The New Book Review: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Military Writers Society of America Reviews Angel of Bataan

Title: Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan
Author: Melissa Bowersock
Web: www.newmoonrising.net
Genre: non-fiction, biography, historical
ISBN: 1460973194
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym4AmLynvfo&feature=g-upl

Reviewed by Edward Kelly for Military Writers Society of America's Dispatches E-Zine

Author's SummaryMarcia Gates was an Army nurse and prisoner of war during WWll. As an "Angel of Bataan," she spent three years in a Japanese internment camp in the Philippines. This is her story, told through her letters and the newspaper clippings, photos and letters collected by her mother. Melissa Bowersock is the niece of Marcia Gates.

MWSA ReviewThis is the true story of a nurse, Marcia Gates, during World War II and her experiences during the battle of Bataan and three years as a prisoner of war. But it is more than that because this story also relates how the families at home were feeling- frustrated and concerned about their lack of information about Marcia and her safety.

This book is easy to read and many will find it difficult to put down as one wants to know- does Marcia make it home? The format is also augmented by actual letters written by Marcia, other nurses and from family members to Marcia. It may be difficult for some who are so used to the modern e-mail system to even imagine the problems of letters not arriving home for months and how that effected the family who used every resource they could to get any information they could of their daughter. The author uses these letters to carefully weave a true account of what was happening on both sides of the world.

I found the story excited, surprised by some of the descriptions of conditions and wondered why I hadn’t heard this story before. The author has brought out one of the untold stories of World War II- about a nurse. I believe this book will have wide appeal to many audiences including: medical personnel, historians, veterans and anyone interested in good story with a happening ending.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Literary Lady Reviews YA Fiction by Book 'Em Pariticpant

Title: The Cadence of Gypsies

Author: Barbara Casey
Website Link: www.barbaracaseyagency.com
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN-10: 0982081286; ISBN-13: 978-0982081280

Review published: Amazon.com

Review Rating: 5 stars
Publisher: Gauthier Publications

Reviewed by Literary Lady Patricia Daly-Lipe, www.literarylady.com

The Cadence of Gypsies was written for young adults. However, this old adult loved it. To me, the book has rhyme and cadence like a song being interwoven, its parts coming from seemingly unintended attributes. Yes, a Deceptive cadence which does not resolve itself until the end. Or perhaps the analogy would be Scrabble. Author Barbara Casey has truly fitted parts in a way that challenge the reader. Plus she uses her writing skill to entice and elicit inquiry and research. "Why?" you question as you hurry to turn the page only to be presented with another "Why?" Little by little, the parts fit. The diagram takes shape. While all the intrigue is going on, the reader is loving (or loathing) the characters, sympathizing, recognizing, or qualifying each person as he and she is presented.

To the delight of this reader, in addition to the construction, this wonderful book incorporates places, names and facts. The Voynich Manuscript is real. The famous vineyards and territory of Frascati and the historic Villa Mondragone are beautifully and well depicted. The story evolves while being nourished by historical and relevant data including musical, mathematical, and artistic references thanks to the three FIGS (females of intellectual genius).

Yes, The Cadence of Gypsies is a book to share with all members of the family and one to add to the Classics in our libraries. Thank you, Barbara Casey.

More about BARBARA CASEY

Barbara Casey is the author of eight award-winning novels, written for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Literary Agency which she established in 1995. She makes frequent guest appearances at universities and writers’ conferences across the country, and will be guest speaker at Book’Em NC in February 2013 held in Lumberton, North Carolina. Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her husband and Benton, a hound-mix who adopted her.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Horror Novel Gets Great Kirkus Comment

Title: One Blood
Author: Qwantu Amaru
Author's website: http://www.qwantuamaru.com
Genre: Horror

ISBN: 978-0982719367

Rating: Kirkus Star: A novel of remarkable merit

One BloodKirkus Book review calls One Blood, "A novel of remarkable merit that blazes trails, plotted at breakneck speed that won't let up."

Learn more about the author:
Qwantu Amaru
Author of the Award-WInning Supernatural Thriller, One Blood
On Sale NOW Everywhere books are soldwww.qwantuamaru.com
www.facebook.com/onebloodbook
www.facebook.com/qwantuspeaks
www.pantheoncollective.com

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Award-Winning Novelist Reviews Book Aimed at Emigrants and Foreigners

What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z
Subtitle: How to Understand Crazy American Culture, People, Government, Business, Language and More
By Lance Johnson
Author's Web Site
Amazon Paperback: http://Amzn.to/ForeignersAmericaUS

Reviewed by Leora Skolkin Smith originally for Amazon

As the daughter of a foreign-born mother who had to struggle to assimilate into American culture, reading Lance Johnson's book was an occasion for me to rejoice. Literate but accessible and undidactic, it defines American icons and expressions while providing brass tacks definitions and down-to-earth suggestions.

It's sometimes hard for Americans to realize that our culture needs to be demystified and made available to others without stress and/or giving them a feeling of remaining a perpetual outsider. Lance Johnson invites everyone to enjoy and penetrate some of the unique American mysteries we take for granted. A spectacular, important book and a toolbox full of relevant resources for all.

About the Reviewer:

Leora Skolkin-Smith’s first published novel, EDGES was edited and published by the late Grace Paley for Ms. Paley's own imprint at Glad Day books. EDGES was nominated for the 2006 PEN/Faulkner Award by Grace Paley. Recently, her novels were selected by Princeton University as part of a series on women writers whose background is from the Middle East and whose work is personal, reflecting the current diaspora. The Princeton Series in funded by The National Endowment of the Humanities and called: "The Fertile Crescent Moon Series."

THE FRAGILE MISTRESS, a feature film based on EDGES, is currently in pre-production, scheduled to begin shooting on location in Jerusalem, Jordan, and New York, produced by Triboro Pictures, directed by Michael Gunther. http://www.thefragilemistress.com

Articles by Leora Skolkin-Smith have appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, The National Book Critic’s Circle, “Critical Mass”, “Readysteadybook.com”, the Quarterly Review and others. Learn more about her at http://leoraskolkinsmith.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Children's Chapter Book Wins Rave Reviews

Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrations by Jessica Love

For more information visit http://nightbuddiesadventures.com

Children’s Chapter Book (ages 8 to 12)

ISBN-10: 0984741712

ISBN-13: 978-0984741717

List $7.99 Paperback 128 pages

Also available in Kindle and Nook

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press

Available wherever books are sold and online.

Reviewed by World of Ink Reviewer Ann Stallard

Rating 5 stars

Overall Thoughts and About the Book:

The Night Buddies series is an after lights-out adventure story that delights young readers and middle graders who relish roller coaster fantasy and fun, filled with unforgettable characters and an astonishing and inventive collection of magical whatchamacallits.

The first book in the series “Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare” introduces young readers to a bright-red crocodile with the goofy name Crosley. Add in the fact Crosley wears a yellow jumpsuit and is a member of Night Buddies Amalgamated whose job is to rescue kids from lying in bed awake and take them out on adventures. Now throw in a young John who isn’t ready to go to sleep yet and you have the beginning of the story.

John learns Crosley is more than just a red crocodile, which is unique enough. Crosley is also allergic to water and breaks out doing the Black Bottom dance for hours. Now through in the fact Crosley and John are both totally goofy about pineapple cheesecakes. It’s no wonder why Night Buddies Amalgamated made them a team and sends them on a mission to find out why there is worldwide shortage of pineapple cheesecakes. They’re all vanishing at the world’s only pineapple cheesecake factory across town and Crosley sees this as huge emergency. This new Night Buddies’ assignment for tonight--to investigate the problem and set things right. Of course, Night Buddies call it a “Program” and it won’t be easy. It definitely won’t be dull!

The story is filled with well-drawn fascinating characters embellished with some excellent illustrations by Jessica Love. The fonts change with emotion and circumstances, a fact that makes every page a little artwork that keep the child’s eye involved in the book. And just to make sure the youngsters reading this book have the inside information for a mystery, a glossary of ‘Night Buddies Uncommon Words’ is supplied – explaining ‘Jeeks’, ‘Wuff’, ‘Snerk!’ etc.

About the Author:

Sands Hetherington credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands raised his son as a single parent from the time John was six. He read to him every night during those formative years. He and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro.

About the Illustrator:

Jessica Love grew up in California, with two artist parents. She studied printmaking and drawing at UC Santa Cruz, then went on to study acting at The Juilliard School in NYC.

Jessica currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, toggling back and forth between her work as an actor and her work as an artist.

What Other People Are Saying:

“This little book is a winner!” —Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Amazon Reviewer

“Hetherington seems to have the right ingredients for a classic children’s whodunit—talking animals, an unsolved mystery and a brave hero willing to face unforeseen foes…” —Kirkus

“Stating that Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare is a creative, imaginative and delightful tale is simply giving it its just desserts. Yerk! Yerk! Yerk!” — Drew Aquilina, International award-winning cartoonist and author, Green Pieces: Green From the Pond Up

“Night Buddies is a terrific story my second and third-graders would love to have read to them, complete with its colorful dialect. Thanks for the sneak peek!” — Lorie Thompson, Principal, Haskell Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District

“Two unlikely friends-one human and one crocodilian-embark on an adventure to solve a mystery: where did all the pineapple cheesecakes go? Have fun reading this lively story.” — Diane Witt, Retired Public Elementary School Teacher (30 years), Boulder, Colorado

~Book tour by VS Grenier, award-winning author and editor and founder and partner of World of Ink Network,

http://worldofinknetwork.com

Office: 435-625-1743

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook Member of League of Utah Writers/HWG chapter president and SCBWI

http://heritagewriters.tripod.com

Stories for Children Publishing, LLC
http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Story of One of Charles Dickens' Characters Come to Life

Title: Sydney's Story
Genre: Historical fiction
Author: Eileen Granfors
Web links
Author's Web site: http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogspot.com
Available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Sydneys-Story-Prequel-Tale-Cities/dp/146356192X/
Also available at https://www.createspace.com/3625586

ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344696292&sr=8-1&keywords=eileen+granfors+sydney%27s+story

Reviewer by RJ McDonnell, author of the Rock 'n Roll Mystery series, including The Concert Killer and The Classic Rockers Reunion with Death

Charles Dickens captivated the world's imagination with A Tale of Two Cities in 1859, selling over 200 million copies. One of his central characters, Sydney Carton, was a British barrister who struggled to redeem his ill-spent life. Talented author Eileen Granfors gives us an opportunity to understand the powerful experiences that molded Sydney's character and launched him on his collision course with destiny. This prequel is a must read for literary fiction fans.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Linda Barnett-Johnson Reviews Young Adult Novel

Book: The Dog Men

Author: Patricia Crandall

Genre: Young Adult, Suspense/thriller
Author's Web Site: http://patriciacrandallauthor.homestead.com/

Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/d5sdom5

Rank: 5 stars

Reviewed by Linda Barnett-Johnson, Editor and Virtual Assistant for Authors. Originally review for Amazon.

The Dog Men is one of those books that your older kids and adults should read. If you are interested in what goes on in the dog fighting world, then it's for you. But it's also for those people that care about animals. Unfortunately, this goes on more than we know.

The characters are young kids about 9 and 10. As you know, most young kids are curious. When they discover a terrible secret in their small town, they vow to do something about it.

Fun read and a good gift to those kids that want something different.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Layman's Guide to Fear Reviewed

A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear

By Stan Popovich

Book Web site: www.managingfear.com
Publisher: Treble Heart Books
Genre: Self Help Book
ISBN: 1-928602-97-5Rated: [G]
Highly recommended by Allbooks Review

Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review at www.allbookreviewsint.com

“Reading this guide is a first step into the rest of your life.”

Fear is a state of mind or emotion when we sense personal danger. Some people are more prepared than others to rationalize their fears. It can prevent us from harm by removing us from the situation, but can also cause unbearable, immobilizing anxiety. Someone living with fear may make unhealthy life choices because they are afraid that they are incapable of forming a well balanced decision.

The author, Stanley Popovich presents three main principles in this layman’s guide to managing fear:

General Counseling Techniques encourages critical thinking and deductive reasoning. In order to make an informed confident choice, facts must be gathered first, and well researched. One must also factor in the ‘what if’ scenarios. Then with common sense reasoning determine what is most important. The reader is enlightened by the examples used of ‘John and Mary’s’ unpredictable situations.

Non-Resistant Methods of dealing with fear is more of a defensive approach. We all have ‘triggers’ that bring on anxiety and it is important to recognize them, not allowing ourselves to be ruled by them.

Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Belief in faith can provide a powerful foundation for problem solving.

FEAR is an introduction for readers who yearn to control their negative reactions. Stanley Popovich provides basic but exceptionally valuable steps in learning how to personally manage negative situations. Along with detailed stories the reader is provided with websites dealing with fear, twelve pertinent suggestions and several Biblical scriptures that provide support. As the title suggests, it may be used as a guide and empty pages are provided for your own notations.

Stanley Popovich has used his writing skills, analytical talents, interviews and diligent research in an attempt to educate readers. He was educated at Pennsylvania State University and has used these approaches in his own life.

I am no stranger to fear. In the past I had allowed myself to become controlled by it. Through reading, research and my physician’s advise I learned that there are many courses to take pertaining to the subject. I have completed several, adding a new confidence to my life. One is unable to enjoy a fulfilling life when fear is ever present. For more information please go to www.managingfear.com

Reading this guide is a first step into the rest of your life.

Author's Bio:

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Editor Reviews Catherine MacDonald's New Romance

Book: Seasons of the Vineyard

By Catherine MacDonald

Genre: Romance

Website: www.supernovel.com
Blog: http://supernovel.com/blog
Rating: 5 stars

Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/cywffj3

Reviewed by Linda Barnett-Johnson, Editor and Virtual Assistant for Authors, originally for Amazon.

I have read and written reviews for a few books. None have left me wanting more than this book, Seasons of the Vineyard by Catherine MacDonald. If you like a strong woman character, this is the book for you. I couldn't put it down. There are twists and turns throughout. I spoke out loud in a few places. Pleading or getting angry at some of the events. But that's a sign of a great book. You get involved. You can't help it.

If you love learning too, this book will take you to wine country where the author shows you how grapes are grown and how wine is made. You know that Ms. MacDonald has done her research. It's very educational as well as a great romance. I laughed in spots and got mad in others. That's the sign of a well-written book. Ms. MacDonald has a knack for pulling you in from the beginning and makes you want more when you are finished.

This book is for women and men. Men can learn about the wine making process and how a strong woman can achieve through hard work and determination. Women will love and identify with the main character, Francesca, as she is pulled in many different directions, but finally does what she is meant to do, run a successful vineyard. I don't want to give anything away, so get the book today. You'll be glad you did.

~More about Linda Barnett-Johnson, editor and virtual assistant may be found on her Web site at Linda Barnett-Johnson Editing Services. She is an administrative director of LSS School of Writing, assistant editor of Long Story Short ezine . Find her

Blog here.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Kathleen Smith Reviews Adventure Novel

Title: Can You Hear the Music?

Author: Sandra Farris
Author's website: www.sandrafarris.com
Genre: Adventure
ISBN: 0595302688
Reviewer's rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by Kathleen Smith originally for Amazon and www.reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com

This one has captured my heart and soul! I absolutely loved it from beginning to end!,

"Listen, son, can you hear the music?"

"What music, Pa? I don't hear anything."

"Stand quiet and listen. Hear the wind singing through the trees, the birds whistling from the meadow and, if you listen really close, you can hear the brook laughing as it runs across the rocks and spills down the hill. That's the music I'm talking about...the music of life. No matter how big or important you may feel when you get older, I hope you will always take the time to stop and listen to that music."

"I don't understand. Those are just ever'day sounds you hear all the time."

"True, they are everyday sounds, but we don't always hear them because we take them for granted. It's the same with people. They are always there but we take them for granted and that is what saddens my heart, for I am as guilty as the rest." He sighed and shook his head. "Listen to the frog. His song is not as beautiful as the bird's and he is truly an ugly creature to you and me, but in his own way he contributes to that music of life. What I am really trying to say, son, is that no matter how insignificant and small a man may seem, he has that right to contribute and he is just as important."

In the novel, Can You Hear The Music by Sandra Farris, the reader is in for a delightful surprise when they begin this story in the life of Corey James, a young nine-year-old girl who finds herself left orphaned in 1919 when a tragic car accident claims the life of both her parents. Her Uncle, George and his wife Lizzie take Corey in, but soon is seems the Corey finds herself the target of abuse from Lizzie. Faced with emotional and physical abuse, Corey finds herself not wanted and it hurts her deeply. Knowing only that she doesn't like being hurt anymore, she takes her small dog Muffin and slips away into the night searching for love and acceptance in the form of anyone who can provide it.

Lucky for Corey that she has disguised herself as a young boy to avoid being found by her Aunt and Uncle, and finds the most unlikely friend in the form of a hobo named Andy Curruthers. Andy relates to Corey's situation being orphaned at the age of ten and vows to help him learn the ways of life traveling the rails and seeing the world.

I received this novel compliments of Sandra Farris for my honest review and was so enraptured by this story, I could not put it down once I started. She demonstrates the talents of a great story teller in creating the characters of Corey and Andy. You can't help but wish for them to remain together throughout the book and along the way, they both learn a thing or two about forgiveness and unconditional love. There are a host of lovable supporting characters, Gus Thatcher, Lord Mayor, Injun and even Muffin, her delightful dog who never leaves Corey side no matter how dark things get. I would love to see someone pick this one up and create a beautiful movie from it, and in my opinion this one deserves so much more than my usual 5 out of 5 stars. I would rate this one a 10!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Mainstream Fiction Gets Crack Review from Quilldipper

TITLE: Twelve Months
AUTHOR: Steven Manchester
AUTHOR'S WEB PAGE: http://www.StevenManchester.com
PUBLISHER: The Story Plant
RELEASE DATE: August 14, 2012
ISBN: 978-1611880533
GENRE: Commercial Fiction
Available on Amazon
Reviewed by Heather Froeschl originally for Quilldipper.com

"Life. A series of lessons for the soul? What is our purpose here on earth? That’s up to you. Life is what you make of it, or don’t make of it. For Don Dimarco, at age 57, he’s going to make the best of it. In Steven Manchester’s newest book, Twelve Months, readers will experience the hardest thing we have to face as human beings and will be grateful to the author for the reminder to live.

Don discovers that he has colon cancer. At stage four there really is nothing humane that can be done and the doctor tells him to live life to the fullest for what will be at best, twelve months longer. After the natural reaction of denial, resentment, anger, frustration and sorrow, Don gets on with the business of living. He writes a list of the top five things he’s always wanted to do and with the help of his dedicated wife, he sets out to accomplish them. What happens is more than he expected and greater than his family could have anticipated. The love between Don and his wife blossoms to the fullest capacity and through their shared adventures, readers will feel it radiating off the pages. The support and love from his family, as well as complete strangers, will bolster the reader’s feelings for humanity. Witnessing the growth of Don himself is a miraculous and amazing thing.

Facing the past, playing cowboy, declaring his love, confronting his demons, visiting paradise on earth…all are chapters in Don’s book of life and all are written with exquisite detail and deep feeling. You will experience each moment through outstandingly descriptive writing. Steven Manchester made me cry. I don’t think there is a reader who could get through this book without a tissue and a good healthy sob. What’s more important is the reminder the author gives us to live our own lives. Such a level of inspiration can be found here, such clarity of portraying the massive emotions of the characters, that one is in awe of the author’s wisdom. Steven doesn’t just write books; he authors life lesson plans.

Twelve Months is a powerful work of fiction."
~Contact the author at http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorStevenManchester

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Friday, August 10, 2012

Mindy Lawrence Gives Helpful Book for Emigrants Five Stars

What Foreigners Need to Know About America From A to Z

Subtitle: How to Understand Crazy American Culture, People, Government, Business, Language and More
By Lance JohnsonAuthor's Web Site Paperback available on Amazon and Amazon Spain, Germany, France, Austria, and UK
Five-Star Review

Mindy Lawrence "Writer, editor, publicist" (Springfield, MO USA)

This review is from: Mindy Lawrence, originally for Amazon

What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z by Lance Johnson, a second generation United States citizen, has so much information in its 614 pages that anyone coming to our shores should find what they need to prevent cultural gaffs and language boo boos. They can discover ways to find jobs, open businesses and make friends in their new country, America.

Johnson is a world traveler. He knows what it's like to get along in other cultures. It was his travel, and the comments from those wanting to move to the United States, which made him notice what an important resource What Foreigners Need to Know could be. He has done the world a great service by the wonderful compilation of information he has gathered in this book to help others find their way around.

The paperback is divided into four sections:

* Section One: America's Heritage: the historical background of why America became what it is today - government, the American Dream, standard of living, etc.

* Section Two: America's Culture: How we conduct our live - etiquette, literature, movies and much more.

* Section Three: America's Business: Our business environment, customs and operations.

* Section Four: America's Language: Practical ways to improve English grammar, usage, writing, speech and communications skills. How not to embarrass yourself using an incorrect word.

Each one of these sections may be read individually or as the need arises. However, the entire book is so well thought out that I can't see why anyone would want to skip over anything Johnson has put together.

People moving to America have needed a book like this for many years. Thankfully, it has arrived.

~Learn more about the author, a world traveler, teacher, actor, and playwright. This book was adapted from a book published by Oriental Press in simplified Chinese in China by Oriental Press. Watch for a new translation published in Brazil in Portuguese.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Betty McMahon's A Rendevous to Die For Reviewed

A Rendezvous to Die For

By Betty McMahon

Genre: Fiction: Mystery

SBN-10: 1257931326

ISBN-13: 978-1257931323

Available on Amazon:
http://bit.ly/O0o6Y4

Reviewed by Jack Smith-St.Cyr

Combine an attractive, young photographer, a handmade throwing tomahawk buried in the skull of a news reporter for whom she has no respect, and an over-eager cop, and you have the beginning of a great mystery read. Cassandra Cassidy is forced to clear her name, but before she figures out how to do that, she discovers two more bodies. All three murders are somehow connected to the annual Prairie River Trappers' Rendezvous, a Minnesota classic, and its cast of colorful characters. The detective is more convinced than ever of Cassandra's guilt.

Making matters worse, some of her friends begin to look like possible perpetrators. Cassandra turns to her photographic expertise to find clues which lead to the killer and clears her name and reputation.

Still a creative photographer and hopefully an improved sleuth, Cassandra beckons to me to read the next mystery in Betty McMahon's promising series.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Fiction Features Historical Characters' Take on Politics

Title: Founding Fathers Know Best:

Subtitle: Is the President Leading the Country in the Wrong Direction?

Author: Ross Edward Puskar
Website: www.foundingfathersknowbest.com
Genre: Political Fiction
ISBN-10: 1936449226

Selected Blurbs:

Founding Fathers Know Best is an engaging satire that delivers on its mission. Puskar presents an entertaining, educational and stimulating read that offers a creative and fresh way to think about the problems our country faces: how would past Presidents counsel Obama on today's issues? The spirits of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison return to the White House to offer their expertise and insights while supported by other past Presidents and the "Friends Club" (which includes colorful characters from Winston Churchill to Abigail Adams to Ben Franklin.)

FFKB is a sharp presentation of today's political issues through a fascinating historical lens. Great for those who love history - and for those who usually don't, well, you never knew history could be so fascinating! I was captivated and couldn't put it down. Puskar's passion and patriotism are infectious. As the election nears, this is a "must read."

Sunday, August 5, 2012

BestChickLit Reviewer Shares Goddess Rising

Title: Goddess Rising
Author: Melissa Bowersock
Web: www.newmoonrising.netGenre: spiritual fiction
ISBN: 1448677734

Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright originally for BestChickLit.com

What they say:'Civilization as we know it has been destroyed, not through war or asteroid impact, but by a geologic holocaust of planetary proportions. The scattered survivors live simply, primitively, bonded to the earth and the Great Goddess. Their one hope lies in the dream-given prophecy that Greer the Sibling, a female savior, will rise and restore them to greatness.

An epic and magical story of one woman's exceptional destiny during exceptional times, Goddess Rising follows Greer's journey from simply obscurity to her prophesied reign. Acknowledged as the face of the Goddess on earth, Greer discovers the rewards of power-and the price-as she struggles through her own labyrinth of fear and desire, sexuality and sacrifice, love and death.'

What we (BestChickLit.com) say - review by Elizabeth Wright:As spiritual fiction goes this novel does exactly what it is supposed to do. It has the reader questioning their own life, their own beliefs and wondering how it would all work if things were different. On the surface this is a good read. The narrative flows nicely and it ticks all the boxes of romance, challenge and resolution. But this is not a book to just pass the time of day with. It questions everything from a woman’s place in a work environment to the sex of a deity and everything in between.

Goddess Rising is ultimately a feminist stance on the Garden of Eden, as Bowersock recreates religion by resetting the world back to basics. To be at one with nature and have an entirely open mind is the ideal and every individual character is valued for the skill that they bring to the community. The reader is taken on the heroine’s journey, learning about the world as she does and Bowersock certainly has a knack for creating a believable fantasy. Through the trials and tribulations of our heroine, Greer, you cannot help but make comparisons with the real world. Overall this book is ideal for anyone searching for an insight into a world run by women.
~Author Melissa Bowersock also blogs at http://mjb-wordlovers.blogspot.com.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Online Book Tour: A Sci-Fi That Will Wow by Lisa Romanek

From My Side of the Bed
by Lisa Romanek

Lisa Romanek is the wife of well-known extraterrestrial abductee/contactee Stan Romanek. Lisa realized that there are two sides to every story, two sides of every bed. She has learned the importance of taking that which is personal and at times embarrassing, and turning it into that which serves the public-especially those who've walked in her same slippers as spouses of abduction. Lisa takes you on her heart-wrenching and at times hilarious journey as the wife of Stan Romanek. Her courage and integrity mix well with her Nebraska-born charm and her decades of work with the elderly-all of which is reflected through the tenderness, compassion and warmth that she embodies and carries as a spokeswoman for those who feel alone in a world of extraterrestrial chaos beyond their control. As the wife of an abductee and mother of three children, Lisa has a simple message to share: Live without fear, and love without limit.

This is the first book I have found that describes alien abductions not from the abductee's point of view, not from an interviewer's point of view, but from the point of view of the abductee's spouse. Lisa (wife of Stan Romanek) takes you on a roller coaster ride of every possible emotion that the abductee, his wife and family experience over many years. She also includes some of the many photographs and documents they have collected.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Vine Reviewer Loves Adventure Book

A Raucus Time: The Celtic Cousins Adventures
By Julia Highes
http://www.juliahughes.co.uk/
Fiction: Action/adventure
ISBN-10: 147756909X
ISBN-13: 978-1477569092
Five-Star Review
Available for Kindle

Reviewed by Nash Black (Amazon vine voice reviewer)

There are certain ingredients a story needs to make it better than just good. If any author can gather these ingredients and blend them seamlessly together, then they are always on to a winner.

For me, this is my first step into the world created by author Julia Hughes, a world that revolves around two teenage boys - Wren, the geeky brainbox and his cousin Rhyllann, a pilot wannabe and Wren's best friend. Add to this, Crombie, the copper and oft self-appointed social worker, the lost treasure (a treasure that includes the fabled sword of Arthurian legend - Excalibur) of King John, and a gang of villains who will stop at nothing - including murder - to retrieve said treasure and you have a story that takes all of those ingredients, lovingly mixes them together and creates a wonderful story.

Most authors would have been very happy with the fact they had created a `wonderful' story. But no. Not this author. If ever writing a novel can be compared to creating a meal, then Ms. Hughes grabbed all those correct ingredients and then, when no-one was looking, slipped in an extra, secret one that a lot of other stories lack, and created something very special. That special ingredient is - for want of a better word - love. Love of the story, love of her characters. Love of her ART. Because that's what storytelling is. It's an art and Julia Hughes is one hell of an artist!

This is a story that defies genre. It cannot be labelled as simply an adventure story, or a teen angst story, a thriller or a comedy. It is all of these and more. It made me laugh out loud; it made me turn pages (well push buttons - on kindle) at speed to see what came next. There is a section of the book that in a summer (July 2012) that has had torrential rainfall here in the UK; you will feel a particular kinship with the boys. I know I did.

The author has created believable characters that you will love from the off. Her storytelling is tight and flows seamlessly from start to finish. Her descriptive style pulls your imagination along and paints the places and people so vividly, they will stay in your mind long after you have closed the book or switched off your kindle.

The good news is that there two other stories featuring the characters you meet in `Raucous Time'. `A Ripple in Time' & `An Explosive Time'. I have just started `Ripple' and can already announce that I love it.

Make a note of the name Julia Hughes because in literary terms, it's a name I'm sure we're going to hear a lot of in the future and genuinely cannot wait!!!

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

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