The Masquerade Crew

How to use an apostrophe #infographic (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

The first day of school, a love note, and a recipe with a significant mistake. #interview

2017-09-29T04:30:00.000-05:00

Maya Tyler
Author of A Vampire's Tale

Interview # 2 (of 2)

Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?

Hmmm... I don't know if any of my habits are strange... I like to write outside or, if the weather is uncooperative, away from my desk. I don't plot or outline, but I'm using a style guide template to keep characters and details straight in my current WIP. I picture my stories in my mind, like a movie. My characters create my plot lines. I simply follow their lead.

I have incorporated actual dreams into my books. My first book, Dream Hunter, was based on a dream I had. I like inserting cliches...even if they get edited out later. I keep a notebook in my purse to record bursts of inspiration. I type, rather than hand write, my drafts. What do you think? Are my habits strange?

Have you always liked to write?

I have always loved books—reading and writing. It's actually ironic that it took me this long—years of ignoring the nagging voice in my head—to start writing in earnest again. I wrote constantly when I was younger, from perhaps ages 7 to 18, short stories and poetry. Then I went to university, chose a practical career in business, and hung up my writing hat. Until now. In the last few years, I started a blog Maya's Musings, completed 3 books, and published 2 books.

Do you have any advice on how to deal with bad reviews?

It's inevitable. Every author, no matter how great, gets a bad review now and again. My approach? Never engage the reviewer. Consider the motivation behind the review. Is the reviewer a troll? Does the reviewer bring up a valid point? Accept that not every book appeals to every reader. Learn from the criticism, and use it to improve your writing.

What book are you reading now?

I'm in-between books right now. I just finished Drums of Autumn (Outlander series Book 4). It was amazing! Book 5—The Fiery Cross—is next.

The first day of school, a love note, and a recipe with a significant mistake.

After an uneventful summer, Joanie welcomed the first day of school. She had thought about Alex every day. She liked him. And today was her chance to let him know. She’d left a plastic container of homemade chocolate chip cookies—his favorite—and a note, on flowery stationary, asking him on a date by his locker.

Has he seen the note yet? Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She looked for him all day—in every class, in the hallways, in the library during study hall—no Alex.

Crestfallen, she trudged home.

“Joanie? Is that you, honey?”

“Yup. It’s me, Mom.”

“Have you seen the bottle for my sleeping pills?”

Joanie plopped down on a stool at the breakfast bar, watching her mother rummage around in the cupboards. “No. Why?”

“I ground them up yesterday, and I meant to put them back in the bottle.”

Joanie’s eyes widened. “You ground up your pills?”

“Yes. Yes.” Her mother answered distractedly. “I couldn’t swallow them anymore. They got stuck in my throat.”

“If you didn’t put the crushed pills back in the bottle.” Joanie gulped. “Where did—”

“Here it is!” Her mother exclaimed, flashing her a look of triumph, holding a small plastic bottle.

Joanie’s breath hitched. She blinked rapidly, hoping her eyes deceived her. Her mother held a container of baking powder. The very baking powder she used to make Alex’s cookies yesterday.

“—about young Alexander Smith.”

Joanie’s ears perked up. “Alex? What about Alex?”

“Such a fine, young man.” Her mother made a tsk-tsk sound. “Shame. Him overdosing on drugs and all.”

Gasping for breath, Joanie sputtered. “Is he? Is he?” And she thought the word she couldn’t bring herself to say. Dead?

I discovered the series on Netflix last spring... #interview w/ @mayatylerauthor

2017-09-28T20:30:00.000-05:00

Maya Tyler
Author of A Vampire's Tale

Interview # 1 (of 2)

What's your favorite book to screen?

Outlander. I discovered the series on Netflix last spring—1940s English nurse, on vacation in Scotland, travels back in time to the 1740s and meets a dashing Highlander—and it was love at first sight—for me! I went out and bought the first 8 books in the series—trade paperbacks in perfect condition—and I just finished book 4. I love the show and I love the books, but what makes it my favorite screen adaption is the amazing job they've done on the show... if there's a book, and a movie or TV show, usually the book is way better. In the case of Outlander, both products are outstanding!

What's your favorite color? Why?

Blue. It's pretty much always been my favorite color. In high school, my mom threatened to stop buying me clothes in blue and grey—grunge was in—until I bought something with a bit more color. Since then, I have branched out into clothes with other colors... purple, navy blue, even a little red.

If you were invisible, what is the first thing you'd do?

Find a quiet place to hide with my laptop and write.

What's your ideal vacation/holiday?

With kids, a trip to Disney World or a hotel stay, with a pool, and lots of nearby activities. With my husband, a getaway into the city—NYC is always fun. By myself, a quiet place to write... with lots of great restaurants around!

10 Things That Make Me Happy by @mayatylerauthor #topten

2017-09-28T18:28:00.000-05:00

by Maya Tyler
Author of A Vampire's Tale

10 Things That Make Me Happy

My family

My family makes me happy for so many reasons… They are a constant pillar of support, we consider ourselves a team, and we have fun together. When everyone is well-rested and fed and the boys aren’t fighting – ah, sibling love. My oldest loves Lego and he goes to sleep talking about it and he wakes up talking about it, he probably dreams about it. We just saw The Lego Batman movie, which was awesome btw. He is also an expert on all things dinosaurs and wants to be a paleontologist.

My youngest still likes to snuggle. We read together and play a lot of board games. At six, he’s already a great strategist. My husband is my high school sweetheart and I’ve known him for over twenty years. I truly believe I was fated to meet him, a series of events – a school closure and a relocation – brought us together, and he’s my soul mate. We’ve been through a lot together, devoted to each other in sickness and in health. He’s an amazing father who puts his family first.

Coffee

Anytime is the right time for a coffee – a steaming dark roast, with a dash of cream and sugar. I enjoy my morning coffee in my light blue Disney’s Cinderella mug which states “It’s hard to wake up when you’ve been out past midnight.” The act of drinking coffee is soothing. Each pleasurable sip gives me a semblance of peace. And it’s the perfect beverage to share with a friend.

Writing

I keep my cards close to my chest. My husband is the first to comment that I don’t share my feelings. He’s always available to listen – and dispense advice – but I don’t always have the words. Writing gives me the words. I “think” better on paper (or on a computer screen now). Writing is a way for me to process information and make decisions.

I have always enjoyed writing creatively. I have a box full of scribblings, that I keep meaning to sort through, from my younger years. My lifelong dream – ever since I was a little kid – is to be a writer and I published my first book in 2014. The cliché “dream come true” completely applies. Being a writer is more than just the act of writing. Since publication of my first book, I have been actively involved in constant promotion of my work and myself. I have a blog, an author website, and a social media presence to maintain.

Reading

I wouldn’t be a writer today if I hadn’t been an avid reader all my life. Book were, and still are, my friends. I experience books with all senses, literally absorbing the words. I have always loved libraries and bookstores. My boys are budding readers. We encourage them to read. A lot. We read to them, and with them, in the hopes of fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Music

A happy list would be incomplete without music. So many things I enjoy – rock concerts, live musical theatre, karaoke – involve music. The radio is always on in the background at my house, set to a “new” rock station, but they play a lot of ‘90’s music which I love.

Music from the ‘90’s has a special place in my heart… it was my “coming-of-age” and the songs I listened to then are still favorites. Bands like Live, Pearl Jam, Offspring, Green Day, The Tragically Hip, and Our Lady Peace were on my mixed tapes. Live’s album “Throwing Copper” (from 1994) is still my go-to CD to sing-along with. I’ve added a few new favorites – like Rise Against and Toronto’s Billy Talent – to my list too. And I recently completed my concert bucket list!

Disney

I am a HUGE Disney fan. I love the stories, the movies, the songs, the games, the store, the World (Walt Disney World, that is), and pretty much everything about Disney… Winnie-the-Pooh and Mickey Mouse decorate my house. I have two boys or there would be Princesses everywhere too! Disney has the golden touch when it comes to commercial success – they sell happiness and fantasy to children (and big kids too). I went to Disney World twice as a child and loved it.

When I got married, I told my husband we had to go to Disney World before we had kids. We had an awesome time… It’s a magical place. Three years ago, shortly after Frozen came out, we took the boys. It’s different going with children. They don’t have the stamina to traipse around the park all day and stay for fireworks each night.

We did park stuff in the mornings, hotel stuff in the afternoons and evenings. We saw the fireworks one night from our hotel and my youngest fell asleep during the show. We still had so much fun. With the acquisition of Marvel superheroes and Star Wars… We can’t wait to go back!

My favorite princess is Cinderella. My favorite Disney movie? That’s a more difficult question, but I really loved Enchanted.

The Internet

I remember a time without the Internet. I grew up with computers, although nothing like we have today, but the Internet wasn’t a “thing” until I was in high school. Now, I can’t imagine life without it. Have a question? Google it. Who was that actor/actress in that movie? IMDB. Need to talk to a friend? Facebook, email, iMessage…

Then, there’s online shopping, Netflix (more on that later), and social media. It’s incredible. We even have “portable computers” like laptops, tablets, and smart phones. Wi-Fi everywhere. You can always be connected. This is something my kids just accept, they have grown up with it.

The Internet created a hospitable environment for the publishing industry – increased access for authors and publishers (both traditional and indie); editors; book promoters; beta readers; book reviewers. It essentially made it easier than ever to publish a book. Research potential publishing companies. Send query letters. Sign book contracts. Review edits. Promote published works. Monitor book sales and sales rankings.

Before the Internet, I may not have had the opportunity to publish my books. With the advent of eBooks – the ability to read on virtually every device out there and online vendors like Amazon… books have become more accessible – for authors and readers.

Netflix

I was initially resistant to getting Netflix. We had cable. We had a PVR. But we also had two kids and an incredibly busy life. After a few months of a 97% full PVR and watching just the right amount of shows so that there was enough room to record the next lineup of scheduled shows – which was extremely stressful – I agreed to try Netflix out. It’s an amazing system, we’ve been able to catch up on our favorites shows (on our schedule) and we’ve discovered some Netflix originals that have become new favorites.

Binge watching – no more waiting a week for the next installment – and the ability to continue on where you left off on any device? Yes, please. I’ve even watched a couple of documentaries… something I never would’ve done before. And it’s a great source of entertainment for the big kids when the little kids have gone to bed.

My family room

Summer 2015, our goal was reducing stress, getting away without getting away, so we put in motion a plan for converting our backyard into an oasis. We purchased a covered gazebo, wicker furniture with big, comfy red cushions, a fire table, and a cedar table and chairs set. We called it our family room. An outside living space to relax, read, watch movies, and play board games. I do a lot of writing out there so the room is a happy space for me for that reason as well.

Summer

Definitely my favorite season, I love spending time outside in the sun – going to the beach and water parks – storing up my vitamin D. When the sun shines, I’m just feel better. Winter sun is good too and pretty when it makes the snow sparkle, but it can’t beat the warm summer sun soaking into my skin (I enjoy in moderation and I wear sun block every day).

Live action fairytale or fairytale musical? (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-26T03:30:00.000-05:00

How to Tackle Your To-Do List (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

The comma blues (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

Ode to the reader! (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

Writers, are you old school? (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/wgzU9vKuL0 #writer

2017-09-22T15:30:00.000-05:00

Is your book 99¢? Tell us about it on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/7WuDcD83yl

2017-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Is your book #free? Tell us about it on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-21T20:42:00.001-05:00

So many ideas... (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

#Authors, do you ever feel this way? (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Trollish 1 star review. (Tell us on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/o5TKoAP9vZ

2017-09-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

"Light and Philosophical Fantasy" In the Light of the Full Cold Moon by @girard_sue #review #fantasy

2016-06-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

In the Light of the Full Cold Moon

Written by Susan Elizabeth Girard

Genre(s): Fantasy

Savannah begins her sacred walk with Ratiffa (Ra-teef-a), 'a Wise Old Sage' who lives in the woods at a magical homestead in the Temperate Rainforest. Through meditation, visualization and 'soul flying' she discovers an Alternate, Parallel World that is beyond anything she could have ever dreamed and finds the peace, love, harmony, joy and purpose she has been so desperately seeking all of her life. Journey along with her on this awakening, mystical odyssey to the "Enchanted Forest" and meet the most amazing, phenomenal and celestial characters along the way. Some you will know, some you haven't met yet. In doing so, you may be in for a surprise or two and you just might discover yourself along this illuminative path to enlightenment.

Hold onto your hats, it's going to be an extraordinary, evolutionary, exhilarating and eye opening experience!

Walki's Review

Light and Philosophical Fantasy

It is the end of the summer and Savannah, who’s recently adopted a rescue dog, is in need of emotional healing. To deal with insomnia, she does yoga, meditates, and recites mantras. She starts visualizing and gets into trance, letting her soul fly and journey.

During her soul journeys, she regularly visits a compound where she enjoys the company of several people: Ratiffa, Marieke, Krishnee, Vijay and more. Each conversation is an opportunity to learn, grow and discover.

‘In the Light of the Full Cold Moon’ is a woman’s journey of self-discovery and healing, a mystical odyssey during which the author indulges in an ecological description of the Pacific Northwest coast throughout the seasons and a comparative study of religions.

Susan Elizabeth Girard wrote a spiritual novel for readers open-minded enough to wander and acknowledge similarities between the main paths and ways of thinking from around the world.

It is a light and philosophical fantasy that I would have enjoyed more with the appropriate punctuation (as some passages required second reading to see who was talking), but I stayed with the main character and followed her along her journey home.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Truly Brilliant" Daemon Seer by @Dreambeast7 #review #paranormal

2016-05-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Daemon Seer

The Daemon World

Written by Mary Maddox

Genre(s): Paranormal

As a teenager, Lu Darlington attracted national attention when she and her friend Lisa escaped a sadistic killer known as the Professor of Death. She never told anyone about the daemon who saved her life that day.

Ten years later, Lisa shows up at Lu’s door, fleeing another psychopath stalker. But Lisa’s not the only one seeking Lu after all this time. One by one, the daemons descend:

Voracious Chama. Sinister Black Claw. Beautiful Talion.

Chama wants Lu, but Talion claims her. The women of Lu’s family have always belonged to Talion—and they’ve suffered deeply for it.

As the human threat draws closer, Talion demands that Lu bind herself to him in a harrowing ceremony that will destroy an innocent man and change her forever—but might save Lisa’s life.

Can she navigate the violent intrigues of the daemon world without being consumed by its terrible, all-consuming demands?

Bri's Review

Truly Brilliant

This is my first book by Maddox. I wondered if, not having read Talion, I would feel a bit lost. However, I can confirm that this book is the start of something new, even though it carries on, in some ways, from the earlier book. Maddox makes a point to give us plenty of detail and description to bring the characters and world to life. She then blended it with a unique and exciting blend of horror and fantasy. I loved it. I would say, after going back to read Talion, that it is more fun when you read it and then this, but can be done either way.

We return to the lives of the two main characters from Talion. However, we are a few years down the line and their lives have moved forward, they have grown and they need each other again. We are reminded of who each character was, what has happened to them and why, briefly. Then Maddox goes on to really bring the characters to life again. She revives their personalities and gives us detail on what is happening at the moment. I enjoyed getting to know them and found them both strong and fascinating ladies.

The story of the Daemons is a really interesting one. They are different from some of the typical tales of daemons, and I like this fresh take on them. We are descended upon by those who intend to do good and those who are filled with evil. They each have their own place and interact with the world and people differently. Getting to know them, as they injected themselves in the world was just as exciting as getting to know the mains.

I loved that the story felt like a horror story, with the angst, fear and surprises mingled throughout their journey, but that it also had a decent amount of fantasy blended into it. I thought it was a good mix and Maddox really created something unique and very addicting.

The pace was perfect for this style of horror. I was kept moving swift enough to really feel that I was on an adventure, where so much was at stake, and kept on my toes, wondering what would happen next. I liked that, though it did really make it hard to put the book down, not that I’m complaining.

I highly recommend this read, as it is something new and refreshing for the genre and is very enjoyable to read.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Fun & Steamy" Feline Valentine by @LaylaTarar #review #romance

2016-05-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Feline Valentine

Witches Night Out #4

Written by Tara Quan

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance

Under magical house arrest in her great-grandmother’s suburban cottage, college graduate and reluctant earth mage Shelley Dupree whiles away most mornings spying on the warlock next door. Though erotic daydreams offer some distraction, she faces long working hours, cash flow problems, and a repeat burglar. On Valentine’s Day, she sets a trap for the mysterious intruder, intent on ending his crime streak once and for all. But her scheming cat familiar foils her best-laid plans, and, with a little help from Madame Eve’s 1-Night Stand service, she discovers a far more dangerous species of magical feline.

After moving in next to a ramshackle building on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., pastry chef Adrien Chatdurois is plagued by repeat sexual fantasies starring the same curvy brunette. In a state of constant arousal, he devotes his early mornings to grueling exercise and spends the rest of his day handcrafting the city’s best chocolates. When his younger brother stirs up trouble on the shop’s busiest day, the frustrated shifter is forced to pay a surprise visit on his reclusive neighbor. He soon learns not all witches are wart-covered hags, and one in particular might prove the most delicious of desserts.

HeatherAnne's Review

Fun & Steamy

This is a fun, little novella - VERY steamy - much more than I usually read. Shelley's character was entertaining and I'd like to see more of her in a future story. There is definitely room for a LOT of expansion on this story line and I hope to see a continuation of her relationship with Adrien and the magical world in which they live. A shy witch who doesn't know her own beauty - a sexy warlock who is all too aware of his - and a destiny for them both. Yes. This is the first book I've read in this series and I had no trouble catching up the background without having read earlier books.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Not for everyone..." Daemon Seer by @Dreambeast7 #review #paranormal

2016-05-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Daemon Seer

The Daemon World

Written by Mary Maddox

Genre(s): Paranormal

Walki's Review

Not for everyone...

People who loved this book might be shocked by my rating. If I were to give it three stars according to the Goodreads system, I would be lying, because honestly I didn't like it. I thought it was okay, but I respect that other readers have different tastes.

I chose to read this book out of curiosity about the connection between Lu and Lisa. While they were kidnapped together as teenagers, Lu was luckier than Lisa. Lisa has been damaged by multiple abuse throughout life and need, as an adult, she needs validation from men. While Lisa is a drug addict and attract the worse men, Lu is keeping out of relationships and out of trouble. The two friends have a strong bond and need each other.

On the run from a crooked cop, Lisa takes refuge at Lu's. Lu has problems of her own. Talion, the daemon who rescued her when she was kidnapped with Lisa, decided to claim her. He is not the only daemon who wants her.

Why I didn't like it? The style of writing, while flowing, lacked the depth I generally enjoy. While I felt sympathy for the two friends, I couldn't connect with them. While I could understand their predicament, I couldn't feel much for them. There were too many sex scenes for my taste. Clearly, this novel was not for me.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Interesting and fun" Fast Track to Glory by @ricztom #review #thriller

2016-04-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Fast Track To Glory

Written by Tomasz Chrusciel

Genre(s): Thriller

Nina Monte, a well-respected professor at the University of Padua, answers an unexpected summons to a secret meeting with three European officials. They want to hire her to verify the authenticity of an ancient artefact hidden on a forgotten galley that sank in the fifteenth century, and to this day lies buried at the bottom of Lake Garda in Italy.

She accepts the invitation to join an eccentric art collector and examine the artefact. But before long, the Italian professor is cornered in an insidious intrigue. Her inner and outer worlds clash.

Joined by a lake-town hotelier, Alessandro Pini, Monte begins to unravel the truth surrounding the discovery. She knows the stakes are high.

Forced to abandon their ordinary lives, and dragged into a deadly race to outwit a smart, but wicked, villain, Nina and Alessandro must do everything they can to ensure freedom for all humankind.

Abha C's Review

Interesting and fun

Fast Track to Glory has a great story line. It is a well-written mystery that moves from Italy to India. This is one book that keeps you engrossed and you probably will not want to put the book down! The pace is steady with just about the right amount of background. The character development is not that strong. I wish the two main characters had a little more depth to them.

The story begins with Nina Monte, a well-respected professor at the University of Padua, and a secret meeting with three European officials. They want to hire her to verify the authenticity of an ancient artefact hidden at the bottom of Lake Garda in Italy. Alessandro Pini joins Monte and together they begin to unravel the truth about this artefact. What begins as a treasure hunt takes a turn towards mythology and from there to something even more mystical.

Overall this was a good read with several unexpected twists and turns.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Kept me engaged..." Spellweaver by @TCGrantham #review #fantasy

2016-04-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy

(Fairy World MD Book 2)

Written by Tamara Grantham

Genre(s): Fantasy

Olive's to-do list: Feed the cat. Pay the rent. Save Faythander. Again.

After Olive's last trip through Faythander, she wants nothing more than a nice vacation. But there's never time for relaxation when goblin treachery is afoot. When Geth, a goblin Spellweaver, destroys the Everblossom—a tree containing Faythander's pure magic—the fairy-world utopia begins to die. The bloom of the Everblossom is all that remains of pure magic. Now Olive must travel through Earth and Faythander to find a place where it will flourish.

As a psychiatrist, her skills are top notch. However, her abilities to handle patients with abnormal mental behaviors will be put to the test when she confronts Geth. Nothing has prepared her for what he reveals to her about goblins and elves. As Olive's quest takes her from her home in Houston through the most dangerous places in Faythander, she learns that history is a muddled subject, especially when elves are involved.

Her only comfort comes from Kull, her Viking warrior sidekick—who somehow negates her bad fortune. Yet how long can their relationship last when his past is brought to light? Olive will be tested beyond anything she has endured so far, as the secrets of Faythander's sordid and bloody past are exposed—one that could irrevocably alter the future and destroy the lives of everyone she loves.

Moonwalker's Review

A fast paced fantasy tale...

Once again Olive must take a journey fraught with danger to protect someone she loved. This time her chance of survival was even less than in the first book in the series, Dreamthief . With her viking friend Kull at her side, she returns to Earth to find the one blossom that would return all magic to Faythander after it had been all but destroyed. In the balance is the lives of loved ones who helped to raise her as a child. Even if she finds the blossom, will she find it in time? This is a fast paced fantasy tale that kept me engaged just through the urgency of Olive's plight. Even though she was the heroine, it was by no means a given that she would survive, or even if she did, would the people she loved the most survive? If she lost them, her reason for living would be gone. I liked the second book in the series as much as the first one. I'm sure I'll like the third one in the series, Bloodthorn. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves the fantasy genre.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Surprising and touching..." The Confluence by @GuhaPuja #review

2016-04-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

The Confluence

Written by Puja Guha

Genre(s): General Fiction

The story of an Indian family separated by a painful event that eventually finds their way back together.

In 2045, Naina Ranjeeva writes a letter to recount the journey that led to the adoption of her son Nikhil.

Decades earlier, she stumbles upon a lead on the location of her aunt, who had disappeared when Naina was just a child. After her aunt's disappearance, Naina's family also completely lost contact with her beloved younger cousin, Nitu. With her aunt's location in hand, Naina takes the first step toward locating her cousin by traveling to the Republic of East Africa to search for her aunt. Her journey eventually leads her to Calcutta where she finds her cousin Nitu and his three-year-old son Nikhil. After two decades apart, the family starts to bridge the gap caused by years of separation, within the backdrop of political turmoil and revolution in East Africa.

Raindancer22's Review

Surprising and touching...

In this story, Naina is about to get married when she discovers that her long-lost aunt is living in East Africa. Wary, but interested in finding out what happened to her favorite cousin, Naina takes a trip that will change her life. She meets with her aunt and through trial and error finds her cousin living in India, but things quickly go wrong. What with the turmoil in East Africa (a fictional country that the author says is a composite of other countries in the area she has explored) and some deeply buried family secrets, Naina and her soon-to-be husband Dev have some big decisions to make.

The story is told through letters from Naina to her adopted son, Nikhil, looking back on this period of her life and telling Nikhil the story of his early years. This could so easily feel forced or fake, but it never does. I could clearly imagine Naina twenty years later, recalling all the details of how she reconnected with a branch of her family and came to know her son.

This is a touching story of conflict and connection which totally caught me off guard. Definitely recommended.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Not for horror fans..." Daemon Seer by @Dreambeast7 #review #paranormal

2016-04-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Daemon Seer

The Daemon World

Written by Mary Maddox

Genre(s): Paranormal

Sammyig's Review

Not for horror fans...

Mary Maddox’s Daemon Seer is a paranormal fantasy about a couple of teens who are struggling to maintain their grasp of sanity when daemons that saved them in a previous story come calling for them to return the favor.

Now, I realize that this is a fantasy series, but I wanted the daemons darker. But then, I do read a lot of dark material, so perhaps that is clouding my view. Lovers of softer stories will likely love it.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Light and easy reading..." Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection by Barbara Venkataraman #review #mystery

2016-04-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection

Books 1-3

Written by Barbara Venkataraman

Genre(s): Mystery

Books 1-3 of the Jamie Quinn Mystery Series! Including:

"Death by Didgeridoo"-Winner of the Indie Book of the Day award. Reluctant lawyer, Jamie Quinn, still reeling from the death of her mother, is pulled into a game of deception, jealousy, and vengeance when her cousin, Adam, is wrongfully accused of murder. It's up to Jamie to find the real murderer before it's too late. It doesn't help that the victim is a former rock star with more enemies than friends, or that Adam confessed to a murder he didn't commit.

"The Case of the Killer Divorce"-Reluctant lawyer, Jamie Quinn, has returned to her family law practice after a hiatus due to the death of her mother. It's business as usual until a bitter divorce case turns into a murder investigation, and Jamie's client becomes the prime suspect. When she can't untangle truth from lies, Jamie enlists the help of Duke Broussard, her favorite private investigator, to try to clear her client's name. And she’s hoping that, in his spare time, he can help her find her long-lost father.

"Peril in the Park"-There's big trouble in the park system. Someone is making life difficult for Jamie Quinn's boyfriend, Kip Simons, the new director of Broward County parks. Was it the angry supervisor passed over for promotion? The disgruntled employee Kip recently fired? Or someone with a bigger ax to grind? If Jamie can't figure it out soon, she may be looking for a new boyfriend because there’s a dead guy in the park and Kip has gone missing! With the help of her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie must race the clock to find Kip before it’s too late.

A preview of the next Jamie Quinn Mystery, "Engaged in Danger," can be found at the end of the book.

Walki's Review

Light and easy reading

The Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection is an easy reading series of novellas, set in Miami, featuring insomnia family attorney Jamie Quinn. She generally handles divorces…

In DEATH BY DIDGERIDOO, Jamie rushes to her cousin’s rescue when he is accused of murder. Adam is mildly autistic, which means that sometimes what he says can be misinterpreted. Why does he say that it is his fault if his music teacher is dead? Jamie collects a favour from P.I. Duke Broussard.

In THE CASE OF THE KILLER DIVORCE, the husband of Jamie’s client is murdered. She gets her P.I. friend Duke on the case, while trying to locate her father whom she has never met.

In PERIL IN THE PARK, Jamie is quite happy. Duke has located her father, and Grace (her best friend and a lawyer) is using her contacts to try and get him an immigration visa. Also, Jamie has a boyfriend: Kip, the director of Broward County Parks. Every date is spent in one of the parks. However, when Jamie receives an anonymous email threatening Kip, and the P.I. hired to spy on them is murdered at the Renaissance Festival, she hires Duke to investigate. In the meantime, Kip tries to survive the headache that are local politics the development project he doesn’t want.

The style of writing is humorous (Jamie is the narrator), characters are reasonably developed. My favourite is the cat Jamie inherited after her mother’s death prior to the first novella.

Light and easy reading, this mystery collection is an enjoyable introduction to Jamie Quinn, your friendly neighborough attorney. And her cat.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Fun Children's Story" The Great Timelock Disaster by @cleemckenzie #review #fantasy

2016-04-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

The Great Time Lock Disaster

Sequel to Alligators Overhead

Written by C. Lee McKenzie

Genre(s): Middle Grade Fantasy

There's nothing’s more dangerous than a wizard-in-training. And Pete Riley, has just proven it. He's worked a bad time spell--a very bad time spell.

No YouTube, no smoothies, no Manga. Not ever again. Not unless Pete figures out how to reverse his spell and free Weasel and him from Victorian England.

He has until the next full moon. Only a few days.

Tick. Tock.

Saff's Review

Fun Children's Story

This is a fun little adventure with some magic and wonder thrown in. The characters were likable and the pacing was good. Minimal typos, thorough editing, and a fun plot made this an enjoyable story.

This was a good read but my review is based on this being a children's book because there were a few things that just wouldn't fly in an adult's book, but seeing as it's aimed at children it's probably not such a big deal. Some story inconsistencies niggled at me a bit, like trying to work out how big this alligator was if it could fit inside a carriage but could also knock over grown men... and a couple of others, but like I said, I don't think the intended audience would pick up on, or be bothered by, these kinds of issues.

Overall it was very enjoyable and if you're looking for a fun children's book, I definitely recommend this one.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

"Hast it all!" The Sound of the Stones by @BethHammond0o0 #review #fantasy

2016-04-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cover links to Amazon.com

The Sound of the Stones

Written by Beth Hammond

Genre(s): Fantasy

The ancient book about the past holds the future. Frankie is the key.

She doesn't remember stopping at the used bookstore, but there she stands as if drawn by an unseen force. Anticipation wraps around her like a cocoon. When she opens the door, the wind nudges her through, and expectancy turns to purpose. The man inside, and the book he offers, changes everything. Unusual things happen when she begins to read:

In a time long forgotten, people are held captive by half human creatures. Ashra holds a secret close to her heart, and must discover the purpose of her gift before the oppressed human race is destroyed. An unlikely ally comes to her aid. Strangers bring her a message from a far off land. Ashra and her band of misfits set off in search of answers. Together, they find love, uncover mysteries from the past, face ever present danger, and hone powers they never knew they had.

Frankie and Ashra are separated by millennia, by fiction and reality, but in the end the barrier shatters.

Abha's Review

This has it all!

It’s a tale of two worlds, our own, and another earth-like world. Except this other world is one where humans are slaves to an alien race. The book grabbed onto my attention and didn’t let go until the very end. I wanted to know more about these characters, their world and how they would defeat their enemy. I was disappointed when the story ended. Ashra is a strong woman in a tough world leading her team to perform hard tasks. These tasks are purposely made harder by her alien handler to make her reveal her secret.

This story has it all! There are Giants, humans with special powers and monsters. There are also aliens that can impregnate women in their dreams! This is book one of a trilogy. The book starts in our world and introduces ‘Frankie’, an orphan. She loves books but finds that her favorite bookshop is shutting down. She finds a book that takes her on a journey to this alien ridden alternate universe. My problem is we only get back to Frankie in the last chapter of this book! Who is Frankie and how is she connected to Ashra? I guess we won’t know until book two. This is why I don’t like trilogies! You almost always have more questions than answers!

I would still recommend this book. It’s funny and exciting and it engages you from the very beginning where you have to know what happens next and where it’s going to go.

Disclaimer: Book provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.