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Free Book Reviews Joins the Newsletter Generation
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So after quite a bit of consideration, deliberation and procrastination we decided to give the newsletter a college try. Although aspects of newsletters do seem to us to be spam you freely sign up for we can understand the benefits and therefore decided to go ahead. So if you are a regular reader or you are a frequent browser of the blog or just someone cruising by because you noticed a post then we ask that you sign up for our newsletter.
What our Newsletter will not do:
Spam
Save Lives
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Question the answer 42
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Make you Sleep better at night
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Keep you all warm and cuddled
Spam
What our newsletter will do:
Only come once a week
Provide information (interviews, author bios, etc
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| (Published: Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:00:07 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Kevin M. Villegas author of The Sunwright Chronicles - Empire at War
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About Your Book: The Sunwright Chronicles: Empire at War
Kirmar, the pinnacle of civilization in the world of Tera is on the brink of destruction. A barbarian super tribe known as the Nords has invaded from the East. The Nords have already captured a powerful duchy of Kirmar, now the Nords pour into central Kirmar and threaten to march on the Imperial Capital Itself.
For nine hundred years the Sunwright family has defended Kirmar and supported its powerful Imperial Family. Now the Imperial family has been all but destroyed by war and disease. To make matters worse Paris and Suadela the head of the Sunwright family have mysteriously disappeared.
Tobias, Calia, and Pershing Sunwright are left to weather the storm without the guidance of their parents. Tobias is the Marshal of Kirmar commander of what is left of the Imperial Army. Calia is a gifted physician with a hidden talent, and Pershing is a talented diplomat and mage. Even together they might not be able to save the country they love.
Claudius Semper Titus heir to the throne of Kirmar resides in the powerful Elven nation of Garion. Wed to the beautiful Elven Princess Lirial, Claudius has to decide whether he is ready to take charge of an Empire that stands on the brink of Destruction.
Vepgenus former general of Kirmar is taken hostage, forced to serve the rebel Ricimer whose betrayal has aided the crumbling of the empire. Vepgenus’s sister and nephew are captive, under the threat of the death of his loved ones Vepgenus must serve the rebel. Though all seems bleak everything is about to change for Vepgenus as an unexpected gift in the form of a beautiful girl is delivered to him.
The Great General Belisarius watches helplessly as Kirmar falls slowly to the enemy. Belisarius is bound by an order to help protect the Southern Empire of Imaldris. He waits with his army ready to move at any time to push back the invading Nords. Soon an event will happen that will help change his mind and his priorities.
The powerful Elven nation of Garion stands at an impasse. King Thomas refuses to come to the aide of the ailing Empire of Kirmar, his nobles do not agree with his decision and as a result unrest is building in the nobility of the Elves. Personally King Thomas finds himself unable to control his emotions as years of turmoil within his family take its toil. A difficult decision will soon be made by the King.
Balcar son of King Tiede of the Nords moves his army slowly southwards, destroying the small forces that Kirmar can throw against him. He is distracted in his southward march by the rich plunders the country offers. Will his slow march affect his ultimate goal to capture the Imperial Capital of Kirmar?
The powerful nation of Wuttenburg floods spies into Kirmar to further de-stabilize their hated enemy. Though outnumbered the talented spies and agents of Kirmar fight their secret war with brutal effectiveness, but a new player is about to enter the shadow war.
Join the epic story as it unfolds in “The Sunwright Chronicles – Empire at War”
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Kevin M. Villegas
I believe that the deep, complex characters are the most notable features of the novel. I spent a good deal of time developing the personality and background of each character. I also went to great lengths to create unique personalities based on the region and country each character hails from. Every character in the book will have a different unique point of view. I feel it is important that many viewpoints are represented to give the reader multiple angles to study the events occurring in the book.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Kevin M. Villegas
I do in fact. My favorite is the origin of Paris Starwright, his creation was the main spark that started me on the path to completing the novel. Paris originated as a D&D tabletop character (3.5 system), he ended up as an 18th level character, a 14th level mage 4th level arch mage. If you have not played D&D before it is safe to say that Paris in that form was an extremely powerful mage. He ended up being the prime minister of his country but that is a story for another time :). I have built on Paris's character since then and now his second family is heavily featured in the novel.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Kevin M. Villegas
I've always been a history nut. I enjoy reading about the Roman Empire, the powerful Greek City States and Medieval Kingdoms. My studies have always influenced the way I view the history of today and how we as a civilization repeat the same mistakes over and over again. History does repeat itself, it's amazing how many ancient events have re-occurred in modern times.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Kevin M. Villegas
I do hope the readers enjoy the novel, what I would most like the readers of the book to tell one another is how they enjoyed the deep characters in the novel and how they enjoyed the flow of the story.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Kevin M. Villegas
My writing style is a little different than most authors. As I do not have "one hero" the story revolves around, I introduce a good number of central characters. The way I chose to keep readers appraised of each character is to donate a sub-chapter to each character and their activities. All the characters come together at one point in the novel (with the exception of two). I view my writing style as watching a movie, each scene is going to take you to a different place and a different set of characters facing a unique situation.
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Kevin M. Villegas
Word of mouth is worth it's weight in gold.
About You: Kevin M. Villegas
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. My ongoing series "The Sunwright Chronicles." Is a culmination of fifteen years of creating a unique living world with a rich history. I am currently writing the second book in the series. Besides writing I enjoy computer gaming, reading, watching the history and science channels. My favorite activity is hanging out with my awesome family :).
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Kevin M. Villegas
I've always had a very active imagination. Creating worlds, characters, and events has always come natural to me. Writing is second nature to me.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Kevin M. Villegas
My ability to write dialogue and create believable characters.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Kevin M. Villegas
Without a doubt that would be my imagination.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Kevin M. Villegas
Spending time with my family and playing with my children.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Kevin M. Villegas
The family I have helped create with my wonderful wife, my daughter and son are the most precious to me beyond words.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Kevin M. Villegas
I wish that all new indie authors could get more attention when they release their first novel. It is a lot of work marketing your book so I wish everyone the best.
Intrigued by this interview? Well head over to Kevin's Blog or find his book at the following places:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Outskirts Press
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| (Published: Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:39:34 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Ali Cooper author of Cave
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About your book: Cave
Cave is my second novel and only recently published so there isn’t much reader feedback yet, apart from 5 reviews on Amazon UK. It is very different from my debut novel, The Girl on the Swing , which is still enjoying good sales and reviews a year after publication.
Cave is the story of Marty, who, having split up with his wife, gets in touch with old friends from university and resumes his former hobby of caving. The book opens with Marty trapped down a cave and left to die. The story tells of his struggle to escape and simultaneously relates the events of the previous year, leading up to the present. There is an element of action adventure but really this is a story of friendships and relationships and secrets from the past.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Ali Cooper
I hope that, in addition to a good story, Cave will give readers a virtual experience of underground exploration.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Ali Cooper
Much of the detail – probably the most unlikely – is based on real life anecdotes and my own experience. For example, the story of someone going down a potentially dangerous cave because they were too drunk to get home is true.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Ali Cooper
Much of the research was done without any intention of writing a book, in that I went caving as a hobby for several years before I thought of writing fiction. Putting the book together, knowing it would be published, made me think very carefully about scenes involving real caves or true stories. I edited out anything which might be upsetting to anyone with regard to serious accidents in real life.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Ali Cooper
I would like readers to tell their friends that now they know what it feels like to go caving.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Ali Cooper
How much of your writing is based on real people, places and events?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Ali Cooper
By telling others about it.
About You: Ali Cooper
I live in rural Devon, UK where I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist and teach guitar.
I moved here for the solar eclipse and stayed.
I have a degree in psychology and a masters in archaeology. These subjects figure in my writing, whether it's fiction or non-fiction.
I'm a member of the Year Zero Writers collective and you can read extracts of my work on their website.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Ali Cooper
Because I enjoy making up stories, especially ones in which I can keep the reader guessing, then surprise them.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Ali Cooper
Imagery. Readers tell me they can feel they’re experiencing the things I describe.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Ali Cooper
Being able to stick at something and perfect it. I’m naturally an impatient person who will rush to get things finished, but writing for publication has taught me to be more disciplined.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Ali Cooper
Music, art, archaeology and the outdoors.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Ali Cooper
Publishing three books (the third is an archaeology guide with a small press).
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Ali Cooper
There are many. Dan Holloway is an indie author of both literary fiction and crime/thriller. He founded the Year Zero Writers collective and inspired me to try indie publishing
Intrigued by this interview? Well head over to Ali's Author Central Page or find her book at the following places:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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| (Published: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:19:43 -0700) |
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Book Review: A Self-Publisher's Companion by Joel Friedlander
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Synopsis
No matter what kind of book you want to publish, the advice, inspiration and down-to-earth tips in this book will help you get to your goal. Joel Friedlander, one of the leading advocates for self-publishing on the internet, draws on a lifetime of experience helping self-publishers launch their books. He demystifies book publishing and, in the process, answers your questions about how to use social media, the importance of sound book construction, and the critical tasks that confront the modern self-publisher. As independent publishing becomes more popular with authors and readers, A Self-Publisher's Companion will show you the new way to publish and promote your book. From ebooks to iBooks, the author also shows how the move to ebooks is affecting independent publishers, and how best to approach the opportunity presented by Amazon's Kindle, Apple's iPad and all the other ebook readers. Drawn from his popular blog, TheBookDesigner.com, this book will help ensure self-publishers don't get left behind.
Review
Overall Feedback: Joel does a great job of giving great tips to authors throughout this book and he also alludes to where you can find help yourself online. He makes this book a great starting point for anyone getting into Self Publishing.
Point of View: This entire book is made of Blog posts that Joel had been utilizing in his blog. Therefore everything comes from him and in his expert voice.
Voice: Joel uses his expertise as a "guiding light" for those that apprehensive about the decision to jump into self publishing.
Plot: Very concise and well thought out. Joel does the improbable of putting blogposts into a book format.
Dialogue: Joel encourages the reader throughout the book to publish and not hold back because they think they may not be "good enough" for traditional.
Pacing: The reader will breeze through this one as it still has the feel of a blog but with direction and consistency of subject.
Continuity: As any great author Joel leaves you wanting more and gives you plenty of places to find that more with links and mentions at the end of the book.
Where to Find:
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
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| (Published: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:52:53 -0700) |
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RJ Palmer is Celebrating
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It's been close to a year since I, with the help of my darling and supportive husband Albert, decided to break into the world of independent authorship and I must say that it's been quite a wild ride with many ups and downs. Learning how to market my work and figuring out that an ebook copy of a novel should be formatted differently are just the beginning. We've almost gotten through the "virgin year" and we've taken our lumps with dignity and rejoiced at our triumphs and I'm no less than proud of the progress we've made, both as a couple and independent of each other. We've come a long way, baby!
Looking back on this last year, I could concentrate on the bad reviews I've gotten and turn them all into an acknowledgement of a negative experience, but then I'd have to crawl into a hole and hide and I'm just not the type. I choose to look at it this way, out of the 2,500 plus books that I've sold and given away (yes, I've given away several hundred copies of Birthright and whether people like to believe it or not, it works like a charm when it comes to getting my name and work out there) I've received about five bad reviews. Some of the reviews I have to discount because they were more what I would have to consider a personal attack which completely belies the concept of professionalism. Not that I'm whining about it or anything for in truth I count it as a positive that my work inspired such emotion in someone, even if that emotion was negative, that they took the time out of their day to go and write out a review, even if it was less than sterling. But I digress. I choose instead to consider that out of all the copies of my book Birthright out there, less than one percent of the people who read it didn't like it. That's the power of positive thinking, everyone.
Read the rest at RJ Palmer
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| (Published: Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:53:22 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Marise Ghorayeb author of History of the Timelaws
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About your book: History of the Timelaws
Elizabeth is a teenage girl who runs a universe-wide sector of a military-like, magical society she calls ‘Dark’. She is the type of girl who can handle herself in a fight: fist, knife, or magical. She learned the first two forms of combat growing up in a rough neighborhood with her two older brothers. Their parents passed away three years ago, in 1979, leaving Elizabeth to inherit her father’s rank.
Now, to save her friends, her parents, her brothers and herself, Elizabeth needs to figure out how to deal with a timeline that’s in constant flux. Not an easy task when your memory keeps changing along with your own past.
To make matters worse, her oldest brother, who doesn’t know magic exists, starts to suspect that Elizabeth’s keeping secrets from him.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Marise Ghorayeb
The concept is completely unique. While there are a lot of time-travel tails out there, most either resort to parallel timelines or create paradoxes. Doctor who is one of the few exceptions I can think of and even then there are a few paradoxes on occasion. “History of the Timelaws” tries to weave a very complex time-travel tail while remaining paradox free. What’s more, I don’t know of any time-travel stories with wizards and urban sorceresses.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Marise Ghorayeb
On my finial revision I accidently edited out a very important plot point, without which aspects of the story didn’t make sense. Fortunately my first kindle readers were friends and they pointed out the error. Still, for a day or so my story was basically missing an ending!
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Marise Ghorayeb
My story most definitely required a lot of thinking. It’s not easy having characters take actions to influence their own past without having to do some thinking. I’m learning that my readers are also having to put their brains to work on this one.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Marise Ghorayeb
I put a lot of effort into making my characters believable and unique. I’m a big fan of Joss Whedon’s talent for character development and while I certainly don’t have his skills and experience, I hope my effort to emulate his ability will show through at least a little.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Marise Ghorayeb
I think readers might be interested to know how I developed Elizabeth’s personality. The thing is that ever since I was a child I always had a character in my head that was my image of the perfect person. Now that character has changed a lot over time as my views changed, but Elizabeth, my protagonist, is who that character is now. She’s extremely intelligent, down to earth, she kicks ass in a physical fight, and she’s confident. At the same time, she is entirely intimidated by her older brother, very impatient, easily frustrated and a bit of a hot head.
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Marise Ghorayeb
I would love for readers to mention my book to their friends or write a review of my book on amazon and other sites.
About You: Marise Ghorayeb
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Marise Ghorayeb
I daydream a lot. Sometimes I really like the stories I invent and I don’t want to forget them. So I write them down.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Marise Ghorayeb
My imagination. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched a show or movie or read a book and thought it was an old story with a few details changed. The first example that comes to mind is Avatar (Pocahontas with aliens instead of Native Americans). I have weaknesses as a writer, but my ability to spin and innovative plot is not one of them.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Marise Ghorayeb
My intelligence. I value the ability to think both in myself and others and I respect people who chose to use that ability even when the line of reasoning might be uncomfortable or scary.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Marise Ghorayeb
I’m a research and development engineer. I enjoy the challenge of having to design new technology. I hope to one day become a Disney Imagineer.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Marise Ghorayeb
Hmmmm
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| (Published: Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:54:54 -0700) |
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The Vampire Across the Hall
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Synopsis
Daisi Malone lives in the Presidio Building in Newtown, Sydney, Australia. The building is mysterious and its residents even more so. There is the couple with lots of children, the Glee Club and the English Backpackers- although not for long. In this, the first story by Daisi Malone, she meets her neighbour, Madden, the Vampire across the hall.
The Second book in the series, The Vampire Across the Hall 2- The Murmuring Lift, has been published under the name Daisi Malone.
Review
Overall Feedback: Overall this was a great introduction to the characters and storyline. This read more like an excerpt than a short story. So it gives the feel of a teaser more than a stand alone short story.
Point of View: You are experiencing the world through the eyes of Daisy and which the author does a stellar job of bringing to life.
Voice: There really is not enough story here to be compelled to read on but you do get interested enough in the storyline to read the second in the series.
Character Development: Again with the length of this short you have barely the time but with this in mind the Author does give you a small emotional connection with the main character so I would have to say the author did average in this area.
Plot: Straightforward and to the point. Not a single problem here.
Dialogue: The character dialogue was a little sticky in places but overall I would say the author did a wonderful job at keeping this part of the short interesting and flowing.
Pacing: This is where the size comes into play, you will fly right through the story as the author does not have the space to deter from the track as it were.
Setting: The details in the story give you an exact idea of the place and surroundings of Daisy and you may get goosebumps while reading.
Continuity: Here the author was masterful in leaving it open enough to hook you into the second book but not leaving it so open that you are to confused to continue.
Where to Find
Smashwords
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| (Published: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:08:20 -0700) |
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I know what we're going to do today!
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As children there is that one cartoon that is so great that you just have to watch it every chance you get. This cartoon is so great that your parents, yes your parents, even watch it with you. Everyone is excited to sing the title song, even mom and dad. Mom seems to think it is goofy but you can see her happiness watching this cartoon, and well dad is dad and you can see him thinking back to childhood. This is the cartoon that dreams are made of.
As adults there is that one cartoon that allows you to indulge the inner child without feeling guilt over what you are allowing your children to watch. That one cartoon that takes you back to your childhood and allows you to build castles in the sky. This cartoon seems to bring your family together the way a good board game would on family night. This is the cartoon that you are eager to flip the channel to and happy to expose your children to. This is the cartoon that you loved and lived when you were a child.
What is this cartoon?
How do I get it?
Where do I get it?
These are questions you may have or you may not care but I will tell you anyway. If you want a cartoon that will teach your children to use their imagination and explore outside more often than stay inside the this one is for you. So go to the Disney Channel and flip on Phineas and Ferb right now and enjoy. Cause I know what we are gonna do today
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| (Published: Sun, 07 Aug 2011 07:17:19 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Chris M. Finkelstein author of Blood For Love
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About your book: Blood For Love
This is the story of Jan, a gifted male D’otian living on a violent, predatory planet. His mother Martha is part of a love-preservation network — outlawed by a world in which love is punished by DeathBT
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Just like the air we breath, love gets unnoticed in our lives. I hope to increase the reader's value and appreciation of love and it's invisible integration into all that is good. The book deals in opposites, so we also see the problems associated with the lack, or absence of love. Through the characters in the book, I aim to expose the deeply set fear of love that resides in each of us - confronting it without the reader even cognizant of what I am doing.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Chris M. Finkelstein (Please note this is a review by Britt Bearden not the author)
"Chris M. Finkelstein's Blood for Love is a thrilling exploration of love, cruelty, fascism, religion, escape, and torture. While these topics are both universal and highly relevant to the world in which we live, Finkelstein uses the backdrop of science fiction to explore these themes in a most engaging tale." Britt Bearden, Las Vegas Reviewer
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Most of the research had been done over the past twenty-five years. However, I work through symbols in the book, and for one of these I have been studying the history of the Cathars. I have been reading the few scriptures and writings that have survived, because I am incorporating the "idea" of them into one part of the book. It has become influential in that I am trying to reconcile their view that an evil sub-god made this earth - the Demiurge, represented by the "boot-camp" God of the Old Testament. I'm getting ahead of myself. These concepts will go into the following books in the series, which I have named: "The D'ot Hexalogy".
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Chris M. Finkelstein
I would like to know that they said it was a fast-read, a page-turner that left them breathless in places, shocked in others, with occasional epiphanies throughout. That would be the bomb. I want to hear that they can't get it out of their heads.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Has this writer made a mark in that he can describe things in symbols and expose opposites in a unique way?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Chris M. Finkelstein
I have a link at the end of the book so that they will find it easy to leave reviews. I encourage them to do so. I believe reviews are digital word-of-mouth, and word-of-mouth is what drives real book sales, assuming the book measures up.
About You: Chris M. Finkelstein
I was was born in the woods and raised by Christian wolves that had become secular Jews by two thousand years of refinement, the first half quite dark.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Chris M. Finkelstein
I waited for years for someone to tell me to write. I did not want to do it of my own ego and volition. Someone told me to write. I have been running ever since. It is a fun and hard release for me.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Even prior to the suggestion that I write a novel, the world had told me I have a way with words in print. Since this was feedback from an objective world, and not my own ego, this has been a great strength. The words come to me so fluidly and easily that I believe that I have "helpers", (as all of us.) My trilogy has become a hexalogy because there is so much information flowing during the process, the book just plain grows. I can't help myself! ::-)
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Chris M. Finkelstein
I am a communicator. I can see opposites, and reconcile them, giving them words, but for the grace of God.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Finding the truth around us - without prejudice or fear, without need to win a debate.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Chris M. Finkelstein
Staying as pleasant as I have been able to, in spite of much unpleasantness. I guess the real accomplishment was learning to stay connected to the source of all pleasantness.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Chris M. Finkelstein
I don't see anyone reading any Hermann Hesse. I guess he had his day. His books would stay in my head for a long time, even through today. "Narcissus and Goldmund" was especially poignant to me in my youth.
Intrigued by this interview? Well head over to Chris's Site or find his book at the following places:
Amazon US
Sony Reader
Smashwords
Amazon UK
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| (Published: Sat, 06 Aug 2011 08:40:07 -0700) |
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The Borderlands of Power: The Rys Chronicles Book IV
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Synopsis
Nufal is invaded and human warriors fight alongside their rys and tabre champions in a grueling clash of muscle and magic. Grim struggles smash strategy into chaos, and loyalties degenerate into desperate choices for survival. Tempet and Alloi, driven by their desire for revenge upon the rys, push King Shan deep into the violent reservoir of his power.
Still reeling in the aftermath of battle, Dreibrand Veta scrambles to assert his authority upon the remaining forces of the Atrophane Empire if he is to defend his land and overturn the censure that disgraces his name. Rebellion on the imperial frontier complicates these goals as does Shan's sudden unpredictability as an ally. Miranda braves the snows of the Rysamand Mountains to demand that Shan pay his debt to her by helping Dreibrand. Only ambition keeps despair at bay as forces vie for dominance in the borderlands of power.
Review
Overall: Today is a sad day as I am reviewing the last in this great series. But alas Tracy has come forth with a new book named Rys Rising and believe me when I say I will be reading it enthusiastically. But back to your regurlary scheduled review. Borderlands picks your imagination right back up where you last left it with Judgment Rising. You are quickly whisked away for your next adventure.
Point of View: Once again you enter the world of the Rys for another adventure and Tracy is excellant at painting a point of view that is both compelling and intriguing.
Voice: Above expectations even for a fanactic like me.
Character Development: Falbe takes your sense of character development and throws it out the door. She brings characters to life in a way that is not expected and makes you feel every facet of their life and world.
Plot: With reading the previous three you can not help but want and expect the world of the Rys to exist.
Dialogue: Flawless. Tracy does not miss a beat and the dialogue runs smoothly with the storyline.
Pacing: As mentioned above. Done, I am done, there is not another in the series, can there be. I expect you will feel the same. No problem with starting and not stopping to the last word is read.
Setting: The world of the rys is a world you will love and adore and want to be in. They may have their quirks but hey what race doesn't.
Continuity: This series as a whole runs well together or apart but I recommend you read all four books in this series so you can enjoy the world as I have.
Where to Find
Amazon Print
Amazon Kindle
Brave Luck Books
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| (Published: Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:14:58 -0700) |
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The Telescope Builder and Other Stories
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Synopsis
I had moved to a new neighborhood, freshly carved out of a hillside on the western edge of the San Fernando Valley. My junior high was named after George Ellery Hale, the man who built the telescope that unveiled the secrets of the universe. I've thought about Hale over the years, the man, his telescope, the school named after him and the students and teachers I knew there. It was in those days that a body was dumped up the street from my house. Then there was the kid who went home from school one day and shot himself in the head. Then there was the classmate I admired who got addicted to crack and died of exposure sleeping on a downtown street. I've thought about it all a lot. It must mean something. It must.
Review
Overall: A pleasing read throughout that gives more to the reader than the description alludes. If you base your decision to read on the description you may pass this up but then it would be a mistake.
Point of View: The book reads from the main characters point of view. Interesting to start the novel off as a student in junior high.
Voice: I believe the cursing was a bit much but it did add to the beleivability of the character.
Character Development: Silkin is, as usual, flawless in his development of the character and takes you into the main character so well that you start emotionally connecting.
Plot: A bit farsided but beleivable.
Dialogue: You will remember the days of you growing into adulthood and using "adult" language.
Pacing: I was so wrapped up I read it everywhere I went. The pace locks onto you and doesn't let go. You just have to get to that next page.
Setting: Silkin paints the exact portrait of what he wants you to see. The setting matches the book perfectly.
Continuity: I was never backtracked, not even once, and was able to do any menial thing, like eat, and come back without missing a beat.
Where to Find
Amazon
Smashwords
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| (Published: Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:42:04 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Sally Bennett author of Homegrown Muse
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About your book: Homegrown Muse
When free-spirited Lyssa Smith exposes a plot devised by "Tank" Turnbull, a powerful land developer, he and his conspirators seek to save themselves by destroying her reputation, ruining her career, and exposing her secrets. Lyssa may be able to salvage her dream of saving her parents' farm with the help of the elusive businessman Dane Callicott, but will this uneasy alliance destroy Lyssa's last hope of freeing herself from her weighty responsibilities?
Still grappling with the failure of his latest venture, the unconventional Highline Resort, Dane is presented with another maverick proposition, but to carry it off he'll need Lyssa's support. Should Dane listen to his muse and risk his family's fortune on another visionary project, or will he be forced to return to the safe but outdated business practices of his father?
Shackled by family expectations, battered by a series of betrayals, and blinded by impossible choices, Dane and Lyssa might very well bulldoze over their one chance for happiness--unless together they can blaze a new trail forward.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Sally Bennett
The interworking of the heroine's life with her work: how do you maintain your core principles when doing so jeopardizes your career?
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Sally Bennett
The characters came into my mind, almost fully formed, like Athena in the head of Zeus. I gave them a stage to act out their lives on, let them tell me what was most important for the theme of self-actualization, and finally wrestled their antics into a plot.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Sally Bennett
Developing the interpersonal conflicts meant that I had to have empathy for even the most dislikable characters and had to deeply understand the ones who were most foreign to me.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Sally Bennett
That it's a gentle look at families and careers that might seem quite different from the readers' own, but come to feel quite familiar once you reach the end.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Sally Bennett
Does the heroine, Lyssa Smith, really have the power to shape her own destiny, or does that come from the people around her?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Sally Bennett
Think outside the box a little: You don't read romance? you could recommend the book to women in your life who do, or buy it as a gift. If you have a website focused on organic gardening, environmentalism, sustainable development ("green" building), architecture, art, gay marriage, or even dogs, you could put up a link to my website, www.wordsmithpages.com, and send me an e-mail at sally@wordsmithpages.com asking for a link in return. Or ask if I want to put an ad on your page, with an Amazon link; some bloggers receive income when someone buys from Amazon using their link. If you've self-published a book on a related topic, you could have a "Further Reading" section at the back of your book and add "Homegrown Muse" to it.
About You: Sally Bennett
I've been addicted to creative writing since my first publication of a poem at the ripe age of seven. After some attempts to kick the habit in my early college years, I wound up majoring in creative writing at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Finding my voice took longer: was I to be a writer of short stories or poems, of articles in popular magazines or professional journals, of novels or scholarly tomes?
For a while, making a living with copyediting took priority, but now I'm able to publish my own writing. Some of my manuscripts are new, while others I put away for several years before pulling them out of the closet and dusting them off.
My writing has been enriched by my dilettante ways:
I've been a dog trainer for service dogs and dogs adopted from a shelter, had dogs I trained earn obedience titles, and performed a can-can dance routine with my Rottweiler
I've been a horse wrangler for a dude string in South Mountain Park near Phoenix
I've been a square dance caller, played fiddle and guitar in an old-time dance band, played fiddle in a honky-tonk band, and played violin in a local studio orchestra and in the pit for high school and community theatre musicals
I've been part of the tech crew for community theatre and appeared onstage in gargoyle costume for "Beauty and the Beast"
I've hiked alone in the mountains and had the singular adventures of experiencing aerobatics in a biplane, seeing the sunset from a hot-air balloon, and whitewater rafting with strangers in Mexico
My first income came from selling organic produce and jellies/james at a farmer's market while I was still in elementary school; my first "real" job was as a library page, that is, a gofer
In my younger days, I placed in the top ten in the National Spelling Bee
I earned my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities (the ultimate liberal arts degree) and an M.A. in Public History
I've worked in-house and freelance as a copyeditor and have edited, proofread, or indexed well over 200 scholarly books in a variety of fields; I like to think of this as a continuing education program
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Sally Bennett
I've always written; when I was seven I was first published, with a Halloween poem in the newspaper. I have thoughts burning within me. If I don't write them down, I feel guilty, as if they die.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Sally Bennett
The abundance of big ideas, that is, concepts that cry out for stories or book to be written about them.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Sally Bennett
Openmindedness.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Sally Bennett
Music, art, the outdoors.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Sally Bennett
I've been told to say it's placing in the top ten in the national spelling bee way back when, but I feel it's the combination of raising a family, making a living in the ranks of the self-employed, and holding to the core of who I am.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Sally Bennett
Franz Kafka tends to be read only by the literary types, but I think his stories are the most intricate and complex writing of any author; he speaks to a truth about the human condition that should strike a chord with all of us.
Intrigued by this interview? Well head over to Sally's Blog or find her book at the following places:
Amazon US
iTunes
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
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| (Published: Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:48:46 -0700) |
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The Sweepers
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Synopsis
In the middle of a spiral galaxy there existed an organization known as the Confederation of Planets, where commerce was advanced and a high degree of stability had been achieved, but not without a price. Within the organization, there was another, so secret, it didn't even have an official name, but those within it knew its three component parts as The Seekers, The Keepers and The Sweepers.
Review
Overall: The story was imaginative and intriguing. You spend the story following one new recruit to the Confederation as his story unfolds and his views are changed. I feel the story delivered a great science fiction feel and was very well written. Overall it was well worth the price.
Point of View: You spend the story seeing everything through the eyes of one character. Although you get a few other views in the process this is the view that is expressed throughout the book and I feel that it did work to create a storyline that you could relate.
Voice: For the most part the author did a stellar job with this aspect but a little more of the supporting characters may have added that little bit of aha.
Character Development: As for the main character the development is superb but a little more with the supportive would have made the main character stand out more.
Plot: Here the author is as concise as a science fiction book allows. The facts presented and the development of action are very believable.
Dialogue: I feel that the dialogue could have used a bit more polishing but was perfect for the given plot.
Pacing: This area the author has obviously worked on and I would place this as a strength and probably the most important factor that kept me reading.
Setting: In a word
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| (Published: Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:24:34 -0700) |
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New Release by Author Tracy Falbe
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Tracy Falbe author of The Rys Chronicles (a personal favorite of this blogger) has just released a new book call Rys Rising: Book I.
I recommend everyone to go to her site and get your copy today.
About Rys Rising: Book I
An outlaw rises to become a dreaded warlord, the terror of kings. He takes the name Amar and seeks to join the Kez, the fiercest mercenary society in the tribal kingdoms of Gyhwen. His fearless ambition is inspired by Onja, a mysterious rys female whose magic has shaped Amar into a loyal friend. He zealously pursues her every command and hopes to join her in her mythic homeland of Jingten. But he knows little about the challenges confronting Onja. She and all rys are the reviled creations of the tabre of Nufal, and Onja longs to expel her hated masters. To liberate the rys, she knows that she will need more than Amar's help. Onja sees her best hope for an ally in Dacian, a prodigy among rys, but he is loyal to the ruling tabre order and dreams of winning equality for the rys nonviolently. He holds tenaciously to his ideals even as the tabre brutally subjugate him. Will he endure more dark abuses for the sake of peace or reach out to Onja? And what fate is Amar blindly embracing as he kills for her? Like a tree crashing in a storm, all civilizations will crack when hit by the force of the rys rising.
Anyone can download Tracy's new novel for FREE in Epub, Kindle-compatible PRC, or Adobe PDF here:
http://www.falbepublishing.com/braveluck/free-fantasy-ebook-rys-rising.html
Additionally, Tracy will be presenting Rys Rising: Book I as a serialized web novel. The first chapter "Mountain Daughter" is already live and I will be updating the novel on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Anyone can start reading here: http://falbepublishing.com/rys-rising/2011/08/02/1-mountain-daughter/
Please help spread the word of another fellow author and share this post will all of your friends.
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| (Published: Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:14:21 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Stella Deleuze author of Excuse me, where is the exit?
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About your book: Excuse me, where is the exit?
It's a collection of humorous short stories about every day's life. I'm taking the mick out of everyone and everything. Mostly a loving rant about situations I hate.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Stella Deleuze
Probably that they have a stiff neck from too much nodding. People told me that they thought I've been in their head. I just say what others think.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Stella Deleuze
This just made me laugh, you see, the whole book is based on good anecdotes. Other than that, no, I don't think there has been something outstanding, to be honest.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Stella Deleuze
Not really, it's a book based on life, therefore not much researching necessary and it didn't influence my thinking either, the next collection of rants is already planned.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Stella Deleuze
That it made them laugh out loud and forget their sorrows or busy lives for a while.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Stella Deleuze
Perhaps if they can expect other genres than humour from me and the answer would be yes. I've also written a literary fiction novel, will write some contemporary fiction as well as non-fiction.
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Stella Deleuze
I think by the old-fashioned word of mouth.
About You: Stella Deleuze
I'm a German living in London with my pet Iguana Zorro. I started to take writing more seriously two years ago when I wrote my first novel, which will come out end of May. If I don't type away, I edit other people's books.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Stella Deleuze
I like a challenge and every new book is a challenge, the plotting, the characters, the setting, the writing, and I probably am a moody cow without it.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Stella Deleuze
Voice. I've been told so many times, that whatever I write, my voice shines through the most. I'm also really good at realistic characters, like your neighbour next door.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Stella Deleuze
I'm loyal, warm and loving. If you have me as your friend, you have a friend for life, given you appreciate my friendship and don't abuse it.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Stella Deleuze
It has to be reptiles, gosh do I love them, also reading, editing, cooking, cycling and I've started to take piano lessons last year which I want to continue. Unfortunately, my teacher moved away.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Stella Deleuze
Becoming the person I am.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Stella Deleuze
Well, there is a guy call Italo Calvino, who writes beautifully in second person POV, which I adore and feel the most at home in, too. And another one who unintentionally was my mentor regarding editing and writing. He's the most talented new writer, yet to be published.
Intrigued by this interview? Well head over to Stella's Blog or find her book at the following places:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon DE
Smashwords
Print
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| (Published: Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:00:46 -0700) |
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Be the People: A Call to Reclaim America's Faith and Promise
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Synopsis
An insightful analysis of the forces of deception rapidly reshaping America's morals, social policies, and culture, with a call to specific action, written by a thoughtful and courageous Christian social scientist on the front lines of today's issues.
Cultural elites in the media, academia, and politics are daily deceiving millions of Americans into passively supporting policies that are detrimental to the nation and their own best interest. Although some Americans can see through the smokescreen, they feel powerless to redirect the forces inside and outside government that radically threaten cherished values and principles.
Drawing on her training in political science and law, Dr. Swain thoughtfully examines the religious significance of the founding of our nation and the deceptions that have infiltrated our daily lives and now threaten traditional families, unborn children, and members of various racial and ethnic groups-as well as national sovereignty itself--and provides action points for the people of this country to make the political system more responsive.
The book is divided into two sections:
Forsaking what we once knew
Re-embracing truth and justice in policy choices
It also covers key topics such as:
America's shift to moral relativism
America's religious roots
Abortion's fragile facade
Historical and biblical views on families and children
Erosion of rule of law, national security, and immigration
Racial and ethnic challenges
Reclaiming the future
Review
Carol makes many valid points throughout the book and nails many things on the head as it were. She does a wonderful job of presenting the problems we face as a nation and the lack of us as a nation to do what needs to be done. I found myself agreeing with her on many topics included in the book and intrigued by some of her prospective solutions or at least open discussions of these issues we face. The only let down of the entire novel was this feeling that behind the lines or between them if you will allow, she was doing nothing more than to expose "Christian" propraganda. However, if you can look past the mostly "Christian" finger pointing and just listen to the base of her arguments then you shall see truth and that folks is what matters. Cause in the end we are all at fault and the sooner we face it the sooner we shall rise above.
Where To Find
Amazon Hardcover
Amazon Kindle
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| (Published: Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:16:26 -0700) |
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False Witness
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Synopsis
An adrenaline-laced thrill ride, False Witness takes readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India, with all the trademark twists, turns, and intrigue Randy Singer fans have come to expect.
Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife’s life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor who created an equation so powerful it can crack all Internet encryption. If he fails, his wife pays the price.
Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she learns that her clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the algorithm. Now the couple is on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who both know the formula’s power and will do anything to get it.
Review
I absolutely did not want to put this down. Randy Singer takes you on a wild ride of deceit, greed and good hearted people. You will spend the entire novel trying to figure out who is deceiving who and who is the good guy and sometimes that line is very blurred. If you like thriller author such as Tom Clancy or James Patterson you will love this one.
Where to Find:
Amazon Print
Amazon Kindle
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| (Published: Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:47:04 -0700) |
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Waiting for Pops: A Journey from Boy to Man
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Synopsis
Waiting for Pops, a mainstream biographical novel, is a tale of a young boy's appalling mistreatment at the hands of his alcoholic mother. It is a tale of spousal secrets and parental lies. It is a tale of love, friendship, and, above all else, betrayal. Pops is seen through the eyes of an innocent boy growing steadily into manhood in 1950's Chicago. Johnny Ryba tells his story and transports the reader into his small, blue-collar existence - his mother's alcoholism, his much-loved father's sudden death in an auto accident, his beloved little sister's autism. Later, as the reader accompanies Johnny into his teen years, they experience as well the painful heartbreak of his first love and loss.
The storyline rabidly evolves and ultimately centers on a mystery that Johnny attempts to solve as a mature adult, resulting in a shocking revelation that reverses almost everything he once believed about his mother and father, as well as his own harrowing past. He inadvertently discovers his parents' role as accomplices in a lifelong conspiracy of silence, and also becomes aware of a misplaced affection for his deceased father. Johnny must finally come to terms with the most important aspect of his life: the truth about his parents, and about himself, too.
Review
Oh so where to start with this one. First, the story takes you bake to a time that as an adult you look back on fondly. Memories of the old neighborhood, you know, before things got complicated. Second, you learn about the happenings in the lives of the characters through the eyes of a boy that has learned more than most, keep quiet and you will learn something. If you are looking for a book that takes you back while fulfilling your need for gossip and finger pointing, this is the one.
Where to Find:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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| (Published: Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:32:08 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Rashaad Bell author of The Vampire Manifesto: Forgotten Future Anthology
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About your book: The Vampire Manifesto: Forgotten Future Anthology
I remember the Forgotten Future.
Where destiny is epilogue and bygone is prologue.
I have witnessed the Weapons of the Gods fall into the hands of the Humanity Brood.
When the Gods themselves fall victim to their own mechanisms.
I have journeyed to the crossroads, places that cannot be found until their entrance coincides with your next impending footfall, where the space between spaces demands its audience in full.
I have lived through the Death of the Gods and witnessed their return, committing their teachings to memory. Would you presume to bare witness?
Have you heard the tale of the Vampire?
Yes, of course you have, but what have you learned of their secret?
If I could provide you with just a slither of comprehension, would you gleam a portion of this knowledge for yourself? Or would you just cry in the dark, praying for the Sun?
Yes, Brothers and Sisters, I remember the Forgotten Future very well indeed.
Come and sit with me child, for I have a story to tell.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Rashaad Bell
I would have to say, the way my mind thinks. The way that I am able to mix the genre with different facets of other genre and it all seems to make sense. Also, the underlying connecting themes of the short stories all connect. You get this feeling that no matter which story you are reading, they all operate in the same world.
Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Rashaad Bell
Originally, this book was going to be a companion to my full length novel, The Vampire Manifesto, which I was typing on my Ipad. Well the Ipad spazzed out one day, and I was forced to return to factory settings and lost the full length novel I was writing on there. So since the book, Forgotten Future was already completed, I decided to drop it first, with a re-due of The Vampire Manifesto due out this October.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Rashaad Bell
Yes, I spent a lot of time in the library, doing research on the different Gods people worship, how they came to the Earth, along with the type of technology they possessed during that time frame.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Rashaad Bell
That everything I write is connected, they all have a place in the wider scheme of things. Anything I write will have ramifications on future stories, because they all operate within the same world.
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Rashaad Bell
Hmm
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| (Published: Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:56:11 -0700) |
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The Spoken Confession
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Synopsis:
Remember, remember the fifth of November
the gunpowder treason and plot.
I see no reason why the gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Every year, on the fifth of November, Britain celebrates the execution of Guy Fawkes, one of Britain’s earlier terrorists. When one looks around the bonfire on that night, one may realise that, in this day and age, no one quite seems to remember what it is that caused this national celebration. Maybe some people just don’t know any more. Maybe some people have forgotten. I always think it’s worth thinking about what it was that Guy wanted. What it was he stood for.
Did no one ever wonder why, as he was being slowly executed, Guy Fawkes didn’t struggle? Why he didn’t just admit he was in the wrong and face imprisonment instead of death?
Lost in the library at the University of York, held there by the British government since 1604, Guy Fawkes’ final words go some way to explaining his actions and the reasons he was so defiant until the moment of his death. This document is transcribed from those final words, now forever imprinted on these pages. This is the spoken confession.
Review:
This very short story is well written and well researched for its topic. You feel as if you are there listening to Guy speak his final words. I recommend this as a first read of Michael's work. You can probably read this it just a short time, have some entertainment and get to know a new author in the process. That is a win/win all around. So go ahead and grab this one
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| (Published: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:58:24 -0700) |
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The Single Twin
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Synopsis:
Fed up with earth’s teeming hoards, greed and corruption, plus the threat of a war to end all wars, Cresswell decided to spend his days in a spacetug mining asteroids for the smelting stations which encircled Earth. An act of compassion and extreme bravery was to change his life dramatically, and ‘nature’, was to implement yet another change in her rich panoply of life forms in the universe.
Review:
So by now you have seen that I have reviewed quite a few of David's works. This one is by far one of the best and should not be passed up. The story will intrigue die hard science fiction fans and entertain lesser sci fi fans. For a good read at a good price go ahead and grab this one.
Where to Find:
Smashwords
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| (Published: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:53:05 -0700) |
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THE SEED GARDEN
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Synopsis:
Jed was the sole crew on an ore ship plying its trade across the galaxy. The ship’s detectors failed to notice a shower of meteorites which crippled the controls and communications, leaving Jed the only chance of survival by using the emergency escape pod. Fortunately there was a planet within range of the pod’s drive unit, but it was apparently devoid of all life forms, and very alien..
Review:
I am usually eyeball deep into David's books but this one had me constantly looking for the last page. It was an all around good read just felt like there could have been more to it is all.
Where To Find:
Smashwords
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| (Published: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:26:50 -0700) |
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Angst
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Review by J. M. Tresaugue author of Shadows Beyond the Flames and Other Stories
Synopsis:
When Angst turned 40, he knew it was over. Angst had longed to be a knight of Unsel, to make his mark in history, to be remembered for heroic deeds and wondrous acts. He grew up knowing he was destined for something great, but now it is too late. Not only is 40 far too old to become a knight, Angst is one of the few able to wield "the magics". For 2,000 years magic has been outlawed, repressed, even outright destroyed throughout the world of Ehrde. By law, Angst is reduced to using his great power only to file papers. His marriage is on the rocks, his friends are bored with him, and he hates his job. The one person that makes him happy is the young Princess Victoria who seems to adore him. Unfortunately, that makes his boss, the Queen, hate him. Without warning, Unsel is besieged with dangerous monsters - birds with metallic beaks, monkey creatures that can dive through solid ground, mindless horse-eating giants. The world that shunned magic now turns to Angst for help, and he is happy to listen once his back stops hurting. On the edge of a mid-life crisis, Angst drags his reluctant friends along with him on an adventure into the heart of magic. He’s not sure where they're going, what they'll find, or even if they'll survive. But he knows this is his one chance to be a hero because the only way to fight magic is with magic.
Review:
David J. Pedersen’s debut novel, “Angst”, is a wonderful journey through a magical world filled with wonders. The pages of Pedersen’s book are filled with wonderful characters to love and hate as they bring joy or frustration to the reader. Pedersen has not only created a vast world bulging with all the elements fans of fantasy crave, but also brings a unique and enjoyable touch to the genre of speculative fiction. Pedersen seems to have taken a page from Kurt Vonnegut’s rule book in working hard to make the reading easy. The 767 page novel passes quickly, even when plagued with the. Though geared for an older audience, “Angst” is well suited for fantasy readers of all ages.
Where to Find:
Amazon
Author's Blog
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| (Published: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:42:31 -0700) |
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Days Of Iron
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Review written by RJ Palmer author of Birthright
Synopsis:
In the future, genetic engineering has created three species of humans. Homo sapiens – the Sapes – are the masters. The Sirians are savage and insular. And the Helots are slaves, denied even the right to breed. Humanity in all its forms has spread out into the galaxy, ruled by the all-powerful Syndicate of Galactic Corporations. But the Syndicate refuses to share technology beyond the ruling Elite. For Maddy Hawthorn, a Sape colonist, the peaceful life she had planned at Barnard’s Star is torn apart when she becomes involved in a terrorist plot to destroy the stranglehold of the Elite over the other races. Pursued by the military and the Syndicate’s agents, Maddy and her companions mount a desperate attack on the centre of control in the galaxy, an obscure planet on the fringes of known space. Maddy must fight a ruthless regime to survive, but her own past demons might be the most dangerous threat of all.
Review:
First and foremost let me say that the futuristic science fiction/mystery/thriller aspect of this novel had my vote from the very beginning because I am at heart a science fiction nut and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved the blend of modern realism, with the social injustices with which we live on a daily basis but no one wants to talk about, and futuristic overtones because it’s set in a time when one would think that those same social injustices and difficulties are things which we would’ve surpassed.
I also love the way that the author weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense while interlacing real world facts in regards to the daily struggle of life with things like space travel and colonization, water rationing and air recycling and the like. This is not a novel in which all problems are solved with just the push of a button or the adaptation of current technology to suit the given situation, the characters are forced into a creative approach to problem solving and I like that. The characters are more relatable and tend to be three dimensional and they came alive for me instead of being just a name on a piece of paper as they were by turn apathetic, angry, happy and scared and thoroughly believable.
I will admit that the ending was not at all what I expected, it wasn’t all falling stars and fool’s gold and not everything worked out perfectly and according to plan for all the characters involved which is yet another example of an aspect that snagged my interest. I’m not the type of person that enjoys an exclusively happy ending in all written works. I’ve always enjoyed a bit of a twist because it frankly keeps me guessing and keeps me wrapped up in a story.
All in all, I loved Days of Iron and wish to heartily congratulate Russell Proctor on a job incredibly well done and an intensely enjoyable tale and I whole heartedly recommend it to anyone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book and get lost in a story as this is the kind of novel that fits the bill.
Where to Find:
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
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| (Published: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:27:49 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Dan Fullerton author of APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials
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About your book: APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials
APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials is a fun, friendly and concise roadmap to the entire New York State Regents Physics curriculum, preparing students for success in high school physics classes as well as reviewing for highest marks on the Regents Physics Exam.
Topics covered include pre-requisite math and trigonometry; kinematics; forces; Newton's Laws of Motion, circular motion and gravity; impulse and momentum; work, energy, and power; electrostatics; electric circuits; magnetism; waves; optics; and modern physics.
Featuring more than five hundred questions from past Regents exams with worked out solutions and detailed illustrations, this book is integrated with the completely free APlusPhysics website, which includes online question and answer forums, videos, animations, and supplemental problems to help you master Regents Physics essentials.
Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Dan Fullerton
This book is designed to be a light, comfortable, informal introduction to physics. Math is limited to basic algebra and trigonometry, and sample problems (with full solutions) are included in the text directly after the concepts required for problem solving
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| (Published: Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:54:35 -0700) |
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The Dinosaur Games
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Synopsis:
A near future dystopian society forces High School kids to become Gladiators fighting dinosaurs for freedom
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| (Published: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:26 -0700) |
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The Defector
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Synopsis:
What will you do, when it's you or them?
This is the dilemma at the heart of The Defector - can Martin Cormac turn his back on his ruthless past as a dealer, a major city player, and do the right thing? Not when he's looking for answers in a succession of sleazy dives
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| (Published: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:24:27 -0700) |
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The Changeling Detective
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Synopsis:
The detective with a thousand faces thought he was a mutant like in the comic books he'd read as a kid. Now, he's not so sure.
The Australian capital territory has been pretty good for an orphaned child who did most of his learning on the streets after running away from a church orphanage. Now as the owner of his own detective agency the Changeling Detective has few regrets about how his life has turned out.
However, when a foul-smelling Sydney crime boss takes lethal umbrage at some photographs taken while on a job, its time for the Changeling Detective to learn some nasty facts about his strange life and background.
An urban fantasy/detective noir story in an Australian setting with elements of crime, horror, witchcraft and deep time science fiction told from the perspective of a quick-talking protagonist who is both a film buff and a comic book reader.
This book contains content that may not be suitable for young readers 17 and under.
Review:
This was a page turner from the get go. you will find yourself running through the pages mind spinning and panting at the end. Great job to the author and when shall he release more.
Where to Find:
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
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| (Published: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:07:24 -0700) |
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The Battle for Moscow, Idaho & Other Stories
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Synopsis:
A collection of six of Edward W. Robertson's sci-fi and horror stories:
In "Death Among the Grasseaters," a biologist is sent to a western backwater to track down the source of a new plague.
"The Inspiration of Philocrates," a steampunk-hued work of alternative history, follows a motley team of Greek soldiers and philosophers on a mission to kidnap a key scientist from the rival Egyptians.
And in "The Battle for Moscow, Idaho," a small crew of American guerrillas tries to hold their town together against an army of alien-aided rebels.
Other stories include "The Mayor of Mars," the flash story "There's No Home for You Here," and "The Magic Taco Wagon," a work of microfiction. Approximately 80 pages / 24,000 words, The Battle for Moscow, Idaho & Other Stories collects four of the author's previously published stories and two new ones.
Review:
This is an exceptional collection of short stories right up the alley for a quick read for any reader. You shall be delighted with each story and become more intrigued by the author as you go. This book is a do not pass up read.
Where to Find:
Amazon
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| (Published: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:53:04 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Cindy C Bennett author of Heart on a Chain
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About your book: Heart on a Chain
17-year-old Kate has lived her whole life in abject poverty, with an alcoholic father and drug-addicted mother, who severely abuses Kate. At school, her second-hand clothing marks her as a target. Her refusal to stand up for herself makes her the recipient of her classmates taunts and bullying. That is, until Henry returns.
Henry Jamison moved away six years earlier, just as he and Kate had begun to develop feelings for one another. He returns to find the bright, funny, outgoing girl he had known now timidly hiding in corners, barely speaking to anyone around her, suspicious of even him.
Kate can't figure out what game Henry is playing with her - for surely it is a game. What else would the gorgeous, popular boy from her past want with her?
Kate finally decides to trust Henry's intentions, opening her heart to him. Just when it seems he might be genuine in his friendship, tragedy strikes, threatening everything Kate has worked so hard to gain. Can Henry help her to overcome this new devastation, or will it tear them apart forever?
Free Book Review
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Cindy C Bennett
I think readers will feel a lot of compassion for Kate, and for the things she's been subjected to in her life. I think there are far too many kids who actually live in circumstances similar to hers, whether at home or at school, so maybe they will read her story and believe that they also can rise above their tribulations. I also think people will appreciate that the book, while dealing with some heavy issues, does so in a manner that makes the book appropriate for all ages.
Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Cindy C Bennett
I guess that writing this book made me really look back and re-examine how I have treated people who I've maybe thought of as different, or who were being mistreated by others. Did I stand up for them? Have I been cruel to someone whose home circumstances may have been nearly unbearable, and they were simply trying to just survive day-to-day? I hope I haven't, and if I have, I am more than sorry for it.
Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Cindy C Bennett
I would like them to go away from reading it with more compassion and caring for those around them, so I'd like them to tell others about this book that they read that helped them to be kinder. I also want them to tell others about how great Henry is, and that it is a love story they won't soon forget. One can dream, anyway, right?
Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Cindy C Bennett
How many people have I known in my life, who have had a specific appearance or attitude, who might have had a background similar to that of Kate? Or of Henry? Which one of them am I more like?
Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?
Cindy C Bennett
For me personally, the best recommendation for a book is for someone to tell me they liked - or, even better, loved - it. So my wish would be for readers to like it, and then tell others about it, either personally, or by leaving a review on one of the sites where it is for sale. Conversely, if they don't like it, I'd like them to do the same. We all want good reviews, but I also want honest reviews - even if they're bad.
About You: Cindy C Bennett
Cindy C Bennett lives in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains near Salt Lake City. She has spent several years doing volunteer work with teen girls, whom she finds to be fascinating creatures - hence, her writing stories for and about them. When not reading or writing, she loves to spend time with her family which includes a husband, two sons, two daughters and three dogs. She does her best creating while cruising down the highway on her Harley Davidson Fatboy. GEEK GIRL is her first published novel. HEART ON A CHAIN is her newest novel.
Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?
Cindy C Bennett
I write purely for the love of it. I am constantly making up stories in my head, and observing others around me, and writing their stories in my head. I've always dreamed of being a writer, but fear of failure held me back. Then I began writing a story for my daughters, and when I was finished, realized I had a book. Now, like an addict, I can't stop.
Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Cindy C Bennett
Characters. I like to develop my characters fully, warts and all. I also want their storylines to be realistic, and their love for one another to ring true. I need for there to be a reason for them to fall in love before they do.
Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?
Cindy C Bennett
Compassion. I have a great deal of compassion for people, whether I know them or not. I'm hooked on shows such as Lockup, because I wonder what happened in these peoples lives to turn them into criminals, where in their life did things turn for them, making them think either there was no other option, or that it was okay for them to commit the crime. I feel bad that their life is now so sad. Or Hoarders. There has to be a reason, something they need to fulfill, something missing in their lives, to cause them to be so attached to their things - many times at the cost of their relationships. I think if we all had more compassion for others, the world would be a kinder place.
Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Cindy C Bennett
My children, of course, and my amazing husband. My whole extended family, really, including the dogs. My friends mean a great deal to me, including all of my new author friends, and readers who I've gotten to know through this whole writing process. I love riding my Harley Davidson Fatboy, because it's a great creative place for me to be alone, in the quiet, while I think up stories or scenes for my stories. I enjoy travelling, and spending time away from home with my family. I'm passionate about treating others as you'd like to be treated yourself (yes, the Golden Rule is one of my favorites). I'm also passionate about my laptop, probably my most prized possession.
Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Cindy C Bennett
Besides the obvious (my children), it would have to be realizing my dream of becoming a published author. I'll never forget the first email, "fan" mail, I suppose. What an amazing feeling to have finally accomplished what I had only hoped for for so long.
Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Cindy C Bennett
There are so many fabulous indie authors I have discovered. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even know there were so many great, self-published books out there until I was suddenly in the thick of them. On my blog, I have a list of the indie authors I've read and who I highly recommend, so short of relisting them here, go to my blog to see who I've been reading.
Learn more about Geek Girl
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| (Published: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:37:42 -0700) |
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The Art of Finding Yourself, At Any Age
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Synopsis:
Challenge yourself to find you, in how you think, feel and are. Pulling at those deeper questions to find answers, is the key and the gift to experiencing the best possible you. How many ways, how many times, can you ask the same questions, and return yourself to the same mundane lifestyles and ways? Guide yourself towards the reason for your ways.
Review:
Each page in this book inspires you to take a look at the you that you are. Karen puts forth the whys and wherefore and ask you to follow the best you that you can be. After finishing this book I dare you not to be a bit of a better person in the world.
Where To Find:
Amazon
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| (Published: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:05:00 -0700) |
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Half-Inch
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Synopsis:
Pammy has had enough of Bobby, her abusive drunk of a husband. One lovely spring day, she decides to kill him, despite the fact that they will soon be divorced and he will, at least in the eyes of the law, be out of her life for good. Indulging in homicidal daydreams for years has led her to devise her own perfect and completely bizarre plan.
This book contains content that may not be suitable for young readers 17 and under.
Review:
This is a great read perfect for an afternoon relaxing in the backyard. The author does a great job of detailing the story and providing entertainment in a short read. So go ahead and dream of revenge with Pammy.
Where To Find:
Smashwords
Amazon Kindle
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| (Published: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:26:07 -0700) |
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Author Interview: Allison Wynn author of The Answer
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About Your Book: The Answer
How Do You Want to Feel on the Last Day of Your Life?
Eric McPhearson was just looking for a little pick-me-up when he stopped into his local coffee shop on his way to work. He ended up making a life-changing discovery. It all starts when he spots a stranger’s journal and reads an entry titled, “The Last Day of My Life.” What he learns silences all the anger inside of him—leading to a breakthrough in his troubled marriage and a happier, more peaceful existence. The Answer: A Journey from Anger to Peace unpacks the intense meaning of that journal entry. In this unique, accessible book, you’ll explore the roots of
frustration, conflict and unhappiness in our daily lives and relationships. Its simple, resonant message stresses making peaceful human connections—something that’s easier said than done. The Answer is about learning to behave in a way that helps you feel a sense of significance and peace while establishing more fulfilling relationships. Reading this book will present you with the opportunity to create something different in your life. And it’s something you can begin in your very next conversation with someone you really care about … if you know the answer. This powerful book is a must-read for anyone who recognizes conflict in his or her life. It’s quick, easy-to-digest, yet profound
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| (Published: Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:59:45 -0700) |
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| ( Source: http://freebookreviews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default ) |
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