The New Book Review

Monday, September 17, 2012

Diane Donovan Reviews Christian Nonfiction

Resurrect and Restore

By Paul Zecos
Author's Website: http//:www.lifeanew.org
ISBN: 13-978-1-62050-564-7
GENRE: Non-Fiction
Review originally published on Midwest Book Review; 5 stars
Publisher: Altrutech LLC

Review excerpts by Diane Donovan

"Christians with a special interest in the concept of eternal life will find Resurrect and Restore a powerful account...

Admonitions and revelations about the Holy Spirit are precise, pointed “…”

The emphasis is on personal choice and its consequences, with chapters building a Biblical foundation for their contentions, then moving into social and political arenas that link world events with Biblical insights: “….”

Building this foundation of Biblical wisdom, Paul A. Zecos provides a framework for self-assessment, social assessment, and revelation: "…"

The Biblical Foundation built here is supported by a Theory of “Dimensionality” (graphically shown as a Cross) that claims to provide a unified understanding of modern physics and of psychology.

While personal assessment is a big piece of the equation in Resurrect and Restore, there's an overriding and primary message here for politicians - which makes the title of special interest to Christian politicians and social leaders alike.

The conclusion… “…”…is a call to action."

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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 :

Sunday, September 16, 2012

KA-BOOM! Makes Big Hit with World of Ink Network

Title: KA-BOOM!

Written by: Alyce Joy
Illustrated by: Diane Lucas
Author website: http://alycejoy.com
Genre of Book: Children’s Chapter Book Fantasy Adventure
Publisher: Halo Publishing Int.
ISBN-10: 161244069X
ISBN-13: 978-1612440699
Paperback: 46 pages
Date: July 2012

Review provided by World of Ink Network

KA-BOOM! is about a little fairy named Sprout that runs into trouble quite often. She has a shoe fetish, but is one of the queen’s favorites because in the end she gets the job done.

Sprout meets a little girl named Taylor after blowing up Taylor’s dollhouse. Sprout doesn’t give up trying to get Taylor to trust her. She and Taylor finally become friends after Sprout shrinks Taylor and together they have a fantastic adventure. Taylor never thought she would be talking to Sir Leapsalot, let alone ride on his back and hopping lily pads. The message? Never give up.

Besides teaching children how to deal with fear and anger, Alyce Joy does a great job showing children how we can’t judge each other from first impressions. Children also learn friendships are something that grow as we get to know each other and face what life throws at us together.

What Others Have Said About the Book:

The author introduces some really cool vocabulary words for kids like lollapalooza and cumbersome, imperative, pathetic and many more added to a glossary of Sprout’s favorite words at the end of the book. Just think how cool that will be when you go to school and the teacher asks for words that mean the same as these and you come up with gallant for courageous or even humongous for huge. ~Fran Lewis, Book Reviewer, Author and Focus on Discussion blog talk radio host

This is a charming book that incorporates a magical fairy, adventure and a great message about having a positive attitude. You will be enchanted with Taylor and her adventures with a non-traditional fairy that has a great vocabulary! This is a perfect bedtime story that is bound to be a real page turner. ~Connie Marzullo, Principal, Sharon Center Elementary School

This is a fun book. It uses fantasy to create a sense of reality for children. The characters are colorful and invite children to create their own vision of what they look like. The word dictionary, in the back of the book, will not only define some of the words, but also provide a useful skill set for the children. A very readable book! ~Michael E. Carlson, Ed.D, Former Superintendent of Highland School System

Get a sneak peek of the book at http://youtu.be/Hq9sfmzH0-w

Available wherever books are sold and online.

About the Author:

Alyce Joy was blessed with four children for whom she composed bedtime verses every night. That inspired her to publish a children’s book of prayers, entitled, “Priceless Gems.” When her children were grown, she began to write stories for her grandchildren.

Always fascinated with arts and crafts, she taught herself the art of pyrography. This fired her imagination, and she started burning life-sized pictures of wildlife onto all the doors of her home. Her wood burnings are scattered through the U.S. and Canada.

After deciding to put away her burning tools and torches, she enrolled in, and graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Alyce Joy hopes every child who reads her stories will look forward to each new adventure, as her favorite fairy becomes entangled into many, outrageous happenstances.

Follow Alyce Joy at

Website http://alycejoy.com

Publisher http://www.halopublishing.com/bookstore/Ka-Boom

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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, September 15, 2012

Holly Fox-Vellekoop Reviews Valerie Allen's Newest Book

Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony

By Dr. Valerie Allen
Author's Web site: www.ValerieAllenWriter.com
ISBN: 9781478146117
Genre: Nonfiction-Psychology-Self-help
Reviewed originally for Amazon
Five Stars

Synopsis:

Beyond the Inkblots : Confusion to Harmony is a book of simple truths. It opens a path to calm anxiety and find inner peace. It leads the way for personal growth, understanding, and emotional strength.

At some point, we all come face to face with life's big questions dealing with who we are and what we have become. We wonder about those dreams we had and ask where are they now.

We deal with day-to-day issues of hurt, disappointment, and betrayal. We have dark days and sad times, but remarkably, we rebound and we survive. We have accomplished things great and small. We have found success. We have sipped from the cup of love and happiness.

This book offers insight into how we arrived at our place in life. It presents an opportunity to assess the choices we made that brought us to this place at this time. It offers the promise of positive change to reach our goals, find success, and experience emotional stability.

To take charge and be in control of your life, go beyond the inkblots, look deeper into yourself, and move from confusion to harmony.

Reviewed by Holly Fox-Vellekoop

Reading Dr. Allen's book is much like learning from a sage and/or having coffee with a good friend who provides practical advice and a much-needed dose of reality on topics which all of us must face in life. In these changing times, many young people and adults alike have no one to turn to for the wisdom the author imparts in this book. As Dr. Allen so aptly writes in the 'Introduction,' "This book is meant as a journey with musings about life's big questions. It is a place to begin a search and rescue mission for your true self." Read it once, read it twice, then read it again and heed the advice. Be sure to buy "Beyond the Inkblots" for your siblings, grandchildren, friends and anyone else whom you believe would enjoy a good read while gaining direction and self-discovery.

~The author may be reached on Facebook at Facebook.com/Valerie.Allen.520 . She is the author ofBeyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony, Write Publish Sell!, Summer School for Smarties, Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends, Sins of the Father,Suffer the Little Children

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Award-Winning Author Reviews Nonfiction Book on Culture

Title: What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z

Written by: Lance Johnson

Pages: 614

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN-13: 9781468172362

Published: June 2012

Reviewed by Donna McDine

Whether you are a world traveler or not Lance Johnson’s book, What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z provides an insightful first person account of his extensive world travels and experience. Cultures across our vast world often times clash because of our diverse differences and lack of understanding of one another’s customs.

Through Johnson’s willingness and openness to communicate with people throughout the world he begins with a direct and simple question, “What would you like to know about America you were always afraid of asking for fear of offending?” Intuitive conversation ensued practically every time, providing an inspiring opportunity for Johnson to learn about cultures outside his own as well as explaining American culture. Intrigued by the misconceptions foreigners have of America whether abroad or in their own travels to the United States, Johnson documented his extensive conversations resulting in the compilation of What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z.

Lance Johnson’s one-on-one conversational writing style welcomes the reader from the onset. A natural born teacher, Johnson does not preach and keeps it simple with real life examples how the American culture operates. What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z goes well beyond the misdemeanor of personal culture. For to understanding all the components of this extensive guide will educate the reader well beyond their expectations, creating an opportunity to simulate into American culture seamlessly.

What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z is the perfect guide that does not need to be read from start to finish, but rather consumed by section of interest. Get your pen, paper, and highlighter ready for I’m sure any reader will make their own notations, highlight and earmark the pages for future reference for years to come.

About The Reviewer:

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78^th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.

Her interest in history resulted in writing and publishing Powder Monkey. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, A Sandy Grave, and Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms, and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and owner of Author PR Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership. Visit www.donnamcdine.com.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Carol Parsons Reviews New Karina Fabian Title

Live and Let Fly

by Karina Fabian.

Author's Web site: http://www.karinafabian.com

ASIN: B007Y5TCHG

Genre: fantasy

Originally published on Amazon

5 stars

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing

Reviewed by Carol Parsons

My favorite dragon PI, Vern, is back in Let and Let Fly, a delightful spy spoof by Karina Fabian.Laced with tongue-in-cheek humor, this adventure tale is loaded with sparkling dialogue, and Clifford Simak followers will enjoy the lighthearted crossing of Faerie and Mundane as the “Sam Spade” of dragon detectives uses his talents in the real world.

Vern, a reformed dragon and his partner, Sister Grace take on an innocuous amusement company which serves as a cover for evil overlord antics of world domination – not just the mundane world, but faerie as well.

I’m not a fan of first person stories, but there’s just something likable?, lovable?, intriguing about getting inside a dragon’s head. Especially this one with his whimsical, sometimes pointed, perception of human versus faerie lifestyles.

Vern’s idea of the perfect working day? “The usual Monday morning activity: drug busts, thefts and muggings, the occasional prostitute. No magic. No mad science. No evil demigods bent on world domination. My kind of busy.”

My kind of dragon tale. This is a keeper and one well worth re-reading.

How you look at the world, depends on where you are.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Basked on Military Journal: Iraq, Religion and Spirituality

Title: Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire

Author: Philip Sharp

Website: http://www.windearthquakefire.com/

Genre: Iraq War/Religion & Spirituality

ISBN-13: 978-1470159986

ISBN-10: 1470159988

Synopsis

Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire is a book based on the journal Staff Sergeant Sharp wrote during his second deployment to Iraq from 2006 to 2007. The setting is in what was known as the "Triangle of Death", a hot bed of activity and sanctuary for the insurgency. The Iraqis called it, "The Graveyard of the Americans". During this deployment 21 soldiers from Task Force Polar Bear (4-31 Infantry, Fort Drum, NY) were killed, 3 were captured, and far more were wounded. It is in these conditions that Staff Sergeant Sharp recorded his events, reflected on the reality of life, and vented over the circumstances. You will see the daily life of combat soldiers and the conditions they worked under. Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire is not just a book about the Iraq War; it is also a testimony of a soldier's walk with God during those times. Philip Sharp carefully recounts many spiritual lessons that he learned while deployed and appeals to the reader to see God in their everyday circumstances.

Author Biography

Philip Sharp has served for 20 years in the US Army Infantry during which he graduated from Ranger School, completed 22 parachute jumps, and served as a Drill Sergeant. He has worked in a variety of locations to include South Korea and the jungles of Panama. He deployed to Iraq three separate times from 2003 until 2010. He has published articles and war game simulations in Strategy & Tactics magazine and currently is a contributing columnist for Modern War magazine. Philip is retired from active duty service and now lives in West Virginia with his wife Heather and four children were they are creating an all-natural farm and serving in church ministries.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Terry Whalin's Jumpstart Will Jumpstart Any Author's Book

Title: Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams
Subtitle: Insider Secrets to Skyrocket Your Success
By Terry Whalin
Publisher: WTW Press, Scottsdale, AZ
Author’s Web Site: http://jumpstartdreams.com
ISBN :9781935085546
Available on Amazon
Also available as an Audio Book
Review originally published on Amazon

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, multi award-winning author of fiction, poetry, and the HowToDoItFrugally Series, one series for writers, one for retailers

Terry Whalin’s Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams is a book that can truly give any writing career a nudge, but it will be invaluable to those who write nonfiction. For inspiration we have a foreword that tells the unforgettable success story of the Chicken Soup series from Mark Victor Hanson. It illustrates his theory that persistence counts. He says, "I believe if at first you don’t succeed, so what?” He also uses his story to show writers how we must be ready to change our course if we want to succeed.

So here’s the thing. Once you’ve hopped on the wagon to success like Hanson suggests, Terry Whalin tells you how to steer it, how to keep it in repair, even how to put it in the race. You’ll learn how

· to plan,

· how to get experience,

· how to strengthen your story,

· how to build your platform,

· why you should get an agent

· and how to get a good one.

Even better. Whalin provides resources to help you along the way. Both in this book and to reliable sites online including his own helpful blogs and Web site. It sort of doubles the bang for the buck...er, book.

And here’s the real beauty of this book. It is based on Whalin’s real life experience in the publishing industry. We should not take lightly the advice offered by someone who knows, rather than someone who has merely researched, stirred, and served up the same old, same old hash.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson an author who has published every which way—from self-publishing to traditional. And in many genres—from poetry to nonfiction including the multi award-winning Frugal Book Promoter. She has taught for nearly a decade at UCLA Extension renowned Writers’ Program and was named Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by members of the California Legislature. She reviews books on writers' craft and marketing.

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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 :

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