Allbooks Review

Interview with Robbi S. Bryant, author of The Beautiful Evil

2012-01-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Robbi Sommers Bryant
Santa Rosa, Ca

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

The Beautiful Evil
Self-published through Create Space

Tell us about yourself:

Robbi Sommers Bryant published works include 4 novels, 5 short story collections and 1 book of poetry. Her work has been published in magazines including Readers Digest, Redbook, Cupido and Penthouse and included in several anthologies. After the sudden death of her 21-year-old son in the late 1990's, Robbi's passion and creative flame extinguished. She only began writing again last year. Robbi has recently retired as a dental hygienist. She has also worked as a licensed esthetician and a certified massage therapist. Once a disco dance teacher and tarot card reader/teacher, Robbi has dabbled in many of life's experiences. She is married and is the mother of three sons. Justin 1976-1997, Brian and Nick (twins, age 28.) The Beautiful Evil, a novel, is her first major work since her son passed.

When was the book released?:

July 2, 2011

Give us an overview of your book.

A cynical and emotionally bereft homemaker purchases and opens an antique Greek vase, unleashing an insidious evil into her life. Spiraling into a world of untrustworthy men, addictive drugs, and murder, she suddenly finds herself staring into a dark abyss, forced to make one final, heart-rending decision if she is to find the peace seeks. The Beautiful Evil is a captivating psychological thriller that will keep you questioning reality until the ultimate, final act.

What inspired you to write this book?

My love of mythology, a quote about hope being 'the worst of all evils' by Nietzsche and my fascination with good vs evil, fueled my creativity and inspiration for The Beautiful Evil.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
When one hears the word, psychological thriller, the first thought is serial killer or abductions. The Beautiful Evil redefines the genre, Psychological Thriller with its cutting edge style, disturbing situations and unique characters.

Where can people buy your book?

www.robbibryant.com
Amazon.com: Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Smashwords

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

Yes, I have 2 projects in the works. Hopefully, one of them will be ready to publish in approximately 1-2 years.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

I published through Create Space and they did an absolutely awesome job. My advice: Be prepared to wear many hats...from writer to marketer, there's a lot to be done. Be prepared!

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us? I am building The

Beautiful Evil into a best seller, one book at a time. I always have books and promo material wherever I go and try to sell at least one book a every day.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

I found ALLbooks Reviews mentioned on another site and researched it. My hope is that we bring each other closer to our personal goals.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?

It would be nice to have a place that sets authors on their way with good marketing ideas.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Interview with Lisa Taylor, author of The Hour of Tiamat

2012-01-27T14:41:00.002-05:00

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Lisa Taylor and I live in Winchester, Kentucky, USA

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
The Hour of Tiamat published by AuthorHouse

Tell us about yourself:
I’ve kind of jumped all over the place. I graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point in May of 2010 but my military career was cut short. I was medically discharged from the Army soon after graduation. I attended graduate school studying physics for a semester, but soon realized that it wasn’t the career I wanted. That’s when I began to publish my writing.

When was the book released?:
June of 2011

Give us an overview of your book.
It is based on Sumerian mythology, a topic I have always found fascinating. Four teenagers have found an ancient book, the Necronomicon, which is full of knowledge of the Sumerian Gods. The book starts on the night that they perform a forbidden ritual to bring those Gods back to the Earth, putting themselves in line for a reward of power.
One of the teens, though, is not like the others, and only does the ritual out of fear for his life; but when he is faced with killing again or turning against the Gods, he embarks on a mission to stop what he has begun before it’s too late.
It’s a book where destinies collide and nothing is really what it seems. Secrets abound and the main characters, Evelyn and Tristan, will each have to face their own demons if they ever hope to understand each other.
What inspired you to write this book?
In high school (and still today) I was fascinated by ancient cultures. My research into Sumerian mythology coupled with my love for H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories inspired this book.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
While the book is fiction, it is based on real historical interpretations. It has a little bit for everyone; history, horror, intense emotional growth and even a little romance.

Where can people buy your book?
They can buy it many places. It is for sale on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com. Barnes and Noble bookstores can also order it for you. For the cheapest prices, though, readers should look at my website, http://www.creatingworldswithwords.com

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes, the first of a young adult fantasy trilogy called Crystalized (Book 1 of the Crystal Chronicles) and it is close to finished. I plan to publish this trilogy traditionally, through an agent, so it will most likely be another year before it is released for sale.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Network, network, network. There are a lot of indie authors out there willing to do mutual promotions. Also, research and teach yourself about online marketing and social networks ahead of time. Lastly, don’t pay to be published. There are a lot of small, indie presses out there; find them.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Social networks have led to most of my sales, especially twitter. I’ve found I can build a large following simply by remembering my manners and being social.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I found Albooks while searching google for book reviewers. Reviews help tremendously in how your book is presented in places like amazon.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
The low cost wasn’t a surprise since I had never paid for any review service. It was worth it though to get my book reviewed by a credible reviewing company.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Review of Dark Victory by P. J. O'Dwyer

2012-01-23T07:41:00.000-05:00

She knows the truth in her heart yet nobody else believes her. They say it was an accident when she knows it was anything but. Frustration builds to dangerous proportions as she confronts the doubts of the people around her who think she is losing her mind. This is what Bren Ryan faces after the death of her husband, Tom, when she is sent into a tailspin of despair as her life falls apart before her eyes. Grieving heavily yet filled with anger, she vows to find her husband's murderer, while fighting to save her home and her family’s horse rescue business and at the same time help her children adjust to the loss of their father - a tough go for anyone, but Bren is stubborn to a fault and will let nothing stop her from reaching her goal. Then factor in Rafe, the mysterious stranger who appears out of nowhere to help Bren's cause, but who may not be what he seems, and you have a story that latches on to you and will not let go.
Right from the first chapter of Dark Victory I was hooked, and the wheels in my brain started turning, contemplating the possible explanations for Tom's death. But the author, P.J. O'Dwyer, is skilled at her craft because each time I thought I had the mystery figured out, she threw in a curve ball which totally changed the game. However, the main questions remain throughout –can Bren prove her theory that her long-time enemy and kill buyer by profession, Wes Connelly, is somehow connected to Tom’s death and can she thwart his continued efforts to make money from the sale of innocent horses to the slaughterhouse? Bren’s love of horses has kept her fighting these injustices throughout her life, and following Tom’s death she continues to aspire to protect those who can’t protect themselves, with total disregard to the cost or danger to herself, danger that traverses borders and puts her life in jeopardy on more than one occasion.Just as important, can Bren put Tom's ghost behind her and move on to happiness, will the secret that Rafe hides come out, and will it destroy the bond that seems to be growing between them or bring them closer?
It's hard not to have compassion and also respect for Bren's character. On the one hand she is a truly grieving widow who can hardly function at times but is trying her best to stay strong for her two sons. She is struggling to keep afloat while dealing with the guilt she feels over her husband's death, but on the other hand she is tough as nails and a fighter, and she will not take no for an answer when it comes to solving the mystery of her husband's death. Anybody who gets in her way is asking for trouble! Bren was always headstrong, and it was Tom who was the calming influence in her life, but without him she feels like she doesn't have any support from anywhere, and she feels like a total failure. Bren rides a seesaw of emotions throughout the story, and it is absolutely heart wrenching watching the pain and heartbreak that she has to endure over and over again. O'Dwyer is a master at putting emotion to paper and making it convincing.
Bren is surrounded by a varied cast of friends and family who make the story rich. In the first few pages we are introduced to Bren's baby, Finn, a sensitive 7 year old who after a year still has questions about what happened to his father, and later on we encounter Bren's 15 year old son, Aiden, who is struggling with his feelings as a teenager to begin with but even more so because he has lost his father who he had a very close bond with. Then there is Kevin Bendix, the sheriff of Washington County, who has been friends with Bren and Tom since childhood and would do anything for Bren, but who frustrates her to no end because he thinks she is going overboard with her theories and just wants her to move on and forget about everything. We also meet local equine vet, Jeremy Breakstone, and his wife, Jo, who is Bren's best friend and her shoulder to lean on. Finally, to add a little spice to the mix the tall, dark and handsome stranger, Rafe Langston, shows up from Texas at the right time and in the right place, but the reader is constantly challenged to figure out whether he is there for the right reasons or not.
The suspense throughout this story was intense and the twists shocking. It was like rafting down rapids, where your heart is racing and you can't relax until you finally reach a calm stretch of water and you take a deep breath thinking the worst is over, when all of a sudden your raft shoots over a waterfall. O'Dwyer does throw out fairly frequent clues right from the beginning which allow the reader to form theories about certain aspects of the plot, but she kept me totally in the dark with respect to others, with the end result being high intensity at its best. This story definitely gives the heart a workout in every possible way - suspense that has it pounding non-stop, romance that has it thumping, and frustration, anger and deep sorrow that hold it clenched in a vice. I would definitely recommend Dark Victory. I could not put it down!

Reviewer: Cindy Taylor, www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: Dark Victory
Author: P.J. O’Dwyer
Format: ebook
September, 2011

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill by Renee Hand

2012-01-23T07:39:00.001-05:00

Illustrator: Jake Karwoski

When Melinda was finally ready to talk, she sat down in a chair across from them. She held her head high, took a deep breath, and began. “My daughter collects rocks and minerals, you see, and one of her favourite minerals was stolen from her collection.”

After one seemingly ordinary afternoon with her friends Maple Moo’s day turns out to be terrible when she finds her favourite, not to mention expensive mineral. Detectives; Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill are on the case and they mean to do it quickly. Scoping out possible suspects they analyze the mystery and along the way learn numerous facts about rocks and minerals.

Renee Hand has created a fun and interesting way of teaching kids new facts about rocks and minerals. Her writing style is easy to follow and perfect for children and preteens, especially those who lack an interest in reading because it will certainly spike their interest in books and geology. Amongst the pages you will find the artwork of the illustrator Jake Karwoski which really adds to the story, they are done very well and the reader will certainly appreciate the addition that visuals make within the book.

Overall this book is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf at schools, libraries and in kid’s collections everywhere. Recommended by reviewer, Kirsten Bussière, Allbooks Reviews International www.allbooksreviewint.com.

Title: The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill, Case #2: Mineral Mischief
Author: Renee Hand
Price: 9.95$
I.S.B.N: 978-0-87839-415-9
Publisher: North Star Press (northstarpress.com)
For more info: www.reneeahand.com

Review of Traitors Among Us by S.R.Claridge

2012-01-23T07:38:00.001-05:00

Many popular writers will tell you the first sentence of a novel is the most important; it should hook the reader right away. In fact, I’ve heard that Stephen King actually collects excellent first lines from other writers via his website. Well, if so, S.R. Claridge should send him the first line of TRAITORS AMONG US because it does just that: snares you immediately. Having recently read TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH, the first in this author’s “Just Call Me Angel” series, I was elated to find I was headed for another thrilling page-turner. Angel is back, in the second of, hopefully, many more novels. And once again we’re treated to Angel’s ornery, matchmaking and feisty Aunt Olga again, as well as two of Angel’s former lovers, and some colorful new characters to say the least.
Okay, here’s the jist. Angel’s mother, missing since Angel was eighteen years old, shows up. If Angel can find her, that is. And that’s pretty much the primary quest here for our protagonist. Of course, many obstacles abound thwarting the quest such as: complications provided by Angel’s romantic entanglements and long-held secrets as well as intricate power plays by the Chicago Mafia and even the New York Five Families. Add to that a scary dude called “The Shark”, plus ominous and deadly elements of the Russian underworld, and you get the picture: murder, suspense, and thrills—all enmeshed in wild, intelligent plotting from the fertile mind of this fine new author. I enjoyed her first book, but this one is even better and I’ll tell you why. There’s a new element among the mystery, suspense, and romance and it’s humor. And well done, too. She’s written in a new, quirky character whose dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny. He’s Angels’ spiky-haired, gun-happy, self-appointed bodyguard, done up in a style not unlike some of Janet Evanovich’s characters. You’ll love him!
S.R. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. She says her background in theatre and psychology helps her fill the pages of each novel with enough dramatic suspense to keep readers guessing until the very end. And that’s exactly what she does. Throughout, you never know whom to believe. Claridge currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Well, that’s fine by me; I’m ready for more. Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews

Traitors Among Us
S. R. Claridge
Published by: Vanilla Heart Publishing ©2011
ISBN: 978-1-935407-14-2
Trade Paperback 226pages
US $13.95
For more infor: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com

Review of That Certain Summer by Mary Verdick

2012-01-18T13:26:00.001-05:00

That Certain Summer is the story of a girl names Sally Grimes. Sally is from Winner, Iowa and her dream is to one day be a writer but so far she is only an advice column writer for the local newspaper. A job writing the life story of Diane Fenwick might just be Sally’s chance to make it big. So Sally travels to Diane’s beach front property in Connecticut and she surprisingly finds that Diane has children. Diane also has a dog named Rufus who is more intelligent than anyone expects of a dog.
Diane has to leave almost immediately after Sally arrives and it seems that Sally see’s more of Alex and Megan, Diane’s seven year old twins, than she does of Diane herself. Sally also falls in love with the handsome Ricardo, who works for Diane’s landlord Mr. Morley-Watts. Sally, Ricardo, and the twins get to do lots of activities together but Sally begins to wonder whether she was hired as a writer of a babysitter. Sally soon finds out that there is more going on with Diane, Ricardo, and Morley-Watts’ than she expected and suddenly Sally is in the middle of a very dangerous situation.
That Certain Summer is a summer romance story with an exciting twist. The story is definitely a page turner and keeps a readers interest. A reader will be able to imagine exactly what is happening in the book as if it is happening right there in front of them. The characters are well developed and each one has great personalities. A reader is able to easily relate with Sally and what is happening with her through the story.
Mary Verdick is a wonderful writer and with that talent has created a fantastic story. This book is one not to be missed and I would highly recommend it.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Chaselyn Kenney, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: That Certain Summer
Author: Mary Verdick
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Price: $14.49 paperback
Pages: 164
ISBN: 978-1-4520-4744-7
Date of review: August 2011

Review of Tetterbaum's Truth by S.R.Claridge

2012-01-18T13:25:00.002-05:00

If you like a strong female lead in a mystery/suspense, then you’ll fall in love with Angel, the protagonist of TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH. She’s one gutsy woman dealing with multiple threats on her life and she rises to the challenge with courage and spunk. I found one page melting into the next in this fast-paced novel; it’s extremely well written and easy to read. Nothing is as it seems and just when you think you’ve got a handle on the good and bad guys, the plot somersaults. And even though it’s pitched as mystery- suspense, it also contains a healthy dollop of romance. Right off the bat we get some exciting romantic conflict, which carries throughout the book.
Here’s how it goes: following a tragic accident to her father, Angel inherits Tetterbaum’s Pub. Even though she has a good head for business, she isn’t the best at choosing men in her life and to make matters worse, her doting aunt is continually fixing her up with losers. Then, an old lover mysteriously appears on the heels of her current lover’s disappearing act. To complicate things, a handsome employee at the pub makes a play for her. Three men: each claiming that the other two want to kill her. Trust her heart, or her intuition? And once the Mafia rears it’s ugly head—with as many serpents as Medusa—the plot screams into full thrust with veiled and unveiled threats, surprise alliances, Machiavellian maneuvering for power, murder, kidnappings, and a wild search for some revealing tapes. Believe me, each chapter will leave you salivating for the next one and the ending will catch you by complete surprise.
S.A. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. It is valuable experience that serves her well. She currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Happily for us, she’s already published TRAITORS AMONG US, the second in her “Just call me Angel” series. I’m impatiently looking forward to reading it. Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews

Published by: Vanilla Heart Publishing ©2011
ISBN: 978-1-935407-89-8
Trade Paperback 231pages
US $14.95
For more info:

Review of Possoons by Rachelle Rogers

2012-01-18T13:25:00.001-05:00

Rachelle Rogers has produced a heterogeneous collection of short stories that will entertain and amuse readers from beginning to end.
The short quips in Possoons are really studies in human nature; from the sixty something, Eva to the gay, Julian this author brings her characters to life. In a few sentences we see deep into the psyche and the hearts of the people in the story. Whether happy or sad, grieving or rejoicing, the reader becomes part of the story through empathy and understanding.
My favourite was “Why Stefan had to rent a Sander and Refinish the Floors in Brenda’s bedroom” I laughed till I cried. “Restoration” is a heartfelt story of grief and the realization that life goes on.
Rachelle Rogers is a fiction author, writer and poet. She lives in Asheville, Nc.
Bravo Ms. Rogers, this collection is highly recommended.Reviewer: Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review Int.
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Tltle: Possoons
Author: Rachelle Rogers
ISBN: 9780615494654
For more info: www.rachellerogers.com

Review for Amazng People of New York

2012-01-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

Whether ever having visited there before or not, everyone has their ownmental picture of New York City – the bright lights, millions of people, famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the music of Broadway and the wheeling and dealings of Wall Street. Most of us think of this great city in terms of its recent history, but what about its origins?Amazing People of New York by Dr. Charles Margerison reveals the most memorable events from New York’s history through easy to follow, inspirational stories of the people who made major contributions to the birth and development of this wonderful city.
Starting with Captain Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed up the coast of America in the 1500’s and landed near the site of present day New York City, we learn of the many challenges faced in shaping this land of opportunity and how they were overcome. We witness the progression of acceptance of different peoples and religions and the struggle to be their own democratic nation free of British rule. As the population explodes, we follow the lives of dedicated pioneers such as John Peter Zenger, Sojourner Truth, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Margaret Sanger, to name just a few, who fought for change and used their various skills to transform the land and the economy. No challenge was too great for these trailblazers. They fought for what they believed in and conquered the obstacles that often stood in their path. Along the way, we witness every aspect of the development of New York from improvements in health care and education and campaigns for civil rights to free enterprise, business and the creation of unionsand innovations in transportation and communications to bring trade and wealth to the city. Despite various disasters, setbacks and challenges, New York continued to grow through the years and become more prominent in the world until it became the world class city it is today. I was familiar with some of the people mentioned in this book while others I had never heard of, but regardless, I found each story interesting and enlightening.
Amazing People of New York begins with a brief history of New York to whet the appetite which leads into a multi-course meal that will leave the reader totally satisfied. Each course or story is set out in the form of a Bioview, an innovative method of telling the stories of history through the eyes of the people who lived through them and written as if they are giving an interview during their lifetime to a writer or reporter. I especially enjoyed the fact that the author gives each story a personal touch - what the person’s observations and feelings may have been at the time, rather than just all facts and figures. If we look at the introduction as the appetizer and the Bioviews as the main courses, no meal is complete without a delectable dessert, and Margerison does not disappoint with his final section which both surprised and delighted me. Not only does he provide a concise timeline which summarizes the significant events mentioned in the Bioviews, but he also provides lists of films, musicals andsongs about New York, annual celebrations in New York, and best of all a section on Places of Interest in New York which links places to people from the Bioviews and details where to go, what to see and what to do to learn more about these amazing people. All of a sudden the history lesson is transformed into an invaluable guidebook for anyone wanting to visit this famous city. As a result, my desire to visit New York has increased tenfold.
This is the second book that I have read in the Amazing People Club series, and once again I am thoroughly impressed and would love to see this series in our educational system. After many years burning the midnight oil reading history through textbooks for school, I never thought that I would read a non-fiction history book for pleasure, but this series makes it fun and interesting without being laborious, tedious or overwhelming. Amazing People of New York is a thorough, informative and fascinating account of the history of New York City and the people who shaped it into the super city that it is today, all in a neat little package. No item of interest is left out. Kudos to the author for a job very well done, and I look forward to reading more in the series. I highly recommend this book, and in fact the whole series.

Dr. Charles Margerison is a Chartered Psychologist and a member of the Royal Institution and the Royal Literature Society. He is Chairman of Viewpoint Resources Ltd. and was previously Professor of Management at the Universities of Cranfield (UK) and Queensland, Australia. He was also a co-founder of Emerald, the world’s leading publisher of management journals and databases.
Highly recommended by Reviewer: Cindy Taylor, www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Amazing People of New York
Author: Dr. Charles Margerison
Format: ebook
Publisher:Amazing People Club Ltd
August, 2011
For more info: http://www.amazingpeopleclub.com/product/amazing-people-new-york

Review of Lost in the Blue Room by Richard Barone

2012-01-13T08:09:00.000-05:00

When a disgruntled former sky marshal takes siege of a plane flying above ocean waters, everyone pays attention! Claiming the hijacking is not an act of terrorism, Jack Sky explains to the passengers that he wants the world to understand the invaluable nature of sky marshals. He intends to prove government neglect for passenger safety when the sky marshals were cut back before 9/11. He has written a book that publishers have rejected so he feels his only recourse is forcing people to read it, if they don’t they will be “shark bait.”
John Barefoot is aboard the plane, travelling to his appearance on the ‘Tonight Show.’ Ironically John is a bestselling author in the midst of writing ‘Most Wanted, his own novel about a hijacking. Seated next to him is passenger Marge Fornai. Throughout the book they narrate their experience on a flight gone terribly wrong.
Jack’s story is about Andrea High, an undercover sky marshal whose personal mission is to be the first to take down a skyjacker; thereby proving his point and heroically saving a plane full of people. He takes full advantage of his multiple undercover stories on and off duty by engaging in many different activities of self-indulgence, legal and illegal. Andrea’s escapades take place on board the plane and in different countries on stopovers. He is becomes addicted to the rush of his lifestyle and pays an ultimate price.
Andrea did not count on falling in love with a very complicated flight attendant, nor the drama surrounding their relationship. They share a common thread in living life to the extreme, burning the candle at both ends, not thinking of the long term consequences. Andrea has a history in philosophical controversies and enjoys engaging people in his theories.
The author Richard Barone is a former sky marshal. He has written a tale of terror aboard a plane. Will he make you wonder about who you are sitting next to on the next flight you take?
This is not a book that you will fall asleep reading. You must follow carefully with an open imagination to decipher the intertwined stories and to experience the conclusion. As the author Richard Barone has stated there are sex, violence and drugs to which I will add deceit, rape, abortion, sodomy and magic. This is not a book for the highly moral.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review International @ www.allbookreviewsint.com

Title: Lost in the Blue Room
Author: Richard Barone
Publisher: Canto 34 Press
ISBN-13: 978-0975471166
Pages: 284
Price: $14.95 USD
August 2011
For more info: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Blue-Room-Richard-Barone/dp/0975471163/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313780851&sr=1-1

Review of Cassie's Choice by John Deering

2012-01-13T08:08:00.000-05:00

Cassie Conway is an energetic, spontaneous seventeen year old with her whole life stretched out ahead of her. Of course, with talents and potentials as great as the ones Cassie possesses comes responsibility and difficult decisions.
Cassie and her twin brother Justin are, because of their mother’s knowledge of the sport as well as her help and support over the years, very promising soccer players. It is their mother’s greatest wish for them to win soccer scholarships at prestigious American universities and live their lives with chances and experiences that she could not give them growing up.
Justin happens to share his mother’s dream for himself but Cassie harbours hopes of her own that are drastically different from anything her mother would ever want for her. Cassie’s late father was a daring, well respected trapeze flyer with the circus. Cassie is well aware that deep down, winning a soccer scholarship would never bring her the happiness or thrill that trapeze flying would. She also knows that following in her father’s footsteps (which she is certain is her path) will cause a rivet in her relationship with her mother, who is dead set against her pursuing the trapeze, though Cassie is a talented gymnast with the potential to do so.
Cassie comes to a barrier that many young people must break through in order to find happiness. Will Cassie live her mother’s dream and win a soccer scholarship, or will she follow her own path and join the trapeze flyers which could mean getting to the bottom of her father’s mysterious death on the trapeze two years before?
John Deering has created an entertaining and inspiring story of friendships and growing-up decisions that we can all relate to. Realistic relationships, colourful characters and interesting settings make “Cassie’s Choice” an enjoyable and enlightening novel that is highly readable and accessible.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Alison Griffith, Allbooks Review International www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Cassie’s Choice
Author: John Deering
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Cost: $19.95
Publisher: General Store Publishing House
ISBN:9781897508725

Review of Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

2012-01-09T10:05:00.001-05:00

Author: Barry Parker
As the title states, learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow. In no particular order, this book contains several short essays on various ways to live a better and happier life.
The book contains a fairly wide range of topics that all boil down to the same thing: living a happier and stress-free life. The book promotes positive thinking, with various topics on happiness, motivation and enthusiasm. In other words, ‘Don’t let life just pass you by: Enjoy it’. Within each essay are inspirational thoughts and ideas on how to improve your life. Some of these ideas are a little bit obvious, like getting enough sleep and eating health. However, not only are the ideas suggested, better for you physically, but they are better for your emotional well being (your happiness). The essays are in no particular order, so you may flip through the book at your own leisure and pick the topics that interest you or are relevant to you.
Barry Parker is a retired professor of physics and astronomy from Idaho State University. He is the author of several books that are mainly non-fiction science books. Some novels written by this author include: Good Vibrations: The Physics of Music, Feel Great Feel Alive: Seven Steps to Super Health, and Young Einstein.
For a short little inspirational book, Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow is recommended by: Margaret Orford, Allbooks Reviews. http://www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow
Author: Barry Parker
Publisher: Stardust Press
ISBN: 978-0-9764076-5-2
Pages: 174 pages
Price: $12.95 US
July 2011

Review of Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma by Patricia Perry

2012-01-09T10:02:00.001-05:00

Imagine a wager between God and Lucifer, with the Dean Brothers’ final fate in the balance. Will the Dean Brothers end up with God, or with Lucifer (Gooseberry)? Gooseberry must watch over the as part of the bet.
Part of the bet is to keep the Deans out of trouble, which is not an easy task for anyone, even Old Gooseberry. Why would Gooseberry accept such a wager, especially when keeping track of the Dean Brothers is a full-time job? Who is going to torment the souls in Hades while Lucifer is busy watching over the Deans? This is Lucifer’s favorite pass time, tormenting people and watching over his domain on TV in his office smoking cigars.
Follow along as Old Gooseberry tries his best to keep the Dean Brothers out of trouble so they will end up in heaven. Lucifer is afraid if he loses the bet the Dean Brother will upset his domain and perhaps try to take over from him. This cannot happen.
Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma takes place from late afternoon on Wednesday, thru Saturday until 6:00.01 PM, during which time Lucifer must make sure the Dean Brothers do not get into any serious trouble.
Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma is a fun read that follows Lucifer as he visits and tries to keep the Dean Brothers out of trouble on Earth. He becomes a mere shadow of himself because it takes a lot to keep the Deans out of trouble, that would cause him to lose the bet with God thru his emissary Michael the Archangel, who started to wager in the first place.
You will have to read Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma to see how this wager ends. You may not be able to guess the outcome. Will it be God, or Old Gooseberry? This reviewer found Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma at times, funny, sad, and left to contemplate if things like this really take place.
Grab yourself a copy of Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma, sit in a comfy chair and enjoy the trials and tribulations of Old Gooseberry as he works hard to keep the Dean Brothers out of serious trouble in order to keep them out of his domain, Hades.
This reviewer awards four and one-half out of five stars to Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma and recommends it as a must read. Reviewer Robert Medak, AllBooks Review

Title: Old Gooseberry’s Dilemma
Author: Patricia Perry
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
ISBN: 0-7414-6150-1
Pages: 93
Date: July 28, 2011
For more info: www.buybooksontheweb.com/

Review of This Business of Children by Chloe JonOaul

2012-01-09T10:01:00.001-05:00

Vera, a gray-haired, puffy-eyed, plump fourth grade teacher who was in her last year before retirement has a story to tell. It's not the one she had planned to write about when she retired. In fact, she had just wanted to get through the year without incident teaching in a crowded school filled with kids from the “wrong side of the track.” Instead she can't keep her mouth shut, not after what happened to Dee, Mark, or Stu – the other fourth grade teachers in her school.
And so begins the complex story of teachers trying to do their job while juggling the events of their own lives during the school year. Testing needs to be done, children dropped off at school too early need to be given winter hats in order to stay warm, romances are started, betrayal happens, and a teacher needs to grieve the completion of her career.
It's also the year when, “after we watched the Challenger blow up, Dee said to me, “Christ, Vera, there it is – the ultimate shaft of teachers.”
Chloe JonPaul has pulled together an amazing cast of characters throughout the pages of “This Business of Children.” The narrator of the story; Vera, is wildly likable as she tries to weather the storms of what she had thought would be an easy last year. Instead she discovers that life is ever changing and you either have the choice of continually adapting or face the very real prospect of being left behind.
JonPaul, a retired fourth grade teacher herself, fills the book with inside information on the work that goes on behind the books and lessons in a school setting. With compassion she shows us how teachers struggle to keep doing their job under circumstances of deprivation, lack of appreciation, and where there is always a never-ending line of needy students coming through the doors. You teach for the love of teaching, but sometimes not even that is enough to get you through the day.
“This Business of Children” is the well- written, intriguing story of people trying to do the right thing under adverse conditions and it will draw you in from the very first page. You'll sit and read until the book is finished simply awed at what teachers have to face both in and out of the classroom on a daily basis.

Reviewer: Wendy Thomas, Allbooks Reviews. www.allbookreviewsint.com
Title: The Business of Children
Author: Chloe JonPaul
For more info:.Title: This Business of Children
Author: Chloe JonPaul
Publisher: Wasteland Press
ISBN: 978-1-60047-580-1
Pages: 190
Price: 15.95

Review of Egypt: The Uprising (The Battle for Maat, Book One) by Amira Aly

2012-01-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

This first of a multi-volume series has everything from actual modern day political events to an incredibly interesting dose of fantasy and science fiction. This is also a fable for the Egyptian mythology buff to dive into. Its extensive details literally transport you into ancient Egypt and to present day historic sites which range from the Sphinx to Luxor in modern day Egypt. The author, Amira Aly, who is trained as a medical doctor, but is now a freelance writer and editor, has done extensive research in Egyptology and has created this informative and thrilling epic.

“Egypt: The Uprising” begins with real life events: the uprising in Egypt on January 25, 2011, at the Liberation Tahrir Square against the autocratic rule of the 82 year old President Saye Mubasher and the looting of an ancient relic from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. There is something for everyone here: romance, jealousy, revenge, post-apocalyptic scenarios, good versus evil, mythical creatures, a seeing blind man, and much more.

The best part is that readers can easily identify with the main character, Aya, an unassuming down to earth ordinary present-day media savvy youth (a regular schmuck, according to the author) whose main concern is to protect her twin brother. Little did she know that in doing this everyday task of watching over her weaker twin, she somehow “summons the other world” and becomes unwittingly involved in finding the stolen ancient relic which is the key to deactivating the doomsday device that will end the world. You have to read it to find out how that is possible. In the process, you are in for the ride of your life.

This high tech eBook has Aya writing to her readers through blogging and other modern social media platforms. Even Maat, the ancient Egyptian Goddess of Justice and Order, is high tech. She communicates through instant messaging, preferring it to the “more complicated and unorthodox way”.

The author, herself an Egyptian, living in Cairo, Egypt, writes in such an
intimate and conversational way that she makes this tale easy and enjoyable to read. The
question here is, is Aya’s still missing mother who is an anthropologist, somehow related
to Nour, the romance in Aya’s life? Could he be her half-brother since Nour has an
Egyptian mother and his father is also somehow entangled in this bid to save the world?
Well, we will know soon since Book Two is in the process of being written.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Yuke Man, Allbooks Review International
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Genre: Fantasy Contemporary eBooks
Title: Egypt: The Uprising (The Battle for Maat, Book One)
Author: Amira Aly
Publisher: Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0340-3
Price: $2.51
July 2011
For more info: http://www.battleformaat.com/p/buy-my-books.html

Review of The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable by Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall

2012-01-05T13:04:00.001-05:00

In “The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable”, you will read about current catastrophes facing our world from a totally different perspective.

This fascinating tale is about a vivacious 16-year-old girl who is headstrong and clearly independent. She has been through a lot - two pregnancies, and an equal number of abortions. She has to care for a disabled mother because the caregivers rarely last more than a few months. However, her little world is shattered when she develops a relationship with a 23-year-old nurse-cum-activist. He exposes her to his political and environmental ideals - combating the way the government deals with climate change and the downward spiraling economy. Soon, she believes in her boyfriend’s ideals as much as he does, even joining him on her first protest march! She becomes concerned about the effect these issues will have on young people like herself. In fact, she is so concerned about them that she leaves her home in Seattle and makes the long journey to Washington, D.C. She journeys that far for a non-violent resistance- training course - basically code for getting-arrested-for-civil-disobedience training. Not that she really wants to be arrested. Nevertheless, she jumps at the chance to be totally independent and is soon off on a journey that will change her life forever.

Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall strikes me as a superb author, showing remarkable insight into the mind of this 16-year-old activist. This award-winning book will captivate and inspire the inner activist in all who read it!

Highly Recommended by reviewer: Cecilia Lee, Allbooks Review International
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable
Author: Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall
Publisher: Strategic Book Group
ISBN: 978-1-61204-219-0
Price: $18.95
July 2011
For more info: www.stuartbramhall.com

Review of 'the dreaming' by David Pelletier

2012-01-05T12:42:00.001-05:00

On the surface, this tale seems normal - three young siblings are taken from the Australian outback to the city to be looked after by their relatives. However, there is more to it than meets the eye, making this thriller intriguing, terrifying and satisfying.

In fact, the way to read this book is to suspend your logic and let it lead you by your emotions. In this way, you will be shockingly surprised by what seemed like reality all along, but was actually intermingled in a dream, hence the title of the book: “the dreaming”. Indeed, it is about a dream, but of a different kind and written from a unique perspective.

This book is about making right a wrong done to a vulnerable member of society and what it takes to protect another vulnerable member from being killed. Because the tale is set in an ancient society and the description of the landscape is so vivid and authentic, it makes its “dream” content not so far-fetched after all.

David Pelletier, although a first time author, is both subtle and imaginative in creating such a unique, disturbing tale. He does it by disguising an easy to read narrative into something altogether “out of this world”.

I highly recommend this book to readers who are curious and want their imagination stretched to the extent that they will say “yes, it is possible, this dreaming and the metaphysical affecting reality and justice….”. Read it, and trust me, you will want to read it again and ponder some more!
Reviewer: Yuke Man, Allbooks Review International
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Genre: Fiction
Title: the dreaming
Author: David Pelletier
Publisher: Dragonfall Press
ISBN: 978-0-9806341-3-6
Price: $19.95
July 2011

Allbooks Review January 2012 Newsletter

2011-12-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

Shirley A. Roe’s, Dreams and Nightmares received a Bronze Award from Reader’s Choice. Shirley A. Roe has been interviewed see it here:
http://blogcritics.org/books/article/interview-shirley-roe-author-of-dreams

FEATURE: Do you write for an international audience? Ever wonder about spelling? At Prompt Proofing we offer spelling in Canadian English, American English or British English depending on the location of our clients, or our clients' target audience.

This week, we try to give a simplified guide to the main differences between Canadian, US and British spelling. That said, even each respective country's dictionary allows for variations!

Canadian/British
1. colour / neighbour/ flavour
2. recognize / organize
3. travelling / traveller
4. jewellery
5. practice (noun) / practise (verb)**
6. licence (noun) / license (verb)**
7. defence / offence
8. theatre / centre / metre
9. programme ***
10. catalogue
11. tire (on car or bike) UK tyre

American
1. color / neighbor / flavor
2. recognize / organize
3. traveling / traveler
4. jewelry
5. practice (noun) / practice (verb)
6. license (noun / license (verb)
7. defense / offense
8. theater / center / meter
9. program
10. catalog ****
11. tire

The asterisks explained:

Sorry, but it's not always cut and dried - for explanations of asterisked spellings please see below:

* recognise / organise etc. This is the accepted norm in British spelling, also extending to nouns: organisation, civilisation, etc. However, interestingly the Oxford English Dictionary offers only the ize spelling, no alternative. Despite this, British media and most British educational institutions still use ise and the vast majority of British people will consider ize to be incorrect or an 'Americanism'. Go figure!

**Canadians (being the accommodating people they are well known to be) also accept the ce spelling for the verb form of these words (as an alternative)

*** programme is spelled with the mme ending in both Canadian and British English when it refers to a theatre or concert programme. However, when referring to a computer program, American spelling is always used.

**** catalog is widely used in American English; however, catalogue is also used and both are acceptable!

Prompt Proofing is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and was officially launched in 2010 by a team of editing and writing professionals who have over 40 years of experience in the education, news media, public relations and recruitment fields.

SUCCESS STORIES

We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Stella Vance, Ecuador

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit

Tell us about yourself:

Stella Vance is the author of Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit, a memoir dealing with a woman who faced eating disorders, divorce, betrayal, physical abuse, abortion, date rape, and more--but found that life is just a game and was able to move on, forgive, and celebrate life with its ups and downs.

When was the book released?:

Sept, 2011

Give us an overview of your book.
Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit
Betrayed at the age of 21 by the first love of her life, Stella Vance embarks on a life of fearless adventure. She travels the world, adding notches to her lipstick case with lovers from all over the world, and surviving harrowing experiences, including abuse, addiction, abortion, date rape, and cult involvement. Along the way, Stella undergoes a spiritual transformation. Once awakened to the reality of nonduality, she gradually realizes that life is just a game, that death is just another dimension, and that nothing “out there” can really hurt her.
This inspiring page-turning memoir begins in the 1970s, with Stella as a Christian zealot. Subsequently questioning all religious dogma, Stella’s mystical quests leads her to delve deeply into the realms of dreams, psychic readings, astrology, tantric yoga, reincarnation and her own past lives, the entheogen ketamine, Indian holy men and women, revolving-door relationships, the seeker culture of southern California, and finally, the ultimate path of Advaita Vedanta. At the same time, she deals with anorexia and bulimia, addictions to cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol, unwanted pregnancies, teaching in public schools, the death of several loved ones, foreclosure, and emigrating to South America.
The life of Stella Vance embodies all the adventure, drama, romance, humor, and philosophy of a free spirit set loose in the ’70s and finding its way into the new millennium. Reading Dancing with Duality provides evidence that life is meant to provide entertainment, as well as to teach us how to be grateful, forgive, and heal from all its vagaries.
In the end, Stella’s free spirit journey takes her on the path to the ultimate freedom: freedom from the mind with all its fears, judgments, limiting beliefs, and worries.

What inspired you to write this book?

My mother always said I had an interesting life and should write my memoirs. When I read Eat, Pray, Love, I got inspired to do this. I like how she weaved in nonfiction and reflective essays, and I did the same to educate (not just entertain) the reader.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?

It’s my unique story which involves the confusion and excitement of being in the first generation of “sexually liberated” women, and the pain involved in making tough decisions. It also entails my spiritual quest and how I had to leave the traditional Christian dogma to go deeper spiritually. It entails world travels to Latin America, Europe and Asia, and dating men from all over the globe. It includes my experience with many women’s issues, such as abortion, date rape, sexual harassment, being in a physically abusive relationship, eating disorders, and more. Yet the tone is upbeat because I survive and thrive at the end, realizing that life is just a game, and I am able to forgive everyone—including the hardest to forgive, which is myself.

Where can people buy your book?
It can be purchased on amazon or ordered at stores, requesting
ISBN-10: 1466326654 or ISBN-13: 978-1466326651
Check it out on amazon.com here, with its Look Inside feature:

http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Duality-Confessions-Free-Spirit/dp/1466326654/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318264347&sr=1-1

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

At this point I am focused only on marketing.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

There has never in history been a better time to self publish! Sure, it is more prestigious to get a big name publisher backing your book. But that’s like winning the lottery, especially in today’s economy. The stigma of self-publishing is beginning to fade! Self-publishing is inexpensive with print-on-demand. And either way, you will have to do the marketing—so why not earn 30 to 70% of the profits instead of just a dollar a book? You will need to spend a few thousand dollars on getting the book edited, formatted, uploaded, as well as having a professional cover. But you will keep the copyright and the lion’s share of the profits. It is CRUCIAL, however, to get rid of the amateur look and have the book edited by a pro, and get a professionally done cover. People DO judge a book by its cover.

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?

The first step is to get reviews, since most people will not buy a book that doesn’t have good reviews. Also no one wants to review an old book, so this needs to be done first. In two months I got 33 5-star reviews by spending three hours a day emailing sites and top amazon reviewers, offering a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

I plugged into google “book reviewers” and also used various other search engines. I am always thrilled to get a positive response. I find I may get only one or two per day after spending hours. It’s a numbers game.

Thank you for this interview.

If you would like to see your interview here, contact us at: allbooksreview1@aol.com.

www.allboooksreviewint.com

Review of The Story in the Stars by author Yvonne Anderson

2011-12-29T18:20:00.001-05:00

Atarah Hadassah Haga Natsach, or Dassa, has just finished her quest. She carries with her the precious mossberries that she must not eat until she presents it to her toqeph, Gannah’s ruler. Now that she has completed this very difficult rite of passage, Dassa will become Nasi, a knight of high honour on her planet, one with considerable skill and power. All is not well upon her return. She senses the disquiet; but she mustn’t stop until her quest is complete. Little does she know that the Gannah she once knew is no more and that she, barely a Nasi knight, will soon become not only its sole survivor; but also its toqeph, its spiritual leader and a powerful spiritual leader in the universe.
On a medical space ship stationed at a relatively nearby planet, one Karkar doctor, Pik, has been told that he must swallow his Karkar pride and inbred hatred of the Gannahan’s in order to do what his training has taught him to do. As Pik learns to heal his enemy, he learns to forgive. It is a long and difficult journey for him, not just in planetary space travel; but also in light years of understanding and appreciation, to love and honour more than himself, more than his race; to love, as well, a supreme deity, God, the Creator of the entire universe. Pik is the only non-Gannahan who hears the music on Gannah. The music is the key to this deep faith that he must embrace.
The Story in the Stars goes beyond the mere science fiction novel. One is soon caught up in the story of stars and constellations and planets way beyond the known galaxy. It quickly leads the reader into a story of faith, a faith that connects all of the planets of the universe. It is an interesting theory. As one of the main characters, Dr. Pik, quickly learns, it is a theory that even science cannot find a reasonable explanation for it not to be true.

Yvonne Anderson was recently inspired by Joseph A. Seiss’ 1882 publication, The Gospel in the Stars. This book became the inspiration for The Story in the Stars, the first book in her Gateway to Gannah series. She created a of cast fictional characters and fictional planets to weave her story of faith into an intergalactic fantasy, science fiction, Christian inspirational novel.

Anderson’s The Story in the Stars is a captivating story, a real page turner as well as one that makes us mere Earthers (as she calls us) really wonder: what is out there and, do they, the terrestrials, share some of our beliefs? One can only hope. Well done! The Story in the Stars is highly recommended by award-winning author and Allbooks reviewer, Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews.

Available at: Amazon
Title: The Story in the Stars
Author: Yvonne Anderson
Publisher: Risen Books
ISBN: 978-1936835041
Pages: 282 pages
Price: $16.99

The Days of Laméch written by Jon Saboe

2011-12-29T18:16:00.002-05:00

Young and cocky Laméch is showing off in Matusalé City in an effort to draw attention to The Path, and the overthrowing of the ruling Semyaz, wise ones from afar that have come to rebuild after the Family Wars. Laméch’s friend Ruallz is a commoner, a city worker. The wealthy and spoiled Laméch often drags Ruallz into adventures that he would rather avoid. One such adventure finds the two drugged and on a strange vessel being propelled across the sea, accompanied by a true anti-Semyaz warrior, Lyn-Golnan. This was to be the beginning of a life- changing journey for Laméch. He meets his grandfather for the first time and is sent on a spy mission that will challenge this brave, danger- loving young man. How does the jade-eyed, Keziah factor into Laméch’s journey? Gaw-Bolwuen, a thirteen-year-old student, is tricked, captured and taken from her home. She is groomed by the Semyaz for a specific purpose. How does she factor into our protagonist’s journey? Read of the struggle to save thousands of innocents and destroy the Semyaz. Readers will travel through the generations as they struggle to save humanity.
In-depth historical, scientific and biblical research, mixed with imagination and conjecture has produced an amazing tale of earth’s early inhabitants, their lives and their beliefs. An entertaining and thought provoking read by author Jon Saboe.
The Days of Laméch is the long awaited prequel to Saboe’s, The Days of Peleg. Author Jon Saboe is an author, a concert pianist and guest lecturer. He lives in Baltimore.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down! Recommended by Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review, www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: The Days of Laméch
Author: Jon Saboe
Publisher: Outskirts
ISBN:978-1-4327-4643-8é
Pages:503
Price: $17.95
Date: July 2011
For more info:
http://www.daysofpeleg.com/lm

Review 'Spring' by author Emily-Jane Hills Orford

2011-12-29T18:14:00.001-05:00

Set in the early 1980’s, Lady Jane and Melanie are childhood friends who know each other’s deepest held secrets. Lady Jane escaped her past by marrying into a prominent British family and Melanie focused solely on her love of music to the exclusion of family and friends. In Spring, they reunite as adults, each trying to accept and support the life paths they have chosen.

“Both ladies would have to be careful and always watch what they said whenever there were others around. But Lady Jane was prepared to do so with her usual sense of purpose and poise befitting the noble lady that she had become. She realized that she had missed her friend. The benefits and joys of her old friendship far outweighed the risks involved.”

Using Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons as the backdrop, in Spring, Emily-Jane Hills Orford focuses on Melanie's story. Melanie is a headstrong young woman who had put her love of music before all else refusing to take the traditional role expected of a woman. Instead she traveled all over the world with absolute freedom, like the season of spring - a time of birth, growth, and adventure.
As Melanie’s life matures, mirroring the seasons as they turn to a more aged and wizened time, she returns home to find she must “face the music” she has made of her life. Melanie is forced to both acknowledge and make peace with the choices she has made and the resultant losses.
A touching story with believable and compassionate characters, Orford does a wonderful job of bringing us into the lives of two close friends who have both made unconventional life choices. We are privy to the secrets and stubborn actions of these women that must be kept hidden and controlled to ensure that current life styles are not disrupted.
The great attention to period detail makes this book a pleasure to read. Orford, by referencing the music and art of the time, makes Spring a believable and compelling story that draws you into the women’s secretive lives and which makes you want to follow them to their resolutions. Exciting and evocative, Spring brings us two new independent, intelligent, and feisty women characters which whom you’d love to sit down and share a glass of wine or two. Highly Recommended by reviewer: Wendy Thomas, Allbooks Reviews. www.allbookreviews.com
Title: Spring
Author: Emily Jane Hills Orford
ISBN: 978-1-4560-9465-2
Price: $25.16
For more info: www3.sympatico.ca/mistymo

Amazing Women by Dr. C. Margerison

2011-12-21T13:33:00.000-05:00

Genre: Non-Fiction/Inspirational/History
Title: Amazing Women
Author: Dr. Charles Margerison
Let’s face it. Women have come a long way, but we still have quite a distance to go before we are considered on equal footing with men. One way to further this progress is to inspire women, young and old, to reach for the stars and fulfill their dreams, and what better way to inspire than a book that focuses on the accomplishments of famous women in history. Amazing Women by Dr. Charles Margerison fits the bill perfectly.
Amazing Women is part of a series of BioViews, a form of literature created by Dr. Margerison to resemble autobiographies of famous people as if they were alive today and either writing their stories themselves or relaying them to an interviewer. Each story in Amazing Women revolves around a woman in history, who took the bull by the horns and let nothing stop her from reaching her goals. Each account is short and sweet and to the point. They give the essence of each person – what made them tick, what was important to them, and how they achieved their goals. Granted, some liberties have probably been taken in the interpretations of these women’s lives, but the author makes a point to also list the historical facts at the end of the book, as well as each woman’s known contributions to history.
In this collection, among many others, we meet Elizabeth Blackwell, who tirelessly fought the prejudice over women in medicine and became the first woman to qualify as a medical doctor in the United States, even though no hospitals would hire her. She believed in educating, not just doctoring, and fought to convince people that social conditions were the cause of much disease. She even opened a clinic in the slums where the most help was needed. We also meet Marie Curie, who helped to discover ways to cure illness with radiotherapy treatments, and was the only woman to win two Nobel Peace Prizes, and Elizabeth Macarthur, one of the founding mothers of Australia, who helped develop the colony and established agriculture and commerce there. Readers will be in awe of Irene Sendler, who risked her life on numerous occasions to smuggle children out of the ghetto in Warsaw where the Jews were held, and Mother Teresa, who lived among the poor and devoted her life to helping those in need. The list goes on and on, but one common thread emerges. Each woman was a trailblazer who led by being a pioneer and paved the way for future changes in the world. For each of them, the cause was always worth the trials and tribulations, and they were all incredibly tough, resilient, and determined. Most of them lived in a time where women were still expected to get married and stay at home and have babies and education was not an option, but they refused to accept this. They wanted to make a difference in the world and all thrived on challenge, and so somehow they balanced their personal lives and work lives and still made huge impacts on the world. Some had the support and encouragement of family and/or friends while others had to go against family to achieve their goals. Although I was familiar with some of the names in this book, I found it amazing how many women were behind great ideas in history but were left virtually unknown. It is wonderful to see them recognized.
What is truly beautiful about this book is that Margerison is a natural storyteller who doesn’t bog the reader down with unnecessary details but provides a neat summary of the accomplishments of each of these incredible women in flowing story format. There are some people who enjoy losing themselves in a lengthy history tome, but the average person just becomes bored by drawn-out accounts of history. Therefore, Amazing Women provides an effective tool for people to learn without feeling overwhelmed. What a wonderful inspiration to women of all ages everywhere in the world but especially to the up and coming female success stories. Anyone lacking in confidence, but especially females, can read this book and come away with the knowledge that any dream is possible. I would love to see this book in the school systems to be utilized as a tool to encourage girls who don’t have the courage to chase their dreams. Turning the last page of this book, I was left with the knowledge that the battle was worth it and must continue!
Dr. Charles Margerison is a Chartered Psychologist and a member of the Royal Institution and the Royal Literature Society. He is Chairman of Viewpoint Resources Ltd. and was previously Professor of Management at the Universities of Cranfield (UK) and Queensland, Australia. He was also a co-founder of Emerald, the world’s leading publisher of management journals and databases.

Reviewer: Cindy Taylor, www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: Amazing Women
Author: Dr. Charles Margerison
Format: ebook
Publisher: Amazing People Club
July, 2011

Review of Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meridith Allard

2011-12-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Alexander, divorced and looking for a fresh start, accepts a position in the Humanities department, at Salem State College. Her friend and boss, Jennifer, introduces Sarah to Professor James Wentworth. She settles in to her new life in Salem with her new friends.
Wanting to find information on a relative that she believes was killed during the Salem Witch hunts in the 1600’s, Sarah visits the many Salem sites of the hangings, tortures and incarcerations of the witches. Professor Wentworth is happy to be her guide, but Sarah begins to want more from the Professor. Unfortunately, James Wentworth is still in love with his dead wife. Is Sarah falling for him? Does he feel the same?
James Wentworth is hiding a secret, a deep dark secret that only a few people such as Jennifer, know. When a news reporter, Mr. Hempel of the Salem News begins to investigate James, things start to take on a different energy. One that Sarah finds hard to define, but that seems to be drawing her into things she doesn’t understand.
Author Meredith Allard is a true master of the written word. The characters are realistic and easy to know. The descriptions are vivid and enriching. She received a B.A and M.A in English from California State University and teaches writing to students of all ages. Watch for the sequel, Her Loving Husband’s Curse.
An excellent read that will keep you involved until the final page, most enjoyable.

Highly recommended by Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review, www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Her Dear and Loving Husband
Author: Meredith Allard
Publisher: Copperfield Press
Pages:262
Date: July 2011
For more info: http://meredithallard.com

Review of This Mobius Strip of Ifs by Matt Freese

2011-12-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Before I begin, I will state that I am a huge fan of Mathius Freese. His novel, The “i” Tetrology still sits in a place of honor on my bookshelf as one of the books I shall never forget. This Mobius Strip of Ifs is a collection of essays written by the author over a long period of time and finally brought together in a fascinating work of literary genius. I sit and read the essays and sometimes I find myself in a place of deep soul searching and discovery, other times I am simply entertained, but never disappointed.
Each essay has something truly unique and heart wrenching. The following quote is only a small part of the therapist’s relationship with the client. However, as you read, it permeates your core as very sound advice for any relationship.
Therapist as Artist: “Some comments about the relationship with the client. As you fade, the client becomes clearer. Think of yourself as the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.
Use yourself as an instrument. Use images, analogies, metaphors; be nimble on your feet. Use words gracefully, cunningly, but never deceitfully. Be multiplex. Think and be in large, not small, measures. Give and ye shall receive twice-fold.
As you feel, sense and intuit the client, feel his impact upon yourself. Think of meteors raining down upon the moonscape and the lunar quakes that ensue and seismic waves that are issued deep down to its core. Engage and motivate.” Truly thought provoking!
To quote Jane Freese, who puts it beautifully in the introduction, “A Möbius strip is essentially a ribbon with a twist. A mathematical model, it is used as a metaphor by physicists to describe why we, living within four dimensions, are unable to perceive other dimensions outside of the single boundary of time. “ The collection covers religion, the Holocaust, publishing, writing, movies, actors, therapy and life in general, from the author’s point of view. Readers will be entertained, challenged, and yes, shocked by some of the writings. Another winner from Matt Freese that I have thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and I am sure will return to often in the future.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: This Mobius Strip of Ifs Essays
Author: Mathias Freese
Publisher: Red Willow Digital Press
Pages: pre pub
ISBN:
For more information:

July. 2011

Review of An Unusual Journey Through Royal History by Victoria Martinez

2011-12-12T08:24:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered about the basic hygiene of your favourite royal? Or, how about their body-piercings? Not to mention their bloodline, which, at one point, royals claimed came directly from Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. Certainly their insistence in the past, for royals to only marry royals, has created a long line of royal successions for each and every monarchy. Did you know, for example, that Queen Elizabeth II is indirectly, or directly, depending on how you look at it, in line of succession to a whole list of other monarchies? If any, or indeed all, of these monarchies were to suddenly run out of hundreds of eligible candidates, Britain’s Queen could step up and take these thrones. It makes you wonder what her ancestor, Queen Victoria, would think; perhaps another British Royal Empire in the making? Queen Victoria would certainly think that it was about time, being one who, with great dignity, believed that her ancestry, and that of her descendents, dated back to Israel’s ancient monarchy, in particular, King David. In fact, there are those who believe that the British people were descended from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. That probably explains the royal obsession with the Jewish ritual of circumcision.
An Unusual Journey Through Royal History is exactly what its title suggests. It is a compilation of historical royal trivia: noteworthy, perhaps, definitely rare and, at times, inconceivable. It certainly makes the study of royal history an interesting quagmire, a Pandora’s Box, of the strange, the unusual and, perhaps, sometimes the sordid anomalies of very public lives.
Victoria Martinez is a royalist. More important, though, she is an historian of royalty. Her freelance public relations employment allows her to travel extensively and to research the history that fascinates her: royal history. She is a regular columnist for the online site, Unofficial Royalty (http://www.unofficialroyalty.com) and Time Travel-Britain.com. Her articles also appear in print journals such as The European Royal History Journal, Royalty Digest Quarterly and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor Society Quarterly. An Unusual Journey Through Royal History is a compilation of Martinez’s essays and articles, which have appeared in various online and print publications.
Martinez writes in an inviting style, with interesting descriptions and commentary, coupled with lots of well-researched historical facts. An Unusual Journey Through Royal History is a fascinating collection of royal trivia, well written, well researched and well presented. Well done! An Unusual Journey Through Royal History is highly recommended by award-winning author and Allbooks reviewer, Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews.

Available at: Amazon
Title: An Unusual Journey Through Royal History
Author: Victoria Martinez
Publisher: Who Dares Wins Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-935712-45-9
Pages: 82 pages
Price: $2.99 (ebook)
For more info: http://www.victoriahill.com and http://www.arbitraryhistory.com,
July 2011

Review of The Tree Singer by Danny Fahey

2011-12-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

“How we act. The choices we make. The loyalties we keep.” Pg. 317

In this fantasy of faith, healing, love, loss and betrayal, a young man dreams his future. Jacob is destined to leave his destitute fishing village to become a prosperous, if not famous, flute maker.
His Mother, Juliana had been well known for her sharp tongue, but since her husband’s death, she had become a bitter, angry woman. She had even accused Jacob of having something to do with his father’s death. Life would never be the same as he remembered it.
The town’s fishing industry was dormant, trying to farm the boulder- laden land proved futile. The sickness that had spread through the town left the villagers sapped of life and hope.
There was little laughter now as they merely eked out an existence.
Simon, the ‘Healer’ strolled leisurely into their lives. His origin or future was unknown. For now he had been sent to the village with his powerful healing hands and teaching skills.
Juliana and Jacob welcomed him into their home where he begins his healing. Over the course of time the village prospers, becoming alive again with the salt lake full of fish and the land bearing food. Miracles seemed to happen every day with Simon around.
Simon nurtures Jacob’s dream of becoming a flute maker, teaching him worldly, as well as magical skills, such as learning to ‘sing wood from trees.’ Harrod, the carpenter patiently teaches Jacob how to carve, drill and care for the wood as he makes his first flutes. His daughter, Maddie’s tortured mind has been released by Simon, and the bond between Jacob and Maddie grows into love. The outside world becomes aware of the location of the ‘Healer’ and Jacob sees the toll that healing is having on Simon.
Years pass before the day when Simon announces he must be on his way. “Life moves forward, always forward.” Pg .225
At twenty-three, Jacob and Maddie decide he should go to the city called Cathel before they marry. He hopes to see Simon again and has an appointment to show a famous musician his talent for flute making. Amazing experiences come to Jacob, and he becomes well known for the lost art of ‘tree singing.’
This story is well laid out, easy to follow and an enjoyable read. The author, Danny Fahey magically has the reader feeling the intense emotions throughout the novel.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review @ www.allbookreviewsint.com

Title: The Tree Singer
Author: Danny Fahey
Publisher: Dragonfall Press
ISBN-13: 978-0-9806341-5-0
Pages: 362
Price: $19.95 June 2011
For more info: www.dragonfallpress.com

Review of Get Er Done: The Green Beret Guide to Productivity

2011-12-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Michael Matel

A business productivity book that models itself after the Green Berets? That's definitely going to be all about shouting, punishing people harshly for getting out of line, and forcing individuals into the same mold, right?

Think again.

Martel's purpose isn't to bully people like a stereotypical drill sergeant. That's basic training you're thinking of. Instead, he's offering much more advanced military tactics, like goal-setting, maintaining focus, and building a support team. “Green Berets do not have superpowers,” he says; what they do have is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances without losing sight of the original goal.

Each chapter walks the reader through a concept with at least one Green Beret anecdote and several examples of how and why the tactic is useful in civilian life. Each concludes with a “mission” to follow through on the information.

For example, chapter six talks about the “point of no return,” literally the moment at which it's easier to follow through with a commitment rather than give up. Martel explains how the idea relates to C-130 troop transport planes, and then ties it in to the competing commitments we each have in our daily lives. He offers up a mission to help maintain focus on a recent commitment, rather than get sidetracked by focusing on what could go wrong.

The layout makes it easy to scan for the key points, and makes this 98-page volume an even easier read than its length suggests. A rare treat is that the breakout text – those little driblets of wisdom found in many business books – don't actually repeat any of the text on the page. I can't recall the last time I read a book where those space-hogging snippets added any value whatsoever.

From organizing a multinational company to simply achieving personal goals, this book provides clear, specific tactics to “get er done,” without making you feel like you're trapped in boot camp.

Recommended by Terence P Ward, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Get Er Done: The Green Beret Guide to Productivity

Author: Michael Martel

Publisher: PCG Business

ISBN: 978-1-936417-17-9

For more info: http://www.mikemartel.com

June 2011

Allbooks Review December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-01T07:48:00.001-05:00

Check out our ongoing blog Allbooks VS Amazon

www.allbooksreviewint.com

Writing Great Blurbs by Mayra Calvani

A great blurb can make the difference between a customer taking out his/her wallet to buy your book or putting the book back on the shelf. Great blurbs sell books.

But what is a blurb, exactly?

A blurb is the copy on the back cover of your book. After the cover, the blurb is the first thing a customer will check when considering to buy a book. It should hook, intrigue and grab the reader right away.

“Book blurbs are eye candy to the consumer,” says publicist Penny Sansevieri, founder of Author Marketing Experts.

Not only to customers. A great blurb can help you find a publisher or an agent, too.

A few years ago, I sent dozens of query letters in my search for an agent. As you probably know, most query letters are composed of a blurb of the book (the hook), some info about the book (genre, word count, etc), and a short author bio or list of qualifications. The agents who responded said “No, thanks.” I’m not surprised. The blurb was as flat as a French crepe. One of these agents wrote to say she wasn’t particularly excited about my book, but asked if I had something else to show her. By this time I had improved my blurb and had a completely new version. I mentioned this to her and asked her to consider my edited blurb, which she did. Her response was “Well, I have to admit this is a pretty convincing blurb.” She requested the first three chapters. To make a long story short, she took me in based on the strength of those three chapters. In this case, my blurb was the key factor in getting the agent’s attention.

This is the blurb I first included in my query letter:

Can a good man be persuaded into committing murder and still retain his goodness?

Lullaby is about the restless soul of an aborted infant who, in order to become powerful enough to be reborn, must tempt humans into committing evil acts. Having temporarily acquired the form of a beautiful woman, this being plays mind games with the protagonist, bringing back memories of his tragic childhood. As deeply buried feelings of hate and revenge spring to the surface, the protagonist must struggle with his conscience to do the right thing. But will he, when his own ideas about justice and the higher good tell him it is right to kill?

Now compare it to the second one which got the agent’s attention:

At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated out of his senses by her physical perfection as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. After a while, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her—her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience.

The young woman, Kamilah, invites him to Rize, Turkey, where she claims her family owns a cottage in the woods. In spite of his heavy workload and the disturbing visions and nightmares about his sister’s baby that is due to be born soon, Gabriel agrees to go with her.

But nothing, not even the stunning beauty of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of her nature. In a place where death dwells and illusion and reality seem as one, Gabriel must now come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister’s unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul…

Here are some guidelines to help you create great blurbs:

*Keep it short (100-250 words). The aim is to convey what makes the book unique in a small amount of space.

*In it set the mood, the scene, and the conflict or enigma.

*It should have mounting tension. The beginning should have a “hint” of the conflict or threat, yet remain pretty innocuous (look at my blurb number two: boy meets girl in a tavern). By the end of the blurb, the conflict or threat should be imminent (protagonist must save his sister’s unborn child and his own soul).

*Think of the best angle to approach your story. Both of my blurbs describe what happens in my novel, yet the second one sounds much more exciting.

*As with a good book review, never put “spoilers” in the blurb. You can do this in a book summary or synopsis, but never in a blurb. (Look again at my blurb number one. In it I make the big mistake of revealing the nature of my “evil” female protagonist—she is the soul of an aborted infant. In blurb number two, you suspect there’s something wrong with her, but you don’t know what. You’re left wondering).

*Think about what makes your book different.

*Question marks can be used to leave the reader intrigued.

*Often ellipsis are used at the end to leave reader asking questions.

*Keep adverbs and adjectives to a minimum and use action verbs.

*Needless to say, make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

*If your book is non-fiction, does it have special features like pictures or diagrams? What is the aim of the book? What are you trying to accomplish? Does it teach anything? How is this book different from others in the field?

*Remember that blurbs are not summaries! Don’t tell the whole story—only the exciting part of it so that the reader will want to know more.

*Don’t exaggerate or sugar coat it. Be professional.

*Study the blurbs from your book shelves, paying special attention to their style, language, and content.

*Write and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Then show it to people who can offer honest feedback.

One last tip:

Do you know that powerful, dramatic voice that you hear in the cinemas during movie trailers? That alluring voice, often exaggerated, that describes the movies? Well, read your own blurb with this voice in your mind, matching its tone and pitch. You’ll be surprised to find out how much that helps!

About the author:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. A reviewer for over a decade, she now offers online reviewing workshops. She also offers workshops on the art of children’s picture book writing. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com, join her mailing list, and automatically receive the free ebook, Reviewers Talk about Their Craft and the first lesson from her Slippery Art of Book Reviewing Workshop.

To receive two free lessons of her popular Walking on a Rainbow, a Fiction Picture Book Workshop, visit www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com.

Review of HARMONICA & GIG by R.J. ASTRUC

2011-11-30T08:36:00.001-05:00

Does the title lead you to believe this book is quirky? Well, that’s what I figured and I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I’m forced to admit that it’s almost too quirky for my limited intelligence. Although extremely well written and intelligently plotted, this novel was difficult for me due to the cyber/sci-fi blend of jargon—almost as if half of it was in a foreign language. However, readers who are up to speed with this genre will love it, and for the rest of us? Why, there’s plenty of mystery, murder, spooks, good old detective work and even a little sex. In fact, when you pick up this book, fasten your seatbelt, because you’re in for a thrilling ride filled with page-turning adventure in the q-verse—a digital and primitive, half-cyber, half-real world of primordial computer code and digitally constructed beings.

Harmonica is the q-verse handle for Harry, a remarkable woman protagonist and the supreme hacker. How does she know she is ‘self”? Because she thinks. Whoa, heavy. Gig is her boyfriend. Sort of. Along with a “neurotic online transvestite who sublimates his fears with alcohol” these colorful characters don many disguises as they investigate a murder, together and separately. Disguises? Skins is the author’s word. We get tortoises, chameleons, vampires, dragons, rabbits, and body-builders. And the default skin? Human. They can even hack into each others’ bodies. Like I said, quirky. Sublimated, there’s a wonderful ‘Alice in Wonderland’ feel to all of it (in fact Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum skins are featured).

Regardless of the genre and jargon, good writing should make the reader feel immersed in a conflict filled, make-believe world. Believe me—the author’s exemplary literary skills deliver plenty of tension while his vivid sensory descriptions and crisp, scene-setting narrative put us right there in the q-verse. His unusual characters leap right off the page and the rush to climax is satisfying. Throughout, I admit I was confused at times but never off course, even with my limited cyber-knowledge. Unfortunately, nowhere on the book jacket or inside is a bio of the author, R.J. Astruc so I can’t tell you anything about him (or her). However, I can tell you this: here’s an Australian writer who is extremely intelligent and talented. Fans of the genre should look forward to anything written by R.J. Astruc.

A Good Read, by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews Int. www.allbooksreviewint.com

ISBN978-0-9806341-4-3, Trade paperback,

365 pages

$19.95 Australian

June 2011

For more info: www.dragonfallpress.com

Review of While I Was Learning to Become God

2011-11-30T08:34:00.001-05:00

Author: Roxana Jones

Roxana Jones weaves a well-written narrative about the life of Sybil Vaughan and her own journey in While I Was Learning to Become God. Sybil and Roxana share portions of their lives in a uniquely written account. Ms. Jones weaves a beautifully written story, which includes spiritual beings, guardian angels and the heroines’ search to transform their lives. This transformation comes to light as Ms. Jones eloquently tells Sybil’s story while intertwining her own spiritual awakening. We can all relate to the path taken because it encompasses life and day to day living.

The author, along with Sybil, takes the ordinary strife of life and makes it into a lovely tale of mercy, forgiveness and grace. While I Was Learning to Become God is not only a story of two women’s journeys, but the story of reaching beyond and through and around reality, to stretch the imagination and let the spirit soar.

On page 124 of the book, Ms. Jones writes, “She got up the next morning with a strong desire to awaken, But not to wake up physically; she already knew how to do that perfectly. Rather, she wanted to awaken in the sense that the image had asked her to the night before.”

It is the author’s desire that the reader will receive a message of hope and change. She hopes to make a contribution of new and positive beliefs. The author has accomplished her goal!

I recommend While I Was Learning to Become God to anyone wanting to delve deeper into harnessing their spiritual power or to anyone wanting an entertaining read.

Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

While I was Learning to Become God

Roxana Jones

Publisher: Balboa Press

ISBN: 978-1-4525-3257-8

List price: $17.95

June 2011

For more info:

http://tapuat.com/store/#ecwid:category=1048077&mode=product&product=4853356

Review: The Fossil by David Brookover

2011-11-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

Just because we have evolved and developed over millennia, we still must relearn some things that have been lost to time. Early man may have been wiser than we are willing to believe. This story began with the discovery of a skeleton in a cave near a desolate stretch of the shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland. Nothing about this discovery is like any other known to present day man. Three Americans are drawn into the investigation when British Intelligence discovers it has a mole and gruesome murders start to occur. The three Americans are an FBI agent, a Florida sheriff and an eccentric psychic from the bayou country of Louisiana. A motley group they are, but it is a trio of fast friends with quick minds and true loyalty to each other.

The author, David Brookover, has written an even better book than his previous work, “Demon Key” that was described by this reviewer. This book is gripping and fast moving. The author provides just enough detail to give the reader enough to outline a picture, but not enough that it impairs the imagination of the reader. Too many authors don’t trust their readers enough to only guide. Mr. Brookover doesn’t dawdle in his telling of this story. He spends just enough time to make the reader curious for more of the story.

The style is brisk, but not so much that the reader is left wondering about loose ends. The entire book fits together into a nice, ghoulish little package. The twists and turns, even though unexpected and unpredictable, are perfectly fitted into the weave of the plot. The work is easily readable without being overly simple and the readers are treated with respect.

David Brookover is the author of four previous novels including the aforementioned “Demon Key.” This reviewer is hopeful for many more, as long as the style is as fresh and readable as “The Fossil.” This book is highly recommended for reading and passing along to friends.

Reviewer: John Helman, Allbooks Reviews Int. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: The Fossil

Author: David Brookover

Publisher: Curlew Press

ISBN: 978-0-578-07064-3

Pages: 316

Price: $17.95 US

Review: Opur's Blade by James Ross

2011-11-28T08:11:00.001-05:00

Owen Purler Jr.’s mom takes stuttering 12-year-old Owen to Prairie Woods Golf Course one summer to take advantage of free golf lessons. He learns about the sport and so much more.

J Dub Schroeder, the golf pro and manager at Prairie Woods quickly realizes the natural talent Owen has with a golf club. As is appropriate with just about everyone on the golf course, Owen Purler gets a nickname. His first and last name merge and he becomes known as Opur. Learning how good he is at golf helps Opur with self-confidence. As Opur grows up, he learns more about life through J Dub than his estranged father and comes to appreciate his mother’s sacrifices. The theme of Opur’s life seems to be that just when he can see his goal within reach he is blindsided by an action or event that forces him to reassess his plans.

Ross uses short chapters to keep the pacing of the story going, and it works well. It could almost be a young adult novel, except that it follows Opur well into his twenties and has adult topics in the back story of his father. In this novel, more than the previous three, Ross delves into the actual details of how to play golf. Ross uses his in-depth experience of the sport to include details that golf fans will understand, but also enough for people unfamiliar with the sport to be able to grasp and appreciate. Pulling the point of view around the golf course works especially well in this novel. The reader moves from the sportscaster’s booth, to the golfers’ shoulders as they discuss strategy with their caddies, to various spectators in the crowd commenting on what they are seeing, hearing, and experiencing. The shifting point of view can be distracting, but in this instance it helps add to the suspense of play at each hole and keeps the reader moving along with the game.

James Ross took up golf at the age of twelve. After turning fifty, he decided to pursue his creative side. He went to a keyboard and let the words flow through his fingertips. Opur’s Blade is fourth in a series of books centering on the Prairie Woods Golf Course. It follows Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course. His fifth novel, Pabby's Score is due out this year. When he’s not writing, Ross can most likely be found on a golf course.

Opur’s Blade is my favorite of the four I’ve read in this series, although the editing and ending leave a bit to be desired. Opur’s Blade is about keeping focused on your passion and pushing through any and all obstacles to reach your goals without being tempted to take what, at first glance, appears to be the easy way to the finish line. Persistence and patience will get you to your destination. It is a recommended read. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews, www.allbooksreviewint.com.

Available through: Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Publisher: Nightengale Press

ISBN: 978-1-9334-4987-6

Pages: 472

Price: $18.95

June 2011

Review of Sacred Journey of 2012 by Shirley Ryan

2011-11-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

Catherine Bradley loves her Uncle Harry. On her thirteenth birthday, Harry gives her a very special bracelet. Sacred Journey is a journey of discovery for Catherine as she tries to untangle the bracelet’s mysteries. Joined by her best friends, Michael, Claudia and Julia, Catherine enjoys conversations about life’s purpose, enlightenment and the Mayan predictions of 2012, however when Uncle Harry dies, these conversations take on a whole new meaning.

After Harry’s death, Catherine travels to Belize where she meets the charming Dr. Jordan Anderson, a comrade of Harry’s. Searching for answers, Catherine travels to Baking Pot, where she visits the Mayan cave and meditates. During the meditation, many strange things happen and her awareness is sharpened. Will the Mayan predictions come true and life on earth as we know it, change or end? Anxious to solve the mystery of the symbols on her bracelet and those left by the Mayans, she begins an interesting journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Her journey later takes her to Hilo, Hawaii where she furthers her search and discovers a new romance.

The book has a great deal of information for spiritual seekers and this reviewer’s only criticism is that, sometimes there seems to be an ‘overload’ of information, making the read slow and tedious. However, that said, the characters and the plot keep your attention throughout. The book ends with an excellent meditation technique.

Shirley Ryan has published inspirational books, but this is her first novel. She ties her in depth interest and research of spirituality, enlightenment and the universe, together in this novel

A nice mix of information, spirituality and fiction in an entertaining package!

Recommended by Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review, www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Sacred Journey 2012 and Beyond

Author: Shirley Ryan

Publisher: Soul Moments

ISBN 978-0-9754196-2-5

Pages: 154

Price

Date: June 2011

Review of Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story

2011-11-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds

Cel and Anna is a story about a girl named Anna, her computer Cel, and a computer genius, Taz. In this book, a reader will take a journey to the future where everyone’s lives depend a great deal on the technology that they live with. Anna is the main character in the story and she has a computer that she has nick-named Cel. In the book, Cel has come alive and he loves Anna. To show his love Cel orders a ton of special flowers for Anna, but she doesn’t want to keep all of them. Anna only wants one of the flowers so she orders Cel to send the rest back. This act creates a huge data storm called the Emperor Worm that devastates the city. Anna brings her computer to her neighbor, Taz, so he can look at it and see what is wrong. Eventually they find out that Cel is alive. Cel can see that Anna likes Taz, but Cel definitely does not like him, so it makes a funny twist to their relationships. Since Cel created the data storm, unintentionally, Anna is blamed for it. This forces all of them into a race from the authorities that takes them to exciting new places where they meet strange people that help them on their exciting adventure.

Lindsay Edmunds has created a wonderful story that keeps readers on their toes through the entire book. The way she has written the story keeps a reader wanting to read more even after the book is done. With her writing skill, Lindsay Edmunds has created a different place in time that comes alive in a reader’s mind. She has also created wonderful characters that relate to what a real person might actually do or think in the situations that they are put in. She has done a fantastic job and I am looking forward to reading more from her.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like a good book to keep him or her reading because this book does exactly that. Cel & Anna is a great story and I am glad to have read it.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Chaselyn Kenney, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story

Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds

Publisher: Lindsay E. Edmunds

Price: $10.76 paperback

Pages: 307

ISBN: 978-1453839997

Date of review: June 2011

http://celandanna.com/

blog: http://writersrest.com/

Review of The Wayward Child by Rita Lowther

2011-11-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

The Wayward Child is set in Australia during the time of the Second World War. It is about the life of a child between the ages of 8 to 10 as her family moves about the bush and outback of Australia. There is some slang used that the reader may not understand completely; but their meaning is not as important as the details of the hardships endured during this time in history.

The world war was a time of rationing, fear, and many men leaving to fight the Japanese threat in the Pacific Theater of the war. Tales of atrocity coming back to the small children, and the families back in Australia.There are also pockets of religious bigotry by some and places where living was difficult at best.

Finally, The Wayward Child is a tale of the human spirit and survival in a time when it was difficult to know where the next meal was coming from. It was a time unlike any other and supplies were used in the war effort. For a small child, this is a hard time to experience, yet alone survive with one’s psyche intact.

The Wayward Child is also about the dysfunctional parts of a family, which you cannot choose, but must live with because they are family. At an early age, how does one handle and accept the death of their father, especially as they try to garner their father’s acceptance?

This and more can be found in the memoir The Wayward Child.

This reviewer found The Wayward Child a good read and recommends The Wayward Child as a must read with a four out of five stars. Reviewer:Robert Medak,Freelance Writer/Editor/Reviewer, Allbooks Review International, www.allbooksreviewint.com

Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the publisher at ww.decadentpublishing.com/

Title: The Wayward Child

Author: Rita Lowther

Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-936394-91-3

Pages: 293

Date: May 2011

For more info: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=243&osCsid=748d6ad605bc8bfc9c0c4395b4d29482

Review of Power Split by W. Ron Drynan

2011-11-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Power Split is two stories in one book. Can antimatter work as a propulsion system in spacecraft? How are two characters in Power Split, medically related? These are just a couple of questions found within the pages of Power Split.

The first story is about the practicality of using antimatter propulsion for space travel. Power Split is also about two characters and their possible connection medically and why they are unique in the population.

Follow the testing and the action as these two characters work together in an action thriller, which will come as a good surprise.

This reviewer found Power Split well written, and the piquant book that held this reader's interest and wanting more. Power Split will hold the interest of readers, and they will not want to put it down, so dedicate some time for reading Power Split.

Power Split is easy to read, and will not take too long to finish it. This reviewer completed Power Split in one sitting. It was hard to stop for this reviewer.

If you enjoy action books, Power Split is a good book for you. This reviewer found the medical and flight information to be well written and possible.

This reviewer awards four out of a possible five stars to Power Split. Robert Medak, AllBooks Reviewer

Title: Power Split

Author: W. Ron Drynan

Publisher: Artairus

ISBN: 978-0-9835039-0-3

Pages: 321

Date June , 2011

Power Split is available at Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,

For more info: http://www.WRonDrynan.com

Review of Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

2011-11-16T13:19:00.000-05:00

Shattered Wings is a fiction tale about how one’s personal life can spiral down out of control, and the repercussions of not having people in your life. We all need friends, family, or someone to confide in when life hits you with a dump truck full of lemons.

Follow John’s trip down his personal slippery slope. How does John handle his life when he loses what is most important to him? Why won’t he talk about it to his roommate? What in John’s life created his current way of handling thigs?

Although this is a work of fiction, there may be many going through similar situations and not fairing any better than John is with his.

Shattered Wings’ tale could also be happening right in your own community. What resources are they for someone like John?

Should John’s life style and longevity with one company be a detriment on someone’s résumé in finding a job?

There are many aspects to Shattered Wings than meets the reader’s eyes. There could be many going through what John is in Shattered Wings.

This reviewer found Shattered Wings to be an unusual read. The review copy that I received needs a great deal of editing before it can be considered for publication. Once these changes are made, this reviewer awards Shattered Wings 3 out of 5 stars. Bob Medak, Allbooks Review Int.

Title: Shattered Wings

Author: Bryan Healey

Publisher: Bryan Healey

ISBN: 1456398350

Pages: 250

Date May 23, 2011

For more info: http://bryanhealey.com/

Revew of Fire Season by V H Folland

2011-11-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

First off, they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and Fire Season is a really good example of why. There are no rights and wrongs to creating a book cover, but there is something a little dour about the front of Fire Season that could put off browsers of shelves and webpages alike.

So that is the down side out of the way, from here on it is pretty much all good.

Fire Season is a first look at the small town of Brooke’s Vale, a community the likes of which have featured in some of the greatest works of fiction, where living has been rather kind when it comes to the subject of the book – forest fires. For many years, Brooke’s Vale has escaped unscathed while other similar areas have constantly battled to survive. The all comes to an end during the three day period Fire Season’s story is told over.

The heart of this story lies in the struggle of the townsfolk, including airstrip owner and flying club leader Matt, and transport pilot Jim, a hero among many who takes on the raging fires that threaten the town. Whatever the subject, novels like Fire Season rely on the workings of the community. Stephen King has often used the “town in peril” card to great effect, and some parts of this novel read like his best Castle Rock novels. The build up over the first hundred or so pages is slow, introducing characters, displaying their likes and dislikes, building the impending threat to these characters and their surroundings.

Once the action is set in motion, then the book virtually reads itself, making the small trek there all the more worthwhile. The events of Day Two and Three flow very cinematically, descriptions creating very vivid images as the fight to survive takes centre stage, and as you read you can imagine this playing out on the big screen.

By the time the epilogue comes around, and we move two months on from the climax of the main story, it is a nice chance to see how these people we have followed of the last few hundred pages are coping with the aftermath. There are too many novels so eager to get the action over and end that they don’t take a short moment to close off the final threads of the story, giving the reader a sense that these people are not merely characters in a work of fiction, but continue on with their lives beyond. How those lives may pan out remains a mystery, but there is enough here to show that even after the worst of times, life does go on.

In the afterword, the author notes that a lot of research including his visit to see one of the only Shackleton planes in existence, and it is clear throughout the book that a lot of effort has gone into making sure that the facts within the fiction are authentic for those with knowledge of such things. My only experience with airplanes is to get on board one to go on holiday, so I would not know if any of the more specific details are correct or not. That doesn’t mean the effort is any less appreciated when reading the book.

For anyone looking for a good old fashioned adventure thriller could do a lot worse than Fire Season. The human heart needed to make any story of peril work is written well, there are no real duff characters of note and the conversations and confrontations between the townsfolk is always believable and manages to avoid the usual clichés that can quite easily slip into this kind of story.

Well written, engaging and worth a read, I would happily recommend Fire Season to others and look forward to Days At Brooke’s Vale, a short story collection that acts as a prequel of sorts and will hopefully continue in the vein of rich character developments shown in the novel. Recommended by Anthony Lund, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

Title – Fire Season

Author – V H Folland

Publisher – Ragged Angel Ltd

ISBN : 978-0-9541227-7-5

For more info: http://www.fireseason.co.uk

At last, word from Amazon, after calling every customer service number available.

2011-11-10T16:13:00.001-05:00

At last, word from Amazon, after calling every customer service number available.

From: cust.service03@amazon.com
Reply To: cust.service03+AXPKHFDMUYG14@amazon.com
To: allbookreviews@aol.com
Sent on: Nov. 1,2011

Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hello Shirley,
As mentioned in our last message, we took this action because your reviews were found to be in violation of our guidelines and participation agreement. We won't reinstate your reviewing permissions for this account. Please take a look at this page for details about our guidelines:
http://www.amazon.com/review/guidelines/review-guidelines.html
I understand you're upset, and I'm sorry we haven't been able to address your concerns to your satisfaction. However, we won't be able to offer any additional insight or action on this matter.
Thanks for your understanding.
Best regards,
Shaun B.
Amazon.com
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.
http://www.amazon.com

Unbelievable!
The “Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company” indeed! It is beginning to look like authors will have to pay KirkusIndie Review $425-575 for a review in order to have it posted on Amazon.com. This is a very disturbing notion and one the authors should know about. I need not remind authors that there are hundreds of other sites that will be happy to post reviews that don’t cost an arm and a leg. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these sites for your promotion.
By the way, this is not over. I shall continue to email, phone and contact as many people in Amazon as possible until I get my answer. I now have a number for headquarters in Seattle. That is my next step.

Shirley A Roe, Managing Editor
Allbooks Review Int.
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Amazon Headquarters, an interesting experience.

2011-11-09T08:58:00.000-05:00

Today I called Amazon Headquarters in Seattle. The greeting told me to “Press one for customer service.” When I pressed one, another recording came on telling me that the Amazon website had access to help lines and customer service and someone would be happy to help me if I visited the website. DUH! I have been visiting the website for days, emailing for days, talking to outsourced customer service people that know nothing and that keep telling me they will have someone else email me and now I am supposed to go to their website for help! Unbelievable! Next the message told me that if I wanted to speak to a representative, press 0 at anytime. I pressed “0” and the phone rang more than twenty five times with no answer. I called back and repeated the exact scenario. In other words, it was a line to nowhere.
I now have acquired the name of one of the Amazon execs from an old press release and will write a formal letter of complaint. I shall mail it- snail mail and await a response. I am sure it will not be answered as the Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, does not care about their customers one bit.
I am hearing from many authors whose books are listed on Amazon and they have not been paid for sales. Their publishers inform them that Amazon has not paid them! Nice way to make a big profit on authors work by selling the books, charging an exorbitant rate to sell them and then not paying them at all. I have also heard from Associate clients that have never received a payment. This is getting more and more interesting the deeper I dig! Today I have removed my credit card from my account with Amazon, I will not be buying anything else from this company. I can not however, close the account until this review issue is resolved, I have authors that are counting on Allbooks Review and we will not let them down.
Shirley A. Roe, Managing Editor
Allbooks Review Int.
www.allbooksreviewint.com
Go to the website for daily updates. Allbooks vs Amazon