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.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Several Contest Winners Collected in Best New Writing Anthology, 2014

Best New Writing of 2015
In the Best New Writing series
Edited by Christopher Klim
Published by Hope Publishing, http://hopepubs.com
Available on Amazon as paperback or e-book

By your New Book Review Blogger.

The winners of the Eric Hoffer Award and the Gover Prize (and finalists in both) were just published in Best New Writing of 2015 and, yes, one of my short stories is in it. Therefore this isn't a review because that would be a conflict of interest. Still this lovely paperback (it's also available as an e-book), is something I thought New Book Review visitors--whether readers, authors, or reviewers--would want to know about.   

For submission and nominating guidelines for your book go to http://www.BestNewWriting.com. Editors are Christopher Klim, Matt Ryan, Christopher Helvey, Brittany Fonte, Danielle Evannou, Tim Waldron. Robert Gover is Editor Emeritus. 

Winner of the Hoffer award is Ronit Feinglass Plank. Winner of the Gover is Gary Powell. 

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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, September 27, 2014

Title: Write, Publish, Sell!: Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas for the Marketing Challenged
Author: Valerie Allen
Genre: Non-fiction, Reference for Authors and Writing
ISBN 10: 1480043850
ISBN 13: 978 1480043855
Format: book and ebook
Purchase at: Amazon.com

For writers, new and experienced, as they move from writing to publication and marketing of their work. Practical suggestions to create and increase sales.

Reviewed by Peter Sorrells originally for Amazon 5 Star Review

Lots of new ideas
This is a well-written supplement and instruction guide for every author's reference collection. As an author, I am always reading books on writing, publishing, and marketing. This one has a lot of unique ideas I haven't seen anywhere else. For example, specific tips on writing including grammar, speaker, punctuation, formatting, cover, spine, even ideal book length - things we tend to overlook, but are very important in a polished product. The book includes quite a lot of information on marketing materials and methods, as well. I like Valerie's suggestions in promotion, like the P.I.T.C.H. Position and unique ways of marketing one-on-one, keeping the book always visible.

The book also contains four Appendices with very useful information including writing tips, book industry abbreviations, specific information on children's books, and a list of reference books for every writer's shelf.

I'll refer to this book over and over in my own writing and business, and will heartily recommend it to other authors.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerie Allen is also the author of 
Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony: Summer School for Smarties; Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends; Amazing Grace; Sins of the Father: Suffer the Little Children. Reach her at:
 VAllenWriter@cs.com                                         ValerieAllenWriter.com
Facebook.com/Valerie.Allen.520
Amazon.com/Author/ValerieAllen
 
 
 
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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, September 23, 2014

Journalist Pens YA Novel and "Gets It Right!"

Title: Maggie Vaults Over the Moon
Author: Grant Overstake
Author's Web Site www.maggievaultsoverthemoon.com
Genre: YA Fiction, Sports
ISBN: 978-1478296874
Publisher: CreateSpace
Customer Review: 5 out of 5 stars
Buy Link at Amazon.com

Grant Overstake, the author of Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, has created in Maggie Steele a courageous young woman who, despite self-doubt and grief, finds wholeness in a most unusual way, through the sport of pole-vaulting.

Being non-athletic myself, I wasn't sure how I would relate to a story of a teenager who took up pole vaulting as away to connect with her brother, tragically lost in a car wreck, and a way to heal herself. This is a young adult novel. Even so, I found myself caught up in Maggie's story. I believe readers of any age would find this book worthwhile.

In some ways, I don't relate to Maggie. I grew up in town and had little interest in my aunt and uncle's farm, or farm life in general. I would never, in my wildest dreams been elected homecoming queen. However, Overstake has made Maggie into a complex character, a teenager who has to navigate the halls and perils of her small town high school, much as I did in my hometown of Baxter Springs, Kansas.

Overstake gets everything right about Kansas. The story is set near Fort Scott, a town not too far away from my home town, and it is sweet to read about a land I knew so well. He also gets the people right, people, who with all their flaws, are still good and loving. Maggie's parents are particularly well developed. They are also caught up in the grief at the loss of their son, and we see that grief played out. However, they also understand Maggie's needs and try to help her as best they can.

Overstake is a former newspaper editor and sports writer. His background ensures that he know his stuff when it comes to writing about high school athletics. He is also an excellent writer.

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon
hums along like a well-oiled, wonderfully written machine.

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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.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Top Reviews for How-To on Business and Sales

Title: The Key to the Gate
Author: EksAyn Aaron Anderson
Website: www.eksayn.com, www.thekeytothegate.com
Category: Sales, Business, B2B, Entrepreneurs, Selling
ISBN: 978-0990395201
Reviewer’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Joy L originally for Amazon

I was actually fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book and am so glad I did because the ideas have stayed with me for months--and helped me negotiate a local exception to a long standing school board policy on behalf of my daughter. I've been watching for the printed version because I'm eager to have several friends and family members read this book. So glad this is available now!

It's an easy read...just an hour or two, but it will save you hours of headaches if you can apply the strategies. The tone is conversational, not condescending or complicated, like you're sitting down with an old sales pro who's actually likable and ethical. I especially like the chapter on "Jijitsu email." This would be a fabulous gift for employees or friends in any sales related business.

Reviewed by Ilene Barton originally for Amazon
As I read this book, I was impressed with the concern and respect with which EksAyn showed. His ideas and tips were beneficial not only in business or in sales, but as we encounter people in life as well. By showing Integrity, respect and kindness, we will do better in all aspects of our life. These principals, rather than techniques, are positive for everyone.
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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.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Astilbe Reviews First in "Unfinished Series Book One"

Title: AFTER ME, The Unfinished Series Book 1
Author: Joyce Scarbrough
Author’s Web site: http://joycescarbrough.com
Genre: YA paranormal romance
ISBN: 978-1500740221
AISN: B00MF186J4
Publisher: Buzz Books USA
 Reviewer's Rating: Four stars
Buy link at Amazon. 
Reviewed by Astilbe for Long and Short Reviews.
Some deaths leave behind loose ends. Now that Jada’s been given the chance to tidy a few of hers up, will she be able to do it?

Jada’s snide approach to the afterlife is quite funny. What really made me like her, though, was how she responded to everything that happened after she was murdered. Not only did it fit her personality to a tee, it blended in incredibly well with how some people react to the type of trauma that she’s just endured. Her character development was superb, especially considering how subtle it is in the first few chapters of this novel. While I don’t know if the author has any intention of fulfilling my wish, this is the kind of book that is absolutely begging for a sequel. I loved getting to know Jada and would be thrilled to catch up with her again very soon.

People in Jada’s position are given special powers to help them complete their missions. Most of her new found abilities are things that her new friends and foster family wouldn’t notice under normal circumstances, but there are a few things about her that I would have liked to see explained in more detail due to how easy it would be to accidentally reveal them. The powers themselves make a great deal of sense given the nature of her assignment, but it was occasionally hard to believe that Jada was so good at keeping others from noticing the logical consequences of her having them.

The premise of this tale was so unique that as soon as I noticed it I had to know what happens next. Ms. Scarbrough snagged my attention so thoroughly that I actually stayed up past my bedtime for several nights in a row to power through just one more chapter. What really earned this story such a high rating, though, was how the author acknowledged certain tropes in young adult fiction without succumbing to them. It’s hard to dig more deeply into this topic without bumping up against spoilers, but I was impressed by her consistently creative approach to the plot. This was my first introduction to Ms. Scarbrough’s work, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing what she’ll do next!

After Me is a must-read for adults and teens alike. I, for one, will be rereading it again soon.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
Joyce Scarbrough is also the author of True Blue Forever, Different Roads, Symmetry and After Me, The Unfinished Series Book 1. 
"Stay true to yourself and your dreams will come true."

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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, September 6, 2014

Midwest Book Review Makes Finding Reviews Easier for Writers and Readers

Jim Cox and his daughter Beth offer reviews to authors and publishers on their Midwest Book Review and have always generously allowed me to reprint their reviews on this blog over the years. Their site has grown--and grown--and they recently announced a new search feature to make it easier for readers, authors, and publishers to find a review on a specific book. (This blog, The New Book Review has one, too!)

Anyway, I thought readers of this blog looking for new books in a particular genre might want to utilize the Cox's Midwest Book Review, too. And that my wonderful participating reviewers, authors, and publishers would want to know about their reputable review site.  Here is the note from Jim giving you the information you need to navigate MBR more easily.


"Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:

"Our Midwest Book Review policy of archiving reviews for a minimum of five years has resulted in tens of thousands of reviews being housed on our website. That necessitated having an on-site search engine in order to find a particular book review needle in all those book review haystacks! Even so, about once or twice a month I get inquiries from authors, publishers, and book publicists in how they can go about locating the review for their particular title.

"So as of this month we have added to our website homepage a 'click on it' instructional called:"How Do I Find a Specific Review on the MBR Website?" which you will find at:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/findareview.htm .

Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI, 53575
http://www.midwestbookreview.com"
 
 
As an aside, you will find more on how to submit to The New Book Review in the left column of this blog.  And publishing professionals will often find tips and articles on how to increase the effectivness of reviews in my SharingwithWriters newsletter. Subscibe by sending an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to HoJoNews@aol.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.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Crime Novel by Conrad Draws Praise for Exceptional Dialogue

Book title: Wilful Murder (Alicia Allen Investigates 2)
Author: Celia Conrad
Website: www.alicialleninvestigates.com
Where to buy the book: Amazon USA: http://tinyurl.com/p9wpw96
Genre: Crime fiction
ISBN 9780954623333 (Paperback) & available in all Ebook formats
Publisher: Barcham Books

Reviewed by Marlan Warren originally published in "Dancing in the Experience Lane" Open Salon Blog

 
 

“Look to the past to see what the future holds…”

Wilful Murder – Celia Conrad

 

Who doesn't enjoy a ripping good tale of a Will, murdered relatives and love's labor rewarded? For Wilful Murder, the second book in the Alicia Allen Investigates trilogy, British author Celia Conrad has concocted a pastiche composed of the basic elements we expect in a murder mystery that spins on disgruntled relatives, and reinvented it as part-Travelogue, part-Greek Tragedy, part-Shakespeare and part-Love Story. 

If you love "cozy mysteries" with their gentle no-sex-or-graphic-violence paradigms, and strong, intuitive female amateur sleuths; and you love "cerebral mysteries" with their complicated Ah Ha! plots, then I highly recommend Wilful Murder for your next great read.

And if you know nothing about cozies or cerebrals, but just love a bittersweet romantic subplot where a dynamic duo slug it out until they (almost) fall into each other's arms Ã¡ la Hepburn and Tracy--then yes, this book's for you too. 

I do suggest reading Book 1, A Model Murder, first. Although  few of the first book's characters and almost none of its setting make their way into the second, there's little exposition to bring the newbie up to speed in terms of what has happened in the past to create the present circumstances that open the story.

 In the previous book, Alicia Allen--the Anglo-Italian woman lawyer with a passion for justice--makes friends with an Australian neighbor who works at the law firm where Alicia has just been newly hired.  The young, pretty Australian, Kim, has a crush on her boss, Alex, who in turn has a thing for the incomparable Alicia.

At the end of A Model Murder, Alicia and Alex appear to be merrily strolling off into the sunset. But alas, they are not a couple by the time we revisit Alicia in London. 

As Wilful Murder opens, Alicia is preparing to go to Kim's wedding in Australia. She is now estranged from Alex who once courted her, but took off to work in Singapore. They are still in touch, but Alicia carries resentment at Alex's decision to distance himself from her.

Alicia Allen is nothing if not cautious. She is not a heroine who wears her heart on her sleeve, and in this, not unlike Patricia Cornwall's psychologically wounded medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Like Scarpetta, Alicia plays her cards close to her chest. She's not one to swoon when Alex appears again--this time in Australia for Kim's wedding. For his part, Alex wants nothing more than to woo Alicia, and he nearly turns himself inside out trying.

Alicia has other things on her mind by the time she crosses paths with the most-desirable-man-on-earth (aka "Alex"). Before leaving London, she took on a client with more troubles than her own: Isabelle Parker, an heiress who is about to come into a magnificent fortune, if she can stay alive long enough to inherit it. Relatives and relatives-to-be have been dropping like proverbial flies, and the body count grows as the plot proceeds.

Having read Book 1, we know that Alicia would rather find the killer or killers than opt for a romantic fling with her ex-boyfriend while she travels Australia on a kind of "working" holiday to investigate the Australian-British ancestral ties of the endangered heiress.

She visits lovely beachy spots, dines in charming cafes on exotic fare and visits museums--without her solicitious solicitor suitor in tow. Quite frankly, those of us who might be lying boyfriendless on some beach reading Wilful Murder may wish to slap some sense into this righteous heroine, but there is still that voice inside our heads that shouts, "You go, Girl!" when she finally gets physical in a life-threatening clinch with the killer as the story approaches its denouement.  

Conrad arranges for Alex to be out of the picture for quite some time, and we are left to follow Alicia's head as she works out the puzzle to solve these crimes. This is true to the "cerebral" mystery style, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's careful detailing and construction. The plot is chock full of minor characters: most of whom we barely get to know.

In the first chapter, Isabelle's statements regarding her ancestral history were so complex, I ended up mapping it out on paper so I could keep track of who's who.

One of Conrad's great strengths is dialogue. I found that if I simply "saw" the story as a film and let the dialogue carry me through, A Wilful Murder came to vivid life in my mind's eye. 
 
An ominous note received by imminent victims warns:

"Look to the past to see what the future holds and make recompense for what those before  you have done..." 

Conrad's handling of "the past" as it pertains to Isabelle's tangled family tree gives a (perhaps unwitting) nod to the Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex. The play is made up mostly of exposition. We hear about the past...the past...the past. The gory action of Oedipus gouging out his eyes when he realizes he's married his mother is saved for the end. Conrad saves up her big action scenes for the end--after we have been put through the wringer of cerebral dialogue that examines the unanswered questions of the Past.

"Indecisive" is one of the last words in the book, and reflects this tale's Hamlet aspects. Yes, Alicia catches the bouquet, but it has no more active effect on her than Hamlet seeing his father's ghost. There is also something Shakespearean in the way Conrad tends to kill off her characters "offstage," so news of their demise are brought by messengers.

When the story comes together at the end--revealing truths, tying up some loose ends and leaving others still hanging--it leaves the reader feeling winded and yet oddly trimphant having made it across the various locales and dangers that abide in Wilful Murder, and having found tourist pleasures in the Land Down Under and returned to Great Britain, while still trying to figure out whodunit.

Wilful Murder is built around the fine art of looking at the past--where we came from, what made us who we are today, the skeletons in our closets that we may or may not know about, and it prompts questions about whether we can make positive changes such as opening our hearts again to someone in spite of all we've been through or whatever pain still resides in our DNA.


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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.