, but I've also enjoyed her romances.

Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero With Autism sounds like a book that our children today need. With more and more children being diagnosed with Autism every year, there needs to be resources for those of us without the inside scoop...so that we can teach our children what is going on. I can teach my children to be patient with people who are different (after all everyone is different), but it's also great to be armed with as much real information as possible.

I already voted, please readers go vote on this one and tell all your friends.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Dead in a Flash

by: Alain Gomez

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
One moment you're here, the next moment you're gone. "Dead in a Flash" examines those last few precious seconds flash fiction style. That short amount of time where you experience your last... everything. Flash Fiction collection, approx. 2,300 words

Wow! I read this in less than an hour. I really feel like I know flash fiction now. Each story had to do with death, either the main character's death or someone that person was close to. One was the last thoughts of a man who fell off a roof. Another was a courtesan who was accused of treason and sentenced to beheading. I loved the pirate who was hanged. He was sad they covered his face, losing the sun and fresh breeze before his death.

I can't go on and on, seriously it's like 8 pages long according to the e-book. There are a bunch of stories, it moves so very fast you barely catch your breath before starting the next one. Great for a "bathroom reader" or a short trip...it will keep you occupied and entertained. Plus it's only 99cents. :-D


A Reckless Witch

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
With great power comes great responsibility. So says the tradition of witching. One teenage witch missed that lesson...

As a child, Sierra Brighton traveled the world. She swam with the baby whales, danced in storm funnels, and lived in complete magical freedom. And then Momma died and Sierra ended up in foster care, an unhappy and very secret witch.

Fetched by Nell's spell, she'll no longer need to do magic on lonely beaches - but can Sierra learn to use her power safely? Or will her reckless blood put Witch Central at risk?

A Reckless Witch is book three in the top-rated A Modern Witch series. While each book tells a complete story, you'll enjoy the characters far more if you start at the beginning of the series. Debora Geary is working on several more books expected out in the next year, if the kids don't spill any more water on her laptop.


I love it! The cover is the same as the other "Hidden Witch" books but this one is purple. It's a great picture and it gives continuity to the series.

As for the characters, they are all so sweet and loving. There is no lack of love, fun and banter. They all love to tease each other. Sometimes it's a little high on the cheese factor but there are others when the characters are so sweet I would tear up.

The main character, Sierra, in this story is a powerful witch, but her mother was the reckless one. Sierra was never taught any safety precautions, and had no idea how her playing with the weather and water cause any backlash in other places in the world. When she found out, she was beyond discouraged. She was going to give up practicing magic. Everyone tried really hard to realize that she wasn't the reckless one and give her the care, support and training she needed. The first thing everyone did was give her a home and family who love her. Wouldn't the world be nice if we all did that.

Not to get all political, but this is what being Christ-like is. I just wish people who make the most noise about being "Christians" got that.

There are other big things in this book - but you have to figure them out for yourself. And you don't have to read them in order, but it helps with the characters. The real trick is meshing this with the other series she has started. :)

I adore these books, this one is no different. They are like comfort food. Perfect for a light read, and it will just lift you up.


Sounds of Murder

by: Patricia Rockwell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
When Psychology Professor Pamela Barnes discovers her department's star researcher strangled to death in the computer lab, she's determined to find out who did it. Will an accidental recording of the murder allow Pamela to use her expertise in acoustics to identify the killer? A unique cozy mystery--set in the world of academia and high-stakes research--full of excitement, humor, and romance.


Cozy Mystery...I really like that. Yes, this would be a cozy mystery. You have a psychology professor who specializes in sounds (I never knew there was such a thing) and when her colleague is murdered, she feels she is the only one who can crack the code of the recorded murder.

Her husband is the perfect man, knows what Pamela needs and delivers. Plus he loves to cook fancy gourmet meals ALL THE TIME. As I said, perfect...it's your first clue that this is a work of fiction. lol Her teenage daughter is excited about the murder...proving she is still a teenager. I was really bothered by her when she walks into her parents room and gives actually tells them to "get a room." HELLO! They were in their ROOM!

The characters are fairly easy to read, and while it never gets too deep, Patricia does a good job of keeping you in suspense. I think that's what they mean by cozy mystery...it doesn't take too much to get through it.

As for the writing, it's without fail and sometimes too perfect. But hey, at least it was easy to follow and well edited. I'm giving this one 3 stars, it's a good story but the characters really didn't do it for me this time around.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Relax!

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? My biological father.

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? New Zealand and I'm not comin' back, baby!

4) What do you think about most? My kids...what they are doing, what they need to do, what we could do...etc.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be? My husband. Damn, a date with that man would be so much fun. Right now we don't get to go out...at all...and that stinks. He plays the guitar and has mad skills with amplifiers and tubes used in musical gear...so he counts.
6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? College, skip the MBA and instead of Child Development, English or Journalism.

7) What's your strangest talent? I can't talk about that here. ;-)

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on? The one above.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you? Sure, haven't you heard that song by the Rolling Stones? lmao

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar? Couple weeks ago I guess. Occasionally break out my "guitar" to make the boys laugh.

11) Do you have any strange phobias? No, I don't think so. Heights and spiders...oh and things that sting, wasps and bees.

12) What's your religion? Leaning toward pagan but still searching...which I guess makes me a perfect pagan. lol

13) What is your current desktop picture? My boys sitting with Santa Clause.
14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing? Watching my kids play at the park.

15) What's the last song you listened to? Ummm....I can't remember.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band? The Beatles...without a doubt.

17) What was the last lie you told? Oh like I'm telling you! I'd be busted!

18) Do you believe in karma? I want to...but sometimes it's hard with so many bad people out there.

19) What is a saying you say a lot? Well right now it's "'Cause Honey Badger don't give a shit!"

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength? Weakness - self doubt. Strength - husband says "organization skills" but I think that has TONS of room for improvement. Maybe my ability to see through BS...yeah I'm too good at that. lol

21) Who is your celebrity crush? Patrick Warburton...his voice and body...my husband says I could just watch him read the phone book and be happy...yeah pretty much. lol

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart. I see a picture of a red heart.

23) How do you vent your anger? Bitch to my husband about it...unless he's the one making me mad...then I yell at him. lol

24) Do you have a collection of anything? Not at present, I used to collect tins, until they kind of took over my ability to display them. I was a teenager. No I have nick-nacks, but they are all from special people in my life.

25) What is your favorite word? That's the hardest question I've ever seen...Brilliant...that's my favorite word. And I think it's a shame that only the brittish seem to use it with any regularity. Wouldn't it be nice to have a good idea, and instead of someone saying "yeah, good idea." They said "Brilliant!"
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