tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88354311748707993152024-03-05T06:21:48.402-05:00Colleen M. BratleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-62212000944151463132014-04-30T23:43:00.001-04:002014-04-30T23:43:14.772-04:00Chaysing Memories Book 2 by Jalpa Williby, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhL4jVC9qZdpkkUgh3n8hsh2wEuaF8fJwqy-gv9cKImMjlESf5whzQbNixvLlbREZFWQbxJPTWrjSqTd5P7Pl1IadR4rjiIO6lGQ6XVOvsOKy7AZRf6p3G-wLn5uOym-eNDlk4hj1fInk/s1600/chaysingmemories150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhL4jVC9qZdpkkUgh3n8hsh2wEuaF8fJwqy-gv9cKImMjlESf5whzQbNixvLlbREZFWQbxJPTWrjSqTd5P7Pl1IadR4rjiIO6lGQ6XVOvsOKy7AZRf6p3G-wLn5uOym-eNDlk4hj1fInk/s1600/chaysingmemories150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Book two of the romance novel that grabs your heart,
wins another five stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The continuing
saga is nothing shy of thoroughly entertaining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The characters have developed some, especially Tess
with her maturity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her graceful step up
and Chayse's virility connect so strongly that they seep into your psyche and
mesh for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself
thinking about the story long after it ended, and since there is one more
sequel, wondering what would happen next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know what I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">want</i></b> to happen, and I can only hope
my wishes come true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The second book resumes pretty much where the first
one left off and didn't have a lot of back story that you had to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because, if you haven't read the first one, what are you doing reading
the second one of a series?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want
to help you get the picture; I want to get on with the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, this book gets right on with the
show and I was not disappointed with it either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was fun, well paced and easily engrossed you with the characters and
their lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Tess was a very naive young girl in the first book,
but comes into her own in the second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The great part is, the love story actually brings her to fruition and
Chayse was developed to sizzle the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This guy was... well let's just say I hated it when he wasn't in the
scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, he was just my kind of guy, and he is what made the story so great
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess was interesting, but being
female, she didn't quicken my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Know what I mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The love scenes again are well written without being
offensive or crude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were much more
tender but passionate and driven which fit the story perfectly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The supporting characters came more into the story
line this time giving some depth to Tess and Chayse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave them more substance and credibility
allowing the reader to feel more of their emotions and understand some of their
thoughts outside of the immediate scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was just well done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Many times romance novels can be pretty predictive,
not only in steps but concept as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn't feel that way with this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn't earth shattering events, well some were actually quite, okay enormously
surprising, and even when they weren't I couldn't predict how things would
unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Truly, I enjoyed this book immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt my heart beats match their steps and
hope they won, and didn't want it to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a great book and well written which I thoroughly enjoyed, that
you need to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXZNCTY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JXZNCTY&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20&linkId=J67YPMYBRG3MIZ2R" target="_blank">buy for a great journey</a>.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-36212988528107408892014-04-30T23:39:00.001-04:002014-04-30T23:39:29.880-04:00Free From The Tracks by K. T. Bowes, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvwGold-iQK1iLAYJzqnPg25GgTrw8nSS8OvNbMp93FjSyeBhXwvF7Qa9t44cXwjlyyMUMbnhBlnuoAC1zdGGbmFkcBNMp_B1wMh2txWEBIDjqwzZF_XAJ8NDnETNVknYdnGr7hH2fLOE/s1600/freefromthetracks150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvwGold-iQK1iLAYJzqnPg25GgTrw8nSS8OvNbMp93FjSyeBhXwvF7Qa9t44cXwjlyyMUMbnhBlnuoAC1zdGGbmFkcBNMp_B1wMh2txWEBIDjqwzZF_XAJ8NDnETNVknYdnGr7hH2fLOE/s1600/freefromthetracks150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Sohpia and Dane find each other, love and life.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Sophia had a hard time with social interactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did well in school academically, but
socially she was a wreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written for
young adults, they will easily be able to relate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her saving grace is meeting a young boy named
Dane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Dane, due to Sophia's introversion, has to make the
first move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course being in the
awkward stage they are, neither one handles the encounter as well as they'd like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the uncertainties bubble to the surface
and they learn how to deal with them in the normal raw and uncensored way we
all do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their feelings are exposed and
met with disdain from some and encouragement from others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they weave their way to a secure place,
is wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Kate has a way of bringing you into their world,
feeling their emotions, and living their lives before you even realize you're
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel their sorrows, pains and
joys and you love every minute of the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This book is one of a series and you can be sure,
they will all be read once the first one is opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The everyday lives of some are what we may be
far removed from, so reading a story that's told so real and simply, gives a
depth to your soul that wasn't there before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This story will leave a mark of growth on your soul, and march you to
the enlightenment of love and compassion beyond what your normal life may give.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F7CKBGO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F7CKBGO&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20&linkId=63AWF7AQ55EIBM7Z" target="_blank">These books</a> should be given to all youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their impact would be strong and good as well
as entertaining.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-58887851350268304792014-04-30T23:35:00.003-04:002014-04-30T23:35:52.810-04:00Tam Lin by Heather Osborne, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfeSUX8CAHQo9f8J1e0F5Dzj76z9C18LF5MGxKhnt-dTr0strYOlrlikQthytgYk4n7TRLyxO2Q-kawlcmQ_qMAbCQhyphenhyphen2_i514Fo7pk-Xn77FuN8UQ-9IQGe13UDf-6JmR1c45xfUVdS3/s1600/tamlin150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfeSUX8CAHQo9f8J1e0F5Dzj76z9C18LF5MGxKhnt-dTr0strYOlrlikQthytgYk4n7TRLyxO2Q-kawlcmQ_qMAbCQhyphenhyphen2_i514Fo7pk-Xn77FuN8UQ-9IQGe13UDf-6JmR1c45xfUVdS3/s1600/tamlin150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">A short little tale that brought back memories of
stories written long ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story has been told many times in many ways, so
you'd think it would be tiring to hear it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if the author is adept, she will take you
on a journey like you've never been there before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heather does quite well with that, and the
story does keep you thinking about the next scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The love scenes were more graphic than I like,
preferring to be able to paint my own final picture, but it kept you turning
the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really liked the writing of
the character's accent, it brought them to life and the descriptive settings
made it complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Overall it is an interesting short tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey will stick in your mind long
after the last page, and if you're like me, take you to another era and another
place.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-86605490007727521782014-04-27T19:12:00.003-04:002014-04-27T19:12:18.869-04:00Ill Fated by Evelyn Ink, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIKQTyMCUl2nHk6Dqa4wKQ6CzrP42tYSiu4RW8VTDfZS-krbEF7lapS7PGPguNHxcWMrQf-IGm8HgwBMqIC9YWY8vxl-fmSzDeTMnYzZUNbD_DltpWRE01qmJbVQDWoNcWoGZABUiEFeo/s1600/illfated150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIKQTyMCUl2nHk6Dqa4wKQ6CzrP42tYSiu4RW8VTDfZS-krbEF7lapS7PGPguNHxcWMrQf-IGm8HgwBMqIC9YWY8vxl-fmSzDeTMnYzZUNbD_DltpWRE01qmJbVQDWoNcWoGZABUiEFeo/s1600/illfated150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This fantasy takes you on a journey that was
everything but slow, boring, or stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The creative mind of the author kept you engaged and watching a great
movie play out as fast as you could read it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">From the beginning of the book I wondered what was
going to happen and that never changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The character was anything but perfect which made you enjoy her even
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You saw her as a real person, not
a perfect part of a real person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact
at the end it was like saying goodbye to a new friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wanted there to be more, and at the
very end of the book I read she is now writing a sequel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book does and can stand alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story ends on a good note, but how Evelyn
wrote the story, you really got to enjoy these characters and want to spend
some more time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, I
wondered what they would do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I'll bet most everyone else will too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Leila is the main character that flows on a quest
from an affluent upbringing to the ills of dirt, danger and horrors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn't become a person using her
background to let others take the lead or do the dirty work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her actions and reactions don't really
surprise you once you get to know here, in fact they give you
satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's straightforward,
non-assuming, and honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's her
first quality, and far from her last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her determination makes you root for her, and her morals gain your
respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She keeps you interested,
entertained and happy to see what she does next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interested yet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Who she meets along her quest, and how the story
unfolds will bring surprises and awwhh moments that only enhance the
storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I really watched for was
the development of a romance between Leila and Cyrus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was on the fringes and yet circumstances
had to keep it at bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evelyn was good
at keeping the emotions there yet not dwelling on them which I think could have
made the storyline less exciting and more assuming than it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did bring that subject to the surface at
the very end though, which only made me want more of them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See what I mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It needs a sequel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The story is about a young girl on a quest she knows
little about, to prove she can lead the people of her ruling father's
kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she discovers in the quest
changes her life, her knowledge and her destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a well written and highly entertaining
story that anyone who enjoys fantasy or a mystery will love to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I will now be reading her other books
because a good writer usually has some great stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XD94OE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008XD94OE&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Enjoy friends!</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-24810465973061986722014-04-27T18:52:00.001-04:002014-04-27T18:52:22.581-04:00Chaysing Dreams by Jalpa Williby, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeGLICW7HY7dFSSQjEz09lhIgCHxBAag9Yly1vY5LqwUi5e9Wmn0EmItcOMorzhxrRkwGspCjvWylm54TY7A_qa29bL64dN90TT8hvMjAquqWvq0ZrTjj-xngs1NcO3cxbbV8bVCDbuC-/s1600/chaysingdreams150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeGLICW7HY7dFSSQjEz09lhIgCHxBAag9Yly1vY5LqwUi5e9Wmn0EmItcOMorzhxrRkwGspCjvWylm54TY7A_qa29bL64dN90TT8hvMjAquqWvq0ZrTjj-xngs1NcO3cxbbV8bVCDbuC-/s1600/chaysingdreams150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">It's romance novel that had some great love scenes,
an interesting storyline and a sequel that's an absolute requirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author drove the line with an interaction
between two people that was obviously fated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Neither could escape the other and you don't want them to either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This is the kind of story that you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jalpa writes so you feel the emotions, the
sensations and the physical pain as clear in your mind as if you were truly
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately and maybe it is due
to the age the character spans, but there are some moments that make you say,
really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, the 'she isn't really
that dumb' thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I can only
assume the author was portraying the main character's age so in the sequel, we
should be past those moments since she matures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know it makes the character more real to not know it all, and make
mistakes, but these moments went a little too far for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must stress though, it did not take away
from the story as a whole, I loved it, and would actually read it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few other books do I say that about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The steamy love scenes were just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt Jalpa wrote them very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not always an easy task, but she has
it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The immaturity of the main
character Tess though, due to her age, inexperience and other things you'll
find out, did at times take some of the steam out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But alas, it was easily ignored when the
fires were that hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like romance
and love scenes, then you will certainly like these.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">So many times
romance stories can be really dull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
actual story is nothing to care about, wonder about or even remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully for those ones you had great love
scenes to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You find yourself wondering a
lot about what was really going on, and what was going to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does this or that mean in the scheme of
things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a love story can keep you
entertained beyond the love scenes, then the author is going their job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jalpa certainly did her job in both writing,
storyline, character development, intrigue, romance and everything in-between.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">After I had finished this book I found out the sequel
was just released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly purchase it
because I have to find out what happens next, as soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really am excited and anxious to read it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story was very entertaining and the characters
memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually envisioning would be
a better word, at least the male one, for me, if you know what I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had more depth than many other romances
and kept the fires burning even after the scene was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you enjoy romance novels, you will
absolutely <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EMMQSO4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EMMQSO4&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">love this one.</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-19994825857617767652014-03-31T23:17:00.001-04:002014-03-31T23:27:26.990-04:00Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods By Tani Mura, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyyBAq2BSrZuuSAzNxaRMJV9293eJ8FdjjihHcZNGZHCsDYgb2lt0amgQt471wM8W3XVwFAzBiYWF3jN5njpAQMel07KmyyqYxcB4tcx_m6af5o2MR5-3IRHddn9LyJ84KqbrgukVAhYj/s1600/kindredsaaob150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyyBAq2BSrZuuSAzNxaRMJV9293eJ8FdjjihHcZNGZHCsDYgb2lt0amgQt471wM8W3XVwFAzBiYWF3jN5njpAQMel07KmyyqYxcB4tcx_m6af5o2MR5-3IRHddn9LyJ84KqbrgukVAhYj/s1600/kindredsaaob150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I love it when the story goes to scenes that you
don't see coming, and ones that may even get you a little upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One such scene in this book did get me a
little upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I have to believe
there is a reason for what happened and hopefully the second book will massage
my feelings.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Tani Mura gives us a taste of not just one different
world, but two via completely dissimilar cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The characters in these two cultures see
things differently in some ways, but very much the same in some of their foundational
thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just don't see it
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You certainly get the feel for what
they think and why, and then, per design I'm sure, you start to wonder how
things will jell for them as a whole and be ultimately be resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you think you want to see happen doesn't
quite get there this time, but you do get a surprise.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The surprise has a great amount of potential and
depth, again keeping the reader not only engaged, but anticipating and
anxiously waiting for more information to be revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The depth of this surprise is one you can
only guess at because this author is not someone you can assume or predict
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is quite unique and creative.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The characters are well defined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even though the lead was sometimes a
little too head strong for me, I realized it was only because of where her
personality developed from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make her
any other way would have been uncharacteristic and unworthy of her situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others were true to how they developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tani showed how some can change because of
some little thing that was different in their life or change because they
couldn't see past their own selfish wants. Tani did it right from one to the next
and kept you interested and liking every single one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">If you like dystopian stories you will really like
this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually had me REALLY
curious from the beginning, and even as things unfolded, I never lost that
quest for answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really grew to like
and even enjoy the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
see the expressions on their faces and feel the energy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and personality each of them had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That only comes when an author tells you
enough to see them right there before you. Well done Tani.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know every teen and adult
would enjoy this book and once read, will hunt down the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five stars to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EK5IMOC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EK5IMOC&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">great book</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Tani Mura!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-4900842082529694152014-03-23T14:44:00.002-04:002014-03-23T14:44:24.242-04:00Red River by Kelly Van Hull, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4xNiO6eiKFhyphenhyphene09NwKcopVvz3UwZq8pTMefKB2SgjeyqPW2MCbh13Mw0JA0ySutaV1OUHb5v50DEa1aZi27Sp789R_jP9fTSowaxEFeBcGvS45NGOt1A7lNNY_HfAe2DNtv4XxkwJjA/s1600/redriver150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4xNiO6eiKFhyphenhyphene09NwKcopVvz3UwZq8pTMefKB2SgjeyqPW2MCbh13Mw0JA0ySutaV1OUHb5v50DEa1aZi27Sp789R_jP9fTSowaxEFeBcGvS45NGOt1A7lNNY_HfAe2DNtv4XxkwJjA/s1600/redriver150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This second book
doesn't miss a beat continuing the journey with a creative and structured plot
of exciting wonder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The characters, story
and writing I so enjoyed in the first book certainly didn't disappoint in the
second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The very first chapter brought
you back into the fold of family and the whole different life they were forced
to create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You easily slipped into and accepted
their plight, and sooner than a flash of light you were cheering them on to
win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Win not only the freedom their
hearts sought, but a win for the others who may not see the forest through the
trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone needs a hero, but few
can be one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dani, I'm sure, never
dreamed about being a hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just
wanted to do normal things, be independent and laugh with her friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most teenagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when push came to shove, she wasn't
having it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forced to face a new reality
in the first book brought her to a new level of self reliance and independence
that just can't be undone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as much
as her parents wanted to believe in their own control, the new Dani was not
coming back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even as she learned that
help from her family and friends was priceless, her stubborn pride often got in
the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teenage and even sometimes
adult stubborn reluctance to meld with her supporters and comrades cost her,
but also helped her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'll have to read
the book to know what I mean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
can't give too much away and spoil the adventure for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Loss and tragedy are
no strangers to Dani, her family or friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But reality has a way of dealing the blows and yet blocking the disintegration
you would expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the
determination and resolve to win, keeps you going and ensures your propensity
for strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For them, that strength
and weathered hearts were hard earned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
costs were incalculable as they fought to keep it together, but the wealth
would prove to be infinite and forever seared into their souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Each character had
their journey you got to read and see throughout the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author's ability brought them all
together yet kept them separate enough to understand and get to know, and then
absolutely grow to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say I
was even hard pressed to 'choose' as Dani was supposed to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hurt for the loser, yet reveled for the
winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just that involved,
intense and yet crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy I couldn't
choose, and really didn't know which one she would choose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
book came to an end and it wasn't one I felt let down with... well except for
one part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted there to be another
solution for just one thing, but who knows, maybe there will be yet another
book moving this even further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
really could be, it's a great storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So again I just have to say, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQLND0G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GQLND0G&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">get the books</a>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, you do not want to miss out on a
great story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Kelly Van Hull,
it was a wonderfully well written adventure I truly enjoyed, and just give
another addition to these two some thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Find out about other great books here: <a href="http://gingergelsheimer.blogspot.com/p/how-book-review-depot.html" target="_blank">http://gingergelsheimer.blogspot.com/p/how-book-review-depot.html</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-86619602701614592022014-03-08T23:54:00.002-05:002014-03-08T23:54:58.305-05:00Tent City by Kelly Van Hull, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjuTTruhwPLS1ouDyPDCwVxSYe9pE43Hzz7mHl9_0s7zvo2s8JZn97gy1gieZMo-gZ21ybWgn-rYzgENHnhYjtn9i_aVt6oR8JVJlIX77S4cCCS1uZp224azXf_O2TfjTWgJ4Dw7_4weV/s1600/tentcity150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjuTTruhwPLS1ouDyPDCwVxSYe9pE43Hzz7mHl9_0s7zvo2s8JZn97gy1gieZMo-gZ21ybWgn-rYzgENHnhYjtn9i_aVt6oR8JVJlIX77S4cCCS1uZp224azXf_O2TfjTWgJ4Dw7_4weV/s1600/tentcity150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat staring at the
last page, wondering about the story, thinking about the events, and mentally
willing there to be more pages to turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This story grabbed me whole, wouldn't let go and I gladly accepted its
grip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I truly fell in love
with these characters, the story, the writing, and absolutely everything in
between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drama kept moving, and the descriptive
scenes took me on a journey I won't soon forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself feeling as if I was there, it
could happen, and wondering how I would react.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would it be the same as Dani did, or something far beyond what I can imagine?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dani is the lead
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a normal teenager
without much to worry about except feel like all teenagers do, that life would
be much more interesting if they were on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until she is, and she discovers how
unprepared she is and succinctly realizes she would much rather be back
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Circumstances won't allow that
though, so she learns to adapt and grow into an almost self reliant young
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say almost self reliant because
she stubbornly wants to be, but soon discovers that help for and from others is
more precious than pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her brother
were better off with a few new friends once she understood self dependency was
a waste of time and resources, when a group does so much better with more
efficient results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As in any life, true
friends are far and few between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dani
and her friends are no exception, but the depths of that truth are seen in emotional
veins that rock their world to the edge of sanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wavering on threads of despair, they find
their way toward freedom and happiness, bearing the agonizing hurts of loss and
tragedy along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With each sentence
you learn more about your new friends, and feel their heart beat catch with
yours in each step they took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You root
for them, you hurt for them and you thank the author for taking the time to
write as richly as she did so you had the fortune of that experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each character had their moments of you
wondering are you serious, but that's what kept them real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren't perfect in a far from perfect
world and that made it easy to really like them, greatly enjoy the story, and
desperately hope for more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">That
last page was a killer, because that's what it was, the last page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Kelly has book 2 out, called Red
River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I of course will be reading it as
it is already up on my kindle now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1482754533/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1482754533&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Get the books!</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, you will miss out
on a great story otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you
Kelly Van Hull, it was a wonderfully well written adventure I truly enjoyed.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-38400209031414495912014-03-02T14:31:00.001-05:002014-03-02T14:31:43.796-05:00Sceptor Book II The Emerald of Phaunos by Scott L. Collins, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl3g0cCulVIXWvgfDMQigi-3IPffvJIxXlVdNI-E9VDuxUPXi7iXYPBnknFXKuQntjYIuXH37JzHQv0vfih9uskZ3iKRMKzICCBauzdfhPZ_tz7uR7opY0LRrugnRhRs-a1QhWolIebpX/s1600/TheEmeraldOfPhaunos150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl3g0cCulVIXWvgfDMQigi-3IPffvJIxXlVdNI-E9VDuxUPXi7iXYPBnknFXKuQntjYIuXH37JzHQv0vfih9uskZ3iKRMKzICCBauzdfhPZ_tz7uR7opY0LRrugnRhRs-a1QhWolIebpX/s1600/TheEmeraldOfPhaunos150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This second book is
just as good, moving and creative as the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it, and I know kids and teens will
love it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read this in one sitting,
and I'll bet kids will too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downside
is the third one isn't out yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The story about four
kids that grew up too fast from circumstances beyond their control, truths
beyond their years, and morals that keep them straight has all the markings for
an exciting, and enduring venture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that's
exactly what it was with showers of contrast and really creative twists the
plot is full of surprises, and yet Scott weaves several bits of quality lessons
into the story which I found to be really wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The fantasy in the
story is really creative with the different people, animals and whatchamacallits<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keeping it lively and very entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story concept is simple but the writing
takes it to a whole new level with inventive scenes that keep you turning the
pages until the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These four kids learn
things about each other, themselves, and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They understand how it should be, the evil that is and can be, and what
can be done to change it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They brave the
elements, the unknown obstacles in their paths and face their fears head on,
but they don't show any less of the reality of what they would show emotionally
if it really happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The characters
are kept real and personal allowing you to get to know them, like them, and
cheer for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to laugh with
them, feel sorry for them, hope they survive, and run with them when they need
to.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The value of family
is evident in this story, not only in their need to see and maybe even save
their parents, but realizing that they are also a family all their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come to realize that they care for,
love, help, and most of all need each other more than they had ever
anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What started out as scared
kids not knowing what to do with their new situation in life soon became a
family of kids determined to turn things back to the way they should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully back to the way they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I have a feeling that after going
through all this, it won't be quite what they want either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think a new way of life is on the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
these children go through their mission fighting to survive, the reader will feel
the determination, and revel in their successes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a quality book for children and young
adults that will be greatly enjoyed and talked about with their friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have sent these to children I believed
would really enjoy them, and know some have already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I1OJCXS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I1OJCXS&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">series is a great gift</a> to a child you
know.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-71443303914905183302014-03-01T18:45:00.000-05:002014-03-01T18:45:07.893-05:00Artifact by K. T. Bowes, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze3l1Rm5r56iLBWrBJJ7HKkri0gAWM-sYIs3f9Go3JkDKFQfDHfK2ETszaQm2B5RUyhZ4c7e1B6-iGjqzp2m9ZZoiCOTmkLKtX52flIq6bRDGwxMPZqtp-8IugyMonlUm5oqc5k7cG98q/s1600/artifact150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze3l1Rm5r56iLBWrBJJ7HKkri0gAWM-sYIs3f9Go3JkDKFQfDHfK2ETszaQm2B5RUyhZ4c7e1B6-iGjqzp2m9ZZoiCOTmkLKtX52flIq6bRDGwxMPZqtp-8IugyMonlUm5oqc5k7cG98q/s1600/artifact150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Oh how to tell the loft of the spirit that flies as
you read this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tale is a love
story that touches your soul, and grabs your heart spinning your world.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Kate knows how to not only spin the narrative to
great emotional depths, but inscribe the scene with pitch perfect points of
interest laying bare all that's necessary for the reader to live the scenes; feel
the emotions, hear the wind and even feel it flow over their skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a trait all authors strive to reach and
Kate has it right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Lara, the main character, has an interesting job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves it and relishes what she learns
from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can sense the intensity of
her regard for it as she uncovers and preserves history, bent on keeping it
alive and intact, feeling the emotions its secrets may hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But being in such a profession doesn't keep
her heart from feeling the hurts or loneliness that can happen in her real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you learn her story, you feel her struggles,
pain and hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You hear her sobs, her
laughter and silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you get to
know and care for her, wanting all that hurts to be turned into love and joy.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Then you meet Arama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His first impression is cutthroat, rude and yet exuding virile
handsomeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could anyone resist
that or should I say forgive that and not resist the other?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But judging by appearance only usually has
some unexpected surprises underneath, and Arama is no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Lara wants to believe and thinks she
sees are not what lurks beneath the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank goodness for heartfelt women or we would all be a lonely lot.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">As the story unfolds and you feel the waves of
emotional turns and twists, you realize how you want things to turn out, and
hoping that's how it ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even
though the other characters weren't as pivotal to the story, you learned enough
about them to want to know more too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
were allowed glimpses into their lives and yet left with a few questions, which
kept you glued to the story from beginning to end, searching for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoping for more.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So this is how the author
keeps you entertained in her works, looking for the next venture she pens to
the page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoying the creative thoughts
she spins out in a tale that wraps around you as you turn one page to the next,
you relish the moments you get to spend in another place, another life and another
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kate wrote a love story that was
much more than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like love
stories, you will love this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HRWEPAA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HRWEPAA&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">short story</a> that I could have read for days.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-36741050547190643962014-03-01T12:32:00.003-05:002014-03-01T12:41:53.505-05:00The Stone Gods by C. B. Pratt, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy9W7XplqpgCWM_zO0h7YpF9OfXpb8a4SuXuzWLhhE3_JOvSGUQq5sHpZLlduMNnil-zJKS-lu2h6YARQMkxU_hJePqOFwv9SkDt3jN9hw4hlQLZy6o5Ly23hu6p0L5uxaUBpXMgvxlBd/s1600/thestonegods150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy9W7XplqpgCWM_zO0h7YpF9OfXpb8a4SuXuzWLhhE3_JOvSGUQq5sHpZLlduMNnil-zJKS-lu2h6YARQMkxU_hJePqOFwv9SkDt3jN9hw4hlQLZy6o5Ly23hu6p0L5uxaUBpXMgvxlBd/s1600/thestonegods150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This creative tale ranks tall with all the colorful
stories depicting Greek mythology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enos the
Thracian takes you on an enjoyable journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's a journey beyond the norm, yet he envelops you with such unique and
interesting charm that you become embedded in the story.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Seriously, I felt like I was there, walking, talking
and observing all that was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay,
and maybe like in the old days, swooning over Enos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admired him, and better yet, I really,
really liked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cynthia Pratt has
created a monster, a monster of a man as addictive as chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the beginning you are wondering about
him, picturing what he looks like and searching for clues to know more about
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her spell binding writing she creates
a thirst that is never really satisfied; you want more of him even when the
story ends, and even after you close the cover.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This is the second book in the series, but the story
can actually stand alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well kind of...
like I said, you want more of this Enos the Thracian man of wonder, so one book
just isn't enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story though does
come full circle so you don't begin in the middle of the previous book, and you
end with a clear picture ending, even as you want another written page to
follow the last.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Enos was created to solve problems, at least that's
what he does for a living, but the story has hinted that there is more to the
depth of this creation than has been told... so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am wondering what the first book had to
say, and of course have purchased it to read and hopefully ease my quest which
I am sure it will help, but with Cynthia Pratt's masterful work the next book
will have to be purchased as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
just can't get too much of Enos.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The other characters are entwined enough to keep you
firmly entrenched in the story, but never take away from the main
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don't find yourself
really wondering more about them than Enos, which I'm sure, was the author's
intent all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all keep the
story animated, colorful and interesting, but still manage to keep you focused
on what Enos does, how he will react, what will happen next, and of course what
he looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, the never ending
questions of a female reader about a virile male character.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had to give this story
five stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a good storyline, a
vibrant and enticing main character and the author's ability to make sure you
want more, it couldn't be anything less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will absolutely read the first book which is already on my shelf, and
rest assured the next book or books as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have always enjoyed stories based around Greek Mythology, and this one
can certainly claim the top hat spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks Cynthia Pratt, your adventure was fun. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6KPC1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D6KPC1S&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Get the book and enjoy.</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-23814789552147198382014-02-23T11:14:00.001-05:002014-02-23T11:14:56.119-05:00Bishop Street by Rene D. Schultz, A Book Review
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMilpPiFiL9lM8d2GH588414KduSX2z5L0qGa4X_veMtH1k0rZjGhhsQFUGbKyOYd6V_UQUHrNL-ID-AY8BGYSszc_lS-0GSJkwS_SQgLLox9f-azU2sOJCMGjnk9Fz_GPDfTbzAPxHYjb/s1600/bishopstreet150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMilpPiFiL9lM8d2GH588414KduSX2z5L0qGa4X_veMtH1k0rZjGhhsQFUGbKyOYd6V_UQUHrNL-ID-AY8BGYSszc_lS-0GSJkwS_SQgLLox9f-azU2sOJCMGjnk9Fz_GPDfTbzAPxHYjb/s1600/bishopstreet150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story is an experience you won't soon forget. It's a story about four children who grew up in an
orphanage unwanted, unloved, and clinging to each other for hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Four
children had an entrenched hope they would be adopted and daily
prayer they would even survive their mostly ugly and unhappy journey.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Hope is all they thought their camaraderie was, but
years later they discovered that no matter what happened or why they were
together in that rigid loveless orphanage, they cared deeply for each other.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I was drawn to this story because I have always had a
tender heart for children without families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a child I just couldn't understand it, and wondered why other
families didn't make sure no child had to endure that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course growing up, maturity makes you see
things differently, but it doesn't necessarily change how you feel about it,
and I still have a hard time accepting our society's shortfalls.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">'What doesn't break you will make you stronger' has
certainly been proven time and again, and these children had no choice but to
see that song through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one's test
was different in execution, but ultimately culminated to the same tune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Each child's maturity into adult brought its own set
of obstacles, trials and tribulations, but one core emotion ran steady through
each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That solid feeling of
family and the need for one, and it never wavered in their souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's strong and taut thread kept them
searching for solace and peace of mind, and yet striving to bury the very
reason for their plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their search
and then their quick need to justify situations kept them mollified a day at a
time, because they couldn't fathom what or how to massage their empty hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One space, the one for family, just couldn't
be filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an emptiness that led
them down many roads, each one just as barren as the next.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">For some it looked like the perfect life on the
outside, but was total terror and sadness on the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creating what they craved brought some
happiness, but still left a hole in their heart that sought to be filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then some seek to anesthetize the pain,
some with mind altering substances, some with work, and some with isolation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These four children sought all of them, and
realized one day that family wasn't just a mom and dad.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Taking this journey with
these four children into adult was touching and uplifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What they endured and then accomplished gives
the reader a feeling of empowerment and hope just like they had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DL3QBBK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DL3QBBK&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">good story</a> that everyone will enjoy.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-14187956515128573922014-02-02T13:26:00.002-05:002014-02-02T13:26:48.475-05:00Necessary Evil of Nathan Miller by Demelza Carlton, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjby9S1lu2JJYrcIVs39jxGLSm1y81IaexU0c1Ow92ioNervLpat0YcUfOfFFZ869HcjHOTqLKazf8YDpavY2thgkkyr9frMQfmGCoAQyqwR1u5rmTuDtyeyj2AdIQ2qpkKy63hUOOyh3e/s1600/necessaryevilofnathanmiller150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjby9S1lu2JJYrcIVs39jxGLSm1y81IaexU0c1Ow92ioNervLpat0YcUfOfFFZ869HcjHOTqLKazf8YDpavY2thgkkyr9frMQfmGCoAQyqwR1u5rmTuDtyeyj2AdIQ2qpkKy63hUOOyh3e/s1600/necessaryevilofnathanmiller150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Deep heart wrenching truths revealed by Caitlin leave
you nothing but respect for her raw honesty and will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as you immerse with the characters once
more you realize the depth is beyond calculation, leaving their story stamped
on your soul.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The second book of the nightmares trilogy keeps you intrigued,
as well as the first book, and the suspense still churns with renewed quests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story was a reveal from Caitlin's truths
and again I couldn't put it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in
real life, we all have versions of a story that another does not, and Caitlin
had things to say that Nathan could never have imagined, keeping you rooted to
the characters and feeling all their emotions, running the gambit from love to
devastation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the feelings and
passions kept tingling at a rapid pace, ensuring your heart was glued to the
words that were both soft and glaring on page after page.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Caitlin's experience was nothing short of shocking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet her spirit made your admiration of her so
strong that reading each page was like a privilege; one you were thankful she
allowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You realize as she does, that
one person was pivotal for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
person kept the light on in the dark recesses of her mind as well as the depths
of doom she was living; one person who really doesn't understand just how much
he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks he didn't do enough.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Demelza's gift for writing is again wonderfully evident
in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She again directs a story
with a straight purpose, letting the characters weave you through the scenes
keeping you rooted to them and begging for more of the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel connected to them in so many ways,
even if you've never lived what they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's the key to her
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She writes so you feel all they
are feeling and that's how it marches into your mind and makes a home, refusing
to leave even after the story is done.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Throughout this book as well as the first, I wanted
answers to questions from the very beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the story being told by the lead now, some very significant answers
are revealed, but not all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If is
apparent we will need at least one more book to settle the score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with how I perceive Caitlin and Nathan
now, settle is just the right word.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">As in real life, you realize these two are just not
connecting in plain English sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That ugly word assume is forefront and center, as they each think they
know something they don't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communication
is the downfall of many a relationship, and even after all they have gone
through, and relied on each other for, talking plainly is not their forte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, hiding and skirting to what they think is
helping the other is their preference, and really, when you understand why you
love them even more.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story and the characters are developed with a depth
and expanse that keeps you wondering and reveling in their spunk and perseverance,
capturing your attention with no diversion possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey and characters are so emotionally
charged it leaves a mark on your soul; one you don't want erased or eased
because it now has significance to your character; your heart, mind and soul.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know my take on this
story may seem crazy as I gush in awe, but I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it's great, wonderful, very written
well, and you simply <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EW0N9AW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EW0N9AW&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">must read it</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bet
you can't put it down either.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-58610133985641726392014-01-31T20:11:00.004-05:002014-01-31T20:11:59.818-05:00Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer by Demelza Carlton, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIFJVZuG8RG5UI3AY9fsam1LSmteVOKRSG2oDoYJmWvqS_cr_zhD_jmXYDWxpN9P8lE1PIL4scHvq8nPOZHFYzgUJKy5zjKtaA5ff7oIqZcaNIyPCWoaszMHUcZsaHzJGvlPNE3f0Vsri/s1600/nightmareofcatilinlockyer150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIFJVZuG8RG5UI3AY9fsam1LSmteVOKRSG2oDoYJmWvqS_cr_zhD_jmXYDWxpN9P8lE1PIL4scHvq8nPOZHFYzgUJKy5zjKtaA5ff7oIqZcaNIyPCWoaszMHUcZsaHzJGvlPNE3f0Vsri/s1600/nightmareofcatilinlockyer150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Intrigue, suspense and a gut wrenching story that you
can't put down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a straight forward
story written so that you feel it all, every inch of the way, and still left wondering
what really happened.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Caitlin escaped from her captors, or did she?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had help from someone named Chris or so
it seemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then Nathan just happened to be there to
find her, or wasn't it a coincidence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
did this to her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did they pick her, was it random or is
there a much bigger picture?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are
questions that flutter your thoughts as you turn page after page hoping to find
all the answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You analyze all the
details deciding to be the super sleuth and figure it all out before you get to
the end, but good luck with that.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Demelza Carlton has a gift when she writes; the gift
of weaving a story of intrigue while setting a stage that appears to be
straightforward, yet is anything but.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She creates characters that you root for, care for, and yet aren't sure
of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wonder if you should believe
what they are saying, or realize they mean different from what you
understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She keeps you on your toes
and rooted to the story, making it impossible to do anything but keep turning
the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She invites you into the
story and then anchors you with your soul, wrapping the words around every
fiber of your being making you not only unable, but unwilling to put it down,
even after the last page.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Somewhere during the tale you think you have it all
figured out, but when you get to the end, you're lucky if you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's all I can say because I didn't quite
hit the mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But wait, she ends it with
a blast of question marks searing your brain with only a few simple words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now you have to know more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you realize there is much, much more to
this story, and you just have to know what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though you still had questions about
some things, the last page actually cranked the engine to warp speed of wanting
the answers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The characters are developed with such depth, that
you realize this book has really only scratched the surface, drawing you to
start the search for book two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually,
Demelza shouldn't be allowed to publish a series without all of them being
ready for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple as that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be against the law.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I think it's quite obvious I really liked this story,
and loved the writing ability even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was wonderful, superb and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7KTEEW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E7KTEEW&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">a must read</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one she writes I'm sure is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I will be finding that out as soon as
possible.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-79543553396800037892014-01-30T20:20:00.002-05:002014-01-30T20:20:15.581-05:00The Starlight Chronicles: Slumbering by C.S. Johnson, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNEQUQSRHb2cMbMvknyoQc8UWR45C8RvCPb2pjX_Fo4goVDsSmPXz6I46t4elDxAA-taju3kyCjV_dpRb93CjtFpxLRqxT2h-xRBkcYxevmHHFeZDD3q6xYbBH3bh_Vj1t48FzhnZ75sL/s1600/starlightchroniclesslumbering150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNEQUQSRHb2cMbMvknyoQc8UWR45C8RvCPb2pjX_Fo4goVDsSmPXz6I46t4elDxAA-taju3kyCjV_dpRb93CjtFpxLRqxT2h-xRBkcYxevmHHFeZDD3q6xYbBH3bh_Vj1t48FzhnZ75sL/s1600/starlightchroniclesslumbering150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The story takes you to another place, another time
and even another dimension, yet you never leave the same town, people and
normal day events.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I have to admit, the story has you wondering at times
what exactly the overall summation of the events that are happening really
means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can follow it easy enough,
but you can't quite piece it all together until near the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as I am sure the author intended, you
get the picture, well at least you think you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To a degree, there are purposely placed suggestions
that you need, at least I did, answers to which I am sure will be addressed in
a sequel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those suggestions are
revealing in more ways than one which actually keeps you guessing if your
conclusions are correct.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The characters are normal teenagers, the lead being
extremely self centered and narcissistic, but that truly isn't farfetched in
real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have regular activities,
social interactions and concerns (maybe dramas would be a better word,
considering), but what they seem to ignore mostly because they don't want to
deal with an issue that doesn't benefit them, as usual, are little and
sometimes even big differences from the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This actually keeps you rooted to the age of these kids though, not
expecting them to act like adults, or should I say mature adults.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The settings that change the norm are creative and
interesting from the 'unknown invading the quiet small town' view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What actually happened though was not
completely revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it was
stated what happened, but it's what occurred afterwards that clued you in to
the fact that the simplistic answer was not the complete one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then other clues were dropped throughout
the story that kept you wondering what was really going on, or better said,
what the big picture of the story is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence
the need for a sequel, or the fans will riot.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Overall I enjoyed the story, and even liked the
self-centered, narcissistic, good looking, lead character Hamilton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You understood his desire to find his way,
discover who he is, and develop who he will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could even see his behavior toward his parents as being typical for
many teens, not the ideal, but it made him real as a person; a likeable person
even.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story will be enjoyed by its target audience
without a doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It speaks their
language, is creative, entertaining, and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The teens are portrayed as real as you were at that age, and the story
is not one you've read a million times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I enjoyed it, and now have to read the sequel so I can satisfy my
unanswered questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449779123/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1449779123&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Teens and others will enjoy it.</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-85839418808819592932014-01-26T13:52:00.001-05:002014-01-26T13:52:12.487-05:00Shadowland: A Tale From The Dark Ages by C.M. Gray, A Book Review
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJYSBi3n5vZv8ylskiCKI1Cvc8reIzgXDGMWNKJNj1jPVoBl5UaVP_vgEvWiN4iGfwGLaOiiEhINdCFusSg16cFyqJ3YRKN7-CtEBQvXJYqcNPfTaJrsM1374WCKT31oXk977LleCegBF/s1600/shadowland150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJYSBi3n5vZv8ylskiCKI1Cvc8reIzgXDGMWNKJNj1jPVoBl5UaVP_vgEvWiN4iGfwGLaOiiEhINdCFusSg16cFyqJ3YRKN7-CtEBQvXJYqcNPfTaJrsM1374WCKT31oXk977LleCegBF/s1600/shadowland150.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This is a tale that wraps around your mind and keeps
you embraced, engaged and entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
an historical fiction fantasy, written to school, but really completely entertain</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I love stories of medieval times and fantasy so it
had a lot going for it from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
writing though was what took you into the era hook line and sinker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You saw, felt and heard what the characters
did from page 1 through to the end, and lived in that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly was wonderfully written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read some other reviews, and seriously
thought the lower rated ones somehow missed the mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a few mistakes in this book, but I
can find those and more in the biggest named authors out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author's writing ability far outweighs a
few mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">If you know anything about King Uther, King Arthur, Merlyn
and the Druids, then you will know some of the storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How this author goes into the background of
these people though is what keeps you fascinated and wondering throughout the
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always wonder about characters
and in this case historical figures and their lives beyond what I have read,
such as their childhood, what shaped their personalities and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story ventures into that realm of
speculation, or maybe truths, you be the judge.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">It's a great story to give to a younger audience,
from 3rd through adult age as it is written with clean yet interesting
verbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sex or profanity, and even
though there are wars fought and therefore violence, it is told with a gravity
toward a 'compassionate humanity wins out', giving it an ending feel of the
right morals are in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morals that
when the leaders lived by them, a great nation was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>History tells us how great it was, and also
what the falsehoods and falters were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
only present leaders would understand history and see that it repeats itself,
for the same reasons.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The format of the story is a character that lived it,
telling the story of what actually happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a nice and comfortable rendering that made you feel connected, like
years had not passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fantasy
elements were what allowed this possibility and for the story to continue, again
connecting you with the past as if it happened just yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider it a great way to tell an historical
tale that keeps the reader engaged and learning a little history at the same
time.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Overall I loved the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since purchased it for others, and
recommend all who are interested in the medieval times to enjoy this
venture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The ebook is extremely <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075OZWSE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0075OZWSE&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">easy to buy</a>, very affordabe and one you definitely
won't put off reading after reading just the first page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-78479558555558430132014-01-18T16:48:00.001-05:002014-01-18T16:48:56.928-05:003 Days in Paradise by Chameleon, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4GZZuz9IZMAGf1uMEjsEDc0J8UB9zKHiQ2TJJ2jTHkYzScXSp8cGpzpzlavikV3tTlK6EzHl4jGHmM6958XP7VwwK4LEFlb-ssQ7nluAEqiIY_wJL6Cq_LGoRZ9-L5PaDEwUT_rJGeTm/s1600/3daysinparadise150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4GZZuz9IZMAGf1uMEjsEDc0J8UB9zKHiQ2TJJ2jTHkYzScXSp8cGpzpzlavikV3tTlK6EzHl4jGHmM6958XP7VwwK4LEFlb-ssQ7nluAEqiIY_wJL6Cq_LGoRZ9-L5PaDEwUT_rJGeTm/s1600/3daysinparadise150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A clever mystery that
touches your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A story the shows
just how powerful love and life can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Danielle, Dani for short, seems like a normal woman
trudging through the trials and tribulations of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roller coaster of a ride can cause anyone
to question what the reasons are and why things don't go the way you think they
should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dani certainly does that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She settles for something akin to what she
wants instead of marching with determination and absolute resolve to garner the
true essence of what she wants and needs.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Fate, destiny, whatever you wish to call it though,
has different meanings and implications for different people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What one sees as fate, others see as
coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dani, couldn't decide if
what she experienced was fate, or even real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it was a complete hallucination of what she wanted her life to be,
or hoped it would be like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all she
had been in an accident, maybe her mind was damaged or something.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The implications of this story are numerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we know as facts cannot always be resolutely
measured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know love, we feel it in
more ways than one, but we can't weigh it or see it in an absolute way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is with our emotions about death, birth,
and our innumerous actions that we perform throughout our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all account for them in some way, with
regret, sadness, satisfaction or even joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How Dani resolves her emotions about her life and actions she took
touches your heart.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Chameleon wrote with passion, letting you feel Dani's
pain, her love, her every emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
road the car to her destiny and felt all the bumps, bruises and road blocks
along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a short story, the
depth of character and issues was much more than I ever expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey is touching, mysterious and heart
wrenching throughout.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Some have said this is a religious story, I say it is
an emotional story with the character deciding for her heart what is real, what
is right, and what feels true to her very soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was what Dani believed and felt that made the story what it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was how well it was written that allowed
us to not only be on the journey, but in it with our hearts and our soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read this in less than a day, and
truly enjoy it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Writing short stories that stir your soul,
imagination and emotions is not that easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don't have a whole book to develop your characters or expand the
story to help with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when an
author can create a short story that does it all, you have an author well worth
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can bet her other <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494338564/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1494338564&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">books</a> are
just as good if not better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well done
Chameleon, it was a great story well written and a pleasure to read.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-33852035939639059382014-01-18T15:00:00.001-05:002014-01-18T16:52:08.212-05:00Dreama's Destiny (Strangers of Darkness) by Jennifer Hines and Mindy Bigham, A Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQrivAGs5GD5zK8fgIlmCdbcK4Gq-KoZTm6vXoCO358OyUX9sEs1_p3yx-my1esa9_h37o_xaDpsQC2w-BIaGQ9WckH5FxbdPmjgb6d0MM1MqvFT9yF7ue8RG1VZdjw8vp4yFgeyC80j3/s1600/dreama'sdestiny150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQrivAGs5GD5zK8fgIlmCdbcK4Gq-KoZTm6vXoCO358OyUX9sEs1_p3yx-my1esa9_h37o_xaDpsQC2w-BIaGQ9WckH5FxbdPmjgb6d0MM1MqvFT9yF7ue8RG1VZdjw8vp4yFgeyC80j3/s1600/dreama'sdestiny150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Dreama's Destiny was a love fantasy fueled by heartfelt
fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fire so intense you'll feel it
to your soul.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Jennifer and Mindy scorched the pages of this book,
and the story didn't disappoint either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The storyline was fascinating, and captured your interest from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From the very first page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The story and main character kept you stuck like superglue
to each page, unable to put the book down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm actually not sure if it was the storyline or the unabashed way it
was told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writing draws you into the
character's heart and insists you feel exactly as she does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that fantasy at work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not sure but you want to fantasy to work
for you before you finish the book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I don't think the story was so intense you lost sight
of the whole picture, but you certainly did have to take a breath at
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great loves stories that are
written as this one is do that to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they make you search for more; another story just like this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Jennifer and Mindy are still
writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I do have to admit though, and this is a spoiler of
sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Zane turned out to be a
vampire, I thought oh dung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vampires are
not something I like to read about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
has just never been my cup of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
how these authors wrote that into the story, not only surprised me, it melded
it into a perfect okay for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously,
I would have dated this character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
in itself is earth shattering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Dreama had a huge mountain to climb in several
aspects of her life, but she did it with a determination and grace that made
you admire her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed those who
sought to harm her that she would not be defeated and in fact would be a force
to be reckoned with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You felt her fears,
loved her courage, and wanted to help her shore up any intimidations she felt,
or cheer on Zane to do just that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Zane, her love and soul mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You felt the fire of their love, written so
there would be no doubt; written so you could touch their souls and feel their hearts
beating as one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zane did have his own
demons, or shall we better put it, more than 100 years of being a single
noncommittal vampire with an, I don't need anyone attitude, that he fought to
deny was stripped by a single kiss from Dreama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That loss felt like he lost perspective and control, putting him in the
I will conquer attitude which just made it all the more fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The story is about the life of Dreama, but yet it is
so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dream's destiny is just a
breath as the story unfolds into the fantasy world of what that destiny really
is; what all her abilities encompass and what they really mean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Jennifer and Mindy immerse you into their lives letting
you feel their emotions, live their pains, sorrows, love and hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a story captures your emotions, it is
one you remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you don't
enjoy it, you will still remember it.</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This book is not only one you will enjoy, but I am
very certain in will remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of
it you will remember explicitly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's that
moving, creative and exciting, and one you want more of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't wait for the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ending leaves you hoping the second book
will be out tomorrow.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-40664670848401989842013-11-30T20:25:00.002-05:002013-11-30T20:25:32.263-05:00Warrior's Oath by Jennifer Hines and Mindy Bigham, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JNdqwZOKMrprNIMWXzYUolacYlvCqZo89fq1Vl6MvEAHtOf6QEGXgVRVh7AjONbgikaRVDNFzf0w4PE2rcihc25RTvFPjVrzA5c-MDRxMFQD8jvnOQN56fenTnCtDr8LlAofmYTAzf4/s1600/warriorsoath150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JNdqwZOKMrprNIMWXzYUolacYlvCqZo89fq1Vl6MvEAHtOf6QEGXgVRVh7AjONbgikaRVDNFzf0w4PE2rcihc25RTvFPjVrzA5c-MDRxMFQD8jvnOQN56fenTnCtDr8LlAofmYTAzf4/s1600/warriorsoath150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Warrior's Oath is a love story fantasy that takes you
to the moon and brightens your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sequel is nothing short of what I hoped and pretty much expected to
follow Sacred Promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Jennifer and Mindy didn't disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The storyline was superb and the characters
true to their origins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept you
entertained, and glued to the pages hoping that what you wanted to happen,
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not that the suspense was so
deep you didn't have a clue to what would happen, but things came up that
twisted the course a little keeping you swerving to stay with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Queen Abigail had a lot to live up to, and a whole
lot of herself to provide to her people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You had to admire and respect her, yet the author made sure you knew her
well enough to feel close like a friend to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It got you into the story as not just a reader but a comrade, a solid
supporter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You felt her missteps as well
as her triumphs and cheered for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You felt her stumbles and almost wanted to help her up, but you rooted
for Kaleb to do just that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The same was true for Kaleb, her love and soul
mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You felt the intensity of their
love and not only admired it but needed it to quench the thirst for unity that
would lead them both back to their rightful places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without their connection, it just wouldn't have
been the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept the story alive
and precious and intense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This book being a sequel means the story needs to
continue and be just as good if not better than the first book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well fear not, it definitely was, and the
storyline did not deflate of falter in any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So even though I couldn't wait to see what happened after I read the
first book, I was still only hoping it would keep me happy and content to the same
degree because so many don't have the same ongoing magic the second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no reason to fear, it was really,
really great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving, exciting, and
more, and now I can't wait for the next one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This story has a timeline that must be told just as
it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could not be shortened or
condensed without losing the most precious moments between the two leads, Abbey
and Kaleb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scenes build their
relationship and let you ride the waves with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's sweet, endearing and exciting throughout
the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like romances and
fantasy, you will love this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have no doubt the next book in the series will be just as good as the first two
if not even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FWCA0O2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FWCA0O2&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">both books</a>, you
will absolutely love the story as well as Abbey and Kaleb.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-63631147641020510222013-11-30T16:35:00.001-05:002013-11-30T16:35:20.126-05:00Scapemaker by Steve V. Cypert, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNS1oYFZJ7Xz2u0K2eZ_tmPV2N6kqlXnup6OsfP7WluaDSfLsfXMHZ0VBJbnQXkKTSMJDXma5GYn-Ex9R2F7uO4oXERel03bpZfI8MDG1CNtpRZSdfrIqA3JXvILefXqyH7zQRGRge8WI/s1600/scapemaker150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNS1oYFZJ7Xz2u0K2eZ_tmPV2N6kqlXnup6OsfP7WluaDSfLsfXMHZ0VBJbnQXkKTSMJDXma5GYn-Ex9R2F7uO4oXERel03bpZfI8MDG1CNtpRZSdfrIqA3JXvILefXqyH7zQRGRge8WI/s1600/scapemaker150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reality is nothing
but our perception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve Cypert takes
our perception through a new door, and we are only dreaming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well that's what the
story tells you anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dreaming is, for
some, an ability to be in another dimension and as alive and active as what we
believe is our normal reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually
more alive and more able to do things which are believed to not be possible
otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confusing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was confused at first even though I thought
I knew what was going on, but then I had to question things and get all the
lines blurred again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow the path and
you won't get lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This story is not that easy or it would be boring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This creation takes you on a journey that is
anything but boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The characters
bring it to life and as you learn about them your emotions join theirs and you
even want to shake them up a bit when they do or say something you know they
shouldn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's what you'd do in real
life so if the author can bring that through on the page, then he has done his
job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The great thing about
fiction is you can create anything you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The hard part for the author is to make it believable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can convince your reader that this
could actually happen, get them to feel like they are really there in the
moment, and make them want to read more, then your creation becomes real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reader loves it, and imagines it as a
possible real tangible event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book
brings the story and its characters to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes there is some explanation of the new never before known elements replication,
but the story as told is pretty darn good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to say there
are a few places where it seemed the characters would not get out unscathed or
even alive for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
author, using his great creative mind manages to move them forward and leave
you nothing but surprised and entertained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is a mystery
fantasy journey that students and a few teachers take into another realm of
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a story that happens
mostly in the dream world with a little of the "normal" reality mixed
in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have to say I was surprised and happy with the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn't what I expected, and the author's
ability to weave a tale that has to have a sequel or two yet still has an
ending was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's entertaining,
and I'm sure you will enjoy it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481091115/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1481091115&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-33315172643527492812013-11-08T20:27:00.003-05:002013-11-08T20:27:52.044-05:00Beneath the Willow by Gemma Farrow, A Book Review
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o2Qio47YblUGXKys9M3b6Knm_VvJNZYqu9VY4r1Qua4fMWOIqllCuLTx8zRe-mwDJyOTl25VnLxWRmzdW6x4WoDTBI_Ozu7JMKKmxr0Ou4PJO_iXPKtbZitl8bl8DhyphenhyphenLhxPGOu_iPZj7/s1600/beneaththewillow150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o2Qio47YblUGXKys9M3b6Knm_VvJNZYqu9VY4r1Qua4fMWOIqllCuLTx8zRe-mwDJyOTl25VnLxWRmzdW6x4WoDTBI_Ozu7JMKKmxr0Ou4PJO_iXPKtbZitl8bl8DhyphenhyphenLhxPGOu_iPZj7/s1600/beneaththewillow150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">A short horror story written to keep you reading and
wondering how it ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a story of
love, horror and the ultimate test of faith in that love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Writing a short story can be more difficult than you
think because you have to tell a compelling story, limit any excursions or deep
details, and yet propel the characters forward to a speedy ending that the
reader will remember and enjoy.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Some authors have an ability to do just that, and do
it well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gemma is one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not much of a reader for horror stories,
but the reviews I read before purchasing this book lead me unable to resist
reading it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other reviewers were
right, it was a very well done short story that I will remember for some time,
and even find myself still thinking about it from time to time days after I
finished it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">In the story, Thomas and Keziah were the epitome of soul
mates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were deeply in love, had a
wonderful future at their feet and lived their lives to make each other
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing was beyond acceptable to
do for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the couples
who finish each other's sentences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have each other so ingrained in their thoughts that even when they are not
present, they hear them, feel them, know their very soul.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">So what could possibly ever happen that would change
the direction of their lives so completely?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If one thing happened to one of them that drastically changed that
person physically, emotionally or intellectually, how would the other one
react?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would they live, how would
they deal with the change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would
each of them deal with a mind rendering change to the dynamics of their
relationship and the gut wrenching twist to their souls?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Before anything changed, Thomas and Keziah believed
in each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They carried the
umbrellas that harbored their souls, clinging to the truth that neither would
do less than everything for each other to love, honor and protect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when one did change, the need to continue carrying
the torch of stalwart devotion became not only more intense, but more absolute
than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was only one
question on each of their minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
this change everything; did the other one's devotion suffer a tear that would
soon unravel the whole union into pieces as incohesive as grains of sand?</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You will be wondering that
question as you turn the pages, looking for the grade on the test of their
souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your thoughts will go from one to
the other feeling their pain, and while you ponder what should happen, you'll
be greatly thankful that this could never happen to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or could it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D09DJQU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D09DJQU&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Get the book</a>, and then you can decide.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-47240538055453061602013-11-03T16:58:00.001-05:002013-11-03T16:58:01.453-05:00Scepter by Scott L. Collins, A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uuRZczsknpCa0_fGW19XuMllo_EPb01nMoW3R7nPg-1OZ4rbARcWF5eiJSZISRo6tRky35OsYoIspcRfzn6DiISYue78AH0orT4YYKu6Voaak82Y5S8SV3pHsqf6t2UVTHvHsuDLZN4F/s1600/scepter150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uuRZczsknpCa0_fGW19XuMllo_EPb01nMoW3R7nPg-1OZ4rbARcWF5eiJSZISRo6tRky35OsYoIspcRfzn6DiISYue78AH0orT4YYKu6Voaak82Y5S8SV3pHsqf6t2UVTHvHsuDLZN4F/s1600/scepter150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">An adventure sprinkled with fantasy and fun every
child, teen and young adult will love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What am I saying, I am an older adult and I really liked it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Getting near the end I wondered how Scott was going
to end it so quickly, unless of course it had a sequel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, that is what's going to happen because
the next adventure must commence especially since this one wasn't really a
finale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly reached a summit,
but there is a realization when reading the story that a whole lot of things
can happen in the end, and of course while getting there.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Creating a story of characters that are already
friends is one thing, but bringing in strangers to become friends and weaving
their lives together can be a task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scott does that with a charm and detail that brings them to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You enjoy meeting them, and really enjoy joining
them on their journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wonder, revel
and sympathize with their situations, thoughts and emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning the pages to find out what happens
next is the only thing you can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unless of course it becomes a movie, then you can watch that too, which
is really what you see in your mind as you read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly traveling with these characters was
fun and exciting.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">This book is one of the reasons I really love to read
fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can create anything you
want and the readers will gobble it up asking for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story can weave, dodge or jump with
something new, and well written stories keep you seated easily adapting to the
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story marches forward and
you are steadily beating the drum stomping forth for more.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">One of the things I hate with some books is
beginnings that drone on trying to set the stage for the storyline or
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book's beginning set
the stage if you will, but you really didn't realize it until further into the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you had your ah ha moment that
tied it up with a bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then realizing
what was going to have to happen still didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's due to not only the story,
but how it was written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moving
forward never stopped or slowed down; it just flowed like a river over an obstacle
course as you thought about what pool it would settle in.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Scott created a story of two brothers and then two
sisters and then two more brothers who become not just friends but comrades,
allies and fighters for not only themselves and their families, but strangers
and creatures alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their special gifts
allow them the abilities needed to help and succeed whether others felt no
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their greatest gift to others was
not the fighting they did, but the hope and love they offered.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1482741563/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1482741563&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Get this book</a> for your children, nieces, nephews,
grandchildren and strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
love the characters and truly enjoy the tale.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-10748159832022810932013-11-03T09:52:00.000-05:002013-11-03T09:52:24.426-05:00Author - Blogger Giveaway Event ------ Win a Kindle Fire HD or Cash!!<b><a href="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kindle-HDX-NOvember.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22061" alt="Kindle HDX NOvember" src="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kindle-HDX-NOvember.jpg" width="399" height="500" /></a></b>
<b>This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!</b>
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-HD/dp/B0083PWAPW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1379953849&sr=8-5&keywords=kindle?tag=blasttours-20" target="_blank">All New Kindle Fire HDX 7"</a> Giveaway</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<b>The winner will have the option of receiving a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-HD/dp/B0083PWAPW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1379953849&sr=8-5&keywords=kindle?tag=blasttours-20" target="_blank">7" Kindle Fire HDX</a> (US Only - $229 Value)</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkntOjyO-YzR3WjDm7dnqhske_wFJ6bpUJg9aBqDOxdeIZgls6_PIQRKPGlDn-mtNjr4mcFsQdT-PGy1ZVASPdaJ426-bGoRq0Xybsu5UeIASWFwKR97YYOKHYjv-yeoO93lI5yipOhM/s1600/kindle+fire+hd.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkntOjyO-YzR3WjDm7dnqhske_wFJ6bpUJg9aBqDOxdeIZgls6_PIQRKPGlDn-mtNjr4mcFsQdT-PGy1ZVASPdaJ426-bGoRq0Xybsu5UeIASWFwKR97YYOKHYjv-yeoO93lI5yipOhM/s320/kindle+fire+hd.jpg" width="320" height="207" border="0" /></a></div>
<b>Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OLwHTEYyNyj2g3ngxplFJ1dFGAg6Cz-nxryxVgHWtFfuy8Hf8qm0kdpdRcRlrypGF6IpveLYlQyg_5lQL8xY1_npfyH4K5FNHU0iSEcl6iO-yFVcFlMquTyKW8601DcCe3AtCQJtyz4/s1600/amazon+gift.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OLwHTEYyNyj2g3ngxplFJ1dFGAg6Cz-nxryxVgHWtFfuy8Hf8qm0kdpdRcRlrypGF6IpveLYlQyg_5lQL8xY1_npfyH4K5FNHU0iSEcl6iO-yFVcFlMquTyKW8601DcCe3AtCQJtyz4/s320/amazon+gift.jpg" width="320" height="203" border="0" /></a></div>
<b>Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTdJSdcpS4i8FlAWwNPqeYwI7uFvYgyg_2cQmDd_SifFbnFfKRmpWXqSQTcKWB5SQAfHlpqEagY7opUlD0sT2pOt76OpcbiI21bgRJ61uRES8VZJjKqxiZZsARhW30fe1U50bvjl_gcw/s1600/paypal.png"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTdJSdcpS4i8FlAWwNPqeYwI7uFvYgyg_2cQmDd_SifFbnFfKRmpWXqSQTcKWB5SQAfHlpqEagY7opUlD0sT2pOt76OpcbiI21bgRJ61uRES8VZJjKqxiZZsARhW30fe1U50bvjl_gcw/s320/paypal.png" width="320" height="196" border="0" /></a></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-74123662383403757542013-10-31T21:20:00.004-04:002013-10-31T21:20:35.180-04:00Sacred Promises by Jennifer Hines and Mindy Bigham, A Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukGR-D4yvFAfNqUPZiV1bHMl_4JulX_4jzDzHijhw6Cq2mvYlJcCCU-LO5vWw6LLn-V-Cy5a7RnDNDLnx0n6mK5zGnNNXMecnM8DFhfG0MDFvceES5K5LRCJ2qpa98WFYoBpgQVgAT5l1/s1600/sacredpromises150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukGR-D4yvFAfNqUPZiV1bHMl_4JulX_4jzDzHijhw6Cq2mvYlJcCCU-LO5vWw6LLn-V-Cy5a7RnDNDLnx0n6mK5zGnNNXMecnM8DFhfG0MDFvceES5K5LRCJ2qpa98WFYoBpgQVgAT5l1/s1600/sacredpromises150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">A story combining fantasy, love and mystery with a
wand of magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is magic that
weaves the characters together into a nice storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to see what happens, and actually
aren't sure at times which character to root for.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Ah, the love of youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who said that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't think the delight, the depth, or the need
of love change at any age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stays just
as exuberant, and enveloping whether you're 16 or 86, and the emotions these
characters make you feel, explodes that theory.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">Some and maybe many of the thoughts and statements
made by Abbey, the lead character, will remind you of yourself at some point in
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her raw honesty and
vulnerability, yet solid determination and integrity make you really feel and
know her as a real person you would have had as your best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn't do the stupid, 'I saw that
coming' things that many authors create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What she does do, and surmising you think 'oh here it is', doesn't turn
out to be what you expected, at least not for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said, I thought the character was
solid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made me really like her.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">The supporting characters each had their defined
personalities and made it easy for you to cling, support, or dislike them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although even the ones you didn't like too
well, were integrated and developed so you still liked and maybe even admired
some part of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two guys (men) or
whatever, kept you thinking and wondering, and were amazingly well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their emotions brought you straight to their
core wanting to not only know more, but meet someone just like them in the real
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their reveal was slow and steady
until it built to the point of where you had to know what was happening
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wanted to know them, you
wanted to protect them, fight with them, and make them happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exacerbating and exhilarating at the
same time.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode;">I really wasn't expecting a love story to this
degree, but the authors really did a great job of reeling you in and keeping
you there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fantasy makes the
storyline so much fun and unexpected at times but the love interests are what
kept me attached page after page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
to know how it turned out.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 387.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
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Saying I enjoyed the book would be true, but in
reality I totally loved the whole story, how it was written, the characters,
the creativity, and I'm exited their story will continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's just one of those books that have to
have a sequel, and I can't wait for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you like love stories, and/or fantasies, then you will really enjoy
this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFVE78I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CFVE78I&linkCode=as2&tag=drespidan-20" target="_blank">Buy it</a>, you will be glad you
did, and waiting for the sequel like me.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835431174870799315.post-12616709446208572172013-10-20T11:42:00.001-04:002013-10-20T11:42:31.849-04:00Four's A Crowd by Maria Bradley, A Book Review
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhomGAJ3C0rdKnFdAbvB25ublst07JAr-7gL6IR9BKwi7bK8pYS-U8T_OOdLAENE3JTIqbwy3eV7slJQs7CM4U6YE8VosQhdRnSc98eteZ1nNDD0UTzLDwDgZjvcqOa7as2VQw9-fFCPZ/s1600/foursacrowd150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhomGAJ3C0rdKnFdAbvB25ublst07JAr-7gL6IR9BKwi7bK8pYS-U8T_OOdLAENE3JTIqbwy3eV7slJQs7CM4U6YE8VosQhdRnSc98eteZ1nNDD0UTzLDwDgZjvcqOa7as2VQw9-fFCPZ/s1600/foursacrowd150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Very creative
intrigue, twists you don't see coming, characters that become your friends, and
a story that's written to keep you turning the pages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can't imagine
anyone not liking this story and looking for more from Maria Bradley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's written with details that give you
access to a movie screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see
their faces, places, and even the character's souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised and actually excited for this
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's one I can give as gifts and
be excited and proud to watch them open it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The title was curious
to me though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered how Maria came
about that phrase, and didn't see how it related after reading the books blurb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprise was on me when I saw the
connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then my thought was, clever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The story seems
simple enough, three characters, murder, mystery, you know the usual plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprise again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing I imagined it was about, met the
author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in a whole other realm
of thought and thankfully so.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The storyline keeps
moving with new information and twists you hadn't even thought of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It compels you to turn every page and figure
it all out before the author spells it out for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, this is a young adult book
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily it is anything but easy, and that is
the best part.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So the plot in theory
may be simple, but the execution is artfully creative with cohesive characters
and events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Maria takes the simple
and sprinkles it with surprise and a few 'oh my' twists which actually
obliterates the simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get the picture?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a moving story unlike anything you had
been expecting.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another thing is the
main character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually had trouble
defining one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three take center
stage, don't override the others, and make you adore them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You root for them all, you want to keep
reading about them all, and in fact when one was missing you had to keep reading
to "help" the others find him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know crazy right, and sometimes they didn't seem as focused on the
issue or doing the things as I would have, but they're kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's just what they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is insane and yet wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They become your new friends that you love to
follow around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even their names are
interesting to say the least, and quite rightly match their persons which you
soon find out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I could tell you
more, but I really want you to read the book and find out for yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telling more just ruins the surprises,
twists, turns and enjoyment of discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is certainly going to be a sequel to this book, which was set up
nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am curious about the name
though since this one was so clever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for the great
read Maria, I can't imagine what will be in the sequel and can't wait to read
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five stars well deserved for a story
well served.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973869031536595819noreply@blogger.com0