The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Showing posts with label Fiction: Contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction: Contemporary. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Goodreads and Tweeting Lover of Books Reviews Contemporary Fiction

Title:  Salvation 
Series: Heal Me Series Book 1
Author: Stephanie John
Genre:  Literature; Fiction, Erotica, Romance Erotica, Literary Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
ASIN #:   B00U8389E8
Reviewer's Rating: 4 star


Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads
Rating: Four Stars

This debut novel is a great, sweet, hot read! There weren't any moments that I expected to happen.
Nate drips of sex appeal, gorgeous hot bodiness, sweetness, compassion, and charm. He most definitely is not your typical cliche millionaire! 

Kara (yes, I can hear him saying her name in a raspy voice) is lacking in strength, determination, self-confidence and self-esteem. I picture her as a caterpillar waiting to blossom into the stunning butterfly she doesn't realize she is. 

Nate+Kara=ignition ignited! Butterfly blossomed.
They bring out the best in each other and make each other a more confident, assured, and capable of loving and being loved person. They complete each other. But, will their love endure? THAT we'll need to wait to find out!

Love some of the other characters in this story too.

I really enjoyed this story and definitely recommend.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie John connections:

ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Tracey Quintin connections:

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. 

This blog 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.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Joan Dempsey's New Novel Gets Raves from Reviewer Karen Dodd

A POWERFUL BOOK FOR OUR TIMES

by Joan Dempsey
She Writes Press, October 2017
ISBN 978-1631523083
Paperback $16.95; E-Book $9.95
Fiction: Literary, contemporary, political, LGBTQ

Reviewed by Karen Dodd, author of Deadly Switch: A Stone Suspense , originally for Amazon
5-Star Review

I absolutely loved this book! I literally couldn't put it down. At the same time, I didn't want it to end. Everything about the story was exquisite: the rich, beautifully developed characters, the simultaneous sub-plots (which were tied together seamlessly) and the obvious research that went into the writing. I couldn't help thinking how very timely this story is in today's political and social atmosphere.

I was fortunate to be an advance reader for Joan Dempsey’s This Is How It Begins, a novel about an eighty-five-year-old Polish American art professor, Ludka Zeilonka, her family, students, and a mysterious man whose memory has haunted her for sixty years.

The story, set in 2009, but with skillfully written bits of backstory, grabbed me by page four and never let up. Without slowing the pace, Dempsey takes the time  to create multi-dimensional characters, as well as a strong sense of place and setting. Somehow, she has created characters and situations that could easily be defined as “good” or “bad,” without imparting judgment or suggesting to the reader how they should feel. Just the opposite; I found myself challenging my own tendency to see things as black or white. Besides entertaining us, the author’s uncanny ability to expose truly awful modern-day and World War II injustices, and yet remain unbiased, has kept me thinking about this story long after I finished reading it.

I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of the genre they might normally read. I’m normally a consumer of mystery/thrillers but This Is How It Begins has elements of literary fiction, historical fiction, modern-day political and social issues—and yes, it has a compelling mystery to it!

I am thrilled that This Is How It Begins has been accepted as a must-read for our book club this year!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Joan Dempsey
Author and Writing Teacher
THIS IS HOW IT BEGINS, a novel
m:207-310-0365
w:thisishowitbeginsnovel.come: joan@joandempsey.com
  
HEAR ME READ AN EXCERPT FROM "THIS IS HOW IT BEGINS"



MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ). This blog 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.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Award-Winning Novel Given Midwest Book Review Nod

Title: SARA BAREFIELD
Author: Marian D. Schwartz
Gristmill Publishing, L.L.C.
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction
ISBNS: 978-0-9886076-7-5, 978-0-9886076-8-2
Purchase on Amazon 




Reviewed by Paul Black originally for the Midwest Book Review, Reviewer's Choice


The heroine of the novel named for her, Sara Barefield was born into a poor white Southern family. Ashamed of her family name and embarrassed by her poverty, she had two dreams when she was growing up: to go to college to become a teacher and to marry Tully Rutland. College was impossible financially, but making a life with Tully, the only man she ever loved, would have been a reality if he hadn't come back from Vietnam with PTSD. At the age of forty, she has accepted the loss of her dreams and is satisfied that she has at least lifted herself out of poverty with a nice apartment and a good job as a school secretary.

Tully commits suicide before Sara tells him that she's pregnant. Devastated, she realizes that her only choice is to move out of town if she wants to raise her baby without the interference of the Rutlands, who have never approved of her. She knows she'll need public assistance, but she believes it will only be temporary. She had climbed out of poverty once and is sure she can do it again.

Reality hits Sara when she goes to rent an apartment in a new town with the meager amount of money she can afford to pay. She must apply for food stamps and WIC to survive; she gets medical care at a public clinic. Her interview by a caseworker to obtain welfare is eye-opening. She begins to measure her experiences by degrees of humiliation. After the birth of the baby she can no longer afford to pay her rent, and she is threatened with eviction from her apartment. "I kept thinking that this was all a bad dream, that until a few weeks ago I was a hard-working, tax-paying citizen, that Adam and I couldn't end up living on the street, not us, not here in America. Certainly the system I had contributed to all my life would come to my rescue."

Sara isn't a quitter. She does what is necessary to survive, and the reader goes on this incredible journey with her, accompanying a decent, determined woman as she wends her way through the underside of American life, fighting to achieve her dreams. You'll cheer her on as she tells you her compelling story.



MORE ABOUT THE NEW BOOK REVIEW

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.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Texas Author Kathleen M. Rodgers Uses Military in Writing

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Kathleen M. Rodgers.

Kathleen M. Rodgers
“Being a writer, that’s my job. At book signings and presentations, I am an author.
But when I am working, I am a writer.”
— Kathleen M. Rodgers

Texas based author Kathleen M. Rodgers is a former frequent contributor to Family Circle Magazine and Military Times. Her work has also appeared in anthologies published by McGraw-Hill, University of Nebraska Press/Potomac Books, Health Communications, Inc., AMG Publishers, and Press 53. 

  In 2014, Kathleen was named a Distinguished Alumna from Tarrant County College/NE Campus. Three of her aviation poems are featured in a new exhibit at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island, NY.

She is the author of the award-winning novel, The Final Salute, featured in USA TodayThe Associated Press, and Military Times. Deer Hawk Publications reissued the novel in e-book and paperback in 2014.

Her second novel, Johnnie Come Lately (Camel Press, 2015), was the winner of the Best Covers Award from Southern Writers Magazine, and has been featured in Stars & StripesFort Worth Star-Telegram, and on “The Author’s Corner” on Public Radio.

Rodgers is the mother of two grown sons: Thomas, a graduate of University of North Texas and a working artist in Denton, Texas, and J.P., a graduate of Texas Tech University and a former Army officer who earned a Bronze Star in 2014 in Afghanistan. Kathleen and her husband, Tom, a retired USAF fighter pilot/commercial airline pilot, reside in Colleyville, Texas with their rescue dog, Denton. Kathleen is working on the sequel to Johnnie Come LatelySeven Wings to Glory.


      1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Contemporary fiction

      2. What made you want to be a writer? I am one of six children, the third one down. I became a writer to have a VOICE.

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Southern novelists Pat Conroy and Mark Childress and the late novelist, Carol Shields. I admired how she wrote about day-to-day family matters in a dramatic style. She made the ordinary look extraordinary.

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? My process is messy. I think in scenes, and sometimes those scenes appear in my mind out of sequence. Sometimes I write them first then go back and write other scenes that precede them. Other times, I’ll jot a few notes. I think and speak in circles so it makes sense that the story often appears to me this way.

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I used to write nearly every day when I was younger, but the older I get, I sometimes take days off to “think” about the story. While I’m thinking and daydreaming, I read, clean house, run errands I’ve put off, check on loved ones far away. But if I’m on deadline, I write all hours with little regard for the clock or calendar.

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is essential if you want to be a writer.

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let trusted beta readers look over your work. Attend a critique group and get another pair of eyes on your work. You’ll know if it’s a good fit. Sometimes it takes 24 hours for a critical remark or suggestion to set in. Use what works and discard the rest.

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? The moment you promote yourself on social media, turn around and promote two or three other authors in various genres. By showcasing other authors and putting them in the spotlight, it can help take the “glare” off of your own self-promotion.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, attending writing conferences are some of the best ways to network with fellow writers, agents, editors and sometimes readers. I’ve attended Military Writers Society of America’s annual conference for years, the Houston Writers Guild April conference, Ozarks Writers League conference in Branson, MO, a couple of local and regional conferences in the North Texas area, and a Romance Writers of America conference on novel writing held in Alexandria, LA in 1992.

      10.  Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? I love to engage with my readers and followers on Facebook and other social media outlets. My books are available at all of the online book retailers. I just returned from the Ozarks Writers League November conference in Branson, MO where I spoke on perseverance and writing through adversity. With a looming deadline for my next novel, I’m cutting back on events for a while. www.kathleenMRodgers.com http://siteblog.kathleenmrodgers.com  
            Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/kathleen-m-rodgers/

 MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.



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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.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

LA Reviewer Craves More in Contemporary Fiction Series

Title: Roadmaps for the Sexually Challenged [All’s Not Fair in Love or War]
Author: Marlan Warren
Where to buy (Kindle E-Book Only): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TYKV5ZG
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
ASIN: B00TYKV5ZG
Publisher: Roadmap Girl Publications
 
Reviewed by Barbara Tira originally for L.A. Now and Then blog
 
When I found "Roadmaps," I put down the best-seller-turned-movie I was reading at the time, so I could savor Ms. Warren's story until the very end. As a longtime Los Angeleno, I was immediately drawn back into the lifestyle, loves, and struggles in the expansive, diverse, and incomparable Los Angeles of 20 years ago, the likes of which is just a memory today. But whose emotions, challenges, and successes remain Universal.
 
This novel/memoir is for anyone who has ever known the epitome of joy and the profound depths of despair. For those who have loved passionately, and for those whose hearts have been trampled to shreds. For those who have found, or for those who are still seeking the strength and spirit to rise again.
 
I eagerly await the sequel!  I want more!!!!!

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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.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Amazon Reviewer Samara Calls Jukebox Astonishingly Good!


Title : Jukebox
Author : Saira Viola
Genre : Crime Satire Literary Fiction Contemporary
ISBN-13: 978-1508460053
ASIN: B00TISPEJ2
Available for Kindle
Author's Website


Reviewed by

originally for Amazon
 
It's been a long time since I picked up a book and was knocked off balance by a writer who is so talented that she takes your breath away. In the first few opening lines Viola punches you in the face with her unabashed and swaggering prose; this is a writer who is so fresh she feels like an adrenaline injection.

There is something exciting about her writing style, direct, fast and street style sassy! Jukebox gripped me from the very beginning; I loved every minute of reading about these people who in turn sicken me with their vile behaviours yet still manage to engage my imagination and delight me with voyeuristic pleasure.

The attention to detail is stunning; she has succeeded in making her all of her characters ridiculous yet real at the same time. The accuracy is not only with the way she dresses and describes them; it is present in their diction and turn of phrase.

Benjamin Zephaniah describes her as having a beautiful and twisted imagination; she is also a proficient story teller and like Zephaniah her writing is gritty, realistic and unafraid.

Now and again fiction comes along that is not just a book; it's a text, a little piece of history reflecting the society from which it was produced. Jukebox is about a city of players from all walks of life, self-obsessed, greedy and manipulative, a satirical viewpoint of our own selfish, social media obsessed society.

I can remember the first time I read Toni Morrison and Arundhati Roy, that feeling that you are in the presence of genius, a writer who is magnificently gifted and no matter how hard you tried you would never even come close to being able to write like this. I already know this is a book I will return to and read again.

Ultimately Viola has created a satire that is so bloody British you expect Vinnie Jones to appear in the pages, if it were a film it would be directed by Guy Ritchie and would be set to a John Murphy soundtrack.

Expect to hear good things about Saira Viola; Jukebox is a work that will be talked about, a contender for the Booker... Absolutely! Although I suspect with Saira Viola the best is yet to come.
 
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author's Website
 
 
 
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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.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Editor Review O'Callan's Third Book

Title – "Other People"
Author – Kelly O’Callan
Author's website link - http://www.facebook.com/kelly.ocallan?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
Publisher: Kelly O'Callan; First edition (April 11, 2014)
Genre or category - Contemporary Fiction
ISBN-10: 1496095537
ISBN-13: 978-1496095534
Links to purchase

 
Reviewer: Nina Meditz, Editor

I am Nina Meditz, editor and friend of the author, Kelly O'Callan. Her first and second books, "Breaking Limbo” and “The Cardholder,” were published just a few months ago. Both books are doing very well and getting great reviews from readers on Amazon and Good Reads. Now, Kelly has just released her third novel, “Other People,” which promises to be just as successful as the others. As the editor, I have had to read “Other People” several times in the process of getting it ready for publication. I can honestly say that I never tire of the story and characters and find I get more out of the book with each reading. Kelly’s captivating writing style holds a reader’s interest and leaves them wanting more.


Other People is about a young woman, named Ginny Hughes, who suffers from a mental condition called borderline personality disorder. She desperately tries to fit in with "other people,' but her disorder prevents this from happening. Her fragile mental state leaves her very vulnerable, afraid and insecure in the world. She is easily hurt and driven to suicidal thoughts. Through her interaction with her neighbors, Vance, Nina and Jim we get a an in depth look at Ginny's daily internal, chaotic dialogue and her struggle. The characters are well developed and the story is full of the unexpected twists and turns typical of Kelly's work. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly’s love affair with novel writing began with an English class in college, when she penned her first contemporary fiction novel, “Other People”. Shortly afterwards, she wrote the suspense-filled psychological thriller, “The Cardholder”. Feeling she had a wonderful gift to share – storytelling fused with fruitful life lessons for mankind- she became a member of the Bucks County Writers Room and attended several Philadelphia Writers Conferences.


Kelly’s pursuit of publication was put on hold when she suffered two disabling car accidents in less than a year, requiring over twenty surgeries within a six year period. In the meantime, she married and is raising two boys in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. After a ten year hiatus, she published her first book, “Breaking Limbo”, a paranormal psychological thriller, in September, 2013 and her second book, The Cardholder, a psychological suspense thriller, in November, 2013. Her third book, Other People, is now available for sale on Amazon.

 
You can read my review of Kelly's first novel, "Breaking Limbo" at http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/2013/09/editor-is-fan-and-reviewer-for-new.html   and my review of her second novel, "The Cardholder" at http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/2013/11/editor-reviews-authors-second-suspense.html


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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.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Donald Altman Reviews Contemporary Romance


  • Soulmate: by D. Lowell
  • Genre: Novel, contemporary romance
  • Paperback: 234 pages
  • Publisher: Eminent Films; first edition (July 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0989392805
  • ISBN-13: 978-0989392808
  • Availability: Amazon.com; BN.com
  • Reviewed by: Donald Altman



Reviewed by Donald Altman
 
Soulmate is a page turner, a brilliant, witty, sardonic novel that worked on so many intriguing levels. First, it entices you with a whole new look at Hollywood and its inner workings... one that will have you looking at films like you never did before. Then, of course, there's the love story--as untraditional and unexpected as you will find.. but truly believable and fascinating as it takes you into the underbelly (sorry for the pun) of LA's lap-dancing strip clubs. This is the compelling story of two souls whose love is forged in this strange, dimly lit world. It follows their inner struggles and fears as they attempt to bring their love into the light and lives of their daytime existence. The characters are extremely well conceived, and you cannot help but get drawn into the emotional roller coaster of their journey.

Soulmate is also, for me, a double entendre for how Hollywood itself becomes an irresistible soulmate and mistress of the actors, writers, distributors, filmmakers, and others who get obsessed with it. The portrayal of LA and the culture of narcissism is especially sharp and laugh out loud funny. The shower scene with the "nuclear hair bomb" (I don't want to spoil it so no more need be said) was hilarious. What really surprised me was how the book resonated with me after reading it. It had an uncanny way of bringing in surprising--and sometimes mind-blowing--historical background about our culture. It may also get you thinking in new ways about relationships, beauty, aging, and love. Thanks D.L. Lowell for your fresh voice and a wonderfully written and well-crafted novel. I'm looking forward to your next work.

More about the reviewer:

Donald Altman, M.A., LPC is former Vice-President, The Center for Mindful Eating - TCME.Org. See him on AM Northwest's morning show at http://www.TheJoyCompass.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.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Kit Lit Review Winget's Book for Middle Grades

Title: A Smidgen of Sky
Author: Dianna Dorisi Winget
Author site: http://www.diannawinget.com
Genre: contemporary middle grade
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2012)
ISBN# 9780547807980



Reviewed by Sue Morris originally for  Kid-Lit Reviews




About the Story:  Eleven-year-old Piper Lee’s mama is engaged to marry Ben Hutchings, a prison guard.  Piper’s daddy disappeared while flying his Piper Cub plane and is presumed dead.  Piper refuses to believe this, and keeps waiting for the day he walks back through the front door.  Five years is a long time to wait.  Ben also has a daughter who is Piper’s age, but they are as different as a horse and a zebra.  Piper is looking for a plan to stop the wedding of her mama and Ginger’s daddy and finds one in Operation Find Tina. 
 

What I Thought:  A Smidgen of Sky is wonderfully written, with distinctive characters and full of Southern charm.  Piper Lee is the narrator and her voice is unforgettable.  She is holding on to her father’s memory, hoping he will find his way home and life can return to normal.  Mama has made her peace and is ready to move on by marrying Ben.  Piper doesn’t understand this and plans to stop the wedding.  She finally gets her plan when finding out Ginger’s mother left her shortly after being born.  The plan is to reunite Ginger with her mother, who will then reunite with Ben.  How Piper does this is both humorous and heartbreaking.  The debut middle grade novel A Smidgen of Sky, is a wonderful read kids will love. Ms. Winget explores blended families, single parents, death and mourning, Internet predators, and a few others as Piper Lee grows from a petulant ten-year-old to a wiser eleven-year-old.

 

Find the author online:

 


 


 


 
 

 
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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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Romance Features Alpha Male of Authors' Dreams

Title: Hex upon Me
Author: Beth Mikell
Author’s Website: http://bethmikell.wordpress.com/
Link to buy: Hex upon Me on Amazon
ISBN: 9781301159970
Genre: Fiction, romance, contemporary

Synopsis:

Savannah Deason made her workaholic status a life choice, opting out of anything resembling a relationship. Aside from the occasional bed warmer, the feisty, sarcastic executive enjoys her Gucci dreams with a champagne chaser. Until a night out on the town lands her hung over in bed with a tattooed, biker god of sin or so she labels him, anyway. But a twist of fate introduces Savannah to an ‘oh my’ god faster than her nail polish can dry.

Hexon James Montgomery is anything but normal—sexy with just enough lickable qualities to beg a saint to riot. As the third generation CEO of MK Steel, he has everything, including a piss-poor attitude upon women. Love ’em--enjoy ‘em—and then walk. Having been burned by his ex-fiancĆ©, Hex isn’t looking for a repeat performance. Yet, Savannah aka his sarcasm princess, obliterates his single life credo until trust burns on the edge of sanity.

Excerpt:

“You know,” he whispered, “had I known last night what I know now, I could have persuaded you to stay this morning.”

She drew a sharp breath, thrown off-balance by his closeness and his sexy male scent filling more than the office. “Um…excuse me?”

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to smooth over her hip. “You heard me, princess--nothing like schmoozing the boss lady to get ahead...or at least a late slip excusing my tardiness.”

Savannah turned her dark eyes on him, attempting her death glare, but only succeeded in drowning in his playful blue eyes. The warmth of his hand on her body made her heart skip, traitor. “I know you did not just go there. You must either be incredibly arrogant or completely stupid, Mr. James. Besides, last night was a mistake, plain and simple. It’s best left forgotten, know what I mean?”

She heard herself say the words, but somehow her body wasn’t listening to the facts. Her pulse leaped through her chest and up her into throat until her parched mouth felt dryer than the Sahara Desert. Worse still, her two-timing body wanted to jump into his arms. The verdict was in…she was definitely a hussy where he was concerned.

He stood, towering over her, his hand sliding around her waist, hauling her up against his body.

Again…she fit perfectly.

He leaned his head just inches from her lips. “Tell me something, princess, if I make a liar out of you…will you forgive me?”

 About the Author:

My roots are in Florida, born and raised and I’m as American as the apple pie I learned to make about ten years ago. At thirteen, my family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, I traveled to many countries around the world, including the Middle East.

I fell 'in love' with love at a young age and continue to believe that love really does conquer all…or at least leave me blessedly happy by the end of a book. I adore alpha males…the my-way-or-the-highway-take-no-prisoners kind of heroes, especially when they screw up and land themselves in ‘hot water’ with the heroines. It’s what makes me read another romance. It’s the moment when the Hero comes to save the damsel in distress by assessing, fighting, and then saving. Tilting the romantic ink is my passion and sharing it, my desire.


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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.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Satirical Fiction Will Make Ken Kesey Cuckoo with Envy

Title: Foxavier and Plinka
Author: Scott Talbot Evans
Author's Website: http://FoxavierAndPlinka.blogspot.com
Link to buy page on Amazon
Genre: Fiction, humor, satire, comtemporary psychological
SBN: 9781478311782
Reviewer's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Nick Rebori originally for Amazon

A whimsical tale from an institute that would have Ken Kesey Cuckoo with jealousy. From the twisted (in the BEST way) mind of Scott Evans comes this soon to be classic tale of love and cookies. You, too, should be committed if you don't wisely invest the cost of an angus burger in expanding your mind through this delightful story. If that doesn't convince you, have one of these Kooky cookies and think it over.

About the Author
 
Author was educated at the University of Rochester and Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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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.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Reviewer Suggests Sex and the City Fans Read This One


Title: California Girl Chronicles: Brea & the City of Plastic
Author: Michelle Gamble-Risley
Author’s Website Link: http://www.3lpublishing.com  
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
ISBN: 978-0-615-55787-8
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/California-Girl-Chronicles-Brea-Plastic/dp/0615557872

Reviewed by Sigmarie Soto originally for ZiggySoto


Book 1 of Michelle Gamble-Risley’s California Girl Chronicles is not what you’d expect—it sure wasn’t what I expected anyway. And I’ll admit I wasn’t disappointed at all. Everyone loves an entertaining, escape-for-awhile novel, and that is exactly what Brea & the City of Plastic is. Book 1 takes us through Brea Harper’s journey of moving to Los Angeles to make it as a screenwriter, while going through some fun, sexy, humiliating, and heartbreaking moments along the way. In a world where business and professional lines are blurred, this novel is more than appropriately titled, and there’s never a dull moment.


While Brea may be a born-and-raised Cali girl, women everywhere can relate to her on some level. She is genuine, unpredictable, good-hearted, at times fickle, and well-aware of her flaws, which makes her all the more likable. There are moments where she is vulnerable and other moments where she is strong. Who can’t relate to that? I found myself having shake-my-head moments when Brea knowingly makes mistakes as well as ha-take-that moments when she triumphs.


The characters Brea meets along the way are as equally intriguing and multi-dimensional as Brea, with some you will love to hate, others you will hate to love, and everything in between. While I was rooting for Brea every step of the way, I also couldn’t get enough of Brea’s love interests, especially Kale, the successful, sexy, almost too-good-to-be-true movie producer who is head over heels for her. And add into the mix Brea’s new and old friends, including Kale’s Latina housekeeper, Maya, and Brea’s straightforward roommate, Denise.


Michelle’s first novel is refreshingly honest. With Brea, we see and experience things that most women think but rarely admit. The narration is playful and humorous, though we can easily feel Brea’s conflict and dilemmas at the right moments. The dialogue is enticing yet real, which Michelle uses to bring more depth to her characters than initially meets the eye. Since Book 1 is such a fun read, I can’t wait to see what new adventure Brea will take in Book 2. I think I may like this even more than Sex and the City.

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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 :

Monday, December 26, 2011

Poignant, Timely Novel from Joplin Independent

CHAIN GANG ELEMENTARY
A Novel by Jonathan Grant
Thornbriar Press
ISBN 978-0-9834921-0-8
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Literature
Book Web site: www.chaingangelemetnary.com


Permission granted to reprint from the Joplin Independent
Reviewer’s rating: A

When Fact and Fiction Tell the Whole Story

By Jack L. Kennedy (former president, Education Writers Association)


Try wrapping teaching, testing, tutoring, sex, attempted murder, egos, child abuse and discrimination into one book. At times, Chain Gang Elementary (Thornbriar Press) does read like an improbable, overdone soap opera. But it is not often that a born newspaperman turns out a fiction piece that becomes a searing commentary on education’s strengths and failings, while throwing in an extramarital affair and other inducements. Chain Gang is a well-crafted depiction of hero Richard’s attempt to keep the local school going and its parent organization alive while combating bad teaching, obtuse administration, racism and other issues that might have been torn from the headlines today.

Author Jonathan Grant has his roots usually in non-fiction newspapering. He served as a school parent association president, and with his dad, wrote the acclaimed book The Way it Was in the South: The Black Experience in Georgia. Coincidence? Others have called Chain Gang autobiographical; Grant claims it is not.

The human condition often takes a beating in the book. Good teachers and administrators seem scarce as the book’s protagonist and father, Richard, agrees to become head of the Malliford Elementary parent organization. It is not officially a national parent/teacher association unit. The national group dropped it when a previous treasurer ran off with the treasury and other hanky-panky took place.

Richard’s efforts to tutor non-Caucasian students new to the school, start teacher in-service training or replace an art teacher sound like current themes chronicled in Education Week or some other pedagogical publication. Through all of the hassles and hurdles, however, some good teachers remain, like Mrs. Little, who cares for kids in and out of her class. Yes, skeptics, such souls do exist.

Mrs. Little, Richard and others fight for fairness, an end to intolerance and obscurity whether for the person who is the white son of the parent organization president or talented Antonio from “those apartments” just redistricted into Malliford Elementary. There is hope in the book for a rebirth of common sense and better communication in many ways—not bad goals for anyone any time.

The book flows well, with often sharp word choices, crisp scene-setting, rhythm and humor. Although at times a bit overdone for dramatic effect (after all, it is fiction), Chain Gang does repeatedly emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and caring and parents working with, not just against, educators. It criticizes education rendered through policy, prescription and one-size-fits-all mentality.

Revealing the ending or even specific plot twists would spoil the reader’s fun. Those who have written education columns for newspapers, survivors of parent/teacher organizations as well as many others will find that Grant has done an exceptional job of weaving educational fact and enticing fiction together. For that, he deserves an “A.”

For more information about the author go to his blog here.

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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 :