Tag Archive | books

The Countdown: The last breath

Feb2

Book Link

From Amazon:

Immerse yourself in the gripping crime suspense of “The Countdown,” a heart-pounding suspense/thriller that challenges everything you thought you knew. What if the reality you lived turned out to be a lie? What if every breath you took led you down a treacherous and dark path?

Justice, an innocent young woman, suffers a devastating loss as her parents fall victim to a twisted attack on their farm. Left with a heavy burden and a father who is confined to a wheelchair, she feels compelled to protect her family and her home. Little does she know that darkness lurks in the shadows, ready to reveal horrifying secrets.

When her father introduces Raymond Storm, an enigmatic ex-convict assigned to complete his community service, Justice’s distrust is palpable. How can she trust a man bound by chains? But as the layers of deception unfold, Justice realizes that her perception of reality has been shattered. Torn and confused by the unsettling truths staring her in the face, she descends into a chilling maze of deceit.

Secrets emerge, forcing Justice to confront the unthinkable and pushing her into a dangerous race against time. With each passing moment, her life hangs in the balance. As she grapples with the weight of regret, Storm and she grow close. He is determined to save her from the clutches of a malicious force. Together, they embark on an illicit journey, their souls soaring among the stars as they uncover the sinister underbelly of her father’s love.

In a heart-stopping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Countdown” delivers suspense, thrills, and unexpected twists. Brace yourself for a relentless pursuit of truth, a chase that leaves no room for second chances. Prepare to question everything as Justice fights to survive, knowing that each breath could be her last.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life is hardReviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

Life is hard for Justice. Her work with the horses she loved was her only comfort for a long time. Her mother dead, or so her father said, and he was wheelchair bound, or so he wanted Justice to think he was. That gives a tiny speck of this novel away. In rides a newly freed from prison man to help out at the ranch. Was he going to kill or rape her? Would he be trouble? Why was mud on her father’s boots? What is Justice blocking out? Could the unimaginable happen more than once? This novel has all the feels and more.

Princess Smile

Jan26

Book Link

From Amazon:

Lovable but flawed Jane Mercer struggles with her self-image while reaching for the stars in the cutthroat world of Los Angeles marketing. As she claws her way up the ladder at the agency, Warren Mitchell & Associates, she is driven into fierce competition with her colleagues. When Jane is coerced to comply with a client’s unreasonable requests, she frantically seeks an escape.


Enter the handsome and wealthy Craig Keller, managing partner of rival agency Keller Whitman Group. Jane has admired him from afar, and he’s taken a sudden interest in her. Craig lures Jane into his corporate web, showing her a high-powered world beyond her wildest dreams. But what he has to offer comes with a high price—one Jane is not sure she can pay. A high stakes tale of ambition, friendship, secrets, brutality and desire, Princess Smile is a must-read for the contemporary woman.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a ride up and down in this bookReviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024

Verified Purchase

Royce nailed this novel completely. First of all, I’ve read the other two novels prior, so I knew characters. However, this is the first book in the trilogy. LA is a place of its own. I love fashion and this book is filled with fashion galore. The advertising world is extremely competitive and can be a bit seedy if you don’t check out your clients more thoroughly. The venues were richly described, and it’s a world I won’t ever be in, but it was great to read about it. Jane thought she was a plain Jane when, in fact, the opposite was true. The emotions Jane went through never let up. That’s the up and down ride in this novel.

Genavine’s Hell: Frozen in the dark

Jan17

Book Link

From Amazon:

Immerse yourself in the thrilling depths of “Genavine’s Hell,” a captivating book that seamlessly blends dystopian suspense, paranormal romance, drama, and supernatural elements into a suspenseful adventure like no other.

It all began with the government’s abandonment of society, but it has developed into something far more sinister. Six years later, the secrets of the past rise from their graves, revealing a world mired in darkness. A virus unleashed upon the world was meant to decimate civilization, but its unintended consequences have created a reality even bleaker than Gena could have ever imagined.

Amidst the chaos, Gena embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and the secrets that have haunted her. As she delves deeper, she discovers shocking revelations about her identity and is forced to confront her true nature. With treacherous alliances and unexpected allies, Gena must navigate a treacherous path where every step risks her sanity, her life, and everything she holds dear.

The paranormal world intertwines with her reality, threatening to consume her piece by piece. As darkness engulfs her surroundings, Gena must learn to harness her newfound powers and face the daunting challenges that lie ahead. Her destiny hinges on her ability to strike a delicate balance in the face of unparalleled adversity.

Prepare to be enthralled as you explore the intricate web of mystery and supernatural intrigue that envelops Gena’s world. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, leaving you breathless, craving more. “Genavine’s Hell” will keep you on the edge of your seat, your heart pounding, as you journey alongside Gena through a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

Embark on this thrilling, genre-blending adventure where dystopia, suspense, paranormal romance, drama, and supernatural elements converge in an exhilarating narrative that will leave you yearning for the next installment.

My Review:

Wow. This book is woven tightly, and Genavine continues on in her battles against all the darkness going on in this second book in this series. To grasp what’s going on, please read book one first. By doing so, you will understand this book, and appreciate what is written and why Genavine does what she does for her family. Genavine fights. She fights for what is right. The mix of evil, angels, humans, etcetera is tangled in struggles and passionate moments of love, actually. Gena is more than one sum of her parts and for that hook, you must read this book. Genavine is strong in many ways, a warrior even, but she feels like a normal human person does, yet she’s far from being a normal human. Five stars.

The Trouble With Friends: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Jan16

Book Link

From Amazon:

A country miss from a modest estate may destroy Fitzwilliam Darcy’s closest friendship!

Darcy and his good friend Simon Lockhart are guests of Charles Bingley at Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. When the otherwise sensible Lockhart becomes infatuated with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who has neither wealth nor a renowned family name, Darcy attempts to make his friend see reason. But there is a complication—Darcy’s growing attraction for Miss Elizabeth.

Elizabeth has an instant liking for the amiable Mr. Lockhart, whilst she deems the arrogant Mr. Darcy to be an undesirable entity. In time, though, she is coaxed into judging Mr. Darcy anew. But when an unexpected predicament forces her to make an undesirable choice, it seems all hope of a happy outcome is lost.

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Darcy faces a dilemma: Will he heed the yearnings of his heart—even at the expense of his principles?

The Trouble With Friends is a clean, light-hearted Regency romance of approximately 54,000 words written from the author’s imagination without the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence).

My Review:

Miller has done it once again. This variation on Pride and Prejudice was a delight to read. The foibles made between friends and confusion over who loves who is wonderful to read. Characters are the same, yet each version is different. Since I can’t decide which version I like best, I will leave it be that they are all my favorites.

Cyanide and Sensibility

Jan10

Cyanide and Sensibility (A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery Book 3) Book Link

From Amazon:

Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she’s quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra’s sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. 

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah’s new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally. 

When one of Hannah’s famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel’s assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra’s help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

My Review:

This is a modern-day novel akin to Pride and Prejudice, yet with a totally different spin on the characters. Phaedra dresses in period clothing and lectures at the local university about that time frame of Austin’s novel. Modern teas with French pastries and delicacies about in many settings. Unfortunately, a person dies after consuming a cupcake laced with cyanide at her sister’s newly opened patisserie. Cyanide isn’t the only poison used in this novel, but I thought I had the suspect figured out, but I was wrong. I did not see the ending coming. Five shiny gold stars.

The Neptune Girl

Jan5

Please welcome Nick Lloyd-Davies to my blog. Hello Nick, Shall we have a chat today?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi everybody. I’m Nick Lloyd-Davies and I’m a self-published author of several children’s books. I live in the West Sussex countryside in England with my wife and son  – my daughter away at University (which I still can’t cope with!).

2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I remember being at primary school, aged 7, wanting to write in my lunch hour, somewhat in competition with a friend of mine. We also competed with reading too! I think it was more about ‘who wrote the most pages’ rather than anything else, but clearly it was something we both enjoyed.

I didn’t pick up writing fiction again until I was doing jury service in my early 40s, sitting around waiting for a case. I had by then become a dad and was telling made-up stories most nights to my kids – they loved them, often more so than the other books that had been read a million times. It was being a dad that got my imagination flowing again and, when jury service came along I started to put these stories to paper.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

I didn’t find it particularly difficult to write (it just flowed out), but then I had little in the way of training as an author and it was full of many flaws, which I only came to see later on. Nevertheless, it was a sweet kids’ book about bullying and being my first – and only five thousand words – I am still proud of it.

4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

Never. If anything, I have only ever wanted to write full time but my day job and the reality of paying the bills means that that remains a dream. On many occasions, like most authors (unless on a trad contract with deadlines!), I go through drought periods. As a self-published author (with little in the way of financial gain through sales), you need that internal fire – plus free time and good health – to come together in tandem and this has been a rarity for me recently.

5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

Firstly, I would say myself, but secondly (and more significantly) my Twitter/X writing community. It’s wonderful how authors will support authors (especially in the world of self-publishing) and how social media can, in this instance, be a very positive resource.  

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would firstly say thank you, from the depths of my heart, for giving my books a go. If you are pondering, I would really urge you to give them a go, as I do believe they are a great read, full of silliness, adventure, imaginary worlds and important messages for children (eg around climate change, ocean pollution). Our readers are everything, especially if they can provide a glowing review!

7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

The best advice I have had has been from a tremendous children’s author, Bryony Pearce (@bryonypearce on X/Twitter). She taught me so much about ‘show not tell’, passive voice and world-building. With this crucial knowledge, I’ve been able to write with much more confidence and self-criticism.

The other source of advice I would say is simply through reading – some very influential authors, for their descriptive skill are Daphne du Maurier, Hardy, Margaret Atwood and Catherine McCarthy (@serialsemantic on X/Twitter).  Each of these authors manage to bring every scene to life, immersing you in their world. And as for children’s books, I especially love Ali Sparkes, Lewis Carroll and the great Roald Dahl.

8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

I have a series of books aimed at 6-9 year olds (the Glowstone Adventures, a series of five) which have animals as the lead characters, but led by a determined twelve-year-old girl, wanting to make a positive difference to the world and its innocent creatures. These books tend to have a subtle message, about the environment, or behaviours (eg. vanity, bullying, bad manners!).

My other books are middle grade/teen novels and are unapologetic adventures filled with imaginary worlds, dastardly villains, Sci-Fi, dystopian backdrop and lashings of hope! Always (well, maybe not always!) with a happy ending or a hint of a sequel.

9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

I tend to have an early idea of what I want for my cover, but to date I have worked with illustrators, and one particular part-time illustrator, Nay Wilson (@0ysterchild on X/Twitter) , to produce these. My earlier books were vanity-published and that’s another story…!

10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I am working on a new teen/YA novel, set on Mars in the year 2046. A new Mars colony is under threat of destruction – and only eleven-year-old Kasper has cottoned on to this and the conspirator involved. Will anyone believe him before it is too late? Is the conspirator right to try and focus human effort to saving Earth, rather than reaching for new homes? Is there life on Mars – and will it make an appearance? Here is an excerpt – I hope you like it!

 FOUR-THREE-TWO-ONE-LAUNCH PML-EIGHTEEN!

As my whole body was thrust back into the seat, I forgot everything we were taught about controlled breathing and just held my breath. For how long I had no idea, but it was unbelievable force. Before I knew it, I felt the module heating up as we began punching through the Martian atmosphere. I started to breathe again and found myself just transfixed at the yellow glow splaying out from the heat shield. The module was shaking vigorously now, non-stop, my teeth chatting involuntarily.

Don’t bite your tongue. Just don’t bite your tongue. Deep breaths. I talked to myself in my head trying to manage the million sensations going through me. Fascination. Fear. A compulsion to laugh out of sheer terror. Excitement that the journey was nearly ending and no holes found yet!

The burning glow outside was fading.

Parachute deploy T-minus ten seconds.

As it opened we were all thrust forward, straining our harnesses to their limit. Now I felt sick and beads of sweat cooling on my forehead. The module was shuddering and another jolt came as the parachutes opened fully.

Heat-shield jettison! T-minus twenty seconds.

Surface lock-on confirmed.

Dad looked to me and winked. Mum was just staring in abject terror.

TRN confirmed.

Descent rocket start-up. T-minus ten seconds.

I held my breath now. I could see the landing point really clearly now and a defined landing pad marked PM18. Martian dust was now swirling everywhere, starting to blur any view in all directions. I couldn’t see the ground anymore. I had to trust that this thing would land safely.

And then it happened. Touchdown. I could feel that reassuring jolt as the module landed. We were no longer floating in space – we were on land, actual land. Martian land. I released my breath as the dust began to settle outside and I could see shapes and movement through the windows.

‘Welcome to Phoenix Four, Mars,’ announced Control.

‘Woo-hooooo!’ screamed Dad. ‘We’ve done it! We’re on Mars!’

‘Thank God for that!’ replied Mum, a huge smile of relief on her face.

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

Just to ask all agents and readers, on behalf of all self-published authors – give us a go, give us a chance! You will find something special! And thank you to wonderful supportive people like you, Mary, thank you, thank you!

BIO

Nick has self-published 7 children’s books to date:

– Katie Helps a Giraffe Scared of Heights

– Katie Helps a Lizard in a Blizzard

– Katie Helps a Bear with Bad Hair

– The Boy Who Saved Time

– Katie Helps a Turtle with Tummy Ache (including a foreword from TV Presenter Julia Bradbury)

– Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day (including a forewords from an IPCC Lead Author, Greta Pecl);

and more recently

-The Neptune Girl

Now he is developing his writing, with new titles aimed at the mid-grade and Teen genres. Titles including Tommy’s Escape from Amelion and his current work in progress – Kasper and the Mars Conspiracy! These are fast-paced adventures with kids leading the way.

Nick is passionate about giving children alternatives to the world of WiFi, passionate also about protecting our precious planet, climate change issues featuring frequently in his books, including The Neptune Girl and Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day!

Nick’s idea of excitement is more likely to come from buying fresh tomatoes in a paper bag or doing some DIY, but otherwise writing from his home in the countryside of West Sussex.

Oh, and he would quite like to travel to Mars if he gets the chance. If this isn’t possible, then writing about it must surely be the next best thing!

Check out more at – www.nicklloyddavies.com

Memories from another Lifetime LOVE

Jan5

Book Link

From Amazon:

Can poetry be memories from a previous life?

Love is the second book in the series Memories from another Lifetime.

Memories from another Lifetime is a collection of very personal and hauntingly beautiful poems about love, desire, heartbreak, betrayal, hurt and denial. They go to the core of raw and visceral emotions, perhaps from another lifetime. A powerful and moving experience.

My Review:

I’ve read quite a bit of poetry lately, but this book is the cream of poetry due to the young age of the writer, age 13, and the verbiage of the written words found within. At 13, writing love poetry with the brain and experience of one who is older compelled me to think how this could be so. I think it was easier to lay bare emotions and feelings due to early teenage hormones but also reading her own mother’s poetry over the years. Poetry begets poetry. Like mother, like daughter. The poetry within is very deep, sensual, and full of all kinds of emotions

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

Jan3

Congratulations!

Your book has been chosen as one of the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winners for Fall 2023.

Each year, for the past 40 years, NABE, now known as the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs, awards fine books of quality.

Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt has won Best Book in the Category of True Crime.

 

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badges-heralibifrontcoverfinallarge3

Thanks to NABE. 

 

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?

03 Sept 2022

On Amazon and all stores world wide! Book Link

Her Alibi – .99 cents only. On her third marriage to this man who didn’t deserve the traumas my mother dealt him. “Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”  #TrueStory #TrueCrime #HerAlibi #murder in real life. Living with a murderer! Finally, the truth comes out about the psyche of a woman known as the “Black Widow”! I, @MaryLSchmidt , had the bollocks to write this story from the perspective being her daughter. The psyche of Marguerite is one for the books… just like the psyche of #BTK and others, I never knew the REAL danger living with this woman. No slander or libel to family as the only one who could sue me has been dead for 10 years! #RealLife #LivingWithAKiller #memoir

I just want to say that the book “Her Alibi” had to come out. Harold mattered! Everyone matters! But Harold mattered, especially to his three children, Alan, Scott, and Darrel. I don’t know your faith or what you believe, but I know what I experienced yesterday morning. I had a Heavenly visit while in my recliner. Without words, no physical anything seen, my right foot was touched with pressure for several seconds. It was Harold letting me know he felt validated, finally. He appreciated my hard work (bad memories) and effort to get this book out. I’m NOT doing this for money. I have money and I donate to many things, causes, and to people in need. But this story needed to be told. Harold mattered. If family are offended, well, not the first time, nor the last time. HAROLD MATTERED! And I hated being used as her da#m alibi. The TRUTH had to come out!

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite
Stories of abuse and domestic violence always shock you when you read them. This happens to anyone who reads Mary L. Schmidt’s book, Her Alibi. Here, the author tells the story of her family, focusing in particular on the abuses of her mother, Marguerite, who had always treated her as a scapegoat. After divorcing her husband, Marguerite marries Harold (she will marry him three times, to be exact) and is most likely responsible for his death. Is it possible she used her daughter as an alibi? And how will relations between Marguerite and her children develop? Her Alibi tells a disturbing story of an abusive mother and the consequences her mental condition and behavior have on her family and children, especially the daughter she treats as a scapegoat. Mary L. Schmidt tells us this story in a way that clearly depicts the world of abuse that characterized her childhood and gives the reader a precise understanding of what she and her siblings went through. Marguerite is represented in such a way that her personality deeply impresses the reader, especially considering what she may have done to Harold and her daughter, the alibi. I appreciated that Schmidt included many photos of her family because this makes you know the people she describes and makes you even more sympathetic to what they have experienced. Her Alibi is not a book for the faint of heart, and I recommend it to readers who have the courage to read it, to match the courage the author had in writing it.

Amazon Number One Bestseller – 2022

Literary Titan – Gold – 2022

SoCal Book Awards – Honorable Mention – 2022

Reader’s Choice Book Awards – Finalist 2023

London Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023

Los Angeles Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023

NABE – Gold – Best Book in the Category of True Crime Fall 2023

Author Shout Reader Ready Award Winner – Recommended Reads 2024

Christmas Bizarre 

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

It’s the weekend before Christmas and the storyteller tradition at interior designer extraordinaire, Rikkhe St. Claire’s home on the cliffs of Malibu is in full swing. Kick back and gather with Rikkhe and her family and friends for an elegant night under the stars as they share five, holiday tales of mystery and ghostly intrigue from around the world. Which tale will capture your heart…or make your mistletoe twirl?

The cozy magic of Christmas is in the air!

Noel A Versailles
Millicent is a young lady with a mind of her own in 1920s Paris. When she decides to build a replica of Marie Antoinette’s regal playhouse, the Petit Trianon, many think she’s lost the plot. A mysterious Advent calendar brings glamorous gifts of the season, until one fateful night…

Lady H
The ruins of an antebellum home with a heartbreaking past are in need of a major renovation. Will the ghostly inhabitants help or hinder the latest heir of Plum Hill and his architect?

The Ornament
Two cousins are off to celebrate a recent graduation on a European river cruise. As they tour the city ports, they join the quest to find an ornament from an elderly woman’s childhood. The search seems hopeless, until the magic of Christmas lends a helping hand.

The Rocking Horse
A nanny takes her first assignment with an expat family living in an historic home in Stockholm. As Christmas approaches, strange happenings are going bump in the night. Will the ghosts of Christmas past finally get their peace?

Moving Pictures
A holiday gala gets a major boost when a beloved screen star agrees to participate. As she makes her guest appearance, a mysterious man comes to her side. Will heartbreak turn into Christmas joy?

My Review:

I found this short novel quaint and filled with vignettes of times past and Christmas. I don’t have a favorite as they are all nice works, thus, I can’t choose a favorite among favoritism of each story.

A Grosvenor Square Christmas

Dec22

Book Link

From Amazon:

Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 – The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 – One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 – His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 – The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up…

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?

My Review:

Wow. Talk about an awesome way to find love matches at 3 Grosvenor. Christmas time is special, and more so if one has a highly covered invite to the Christmas ball and Lady Winterson’s ball is always a real crush. The different stories in this book involve Winterson’s Christmas ball, but each differ in presentation. Five stars!