Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Birth of a Wizard by MJ Schutte

Birth of a Wizard By MJ Schutte


Synopsis:
Brighton and Lilian, along with their children and two dear friends have crossed the western boundary in search of a new life.
Just as it seems they will finally settle down, tragedy strikes and Brighton is forced to use his gift in order to save his loved ones.
Brighton’s actions earn him an unwanted reputation and cause ripple effects that will haunt them in years to come.
Is Lilian strong enough to find her way back to Brighton?
Will Brighton survive the repercussions of his actions?

My thoughts:
After reading Energy I just HAD to get Birth of a Wizard. The author had so skillfully created the characters that I could not put down this story after book 1... Energy had left me wanting more and Birth of a Wizard definitely delivered what I was craving :) Brighton and Lilian had more adventures than I could keep track of during this book and I literally left it wondering what else could possibly happen in book 3! I am seriously in awe of this author. He has a way with words that just pulls you in and doesn't let you go...ever! The only problem I have is now I have to wait for book 3 to come out... Other than that negative, I would have to say that you're just bonkers if you don't read this series! I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a lovely supernatural/witch/wizard/magic story :)


You can buy this book here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/birth-of-a-wizard-mr-mj-schutte/1039293289
http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Wizard-Energy-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B0070MVAUU/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/125016
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Birth-of-a-Wizard/book-eMsRGdfYhUqQL8IUjf0Qfg/page1.html

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.mjschutte-energy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WizardNovel
http://authormjschutte.posterous.com/

Energy by MJ Schutte


 

Synopsis: 
As teenagers, Brighton and Lilian live quiet, peaceful and uncomplicated lives in a remote mountain village called Four Mountains. They soon discover that their friendship has developed into something deeper, but before they can explore their feelings for each other, a dark secret about Lilian’s past rips their world apart. Brighton finds himself fighting for the girl he loves as well as his own life while simultaneously discovering an even bigger secret about himself. 
The two young lovers simply want to live in peace but they are constantly hunted because of their special talents.
Brighton has to overcome great odds and even death itself if he is going to save himself and Lilian from the evil determined to destroy them. 


My thoughts:
I really enjoyed following Brighton, Lilian, Thomas and Clarissa throughout their journeys in Four Mountains. The author describes the characters down to the last detail, giving you an outright visualization of each one. This greatly helps when reading this book because there are so many scenes he lays out that require that visualization in order to fully know what is going on without having to go back and try to remember details. This page turner is definitely on my Top Reads list for 2012! I can't wait to see what happens in Birth of a Wizard!! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great twist on the everyday supernatural/witch/wizard story :)


PS...Isn't the cover GORGEOUS?!?




You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Awakening-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B007BEDUV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332967179&sr=8-1  
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92338
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/energy-mj-schutte/1101544666
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/mj-schutte/energy/_/R-400000000000000534015
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/energy/id456170497?mt=11


You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.mjschutte-energy.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/EnergyNovel
http://authormjschutte.posterous.com/

The Summoner by Layton Green

The Summoner (Dominic Grey, #1)


Synopsis:
A United States diplomat disappears in front of hundreds of onlookers while attending a religious ceremony in the bushveld of Zimbabwe.

Dominic Grey, Diplomatic Security special agent, product of a violent childhood and a worn passport, is assigned to investigate. Aiding the investigation is Professor Viktor Radek, religious phenomenologist and expert on cults, and Nya Mashumba, the local government liaison.

What Grey uncovers is a terrifying cult older than Western civilization, the harsh underbelly of a country in despair, a priest seemingly able to perform impossibilities, and the identity of the newest target.

Himself.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. It had 2 of my favorite topics in the book; travel in foreign lands (Africa) and Anthropology (strange cults/voodoo/juju)...so I was easily captivated by the story. The author has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are a part of the story. The characters were so well developed that there were several parts in which I felt deep emotions for happenings in the book. Unfortunately I'm not able to list them here without giving any spoilers, so I will just leave it at that ;) There were many times where I read it before bedtime and wound up having dreams about it, but never once had the typical nightmares you would expect from reading a sadistic cult-type book before sleep.

This book was definitely a page turner. He dumps you right in the action and doesn't let the suspense up until the final page. I can't wait to see what he has come up with in the second novel, The Egyptian. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great "who-dunnit" type book with amazing twists and turns :)


You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Summoner-ebook/dp/B004FN2CLS
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summoner-layton-green/1030467249

You can find out more about the author here:
https://www.facebook.com/laytongreenbooks?sk=wall
http://laytongreen.com/

Z and the Cancer Meanie by Hillary St.Pierre-Ford

Z and the Cancer Meanie

Synopsis:
Z is fun and friendly. He loves to spend time with his mom, his dad, and his friends. But Z's mom is sick. She has cancer. And Cancer is a Big Meanie! 

Come and meet Z and learn more about cancer- what it is, what it does, and how to still have fun.

My thoughts:
When I first heard about this book back in January, I was heartbroken to know that the author was struggling herself. Unfortunately she lost her battle with cancer, so now this book is her legacy. Please support her cause by purchasing this book :) 

I really enjoyed this children's book. What a great way to introduce your younger children to cancer! I loved all of the suggestions for what to do when you can't spend time with a loved one and thought that the resources at the end of the book were great! I would recommend this book to anyone who has (or had) a family member with cancer. It's a great reminder of how the little things really do count :)



You can purchase this book here:

You can link up with the Illustrator here:

Monday, March 26, 2012

The Forever Girl Giveaway :)

 The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl, #1)

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway...but already have the book that was offered. So you know what that means...right??? GIVEAWAY!!! Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter thingy for your chance to win :)


Friday, March 23, 2012

Invisible Wings by Janell Rhiannon

Invisible Wings 


Synopsis:
An angel is sent from the Eternity to live as a teenage girl. She's not beautiful and she's not fallen. She's here to assist her classmates with their true destinies. She doesn't even tell you her name until the end of all the stories.

She always knew she was a little different from other kids because she "heard" things that no one else could, like the sound of light and strange mystical bells. She noticed things that others seemed to overlook, like the way life is like a footprint in the sand with the ocean washing you away bit by bit or the way bullets fly like butterflies.

One day, out of the blue, she heard her cat and a mysterious Voice. That's when the odd teenager learned she wasn't like everyone else. Something she'd suspected all along. She discovered she was really an angel with a gift: the ability to hear the secret thoughts of others and make their wishes come true. There was also a catch; she only had a single second on any given day when she could make a difference. Right before the first star popped into the twilight sky, she was allowed to shed her human skin and become an invisible guide of destiny.

Invisible Wings is the angel's story about how she changed the course of twelve kids' lives in her high school classes. Their wishes were simple. There was Bryson who wanted to kiss the lips of a girl named Sapphire, Jayla who wanted to be white instead of African-American, Homer who wanted his soul-mate to drop from the sky, Ramon who wanted to be in a gang like his father, and ska8rat Jay who wanted to stop the noise in his head with dare-devil skating boarding tricks. The angel works her "magic" in their lives, as well as the lives of seven others.

12 Lives, 12 Twilights, 12 life altering experiences.

My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is divided into 12 different sections that are completely independent of one another, aside from the same angel helping her classmates. I liked the layout because I was able to read a story per night right before bed without feeling pressured to continue on. Each story was skillfully crafted to make you sit back and think about the things that you may or may not regret doing during your lifetime. The overall theme of the book is that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and sometimes we DO get our prayers answered, even if it is something as simple as kissing your high school crush. I really love how the author continued driving the same concept (God does what he wants and what WE want may not fall into His plan...) over and over, but doesn't necessarily force the subject upon you. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little reminder that there is a plan and everything will work out like it needs to be done :)


You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Wings-ebook/dp/B006PW42JC


You can find out more about the author here:
http://janellrhiannon.weebly.com/invisible-wings.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Invisible-Wings/288051067876362

Saturday, March 17, 2012

200 Follower Giveaway Results!!!

Here are the winners of my 200 Follower Giveaway!!!

First off... Lauren Hunter was the winner of the Referral Giveaway! Congrats Lauren, you won a signed copy of Willow Cross' Birthright and a swag pack :) Message me your address and I'll get everything out to you :)

Now onto the Follower Giveaway winners... I put the rafflecopter form below so you can see what you won :)

*Super* Grand Prize Winner
Autum Frailey [Please specify whether you want JH Glaze's "The Spirit Box" or "NorthWest" and send your physical mailing address and email address that you want your ebooks sent to :)]

Grand Prize Winner
Brenda Jones Romine [Please specify whether you want JH Glaze's "The Spirit Box" or "NorthWest" and send your physical mailing address and email address that you want your ebooks sent to :)]

1st Prize Winner
Carly Anne Wallace [Please send your mailing address :)]

2nd Prize Winners [Please send email addresses that you want your ebooks sent to]
Dawn Hagan
H'deel Batnij
Carole Di Tosti
Autumn Nauling
Alice Priday
Terri Dion
Michelle Clough

Please contact me on my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000652466563) so that I can get you in contact with the authors :)

Nely Cab's Creatura Giveaway!!!

The Awesome Nely Cab has donated an ebook copy of her book Creatura!!! So get your entries in on the rafflecopter thingy below for your chance at winning!!! :)

Creatura 

Synopsis:
When seventeen year-old Isis Martin is having trouble sleeping due to perturbing dreams of a horrific growling beast, she decidesto confront her fear. But what Isis discovers is something other than a menacing entity.The human-like creature offers Isis assurance that he is not a figmentof her imagination. Unwilling to accept his avowal, Isis sets his wordsto contest by asking the entity to prove himself - a dare, he readily welcomes.It is in her dreams that Isis innocently stumbles upon the silent existence of the divine lineage of those that man has long forgotten.In a quaint town, deep in south Texas, this story leads Isis onto the path of impermissible love and captivating life-changing truths. Isis Martin's journey is sure to leave any reader ravenous for more.

You can stalk Nely here:
Facebook
Creatura Facebook
Website
Goodreads

You can purchase Creatura here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

200 Blog Fan Giveaway~~Networking blogs


Hey y'all!!! I am so very thankful for everyone that has taken the time to come and Follow my blog!!! So, to thank everyone, if you have a blog that you would like more followers on, please post the link in the comments and I will go Follow you back :) (And a quite few others, I'm sure) This is a GREAT opportunity to GROW!!! So get to linking people :)

Monday, March 05, 2012

Laura by EH James

E. H.  James


Synopsis:
He was a salesman, traveling lonesome roads, eating in out-of-the-way places. A stranded traveler, standing on the roadside, was nothing new to him. But the quiet young woman in the wet dress needed help he could not give.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story of George and Laura. It is short, but well written and easy to read. The author is able to weave such a great tale within the 7 pages of the story, that you wind up wanting more from the author. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next! I would recommend this short read to anyone who likes a good short read about hauntings :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-ebook/dp/B006WSVWF6
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123041
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/laura/id498418481?mt=11
http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=154

You can find out more about the author here:
https://www.facebook.com/EHJamesFanPage
http://ehjames.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5446146.E_H_James

Mystery in Trilogy by Ruth G. King

Mystery in Trilogy

Synopsis:

This trilogy eloquently illustrates how the seemingly impossible can happen. In the first story, Soccer Mystery recounts the tale of a young boy, Jamal, who discovers a lonely boy in an abandoned house. They quickly become friends and play soccer together daily. But as the boy’s mysterious presence becomes surrounded by unanswered questions, Jamal begins to wonder if his new friend is actually a ghost. The second story, Party House, shows a young family moving to a new city and buying a new home. As they settle in, neighbors begin to complain about the noise at night…the loud partying and laughing, but the noise is heard while the family is fast asleep! Finally, Shadows Across the Sea reveals a ship that mysteriously docks at a marina with one mate aboard, passed out, and no captain! What happened to the ship? Where are the passengers? Read Mystery in Trilogy to find out the answers to these burning questions.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this series of short stories because you could sit down for 15 minutes, read one quickly and then get back to what you needed to be doing. My favorite story of the three was "Shadows across the Sea" because it was a bit more engaging than the other two stories, in my opinion. But I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy the other two, they are definitely worth the read :) I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good short mystery :)

I received a complimentary copy of Mystery in Trilogy by Ruth G. King as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mystery-in-trilogy-ruth-g-king/1008374071
http://www.dorrancebookstore.com/myintr.html
http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Trilogy-Dr-Ruth-King/dp/0805972862/ref=cm_rdp_product

Nordic Fairies by Saga Berg



Synopsis:
Svala and Viggo have spent a hundred lives together over the last thousand years. As Liosálfar, Nordic light fairies, their job is to do good and to uphold a balance in the mortal world. A balance, often compromised by the Döckálfar, Nordic dark fairies.

But even good fairies need incentive.

Svala and Viggo are kept apart each life until they fulfill their assignments. Only when, and if, they succeed are they allowed to be together for whatever period of time the powers that be decides. Sometimes they are together for decades, other times years and during the last union once only three weeks.

In this life, Svala turns on her TV and learns that Viggo has become a popular movie star. This is not only highly unexpected, it indicates something is wrong and that Viggo is attempting to contact Svala before their assignments are carried out, an action which is strictly forbidden.

Svala seeks him out, but not without breaking a few rules of her own, and learning that things are not always as they seem.

My thoughts:
This installment is a great beginning to the series. It was a great quick read that left me hanging, wanting more, which is good since part 2 comes out in a couple of days! There are a few things that aren't explained in the beginning part, so I'm hoping that they are cleared up in the next part. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fairy-playing-human story with unusual twists :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Fairies-ebook/dp/B006W90W38
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123914

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5626443.Saga_Berg
https://www.facebook.com/SagaBergsPage
http://www.sagaberg.com/Saga_Berg/Home.html

Winged Acoustic by Tanja Begonja



Synopsis:
"Winged Acoustic" (Vl.1) centers around the life and adventures of a young man named Kevin Bray, who lives in the fictional town of Airosta. His adventures consist of abuse, neglect, self discovery, extreme loathing, but most importantly, music. The ups and downs he must go through; sometimes alone, and sometimes with help. The complete whirlwind of mental and emotional struggles facing each and every character would surely pull on anyone's heart strings. It's not romance, it's not adventure, it's not action...it's one hundred percent real human emotion, strung into sentences and coming alive through characters that aren't much different than you and I.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the story line of this book. The author was able to capture each character and portray them in a way that made you hang on to their every line in the book. One thing that the book was lacking was scene development. There were several places in the book where I had to imagine what the scene looked like. Another thing that is wrong with the book at the moment is the format, which the author is working on correcting. Other than that though, if you get past the formatting and have an imagination, you will like this book. If you can't get past those things then I would suggest waiting until the cleaned up version is out :) I recommend this book to all who like a "deep" book about the struggles in life.

You can purchase the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Winged-Acoustic-Vl-1-Tanja-Begonja/dp/1105343294
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/winged-acoustic-vl1/18744190

You can find out more about the author here:
https://www.facebook.com/T.B.Makeup.artist
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winged-Acoustic/281319888573535
http://wingedacoustic.wordpress.com/category/winged-acoustic-related/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5367786.Tanja_Begonja

Tales from Imagination's Closet by M Allman

Tales from Imagination's Closet


Synopsis:
What if you dared to look close into the never-ending, mysterious closet of an author's imagination? In these series of stories M. Allman will do just that--and make you laugh,cry, gasp, or leave you wondering with shiver and delight. So dare to read...Tales From Imagination's Closet.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Some were downright hilarious (Assailant), while others  were just downright twisted (The Weed Whisperer) and made you shiver with the heebie jeebies. This collection is perfect for a person on the go because you can pull it out and easily read a story in 5 minutes while waiting in line at the grocery store, or just when you need a quick break. I recommend this book to anyone who likes quick, easy reads that range from hilarious to horror :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Imaginations-Closet-M-Allman/dp/1612351697
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/tales-from-imaginations-closet/16683305
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-from-imaginations-closet-m-allman/1019723442

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4727762.M_Allman
https://www.facebook.com/authormallman