Archive for category Reviews
Tour Stop & Review! Granted Wishes by Tanya Vought
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on February 25, 2015
Granted Wishes
By Tanya Vought
Publisher: Booktrope
Published: February 23, 2015
Genre: Romance
Synopsis
A decision that will change her life forever.
After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.
The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.
With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (PB) | B&N
Review
Vought’s debut novel is endearing, witty, and fun! The romance gently blossoms into a beautiful love story, and the healing process for both the hero and heroine is quite inspiring. Second chances and learning to love again is the journey here, and one in which I enjoyed the passage.
About This Literary Chef
Tanya Vought is a hopeless romantic. She loves reading, writing, singing and doing crafts with her children. What started as a lifelong dream became reality. She’s overjoyed that readers will get to read her debut, Granted Wishes. She loves her characters sexy and sassy. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two amazing and imaginative children.
REVIEW: HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON On The Couch by Alma H. Bond, PH.D.
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on February 22, 2015
SYNOPSIS
In the fourth installment of her “On the Couch” series, famed female biographer Dr. Alma Bond looks inside the head and life of presidential frontrunner and informs voters what she’s found.
REVIEW
This is the most original concept I’ve come across!
What an extraordinary read! I felt like a fly on the wall in Dr. Darcy Dale’s office, as the author has a gift for depicting a situation as if it is actually occurring. Every chapter was an open doorway to a room full of intimate details about the former First Lady, which made the sessions more realistic. From birth to Benghazi, and beyond, this novel explores Clinton in a most enjoyable, and sometimes heartbreaking, manner.
I’m not a colossal fan of politics, but Hillary Rodham Clinton has always intrigued me. I’ve read several articles in the past, but her story has more depth than I originally considered. The Bibliography is quite extensive; therefore, this was getting several points of reference at once. When you consider what this woman has been through and how she persevered, it’s hard not to admire her. Alma H. Bond, Ph.D. has delivered a powerful interpretation of an enigmatic figure!
I think it’s brilliant!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Dr. Alma H. Bond is the author of twenty-one published books, including, most recently, Marilyn Monroe: On the Couch, Jackie: On the Couch, Lady Macbeth: On the Couch; Michelle Obama: A Biography; The Autobiography of Maria Callas; Margaret Mahler: A Biography of the Psychoanalyst; Camille Claude: A Novel; America’s First Woman Warrior: The Story of Deborah Sampson; and Who Killed Virginia Woolf? A Psychobiography.
Dr. Bond received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, graduated from the post-doctoral program in psychoanalysis at the Freudian Society, and was a psychoanalyst in private practice for 37 years in New York City. She “retired” to become a full-time writer, but now maintains a small practice in addition to writing.
Dr. Bond is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Dramatists Guild, and the Authors Guild, as well as a fellow and faculty member of the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, the International Psychoanalytic Association, and the American Psychological Association. She was one of the first non-medical analysts to be elected to the International Psychoanalytic Association.
Dr. Bond grew up in Philadelphia, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from Temple University, and following voluntary military service, moved to New York, where she earned a Ph D. in psychology from Columbia University.
A longtime resident of New York City, she lived for nearly a dozen years in south Florida, and now resides in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Blog Tour Stop, Review & GIVEAWAY! Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on February 17, 2015
SYNOPSIS
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri’s world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri’s impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success–that is, until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim. With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Amazon
REVIEW
I was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous paperback, which is the format I highly recommend, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an absolute delight to read! The illustration is exquisite, and the creative ideas provided before each chapter are quite resourceful. Adri and Lorea are adorable, the “Bridezilla” is incorrigible, and the mystery is elusive. I love Christensen’s writing style, and her descriptive narrative makes every setting, taste, smell, and feeling almost tangible. The websites and craft ideas are pure genius! Elegant, descriptive, and entertaining!
About This Literary Chef
Rachelle J. Christensen was born and raised in a small farming town in Idaho. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology.
She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading. Rachelle has an amazing husband, five cute kids, three cats, and five chickens.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Blog * Goodreads * Craft Website
Click the Pic or Link Below
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/25/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Review: Within the Shadows by Julieanne Lynch
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on January 31, 2015
FREE AT TIME OF POSTING!
SYNOPSIS
Living on the razors edge, Giselle Bergman’s life is torn apart by her cheating boyfriend. Little does she realize that he is the least of her worries when her long term friend, Alex, reveals a secret long hidden, and introduces to his family and a new, darker world; a world of lies, deceit and corruption.
Thrown from one problem straight into another, the razors edge gets thinner and sharper, testing Giselle’s sanity and vitality. Never truly knowing who her allies are, Giselle soon learns not to trust anyone, not even herself.
How far will Giselle run to escape what fate has dealt her?
Will she truly be free from the shadows that not only want her soul, but have her reborn as their Queen?
Join Giselle on a journey that is only beginning…
Not even she can hide when living within the shadows.
REVIEW
This was a very fast-paced novel that never stays on one path!
This was one wicked ride that left me dizzy, but I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of the story. I’m a thrill junkie; therefore, this novel was my cup of tea. The writing style is creative, and though the story line may not seem uncommon, the events that take place are very irregular. Our heroine deviates from the predicted path often, and there was not a moment in which I could tell whom she could trust. While some of the actions are typical of an erratic teenage girl, there were a few instances in which I felt she could’ve used a little more intellect. However; this novel is so addictive I do not feel deterred, and I look forward to reading the next installment. Excellent debut!
This is not a stand-alone and I recommend it for ages sixteen and up.
GRAB THE NEXT INSTALLMENT
COMING SOON
CONGRATS TO JULIEANNE, AS THIS SERIES IS GOING TO BE ON THE BIG SCREEN! CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Julieanne Lynch is an author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, is married to her childhood sweetheart and together they have five children.
Before becoming a writer, she considered a few different career paths, a rock star being one of them. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University, and considered journalism as a career path. However, she decided writing was the way for her and believes all of her education and reading prepared her for it.
An avid reader, Julieanne has always had an encompassing fascination with folklore. When not writing, she enjoys crime series such as Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS and Cold Case, and loves anything with Vampires, listening to metal, meeting new people, drinking lots of green tea, and sharing her dreams with her children. She is a self-professed goth wanna-be,and is happy when left to write into the early hours of the morning.
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Review! The Corps, The Cross & The Mirror: Reflections of Faith by Sheila Perdue Guion
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on January 21, 2015
LINKS
SYNOPSIS
When Staff Sergeant Sheila Perdue went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, SC she thought she was God’s gift to the Marine Corps. While stationed there as a Drill Instructor (DI), she had a Supernatural Encounter with God that changed her life forever. Two years later, she was quite a different person all together. The change was so profound, some mocked it as “Boot Camp Religion,” thinking she would get over it.
Do you believe in God? So did she, but she didn’t know Him. He was the God somewhere out there. Follow her Inspirational Story of Faith, Courage, and Triumph, as it leads to an Unshakeable Faith in Jesus as Lord. Be Inspired! It’s Life Changing!
REVIEW
This is an emotional novel written by a woman who has been positively affected by her Christian beliefs. Reflecting on her past, the author shares intimate details of her life, and the night she found salvation. Her courage and determination is quite powerful!
It’s promising to hear of someone finding a belief that changes their life for the better. The joy the author finds in spreading the word of God and Jesus Christ is evident, and it is a moving experience. I enjoyed reading about the author’s triumph, and happy that she has found peace.
I recommended this for Christians, or those looking for a religiously suffused novel.
REVIEW! Nothing Left Sacred by Daniel Diehl
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on January 15, 2015
SYNOPSIS
Nothing Left Sacred takes the reader on a twisting, panic-filled journey through the secretive corridors of power surrounding Henry VIII and the glittering Tudor court. This taught political thriller carries us from the grandeur of the royal palaces to the seldom-glimpsed resistance network that rose in opposition to Henry’s radical religious reforms which would create the Church of England.
When the mounting panic created by the King’s emotional instability combines with the twisted machinations of a corrupt justice system, they collide head-on with the leaders of England’s fantastically wealthy, yet tragically naïve, monastic community. The struggle between these opposing forces creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia and dark political paranoia not found in an historical novel since Umberto Ecco’s ‘The Name of the Rose’.
BOOK LINKS
REVIEW
I’ve read a couple of novels by this author, and his writing skills are extremely versatile. The story is detailed expertly, the plot is extremely captivating, and the characters are perfectly written. After years of reading Tudor novels, the complexity of this novel sets it apart from the rest. While some may find the little things cause a lag in the story line, I find them fascinating! I appreciate the small details that may make or break a character for me, and Diehl leaves no stone unturned. I simply love his work!
Lovers of Henry VIII and the Tudor Court, as well as those interested in Historical Fiction involving religious/civil unrest will love this!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Daniel Diehl is an author, writer, and investigative historian with thirty years experience in his field. For nearly twenty years Diehl has been involved in writing for publication and documentary television production.
Diehl’s work has won awards from the Houston (Texas) Film Festival, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (US) and the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Arts Foundation. Working alone and as a part of the multi-award winning team of Daniel Diehl and Mark Donnelly, Diehl has produced work in two main categories; trade publication and television documentary scripts. His canon of work includes eighteen non-fiction books (which have been translated into nine foreign languages) and scripts for more than one hundred and seventy hours of documentary television primarily for A&E Network, The History Channel, History International and Discovery Network.
AUTHOR LINKS
Review! Favorite Daughter (Part One) by Paula Margulies
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on January 10, 2015
Favorite Daughter, Part One
by Paula Margulies
ISBN 13: 978-0-9913545-2-8
ISBN 10: 0991354524
One People Press: July 21, 2014
Synopsis
Set in the time of the Jamestown settlement and the English explorer John Smith, Favorite Daughter, Part One recounts the story of Chief Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, as she prepares to take her place as one of our nation’s earliest leading women. Pocahontas invites readers to experience her native world when strangers appear on the shores near her village. From forging a relationship with the charismatic Smith, to experiencing love for the first time and creating a role for herself in her father’s plans for peace, this young girl takes us on a poignant and harrowing journey through the turbulent events of her life. Eventually betrayed by all of the men she loves, Pocahontas matures into a heroine of tremendous nobility, courage, and heart.
Told in first person, in a voice brimming with compassion and wisdom, Favorite Daughter, Part One provides a compelling look at the early days of one of the most remarkable legends in American history.
Review
Pocahontas was one of my favorite heroines growing up, as my ancestry carries Native American blood. Her bravery and perseverance through what must have been a nightmare at times is not only heartbreaking, it’s inspiring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! The author has done a wonderful job of bringing this extraordinary character and the Powhatan tribe to life, in a manner that’s believable. The research invested is evident, and shines through with every turn of the page. Although a work of fiction, I found this to be the most intimate and realistic portrayal of Pocahontas to date.
This is a treat for lovers of Native American History, as well as Historical Fiction/Romance. Adding to the story, Margulies has a Powhatan glossary for reference. Readers should be aware that this is a cliffhanger and merely covers Pocahontas’ coming of age. I look forward to the next installment as we read this author’s take on our heroine’s adulthood.
*Editor’s Choice Award Winner, 21st Annual San Diego State University Writers’ Conference*
Paula Margulies is the owner of Paula Margulies Communications, a public relations firm for authors and artists. She has received numerous awards for her short stories, essays, and novels, including her historical novel, Favorite Daughter, Part One, her debut novel, Coyote Heart, and her short story collection, Face Value: Collected Stories. Paula is a contributor to Author Magazine, the San Diego Examiner, and The Writers Edge
BLOG TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY! SEDUCING THE RUTHLESS ROGUE by Tammy Jo Burns
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on December 11, 2014
Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
by Tammy Jo Burns
The Rogue Agents #2
Publication Date: October 19, 2014
Also in this series: Taming the Wicked Wulfe
Genres: Historical, Romance
Synopsis:
As Director of The War Office, Stuart McKenzie, has proven himself capable of making difficult decisions in times of crisis and keeping government secrets safe. When he walks in on someone ransacking his study he quickly moves to apprehend them, only to be tossed on his back as the burglar escapes into the night.
Cassie’s father has become a pawn in the fight against Napoleon. When the enemy kidnaps him, she will do anything it takes to get him back – including stealing government secrets from Stuart McKenzie, the Director of the War Office.
When Cassie is caught, she reluctantly agrees to Mack’s assistance as there is something far more sinister going on. As Mack embarks on his mission, he will find that enemies are often closer than one would think and that sometimes your ally will come in the least likely form. When passion erupts between Mack and Cassie, they find their lives forever altered. But just as they believe their lives to be free of danger, a new threat is lurking about, promising to rip their happiness away from them. Will they be able to trust each other enough to defeat this new threat, or will they be torn apart for all eternity?
REVIEW
This was a fast-paced read that I simply could not put down!
I admit that I was expecting more content pertaining to the wars during this period, but the author has done a superb job of delivering a thrilling alternative.
Mack and Cassie are intelligent, gorgeous, and very hard-headed! Both have inner demons, which sometimes cloud their judgment. It is this, along with a few other similarities that cause the fiery couple to butt heads. These altercations can be comedic, heartbreaking, and incredibly sexy! I enjoyed reading as the layers were peeled back and our hero and heroine were truly revealed.
This novel stands alone well. Each sorrowful scene was countered with either comedic relief, or an act of kindness. The mystery involved had me second guessing everyone, and I couldn’t get enough of the passion! I will be reading the rest of the author’s work, as the secondary characters are too wonderfully written to ignore. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I recommend it for romance and mystery lovers.
About This Literary Chef
From a young age I could always be found carrying around books to read while watching my grandmother’s soap operas with her. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on and even made up skits and stories for my friends and me to act out. Once I outgrew the children’s and YA books, my mom introduced me to an entirely new world – contemporary romance. Upon discovering I had a love for history I began devouring historical romances. One day, sitting in a college British History class, something the professor said made me think, I wonder. I quickly called mom (also a writer) and ran the idea by her. After being told, “Of course you can do it, you’re my daughter,” the rest, as they say, is history. I currently share my love of reading with the next generation as a high school librarian, and share my personal life with my demanding dog trapped in a cat’s body, Ajax.
REVIEW & GIVEAWAY! THE SOUL THIEF by MAJANKA VERSTRAETE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on November 15, 2014
The Soul Thief (The Angel of Death Series #1)
by Majanka Verstraete
Publisher: Booktrope
Published: November 11, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal
SYNOPSIS
When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death.
Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble
REVIEW
This exciting YA novel begins with a traumatic jolt and keeps the exhilarating flow throughout! The characters are believable and the paranormal world created is easy to understand. Leaving the religious aspect open-minded, the author gives our young readers an engaging story that’s congenial for most. Although there’s a fleeting glimpse of romance, it’s appropriate and leaves us wanting for more!
Younger readers should take to this quite nicely! I recommend.
Quick note for the “pet-peevers”:
There are a few inconsistencies that over analytical adults like me will notice, but they’re easy to overlook. For example, Riley’s mentor is quoted as being aged “over millennia”, yet he seems as inexperienced and naïve as she at times. Also, Riley’s abilities seem to have “clauses” added as the story progresses. Again, these are easy to overlook, but worth mentioning. I don’t feel this takes away from the story, and I doubt it will deter the younger readers. I stick to my recommendation.
About This Literary Chef
Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.
She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.
She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.
Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”
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Country Book Bumpkin – Review, Soundtrack, Excerpt
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Indy Book Fairy – Review, Excerpt
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A Book Paradise – Author Interview, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Endless Reading – Review, Excerpt
The Literary Melting Pot – Review
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Roxy’s Reviews – Review, Character Bios, Top Ten
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Deal Sharing Aunt – Author Interview, Top Ten, Excerpt
Star Shadow Blog – Character Bio, Dreamcast, Soundtrack
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Kristy Centro – Character Bios
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Little Hyuts Reviews – Dreamcast
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Step Into Fiction – Review, Excerpt
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Tracy’s Nook – Review, Character Interview
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Relaxed Reads – Dreamcast
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REVIEW! ISLAND FOG by JOHN VANDERSLICE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on November 10, 2014
ISLAND FOG
Stories by John Vanderslice
ISBN: 978-1935084-41-9
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2014
BLURB
This thematic, novel-length collection of stories, is set on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Nantucket as we know it began as an English settlement relatively early in the colonial period of the United States. In the heyday of its nineteenth century success as a whaling center, the island, for being as small as it is, was quite the cosmopolitan center. Sailors from across the globe mingled with the mixed local population of descendents of the original English settlers, black Americans, and native Americans. Today too Nantucket is known as being especially open to visitors from around the world. When one travels there, one feels that one is no longer in the United States but in a culturally indistinct, in-between land, somehow equidistant from North America, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
REVIEW
Vanderslice has written an engrossing collection of stories that spans a little over 200 years. Set in Nantucket, the tales cover the darker side of the beautiful little island and its inhabitants. Bigotry, jealousy, betrayal, greed, religious indifference, and murder are just a few of the topics covered in this evocative novel.
The chronological order in which this is written makes it a bitter reminder that mankind has advanced in many ways, but there are some things that will never change. Believable, entertaining, and quite haunting is my best description. Great read!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
John Vanderslice hails from southern Maryland, specifically the eccentric community of Moyaone. After twelve years of Catholic schooling, and too many summers working as a lifeguard, he left the southern Maryland woods to attend the University of Virginia. In 1991, he received his MFA in the Poetry Writing program at George Mason University, where he studied under Peter Klappert and Susan Tichy and started teaching writing to college freshmen at GMU and Northern Virginia Community College-Annandale. In 1993, he entered the Ph.D program in the English Department at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. He is now an Associate Professor in the Department of Writing at UCA, teaching fiction writing, poetry writing, and nonfiction writing both to undergraduates and to graduate students in the new Arkansas Writers MFA Workshop. He also serves as associate editor of Toad Suck Review magazine. More than seventy of his stories, poems, essays, and one-act plays have appeared in literary journals and anthologies, including Seattle Review, Versal, Sou’wester, Laurel Review, Crazyhorse, The Pinch, Southern Humanities Review, 1966, Squalorly, Foliate Oak, Red Wheelbarrow, and Exquisite Corpse. Some of the anthologies are Redacted Story, Chick for a Day, The Best of the First Line: Editors’ Picks 2002-2006, and Tartts: Incisive Fiction from Emerging Writers.
AUTHOR LINKS
PUBLISHER
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