Kim Cox's Blog, page 492
July 18, 2015
Review: Four Pieces For Power: Book 1 of the Vendicatori
About the Author
Accomplished writer, Marc Estes, is proud to present his award winning debut novel, Four Pieces ForÌýand follow him on twitter at .
Power, Book One of the Vendicatori. Four Pieces For Power marks the first in a series of Vendicatori novels developed by Mr. Estes. He is a two-time winner of the Vermont Playwright’s Award for his plays, What Would Dickens Do? and Glass Closets. What Would Dickens Do? also won the 2012 Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence. His play, Gumbo (adapted from the short story by Charles Huckelbury) was a finalist in the 2011 Safe Streets Arts Foundation Short Play Competition and was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His play The Practice of Killing (co-written with Robert Johnson, and adapted from the short story by Mr. Johnson) has been published in the Spring 2013 edition of Tacenda Literary Magazine. In 2013 he was also awarded the Robert Chesley Award from the Chesley/Bumbalow Founation in Los Angeles and selected to receive the Artist in residence grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos New Mexico. His play Going Home was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the Fall of 2014 and is currently being considered for an indepedent film. His second novel, Rekindle the Flame, Book Two of the Vendicatori is scheduled to be released in the Spring of 2015. Estes is a native of New England and graduate of the University of New Hampshire. Visit Marc at
About the Book
When mysterious strangers arrive at the home of Andrew Correo, they provide him with life changing news. He learns of the Vedicatori, a secret organization established by his ancestors, an organization he now has the chance to inherit control over. In order to gain this control, he needs to compete with Robert Stavero in a global scavenger hunt. They must search for four illusive crystals that, when brought together, will tell them their final destination. Also in Edson, Monica Correo is planning a wedding to her love, John Weaver. With the wedding so close to Halloween, the pair decide to have a masquerade ball for the wedding reception. It will be an event no one in Edson will ever forget. With just a clue and limited guidance, both Andrew and Robert set out on their secretive journey. For both, the path leads to mystery, suspense, and self-discovery. As Andrew looks forward to his future, while putting parts of his past behind him, Robert grows greedy and develops a love for deception and hate. The hunt brings them through the ruins of Teotihuacan to the Eternal City and its history, but who will have the cunning to come out on top?
Bye Link:
And make sure to pick up Book 2 in the Vendicatori series: .
My Review:
Interesting, Mysterious and Adventurous
What more could you want in a novel? I loved the story of Andrew Correo and how he had to fight for something he never would've dreamed of wanting before Dominic came into his life with his inheritance. The story moved forward at a steady pace as Andrew and his adversary studied clues to find their next prize. The winner of the game would win the kingdom, so to speak.
I loved many things about the "Four Pieces For Power" story and the writing. I loved the short chapters and I liked the way Mr. Estes divided up the scenes and brought everything together in the end. I loved the different locations introduced as the story moved forward. I give this book a 4.5 which I rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next book of the Vendicatori series.
Next Five books and short stories on my reading list are:
, Short from The Death Wizard Chronicles byÌýJim Melvin;
: Abigail Phelps, Book One byÌýBethany Turner
- Book 1 - The Cornwall Adventures series byÌýNancy M. Bell
ÌýFREE (Only at Amber Quill Press) Short Story byÌýElizabeth Delisi
ÌýbyÌýChrista Nardi
Accomplished writer, Marc Estes, is proud to present his award winning debut novel, Four Pieces ForÌýand follow him on twitter at .
Power, Book One of the Vendicatori. Four Pieces For Power marks the first in a series of Vendicatori novels developed by Mr. Estes. He is a two-time winner of the Vermont Playwright’s Award for his plays, What Would Dickens Do? and Glass Closets. What Would Dickens Do? also won the 2012 Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence. His play, Gumbo (adapted from the short story by Charles Huckelbury) was a finalist in the 2011 Safe Streets Arts Foundation Short Play Competition and was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His play The Practice of Killing (co-written with Robert Johnson, and adapted from the short story by Mr. Johnson) has been published in the Spring 2013 edition of Tacenda Literary Magazine. In 2013 he was also awarded the Robert Chesley Award from the Chesley/Bumbalow Founation in Los Angeles and selected to receive the Artist in residence grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos New Mexico. His play Going Home was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the Fall of 2014 and is currently being considered for an indepedent film. His second novel, Rekindle the Flame, Book Two of the Vendicatori is scheduled to be released in the Spring of 2015. Estes is a native of New England and graduate of the University of New Hampshire. Visit Marc at
About the Book
When mysterious strangers arrive at the home of Andrew Correo, they provide him with life changing news. He learns of the Vedicatori, a secret organization established by his ancestors, an organization he now has the chance to inherit control over. In order to gain this control, he needs to compete with Robert Stavero in a global scavenger hunt. They must search for four illusive crystals that, when brought together, will tell them their final destination. Also in Edson, Monica Correo is planning a wedding to her love, John Weaver. With the wedding so close to Halloween, the pair decide to have a masquerade ball for the wedding reception. It will be an event no one in Edson will ever forget. With just a clue and limited guidance, both Andrew and Robert set out on their secretive journey. For both, the path leads to mystery, suspense, and self-discovery. As Andrew looks forward to his future, while putting parts of his past behind him, Robert grows greedy and develops a love for deception and hate. The hunt brings them through the ruins of Teotihuacan to the Eternal City and its history, but who will have the cunning to come out on top?
Bye Link:
And make sure to pick up Book 2 in the Vendicatori series: .
My Review:
Interesting, Mysterious and Adventurous
What more could you want in a novel? I loved the story of Andrew Correo and how he had to fight for something he never would've dreamed of wanting before Dominic came into his life with his inheritance. The story moved forward at a steady pace as Andrew and his adversary studied clues to find their next prize. The winner of the game would win the kingdom, so to speak.
I loved many things about the "Four Pieces For Power" story and the writing. I loved the short chapters and I liked the way Mr. Estes divided up the scenes and brought everything together in the end. I loved the different locations introduced as the story moved forward. I give this book a 4.5 which I rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next book of the Vendicatori series.
Next Five books and short stories on my reading list are:
, Short from The Death Wizard Chronicles byÌýJim Melvin;
: Abigail Phelps, Book One byÌýBethany Turner
- Book 1 - The Cornwall Adventures series byÌýNancy M. Bell
ÌýFREE (Only at Amber Quill Press) Short Story byÌýElizabeth Delisi
ÌýbyÌýChrista Nardi
July 15, 2015
Ann's Afterthoughts ~ Ann Swann ~ Suspense and More: Enter "End Game" New Horror Writing Contest!
: Inkitt's latest Horror writing contest "End Game" is now open for submissions! Inkitt is a free writing platform that ...
July 9, 2015
Review: Silent Night Violent Night by C. J. Verburg
About The AuthorA storyteller ever since she could talk, Carol Verburg spent the 1990s collaborating on theatrer
Ìýprojects with the late artist and writer Edward Gorey. Their friendship inspired her novel "Croaked: an Edgar Rowdey Cape Cod Mystery" and her multimedia memoir "Edward Gorey On Stage," as well as her play "Spin, or Twilight of the Bohemians," winner of the 2012 Centenary Stage Women Playwrights' Series and the 2011 Ashland New Plays Festival. Since moving to San Francisco, Carol has worked with the legendary Eureka Theatre and Fellowship Theater Guild ("Lady Day in Love") and leads the Mechanics' Institute Library's indie publishing workshop. Her international literature collections "Ourselves Among Others," "Making Contact," and "The Environmental Predicament" have inspired thousands of college writing students. In her latest novel, "Silent Night Violent Night: a Cory Goodwin Mystery," two former Mount Holyoke College comrades-in-arts grapple with the dark side of publishing.
About The BookLilah Easton in suburbia? Hostessing a posh dinner party? For Boston journalist Cory Goodwin, it's worth crossing New England in a blizzard to see this. How on earth did a rich science publisher tame the legendary Delilah? And what's the scoop on the conflict supposedly brewing among Bruce Easton's distinguished guests? According to Cory’s editor, it centers on Henry Howrigan, top Harvard biologist and soon-to-be-author. Does the newly widowed Olive Chute hope to lure him away to run Chute Labs? Will rising star Jeff Abels edge him out? Is Jeff sleeping with Bruce’s secretary? Is Bruce sleeping with Henry's editor, Melinda Doerr? Is it just coincidence these same guests were all here last summer when Bruce’s only son drowned in the pond? As the snow deepens, a string of nasty practical jokes spurs the party to break up--but no one can get out. Only one last unwelcome guest gets in: the drunk and uninvited Tony Cyr, whom Melinda divorced and Bruce fired. Most shocked to see Tony is Cory, who met him cold sober on the road two hours ago. When the final prank turns fatal, it's up to Cory--daughter of NY detective Archie Goodwin, and the group's only outsider--to trap the killer.
My ReviewDeadly Night: Cory is invited to an old friend's house--a friend who she hasn't laid eyes on in decades--for a Christmas party where all the guests are snowed in overnight with a dangerous killer. As Cory unravels the intrinsic nature of a murderous mind through gossip and innuendo, obstacles occur every step of the way. Silent Night Violent Night is a well-written, exciting, and enjoyable mystery that doesn't disappoint.
Get your copy of Silent Night Violent NightÌý. You'll definitely enjoy it.
Net up on my TBR list isÌý by Marc Estes.
Ìýprojects with the late artist and writer Edward Gorey. Their friendship inspired her novel "Croaked: an Edgar Rowdey Cape Cod Mystery" and her multimedia memoir "Edward Gorey On Stage," as well as her play "Spin, or Twilight of the Bohemians," winner of the 2012 Centenary Stage Women Playwrights' Series and the 2011 Ashland New Plays Festival. Since moving to San Francisco, Carol has worked with the legendary Eureka Theatre and Fellowship Theater Guild ("Lady Day in Love") and leads the Mechanics' Institute Library's indie publishing workshop. Her international literature collections "Ourselves Among Others," "Making Contact," and "The Environmental Predicament" have inspired thousands of college writing students. In her latest novel, "Silent Night Violent Night: a Cory Goodwin Mystery," two former Mount Holyoke College comrades-in-arts grapple with the dark side of publishing.
About The BookLilah Easton in suburbia? Hostessing a posh dinner party? For Boston journalist Cory Goodwin, it's worth crossing New England in a blizzard to see this. How on earth did a rich science publisher tame the legendary Delilah? And what's the scoop on the conflict supposedly brewing among Bruce Easton's distinguished guests? According to Cory’s editor, it centers on Henry Howrigan, top Harvard biologist and soon-to-be-author. Does the newly widowed Olive Chute hope to lure him away to run Chute Labs? Will rising star Jeff Abels edge him out? Is Jeff sleeping with Bruce’s secretary? Is Bruce sleeping with Henry's editor, Melinda Doerr? Is it just coincidence these same guests were all here last summer when Bruce’s only son drowned in the pond? As the snow deepens, a string of nasty practical jokes spurs the party to break up--but no one can get out. Only one last unwelcome guest gets in: the drunk and uninvited Tony Cyr, whom Melinda divorced and Bruce fired. Most shocked to see Tony is Cory, who met him cold sober on the road two hours ago. When the final prank turns fatal, it's up to Cory--daughter of NY detective Archie Goodwin, and the group's only outsider--to trap the killer.
My ReviewDeadly Night: Cory is invited to an old friend's house--a friend who she hasn't laid eyes on in decades--for a Christmas party where all the guests are snowed in overnight with a dangerous killer. As Cory unravels the intrinsic nature of a murderous mind through gossip and innuendo, obstacles occur every step of the way. Silent Night Violent Night is a well-written, exciting, and enjoyable mystery that doesn't disappoint.
Get your copy of Silent Night Violent NightÌý. You'll definitely enjoy it.
Net up on my TBR list isÌý by Marc Estes.
July 5, 2015
Book Sales Galore
Amber Quill Press SalesYes, I'm an Indie author but I also have a GREAT publisher, and I have one book, Suspicious Minds, and a FREE short story listed with Amber Quill Press.
If you like book sales, here's an Independence Day sale you don't want to miss! All e-books at Amber Quill Press that aren't already discounted, are 50% off all week.
Suspicious Minds is already discounted at 99 cents and my short story, All For Love is FREE, but only through Amber Quill Press. Just click on the covers (on the left & right of this post) to be taken directly to the site where these books are on sale.
Enjoy the sales and tell them Kim Cox sent you. And if that isn't enough, you can get the sequel to All For Love , Love Conquers All for only $1.99 at , , , , etc.
Other Great Sales
Haunted Hearts, Novella 1 pf the Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery Series , isÌýÌýstill FREE atÌý and Ìýuntil Monday, and 99 cents at , , etc. (99 cents until July 14 at all locations after price change takes affect).Ìý Haunted Hearts Ìýis also #16 inÌýÌýon Amazon right now.ÌýThis sale is in celebration of the release of Novella 2 in the series, Get Out or Die , has an introductory price of only 99 cents until July 14, 2014 at , , , , etc.
To see all my books, visit my Amazon page to follow me or just to browse atÌý. Join my newsletter for more exclusive free and discounted books, other prizes and giveaways atÌý.
Friend's Books On Sale
Elizabeth Delisi has a number of Amber Quill Books on sale and a FREE short story for you enjoyment. Visit her author page atÌýÌýor click on the covers below. Ms. Delisi is a wonderful author and I have read most of her books. You will not be disappointed to read her fast-pace mystery,Ìý Since All Is Passing Ìý(99 cents)Ìýor her stimulating time travel set in Egypt withÌý Lady of the Two Lands . Note thatÌý A Port In The Storm Ìýis a FREE short story/novella.Ìý Lady of Two Lands ÌýandÌý Practical Passion Ìýare 50% off.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
If you like your romance hot, visit Christiane France at Amber Quill at for the sales on all of her books and visit Chris Grover for cutting-edge mystery atÌýÌýOther Amber Quill Authors you'll want to check out are ÌýandÌý. Just click on their book covers below to go directly to their discounted books.
ÌýÌýÌý
ÌýÌýÌý
Note that the above book,Ìý Meeting Mr. WrightÌý is also a FREE short story/novella. All other Amber Quill Press books listed in this e-mail or either discounted at 99 cents or are 50% off.ÌýFor more deals, just visit Amber Quill PressÌýÌýand check them out.ÌýThey have many free short stories/novellasÌýand discounted novels to choose from. They're the best book publisher online.
Enjoy the great reads!
July 3, 2015
Book Launch Sale: GET OUT OR DIE
Announcing Great Book Launch PricesNew Book Release: GET OUT OR DIE
Novella 2 - LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY SERIES
In celebration of the new book launch--for a limited time get GET OUT OR DIE for only 99 cents and for TWO DAYS ONLY get HAUNTED HEARTS for FREE. LAST DAY IS TODAY!!!!
Get your copy now while the sale lasts.
ÌýGET OUT OR DIE is the second novella in the LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY series. Lana Malloy is a psychic, private investigator who is on a mission to help the dearly departed even when they don’t realize they need help.
In the first novella, HAUNTED HEARTS, Lana sets out to solve her first case—the twenty-year old cold-case and double murder of her great aunt and her great aunt’s fiancé. If she succeeds, they’ll spend eternity together; if she can’t, they’ll be stuck as Haunted Hearts. With the help of the ghosts and a new love interest, she is able to find the murderer. Get HAUNTED HEARTS at , , , , etc.
In GET OUT OR DIE, the success of Lana’s first case has spread throughout
the local Charleston area and her business is booming. At one pro-bono job, Lana helps a widow communicate with her late husband where she learns of a frightening new ability—an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand if she’s not careful.
Soon after, she encounters an angry ghost who doesn’t want to leave and who doesn’t want the new occupants of the house to stay.Ìý Will Lana be able to control the situation or will the ghost sense he can overtake her? And if that isn’t stressful enough, Tony is pressuring her to set a wedding date. Will she marry Tony or will this dangerous case make the decision unnecessary? Will other abilities surface to save her? Get GET OUT OR DIE atÌý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, etc.
There will be four more books in this series: The Wedding Crasher (September 2015), Christmas Cruise (November 2015 hopefully), Demi's Serial Case and Haunted by Her Past (hoping last two will be in 2016, starting around May).
Novella 2 - LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY SERIES
In celebration of the new book launch--for a limited time get GET OUT OR DIE for only 99 cents and for TWO DAYS ONLY get HAUNTED HEARTS for FREE. LAST DAY IS TODAY!!!!
Get your copy now while the sale lasts.
ÌýGET OUT OR DIE is the second novella in the LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY series. Lana Malloy is a psychic, private investigator who is on a mission to help the dearly departed even when they don’t realize they need help.
In the first novella, HAUNTED HEARTS, Lana sets out to solve her first case—the twenty-year old cold-case and double murder of her great aunt and her great aunt’s fiancé. If she succeeds, they’ll spend eternity together; if she can’t, they’ll be stuck as Haunted Hearts. With the help of the ghosts and a new love interest, she is able to find the murderer. Get HAUNTED HEARTS at , , , , etc.
In GET OUT OR DIE, the success of Lana’s first case has spread throughout
the local Charleston area and her business is booming. At one pro-bono job, Lana helps a widow communicate with her late husband where she learns of a frightening new ability—an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand if she’s not careful.
Soon after, she encounters an angry ghost who doesn’t want to leave and who doesn’t want the new occupants of the house to stay.Ìý Will Lana be able to control the situation or will the ghost sense he can overtake her? And if that isn’t stressful enough, Tony is pressuring her to set a wedding date. Will she marry Tony or will this dangerous case make the decision unnecessary? Will other abilities surface to save her? Get GET OUT OR DIE atÌý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, etc.
There will be four more books in this series: The Wedding Crasher (September 2015), Christmas Cruise (November 2015 hopefully), Demi's Serial Case and Haunted by Her Past (hoping last two will be in 2016, starting around May).
June 25, 2015
My Story, My Way ~ An Indie Adventure: Take Five with Author Kim Cox
: Welcome to An Indie Adventure, Kim Cox.Ìý Tell us, what inspired you to write your book Haunted Hearts ? Haunted Hearts is th...
June 22, 2015
Review: "The Place We Went To Yesterday" by Lisa Mauro
About the Author:Lisa Mauro is a novelist and blogger. When she’s not breaking pivot tables during her day job in the
pharmaceutical industry, you can find her watching The Office on repeat. She lives near Boston, MA with her better half, Brian Sfinas.Ìý
Lisa is a Corporate Cubicle Girl, perpetually crunching lines of data like a kid with an endless supply of rock candy. ÌýWhen she's not breaking pivot tables, she writes. ÌýAnd she draws. ÌýAnd she takes and edit photos. ÌýShe's even been known to sing along.
She's a Jane of all trades and a Mistress of some.
She appreciates tattoos and collects them as souvenirs. She provides gut-wrenching brutal honesty, but she’ll smile when she's delivering it so you won’t feel as bad hearing it. ÌýShe's a narcissistic muse. ÌýFlattery will get you everywhere, as will red velvet cupcakes.
You can visit her at
About the Book:Surrounded by abject poverty in Manhattan's housing projects, Ella Santia is abused and manipulated by her family until she is placed into foster care. When that experience also sours, she makes the decision to move into a group home.Ìý
On her walks along the High Line with fellow resident Lara, she begins to open herself up to new experiences. When things come to a head at the group home, Ella realizes that it is time for her to fend for herself.Ìý
The Place We Went to Yesterday chronicles Ella's journey from passive punching bag to assertive young woman.
Kim's Musing Review:Sad but Good.ÌýI loved the story line and Ella's character; although, I couldn't Ìýunderstand why Ella turned a blind eye to some of the things sheÌýfelt were happening to others. I've never been in her situation soÌýI can't judge, understanding the saying "until you walk in myÌýshoes." I don't know how I would react in a similar situation.
This is such a sad story. If I hadn't read that it was fiction, IÌýwould've thought it was a true story. I still believe it's basedÌýon someone's life. It is so detailed and true to life. All of theÌýcharacters were well-drawn and lifelike. Working with people whoÌýwork with teens in similar situations, I know how hard the teensÌýlives can be and how hard it can be for those who try to helpÌýto get through to them due to trust issues. I have recommendedÌýthis book to those who work in this field.
The reason I'm giving this book four stars rather than five stars.ÌýIt moved a bit slow for me in a few places although theÌýwriting was mostly flawless. The flow became bogged down in theÌýdetails. Then there's the ending which I felt should've taken us aÌýbit further into Ella's life for a more satisfying end.
Get your copy ofÌýThe Place We Went to YesterdayÌý. You will be glad you did.
Next up on my TBR list isÌý Ìýby C J Verberg.
pharmaceutical industry, you can find her watching The Office on repeat. She lives near Boston, MA with her better half, Brian Sfinas.Ìý
Lisa is a Corporate Cubicle Girl, perpetually crunching lines of data like a kid with an endless supply of rock candy. ÌýWhen she's not breaking pivot tables, she writes. ÌýAnd she draws. ÌýAnd she takes and edit photos. ÌýShe's even been known to sing along.
She's a Jane of all trades and a Mistress of some.
She appreciates tattoos and collects them as souvenirs. She provides gut-wrenching brutal honesty, but she’ll smile when she's delivering it so you won’t feel as bad hearing it. ÌýShe's a narcissistic muse. ÌýFlattery will get you everywhere, as will red velvet cupcakes.
You can visit her at
About the Book:Surrounded by abject poverty in Manhattan's housing projects, Ella Santia is abused and manipulated by her family until she is placed into foster care. When that experience also sours, she makes the decision to move into a group home.Ìý
On her walks along the High Line with fellow resident Lara, she begins to open herself up to new experiences. When things come to a head at the group home, Ella realizes that it is time for her to fend for herself.Ìý
The Place We Went to Yesterday chronicles Ella's journey from passive punching bag to assertive young woman.
Kim's Musing Review:Sad but Good.ÌýI loved the story line and Ella's character; although, I couldn't Ìýunderstand why Ella turned a blind eye to some of the things sheÌýfelt were happening to others. I've never been in her situation soÌýI can't judge, understanding the saying "until you walk in myÌýshoes." I don't know how I would react in a similar situation.
This is such a sad story. If I hadn't read that it was fiction, IÌýwould've thought it was a true story. I still believe it's basedÌýon someone's life. It is so detailed and true to life. All of theÌýcharacters were well-drawn and lifelike. Working with people whoÌýwork with teens in similar situations, I know how hard the teensÌýlives can be and how hard it can be for those who try to helpÌýto get through to them due to trust issues. I have recommendedÌýthis book to those who work in this field.
The reason I'm giving this book four stars rather than five stars.ÌýIt moved a bit slow for me in a few places although theÌýwriting was mostly flawless. The flow became bogged down in theÌýdetails. Then there's the ending which I felt should've taken us aÌýbit further into Ella's life for a more satisfying end.
Get your copy ofÌýThe Place We Went to YesterdayÌý. You will be glad you did.
Next up on my TBR list isÌý Ìýby C J Verberg.
June 11, 2015
Review: "Finding Liam: Prossers Bay Series" by Cheryl Phipps
About the Author:As a young mother with three small children, Cheryl Phipps escaped the daily chaos of motherhood through her beloved romance novels. She loved being whisked away from nappies and wiping noses to exotic locations filled with suave heroes and feisty heroines, and wonderful small towns with heart-warming tales of strong family ties and life-affirming true love.
Her bookshelves still hold those favorite authors - Nora Roberts, Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly - plus new-found favorites who write stories that echo Cheryl's own values: family always comes first and life's struggles and challenges are always surmountable through love.Ìý
Cheryl's three children have now grown up and have families of their own, leaving her free to pursue her dreams of writing novels. She lives in a quiet suburb of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, with her wonderful husband, who she married the moment she left school (yes, they were high school sweethearts), and their turtles Rose and Jade. She enjoys taking walks with her husband, dinner out with friends, and, of course, weaving sensual stories that celebrate the joy of love, family and resilience.
About the Book:
Driven apart by tragedyÌý
Max has been in love with Abby forever and marrying his childhood sweetheart was a dream come true. But a series of devastating life events have driven a wedge between them and their marriage has gone from passionate togetherness, to leading separate lives.Ìý
Rekindling their romanceÌý
Abby fears her she can never be the wife that Max deserves, but when a Christmas miracle happens, she’s offered the chance at creating the family she’s always wanted. Is it too late for their marriage, or will these two wounded souls have a second chance at happily ever after?
Kim's Musing Review:A wonderfully touching story that was at times heart-wrenching about a couple who lost their closenessÌýbut found their way back to love and intimacy again. The need of one small boy broughtÌýthem back together causing them to re-evaluate their feelings. I really enjoyed this story about a love that was almost lost being found again before it was too late. I laughed and I cried, but overall I loved this story and can hardly wait to read the next story in this series
Get your copy of Finding Liam: Prossers Bay SeriesÌý. You will be glad you did.
Next up my TBR list is by Lisa Mauro.
Her bookshelves still hold those favorite authors - Nora Roberts, Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly - plus new-found favorites who write stories that echo Cheryl's own values: family always comes first and life's struggles and challenges are always surmountable through love.Ìý
Cheryl's three children have now grown up and have families of their own, leaving her free to pursue her dreams of writing novels. She lives in a quiet suburb of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, with her wonderful husband, who she married the moment she left school (yes, they were high school sweethearts), and their turtles Rose and Jade. She enjoys taking walks with her husband, dinner out with friends, and, of course, weaving sensual stories that celebrate the joy of love, family and resilience.
About the Book:
Driven apart by tragedyÌý
Max has been in love with Abby forever and marrying his childhood sweetheart was a dream come true. But a series of devastating life events have driven a wedge between them and their marriage has gone from passionate togetherness, to leading separate lives.Ìý
Rekindling their romanceÌý
Abby fears her she can never be the wife that Max deserves, but when a Christmas miracle happens, she’s offered the chance at creating the family she’s always wanted. Is it too late for their marriage, or will these two wounded souls have a second chance at happily ever after?
Kim's Musing Review:A wonderfully touching story that was at times heart-wrenching about a couple who lost their closenessÌýbut found their way back to love and intimacy again. The need of one small boy broughtÌýthem back together causing them to re-evaluate their feelings. I really enjoyed this story about a love that was almost lost being found again before it was too late. I laughed and I cried, but overall I loved this story and can hardly wait to read the next story in this series
Get your copy of Finding Liam: Prossers Bay SeriesÌý. You will be glad you did.
Next up my TBR list is by Lisa Mauro.
June 6, 2015
Review: "The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch" by Renee Hand
About the Author:Renee Hand is a multi award-winning author and requested speaker on the topic of using fun fiction to teach science, geography and history. Let her show librarians, educators, and parents how using her books can not only challenge readers and the way they think about problems in real life, but she creates high interest topics that suck the reader into her stories encouraging them into wanting to know more about the settings, science, history, culture and people. Skills like reading comprehension, reasoning, deduction and observation come together in a myriad of ways.Ìý
In her Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.
About the Book:The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
Kim's Musings Review:Entertaining As Well As Educational
While mixing the subjects of science, art, history and weather, this story also entices the reader with a mystery and wonderful animal characters. It begins a theft of important research, and then another theft that ties into the first one.
I found this to be a very entertaining and educational read not only for children but for adults as well. Ms. Hand has done an excellent job of creating fun and lively characters. I loved the way she mixed up the different subjects that teaches the reader as well as entertains them. The end of the chapter information was a happy and welcoming surprise.
This is a well-written book with well-rounded characters and mysteriously suspenseful.
Get your copy of The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch . Your children will love you for it.
Next up my TBR list is by Cheryl A. Phillips and by Lisa Mauro.
In her Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.
About the Book:The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
Kim's Musings Review:Entertaining As Well As Educational
While mixing the subjects of science, art, history and weather, this story also entices the reader with a mystery and wonderful animal characters. It begins a theft of important research, and then another theft that ties into the first one.
I found this to be a very entertaining and educational read not only for children but for adults as well. Ms. Hand has done an excellent job of creating fun and lively characters. I loved the way she mixed up the different subjects that teaches the reader as well as entertains them. The end of the chapter information was a happy and welcoming surprise.
This is a well-written book with well-rounded characters and mysteriously suspenseful.
Get your copy of The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch . Your children will love you for it.
Next up my TBR list is by Cheryl A. Phillips and by Lisa Mauro.
"The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch" by Renee Hand
About the Author:Renee Hand is a multi award-winning author and requested speaker on the topic of using fun fiction to teach science, geography and history. Let her show librarians, educators, and parents how using her books can not only challenge readers and the way they think about problems in real life, but she creates high interest topics that suck the reader into her stories encouraging them into wanting to know more about the settings, science, history, culture and people. Skills like reading comprehension, reasoning, deduction and observation come together in a myriad of ways.Ìý
In her Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.
About the Book:The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
Kim's Musings Review:Entertaining As Well As Educational
While mixing the subjects of science, art, history and weather, this story also entices the reader with a mystery and wonderful animal characters. It begins a theft of important research, and then another theft that ties into the first one.
I found this to be a very entertaining and educational read not only for children but for adults as well. Ms. Hand has done an excellent job of creating fun and lively characters. I loved the way she mixed up the different subjects that teaches the reader as well as entertains them. The end of the chapter information was a happy and welcoming surprise.
This is a well-written book with well-rounded characters and mysteriously suspenseful.
Get your copy of The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch . Your children will love you for it.
Next up my TBR list is by Cheryl A. Phillips and by Lisa Mauro.
In her Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.
About the Book:The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
Kim's Musings Review:Entertaining As Well As Educational
While mixing the subjects of science, art, history and weather, this story also entices the reader with a mystery and wonderful animal characters. It begins a theft of important research, and then another theft that ties into the first one.
I found this to be a very entertaining and educational read not only for children but for adults as well. Ms. Hand has done an excellent job of creating fun and lively characters. I loved the way she mixed up the different subjects that teaches the reader as well as entertains them. The end of the chapter information was a happy and welcoming surprise.
This is a well-written book with well-rounded characters and mysteriously suspenseful.
Get your copy of The Adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill 3: The Case of the Missing Arch . Your children will love you for it.
Next up my TBR list is by Cheryl A. Phillips and by Lisa Mauro.
