Wednesday 28 December 2016

Review: An Enlightening Quiche

An Enlightening Quiche by Eva Pasco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredible story from start to finish. The way Pasco weaves the story around a winning heirloom quiche recipe is nothing short of spectacular. I loved everything about this novel from the characters, to the world, she made everything believable. There is not one moment in this story where I questioned what was happening or who these characters were. Well done, Eva Pasco.

The story follows the lives of two women in their forties who have been rivals since their youth. A third women's outside perspective of the two. We are privy to the mysteries of their youth as the story unfolds, all the while they struggle to figure out where things went wrong and how to fix them. All secrets from the past are swirled together making the women live, regret and learn, before ultimately forgiving, loving and moving forward with their lives.


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Review: Find Me

Find Me Find Me by E.J. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Find Me, is a short ghost story set in an abandoned house. Mia returns to the house where all the secrets from her childhood are revealed. A suppressed memory opens the flood gates to a missing child and a house of horrors, proving that some secrets just won't rest.

A quick read with a worthwhile story.


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Wednesday 9 November 2016

Review: The Rainbow Serpent

The Rainbow Serpent The Rainbow Serpent by Lyra Shanti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an interesting tale of Cain and Abel. A refreshing take on an old story.

Shanti's imagery of the tree of knowledge, life mixed with love and courage was a nice touch keeping me turning the pages. All elements of the original story are there but twisted and altered, in such a way I almost forgot there was an original story.
There was enough description to allow the reader to visually picture the story, but was in no way boring to the reader. Nice work, Mrs. Shanti.

This short is well written with much thought to how the story unfolds, and how it would end. Great job, Lyra Shanti.

I highly recommend this book and give this book 5 of 5.

Well done!


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Monday 24 October 2016

Review: Sire

Sire Sire by Jex Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit! Jex Lane has done it again with her newest novel, Sire. Once again, everything about this novel kept me engaged from the settings to the characters to the story's arc. Another well done, Jex Lane.

Masterfully crafted this novel is action packed from the first page until the last leaving me craving more. Book 2, Sire, in the Beautiful Monsters series has lived up to the standard set by the original, Captive. I was compelled from cover to cover and enthralled with the story of Matthew. Don't keep us waiting too long for book three or I'll have to stalk you on social media more than I do. LOL

My last review had me wishing for more of Tarrick and Matthew, but this time around I'm pulling for Matthew and Devak. Don't disappoint me, Miss Lane!

You have me hooked and I will certainly be looking out for book 3, which by my estimation, should be released in January 2017.

Congratulations on your continued success!


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Review: I'm Not Even Eating a Cookie

I'm Not Even Eating a Cookie I'm Not Even Eating a Cookie by Regina Puckett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful illustrated children's' book, well deserving 5 stars. Regina strikes again with another beautifully, illustrated book. I loved this book from the first page to the last. Nice work with the drawings, too!

Well, done, Mrs. Puckett. Much continued success with your stories.


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Wednesday 19 October 2016

Review: Leaf

Leaf Leaf by Joanne Van Leerdam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover of this novel stood out to me, a simple colorful leaf among black and white pebbles, I think, is befitting this book of poetry.

Now, I'm no poetry expert, but I must say that, Joanne Van Leerdam, really has a way with words. This book is well organized, nicely put together and the poems are spectacular.

I normally don't read a lot of poetry, but I'm sure glad I gave this book a chance. It was a refreshing change of pace from the novels of epic story lines, and I read this book in one sitting.

Each poem is expressed beautifully, urging me to read the next. If poetry is not your usual form of reading pleasure I encourage you to give this one a try.

I give this book 5 of 5 stars and would recommend this novel.

Well done, Joanne Van Leerdam, keep up the outstanding work.


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Review: 31 Days of October: A Haunting Collection of Hallowe'en Tales

31 Days of October: A Haunting Collection of Hallowe'en Tales 31 Days of October: A Haunting Collection of Hallowe'en Tales by Shae Hamrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


31 Days of October: A Haunting Collection of Hallowe'en Tales - Various Authors

31 Days, is a collection of short stories, by 23 authors, who have come together to create a wonderful book.

These stories are broken into three categories expanding the size of their readership. Each section lets you know what a reader is in for, thrills and chills for the young, or more adult thrills.

The stories themselves are well written and creatively thought out. I was quite impressed with many of the stories that kept me engaged and moving onto the next.

If you're looking for a fun read over the Halloween season, I highly recommend this book.

I give this book 5 of 5 stars and would recommend this novel.
Well done!


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Saturday 24 September 2016

Review: Pearl and the Dread King

Pearl and the Dread King Pearl and the Dread King by Jex Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jex Lane does it again!

I don't know what is about Jex's writing style, but it pulls you in from page one leaving you satisfied, but also wanting so much more by the end.
Another fabulous story with well-developed characters. Giving us a peek into Pearl's world, revealing how she met and started dating Titus was simply brilliant. Now I want a novel completely dedicated to their relationship and how it works while living in two different worlds.
I hope Ms. Lane that there are more to come from these two, I anxiously await more novels.

I give this book 5 of 5 stars and would recommend this novel.

Well done, Jex Lane. You've done it again!


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Review: To Kill a Sorcerer

To Kill a Sorcerer To Kill a Sorcerer by Greg Mongrain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this novel through the Kindle Scout program.
The cover of this novel stood out to me and it is what first drew my attention to this book. After reading this novel I was glad it called to me.
The story dives in from the first page and drives the reader to the last page begging for more. Not a moment in this story was wasteful and everything pushes the story forward with intrigue and wonder.
Mr. Mongrain's characters are well developed and completely relatable, even though they are not human. Sebastian is everything you would want in a man who has lived many centuries. Aliena, seems like your typical vampire, but along the way we find out she is anything but typical.
I was complete entranced by Marcus, one of the most powerful vampires, but he was a minor character in this novel. Hopefully, in the sequels we'll see more of Marcus. That's not a request Mr. Mongrain! LOL

I give this book 5 of 5 stars and would recommend this novel.

Well done, Mr. Mongrain, keep up the outstanding work.


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Review: Devil in the Dock

Devil in the Dock Devil in the Dock by Michael Monhollon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I receive a free copy of this novel through the Kindle Scout program.
Another cover that stood out to me and it is what first drew my attention to this book.
The entire story is about Robin Starling a lawyer who is compelled, by money, to represent Mr. Short, who is accused of killing his neighbor. She is a quirky character who always seems to be getting herself into more trouble as the story progresses, but she also has a way of taking it all in stride.
Mr. Short is the mean, old, cranky man in the neighborhood that everyone loves to hate. It's hard to feel bad for him.
The comically aspect of the story added a surprising element making the story flow naturally.
I give this book 4 of 5 stars and would recommend this novel.
Well done, Mr. Monhollon.


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Sunday 14 August 2016

Review: The Home for Wayward Girls: Book One: Beginnings

The Home for Wayward Girls: Book One: Beginnings The Home for Wayward Girls: Book One: Beginnings by Lance Llyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Home for Wayward Girls is a novel that delves deep into the world of BDSM. From one man's perspective, the story follows Lance, as he and his personal assistant pursue a professional and BDSM relationship. For 5 years we follow the two through their trials and tribulations that come with the unique lifestyle they have chosen. At the same time, Lance makes his dream of building a Home for submissive's who have been abused in the lifestyle. The Home is met from opposition from several in the BDSM community who invest a great deal in stopping Lance from realizing his dream.

This novel is an interesting read into the mind of a Dominant, which from past novels I've read are usually from the perspective of the submissive. This novel gives the reader a unique perspective from the mind of a man deep into the world of BDSM. Lacking in the story was how Lance prepared and performed during a scene. Including that perspective would have completed this novel. Perhaps, we'll see this in future novels.

An interesting read from debut author Lance Llyn. Congrats on your first novel!


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Thursday 11 August 2016

Review: Captive

Captive Captive by Jex Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Captive was the perfect name for Jex Lane's debut novel because I was completely captivated. Everything about this novel kept me engaged from the settings to the characters to the story's arc. Well done, Jex Lane!

Masterfully crafted this novel is action packed from the first page til the end leaving me craving more. Book 2 in the Beautiful Monsters series already has quite the undertaking in living up to the standard that Captive has set, but I have no doubt that Jex Lane will accomplish this task. Don't keep us waiting too long or I'll have to stalk you on social media for the release of the second installment. LOL

If there is one thing that disappointed me it was the relationship between Tarrick and Matthew I wanted more. I desperately wanted them to share their feels to each other, but I quite understand why this did not happen… yet.

You have me hooked and I will certainly be looking out for book 2. Congratulations and much success in the future.


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Tuesday 5 July 2016

Review: Raven's Peak

Raven's PeakRaven's Peak by Lincoln Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven's Peak is an outstanding, action packed adventure that kept moving rapidly till the bitter end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the settings, to character development and the relationship between Abigail and Haatim. I look forward to the next installment of the series. Don't keep us waiting too long Mr. Cole.

I was a little jolted in parts of this story, one being the Interlude. That pulled me right out of the story and it took a day to get back to it. I understand why Mr. Cole choose to use this tactic, but I'm not convinced it worked well. Once I started reading I was glad I did. What a ride Mr. Cole took us on. The other jolt was the ending, it just stopped. Without the prelude the ending would have had me furious, but I tend to do that with my stories, so I forgive you for that one Mr. Cole. LOL

Overall this novel is well-written, well-developed and an author I will read more from. Well done Mr. Cole! Keep up the great work.


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Thursday 16 June 2016

Review: Eve

Eve (The Eternal Daughter Book 1) by [Larsen, Patti]Eve by Patti Larsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In giving full disclosure, I received this novel free because I nominated it in the Kindle Scout program, and boy, am I ever glad I did.

What an incredible story from start to finish. It was so good I could barely put it down. (Even to work, LOL) The way Larson weaves the story is nothing short of stellar. I loved everything about Eve from the characters, to the world, she made everything believable. There is not one moment in this story where I questioned what was happening or who these characters were. Well done, Mrs. Larson.

As a side note I wanted to add that my normal genres are not Folklore, Fantasy, Science Fiction because it's very hard for me to picture a world that doesn't exist, but after reading Eve I may have to try some other novels in this genre before quickly moving on from them. So thank you, Mrs. Larson for opening my eyes to a world I have been blind to in the past.


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Thursday 2 June 2016

Murder in 4th HourMurder in 4th Hour by Michael Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel was entered in Kindle Scout program and was one of my first nominations. Unfortunately, it was not selected, but I bought a copy and read it anyways. I'm so glad I did. What a great story from start to finish. A smart mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

The characters of Jack and Chris are so well developed I felt as if I knew them both. The story moved along precisely right, giving the reader enough detail to visualize the scenes and scenarios, but never boring the audience. The way the two main characters played off each other was nothing short of excellent writing.

I'm not sure why this story wasn't chosen by Kindle Scout. (And we'll probably never know) But, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, YA, or a just a great read.


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Thursday 5 May 2016

Review: Follow the Crow

Follow the Crow Follow the Crow by B.B. Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an excellent novel, full of mystery and intrigue. This novel was definitely a surprise. I began reading not expecting much, but boy did I get a great piece of literature. I will be looking at more from this author. Highly recommend this novel if you love face paced mysteries with a touch of supernatural. The supernatural element mixed with realism was crafted so beautifully I never once questioned the realistic nature of the story. Well done B.B. Griffith!

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Review: Spoiled Little Princess Wears a Rat

Spoiled Little Princess Wears a Rat Spoiled Little Princess Wears a Rat by Regina Puckett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A children's illustrated novel with a moral inspired story. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations that went along well with the story. My only advice for the author would be to make your text a little more prevalent. There were some pages of the novel that the text was diluted by the illustration and therefore became difficult to read. That is the only reason I give this work 4 stars.

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Review: Confessions of an Ugly Girl

Confessions of an Ugly Girl Confessions of an Ugly Girl by Alice Wasser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this novel? It is hilarious. There are very few novels that I have read that had me laughing out loud, but this is definitely one of them. The author writes the novel like a diary of Millie Glockenfeld, which allows the reader a peek of her inner mind. Millie represents most woman, in my opinion, with her self-doubt, never believing she's good enough for anyone, until she meets someone she feels isn't good enough for her. Sad really, but it's the human way, I suppose. Funny story with many laugh out loud moments. I'll be looking at Wasser's other novels for sure.

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Wednesday 2 March 2016

INTERACTIVE PROJECT - Horror Scene


For all you editing enthusiasts, Here's a project to practice with. Real 4K footage from a scene of a horror film. I love that Framelines is providing this opportunity and hope to see some interesting takes of the footage from everyone, so make sure you post your results for us all to see.

Till next time,

Renee

Saturday 2 January 2016

Review: Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Life: A Step-By-Step Approach to Reduce Stress, Regain Happiness and Good Health

Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Life: A Step-By-Step Approach to Reduce Stress, Regain Happiness and Good Health Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Life: A Step-By-Step Approach to Reduce Stress, Regain Happiness and Good Health by Jere Taft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Mindfulness in Everyday Life' by Jere Taft offers its readers a jump start to a new lifestyle of meditation. Most people know how difficult it can be to integrate changes in our daily lives. Consistency is probably the most difficult part for anyone attempting to change their lifestyle or daily habits that have been practiced for years. It seems natural to get up out of bed in the morning, brush your teeth, shower and have breakfast, coffee, or whatever the case may be, but in realty you have trained yourself to do these things on a regular basis. It starts with the training you received from your parents, they woke you up in order to go to school, which began a lifetime of morning routine. You weren't born doing these things, your parents helped train your mind and body to do them making them seem quite natural today.

Meditation works the same way and Jere's book gives you an easy guide to begin that training. His easy to follow steps will help put you on a path to achieve the clarity you deserve. This book offers exercises that will start you on your journey to meditation offering you step by step instructions on how to begin your journey and most importantly how to keep going and reach your goals.

I feel there was a part of the journey missing in this book and that would be Jere's personal journey. Although this books offers explanations of why, how and when, a reader considering beginning this new journey, an easy way to integrate the process into their daily lives, leading them on the path to success, I feel having Jere's personal experiences of why, how and when he began his journey would have brought the book to a new level.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers looking to start their own journey.


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Review: The Gift: A Short Story

The Gift: A Short Story The Gift: A Short Story by Maryann Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'The Gift' by Maryann Miller is a cute short novella about a woman attempting to cheer up her depressed husband for the holidays. The story was short and sweet offering an original idea I had not read before. The only problem with this story was that I wanted more. I wanted to know what when on with the men she was trying to help. This story was a delightful read especially at the holidays. Kudos to this author.

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Friday 1 January 2016

A Christmas Con by Erik Hanberg

The Con Before ChristmasThe Con Before Christmas by Erik Hanberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Christmas Con by Erik Hanberg was a cute novella about a mother and son who get conned at Christmas and set out to find the persons responsible. The story was a nice read that made me laughing, in suspense and wondering if they would ever get there things back. What a delight read on the eve of Christmas. A recommend to anyone looking for a quick Christmas story.

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