~Review: Dinner At The Zoo by Mr. Baker-Hall~

Dinner At The Zoo cover-image What will happen in the zoo when it closes out tonight? Shall we go see, me and you, how animals grab a bite? Tonight, don’t be a sleeper, never you mind the dangers. Let’s follow the zookeeper as he fills all the mangers.

My Rating:  3 Stars!

This is a cute story for toddlers and elementary age children.  The pictures are very nicely done and the colors bright and inviting!  The pictures follow the story line well and are fun and interesting!

I do think that some of the wording could have been made clearer, however.  A few of the rhymes and tongue twisters would probably be confusing to children.  Some flow perfectly while others fall a bit short.  This is a challenge for writers who create picture books.  It is important to make the words understandable to a younger child while still flowing well with rhyme.

Over all, this is a cute book!  If you have a child or grandchild that loves animals, they would probably get a kick out of this story!

Where you can find Dinner At The Zoo:

http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-At-Zoo-Mr-Baker-Hall/dp/191128505X/

Where you can find Mr. Baker-Hall:

Interview with Mr. Baker-Hall:

1.  What prompted you to write your books?

It was one very specific image that my daughter and I saw on the newspaper one day. It showed a group of people fearlessly helping a hippo walk back to the zoo in the flooded Georgian town of Tbilisi, in Eastern Europe. We talked about what the animals could have done to escape the zoo during the flood and then we went to bed. The whole story came up in my dreams, so the first thing I did that morning was sit down and write “The flood at the zoo”.

2.  Do you have any works in progress? 

Wonderful things keep happening in that zoo, so we never know when a new book may come out. For example, a few days ago, a vet went there to check all the animals. A few weeks ago, it snowed there. Spring is coming soon, and I wonder what it will bring…

 3.  Do you write in other genres?  If so, which ones?

No, I only write children’s books. I may write some books for older children in the future, so they can continue following my work as they improve their reading skills. I’d love to foster their development.

 4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I was born in Never Never Land and used to be one of the Lost Boys until I eventually decided to grow up. I then moved to Whoville where I studied Literature with Cindy Lou Who. On school breaks, I used to travel to Wonderland where I was the official storyteller to the Queen of Hearts. When I almost had my head cut off after I did not end a story with "They lived happily ever after", I fled to London where I live now with my wife and daughter.

 5.  If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

That everyone could always go back to that special time in their childhoods when their imagination had no boundaries, everything was possible and anything could happen. Unfortunately some people forget how to do that. Luckily, I still have some pixie dust that I can use to return to Never Never Land whenever I want.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

To live life to the fullest and enjoy every step of the journey. If you give a plot to a group of writers with a fixed start and end, I assure you they will write completely different stories. The beginning and the end will be the same, but the adventure in between them will be unique. That’s just how we write our own lives. Life is not about the destination, but rather how you get there and the experiences you have on the way.

The March Lowdown!

Hi everyone! Here's what went on during the month of March! It was a pretty busy month! The March Lowdown by Diamante Lavendar

As always, I'm very grateful to everyone who participated in my blog!  It's been a lot of fun expanding my reach to not only authors but also artists!  I've met and look forward to meeting a lot of fun and interesting people!

May you all remain prosperous, happy and healthy in the years to come!  I look forward to working with you on future projects as well!

Cheers!                                                                                                                                                             

 

 

Welcome Alison Buehler! Author of Rethinking Women's Health!

Rethinking Women's Health by Alison BuehlerAlison Buehler pic

Rethinking Women's Health was released last week into Amazon's Top 100 in Kindle books! I wrote this book because I wish it had existed when I was in the throes of battling my own female health challenges alone. I hope to accomplish two things with this book. First, I want to help women who are still struggling with female health issues like the ones I finally overcame. Second, I don't want female health to be such a hard thing to find for my daughter or her generation of women.

Personally, I suffered from a painful condition called vulvodynia, chronic yeast infections, and a host of other female problems related to bearing children. When your female parts are not right life is pretty miserable, but there are answers out there! They are hard to find, and not often mainstream, but women are becoming well even when they can’t find a solution at the doctor’s office. Becoming our own health experts and sharing our stories of support with other women are the keys to creating a culture of wellness.

I dug into every outside the box resource I could find for women at every stage of growth and development and share the best of those resources in this book. There is an extensive resource section at the end of the book for quick reference. I have received feedback already that women are buying copies for sisters, nieces, and daughters so that they will have this reference on hand. That is exciting!

Women are often told our female ailments are in our heads. While the mind-body connection is powerful, this answer often dismisses women from finding real solutions. Taking charge of your own health is powerful. Creating a culture that promotes wellness, rather than diagnosing and then battling disease is the shift I would ultimately like to see.

If you have a success story, I would love to hear it! Sharing our stories may be the greatest gift we can offer the world. Please email me at Alison@alisonbuehler.com to post your story on The Healing Wall at www.alisonbuehler.com where I share stories of transformation.

You can find Rethinking Women’s Health at http://amzn.to/22r7ezE

I am also giving away 8 Ultimate Self Help Box Sets. Every 25th entry wins and EVERY entry receives a free Health and Wellness Resource List PDF.

Here’s to your health!

Alison Buehler

~Review of The Adventures Of JoJo Smith by Tony Leslie Duxbury~

The Adventures Of JoJo Smith cover

This is a light-hearted and amusing fantasy about a young man who is accidentally transported to an alien world. It is a medieval world and the magician who pulled him from his own was only practicing! Jojo is frightened out of his wits and finds himself in the middle of a needle match between the magician and the King's henchman. As the magician ignores his pleas to reverse the spell and send him back Jojo looks for a way to force the issue. This is out of character for the normally happy-go- lucky Jojo, who usually just drifts through life. He comes up with the idea of making a revolution and dethroning the King. He finds allies to help him and the plan swings into motion. Of course, everything goes wrong from the start.

My Review:  4 Stars!

This is a humorous fantasy story that takes place in a medieval village.  The main character from modern day England is transported via a wizard to the medieval dimension for the purpose of collecting information.  The wizard ends up keeping the man, named JoJo, in the dimension as a source of amusement.  The book follows JoJo's desperate attempt to cause an uproar in the realm thus forcing the wizard to send him home reluctantly.

There are some funny scenes.  But the humor is adult;  this is not a book for children.  There is a lot of slang used from the perspective of English society, but I didn't find it difficult to follow.  I did run into a number of typos and spelling errors, but despite that the book was easy to read and understand.  The book was written in a sort of monologue of the main character. Everything was described by the main character's perspective with some dialogue peppered into the manuscript as well to add interest.  I do wish there had been more dialogue as well as a touch more character development and detail added to parts of the story to make the pace a bit faster.

All in all, if you enjoy fantasy and humor, you would find this story entertaining.   It did provide some much enjoyed laughter!

Where you can find The Adventures Of JoJo Smith:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-JoJo-Smith-Leslie-Duxbury-ebook/dp/B00EIPXJBA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458800082&sr=8-1&keywords=the+adventures+of+jojo+smith

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adventures-of-jojo-smith-tony-leslie-leslie-duxbury/1005024001?ean=9781500270841

Where you can find Tony:

Linked In:  http://www.linkedin.com/hp/?dnr=ZOfjMwww.linkedin.com/profile/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?=100005086548859

~Spotlight: What Dwells Within by Jayne Harris and D.J. Weatherer~

bookcovermain Spirits don't just haunt buildings!

From beloved dolls to once treasured jewellery, evidence of the afterlife can be found in the most unexpected of places.

Jayne Harris is one of the UK's best known female Paranormal Investigators and a world leader in the study of Spirit Attachment (haunted objects). With over 17 years experience in this very misunderstood field of research, in this book Jayne lets readers into her world by sharing her most memorable, and sometimes terrifying cases and gives advice to anyone wishing to take a journey into the paranormal.

Co-written by award winning Author Dan Weatherer who gives a fascinating insight into historic cases, this book is a MUST have for any paranormal enthusiast and an invaluable tool for paranormal investigators.

Are you ready for the truth?

Reviews:

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

Just Finished reading this book.. I was very pleased with the information, also had good stories/articles of personal accounts with objects connected with the Paranormal.. It also contained a very good FAQ section at the end to assist amateurs like myself in this field. This book will will be kept on my bookshelf as collection and for referencing when in need for the future.. will even read it again from time to time thoroughly for its interesting topics and information..
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

I finally was able to finish Jayne's book and I loved it!!. Defiantly a 5 star book to read!!. What dwell's Within: A Study Of Spirit Attachment Is a awesome Book for anyone who is a haunted doll/object's collector this is a great book to read and for anyone who is thinking of getting a doll or objects that are haunted this book would be soo perfect for the new collectors too trying to do research or looking for advice!!!. Jayne also has a website you can go to if you are new with being a haunted doll's collector!!. :)

Where you can find What Dwells Within:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/What-Dwells-Within-Spirit-Attachment/dp/1785350323/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458711712&sr=8-1&keywords=what+dwells+within

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-dwells-within-jayne-harris/1122201584?ean=9781785350320

Where you can find Jayne:

Website:  http://www.hdparanormal.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Hauntedolls

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HauntedDollsPage

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/hdparanormalresearch/

Where you can find D.J.:

Website:  http://www.fatherdarkness.co.uk/

 

~Spotlight: Lawful Claim by Marie Johnston~

MJ_Lawful_Claim_small Agent E wasn’t always an evil Sigma Agent. Even though evil had her claws in him, he couldn’t help but hang on to his past and watch over the family he lost, protecting them by staying dead to them. Until one night, he interfered.

When Ana Esposito’s life, and that of her son, was saved by the husband she had buried over a decade ago, she found her world irrevocably changed. Any chance of safety for her and her son lay with the hardened man that used to be the love of her life.

Where you can find Lawful Claim:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Lawful-Claim-Sigma-Menace-Book-ebook/dp/B015JEAL28/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458280809&sr=8-1&keywords=lawful+claim

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lawful-claim-marie-johnston/1122668259?ean=9781517407292

Where you can find Marie:

https://www.facebook.com/Marie-Johnston-593148834163855/timeline/

Website:  mariejohnstonwriter.com

Twitter:  @mjohnstonwriter

Interview with Marie:

1.  Please tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.

Demetrius was a character who had a rich back story as soon as I wrote him. Each time he appeared in The Sigma Menace series, I was super excited because he was such a fun dude. It helped that he’s a vampire and I kinda wanted to start writing about fangers. When I finished Pure Claim, book five in The Sigma Menace, it felt like that was the end of an era. I didn’t want to give up on the world and so many characters who needed their story told, so I took it in a spin-off direction. Demetrius was the perfect character to begin the Unnatural Disorder series. All the books in this series will have names for titles; therefore, book 1 is Demetrius.

2.  Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

If I could grow up to be J.R. Ward, I’d be especially happy. I’ve been a fan of her work since Dark Lover and I’ve studied the reasons why her writing sets the bar so high in my mind. Following writers on social media made me admire Ward even more. She lets us catch a glimpse of her life and personality without spamming us with marketing. Ward also writes her posts herself, not her assistant. I achieved super fan status when I wrote a blog about what I learned about writing from her. It was meant to be only five things I learned from her, but it grew into 20. So I broke it up into four parts and tagged her on Twitter for each post. I felt like I was being nothing but a nuisance, but I respect her so damn much, you know? I wanted to share my gushing. Once the four parts were posted, she tweeted some of the nicest words of encouragement. It means a ton to newbies like me to get a shout out from the biggest names in the business.

3.  What do you hope to accomplish as a writer?

Did I mention I want to be J.R. Ward when I grow up? I want to be at the top of my chosen genre. I want to write novels that help people get lost and enjoy every minute. I think romance will always be my primary genre, but I do have a few other books in mind. There are two deeply emotional women’s lit books banging around in my head. Most dear to my heart are two historical fiction stories I want to write. Both are based are true stories, but I won’t be able to make them biographical.

4.  Preferences:  Night or Day?  Coffee or soda?  Camping or Resort?  Cats or Dogs?

My first born helped me turn back into the morning person I was born to be. I just don’t function as well as the day gets longer.

I wake up to my diet soda and sometimes need to supplement with coffee. Forty is on the horizon and I’ve only just started drinking coffee.

I want to be a camper so darn bad, but I can’t stand trying to keep my kids from falling into the campfire. I hate packing all my stuff to go set it in the dirt. If we camp, it’s very minimal and it includes either fishing or hiking. When the kids are older, it may be more enjoyable. Otherwise, it’s resort all the way.

Both, but I sway more towards cats. I love their finicky temperament, and they’re just so fluffy! I do love a big dog though. Someday, *sigh* we’ll get a place with some land so we can have a big dog or two.

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I truly value every reader I have. I want to take something I really enjoy doing, and make it into a career. I can’t do that without readers and their support and encouragement.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Patience. I used to think I was a patient person - until I got older. Now I’m relying heavily on patience to undo all the bad effects of my impulsiveness. Whether it’s money, career, school - make a flexible plan and have the patience to stick with it. Sometimes the change we want to see, that we are working hard on seeing, takes time. Easier said than done though.

 

~Spotlight: Cross Academy by Valicity Garris~

Cross Academy Cover Photo

Imagine looking outside and seeing a wall that stands over 30 meters high and 5 meters thick. This wall encircles the entire village. It keeps the danger out...but it locks you in.

What's outside?

Demons.

Humanity was pushed to the brink of extinction when legions of demons crawled from beneath the earth and devoured two-thirds of the world’s population in a single night. For centuries, humans have been locked in a war with monsters—and they are not winning. There comes a day when the evil supernatural creatures break through the village walls and this time they hit with a vengeance.

Sixteen-year-old Fox Fire watches as her home is reduced to rubble. Desperate to protect her loved ones, she joins Cross Academy and devotes herself to destroying demons. But her loyalty is tested when she learns her best friend is possessed by one.

Fox must decide if she will be loyal to the Cross or spare her only companion. Slaying the monsters doesn’t seem so easy anymore.

Reviews:

on December 26, 2015

Cross Academy is a clever fantasy set in the village of Wee, years after much of the world's population was destroyed in the Demon War. Fox Fire, the heroin of the story, comes of age in a white-knuckle adventure, where she battles demons and witches in living color.

Valicity Garris carefully crafts her characters, and it is impossible not to fall in love with them as the story races faster and faster. KI is the outsider and protector that is wholly inadequate for the task. Cole is the untamable, hardened warrior. Each character is his/her own work of art, and they are certainly worth investing oneself in.

Perhaps most remarkable is the creative, imaginative setting, a fantastical world unlike anything on earth. While this story is outside of my genre of choice, the magical setting alone makes the trip to Wee a worthwhile adventure. I believe that Valicity Garris has a bright literary future ahead of her.

on December 30, 2015
To be honest, my plan was to skim Cross Academy to make sure it’s an appropriate book for my tween since I’m unfamiliar with this author. Wow! I wasn’t expecting this! YA fantasy isn’t typically a genre I enjoy, but the story drew me in from page one. The multiple layers of the story kept me engaged until the last page.Usually when I read, it’s clear what I like most about the writer, but this wasn’t the case with Cross Academy. Garris masterfully crafts her character development, description, plot and spiritual elements like a seasoned, best-selling author. I’m thrilled to have found a new author that not only my daughter can read, but I can enthusiastically follow as well.​
Where you can find Cross Academy:
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Academy-Valicity-Garris-ebook/dp/B0141YR5K8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Where you can find Valicity:
Website:  http://www.therebelchristian.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ValicityGarris
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5234254.Valicity_Garris
Interview with Valicity:
  1. Tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.

Cross Academy is a YA dark fantasy novel set in a post-apocalyptic world engulfed in demonic warfare. That sounds like a headful of crazy when I say it out loud but the reason I decided to write it was pretty simple.

I’m a huge fan of American comics, my favorite being DC’s Teen Titans. There was a cartoon version on TV when I was a kid and one day I was just watching some reruns and reminiscing in its awesomeness. Teen Titans was a show about teenage superheroes who lived in a giant T-shaped tower protecting the innocent citizens in the surrounding city.

While I was watching I just thought, how cool would it be if that were twisted into a Christian show? Instead of having teenage heroes we could have war hardened Priests, instead of living in a T-shaped tower they could have a militaristic faction within a giant cross shaped tower, instead of protecting the citizens from bank robbers and whatnot, their main enemy could be demons. Then I just thought, whatever, let’s throw in the end of the world and bam. Cross Academy was born.

I do realize that sounds just as crazy as the description but I’ve gotten good feedback so far!

  1. What is your favorite genre to read and why?

Even though I write YA fantasy, I love reading contemporary fiction. I feel like a lot of the issues in our society could be best addressed and presented to the people—as in the people who aren’t necessarily politically apt—through an intriguing story. Things that are often seen as controversial could be made into something that’s easier to talk about or simply brought more awareness if there was a character and a story with it that audiences could relate to.

  1. Who are some of your favorite authors? Why do you enjoy their books?

Definitely Kathryn Stockett, she did an amazing job with The Help. Her writing is funny even though she’s talking about something that’s very serious and even painful for some to think about.

I also enjoy Rainbow Rowell, author of Eleanor and Park, simply because she’s increasingly using minority characters in her work. Diversity is something that definitely catches my attention as a reader.

  1. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I feel like readers take a look at my blog and my bio and think that I’m strictly a Christian author writing for Christian readers. I’d like them to know that’s not the case. Don’t get me wrong, Christ comes first in my life, and my writing definitely brings in Christian references and themes but my aim is to blur the lines between secular fiction and religious fiction. CS Lewis did it perfectly with The Chronicles of Narnia, JRR Tolkien did it with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I’m certain it can be done again.

  1. If you could have one wish fulfilled, what would it be?

You know, my wish is really to write. Sure, I’d love to be on par with some of the famous authors today. I’d like movies made and crazy fandoms dedicated to my work but really … I just want to get my ideas out there and still have time for my video games ahaha. So my wish is being fulfilled with every stroke of the keyboard. All that other stuff would just be a bonus.

  1. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

One piece of advice about life? Gosh … the words of Winston Churchill keep me going, I’d have to share his famous quote; “Never, never, never give up!”

 

~Review of Twisted Faith by Victoria Schwimley~

Twisted Faith by Victoria Schwimley

Pastor David Owens came to New Hope Christian church expecting to revive a flailing congregation. What he got instead was just a building filled with grumbling, gossiping people.

Then one night, as he’s locking up to go home, he receives a desperate call from a young woman in the parking lot.

Abigail Stein is seventeen and an unwed mother. Persecuted by religiously fanatical parents, Abby is on the verge of killing herself—along with her baby.

David turns to God for guidance, calling on all his training to save the lives of this young woman and her child. Is it enough? Can David help her see the strength of God’s love before it’s too late?

My Review:  5 Stars!

If you enjoy reading books about Christianity, you will love this story!  It is a beautiful portrayal of the pitfalls and rewards of religion.  It speaks of the unfortunate circumstance of religion used to shame and disgrace but also of the beautiful circumstance of religion used to love and edify.  This is a well thought out story with a carefully crafted plot.  The reader will learn much about love and redemption from this book.

I highly recommend Twisted Faith!  To all adult audiences!  It is heartfelt and knowledgeable regarding the ways of the wayward souls and of the loving souls which are found in humanity. This book is a tear jerker as it explores the profundities of what really matter in life.  For anyone who enjoys pondering upon the human condition, this book is a must read!

Where you can find Twisted Faith:

http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Faith-Victoria-Schwimley-ebook/dp/B00MLY8OOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457421315&sr=8-1&keywords=twisted+faith+by+victoria+schwimley

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twisted-faith-victoria-schwimley/1120136192?ean=9781499248463

Where you can find Victoria:

Website:  http://victoriaschwimley.com

Twitter:   @schwimley

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4952648.Victoria_Schwimley

Interview with Victoria:

1.  What prompted you to write these books?

I wanted to find a way to reach out to kids to show them the love of God without pushing religion on them. I figured the best way to do this would be to approach some of the topics that affect them and approach it from a manner they might accept. I created Pastor David as a character that loves these kids and cares about them and accepts who they are, complete with their faults—someone who wouldn’t judge them, but understand them.

2.  What is your favorite genre to write and why?

I think that depends on my mood. I love my children’s detective series. The two characters in these stories are my granddaughters, and the antics they get into suit their personalities. I love the faith series because it allows me to connect with kids and show them they don’t have to be perfect to have God’s love.

3.  What is an interesting fact about you you'd like to share?

In addition to writing novels, I also write and produce stage plays. I have a passion for live theater and I’m thrilled to see my stories come to life.

4.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity?

My favorite food is anything with chocolate in it. My favorite color is blue, more specifically Turquoise. My favorite place is San Francisco, and my favorite activity is writing—next to that it would be walking on the beach.

5.  What are your hobbies?

I love to sew things, which I suppose goes along with my creative gene. I also enjoy camping and taking short hikes.

6.  What inspires you?

I’m inspired by life and the events that happen around me. For example, the inspiration for my book Capturing Faith came because I was surrounded daily by teenagers who seemed to survive on caffeine. I saw the effects this had on their lives. They joked about needing the caffeine to stay awake, but I saw it as a problem and addressed it in the story about a young man who takes massive amounts of caffeine until his body responds by crashing. I wrote this first as a stage play that was performed by the youth of my church. They reported on how much they learned about the dangers of caffeine and the need to take better care of their bodies.

7.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

I have two mottos I live by. “Life’s too short to sit on the bench, so get in there and pitch the game.” And “Always treat others how I’d want them to treat me.”

~Diamonds Fall by Rebecca M. Gibson~

Diamonds Fall by Rebecca Gibson

"She noticed as if in a dream, a single diamond hair comb fall to the floor. The sparkling jewels landed face down in the mud." Annabel Maria Hoddington is the epitome of high society. She has everything money can buy and as befits a lady of her station, is engaged to the richest bachelor in England. However, on the day of her eighteenth birthday - her perfect future on the brink of fulfilment - she is abducted and held hostage in an isolated village, where she finds herself entrapped in the harsh world of poverty. Forced to live amongst three mentally scarred siblings, she must adapt to her new, sinister world...or die.

Format: Paperback

I really loved this book. Annabel, a high class girl living in the Victorian times, is kidnapped and forced to live a harsh live in poverty by her kidnappers. It was a story that gripped me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading at times. The beginning of the story sure hits you with a punch and from then on, I just want to read what would happen with Annabel next.

Annabel's character changes from this spoiled, wealthy girl to a woman that is selfless and caring for those in need. I loved her transformation. Instead of a girl only thinking about herself, she cares for the children of the man she is kidnapped by, and they all depend on each other for survival. I enjoyed that despite her challenges with her captors, she could still find it in her heart to love someone. And the rest of the characters really grew on me as well. Billy - the stable boy who watched over the horses - is so caring of others and comforts Annabel right from the beginning. And Patsy was so protective and caring over her brothers.

The story was easy to follow. I found myself reading chapter after chapter, telling myself "just one more chapter" and then it's like two hours later. I don't want to give much of the plot away, but I can say it's intense at times. As for other reviewers not thinking many of the historical references were quite accurate, I couldn't really tell myself. I don't read many historical novels, but I truly enjoyed this one. I will be looking out for more by this author.

Recommended for those that enjoy coming of age novels with historical romance thrown in.

Where you can find Diamonds Fall:
http://www.amazon.com/Diamonds-Fall-Volume-Rebecca-Gibson/dp/0993296300/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51rbW3SVZnL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR100%2C160_&refRID=1FVGW96FB1TV64DQPC3N
Where you can find Rebecca:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B011VLBBJ0
https://www.facebook.com/Rebecca-M-Gibson-797166506986803/timeline/
https://twitter.com/TheRGibson
Interview with Rebecca:
1.  Tell me about your books and why you decided to write them.
Wow...where to begin? I tend to write quite emotive stories, drifting onto the darker side of emotion. I have a psychology degree so I love exploring a character's mind and seeing how they handle various situations. 
My most emotive novel is probably 'Rubies Fall' which is set in the First World War and follows Gray, a rich gentleman with romanticised ideas of adventure, as he is thrown into the horror of the trenches. I'm really proud of that novel and just hope everyone else loves it as much as I do. I am incredibly interested in the First World War so I'm praying it does the experiences of all the men who fought justice. 
My debut novel 'Diamonds Fall', the prequel to 'Rubies Fall', follows Annabel Hoddington. Annabel is a rich and spoilt society lady who gets kidnapped and held hostage in a small village. Without her trusty material objects, she must learn about the simple pleasures of life, like friendship and love, in the hope of eventually finding her way home. I wrote 'Diamonds Fall' when I was out with a friend, walking in the forest by my house. The characters quite literally fell into my head. The rest, as they say, is history.
2.  What are your goals as a writer?
My main goal as a writer would be to touch someone with the words I've written and the characters I've created. I want people to feel something when they read my stories that maybe they didn't feel before. I want people to stay awake thinking 'what if?'. Basically, the reactions I have always had to my favorite authors, I would love for other people to have about my books.
Personally, I would also love to keep evolving, keep improving and eventually end up in a physical bookstore!! I want to write in many different genres and create a variety of different characters to keep everyone on their toes!
3.  Who are your favorite authors and why?
My absolute, all time favorite writer is Wilfred Owen. He is a poet who served as an officer in the First World War. His poetry and the letters he wrote during the war are phenomenal. They are a fantastic portrayal of what the war was really like and how it touched people in so many different ways. His poems are not only beautiful but they spoke the truth in a time full of so much pain. If you haven't heard of him (and why not?) go check him out now! I'm also, obviously, a massive fan of JK Rowling, Harry Potter was the narrative to my entire childhood so that will always be close to my heart. I won't go into all my favorite books right now because this would turn into a novel all by itself but I'll pretty much read anything!! 
4.  Where would you go on your dream vacation and who would you bring with you?
Ohh interesting question. My dream holiday....this is hard seen as though 90% of the items on my bucket list consist of travelling. My best friend lives in Australia so I would love to go there again and see her, which I am saving up for now but it's going to take a while. I would also love to explore the corners of Europe in much more detail - Ypres, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Rome...the list is endless. Although, you can never beat a white sandy beach and a turquoise ocean. I think, in answer to your question, I would go anywhere and everywhere with anyone who'd like to come! 
5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?
That I love them all for reading my books. I love hearing from my readers, talking to them about their favourite chapters or where they think the characters will go. Look me up, send me a message, I don't bite! Speaking to my readers about the way my books made them feel is the reason I do what I do. A writer is nothing without someone to read her words!
6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Never give up on your dreams. It's cliche but it's true. I've had countless people tell me I dream too big. People love to say you can't do something because they're too scared to try themselves. Yes, a spot in a bookstore, a movie deal, a following of devoted fans, they're all far fetched but they have to happen to someone. Why not me? Why not you?

The February Lowdown!

February Lowdown 2016

Hey everyone!  It's hard to believe, but February has come to an end already!  Two months into 2016!  The time is going fast! I'd like to shout out a big thank you to the talented artists and authors who participated in my blog during the month of February! It was great having you all as guests! May the coming months and year find you happy, healthy and prosperous!  Keep in touch! Cheers!

~Spotlight: Perfect World by Shari Sakurai~

Perfect World Cover

It is the year 2115 and the world is very different. With climate changes, natural disasters and war shaping the landscape, England has become a nation made up of several super cities and wasteland in between.

Eric Rawlins is a genetically engineered superhero created by the London Security Agency (L.S.A) to defend and protect the city against both national and international threats. With his superior abilities, celebrity status and beautiful girlfriend, Eric appears to have the perfect life. However, it is an illusion created by the L.S.A in order to control him.

Eric's nemesis is the charismatic Adam Larimore. The only son of billionaire business tycoon Victor Larimore, Adam is gifted with a genius level IQ as well as the same longevity as Eric.

When the actions of the L.S.A throw the two of them together Eric finds himself questioning everything that he has ever known as well as discovering the true course of events that led to Adam turning to a life of crime. As they become closer Eric realises that the L.S.A may be the real threat to London. But can he trust Adam or is he part of Adam’s plan for revenge against those who have wronged him?

Reviews:

5 stars
In the distant future, London is ravaged by the great tsunamis of 2049. This was a disaster on a global scale. War and strife followed, the struggle for resources seemed without end - until the LSA was formed. The LSA (London Security Agency) became the greatest asset in restoring order and peace to the world.

With the world's greatest arsenal of weaponry at their disposal, holographic technology that can recreate the old world at a whim; and genetic engineering able to completely map and control the human genome, the LSA eventually established total control over a weary, splintered population -- or so they thought.

Eric Rawlin, the LSA's best genetically engineered super soldier, is the face of hope against all who would threaten this new-found peace, the pinnacle of their achievements. Eric has never questioned his loyalty. He would give his life for the cause, and as with any cause, there will always be those who would seek to end it.

Adam Larimore is such a man: the greatest terrorist the world has ever faced. He is the perfect weapon, with a burning hatred for the LSA, and the means to destroy them.

As Eric moves to put an end to Adam, he must delve deep into the mind of the enemy, into the secrets of his past, and he must, for the first time, question the organization that created him.

Will Eric find the answers he needs in order to defend London, or will he wish he never started looking to begin with?

Shari Sakuri has created an amazingly detailed world in the distant future. I found myself right at home, in this space opera. She describes the tech with great intricacy, down to the dates of its conception.

Eric Rawlin is an absolute bad ass with an immediately likeable personality. It was a pleasure to see how he evolved from soldier to a man, in control if his own life, in this tale. His supporting cast is fleshed out and realistic down to their postmodern wardrobe.

Adam Larimore provides the perfect counterpoint to the flawless order of the LSA. At first, I considered him an ever-present antagonist, always popping up to taunt Eric and drive him forward. Although certain plot points related to him were a little cliché, as the story progressed, I found Adam to be so much more. And the twist between Adam and Eric came as a complete but welcome surprise to me.

The only complaints I have about this book are its few grammatical errors, and a bit of lag towards the middle of the story.

I know the year is young, but I feel it is going to be tough for any book to beat Perfect World. I immensely enjoyed Shari's writing style and beautiful story. There is even a teaser for another one of her books after the epilogue. I'll probably check it out very soon. If you enjoy, sci fi, martial arts, romance, and technology; be sure to give this book a read. I look forward to her next.
J.B Maynard (http://www.tabbyafae.com)

4 stars
Perfect World caught me completely off guard. I expected an LGBT romance set in a SciFi world. But what I go was a really deep book that focused on many different elements. While Adam and Eric's romance isn't the highlight of the book, it is still sweet and I enjoyed it. I actually like that the author paid more attention to the whole story instead of focusing on the romance.

The pacing was great. There were never moments of lag, and I enjoyed this book all the way until the end. The ending, though. It's a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Adam and Eric's story isn't over yet!
Kristen Noel (http://www.prettylittlepages.blogspot.co.uk/)

Where you can find Perfect World:

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-World-Shari-Sakurai-ebook/dp/B00LXPO5WA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456643250&sr=8-1&keywords=perfect+world+shari+sakurai

Where you can find Shari:

Website:  http://www.sharisakurai.com/

Perfect World website:  http://www.perfectworldseries.com/

Twitter:  @ShariSakurai

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sharisakurai

Blog:  https://sharisakurai.wordpress.com/

Interview with Shari:

1.  Please tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.

Perfect World is a science fiction and LGBT novel and is the first book in the series of the same title. The novel takes place in London in 2115. The protagonist, Eric Rawlins, is a genetically engineered superhero and part of the London Security Agency (L.S.A), which is the organisation that created him. The L.S.A has given Eric the perfect life with his superhero abilities, longevity, celebrity status and beautiful girlfriend, but in reality they control him and use his popularity with the public to their advantage. Eric’s nemesis Adam Larimore was also genetically engineered and has a genius level IQ and longevity. As the novel progresses Eric begins to see a darker side of the organisation that he works for and also learns that Adam isn’t quite the villain that he’s made out to be. They become closer throughout the novel but Eric remains unsure of whether he can trust Adam or if he is being used.

Perfect World decided to write itself really. One day out of the blue I had the idea and I just had to start writing it!  

2.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?

Yes, I'm currently working on a companion novel to the Perfect World series as well as Book 2 in the series.

3.  Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

My favourite author is James Clemens. I love his style of writing and the worlds that he creates.

4.  Favorites:  food, color, activity, place?

My favourite food is a tie between macaroni cheese and pizza! Apart from writing my favourite activity is going to live music concerts. You just can't beat seeing your favourite artists live! My favourite place is London; there's just so much to see and do there!

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I am a perfectionist when it comes to my work. I have to be completely happy with every word before I can even think of publishing something. As a result I go through many rewrites until I am satisfied that my work is as perfect as I can make it.

6.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Don't put things off. If you want to do something then do it! It's better to regret doing something than regret not doing something!

~Spotlight: The Leprechaun Delusion by Dr. Leviak B. Kelly and Idav Kelly~

cover_front_book2_001

In the years between 2004 and 2006 of our current calendar, a social movement among atheists rose to popularity across the world. At first many atheists around the world, particularly the anti-theists, were overjoyed at the new movement that eventually became known as the New Atheist movement or simply New Atheism.

Then as the years went by, the atheists around the world began to see the growing suppressed and repressed inherent anger in the rally cries of the spokesmen of this movement. Yet the general populace of discontent and disenfranchised middle class males and a smaller amount of people of various descriptions seemed to find their niche in the movement.

The movement became a voice for those that were looking for meaning outside churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. New Atheism resonated with the frustrations and other issues that harboured, both knowingly and unknowingly, within these individuals. Groups on social media of these devoted followers began to hold events and establish various internet media into “their” voice.

This was their chance to change and inform the world. It was their chance to vent their frustrations on religion, especially monotheism. However, they did not critique religion, they lambasted it with the mockery and ridicule that gave rise to other atheists and religious followers to mark their obvious fundamentalism.

Their vision, however, was not just skewed by psychological issues but by a blindness of their own “enlightened” intellect. They failed to see that religion was more than monotheism. They failed to use the very science they claim to rally around to search out the environment they were getting stuck in by manipulation. So centered are they on their pot of gold that they do not realize that they have been hoodwinked into a new religion, by both a sociological standardized cult definition and by self-identification from its founders.

In their desire to right the wrongs and bring a multiplicity of light to bear on religion, they have followed a carefully crafted set of mythic leprechauns, the founders, through a rainbow of logical fallacies and ignorance, to a pot of iron pyrite. They have, like many, been lead into the end of St. Elsewhere, trapped in a snowglobe environment called the Leprechaun Delusion.

Reviews:  

Okay, let's be honest - no one really likes the New Atheists except for the New Atheists. They're rude, abrasive, obnoxious, they get in your face, they write books like "Manual for Creating Atheists". This book says what we're all thinking: New Atheism is just another fundamentalist religion. What the New Atheists generally argue is that they aren't religious because they don't do anything that's really all that harmful, but this book proves that statement wrong: The New Atheists DO do harmful things - like ridicule, which causes violence, or like racism, or sexism, or advocating thousands of people being killed just because they're scary muslims. Some of the things the "Four Horseman" said were so bad that I had to look up the citations to make sure the author wasn't making things up. The saddest part was that the author *was not* making any of this up - Sam Harris really suggested that people of color might be less intelligent, and Christopher Hitchens really did advocated that all of Turkey could be blown to smithereens without shedding a tear; all of them made similar infractions to these and more, Richard Dawkins calls Yahweh infanticidal, and then later says that infanticide of Down Syndrome children is acceptable? And then on top of that, all of them are pushing for communism. You'd think they'd have learned something from the past century.

All in all, great book. It revealed a lot about New Atheism that I didn't know before.

5 star review by James Landon

Where you can find Leprechaun Delusion:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Leprechaun-Delusion-Revealing-Religion-Atheism-ebook/dp/B00Z8QWX1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456521694&sr=8-1&keywords=the+leprechaun+delusion

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-leprechaun-delusion-dr-leviak-b-kelly-dd/1122370792?ean=9781512318135

Where you can find Idav:

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14188907.Idav_Kelly

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/alixetiir

Website:  http://skeletonscomic.blogspot.com/

Tumblr:  http://alixetiir.tumblr.com/

Where you can find Leviak: 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35027587-leviak-kelly

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/veritasubique

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Leviak-B-Kelly-Doctorate-of-Divinity-836941823058244

Interview with Idav:  

1.  What prompted you to write your book?

I saw the problems with the New Atheist movement, and I don't believe that just because I'm not religious that I have to 'side' with them.

2.  What do you hope the publishing of your book to accomplish?

I'm hoping to reduce the number of people who want to ridicule people for their belief systems, especially when those people are falling into their own trap.

3.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I tend to avoid sticking to one side or the other on partisan issues, which, in a way, is part of the motivation for writing my book. I don't believe anyone is above criticism if they're not telling the truth.

4.  Who are your favorite authors and why?

Well, definitely Carl Sagan. He knew how to be spiritual. I also like a variety of fiction authors, but Edgar Allan Poe is still one of my favorites because his horror stories are so sophisticated. If you check out my Goodreads page, you'll also see a few web cartoonists who I like because they were funny and also inspired me to write my own comic.

5.  If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Strangely enough, I'd probably want to meet Megyn Kelly, the reporter, because I think we'd see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and I like her attitude. When people interview her offstage, she's not the ultra-conservative that she's been painted as.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Keep working even when things seem bad. Studies show that perseverance is the most correlated trait with success.

~Review: Wind Down by Mark Ewig~

Wind Down by Mark Ewig

Aaron Starks survived a near death experience when he was stabbed by an unknown assailant. All of his college roommates were suspects. However, investigators could turn up nothing to catch the attempted murderer. Fifteen years later, Aaron is all grown up with a family. Things are going great until he starts experiencing strange blackouts and other paranormal visions. During the blackouts he still interacts with others, but he cannot remember anything he said or did. Doctors are unable to provide an answer. It is not until Aaron has an encounter with Ju'van, a local shaman, that he realizes what he needs to do. He is sent on a journey to meet up with all his old roommates to discover the truth on what really happened the night he was stabbed in the back.

My Review:  4 Stars!

Although this book had some editing issues, I absolutely loved the story line and conflicts contained within it!  This is a novel about a man journeying through his unconscious, attempting to find answers to the mysteries that happened in his life.  Unsure as to whether he is really alive or dead, the story follows him as he revisits old friends and tries to gather an ending to his paranormal trial.

This book will keep you guessing!  It will also make you think about your own life and actions. This is a perfect book for those of us who love to examine life and attempt to better ourselves through those self examinations.

To any paranormal buffs out there...give this book a try!  It's hard to put down and a very interesting and introspective story!

Where you can find Wind Down:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Down-Mark-Ewig-ebook/dp/B00O6P2OUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455590434&sr=8-1&keywords=wind+down+mark+ewig

Where you can find Mark:

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9812829.Mark_Ewig?from_search=true&search_version=service

~Spotlight: Bounty by J.D. Cunegan~

Bounty ebook

Jill Andersen is one of Baltimore's best and brightest detectives, but she harbors a dark secret -- a secret that threatens to come out when the body of Dr. Trent Roberts is pulled out of the Chesapeake Bay. Dr. Roberts' connection to Jill reveals a past that involves a tour in Iraq, a secretive cybernetic experiment, and a conspiracy that involves a native son.

Can Jill solve the case while still keeping her secret? Will her partners at the Seventh Precinct find out what she's so desperate to hide? What was Dr. Roberts looking into that led to his murder? And perhaps the biggest question of all...

Who is Bounty?

Reviews:

Format: Kindle Edition

Can I just say, WOW! The main character here already deserves 10 stars, and she’s everything I love about strong females. She’s smart, funny, kicks ass, and knows what she’s doing. She also has a heart and can be a simple human sometimes, so that we all can relate to her, and she’s stubborn and strong when it comes to her work. She’s what you get if you cross the women sleuths and superhero genres, plus throw in a good deal of author’s imagination and humor. I can tell right away the author must be a very fun person to hang with. The secondary characters strengthen this impression, because all together, they form an impossibly cool team – and you know how much I appreciate it ;) The story has it all – mystery, thriller, suspense, drama, and ACTION, so much epic, well-written action that there’s no place for slow chapters. The pacing is really great, pushing the story forward just when it feels like it’s slowing down. Even though many of the intrigues are resolved early, the suspense is built in an original and mind-gripping way till the very end. The flashbacks to the past make it especially hard to put the book down, and they also help us get to know Jill better and understand her motivations and feelings. I think, whether you’re a fantasy or sci-fi fan or not, if you love action – read this one without a doubt. The author did a really great job introducing the series, and something tells me the next book will be only stronger. *I’d like to thank the author for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
on July 15, 2015
I didn't really know what to expect from this book, but I was very pleased. It was a very good read. It tells the story of a woman who is "modified" due to taking part in a hidden experiment. She is not only a cop, but a hidden vigilante.

This book is written well and is full of crime drama and suspense. I absolutely love Jill and find her strength honorable. She went through a lot when she was young, but never let it stop her. She continued to grow and now she is doing what it takes to help out her city, on the front lines and behind the scenes.

I want to say thank you for allowing me to read and review this book. It is definitely a good book and is one I'd highly recommend....

Where you can find Bounty:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Volume-1-J-D-Cunegan/dp/1514140179/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bounty-jd-cunegan/1122055374?ean=9781514140178

Where you can find J.D.:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/J.D.-Cunegan/e/B00YNTP4S2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14050436.J_D_Cunegan?from_search=true&search_version=service

**New From J.D.:  Blood Ties available on Amazon!**

~Review of Insane-O-Tron by Nick Alverson~

Insane-O-Tron Color_FINALsm.2

Insane-O-Tron is a collection of six short stories about unexpected characters in crazy situations, with plenty of action, adventure, Sci-Fi, fantasy, friendship, family and romance.

The title story, Insane-O-Tron, is about two best friends, one a man, the other his haircut, thrown into the middle of a plot to stop humans from ever existing. As they battle a lunatic scientist and his fast food employees, they attempt to travel back in time seventy two million years in order to save their future.

In The Family Family the former golden boy of TV comedy, Scott Scotterson, is tasked with reviving a failing TV show, by turning its family-themed plots, from wholesome and boring, into crude, over-the-top insanity.

Mallard Quackenbush explores the anxiety and paranoia of a father as his only daughter prepares to go on her first date with a duck.

Terry is the story of a small plastic pumpkin and his best friend Billy Skids. It’s a tale of friendship, of bullies and the glory of Halloween.

In The Perfect Day, Ernie the earwig takes a summer’s day trip to the warm, scum infested water of the gutter.

Brave Pony pits an awkward and socially outcast pony named Gooch against the deadliest threat Pony Land has ever known: a fire breathing dragon.

My Rating:  3 Stars!

Insane-O-Tron is an offbeat comedy written by Nick Alverson.   This book speaks of everything from the mundane aspects of life to outrageous situations that could possibly occur only in the wildest of dreams.  Peppered with obscenities, stories about everything from bodily functions to hallucinogenic possibilities are presented in the manuscript.

I did find this book humorous on several occasions:  the ridiculous aspect of the stories was somewhat appealing to me.   However, some of the humor was also quite raunchy which isn't my every day "thing".  Overall, though, I do have to say that the bizarre and unpredictable outcomes gave me a laugh as I do tend to enjoy irony quite a bit!

If you like weird/raunchy/ironic humor you'd enjoy this story!

Where you can find Insane-O-Tron:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Insane-O-Tron-Nick-Alverson-ebook/dp/B0125MRT18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455009026&sr=8-1&keywords=insane+o+tron

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/insane-o-tron-nick-alverson/1122343491?ean=9780989664301

Where you can find Nick:

Website:  http://www.nickalverson.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/NickAlversonAuthor

Twitter:  @NickAlverson1

The January Lowdown!

Hello everyone! Today I'd like to take a moment to thank all the wonderful authors who participated in my blog during the month of January!  It was a very busy and prosperous month!

The January Lowdown by Diamante Lavendar

I am grateful to all of you for bringing interest and diversity to my blog!  It was great working with you and even better getting to know you!  I hope this post finds you happy and well!

If you're reading this post and would like to know more about the featured artists or the art work I pictured above, just go to "reviews/promos" under the blog tab to look up the authors or go to "art" under the art site tab to locate what you're interested in!

 

~Spotlight: Miscalculated Risks by Maria Riegger~

MiscalculatedRisks What would you do if you met someone who defied all of your stereotypes?

Outspoken and abrasive, law student Isabel enjoys arguing with just about everyone, including her friends. It's 2010, and her strained relationship with her mother, less-than-stellar job prospects and frustrations with the conformist political culture of Washington, DC have left her resentful and unfulfilled. Only her sisters and a few good friends are able to keep her semi-grounded. When she meets a new fellow student who dares to challenge her, she is intrigued but skeptical. While Isabel is risk-averse where her feelings are concerned, she is also becoming increasingly curious. She's afraid to get close, because being vulnerable always lead to being hurt, doesn't it?

Where you can find Miscalculated Risks:

http://www.amazon.com/Miscalculated-Risks-School-Heretic-Book-ebook/dp/B014N9SJLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453879152&sr=8-1&keywords=miscalculated+risks

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miscalculated-risks-maria-riegger/1122823090?ean=2940151015813

Where you can find Maria:

Author website/blog: www.lawschoolheretic.com
Twitter: @RieggerM
Google+ Maria Riegger
Interview with Maria:
1. What prompted you to write your book?

The storyline came to me all at once. I had some ideas for scenes, and then everything coalesced one day. I wanted to write a book with Washington, DC, my hometown, as a setting, and also wanted to write about what it was like to go to law school there as a young professional.

 

I also wanted to experiment with characters who didn't act the way people expect. The main character, Isabel, doesn't always act as you would expect a woman to act; however, there are reasons for that. Isabel also applies her own stereotypes to people, which end up turning out to be untrue. This novel was a lot of fun to write.

2. What is your favorite genre-to read and write?

I love to read thrillers. When I was younger, I read a ton of Agatha Christie. Ken Follett is my favorite author. Eye of the Needle is a classic spy novel, and Pillars of the Earth is an epic. Follett writes a fast-paced thriller, but also has the ability to write in different genres. His novels always include strong female leads. I also enjoy reading Neil Gaiman; he is a great storyteller. His novel American Gods is incredible.
 
I enjoy writing women's fiction with a brash, independent edge. I really enjoy getting into the characters’ heads. I prefer characters who have a mix of positive and negative traits, who have some redeeming qualities but also (sometimes major) flaws. I also enjoy writing witty, sarcastic exchanges between characters.

3. Do you have any works in progress? If so, what are they?
I'm working on Acceptable Misconduct, the sequel to Miscalculated Risks; and I'm working on a political fiction novel. You can't get away from politics in the Washington, DC area.

4. What do you hope to accomplish as an author?
I write because I have something to say. If my books make people think about things, then I consider my job done. Writing is also cathartic for me, since I draw on some of my own experiences and feelings.

5. What are your favorites-food, color, place, activity?
Hmmm, it's difficult to narrow it down. Coming from an Argentine family, I love pasta. My favorite color is deep red. My favorite place depends on my mood, but right now that would be Toledo, Spain, a medieval walled city that is packed with tourists during the day but silent at night (perfect for writing in solitude!). My favorite activity is spending time with my young son. As the child of an attorney, he is always giving me a piece of his mind.

6. What would you like your readers to know about you?
I work full-time, write, volunteer and take care of my family. People ask me how I have the time. I make time for the things that matter to me. If you want something badly enough, you will find a way to do it.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Do your own thing, and don't let other people's words of discouragement affect you. You are the master of your own destiny.

~Review: Silence Under The Blue Sky by Rajalakshmi Prithviraj~

Set against the backdrop of the Jamnagar Helicopter crash on 30 August 2012, where two helicopters of the Indian Air Force had a mid-air collision, this story is a reality fiction, loosely based on the true story of an Air Warrior from the Indian Air Force. Narrated through the silent echo of the sorrowful heart of one the shattered families, their pain is best expressed as silent streams of tears flowing noiselessly down a pair of eyes that have intensely loved and sadly lost. Sometimes, when the heart weeps, there is only language that it understands…..Silence.

My Rating:  3 Stars

This book was based on a very touching story about a woman who lost her husband while she was pregnant.  The dream entries were quite poignant but I had a bit of trouble with the rest of the manuscript as it was written in a very formal manner.

This book was interesting as it came from the perspective of an Indian woman.  It speaks of the Indian culture and the expectations towards women as well as the subculture of the Indian Air Force.  At times I was confused as to some of the lingo because it was written from that perspective.  However, the book speaks in a humanistic way as well when it describes the tragedy and pain of losing someone close to one's heart.

Overall, I would recommend this story because it gives unique insight into India's cultural expectations towards women.  It also speaks of the tragedy of love lost and dreams coming to an end-something everyone can relate to.  If you enjoy studying other cultures or can relate to the pain of loss, this story is for you.

Where you can find Silence Under A Blue Sky:

http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Under-Blue-Rajalakshmi-Prithviraj-ebook/dp/B00ZSHPLJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453529678&sr=8-1&keywords=silence+under+the+blue+sky

https://www.flipkart.com/silence-english/p/itme9hb4grkyhku6?pid=9781514348345

https://www.createspace.com/5559629

https://pothi.com/pothi/book/rajalakshmi-prithviraj-silence

 

Interview with Rajalakshmi:

 

1.  What prompted you to write your story?

I had always wanted to do something for my husband; something that would make him proud. This story is a tribute to him, a homage to what he did for his country and the principles he stood for. Also, the support that I got from my organization helped me and my family bounce back and start living again. Hence, this book is my way of expressing my gratitude to all the men and women in blue and their families.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical in your story?

Yes, it is my story. I re-live a particular event in my life through Apoorva. All the characters exist in reality. Hence, names have been changed to protect their identity. Since the story is based on a real-life incident and narrated as a  fiction, hence the genre is reality fiction.

3.  What would you like to accomplish as an author?

My sole aim as an author is to narrate stories that can evoke emotions and touch a chord in the reader's heart. I wish to write about events in my organization which would bring out its humane side. Also, I want to write about things, people and places that have touched my life and brought about a positive change in me. I believe that every story has something good to offer its readers. I dream of my stories to have something to share with the readers.

4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I would like my readers to accept me as I am. I am but one of the woman in blue who would do anything for her organization. I am a wife of a martyr and wish to continue being acknowledged as his spouse and not a widow; after all, his not being physically present in my life does not mean that he is no longer my husband. Why label me a widow, when I am still married to the man I call my husband? Above all, I am a mother who wants her children to remember their father as a man who loved his family, loved his country and loved his uniform. In short, I am like any other woman who wants to live a life of dignity and retain her sanity inspite of changes in ccircumstances.

5.  If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

If I could have one wish granted to me it would be to make sure that no woman whose spouse is dead is called a Widow. The very existence of this word acts as a stigma and makes a woman vulnerable. Its bad enough to have a spouse missing from one's life, but it is worse to be thought of as readily available for lecherous men.

6.  If you had one day in life to do whatever you wished, , regardless of cost, what would it be?

I would want a time machine to take me and my two kids into the past so as to spend that whole day with my husband. I was pregnant with my second child when he had died. I wish I could get him to meet his baby, now grown up, in person.

 

~Spotlight: Images Of America: West Columbus by Sean V. Lehosit~

West Columbus Cover

Present-day West Columbus is a collective of neighborhoods born from the western banks of the Scioto River in what became Franklin County on April 30, 1803. The first settlement, Franklinton, was founded by Lucas Sullivant in 1797, platted two years after he received 6,000 acres in payment for surveying the central Ohio portion of the Virginia Military District. Later expansions included the areas of Sullivant’s Hill, Rome, and Camp Chase. While the first settlers were farmers and ex-soldiers, the land would also attract Quakers, rail men, real estate moguls, and manufacturers. The neighborhoods found success even though the Scioto River, which birthed the region, on multiple occasions threatened to wash them off the map during three great floods. Characterized by a hardworking and driven population, the community attracted major investments by the mid-1900s, including the expanded operations of the General Motors Fisher Body Plant.

Where you can find Images Of America:  West Columbus:

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9781467114639/West-Columbus

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/west-columbus-ohio-sean-v-lehosit/1122367222?ean=9781467114639

http://www.amazon.com/West-Columbus-Images-America-Lehosit/dp/1467114634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441435868&sr=8-1&keywords=west+columbus       

Where you can find Sean:  

https://www.facebook.com/svlehosit

https://www.twitter.com/svlehosit

Interview with Sean:

  1. What prompted you to write your book?  

I worked as a freelance writer for two publications during college, a campus magazine called UWeekly at OSU and a community rag, Columbus Messenger Newspapers. I attended The Ohio State University, and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor degree in English. Around the same time I graduated, I also was hired as a full-time news editor for the community newspaper.

I was charged with producing content for the west side edition, and as part of my duties,       regularly attended government meetings, school functions and other happenings. I also grew up in this neighborhood. I began meeting so many amazing people, ranging from longtime residents, to military veterans and business leaders.

The community has suffered economic problems for decades, and I realized many people forgot about its rich history. It was the training grounds for Union soldiers during the Civil War, later turned into a Confederate prison and cemetery; birthed the largest school district in Ohio; survived fatal floods; and was the location of a historic insane asylum and so much more.

I was inspired to write this book to not only preserve its history, but in hopes of creating some community pride for the younger generations.

  1. Please explain the story line and why you believe it to be an important story to tell?

Following the American Revolutionary War, the country did not have the money to pay those who served, but what they did have was land – lots of land, referred to as the Virginia Military District. Former soldiers quickly hired surveyors to descend upon the lands to lay claims, many times paying the surveyors with pieces of the land they were scouting.

Lucas Sullivant, one such surveyor, chose a little area on the banks of the Scioto River to settle the community of Franklinton. A year later he had to move it a few miles, due to heavy flooding. One of the first streets was Gift Street – named because anyone who agreed to settle there received the land as a gift – this of course, was to entice people to relocate to Franklinton; remember, at the time it was still dangerous due to attacks by Native Americans.

West Columbus continued to grow over the decades, creating new neighborhoods, which were under the constant threat of being washed off the map by flooding waters of the Scioto River. However, they always bounced back.

This is why the story is important: some people want to write off the present-day area; because of the economic turmoil it’s suffered. But it has always been a resilient community, and I believe they can be inspired by their ancestors and reminded it’s never too late, nor impossible to either rebuild or redefine their selves.

  1. Your personal history....does it have anything to do with why you wrote your story?

My family came from Austria-Hungary, present-day Slovakia, just prior to World War I. They moved to West Virginia, where they worked in the coal mines. It was not an easy livelihood. My great-uncle, Karoly “Charles” Lehosit was killed in a mine collapse in the 1920s, but you won’t find a grave for him, his body was never recovered, something not unusual for the time period and his social class.

However, the hard life of a coal miner was still better than the world they emigrated from. Austria-Hungary Dual Monarchy was one of the last feudal systems still functioning in the world; many times family’s like mine were the property of the land’s Baron, and most times were born, raised, worked, and died without stepping foot off the farmland. They were not considered freemen until the late 1860s and then they flocked to America searching for a better life.

My family’s story doesn’t have specific links to the community I write about, but it shares the theme of wanting to build a better life. The early settlers of West Columbus arrived in hopes of redefining their legacy and building a better future for their children.

  1. Do you prefer to write nonfiction?  Is there another genre you may be interested in writing?

I began concentrating on nonfiction a couple years ago. I’m a huge history nerd, but not about the topics people are most familiar with. It annoys me there’s so many stories in history that go overlooked. For instance, both World Wars were heavily influenced and took place in Eastern Europe – but how much do you know about Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Croatia, etc.?

The same with local history like my book talks about the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery. While most locals know the story behind the cemetery and its annual memorial service, if you ask a resident in the next city over, odds are they’ve never even heard of the historic cemetery that’s nestled between an ice-cream stand and a church. I want to shed light on these topics.

However, I do enjoy writing in other genres. Other genres I have interest in writing are horror and crime fiction. Those are tricky areas though, especially horror, because public interest goes in and out of fads, so you have to time your project perfectly. For instance, now would be a difficult time to write a vampire book, but 10 years ago, publishers were looking for the “next Twilight.”

You really need to predict what the next fad will be. Pop culture usually goes in 20-year cycles, so look at what was popular 20 years ago, and you could make a smart bet it’ll be popular again soon.

  1. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I attended The Ohio State University as a transfer student; I entered the university as a senior. I first attended Columbus State Community College, where I graduated with as associate’s degree. While I was there, I wrote a one-act comedy called “Dysfunct” that a faculty member asked to use for their summer production in 2007. I also directed the play, and it remains one of the highlights of my writing career – so far.

I also have a four-month old son, Kade. Having my first child really changed my perspective on the world, and I actually think my writing and story ideas matured once he came into this world. I also have a five-year old beagle, Freya. I rescued her from an abusive home and she was pregnant – little did I know. I came home one night and she was giving birth on my bed. It was a surreal experience, although ruined the bed and I had to throw the whole thing out.

  1. What are the affects you hope that your published book will accomplish?

My hope is the book serves as a time machine for readers. I hope the stories they learn about echo through their daily lives; and when they pass a building, park, or drive by a school or church, they have a deeper appreciation for where it all came from.

I also hope it inspires them to further develop the community. It took the city more than 100 years to create a flood wall to stop businesses from being washed away. While the community has seen hard times, it’s not a lifetime sentence, even if it takes some years, things always get better.

 

~Review: Bloodline by Tara Ellis~

Bloodline cover Sixteen-year-old Alex is your average teen who thought she'd be spending the next few years suffering through high school...not saving the world from an alien plague. But when a rare meteor shower unleashes something otherworldly, she finds herself at the center of a five thousand-year-old conspiracy. Guided by cryptic clues left from her deceased father, Alex is plunged into a strange world predestined since ancient times. As the mystery unravels, she discovers her bloodline is anything but average. Pursued by both the people she loves and unknown enemies, Alex is forced to rely upon her instincts and the help of her friend, Chis and loyal dog, Baxter. Together, they race against time to find a cure. ** Bloodline is the first book in The Forgotten Origins Trilogy (all three books available).

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This is a fantasy adventure story that any fantasy buff would love!  With plenty of action and adventure, it keeps you riveted from the very beginning!

When a virus affects the town that Alex and Jake live in, they find themselves in the middle of a confusing scenario of intrigue and evil.  Destined to find the answer to the equation, as the virus quickly spreads across the globe, they set out on an adventure to bring peace back to their town and to the entire world.

Armed with only sparse tidbits of information, they are forced to piece a puzzle together that looms larger than their wildest dreams!

I loved this book!  It kept me intrigued from beginning to end.  It was very well written and the plot was captivating.  The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of some minor editing issues I found in the manuscript.

If you enjoy fantastic, paranormal adventures, this one's definitely for you!

Where you can find Bloodline:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-Book-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy/dp/1492169676/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453108875&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=bloodline+tara+ellils

Where you can find Tara:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis/e/B00IVF1JQK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/taraellisblood

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/forgottenoriginsbloodlineHeritageDescent

Interview with Tara:

1.  What prompted you to write this book?
This isn't the first book that I've written, but it's the first one that I completed and published! I think the difference with this particular story, is how much time and thought I put into the plot and in writing the outline. I have always loved science fiction, and since my daughter was fourteen when I started writing this, it was just natural for me to write a young adult scifi novel!
2.  Do you have any works in progress?  If so, what are they?
Yes! I just released the third book in my middle grade mystery series a little over a month ago (July), and I am working on the audiobook for the 2nd book in that same series. I will then move on to the second audiobook in my trilogy.(the audiobook for Bloodline is already out). I just released a short story this month (September), and I am now turning my attention to rewriting an adult thriller that features a female FBI profiler.
3.  Who are your favorite authors and why?
Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Ken Follet and Suzanne Collins rank at the top. I feel that Stephen King is one of the best writers ever, but I prefer to read Dean Koonz due to the darker side of King's stories. Ken Follet is just a masterful storyteller and Collins is one of the reason I chose to write in the first person.
4.  What is your favorite:  color, food, place, activity?
My favorite color is hunter green, food is probably pizza or nachos, place is Blue Bay at Flathead Lake in  Montana and activity would be (other than writing!) hiking.
5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?
Reading has always been a form of escape for me, ever since I was a child. My goal as a writer has always been to offer that same level of entertainment to someone else. Because of this, I take my storytelling very seriously, and always give 100%. You'll find that my trilogy, The Forgotten Origins, is very involved and unlike other trilogies, gets better as it goes, rather than tapering off. I don't think there's anything worse as a reader who's invested so many hours into a saga, to be disappointed at the end or feel like the author gave up. When I finished the last sentence of the last book....I'm not ashamed to say that I cried a little. I hope that the passion I have for this story comes through!
6.  Is your story in any way autobiographical?
Thank goodness...no. However, if an alien virus were to infect the world when I was that age, I would have likely behaved the same way! I will say, that when a couple of people asked if I based the main character, Alex, on my daughter, my answer is that some of the characteristics are more similar to myself. I think that's a natural aspect of writing in the first person...at least for me, it was. I thoroughly enjoyed narrating the book. When I write, I visualize it as if it's a movie, so I already 'heard' all of the voices in my head!
7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
To never give up! Pursue what makes you happy, and if anyone tells you that you aren't good enough....just get better!