Fiction for Those Who Love Flying

Title: Hauling Checks
Author: Alex Stone
Genre: Fiction\ Humorous, Transportation\ Aviation
ISBN: 978-1449563332
Reviewer: Chris Gerrib
Reviewer's Blog: http://podpeep.blogspot.com
Reviewer's Rating: 8/10



Review by Chris Gerrib for PodPeep

It’s a little-known fact, but for many years, every check written at a bank had to be physically air-freighted back to the original bank it was drawn on. Modern technology is slowly phasing this out, but in the meantime, a group of airfreight companies make a living flying this “work” around. These pilots refer to themselves as freight dogs. It’s a tough business, consisting of flying small turboprops out of secondary airports at night for little money.

It’s the world of Alex Stone, author of the new novel Hauling Checks. This short work (166 pages) is ostensibly the story of Checkflight, a (hopefully) fictional airfreight company swirling down the corporate drain. In reality, the book is an excuse for Alex to tell fictionalized exploits and anecdotes of his flying career. Very entertaining anecdotes, I might add.

Alex is an engaging writer, aiming at a general audience, so there’s no “I did a second IFR on the PDQ” technobabble. What aviation lingo you need to understand is explained. Even then, most of the entertaining stories aren’t about flying; they are about characters, from a copilot who’s afraid to fly to a company chief who dabbles in illegal activities and a senile dispatcher.

Now, the author is a young man, apparently single, and he hangs out with a young crowd, so there are a few adult words and situations. Having said that, Hauling Checks is an entertaining and quick look at a less-than-glamorous side of being a pilot. I’m very fond of Patrick Smith, who writes “Ask The Pilot” for Salon.com. Alex Stone shows the writing potential to be another Patrick Smith.
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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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Title: Living the Dream
Author: Tim Baker
Genre: Fiction/Action/Crime
ISBN: 978-160844-087-0

Reviewed by April M. Hanson for Amazon.com


Well-written and gripping novel

All Kurt wants is a break and he can't understand why he can't get one. Deciding to take matters into his own hands he comes up with a plan to kidnap Vicky. He is sure her husband will pay the ransom and then his life will be on the right track, he will be a loser no more. Unfortunately for Kurt, things go from bad to worse as he drives to Florida in what becomes the road trip from hell. Once there, he discovers Vicky is out of town and her husband, Jimmy, doesn't care enough about her to pay a ransom even if Kurt could managed to kidnap her. Just when it seems like Kurt's plan is over, he meets Jimmy's mistress, Leslie, who has some plans of her own and Kurt starts to believe he may finally get to "live the dream".

When I first started to read Living The Dream by Tim Baker, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Three of the main characters have no redeeming qualities and it was hard to care about what happened to them. Then I realized that I didn't have to like them in order to appreciate the story and the imagination that went into the writing. The things that kept happening to Kurt were crazy and creative and I was impressed with how events unfolded in a way that kept me interested despite my lack of empathy for the characters. I eventually found myself turning the pages furiously to see what was going to happen next and, by the end, felt that the book was well written, creative, showed lots of imagination and I would definitely recommend it.
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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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New Mainstream Novel Also a Bit of a Mystery

Title: Marta's Place
Author: C. M. Albrecht
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards for Mystery Fiction


If you've ever been out of work and send on interviews for menial jobs, you will both sympathize with Hal and understand his letting life happen when it points to a way out of his present situation. He is sent to a small restaurant called Marta's Place and his luck seems to turn.

Marta is a older woman making a small success of her restaurant located in a changing neighborhood with a limited customer base. Luckily, she is a good cook and willing to give unskilled help a chance. As time passes, Hal becomes more than a helper.

But even as things are looking up for him, Hal takes chances that could ruin everything. Then he is accused of murdering a woman he knew. This is a blow that threatens his new security at a time when Marta is making big plans. His only hope is that he can keep her from finding out.

Talented author Carl M. Albrecht has crafted an interesting study of life and how one can go from rags to riches with just a little luck and lots of hard work. Mr. Albrecht has a thorough understanding of human desires and what motivates a young man who has been drifting through life on the bottom of society. You'll want to know if he can attain a better position in life and keep it.

I'm pleased to recommend Marta's Place as well worth the time. A well told tale with lots of emotions and interesting characters. You may recognize them as people you know or have met. I did.

Enjoy. I did.

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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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Iggy the Iguana Is Back!

Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series
Title – Summer League
Author – Melissa M Williams
Publisher – Long Tale Publishing
Genre – Children’s Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-0-9818054-2-9
Paperback $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-9818054-3-6
Hardback $15.99
190 pages


Reviewed by Author Geri Ahearn

Summer League is the second book in the Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series for boys and girls ages 7 to 11. The characters you love in Iggy the Iguana are all back, gearing up to play ball, even Iggy’s silly little sister! After an exciting school year, Iggy and his friends kick off their summer vacation with some fun in the sun and ... baseball! The summer proves to be full of lessons, eye-openers, and ultimate excitement. Who would have thought you really do grow up over the summer time!



The hero in this delightful children's story is Iggy, who is a loveable nine year old, and the new kid on the block. It's hard enough that Iggy has to deal with his smart, sassy younger sister, but there are other issues that he must also challenge. As Iggy prepares to enter a public school for the first time in his life, not knowing anyone, he realizes that he needs to make lots of friends. Along with trying to prove himself
worthy, he is forced to deal with bullies, and his first childhood crush. Snap Shell, Kit Kat, and Molly all have unique personalities, and are extremely funny. Dragon D tries to act very cool, but does this type of personality fade away, after everyone really gets to know you? Does Iggy have a tough time trying to fit in, and who makes him feel comfortable?

How does Iggy feel about Lizbeth? Does Iggy survive the trials and tribulations of his age group on his journey through elementary school? I highly recommend this wonderful children's book that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Children will be able to relate to the story, and learn from those lessons through a fun, easy, and humorous read. Melissa M. Williams presents everyday issues, along with simple solutions in an interesting story, with adorable characters. This book will encourage children to be considerate and caring, with a positive attitude. The author includes the true value of family and friendship, which is an essential stepping-stone from childhood to adult.

There are serious moments, funny moments, and touching moments. This fun and easy read is recommended for any child who is preparing to enter elementary school, and for children in this age group who are changing schools, after moving to a new location. How does Iggy adapt from an All Lizard School to a public All Animal School? The characters come to life as Iggy and his friends experience their first school year together, issues get resolved, and emotions become heartfelt in this educational, children's adventure. "IGGY THE IGUANA" is as thrilling as Walt Disney's LADY AND THE TRAMP, and as funny as CHICKEN LITTLE.

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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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Are You Lacking that Necessary MoJo

Title: #MojoTweet
Author: Marshall Goldsmith
Genre or category: inspirational, self-help
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-61699-022-0 (1-61699-022-8)
E-Book: 978-1-61699-023-7 (1-61699-023-6)

Reviewed by Teresa Morrow for http://www.successful-blog.com and ThinkAha books


In this hurried world we live in, the need for great information that will make us want to jump into action, is often hard to find. Well, in the ThinkAha book series, this problem is quickly resolved by the format used. The books in the series, such as #MOJOtweet, is written in the template of around only 100 pages and formulated about tweets (also known as AHA’s) in 140 characters.

You may be asking what is Mojo? Mojo is the moment when you do something that’s purposeful, powerful and positive and the rest of the world recognizes it.

Mitchell Levy, CEO of Happy About, Inc. and publisher of ThinkAha books, summarizes the essence of the book in the forward, ” Mojo is that missing ingredient that is between you and your life filled with meaning and happiness. #Mojotweet provides that in bite-sized packages.”

Below are just a few of the wise, helpful and inspirational aha’s I found in the this informational compact book, #MOJOtweet.

~ We run everything through two filters: short-term satisfaction (or happiness) and long-term satisfaction (meaning). –>So true! When I first read that I thought, “no I don’t do that”, but when I thought about it again, I realized I certainly do.

~ Mojo is infectious. When people pass their positive spirit onto us; we feel like passing it back.

–>Again, great insight in such a short statement. Positive breeds positive. If I am around a positive person, my outlook will change for the better which I will radiate to others around me.

~ When measuring your Mojo, do so in the immediate present, not in the recent past or vague future.–>this is something I struggle with sometimes. I worry about things from the past or worry how to correct things before they even get here…not to concentrate on what is in the now.
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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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Title: Not A Fire Exit
Written by: Christopher Finlan
Genre: Fiction
Soft cover: 234 pages
Publisher: Milverstead Publishing
Print ISBN: 978-0-9842847-0-2; 0-9842847-0-2
Price: $12.95 soft cover



Reviewed by Carolee Gearhart for Amazon.com

A book that'll make me reconsider a Yoo-Hoo as a must-have beverage has got to have something compelling going for it! More seriously, the book delivered a knockout punch that had nothing to do with the wildly entertaining Nolan's Knockouts and the ensuing jealousy/indignation of Jim's long-suffering wife Sarah. To get a gripping mystery that combined witty repartee and a romance was a rare treat. Ultimately it was the quirky and endearing Jim and Sarah that stayed with me, and reminded me what my truest loves have really been made of - the everyday, nutty likes and dislikes of the imperfect person you've decided you can't live without. Love, in all its permutations, is really what makes the world go round....and this book left that with me - both from its content as well as its objective in helping fight a crippling disease that hits children. Thanks on both fronts, Mr. Finlan!


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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:

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: