Heaven’s Rage
By Tiffany Craig Brown, http://www.tiffanycraigbrown.com/
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1432756963
Reviewed by Anna Barela for the Sacramento News & Review
He had it coming!
Heaven’s Rage opens like an episode of CSI, but quickly turns into a profound and eye-opening look at the nature of abusive relationships. Wrapped in an entertaining murder mystery, Sacramento author Tiffany Craig Brown digs deep, with story after story of the verbal and physical abuse suffered by several women and children at the hands of the man whose murder is being investigated. As the detectives begin to sympathize with the suspects, the list of women hurt by the dead man grows. Before ending with an ironic twist, Brown pulls in other abusers and their victims to paint a picture of the reality facing too many women and children. She underscores the role of child abuse in breeding new generations of abusers. Heaven’s Rage serves women well as a map to the warning signs of abuse at the beginning of a relationship, hopefully preventing yet another tragic story like the ones depicted 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 :
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 outskirts press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outskirts press. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Transgender Protagonist Leads Readers to Better Understanding
TITLE: She's My Dad
AUTHOR: Iolanthe Woulff
AUTHOR SITE: www.iolanthewoulff.com
GENRE: Fiction: Social Suspense/Contemporary/LGBT
ISBN: 9781432744052 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781432743772 (Trade Paperback)
PUBLISHER: Outskirts Press (November 13, 2009)
Reviewed by Erin N. for Luxury Reading
REVIEWER RATING: SHE'S MY DAD has been included in Vera's "Year's Best Books" list: http://www.luxuryreading.com/2009/10/years-best-books.html
In today’s society, absolutely no one is immune to the forces of hate in the world. Terrorist attacks, hate groups, and xenophobic neighborhoods, towns, and even nations are all appalling reminders that citizens of the world live daily with fear. But, how often is the hate within ever addressed? Due to blind prejudice, it doesn’t take much for an average working American, or even a well respected financial baron, to build a bomb and “set it off like some primitive Arabian towel-head,” as evidenced in this book and the news every night.
She’s My Dad brings this terrifying hate to the forefront in a spell binding and dynamic way. The story begins in a small town in Virginia. A wealthy man disowns one of his sons because of his homosexuality, only to have that very son be his only surviving heir. In an effort to shine a light on the inherent hate within our society, that son turns his vast fortune, and even his home, into a university whose ideals are integration and acceptance. Despite his noble efforts, the small town that is the home to this university isn’t enlightened enough to deal with its existence, and the locals harbor a hatred for the institution and everything it stands for.
Flash forward. An intelligent and engaging woman returns to the university 25 years after graduation to take up the mantle of a professor. A journalism major discovers the secrets of this woman’s past; she is a transgendered woman and, through a youthful indiscretion with a married local woman, is the father of a local boy. This boy has been raised in a home of hatred and intolerance. The new professor’s appointment to the university’s staff forces the staff, the students, the town, and her own son to finally address the prejudice inherent within themselves.
She’s My Dad is an action packed story with a great deal of insight into the human heart. Woulff creates a cast of characters that are fascinating and cause the reader to care about what happens to them. She’s My Dad is more than just a novel, it is an experience.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Erin fell in love with the written word as a small child and subsequently spent most of her life happily devouring literature. She works as a freelance news, marketing, and technical writer. Erin lives just outside of Cleveland, Ohio with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Like her title character Nickie Farrell, Iolanthe Woulff is a transsexual woman. A fifty-nine-year-old Princeton-educated English major, she lives in Palm Springs, CA, where for several years she wrote a column in a local magazine about the challenges of gender transition. As the eldest child of author Herman Wouk, storytelling has always been dear to Ms. Woulff's heart. Her hope is that besides providing a suspenseful read, She's My Dad will help to dispel some of the widespread misconceptions about transsexual people.
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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post:
AUTHOR: Iolanthe Woulff
AUTHOR SITE: www.iolanthewoulff.com
GENRE: Fiction: Social Suspense/Contemporary/LGBT
ISBN: 9781432744052 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781432743772 (Trade Paperback)
PUBLISHER: Outskirts Press (November 13, 2009)
Reviewed by Erin N. for Luxury Reading
REVIEWER RATING: SHE'S MY DAD has been included in Vera's "Year's Best Books" list: http://www.luxuryreading.com/2009/10/years-best-books.html
In today’s society, absolutely no one is immune to the forces of hate in the world. Terrorist attacks, hate groups, and xenophobic neighborhoods, towns, and even nations are all appalling reminders that citizens of the world live daily with fear. But, how often is the hate within ever addressed? Due to blind prejudice, it doesn’t take much for an average working American, or even a well respected financial baron, to build a bomb and “set it off like some primitive Arabian towel-head,” as evidenced in this book and the news every night.
She’s My Dad brings this terrifying hate to the forefront in a spell binding and dynamic way. The story begins in a small town in Virginia. A wealthy man disowns one of his sons because of his homosexuality, only to have that very son be his only surviving heir. In an effort to shine a light on the inherent hate within our society, that son turns his vast fortune, and even his home, into a university whose ideals are integration and acceptance. Despite his noble efforts, the small town that is the home to this university isn’t enlightened enough to deal with its existence, and the locals harbor a hatred for the institution and everything it stands for.
Flash forward. An intelligent and engaging woman returns to the university 25 years after graduation to take up the mantle of a professor. A journalism major discovers the secrets of this woman’s past; she is a transgendered woman and, through a youthful indiscretion with a married local woman, is the father of a local boy. This boy has been raised in a home of hatred and intolerance. The new professor’s appointment to the university’s staff forces the staff, the students, the town, and her own son to finally address the prejudice inherent within themselves.
She’s My Dad is an action packed story with a great deal of insight into the human heart. Woulff creates a cast of characters that are fascinating and cause the reader to care about what happens to them. She’s My Dad is more than just a novel, it is an experience.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Erin fell in love with the written word as a small child and subsequently spent most of her life happily devouring literature. She works as a freelance news, marketing, and technical writer. Erin lives just outside of Cleveland, Ohio with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Like her title character Nickie Farrell, Iolanthe Woulff is a transsexual woman. A fifty-nine-year-old Princeton-educated English major, she lives in Palm Springs, CA, where for several years she wrote a column in a local magazine about the challenges of gender transition. As the eldest child of author Herman Wouk, storytelling has always been dear to Ms. Woulff's heart. Her hope is that besides providing a suspenseful read, She's My Dad will help to dispel some of the widespread misconceptions about transsexual people.
-----
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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post:Monday, March 30, 2009
First Novel Compulsion Is Thriller
Title: Compulsion
Author: Jennifer Chase
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Website: http://www.outskirtspress.com/compulsion/
ISBN: 9781432734169
Reviewed by Sarah Moore, Writers in the Skyhttp://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2009/03/jennifer-chase-set-to-join-podcast-on.html
There are certain types of books that are almost guaranteed to keep me turning the pages into the late hours of the night. The first is any novel that develops a compelling story of the complexities found in human relationships. Second, I love a great piece of historical fiction that places me in a previous moment in time. And, finally, I gravitate towards thrilling mysteries that are filled with breath-taking action and plot twists. For literary satisfaction on the last count, I am so excited to have discovered new author Jennifer Chase. Her first book, Compulsion, is a fascinating story of serial murderers, pedophiles, and the one amazing woman who is able to bring them all to justice. When a book contains these elements and is well written, which Compulsion most certainly is, you have the recipe for an amazing read.
Author Jennifer Chase introduces us to the great character of Emily Stone. Working anonymously with her camera, computer, and trusted weapon at her constant disposal, Stone goes on the hunt for some of the most violent and deplorable criminals one can imagine. She uses her police background and natural ability to get inside the criminal mind to gather detailed, on-the-scene evidence. Then, she sends her information to the police and another villain is taken off the streets. When Stone’s identity is revealed to the latest killer on her radar screen, the fast-paced action that unfolds becomes the heart of the story and takes the reader on an amazing journey of heightened adrenaline and fear.
One of the greatest strengths in Chase’s writing is the careful unfolding of her characters’ personalities. The man known to the readers for most of Compulsion’s pages only as The Killer is first revealed through the gruesome crimes he commits. We learn of his brutal style of murder through the description of police on the scene. Further into the book, we are let into the mind of The Killer and the motivation behind his violent spree. Chase’s portrayal of a man sitting alone with his twisted thoughts brings the character into a more frightening focus. When the name and full story behind The Killer is finally revealed, the weight provided by the complete picture of this terrifying man is felt. The author employs this same development technique for her other characters, which adds an important element to the tension and sense of uncertainty. But don’t think that you are necessarily on the right track when learning more about a person in this novel. I found myself fooled by Chase’s convincing efforts to lead us down a path of assuming the guilt of an innocent person on more than one occasion.
Both the language and overall format of this book are evidence of Chase’s genuine talent in the genre of thrillers. For example, the tension and terror of the book escalates as The Killer and The Accomplice become more voracious in their need for prey. As they drive across the country with the intention of murdering Emily Stone, their need to commit violence at every step is overpowering. Readers can envision these men clenching their fists and tapping their feet with nervous energy and Chase reminds us at the close of every chapter in this climactic series of events that, “The Killers are coming.” It is a taunt that helps to create a sense of terrified anticipation. Each chapter is also quite short, often not more than three or four pages in length. This purposefully abrupt, snapshot approach jostles the reader from one event to the next, and is wonderful at generating the way that Emily Stone must feel when moving from one case to the next and not knowing who or what may be around the corner.
The new novel Compulsion by Jennifer Chase is a captivating thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page is read. The careful character development results in real, three-dimensional men and women, even if some of them are almost unimaginably horrifying. The plot, with its slowly revealed layers, is one that engages the readers immediately and takes them on quite an adventure. I was excited to read on Chase’s back cover that she is currently at work on the next book in the series. She can be certain that this new fan will be among the first to read the next installment. I believe that you, too, will find that Compulsion will leave you excited for more.
Reviewed by Sarah Moore for Writers in the Sky
-----
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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.
Author: Jennifer Chase
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Website: http://www.outskirtspress.com/compulsion/
ISBN: 9781432734169
Reviewed by Sarah Moore, Writers in the Skyhttp://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2009/03/jennifer-chase-set-to-join-podcast-on.html
There are certain types of books that are almost guaranteed to keep me turning the pages into the late hours of the night. The first is any novel that develops a compelling story of the complexities found in human relationships. Second, I love a great piece of historical fiction that places me in a previous moment in time. And, finally, I gravitate towards thrilling mysteries that are filled with breath-taking action and plot twists. For literary satisfaction on the last count, I am so excited to have discovered new author Jennifer Chase. Her first book, Compulsion, is a fascinating story of serial murderers, pedophiles, and the one amazing woman who is able to bring them all to justice. When a book contains these elements and is well written, which Compulsion most certainly is, you have the recipe for an amazing read.
Author Jennifer Chase introduces us to the great character of Emily Stone. Working anonymously with her camera, computer, and trusted weapon at her constant disposal, Stone goes on the hunt for some of the most violent and deplorable criminals one can imagine. She uses her police background and natural ability to get inside the criminal mind to gather detailed, on-the-scene evidence. Then, she sends her information to the police and another villain is taken off the streets. When Stone’s identity is revealed to the latest killer on her radar screen, the fast-paced action that unfolds becomes the heart of the story and takes the reader on an amazing journey of heightened adrenaline and fear.
One of the greatest strengths in Chase’s writing is the careful unfolding of her characters’ personalities. The man known to the readers for most of Compulsion’s pages only as The Killer is first revealed through the gruesome crimes he commits. We learn of his brutal style of murder through the description of police on the scene. Further into the book, we are let into the mind of The Killer and the motivation behind his violent spree. Chase’s portrayal of a man sitting alone with his twisted thoughts brings the character into a more frightening focus. When the name and full story behind The Killer is finally revealed, the weight provided by the complete picture of this terrifying man is felt. The author employs this same development technique for her other characters, which adds an important element to the tension and sense of uncertainty. But don’t think that you are necessarily on the right track when learning more about a person in this novel. I found myself fooled by Chase’s convincing efforts to lead us down a path of assuming the guilt of an innocent person on more than one occasion.
Both the language and overall format of this book are evidence of Chase’s genuine talent in the genre of thrillers. For example, the tension and terror of the book escalates as The Killer and The Accomplice become more voracious in their need for prey. As they drive across the country with the intention of murdering Emily Stone, their need to commit violence at every step is overpowering. Readers can envision these men clenching their fists and tapping their feet with nervous energy and Chase reminds us at the close of every chapter in this climactic series of events that, “The Killers are coming.” It is a taunt that helps to create a sense of terrified anticipation. Each chapter is also quite short, often not more than three or four pages in length. This purposefully abrupt, snapshot approach jostles the reader from one event to the next, and is wonderful at generating the way that Emily Stone must feel when moving from one case to the next and not knowing who or what may be around the corner.
The new novel Compulsion by Jennifer Chase is a captivating thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page is read. The careful character development results in real, three-dimensional men and women, even if some of them are almost unimaginably horrifying. The plot, with its slowly revealed layers, is one that engages the readers immediately and takes them on quite an adventure. I was excited to read on Chase’s back cover that she is currently at work on the next book in the series. She can be certain that this new fan will be among the first to read the next installment. I believe that you, too, will find that Compulsion will leave you excited for more.
Reviewed by Sarah Moore for Writers in the Sky
-----
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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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, March 31, 2008
All The Romance of New Orleans in a Historical Novel
Title: A World Of His Own-In The Land Of The Creoles
Author: Arlette Gaffrey
Published by: Outskirts Press
Website: www.OutskirtsPress.com/ArletteGaffrey
Genre: Historical Novel
ISBN # 0-9788891-0-X
Reviewed by Amos Lassen for Amazon
I am originally from New Orleans and I never get tired of reading about my hometown.
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I find Arlette Gaffrey to be a very talented writer who knows New Orleans so well she really brings the city to life. The story line holds your interest from the first page to the last. This is a story of love, marriage and betrayal set against the background of the magical city of New Orleans.
As a child, Andre de Javon is torn from his family during the French revolution, and when he grows up he arrives in New Orleans to begin building a new life for himself. Through hard work and sheer determination he becomes wealthy and the owner of one of the most successful plantations in the territory.
Andre's mentor Jean-Claude Charlevoix has a young daughter Julie Marie who is in love with Andre even though she is still a child of eleven. She hopes Andre will wait for her to grow up so they can marry, but instead Andre marries the beautiful, spoilt, selfish Gabrielle Ste. Claire. Marriage to Gabrielle is a nightmare. Gabrielle sets their beautiful house on fire in a drunken rage, and she is caught in the fire and dies, leaving Andre with her illegitimate son.
Andre sees everything he's built go up in flames and is filled with grief and rage. But now he is at last free to marry the one he realizes he truly loves, Julie. However he is eleven years her senior and has a bastard son to boot. Will Julie still want to marry him?
This author Arlette Gaffrey has captured the color, charm and heart of New Orleans. She has also brought in several historical characters who played a part in that time in history. The infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson, Henry Shreve and others. Her historical facts are accurate, and the details of plantation life is true. Arlette also shines in her descriptions of the fashions of the day along with hair styles, fabrics and jewelry. She also very easily explains the French and Spanish Creole culture and this love story exudes romance.
The elements of a good story are here, the romance and historical background of 19th century New Orleans are all here.
Many years ago the author of this review actually lived in the building shown on the cover of the book, the courtyard is famous and the address is 734 Royal Street.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coaliition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love--and that includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews and reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page.
Author: Arlette Gaffrey
Published by: Outskirts Press
Website: www.OutskirtsPress.com/ArletteGaffrey
Genre: Historical Novel
ISBN # 0-9788891-0-X
Reviewed by Amos Lassen for Amazon
I am originally from New Orleans and I never get tired of reading about my hometown.
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I find Arlette Gaffrey to be a very talented writer who knows New Orleans so well she really brings the city to life. The story line holds your interest from the first page to the last. This is a story of love, marriage and betrayal set against the background of the magical city of New Orleans.
As a child, Andre de Javon is torn from his family during the French revolution, and when he grows up he arrives in New Orleans to begin building a new life for himself. Through hard work and sheer determination he becomes wealthy and the owner of one of the most successful plantations in the territory.
Andre's mentor Jean-Claude Charlevoix has a young daughter Julie Marie who is in love with Andre even though she is still a child of eleven. She hopes Andre will wait for her to grow up so they can marry, but instead Andre marries the beautiful, spoilt, selfish Gabrielle Ste. Claire. Marriage to Gabrielle is a nightmare. Gabrielle sets their beautiful house on fire in a drunken rage, and she is caught in the fire and dies, leaving Andre with her illegitimate son.
Andre sees everything he's built go up in flames and is filled with grief and rage. But now he is at last free to marry the one he realizes he truly loves, Julie. However he is eleven years her senior and has a bastard son to boot. Will Julie still want to marry him?
This author Arlette Gaffrey has captured the color, charm and heart of New Orleans. She has also brought in several historical characters who played a part in that time in history. The infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson, Henry Shreve and others. Her historical facts are accurate, and the details of plantation life is true. Arlette also shines in her descriptions of the fashions of the day along with hair styles, fabrics and jewelry. She also very easily explains the French and Spanish Creole culture and this love story exudes romance.
The elements of a good story are here, the romance and historical background of 19th century New Orleans are all here.
Many years ago the author of this review actually lived in the building shown on the cover of the book, the courtyard is famous and the address is 734 Royal Street.
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coaliition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love--and that includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews and reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page.
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