Sam Slater Series by Greg Messel Book & Author Spotlight

About the Books:

Last of the Seals (Book 1/2):

The year is 1957 in San Francisco. Sam Slater is a lifetime minor league baseball player for the San Francisco Seals. The Seals have just one more season left as San Francisco is about to become a major league city. The Giants are coming to town in 1958 and the Seals will be displaced. Sam has come to the end of his baseball career and is going to join the private detective agency of his best friend. When his friend is brutally murdered, Sam must go it alone and try to find out why. Along the way he is swept off of his feet by a beautiful Elvis-obsessed TWA stewardess named Amelia Ryan. Sam and Amelia try to unravel the mystery together. Sam’s best friend, Jimmy inadvertently saw something he shouldn’t have. Sam and Amelia have pictures in their possession that have crime families in San Francisco and Chicago very worried. Then a young woman Sam has been searching for is found dead on the beach. Suddenly, Sam and Amelia find themselves in danger. On dark and foggy San Francisco nights, trouble is lurking just around the next corner.

Deadly Plunge (Book2/2):

 

Former baseball player and newly-minted private investigator, Sam Slater is hired to find out why a rich, politically-well connected San Francisco man, Arthur Bolender,  suddenly ended his life by plunging off of the Golden Gate Bridge. All those who know Arthur say unequivocally that he did not commit suicide.  However, Bolender’s body was found floating in San Francisco Bay and his car was abandoned in the traffic lane of the bridge.  Meanwhile, Sam’s romance with glamorous TWA stewardess Amelia Ryan continues to blossom and deepen. She is now his secret fiancee. Amelia also eagerly helps Sam solve his cases when she’s in town. The key to unraveling the mystery seems to be a strange old Victorian-style house. Bolender’s widow, a rich, seductive socialite named Maggie Bolender, was not even aware that her husband owned the house. What is really going on behind the doors of the mysterious house?  Finding the answers will plunge Sam and Amelia into a dangerous world of political intrigue in the exciting sequel to “Last of the Seals.”

About the Author:

Greg Messel has written four novels and three unpublished memoirs. He published his premiere novel “Sunbreaks” in 2009, followed by Expiation in 2010 and The Illusion of Certainty in 2011. Last of the Seals is the first in a series of mysteries which are set in 1957 San Francisco. The second book in the series Deadly Plunge will be published around Christmas of 2012. Greg grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and has had a newspaper career as a columnist, sportswriter and news editor. He won a Wyoming Press Association Award as a columnist while working for a daily newspaper in Wyoming. Greg also spent many years in the corporate world as a Financial Manager. He now devotes his energies to writing at his home in Edmonds, Washington on the Puget Sound just north of Seattle, where he lives with his wife, Carol.

Visit Greg’s website at www.gregmessel.com.


Book Trailers:

Last of the Seals:



Deadly Plunge:
 


Sam Slater Mysteries TourPage 

 

The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson: Book & Author Spotlight With Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

About the Book:

When Chicago detectives Frank Campello and Andy Polanski are assigned to investigate the murder of Trina Martinez it seems like an ordinary homicide. An unfortunate young girl in the wrong place at the wrong time

has been brutally murdered. But their investigation is halted by a wall of silence, a wall erected by powerful interests that will render their inquiry a lost cause.

Then they enlist the support of reporter Christy Lee – and come under immediate fire. Polanski is arrested. Campello threatened. Christy is attacked.
It’s the case that every cop gets. The one that changes his life. The one where justice is elusive and the hunter becomes the hunted.

Frank Campello and Andy Polanski are The Sons of Jude.

About the author:

Brandt Dodson was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, which he would later choose as the setting for his Colton Parker Mystery series. Although he discovered in grade school that he wanted to be a writer, it would be another twenty-one years before he would put pen to paper.“I knew in fifth grade that I wanted to be a writer. Our teacher had given each of us a photograph which we were to use as inspiration for a short story. The particular photo I was given was of several young men playing handball in New York City. I don’t remember all of the particulars of the story now, but I do remember the thrill that writing it gave me.”

Later, while in college, one of Brandt’s professors would echo that teacher’s comment.
“But life intervened and I found myself working at a variety of jobs. I worked in the toy department of a local department store and fried chicken for a local fast food outlet. Over the course of the next several years I finished my college degree and worked for the Indianapolis office of the FBI, and served for eight years as a Naval Officer in the United States Naval Reserve. I also obtained my doctorate in Podiatric Medicine, and after completion of my surgical residency, opened my own practice. But I never forgot my first love. I wanted to write.”

During his early years in practice, Brandt began reading the work of Dean Koontz.
“I discovered Dean’s book, The Bad Place, and was completely blown away by his craftsmanship. I read something like 13 or 14 of his back list over the following two weeks. It wasn’t long after that I began to write and submit in earnest.”
Still, it would be another twelve years before Brandt was able to secure the publishing contract he so desperately desired.
“I began by writing the type of fiction that I enjoyed; I wrote edgy crime thrillers that were laced with liberal amounts of suspense. Over the years, I’ve begun to write increasingly more complex work by using broader canvases and themes.
Since securing his first contract, Brandt has continued to pen the type of stories that inspired him to write when he was a boy, and that have entertained his legions of readers.

“I love to write, and as long as others love to read, I plan on being around for a long time to come.”

Brandt Dodson’s latest book is the crime thriller The Sons of Jude.
Visit Brandt Dodson’s website at www.brandtdodson.com.
Visit Brandt Dodson at Twitter: http://twitter.com/BrandtDodson

Like Brandt Dodson on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brandt.dodson

Become a friend with Brandt Dodson at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2597.Brandt_Dodson

Pick up your copy of The Sons of Jude at Amazon 

 

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You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren (Deep Haven #6) REVIEW

To everyone who knows her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She's a permanent member of the PTA, never misses her kids' sporting events, and is constantly campaigning for her husband's mayoral race.No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O'Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the sleepy town of Deep Haven, Deidre got a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker. Twenty years later, Annalise couldn't be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on bail and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the grace to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?


I haven't read the first four books ( I did read The Shadow of Your Smile #4) in the series before reading this sixth book but I did get to read the fifth one which was excellent... (which I normally read all the books as a series, but at the moment I don't have access to the first four but I do plan on getting my hands on those:) but this book was still very easy to follow and understand and I loved that. I have fallen in love with Warren's writing style. She wrote heartwarming and thought provoking story and I loved the characters.

What I didn't understand about one of the main characters, Annalise - was how she could be married to her husband and never tell him she was part of the Witness Security Program. How do you do that? 

I did love that this was a family centered book but with some romance and suspense. So if you love those three, this is a book for you. And if that isn't your cup of coffee, you should definitely still try this book. With the late nights I spent reading this book, it was a bitter sweet ending for me, only because it ended. That said, I can't wait to read the first four.

I recommend this book along with the entirety of the series

(Other books by Susan May Warren)



                                                                                                I received this book for review from LitFuse

Morrie Richfield guest post - With Giveaway!

                           Dad What Is Family

I am a divorced dad of 8 year old twin boys, and I get asked a lot of questions and last week my sons asked me the meaning of family. I think they asked because both my parents have passed away, my father died before they were born and my mother died before they were old enough to remember her.

I thought about the question for a moment realizing my answer must be something that an eight year old can understand. I told them that a family is a group of people that love each other, that support each other in good times and bad and help each other if someone in the family needs help.

They looked at me in that this is now going through my brain look kids give you and they asked.  We are your family right they asked. I said of course you are. Then they asked me who else is your family.

Once again I thought about it for a second and I said well boys you know how I wrote the book Mr. Breeze, they nodded that they did. Well Mr. Breeze thinks we should all treat each other like family and we should all try to care about each other and try to live all together in peace.

One of my sons said, but Dad Mr. Breeze is not for real you made him up. They both found that funny. Yes I told them Mr. Breeze is not for real and yes I made him up but what he wants from all of us is not a bad thing is it.

They gave that I’m thinking look again and one of them said. That would be great if the whole world was like that, is that what you would want? I answered yes it is. You should do it then dad you should change the world my son said.

What is that expression out of the mouths of babes.

About the Author:

Morrie Richfield lives in Pennsylvania with his two sons, his dogs and his cat. He is working on his next novel, and he still dreams that someday the world will be a better place for all of us to live.
His latest book is the inspirational novel, Mr. Breeze.

Visit his website at www.mrbreezethenovel.com.

About the Book:

MR. BREEZE (the title is inspired by a song by the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd) follows the increasingly amazing experiences of freelance photojournalist Michael Ryan as he hears of stories about a man named Zack, who can seemingly perform inhuman feats that could be called miraculous. Ryan eventually meets Zack and becomes, at Zack’s insistence, Zack’s messenger. Along the way, a dog named Rover, who also possesses otherworldly powers, joins Zack and Ryan in their adventures, which include a remarkable visit to the Centers for Disease Control, in Atlanta, in search of a cure for AIDS.
The secret of who Zack is and why he has chosen Ryan to tell his story to the world forms the surprising and moving climax to the book.
And there is a MR. BREEZE sequel in the works, Richfield notes. The working title is REVELATION:  THE RETURN OF MR. BREEZE. “The second book is about how we take that message (from the first book) and what we do with it.”
In the meantime, Richfield hopes that readers of MR. BREEZE find the storytelling compelling. I also would like them to be entertained and to want to tell others about it. If they come away wanting to be a better human being, that would be a huge plus.”

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Author & Book Spotlight - The Miracle Inspector by Helen Smith

All my books are set in London, including my latest, The Miracle Inspector, a dystopian novel that takes place in the near future. England has been partitioned and a big fence has been built around London. Schools and theatres have been closed down and women are not allowed to work outside the home. Parks are used like giant allotments to grow fruit and vegetables, and sheep are herded down Piccadilly towards Green Park to graze. It’s a kind of ghost town, with very few people on the streets unless they’re members of the ruling elite, travelling in official cars. This is because women are not allowed out of their homes unless they’re visiting members of their family (leading to all sorts of subterfuge, with women claiming to be related to each other so they can get out and about) and many of the men have been dragged off to prison on trumped up charges.

The real London doesn’t have a big fence around it, though it does sometimes feel as if the city is functioning like a separate nation state inside the UK, with people who live here only interested in what’s happening in London, and identifying as Londoners rather than English, British or (since many come from abroad) the nationality of their country of origin. Some have a kind of dual nationality – they’re Londoners and they’re Jamaican. They’re Londoners and they’re Welsh or Scottish or Sri Lankan or German.

But in all other respects, the dystopian London I have created in The Miracle Inspector is very different from the real London. The real London is a crowded place of intellectual and creative freedom. It’s a vibrant, diverse, crazy, exciting place that’s great to live in and fun to visit.

Though I was born here, I was raised elsewhere in England when I was a child, and returned to claim it when I was eighteen. I have considered living in New York, San Francisco and Paris (which city-lover hasn’t?) and I lived for a short while in Sydney, but I have never left London for longer than a year and a half, and then only for an exciting adventure that took me travelling around the world with my daughter when she was young.

One of the reasons I love London so much is that I knew about it from literature before I lived here. Though it was sometimes portrayed as dangerous and dirty, it was always an exciting place full of people from all over the world, a centre for culture and a place of freedom where inventiveness and creativity could flourish. Whatever you want, London has it, whether it’s art and culture, restaurants, nightclubs, concerts, parks, markets, beautiful buildings, history or(whether you want it or not, let’s face it, you’re going to need it) employment. It’s an expensive city but a lot of the entertainment is free, including all public art galleries and museums, and there are cut-price tickets available for the theatres. Or you can just walk around and look. It’s dirty! (Why don’t people pick up their litter? Why do they drop it in the first place?) But it’s beautiful.

Despite all the attractions it has to offer, what makes London such a special place is the people. There are people living and working here from every country in the world. Some have come to seek their fortune, some have come to study, some have found love, and some are seeking sanctuary. London is a city of immigrants – not just from other countries, but from other parts of our country. There are Londoners who were born and raised here, but still more, like me, have come to claim it. It means that Londoners are not particularly friendly to visitors (we’re all strangers here) nor unfriendly (it’s not my city; it belongs to all of us).

London is exciting to write about because of the landmarks and historical settings that are recognisable even to readers who have never been here; because of the eccentricities and diversity of the people; and because it’s constantly changing – pin it down, write about a moment in time, and you find you have recorded a moment of history to add to all the other literature about this amazing city.

London’s wonderful. Come and visit! 

 

About the Author:
Helen Smith is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician’s assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel which was published by Gollancz (part of the Hachette Group).

She is the author of bestselling cult novel Alison Wonderland. She writes novels, poetry, plays and screenplays and is the recipient of an Arts Council of England Award. She’s a long-term supporter of the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture and mentors members of an exiled writers group to help them tell their stories.
Her latest book is the dystopian thriller The Miracle Inspector.
Visit her website at http://www.emperorsclothes.co.uk.
Friend her on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/ emperorsclothes
Become a fan at Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorhelensmith
Friend her at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2833648.Helen_Smith
Pick up a copy of The Miracle Inspector at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Inspector-Helen-Smith/dp/0956517056


About the Book:

 

The Miracle Inspector is a dystopian thriller set in the near future. England has been partitioned and London is an oppressive place where poetry has been forced underground, theatres and schools are shut, and women are not allowed to work outside the home. A young couple, Lucas and Angela, try to escape from London – with disastrous consequences.
“…this is an absolutely exceptional piece of fiction, a work of art befitting the best in socially-conscious literature.”

– Journal of Always Reviews
“…Only occasionally does a piece of fiction leap out and demand immediate cult status. Alison Wonderland is one.”

– The Times
“…Smith is gin-and-tonic funny.”

– Booklist
“Smith has a keen eye for material details, but her prose is lucid and uncluttered by heavy description. Imagine a satire on Cool Britannia made by the Coen Brothers.”

– Times Literary Supplement

The Angel & The Brow-Eyed Boy by Sandy Nathan REVIEW

"Eliana made her way along the sidewalk, knowing that she was dirty, feeling the grit in her hair and on her skin. When she had reached the planet's atmosphere, clothes and all sorts of things had rushed at her with great force, tossing her over and over. Dirt had come, too. She'd found the clothes she needed and put them on the way her teachers had shown her. Then her people had put her where she was...."NEW YORK CITY ON THE EVE OF ARMAGEDDON, IN THE LATE 22nd CENTURY--PERHAPS Mistaken for a Russian ballet dancer, Eliana finds her destination-the Hermitage Academy, a famous high school for the arts. Soon she discovers that this Earth is a strange and violent place, where people live in fear, and where her very presence makes some want to protect her and others want to hurt her.It is a century after the second Russian revolution, when technology was outlawed and Tsar Yuri took over most of world, ushering in the "Great Peace." For the U.S. president, Lincoln Charles, peace is doable-just focus on the positive, project a trustworthy image, and make sure that dissenters are taken care of quietly, permanently. Something terrible, though, is about to happen; and for Eliana, not much time remains to find the "Golden Boy..""

(another synopsis from Pump Up Your Book):
Tomorrow morning, a nuclear holocaust will destroy the planet. Two people carry the keys to survival: A teenage boy and an intergalactic traveler.
By the late 22nd century, the Great Recession of the early 2000s has lead to a worldwide police state. A ruined United States barely functions. Government control masks chaos, dissenters are sent to camps, and technology is outlawed. War rages while the authorities proclaim the Great Peace.
Finally it all breaks down. We’re in New York City on the eve of nuclear Armageddon. In the morning, ultimate destructive forces will wipe out all life on earth. Only Jeremy Edgarton, a 16-year-old, tech genius and revolutionary; and Eliana, the angelic, off-world traveler sent to Earth on a mission to prevent her planet’s death, can save the world.  Join Eliana and Jeremy as they begin a quest to save two doomed planets … and find each other.

When I pick up a book I want to and look forward to the emotional connection I'll have with the characters and how the books plot and characters will make me feel. I am always so happy when I find a book like that. I love it even more when I find a book series/trilogy that gives that to me. The author of The Angel & The Brown -Eyed Boy gives you that opportunity to connect with the characters in her book.
You immedietly get drawn into this book with realist characters in this futuristic style book.
What made this book a must read for me besides the realistic characters was the well written plot. Life seems great; no wars, no fighting. Life is a peach. As long as you don't question authority or ask questions period. I enjoyed this book so much that I have put it on the "must read" list for my book group.
I highly recommend this book.

I received this book for review from Pump Up Your Book

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Banned Book)

"All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." - Ernest Hemingway

Of all the contenders for the title of The Great American Novel, none has a better claim than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Intended at first as a simple story of a boy's adventures in the Mississippi Valley-a sequel to Tom Sawyer-the book grew and matured under Twain's hand into a work of immeasurable richness and complexity. More than a century after its publication, the critical debate over the symbolic significance of Huck's and Jim's voyage is still fresh, and it remains a major work that can be enjoyed at many levels: as an incomparable adventure story and as a classic of American humor.

John Seelye's introduction discusses the context from which the novel emerged.


I was a bit surprised when I saw this book on the banned book list; especially since I read this one at least once as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed it. But again, quite a few books are on the list that I have and enjoyed. And some that have been on my TBR.
Even though I read this as a child I obviously wanted to refresh my memory for my review for banned book week:)
This book, I believe is one of the greatest of American Literature. Though there is some confusion surrounding this story by Mark Twain; like the character Jim, because I think he was one of the first black men to have a multi dimensional character in a book; especially at that time; I could be wrong...
Jim was an important character in the book, but he was secondary. Obviously Huck is the star of the book; hence the title of this great book.
Also, I do remember this book, especially in the beginning was challenging to read because of the folksy language and bad grammar. But once I got past that I did well. Like reading Pride & Prejudice or Pilgrims Progress- after you get more accustomed to the vernacular, it is much easier to read, but in the beginning it takes you a few minutes because you are needing to switch your brain to old English.
But all these things along with the creative spelling give Huck his personality and tell you where he is from. Giving him a voice.
I love that this story was intended and meant to be about a young boy and his adventures in Mississippi Valley ( Sequel to Tom Sawyer) but the book grew with maturity as Mark Twain added layers, depth, complexity and richness to the story.

 I recommend this book to all and I look forward to re-reading this book again someday. 

Lindy S. Hudis Spotlight

About the Author:

Lindy S.Hudis is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama. She is a former actress, having appeared on such television shows as “Sunset Beach” and “Married with Children”. Her romantic murder mystery, Weekends, is currently available from Lachesis Press. She is also a filmmaker, her independent short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and directed, screened at the Seattle Underground Film Festival. She is co-owner of an independent production company called Impact Motion Pictures. She and her husband Steve, a Hollywood stuntman, have just completed the screenplay adaptation of Charmaine Hammond’s best selling book, “On Toby’s Terms.”  She lives in California with her family.

Visit Lindy on the web
To get your paperback copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis at Amazon
To get your ebook copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis in the Kindle Store
Visit Lindy S. Hudis’ publisher’s page
Like Lindy S. Hudis on Facebook
Follow Lindy S. Hudis on Twitter
Follow Lindy S. Hudis at Goodreads
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Visit Lindy S. Hudis film production company

About the Book:

Fraudulent car accidents is a multi-million dollar racket, involving unscrupulous medical providers, personal injury attorneys, and the cooperating passengers involved in the accidents—and who also receive a portion of the illegal proceeds. Such is the fate of newly engaged, Nathan and Shari, whose joy is tempered by the dark cloud of mounting debt.

A chance encounter with a stranger in whom Shari confides her troubles proves fortuitous: he tells her of a get-rich-quick scheme that will put her and her fiancé on easy street. Seduced by the chance to move from hard times to good times in no time, Shari takes the carrot offered her, and finds herself acting as a “stuffed passenger”—the “victim” in a staged auto accident. The act goes according to plan and Shari gets her payday, but getting out and breaking free of the insurance fraud underworld will take nothing short of a miracle.
A modern day cautionary tale, Crashers is a true-to-life novel that uncovers how the innocent get lured into the scheme of “cappers” and “hammers.”

A riveting story of love and desperation, greed and redemption. 

To enter the contest, leave a comment here. Then go to this Pump Up Your Book's site :)

Angie of the Garden by J. E. Hall Book Spotlight

ABOUT ANGIE OF THE GARDEN

 

Angie of the Garden is a story about a psychiatrist named Hollis Simms. He is an affable individual who is dedicated to his patients, and his family. Hollis is married to a provocative and wealthy woman named Olivia: their irrepressible teenage daughter is named Annabelle. She used her considerable resources to purchase the estate called Fairhaven for them to live in.
As a boy Hollis found a diary written by a woman named Angie Barton buried in a garden. The journal told of the hardships and deprivations suffered by the woman from Boston as she traveled on the Oregon Trail. She became his first love. One evening as Doctor Simms walked past a garden on the estate he encountered the spirit of Angie Barton. Hollis learns that she worked at Fairhaven as a house servant after returning from the west. He cannot fathom how this adventurous woman could have come to such a station in life. Hollis decides that Angie must have experienced some kind of trauma. During her subsequent appearances he entices her into recounting the long trek westward in order to discover the cause of her malaise.
Hollis’ obsession with the woman from the past also begins to strain his relationships with those closest to him. Hollis is determined to find the reason for Angie’s moribund spirit. In the end he does, and Angie finds peace. Then a chance encounter reveals something else about the woman in the garden.

You can purchase this great book at Amazon.com or at the publishers website

A Matter of Time by Michael J. Bowler

What is your destiny? This question haunts 20-year-old Jamie Collins. A junior at Santa Clara University in 1986, Jamie has lots of friends, a professor whom he regards as a mentor, and a promising future as a writer. Then the dreams begin - nightmares leading him to a destiny beyond belief. These visions transport him to a time and place fifty-five years before he was born: Titanic's maiden voyage in 1912 With less than a week to go before the 75th anniversary of its sinking, Jamie learns that his fate is inexplicably linked to that of the famous vessel. Somehow, the two timelines are overlapping, and when Titanic dies, Jamie will die along with her. Those dreams reveal something evil stalking the ill-fated ship, something that expedites the collision which sinks the great liner. Jamie comes to realize that because of his connection, he may be able to prevent the world's greatest maritime disaster, and save his own life in the process. But how? How can he stop a ship from sinking in 1912 when he hadn't even been born yet? And even if he can stop it - should he? What will be the effect on history if he succeeds? Jamie's quest to fulfill his destiny ties friends and family together in ways he could never have imagined. A Matter of Time is an emotionally charged voyage into the value of friendship, the power of love, the impact of evil, and the vagaries of Fate.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Ever since I learned about the Titanic at a young age, I have been fascinated with all things Titanic, so again, when the opportunity came, I grabbed it.

This was a really interesting story; set in modern times where a college kid keeps having dreams about the Titanic and people on it but doesn't realize it. The story also had a vampire feel to it. I have never been big on vampires. Not even the Twilight series, I haven't read the books but Hubby has and is still insisting that I read them. I have watched the movies with him but..well anyway.

Even though there was a vampire feel to this story I still fully enjoyed it. 

Part of what made this book fun and different then the other Titanic books out there was it's time traveling. That was unexpected and neat. A twist I didn't see coming. The author had me reading later then I normally do. But I would wake up wanting to finish reading the book to see what was going to happen next. 

The story was a bit...out there..for lack of better words but, the author made it work.

What I didn't care for about the book was the editing. The scenes changed without notice so that made it confusing. Also you never get told who's point of view you are reading from so I had to keep looking back through the pages and what not to keep from getting too confused. 

But I did really enjoy this book and recommend it.

House of Mercy by Erin Healy REVIEW

When Beth's world falls apart, can she ever be whole again?

Beth has a gift of healing-which is why she wants to become a vet and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. Her father's dream of helping men in trouble and giving them a second chance is her dream too. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all.

Beth scrambles to redeem her mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a mystery complicates her life. But the repercussions grow more unbearable-a lawsuit, a death, a divided family, and the looming loss of everything she cares about. Beth's only hope is to find the grandfather she never knew and beg for his help. Confused, grieving, but determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the mountains, guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf who may or may not be real.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

I heard about Healy's other book, The Bakers Wife and really wanted to read it, I haven't had the opportunity as of yet but when I saw this book by her I had to take it. I enjoyed this book because it is realistic with a touch of supernatural. 
From what I have heard about Healy's work, she can't write a bad book or bad ending. And this book proved it for me. There were so many twists and turns I didn't know where she was going to take me.  This book was well developed and written. I really liked Beth, her personality was very likable and she seemed so strong. Things seem to get so hard for her but she keeps on going, bargaining with God and dealing with death, things couldn't seem worse. 
This is another book I do recommend, I plan on keeping this book on my TBR-Again shelf, lol.
After reading this I really want to read The Bakers Wife and Never Let You Go.

Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James (#3) REVIEW

 

** This book is intended for mature audiences. **

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

I was so glad that I actually had the third book already with my (thanks to my awesome sister in law, Crystal:)  So when I finished the second book I raced my thoughts out on my blog because I wanted to write it while my thoughts and feelings on the book were fresh and not forgotten. 

Then I was able to sit and read the third:))

Now the second book ended with Christian proposing in the sweetest of manners and Hyde (Ana's old boss watching them with not so sweet intentions... 

The third book opens with Christian having a nightmare, this gives you more insight to who he is, which is nice since the author has kept him as a very private man. 

Ana wakes him and they are already married and on their honeymoon. It keeps going back and forth between the present and Ana remembering their wedding day. 

As the story unfolds you find out that Ana has been permanently promoted as Editor of Grey Publishing, formally SIP. Then one day she gets a call, on the caller ID it says Christians sister, Mia. She answers it and it's Hyde- he has Mia. He wants money- and a lot of it and if Ana doesn't have it by a certain time Hyde will kill her. But he will also kill Mia right away if Ana tells Anyone, and he will know. \

Ana hurriedly goes to the bank to withdraw the money- the bank calls Christian and he demands to speak with Ana to see why this is going on. She lied to him by telling him she is leaving him, she does this so he stays safe and away from the danger. 

She ends up in the hospital for days, Christian finds out the truth, about everything.

I fear I have already said way to much, so I will draw the line hear, lol. This third book, was so good. The second book, Fifty Shades Darker and this one were my favorite in the series.

You finally meet Christian's right hand man Taylor' Daughter, Sophie. She is this sweet fun charismatic little girl. 

You finally meet their son, Ted as well. And Ana is pregnant, again. Very pregnant. 

The story wraps up very nicely but to me, almost too Halmark-y. Too sweet and cute. But I am not a cornball either, only when it comes to my own child:)

Anyway, keeping to the book, I recommend this book, absolutely! 

**this book/trilogy is meant for mature audiences only**

 I borrowed this book from my sister in law, Crystal

  

Ashes to Ashes The Twins Fall down by Pauline L. Hawkins REVIEW

Where were you on 9/11? That question has become part of the fabric of our lives as Americans. On that bright, sunny day, none of us had any idea what was in store and how it would change our lives. Depending on what part of the country you lived in, you may not have known anything was going on until several hours after the first plane struck. You may not have heard the news until you got to work, turned on your car radio, or received a call from a loved one asking if you had seen or heard the news. Ashes Ashes the Twins Fall Down is a look at the events of 9/11 from personal and informational perspectives. Author, Pauline Hawkins, who lived in Texas at the time of the attacks, shares her experience of 9/11, and its repercussions for her family, her job, and how she viewed the world. Pauline's story of coping with the news, re-framing how she thought about America and the world, and making a conscious decision to become better-informed will resonate with anyone who lived through 9/11. In addition to her personal testimony, Pauline provides a thought-provoking context for the events of 9/11, including political background, social commentary, and reflections on the contributions of everyday heroes. You'll come away from this book both enlightened and comforted by Pauline's honesty and common sense, as well as her heartfelt appreciation of those who sacrificed for our country, and those who continue to work toward healing and rebuilding


Like many others, on that terrible, sad and frightening day I recall where I was and what I was doing. I was puzzled by all this talk and commotion - mainly because I didn't watch the news or listen to the radio in the mornings while getting ready (mainly because I know me, I would get too distracted and I really do not like be late. At all.) So both of those are distractions for me. Twice in my life now, not watching the news in the morning I have missed out on two sad and major events. One more personal then the other. 
ANYWAY
So for me, reading her book was getting another perspective, or hearing someone else' account about that day. It is great that she found an outlet her self to talk about it; but - now, not to sound hard or mean or anything because that is not my intention at all - and I am sorry if what I am about to say comes off rude..but - I didn't see the point of her writing a book about it. If that were the case, can you imagine the amount of books that would be out there of people recounting how there day(s) went on that day?
What I did take from her book though was this; I didn't stop to think about those who got delayed in trying to return to the US the weeks following the attacks because the FAA closed all airports and all air traffic. It was interesting reading about her research on Bin Laden and the Patriot Act. Most I new but she did tell me some details I didn't and it was nice getting a fresh summary of all the information. 
All in all, if you would like to read someone else' story of that day(s) you will enjoy this book. I'm not saying I didn't but it wasn't exactly my cup of coffee.

About the Author:

Pauline L. Hawkins was born in Munson Army Hospital at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on Easter Sunday. Pauline has been in the heath insurance industry for almost thirty years, working her way up from the mailroom to corporate management and claims payment. In 2002, Pauline received her Instructional Design certification, which allows her to create instructor-led and learner-paced training curricula, along with computer-based learning activities and website creation. Pauline has enjoyed writing since she was in high school, and has decided to start sharing her stories. Ashes Ashes the Twins Fall Down is her debut book.

You can visit Pauline L. Hawkins’ website
Follow Pauline at Twitter at www.twitter.com/paulinehawkins3.
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About the Book:
Where were you on 9/11? That question has become part of the fabric of our lives as Americans. On that bright, sunny day, none of us had any idea what was in store and how it would change our lives. Depending on what part of the country you lived in, you may not have known anything was going on until several hours after the first plane struck. You may not have heard the news until you got to work, turned on your car radio, or received a call from a loved one asking if you had seen or heard the news. Ashes Ashes the Twins Fall Down is a look at the events of 9/11 from personal and informational perspectives. Author, Pauline Hawkins, who lived in Texas at the time of the attacks, shares her experience of 9/11, and its repercussions for her family, her job, and how she viewed the world. Pauline’s story of coping with the news, reframing how she thought about America and the world, and making a conscious decision to become better-informed will resonate with anyone who lived through 9/11. In addition to her personal testimony, Pauline provides a thought-provoking context for the events of 9/11, including political background, social commentary, and reflections on the contributions of everyday heroes. You’ll come away from this book both enlightened and comforted by Pauline’s honesty and common sense, as well as her heartfelt appreciation of those who sacrificed for our country, and those who continue to work toward healing and rebuilding.


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Don't You Forget About Me (#2) by Suzanne Jenkins REVIEW

 

(Pam of Babylon #2)

When charming, seemingly devoted Jack Smith dies, his wife and his two girlfriends are astonished to learn that they were not the only love of his life, and that, in fact, Jack was a rogue who was carrying on secret existences with other women. Shattered by grief and stunned by Jack’s betrayals, these three women, Pam Smith, Marie Fabian, and Sandra Benson, find themselves suddenly thrown together. They could have despised one another, jealously guarding their private memories of their time with Jack and hating those they perceived to be their rivals, but instead, the women begin to realize there might be strength in numbers and in shared pain. Slowly, they begin to open their hearts to one another. They bind together to try to make sense of their lives and to try to heal the terrible shock.

But the more they learn about Jack and his nefarious past, the more they begin to question everything they thought they ever knew about him. Not only did Jack carelessly cheat on each of them, without thought to the harm he was causing, but the women are stunned to discover a secret of Jack that he never revealed.

As the women try to piece together the real life story of Jack, they begin to deal with their own lives differently, as well. They must deal with Jack’s heartbroken mother, who knew nothing about her son’s clandestine dealings in life. The tragedy also takes a toll on their working lives, and most of all it takes a toll on them, robbing them of sleep, hope, and even dreams. But with a sense of shared sisterhood, a little laughter, and a whole lot of determination, these brave women forge brave new lives that are full of promise.

The novel probes the difficulties in thinking that we can ever really know a person, even a loved one. All the women in Don’t You Forget About Me wonder if they had been really and truly loved by Jack, or if he had simply played them for fools. They question their own blindness to his faults and how they allowed themselves to believe that they might have had it all, when what they had was really more of a dream. The book investigates modern social problems with grace and warmth. Infidelity, it uncovers, can do more than break hearts. In showing some of the worst things that can happen in relationships,it also teases us to imagine the best, a world in which loyalty, devotion and fidelity are prized. As the characters grow and change, they have the possibility for those things.

Okay, so I don't normally do this but because it is for review and I don't want to be rude to the author and publishers and whatnot, I am putting my review up on the second book of a three book series "Pam of Babylon" before I put up my review of the first book. My review of the first book will hopefully be up very soon:) That said...

Even though I haven't read the first book yet but I did read the synopsis, in this book the story seems to go deeper, the plot seems to thicken and things and circumstances seem to get worse.  The other women in Jack's life (Jack is married, out of town for business often- wife gets a call and the story takes off from there but doesn't stop, she finds out she was not the only woman in his life) are finding more and more about this man they loved and thought they knew.

It really bugged me that this Bernice person kept stepping all over Pam and that Pam let her. I kept wanting to yell at Pam "stand up for yourself, lady! What will it take?!"

At the end of the this book I had a lot of questions that I hope will be answered after I get to read the first book (to fill in the gaps) and the third to clear up the second. 

Even though I haven't read the first book yet (but will hopefully son) the second one alone is so intriguing. Suzanne Jenkins knows the art of writing and how to pull you in. I look forward to reading the other two books and enjoying them as much as I did this one.

I received this book for review from Pump Up Your Book  

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