Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Henge Betrayed: Book 1: Flight by Janet Lane Walters



Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Young Adult
Publisher: Mundania Press
To Purchase

This adventurous fantasy begins as four siblings flee their home. Prince Zedron is consumed with power and upsets the balance of the land in an effort to extend his borders. He means to slay his own kin and take their lands for his own. The childrens’ parents stay behind to protect the secrets of the Henge while they journey to meet their teachers in the city. Each sibling must use their special ability: earth, wind, water, and fire to protect and care for one another. Along their journey they meet friends and foes and learn that their greatest strength is their bond and love for one another.

There is a great sense of urgency right from the start of this book. Each chapter is told from the varying perspective of the siblings, keeping the narrative fresh. Magic abounds in many mediums. Walters creates new and interesting ways to bend the magic to heal, ward off predators, grow food, and listen to gossip on the air. I especially enjoyed reading about one sibling’s affinity for air and how she uses her flute to “play the hiding song” and keep them from danger.

Alizand, Prince Zedron’s son, is the most interesting character in “The Henge Betrayed”. His situation is a stark contrast to the siblings’ warm and supportive life in the Henge. Alizand lives a Cinderella tale with a vicious step mother and step brothers that conspire to steal his throne. The castle in which he lives is full of power hungry, greedy nobles that will stop at nothing, even if it means torturing young children, to gain influence with the Prince. It is only through his involvement with the siblings from the Henge that he learns true friendship and love.

Book 1, Flight, is brimming with magic, a full cast of characters, and a journey full of danger and adventure. The group of orphan children fending for themselves in the tough city reminded me of Oliver Twist with playful hints of Peter Pan. Walters has written a charming first book to her series.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Gypsy Moon by Brianna Roarke



Book Info:
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Erotic
Publisher: REd Rose Publishing
To Purchase

Anna Brannon is a vet with a penchant for bringing in strays. More than that, she’s secretly a gypsy that can turn a coffee switch off from across the room and light her way in the darkness. One night while she’s stranded at home by a storm she finds a naked man lying at her doorstep. He’s one stray that she’ll never forget.

Howl Raven is a werewolf on the prowl for a mate. While taking up a scent, he’s struck by a silver bullet and has to find shelter before the metal heats up his blood. Reeling from pain, he falls at a gypsy woman’s doorstep. Although his family was cursed long ago, luck is now on his side. This woman has the power to heal his wounds and more importantly, is the scent he’s after. Will he be able to control the wolf inside of him? And can she help him elude the man who wants him dead?

Brianna Roarke’s writing is smooth and flows like liquid poetry. The intimacy between Anna and Howl is tangible, and their passion can heat up a house on a cold winter’s day.
I enjoyed the irony of a vet finding a werewolf. Two people could not be more perfect for each other! The gypsy magic added a whole new level of paranormal to the story. Overall, it was a nice combination of werewolves, magic, curses, and romance.

If you’re looking for a great paranormal erotic romance, then Gypsy Moon fits the bill.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Full Moon in December by Lisa Ruszcyk



Book Info:
Genre: Mainstream/Fantasy
Publisher: Club Lighthouse Publishing
To Purchase

Sam, a newly appointed college professor, has many secrets about his past life. He’s managed to elude his past until a student shows up to his class, bringing memories and questions about why Sam’s shunned his mysterious moonlit powers. Meanwhile, Kayla, a young girl abducted by a witch at two years old, is discovering that the world is much bigger than her greenhouse and her “second mom” may not always be right. In another part of the world, a Hollywood screenwriter, Dall, finds a strange psychic woman on the beach and is drawn to her, taking her home. All of these lives are connected by one person, and their journeys weave an intricate tapestry both mystical and mysterious.

This book was amazing. Lisa Ruszcyk has an intriguing way of spinning out a story and a unique and tantalizing voice. The story is an enigma that tickled my thoughts until it was solved, making me read as fast as I could! Ruszcyk hints at conclusions but never gives enough information for a complete picture until the end, when all the pieces fall together in a perfectly completed puzzle.

There was enough magic and supernatural in the book to keep me interested, but not so much as to take over the plot or the characters. The idea of a “changed” person is fascinating. I enjoyed reading about the process and the various consequences. Ruszcyk’s ideas will keep my mind occupied for days to come as I turn around the endless possibilities and correlations.

Her characters are believable and lifelike, with motivations that are understandable and not entirely good or bad. It is this grey area that makes her characters so interesting. I cared about each one of them, and was excited when they were brought together. Their relationships are complicated and ever changing and what they learn about themselves and others is profound.

Full Moon in December is a captivating read!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Kingdom of Arnhem, Woman of Honor by Nicole Zoltack



Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
To Purchase: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-Fantasy/Categories.bok
Author Website: http://nicolezoltack.com/woman_of_honor-1.html

Aislinn is a little girl with big dreams. After the death of her older brother, she decides to follow in his footsteps and become a lady knight. Her quest for knighthood brings many challenges and the temptation of forbidden love. Aislinn learns that being a knight means putting the Kingdom in front of personal concerns and helping those that cannot help themselves. In a journey is fraught with danger and filled with adventure, Aislinn is forced to grow up fast. She must stay strong and develop the skills necessary to realize her lifelong dream.

With sword fights, passionate love, mythical creatures, and courtly games, Woman of Honor is my kind of book. I love the idea of incorporating real history in fantasy, and Ms. Zoltack’s book is based on the real life story of a group of female knights. Blending history with fiction, her writing is full of plot and adventure and her characters are strong and believable. Most of all, I grew to love all of them and cared about their hardships and successes.

Aislinn is quite the main protagonist. She’s tenacious and bold, beautiful and strong. The romance that blooms between her and the prince is well developed after years of solid friendship and teasing. I enjoyed reading about their secret courtship and had no idea how their romance would turn out! Ms. Zoltack has a few twists in store that will shock and startle as well as please.

In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys fantasy, romance and adventure! I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel, Knight of Glory.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Love on the Side of the NJ Turnpike by Lux Zakari



Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Publisher: Paper Bag Press
ISBN: none
To Purchase: https://www.paper-bag-press.com
Author Website: http://luxzakari.wordpress.com

Regina hopes that a road trip will cure her boyfriend Heath’s depression. Since the economy took a turn for the worst and he lost his job, he’s never been the same and they’ve grown further apart. Although she lures him in with talk of the beach and gambling, she’s got a private agenda planned. In my opinion, Heath is one lucky young man.

Love on the Side of the NJ Turnpike paints a realistic picture of how the economy can affect relationships. Heath chooses to let his problems get in the way of his love for Regina, but in the end he realizes that love is exactly what he needs to heal.

Lux Zakari’s writing is sexually and emotionally charged. The dialogue flows naturally and the situation is believable and unique to the genre. This is one fast read that delivers what it promises!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Faerie Conspiracies by Holly Stacey



Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Publisher: Wyvern Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9560363-0-8
To Purchase: Wyvern Publications

Beth appears to be a normal teenager struggling through the trials of school and a one parent household. Her father mysteriously vanished and never returned. After months of silence, Beth receives a package from her missing father, dated back to the exact day that he disappeared. It contains curious writings and a stone said to ward away faeries. This package only leads her to more questions and a great adventure.

The Faerie Conspiracies is a cleverly written book perfect for children and adults alike. The magic appears in hints and glimpses and is never overused like other magical children’s tales. Beth has a sparkling personality that is feisty and independent, but also endearing. I found myself silently cheering for her as the book progressed. Her fate is inevitably tied to a cute boy at her school, adding more tension and spice to the plot. Their relationship develops nicely from antagonistic rivals into a charming friendship with a chemistry that promises more.

Ms. Stacey has an ability to create a witty and vibrant tone, all the while spinning a whimsical tale of mystery and deception. I found myself turning page after page to learn what the writings meant, where her father disappeared to, and who was a faerie after all.

It was especially interesting to read about devious and dangerous faeries, when all too many times they are stereotypically cast as benevolent. In this book the faeries are the bad guys and Beth must put a stop to their charade!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Stumbling and Mumbling by Tamara Amanda Bryant



Book Info:
Genre: Poetry/Autobiography
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN: 1442190442
To Purchase: Amazon Link

Bryant’s poems are bold, provocative, and highly emotional. Her words do not stumble or mumble at all, but paint powerful scenes that are sometimes beautiful and longing and other times gritty and raw with a razor sharp edge. The sheer force of emotion drives her writing, and as a reader, you can tell that her words are products of life experience.

Cryptic enough to be universal, there are an infinite amount of interpretations that the reader can make, drawing parallels to their own experiences. You feel her pain, her pleasure, her fear along with your own. As she says in the back of her book, you are not alone. Bryant succeeds in that endeavor, creating a collection of jewels that cut as well as sparkle.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Watery Deep by Roxanne Smolen



Book Info:
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: SynergEbooks
ISBN: 0-7443-1635-9
To Purchase: SynergEbooks Store

Natica Galos is a colonial scout for new worlds, searching for places that can sustain life. She is haunted by visions of a man from a previous mission who died in her care. Although it wasn’t her fault, Natica blames herself for his death, and the battle scarred memories get in the way of her job and her friendships. Burnt out from overwork and guilt, she returns to her home planet to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. Her friend, Impani follows her uninvited, and together they go after her long lost twin brother, entangling themselves with pirates, a sea monster, and much more.

The Watery Deep is a creative and original story with an interesting blend of fantasy and science fiction and a great sense of adventure. The characters are feisty, emotional, and real, with shifting dynamics between their friendships and alliances that makes for suspenseful reading!

I particularly enjoyed the tumultuous friendship between Natica and Impani, two girls from very different backgrounds with very different strengths and weaknesses. There is spitefulness, jealously, and underneath it all, caring and compassion as they sort out their own problems with themselves and their world. Teenage angst abounds in full throttle, which makes every scene a delicious read.

Natica’s home planet of Naiad is full of vibrant imagery and alien atmospheres. Almost entirely covered by water, the cities float on coral, the taxis are air boats, and devious pirate gangs roam the waters. It is one of the most creative worlds I’ve ever read about, and makes the story all that more intriguing.

Complete with romance, adventure, shifting alliances, and good family values, The Watery Deep is an excellent story for all ages.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

McShannon's Chance by Jennie Marsland



Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Historical/Western
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN:
To Purchase: Mystic Moon Press Bookstore

Beth Underhill is a city girl in the highest sense. The niece of a famous racehorse breeder, she was raised with a lofty upbringing by her Aunt and never asked to do a chore. Her dresses are fancy, and her manners are impeccable. When her Aunt passes away, the estate falls to her cousin, who wishes to sell it immediately, putting Beth in a precarious situation. With enough money to get her through five months and no more, she is desperate. But she is also strong willed. Instead of waiting for her cousin to select his idea of a respectable husband for her, she applies to Trey McShannon’s add for a wife and travels out west to meet her destiny.

Trey McShannon is a practical frontiersman. Having fought for the union at a young age, he’s seen war and death, and his life experiences have changed him into a quiet, mysterious man. He needs a sturdy wife to help him run his household, someone that is not afraid to do hard work and get dirty. When he sees Beth Underhill, and learns of her famous lineage, he fears he has made a mistake. But he is also drawn to her, and realizes that there is more to her pretty face and high pedigree than meets the eye. She’s also a talented artist, a dutiful worker, and shares his love of horses.

McShannon’s Chance has a wonderful historical flavor to it with picturesque writing and scenes right out of a western. Marsland captures the image of a lonesome frontier that is both beautiful and dangerous. Her writing is realistic, but at the same time it has a grand sense of adventure and romance. The pacing is steady and sure, allowing the reader to savor each scene.

Marsland takes her time to tell the tale, setting up a sweeping historical romance with characters that have so much detail and depth they could be anyone’s own ancestors. It reminded me of my favorite series growing up, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Like Dr. Quinn, Beth is a strong female character with honor, compassion, and patience. She works hard to earn her life beside Trey, and her rewards are immense.

McShannon’s Chance is an ideal historical romance escape! I found my soul soothed and my heart warmed by Marsland’s writing and I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an excellent historical romance with real life characters and a western flavor.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Dark Mage by Ciaran Corby



Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Dark Fantasy
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: 978-0-9823251-3-1
To Purchase: Mystic Moon Press Bookstore

The most interesting aspect of The Dark Mage is the fact that the story revolves around the bad guy, the dark mage Kerberous. The tale begins as he is about to take over a magical city, using a boat made from the wood of sacrificial alters. He is arrogant and impatient, desiring none other than fame and power. Drawing on the years of spilled blood that make up the planks, he plans to kill the current ruler of Syren and claim the city for himself.

The night before his battle, Kerberous runs into two powerful women; Denella, a vampire that makes him uncomfortable and Seana, a fairy that ignites a desire he’s never known. Seana shows him through love that he was a fairy himself. He’s lived the life of a mortal man because he forgot his way home when replaced with a human child. The dark magic that he’s craved has been an unfit substitute for the emptiness in his heart caused by being away from his homeland and his fairy magic.

Corby shows us that bad people are not always evil for simple sport or fun. They have souls and hearts like the rest of us and are only driven to evil because they lack something vital in their own lives. Most importantly, she shows us that everyone deserves a second chance.

The Dark Mage is a tale of romance, adventure, and redemption complete with fairies, vampires, elves, mages, and even water dragons! Corby is a master at balancing the romantic scenes with those of action. She also presents in depth characters that follow an inner journey as they find their true selves.

I sympathized with Kerberous as he confronts his former life and learns to loosen up and make friends. Seana is a luscious and beautiful guardian angel that guides him through patience, tolerance, and love. Together, their love is stronger than his lust for blood magic and power. Kerberous learns that there is more to life, and a life shared with the one he loves is much richer than a life of powerful magic alone.

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Case of the Tom Cat by Cherie Reich



Book Info:
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: None
To Purchase: http://www.mysticmoonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=530

The Case of the Tom Cat is a curious mystery written in a Sherlock Holmes style. Told from the assistant’s perspective, Dr. Johnson, we see the world through his eyes as he admires detective O’Hare’s keen observation and deductive reasoning. We are not aware of the full extent of his friend’s plan until the story unfolds, creating a sense of suspense throughout.

The character motivations were well thought out, and all the pieces fall together in the end. As a reader, I particularly liked Charlotte Parker’s character. She is a strong and intelligent journalist that writes under a male pen name to be taken seriously. This historical reference shows how difficult it was for women to become writers, and how far the world has come today.

Overall, Reich has written an entertaining period piece.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Night's of Blood 2: Lazuli by Christine Rains


Book Info:
Genre: Horror/Vampire
Publisher: 23 House Publishing
ISBN-10: 0980185041
ISBN-13: 978-0980185041
To Purchase: Amazon Link

Carys is a gorgeous, age old vampire who performs burlesque in the nightclub Lazuli. She dances for the money to live in obscurity, for the thrill of performance, and for the surge of applause. With skin that glimmers like silver dust, she is a sought after performer that outshines the other women and has crafted a successful career. But life isn’t easy for Carys. She is torn between her life in the city and the reclusive mansion where her love awaits. Ultimately, she is forced to make a decision between the lights and glory of the city and the age old love that stirs restlessly in the shadows. His heart cannot wait any longer.

Lazuli is a romantic vampire tale centered around an epic love that has lasted centuries.
Both characters are very real in their desires and needs. Carys’s restless urge for the city is poignantly felt when faced with ages of seclusion and isolation. Offryd’s disdain for the “new world” is equally understandable. They are antiques from the past that can only truly be understood by one another. It is a grand, romantic idea spun out in a wonderful tale to read!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Banished by Ciaran Corby and Christine Rains



Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN:
To Purchase: http://www.mysticmoonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=520&zenid=7182b83bc4f158a3e9ea31e655fb3cb5

Banished is a delightful tale of a reclusive fantasy author named Sarah who discovers her wildest dreams when she spots a handsome fairy sitting on her doorstep. Giving new meaning to the phrase, “love at first sight,” Sarah is the only human who can see him. Curious about his eccentricities and swooning over his delicious appeal, she decides to invite him inside for a cup of tea. When Sarah learns of his unjust banishment from the fairy realm, she takes it upon herself to rescue him and set things right.

Both characters are refreshing in their simple innocence, polite antics, and funny tendencies toward melodramatic. It is through their love for each other that they learn to be serious and strong, rising to the occasion to battle the odds in order to be together. Amidst all of the magic and shine, they realize that love is the most magical attribute of all.

Rains and Corby have a charming writing style that presents a delicious and enchanting read. Although two artful writers are at work, the style of writing, unity of concept, and direction of plot flow like one master mind. A nice twist at the end brings everything full circle.

I enjoyed the contrast between the harsh realities of New York juxtaposed with the vivid beauty of the fairy land. Although it seems all whimsical and carefree, in a lot of ways it is even more dangerous than the streets of Albany.

I recommend this book to anyone that wishes for an enchanting jaunt into an imaginative fairy world.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Faery Sickness by JennaKay Francis



Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Writer's Exchange
ISBN: 1920972749
To Purchase: http://e-library.net/The-Faery-Sickness__visit10930.html

"...I grew to love Vala’s character throughout the course of this novel as she develops the self confidence needed to put an end to the hatred between the humans and the fae. She is so delicate and fragile, yet holds an inner conviction of purpose and unfaltering sense of what is right. I found myself cheering her triumphs and commiserating in her setbacks. While Aric was a typical young and arrogant boy, and Severrani a quiet mystery, it is Vala that shines through as the real larger than life heroine.

THE FAERY SICKNESS is a magical adventure about a young woman’s search for acceptance and love. Not only is it a heart touching story, but it deals with the subject of prejudice, teaching everyone that the hatred must stop somewhere. Filled with heart wrenching scenes of violence, it is the light moments that give the book its deep insight into the human spirit and capture the reader’s heart..."

For the full review, please visit www.enchantingreviews.com

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Russet and Gold by Sue Perkins



Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-347-0
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-346-3
To Purchase: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

"...For fans of BLUE AND SILVER, the sequel, RUSSET AND GOLD does not disappoint. Not only does it take the reader through a whirlwind of emotions, but it begins where the first book leaves off, shining light on a particular secondary character in the first book that the readers grew to love. Ms. Perkins also delves more into the lives of the mysterious Eos, shedding light on their abilities and vital connection to the planet where the humans have made their home. Complete with a vile villain, unlikely saviors, a secret destiny, and the thrill of young love, Russet and Gold is an enjoyable read..."

For the full review, please visit
http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4RussetAndGold.html

Friday, April 17, 2009

Baron of Dragon's Reach by Shereen Vedam



Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: None
To Purchase: www.thewildrosepress.com

"...Baron of Dragon’s Reach is a charming tale with magic, suspense, and a twist at the end that wraps up all unraveled strands and leaves you feeling fulfilled. My heart went out to Elena as her predicament grew more and more desperate. Lord Giles grew more interesting throughout the tale as his character unfolds. The witch’s supposed apprentice, Smedley, provides comic relief and adds a light touch to the drama. In Baron of Dragon’s Reach, Vedam has crafted an enchanting tale of a complicated predicament with a unique resolution..."

For the full review, please visit http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4BaronOfDragonsReach.html

Monday, April 6, 2009

Sky Castles: Blue and Silver by Sue Perkins


Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-60313-086-8
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-60313-085-1
To Purchase: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

"...Blue and Silver is a charming rags to riches story, set in a fantasy land that is both dreamy and imaginative with mysterious spirits, unicorn races, and castles in the sky. It has elements of science fiction combined with fantasy to produce a unique and interesting world. There are beautiful scenes of fanciful dinners and ballroom gowns, and complicated technologies that control atmospheric conditions and transport people through the air..."

For the full review, please visit
http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4BlueAndSilver.html

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Deep Dim by Christine Rains





Book Info:
Genre: Supernatural, romance, mystery, paranormal
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: TBA
To Purchase: www.mysticmoonpress.com

Review:

The Deep Dim is a wistful and mysterious love story that whisks you away and captures your heart. Rains is a masterful writer, spinning poetic phrases that flow off the tongue, and weaving mysteries wrapped around mysteries where each page leads to more intriguing questions. Not only is this a heart tugging love story, it is a story of self discovery, a murder mystery, and a supernatural dream.

Kanys lives in fear of the light because of the spirits that it brings. She lives sequestered in a dark house, hiding from the world and sleeping during the daylight hours until a dashingly handsome ghost charms his way into her life and steals her heart. She leaves her refuge of darkness to help solve the mystery of his existence, because he is unlike the others and more real to her than anyone she’s ever met since the death of her mother. This journey leads her to places where she would never otherwise go and people that she’s destined to meet. Along the way she learns more about herself and finds the answers to dark secrets shading her past.

Rains creates vibrant and witty characters that are so real you expect them to come knocking at your door. They interact with such interesting banter that, at times, borders on vicious, shocking, and belly rumbling. Kanys is a sweet and fragile waif of a young woman juxtaposed with a swooningly poetic specter and a blunt and tumultuous punk. Together they show what true friendship is and how to love.

This is the one of the best books of 2009. I am thoroughly impressed with Rains’s masterful writing. This book called to me and wouldn’t let me put it down. I will be ordering an autographed copy for my bookshelf when it comes out in print.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Tiger's Realm by Kevin Grubbe



Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Romance, Action
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: 978-0-9821431-2-4
To Purchase: www.mysticmoonpress.com

Review:

Full of action, adventure, and epic battles, Tiger’s Realm combines science fiction and fantasy to create a world where technology and magic coexist side by side. It deals with the issues of slavery, vengeance, and honor, bringing up the timeless question of what it truly means to be human.

Long ago, wizards created man-animals, beings that were part man and part animal that could think rationally and feel emotions like humans. When the story begins, these man-animals are fighting for their freedom from slavery. A small rebel group has managed to escape and uses the ancient wizard city for their home base. Within this city lies powerful magic, portals to unknown worlds, and answers to the beginnings of civilization itself.

Perhaps the most interesting quality of this epic fantasy book is the way Grubbe shifts perspective, telling the tale from both the human and man-animal viewpoint. As a reader I found myself gravitating to the side of the man-animals, and sympathizing more with their plight. When one man-animal wants to kill another of its kind, ironically they call him more human than beast.

Tiger’s Realm stirs up great questions about war and peace. It is an epic tale that science fiction and fantasy readers alike will enjoy.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Son of My Soul by Debra Shiveley Welch

Book Info:
Genre: Autobiography
Publisher: Saga Books
ISBN: 978-1-894936-93-4
To Purchase: www.sagabooks.com

Review:

Son of My Soul is a beautifully written and powerful story, told with heart wrenching honesty. Welch bares her soul in a profoundly emotional journey of spiritual redemption and love. Not only is this Chris’s story, it is his family legacy, and Welch’s life passage, full of moments of elation, triumph, and despair.

Welch takes the reader through her own neglected childhood, her tumultuous young adulthood, and her quest for a happy and fulfilled life. In adopting Chris, she turns around everything that went wrong in her life and finds true contentment. It is a journey that begins in darkness and ends in light.

Welch has the ability to draw upon raw emotion and describe feelings so intricately that I felt them, myself, wholeheartedly. By the end of the book I cared for her and her son as if they were my own family and friends. I look forward to reading future books about their lives.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Angels in Disguise by Betty Sullivan La Pierre


Book Info:
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: SynergEbooks 2006 Ebook
ISBN: 0-7443-01090-3
Review:
La Pierre’s clear, matter of fact style and great attention to detail weave a close knit web of mystery, where every strand leads to a clue. As a reader, she kept me guessing throughout the entire book. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was another plot twist and a deeper level to the story.

Detective Hawkman is investigating a missing person case involving a wounded husband, a loyal daughter, a quirky grandmother, and a flamboyant mother. The mother has disappeared and the prime suspects are numerous. As Hawkman investigates leads, he struggles with personal matters as well, adding poignancy to the tale and deepening his character. It is through this personal struggle that Hawkman meets the true Angels in Disguise.

La Pierre is a masterful storyteller who keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.