Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien


Book: The Lincoln Conspiracy: A Novel

Author: Timothy L. O'Brien

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: How big was the conspiracy to kill Abraham Lincoln? Detective Temple McFadden and his wife, Fiona are about to find out when he stumbles across two diaries which lay out the assassination. Will they survive uncovering the truth?

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: What a dynamic read. First off, I am a Lincoln fanatic so I loved how this book continued the storyline and gave a realistic new twist to what the facts are. Second, I LOVE books which allow me to learn new things. I found myself googling incidents and people to learn more which then even made the storyline *POP* even more. Normally, I can't stand books that I call "Rock and Roll Heaven" books. These are books like the famous Righteous Brothers songs that throw in all the famous people from a period of time. This one worked for me though. It didn't seem like the author misused the people who he brought into the storyline just to "add names".

Source: Netgalley for Publisher and Library       

Would I recommend? : Heck Yes!!!!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

Nothing More, Nothing Less by Ashley DuKart

Thanks to Amazon for Cover Art

Book: Nothing More, Nothing Less

Author: Ashley Dukart

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Suffering from grief from losing his mother to suicide, Brandon is spiraling out of control with addictions and destructive behaviors. His brothers are trying to save him, but is Brandon, particularly with his circle of friends, beyond help?

My rating: 3 Stars

My opinion: Although the writing in this short book was good, particularly for a debut novelist, I feel like this storyline is a dime a dozen. I did find it to be a tad predictable as is the case with these storylines. I would say in reading probably about 10 books on this subject just this year, it is one of the better ones that I have read. Reading this as a former addictions counselor, Ms. Dukart has developed the characters, particularly in the downward spiral of addiction, beautifully and realistically. I expect this will even continue to be a strength for this author as she continues to publish.

Source:   Author for review     

Would I recommend? : Yes, I didn't find it a horrible read, simply one that followed a predictable path. I would encourage the author to look at the price point for the book though. I know I would not pay $8 for the book.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Vanishing Point by Val McDermid





Book: The Vanishing Point

Author: Val McDermid

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Stephanie Harker becomes the guardian for her friend's son, Jimmy Higgins, after his mother, Scarlett, a reality star who passes away from Breast cancer. While in security at Chicago's O'Hare airport, Jimmy is kidnapped while Stephanie is stopped by TSA when she sets off the alarms due to a leg plate.

It is up to the FBI, police and Stephanie to find out who, from multiple suspects, have taken Jimmy. Was it a stranger abduction or someone with much more sinister objectives?

My rating: 3.5 Stars

My opinion: First, let me premise this review by saying I am a HUGE, HUGE Val McDermid fan. I have read every book of hers minus wrapping up 2 books in her Kate Brannigan series. I find McDermid's books to be twisted, particularly her Tony Hill series, engrossing with characters and scenes so well developed that readers feel that they are present in the story. Furthermore, plots offer twists and turns that keep readers, for the most part, guessing at the outcomes and questioning beliefs in what was just read.

On that note, this isn't my favorite book by Ms. McDermid. I found it to be almost tame to other works I have read of hers. While it still had the Val McDermid quality of writing, I felt it was almost commercially geared towards the female reader. It was loaded down with "references" to feelings, romance dance and other female "issues"...not a hint of twistedness, which left me feeling kind of empty after finishing it.

On a small side note...Val's depiction of the incident between the incompetence of the TSA and Stephanie Harker was hilarious.

Source: Netgalley for Publisher       

Would I recommend? :  I regularly recommend Val McDermid books. This one would be recommended only to a certain audience (yep, female) versus gender unbiased recommendations I have done in the past!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand alone

 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Lip Service by M.J. Rose


Book: Lip Service

Author: M.J. Rose

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Julia Sterling, happily married to a psychiatrist, proud stepmother to his son and successful journalist, is hired by The Butterfield Institute as a writer. As her position grows, she explores her own sexuality and her relationships with men. Will Julia make it out with her sanity intact or take her on a whole new path in her life that will destroy everything she has ever known?

My rating: 3.5 Stars

My opinion: First off, I need to disclose to the readers of this review that I am a huge M.J. Rose fan. She has shown herself to be a master at writing within a diverse number of genres with a smoothness YET grittiness that leaves readers holding their breaths. On that note, this one didn't quite do it for me. I could tell that this was a prequel to the Butterfield Institute series which currently has 3 books in it. I have read 2 of these books. Also, as I did research for this book, it looks like it was originally released in 1999, which also explains why her writing appears to be SLIGHTLY more amateurish than her polished writing demonstrated in her more recent releases.

Now, as stated previously, Ms. Rose writes within several genres...historical fiction, which is my favorite of hers. Second is (really) light horror and finally, erotic mystery, which is where this novel and those of The Butterfield Institute fall into. Reader beware..when I say erotic, I am not kidding. These books have some gratuitous sexual spiciness in them. If you are turned off by this, DO NOT READ THIS SERIES.  

Source: Netgalley for Atria

Would I recommend? : Yes, I think if you read The Butterfield Series, which I recommend, this is a good introduction. AGAIN, IF YOU ARE TURNED OFF BY EROTIC LITERATURE...THIS BOOK ISN'T FOR YOU!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series

 

 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo


Book: Murder Takes Time

Author: Giacomo Giammatteo

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Four young boys develop a friendship in Wilmington, Delaware and swear to be friends forever. What happens when life, death and prison have different paths for them as they grow into manhood? They find they must resolve these issues when choices they make as young men choosing a life of organized crime and all the danger that comes with it including violent death. Can their friendship survive?

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: DYNAMIC read by this debut author! This book kicked off on page one with a gritty murder to introduce the reader to the theme of the book and, for the most part, didn't stop until the end! I would put this author's works up against authors such as Mario Puzo any day of the week.

He laid out the story in alternate times in history progressing up to the present with the current organized crime murder spree. This led to a deep tension in the book as to where it was going and how it would cumulate at the end. This tension was not eased by the character development and knowing secrets (that the other characters didn't know) which could have, at the very least, destroyed the friendship and at the most, lead to murder.

Kirkus Reviews nailed it when they called this book "A nuanced debut that upends genre stereotypes and readers' expectations." This is the calibre of book that I refer to when I say that Indie authors can play on the same playground as traditionally published authors any day of the week and those who refuse to read Indie authors are missing out!

Source: Author for review       

Would I recommend? : To the right audience. A fair warning, this book has numerous very graphic moments in it that I think the weaker or more sensitive reader would have a very difficult time with.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

 

 

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark


Book: Dancing Naked in Dixie

Author: Lauren Clark

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Travel journalist Julia Sullivan isn't having a good day. After several failed articles and a work ethic that leaves alot to be desired, Julia is called into her boss's office. It stinks that her new boss just happens to be her father David, whom she has been estranged from and hasn't had really good feelings for since the death of her mother from ALS.

David is giving her one more chance to get her stuff together or get fired. This time, however, it is not going to be a trip to some foreign, exotic vacation. The magazine is taking a new path to meet the needs of the traveler in this poor economy. So, where does daddy send this urbanite? Eufaula Alabama! Home of the deep south in all its' glory!

As she is doing her research on all things Southern Belle, she is brought in on some really shady dealings that could change the quaint town of Eufaula forever. Can Julia use her powers of print to bring some less than ethical characters to the light and save Eufaula? Will she open up her heart to a boy from the south or will snobbishness and bias close her heart? Will she continue to consider David to be her jackassed boss or can they fix their father/daughter relationship?

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: I would say that my initial reaction to this book was that it was adorable. Clark writes with a sarcastic lightness (which is always a winner for me) from the main character, Julia to supporting characters which comes across as bantering. Clark has also shown this through moments of the book where Julia is speaking to herself. I loved some of the descriptions that she came up with and found myself laughing out loud at some of the comments.

This book almost had the feeling of the movie Sweet Home Alabama which is one of my favorite movies. It is also mentioned frequently through out the book.

Now, because anyone who reads my reviews knows that I don't think any book to be perfect. I did feel that there was predictability to this storyline and the nice wrapping up with a red ribbon. However, I enjoyed the ride getting there and found it really easy to look past the ending.

Source:  Author for review      

Would I recommend? : For those who like Chick Lit, yes I would. Not being a huge fan of Chick lit, I even found it a fresh breath after some heavier reading that I had been doing.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

 

 

A Review, An Interview & A Giveaway: Ghosts of a Lighthouse in Autumn by Kathleen Valentine






Book: Ghosts of a Lighthouse in Autumn (Halcyon Beach Chronicles)

Author: Kathleen Valentine

Release date (if applicable): 10/20/2012

Synopsis: Secrets are everywhere and can lead to death in the newest release in the Halcyon Beach series from Kathleen Valentine. In this "episode", Felicia, affectionately called Fleur by her family, decides to move to Halcyon Beach, a pleasant memory from her childhood, and sell her paintings. While there, she meets and falls in love with Mitch who comes to the relationship secrets of his own.

Interwoven is the story of Lester,  the lighthouse keeper, and Cecelia, young lovers from the early 1900's. When secrets are revealed death follows and spirits remain trapped in the lighthouse forever.

Can Felicia survive the secrets being revealed in what she thought was her perfect life? Will she suffer the same fate as Cecelia?  

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: Another quality short novel and quick read from Kathleen Valentine. I love her ability to write her short stories that are able to really paint pictures of her characters and scenery that unravel slowly and draw readers in.

Lighthouse was no different. Unlike the better chunk of her novels, Lighthouse is told in the first person. This allows the reader to feel as though they are being told a story by the main character, almost to a point that they are part of the story.

On that note, I don't think that this was as creepy as her first book in the series, Ghosts of a Beach Town in Winter but , in my opinion, had much more of a psychological feeling to it.  It was interesting to see the unraveling of Felicia which sped up as she moved into the haunted cottage.  This is something that I love about Kathleen's writing though. Kathleen is a master at writing to the psyche of her characters.

Source:  Author for Review      

Would I recommend? : Yes, it is a great short read.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series











And now....The Interview!



NB) Although it isn’t a series in the traditional sense, with Ghosts of the Lighthouse in Autumn and Ghosts of a Beach Town in Winter, the Halcyon Beach Chronicles focuses on eerie incidents in a small village. Will this series continue past the 4 seasons? Would you ever consider writing a “true series” with recurring characters and setting?


KV) When I wrote Ghosts of a Beach Town in WinterI had no intention of it being a series but so many people told me that they loved Halcyon Beach that I decided I wanted to write more about it. I had two other ghost stories in the back of my mind so I thought why not write them set in Halcyon Beach? Ghosts of a Lighthouse in Autumn was based on a murder/suicide I read about a long time ago and, since all I needed for it was a lighthouse, it was simple to put that lighthouse in Halcyon Beach. The next one in the series is going to be called Ghosts of a Dancer by Moonlight and is based on a shipwreck I read about that happened in Maine but I'm putting it in Halcyon Beach, too. I'm not sure what will happen after that. 

I'm also writing a sequel to The Crazy Old Lady in the Attic. It is called The Crazy Old Lady's Revenge and it takes up where the last one left off but this time from the POV of a woman who grew up with Mattie and often played with her in GrammyLou's house.

As to a “true series,” well, the eleven stories that make up The Whiskey Bottle in the Wall are all in the same town, Marienstadt, and all contain the same characters. I am releasing it in three volumes but when the three volumes are out in digital then I'll do a digital“boxed set” and a paperback containing all the stories. Each story can stand alone but they do build to a conclusion. The last three stories, which will come in Volume 3, I think are very poignant. If you have read The Reluctant Belsnickel of Opelt's Wood, you have a hint of what is going to happen with Gretchen and Oliver. In the next story, Wapiti, their story continues. In the final story, A Long Day's Journey Into Light, Henry, the gorgeous but womanizing chief of police, comes to terms with his love for a woman that he has hidden since he was a boy and finally we learn his story. The whole thing wraps up very nicely.

 
NB) Normally we see if an author writes full length novels, they have difficulties writing short length novels due to the special “needs” of these little gems. I have told you frequently that I am amazed at your ability to not only write dynamic short stories, with Arthur’s Story still having the ability to make me tear up when I think about it, but you pen full length novels that suck in the reader, as well. How do you think you have done that? Does it come naturally to you? Have you trained yourself?


KV) Well, thank you. I think it comes naturally. I've been an avid reader all my life and I think that is responsible for me being able to write in different formats – because I've always read in different formats. The way I see it is that every story I tell is as long as it needs to be. I set out to tell a story and I have no idea how long or how short it will end up but a lot depends on how complex the plot line is.  

With a story like Arthur's Story the plot line was not very complicated: a young boy is abandoned in a city, he finds a way to survive, he meets someone who helps him, he loses the person and is lost and angry, he then discovers that he was cared for all along. There's not a lot of plot to it. With a novel like Each Angel Burns it is far more complex, two life-long friends in love with the same woman, murders, betrayal, plus several sub-plots. That requires a lot of room to grow.

I have gotten a fair number of reviews on my shorter works saying that they wish it was longer but if I had made it longer it would have just been filler and the story would have gotten bogged down. People say they wish The Crazy Old Lady in the Attic was longer but if I had gone off into the sub-stories the suspense would have suffered. One of my literary heroines is Shirley Jackson and she mostly wrote shorter works in order to keep the suspense sharp.


NB) I have frequently made comments that I would put you toe to toe with any major house author with the quality of your works. I know you don’t consider it a creepy read, but Depraved Heart was an engrossing, noir read that sucked me in immediately with its’ “Dark Shadows” (the 1970’s soap, not the most recent comic film) feeling. Would you ever consider working with a major house publisher to produce your works? What makes you continue to choose the Indie route? What advice would you give to authors going through the publishing process?

 
KV) Originally I tried going the traditional route with major publishers but it is a long, tedious process. On the one hand it would be great to have the advantage of their marketing and their credibility but on the other hand you have to give up a lot of control. When I was first pitching The Old Mermaid's Tale to major publishers I was put-off by some of their suggestions. One liked it but wanted me to rewrite it so that Baptiste was younger and more appealing to young women, and to tone down the bedroom scenes. Another wanted me to make it more “cinematic” (I have no idea what that means) so they could pitch it to film-makers. A third house suggested I make the setting contemporary instead of the 1960s because they thought would be more appealing.  

Depraved Heart is very dark but I think it is an important work, too. I got a call from a woman who was a psychotherapist who had worked all her life with women who went through what Rachel did in that books and she said she was amazed at how well I had constructed her psychology. She said the fact that Rachel couldn't even experience her own violation until she saw how Syd reacted was, in her experience, perfect.

So, would I ever work with a major publisher? I don't know. It would depend on what they were interested in. As for advice to new authors, do NOT rush to publish! Make sure your manuscript is clean and well-edited and then go through it again. The biggest challenge indies face is the lack of credibility created by writers who put out sloppy, unedited, and unproofed books that make all of us look bad.



NB) Although it isn’t a series in the traditional sense, with Ghosts of the Lighthouse in Autumn and Ghosts of a Beach Town in Winter, the Halcyon Beach Chronicles focuses on eerie incidents in a small village. Will this series continue past the 4 seasons? Would you ever consider writing a “true series” with recurring characters and setting?

 
KV) When I wrote Ghosts of a Beach Town in WinterI had no intention of it being a series but so many people told me that they loved Halcyon Beach that I decided I wanted to write more about it. I had two other ghost stories in the back of my mind so I thought why not write them set in Halcyon Beach? Ghosts of a Lighthouse in Autumn was based on a murder/suicide I read about a long time ago and, since all I needed for it was a lighthouse, it was simple to put that lighthouse in Halcyon Beach. The next one in the series is going to be called Ghosts of a Dancer by Moonlight and is based on a shipwreck I read about that happened in Maine but I'm putting it in Halcyon Beach, too. I'm not sure what will happen after that.

I'm also writing a sequel to The Crazy Old Lady in the Attic. It is called The Crazy Old Lady's Revenge and it takes up where the last one left off but this time from the POV of a woman who grew up with Mattie and often played with her in GrammyLou's house.

As to a “true series,” well, the eleven stories that make up The Whiskey Bottle in the Wall are all in the same town, Marienstadt, and all contain the same characters. I am releasing it in three volumes but when the three volumes are out in digital then I'll do a digital“boxed set” and a paperback containing all the stories. Each story can stand alone but they do build to a conclusion. The last three stories, which will come in Volume 3, I think are very poignant. If you have read The Reluctant Belsnickel of Opelt's Wood, you have a hint of what is going to happen with Gretchen and Oliver. In the next story, Wapiti, their story continues. In the final story, A Long Day's Journey Into Light, Henry, the gorgeous but womanizing chief of police, comes to terms with his love for a woman that he has hidden since he was a boy and finally we learn his story. The whole thing wraps up very nicely.


NB) What has been your favorite work that you have done and why?


KV) I genuinely loved writing The Old Mermaid's Tale because much of it was based in my own experiences and Baptiste is a very extraordinary character. But I think my favorite work so far is The Whiskey Bottle in the Wall. Every one of the eleven stories in that series is based on stories I grew up with and things that happened in my family or in my town. Even the title of the book, The Whiskey Bottle in the Wall, is based on something my Grandfather Valentine did. He was a carpenter and in 1925 he and a couple of his buddies drank a bottle of whiskey on Christmas Eve in the choir loft of the Catholic church then wrote a note about it and plastered it into the wall. While they were renovating the church a priest found the bottle, got the note out, and called my father to show it to him. I could not resist using that incident for my title.

Plus I absolutely love so many of the characters in that story. I always love my characters but so many of the ones in this book are special. Peeper Baumgratz, the crazy paranoid woodsman; and Sister Ursula, the nun with her snowplow; and big, tough, soft-hearted Oliver. They are all so wonderful. And, of course, I adore Henry – he's such a good person. He certainly charms the ladies but then we find out why he has never fallen in love, and the secret he has kept for years to protect someone – he just makes my heart go pitter-pat.


Now, don't forget to sign up for the giveaway @ http://bit.ly/PImsM5

Friday, October 19, 2012

Kill You Twice (Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell #5) by Chelsea Cain


Book: Kill You Twice (Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell #5)

Author: Chelsea Cain

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Archie, Gretchen and Susan are back! This time, Gretchen is locked in a psych ward on so many psychotropic meds to make her a zombie. Susan and Archie are investigating a murder of a man who had a pretty painful death. What does the death of this man have to do with a murder Gretchen is claiming to have done when she was sixteen?

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: Although I enjoyed the latest release in the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell saga, it wasn't as twisted as I have seen Chelsea Cain or this series go. I have literally had moments where, due to the "graphicness", my face was crunched in pain thinking of the pain the victims were going through. Gotta say I love a twisted sister!

On that note thought, Ms. Cain's characters continue to be strongly written with a rockin' storyline and she adds some sarcasm to the writing which really breaks up the twisted scenes with some chuckle out loud humor.

One of my favorite quotes by Chelsea Cain refers to her development of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell series to fill time while she was pregnant and had to quit drinking (yep, there is that CC humor showing its' head again!) I know for me, that is one lil' munchkin who has alot of fans!

Source:  Library

Would I recommend? : Have done it more times than I can remember! Do yourself a favor though and read the entire series. CC is INCREDIBLY character driven and to fully enjoy this series like a fine wine, it is imperative that the reader comprehend the dynamics of the relationships involved.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series



The Unseen by Katherine Webb


Book: The Unseen

Author: Katherine Webb

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Current day, bones are found in Belgium and a war graveyard. A journalist is called in to solve the mystery. To do so, she must unravel a mystery which started in 1911 when a dissatisfied minister's wife hires a former convict who was jailed for occurrences in the suffrage movement. The sexually dysfunctional minister who becomes obsessed with an occultist and the occultist who isn't all that he seems to be. Does it end up in murder? If so, who do the bones belong to?

My rating: 1.5 Stars

My opinion: I tend to get very bored with Katherine Webb's writing. It is very dry and I feel moves a tad slowly for my liking. I thought the story unraveled painfully slow for me to where I found myself frequently distracted and the book took me WAY longer to read than a book would normally take for me to get through it. Finally, I felt that the author had too many stories going which distracted from the original storyline.

Source:   Library     

Would I recommend? : I wouldn't, but I don't know if my Goodreads friends would say the same.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

 

COME CELEBRATE KATHLEEN VALENTINE'S NEW RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!!!

To celebrate Halloween and Kathleen's upcoming spooky release for ereaders, Ghosts of Lighthouse in Autumn





Kathleen has offered a PRINT VERSION of her dynamic (and one of my favorites!) novel DEPRAVED HEART to A Book and A Review for our readers! This rockin' novel has a rating of 4.71 on Goodreads. I like to call compare it to the good version of Dark Shadows. Ya' know the one from the 1970's?


from Goodreads:

Growing up in Salem, Massachusetts, art curator Tempest Hobbs was surrounded by metaphysical practitioners but considers her own empathic powers a curse. The feelings that assault her became so terrible that she was confined to a psychiatric hospital. Upon her return home, badly shaken and weak, she discovers a letter from Hathor, the mysterious mansion of the Ravenscroft family.
Located on the island of Hephzibah Regrets just off the coast, Hathor is said to be filled with fabulous art and "fairy retreats" where lavish parties are held. But sixteen years ago, during one of those parties, the distinguished dancer and Ravenscroft heir, Raven Silver was shot and killed. His sister Rachel's husband Syd Jupiter, a powerful NFL fullback, was convicted of the depraved heart murder of his brother-in-law and sentenced to twenty-five years in prison.

The letter is from Syd Jupiter, now paroled and living at Hathor. Wyatt Ravenscroft is dead and has left his entire estate to Anjelica, Syd and Rachel's fifteen-year-old daughter. Syd offers Tempest the opportunity to live at Hathor for the summer while cataloging the vast art collection. She welcomes the chance to be away from the constant pressures of life in society.
Tempest is dazzled by the art she finds but is soon aware that there are secrets and lies all around her. Hathor's housekeeper, Audrey, hates Syd and was once, Tempest discovers, Raven's lover. Miles Wainwright, a local fisherman and the only witness to the murder, is hiding something, and Anjelica lives in fear that Syd will be sent back to prison. And then there is Syd's mother, Marie-Isobel, the owner of a Santeria shop in New Orleans' French Quarter, who joins them for the summer with her candles and cleansing rituals.

In the fishing village on Hephzibah Regrets the locals gather every night in the Riptide where men drink and talk fishing, women spin and knit, and everyone relishes the rumors about Hathor. They tell stories of Will Silver, the father Raven and Rachel never knew, and of wild Rosalind, their beautiful mother who died in an insane asylum. As the heat of summer intensifies Tempest discovers more about the secrets, deceptions, love affairs, madness, and mysterious deaths of Hathor's residents. And about Syd Jupiter who is as enigmatic as he is alluring.

Wanna win it??? Let me know in the comments section and you will be entered! Come back tomorrow and check out my review of Ghosts of a Lighthouse in Autumn and an interview with Kathleen Valentine....it is a good one!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John Maxwell




Book: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential

Author: John Maxwell

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Maxwell lays out 15 "laws" for career growth or personal development in individuals.  

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: I believe that this is probably Maxwell's best book to date and a must read for new grads, someone stagnantly unemployed or just dissatisfied with their current path in life.
 
Utilizing Maxwell's typical concise format, he lays out how people reach their potential and steps/exercizes for doing so. He also gives real life examples as well as quotes to ponder in one's own reflection and growth process. It is laid out in very simple, short, though-provoking chapters and with 15 laws, comes in at about 200 pages.

I can tell you that I know I will be purchasing it for some people in my life!

Source:  Netgalley for Publisher

Would I recommend? : I regularly recommend John Maxwell books. I consider him to be the guru of personal development in both personal and professional lives.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Absolutist by John Boyne




Book: The Absolutist: A Novel

Author: John Boyne

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: At the end of WW I, Tristan Sadler takes a package of letters to his best friend's sister, Marian Bancroft. Tristan served with Will Bancroft in France and fought along side him, witnessing the tragedy of war.

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: I must admit that when I first started reading this book, it bored me to tears. I tried to read it as I read a chunk of books I review-with a speed not of skimming, but not getting the full perspective of the book either.

At some point, probably about 75 pages in, I found myself changing the perspective which I was reading the book with and began to think of the two male characters who were fighting in a war at the ages of 17 and 18 respectively and really found myself humanizing the two boys as I tried to picture my son fighting in a war at their ages and how it would impact him. I think if I was unable to do that, my perceptions of this book would have been different.

What ended up coming from it was an absolute heartbreaking novel that was along the lines of the author's other big novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Source: Library       

Would I recommend? : For the right audience. I feel a chunk of people will either find the book to be too depressing (as I almost did).

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman


Book: The Light Between Oceans

Author: M.L. Stedman

Release date (if applicable): Released

Synopsis: Tom Sherbourne and his wife, Isabel, suffering from the loss of several pregnancies while serving as lighthouse keepers on an isolated island make a fateful decision which effects numerous individuals for the rest of their lives when the choose to keep a baby who has been found adrift with her dead father. Where is the baby's mother? How can she be not looking for her little munchkin or is she? Why did the father leave with the baby and why did he die?  Are the Sherbourne's story of finding him dead the whole truth of how they found little Lucy?

My rating: 3.5 Stars

My opinion: Although, in general, I thought this story was good, I was not as entranced with it as other reviewers have written about it. I definitely thought there were moments that the author focused too much on the "drama" of the event to "prop" up weaker points in the storyline.

All in all, the writing in the book was good. I thought the author painted good pictures of the characters and showed readers their insecurities and their weaknesses in vivid detail, but there were moments in this story that it was just so unbelievable that, again, I thought it was done more for dramatic effect versus true to the story.

Source: Library

Would I recommend? : Yes

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton


Book: The Secret Keeper

Author: Kate Morton

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Laurel Nicholson, as a child, witnesses her mother murder a man. She has returned home to care for her mother on her death bed and secrets come to the surface. Who was the man Dorothy Nicholson has murdered and what does he have to do with her past life prior to meeting Laurel's husband.

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: I love me some Kate Morton and have read each and every one of her books. Hands down, I consider her to be one of the most original authors I have read. She has continued this tradition of high quality writing in The Secret Keeper. Morton has a history of incredibly strong yet approachable character development. Yet, she has the capabilities to write with engrossing storylines full of twists that leave the readers with a "WTH just happened?" moments.

I was sucked into this book immediately and ended up reading a 450+ page book in several hours. I absolutely couldn't put it down and consider this to be Morton's best book to date.

On a side note, I received this book from Atria Books as an ebook for review. In the future, I will wait for Morton's books to come out in print as I consider them to be special treats. I didn't like the formatting of the ebook and feel that it did distract somewhat from the story. So, make the investment and grab the book in print. It is well worth the extra couple of bucks!

Source:  Netgalley for Atria Books

Would I recommend? : Ummmm, from the mountain tops!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

The Mexican Slow Cooker by Deborah Schneider




Book: The Mexican Slow Cooker: Recipes for Mole, Enchiladas, Carnitas, Chile Verde Pork and More Favorites

Author: Deborah Schneider

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Ms. Schneider offers a collection of authentic Mexican recipes which have been somewhat adapted for the slow cooker. Among these are soups, main dishes, side dishes and even desserts.

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: As an absolute lover of Mexican cooking, I have made several recipes from this cookbook and absolutely love this book. I will be purchasing this cookbook.

The recipes are fresh and, for the most part, restaurant quality. Furthermore, they are laid out with very simple, easy to follow steps. However, there is much more prep time in these recipes than I have seen with other slow cooker cookbooks.

I do have to disagree with the Goodreads description of this book as being a "fix it and forget it" cookbook. It is not. For the most part the slow cooker is used for a portion of the cooking time, but further stove or oven "finishing" is needed for a chunk of the recipes. Also, there is a much "prep" time required for recipes. This isn't a cookbook to look at like a Stephanie O'Dea cookbook. On that note, though, the recipes in this book aren't Stephanie O'Dea quality recipes. These are recipes that, minimally, I would gladly use in my entertainment dinners and that, as I stated before, are restaurant quality. This is why I have stated that this book isn't for a novice cook.

Source: Library

Would I recommend? : Not to a novice cook, but to a more experienced one, I would.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand alone

Friday, October 12, 2012

Little Boy Blue by Kim Kavin


Book: Little Boy Blue

Author: Kim Kavin

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Kim Kavin, after adopting her puppy Blue, goes in search for his background and his journey to her home.

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: Anyone who follows my blog, knows that I don't review much non-fiction. Especially non-fiction that can cause a ton of debate due to me wanting to keep A Book and A Review a light zone. I had the opportunity to stumble upon this book and knew I not only needed to review it, but, as an animal lover, get the word out on this book.

This book is a must read for anyone who feels that spaying/neutering their pet is inhumane and those who are animal lovers. Don't expect a sweet story from this book. Kavin takes an in depth look at the world of High Kill Shelters/Animal Control/Animal Rescue. It had several moments that were simply heartbreaking, especially determining that a chunk of the cats/dogs sent to their death could be prevented simply from them not being born or being cursed with irresponsible pet owners.

It is not only a depressing book though. Ms. Kavin does detail improvements in processes in the pet adoption process, as well as things pet mommies and daddies can do, but the negative aspects of it still permeated the book.

I knew this book was going to be an absolute winner when Jim Gorant, author of the NY Times Bestselling novel, THE LOST DOGS: MICHAEL VICK'S DOGS and THEIR TALE OF RESCUE AND REDEMPTION wrote the foreword to it.

Source:  Library      

Would I recommend? : Ummm, I just did!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone


Thursday, October 11, 2012

The Secret Life of Copernicus Stringfellow by Lorin Barber




Book: The Secret Life of Copernicus Stringfellow

Author: Lorin Barber

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Incognito Superhero Copernicus, "Nick" Stringfellow heads out to Seattle Washington to work as a nurse at large for Harborview hospital. Nick isn't your run of the mill, overly strong superhero. His strength is in his mind, which gives new meaning to being telekinetic. While there he heals people, helps oodles and oodles in quiet ways and with his band of do gooders seeks out to make what is wrong in the world right!

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: What a fun, different and quirky little book this was. Picture if you could read a graphic novel and you have Secret Life. There were plenty of times just snickering at some of the lines of this book because they were SO silly. For example, Copernicus had a love of Twinkies and just to listen to him obsess about how to eat Twinkies was hilarious...think BBQ Twinkies. Now, is this a normal book that I would read? Nah, I have to tell you honestly, it isn't. Was it an excellent and light diversion? Heck yeah!  

I also liked the writing of the book though. I think the author really nailed how to keep it light and the emphasis that you typically see in a graphic novel, but in a regular novel format.  Just a very different type of novel.

Source:  Author for Review      

Would I recommend? : I do think that this book has a niche audience.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

 

The Guardian's Wildchild




Book: The Guardian's Wildchild

Author: Feather Stone

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Sidney Davenport, a seer, who lives in a protected area of Hawk's Island, leaves the safety of the island to gather information from a military base. She is caught and sent to a ship at sea for execution. The ship is run by Captain Waterhouse, whose children are being held hostage at the home of the evil Captain Butchart. In the midst of the chaos, executions and crisis, Waterhouse and Sidney fall head over heels for one another.  Can they survive and get Waterhouse's children back?

My rating: 3 Stars

My opinion: In my opinion, this book started off incredibly strong. I was sucked into the storyline almost immediately. Midpoint in the book though, I had the feeling that the high quality of writing simply dropped off. The continued story almost had a feeling of being forced and more superficial. It was very much a disappointment after being so connected to the characters.  I understand it is a dystopian romance, but towards the of the book, it became more of a focus on a cheesy romance dance and lost some of the excellent dystopian storyline that really had it hoppin' at the beginning.

Source:  Author for Review      

Would I recommend? : For a certain audience, maybe a younger audience, I would recommend the book.  

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand alone

 

Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick


Book: Heading Out to Wonderful

Author: Robert Goolrick

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis:  Charlie Beale strolls into the town of Brownsburg, Virginia with 2 suitcases, one with his possessions and one with nothing but money,  to quirky citizens where he fits in perfectly. Working for the local butcher, Charlie gets to know the townsfolk, including Sylvan Glass, the teenage and incredibly immature,  bride  of 48 year old Boaty Glass. When Charlie develops a lustful obsession with Sylvan, what will the repercussions be and who will be left standing?

My rating: 2 Stars

My opinion: I must admit that this wasn't my favorite Goolrick book. I found the characters to be less approachable and developed than A Reliable Wife, which is a book I absolutely loved by this author. I found myself skimming the last quarter of the book because I could never attach to the story or warm up to it.

On a positive note, Goolrick continues his history of writing quirky, almost noir,  storylines which have attracted me to his style of writing. I just wish this one would have either been focused on less characters, as in A Reliable Wife, because the large number of characters almost became distracting.

Source:  Library     

Would I recommend? : No

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Beautiful Mystery (A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #8) by Louise Penny




Book: The Beautiful Mystery (A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #8)

Author: Louise Penny

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Gamache and Beauvoir are called to a monastery after the choir director is found murdered. While unraveling the mystery of the death, Gamache realizes he must solve the mysteries of his own life while making sure a killer doesn't strike again!

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: Definitely not my favorite in the series. I found the characters a tad less approachable than I normally find them and less humor than normally displayed in this series, but still very readable and definitely a critical piece in the series and of the main characters' developments.

On that note, it still has the same high standard quality of writing that Penny regularly displays. Her main hero, Inspector Gamache, is such an approachable character. He reminds me Agatha Christie's Poirot, a lovable 50+ Inspector, who solves crimes in quaint towns that have the feeling of English villages.

Source:  Library       

Would I recommend? : Of course, but read the series in order. Penny is extremely character driven.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series

 

Recapture by Erica Olsen





Book: Recapture and Other Stories

Author: Erica Olsen

Release date (if applicable): October 16, 2012

Synopsis: Olsen gives us a selection of short stories set in the American West and Southwest.

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: In my humble opinion, it takes a special person to have the skill set necessary to write short stories and not treat them as off-shoots of full length novels. Short stories require a conciseness while respecting the characters and setting, in doing justice to them and not underwriting who they are while "telling" the story. There is also a respect which is imperative in not underwriting the story, as well. Olsen is one of these authors. Her characters are inviting, while not always being perfect and her descriptors for the setting make the reader feel that they are walking right along side the characters. To boot, her stories are engrossing in the short amount of pages given for each of them.

On a side note, while the stories are set in the American West/Southwest could limit the audience for this book by the description, I would encourage readers outside this region of the US to take a look at this dynamic tiny read!

Source: Torrey House Publishers       

Would I recommend? : Oh, yeah...in fact, already have!

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone