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, March 18, 2013

Fun and Educational Novel Set in Utah


Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys
By Janet Kay Jensen
Author: Janet Kay Jensen
Author's Web site: www.janetjensen.com
Genre: literary fiction, cultural fiction
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort
 
 
 Reviewed by Christopher C. Y. Loke, originally for Amazon
 
 
Janet's debut novel proves to be a brilliant piece of work with all its characters well depicted and its story masterfully crafted. One word of caution: Do not expect to be bored!

"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is not your typical LDS/Christian romance; it is a piece of fiction that not only focuses on a wonderful plot and convincing characters, it is also a novel that finds victory in its use of words. Janet beautifully-composed sentences read poetically and are measured with intricate details and care. Although the relationship between the two lead characters is the driving force of the story, the real core of the novel lies in the underlying theme that continues to play masterfully between the lines--the true meaning of family, love, redemption and forgiveness. It is not a story about a group of Mormons; on the contrary, it is about a group of ordinary people who happen to be of the Mormon faith. Janet plays with her theme wittily, teasing the reader with traditional tales and urban myths about Mormons and polygamy. I will not expose the plot here for everyone; it will only take away the pleasure of your reading. Instead, I will tell you this: if this novel were to be a movie, it will definitely be Oscar-worthy. A literary fiction at its best, perhaps the best contemporary LDS fiction in years. I would read and reread a certain passage just to savor it before moving on to the next best passage. Janet is a promising writer who will undoubtedly break into the general market in no time. And this is a promise.
 
~Janet Kay Jensen is also the coauthor of  The Book Lover’s Cookbook
and author of Gabriel’s Daughters (Jolly Fish Press, 2013). The sequal or "Mormon Boys" will soon be available.
 

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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, March 16, 2013

An Abduction Revelation
by Thomas Hay
Author website: www.thomaslhay.com
Genre: Science Fiction based on memoir
ISBN: 978-1-4525-5956-8 (e)
978-1-4525-5957-5 (sc)

 

Reviewed by Michala Teelucksingh orignally BiteMyBook 
Rating: 8.5 out of 10

 

 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAawt51oIiEv5rx-j0mXln6Za8591xWcc1e33o2ygsXp7pN1FUqfrWrhJDnAq0KXM1kPjJFzatWhXCMNdXg8bfqDZ5L271XNId08nYRK6uLi-d0zE5cM-afkUgK_zvW83AnoBNlcF192t/s1600/abduction+2.jpgReviewed by Michala Teelucksingh.

I must admit I struggled a bit over this book. I didn't struggle with reading it. Reading it was easy as the author made the story relatable to people, often times reminiscing about his past as he built his way to the meat of the story. Consider it an appetizer portion to the main course. LOL No, what I struggled with was whether the writer intended to make this a ‘real’ memoir, such as creative nonfiction-ish or whether it was all meant to be an attractive fantasy/sci-fi imaginative tale.

The reason why I say this is because the story is so very ‘real’ in the sense of his backstory. I could completely close my eyes and conjure up the scenery and the things he was speaking about. These memoirs are truly very realistic to a point and then you sorta start wading through the murkiness of what is fact and what is fiction. THIS is the true appeal of the entire novel. You’ve been reading so much that sounds real that when the writer throws you a curve ball you have to blink, stand back, and say…is that for real? This was the genius part to the book.

See, the author penned his memoirs and then he seemingly unearthed memories buried deep within his subconscious. He can’t be sure…but he has to trust his mind…and all those memories, but it’s difficult because his memories are telling him he’s been abducted by aliens. Whoa? What? Yeah…really, an alien abduction is sifting through his inner workers and is resurfacing.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ_sZP1q0tVSs5WXxDatbNICErEmTTDH2vZPmSQ2TXmNx8slj9MEvu9cZyNtz544zLHj1akftaUf8eUSUImM_g03Wg9d1Ix55Cc2r8WiNMCAadoad-lAyXw6Z8dweKjNIVci964uw8EQj/s1600/thomas+hay.jpgReading through his ‘growing up’ stage in Missouri seems like it’s simply a memoir and nothing but….but it’s really much more. There is reasoning and while you are pondering through his life…and recollecting pieces of your own, the author is setting up for the bigger stage. I can’t tell you exactly how the story takes a wide turn and begins the eccentric and bizarre road that includes aliens, time travel, and more. (Remember, I don’t do spoilers!)

I suggest you set time away and read it as much as you can during one book reading. If you space the readings out you are likely to lose connection with the importance of the smaller plots and how they arrive to the real storyline. Take it on vacation with you, or on that long car ride you have, or the next time you have two or three days off in a roll. Dedicate yourself to it because if and when you do, you’re in for a very unique ride of your life. You’ll be left wanting to explore parts of your own life, search for parts and places around the world, and you’ll be challenged by the question…was this real?
 

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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, March 14, 2013

New Satircal Novel Has Fun with Baseball

Strike Five
By Aaron T Knight
ISBN-13: 978-1478303275  ISBN-10: 1478303271 
Genre: Humor / Satire / Sports
Author on Amazon

Available for Kindle
 
Reviewed by George Smith, originally for Amazon


Be careful what you wish for. Your dream might come true. This is a humorous story about Chad Smith who had his greatest hope fulfilled but with results he could never have imagined. His ambition was to play ball in the Major League. Only one thing held him back from playing professional baseball in the majors. Through a freak accident this shortcoming is removed but the transformation leads to an unorthodox style of play. His success arouses a number of emotions in the other players, team managers and owners of the baseball teams. He is swept away into a beehive of  contraversy.
 
There's an old saying that if wishes were horses, beggars would ride free. Translating that metaphor into the world of professional baseball, the author crafts a unique and genuinely hilarious sports novel in which it is clear almost from the get go that you should expect the unexpected.

Some achieve sports proficiency through hard work or innate talent. Others arrive as the result of a fluke. When our protagonist's twist of fate renders him a valuable commercial property, albeit a controversial one, many merely want to exploit him for immediate gain, while others believe that accepting a highly unorthodox road to fame and victory may come at the expense of the heart and soul of the sport.

This is a great fantasy for every sports fan who harbors just a little bit of Walter Mitty deep down inside them. It can be fun to play "what if?" when the consequences are entirely fictional. Three strikes and you're out of the real game, of course. But in our dreams and aspirations, we all long for a second chance, another at bat, that extra inning before it's time to go home.

Every sports fan who has contemplated going beyond being a mere spectator will identify with some of the fully formed characters in this devilishly clever story. The story unfolds in a rollicking manner which enables the reader to visualize making their dreams come true, stepping up to the plate, and slugging the ball out of the park. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, and, in a way, I am sorry that it did! That's a clear indication of a fully realized book in which both the characters and circumstances have truly come alive.
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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, March 12, 2013

Satirical Fiction Will Make Ken Kesey Cuckoo with Envy

Title: Foxavier and Plinka
Author: Scott Talbot Evans
Author's Website: http://FoxavierAndPlinka.blogspot.com
Link to buy page on Amazon
Genre: Fiction, humor, satire, comtemporary psychological
SBN: 9781478311782
Reviewer's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Nick Rebori originally for Amazon

A whimsical tale from an institute that would have Ken Kesey Cuckoo with jealousy. From the twisted (in the BEST way) mind of Scott Evans comes this soon to be classic tale of love and cookies. You, too, should be committed if you don't wisely invest the cost of an angus burger in expanding your mind through this delightful story. If that doesn't convince you, have one of these Kooky cookies and think it over.

About the Author
 
Author was educated at the University of Rochester and Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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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, March 8, 2013

Amber Barr Reviews Horror Novel

Title: Red LoveAuthor: Rayme MichaelsLink: http://lulu.com/spotlight/Rayme
Genre
: HorrorISBN: 978-1-105-90845-3

Reviewer: Amber L. Barr, originally for Vampire and Immortal Books.com


Rayme Michaels's Red Love is an unparalleled thrill-ride that explores a dark and deadly—often borderline psychotic—vampire world. Mr. Michaels's characters are brash, maniacal, quarrelsome, and fanatical, which makes for an explosive combination once he adds in their predatory tendencies, blood-thirsty appetites, and sensuous natures. Mr. Michaels weaves a world that examines taboo themes such as power, religion, sex, death, and the internal struggle to find satisfaction in this life in primitive yet provocative ways. Rayme Michaels's Red Love is a refreshing deviation in a "method" saturated paranormal romance market. Michaels is a new author to watch...
Copyright 2012 by Amber L. Barr www.vampireandimmortalbooks.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, March 7, 2013

Book on Book Marketing Strategy Reviewed

 


 
Title: A Year of Book Marketing-Part 1
Author: Heather Hart
Author's Web site: http://authorshart.com
Genre: Nonfiction/book marketing
ASIN: B00AVGUSVO

Reviewed by D'vorah Lansky, bestselling author of Book Marketing Made Easy



Review:
 
A Year of Book Marketing: Part 1, walks the reader through an extremely rich collection of strategies that will provide increased exposure to new audiences. Enjoy these monthly marketing activities, based on calendar sensitive events, to comprehensive lists and how-to tips. From there, the author, Heather Hart, provides an entire year's work of daily book marketing strategies along with an inspiring and related quote.

This book is a gem! Pick up your copy today and be sure to let your author friends know about this powerful guide!


Link to the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AVGUSVO
 

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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, March 6, 2013

World of Ink Tours Women's Novel

Title of Book: Gabriela and The Widow
Author: Jack Remick
Author Website: http://jackremick.com
Blog Address: http://bobandjackswritingblog.com
Twitter URL: @jackremick
Publisher: Coffeetown Press
ISBN Number: ISBN: 978-1-60381-147-7
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Genre of Book: women’s literary fiction

Review provided by: World of Ink Network


About the Book:

Through the intimate bond of a companion and benefactor, Gabriela reconciles the painful experiences of her youth as she is reshaped by the Widow, La Viuda. Together, day after day, night after night, La Viuda immerses Gabriela in lists, boxes, places, times, objects, photos, and stories, captivating and life-changing stories. It seems Gabriela is not just hired to cook and clean; she has been chosen to curate La Viuda’s mementos while taking care of the old woman’s failing health. “As you grow thick, I grow thin,” says the widow, portending the secret of immortality that will overtake both women.


Gabriela and The Widow is the story of Gabriela, a 19 year old Mexican woman who migrates north (to El Norte) where she meets a dying 92 year old woman, The Widow. The novel is their story.

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Book:

Each character in the story feels real, even the ones we only meet for a short time. You can hear, see and feel them moving about as Gabriela slowly finds her way, both in life and internally. You will feel the deepness of this young girl and her desire to find a place to call home. A safe place she can finally put down roots and build a future. The widow also has deepness to her. She draws you in and as this happens, you feel her arms encircling you, comforting you just as a grandmother would. However, you can feel through this wisdom a sadness. Maybe it is her desire to pass down her life, strength and memories...or maybe it is a slight weakness knowing her life is coming to the end. I really can't say as each reader will see and feel something different depending on their own life's journey. ~The Writing Mama (http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com)

 
Although some might not enjoy this story, the reader would be lax if he or she could not acknowledge the skill and talent of the author in weaving this complex story in such a direct and graphic way. It is a master tale by a master talent. ~Terri Forehand (http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com)

 
Faces in the mirror might deceit us all, as the distortions are many and the exaggerations great when viewing and image from different angles. Life is a deception, we all endure pain, degradation at times but the unbreakable bond between these two women will endure. Two women caught up in their own final journeys in different ways in order to find a new path in life. ~Fran Lewis (http://gabina49.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/gabriela-and-the-widow-five-stars/)

 
About the Author:

Jack Remick is a poet, short story writer, and novelist. In 2012, Coffeetown Press published the first two volumes of Jack’s California Quartet series, The Deification and Valley Boy. The final two volumes will be released in 2013: The Book of Changes and Trio of Lost Souls. Blood, A Novel was published by Camel Press, an imprint of Coffeetown Press, in 2011. You can find Jack online at http://jackremick.com

Learn more about Jack Remick, his books, and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/akw7kk6

 Submitted by:

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com


Virginia S Grenier
Founder & Partner, World of Ink Network

Bringing Authors and Readers Together


Office: 435-625-1743



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Award-winning Author & Editor

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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.