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, June 4, 2012

Tim Ward Gives Karina Fabian's Fantast a Five!

Title: Mind Over Mind
Author: Karina Fabian
Category: fantasy/science fiction
ISBN-13: 978-1897942369 (print)
1897942362 (e-book)
Format: Trade paperback, e-book
Publication Date: Aug 8, 2011
Pages: 314
Price: $19.95 US (print) $2.99 (e-book)
Available from: DragonMoon Press, http://dragonmoonpress.com
More Info: www.fabianspace.com

 Reviewed by Tim Ward, originally for Amazon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I heard that the main character, Ydrel, was a telepath empowered by an alien only he can see and hear, I had to buy it. I am writing a book with telepaths and so I came at this book from a researcher’s perspective. What Karina gave me was more than I anticipated. Here’s a rapid-fire list of what this book offers:

*Solid, clear-cut writing. She keeps it fresh, insightful, emotional, fun, and rewarding.

*Three point-of-view characters with emotional investment and story lines that keep you engaged to the end.

*A fascinating idea about an alien world contacting a young boy from two different angles. One source trains him to kill, and then makes him pay when he refuses. The other needs help to prevent her people from being wiped out in war. The images, conflict, and threats that this side of the novel presents offer a grand scale for the rest of the series. I can’t wait to find out what happens.

*When not set in a fantastical alien world, Karina explores the carefully hidden secrets that could thrive in a mental health facility when you have a telepath and a manipulative chief psychiatrist. Joshua, the young intern who walks into this snake pit, must deal with this psychiatrist, while also gaining Ydrel’s trust so that he can help him escape. Sound research makes this setting real, and you trust the author to tell it how it is, even if that makes things more difficult for the heroes.

*Finally, from a research standpoint, this book offered a ton of inspiration for writing my telepath characters. The best part was, I didn’t feel like I was researching. I came for the story, and was pleasantly surprised to find a new author and series to follow.

~ Learn more about Karina Fabian at http://fabianspace.com Books to challenge the mind, touch the heart, and tickle the funny bone.

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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 :

Saturday, June 2, 2012

How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time

How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time
By Nina Amir

  • Paperback: 168 pages
  • Publisher: Writers Digest Books (May 21, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599635402
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599635408
  • Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

Reviewed by Deborah Carney, originally for  Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for blog authors or authors who blog, May 5, 2012


This book very clearly lays out what, how and why you would want to blog a book. From making you accountable to an audience that wants you to keep writing, to establishing good writing habits, to actually writing a business plan about what you want the blog and book to accomplish. Easy to read, easy to understand and easy to implement, must read for bloggers and authors both.



Learn more about the author Nina Amir:
http://www.ninaamir.com
http://www.copywrightcommunications.com
http://www.howtoblogabook.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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cary Pepper Tells Five-Star Maltese Tale

Reel Life Crime
Author: Cary Pepper
Author’s Website: www.carypepper.comGenre: Fiction/Detective/CrimeISBN: 978-1-4658-4263-3
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81833



Reviewed by Kathy C originally for Hampton Reviews

Five-Star Review


This book is a lot of fun. It roughly follows the plot of the Maltese Falcon, and it’s fond references to the 1941 movie are skillfully woven into it. The story itself-that of the theft of the statue from the movie, is full of twists and turns. Like the movie, the reader thinks the case is dine until the next monkey-wrench is thrown into the works. The main character, Ed Sampas, is a character right out of 1940’s film noir. He keeps up a running commentary to the reader about his thoughts and feelings about the other characters. Used incorrectly, this device could have become annoying or too precious, but in Cary Pepper’s skilled hands it enhances the story greatly.

A fairly quick read, this story and its characters will absorb the reader to the last page.



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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Carol Upton Reviews and Reveals A Quarter Horse Love Story

Horse at the Corner Post:

Our Divine Journey

By Denise Lee Branco
Strolling Hills Publishing
Soft Cover, 2010, $17.95 U.S.
ISBN: 879-0-9845888-0-0
Reviewed by Carol M. Upton – www.dreamsaloud.ca
I have been blessed with many animal friends in my life, but you were unique. I had a connection with you since your wobbly foal legs held you up and until your aged arthritic legs no longer allowed you to stand. ~ Denise Lee Branco
In the award-winning Horse at the Corner Post, Denise Lee Branco writes straight from the heart about her deep, lifelong connection to her quarter horse, Freedom.
At an outsider’s first glance, there may have been nothing special about this particular foal. Yet, Branco and Freedom connected almost immediately, soul to soul. Sharing hugs, playing racing games alongside the fence, and winning 2nd Place in a Kindergarten Western Pleasure Class, the two youngsters formed a powerful relationship. All that changed as Branco neared college age and her uncle took a fancy to the horse. Thinking Freedom would have a great temporary home, Branco let him go, only to discover some years later that he had been sold.
What ultimately takes place is an astonishing tribute, not only to the profound relationship between a girl and her horse, but also to the deep support of a family that understood this bond and cared enough to see it through.
The strength of this book lies in Branco’s skilled and honest storytelling. The reader is there every step of the way, reminded of the animals that may have graced their own life.
Branco’s hope in writing about Freedom is that it will encourage animal adoption. This inspired family reading achieves all of that and more.
~ About the author: Denise Lee Branco spent her childhood on a California ranch, befriending all the furry and feathered residents there. From reading horse books to competing in western shows and gymkhanas, Denise has always felt horses are a part of her identity. Visit her at:

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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 :

Friday, May 25, 2012

Title: The Otherworld
Author: Margo Martin Benning
Publisher: Advocate House,
An imprint of A Cappela Publishing, Sarasota, FL
ISBN: 978-0-9846177-8-4 (Adult Fiction/Fantasy)

Reviewed by Jodi Grant

Ever wished you could leave your life behind and find happiness and romance in another world? So did Jenny McQueen, sixty year old widow and former shop owner who found no sparkle to her life in Omniville, Ohio – when suddenly her damned cell phone rang yet again as she battled rain, traffic, telemarketers, and hidden keys in her effort to reach a dental appointment she was late for. This was not the usual tin can ring. It was harp music. She answered irritably, only to hear a wise wizardly voice invite her to The Otherworld.

In Jenny’s many trips to this magical kingdom she encounters mythical animals, fairy-tale people, and her own personal dragons. And, of course, Jenny ends up living happily ever after.

This wise, witty Jungian tale of rebirth and rediscovery is truly a tale of enchantment for the disenchanted.


Publisher: Advocate House, an imprint of A Cappela Publishing, Inc Sarasota, FL


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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 :

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Women's Health Issue Book Tours Online

Title – The Moon She Rocks You

Author – Gurutej Khalsa


Genre or category – Alternative Health/Women’s Health/Self Help

ISBN-10: 0615621678

ISBN-13: 978-0615621678

The Moon She Rocks You by Gurutej Khalsa

Imagine you could feel on top of your emotions, on top of your world on a regular basis. Would that be something that would interest you? Does it make you exhale a big Ahhh if only?

I’m Gurutej what I’m about to reveal to you could change your life FOREVER. I am a world acclaimed teacher, leader and spiritual teacher. Building communities, businesses, teaching through many mediums for over 40 years.

I am introducing these previously secret teachings so you can profit and create better relationships which is the basis of all joy and balance.

I have not always been calm, centered. I, like you, was reactive, judgmental, stressed and overwhelmed and enslaved by my emotional reactions. I have to share the secrets of the moon centers with you because they were a great road map for me to be the me I wanted to be. Not the slave to my emotions.

I have helped 100’s if not 1000’s of women and men to understand and utilize this wonderful formula that will put you in the driver’s seat of your life.

What are Moon Center cycles and why should we as women care about them? Because these cycles have a direct and deep effects on us. Have you noticed that some days you feel strong and powerful and can take on the entire universe and other days someone looks at you cross-eyed and you want to find a bathroom to hide in? Why is that? This theory of Moon centers will shed some light on all this. This is not a shield to hide behind but information to make us more aware, informed complete with support tools that will make you more powerful.

Moon Centers Unveiling the hidden secrets to the inner workings of women. This is the next biggest leap after Men are from Mars Women are from Venus. Do you want to understand yourself as a women in your many aspects? Men do you want to be able to see and chart the emotional and devotional landscape of the women in your life? You will know when and how to support yourself and your women and when to move away from the firing line. Priceless information.

Moon Centers is a secret and sacred science: Do you want Greater harmony in your life? If yes then skip the text and just say yes buy it now. If you need more information carry on. If only all women and men for that matter could learn of these moon centers in their teens what a wonderful world it would be. This is an ancient secret science unveiled, how the moon affects women each day.

This is the secret code to women’s inner states. The positive, challenged and neutral aspects within each center, within each women. The moon moves into a different part of a women’s body every 2.25 days. Learn how to utilize the gifts of each center and recognize the moods that come from the challenged aspects ahead of time. Then turn them into harmony. Utilize the gifts of each center. All this can be yours.

What People Are Saying

“Gurutej is a true gift to the yoga world. She is able to communicate the

 living ancient wisdom of Kundalini yoga through her natural and practical

teaching on the Moon Centers which vibrates with flowing

 consciousness. Gurutej awakens through her love of sharing the secrets

of women from within, and her teachings in her book which will resonate

 with women and men at all levels of experience on the spiritual path.”

—Lisa Scanandolri, co-founder of Lisa’s Yoga



“Had I known how revealing this was and what great solutions for my

 problems, I would have willingly paid you almost anything.”

J. Toronto



“I studied the Moon Centers in Yogi Bhajan’s class. Gurutej explains

 them in such depth, it is astounding. She makes them easy, accessible

, and fun. This is not just for women. My husband has been taking an

 interest in this and that has made life so much better. You need this.

 Don’t wait.”

—Siri Bandhu, preventative medicine business planner



About Gurutej

Gurutej has known since she was six years old that she wanted to lead
others to their greatness. She is a born leader, a creational genius, and
 a visionary thought leader. Her energy brightens your day, and her gift
 for lightness, comedy, and humor radiates with every breath and every
 word of her powerful message. A founding practitioner of Kundalini,
 Gurutej Khalsa is one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the
  world. She has taught people for over 40 years to connect to their
higher consciousness through healing, meditation, yoga, and chanting.
 She lives and breathes the meaning of her Sikh name, “the one who
 brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light.” Gurutej has
 created yoga centers throughout the United States and Canada. Her
commitment to community outreach, philanthropy, the homeless,
children, alternative education, and conscious living is tireless.

~This review is part of the author's book tour handled by Social Media Promotional Services - www.bookpromotionservices.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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Mumbai Blogger Reviews P. D. James

Title: Devices And Desires
Author: P.D. James
Genre: Detective/Thriller/Crime
This post was published on my blog:

From Aakanksha Singh, originally for Book Reviews Galore

 
P.D James' bestseller, Devices and Desires'is unlike any detective/thriller I have read. It is a completely atypical crime story that breaks away from tried and tested detective story conventions. Yet James manages to create an equally thrilling and compelling read.

http://bookreviewsgalore.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/james.jpg
Taken from filmizer.com

At the core of the story is a creepy serial woman killer who goes by the name of Whistler. The killings have rocked the fictional Norfolk coast and have scared the women from venturing alone at night. Then the killer strikes at Larkosen- a picturesque town of Norfolk-with one of the female workers at the Larkosen Nuclear Power Station murdered. Adam Dalgliesh of the New Scotland Yard was on a holiday at Larkosen to settle all the affairs of his aunt's death-including blowing her ashes and taking care of the the fortune and the windmill she bequeathed him. He invariably gets enmeshed in the murders despite Norfolk not being his patch. When a 2nd murder hits Larkosen, the mystery deepens and fresh troubles surface for Terry Rickards, the Chief Inspector of Norfolk in charge of solving the case, who is desperate to find the elusive killer at all costs.

The plot of Devices and Desires sounds like the countless detective stories that come packaged in cheap paperbacks. Yet it is vastly different. Firstly, the pace is much gradual. James takes her own sweet time to build the story, to create tension and take it to a thrilling climax. She is as interested in the characters and setting as the plot itself which is why the reader peruses pages devoted to establishing the desolate, wild yet beautiful atmosphere of the Norfolk coast in general and Larkosen in particular and to fleshing out characters who are not merely stock characters but individuals with their own unique viewpoint and thoughtful insights.For ex. Dalgliesh is often depicted as pondering over his melancholic and contradictory thoughts about his aunt. The novel is thus very descriptive which burdens it and thus tends to slow down the story's pace. This may not be appealing to all kinds of readers especially those who are used to their weekly doses of fast paced thrillers. Nonetheless, the novel is still worth the shot because James makes sure that the reader is both aesthetically as well as sensationally pleased with her descriptions and intricate plot.The depth in characterization and the landscape gives this genre fiction novel a literary touch (which is heightened by several references to works of literature such as 'Dover Beach', a poem by Matthew Arnold.

James also creates skillful contrasting moods. One moment the reader is plunged into an anxiety ridden chapter of the Whistler's to-be-victims' thoughts and in the next the reader dives into the cool, organized thoughts of Dalgliesh or the thoughts of the other numerous inhabitants of Larkosen. James skillfully depicts the gruesome and horrifying aspects of murder and violence as well as manifests the vicious desires and passions of ordinary humans. She has a deft writing touch that marvelously depicts both with a talented ease.

What is jarring is the sudden burst of fast paced and unexpected thrill close to the end that awakens the reader from the stupor brought on by the book's lulled pace itself. Here James style of alternating moods begins to fail. Its as if she has realised that she needs to quickly finish the story and reveal the murderer and not go on rambling about Larkosen's beauty or its inhabitants' idiosyncrasies. The continuation of the same smooth and lulling pace as the whole story would have been more appropriate rather than thrusting the reader into action and more murders that seem blatantly out of place. They seem to be there only to shock the reader or to create the conventional twists in the story.

Yet, apart from these few unexpected jolts, the actual unraveling does happen in a controlled, casual way almost as if a picnic was being discussed and not a murderer's confession. 'Devices and Desires' is still a good, the narrative powerful and stimulating enough to hook all detective fiction lovers and fans.


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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 :