Review of Silver Knight

Silver Knight by Caron Rider
Ebook
Publisher: Author
Review Source: Caron Rider
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Stormi

When seventeen-year-old Diana recognizes an elderly priest in a video on YouTube, she realizes that reincarnation is real and that she’s been alive before! Every night in her dreams, she relives her past learning that it’s kill or be killed. Now a bishop at the Vatican whom she saved in another life calls on her once more. She is needed to help defeat evil within the catacombs of Rome. But when she arrives in Rome, she meets Alexander – the man of her dreams! Through the centuries she has loved him…betrayed him...been killed by him. Will she give him another chance or this time will she strike first?

Do you believe in reincarnation? I don't, but I admit it can make for an interesting story. Silver Knight was a fun present day story that took you back to the past several times for a lot of nice historic tidbits as we get a glimpse of each warrior of the lights past lives.

Diana, has lived with nightmares of herself being killed over and over in horrible ways. She never understood why she had these dreams until she recognizes a priest on YouTube that she has seen in one of her dreams. Now she is convinced that she has lived out a life more than once and that killing demons is her job. Compelled to go to New York before heading to Rome, her and her two friends meet up with a few other warriors. Each of these warriors have had some very historical backgrounds.

Alex is a demon from Diana's past, we learn from her dreams that he kills Diana over and over in some horrible ways. He is absolutely ruthless, but he is also in love with Diana. Talk about some big romantic problems. When Diana meets Alex this time he swears he doesn't want to kill her anymore, but she just is not sure he can be trusted.

Even though Diana and Alex are the main characters the other warriors have a lot to do with what is happening, and the author gives them each a chapter so we can get to know them a little bit,  there is Helen, David, Sol, and Jarret. Each I am sure we will learn more about as the series grows. 

This first book I can tell is the builder  for what is to come and because of this at times it feels like I didn't get to know Diana and Alex like I would have liked. Alex, doesn't come into the picture till later in the book, but from the little bit of a cliffhanger ending I know he will be a big piece of the next book.

There was a few things that I didn't really like, and I can't really say what it is without giving away some fun historical tidbits, but I will say it has to do with biblical references. I don't like my bible stories messed with much, but other than that and a few times I got confused with the shifting from present to past life, I enjoyed this book. The one thing I liked most about this book is that it was free of vampires and werewolves! :)

I can't wait to read Silver Demon and find out what will happen with Diana and her friends! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes your history mixed with a bit of fantasy.

Review of The Jerk Magnet

The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson
Pages: 218
Publisher: Revell
Review source: Donna from Revell
My Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Stormi

When Chelsea Martin's future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it's the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She's attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they're jerks. And stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn't endear her to the girls either.

Chelsea finally finds a true friend in Janelle Parker, and a non-jerk, Nicholas, catches her eye. Janelle keeps telling her to be herself, but Nicholas is the only guy around who doesn't give her a second look. Can Chelsea and Janelle come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will Chelsea's new image ruin everything?

Teen favorite and bestselling author Melody Carlson helps girls uncover the real source of beauty in this true-to-life story of young love, friendship, and being yourself.

The Jerk Magnet was a cute, interesting look at what happens when a young girl goes from a geek to a hotty, and how it changes her life.

Most girls, might say that if  they could be as hot as the other girls in school, they wouldn't turn into those mean girls. We think we will be just like we were before, but it doesn't always turn out that way. Chelsea, always thought of herself as a geek, she even thought her and Dracula had something in common, they both hated mirrors. Then her  soon to be step-mother helps her transform from a plain Jane to the girl all the guys want to love.

At first Chelsea is very uncomfortable in her new skin, she was never use to guys taking notice, but it doesn't take long for it to start making her feel good. Chelsea didn't realize being pretty would gain the attention of ever teenage jerk around, being pretty does have a downside after all.

The one guy that Chelsea would like to have some attention from though doesn't even act like she exist, so how can she get his attention?

The Jerk Magnet, deals with an issue that a lot of young ladies struggle with as they are growing up. Can your outer beauty, corrupt your inter beauty, or can you still be just as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.

It was a fun, teenage Christian novel and I would recommend it to anyone who has teens.

Tuesday Thrillers

45 Minutes by Kristen Young
Ebook


blurb:
Beep, Beep, Beep, went the machines, as the prayers of the doctor permeated the hallways. This man that lay before him was dead—flat lined, just 45 minutes ago. And now, by some higher power, he is alive, with no help of modern technology, just prayer.

In this novel, 45 Minutes, you will be taken on a compelling journey of Anthony Michaels’ life, which is oddly typical until he faces an encounter with eternity. See yourself through the eyes of the characters as you read about painful life lessons, true forgiveness, answered prayers and the love of God that conquers all.

“Kristen’s style of writing will capture you and keep you reading as different events take place both spiritually and physically. As you read 45 Minutes, you will see what can possibly happen if we choose to forgive those who have hurt us. You will also see firsthand, that making things right with others before it is too late is a must, no matter what the circumstance.” Author Stephen Lewis


author bio:
Kristen Young was born and raised in a small town in Northern Maine. She has been with her husband, Stephen, for 7 years and they have two little girls, Abigail
and Sydney. Sydney is from Haiti and has been with her family since September 2009. Kristen's entire family is very much involved in their local church. Kristen
completed and graduated from a three-year school of ministry.

Since graduating, Kristen and Stephen both are ordained ministers with Stephen being the Assistant
Pastor at Celebration Center in Fort Fairfield. They both are elders and also leaders of the couples ministry and pre-teen ministry. Life has not come without struggles but God has done some amazing work in Kristen's life. She says she is, "Living proof you can start over and have an AMAZING life, the life you were intended to have."
She knows there is no limit to what God can do with you if you are open. If you just say, "God use me," He will.

Check out my facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/45-Minutes-by-Kristen-Young/191089670964905

Buy it at amazon.com

Review of Deadly Pleasures

Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin
Pages: 305
Publisher: iUniverse
Rating: 5/5
Reviewed by: Stormi

Megan Riley has bigger things to worry about than the fact that her neighbor has just been found dead.

Her engagement has just ended, and she is once again on a quest to find Mr. Right-or at least Mr. Right Now. Tired of emotional ties and ready for a new adventure, Megan and her three best friends make a fateful decision. They hire hunky stripper Michael Harrington as their timeshare boytoy-unaware he is the prime suspect in a series of gruesome murders. Suddenly, they find themselves involved in a complicated murder investigation led by a handsome detective who is focused only on finding the twisted serial killer before he strikes again. But who will be the next to die? Megan, the hardworking real estate agent; newly divorced Kathleen; Alex, married to a wealthy businessman; or Rachel, the spurned wife of a hot Hollywood screenwriter?

Following her own investigation, Megan takes a wild ride through L.A.'s bondage parlors, hidden sex clubs, and the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous; soon she discovers that her quest for adventure has abruptly transformed into a dangerous game of life and death.

This is Mary Firmin's debut novel, and I must say I can't wait to read the next one! It had all the elements of a great murder mystery, it kept me guessing till the very end who the real killer was and I loved it!

Megan Riley's life is a bit of turmoil as she is trying to stay sober, her ex-fiance won't leave her alone, and now woman are being murdered and it hits close to home. Now she gets to add to everything the fact that her friends want to timeshare a man for fun, they figure that men do it all the time so why not them. Megan wasn't real sure that she wanted to but after meeting the handsome detective she really doesn't want to go through with it. Megan is a really strong character, very gutsy and I really liked her. I love strong female characters, especially when there is danger involved. I hate it when they run away screaming, but Megan she was a fighter.

Detective Matt Donovan is just one of those male characters that you take an instant liking too. He is handsome, kind and very determined to find out who is behind the murders. When he meets Megan he can't seem to get her out of his head but he doesn't think he has a chance with a high society lady. Not only does he have to try and solve the bondage murder case but he has to figure out if he can trust Megan or not since a lot of things keep happening to make him wonder about her.

Mary Firmin, does a great job of writing a face-paced murder mystery that makes me think it could be a Desperate House wives episode, even though I have never watched that show. :) I really thought I knew whodonit right up until the end then it was sort of like OH MY! I think I figured it out the same time the detective did! It was great! I love it when I am kept guessing till the end.

Don't let the cover put you off if you are thinking it is some sort of steamy sexy romance novel because it isn't. I actually thought it would be steamy but instead it was light on romance and heavy on mystery and I think it was wrote well enough that even both genders could enjoy it.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in I have a giveaway going of this book here.

Or get it at amazon.com

Guest Post from Ella Davidson

Most Anticipated Books of 2012

Guest Post: This post was written by couponing website Coupons resident writer, Ella Davidson. Coupons is a site dedicated to sharing couponing information and making a positive charitable impact on the world.

The coming year looks to be an incredible time for all sorts of readers. Take a look at some of these upcoming releases, plan your reading schedule accordingly, and get a leg up on the popular literary world!

• The Dream of the Celt (English translation) by Mario Vargas Llosa: Available in Spanish since November of 2010, this historical novel chronicles the life of Irish humanitarian and patriot Sir Roger Casement. The English translation, scheduled to appear this year, promises to be an important and popular title: it is already a bestseller in Spain, and the author was the 2010 Nobel laureate in literature. The book is constructed with journalistic as well as traditionally narrative elements and utilizes a unique structure of alternating chapters focusing on different points in the subject’s life. It has been compared to Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad because of its setting and themes; Conrad himself even makes an appearance in the novel.
• Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith: This revelatory biography of Queen Elizabeth II was published on January 10. It represents the culmination of extensive research by the author, utilizing interviews and heretofore-unrevealed documents to construct a detailed portrait that encompasses both the public and private lives of one of the most famous women in the world. American historian Smith has written on other high-profile political figures in the past, including Princess Diana, John and Jacqueline Kennedy, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, and she has been a contributing editor at Vanity Fair since 1996.
• The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus: Due for release by Knopf in January 2012, this novel tells the story of a world where the sound of children’s speech has become lethal to adults. It follows the experience of a couple as they grapple with the practical and moral problem of their own daughter’s toxicity, raising a slew of literary questions in the process. According to Tom McCarthy, “The Flame Alphabet drags the contemporary novel—kicking, screaming, and foaming at the mouth—back towards the track it should be following. Ben Marcus makes language as toxic as it is seductive— a virus that comes from much closer to home than we suspected” (http://benmarcus.com/books/the-flame-alphabet-2/). The author’s stories and essays have appeared in Harper’s, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Time, and he is currently an associate professor in the School of Arts at Columbia.
• Home by Toni Morrison: This latest work by the legendary Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist tells the story of returning Korean War veteran Frank Money and his struggle to return to life in his racist home nation. It is due for release in May of 2012. Morrison has already provided a taste of the forthcoming novel for anticipatory fans by publicly reading excerpts; her last book, A Mercy, was published in 2008. Now 80, Morrison taught creative writing at Princeton until her retirement in 2006.
• The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter: The author of the popular Discworld fantasy series and the award-winning British science fiction writer collaborate on this new sci-fi series, due out in spring of 2012. The books will follow up on ideas first conceived by Pratchett in the 80s, based on quantum theory and a chain of parallel worlds. The Discworld series is known for its comedic tone, and this forthcoming series will certainly display some of Pratchett’s trademark sense of humor. But the involvement of Baxter—an established crafter of hard sci-fi worlds and author of Flood, Ark, and the Time’s Tapestry and Destiny’s Children series—will likely satisfy fans of more serious speculative fiction.
• The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson: A political thriller that follows the story of a professional kidnapper in North Korea, this title released on January 10 as well. Reviewers are already praising its wild pacing and its careful, masterful rendering of the hidden world of North Korea. Author Adam Johnson conducted extensive research in the process of writing this book; he is currently an associate professor in creative writing at Stanford University.

2012 is full of highly anticipated releases; sit back and enjoy flipping the pages!

Small Press Blog Hop (March 17-24th)

 I am signing up to participate in the Small Press Blog Hop hosted at http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/2012/01/small-press-treasures-blog-hop-giveaway.html The blog hop is not until March17-24th, but I wanted to get a post up about it now so that if anyone else might want to participate they can head on over and sign up!!

I have found some really great independent and small press authors and I started helping a few of them with blog tours and other promotional things and I think its a great way to help promote their books.

Some independent or small press authors I know:

Jody Kihara author of White Witch Pond and The Frankincense Trail

Rhiannon Paille author of Flame of Surrender

Lynn Hardy author of Prophecy of the Flames

Ashley Dawn author of Shadows From the Past

Chris Thrall author of Eating Smoke

Mary Firmin author of Deadly Pleasures

This is just to name  a few!


 

Interview with Mary Firmin, author of Deadly Pleasures + giveaway!

I would like you to welcome author Mary Firmin to my blog. She just recently released her debut novel called Deadly Pleasures. So far it has received some really great reviews and I am in the middle of reading it and I am really liking it.

Blue Ink Reviews called it "Sexy in the City meets James Patterson..."

Clarion Reviews gave it 5 stars saying, "Firmin writes more like a seasoned storyteller than a debut novelist.."

Mary Firmin was raised in Canada and taught dance at the Arthur Murray Studio. She moved to Santa Monica, California, where she married and raised three children. She obtained her real estate license and sold real estate for many years, while also writing a society column. She began writing for enjoyment and joined a writers group. She’s been writing since that time and loving it. Mary belongs to the Palm Springs Writers Guild, Women in Film, Mystery Writers of America, and is a former member of the Southern California Yacht Club. If you would like to know more about what will be coming from this new author you should follow her new blog at http://maryfirmin.blogspot.com.

 

What made you decide to become a writer?

My girlfriend, Kathleen, and I were talking and laughing on her bed.  We decided we wanted to be on the Johnny Carson show.  We figured the only way we could get there is if we wrote a book.  So, we signed up for a class at UCLA called “How to Write a Best Seller.”  The teacher of this class was Marjorie Miller.  We both really liked Marjorie who became our mentor.  We joined her writer’s group in Westwood which has produced several published writers. We never got on the Johnny Carson show but we fell in love with writing. Deadly Pleasures is my second book.  The first one was Voodoun Fire which I still have in a drawer, I also wrote a screenplay, Rhumba, with a partner but we could never agree. I have written several short stories.  One won first prize at the PSWG.  Another won second prize the following year.

Do you have any authors that inspire your genre of writing?

 My favorite author is Thomas Harris who wrote Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and my favorite book, Red Dragon.  I love his books because they build suspense and then thoroughly satisfy you.  I also like Dan Brown who embraces fact in order to make you believe what he is writing is true. I also love Lawrence Bloch who is a fabulous mystery writer and unbelievably prolific.

What  gave you the idea for Deadly Pleasures?

Years ago, I heard of a situation where four men had hired a prostitute, paid for her apartment etc, so they could share her favors.   I thought about writing that story and creating a murder mystery around it.  Then, it suddenly dawned on me how much more interesting and forbidden it would be if four women did this. The idea grew from there.  Since my husband and I belonged to a yacht club in Marina del Rey and we lived near Venice Beach it was the most logical, most interesting setting I could come up with.  We were weekly visitors to Catalina so it progressed to Catalina Island.

Do you have a favorite character from your novel?

Yes.  I like Megan Riley very much.  She is the most like me.  I used to sell real estate. I was never the poor little rich girl like the other girls, and I too am a sober alcoholic but I have been sober a long time.

Are you currently working on a new novel?

Yes, I am writing a book called Deadly Secrets, which is located in a Country Club in the Palm Springs area.  Several murders occur while Megan Riley is there trying to sell a house that one of her friends, Kathleen, has inherited.  Much to Matt Donovan’s chagrin, she involves  herself in the crimes and realizes there are many Deadly
Secrets surrounding both the victims and the killer.

You can find Mary Firmin on the web at these different places:

Website: http://maryfirmin.com
Blog: http://maryfirmin.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mary_firmin

You can buy the book at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Mary Firmin has agree to let me giveaway one copy of her book. If you are in the US or Canada you may enter to receive a free print copy, sorry to those that are international.

I will not require that you be  follower to my blog, but if you would like to have a extra entry into the giveaway I would like to invite you to follow Mary's blog at http://maryfirmin.blogspot.com. Please fill out the form below to enter.