Author Interview with Pawan Mishra ~ Book Tour for Coinman

Today we are hosting a book tour stop for Coinman by Pawan Mishra. 

Title: Coinman 

Author: Pawan Mishra

Publisher: Lune Spark LLC

Date Published: Nov 04, 2015

Number of pages: 236  

Genre: Fiction/ Humor/ Satire

Book Description: 

An Untold Conspiracy is a humorous account of a man with a quirk--and the extraordinary measures his colleagues take to combat it! Set in a small town in northern India, this story follows Coinman, his peculiar habit, and the incredible animosity it provokes in everyone around him. He just wants to do his clerk's job with colleagues who'll treat him fairly. He just wants a wife who'll treat him like a husband. He just wants a happy home life. Instead, what does he get? 

His colleagues are planning his complete destruction.
His wife is an obsessed actress more than a little "off plumb."
And there are enough shadows and secrets in his home for two lifetimes.

Can Coinman ever get what he wants? Or will that cost him his sanity?

Read a sample chapter on Lune Spark. 

 

Quotes from Coinman: 

“Isn’t life a collection of weird quizzes with no answers to half the questions?” 

 “The only thing God is afraid of is a strong-willed human!”

“People say there are thousands of options we have in life. I say we have only two: we can either be happy or be unhappy.”

“Talented minds have always been stealthily targeted by mediocre ones.”

About the Author:

 

Pawan Mishra is a leader in the technology and finance industries. He completed his education, including postgraduate work, at Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), India, in 1999. He discovered his passion for storytelling, reading, and creative writing during his early childhood. Originally from Aligarh, India, Pawan now lives in Morrisville, North Carolina, with his wife Ritu and two daughters, Mitali and Myra. 

To learn more about Pawan and his writing, visit: www.pawanmishra.com.

 

Connect: Blog | Facebook (Author | Book | Lune Spark) | Twitter (Author | Book) |

 Welcome Pawan to Genuine Jenn! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why/what inspired you to write? When did you start writing?

I am a leader in the technology and finance industries. I love pursuing creativity in all forms. I live in Morrisville, North Carolina, with my wife, Ritu, and two daughters, Mitali and Myra.

The world around me always inspires me to write—small spontaneous things that happen all around us. Having spent first 20 years of my life in the small town of Aligarh in UP, I had a privilege of seeing life in a small city very closely. Wandering through every possible narrow street in the city and interacting with every possible type of character opened up a beautiful inner world in my mind that found a way to open itself through my writing.

I started writing short stories around the time when I was 13 years old.

What was your inspiration for ‘Coinman'?

I started on Coinman in 2003 as a creative writing pursuit—a result of someone's request for a story about his colleague whose habit of jingling coins in his pocket had plagued the office they worked for. As I started writing, I realized that the subject needed a more elaborate treatment--it thus turned into a full length novel. It was completed in 2007. I had no plans to publish it until early 2015.

What three words would you use to best describe Coinman?

Original, Absurd, Hilarious

Can you tell us if you’re working on anything else at the moment?

I am currently working on two books. First one is fiction book about a guy who disappears from his office causing a chain of tornadoes. The second one is a non-fiction book on management.

What was your very first book that you wrote?

Coinman is my first book. I do have a couple of half finished novels and a few stories and poems that I did not publish.

Other than your own, what are your favourite books?

This is a tough question – because I have so many favorite books. But to name a few: Brother Karamazov, Catch-22, The Trial, Narcissus and Goldmund, All About H. Hatterr, The Stranger, Ulysses

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

Nope, not when I am writing. I am launched into another world when I write – music takes me outside that world. I love music otherwise (During academics I always studied with music—it helped me focus, but writing is different). My favorite music is: Instrumental from across the world, Jazz, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, etc

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Of course, Coinman

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

Better safe than sorry

Not from friends and family, but a few acquaintances. I am not sure if they have even read the novel

What’s your favorite treat?

Frozen Yogurt

What’s your Favorite place to read/write?

Any place where I am comfortable enough to forget about the surroundings. I typically write sitting in the couch in my drawing room.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Some serene place in Himalaya

Thanks Pawan for taking the time to chat with us about your novel and yourself. 

Readers, you can purchase a copy of Coinman on Amazon in paperback or ebook. Keep an eye out for a review on Genuine Jenn soon! 

 

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Even Solomon by VK Lynne - Book Review

Book Description:

After a brush with the Almighty, the middle-aged protagonist finds himself going back over old ground and tilling new in this period novella that recounts the spiritual journeys and revelations of Danton Arthur, a conservative academic and botanist. The story follows Danton’s adventures in repentance, each of which yields an unexpected conclusion. He is rewarded with more questions, which become their own answers, and in his final address, he exhorts the reader to follow his example. It is a story to remind us that it is never too late or too little to pull the weeds and plant new seeds. Life can always be brought back to bloom.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:
USA: USA Link
Australia: Australia Link
Brazil: Brazil Link
Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Facebook: Facebook Link
Twitter: Twitter Link
Official Website: Official Website Link

Author Bio:

(I was kindly provided with this picture by the author, so thank you!)
VK Lynne is a Los Angeles-based musical artist, author, alternative model and actress. Currently fronting The Spider Accomplice, VK has been a part of a plethora of projects, including prog metal band stOrk, international symphonic metal recording project Vita Nova, as well as the award-winning web series, ‘Trading on 15’, which she wrote and directed. She runs a boutique PR company, Little Bear Social, and is also a founding member of Eve’s Apple, a collective of professional female rock, metal, and gothic singers. She is a contributing author to several literary magazines, including Image Curve, The Elephant Journal and GEM Magazine, and she is the Los Angeles correspondent for Guitar Girl Magazine. When she isn’t doing any of those things, she can be seen in such films as ‘108 Stitches’,  ‘Quiet Riot: Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back’, and ‘Day of Reckoning’. She has published a poetry book called ‘Crisis’, and ‘Even Solomon’ was published a short while after that. 

Book Review by Carmen:

I enjoyed this novella as I found it enlightening and delightful. The main character, Danton Arthur, seemed to be lively with a positive attitude, though he sometimes got himself into awkward situations because he sometimes fell in love a little too quickly, though I found this amusing at times. I ended up giving this novella a 5 star rating. I got a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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

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Tru & Nelle by G. Neri ~ Middlle Grade Book Review

Book Description:

Long before they became famous writers, Truman Capote (In Cold Blood) and Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) were childhood friends in Monroeville, Alabama. This fictionalized account of their time together opens at the beginning of the Great Depression, when Tru is seven and Nelle is six. They love playing pirates, but they like playing Sherlock and Watson-style detectives even more. It’s their pursuit of a case of drugstore theft that lands the daring duo in real trouble. Humor and heartache intermingle in this lively look at two budding writers in the 1930s South.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.  

About the Author: 

G. NERI is the Coretta Scott King honor winning author of YUMMY: THE LAST DAYS OF A SOUTHSIDE SHORTY. He is also the recipient of the International Reading Association's Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award for his debut book CHESS RUMBLE. His latest novel GHETTO COWBOY won an ALA Odyssey Honor and the Horace Mann Upstanders Award. His work has been honored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance, Antioch University, the Cybils, and the Eisners. An award-winning filmmaker and new media producer from Los Angeles, he also taught animation and storytelling to inner-city youth. Now living in Tampa, Florida, with his wife and their daughter, Neri writes for teens and children. His first picture book Hello, I'm Johnny Cash is due out in Spring '14.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter |

Review: 

This is a great book that is fiction but based on some true events between authors Tru Capote and Nelle Harper Lee. I love Breakfast at Tiffany's and read Harper Lee's To Kill A Mocking Bird back in school, it is on my to be reread list. I think this is a great book for younger children and anyone who enjoy these two authors. It gives us a fun glimpse into the lives of two very famous authors when they first meet and start writing. 

When I received a package of middle grade books to review, my son and I decided who would read which and this one ended up in my pile. He now has it in his to read as he saw how much I was enjoying it. 

The two kids meet and they could not be any more different from each other, Tru is very clean and  proper, not fitting in with the other boys. Nelle is a tomboy through and through! She reminds me of Annie, tiny but tough. Doesn't mind getting her hands dirty and loves a good adventure. Tru loves to solve mysteries but isn't a fighter, he's a story teller. They both love to read Sherlock Holmes mysteries and have their very own adventures together. 

This is a fun novel about a time during the great depression and the kids having fun with their imagination. I love how these two play together and become friends. Tru is left with family while is mother is doing her own thing and his father is trying to come up with a great scheme to make them lots of money. A fictitious memoir. 

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5. A great read, I am sure my son will enjoy it. 


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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The Rubber Fence by Diana Stevan ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

It's 1972. Women are breaking out, families are breaking down, and men are trying to hold on for the ride.

Dr. Joanna Bereza is a psychiatric intern, who wants to have it all: a career, a loving marriage, and a family, but her passion to do what's right sets her against a system that's as stuck as the people it treats.

Joanna becomes obsessed with the treatment of two women―a mute young mother suspected of trying to kill her baby and a feisty old woman who's been through the mill one too many times. Blinded by her obsession, Joanna not only neglects her own husband, but in trying to stop her patients from getting shock treatment, she also puts her career in jeopardy. Further complicating matters is the seductive senior resident who looks more like a hip rock star than an aspiring shrink.

Shadowing Joanna's work is her own unresolved grief over something that happened when she was a child.

The Rubber Fence was inspired by the author's experience as a family therapist on a psychiatric ward.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:  

Diana Stevan is from Winnipeg, where she got her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics and a Master of Social Work with honours.

Having worked as a professional actress, model, family therapist and CBC television sports broadcaster, she uses her experience to weave her stories.

Her time-slip novel, a romantic mystery/adventure, A CRY FROM THE DEEP, was published on October 15, 2014.

On March 15, 2015, she published her novelette, THE BLUE NIGHTGOWN, a story about family life in the 1950s and coming of age.

Her second novel, THE RUBBER FENCE, inspired by her work on a psychiatric ward in 1972, is now out as both a paperback and e-book. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | 

Review:

I really enjoy reading medical fiction, either mental or physical health. I believe this is likely because I work in the health care field and also since I am very fascinated by how our bodies and brain works. I have heard stories from institutions from the 1950-70's and realize they had some different approaches then what is more modern day. They still use electric shock treatment in some treatment centres, I am sure it is different from when they first introduced it.

Joanna is a young intern with new ideas, more hands on, less medication type approach. The Dr's where she is interning are more about pharmaceuticals and ECT. Following Joanna's troubles at home and finding her place in her career this made for an interesting novel set in the 1970's. I found the story is written in a steady pace, it starts out a little slow but then gets going. I found it hard to put down, from one thing to the next poor Joanna has her struggles. This is a novel of life lessons and struggles, relationship problems and learning to communicate with one another. It is set in the '70's when women were still newer to the work force especially as Dr's. The author did a fantastic job bringing the reader into the story and emotional journey. I look forward to reading more by Diana Stevan.

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5, a great literary fiction.


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Norm of the North Paper Craft ~ Out on Digital HD today!

Here is a fun paper craft for the kids to have some fun with! Enjoy here. 

Lionsgate’s family adventure Norm of the North is heading to Digital HD March 29 and Blu-ray Combo Pack April 19! Follow the adventures of Norm, a polar bear from the Arctic who happens to have some very unusual talents and who has to head outside of his comfort zone to save his home! Norm embarks on a laugh-filled adventure in New York City with his lemming pals as they all try to stop greedy humans from turning the Arctic into a suburban neighborhood, and he makes some new friends along the way. 

This new movie is packed with laughs, music, fun characters and heart, Norm of the North is a must-own for the entire family! Bring home this heroic adventure on  Digital HD March 29 and Blu-ray Combo Pack April 19!

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Book Cover Reveal ~ Paper Dolls by Hanna Peach

Title: Paper Dolls

Author: Hanna Peach

Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

Cover Design: Romacdesigns

Release Date: April 24, 2016

Blurb

My life comes down to this. Two faces. One choice.

Salem is my twin sister. She loved me. She protected me. She forgave me, even after I failed her. I just got her back after searching for three long, lonely years.

Then there’s Clay. Sweet yet intense and nursing a dark past of his own, he’s all the redemption I don’t deserve. He wants to open me up and know the insides of my soul. I want to let him, but I’m scared he’ll run from what he finds.

But I can’t have them both.

My name is Aria. And today, I must choose. One of the two people I love has to die.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Pre-order Links

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Excerpt

Prologue

 
In moments like these, everything slowed. Salem always joked that it was life’s way of making sure you didn’t miss the turning points, the important bits. As if gravity sank heavier and heavier with the weight of the moment until the world was too heavy to turn and everyone held their breath.
It certainly felt like that now. My next action, my next word, would change all of our lives.
“Aria,” Clay’s deep voice reached my ears. “Whatever happens…I love you.” The usual assuredness and authority was gone. Instead, strain and hurt had crumpled up and shoved into his throat. Choose me. Save me. Love me.
Before him my life had felt like a stack of old movies; frames missing or out of order, muted crackling sound, flickering and shuttering away, unloved and unseen in an old unused cinema.
Then I found him. Or he found me.
He created a warm shield around me where I could be safe. He coaxed away all my layers and shed all my masks and his love soaked right into my skin, right into the very soul of me. He pulled out the fossil buried inside that had been my heart and breathed life into me.
How could I give up the man I loved? The one who loved me with a fierce and unwavering passion, the man who made me feel like I could defeat demons as long as he was by my side.
Winking in the threads of sunlight piercing through the solemn gray clouds, seed fluff twirled about me like swirling, dancing couples. Spinning around like Salem and I used to do in our backyard, hands clasped together tightly, turning round and round, eyes to the sky, our twin voices giggling and floating into the air like dandelions.
She had been my shield before Clay.
“I’m nothing without you, Aria,” Salem’s voice trembled, desperation leaking into the breaths between her words. Choose me. Need me. Love me.
How could I end her? I just got her back. For so long we shared almost everything, and she protected me. Her whole life had been about protecting me. Because she loved me that much.
How could I turn against her, toss her away like an old broken toy?
But I had to choose.
I could see us now, the three of us making a chain like when I was a kid, folding pieces of colored paper into rectangles, cutting out an arm, a leg, and half a head, and unfurling my new patterns in the light to reveal a line of paper dolls. Clay, Salem and I − we were all just paper dolls in a paper chain, me in the middle, each end pulling tighter and tighter until something had to tear.
Even now as I stare between Clay and Salem, trying to digest our impossible situation, Hope is still there, that terrible pixie, fluttering on my shoulder, whispering.
Maybe it doesn’t have to end this way?
Fuck you, Hope. Here’s the truth.
Nobody is coming.
No one will save us.
And someone isn’t going to make it out of this forest today.
“Choose,” my sister screamed. “It’s either him or me.”
My fingers tightened around my gun in a reflex. This was it. I either ended her. Or destroyed Clay.
I squeezed my eyelids shut for a moment, just for a moment of peace. Just for an instant I could shut out the inevitable, and in this blessed darkness I believed I could conceive a way that both could exist in my life. A way that I could choose Salem and Clay.
You can’t have both.
You tried.
You.
Can’t.
Have.
Both.
Choose now.
But how?
What do you do when someone puts a gun to your head? Clay’s words came back to me, echoing as loud in my mind as if he had just spoken them. You refuse to bend. You push back. You find another way. You take that gun off him and put it back in his face. But you do not give in.
Find another way…
I knew what I had to do. A kind of peace settled on my skin, as delicate as gossamer, as light as silk.
I opened my eyes to a world of bright light until my vision adjusted. The torn and pained faces of the two people I loved came into focus. The only two people I’ve shared air with while we slept, the same two people I’d crawl into Hell to be with, and the only two people I would die for. I forced the ghost of a smile forward.
And turned the gun on myself.

Author Bio

Hanna is the bestselling author of the Bound romantic suspense series and the Dark Angel fantasy series. Although she writes in more than one genre she can’t write a book without weaving together a complicated plot and filling it with twists. She writes what she believes: good people can do bad things, ordinary people can do great things, and choose love above everything.

Eternally restless, Hanna has lived in Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Scotland, England, Croatia and Ireland – everything she owns fits into one suitcase. She’s planning her next move with her gorgeous (and understanding) partner right now. If not writing, she can be found wandering a dusty market in Marrakesh or trekking a mountain in Peru, often using her travels as settings in her novels.

To WIN a copy of her next release go to www.hannapeach.com/subscribe.

Author Links

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TWITTER

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Five High School Dialogues (The Dialogues #3) by Ian Thomas Malone ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

High School, a rite of passage for all American teenagers, can be a daunting experience. Wouldn't it be nice to have a little help along the way? George Tecce, known as The Chief, takes a hiatus from his collegiate adventures to help students navigate through the often daunting labyrinth with his signature oft-kilter enlightening comedy. No topic is off limits as The Chief breaks down high school for students and parents discussing such topics as bullying, prom, and the dreaded group project. Refreshingly unique and accessible, Five High School Dialogues is the perfect all-inclusive guide to high school.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Ian Thomas Malone is an author and a yogi from Greenwich, CT. He is a graduate of Boston College, where he founded The Rock at Boston College. He is the grandson of noted Sherlockian scholar Colonel John Linsenmeyer. Ian has published thousands of articles on diverse subjects such as popular culture, baseball, and social commentary. His favorite things to post on social media are pictures of his golden retriever Georgie and his collection of stuffed animals.

Ian believes firmly that “there’s more to life than books you know, but not much more,” a quote from his hero Morrissey. When he’s not reading, writing, or teaching yoga, he can probably be found in a pool playing water polo. He aspires to move to the Hundred Acre Wood someday, though he hopes it has wi-fi by then.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | 

Review: 

This is a whole different kind of book from the normal fiction novels I read. This book is all dialogue with a brief into explaining what the conversation is about and with whom. The Chief (teacher) has five different conversations with his students about respect, prom, working in groups, bullying. This is a great read for teens in high school, teachers, and parents. I really enjoyed the first conversation the Chief has with a group of students he is a supply teaching. The one student calls the teacher bro and then the conversation between the group gets interesting, making the students all think about respect for one another and their teachers. Everyone partakes in this conversation.

A great book on life lessons that can go further than the classroom. The author makes these topics fun and entertaining. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this series. 

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5.




~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Becoming Phoebe by J. Michael Neal - Book Review

Book Description:

Eighteen-year-old Phoebe Rose spent her childhood in one foster household after another, never having a place she could feel safe or group of friends she belonged to. What kept her going was hockey. The rink was the only place she felt at home.

Now what she wants more than anything is to play on her college hockey team—to leave her past behind and start building a new life. But she knows things are never that simple. Becoming Phoebe is about painful secrets, unexpected friendships, and joining a team so you can become your true self.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link

Australia: Australia Link

Brazil:Brazil Link

Canada: Canada Link

France: France Link

Germany: Germany Link

India: India Link

Italy: Italy Link

Japan: Japan Link

Mexico: Mexico Link

Netherlands: Netherlands Link

Spain: Spain Link

UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:

Disqus: Disqus Link

Author Bio:

(I unfortunately couldn't find a picture)

J. Michael Neal lives in Minneapolis where he owns a house and in turn is owned by three cats. His passions are history, fantasy and science fiction, role playing, prog rock, sports, good liquor and especially the Gopher women's hockey team. Unproductive at home he works primarily from various restaurants around the Twin Cities. His favorite authors include Guy Gavriel Kay, Jon Courtenay Grimwood and Alistair Reynolds.

He has been published in By Polaris Bright, an anthology from the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers. His story "Living After Noon" won the Open Division of the 2013 Minnesota Geek Partnership Society Writer's Contest, and his story "The Love of His Life" will be published in an upcoming issue of Tales of the Unanticipated.

Book Review by Carmen:

I knew that I was going to give this book a 5 star rating when I started reading it. I enjoyed reading about Phoebe's Ice Hockey career, but at the same time also found the story heartbreaking at places. It also would have been nice if Phoebe had met her parents (if they'd been alive). I also learnt about a new condition that I previously hadn't known about, and it was interesting to read about it. I got a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

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

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Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

After Queenie Wake is dismissed from her restaurant job, she returns to North Star to cook meals for death row inmates. Hopeful that the bad memories of her late mother and promiscuous sister (now the mother of the captain of the high school football team) have been forgotten by the locals, Queenie discovers that some people can’t be forgotten—heartbreaker Everett Coburn—her old high-school sweetheart. When secrets from the past emerge, will Queenie be able to stick by her family or will she leave home again?

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

About Author Liza Palmer:

Liza Palmer is the internationally bestselling author of Conversations with the Fat Girl which Booklist says, "...manages to infuse a message of self--acceptance that isn't heavy-handed or cloying. This quick-witted author is sure to develop a following." Conversations with the Fat Girl became an international bestseller its first week in publication, being named a Target Breakout book, as well as hitting Number 1 on the Fiction Heatseekers List in the UK the week before the book debuted. Conversations with the Fat Girl has been optioned for series by HBO by the producers of Rome, Band of Brothers and Generation Kill. 

Book Review:

Queen Elizabeth Wake, a.k.a. Queenie, is running from her family’s haunting legacy that can be describe in many ways but only in hushed tones and definitely not in church. After roaming from city to city across the country, Queenie finds herself back in her small hometown of North Star, Texas, cooking last meals for death row inmates. 

After all her travels, college education and attempts to be an established chef, fate leads her back to a place where she is held responsible for choices she didn’t make; a life she never lived; and a town that never forgives or forgets. But, Queenie discovers she must first forgive her family’s past before other people can forget her kins’ transgressions. 

“For someone who struggles with faith, I base a lot of my life on things I can’t see. All these years looking for the answer and it comes down to the simplest question... Do I want to go backward or forward?” - Queenie

Queenie is witty, and a firecracker with a strong resolve. Nowhere But Home delivers a dialogue of hilarious quips followed by striking epiphanies and profound self realizations. What a read! This one earns a 4.5- to 5-star rating from me!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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Hands Across the Sky by Andrew John Schmitz - Book Review

Book Description:

From the first page, Hands Across The Sky draws the reader into an intoxicating tale of mystery and hope, beautifully told.

When Ezra Quinn, a San Francisco techie, gets a call one Saturday morning, he has no idea that his life is about to change beyond his wildest imaginings. Quinn is offered a lucrative position in the Middle East in his field of wearable tech. A week later, he’s on a flight to Dubai.

In Dubai, Quinn meets beautiful, cosmopolitan Leila, who orients him both to his work and to the political complexities in the region. Though the Middle East is on fire, Leila drops a hint that there is another way … the way of the Open Hand.

Leila accompanies Quinn to Cairo, where he meets Alif Zahir, the passionate, intelligent official at the center of the operation. As Quinn begins working on the project, he starts to become suspicious. Is Alif Zahir really who he says he is? And is the project truly aimed at peace? Soon events will spiral out of control, and Ezra Quinn will find himself caught up in a web of violence and treason from which there seems no escape.

Purchase on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Andrew John Schmitz is an author and poet living in the San Francisco Bay Area. After dreams of becoming a spy, he spent three years vagabonding across four continents. He now spends his time between writing inspiring novels and working in the tech industry. He releases one book a year not only for entertaining purposes, but to add value by incorporating subtle themes, philosophical musings, and inspirational messages. He is the author of Hands Across the Sky and the more recently published Mediums of the Heart. What he cares about most is using his words to a leave a mark on his readers' imaginations.

Connect: Amazon | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Review:

***** 5 out of 5 stars

From the very first sentence, I was hooked. I am going to attempt to be as objective as possible in this review, but you'll have to excuse me if I gush. I do not give 5 stars lightly, and I tried so many times to find something, anything that would knock this read to a 4 (because I'm cynical like that). But, alas, I couldn't in good conscience justify knocking off that fifth star. And here's why (1 point for each star):

1. The author has a way with words. It's the kind of writing that's so smooth, you want to go home with it after a really sexy night out. I mean, the metaphors and subtle imagery were enough to have me swooning like a princess just rescued by Mr. Right. It was pretty, like reading a literary novel, but didn't make me want to fall asleep halfway through.

2. The plot was gorgeous. Intricate without bogging you down in details, culturally intriguing, scenic, mysterious, thrilling....I could go on and on. I immediately thought of Dan Brown, but then I had to toss that out because I honestly thought it was better. There wasn't any point I doubted the main character Ezra or the world Schmitz transported me to. 

3. The book has James Bond sex appeal and Jason Bourne grit. There's a love story that actually makes sense and drives the plot forward, instead of being distracting and haphazardly thrown in. Schmitz keeps you guessing and biting your nails - I found myself suspicious of everyone at one point or other. I could absolutely picture this novel becoming a movie, not only because Schmitz does such a fabulous job with the imagery, but because it has the suspense of a fast-paced spy thriller.

4. If Schmitz hasn't been to the Middle East and Egypt, I'd be shocked. The detail and descriptions of the customs, food, people, culture and geography were well executed and inspired me to look at the region in a different light. As I mentioned, I can be pretty cynical when it comes to reading, so I thought for sure he was going to run with some stereotypical, Middle Eastern terrorist plot...wrong! Best of all, I actually learned some things - who would have thought?

5. I would read it again. That's how I know if I've read a 5 star book. I would pick this back up in a heart beat, just to see if I could catch some more nuance and see things I was too absorbed to see before. Plus, back to point #1 - the writing was seriously a turn on for me...as far as books go, that is!

I don't want to get too far into the plot or the characters; half of what made this read so great was the mystery. Schmitz unfolds the story purposefully, and I refuse to ruin that for any prospective readers. I went in completely blind, and it was the best way to do it. Just take my word for it! If you love reading thrillers, mysteries, suspense or anything along those lines, GRAB THIS BOOK!

~I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.~

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Mail-Order Bride: A Breckenridge Romance (Book #2) by Julie Pollitt Narrated by Leonor A. Woodworth ~ Audiobook Review

Book Description: 

Christmas in the Colorado Rockies

Jonah Tomlinson spent the last year mending a broken heart. He wanted marriage and children, but didn't want the worries of love and another broken heart. But no woman would ever agree to that, so he sent off for a mail-order bride with the condition that they marry for mere companionship--and not love.

Annie Reed spent the past year mourning the loss of her fiance to a horse accident. She vowed never to fall in love again. When she answered Jonah's letter, the two agreed to marry without the entanglement of love. They both decided to stick to the plan. Until they met.

It's winter time in the Colorado Rockies, and Christmas is right around the corner in the small town of Breckenridge. Sleigh bells ring, Christmas decorations are up, and Annie and Jonah are doing something they promised not to do--fall in love with each other. Both find themselves unable to stick to the agreement, but not wanting to disappoint the other by breaking their promise. Before they say their vows, can they admit their feelings for each other and truly give in to love? Or will Annie return to New York and never see her true love again?

Come for Christmas in the Colorado Rockies.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 
Author Julie Pollitt grew up in Denver, Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountains. She quickly fell in love with the history of Denver and the frontier. Throughout her life she traveled all over the country and the world, but always loved coming back to Colorado.

For many years Julie worked for a pipeline construction company handling payroll in the field. She loved her coworkers and had the opportunity to work in many different states. It was on one of the jobs where she met her husband, John.

Julie now lives in Southwestern Florida with her husband and two boys. She spends a great deal of time volunteering at her church and the school her boys attend. Julie is most content when she is hanging out with her family, writing, or drinking a Starbucks. Although she does miss the snow and loves breaking out a sweater when the weather turns cold.

Julie worked as an editor at a small town newspaper in Southwest Colorado, in the Four Corners region. She has seen her work published in the Cortez Newspapers, USA Today, and eHow. She has also published several devotions.

Find out more at http://juliepollitt.com.

Review:  

This is book 2 in the Mail-Order Brides series but I didn't find it confusing. I am thinking it is more a stand alone series. Its a cute, clean romance set back in time of the horse and buggy. For being a very short read, the characters are well developed and you will fall in love with Annie and Jonah right away. Both characters have sworn off falling in love again and have made an agreement that they would be companions in marriage but not more, until both start to fall in love with the other. I love Annie, she is a country girl who doesn't mind to get dirty and help out. She is a sweet girl.

The narrator, Leonor Woodworth does a fantastic job with this story. She has a soft voice that is fitting for the story, especially for Annie, her cadence and volume is perfect. Leonor makes this an enjoyable audiobook. I will listen to more from Leonor in the future. 

I also look forward to reading more by Julie Pollitt. I give this novella a 4 out of 5 stars. 
 

~*Disclaimer: I received the above audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*~

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Double Steam: A BWWM romance by Gallery Stories Publishing, Narrated by Aundrea Mitchell ~ Audiobook Review

Book Description: 

High school chemistry teacher Shelly Lewis is looking for love, passion and companionship. Given the extra padding on her petite frame she figures settling for companionship and deep caring would be enough.

That is until she meets Jase, who sets her on fire and keeps the fire within her burning brightly. But she thinks she’s better suited for someone more reserved and less handsome…someone like her widowed neighbor Drew.

After a series of amazing dates and more chemistry than should be legal, Shelly realizes she can’t settle for anything less than she has with Jase.

Falling in love never felt so good or so right, but after one night of passion Shelly gets a glimpse of the demons haunting Jase and she has to wonder, who is this man I’ve fallen for?

Will Jase be able to overcome his past and be the man Shelly needs? Will Shelly forgive his bad behavior so they can forge the future they have, ready or not?

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Narrator: 

After receiving her B.S. and MBA Aundrea fell madly in love and decided to start her family.  Ten years and five children later she was quickly living the full time wife, mother and household management life.  Needing a temporary escape from time to time Tovah returned back to her first love - reading!  Devouring anything that peaked her interest  she soon found that she was addicted to stories and how they are woven and couldn't get enough.  After having the idea that she could get a lot more accomplished in her day if she listened to these stories she was becoming enamoured with while following her daily schedule (in particular her daily drop off and pick up of her oldest boys from their rigorous karate training) and idea struck.  What if she could mix her love of performance and literature in a professional capacity?  Once getting involved in the world of book narration she quickly became hooked and when not with her family  you can find her in her homemade studio working hard to grow in her own story telling abilities.  You can follow her on twitter @A5Mitchell to learn more about her upcoming projects or see what is going on in her very full, very busy household.
 
Review:  

I listen to this book on audible, which is narrated by Aundrea Mitchell. I have listened to a couple other novellas narrated by her and really enjoy them. She makes the books easy to listen to and enjoyable. Sometimes I did chuckle at the "male" voice but I think that one can be hard for a lot of females.

This story is a quick one that doesn't go to in depth but we learn a bit about our main character and her dating troubles. She has two men wanting her and she has to decide. It turns out to be easy to choose due to a couple reasons. Jase the sexy club owner or Drew the widow next door, I would have to choose Jase. This is a lesson learned novella. I really wish there would be a book two or this had been a novel as I think there would have been enough story to make it longer.

I give this a book a 3.5 stars out of 5. 


~*Disclaimer: I received the above audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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Acea And The Animal Kingdom (Acea #1) by Kyle Shoop ~ Middle Grade Book Review

Book Description: 

Welcome to the Animal Kingdom, Where Mystery and Adventure Roam Free!

Twelve-year-old Acea Bishop was always the nerdy kid who would rather go to the library during recess to read bout animals instead of playing basketball like the other boys. Now, after waking up inside of an ancient kingdom strangely resembling a zoo, Acea is running from those same animals he used to love reading about.

Worse yet? Acea's not just on a quest to get home - his mom and the dad-he-never-knew are both being held hostage inside by an evil sorcerer with a vendetta. Realizing that his odds of survival and freeing his parents are dim, Acea raises an army of animals to combat the sorcerer and regain control of the kingdom.

Follow Acea as he travels through the exotic zoo habitats and unlocks the secrets of the kingdom's mysterious past that hold the key to his fate.

Acea has secrets. Big ones. He just doesn't know it yet.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

About the Author: 

Kyle is the author of the Acea Bishop series, a young adult fantasy series that will appeal to readers of the Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, and Fablehaven series.

The first book of the trilogy is Acea and the Animal Kingdom. The second book, Acea and the Seven Ancient Wonders, has just been released! Both books are available in paperback and ebook at the Amazon/Kindle stores.

Kyle began writing the series after volunteering in his wife's elementary classroom for years. His goal was to write a book that both parents and kids would want to read together. In addition to writing, Kyle is also a practicing attorney. Kyle and is wife and two children are currently living in Utah

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book.The book is about Acea who woke up in this room with Five doors that are different animal habitats. My favourite character is Acea because he was very courageous and he never gave up on his mission to save The Animal Kingdom. My favourite part in the book was when Acea found his inner animal in the safari because it was very hard for all the animals and Acea to find his inner animal but they never gave up. This book got me hooked in about 7 pages in. It was hard to put down. I think this book is appropriate for the age group. I rate this book 5 stars.

This review was written by Parker 

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*~

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