Have you ever read a storyline, thinking that the book was going to be a great read? And then as you read the book you were severely let down? It was like the book did not deliver what it promised? Well, I was prepared for that to happen when I started reading Decimation. I read the storyline and I immediately thought that this was going to be one awesome story. How did it pan out? Did it follow through or was a huge flop?

 

First, what it’s all about:

 

Decimation: The Girl Who Survived is a brand spanking new book by Richard T. Burke. It was just released this past weekend, but is already receiving some great reviews. In fact, it was standing at #1 in Science Fiction: Genetic Engineering! Here is the blurb directly from Amazon:

 

How far would you go to save the human race? In 2017 a virus sweeps across the world and infects every living person. It lies dormant until a woman gives birth. Then she dies. Fifteen years later, nobody has survived childbirth since the outbreak began. Teenage wheelchair athlete, Antimone Lessing, thought she would be competing at the Delhi 2032 Paralympics. Instead, she is nine months pregnant and commencing labor. When she unexpectedly survives, she becomes a vital clue in the race to develop a cure before the global population declines beyond the point of no return. But survival comes at a price. As her doctors try to understand why she is still alive, she must choose between preserving humanity’s future and protecting the life of her newborn child.

 

See? Sounds really interesting, yes? I certainly thought so.  However, after reading it, this is what I now think:

First of all, I loved the idea of this virus that only rears its head when a woman gives birth. And, on top of that, I do think the author did a great job getting to the point of how this lone woman, Antimone Lessing, survived it. I’m not going to share what the doctors all found out, but I will share that it was a fascinating enough subject that inspired me to do some research!

But there’s more to the story! On mark of a good story, in my opinion, is that it evokes feelings in the individual reading it. I had STRONG feelings all right! Mostly anger because of the corruption we see within the biotechnology company. Why did it anger me so? Because I think it is 100% reminiscent of what our pharmaceutical community is like. Those in power over drugs, technology, tests, et cetera, get away with what they want. They abuse their power to continue doing as they please, to whom they please, and how they please. You see that in the book, and I know it’s a real thing.

There is some twists at the end of the book, which made for a pleasant surprise. I was really hooked from page one, and the author ended each and every chapter in such a way that I was hooked throughout. Especially at the end, I had a hard time wanting to put the book down.

So did this book deliver? Oh, yes, it did! It lived up to what it promised. Though it’s not a clean book due to some language and violence, it is something I’d recommend to those interested in science. It truly is a great read! FIVE STARS!!!

If you’d like to purchase this book for your own, you can find it here:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKTGS5N

BLURB

Librarian Chloe McAlister finds solace in her books—and hats—but doesn’t know where to turn when her longtime crush gets engaged. On a whim, she signs up for a speed-dating mixer and convinces her best friend, Dill Thomas, to attend. All goes as planned until she realizes Dill means more to her than she thought … and he goes and falls for someone else.

This 10,000-word short story is perfect for your lunch break, workout, or while you wait in line at the mall. Read it today to experience a hint of spring any time of the year!

EXCERPT

“Is the beard a deal breaker? Serious question here.”

Chloe raised her brows. “Hm?”

“Do you like me rugged or clean? Be honest, I can take it.”

Dill had never cared about his appearance before, much less asked her about it. He was a no-frills kind of guy who couldn’t be bothered with designer clothes or the latest fashions. That’s why he lived in jeans and T-shirts at work and at home. For some reason, he was concerned about a beard? “You want my opinion?”

“Sure. You understand women better than I do. Would they be cool with this?”

Tilting her head to one side, then to the other, Chloe took a long, hard look at him. She pretended to give his question some thought, pursing her lips as she studied his face. His eyes still had the same self-assured, friendly sparkle in them as the freshman boy who always asked to borrow her lecture notes. A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing his playful, easygoing nature that hadn’t changed over the years. However, that’s where the déjà vu ended. Continue reading “Of Buds And Blossoms”

I think it’s safe to say that 100% of us have made something up at one point in our lives or another. It could have been an “innocent” tiny fib, a downright lie or something in between. Maybe you wanted to have a friend so you made one up. Maybe you didn’t want to cause a fight so you gave a response that was dishonest. Either way, we’ve all done it!

 

Enter in “Her Imaginary Husband” by Lia London. Continue reading “Have You Ever Made Something Up?”

Before anyone gets any preconceived ideas about the title of this blog, let me throw out these possibilities:

  • It’s not a steamy romance
  • It’s not a horror show

Dark Day Dreams is actually a novel comprised of many short stories by James Hawthorne. What kind of stories? I’m glad you asked! They are some of the most unique, thought-provoking stories out there. Let me tell you more…

 

In Dark Day Dreams, James Hawthorne creates crazy, imaginative worlds where at times you get a bit of sci-fi, and at other times, completely fantasy. You’ll get a glimpse into his speculative views of a future world OR Continue reading “Dark Day Dreams”

A Heart’s Salvation is the debut novel from Dana Christy. What is so unique about it is that it reminded me of “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks (who just so happens to be one of my favorite authors)! In A Heart’s Salvation you have a girl running from her past of abuse and ending up in the arms of the man who will save her. And of course they fall in love.

 

 

Book Blurb

 

After a year free from pain and anguish, Madison is once again jolted back into reality as her past catches up to her. On the run for years, she is forced to return home desperate for help. As despair grips her mind, she encounters a handsome young actor, Jackson Hunter, who is determined to get to know the complicated beauty, Madison Skye. Feeling an immediate connection to her, Jackson refuses to accept her emotional disconnect and offers her a way to escape her past. Although fearful of her attraction to him, Madison accepts his help with intentions on leaving him before her past finds her once more. Unable to fight their growing bond, she is forced to decide between running, or finally allowing herself to feel true love before her past and present collide. Fated to meet, and destined to be together, can their love endure the dark turmoil of Madison’s tortured past?

 

As a word of caution, this is NOT a clean novel. Please use your best discretion as to whether you’d want to read this or not. Without further ado, let’s get down to what I loved, and what I really didn’t like so much…. Continue reading “A Heart’s Salvation”

It may not be around the holidays anymore (unless you consider Valentine’s Day a holiday), but the book I am about to share with you is worth reading any time of year. It’s full of romance, some comedy, reality and even dogs! Before I tell you what it is, read this summary:

 

This novel jumps right in to a dilemma between the two main characters: they just found out they will be working together. To them, this is NOT a good thing. Why? The author explains in the following chapters.

 

In chapter two we are immediately brought back two years to when the main characters met. Haley and Gavin are in college, and the only relationship they have is a competitive one as they are both vying for top of the class. On Christmas break back home, both meet up for the first time outside of class, but not in the best of circumstances: Haley lost control on the ski slopes and the only one there to rescue her is Gavin. Convenient, right?

 

The two characters share clean, witty banter and by day’s end they decide to try dating. We see them fall in love and Gavin about to propose when Haley cuts him off with no explanation. However, the reader comes to find out that it was because Haley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She knew if Gavin found out, he’d put his life on halt for her. Something she couldn’t allow to happen.

 

Back to where the book started, after many misunderstandings and short encounters, we now see the two working together. Gavin can’t stop thinking of her, but is still hurt by Haley shutting him out of her life. Haley still has feelings for Gavin, but the only thing she can think of at the moment is the fact her cancer may be back.

 

Eventually the story must come to an end. All the wrongs have been acknowledged and cleared up. The two love birds decide to try their relationship again.

 

Where do the dogs fit in, you ask? Well, on more than one occasion a dog brings Haley and Gavin together in a very cool way.

 

Sounds like a good book, right? Because I know you’ll say “yes”, here is the info you need to pick it up for yourself!

 

Haley’s Hangdog Holiday (Holiday, Inc. Book 2)
by Tamie Dearen  

(Doesn’t that dog look the cutest?)

 

  • This book is so good that it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars! 34 reviews, too (as of February 1, 2017)!
  • Apparently this is the sequel to Noelle’s Golden Christmas, but you don’t need to read that in order to understand this one. Haley’s Hangdog Holiday is a complete standalone.
  • The novel is 200 pages of pure delight!
  • It currently is #512 in Religious Contemporary Fiction and #535 in Christian Contemporary Fiction (as of February 1, 2017)
  • It’s a completely clean read, excellent for anyone 14 and up
  • Just $3.99!

 

I’ve gotten to “know” Tamie Dearen through Facebook and Twitter over the last year or so. Her writing is truly inspiring so it stands to reason I must say something on at least one of her novels. And if you can’t tell already that I love Haley’s Hangdog Holiday, you’ve got to see the review I made:

 

Tamie Dearen used her amazing writing skills to bring descriptive scenes and well-developed characters to Haley’s Hangdog Holiday. I could visualize myself in this novel, and found myself hooked from page one until the end. The love story was sweet and I loved the many faith lessons thrown in. At the end we’re left hanging about whether or not Haley’s cancer has returned, BUT that isn’t the focus of the story anyway. It ends romantically.

 

In fact, I have to say something about Gavin in regards to his love for Haley. He is so persistent and extremely committed – something more of us should be like. And when he finally realized Haley had cancer and might have it back, it didn’t scare him. True man right there! He wants to be with Haley every moment for who she is today, not worry about  what might happen in her future. So, so sweet, you guys!!!

 

One last thing I want to mention. The faith lessons that were thrown in touched me as I could totally relate to some of the things the characters faced. One of them being anxiety. I thought the picture of keeping our eyes on Jesus in the storm when the waves and wind are all around us was spot on!

 

Enough said. You’ve got to know I gave this 5 stars!!!!!!

 

Now, without further ado, here is the link so you can get your own copy. You won’t regret it!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Haleys-Hangdog-Holiday-Inc-Book-ebook/dp/B01MXPRJFL/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486059167&sr=8-5&keywords=Tamie+Dearen

 

 

 

 

I had a little bit of time to read something quick so I was happy to see a short story by Liwen Ho available that sounded fun. I “know” Liwen Ho from a Facebook group. I figured it must be good…and boy was it good! Let me tell you about it!

 

A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story

 

 

Josh Pepper wants to be the next manager of the IT department – achievable until a new recruit, Cin Thomas, comes along. It’s his job to keep other men from getting distracted by her presence. Easy? He thought it would be until he got a whiff of her piercing green eyes, knowledge of IT and positive attitude.

 

With their weekly games, growing friendship and cute banter, Josh isn’t sure he wants to be the next manager anymore as that would make it wrong for him to date Cin. A short trip down an elevator may get them literally stuck, but it helps them figuratively realize the best way to move forward.

 

Book STATS

 

  • 4.6 stars out of 5 as of January 23, 2017
  • 17 total reviews as of January 23, 2017
  • As of today it’s free! AND it’s #1 in the Kindle Store for Holiday books!
  • Normally just $0.99!
  • It’s only 42 pages and takes maybe 30 minutes to read – perfect for break time or while waiting
  • This is book 2 of 2 in the “Seasons of Love” series, but is completely standalone
  • Great for 14 year olds and up
  • Very clean!

 

My Review

 

I gave A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story by Liwen Ho 5 stars! Here’s why: Liwen did a great job describing the scenes in such a way that you felt like you were in them. All of the IT information was believable, and I feel Liwen wrote on that field well. A nice thing about this short story is the blend of spices! Josh Pepper is the male lead character and Cin (short for Cinnamon) Thomas is the female lead character. On top of that, Liwen adds in fall beverages that just make you want welcome fall all over again, or try your best to run out and get a fall-flavored coffee! The ending is excellent, and I believe it was achieved in a believable way. I totally recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read.

 

If you want to read A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story, please click on the following link:

https://www.amazon.com/Spoonful-Spice-Short-Story-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01LVUZO57/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485199470&sr=8-3&keywords=Liwen+Ho

I have a series I want to eventually write where all four novels are going to be psychological thrillers, and what better way to learn about this genre than read books in this genre! When searching for some popular stories, I came across The Last Safe Place by Ninie Hammon.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

 -The Last Safe Place: A Psychological Thriller is a clean, standalone novel

-As of January 14, 2017, it has 924 reviews with an average 4.4 stars!

-It is 325 pages long so took quite a while to read

-It’s #2 in Inspirational Literature & Fiction

-It’s #3 in Religious Contemporary Fiction

-I’d say it’s safe for anyone 18 and older (maybe mature 16 year olds and up), and this is only because of the violence and disturbing image descriptions

-It’s FREE! 

 

SUMMARY

 

Author, Gabriella Carmichael, finds herself getting caught up in a horror movie; one that she wrote herself. In her novel, Beast of Babylon, Gabriella creates a fictional world where Continue reading “The Last Safe Place”

Just this past week I finished reading a novel by Laekan Zea Kemp called “The Girl In Between”. My blog has featured many book spotlights, but I have yet to do a book review. “The Girl In Between” deserves one!

 

First things first, here is some basic information about “The Girl In Between”:

  • It has 727 reviews with an average 4.1 star rating (as of 12/13/2016)!
  • It is the first in a series of four novels
  • The kindle edition is 289 pages
  • As of 12/13/2016 it is #7 in Science Fiction & Fantasy – Paranormal & Urban
  • I don’t think it states this somewhere, but I would say this novel is geared towards young adult. However, I’m an adult and still enjoyed it so don’t let that scare you away
  • The best part? The kindle edition is FREE!

 

I came across “The Girl In Between” when Continue reading “The Girl In Between”