The New Book Review

Friday, November 8, 2013

Editor Reviews Author's Second Suspense Thriller and Cries for More

Title – "The Cardholder"

Author – Kelly O’Callan

Author's Web site

Publisher: Kelly O'Callan; First edition (November 8, 2013)

Genre or category – Fiction, suspense,

ISBN/EAN13:

149352173X / 9781493521739

Available on Amazon

Kindle ASIN: B00GDQD4SK

Link to purchase on Kindle

Link to purchase on Nook

Reviewed by Nina Meditz, Editor

I am Nina Meditz, editor and friend of the author, Kelly O'Callan. Her first book, Breaking Limbo, was published just two months ago. Kelly has just released her second book, The Cardholder. To say that I am even more enthusiastic about this book is an understatement. So far I have read it four times and am so excited that it is finally ready for the public. To be honest, not only could I not put this book down, but I asked Kelly to please consider following it up with a sequel, it's that good!

The Cardholder is a psychological suspense book. Psychologist, Maggie Simmons, is a marriage/couples therapist who has been rated number one in her city of Philadelphia. She is happily married with one son, and it seems her life is perfect. Then one day a new patient, Mickey Dillon, arrives in her office with an unusual request for help. At first Maggie hesitates, but her ego will not allow her to refuse the challenge before her. Maggie agrees to help Mickey, but in order to ensure success, she violates some serious ethical practices, including involving her sister, Annie. The more she crosses professional lines, the deeper in trouble she gets. Until one day her whole world, as she knew it, falls totally apart and she loses everything.

The story has an unusual twist and surprise ending that you will never expect! It leaves the reader wanting more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly’s love affair with novel writing began with an English class in college, when she penned her first contemporary fiction novel, “Other People”. Shortly afterwards, she wrote the suspense-filled psychological thriller,“The Cardholder”. Feeling she had a wonderful gift to share – storytelling fused with fruitful life lessons for mankind- she became a member of the Bucks County Writers Room and attended several Philadelphia Writers Conferences.

Kelly’s pursuit of publication was put on hold when she suffered two disabling car accidents in less than a year, requiring over twenty surgeries within a six year period. In the meantime, she married and is raising two boys in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. After a ten year hiatus, she published her first book, “Breaking Limbo”, a paranormal psychological thriller, in September, 2013. Now, after many years of sitting on the shelf, "The Cardholder," is finally making it's debut! And, Kelly is working on getting "Other People" ready for publication for the spring of 2014.

You can read my review of Kelly's first novel, "Breaking Limbo" at http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/2013/09/editor-is-fan-and-reviewer-for-new.html

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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.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Maggy Downey Reviews Nonfiction Inspiration at Perfect Time

Title: Heaven is for Real

Author: Todd Burpo

Website: http://heavenisforreal.net/

ISBN-10: 0849946158

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Real-Little-Astounding-Story/dp/0849946158

Genre of book: Nonfiction

Reviewed by Maggy Downey originally for her Maggy Downey blog

Heaven Really is for Real

What I needed as a side companion reading Heaven is for Real while commuting to and from work was a box of Kleenex. I cried like a child reading many sections of this book.

For two years I planned to read this book, but I just got around to it now. And boy am I glad I did. This is just the spiritual inspiration I need in my life at this very moment.

This true story about Colton Burpo’s visit to heaven and his encounter with Jesus Christ happened when he almost died of a ruptured appendix at just three-years-old. During his visitation to heaven, Colton attended school and meet John the Baptist and family members who passed on well before he was even a thought in the physical world. He even got to meet a sister he never knew he had.

After his recovery, bit by bit, Colton started to share various aspects of his encounter in heaven with Todd and Sonja Burpo, his parents. At first Colton’s parents, paid their toddler no mind and chalked up his evangelistic ministering to great Sunday School teachings, but as the stories became more detailed, complex and way too sophisticated for any three-year-old to comprehend, let alone retain, Todd began to probe his son on theological doctrine only to discover his son was indeed in heaven.

This beautiful revelation of Colton’s is delicately unwrapped in Heaven is for Real. It is inspirational for Christians, non-Christians, agnostics and atheists. Readers get a firsthand account of a toddler’s journey into the supernatural world and the solidification and confidence of his father’s faith in our creator.

The events of Colton’s encounter in heaven were not shared with his parents in one sitting, but throughout the course of a few years after his surgery. This is one of the reasons why it took as long as it did for Colton’s father to write a book on it.

I can’t see anyone not being blessed after reading this book. This is one book that will not disappoint.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Prolific Reviewer Likes Sci-Fi with Twins Protagonists

Title: Division

Author: Karen A. Wyle
Author’s Web site link: http://www.KarenAWyle.net
Division’s Web page: http://www.KarenAWyle.net/division.html )
Available for e-books at http://amazon.com/Division-ebook/dp/B00G82BBQQ/
In other countries it is available at http://smarturl.it/Division
Genre: Near-future science fiction

Fascinatingpresent-day drama with just a touch of the future

Reviewed by Sheila Deeth

Twins share many things, but Karen Wyle's novel, Division, explores what happens when twins grow up sharing even more than most, including the same body. Gordon and Johnny are so close they cannot move apart, but so separate that a lifetime of compromise can't keep them together. With different interests and different attitudes to life, they've lived as closely joined as two people can be and have learned to dream and cope. Meanwhile the girl next door has become their closest ally and friend. Their mother quietly supports and encourages. And adulthood looms large.

Particularly convincing is the small-town feel of a place where conjoined boys are just two guys in the graduating class, and tourists' stares are a hazard of summer sun. But a near-future world is changing around these boys, offering possibilities previously unknown. They travel, go to court, argue, laugh, and seem so achingly real in their conflict that readers will genuinely wonder whose side to take. Is it more stubborn to change, or stay the same? Is it cruel to think of your own needs above your twin's? Is it more honest to stay with the past, or to reach for future's promise? And where will we, or our future selves, draw the line in moral debate?

The story's as convincing in its court scenes as in the home, or on the road. The characters are just as human when they're friends as when they're foes. And the future world has no easier answers than the present day after all. But the questions will leave readers pondering possibilities and implications.

Beautifully researched and convincingly told, this novel reads like a present day drama with just a touch of the future--just enough to make us question the present more truly. I really enjoyed it.

Disclosure: The author kindly offered me a free ecopy because I'd enjoyed her work in the past.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Sheila is a Top 1000 Reviewer and a Vine Voice on Amazon and also reviews for her blog, Goodreads, and others. Learn more about her at:

www.KarenAWyle.net

www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle

Friday, November 1, 2013

Author Shares Expat Ideas from Costa Rica

Title: Retiring in Costa Rica or Doctors, Dogs or Pura Vida

Author: Helen Dunn Frame

Website: www.helendunnframe.com

Category: Self-help (part of doing due diligence for retirement)ISBN: 9781479126095

Amazon Author's Page with second edition: https://www.amazon.com/author/helendunnframe.com

Reviewed by Margaret Hegboum

Helen Dunn Frame's extensive background traveling and living abroad eminently qualifies her to advise on what it takes to "do it right." Although it's been said that there's no teacher like experience, getting a first-hand account of life in Costa Rica from an intelligent, experienced, and articulate source such as this writer runs a very close second. Consistent with my own much more limited experience (I lived in France for a year), her emphasis that having the right attitude: willingness to adapt, to learn the language and to keep an open mind, is indispensable to making a success of living in a foreign country, is right on the mark. It certainly made all the difference for me. The same thing is true for her admonition that in essence moving to "paradise" isn't going to magically "fix" everything if you have problems you're trying to escape dealing with. In other words, be realistic in your expectations.

The book, Retiring in Costa Rica or Doctors, Dogs and Pura Vida, is exhaustively researched, comprehensive and detailed-chock full of information, with scores of references on where to go to find more. The uninitiated visitor/immigrant could stumble and fumble around the country for weeks or months and still not succeed in acquiring the wealth of knowledge contained in this book. It's a tremendous head start on understanding how life "works" in CR. In addition, there are interesting anecdotes, warmth, and humor. The author's affection for Costa Rica and its people ("warts and all") shines through - tempered with a healthy dose of practicality. Reading the book is a bit like having an enjoyable conversation with a good friend over coffee. I had a hard time laying it down.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen Dunn Frame
Retiring in Costa Rica or Doctors, Dogs and Pura Vida (Second Edition); Greek Ghosts Website: www.helendunnframe.com Author's Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/helendunnframe.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetiringInCostaRicaOrDoctorsDogsAndPuraVida

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Tour for Council of LIght Gets You Freebies with Order

The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul
by bestselling author Danielle Rama Hoffman.

Submitted by Denise Cassino

I've found a book I think you'll really enjoy and find very beneficial. It's The Counil of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul by bestselling author Danielle Rama Hoffman.

Order your copy today and receive exciting gifts from 60 amazing transformational leaders, including a fabulous bonus from me!

Click here for more information, free gifts and ordering

(www.counciloflightbook.com)

The book brings you:

· Galactic teachings and practices to raise your vibrational energy and create a life of joy, abundance, and ease

· Provides direct transmissions of spiritual technology from the Council of Light to activate the 11 Rays of Light

· Reveals that by shifting your consciousness and raising your inner vibration, you can change your daily life experience and manifest the life you want

· Includes guided journeys and exercises to manifest health, wealth, happiness, and purpose and to form a direct connection with the Council of Light

Through her advanced spiritual work with Thoth, Danielle was introduced to the Council of Light—an intergalactic group of thousands of light beings from across the Multiverse. Their purpose is to support individuals as they shift into Unity Consciousness and return to their natural state of joy. The Council transmitted the teachings in this book for those seeking to accelerate their journey toward health, wealth, happiness, and their soul’s deepest desires.

Here's what Dr. Pat Bacilli has to say about the book:

Danielle has done it again! The Council of Light invites us to live in the space that is our Divine Birthright, JOY. This is more than a book—it is an experience! It is one of the much-needed reads of our time to move beyond fear, shame, guilt, and blame. This book is transformative for anyone who chooses a life of happiness and abundance."

~Pat Bacilli, PhD, host of The Dr. Pat Show

Offering an opportunity to form a direct connection with the Council of Light, this book provides practical tools to move from a life of worry, debt, exhaustion, and isolation to one of joy, abundance, purpose, ease, and connectedness, with a team of Divine supporters to assist you along the way.

When you are connected to your expanded self you are in tune with the larger picture of your life--of your soul's evolution, of your past experiences, of having purpose, and of everything that has happened in your life being the best thing that could have ever happened. It is this expanded state that allows you to be neutral enough to decide that everything in your life is good and is a reason for joy.

Sonia Choquette, author of Trust Your Vibes and the New York Times Bestseller The Answer Is Simple says:

"The Council of Light is a brilliant gift from the Universe to all those who are ready to heal their hearts, receive the blessings of love and abundance, and elevate their human experience to a divine level. I loved it and so will you."

And, if you order the book today, you'll receive more than 60 downloadable bonus gifts from many of Danielle's gifted colleagues.

Click here for more information, free gifts & ordering

-----

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, October 29, 2013

Children's Book on Love Inspiring

Title: How Long Will You Love Me?

Author & Illustrator: Patti Brassard Jefferson
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
Genre: Children's book
ISBN Number: ISBN: 9781612441658
Publication Date: June 2013
BONUS: Each page also has a heart drawn in it somewhere. While they are not very difficult to find, the search will also take the reader through some of the other subtle jokes such as a banner behind the bunny band that promotes Carrot-oke or a whale who's reading Moby Dick on the beach.

Places where available for sale:

www.howlongwillyouloveme.com

www.halopublishing.com/bookstore

http://www.amazon.com/author/pbj

www.bn.com

Author Website: www.HowLongWillYouLoveMe.com

Blog Address: www.1crayonshort.blogspot.com
Twitter URL: pbjmosaic
Facebook URL: facebook.com/pbrassard
Facebook Fan Page URL: facebook.com/howlongwillyouloveme

What started as a single drawing for a Valentine's Day card, has slowly, but oh so surely, become Jefferson’s debut book.

About the Book:

Whether it's a question from a child to a parent or an adult to their significant other, the question “How long will you love me?” probably gets asked more than you think...even if it just stays in your head and you are the only one who hears it. Patti Brassard Jefferson's creative first book starts with the question and each page gives a warm, rhythmic reassurance --- "I promise I will love you 'til..." It's the perfect book to read to someone to let them know your love is endless.

So, just how long WILL I love you? The answer is perfectly clear in this book!

EXCERPT:

"I promise I will love you

'til the oceans turn to sand

and all the whales and dolphins

are laying out to tan."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rURvHEDnCfM

About the Author: Patti Brassard Jefferson lives under a palm tree in sunny Florida with her husband, Ken and their 2 rescued mutts. How Long Will You Love Me is the first children's book that PBJ has written and illustrated. She began drawing when she was a little girl and forgot to stop when she grew up. She thinks doodling is a lost art and has a special place in her heart for the smell of a new box of crayons.

More details: Patti Brassard was born in upstate NY in 1962 but moved with her military family to Virginia when she was 11 years old. She always loved art in school but never gave a thought to making it a career until she started college in 1980. With no idea where a Fine Arts degree would take her, she instead studied Media Arts Advertising and after graduation, started her own graphic design company so that she could continue to be a work-at-home mother to her daughter Nikki.

It was while Nikki was learning to read that Patti mocked up her first book aimed at teaching pre-readers the alphabet. She only shared it with her daughter and her kindergarten class. It was very well received but Patti never pursued the project any further.

Over the following years Patti opened a paint-it-yourself pottery studio and got back to being involved in more artistic endeavors. In 2010, she remarried and added Jefferson to her name: Patti Brassard Jefferson. They moved to the Florida Keys with their two rescued dogs, Marley & Mollie, and she opened an art gallery.

While in Florida, she decided to dust off unfinished children's book project that she had put on the shelf. It had started as a Valentines card years before and had morphed into the beginning of a book. Over the next 2 years, Patti worked on the illustrations and adding more pages. It was finished in October 2012 but she had no idea what the next step was. A friend and fellow author had just self-published a novel so Patti did some research. She decided to start a Kick Starter campaign to raise the funds necessary to self-publish her book. The campaign launched in April of 2013 and funded 30 days later. She signed with Halo Publishing International and the book was released in June!

You can find out more about Patti Brassard Jefferson, her work and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/pxvhsc7

Submitted byVirginia S Grenier

Founder & Partner,

World of Ink Network

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

Bringing Authors and Readers Together

http://worldofinknetwork.com

Office: 435-625-1743

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

Award-winning Author & Editor

http://vsgrenier.com

Member of League of Utah Writers/HWG chapter

http://heritagewriters.tripod.com

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Maggy Downey "Fell in Love" with This Book!

Title: The Girl Who Could Fly

Author: Victoria Forrester

http://www.victoriaforester.com/home.html

ISBN: 0312602383

Reviewer Name: Maggy Downey

Link: http://maggydowney.blogspot.ca/

Originally published: http://maggydowney.blogspot.ca/

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Who-Could-Fly/dp/0312602383

Genre of book: Children, fantasy

Hooray for the Girl How Could Fly

Let me start off by saying Victoria Forrester is an exceptional storyteller.

Eleven-year-old Piper McCloud lives in Lowland County on a farm. She has been gifted with the extraordinary ability to fly since birth.

When Piper learns about her unique talent she decides to hone her God-given gift by flying from her parent’s roof top. That is until her parents learn about it and put a complete stop to it, well they tried to anyway. But like any tenacious child that went in one ear and came out the other. ‘How could she stop flying? She was made for this,’ Piper thought.

However, when the people in Lowland County learn about this the gossip mill goes so far out that it reaches the headquarters of the Institute of Normalcy, Stability, And Non-Exceptionality (I.N.S.A.N.E), a government institute for children with extraordinary talents. Naturally, Piper becomes the latest recruit to join this talented pool of children.

Happy to be surrounded with children like herself, Piper settles into her new life at I.N.S.A.N.E. But just before she becomes all-too comfortable, her fairy-tale world begins to crumble, leaving her with shattered dreams and an urgency to get back home to her once simple life.

This story is so gorgeous and rich with quality writing. I could not put this book down. Each page came to life for me. It is a turn pager for sure. I fell absolutely in love with the children, especially Conrad. There was a poignant part in the book that just left my heart broken in two.

I highly recommend The Girl Who Could Fly for children both young and young at heart.

I hope she makes this into a series.

SUBMITTED BY Maggy Downey.

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