Engaging, Character-Driven, Dystopian for Your Summer Reading List

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Title: Pipe Dreams
Author: Destiny Allison
Author’s Website: http://shapingdestinythebook.com/
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopia
ISBN-10 0615823742 (Kindle)
ISBN-13 978-0615823744 (Paperback)
5 Stars

Reviewed by Robyn Chausse


Due to bio warfare we are now under military control—a scary, yet common, dystopian scenario. But add some genetic engineering, an organized “underground”, spice it up with potential romance and stir with the manipulator of all manipulators and you have a novel that keeps the pages turning.

What I love about Pipe Dreams, and what frightens me the most, is the believable plot that could very well happen tomorrow. The story centers around current research into behavioral genetics, the identification of gene markers that scientists hope will help control or modify negative behavioral traits.

Allison keeps up the pace with plenty of plot twists and engaging dialog. She offers us a diverse cast of characters each with their own convictions and strives to illustrate “how our individual pursuit of dreams affects our collective reality.” She pulls us into the story with visually descriptive scenes conveying her character’s emotions as in this example where the main character encounters one of society’s outcasts:

“Something brushed her ankle. Jerking her leg away from whatever slithering thing had braved the morning, she slapped the pavement with her purse. Nothing moved and she dared a glance beneath her. Amidst dead and rotting leaves, an arm was barely visible. Vanessa startled, but did not scream. She didn’t need to rouse the callers from their dirty sleep. She just needed to leave. As she began to walk away, a tiny voice scratched out a noise that sounded horribly like, “Please.” Vanessa froze. In the silence that followed, there was no voice, no wind, no movement. The hushed world waited, as if everything would take its cue from her.”

Although listed as dystopian/science fiction, the current day placement of the story and character-driven focus makes this novel attractive to a broader range of readers.

This is Destiny Allison’s first novel, but it is her second book. Shaping Destiny, her memoir, was published in March of 2012.

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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.

Nine Fold Heaven: New Historial Fiction on Tour

Title – Nine Fold Heaven       

Author – Mingmei Yip

Author's website link – http://www.mingmeiyip.com  

Genre or category – Suspense, historic fiction

ISBN – 978-0758273543

  

In this mesmerizing new novel, Mingmei Yip draw readers deeper into the exotic world of 1930s Shanghai first explored in Skeleton Women and into the lives of the unforgettable singer-spy Camilla, the magician Shadow, and the gossip columnist Rainbow Chang.


The Nine Fold Heaven is the story of an ex spy and nightclub singer who undertakes an emotional and dangerous journey to reunite with her lost lovers and the baby she was told was stillborn, and to discover the secret of her parents’ murder. 


Click here to read the prologue and first chapter:

About Mingmei Yip

Mingmei Yip has been writing and publishing since she was fourteen years old and now she has twelve books to her credit. Her five novels are published by Kensington Books and her two children’s books are published by Tuttle Publishing.

 
Mingmei’s new novel is The Nine Fold Heaven (2013), the story of an ex spy and nightclub singer who undertakes an emotional and dangerous journey to reunite with her lost lover and the baby she was told was stillborn, and to discover the secret of her parents’ murder.

 
Mingmei’s fourth novel is Skeleton Women (2012), a story about a singer spy, a magician, and a gossip columnist scheming to survive the gang wars in lawless 1930ies Shanghai.


Her other four novels are equally exciting:

 
Song of the Silk Road, (2011) is a romantic adventure on China’s legendary ancient trade route with the lure of a three million dollar reward.


Petals from the Sky, (2010) is a Buddhist love story about a woman who tries to escape her dysfunctional family only to find she’s been running away from her heart.

 
Peach Blossom Pavilion (2008) her first novel, is the story of the last prestitous musician-courtesan of China, received numerous favorable reviews and is now in its fifth printing.

 
Mingmei is also the author and illustrator of Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories (2005) and Grandma Panda’s China Storybook, (2013).

 
Mingmei is also a renowned qin (ancient string instrument) musician, calligrapher and painter. In Hong Kong, she was a columnist for seven major newspapers. She has appeared on over sixty TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and the US.

Visit Mingmei at: www.mingmeiyip.com

 
Comments about Nine Fold Heaven from Amazon –

 The latest book from author Mingmei Yip takes the reader on an epic journey -- both emotional and geographically. The Nine Fold Heaven is the story of a young Chinese woman, Camilla who is taken from an orphanage at the age of four, and forced to work for one of the worst gangs in Shanghai. Not that she has a bad life with them. In exchange for her various "services" to the gang, from sexual favors to singing entertainment to assassinations, she is well taken care of, as least in material objects. Her emotional life however, has been completely deprived and suffocated.

~*~

The prose and the description of the setting lends an authenticity to the story that made it feel like a real history to me. I was intrigued by the comparisons between Chinese culture and American culture (although this was in the 30s) and there are both positives and negatives to both in my opinion. The clashes between opposing viewpoints in politics and religion gave more dimension to the characters and created a thought-provoking larger conflict than just what Camilla was going through. But the most important thing, especially in historical fiction, is for the setting to feel realistic and I felt like the streets of Thirties Hong Kong and Shanghai were brought to life in this book.

~*~

Camilla is a noir heroine who readers will love to hate or hate to love. The author makes it clear she's a product of her environment and never apologizes for her behavior which she shouldn't. The narrative is colorful and an exotic mix of cultures and traditions and will bring the sounds and flavors of a troubled lawless past society to life. 

 Reviews for Mingmei Yip books -  

 Skeleton Women  “A guilty pleasure....enjoy the exotic location and characters.... This is a large, luscious box of chocolates. Go on. You know you want to." -- RTBook 4 star Review

Song of the Silk Road  “Lively…fascinating…filled with unique companions, unforeseen dangers, unexpected joys, and bitter sorrows…” -- Publisher’s Weekly

Petals from the Sky  “Strong…powerful…emotional…vivid…poignant…” -- Coffee Time Romamce

 
Peach Blossom Pavilion “Engrossing…atmospheric tale…fantastical escape!” – Honolulu Advertiser

 If you like strong women in exotic locations and like to learn about new people, places and times – Nine Fold Heaven is a must read.

 
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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.

Reader Calls Novel Glittering Masterpiece

Title: A Glittering Chaos

Author: Lisa de Nikolits

Author's Web site link: www.lisadenikolitswriter.com

Genre, Literary Fiction

ISBN: 192670892X

 

Reviewed by Brittany Clayton

 

 

Lisa de Nikolits does it again with this lip-biting, on the edge-of-your-seat-tale that takes you on a spiritual journey with Melusine through heartache, tears and the unexpected.

Expect late sleepless nights as you endevour on this journey with Melusine and experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. This book certainly goes against everything you've heard about Vegas… what happens in Vegas did NOT stay in Vegas this time!

A recommended read for anyone and everyone who enjoys a read that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions!

 

 

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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.

Netherlands Reviewer Loves Native American Fiction

Title: Where The Rain Is Made
By Keta Diablo
Keta's Keep Blog: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Genre: Historical/Paranormal/Native American
Nominated for Bookie Award by Authors After Dark
Available at http://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI
ASIN on Amazon: B00771XAUW
Five Stars

Reviewed by Bersaba originally for Amazon 

I absolutely loved this story. It paints a rich and vivid picture of the Dog Soldiers and their way of life, fitting this history into the story in such a way you learn a lot about the Dog Soldiers without being lectured. I really liked how Diablo doesn't try to turn the Cheyenne into 'noble savages' as sometimes happens in romance, but how she writes them with both their good and bad sides, making them more real and recognisable this way.

The romance and action in this story are well balanced and fit together perfectly, weaving a bittersweet lovestory that's not just about Cesca and Meko, but about a whole way of life. The one thing I could say against this story is that I would have loved to read more from Meko/Ethan's point of view as he's a very cool and intriguing character and I'd have loved to read a bit more about what makes him tick. I really hope Diablo decides to continue this series as I for one will surely read any sequel.

 

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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.

Peek at Broad Cultural Climate in Which People of Color LIve

Title: Godless Americana: Race and Religious Rebels
Author: Sikivu Hutchinson
Web link: www.sikivuhutchinson.com
ISBN: 9780615586106
Publisher: Infidel Books
Category: Non-fiction
Review link: Amazon
Rating: Five Stars


Reviewed by Diane Arellano originally for Amazon

Sikivu Hutchinson's Godless Americana will have you musing at the space contemporary cultural characters like Honey Boo Boo occupy and in the next breath, have you ponder the true intentions and operative strategies of political heavy weights such as Newt Gingrich.

Godless Americana is a thoughtful and beautifully written book on the broader cultural climate people of color live in. It is also, at the same time, the lens from which people of color see through. This book is the articulation of complicated daily negotiations and all too common clashes/ indignities people of color are subject to as citizens that are pathologized and marginalized by the dominant culture. Sikivu's book premieres on the heels of a sixteen year-old African-American girl who has been charged with two felonies for conducting science experiments where no one was hurt and no property damage occurred.

Sikivu: Thank you for taking the time to include the often overlooked experiences of Latinos in United States. I really appreciated the connections you illustrate between Black and Brown communities.

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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.

Amy Peterson Pens Humorous Memoir

Title: Something Furry Underfoot,
By  Amy Peterson
Web site:  http://amylpetrerson.com
 ISBN 9780615842493
Genre: Memoir/Humor/Animals/
Available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com
 

 Reviewed by Bob Tarte, author of Enslaved by Ducks, Kitty Cornered and Fowl Weather

“Want to know what it’s like living with a houseful of pets while still holding onto your sanity? Then you’ve got to read Something Furry Underfoot, Amy Peterson’s warm and funny book about her experiences coping with and caring for all manner of animals. Not only will you get a lot of laughs but you’ll also pick up some valuable tips about co-existing with your own critters!”

 

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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.

Self-Help Awareness Guidebook Offered by Janet Nestor

Title:  Nurturing Wellness through Radical Self Care: A Living in Balance
Guide and Workbook
Author:  Janet Nestor
Author Website: http://mindfulpathways.com
Publisher: Balboa Press (November 29, 2012)
Twitter: @janetnestor
ISBN/ASIN: B00AIO3JFG
Genre: Self help/wellness

Reviewed by Teresa Morrow originally for Amazon


In this book, author Janet Nestor brings to the reader a simple overall and balanced approach to the subjects of wellness and self care. Having been through some trying and overwhelming times in the past couple of years (and I'm sure I'm not the only one)I learned the hard way about the true important of self care and wellness for ourselves. It's truly hard to help a loved one when you don't take care of what your own mind body and spirit need. In her book, Janet offers a guidebook that takes the reader though different things that can help you incorporate self care and wellness into your life.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet's career has been varied, yet all aspects seem to complement each other. She first studied sociology and psychology with the intent of becoming a LCSW working with troubled, institutionalized teens. Instead, to complete her undergraduate internship, she began to teach special needs elementary students, and then continued doing so for the next several years. Janet worked as a graduate assistant at James Madison University while she studied Diagnostic Prescriptive education and then spent several years in public school resource rooms and later independent schools for autistic like, behaviorally challenged adolescents. Janet worked at Wake Forest University in Athletic Academic Counseling as a support professional and learning specialist, a job she truly enjoyed.  While working at Wake Forest University, she began part-time work at Prodigals Community, a residential program for chronic addiction recovery.  Janet directed their GED program for residents completing their high school requirements and also directed their family support programming. During these busy years she became a reiki master teacher and etheric healer. Her heart was already leading her in another direction and soon after leaving Prodigals Community she began graduate school (again), this time in mental health counseling. The rest is history. In 1999 she began her private counseling practice and continued with clients until February 2012 when she moved to Missouri and
then to Annapolis, Maryland.  Today her career is divided between writing, workshops, and the wonderful people who work with her via Skype and telephone. She has clients from all over the United States, concentrating on personal empowerment and positive living via various Energy Psychology techniques, Mindful Lifestyle Training, Soul Detective work, energy healing and cognitive and insight oriented discussions. As a therapist she specializes in Trauma, Mood Disorders, Anxiety and Panic Disorder, Women’s Issues, Stress Reduction, and Chronic Physical Illness. Janet also has spent two wonderful years writing articles for Sibyl E-zine for women and currently contributes to Aspire magazine; Flourish Over 50, a website for women; Self-Growth.com as an expert in Positive Psychology; and beginning a relationship with IBoomer, a website for baby boomers.


SUBMITTED BY

Teresa Morrow is also known as The Author's Cheerleader, Promotion Manager for Spiritual Authors & Speakers and author of Life Lessons from the Heart available on Smashwords and  DISOWNED: A Journey of Transformation from Abandonment to Healing, available as an e-book on Amazon. Learn more about her at http://www.teresamorrow.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.

Perfect Book for Learning to Tie a Tie

 

 

Title of Book: Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox
Author: Sybrina Durant
Illustrator:  Donna Marie Naval
Author Website: http://www.sybrina.com and http://pinterest.com/sybrinad/learn-to-tie-a-tie-with-the-rabbit-and-the-fox/
Youtube book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiyIoftP2yg
ISBN: 978-0-9729372-1-4
Formats Available: Soft Cover Print and Ebook
Price: $14.95
Publication Date:  2012
Genre of Book:  Children’s Fiction – 5 to 10 Age Group

Reviewed by Michael Luchies  originally for his blog.

“Why Knot?  Benefits of Teaching A Child How To Tie A Tie”. 

As someone who attends countless conferences, seminars, and business related meetings, I am expected to dress professionally while representing my company and myself with class and style. With over 10 years of experience in entrepreneurship and the corporate world, I somehow have still not mastered the skill of tying my own tie.

 Whether from the frustration of failing over and over or laziness of learning a new skill because I am dependent on technology and other people to fix all of my problems, my lack of being able to tie my own tie is quite embarrassing. I can write a 50 page business plan, deliver an hour long presentation, and write in-depth articles, but cannot master a piece of fancy fabric.

After watching an endless supply of YouTube instructional videos and trying to read how-to blog posts on tying ties, I have decided to turn to a children’s book to gain another skill and finally relieve myself of the worries that come from asking my wife to tie my ties for me before every conference and meeting I attend.

 I am turning to the book ‘Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox.’ I must be honest, although I am not ashamed to learn from children’s books because they explain how to accomplish things in a language that anyone can understand and follow along with – this is a skill that I want to learn not just for myself, but to pass down to my future children.

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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.

One Gay American Gets World of Ink Review

Title of Book: One Gay American

Author: Dennis Milam Bensie

Author Website: http://dennismilambensie.com

 Publisher: CoffeeTown Press

ISBN-10: 1603811532
ISBN-13: 978-1603811538
Price $13.95

Publication Date: September 2012

Genre of Book: Memoir

Heat Level: LGBT

 

Review provided by: World of Ink Network

 

 

 

About the Book:

 

Dennis Milam Bensie is One Gay American. Born in the 1960s and raised with traditional values in Robinson, Illinois, Bensie desperately wanted romance, a beautiful wedding, and a baby to carry on the family name. He denied his sexuality and married a woman at nineteen years old, but fantasized of weddings where he could be the bride. The newlyweds "adopted" a Cabbage Patch Doll and ironically witnessed a Cabbage Patch Doll wedding (a successful fundraiser staged by a local women's club) where the dolls were granted the type of grand ceremony off-limits to gay couples.

In search of his identity as a gay man, Bensie divorced his wife and stumbled through missteps and lessons that still sting his generation: defending against bullies, "disappointing" his parents, and looking for love in gay bars, bath houses and restrooms. He helped his straight friends plan their dream weddings and mourned his gay friends dying of AIDS.

Although true love has not yet come his way, Bensie has learned to love himself. Bensie is the author of the much-lauded memoir, Shorn: Toys to Men, which recounts his battle with paraphilia. One Gay American tells the rest of his story and draws parallels to gay history, decade by decade, with newspaper headlines and quotations. Bensie is the gay neighbor that you either love or hate. Either way, he's got a lot to say and says it with no apologies.

 

EXCERPT:

My first real kiss from a man was from a stranger in the library restroom. As we stood in the bathroom stall, the handsome, dark-haired guy looked me in the eyes, cupped

my face in his hands and softly kissed me. He was much taller and more muscular

than I. We were the only men in the room and he picked me up in a big bear hug and

lifted me until my feet were actually dangling off the floor. He kissed me again and

looked at me. No one else in the bathroom had ever really looked at me.

I felt love for the first time. Real love … ever so brief. The stranger made me feel whole.

All the other guys I had seen in the restroom were focused on genitalia, but this man

saw me as a man with a face and a heart. I had waited my whole life to be

romantically kissed by a man. In that moment my life changed. I could finally be who I

wanted to be. It was such a significant event in my life, and I was sad that it had taken place in such a depressing place.Was this the best I could do? My first romantic kiss in a seedy public restroom? I didn’t even know the guy’s name.

Most of these guys were just looking for quick sex. If I wanted a partner, where would

I find him? Carbondale wasn’t exactly a Mecca for secure gay men.

I just had to have faith in myself and be patient. I was twenty-two, in my sexual prime.

Did I have to wait for love to come to me? Shouldn’t I go out and look for it?

I knew I probably wouldn’t find it in the library restroom or the gay bar. However, it

would only take one guy just like me. If he existed in Carbondale, then surely we would

find each other in the only gay spots in town.

While I was being hugged and kissed, we both heard the sound of Keys entering the

restroom. My kisser released me and fled. My feet were back on the ground. I

remained in my door-less stall. Keys walked by, as I had seen him do dozens of times,

and took his place in the stall next to mine.

I never saw my kisser again.

I left the library bathroom not knowing if Keys had ruined the opportunity of a lifetime

or saved me from myself.

 

BOOK TRAILER:

 http://youtu.be/MdE8s4mMnP0

About the Book:

An honest tell all story about looking for love, wanting a family and coming out as America discovered its own Gay community throughout the last 40 years. Dennis not only shares about the struggles he faces as a Gay American, but also the heartache, struggles and joys of all those who are Gay Americans as they come out to not only family and friends but to their country. Dennis highlights each chapter with the different headlines or political highlights of the Gay Community in American helping us all realize every American has rights and should be treated equal no matter their race, religion or sexual lifestyle.

 

About the Author: 

Dennis Milam Bensie grew up in Robinson, Illinois where his interest in the arts began in high school participating in various community theatre productions. Bensie’s first book,  Shorn: Toys to Men was nominated for the Stonewall Book Award, sponsored by the American Library Association. It was also a pick in the International gay magazine The Advocate as “One of the Best Overlooked Books of 2011″. The author’s short stories have been published by Bay Laurel, Everyday Fiction, and This Zine Will Change Your Lifeand he has also been a feature contributor for The Good Men Project. One Gay American is his second book with Coffeetown Press and it was chosen as a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Indie Excellence Book Awards. He was a presenter at the 2013 Saints and Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans. Dennis lives in Seattle with his three dogs.

You can find out more about Dennis Milam Bensie, his memoirs and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/lhtvxyt

 

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com

 

----- 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.

Kirkus Indie Reviews Memoir

Title of Book: Betty's Child
Author: Donald R. Dempsey
Author Website: http://bettyschild.com
Genre: Personal Memoir
ISBN: 9780988439016
Formats: Trade paperback and e-book
Reviewer's Link: http://tinyurl.com/qy5uho9

 

Reviewed by Kirkus Indie

 

A highly visual debut memoir from Don Dempsey spanning his pre- to early adolescent years in urban Ohio

Dempsey illuminates the steep uphill scramble he had as a young man in a bad neighborhood. The memoir opens cinematically on a night of petty stealing, which escalated to the sort of theft that exposed young Donny to violent retribution. Donny attempted to guard himself, his younger brothers and his canine companion, Benji, from the string of hothead men his mother—the eponymous Betty—welcomed into the family’s rotating rental houses. In addition to fending off soul savers from the church Betty attended in order to run her scams, Donny turned down invitations to participate in crime more difficult than theft. Most of the book’s sequences—a teacher’s good-hearted but ultimately futile efforts to defend Donny from a bully—efficiently reveal the wit and determination, not to mention anger, that helped Donny survive.

Neither alarmist nor self-pitying, the memoir sees Donny through mounting losses of his sense of safety, his friends, his sanity-saving dog and his proximity to his brothers. While this account certainly couldn’t be called feel-good, it also isn’t altogether bleak. Early in the book, Donny poses a question to himself: “Would I wind up toothless, clueless and broke because of heredity—or because of where and how we lived?” Determined not to consider either factor an excuse, as a preteen boy he decided that, despite his abuse and neglect, he would choose better for himself.

 

By turns heartrending and humorous, the book’s main events are accompanied by resonant dialogue that reveals the speakers’ natures. Distinguishing his from similar accounts, Dempsey’s discipline as a writer lends the real-life tale the feel of a fictional page-turner. In scene after vivid scene, Dempsey presents his inspiring true story with accomplished style.

 

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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.

University Professor Reviews Award-Winning Historical Romance

The Sandoval Sisters' Secret of Old Blood

Sandra Ramos O'BriantAuthor's Web site: www.thesandovalsisters.com

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 978-0615615103

Published by La Gente Press, 2012

Available in print and e-book

 

 

Reviewed by Dr. Michele Shaul, Professor, Department of Foreign Languages Queens University of Charlotte originally for http://www.writing.ie/

 

 

Sandra Ramos O’Briant’s debut novel The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood won Best Historical Novel and Best First Book at the 15th annual ILBA, 2013.  The story sets the stage for a fascinating series about Anglo/Hispanic interaction in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the struggle to control the Santa Fe Trail.

The author introduces the Sandoval sisters Oratoria, Pilar, and Alma who are independent and resistant to the restrictions placed on women in that place and time. Each controls her own destiny, making unconventional choices and always standing by family and friends.

Told in the sisters’ voices, the reader learns of each woman’s loves and losses and follows them on their trail to the end of the novel when the sisters need to come together to preserve their lands and livelihood from the new legal system that threatens the patrimony of many in what is now the Southwest United States.

Oratoria, the eldest, is not a sister by blood. Purchased at age five for the price of a bag of flour, Oratoria was originally Estevan’s gift to his lonely sixteen-year-old bride. Oratoria becomes a family favorite and indispensable to them all, truly integrated as a family member. She is the keeper of the old diaries that provide insight into the Sandoval heritage as well as instruction on cures and spells. She raises her sisters, making sure they are educated and independent thinkers. She is there when they need her and sacrifices herself to protect their livelihood.

Headstrong Alma, determined to not marry her father’s choice for her, runs off with the love of her life (Bill) only to discover once they arrive at his family home that she really does not know him as well as she thought. Cultural clashes between her Spanish background and his Anglo family, clashes with his domineering, mean spirited mother and betrayal by a woman she believed was her friend present the reader with an interesting read and better understanding of the climate of the times and the challenges faced by those who married across boundaries.

The youngest sister Pilar is more of a free spirit than the other two sisters yet she is most suited to marriage to Alma’s rejected elderly suitor, Geraldo. Because of his patience and maturity, Geraldo provides Pilar the blessing of love but more importantly, independence and autonomy. Pilar is able to fend for herself (and others) upon his death. She is more than up to the challenge presented by being one of the landed, moneyed families of the region.

Woven among the stories of love and life is eroticism, mystery, witchcraft, folktales, superstition, political intrigue, corruption, violence, and told with a fluid style that grabs you from the first page and leaves you hungry for more at the end.

About the Author

Sandra Ramos O’Briant‘s work has appeared in numerous journals.  A complete list of her work can be found at www.thesandovalsisters.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.

Nutrition Newsletter Reviews New Diet Book

Title: The Food Is My Friend Diet

Author: Ruth Frechman, MA, RDN, CPT
Author Website: www.ruthfrechman.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ruthfrechman
FB fan page: www.facebook.com/thefoodismyfrienddietbbook
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of1qpEuUJ4U
ISBN: 978-0984597918
Genre: Diet/Health
Winner 2012 NIE Award

 

Reviewed by Colleen Sloan, RD, LD/N for Nutrition 411 – Where Health Care Professionals Go for Information

Did you know that we all make “food friends”? Some of our “food friends” are good for us and others are not the best choice. The Food Is My Friend Diet teaches readers how to make “good food friends,” such as fruits and vegetables, and curb emotional eating by developing new ways of coping. This book is full of science-based guidelines for weight control and physical activity, written in a fun and interactive tone.

The Food Is My Friend Diet is a perfect combination of healthy lifestyle counseling and comic relief, with the help of comedian Jackie Fabulous. Jackie provides a unique perspective on the program and shares her experiences that the reader can relate to on an individual level. The Food Is My Friend Diet takes the reader on a 30-day journey through 30 educational and inspiring chapters. Each chapter ends with a “check-in” tool, where Ruth summarizes the chapter and encourages the reader to take action by setting a goal.

This book is a must-have for anyone looking for a real-life solution to weight management.

 

 

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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.

Inspirational Doggy Tale Gets Five Big Stars

Title:  Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way

Author:  Barbara Techel
Web site:  www.joyfulpaws.com
Genre or category:  Inspirational memoir
ISBN:  978-0-9800052-9-5
Order Your Copy Today!
Five star review

 

Reviewed by Paulo Levi originally for Amazon

While reading Through Frankie's Eyes, I was frequently reminded of Harold Kushner's now classic essay, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Frankie the dachshund became disabled through no fault of her own, much less of her guardian Barbara Techel's. But as Kushner points out in his book, we humans seem to have a need to view such events either as punishment for something we have done (or failed to do) or as destiny's cruel way of letting us know that our faith in God and in ourselves is being tested. Although Techel experienced the full impact of these feelings at first, she was able to transcend them through her determination to help Frankie overcome her disability, and through Frankie's own example in retaining the will to live the life of a happy and loving dog no matter what. In the process of adjusting to Frankie's new circumstances and to the changes brought about by them in her own life, Barbara Techel found her own calling in helping others through her work with special needs children, the elderly and the terminally ill, always with Frankie at her side as a therapy dog.

These may sound like the ingredients for a sad story, but this is definitely not the case. In fact, Through Frankie's Eyes is a celebration of the power to overcome and of the sheer joy of being alive. Techel's heartfelt and readable prose conveys a sense of forward motion, from the uncertainties in her own life and in Frankie's initial prognosis to a newfound serenity and an enduring sense of purpose. Read this book, and you will not fail to be moved and inspired by it.

 

About the Author

Barbara Techel is an award-winning author and advocate for dogs with IVDD and dogs in wheelchairs. Her book was an Indie Excellence Finalist Award 2013!  Sign up for her newsletter and receive her e-book free:  For the Love of Animals, A Collection of Short Stories
Become a fan on Facebook of National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day & help her honor and celebrate all dogs in wheelchairs and the lessons of love, hope and joy they teach us.

 

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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.

World of Ink Puts YA Adventure in Spotlight

Title of Book: Andy Smithson
Subtitle: Blast of the Dragon's Fury

Author: L.R.W. Lee

Author Website: http://www.lrwlee.com

 Twitter URL: @LRWLee

 Publisher: Createspace

ISBN: 978-1482312645
ISBN -10: 1482312646
Available in eBook and Print
Publication Date: April 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

Review provided by: World of Ink Network
 

About the Book:

 Ten-year-old Andy Smithson is magically brought to the Land of Oomaldee while he is doing dishes one night. Unbeknownst to him, he is there to break a 500-year-old curse.  Andy learns that his quest is the Dragon’s Lair to find an ingredient critical to breaking the curse - the scale from an elusive red dragon, the fiercest of all dragon species. Andy nearly destroys the castle amidst adventures battling fire-breathing dragons, fighting vicious vulture attacks, escaping people-eating giants and more.

EXCERPT:

 Sitting on his bed with the afternoon sun shining through the window, Andy tried to slow down his racing thoughts.  It was all so overwhelming.  It had been fun to think of himself as Chosen when that just meant he felt special.  Now, however, he wasn’t sure.  It sounded like a whole lot more than just retrieving a red dragon scale was about to happen.  The weight of it all pressed hard.  He was scared.  He felt alone.  For the first time since he had arrived in Oomaldee, he missed his home, his parents and (he couldn’t believe he was thinking this, but… yes…) even his big sister!  He punched his pillow hard once, and then again and again and again.  He stopped only when feathers began flying everywhere.

Why me?  he thought.  There’s no way I can do to this! 

“You’re right, Andy!  You can’t do this on your own. ” It was his inneru.  “You need help.”

As his inneru said this, a second amethyst-colored stone landed on his bed, barely missing his head.

“Hey, watch it!  You almost hit me in the head!” Andy said.  As soon as he had said it, he felt stupid for yelling at no one.  Where do these things keep coming from?  he wondered.  As before, he picked it up and it started pulsing. Then he heard a trumpet blast.

“Methuselah has appeared to you, Andrew Ferrin Smithson.  It is the sword of your forefathers.   You will become known by it.  It is time that evil is extinguished from the land.  This will be accomplished by your hand.”

“My forefathers? What do you mean?” Andy interrupted.  The message paused.

“Your ancestors are from the Land of Oomaldee.”

Really?  Andy thought.

“It is not I who gives Methuselah, but One far greater.  It is given and taken as the times require,” the message continued.  “You have been appointed to wield it for such a time as this.”

But I’ll screw this up. I know I will, just like I did when I almost tore the castle down. Whatever kind of evil this message is talking about sounds really bad.  There’s no way I can do this, even with this sword, Andy whined.

“Stop!” Andy’s inneru interrupted. 

Andy sat up, startled.

The message continued, “Take courage.  You do not yet see your own abilities because you have never been tested.  You have never demonstrated to yourself or anyone all that you can do.  Put your fears aside and trust that you can succeed in the challenges that lie ahead.”  The message completed and the sphere disappeared, once again, giving no indication who had sent it.

“This is not about you,” reminded the inneru. 

I know…  thought Andy.  It’s about all the people in the Land of Oomaldee.  It is about the King, Mermin, Alden, Marta, Hans and everyone I’ve come to love here.

“You don’t usually think about others first,” continued his inneru.

          Maybe this is my chance to change that, Andy thought.

 

BOOK TRAILER:

 http://youtu.be/o4hNYvvXi70

Overall Thoughts:

The story plot is simple and easy to follow. There are also lessons readers will learn as they venture with Andy and his friend Alden as they try to find a red dragon scale, easily said than done. The book is a traditional fantasy for middle grade readers. The subject matter is age appropriate and enjoyable. For advance readers, they may find the story a bit slow at times, but if they enjoyed Leven Thumbs then they will ultimately like this book series as well. There is a lot of information shared to help explain situations and story plot, but overall I found it a fun weekend read.

About the Author:  

Since the age of eight, L. R. W. Lee knew she wanted to write a book. Fortunately or unfortunately, she required of herself that she have something significant to say; she sought to contribute to others in a way that could change their lives. Because a degree in Accounting at Cedarville University, as well as work in public and corporate accounting, did not provide riveting fodder for a best seller, she waited. Upon selling her business in early 2012, she had time to write and, more importantly, something significant to share.

L. R. W. Lee’s favorite musical is The Sound of Music. She hates scary movies, but loves piano and strings music, sunsets in Hawaii and a good cup of decaf, French press coffee (yes, decaf!). She also loves Ansel Adams prints and all manner of kinetic art. 

~You can find out more about L.R.W. Lee, her middle grade fantasy adventure series and her World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/bnfe6ax


~To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.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.