Now My Life Begins by Shirley A. Roe: Review by Martha A. Cheves

Available on Amazon.com in print and ebook
Real Time Publishing, Limerick, Ireland.

– Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat and Think With Your Taste Buds


‘The train began its approach to Edinburgh’s Waverly Station. Jenny stared in fascination at Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, with its high rock precipice protecting all that had lived within the walls. “Waverly Station!” shouted the conductor. “Watch your step.” Jenny stepped onto the busy platform; people bustled to and fro. Several trains arriving and departing the station filled the air with black soot and noise. Swept up in the flow of people, Jenny found herself climbing the steep grade to the street above. Tentatively, she looked around at the huge city. Never in her life had she seen so many people or so many buildings, which made it all a little overwhelming. A cart sped past, causing her to jump and bump into a stranger. The man scowled at her. “Sorry, so sorry.” Her apology fell on deaf ears. Everyone was rushing somewhere and all were oblivious to the shy woman from Watsworth, clutching her worn suitcase for dear life.’

Jenny Barstow had received a letter confirming her position as assistant to the City Clerk of Edinburgh. She had grown up in the small town of Watsworth and since her only living family was her uncle, she had no real ties to the town. That is unless you count Tim McKitterek as being a tie. She and Tim had known each other forever and in each of their eyes, they just knew that one day they would marry. But that wasn’t to be. Tim worked at the mines and after his father up and left, he was the sole supporter of his mother and her six children. It took every penny he made just to keep them afloat. He would never be able to leave Watsworth and Jenny knew it. Her only choice was to go alone and hope that one day things would be different and just maybe he could join her.

What Jenny didn’t bargain for was finding that her position had been filled by Ian Murphy, nephew of Lord Provost of Edinburgh, John Murphy. So here she is. The farthest she has ever ventured from her little town of Watsworth, hungry, no job here nor back home, no place to live and just enough money to make it back home with hopes of something working out for her there. Then comes her “knight” in the form of an elderly man by the name of Zachariah Taylor.

I’ve read several of Author Shirley A. Roe’s books and they just keep getting better. Now My Life Begins takes the reader through not one but both World Wars with their destruction not only to property but human lives and mentality as well. She not only tells a beautiful story that is quite realistic but she throws in history along the way allowing you not to just possibly learn something new but to also make the story even more believable. I’ve totally enjoyed her words and stories of love as the characters survive what was sent their way in the form of life. This is truly a beautiful story.

August Newsletter

Allbooks Review August 2011
Newsletter

Visit: www.allbooksreviewint.com

Allbooks
Review International is looking for ebook reviewers. Email if interested:

Allbooksreview1@aol.com

Must
be able to meet deadlines and have a good command of the English language.

ALS Ontario wants your stories

Share with us an inspirational story about a person or event that
had a profound impact on your life or someone else’s. Story can be non-fiction,
fiction or creative fiction. ALS is a fatal, rapidly progressive neuromuscular
disease and strikes regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. ALS Ontario is a
charitable organization dedicated to providing the necessary equipment and
support services to people with ALS and to funding research toward a cure or
effective treatment. An entry fee of $10.00 CAD must accompany your submission
and all submissions can be emailed to kathryn@mysaggybutt.com or mailed to
Charlene Spector, Thames Valley Regional Manager 1030 Adelaide Street N. Suite
1-158 London, ON N5Y 2M9

FEATURE:

Evaluating a Novel's Plot and Scenes (Part One, Part Two will be in Sept.
newsletter)

By Frances Beckham



After months of hard work you have finally completed your first

novel. Think of your novel as a puzzle. Each piece of the puzzle is

equivalent to pieces of the plot and the various scenes in the

chapters. When they are put together, they create a big picture,

the novel. However, if your chapter scenes and plot -- the puzzle

pieces -- are ill-shaped and ill-formed, they cannot fit together

properly to form the big picture. Before attempting to publish the

book, do a careful review by asking yourself the following

questions:



Is The Plot Original Enough?

----------------------------

When rereading the novel, mark anything that you have read before

in other books, or seen in a movie. Next, list them on a separate

sheet of paper; then, for each one, write down notes on how to make

them different from what you have seen before. For example, in your

story your protagonist is an orphan boy who attends a special magic

school to learn how to become a wizard. Sound too much like the

Harry Potter books? Consider how you could change the essence of

the plot. Instead of an orphan, make the protagonist a boy with

busy parents who send him to a boarding school, unaware that it is

an exclusive school for children who are monsters in human form.

Making such notes and brainstorming changes can train your mind to

think more creatively.



Can Readers Predict What's Going To Happen Next?

------------------------------------------------

As you tell your story, are you revealing too much information?

Can the reader see the resolution of a problem long before you

actually get there? Telling the reader too much can bore him. It

does not allow readers to utilize their imaginations and feel a

sense of mystery and suspense.



Make notes on areas where you have given too much detail. Make

changes that will hook the reader and tease her mind. Make the

reader believe the story will go one way, then introduce an

unexpected twist.



Is The Plot Boring?

-------------------

Even though your plot may be unique, it may be boring. Boring plots

typically include long scenes, rambling dialog, overly detailed

descriptive narratives, and little action. Correct this by

shortening the dialog and focusing it on the plot. The mood of the

conversation should fit the mood of the scenes in the chapters. For

instance, if the scene is comical, the dialog should be comical. If

the scene is serious, the dialog should be serious. Keep in mind

that dialog should always be supportive to the plot. Liven up the

story with unique situations and events that can add more

excitement.



Don't overdo it, however. Give the reader some down-time between

exciting action scenes. Do this by incorporating chapter scenes to

appeal to different emotions. Use some comedy, some drama, some

suspense, and some mystery to support the plot. Take your readers

on an emotional rollercoaster ride.



Is The Plot Too Complex?

------------------------

Making the plot complex (too many subplots, too many flashbacks, or

too many dream sequences) can confuse the reader. A complex plot

can lose focus of the main point of the story. It can make it

difficult to develop a resolution. Some writers who are experienced

can create complex plots. However, for new writers, it is best to

keep the story simple.



Is The Plot Too Shallow?

------------------------

Sometimes new writers get too caught up in making their story

exciting and so interesting. They get caught up in the action,

symbolism, witty dialog, and slick descriptions, but lose the

focus, the meaning, and the purpose of the story. When reviewing

your novel, ask yourself, "What is the meaning of the story? What

is the purpose? What is the story about?" If you cannot see meaning

and purpose in your plot, then the plot is shallow. Begin to think

of ways to refocus the plot on its purpose.



Is The Plot Believable?

-----------------------

Readers need to buy into the reality of your story even though it

is fiction. If it sounds farfetched and unrealistic, most readers

will have a hard time connecting with the story. In your notes,

consider what you can do to make a "hard to believe" event more

believable, more "possible" within the context of the story.



Is The Sequence Illogical?

--------------------------

This relates to the order of chapter scenes and events in the

novel. If you feel the current order is not right, consider ways to

rearrange them, change them, or delete them.



Is The Conclusion Satisfying?

-----------------------------

Is the resolution is clear enough or logical enough? If you feel

unsatisfied with your conclusion, this is your gut feeling telling

you that it is lacking something. You need to determine what that

"something" is, and make sure it is part of your conclusion.



After reevaluating the plot, it's time to examine each scene.

Frances Beckham is a writer of children's and young adult fiction

and resides in Washington State. She operates the Affordable

Proofreading & Critique Service for writers of film scripts and

novels. Beckham enjoys writing, whether it is scripts, books, or

articles.

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.

Congratulations to Shirley A. Roe,
Managing Editor of Allbooks Review Int. on the release of her sixth novel, Now
My Life Begins. The book is available in print and ebook on Amazon.com

Jon Saboe has released the long awaited
prequel to Days of Peleg. The new book is The Days of Lamech, available on
Amazon.

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

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

David
V. Mammina

Lindenhurst,
New York

USA

Tell
us the title and publisher of your book:

Redeem
the Knight

Published
by David V. Mammina

Tell
us about yourself:

I grew up in Long Island, New York and
still live there today, teaching Social Studies in a private school for
students with neurobiological disorders.

When
was the book released?:

April
28^th 2011

Give
us an overview of your book.

A holy knight has committed terrible sins
of vengeance against those allegedly
responsible for killing his wife and child.
In turn, he has been exiled to Islandia, a nearby island, to live out
his days of solitude with only a faithful dog to accompany him. Finally offered an opportunity to redeem
himself, Arl Baelin has been called upon to inspect a series of suspicious
hauntings in an infamous manor known as Midvein Mansion. However, in his quest to cleanse the mansion,
he quickly realizes that his path to redemption comes with a shocking price.
Experience the story of a controversial knight who will go to dangerous lengths
to find penance in this seamless read that will keep the book in your hands and
off the shelf until the climactic ending.

What
inspired you to write this book?

I was always fascinated with the concept
of a fallen hero in search of redemption.
You hear it in tales and cliché’ TV series all the time, but it never
holds true to the character. I wanted to
create a genuine tale of redemption, including the hardships, doubts, and
determination that go along with it.

How
is your book different from other books in this genre?

Many are not familiar with the Dark
Fantasy genre, as it falls into the shadows of fantasy itself, but this story
will surely set them apart. Redeem the Knight focuses on the acts of
redemption, rather than the vengeance as in other tales of the genre. Each of the ten chapters begin with a memory
that ties in with the story and progressively enlightens the reader with
provocative truths about the hero’s life from childhood to the present date. I believe this subtle, yet piercing literary
strategy makes for a very personable protagonist and dynamic storyline.

Where
can people buy your book?

Anyone can purchase a copy through any
online bookstore, like Amazon, Barnesandnoble, Borders, Waldenbooks, etc. You
can also visit my website www.MamminaBooks.com
where all of my work is listed. (It is
also safe and cheaper!) I am often at
ComicCon and I-Con conventions, where I promote and sell my work with free
signings and other cool giveaways.

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

I am always
working on another book. Sometimes I try
to take a break so that I can market my work, but new stories always beckon the
call. So, I am already writing the
sequel to Redeem the Knight, creating
a series foundation. With hope, it will
be out in about a year.

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

It certainly isn’t easy to do it on your
own, but it is even harder to find an agent or publisher to rise you up. It is important to be realistic about
self-publishing. It takes time and
commitment, but more than anything else, confidence. Let no one discourage you—ever! This is your talent and it will be recognized
as long as you believe in it and share it with others. Remember to smile and foster a natural
balance of humbleness and pride.

If
published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

N/A

Can
you share one of your marketing successes with us?

Facebook and LinkedIn is a treasure trove
of marketing capabilities. Free and
easy. Always toss business cards around,
because you never know who is reading these days. A strong handshake and quick hook line does
wonders in the long run.

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

I heard of Allbooks through a friend, who
saw it advertised on the internet. It
has proven to be a great service for objective reviews for a very affordable
price.

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

As the market to promote works for
self-published authors can be cruel and disheartening at times, a great service
of promotion through other sponsored sites and magazines would surely help to
spread the word around about the service you provide and the authors you have
reviewed.

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

Thanks so much for this opportunity, I am
very humbled by the great review your services have rendered.

Two books for one!

Free book with your purchase, Purchase a copy of one of Shirley A. Roe's historical fiction novels from Amazon and receive a free copy of A Call to Faith and Freedom. Simply contact the author through the website with proof of purchase and receive a free $15 value. Two books for one !

www.allbooksreviewint.com Limited time offer.

Order from Amazon.com

Dreams and Nightmares The Martha Whittaker Story

The Whittaker Family Reunion

Return to Whittakerville

Snow Eagle

Now My Life Begins

all are eligible for the free book offer.

Ebook reviewers

Allbooks Review International is looking for ebook reviewers.
Contact us @ www.allbooksreviewint.com

Quote for today!

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."---

Abraham Lincoln

LIFE

Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself. George Bernard Shaw

Allbooks Review July 2011 Newsletter

Visit: www.allbooksreviewint.com
Writing Book Reviews More Fun than Profit
by Louise Rachlis

A CAA National Capital Region Publication
Workshop, Lecture & Other Info: www.canauthors-ottawa.org

When author, Emily-Jane Hills Orford started writing book reviews — “a great way to make some money, and learn about the market” — she really didn’t like the first book she
was asked to review. That review never ran, but she went on to write many
more reviews that did appear, a three-ring binder full. There are pros and cons to writing book reviews, says Hills Orford who was the April 12th speaker at the monthly
meeting of the Canadian Authors Association–National Capital Region.
“The cons are deadlines and not necessarily being paid,” she says, “but the pros are getting your name out there and promoting anything else you’ve written. In a way it’s free
advertising for what you’ve written, and it’s a way of learning about different styles of writing.”
She says she loves to read anyway, and has kept all her reviews in a three-ring binder.
The books are provided, but these days many of them are electronic books. “If it’s a pre-publication book review, you get a manuscript and possibly your name on the author’s book
cover.” She has written some very positive reviews, and particularly liked Regina’s Closet by Diana Raab and An Ordinary Box of Life by Tim Olney. “You also get some books
that aren’t so good. I always stress that you must be fair; there must be some merit to it if it was actually published. . . . If you’re assigned a book, you have to follow through. You’ve
made a contract.”
Allbooks Review International (www.allbooksreviewint.com) gives reviewers the book and pays a small fee for a review. “As an author, I thought it was a good site to have my books reviewed. It has worked out very well.” Her own book, The Whistling Bishop, was named Finalist in the 2009 Indie Book Awards. Authors pay to be reviewed and provide a copy of their book. Based in southern Ontario, Allbooks Review Int. reviews books from around the world.
One of the funniest books she ever had to review was The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Mayra Calvani & Anne K. Edwards, which was also helpful to her. The first step is to read the book, and then follow the publication’s format for writing the review. “Find an eye
catcher for your first sentence. I like to start off with something about the book that captured my attention. You have to have patience and it takes time. Deadline is usually thirty days for
submitting your review.” Local community papers might take reviews, and there
are also specialized journals that might be interested in a book related to their theme.
There are a number of online books review sites, and online bookstores that have book reviews.
“Whatever you write, you’re having your words out there, so you want to be honest to yourself,” she says. “You don’t want to write ‘it was a wonderful book’ if it wasn’t. I get started right away so that if I can’t review it, I can return it and someone else can.”
Also remember not to give away too much information when you’re writing a review, she says. “Your introductory paragraph is not a synopsis. You want to leave readers with a bit of a cliff hanger so they’ll go on and read the book. You want to be fair to the author, but not sugar coat it. Try not to be too academic and on the other side don’t be too pompous and write about all your
great knowledge.”
Emily Hills Orford’s website is: www3.sympatico.ca/mistymo

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.

INDEPENDENT AUTHORS NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENT---It was a close race for the entire month however, Sharon Cupp Pennington edged by Fanki deMerle to win this months Featured Author Contest. Sharon is the Featured Author for June and will receive a 20 post Publicity Package. Her member page saw over 1200 hits for the month.
The contest resets June 1st with the member collecting the most page views in June becoming the Featured author for July. Check out guidelines at the contest page at Featured Author Contest www.independentauthornetwork.com

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:


Please state your name. Dr Simon Kohein


Tell us the title and publisher of your book: The Battle for One Elect
and Tate Publishing


When was the book released? It will be released 24 May 2011


Give us an overview of your book.

The Battle for one Elect is one man’s experience exemplifying the ongoing battle for our souls while personally discussing the fall, the blessing, the prophets, Christ resurrected… the gospel. Although from a large family, as a child Simon effectively lived alone with his younger brother as his grandmother attempts to convince him that it is the evil one’s desire to destroy all families and has severely battered Simon’s. As attacks become more personal and the pain more great, Simon’s need to make his choice between accepting defeat or to maintain unwaveringly reliance on God’s promises becomes mandatory. Neither God nor Satan change. Only Simon is changed as he continues to make choices. This book confirms that while we all suffer in this life, and that while pain positively isolates us, we are not alone.


What inspired you to write this book?

Even before your heart began beating, spiritual forces with longtime momentum were at work. We can and must find God’s promises for our personal circumstance and depend upon their truth above all else. If you’re alive, your spirit is being contested for and you will make the final decision concerning where your eternal life estate will be. A quick search of the scripture generally leads us to Paul’s instruction to the Ephesians concerning the armor provided for this warfare (Eph 6:10-18). How do we stand in this armor and continue believing all God’s provision for us when the events occurring in our lives are quickly and severely victimizing us and our families? How do we stop spiritualizing the equipment provided by God and make it a reality in our physical existence when our circumstance causes us to despair of life itself? What shall we think when the pain and grief are extreme, we are convinced nothing worse can happen, and then…? Can we recover? Can we accept what the recovery must be? This book is to stand in that gap. It is my desire that this book will provide knowledge and comfort while you’re waiting for the morning star to dawn in your heart. Believe me… continue searching… you will find the joy our Lord and Father has provided.



How is your book different from other books in this genre?

The Battle for one Elect intimately shares how spiritual warfare plays out in each of our lives… We are born into this spiritual war and the battle personally and invisibly progresses until suddenly event after event causes enough pain to bring us to our knees. This book systematically demonstrates how the battle is in our minds and is either won or lost by whom we choose to depend upon and the secret thoughts we choose to maintain. Suffering brings us to God and teaches us to know that his written promises are our strength. This book is not simply one more sermon concerning spiritual warfare, it is a model.


Where can people buy your book?

www.SimonKohein.com... and wherever books are sold.

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

Yes. In a few months…


If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

If I decide to self publish in the future, I’ll know whether there are benefits to traditional publishing. Presently, I enjoy the professional feedback prior to publishing.

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?

The book is not yet released.

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

Allbooks was referred to me. I am pleased with the opportunity for publicity.

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

The price is a blessing and I appreciate the work and help with publicity.

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