EN by Michelle Reynoso - Book Review

Book Description:

Faith McDaniels is smart, but defiant. A loner in a new high school, she openly rebels against a cruel world that took her mother. When Faith unexpectedly discovers the secret symbiotic world of Enlitra, it looks like the universe still has a surprise or two. But her newfound abilities to bend & shape energy (EN) gain the interest of an unnamed, energy-siphoning fiend, who wants to harvest Faith's power to destroy both Earth and Enlitra.

Faith rallies her old friends for help, but now she must decide how to keep them safe without plunging both worlds into destruction. Or becoming the dark entity herself.

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Author Bio:

As a teen growing up in NH, nationally-recognized author Michelle Reynoso juggled milking goats by dawn, high school honors classes by day, and soliloquys on stage at night. She went to New York City for the first time on a leap of faith, on her very first day of college after never visiting the city before. She's held a variety of jobs, but some of the quirkiest ones are as a reader to the blind, greeting card assembler, and overnight mail stuffer, but it was while working as a manager for a global telecom software company she wrote the majority of her first young adult novel. Like many of her characters, Michelle is a culmination of a wide range of experiences, and these are what inspire her diverse characters and richly creative fantasy worlds.
Michelle has been writing since she was six years old. She received national recognition when her debut book Do You? was a finalist in the Writers' Digest International Self-Published Book Awards, the New York Book Festival, and the Global E-book Awards. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Wordsmith Studio, and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).
And now Michelle's journey continues with new experiences developing day-by-day as she lives and writes in NJ with her husband of twenty-plus years, teenaged lyricist son, diva cat, and her monster-sized goldfish, crafting stories to delight readers young and old. 

Book Review by Carmen:
This book was unfortunately not quite for me. The writing was fine; but the story didn't catch my attention. The initial blurb sounded interesting, though it turned out to be a little too YA for me. If you're into paranormal/fantasy YA that has a strong female (protagonist) character, then try picking this book up. I ended up giving this book a two star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Grace in Mombasa by T N Traynor - Book Review

Book Description:

Inspired by true events. Betrayal and loss, romance and heartbreak, and one woman’s journey in faith.

From the day she was born, Grace Clifton has navigated a life of loss and heartbreak, without a mother to guide her and through the ravages of two World Wars. With England in the midst of a Second World War, Grace experiences the excitement of love and romance, but all too soon, it turns to heartbreak. Through it all, Grace is sustained by her unwavering faith in God, but when all she holds dear is ripped away from her, Grace is left devastated and doubting everything she’s ever believed in.

As the world slowly recovers from war, Grace too begins the process of healing from the deep wounds inflicted by life. However, her steadfastness to God is lost and she determines never to pray again. When an unexpected opportunity comes up in Kenya, Grace seizes the chance to escape the memories, hoping to find a purpose and build a new life for herself. In the city of Mombasa, Grace soon begins to realise she can’t ever distance herself from life’s complications, but if she’s prepared to open her heart, maybe her fragmented faith will blossom once more bringing her the hope, love and the healing that she desperately needs.

Grace in Mombasa is a story about a woman whose amazing faith is shattered when her life falls apart, but will God simply let her go? If you like heartfelt dialogue, stories seeped in fact and history, and memorable characters, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s moving and inspirational novel.

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Author Bio:

I have read lots of fantasy books, and many have been fab, but many more have been hard to read, making that escapism a bit too hard.  My story, therefore, is not full of complicated plots, and names you can’t pronounce, nor is it worded for the highly intelligent.  One of my favorite comments to date, from Rhianne Statom who has read my book, is that “Oracle’s Quest is like Lord of the Rings but for those of us who don’t have degrees in Middle Earth”!!
My dream is for people to be able to pick up my book and to get lost in the story.  I escaped my circumstances so many times by being lost in a good story and this is my driving wish for others, that they may get caught up in the people and places of Talia, and for just awhile, leave their own world behind them.

Book Review by Carmen:
There were aspects that moved a little bit fast for me, were skipped, or that I would have liked to have known more about. The first part of the story is about Grace Clifton's life in England; and I feel that this could have been condensed quite a bit if it had been done correctly. 
The second part is about her time in Mombasa - and for me - this was the interesting section; though I would have really liked to have known a little bit more; since I thought that the story in this section was really intriguing. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal - Book Review

Book Description:

A school project begins a journey for Sarafina Garcia that will change her life forever. In an attempt to gain a scholarship to a prestigious school, she is thrown headfirst into a labyrinth of family history that will confuse and deepen her search. Don't dig up old bones, was the response Sarafina received from her mother when she asked for help. What was it in the family history that was so horrible that she wouldn't discuss it? Only by delving into historical records will she solve the lingering mystery of her parentage and mend the broken branches of her childhood one last time.

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Author Bio:

Becky Enriquez Villareal was born in Dallas, Texas in 1954 to missionary parents who worked with the migrant workers who came from Mexico. She grew up in several different Texas towns but particularly loves San Antonio. For twenty-three years she has been teaching early childhood in Dallas Independent School District. For the past fifteen years, she has been completing family research. The grandmother of three she enjoys writing and spending time with her family.

Book Review by Carmen:
This book had a lot of potential - and would have benefited greatly if it had been a full length novel. The ending was most certainly unexpected. I would have liked to know so much more about Sarafina Garcia's life. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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The Strange Curse of Breda by Steven Arnett - Book Review

Book Description:

It’s 1971 and a horrible murder has occurred near the town of Breda in west Michigan. A young woman, Jane Lucas, has been dragged into the woods and stabbed. The letters ZOSO from the Led Zeppelin album have been written in blood on her waist, which leads the police to think it might be a cult murder. Suspicion falls on the commune located on a farm near the town. The shock and horror townspeople feel after that murder, though, are nothing compared to the shock and horror people feel when another murder and then another murder of the same type occur. 

The Strange Curse of Breda is about those murders and how they are finally solved. As each murder occurs, the level of fear in Breda intensifies, to the point that the townsfolk either flee the town, arm themselves to the teeth, or fall into an almost catatonic state of fear. The county sheriff, the state police, and even the FBI are baffled. However, Jim Leiden, a young man who runs a small grocery in Breda, finds a clue that may link all the murders together: The hanging of a man named Obadiah Kurtz that occurred in 1889. Jim researches the story and finds that the victims are descendants of the people who were responsible for hanging Obadiah. After Jim’s discovery, he’s in a race against time to try to get the police to believe him and find the murderer before he can kill the only person in the whole world who really matters to him: His beautiful fiancée Julie Veere, who happens to be one of those direct descendants! 

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Author Bio:

Steven Arnett was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1951 and enjoys writing fiction and poetry. He has degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Maine. He currently lives in Johns Creek, Georgia, with his wife, Delphine, and daughter, Vivienne. His novels Winners and Losers and Death on Lake Michigan have both received 5 star reviews from the Readers Favorite Web site.

Book Review by Carmen:

Here's the thing about this book: From the beginning of this novel, you know who the killer is; what you don't know is why they're doing it. You get the idea that it's for revenge - but revenge for what? 

At the beginning of the novel, you get a small snippet of a hanging that took place in the 1800's, and from there you jump to the 1970's. This book focuses a lot on the murders that take place in this small town called Breda, as well as the detective, Bill Mathers, that tries to solve these murders. 

This was a fairly quick read as well as an enjoyable one. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Nora's Promise by Sedona Hutton - Book Review

Book Description:

She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears?

With her sister’s death, Nora’s life changed in an instant. Forced to raise her orphaned nephew, the animal rescuer doesn’t expect to be dumped and fired by her kid-hating boyfriend/boss. After her own close call and a message from beyond, Nora introduces the little boy to his handsome, fast-living absentee father.

Davey Johnson is a hot-shot NASCAR driver who never wanted to be slowed down by fatherhood. But when he finds out he has a nine-year-old son, he vows to be a better father than his old man. When his first efforts fail in a big way, he enlists Nora’s parenting help. But what starts as a chore transforms into something way hotter than a final lap.

When Davey’s sponsors clash with Nora’s vegan ways, he’s forced to choose between his passion for racing and his love of Nora. Will they be able to blend their lives or will their romance run right off the track?

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Author Bio:

Author Sedona Hutton finds inspiration in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and curly-coated retriever. In addition to writing, she's a Reiki Master and a certified Chopra Center Meditation instructor. She enjoys reading, yoga, gardening, and experiencing the great outdoors on boats, motorcycles, and Jeeps. Sedona pens a "Peace, Love, & Joy" blog on her website.

Sedona Hutton's novel Cloud Whispers was a Finalist in the 2018 Readers' Favorite Contest, an Official Selection in the 2018 Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary, and Shortlisted for the Books Go Social Best Indie Book of 2018.

Book Review by Carmen:

I enjoyed this book, despite some of the supernatural elements that I felt shouldn't have been there, though thankfully, they didn't make a lot of appearances in the novel. I enjoyed the romance between Davy Johnson and Nora Williams, though I felt as if Davy sacrificed a little bit too much for Nora, though I guess that's how love goes sometimes. Steph Daley had a nice warm motherly personality and I liked how her side of the story ended. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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The Journey Into Freedom by Jason Mahr - Book Review

Book Description:

"How Can I Overcome My Struggle?" 

This is the question that has been asked over and over again since Jason's TEDx Talk "Pornography Isn't Your Problem" was released in the summer of 2016. People from all over the world have contacted Jason seeking advice after viewing a talk that has been seen by millions. This book is the first step in the answer to that question. Jason shares his personal journey that led him to healing through shame-free relationships and essential life coaching.

Passionate about helping others overcome their personal constraints (it doesn't have to be porn), Jason shares with you how a broken spirit and humility can lead you to a place of identity that you never thought possible.

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Author Bio:

My guess is that you found this page by watching my TEDx talk "Pornography Isn't Your Problem".  Since the release of my talk, life has changed dramatically.  I accepted a job as a youth pastor while continuing on the path of helping others overcome similar challenges in their lives.  Thank you for your encouraging notes!  I can't respond to them all, but I want you to know that it means a lot to me!  I'm excited for the future and the great things that are happening as a result of the popularity of my TED talk!

Book Review by Carmen:

This was a very quick read. It doesn't go into a lot of detail and touches lightly on basic things - that points a person in the right direction. I ended up giving this book a three star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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The Amulets of Sihr by Abu Bilaal Yakub - Book Review

Book Description:

As the world plunges into darkness,

How will mankind survive the purge?

Of that which is evil...

Of that which is wicked...

Submerge into the unknown. Enter the realm of the Unseen. Prepare to face the evil beyond the veil...

Arisen is he. From the ashes of war. Avowed is he. To destroy the world of man.

Of beast and creed...

Of blood and clay...

Of sin and deed...

Of Fire and Ash...

Of Jinn and Man...

The battle has just begun!

An impulsive leap of faith coerces Mukhtar to free four slaves from their captors. Little does he know how remarkably this would shape his destiny.

As the turmoil within him unfolds, his mother unveils her most guarded secret - an ancient and powerful Amulet. Once belonging to his long-lost father, the Amulet sets Mukhtar upon a path unraveling a grim and dark past of his bloodline.

Now, at the crossroads of good and evil, he must face his life's greatest trials and tribulations in order to save the empire from the brink of annihilation. 

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Author Bio:

Kenyan born, Canadian author began writing short stories, songs, and poems since he was 12 years old. After earning an apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz, he studied Mechatronics Engineering for two years before specializing as a Diagnostics Technician for the global luxury vehicle manufacturer.
With a love for graphic design, film-making, animation, and music, he channeled his creativity into pen and paper and began writing his first novel. After nearly ten years of working on his manuscript, he finally makes his debut with The Amulets of Sihr, an Epic Fantasy combining fact and fiction, controversy and concurrence, embedding some of his own experiences with the occult and unseen into a stunningly immersive anecdote.
He is open to constructive criticisms, intellectual discussions or just a fancy chat!

Book Review by Carmen: 
A lot of this story takes place in desert-like surroundings; having a fairly Middle Eastern setting with a fantasy element to it. One thing to keep in mind if you happen to pick this book up is that there is a bit of scene setting in the beginning of this novel. This novel also has aspects of paranormal to it; there are times where you dive into the world of occult. I get the idea that there might be a second book following this one, since by the end of it, there are still one or two loose ends that need to be resolved. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Gift of the Shaper by D.L. Jennings - Book Review

Book Description:

Armies will clash, and even gods will die… For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison. When his father, Olson, is kidnapped, Thornton Woods and his childhood friend, Miera, must leave their small village of Highglade to find him. On their way, they are joined by Ynara and Kethras, cat-like humanoids called Kienari, who use their skills as hunter/trackers to follow Olson’s trail. When it comes to light that one among them possesses the key to the Breaker’s release, Thornton and his friends must defy the might of the Khyth as armies on both sides collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize. Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort by Thornton and Miera, backed by the power of the Athrani, can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin — and the Breaker — upon their world.

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Author Bio:

D.L. Jennings was born in Dayton, Ohio to two Air Force veterans, and is a thirteen-year active duty veteran Air Force himself, serving under the Air Force Special Operations Command. He earned an associate's degree in Korean Studies in 2005 and earned his bachelor's in Global Security from Bellevue University in 2008. He finished writing his debut novel, Gift of the Shaper, while serving overseas on his ninth combat tour. When he is not reading or writing epic fantasy, he enjoys traveling, listening to '90s punk, and watching Ohio State football.

Book Review by Carmen:
This book ended up surprising me slightly. In the beginning of the book, there was a lot of 'setting the scene' going on, with a little bit happening, but nothing hugely mind-blowing - all this that takes place leads up to what happens later in the book. Two things I did find interesting was the world and the Athrani, who were also fascinating at times. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Only the Willing by A D Critchley - Book Review

Book Description:

Corruption and vice in King’s Cross

In 1970’s Australia, American soldiers on R&R descend on Kings Cross in Sydney, their goal to have a good time and forget, for a while, the horrors of war.

Mike is a deserter from the Australian navy living in the Cross and working for Jack who owns a nightclub. In response to the influx of cash from the American soldiers Jack expands his business to include a restaurant and prostitution business. 

As Jack’s business booms Mike becomes drawn into the corruption and deals that are part of life in the Cross. Prostitutes, drug dealers, corrupt cops, and goodhearted people – the Cross has it all.

Life is good for Mike, but nothing stays the same and happiness is never a guarantee.

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Author Bio:

Hi All,

My fortunate life.

I live "Down Under" A land of sweeping plains Gum trees and Koala bears. Isolated from everywhere. I've written many newspaper articles and technical papers over the years. 

In 2009 I wrote a book on Organic Agriculture published in Jordan for their Countries farmers. 

I now work for Australian business advisors. I've completed six business volunteer assignments overseas in South East Asia. Teaching Marketing, social marketing to Advising on 'organic agriculture." The people you meet are diverse in nature and a pleasure to work with. Third world countries rich in spirit and endowed with good humour. I've 25 years running my own business, before becoming a business advisor.

Awarded a outstanding lecturing award from the prison service 2013 while working for College at a large prison.

I joined the Navy as a boy and went to Vietnam, then I moved into the Submarine Service and served on 5 'O" class Submarines, fantastic times wonderful shipmates and a pleasure to serve. I'm an Advocate for ex military since 2001-2015.

Serving with many Submariners from around the world USA and UK for instance. Life has had it's up and downs and like most have had my share.

My first novel is a fact/fiction based on WW2 soldier and how it affects him during and post war and his family. My second novel I've nearly finished it and I'm considering crown funding.

It will be available around April 2016.

Book Review by Carmen:

The writing in this novel had it's ups and downs, there were times when I felt things were a little bit rushed, as well as the dialogue not always being great. Overall, the story-line was alright with this book, so I ended up giving it a three star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books. 

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Falling Silver by A.M. Ross - Book Review

Book Description:

The return of Waterwolf Simon desRosiers is enough to unbalance Karina Redfeather's reclusive lifestyle, but he's inadvertently brought with him a destructive chain of events that will unfold over the next two moon cycles. The four werewolf bloodlines—one so elusive that the other three hardly believe in it—are converging on this remote Northern Minnesota town. A showdown is coming among the Hunters and the four bloodlines, sparked by the most terrifying of them all: the Firewolves. Simon has Karina’s heart, but vigilante Adam Hunter has her attention. Which is the real animal?

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Author Bio:

Anne Maclachlan is an award-winning writer of fact and fiction. Originally from Scotland, she has made her home in the USA, and currently resides in Santa Fe, NM,where she is senior editor at Santa Fean magazine.

She is a competitive flash-fiction writer as well as a creator of academic readers for K-12 and adults. Her magazine features appear internationally, and she has a particular passion for maritime issues and history.

Anne's interactive ESL reading and writing textbook, "Life Goes Wrong for Harvey," is used in classrooms around the world as well as for individual study.

Book Review by Carmen:

I enjoyed the relationship that Karina Redfeather and Simon DesRosiers has; though I would have liked it if there had been a little bit more about the characters with their background, but the story does start off with a very intriguing concept. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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