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

Who of you, by a show of hands, like to get things for free? I’m not talking about something broken or worthless or even something like a McDonald’s toy. What I’m referring to is something of value! Something you can actually use and enjoy very much! Even something that you could keep forever! Wouldn’t you love to have that “something” for free?!?!? I know I would!

 

So……that’s what I’m giving! Let me explain.

 

Saturday, March 25, is my 11th anniversary to my amazing husband. Though we’ve been married 11 years, we’ve known each other since 1994, making it 23 years of adventure, fun, and eventually love!

 

For those that don’t know, my husband and I grew up across the street from one another. His family moved in back in 1994, and since then our two families have been united in one way or another. We were good friends then, and after doing some growing up, we are very much in love!

 

Does that sound familiar to you? If it does, it’s because that is the storyline of my debut novel, Growing Up Neighbors! Being my first book and all, I wanted to write something I knew, and that was my own romance.

 

So what does this have to do with free?!?! I’m getting there! Because this weekend is my anniversary, and because this book is about my life, I am going to give away, to anyone who wants it, a FREE eBook copy of Growing Up Neighbors!! I have never given away a free novel before, but I figured this would be a good time to start!

 

To get your free copy, just go to the Amazon website and order it. It won’t cost a single penny! You’ll be able to keep it for as long as you want obviously, and I really think that you’ll enjoy it tremendously.

 

 

Growing Up Neighbors is considered a coming of age, young adult novel with a sweet, believable love story woven throughout. Starting today, Thursday, March 23, through Monday, March 27, you can get it for FREE here:

 

www.amazon.com/dp/B00PJGYW40

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”

I am so proud to announce that the third novel in my Neighbors Series, Long Lost Neighbors, has finally been released! And it became available on my birthday no less! What a great way to celebrate!

 

Long Lost Neighbors was so fun to write. There is actually quite a bit of truth about my life written within these pages so it was fun to relive some memories, as well as explore possibilities.

 

 

Here is what it’s all about: Continue reading “Introducing…”

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”

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20 ESV)

The Great Commission is Continue reading “Go Make Disciples”