Archive for the ‘book reviews’ Category:

{Magical Realism/Fantasy} The Sparrow Sisters Blog Tour Sign Up!

Ellen Herrick will be touring September 1 – October 16 with her magical realism/fantasy  novel, The Sparrow Sisters! We are looking for: Reviews (ebook) Interviews Guest Post Book Spotlight/Excerpt Please sign up on the form below. If you are chosen to host, we will email you within 72 hours. Thank you!     Title: The Sparrow Sisters Author: Ellen Herrick Publisher: William Morrow Pages: 384 Genre: Magical Realism/Fantasy Format: Kindle/Paperback With echoes of the alchemy of Practical Magic, the lushness of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and the darkly joyful wickedness of the Witches of East End, Ellen Herrick’s debut novel spins an enchanting love story about a place where magic whispers just beneath the surface
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{Paranormal Romance} On the Hunt Anthology Blog Tour Sign Up!

Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne will be touring August 24 – September 4 with their paranormal romance anthology, On the Hunt! We are looking for: Reviews (ebook) Interviews Guest Post Book Spotlight/Excerpt Please sign up on the form below. If you are chosen to host, we will email you within 72 hours. Thank you!   Title: On the Hunt Author: Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne Publisher: Zebra Pages: 384 Genre: Paranormal Romance Anthology Format: Paperback/Kindle/Audible Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night… On The Hunt by
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Guest Review: Maisy and the Missing Mice by Elizabeth Woodrum

Title: Maisy and the Missing Mice Genre: Children’s Mystery Fiction Author: Elizabeth Woodrum Publisher: Elizabeth Woodrum Pages: 70 Language: English Format: Paperback & eBook Maisy Sawyer is not your average fourth grade student. She is a detective with a special skill for solving mysteries. She loves black and white mystery movies, cherry lollipops, and her dog, Reesie. When a thief known as The Black Boot steals the school’s mascots and her lollipops, Maisy sets out to solve the case. Can she help return the mice to their home in the science lab? Will she ever see her beloved lollipops again? Find out in the first book in The Maisy
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Guest Review: Maya & Filippo Make Friends in Aukland by Alinka Rutkowska

Title: Maya & Filippo Make Friends in Auckland Genre: Children’s Picture Book Author: Alinka Rutkowska Publisher: Alinka Rutkowska Pages: 26 Language: English Format: Paperback & eBook Embark on a one-of-a-kind, unprecedented, breathtaking adventure with Maya and Filippo as they travel around the globe on board the “Fun Princess” — a cruise ship full of surprises. Discover their fascinating ports of call, find out what the local customs and traditions are, join the kids in activities at sea, and explore the remarkable world they create through the power of their positive outlook. This time Maya and Filippo discover Auckland and meet different kinds of people depending on…read the book to find out!
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Book Review: An Amish Country Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard & Naomi King

Title: An Amish Country Christmas Authors: Charlotte Hubbard & Naomi King Publisher: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Group ISBN: 978-1-4201-3188-8 Genre: Amish/novellas Purchase at AMAZON “The Christmas Visitors”: For spirited Martha Coblentz and her twin Mary, the snow has delivered the perfect holiday and birthday present to their door—handsome brothers Nate and Bram Kanagy. But when unforeseen trouble interrupts their season’s good cheer, it will take unexpected intervention—and sudden understanding—to give all four the blessing of a lifetime. “Kissing the Bishop”: As the New Year’s first snow settles, Nazareth Hooley and her sister Jerusalem are given a heaven-sent chance to help newly widowed Tom Hostetler tend his home. But when her
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A Boy Called Duct Tape Book Review by Vicki Vaughn

Pablo Perez is a 12-year-old poor kid without much going for him. His classmates have dubbed him “Duct Tape” because his tattered discount-store sneakers are held together with…you guessed it, duct tape. He can’t escape the bullying. Pablo’s luck, however, changes after he finds a $20 gold coin while swimming in a river near his home. Pablo later buys a $1 treasure map at the county fair. The map shows the route to the “lost treasure” of Jesse James. Pablo can’t help but wonder: Is there a link between the map and the gold coin? He is determined to find out, and he, his 9-year-old sister and 13-year-old cousin
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Book Review – Just a Few Seconds, A Story From the World of Music and Beyond

By Stephanie C. Di Paola Before Reading Nemo James memoir “Just a Few Seconds; A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond” you must first go to www.nemojames.com or go to YouTube and listen to his music.   Listen to the melody of his memories and then read this book. It is in the experience of his life, that you can hear the passion and the love he has for music. In his song; The Poet, he sings of a man discouraged but determined to share his gifts to the world.  Most strikingly, the line; “through the years reality has scourged him but compromise will never block his
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Book Review: Murder on the Interstate by Jean Henry Mead

Title: Murder on the Interstate Author: Jean Henry Mead Paperback: 270 pages Genre: Mystery, Suspense Publisher: Oak Tree Press (April 29, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 1610090144 ISBN-13: 978-1610090148 Reviewed by Earl Staggs www.earlwstaggs.wordpress.com About the Book: Two feisty 60-year old women sleuths encounter murder, homegrown terrorism, kidnapping and disasters as they travel Arizona in their motorhome. The third novel in the Logan & Cafferty mystery/suspense series, Murder on the Interstate will leave you breathless. Review: I don’t expect an amateur sleuth novel to start fast. I expect to spend time getting to know the protagonist, then get a feel for the setting, and maybe get to know another character
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Book Review: The Chimp Who Loved Me by Annie Greer & Tim Vandehey

Title: The Chimp Who Loved Me Author: Annie Greer & Tim Vandehey Paperback: 190 pages Genre: Humor, Animals Publisher: Diva Publishing & Broadcasting LLC (November 8, 2010) Language: English ISBN – 0578072637 ISBN – 978-0578072630 About the Book: The Chimp Who Loved Me is a collection of true stories from the life and times of Annie Greer, a veterinary chiropractitioner, animal healer, radio host, speaker, farmer’s wife and all-around magnet for bizarre animal behavior.  When Annie and Tim Vandehey, a professional writer, met in 2006 and began talking about Annie’s endless trove of strange and pants-wettingly funny tales about drill sergeant sheep and insane veterinary clinic customers, a book
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Book Review: Memoirs of a Widowed Mistress by Megan van Eyck

Title: Memoirs of a Widowed Mistress Author: Megan van Eyck Paperback: 308 pages Genre: Memoir Publisher: CreateSpace (January 14, 2011) Language: English ISBN – 1456454374 ISBN – 978-1456454371 Reviewed by Michelle Vasquez About the Book: Memoirs of a Widowed Mistress is a cautionary tale about the causal relationship between marital emotional neglect and questionable choices. It is a warning for the spouse who wants to dismiss an affair as just sex or for any woman who thinks love is enough to keep a man that isn’t really hers.“You never know what happens between two people when they are alone” is a common sentiment reserved for married couples who appear
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Book Review: Lessons from Stanley the Cat

Title: Lessons from Stanley the Cat: Nine Lives of Everyday Wisdom Author: Jennifer Freed Paperback: 117 pages Genre: Humor Publisher: Perigee Trade (October 5, 2010) Language: English ISBN – 0399536159 ISBN – 978-0399536151 About the Book: Seduction is just the practice of artful stretching. Never let people know how fast you are. Appear slow in all things, and less is expected of you. When someone is on the computer too long, help them by distracting them, or walk lightly on their keyboard. So advises Stanley, a remarkably astute cat with a keen eye for the important things in life. Perhaps you don’t have time for yoga, can’t afford therapy,
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Book Review: Little Shepherd by Cheryl Malandrinos

Title: Little Shepherd Author: Cheryl Malandrinos Paperback: 16 pages Genre: Children’s Book Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (August 21, 2010) Language: English ISBN – 1616330856 ISBN – 978-1616330859 About the Book: Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior’s birth. Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King? Review: Just in time for the Christmas gift-giving season comes a new children’s book by Cheryl Malandrinos that is surely one of the best retelling of the timeless Christmas story about the birth of our Lord.  Little Shepherd is about little
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Book Review: The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

Title: The Golden Pathway Author: Donna McDine Paperback: 26 pages Genre: Children’s historical storybook Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Language: English ISBN – 1616330880 ISBN – 978-1616330880 PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE! About the Book: Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa. Review: Donna McDine’s book The Golden Pathway is a poignant tale of sorrow and abuse and how one boy rises above it all to stay true to
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Book Review: Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902 by Patrick Brown

Title: Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1902 Author: Patrick Brown Paperback: 142 pages Genre: History Publisher: Tribute Books Language: English ISBN – 0982256558 ISBN – 978-0982256558 About the Book: Periods of total societal transformation often provide the best material for historians. The way that Scranton’s residents reimagined their value within society in response to the changes around them did not evolve in step with technological and economic progress—rather, those living through these changes slowly and painfully adapted extant modes of thinking in light of their new life circumstances. This book weaves a cohesive narrative that explains how Scranton—and America—went from the personal, egalitarian society of
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Book Review: Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey by Diana M. Raab

Title: Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey Author: Diana M. Raab Paperback: 206 pages Genre: Memoir; Self-Help Publisher: Loving Healing Press Language: English ISBN-1615990100 ISBN-978-1615990108 About the Book: Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey is a compassionate and wry self-help memoir written by an award-winning author, nurse and poet, who at the age of forty-seven found her life shattered first by a DCIS (early breast cancer) diagnosis and five years later by another, seemingly unrelated and incurable cancer—multiple myeloma. Review: Before I begin my review, I’d like to share a passage from Diana M. Raab’s new book, Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey: “It seems as
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Book Review: Take Me Out to the Ballgame by Gary Morgenstein

Title: Take Me Out to the Ballgame Author: Gary Morgenstein Paperback: 290 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Language: English ISBN-1448620503 ISBN-978-1448620500 Reviewed by Lucinda Gunnin Gary Morgenstein’s Take Me Out to the Ballgame offers a slice of life look at the blue-collar folks of Buffalo and their love for a down on its luck baseball team, the Buffalo Matadors. Focusing on everything from the ineptitude of the Congressional extension of unemployment benefits to the overpayment of baseball stars, Morgenstein writes with his finger on the pulse of the real baseball fan and the real American worker, understanding what makes them both tick. When he mingles the high power world of Matadors’
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Book Review: Black Smoke by Robin Leigh Miller

Title: Black Smoke Author: Robin  Leigh Miller Paperback: 292 pages Publisher: Cerridwen Press (January 22, 2010) Language: English ISBN-1419960237 ISBN-978-1419960239 Reviewed by Lucinda Gunnin Synopsis: Samantha Wells has lived through more hell in her short life than most. At the age of eight her serene life was turned upside down. Her parents were brutally murdered and Sam barely escaped with her life. But she didn’t do it alone — a soft calm voice led her to safety, the voice of her spirit guide. Disguised by a black mask and the handle Black Smoke, with the help of her spirit guide Sam rescues those unfortunate people who find themselves in
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Book Review: Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths

LIFE CHOICES: NAVIGATING DIFFICULT PATHS by Judi Moreo & Friends Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Turning Point International (January 15, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 0982526407 ISBN-13: 978-0982526408 Synopsis: If you feel “stuck” in a situation that appears to be beyond your control, these stories will show you how others have coped with crisis and uncertainty, made tough choices and positive changes in order to find deeper meaning and satisfaction in their relationships and learned to live with purpose every day. Rarely do we find a book that addresses so many different challenges. Life Choices does this in a powerful and inspiring way. This book is about experiences, the people who
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Book Review: An Axe to Grind by F.M. Meredith

Title: An Axe to Grind Author: F.M. Meredith Genre: Crime/police procedural Publisher: Dark Oak Mysteries Pages: 178 ISBN: 978- 1892343789 Rating: SYNOPSIS Detective Doug Milligan and his partner question suspects in the murder of a stalker including the stalker’s target, her boyfriend, father and brother, as well as the stalker’s step-father. The investigation leaves little time for Doug to see his fiancée and fellow officer, Stacey Wilbur. Stacey handles a molestation case which involves the son of a friend. She and her mother talk wedding plans, though all must wait until Doug’s renter, Officer Gordon Butler finds another place to live. When Doug disappears while tailing a suspect, Stacey
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Book Review: The Cutting by James Hayman

THE CUTTING by James Hayman Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: St. Martins Minotaur Language: English ISBN-10: 0-312-53129-x ISBN-13: 13: 978-0-312-53129-4 SYNOPSIS Someone is Stealing the Hearts of Beautiful Young Women. NYPD homicide detective Mike McCabe left New York for Maine to escape his own dark past and to find a refuge from the violence of the big city for himself and his teenaged daughter, but on the fog-shrouded, cobblestone streets of Portland he finds far more than he bargained for. On a warm September evening the mutilated body of Katie Dubois, a pretty high school soccer star, turns up, dumped in a Portland scrap yard. Her heart has been neatly
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Book Review: Corrigans’ Pool by Dot Ryan

Title: Corrigans’ Pool Author: Dot Ryan Genre: Historical fiction Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. Pages: 404 ISBN: 978-0-595-46740-2 Purchase your copy here! Be swept away by history and romance in Corrigan’s Pool by Dot Ryan. Ella Corrigan has long carried great responsibility. After her mother’s horrific accident, her father turned to alcohol, leaving Ella to manage Greenpole, the family’s Savannah plantation. While a good and fair mistress, romance has eluded her, and at twenty-four, she is on the urge of becoming a spinster. When Gentry Garland, with eyes black as night, rides into Savannah from Texas, Ella’s life brightens. Ella falls in love with the dashing horse rancher, but is brokenhearted
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Book Review: Real Men – What is Happening with our Males by Greg Middleton

Title: Real Men – What Is Happening with our Males? Author: Greg Middleton Genre: Social Issues Publisher: Lulu Pages: 125 ISBN: 978-0-557-12071-0 Purchase your copy here! Are you a “real man”? Real Men: What is Happening with Our Males? was written for males dealing with specific male issues. Addressing the serious shift in dynamics between males and females brought about by changes in laws and customs, changes in technology, and changes in the roles females now play in society, Real Men takes a look into our past, the present, and looks into the future to help men adjust their lives to today’s reality. I approached Real Men with a
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Book Review: The Light, The Dark & Ember Between by J.W. Nicklaus

Title: The Light, The Dark & Ember Between Author: J.W. Nicklaus Genre: Short Stories Publisher: Bedside Books Pages: 181 pages Purchase your copy here! About the Book A collection of short stories, each a splinter’s reflection of the human condition, firmly centered upon our oft tenuous, sometimes tensile bond with Hope, and careening flirtation with Love. Fifteen stories: From the wispy fog of a love lost at sea, to an orphaned child who delivers a present of her own during a war-torn Christmas. These stories are gentle reminders to each of us of what it is to be human, and certainly of our affinity for the slightest glint of
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Book Review: Gringos in Paradise by Malana Ashlie

Title: Gringos in Paradise Author: Malana Ashlie Genre: Travel Autobiography Publisher: Booksurge Pages: 170 pages Purchase your copy here! About the Book Gringos in Paradise: Our Honduras Odyssey by Malana Ashlie is a delightfully amusing and lighthearted autobiography chronicling her move from Hawai’i to the Caribbean Coast of Honduras. When she and her husband decide to relocate to a more secluded paradise the fun begins. She shares the trials and triumphs of building a new life in Central America, in what can best be described as a spiritual journey of faith. Of special appeal to the swelling ranks of expat retirees in Mexico and Central America (over one million
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Book Review: Hakim & Terrance Shadow Mystery by Bernadine Feagins

Hakim & Terrance Shadow Mystery Author: Bernadine Feagins Publisher: LuLu Rating: Reviewed by: Cheryl Malandrinos What would you do if one day you woke up and your dog was missing? Well, if you’re Hakim, you go find your best friend and start searching for clues. With the help of their families and friends in the neighborhood, Terrance and Hakim are sure to find Shadow. In this debut release by children’s author Bernadine Feagins, two best friends set out to solve the mystery of a missing dog. Young readers will sympathize with Hakim as he searches for his beloved pet. They will also enjoy the friendship between the two boys
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  • December 8, 2009
  • book reviews, Featured
  • Comments Off on Book Review: World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by James Diehl

Book Review: World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by James Diehl

Title: World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware Author: James Diehl Genre: Historical Nonfiction Publisher: The DNB Group Pages: 234 pages Purchase your copy here! About the Book World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware is a book unlike any other ever written. In its pages are profiles of 50 ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things during a time unlike any other in American history. These are men and women who today call southern Delaware home. In the 1940s, these brave Americans put their lives on hold to fight for freedom and democracy against the horrific threat imposed on the world by Emperor Hirohito of Japan and German Fuhrer
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Book Review: For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone

Title: For the Love of St. Nick Author: Garasamo Maccagnone Genre: Fiction Publisher: Booksurge Pages: 61 pages Purchase your copy here! About the Book: Two California boys, coping with the loss of their mother, find themselves uprooted when their father, a Navy Commander, is transferred to a base in northern Michigan. With the youngest boy continuously sick, the family must survive military life and the northern elements as they dwell in their little hunter’s cabin on Lake Huron. When the boy’s father, the commander, must leave prio to Christmas to fulfill his secret mission for the United States Military, the boys are surprised by a chance encounter that saves
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Book Review: Colonel Trash Truck by Kathleen Crawley

Encourage your kids to become part of Colonel Trash Truck’s Clean and Green Team with this new rhyming book by Kathleen Crawley that teaches kids in a fun way about the importance of recycling. Colonel Trash Truck travels the streets with his Clean and Green Team to help win the war on garbage.  From leaves to litter, from doo to scum, Colonel Trash wants to keep the world beautiful.  But he needs your help, so save the trees, recycle and reuse whenever possible. Every parent, grandparent, care giver, Preschool or Kindergarten teacher who wants to encourage young children to “Go Green” will want to pick up a copy of
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Book Review: The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live by Robert Tuchman

Title: The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live Author: Robert Tuchman Publisher: BenBella Books, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-933771-45-8 SRP: $17.95 (U.S.) Reviewed by Cheryl Malandrinos Okay sports fans and sports enthusiasts, if there was ever a book written for you, this is it! The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live by Robert Tuchman is a must have for anyone who loves sports. This comprehensive guide of sporting events hand selected by Tuchman, founder of TSE Sports & Entertainment, not only lists 100 sporting events you must see in your lifetime, it includes travel and ticket options, recommends the best hotels, details restaurants and nightlife options and shares tips
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Book Review: Charlie and Mama Kyna by Diana Rumjahn

Title: Charlie and Mama Kyna Author:  Diana Rumjahn Publisher: Booksurge Publishing ISBN: 1419656872 38 pp Reviewed by: Dorothy Thompson Charlie and Mama Kyna is a sweet tale of three friends – Charlie, a frog, Leo, a lion and Joe, a giraffe – who embark on a journey to find a good home. In this delightful children’s picture book written by Diana Rumjahn, we are all taken on an enchanting journey in which Charlie, “a sweet green frog with a red bow tie with white polka dots,” finds Leo and Joe sitting in an orange tent in front of Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery.  Soon they tire of living out of a
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