Janice Ottersberg Reviews Southern Fiction Award Winner

Title -- Crooked Truth

Author -- Kristine F. Anderson

Author's Website  -- www.kristinefanderson.com

Genre --  Historical Fiction

Age -- YA, Adult

Pages - 215

Awards --- Received Mercer's Ferrol Sams Award for Fiction

                  Nominated for the Willie Morris 2021 Southern Fiction Award

Publisher -- Mercer University Press, Macon, GA

Available on Amazon

             

Crooked Truth

WRITTEN BY KRISTINE F. ANDERSON
REVIEWed BY JANICE OTTERSBERG originally for Historical Novel Society 

In the post WWII South, fifteen-year-old Lucas lives with his Granny, Paw Paw, and Uncle Robert on their cotton farm. Thirteen years older than Lucas, the childlike Robert has Down Syndrome. Lucas is his protector, tasked with watching him as the two help out around the farm. Lucas would love to go off by himself to fish, but he accepts his responsibility. He is patient, kind, and protective to his uncle, who cannot do simple things and whose speech is hard to understand.

Alvin Earl, Robert’s much older half-brother, bullies and pokes fun at him whenever he shows up at the farm. He refuses to use Robert’s name, instead calling him “that boy.” This is Georgia in 1948, and there is no tolerance of anyone different, especially from the cruel Alvin Earl. He relentlessly demeans and spews hatred toward Robert and the Black help. Corinthia, Little George, and Cotton have worked for them so long, they are part of the family. When Lucas’s Paw Paw dies, Alvin Earl is furious when Little George inherits part of the land Alvin Earl expected to have, and Lucas is given money for college. Granny, Lucas, and Robert are allowed to live in the house as long as they like. Alvin Earl moves into the house, and their lives become filled with anxiety and distress. He threatens to commit Robert to the state hospital and remove Lucas from school to work the cotton fields.

Anderson perfectly captures family life in a small Southern community and the bigotry of that time. Lucas is a character to love for his quiet compassion and kindness in contrast to Alvin Earl’s despicable life as a bully and petty criminal. This is a coming-of-age story with a thread of malevolence running through. It will warm your heart one minute and disturb you the next.

Find & buy on

  

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristine F. Anderson has been nominated for the Georgia Writers 2021 Author of the Year Award in the debut novel category.

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. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. 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 and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. 

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Dr. Wesley Britton's Reviews Always as Entertaining as His Reading Choices

 

The Ascension Machine

Author: Rob Edwards

Genre: YA, 

Publication date : September 1, 2020

Publisher : Shadow Dragon Press (September 1, 2020)

ASIN : B089HNNVFM

Available on Amazon 

Reviewed by: Dr. Wesley Britton originally for Book Pleasures 

 

Maybe I'm showing my age, but my first thoughts when meeting the lead character of Grey in The Ascension Machine, I thought of Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series.

 

 That's because, like Harrison's Jim Di Griz, Edward's Gray starts out as  an amoral con artist on the run from one space station to the next. He's very good at finding hiding places to elude capture all over the galaxy.   Like Di Griz, Gray's yarn is told in the first person, allowing for his personality to be expressed in nearly every sentence of the saga.

 

 Like the Rat books, Edwards' story is full of clever humor. For example, when we begin meeting the young students wanting to be "space alien super heroes," one is named Gadget Dude. Another calls herself Sky Diamond, born simply Lucy. But these young would-be heroes aren't in Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearths Club Band.  Nor are they candidates for Professor Charles Xavier's Institute where young mutants learned teamwork, how to use super-powers, and how to combat bigotry.

 

 Gray isn't anything like an X-Man. He only goes to the super-hero school to pretend to be a student, has no obvious powers, and has no drive to benefit anyone other than himself.    Well, he spends much of the novel in a wheelchair and ultimately becomes the leader of a team of young super-heroes out to save a planet from nasty invaders. I must admit, beyond the main baddie, Gravane/ Dr. Gravestone,    those powerful invaders aren't especially well-defined. I confess, the contrivance of villains being constant bad shots, even with super-weapons,  is a trope rather overused by now.

 

If it sounds like I'm describing a comic book in novel form, that's pretty much what Ascension Machine is. Nothing wrong with that.  Ascension Machine is intended to be light reading, straight-ahead action-adventure, and is quite suitable for YA readers. For example, it has a character arc where a young grifter finds his identity, finds a purpose greater than himself, and we see how important teamwork is in solving complex problems. In short, the very sort of comic book I'd be happy to give the grandkids to read, knowing they'd enjoy the colorful ride.

   

Me too. Reading the final coda in this debut novel, it seems clear we're going to be seeing more of the young heroes taking on new super-villains.   Here's your chance to get in on the ground-floor of an entertaining new series. With any luck, Edwards will spark up some romances among the new "space alien super-heroes" and the team will encounter some memorable new opponents.

 

More About the Reviewer

Dr. Wesley Britton is the author of the The Beta Earth Chronicles. His reviews appear in  BookPleasures.com and this blog. Learn more about him at: 

 

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More About the Blogger and What This Blog Offers

  

 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. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

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.

Note about other #TheNewBookReview free services: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too!

Lois W. Stern, educator, anthology editor, and authors' advocate, offers a way for authors, readers, and publishers to find new reviewers for their books. It's also a way for reviewers to find new books at no charge. Find her submission guidelines in the tabs at the top of The New Book Review home page.  

 Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Imaginative (and Humorous!) Young Adult Fiction Reviewed by Dr. Westley Britton

Title: Oops!: Tales of the Zombie Turkey Apocalypse 

Series: Life After Life Chronicles Book 4

Author: Andy Zach

Genre: Young Adult

Publication Date:  January 2, 2020 

 Publisher:  Jule Inc; 1st Edition (January 2, 2020) 

 ASIN:  B0825G9MPG

Purchase at Amazon 

 

Reviewed by Dr. Wesley Britton originally for BookPleasures.com 

 

You'd think after three oddball novels, Zombie Turkeys (How an Unknown Blogger Fought Unkillable Turkeys), My Undead Mother-In-Law (The Family Zombie with Anger Management Issues), and Paranormal Privateers, that Andy Zach would have exhausted all the comic possibilities in his world of killer zombie turkeys and superhero zombie humans.

You'd be wrong.  How about flying zombie pickles? Zombie zucchini? Zombie caterpillars? (How can you tell a zombie caterpillar from a normal one? Andy Zach can tell you.)

 

How about being injected with zombie blood which can cure any ill, regrow any lost limb, and be quickly cured with a widely available antidote? Who needs insurance with that sort of help?     How about organizing a zombie worker union at Amazon when zombies can outperform robots? And suggest the story is based on two real people, Anthony and Ravan Jones who contribute the foreword to the book?  Or zombie residents of a nursing home taking over the place? 

 

But all this silliness is just part of what Andy Zach has collected in Oops.  He has included other short stories by other authors like "The Story of Sound" by Olivia Smith and his own "A Phoenix Tale"   before diving into his zombie world. Then he offers a batch of stories based on his other book series featuring disabled  middle-schoolers who become superheroes,  the Secret Supers. Oh yea, there are the aliens who first appeared in Paranormal Privateers who are defeated by zombies working for the U.S. Government.  The aliens can provide you legal assistance in the form of a sexy avatar who looks exactly like Marilyn Monroe.

 

If you're getting the impression that one Mr. Andy Zach has a wide and wild imagination, you are on the right track. One obvious audience for his quirky tales is the YA readership, especially for all the contemporary references like video gaming and computer lingo. But even grumpy old sixty-somethings like me can have a lot of fun with Andy's characters, scenarios, and plots. I'm still laughing at the image of migrating flying zombie pickles.  Hard to get more original, unique, or surprising than Zach's "Life After Life" series. Have some fun with Andy Zach in 2020!

 

More About the Reviewer

 

 Dr. Wesley Britton is the author of The Beta Earth Chronicles and reviews for BookPleasures.com and #TheNewBookReview. Learn more with these links:

Reviewer, BookPleasures.com

 

Explore the Beta Earth Chronicles website:

 

Follow Wes Britton’s Goodreads blog:

 

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More About the Blogger and What This Blog Offers

  

 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. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

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.

Note about other #TheNewBookReview free services: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too!

Lois W. Stern, educator, anthology editor, and authors' advocate, offers a way for authors, readers, and publishers to find new reviewers for their books. It's also a way for reviewers to find new books at no charge. Find her submission guidelines in the tabs at the top of The New Book Review home page.  

 Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Tracey Quintin Gives YA Novel 5 Stars

Title:  The Dead of Winter 

Series: Seasons of Jefferson: Book 2

Author: Julie Solano (Author),‎ Tracy Justice (Author),‎ JT Authors (Author)

Website:  http://jtauthors.com/index.html

Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Teens, Teen & Young Adult, Social & Family Issues, Depression & Mental Illness, Mental Illness, Personal Health, Depression

ASIN #:   B018BWIDJI

Where people can purchase the book 

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads

Rated 5 Star

I've got to say I so love these authors! They know how to knock it out of the ballpark with their writing! 

I HIGHLY recommend you read Book 1, When Fall Breaks, BEFORE reading this story so you can truly "feel" every single moment of this story.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews so this will be SUPER hard because this story is FULL of so many things I want to mention! Thus, I'm leaving out anything pertaining to these characters I love.

I couldn't wait to read this story after I fell in complete love with When Fall Breaks and the authors writing style.

I read this story from 3 perspectives which is a first for me! I read it as if I were the characters in the story, I read it as a parent thinking of my own children and I read it as a reader, all 3 as the events of the storyline unfolded. When I finished reading that's when I fully realized I was reading this way, that's how much I was COMPLETELY absorbed into this story!

This story captivated me from page 1 all the way to the end. I had so many emotions going through my mind while reading, so many thoughts in my mind of what I THOUGHT was going to happen. The authors got me EVERY SINGLE TIME. Whatever I was thinking didn't happen and they completely surprised me every step of the way! Such an emotional roller coaster ride and SO worth all the tummy flips! I was SO on edge NEEDING to know what would happen next. These characters and events were so real to me, I could picture everything. Perfect blend of details and dialog.

This story deals with PTSD a very real serious mental health disorder that many dismiss or overlook in treating. The manner in which these authors tackle it is outstanding.

I will write this from the story because this means something so important to me:
"WORTH FIGHTING FOR...She was my last hope. My reason to move forward. I miss laughing. I miss feeling good. When was the last time I was happy? It feels like forever. "
Gaaaaaaa...that grabs my heart and squeezes tight! There are many more I've highlighted on my Kindle throughout the story.

A SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOP THAT THIS STORY IS A GRIPPING PAGE TURNER AND SO REALISTIC! AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ FOR ALL AGES.
(I can't write a review that does this story justice!)

Superb job by the authors on this brilliant read. I look forward to reading anything they ever write! They always delve into real life issues and illnesses in a manner making it possible for all to understand. Thank you for bringing attention in this story to PTSD.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHORS

JT Authors connections:

Website:  http://jtauthors.com/index.html

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seasonsofjefferson/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jt_authors

Goodreads:  

Julie Solano: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12336169.Julie_Solano

Tracy Justice: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12336170.Tracy_Justice

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_3?ie=UTF8&text=JT+Authors&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=JT+Authors&sort=relevancerank

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Tracey Quintin connections:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LOVEBOOKSWITHROMANCE/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReadingIsOurPas

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19886187-tracey-quintin

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.

Young Adult Novel Tackles Domestic Abuse

Title: Girl on the Brink

Author: Christina Hoag

Publisher: Fire & Ice Young Adult Books; First edition (August 30, 2016)

Publication Date: August 30, 2016

Genre: YA Fiction/Teen Romance 

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Girl-Brink-Christina-Hoag/dp/168046339X

ISBN: 978-1-68046-339-2 (Paperback)

ASIN: B01K9L996A (Kindle)

Website: http://www.ChristinaHoag.com

Twitter: @ChristinaHoag

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ChristinaHoagAuthor

Reviewer, Marlan Warren
“Roadmap Girl’s Book Buzz”

Reviewed by Marlan Warren originally for Roadmap Girl's Book Buzz Blog

"I hope...he never calls me again, but he still owes me a big apology."

 --Girl on the Brink

Summary: Aspiring reporter Chloe (age 17) lands a dream job as a summer intern with the local paper in her New Jersey suburb, and meets the somewhat annoying-but-cute Kieran while she is on assignment. Kieran (age 19) pounces on Chloe, who is pleased to find a creative person like herself (he's an aspiring actor), and enjoys his lavish attention as a welcome alternative to her unhappy home life due to her parents' impending divorce. Gradually, it becomes more and more apparent that Kieran is emotionally disturbed, and unable (or unwilling) to control his need to micromanage her life or his extreme jealousy. At first, she thinks "There's no point in resisting," but by the time he's repeatedly hurt her physically and mentally, Chloe knows in her head that he's abusing her, but her heart makes excuses for him. Which will win? Head or heart?

Los Angeles author Christina Hoag has crafted Girl on the Brink as a "howdunit." While it is no mystery why the vulnerable and intelligent 17-year old Chloe falls for the initial charm of a potentially lethal 19-year old young man whose avid attention leads her into a summer romance, the real mystery lies in how the heck this otherwise sharp, but troubled, teen will extricate herself from what increasingly becomes an abusive relationship.

Hoag has grounded the story in the psychological reality of how abusive relationships can occur at any age. The episodic story is told in first person from Chloe's point of view, which gives it a kind of one-sided diary quality, but its use of present tense gives it a you-are-there immediacy. It unfolds the way life--and relationships--unfold.

This is not a "sleeping with the enemy" tale. There are no real villains here. Neither the sex nor the violence is sensationalized. In fact, the tragedy and victory play out with greater impact because "domestic abuse" is sadly commonplace--even though it is almost taboo in American culture to discuss it openly, especially with young daughters and sons.

Many readers may see themselves or someone they know in these pages. And to her credit, Hoag supplies a "Resources" list in the Appendix where teens can seek help if they are in Chloe's situation.

It is a well-documented fact that a significant number of abusive relationships are inhabited by two people who say they love each other. Girl on the Brink gently explores this paradox (nothing is preachy). And when it is finally over, a wiser Chloe states:

"I know it was okay to leave Kieran, and it was okay to miss him, too."

Abusive relationships can happen throughout women's lives in repetitive patterns. Girl on the Brink serves as a beacon that shines light on how to nip potential abuse cycles in the bud, and place high priority on mutual respect in relationships.

---- 

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.

Girl Plus Book Reviews Cresecren Chronicles for YA

Title: NOVUS 
Series: The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1)
Author: Crystal Marcos
Genre: Young Adult
Honors and Awards:

~"Official Selection" Winner in the E-Book Young Adult category, 2015 New Apple Book Awards!

~Winner Best Books in the Young Adult category, 2016 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards!

ASIN: B010OI7UIM

ISBN-13: 978-0984389988

Buy Links: Amazon http://viewbook.at/AmazonNOVUS-eBook

Other options: http://crystalmarcos.com/novus/locations.html

The Cresecren Chronicles: Novus

Reviewed by Sarah originally for Girl Plus Book  

“I may never know what it feels like to lose a mate. As I watched Zira rock back and forth moaning, I wondered if love was worth what she felt. “

Adventure-packed experience with a Cinder-like feel and a iRobot-like storyline. Marcos takes you into a dystopian world where humans have made a new being to aid in the survival of the human race. The Cresecrens, essentially a new race whose sole purpose is to serve humans. No rights, no freedom. Humans and Cresecrens live peacefully within their own boundaries, until one unexplainable event, all that changes.

From character development to plot twists, Marcos story comes together beautifully. There is never a slow or dull moment: conspiracy, forbidden love, hidden cities, battles, and more; you are sure to read this book in one sitting.

----- 

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.

WOW! Tour Features Lynn Goodwin's New Young Adult Novel

Talent

Author: B. Lynn Goodwin

Website: http://blynngoodwin.comGenre: Young Adult/Contemporary

ISBN: 1629293350

Name of Reviewer: Beth Tropp

Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1519329830/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20

Reviewed by Beth Tropp

Book Synopsis:

Fifteen-and-half-year-old Sandee Mason wants to find her talent, get her driver's license, and stop living in the shadow of her big brother, Bri, who disappeared while serving in Afghanistan. Follow her journey as she experiences drama onstage and off.

Book Excerpt: http://blynngoodwin.com/an-excerpt-from-talent/

Talent does a good job of re-creating that time when EVERYTHING is so important. Sometimes, it's the "who likes who" and "what grade did you get on the quiz" type of stuff, but Sandee, as well as the other members of the drama club, show the flip side of high school. The big, scary issues that no one has any idea how to deal with...yet there they are.

Author B.Lynn Goodwin does a good job creating realistic teenagers because of the fact that they are equally invested in both types of problems...the superficial and the real. It feels like these are kids I could have known in high school, trying to bluff their way through the tough stuff, creating an adult free zone. Occasionally they seem a little too insightful...like seeing through Sandee's M&M habit. But overall this book feels real and two thumbs up for not relying heavily on romance to move the plot along.

----- 

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.

Beth Cutwright Reviews The Changing Season

The Changing Season
by Steven Manchester
www.stevenmanchester.com
commercial fiction; YA
ISBN is 978-1611882261

Reviewed by Beth Cutwright originally for http://bethartfromtheheart.blogspot.ca

Review:
In my humble opinion, Steven Manchester is one of this generations greatest writers and so when something comes out by him, it becomes the top book to be read in my TBR pile.   I can't help it, his writing always speaks to my heart and leaves me with so much to think about.

The Changing Season resonated with me as I could relate on so many levels to this tremendous tale of growing up.   Like Billy Baker, I loved animals and I was carried on a splashing sea of uncertainty....what did I want to do with my life after high school?   I never did determine what I should do, unlike our young hero, Billy.

Another thing we shared was a strong moral ethic and a strong sense of loyalty to our friends.    Billy was your normal teenager experiencing first love, a vile test of friendship, and a job he came to love and appreciate.

The author could have taken this story in so many different directions, but I loved the simplicity of the relationship between dog and boy.  The story could've been about your next door neighbor or at the very least, someone you know.

This book is an easy read for those who love coming of age tales, dogs, and first love.
I loved it. I am excited that it was my first read in 2016.   It's a good sign for future reads this year.

I rated this a five Wink read!

---- 
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.

EMPOWERMENT IS JUST A WORD...UNTIL YOU LIVE I

Title:  THE SKIN OF WATER
Subtitle: Defending The Dreamcatcher
By Cristina Salat 
Publisher: Green Flame Omnimedia
Pub date: Feb. 14, 2016
Trade Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1518829000  ISBN-10: 1518829007Mass Market: ISBN-13: 978-1523793624  ISBN-10: 1523793627E-edition: ISBN 978-1311502605
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015957072 
Purchase Links:

Available through your local library and wherever fine books are sold

Also: Amazon's Match Book program 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019BI3FAI  (the purchase of print edition comes with accompanying Kindle version at discount). 

Signed copies available through: http://creativecornucopia.miiduu.com

Reviewed by Nikki Nigari,  jorascknigari@hotmail.com

There are books you read and workshops you enjoy. And then there are books and activities that ROCK your world.

In these uncertain times my children are aware that their school, the mall, even our church is no longer necessarily a guaranteed safe zone. The complex dangers and economic hardships going on everywhere seem to be making anything truly inspiring in great demand, yet short supply. 

In wanting a break from violence while not wanting to stick my head in the sand, I found an unusual new book: The Skin of Water: Defending The Dreamcatchers by Cristina Salat. It heralds a modern-day pueblo teen who winds up changing her life in ways you will not see coming that are likely to also change your own! 

From the jacket copy: 

"Lisel Martinez is not a rough-&-tumble kind of girl, so what is someone more interested in books and plants than in having a hot social life doing out on the most dangerous streets in San Francisco? Is there actually anything one 16-year-old without a home can do to keep herself safe in a world that seems anything but?! 

From the award-winning author of books for the young and young at heart comes a contemporary quest from the mesas of New Mexico to the streets of San Francisco, as one modern-day First Nation girl searches for a life different than the one that seems destined to be her fate." 

This is the kind of book that becomes a friend, no matter what age you are. The second I finished it, I started again from the beginning. Cleaning out the garage would just have to wait!

It aroused discussions between children and adults, including a teenager and her friends who don't often like to participate in family discussions about anything! One character's comment: "It's not enough to just Take Back the Night, we need to take back the world!" particularly made my daughter cheer. 

Dedicated by the author to "all who are loved, and all who deserve to be," the novel champions the idea that "Empowerment is just a word...until you live it." It is an evocative, empowering gift in an age when beloved children's book authors like Judy Blume in the collection Letters To Judy: What Your Kids Wish They Could Tell You  says she receives volumes of requests from children of all ages, educators, and those who work in social services imploring her to write about kids whose lives include things like: dangerous family members, unconventional living situations, and real life circumstances such as surviving on the streets long enough to escape them. 

 Ms. Blume's understandable response is: "no one author can write about every situation, and most of us write out of our own experiences..." but she hopes one day someone else might write just such a book...and that book is now here.

There may be no easy answers to today's pressures around giving children wings while keeping them safe, but there are fresh ideas. New possibilities. 

In an age of vampire love stories, wizards, and child wars in mythical lands, there can also be Real Magic in this world, right here, right now.

The Skin of Water: Defending The Dreamcatchers made me cry and had me shouting "YES!" during the rousing self-defense scenes. 

In my opinion, there is no better gift to give to someone you love and want to see safe. 

The book is available in trade paperback, mass market,  and E-editions.  

In the spirit of community, why not give it also to someone who isn't as loved as they deserve to be, along with your local libraries and schools?

Empowerment is just a word...until we live it 

The Skin of Water: Defending The Dreamcatchers by Cristina Salat.

Get it.

Experience it.

Spread the word!

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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.

Interview: RH Lewis Helps Kids with Writing After Career in Teaching, Coaching

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 RH Lewis.

RH Lewis, was born in a small New Jersey town. Married with two grown daughters and four grandchildren, he now resides in Florida. His life has always been dedicated to enriching lives. As a Youth pastor, teacher and coach it has always been his belief that within each person are planted the seeds of greatness and that it is his job to cultivate those seeds. Recently retired, for twenty-one years he coached winning Mathcounts teams. In all, his teams have won over 1000 awards. Mr. Lewis has been recognized as teacher of the year, Math coach of the year, Mathcounts coach of the year, and Prism teacher of the year.  As a writer, he loves weaving tales of mystery, suspense, and adventure with real life. When Mr. Lewis isn’t writing or teaching he enjoys cartooning, oil painting, sculpturing and playing with his grandchildren.

Lewis’ stories give credit to the intelligence of young people and the important role education plays in life. He is the author of Secrets of Bayboro Mansion, The Shroud, Wormhole and Run For Your Life, which is based on his own life experience.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? YA fiction
2. What made you want to be a writer? The youth of America are thirsty for inspiration and motivation. As a pastor and teacher, writing allows me to weave uplifting messages into adventures and mysteries. Quenching that thirst is my ministry.
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Frank E. Peretti
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I see the entire story playing out in my mind before the first word is typed. However, like Steven King, I let my characters help write the story. Outlines are usually abandoned by the second chapter and linear bends by the third.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I try to write four to five hours every day. Some days it turns into zero hours and some days when the story is in control it turns into twenty-four. I never count the pages only the time spent with my characters.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading what your audience is reading is crucial to creating a voice that speaks to their hearts and minds.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Forget about writing a perfect manuscript instead concentrate on speaking to your readers in the language they speak.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Find out where your audience gathers and be there.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I'm new to this so I can't give a big thumbs up or down until I've been to a few.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My books can be found online @ Amazon and Barnes & Noble. My next event is Southwest Middle School December 4 2015, Bayside High School January 27, and Discovery Elementary School January 28. Brevard Schools Foundation (Date not yet set).  www.rhlewisbooks.weebly.com

RH Lewis, weaves tales of mystery, suspense and adventure with real life. Once you enter his books, you never leave the same. Facebook    LinkedIn   Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rh-lewis/

R.H. Lewis weaving life-changing Power into adventures, mysteries, and thrillers.

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

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

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

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.

Young Adult Fiction We Could All Learn From

Title:  When Fall Breaks 

Seasons of Jefferson #1

Author: Julie Solano (Author), Tracy Justice (Author)

Website:  http://jtauthors.com

Genre:  Teens, Literature & Fiction, Social & Family Issues, Physical & Emotional Abuse, Teen & Young Adult, Romance

ISBN #:   B00T8QISNI

Reviewer's Rating: 5 star

Where people can purchase the book:  http://www.amazon.com/When-Fall-Breaks-Seasons-Jefferson-ebook/dp/B00T8QISNI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1447955434&sr=1-1

Reviewed by Reading Is Our Passion (Tracey Quintin) originally for Amazon

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

This book is OUTSTANDING and I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Although it's genre is Teen and Young Adult, all could benefit from reading this.

These authors are on the tip of being added to my very limited list of pedestal authors!

Brilliantly written addressing real issues teens of today face.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Julie Solano and Tracy Justice write under the name JT Authors, connect with them:

Website: http://jtauthors.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JT-Authors-342478559284742/?fref=ts

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jt_authors

Goodreads: 

     Julie Solano:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12336169.Julie_Solano

     Tracy Justice:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12336170.Tracy_Justice

Amazon: 

     Julie Solano:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Julie+Solano&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Julie+Solano&sort=relevancerank

     Tracy Justice:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_2?ie=UTF8&text=Tracy+Justice&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Tracy+Justice&sort=relevancerank

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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.