Washington Post Writer Reviews Book with Mythic Theme

Book title: Antigone & Creon: Guardians of Thebes

Book authors: Victoria Grossack & Alice Underwood
Authors’ website: www.tapestryofbronze.com
Genre: Historical fiction
ISBN: 978-1482794410
Purchase on Amazon

Reviewed by  Steve Donoghue originally for Amazon

Whether you know the story of stubborn, righteous Antigone from your high school exposure to the great Sophocles play or whether you've been following the "Tapestry of Bronze" series from the beginning (wise you, if so - each book in the series is great), "Guardians of Thebes" will mightily please you! Here the age-old story - Antigone determined to honor her fallen brother, King Creon equally determined to mete out unthinkable penalties for treason - is clothed in vibrant dialogue and insightful character psychology, and the bare bones of the narrative are fleshed out with a rich supporting cast and just enough variations to keep even the most classically-minded reader wondering what might happen next. This latest volume in the "Tapestry of Bronze" series can be read independently of its predecessors - but if you're a fan of historical fiction and haven't read these books, you should treat yourself to the whole set without delay!

 

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Steve Donoghue writes regularly for The National, Kirkus Reviews, and The Washington Post, reviews frequently for Open Letters Monthly (where he’s also the Managing Editor), and is the US/Worldwide editor for the Indie branch of the Historical Novels Review.

 

----- 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.

Amazon Reviewer Gives Bonny Brooks' Memoir Enthusiastic Stars

Title: Linked Lives

 

Author: Bonny Brooks

Author's Web site links:

• www.Wizard-of-Words.com
• www.facebook.com/BonnyBrookes

Publisher: Wizard of WordsGenre or category: Memoir, Interpersonal Relationships, 

ISBN: 0-9661342-1-4
Purchase as:

Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4448663
Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDUTW82

Book Trailer (Video): http://youtu.be/wE_GNBcNCkI

 

 

 

Reviewed by Grace Marshall originally for Amazon

 

Reviewer's rating: 5-Star

Reading Linked Lives reminded me of my own dear friend Charlene who died way too soon. Like Bonny and Lori, Charlene and I had a friendship that lasted many years, through husbands, pregnancies, children, job changes, and tragedies. Bonny's book brought it all back to me, and I must admit, I grieved again for the friendship that enriched my life. Bonny Brooks wrote this book to honor her friend Lori and in doing so has reminded us all of the beauty and joy of long-term friendships. I enthusiastically give this book five stars. I finished it with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

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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.

Lynnette Phillips Reviews Women's Fiction

Relative Identity

Author: Holly Patrone
Author's Web site: http://www.hpatrone.com/
Genre: Women's Fiction
ISBN-10: 1934606413
ASIN: B00AQQDNXO
Publisher: Tag Publishing, LLC
Available in Kindle and paperback versions at Amazon

 

Reviewed by Lynnette Phillips originally for her BookWorld Blog

I’m so glad to see this award winning sequel published. Holly Patrone guarantees this to be a laugh-out-loud novel and like the first in the April Serao series it definitely does not disappoint.

 

Holly Patrone has mastered the art of seeing the laughter in any situation and is able to pass it on to her readers. If there can be an upside to losing the love of your life and going on to raise your sons without him this storyteller has found it. Or does she have to (or want to) go on without him after all?

 

April’s adventures are joined by various cohorts including her mother “the original Sicilian Guilt Trip Queen”, a tattoo artist, a new boyfriend and her sons and co-workers.

In the second in the series April is shocked to find her mailbox unexpectedly stuffed with collection notices for things she never bought, April is beginning to suspect she’s the victim of identity theft. Before she can even being to get things straightened out, her son Chris’ car is repossessed, her house is vandalized and she’s arrested for assault with deadly tweezers. Frustrated with the lack of help through official channels and angry that her life has been turned upside down by someone she doesn’t even know, April decides to track down the perpetrator herself. 

What ensues is a wacky madcap adventure as April tries to unravel the truth and still juggle her chaotic life which includes answering questions such as: 
Is there ever a good reason to purchase a feather trimmed bustier and a meat grinder at the same time? Can voodoo dolls cause collateral damage? What do Cherry Cola Red #17 hair dye and the paint for April’s car have in common? 

The escapades flow and intertwine with each other, all the time leaving you grinning from ear to ear, leading you through the bewitching page turning fun.

If you need a star rating to enjoy a book this one gets 4+ stars but I’ll just recommend you don’t miss the guffaws and fun to be had.

More About Reviewer Lynnette Phillips

BookWorldMarketing.com (Book Marketing and Promotion)

http://lynnettesbookworld.blogspot.com/ (Book Reviews, Author Spotlights and More)

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

 

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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.

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

 

 

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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.