Linda Pilkington Bases Young Adult Novel on Classics

Book Title: Arthur Collins and the Three Wishes
Author: Linda Rash Pilkington
Author's email: linniepilk@comcast.net
Genre: Fiction:Young Adult
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-615-22213-4
Softcover ISBN: 978-0-615-26743-2
Reviewer: Tim Miller
Review link: http://denver.yourhub.com/Denver/Stories/Arts-Culture/Story~673195.aspx
Original publisher: Yourhub.com



by Tim Miller for YourHub.com

In the tradition of classic stories like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Le Morte d'Artur, Colorado author Linda Rash Pilkington mixes Arthurian legend with the story of a modern-day elementary school outcast in her children's novel Arthur Collins and the Three Wishes. Readers of all ages will relate to this coming of age story about a fearful kid who finds his courage amid a time traveling adventure into ancient Britain.

Arthur Collins is a fearful fifth grader from Castleton, Colorado. Three bullies, known as the "Ruffians," have tormented Arthur for most of his days at elementary school. Unlike his courageous and popular older brother Lance, Arthur can't find the courage to stand up to the Ruffians. Now, if Arthur doesn't figure out some way to cow the bullies, his younger cousin Gwynie might become their next victim.

Desperate to improve his plight, Arthur looks into a mirror and makes three wishes. One of these wishes causes him to go back in time to ancient Britain, just a few years before Arthur Pendragon became king. Arthur Pendragon has disappeared, so Arthur Collins must stand in as a look-alike until he and Merlin can locate the real future king. A grand adventure ensues, in which both Arthur and the reader learn to
be brave.

Many authors tend to write Arthurian fiction with little or no attempt to put a quasi-original spin on the ancient tales about The Knights of the Round Table. In a time when publishers print several novels about Camelot and King Arthur every year, Arthur Collins and the Three Wishes stands out as a story of a present-day underdog's attempt to find his own courage amid the perils and chivalry of British legend.

Arthur Collins and the Three Wishes contains an eclectic mix of Coloradoan and Arthurian culture. Although Arthurian Legend is moreindicative of chivalry in medieval times-rather than post-romanBrittan-kids won't know the difference. Most children, and many adults, will enjoy Arthur Collins's transformation from a bullied kid to a brave adolescent who knows how to stand up for himself.

...read more about Pilkington's kids books at citycastles.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 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.
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Living According to Your Nature

Book: It's Just My Nature! A guide to Knowing and Living Your True Nature
Author: Carol Tuttle
ISBN: 978-0978543693
Genre: Self Help



Submitted by TWS Marketing Communications originally reviewed by Karisso Morgan, Amber Campbell and others for Amazon


Why do we use the term Human Nature? What do we mean by nature? What does it mean when we say someone has a natural gift? Where does this gift come from? Best-selling author Carol Tuttle provides compelling and life changing answers to these simple questions in her newest book It’s Just My Nature! It’s Just My Nature! Reveals a startlingly accurate method for assessing your personality and behavioral tendencies with a new system called Energy Profiling TM. Energy Profiling is a unique system that helps define personality traits, as well as human behavior and physical characteristics, to reveal the true you.

While Carol offers a variety of assessment tools-including her Dressing Your Truth TM events – she leaves the realization of your true Type to you! • Discover those characteristics (Types) that markedly resemble you and those close to you. • Learn that what you may have considered your greatest weaknesses is actually your greatest gift. • Understand why people act the way they do and discover how you can enjoy harmony with anyone. • Develop the skill to assess your Type and the Types of others. • Find renewed peace with yourself and in your relationships • Just by looking at someone and reading their facial features and body language you will know their Type and their true nature.

It’s Just My Nature! Has been hailed as groundbreaking work that is bound to change the way we experience ourselves and others. “I loved this book. There is so much information that is life changing. It is an amazing resource to return to again and again for solving the challenges of life,” – Amber Campbell

“Absolutely Amazing! The information in this book has changed not only my relationship with myself, but with everyone I come in contact with! Thank you, Carol for this fabulous, fulfilling information that allows me to create what I want in my relationships.” – Kerissa Morgan



Author bio:

Bestselling Author Carol Tuttle is a personal development pioneer and fashion/feauty insider. She created Dressing Your Truth™, a fashion guide, Dressing Your Truth™, and personality profiling system, Energy Profiling™. Carol has appeared on over 150 radio and television talk shows in the last year providing pioneering insights on Weight, Sex & Intimacy/Relationships, Depression, Self-esteem, Parenting, Finances, Physical Health and Spiritual Health. Her media appearances include features in national print such as: Redbook, Health and Writer’s Digest. Carol has also appeared on several local radio shows all over Utah and was the resident life issues expert on Good Things Utah for several seasons.

Make shopping easy and affordable and bring out your natural beauty with Carol's do-it-yourself makeover system, Dressing Your Truth http://www.dressingyourtruth.com . Once you know your personality profile with Carol's innovative Energy Profiling™ chronicled in her latest title, "It's Just My Nature! A guide to Knowing and Living Your True Nature", learn your personal style with Dressing Your Truth™. For more information on Tuttle and her work, visit: http://www.caroltuttle.com.

Carol is the Founder of The Center for Living Your Truth in Draper, Utah. Carol and her husband Jon reside in Utah and are the parents of 5 children.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've 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.

Sensitive Heterosexual Male Shares

Sensitivity 101 For The Heterosexual Male
By Philip Nork
ISBN: 9781438967448 (PB)
ISBN: 9781438967455 (HC)
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Narrative Nonfiction

Reviewed By Tara Hopkins of Apex Reviews www.apexreviews.net

Official Apex Reviews Rating: 5 stars


The age-old “Battle Of The Sexes” is still going just as strong as it ever was--and chances are it won’t lose any steam anytime soon. So, rather than lament the fact that the game exists, men and women around the world are instead better off learning to play it to the best of their ability.

Such is the premise behind Sensitivity 101 For The Heterosexual Male.

Skillfully penned by author Philip Nork, Sensitivity 101 is less a self-help guide to
relationships and more a vicarious journey through one man’s quest for self discovery.

Along the way, Phil--playing the role of his own protagonist--learns to appreciate the fairer sex and develops a higher understanding of just what it takes to make them happy. In so doing, he ultimately becomes the desire of all women--and the envy of all men--and provides readers with invaluable insights into improving their own relationships.

Straightforward and refreshingly candid, Sensitivity 101 For The

Heterosexual Male is an impressive presentation of a life with a plethora of
helpful lessons to share. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to cut through
the typical facade of relationship “politics” and learn the roots of true, lasting
happiness.
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Follow the author on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sensitivity101 and on Twitter - @Sensitivity101

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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.
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Get Reviews or Review: Opportunities for Writers

This seemed like an opportunity my subscribers and visitors would want to know about. I haven't tried the program, but I am familiar with the owners of the organization. They are reliable and principled. Having said that, it it important that each writer carefully research any service to be sure it suits their needs.

As the current economic slump causes several reviewers to close up shop, and print reviews become much less frequent, savvy authors are embracing the Internet as the place to market their books. An innovative, newly launched online site, “Review the Book,” is ready to meet the challenge.

“Review the Book,” a new online book review service, has just been launched, and already hundreds of authors are signing up to get their books reviewed. The new service has assembled a team of quality reviewers; many have been reviewing books for other review publications for many years. “Review the Book” provides a simple and effective way to provide a much-in-demand review service for authors to find and connect with their readers.

Authors who wish to submit their books for consideration by “Review the Book” can go to www.ReviewtheBook.com, create a username and password, and then list their book titles. Once titles are posted, reviewers select the books that interest them, and the author is contacted to request a review copy. This process insures review copies are not sent and ignored, and the author is guaranteed a review within three weeks once the review copy is mailed. While a small fee is required per title for administrative costs, discounts exist for listing multiple titles.

Book Reviewers agree to post a 300- to 600-word review to “Review the Book,” Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s websites, as well as seven additional websites of their choice. As many as five reviewers may choose to review the same book, which means the possibility of 50 book reviews across the worldwide web for one book in places where the reviews will gain the attention of interested readers. Studies show that reviews posted online are now a deciding factor for readers in choosing books to read. A good book review can propel book sales for an author, and well-written reviews by the experienced reviewers at “Review the Book” will ensure that quality books get the attention they deserve.

Because reviewers at “Review the Book” receive no compensation, other than a free book, but write reviews from a love of reading, impartiality and honesty are trademarks of the reviews. Reviewers are forbidden to resell books and must pay a deposit to “Review the Book” to ensure they will post reviews. And because reviewers choose the books they want to read, their reviews serve as a fair representation of a book’s reading audience. Interested potential reviewers can apply at www.ReviewtheBook.com

“Review the Book” is the brainchild of Reader Views, based in Austin, TX. Reader Views has been reviewing books and offering author publicity services since 2006. With the decline of many other review services, Reader Views decided to launch a new book review site and assemble a fresh team of reviewers to provide more book review opportunities for authors. More information about Reader Views can be found at www.ReaderViews.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 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.
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The Sid Series of Books for Children
Author: Yvonne Perry
ISBN 978-0982572207
52 full-color pages
Perfect Binding
Write On! Publishing, 2009


Reviewed by Katie Chalfont



The Sid Series is an adorable book with some really sweet pictures that help illustrate the twelve stories. The book is written for children ages 2 to 5, but older kids and parents will also like it because the stories teach a lesson and help folks understand some “grown up” topics such as recycling, talking to angels, finding the gifts within yourself, dealing with the death of the family pet, and accepting a new baby into the family. I like the way the author wrote herself into the story as Von-Von. She is the grandmother of a boy named Sidney who has a special gift of healing and a big understanding of spirit life. I’m recommending this book to my kid’s teachers to read to the class. My kids love the book. We hope Yvonne comes out with a coloring book for the series.


The book is available at http://writersinthesky.com/holistic-children.html as a printed book or as an e-book.
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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.

J.P. O'Donnell Pens Fatal Who Dun It

Title: Fatal Gamble: A Novel
Author: JP O'Donnell
Website: www.jpodonnell.com
Genre: Fiction: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN:978-0595514090 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-0595504756 (hc)
ISBN: 978-0595618873 (e-book)
Name of Reviewer: Will Gabbett of the Feathered Quill
Review Link: www.featheredquill.com
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Reviewed by: Will Gabbett


It’s just another mundane day in the life of Dr. Jonathan Becker. He gets up, readies himself for work, kisses his lovely wife and then heads out the door for work. Getting in his car and tuning the radio to his favorite talk show, it’s a quick drive to the medical building where he runs a thriving pediatric practice. Arriving at his office, he sits in his car for a few minutes to listen to the end of the radio show and boom! Dr. Becker is shot dead. In just two short pages, Fatal Gamble grabs the reader and begs the question, who shot Dr. Becker?

The police are quickly on the scene of the deadly crime but have few leads in the murder. When another doctor from the same building is murdered, the wife of Dr. Becker seeks out a private investigator, Daniel Gallagher, to find the person, or persons, responsible for her husband’s death. The police, particularly the lead investigator, Jack Hoskins, are not fond of Gallagher, an ex-cop, and are not willing to share crucial information on the case with the private investigator. Through his own cunning and expertise, Gallagher must shift through a series of clues and false leads to find the killer.

After a third doctor from the same office complex is found dead, it becomes clear to Gallagher that the connection the three murder victims share is their partnership in the ownership of the medical building. When the police arrest a suspect and declare the case solved, Gallagher is the only one to question the arrest. With detective work that would make Perry Mason proud, Gallagher continues to search for the assailant. His investigation leads him to Washington , DC , Las Vegas , NV and his own backyard. Will he be able to find the killer before another doctor is murdered?

Fatal Gamble is a quick reading thriller with crisp, easy writing that takes the reader directly into Gallagher’s world. There are several unexpected twists and turns in the story that keep both Gallagher and the reader guessing. O’Donnell expertly guides the reader into the underworld dealings in both Washington and Las Vegas while avoiding all the dry, dull irrelevant background text that many authors incorporate into their stories. With short, concise chapters, it is tempting to “read just one more chapter” before putting the book down for the night. Alas, for this reviewer, that “one more chapter” became two, then three, and then ten or twenty more chapters. It was a hard book to put down.

Quill says: If you’re looking for a great “who dun it?” book, pick up Fatal Gamble.


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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.
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John Gorman Combines Love with Comedy for Literary Novel

Shades of Luz
By John Gorman
Published by All Things That Matter Press
Genre: Fiction: Literary
ISBN 098409847X


Reviewed by Jen Ochs Originally for NY Book Cafe


Shades of Luz is a whimsical love story with a touch of comedy. Gorman’s quirky little novel is certainly entertaining for those with a sense a humor. Packed with suprises, Gorman displays his skill as a writer with this refreshing, yet somewhat unusual coming of age story. I would say Gorman’s writing is compatible with Ben Winters and his quirky novels, Pride, Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.

This story centers around Benny, a graduate school dropout. Without his graduate degree, times are tough. While he is selling stuffed animals on the street, he comes to meet Luz. Benny falls for Luz and falls hard. Luz, although periodically in and out of Benny’s life, attempts to persuade him to go back to school and finish his thesis. Then there is Mungo.

Through a strange series of circumstances, these two become a big part of each other’s life, as Benny is forced to work for Mungo, who is an underworld bookie. We are then thrown into the bizarre world of thumb-wrestling, however, with Gorman’s descriptiveness, one would think it was an MMA competition. Nevertheless, through it all, Benny’s heart is set on Luz. Benny and Luz are subsequently reunited at his family’s house, as the two of them share a memorable holiday dinner that neither of them will soon forget.

Gorman manages to keep this story going. Although many of the themes in this novel are a bit peculiar, and at times, a little eccentric, he does a fine job in keeping the interest of the reader. The characters are certainly rich while Benny is on his quest to get his girl. For a quick humorous fiction fix, Shades of Luz delivers!






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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: