Tales2Inspire ~ The Crystal Collection

ISBN-10: 1518678793

ISBN-13: 978-1518678790

Tales2Inspire ~ The Crystal Collection 

by winning authors of the 2015 Tales2Inspire contest

Created by Lois W. Stern

Genre: humor, Inspirational, Non-fiction, Short Story Collection

Reviews

Mort Laitner,

Author of "A Hebraic Obsession”

Tales2inspire's Crystal Collection A Winner----A Five Star Review

Having read the Crystal Collection, I pondered, "This book just managed to strike my funny bone, touch my heart and tickle my brain in one quick reading. A trifecta of good emotions in one collection of short stories. This collection of antidotes searches your body to find your ulnar nerve (funny bone). The ulnar is an easy target because it is the largest unprotected nerve in the human body. (Google it) Many of the stories smack your ulnar nerve forcing you to laugh-out-loud. Therefore, I highly recommend this book because it is very humorous or in body-language terms "very humerus."

Linda Maria Frank

Author of the Annie Tillery Mystery Series , Host of The Writers Dream cable TV show

The crystal is the perfect representation for the humorous stories in this Tales2Inspire Crystal Collection. These stories are well formed observations, funny with sharp edges. Crystals, too, are perfectly geometric and precise, enabling the viewer to look through them and see the world from a different perspective.

Lois Paige Simenson

Author, playwright, frequent blogger as The Alaska Philosophaster, sharing humorous aspects about her life in Alaska

This Tales2Inspire Crystal Collection shimmers with humorous truths, some hard won, and all well worth reading. These entertaining stories take readers on amusing excursions, whether it’s having lunch with Betty Friedan or sharing a Valentines Day with Sonny and Cher. You will chuckle at the stories of a dentist’s revenge, chicken zombies, vengeful appliances, and ant invaders; and you’ll nod in agreement at the laughable joys of grandparenting and the challenges of living alone. You’ll enter The Crystal Collection with pleasure and leave with a smile in your heart.

Micki Peluso, writer, journalist and author of And the Whippoorwill Sang

Lois W. Stern, creator of ‘winning stories by talented authors from across the globe’, has outdone herself with her latest collection of stories; the first collection ever of strictly humorous stories. As author and publisher Stern admits, funny stories are more difficult to write, edit and judge since what strikes one person's funny bone might go right over the head of another. This is not the case with these unique stories encompassing all walks of life, and unusual situations — did I mention funny?

My personal favorite, the story about a ’chicken zombie’ is a laugh out loud story that is almost unbelievable. I know I'll never feel the same toward chicken again. In another story, leaving two little girls alone with gallons of different colors of paint makes one smile. One story proves with slapstick humor that machines can be extremely mean to young housewives. 

“You can't spell ‘DON’T without ‘DO’” is proven in a hysterical short story about a young boy who cleverly beats the system, avoiding punishment. “Love in Bloom . . . Remembering When” is a sweet funny love story, a thoroughly satisfying read. Author Stern adds her own comical account of how a redhead proves she's a true redhead.

Each of the stories in this collection of humorous anecdotal tales is well-written, the authors are all contest winners and their work is edited to perfection. The lovely crystal on the book cover is perfect for these types of stories as some shine with brilliance, others are sharp and witty, and still others smooth and pleasant. But as the creator, Lois W. Stern writes, they are all ‘sparkling crystals of laughter.’ The type of stories in the Crystal collection is perfect reading while traveling or waiting for appointments. Just be careful where you chuckle or burst out laughing. Those enjoying this book in the Tales2 Inspire series will want to check out the other collections. I know I did.

Click on any link or copy and paste its URL into your browser.

Tales2Inspire website

http://www.tales2inspire.com

Tales2Inspire YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/WinningTales

Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/tales2inspire/

Twitter

https://www.twitter.com/tales2inspire2

Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/user/WinningTales

Amazon author page

http://tinyurl.com/k5zrpcf

BUY HERE

http://tinyurl.com/p6dnuea

Honoring Ann McGovern and Her Stone Soup

On occasion I just can't resist popping in my usual approach to letting authors, reviewers, and readers talk about the books they want to share with others.  Here is a little blurb from my newsletter about the death of a favorite writer and one of my favorite books:

I loved the children’s book Stone Soup. I always thought it was a traditional fairy tale. You know, like Grimm or Perrault or Hans Christian Andersen. Though it may have sold darn near as many books as those authors, it was written in 1968 and the author, Ann McGovern, recently died of cancer at the age of 85. Just knowing she is gone . . . well, I shall miss her. I have a love affair with fairy tales—new or old—and with nursery rhymes. Readers of my poetry find allusions to them sprinkled throughout. Now, perhaps I shall write something with at least a nod to Ann and the fairy tale that really wasn’t. Or was. Does a genre ever really die?

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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.

Reviewer Who Loves Epilogues Loves "Allure"

Allure of the O'Neal Sisters

Genre: romantic suspense
B01577WNFU
Available at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com//dp/1517198399
Amazon ca: http://www.amazon.ca//dp/B01577WNFU
Amazon Au: http://www.amazon.com.au//dp/B01577WNFU
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01577WNFU
Itunes/apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1037619820

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/allure-of-the-o-neal-sisters

Reviewed by Melissa Feist, originally for Goodreads.com

"I loved this story. It grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let up. The interplay between the characters added to the romantic mystery. There was lost love, found love, betrayal, murder and intrigue. What more could you want in a romantic suspense.? Oh, yes.... Some steamy sex, yummy sexy men, gorgeous successful women and a fantastic epilogue. I love epilogues, I know I can imagine by own....but I always find the authors point of view interesting and a nice wrap up. Emily Bowie did a fantastic job as a debut author, I will be looking for more from her. I highly recommend this book, very entertaining" Melissa Feist, goodreads

Learn more about the author and "Allure" at https://www.facebook.com/Author-Emily-Bowie-480241512148677/. 

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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.

Linda Barnett-Johnson Finds Frugal Book Promoter a Help with Her Book Tour

The second edition of my The Frugal Book Promoter was recently reviewed on Amazon by Linda Barnett-Johnson and I thought I'd use it as an occasion to remind subscribers and visitors to this blog that this multi award-winning book makes a lovely gift for any author or aspiring author because it's a gift that keeps giving, keeps contributing to his or her writing career. This review makes it clear that it is one of those books one can keep referring to again and again.

Title: The Frugal Book Promoter

Second Edition

Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Author's Web site

Available as paperback or e-book on Amazon

Awards: USA Book News, winner business category; Global E-Book Awards, honorable mention; BPSC Irwin Award

Cover by Chaz DeSimone

Reviewed by Linda Barnett-Johnson, originally for Amazon

I am always in the market for books on helping my author clients in promoting their books.  The Frugal Book Promoter is one of those books that I bought. What I like about this book is the easy format; table of contents; easy to find categories; how-to’s and much more.

I love the word “frugally” because that in itself is what I am. I don’t have the big bucks to buy ads or other marketing strategies. I like giving my authors reliable information and tactics without them having to pay high dollar for it.

I was interested in the social marketing and blog marketing and “The Frugal Book Promoter” was there to help. Since I have never done a “book tour” before, it was easy to read and follow. I had my first book tour in March.

There are many interesting subjects:

Amazon - How to set up your books and much more;

Blogs;

Book launches;

Book tours;

Contests;

E-mail marketing;

Resources and Reviews;

And don’t forget “writing”

 

Anything from A-Z. She has researched and used her methods and it shows.

 

There are many quotes and anecdotes from other authors and writers.

 

If you want your book promotions to go easier, I would recommend her books. I have them all and will use them over-and-over.

 

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Linda Barnett-Johnson

Editor/Virtual Assistant for Authors

www.lindabarnett-johnson.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.

Hard to Read But Loving It! Rarity from the Hollow

• Title: Rarity from the Hollow
• Author: Robert Eggleton
• Web site link: www.lacydawnadventures.com  
• Genre: Literary Science Fiction
• ISBN: 9781907133060; 1907133062
• Name of Reviewer: Melody, Flower To The Rain
• Review Site: Diamante Lavendar
• Link:  https://flowertotherain.wordpress.com/
• Purchase Links:

                        http://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B007JDI508

                        http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B007JDI508

http://www.doghornpublishing.com/wordpress/books/rarity-from-the-hollow

Reviewed by Melody, Flower to the Rain, originally for Diamante Lavendar

4 of 5 stars: I Loved It

Rarity from the Hollow was so hard for me to read through that I frequently had to put it down. Not because that the writing was hard to read, because it was so well-written and easy to go through, and not because it wasn't interesting because that is the complete opposite. It was simply very dark. Especially at the beginning of the novel. It opens up to talks of abuse and very dark themes that I wasn't completely expecting after I'd received the novel from the Novel/Publisher. I had read a resume of it and known that it would approach it, but I didn't know how. The reason why it was difficult to read through was because the connection with the main character is so well-established at the beginning that it was what made me feel too much to read it in one go; but I wouldn't have this book any other way.

But (as there is always a but), it was hard in some places to follow what the author was trying to say. A lot of the time I could follow along very well, but other times it was hard to catch onto what was passing, certain things seemed to appear in the rearview and then disappear all too quickly. However, this could be said for typical children's book, so it may simply be that the style was meant to recapture that feeling.

Rarity from the Hollow was an amazing ride throughout, touching fantastic themes and continuing toward sci-fi, to create a beautiful and dark novel. However, this is not for the faint of heart. If you are easily triggered by themes such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, any type of abuse really, then I would suggest to stay away from this book altogether because it goes into those subjects very deeply and doesn't let you forget that it's there. Otherwise, I would suggest everybody give this book a try as it is such an amazing journey.

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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.

Family Relationships: Perfect Gift for Father's Birthday of Father's Day

Title: Fathers’ Wisdom –

[A Powerful Collection of Stories from Fathers around the World.]

Author: Jennifer Karin Jordan

Genre: Family Relationships

Publisher: Square Tree

Release Date: June 15, 2015

ISBN-13: 978-0990319054

Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Wisdom-powerful-collection-stories/dp/0990319059 

Reviewed by Marlan Warren

"I view all my children as angels of God whom He has entrusted to my care."

 —Darwin Bicknell ("Wisdom from a Stepdad") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

 

I could not read Jennifer K. Jordan's “Fathers’ Wisdom” without thinking of my own father. He took his parenting role very seriously, and would have appreciated a book like “Fathers’ Wisdom, ” which sets out to honor all fathers everywhere, and was inspired by Jordan's love for her father. Both her parents were no longer alive when she interviewed her first dad. Now, fourteen years later, “Fathers’ Wisdom” has emerged with over 50 fathers' stories. The California author spoke not only with American-born dads, but sought out men whose roots ranged from Germany to Afghanistan to Japan.

What I expected were sugar-sweet tales told by fathers who would want to put themselves in the best light possible. What I got was impressive honesty, and a nearly anthropological study of what makes good fathers tick.

"It's incredible to see my heart in someone else's body."

 —Gabriel Hall ("Yoga Dad") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

Fathers include a yoga teacher; golf entrepreneur; magazine editor; artist; actor; Holocaust survivor; pastors; as well as Japanese Americans who experienced World War II "internment" and battle. On board are also fathers outside of the nuclear family paradigm: foster dad, divorced dad and stepdad.

One of the most moving moments is when Holocaust survivor Bernard Sayone must explain to his son what happened to his own father at the hands of the Nazis. In a world that often values machismo in all its various forms, it's refreshing to hear tales of male sensitivity, longing and heartbreak.

“I teach my kids to be honest, whether they are alone or someone is watching.“

—Bob Gilder ("Integrity") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

All the fathers speak with admirable candor about their relationship to their children, and their view of fatherhood itself. As different as they are, they all seem to agree on one thing: lead your children by example.

“There isn’t just one way to be a father.”

—Pastor Bayless Conley, Cottonwood Church ("God in All") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

Each chapter concludes with an uplifting author suggestion of how to honor the wisdom shared by each dad, such as: “Today let’s be people that others can count on.”

If I were packing a Time Capsule, “Fathers’ Wisdom” would be one of the first items I'd put into it. For if the world should almost end in fire or ice, it would be nice to show future generations the good that men were once capable of doing.

========================================================================MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Website: http://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Wisdom-powerful-collection-stories/dp/0990319059

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fathers-Wisdom-Book-1468257520134855/

Twitter: @jkjwisdomseries

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Marlan Warren

Roadmap Communications

Book Publicity by Marlan

1831 Winona Blvd., #104

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 347-6762

roadmap.girl@hotmail.com

Roadmap Girl's Book Buzz

http://roadmapgirlsbookbuzz.blogspot.com/

Book Publicity By Marlan

http://bookpublicitybymarlan.blogspot.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.

Literary Contests: Off Focus With a New Focus on Great Beginnings

I rarely wander from my mission of presenting readers of The New Book Review with great new or overlooked reading opportunities and of extending the opportunities for authors and publishers who want to extend exposure of their books.  But, because the beginnings of books are so important and because so many of the followers of this blog are authors, here is an interesting and accessible contest that authors will love and readers might find very interesting. (-:

Enter Writer Advice’s Fourth SCINTILLATING STARTS Contest. Grab and hold us with your opening paragraphs. Submit up to 1500 words by 11/10/15. Details at www.writeradvice.com

If you’re opening is shared on Writer Advice, you’ll be able to tell prospective agents, publishers, and book buyers that you were one of the winners of Writer Advice’s Fourth Scintillating Starts Contest. Cash awarded to those whose work is shared. This contest is open to anyone who has not signed a contract for the book submitted. Additional details and link to Submittable at www.writeradvice.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.