Author: Colleen Chesebro

Colleen M. Chesebro hails from the heartland of the Midwestern United States. After graduating, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, launching a lifelong journey of self-exploration. Following a successful career in accounting, Colleen returned to her creative roots, reigniting her love for poetry. Today, she enjoys crafting poetry, flash fiction, and both creative and nonfiction works. Explore her writing world at Colleen Writes & Publishes at www.colleenchesebro.org. In addition to her poetry books, Colleen has contributed to numerous anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She actively supports her writing community on tankatuesday.com, by hosting a community syllabic poetry challenge called Tanka Tuesday, and by co-editing the Sunflower Tanka Anthology with Robbie Cheadle. This annual syllabic poetry anthology celebrates tanka, tanka prose, and other experimental tanka forms. Residing in her dream home in mid-Michigan, Colleen enjoys the beauty of the Great Lakes with her husband and their two (unicorn) cats, Chloe and Sophie. You can find her at Tanka Tuesday on www.tankatuesday.com.

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “Stella – A Short Story,” and Joseph’s Story – The Road to Freedom,” BY AUTHOR @AHOUSEOFPOETRY

Title: The Stella Trilogy (Review of “Stella,” A Short Story, and “Joseph’s Story – The Road to Freedom”)
Author: Yecheilyah Ysrayl
Genres: Women’s Fiction, African-American Fiction, Historical Fiction, American Literature

*The author provided me with a copy of each book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

I must apologize for the order of the reviews. I read Book Two, Stella – Beyond the Colored Line, first. You can find that review here.

This is a review of book one and book three.

Stella – Amazon

When Grandma Stella shares an old journal with Cynthia, her granddaughter, and her boyfriend Alex, the family’s history is laid bare. Grandma Stella explains that she was named after her Great-grandmother, Stella Mae, whose real first name was Hadassahyah, which in Hebrew means ‘myrtle tree.’ Many of the old names were taken from the Slave Ships.

The year is 1864 in Louisiana and the story slips back in time introducing Grandma Stella’s Great grandmother, Stella Mae, age nineteen years. Stella Mae begins her story with a memory of how as a child she was forced to use the facilities designated for “niggras only.” Young Stella Mae tries to reason out why her Mama can’t walk into the front door of the general store and why they can’t use the restroom everyone else uses. Even at a young age, Stella Mae could sense the inequality in her existence.

Stella Mae’s journey is that of trying to find her place in a world where she is only considered to be a piece of property. When her childhood friend, Miss Carla, the daughter of Marse Saddler, and her husband coerce her into following them to their new home; Stella Mae does so trusting that Miss Carla will be her friend just as when they were children. Carla dupes the naïve Stella who now becomes a slave to them. Freedom is just a fleeting image in Stella Mae’s mind. Traded like a farm animal, Stella learns that she is indeed a slave, not a free woman in any way.

Recommendation:

This story retells the history of many African American families alive today. It is a heritage rich with strife and suffering but also filled with a hope and a desire to finally grasp the freedom that has been so elusive and out of reach for so many. At times, I was forced to accept some uncomfortable truths about our American past. There is nothing wrong with that. This story makes you think about freedom and what it really means to you as a person, and as an American.

I loved this story because it is through the learning of other’s journeys that we begin to learn much about ourselves. Their pain becomes our pain and we begin to see through their eyes. Stella Mae will touch your soul with such a sweet simplicity you won’t even know it.

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

Joseph’s Story – Amazon

The final book in the series is Joseph’s story, where Stella’s grandson reconciles the feelings he has about his heritage. It is the story of a young man moved by the eloquent words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who yearns to be part of the white middle class and part of the movement to revolutionize the world all at the same time. A man, both white and black, hoping to evoke change in the world of 1960’s America.

The Jim Crow laws had come to an end in 1954 when the segregation of public (state-sponsored) schools was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States in Brown v. Board of Education. However, the lasting effects of these laws were felt all over the United States, not just in the southern states.

Joseph along with a group of his friends, both black and white, embark on a journey of self-discovery. Naïve but believing that they could make a difference, the young people set out to become part of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) conference in Georgia. This book chronicles the trials and tribulations of their journey.

My favorite quote from the book is when Joseph recounts: “In the beginning it was not about Civil Rights, it was about freedom and freedom is what it has all been about.”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary currently defines freedom as:

“noun free·dom \ˈfrē-dəm\

Definition of freedom

1: the quality or state of being free: as a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b: liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence
c: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care> d: ease, facility <spoke the language with freedom> e: the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom> f: improper familiarity g: boldness of conception or execution h : unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>
2a: a political right b: franchise, privilege.”

Recommendation:

In 1960’s America, African Americans did not even have the ability to vote because of strict registration laws. Many African Americans lived in poverty and were born in their homes. There were few hospital births. The end result was a lack of birth certificates, the very documentation needed to prove American citizenship. Of the African Americans that did register to vote many lost their jobs, their homes, and their lives. This was happening when I was a young girl. It is not fiction.

What did I learn from Joseph’s story AND the entire Stella series? Flash forward into the future to the headlines that exist today. Unfortunately, racism still exists in our society. My hope is that the more we read and understand the plight of all Americans we will learn what freedom really means. We can all learn to be free by knowing who we are as a people. I was humbled by Joseph’s story. This was another emotional read for me, as are all of Yecheilyah’s books.

If you like provocative reads that make you think about life and your own values you will enjoy Joseph’s Story – The Road to Freedom. In fact, I suggest reading the entire series. It is well worth the visit back into the past.

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

Here is more about Author, Yecheilyah Ysrayl:

Born in 1987 on the south side of Chicago, Yecheilyah Ysrayl (“EC”) is an author and Spoken Word Artist.

Yecheilyah started writing short stories and poetry at the age of twelve. She attended Harper High School (International Language Career Academy) Robert Morris College (Computer Basics/Administration), Chicago State University (Professional and Technical Writing), and Everest College (Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy).

As an artist, Yecheilyah Ysrayl is an incorporation of spiritual critique, honesty and an authentic analysis of African American identity. She seeks to create work that promotes healthy research and investigation into the cultural identity, laws, customs and traditions of the African American for self-revolution and advancement. Furthermore, “EC” seeks to advance the promotion of truth and identity by way of Spoken Word.

“EC” currently lives in Shreveport, LA with her husband where she writes full time.

You can connect with Yecheilyah through her Twitter @ahouseofpoetry
and Facebook at Yecheilyah Ysrayl

To watch a trailer for the book click the link below.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “Out of the Forest and Into the City,” BY AUTHOR @HELENASMOLE

Title: Out of the Forest and Into the City: A Fantasy Novel (Vivvy and Izzy the Dwarf: A Series About Relationships Book 1)
Author: Helena Smole
File Size: 1046 KB
Print Length: 120 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Domen Smole
Publication Date: 1 edition (April 4, 2015)
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00VP47OOA
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Fantasy, Romance,

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Izzy the Dwarf works for the circus. He is a kindly soul, one who looks out for the needs of others. Like many humans who work, Izzy has a boss that is difficult to get along with. All the boss seems to worry about is money. He even neglects the needs of others – especially his secretary, Miss Catherine who suffers from a stuttering malady.

A compassionate person, Izzy takes it upon himself to help Miss Catherine stop stuttering. He discovers that when she sings she does not stammer. After a brief visit to Central Park where Izzy has a telepathic visit with the Wizard of Singing from the Wood of Aquarius, he is able to sing melodies, just as the boss wanted him to. In no time at all, Izzy has instituted a Sunday singing session at the circus to help Miss Catherine.

During one of these singing sessions, Izzy meets Vivvy, a lovely girl who used to sing in a choir. The boss loves Vivvy’s singing and she is hired to sing with Izzy each Sunday. The two develop a friendship and Izzy realizes that Vivvy is the first human he has ever known in any great depth. It is no surprise then when Vivvy meets Felix and they fall madly in love, all with the blessings of Izzy, of course.

This is a fairy tale within a fairy tale. Vivvy and Izzy go through the normal ups and downs of a relationship. The difference is that Izzy the Dwarf through his friendship with Vivvy helps the couple understand themselves and their relationship. Isn’t that what friends are for?

Recommendation:

This is one of the most unusual approaches I have seen in the writing of a fantasy romance novel. Izzy, the Dwarf has access to many magical interventions that he could have used to assist the couple in their life journey. Instead, he consults with the wizards and turns that advice around to where the couple must figure out their issues on their own. Vivvy and Felix are on a journey of self-discovery. They are forced to come to grips with their childhood, how they feel about each other, and even their friendship with Izzy.

My favorite part of the book is when Vivvy acknowledges her feelings for Izzy and the friendship that he gives her. It is at that moment that Izzy realizes the importance of listening and being there for someone. He now knows that friendship is more important than all the wisdom found in the world. It turns out Izzy was on a self-discovery journey of his own.

This was a sweet engaging love story. I found it to be a bit predictable but that did not deter from my enjoyment in reading about Vivvy and Felix as their relationship unfolded. I enjoyed Izzy’s part in the story and actually liked that he did not use magic to influence the couple. It made it seem more realistic that the couple had to figure things out for themselves. It made them human.

If you are looking for a fun and different kind of romance story with a fantasy twist, you will love “Out of the Forest and Into the City.” It is a delightful romp into relationships and learning to love yourself and others.

Author, Helena Smole

Character Believability: 4
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4 out of 5 stars

About Helena Smole:

Helena Smole abandoned her career as a scientific researcher and decided to dedicate her life to writing. In her first book, Balancing the Beast, she describes how she learned to maintain her mental health. Thereafter, she continued by writing novels. She has also authored over 170 analytical blogs on maintaining one’s emotional and mental balance, which can be read at www.helenasmole.com

Make certain to connect with (author) through her Twitter @helenasmole and Facebook at Helena Smole.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “Pearseus,” BY AUTHOR @NICHOLAS_ROSSIS

Title: Pearseus, Books 1 – 3: Rise of the Prince, Mad Water, and Vigil
Author: Nicholas C. Rossis
File Size: 1882 KB
Print Length: 911 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Nicholas Rossis
Publication Date: July 17, 2014
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00LX9UUIY
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Book Blurb from the author:

“Pearseus does for ancient Greece what Game of Thrones did for Medieval England.”
The first three books of the Amazon genre best-selling series.

Three hundred years after humans crash land on Pearseus, Styx, the Capital’s cruel ruler, learns of a dark prophecy: Cyrus, a young boy, will one day slay her. She imprisons him, but days before his execution he escapes with the help of the First, the planet’s native inhabitants. On their way to safety, nightmarish monsters attack. Cyrus flees, scared and alone until a pair of First warriors rescue him and spirit him away to the mysterious Old Woman.

All Cyrus wants is to reunite with his family. But the Old Woman insists Cyrus is the foretold instrument in the First’s ancient war against a shadowy enemy who will stop at nothing to prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. Heart and mind war within Cyrus as he learns he must choose between his family and preventing humanity’s extinction.

The bundle contains the three first books in the series.

Note: The original version of this bundle contained the prequel, Pearseus: Schism. The new version contains Rise of the Prince, Mad Water, and Vigil.

Recommendation:

I read this collection without reading the first book, Schism so I had to do some catching up before I began. Luckily, included in the beginning of the collection is a character synopsis and map of Pearseus so you can bring yourself up to date with the events that preceded. I really liked this feature because it gave me a sneak peek into the characters from the onset of the book.

Pearseus is an epic fantasy novel of which I had never read the likes of before. It has all the elements of a fantasy novel but it is enriched with the elements of a science fiction novel too. What an imaginative and fascinating read! From the very beginning of the novel, I was hooked! A new genre has been created: Science Fiction Fantasy.

The plot is one of the most interesting I have encountered. A spaceship is forced to land on a planet that is already inhabited by other life forms that terraformed the planet into what they wanted it to resemble. The refugees from the spaceship are forced to survive in a land fraught with danger. They clash with the “First,” inhabitants which cause the two groups to split. The First go off to the north and the human refugees remain in the territory they took from the First, thereby segregating themselves from each other.

Now, years into the future, most technological advancements have vanished from the original space crew refugee descendants. There are still a few reminders around such as tablets and some weapons of mass destruction. The really interesting part was that the people of the future have regressed into a feudal society with different factions and clans fighting for control using ancient weapons like swords, and knives. At times, I found the societies resembled ancient Greece intertwined with eastern philosophies to make up their complex political and philosophical beliefs.

What I really loved was how detailed the author was in creating all the different factions and clans. The detail is so thorough and believable. To explain, Pearseus was settled by three different life forms. The original inhabitants of the planet were overtaken by the First, who were then overtaken by the refugees of the spaceship. All of these life forms coexist together at the same time on Pearseus resulting in plenty of conflicts. I told you I was blown away at the detail!

Through it all, magic and technology unite in an explosive war between “The Whispers,” “The Fallen,” and “The Orbs.” The humans are brought into the battle to help win the war and to fulfill the ancient prophecies.

I must note that the author kept the intrigue going by switching each chapter in all three books with another character’s point of view. This gave me the perspective from all sides, good and evil. It was a unique and effective storytelling method that really propelled the novel along.

I personally enjoyed the deep characterizations added to the different life forms. In addition, there was plenty of philosophy, hatred, and intrigue much like a modern society today, which added a sense of realism to Pearseus. I understood the struggles of all the life forms and likened it to the differences in cultures today found on our own planet.

At the heart of the books are four central characters that stand out as having the perfect combination of strengths and flaws that together make an unbeatable team. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Author, Nicholas Rossis

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About Nicholas Rossis:

Nicholas Rossis lives to write and does so from his cottage on the edge of a magical forest in Athens, Greece. When not composing epic fantasies or short sci-fi stories, he chats with fans and colleagues, writes blog posts, walks his dog, and enjoys the antics of two silly cats, one of whom claims his lap as home. His first children’s book, Runaway Smile, has won the Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, among other distinctions.

Many of his short stories have appeared in various collections and anthologies. He has published two collections; The Power of Six and Infinite Waters, which was voted as one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.

From the author: A little-known fact about writing your first book: unless you inform others of your intention well in advance, you might find yourself in an awkward position. Like, when you present your manuscript to your parents so they can read it. A couple of months later, when you ask if they have read it, your dad will go, slightly annoyed, “no, I’m re-reading Martin’s books right now, so it’ll have to wait.”

Then, a further couple of months later, he’ll call you late at night to say, “great book, son, with some fantastic ideas! I was totally hooked. A page-turner; kept me up at night. You know what this guy did? He took historical elements from ancient Greece and created a space opera with them.”

And you’ll say, after a brief pause, “what guy?”

And your dad will say, in a confused voice, “why, whoever wrote this. There was no name on the manuscript.”

Now, what I should have said, of course, is something along the lines of “it’s not really a space opera, dad, but a dark epic fantasy with a sci-fi twist, where the heroes face tough moral dilemmas, discovering themselves in the process.”

But no-one talks to their dad this way, right?

So all I said, once I managed to stop laughing, was, “I wrote it, dad. But I’m super glad you liked it even before you knew that.”

For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on his blog at nicholasrossis.me, enovelauthorsatwork.com, and Google+ at Nicholas C. Rossis

Make certain to connect with Nicholas through his Twitter @Nicholas_Rossis

And Facebook at NicholasCRossis

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “CATCHING FEATHERS IN THE WIND,” BY AUTHOR @CHANNELLINGLOVE

Title: Catching Feathers in the Wind
Author: Diane Hall
File Size: 1090 KB
Print Length: 306 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Diane Hall; 3 edition
Publication Date: September 2, 2015
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0145AT30S
ISBN-10: 0955973384
ISBN-13: 978-0955973383
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Romance, Religion, Spirituality, Humor

Do you believe in Angels?

Jayna is an Archangel who decides to incarnate back to Earth into a human form when her life in heaven leaves her yearning for something she just can’t put her finger on. Her existence on the celestial plane is filled with infinite love and harmonious co-creation as she teaches souls to fly to heaven. In this heavenly existence, Jayna murmurs inspirations into the ears of the world’s greatest artists, while dead musicians and renowned artists help her on her way to her last and final life event.

Jayna really seems to grapple with her decision to ascend to the highest level of cosmic consciousness. Eventually, after a series of challenging lifetimes she realizes she is ready to attain the final rung in the wheel of life. Just as nothing in human life is ever perfect, and during her last final lifetime, Jayna meets Stephen, whom she falls madly in love with. Prepare to be swept off your feet!

As Jayna’s human life spins crazily out of control on a predestined course, a series of events propels her to question her true existence as Stephen’s love continues to pull her towards the earthly realm. Through it all, Jayna shares with us her multi-dimensional life filled with love, life after death, reincarnation, and rebirth. Her tale is a love story that will have you not only believing in angels but believing in the reality of everlasting love.

Recommendation:

Catching Feathers in the Wind is one of those rarely written phenomena that will touch you and shake you to your very core. For me, it was a spiritual and emotional read that I could not put down. During the day when I was not reading, I found myself thinking about the philosophical elements in the story. The descriptions of heaven and angels filled my dreams. By the dawn of each new day, I awakened refreshed and renewed. Coincidence? I really don’t think so.

I also found the writing of the author, Diane Hall to be poetic and mesmerizing. At times, the prose took my breath away in explanations of divine and human existence that seemed so logical and concise I had to ask myself how it could be any other way.

This is a unique love story, one of which I have never read the likes of before. More than that, it is the story of true love and the many forms it imbues. Each of the characters experiences great sadness and despair but champions their way to find their true destiny. I connected with each of the characters in such a way, I just knew that I had met them before.

By the end of the book, I felt like I had read the cosmic secrets of the universe. I felt like I had been given a special gift all tied up with a bow the color of sparkling stars. Ironically, I found this book on Facebook, part of a “free” campaign to introduce readers to the book. Wow! Was that ever my lucky day!

A visit to Diane Hall’s blog gives you a glimpse into the story with this excerpt: “Unseen Hands.” She also shares:

“An earlier edition of this book was very briefly known as Earth Angel, but has now undergone a huge revision and has been returned to its original title, of ‘Catching Feathers in the Wind.’ ~ A phrase used by one of the main characters, to describe the process of inspiration.”

If you are interested in spirituality and enjoy romance novels you will adore Catching Feathers in the Wind. This is the kind of book that I will read over and over again knowing I will be touched by some different element each time I read it. I know one thing, your ideas about everlasting love will be forever changed!

Author, Diane Hall

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

About Diane Hall:

Diane Hall is an author and channel who writes novels, non-fiction, magazine features, comedy scripts, and songs about love, spirituality and the joyful challenges of communication between dimensions.

She is inspired by her guides and the angelic realm to create books that touch the heart with memories of Heaven. She is also a drama postgraduate with a passion for Shakespeare and Rumi, and a desire to bring a sense of fun to the genre of spiritual fiction. She is a singer/songwriter, a meditation and intuitive development teacher, and a recovering chocoholic.

As a freelance writer, she has contributed to a number of new thought publications and websites, including Soul & Spirit and Kindred Spirit magazines.

“My dream is to create a life-changing body of work – literary, musical and lyrical – that reaches many hearts and minds and brings peace, awakenings, love, learning, joy and ultimately, a Heaven on Earth.”

~*~

Make certain to connect with Diane Hall through Twitter @Channellinglove and Facebook at Diane Hall.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “INSIDE OUT,” BY @INSIDEOUTAUTHOR

Title: Inside Out
Author: Jack Kearney
File Size: 1462 KB
Print Length: 206 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: July 21, 2015
Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B012BM79EE
ISBN-10: 1682131297
ISBN-13: 9781682131299
Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble
Genres: Suspense, Contemporary Fiction, Drama

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

A Struggling Actor

Danny Belson is the epitome of a struggling actor. Young, good-looking, gifted with the body of a young adonis; he has done his time waiting tables, scrubbing toilets, appearing for auditions, and waiting for his big break in Hollywood to finally come. When he isn’t playing pool or meeting beautiful women, Danny Belson is just a normal guy trying to make a make a living as an actor.

Always looking for that elusive “break,” into Hollywood, Danny gets recruited as an acting assistant by Ellie, the leader of a two-week acting workshop to help inmates find better jobs after incarceration at the Lompoc medium-security prison. Danny was chosen to take part in California’s answer to New Jersey’s highly acclaimed “Scared Straight” by actually working with the inmates. However, the job does not come without difficulties as Danny struggles to earn the respect of the inmates.

Danny persists and is able to share with the men what the real world of acting is all about. Many of the men accept him and deep friendships are forged. Feeling that honesty is the best way to learn, Danny critiques one of the men for their performance during a role-playing exercise. The man is offended and storms out of the workshop. Danny realizes he has made a critical error in judging this man’s character. Even though Danny feels rewarded with the success of the inmate actors, he knows that he has made an enemy.

The BIG Break!

After the success of the acting workshop at the prison, Danny returns to his normal life. He stumbles into an audition that promises to change his life for the better. While giving the best performance of his life at the audition, he meets the woman of his dreams. It is quickly apparent from the reception the two receive at the audition, the duo are sure to strike it big! Danny and the woman agree to meet after her waitressing shift at the local bar is finished later that night.

In a bizarre turn of events, Danny is involved in a car accident that night on his way to meet this bewitching new woman, which results in the death of a pedestrian, who turns out to be the lover of a high-ranking city official. Framed for the murder, he finds himself behind bars at the Lompoc medium-security prison. In just a short amount of time, Danny’s life is suddenly turned “INSIDE OUT!”

Recommendation:

Jack Kearney used a unique style of writing when sharing Danny Belson’s life with the reader. Intimate flashbacks of Danny’s life, written in the first person, were used to tell the backstory in an effective manner without chapters splitting up the cadence of the story. It took me a bit to get used to the writing style but by then I was engrossed in the captivating story itself. I was so engaged I read the story in only two nights.

This is the raw and explosive story of a man wronged by a prison system that is fraught with scandal and greed. I loved the rehabilitative ideal of the men attending acting classes as a way to give them freedom from their prison environment. With some of the men, I got the distinct feeling that the characters were already skilled actors by committing the crimes they were convicted for.

However, it was through acting and pantomime, these prisoners were able to change their perspective on life. I know it’s been said before, but sometimes all you need is the right break or for the right door to open. This is a central theme throughout the story. It is the glimmer of hope, the thread of possibility that cheers men forward to do bigger and better things with their life.

I won’t kid you. This book portrayed the brutality of prison life which brought tears to my eyes. For me, what championed the story was the deep friendships from the men in the acting class and how they related to Danny. All of the men, convicted criminals, showed a side of humanity filled with honor and integrity that seemed to be lacking from the actual prison officials. It really made me think about our prisons and what their actual purpose is, to rehabilitate prisoners or to just keep them away from the rest of society. This was a thought provoking read.

It is said that adversity changes you sometimes for better or for worse. Danny’s triumph is knowing when to act upon his misfortunes while remaining true to himself. I found the end of the book to be spectacular and soul satisfying!

Author, Jack Kearney

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4.5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5

About Jack Kearney:

My experience as an actor in the late seventies inspired me to write a script in the mid-eighties that led me to write this book in 2013. There has never been a storyline where the protagonist, a non-criminal is thrown into prison where he already knows some of the inmates.

For most of my life, I was a struggling actor. I appeared on such shows as Mash, WKRP in Cincinnati, and General Hospital. For a short time, I even taught an acting workshop. Today I am a struggling acting coach in Northern California, but back in the mid-seventies, I was a recent graduate of the very prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts where I was part of the first graduating class in Los Angeles.

After that I joined the ranks of the other sixty thousand would-be stars who acted in showcase plays, occasionally going on professional auditions, and attending weekly workshops. Waiting for that big break I had many survival jobs typical of the actors of the ’70s and ’80s.

But sales seemed to offer the only possible way to make a living and contrary to popular belief, I discovered that a salesperson is made not born. In fact, commissioned sales can be almost as frustrating as breaking into show business. I am currently working out of my home, on commission, for a newsletter publishing company.

I have been married twice. My first, which ended in divorce gave me my beautiful daughter Shannon. I lost my second wife of ten years to cancer in 2012. Now 63, I currently reside in Northern California with my Yorkie-Poo Toby.

***

Make certain to connect with Jack Kearney through his Twitter @insideoutauthor

And Facebook at Jack Kearney.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “STELLA’S AWAKENING,” BY AUTHOR @RKRYDE

Title: Stella’s Awakening
Author: RK Ryde
File Size: 2349 KB
Print Length: 516 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Rydco Publishing; 1 edition
Publication Date: August 27, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B014LP285E
ISBN-10: 1517101565
ISBN-13: 9781517101565
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Erotic Romance, Romantic Erotica

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Book Blurb from the author:
“A painful past. A forbidden romance. Will she choose love and make the ultimate sacrifice?

For Stella Welsch, buying a home and starting her own business has already pushed the boundaries of her strict upbringing. When she meets the sexy and powerful executive, Conrad Adams, Stella knows he’s off limits, but can’t help daydreaming about forbidden romance. As sparks begin to fly, Stella reveals that the relationship could have her cut off from her family and life as she knows it.

After painful memories surface, Stella decides to follow her heart and succumb to the sexy business mogul’s pursuit. But she quickly discovers that her sheltered upbringing hasn’t prepared her for what she is about to face. Her naive knowledge of ‘sex’ is nothing more than foreplay to the sexually experienced Conrad. As her feelings build, Stella must choose between Conrad and her family. Between rebellion and convention.

Stella’s Awakening is the first installment in an erotic romance series that tackles difficult social issues. If you like EL James and Jodi Picoult, you’ll love this intriguing, sexy, and emotional rollercoaster of a book.”

My Recommendation:

I had no clear idea of what to expect with this novel and began reading with my eyes wide open. Initially, I felt compelled to compare the storyline to Fifty Shades of Grey but that comparison soon dwindled. I was hooked after the first chapter. The writing is well done and handled with flair. However, due to the sexual content, this book is not suitable for younger readers.

The novel is written and set in Sydney, Australia, so the English words are spelled with Australian spelling, and there are many word variations. I enjoyed the differences in language and felt it added to the exotic appeal of the location.

The author, RK Ryde, tells Stella’s story in the first person and I pondered her choice. However, the more I read, the more I began to understand the protagonist, Stella Welsch.

Stella’s story is deeply personal. I realized that telling the story in the first person fostered a deeper connection to her emotions and the inner conflict she was dealing with. I found myself embroiled in her life. I experienced Stella’s life through her eyes and words.

This story is more than just an erotic sexual awakening for a thirty-year-old woman experiencing her first true love. For Stella, it is the realization that everything she was told as a child growing up, and into her adult life could be wrong, or it could be right. That is her dilemma. It is the grappling with the realization that she must choose between the man she loves or the religion and family she also loves deeply. What a conundrum!

For me, Stella’s story emphasized the choices she must make between free will vs. control. I struggled with why Stella’s life was so difficult to deal with when she was a business owner and a successful interior decorator in her own rights. It seemed like she had the courage to pursue her own dreams but only up to a certain point. Her parents certainly did not approve of her life unless it was by their mandated version of how she should live. I just could not imagine living under those circumstances.

As Stella and Conrad’s relationship grew I could see the natural progression of a couple falling in love and wanting to begin their life together. What made this chronicle different from other romantic novels was the levels of control Stella lived under. I could not help wondering if Stella chooses Conrad’s love then wasn’t she trading the control of her parents and religion to be under his control? It was a thought provoking revelation.

The end of the story is powerful and eye-opening. I understand this is the first book in the installment and look forward to finding out just what Stella decides to do with her life. No matter what her choices, I know the outcome will be explosive!

Character Believability: 4.5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About RK (Rhonda) Ryde:

I live with my gorgeous husband, our beautiful daughter and a very cute poodle in a little country town on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia.

My weekdays are spent working my day job as an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreter and running my daughter around to drama classes, tennis lessons and play dates with friends. Once she’s in bed, I put my author hat on and hit the keyboard, working on my novels and growing my business.

On the weekends you will find me with my family, doing all sorts of fun and interesting things. We love to adventure, rummage around markets, ride our pushbikes or Harley Davidsons and spend time surfing or kayaking on the magnificent South Coast of NSW.

Please make certain to connect with RK Ryde through her Twitter @RKRyde and Facebook at RK Ryde Author, or her blog at RK Ryde.com.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “STASHES,” BY P J COLANDO

Title: Stashes – What Ever Happened to Earn?
Author: P. J. Colando
File Size: 1011 KB
Print Length: 350 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Bookbaby, 1 edition
Publication Date: June 19, 2014
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00LIAZBKK
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Humor, Contemporary Fiction

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Meet the Breeden’s

Meet Jackie and Steve Breeden, your average hard-working, dairy farming, salt of the earth kind of folks who live on a rural farm in Michigan. Time has marched on in their lives, and both, Jackie and Steve, realize that as they are getting older their dream of hitting the road and seeing the beauty of what America has to offer, in the style of their hero Charles Kuralt, is becoming a shadowy memory. Life for the Breeden’s has become predictable and dull.

Just when Jackie and Steve accept that their dream is gone, their son Brandon abruptly loses his job at the GM Plant not far from town. Armed with the knowledge that Brandon and his wife, Amy, a Vice President at the local bank, are going to lose their home to foreclosure, Jackie and Steve decide to buy a Winnebago. It is a win-win situation for all of them. Brandon and Amy can move into their house while Brandon tends the milking business, and Steve and Jackie can travel and explore the United States fulfilling their lifelong dream. What could possibly go wrong?

Meanwhile, back at the farm…

Amy is a conniving, whining, money obsessed twenty-something, typical of an entitled generation. Amy decides that she is not going to take losing all the things she worked so hard to possess, just because they wallowed in insurmountable debt. In Amy’s eyes, she deserves her luxuries, no matter what!

In no time, Amy hatches a scheme to expand the Breeden’s micro dairy business by growing and selling marijuana edibles, convincing Jackie that this is the way of the future. One day while at work at the bank, Amy secretly manipulates the amount of the loan for the Winnebago and the line of credit to finance supplies for her burgeoning marijuana crop.

Jackie and Steve leave for their trip, entrusting the care of their home and business to their son and daughter-in-law finally free to pursue their baby boomer dream. What could possibly go wrong?

Recommendation:

Stashes was one of the funniest and most enjoyable books in this genre I have read in a long time. Maybe it had to do with the language (I am from Wisconsin, the book takes place in Michigan) or maybe it had to do with the stage of life I find myself at but I felt a strong connection. I enjoyed the loveable characters of Jackie and Steve and felt right at home with their dialog and their thoughts. There were times that I silently howled with laughter at the situations all of these characters ended up in. The best part was that every challenge was believable and realistic in our world today!

I also enjoyed the approach that PJ Colando took in the story telling. She used two protagonists so you got both points of view, that from Jackie telling her side of the story, and Amy elaborating her’s. This made the story richer by sharing the generational ideals of the two women. You can only imagine the fireworks between these two.

The character of the daughter-in-law, Amy was fascinating to me. You had to love her determination and grit, even though she always seemed to make disastrous decisions. In fact, I liked that Amy mirrored many of Jackie’s attitudes. The fact that the women didn’t recognize that about each other added to the absurdity of their lives and decisions.

P J Colando describes her book as a “fictional farce,” and I couldn’t agree with her more. In fact, she shared with me that the cover illustration is by Cliff Cramp, who had done all of the cover art for the Star Wars DVD’s. She said he pictured himself on the cover, which he said is done in “National Lampoon” style. If you look on the lower right of the cover, he even signed it!

P J Colando also shares with us that “Cliff Cramp is a friend of a friend who is generous in every way. Cliff agreed to do the cover before my final revision; in part, because I sent him a picture of the apron on the cover – it is reversible. Has a dark side and a light side, just like The Force. I wear the apron to all book events, wearing the light side when I read a few pages in Jackie’s point of view and the dark side when I read daughter-in-law Amy’s point of view. She’s a whippersnapper, that one!”

Humor aside, this book deals with the realities of life in the heartland of America and how people are dealing with life in a downsized economy. The issues of medical marijuana are humorously discussed without demeaning the positive qualities of such a program, or demeaning the laws in place to protect the rights of all citizens.

What I loved most about the book was the moral tug of war Jackie had with herself while trying to honor her values as a friend, wife, and mother. Many of these lessons were interwoven with humor and faith, a joyful combination. Stashes will help you realize that staying true to your beliefs and values is not always an easy thing and sometimes you have to be creative to survive!

Author: P J Colando

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of five stars

About P J Colando from her bio on her blog:

“As a licensed speech-language pathologist I wrote thousands of clinical reports – and some of them contained fabulous fiction, to urge a denial-oriented insurer to pay. Now I write for fun and freedom of expression. It’s an elegant hobby: I hide away in my home on a hill, out of earshot of the fray.

My short stories and personal essays have been published in magazines, newspapers, and non-profits’ newsletters. I write a regular column for ‘Lit Central’ called “Write Places”. My stories have also been included in the anthologies: Open to Interpretation, The Indiana Review, The Biscuit, She Writes, and Wisdom Has a Voice.

My satiric family saga, Stashes, was published in July 2014, its pot plot shock-and-awing my friends. Next in the series will be HASHES AND BASHES. Wonder what it’s about? Clues were stashed among the misadventures of book one…

I relish oral reads, including Dime Stories, Literary Posse, and LIT UP! I’d love to come to talk with your book clubs, groups of writers/readers. I have an extensive public speaking resume. I provide home baked goodies, giveaways, insights, and laughs. Connect with me.

My husband, Larry, and I are also widely traveled, a quest endowed by my parents. We grew up in small towns in the Midwest and now live in southern California. We feel deeply grounded, yet we crave adventure. No kids, no pets, lots of friends, and few financial obligations: what a life we’ve created, fellow Baby Boomers! Come join … via my writing.

I post regularly on my blog, themed as “Stashes, Hashes, Bashes: Boomer Stuff!”

I write while my husband watches sports (read: often). He calls me a walking exclamation point! I dash –

I’m told there’s sunshine in my Voice, an inimitable, singular energy. I am having a blast!”

Find out more about P J Colando’s books here.

Make certain to connect with P J Colando through Facebook at P J Colando.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “PINEAPPLE LIES” @AMYVANSANT

Title: Pineapple Lies – A Pineapple Port Mystery

Author: Amy Vansant

Website: Amy Vansant.com

ASIN: B00VV773I8

Published: April 8, 2015

Pages: 308

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Welcome to the Pineapple Port Retirement Community located in sunny Florida where Charlotte, a young woman in her twenties resides with a zany bunch of retirees. After Charlotte’s grandmother passes away she finds herself left with a home surrounded by a society of grandparents who look after her like she was their own.

As idyllic as this all sounds, Charlotte feels like life is passing her by. Her life and career is at a standstill. Looking for some sort of excitement she decides to plant a garden. When the neighbor’s dog helps her dig up a patch of ground a skull is uncovered which leads to the mystery of who is buried in Charlotte’s backyard.

Along with help from sexy Declan, the owner of the local pawn shop, and the only other young person in the town, Charlotte and a whacky cast of elderly characters delve into the mystery of identifying the body. The terrifying part is that the murderer lives right under their noses!

I loved the chemistry and humor shared between Charlotte and Declan. Numerous times I found myself laughing out loud, as the two young people try to deal with a mutual attraction to each other while surrounded by nosy neighbors watching them at all times. I look forward to seeing how the author, Amy Vansant brings the two of them together in subsequent novels. They are a great match and it will be fun to see their relationship advance.

Author, Amy Vansant

This is a cozy mystery with a romantic sparkle. It is filled with humor and kept me laughing till the end. On top of that, I did not figure out the ending until the very last, which was a pleasant surprise. If you are looking for a book to take on vacation or for a trip to the beach, Pineapple Lies is a lighthearted and fun read to enjoy with a relaxing glass of wine. Cheers!

RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 4/5
Made Me Think: 3/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.0

Buy it at: Amazon
Format & Pricing
Paperback: $11.30 US
Kindle: $2.99 US

Goodreads

@ColleenChesebro

www.SilverThreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE BIRR ELIXIR,” BY AUTHOR @Sparks777

The Birr Elixir

Title: The Birr Elixir, Book 1 of the Legend of the Gamesmen
Author: Jo Sparks
File Size: 1178 KB
Print Length: 196 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Oscar Press
Publication Date: May 31, 2013
Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00D4R7PZ4
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction,

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

In the land of Missea – under Skullan rule

King Bactor’s son Tryst, must undertake his first epourney in order to become a man to fulfill his destiny of becoming the future King of the Skullan people and all Trumen. Since a prince’s epourney is undertaken with a best friend, Tryst leaves with three of his best friends, Baldar, Mauric, and Jason. When it is determined that Mauric is ill and cannot travel, Kellan one of the prince’s lesser companions goes in his stead. Now, the adventure begins!

In the City of San Cris, one of the Sandy Towns…

A young apprentice potion maker, named Marra, works in the potion shop of her dead mistress, under the care of Snark, her mistress’ evil brother. Marra’s training was to include, “… learning the power of herbs, the alchemy of powders and potions to heal and enhance…” (pg. 9). After the death of Mistress Britta, Marra’s training stalls under the cruel care of Snark.

Until one day, when the mysterious Drail, a legendary gamesman, comes to the shop begging Marra to make a special potion for him and his crew of men set to play against the Skullan gamers. Marra agrees to make the potion, called “The Birr Elixir,” and Drail and his team win, believing the potion is responsible for their success.

Drail returns to the shop where he witnesses Snark beating Marra, who did not believe she had brewed the elixir that helped the Truman beat the Skullan’s at the game. After taking care of Snark and knocking him out cold, Drail invites Marra to accompany him and his team so that she can make more of the Birr Elixir for them.

A new life

Marra agrees to leave the only home she has ever known to follow Drail and his men as their Brista. As she is gathering her things to leave, she spots an unconscious man on the floor of the shop. Not wanting to leave the man to Snark’s mercy, Drail decides to take the man with them.

Marra realizes that the man is under a deep spell. Along the road, she works hard gathering herbs and preparing potions to heal the young man. Finally after many days, the man awakens and says his name is Tryst…

Recommendation:

As Jo Sparks debut novel, this book has the potential to be a great story and series. I loved the richness of the characters and enjoyed the interactions between them. Many of the apt descriptions of the desert towns reminded me of the book, “Dune,” by Frank Herbert.

However, I was left with so many unanswered questions as to where the story was going that I had to go back and reread various passages to make sure that I followed the story. I felt like there was an attraction growing between Tryst and Marra, although Drail seemed to care deeply for the girl also. There are few clues in this book to shed any light on their relationship.

I would say the main attraction of the story is the “games” themselves. The “game” appears to be played in an arena with two opposing teams. In the words of the author,

“It is a wild game with few rules. Players wore leather vests to protect themselves, but in truth, the decorated material was more to mark the teams for the spectators than any real padding.” (P. 17)

At the inner circle in the arena, a line is drawn in the sand by a judge. It is forbidden for the teams to cross the line until the judge allows it. There is much jockeying for the balls by both team members. There are four leather balls that need to be dropped into a cone shaped area in order to score points, which are determined by the judge. Each ball contains special markings which determine the number of points each ball is worth. As contact sports go, I envisioned the game to be a combination of football and hockey with players participating in a game to the death in order to win, if necessary.

If you love the excitement of a fast paced game and the mystery and intrigue of a fantasy world, you will enjoy this book as much as I did. I do hope in the next sequel, the author will shed more light on where the story is leading. Right now, the possibilities are endless.

Jo-Sparkes

Author, Jo Sparks

Character Believability: 4
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4 out of 5 stars
About Jo Sparks:

A well-known Century City Producer once said that Jo Sparkes “…writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read.” Not only are those words a compliment to Jo’s skills as a writer, but a true reflection of her commitment to her work as a screenwriter.

Jo Sparkes graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington College, a small liberal arts college famous for its creative writing program. Some years later, she renounced life in the corporate world to pursue her passion for writing. Jo went on to study for two years with Robert Powell; a student of renowned writers and teachers Lew Hunter, and Richard Walter, head and heart of UCLA’s Screenwriting Program. The culmination of those years of hard work was the short-film “The Image”, which Jo wrote and produced single-handedly.

Since then, Jo hasn’t looked back – having written seven feature film scripts. Jo’s body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct to video Children’s DVD, commercial work for corporate clients, as well as a being a feature writer on ReZoom.com. As a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network; where she has been called their most popular writer, she was known for her humorous articles, player interviews, and game coverage. Jo was unofficially the first to interview Emmitt Smith when he arrived in Arizona to play for the Cardinals.

She has served as an adjunct teacher at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College and even made a video of her most beloved lecture. More recently she has teamed with a Producer and a Director on a low budget thriller. Her book for writers and artists, “Feedback How to Give It How to Get It” was born to help her students — and indeed, all artists.

Her original script, Frank Retrieval, won the 2012 Kay Snow award for best screenplay. Her fantasy series, The Legend of the Gamesmen, has garnered two B.R.A.G. Medallions and a 2015 silver IPPY award for Ebook Juvenile/YA Fiction.

When not diligently perfecting her craft, Jo can be found exploring her new home of Portland, Oregon, with her Husband Ian, and their dog Oscar.

To watch a trailer for the book click the link below.

Make certain to connect with (author) through her Twitter @Sparks777

And her blog at, Jo Sparks – Quill & Hound.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

Colleen 10.2015

BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “PRAIRIE MOTHS-MEMORIES OF A FARMER’S DAUGHTER,” BY AUTHOR JUDYDYKSTRABROWN.COM

Title: Prairie Moths – Memories of a Farmer’s Daughter
Author: Judy Dykstra-Brown
File Size: 2447 KB
Print Length: 50 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Judy Dykstra-Brown
Publication Date: June 13, 2014
Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00KZBJUGY
Formats: Kindle
Genres: Biographies, Memoirs, Literature, Poetry

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, which follows*

Join me…

Step back into time and travel on the dusty-white gossamer wings of prairie moths into the childhood memories of Judy Dykstra-Brown where she grew up on the South Dakota plains. Her dramatic prose and photos will sweep you into her sometimes stark rural life as she lived it in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

This was a kinder and gentler time when parents told stories to their children of gray wolves and the perils of being lost in a snowstorm, all the while sparking their young imaginations with their storytelling. Like any child, Judy longed to be free of her home place and to strike out on her own not realizing at the time how amazing her young life truly was.

My Recommendation:

As a child, I spent many summers visiting my grandparents in Central Kansas. I was immediately transported back to that time and could literally hear the sounds of the prairie grasses rustling beneath my feet as I read the hauntingly beautiful words of Judy Dykstra-Brown.

Her writing style is pure poetry, with verses that flow from her memories rich with tales of her home life. Much of her words center on her hardworking father, acquainting the reader with a man who was as strong as the mightiest cottonwood trees that hugged the girth of their property.

I love this passage Judy shares about her father:

“He was a man who planted—

a man with a hard life

who tried to shield us from this life.”

My favorite of her writings was called, “The Summer House.” This is the story of a shanty her father called the summer house which enchanted Judy with all the possibilities of what this humble cottage was and what it could become. She spent countless summers cleaning that old abandoned shack waiting patiently for her family to move there each summer. At home in her winter house in town, the child named Judy would dream of her summer house, remembering her favorite tale of the three bears and thinking her summer house was just right.

I enjoyed and appreciated Judy’s poetic style. Her words are truly enchanting and I was often moved by the vivid descriptions of her home life.

Young and old alike will enjoy “Prairie Moths,” as it is an evocative and lovely collection of verses that will transport the reader back in time to their own childhood filled with abundant memories of when the vast world stretched before us ripe with all the promises of our own lives ahead of us.

Author, Judy Dykstra-Brown

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

About Judy Dykstra-Brown

Judy Dykstra-Brown grew up in South Dakota and lived in Australia, Ethiopia, Wyoming, and California before finally coming to rest in San Juan Cosala, Mexico––a small pueblo on the shores of Lake Chapala near Guadalajara, Mexico––where she has lived for the past 14 years.

Her work may be found in numerous journals, magazines and anthologies, including New Poets in Los Angeles, the Sculpture Garden Review, Agave Marias ( an anthology of ten women writers who have broken boundaries and crossed borders); Veils, Halos, and Shackles: International Poetry on the Oppression and Empowerment of Women (an anthology that will be coming out in April of 2016.) and an upcoming anthology of stories and poetry by Alzheimer’s caregivers edited by Kenneth Salzmann.

She was a semifinalist in the Atlantic Journal international poetry competition and first place winner of the Tennessee Writer’s Alliance National Poetry Prize in 2002. She has published over 75 poems, articles and stories in various publications and online magazines including “Living at Lake Chapala,” “Ojo Del Lago” and MexConnect.

Her book of poetry, Prairie Moths: Memories of a Farmer’s Daughter; a nonfiction/memoir book entitled Lessons from a Grief Diary: Reinventing Your Life after the Death of a Loved One, and her children’s picture book Sock Talk are available on Amazon and Kindle. Two more children’s books are completed and will soon be available as well.

She posts daily on her blog at judydykstrabrown.com

Please connect with Judy on Facebook at Judy Dykstra-Brown.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “WILL O’ THE WISP,” BY AUTHOR @VIRGILANTE

Title: Will O’ the Wisp
Author: C. S. Boyack
File Size: 3536 KB
Print Length: 259 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Publication Date: March 13, 2015
Sold by Amazon, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00UPH6BNS
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Kindle
Genres: YA Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, and Suspense

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Have you Seen a Will O’ the Wisp?

Eerie green phosphorescent lights have been seen hovering over Bergamot Holler in Virginia since the beginning of time. What are these lights and why are they there? Speculation is that the lights are just swamp gasses floating harmlessly in the stillness of an autumn evening, even though their appearance has foretold many stories about fairies, ghosts, and witches.

That is until Patty Hall, a not-so-average 15-year-old, witnesses the Will O’ the Wisp first hand in the mid-1970’s during a routine hike in the woods near her house while star gazing one night. Patty witnesses one of the mysterious orbs as it forces its way inside the body of an unsuspecting male college student. Terrified, she flees back to the safety of her home, afraid to share what she has seen for fear her mother will have her committed.

The next day, when Patty’s Uncle turns up dead, the college student is arrested for his murder. Accompanied by her Mother and Step-Father at the jail, Patty sees the murderer who appears to be sick as he spews up copious amounts of liquid from his lungs. The boy has murder in his eyes as he lunges for Patty through the bars of his jail cell yelling, “You’re next!” (Pg. 37).

The Mystery Deepens

In preparation for her Uncle’s funeral Patty helps her mother clean out his house. It is during this process that Patty finds extensive research on the Will O’ the Wisp her uncle had been working on for years. Horrified by what she finds Patty realizes that her family has been targeted for generations by the Will O’ the Wisp.

On top of all this, Patty has her own disabilities to contend with. She is not popular in high school and must wear leg braces to correct a congenital deformity. Tensions with her mother are at an all-time high, and her two best friends are growing away from her. For Patty, life has taken a chilling turn.

With every ounce of courage, she can summon, Patty embarks on a supernatural journey to find the answers she needs to save her own life, and those of her friends, and family.

Recommendation:

I was gripped with tension as I read “The Will O’ the Wisp,” staying up late into the night because I could not put the book down. The next day, I found myself wondering about all the possibilities that Patty had before her in trying to solve the mystery that was stalking and killing her family members. You could say, I was hooked by the story and the characters, even though the book was targeted for a young adult genre.

S. Boyack realistically spins this coming of age tale of a 15-year-old girl with the chilling supernatural happenings in a small town in Virginia, all the while, blending historical elements that draw you further into the mystery. Boyack is clever, though. He reveals the story writing almost as if he were the young girl himself seeing through her eyes. Patty becomes a character who is totally loveable and believable, teenage angst and all.

My hope was to read this story during Halloween. That did not happen, although I was pleasantly surprised at how the story did not need a holiday to reinforce the enigmatic vibes of the story line. This was one of the best young adult novels I have read. If you are looking for something unusual to read bury your head into “The Will O’ the Wisp.” If you dare!

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About C. S. Boyack

I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.

I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.

I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Make certain to connect with C. S. Boyack through his Twitter @virgilante

And his blog at: “Entertaining Stories,” coldhandboyack.wordpress.com

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “BEYOND THE COLORED LINE, STELLA – BOOK 2,” BY AUTHOR @HOUSEOFPOETRY

Title: Beyond the Colored Line – Stella, Book 2
Author: Yecheilyah Ysrayl
File Size: 443 KB
Print Length: 64 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Lulu.com
Publication Date: July 27, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B013PQCKK8
Formats: Kindle, Stella – book 1: Kindle
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Literature, Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

Introducing – Stella May

In 1916, Stella May is born as the great-granddaughter of a former slave, also named Stella May. The original Stella May changed her family’s surname to May upon gaining her freedom. Stella is born of mixed ancestry which for all appearances gives her light skin, blond hair, and hazel eyes.

An amazing beauty, Stella is teased by her black classmates because they don’t believe she is black enough. She looks white and even sounds white. In comparison, her white classmates ridicule her since she is too poor to fit in with proper white society. Stella May is caught in the proverbial catch 22. She is too light to be black and too poor to be white.

Stella May’s mother, Judith was born of mixed ancestry also, which gave her the same light skin, hair, and eyes. Judith always thought of herself as a black woman when she married Stella’s father who was also black. By 1928, Stella’s father ran off in fear of being lynched for being married to a white woman. In those days, society made it clear that the races should not co-mingle.

Who is Sidney McNair?

However, even without her father around, Stella was raised with a family of aunts (from her mother’s side) who took an active part in her life. Eventually, because of the difficulties with Stella fitting in at school, her mother sent her to a private school. Stella’s uncles on her father’s side said, “…They were breaking the law – that a Negro had no business in a white school.” Aunt Sara felt different, because, after all, she said, “Stella is half white.”

By the time the Great Depression eases, Stella and her family move to segregated Chicago, where life is not much better. Aunt Sara, a school teacher, struggles to wait for the school district to pay her. Sara has made the step into white society by dating an affluent doctor and encourages Stella to do the same. After a discussion with Aunt Sara, Stella decides to pass for white. Sidney McNair is born and enters a white society where she had the freedom to go where she chooses and to buy whatever she likes. Stella has crossed the colored line.

Many years later, Sidney is forced to come to grips with the decisions she made long ago. How those decisions affect her life, and the lives of her children and grandchildren, take the reader on a roller-coaster ride into the world of race and ethnicity in America today.

Recommendation:

Since I had not read the first book in the Stella series, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pick up the threads of Stella’s story. Although the characters are fictional, I was drawn to them (especially Stella) because I have granddaughters of mixed ancestry and I wanted to understand the challenges they face as young women each day.

Maybe, because I felt such a personal connection, Stella’s story touched me even more deeply than I thought it would. I had no idea how difficult life was for Stella and her family, all because of the color of their skin. This was an emotional read for me.

Even more revealing, is how relevant Stella’s story is in America today. I wonder how many people, faced with the same dilemma’s that Stella dealt with, would be able to reconcile their feelings about their own ethnicity.

So, I asked my granddaughters who have black, white, and Thai ancestry. Both girls are beautiful and exotic. They have dark hair, and skin, while one granddaughter has brown eyes, the other has hazel eyes. You know what they told me? They said they were American! Somehow, I knew Stella would have approved.

Beyond the Colored Line is a story about an American family dealing with the issues of race and color in a time when those issues were considered to be conditions characterized with hardship and suffering. Stella’s story helped me to discover connections with my own family I never had before. You see, even in my own family, nothing is ever just black and white.

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5

Author, Yecheilyah Ysrayl:

Born in 1987 on the south side of Chicago, Yecheilyah Ysrayl (“EC”) is an author and Spoken Word Artist.

Yecheilyah started writing short stories and poetry at the age of twelve. She attended Harper High School (International Language Career Academy) Robert Morris College (Computer Basics / Administration), Chicago State University (Professional and Technical Writing), and Everest College (Medical Assistance / Phlebotomy).

“EC” currently lives in Shreveport, LA with her husband where she writes full time.

To watch a trailer for the book click the link below.

Make certain to connect with Yecheilyah through her Twitter @ahouseofpoetry

And Facebook at Yecheilyah Ysrayl

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE MYSTERY OF THE SOLAR WIND” BY AUTHOR @LYZRUSSO

Title: The Mystery of the Solar Wind
Author: Lyz Russo
File Size: 1570 KB
Print Length: 430 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 062046593X
Publisher: P’kaboo Publishing (Owned by the author)
Publication Date: August 18, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B0145T724I
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Futuristic Fiction, Mystery,

In the year 2116 the Unicate, a conglomerate formed from all the governments in the world, have stopped the wars that ravaged the earth. Peace now reigns supreme – except on the oceans, where Captain Radomiur Lascek and his band of pirates sail upon his ship, the Solar Wind. This unruly band of misfits travel the high seas, seeking out outlaws and fugitives, all the while steering clear of the Unicate and their associates.

On a routine stop in Dublin, the Gypsy chef, Federi takes a chance and hires three teenage Irish musicians, “The Donegal Troubles,” Paean, her older brother Ronan, and her younger brother, Shawn to entertain the crew. The young trio had been searching for work and a safe place to hide from their past and the Unicate, who are hunting for them in connection with a mysterious death that still haunts Paean and her brothers.

Mystery and adventure surround the Donegal’s as they sail aboard the Solar Wind. When the Unicate gained power they outlawed all knowledge and culture that dated back more than thirty years. This is the war the pirates wage against the Unicate. Using current technology and the old ways of sailing, knowledge now forbidden, Captain Lascek and the crew capture and sell enemy craft to the rebellion.

However, all is not what it seems aboard the Solar Wind. The Unicate and bounty hunters are closing in on Captain Lascek and the crew. Time is running out! The only answer must be sabotage from within!

Recommendation:

Do you love pirates? Young adult adventure and mysteries, too? How about if you throw in some gypsy magic and a romance or two? The Mystery of the Solar Wind is all that and then some.

The cast of characters is a motley crew with two things in common, their love of the sea and their hatred for the Unicate. Add in the young Donegal kids who knew nothing of living upon a sea vessel and you learn about life aboard the Solar Wind through their eyes. If you ever wondered what it was like to sail a ship, you will learn all there is to know within these pages.

I was intrigued with the in-depth personality of Paean, a real tom-boy who stuck me as a level headed teenager faced with the difficulties of living under a corrupt world government. The choices she was faced with really made me think about the way our world is today and what our future might hold for all of us. The future presented within these pages might not be too far off in our own future.

Although, for me the real stand out in the novel was Federi, the Gypsy chef, who bewitches you with his smooth talking ways and his undying loyalty to the captain and the crew. The Romany Federi carries dark secrets from his past that seem to surface at exactly the right time, moving the story along in exciting new paths.

There is a great deal of detail presented within the pages of this book. At times, I had to backtrack to make all the connections, even though I was always glad I did. Lyz Russo is a master story weaver and I was drawn into the community of pirates who seemed to be the real good guys in this futuristic world.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I have to know what happens next!

“The Mystery of the Solar Wind,” is Book 1 in the Solar Wind series. “The Assassin,” is Book 2, “Freedom Fighter,” is Book 3, and “Raider!” is Book 4, all part of the Solar Wind Series.

Author, Lyz Russo

Character Believability: 4
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4

About Lyz Russo:

I’m a South African writer and musician. Between running a violin studio and raising 3 beautiful children, and writing through nights, I also run a maverick indie publishing house in South Africa called, P’kaboo Publishers. Have a look: http://pkaboonews.blogspot.co.za/

Find me on my blog: “Violin Tricks” https://violintrix.wordpress.com/

My social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyz-Russo/50736424488

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5274509.Lyz_Russo

P’kaboo Book Club (FB): https://www.facebook.com/groups/139271869584780/

The Solar Wind Fan Club (FB): https://www.facebook.com/groups/26966456822/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyzrusso

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/lyzrusso

Links to the book “The Mystery of the Solar Wind:”

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lyz-Russo/e/B00I2W7MYK

On P’kaboo: http://www.pkaboo.net/LRusso.html

Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/shop/lyz-russo/the-mystery-of-the-solar-wind/paperback/product-22440561.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/516535

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12876378-the-mystery-of-the-solar-wind

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE CRATER LAKE SERIES, Box Set One,” BY AUTHOR @FRANCISGUENETTE

Title: The Crater Lake Series: “Disappearing in Plain Sight,” “The Light Never Lies,” and “Chasing Down the Night”
Author: Francis Guenette
File Size: 3331 KB
Print Length:
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Huckleberry Haven Publishing
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B010QZ12K0
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13: 9780994066404
Formats: Kindle
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Romance, Drama, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Romance

The boxed set of The Crater Lake Series is comprised of three full-length novels. I will give a brief review of all three books in sequence order.

*The author provided me a copy of the series in exchange for an honest review which follows.*

“Disappearing in Plain Sight” Book One

Sixteen-year-old Lisa Marie has a dark past in Ontario that she would like to get away from, so when she is forced to visit her aunt in Crater Lake on Vancouver Island off the coast of British Columbia for the summer, she jumps at the chance.

Aunt Bethany and her partner, Beulah aren’t sure what to do with a teenager who has emotional issues. The running of their bread business is time consuming enough. In no time, Lisa Marie has her own agenda, and when she meets Justin Roberts, one of the troubled teens who resides at Camp Micah, a refuge for troubled teens who have been in the system, Lisa Marie is forced to grapple with her teenage past.

With the help of Izzy Montgomery, a trauma counsellor at Camp Micah, and owner of the Crater Lake Community, and Liam Collins, an employee of the camp, Lisa Marie attempts to deal with her own secrets and guilt from the past. Unaware that the entire community is dealing with the loss of one of their own, Lisa Marie spirals into adult situations and consequences that come to affect her entire life.

Within the tight-knit community swirl the stories of the troubled teens and the legacy of Caleb Montgomery, the man larger than life, whose dreams became a reality at Crater Lake.

“The Light Never Lies” Book Two

Lisa Marie’s story continues and she finds herself frantic to return to Crater Lake once she knows that Justin will be working at the sawmill for the summer. In typical self-centered teenage fashion, Lisa Marie is worried about herself and her needs only. However, all is not as it seems in this quiet idyllic lakeside community.

During Lisa’s school year, Izzy Montgomery and Liam Collins advanced their relationship once they realized their love and passion for each other. Liam and Izzy find their love tested with the appearance of Lisa Marie as she complicates matters further for the couple with the announcement of her pregnancy.

To add further stress to their relationship, Izzy and Liam find themselves suddenly surrounded by family. Izzy’s elderly father has come for a visit from England. In addition, Liam’s father, Alex appears with a brother named Bobby that Liam has never met. Bobby is a lovable child with a supernatural ability that bodes watching.

At Crater Lake, life is messy and never just black and white. This entire volume is dedicated to relationships, changes, new beginnings, and the realization that family comes from those you choose to let into your life.

“Chasing Down the Night” Book Three

A cougar lurks in the hills surrounding Crater Lake bringing disturbing empathic visions to Bobby Collins that usher in further changes to the residents of this small community. Bobby’s mystical qualities strengthen and he begins to associate with his spirit animal, the cougar, in an unhealthy way.

Izzy and Liam continue to grapple with home life, family, and Izzy’s challenges at work as the administrator of Micah Camp. Lisa Marie deals with the challenges of motherhood and an advancing photographic career, all the while seeking balance in her relationship with Justin.

Meanwhile, Liam’s sister, Fiona accepts an internship with Micah Camp’s local physician and arrives carrying the baggage of her Native American heritage and bringing additional upheaval to the family.

The final volume of the Crater Lake series deals with building a family, respect for tradition, and embracing the new things in life. Caleb Montgomery’s legacy at Crater Lake is secure in the community of family that meant the world to him.
Recommendation:

Have you ever read a book or a series where you become emotionally bonded to the characters? This is what I did with Francis Guenette’s Crater Lake series. At the end of the last book, I was heartbroken that I would not encounter the beauty that surrounds Crater Lake and the cast of characters anymore.

Yes, I was going to miss my new friends and their lives. In fact, I had to stop reading for a few days so that I could adjust to my life without them. I had a book hangover, one of which I have not experienced in a long time!

The complexity of the characters and the realistic relationships shared between them are what propel this saga forward. Pair that with the beautiful descriptions of the surrounding area and Crater Lake comes alive in magnificent colors much like a rainbow which spreads hope in the darkest times.

There is something here for everyone. Love, sex, lust, greed, spirituality, sacrifice, death, murder, life… the list goes on and on. Each book in the series leads you on to a different life lesson much like the lessons you learn within your own family unit.

There was a kinship found within these pages where I as the reader was drawn along, all the while given permission to become part of the family. I feel my life has been enriched for having shared their lives. I will reread these books numerous times because it will feel like coming home.

Author, Frances Guenette

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5
About Frances Guenette:

Francis Guenette has spent most of her life on the west coast of British Columbia. She finds inspiration for writing in the beauty and drama of a lakeshore cabin and garden on the Northern end of Vancouver Island. She shares an off-the-grid home that employs a combination of micro-hydro and solar power with her husband Bruce.

Between May and September, Billy Bob the Bear drops over to graze and eat huckleberries and salal. Now and then cougar tracks are spotted meandering across the property. Life is good in the hinterlands, but Francis warns – you have to keep your eyes open and know where you are.

Francis has a daughter and a son – both happily married and pursuing interesting careers. She also has two beautiful and wildly funny granddaughters who provide her with inspiration for writing and living.

For most of her working life, Francis has been an educator. She has worked with special needs children and youth and taught at the undergrad level at the University of Victoria. She has a graduate degree in counselling psychology and very nearly completed her Ph.D. There was that pesky matter of the doctoral dissertation, but enough said on that score! She has worked as a trauma counsellor, a researcher, and a graduate student supervisor.

During her academic life Francis published (on her own and with others) several articles that were accepted to peer-reviewed journals as well as contributing to chapters in two published books.

Please connect with Francis Guenette through her Twitter @FrancisGuenette

Her Blog at: http://disappearinginplainsight.com to learn all you would ever want to know about Francis and her writing life.

And Facebook at Francis Guenette

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE FALLEN,” BY AUTHOR @MBARKERSIMPSON

* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which follows. *

Title: The Fallen, Book 1 of the Fractured Series
Author: Melissa Barker Simpson
File Size: 1684 KB
Print Length: 166 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Smashwords Publishing
Publication Date: July 30, 2015
Sold by: Amazon
Language: English
ASIN: B010TZCZPI
ISBN-13: 9781310463426
Formats: Kindle
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal, Romance

After the Demonic War

Maddison Wood is a Watcher, a mercenary warrior, appointed by the Race Alliance to serve within a specific hunter cell after the Demonic War in which the mortal realm was destroyed. Demons, part of the Fractured, are a group of lost souls who continue to roam the earth and refuse to leave. The Fractured are the ones responsible for the Demonic War. They have one goal and that is to destroy those that belong to the higher realms.

London has lost its appeal and people are afraid to leave the inner confines of the city. Maddison’s responsibilities are to protect and serve the Fallen; guardian angels who have fallen to Earth to prepare for the next insurrection. Maddison Wood is a witch, the first of her kind appointed to such an honor.

An unlikely alliance forms with a Witch, a Hympe, a Guardian Angel, and a Prime

Maddison, along with her side-kick, Donovan, a mercenary warrior Hympe whose gifts are that of an empath, has been assigned a new mission. Donovan is a formidable ally to Maddison’s team. Once he opens up to a connection through his sense of touch he can find out everything they needed to know about an entity. A rare gift, indeed.

Zara, one of the select guardian angels, who also possesses empathic powers, has taken the fall and Maddison and Donovan are sworn to protect her and guide her through her transition. Her soul must be protected at all costs. With the help of Obadiah, a Prime who is a “God” of epic proportions who has also fallen, the group takes on Draco, the leader of the Fractured, and the original lost soul.

Recommendation:

“The Fallen,” is an action-packed journey into a post-apocalyptic alternate reality where angels and demons clash in an age-old battle between good and evil. I was immediately caught up in the lore of the creatures and of the detailed society of the Race Alliance that fought against the tyranny of The Fractured.

I found the battle scenes to be completely realistic and believable. A few times, I think I caught the glint of steel in my eyes from the knife wielding Maddison, as she battled the demons that pursued the group. Having served in the military myself, I could identify with the character of Maddison, portrayed as a strong, confident and capable woman fulfilling her destiny as a soldier. Maddison is full of rich humor and a true delight as a character.

This was my first experience with Melissa Barker-Simpson’s writing. I was not disappointed. She weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that leaves you wanting more of this story and the characters she has crafted. Subtle hints are left as to the future direction of the story line, spread like breadcrumbs along a path, urging the reader to continue on the mysterious trek with the characters in the hope of winning the war. I look forward to the next book in the Fractured Series because I suspect, there is more excitement lurking in the dark recesses of this author’s mind.

Author, Melissa Barker-Simpson

Character Believability: 4.5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 4.5
Reader Enrichment: 4.5
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5
About Melissa Barker-Simpson:

I’ve been writing since, well…since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I often look back on those earlier stories, and apart from laughing at the heavy-handed drama, or cringing at my inexperience, I am reminded that I have always lived in other worlds.

My first novel was published in 2008, and I love nothing more than working on a new project. The voices inside my head invariably pull me in different directions, so although I try to work on one thing at a time, those who know me would tell you it doesn’t always work!

I have a full-time job which, though does not involve writing per se, incorporates my love of language. As a British Sign Language Interpreter, I get to translate information between two languages which is (mostly) fun.

I have two beautiful daughters who bring me great joy. They also keep me grounded, because otherwise I would have my head in the clouds permanently!

Make certain to connect with Melissa Barker-Simpson through her Twitter @mbarkersimpson

And Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mbarkersimpson

Author website at http://www.mbarkersimpson.co.uk/

Personal blog at https://mbarkersimpson.wordpress.com/

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE POOL BOY’S BEATITUDE,” BY AUTHOR @MAGICMASTRMINDS

Title: The Pool Boy’s Beatitude
Author: D. J. Swykert
File Size:
Print Length: 238 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: Rebel ePublishers
Publication Date: July 23, 2013
Sold by: Amazon
Language: English
ASIN:
ISBN-10: 0615824560
ISBN-13: 978-0615824567
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Drama, Romance,

* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which follows. *

Welcome to Jack Joseph’s World

Jack Joseph is a conundrum. He possesses a Master’s degree in particle physics yet owns his own pool cleaning business. Jack appears to live within the constraints of his mind while pondering the dark matter of the universe. Jack even has high aspirations and would love to find the God particle, even though he dropped out of college when he found physics to be too tedious. You see, Jack just wants to live life his way.

However, all of the brilliance of Jack is dimmed with the way he chooses to perceive the world. Jack thinks that life is governed by random coincidences. To that effect, he lets his life spiral into chaos. With a failing marriage and a wife who wants a divorce, Jack slips into the black hole of alcoholism. Mix in casual sex with multiple clients and drugs to soothe the pain of too much alcohol, Jack continues his descent out of control in a controlled world.

Jack’s Bondage Continues

After Jack’s wife Elle, kicks him out of the house, he finds solace with Rosemary, one of his clients who uses sex, alcohol, and drugs to manipulate him into her version of the perfect man. Jack in his randomness, allows the situation to proceed even though he realizes he has sold out his soul for this pitiful existence. Jack is polarized by his dependencies, unable to break free.

One drunken night, Jack meets Sarah. There is an immediate connection, something that Jack has never experienced before. Jack is smitten and when a DUI lands him in jail, he is forced to face his demons and reconcile his lifestyle to the lovely Sarah.

My Recommendation:

To me, Jack Joseph was a likable guy even though he had enough failings to make any woman run the other way. There was something about him that was intriguing and drew me to him. I found many of Jack’s viewpoints made me uncomfortable and most of his life choices were mind boggling. Although, that is what made me want to read more. I really wanted to figure this guy out and see what made him tick.

D. J. Swykert makes Jack a real person. Written in the first person, Swykert has Jack display credible addict tendencies that sometimes were shocking in their authenticity. I found myself wanting Jack to get better and to find his way through his addictive personality and lifestyle. Sometimes I felt his desperation and pain. Other times I wanted to kick him in the teeth for all of his stupidity. The next thing I knew, I liked the guy again because I finally realized, there is a little bit of Jack Joseph in all of us.

This was an excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book that makes you think about the intricacies of life in general. The story moves along quickly and the dialog makes you feel like you are in the room overhearing the characters. You feel this story through Jack’s eyes, flaws and all. Jack really got under my skin!

Author, D. J. Swykert

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 4.5
Reader Enrichment: 4
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4.5
About D. J. Swykert:

DJ Swykert is a former 911 operator, and wolf expert, living in Northern Kentucky, USA. His short fiction and poetry has been published in: The Tampa Review, Monarch Review, Sand Canyon Review, Zodiac Review, Scissors and Spackle, spittoon, Barbaric Yawp and BULL. His novel, Maggie Elizabeth Harrington, won a literary competition with The LitWest Group in Los Angeles in 2002.

Make certain to connect with D. J. through Twitter @MagicMastrMinds

And Facebook at David J. Swykert

His blog at Magic Master Minds.com

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @ColleenChesebro OF FACES OF A SMALL CITY BY AUTHOR @PaulStearsNews

Title: Faces of a Small City
Author: Paul Stears
File Size: 879 KB
Print Length: 322 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN:
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: December 11, 2014
Sold by: Amazon
Language: English
ASIN: B00QJI5VL0
ISBN-10: 1505349648
ISBN-13: 978-1505349641
Formats: Paperback Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Drama

* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which follows. *

Recently graduated from University, James is excited to get on with living the rest of his life. His existence in Canterbury seems to crawl by and his prospects are slim. With no job, no girlfriend, and without a place to call his own James drifts, all the while self-medicating himself with alcohol and women that mean nothing to him. One night, celebrating at a local pub with friends, James has a chance encounter with the elusive and stunningly beautiful Maisie. For James, Maisie is the stuff dreams are made of and he can’t shake her memory from his mind. He can’t wait to see her again, although it seems they are never in the right place at the same time.

Maisie has insurmountable problems of her own to contend with as her mother continues to lose touch with reality. Maisie struggles to live up to the demands her mother places upon her. Much like James, Maisie is floundering in an adult world while desperately trying to get on with the business of living and finding her own identity.

James and Maisie’s stories wrap around each other while both live in the small city of Canterbury. Their lives intertwine through their friends, families, and life circumstances. Jakes, the narrator of the story leads you into the contemporary lives of Canterbury’s younger population who are filled with hope at the beginning of their adult lives.

Recommendation:

“The Faces of a Small City,” is Paul Stears debut novel. Although, the book starts out slowly, I found myself swept up in the descriptions of Canterbury, the people, and the many life situations that are thrown at the characters of Maisie and James. It was easy to identify with both, James and Maisie as each seemed to be real characters with strengths and weaknesses just like the rest of us.

A true coming of age love story, Stears does a marvelous job depicting and adding depth to the characters featured in this story. Many times I found myself reminiscing about my own first love experiences and how it felt to be that young again. Throughout the novel, a message of hope resounds in the face of formidable life obstacles. I really enjoyed seeing James and Maisie grow up and enter the next stage of their lives.

If you enjoy contemporary love stories with the backdrop of an English city to add culture and ambiance, you will enjoy this book. It is a quick read that will leave you feeling hope that there truly is someone out there for each of us, sometimes found right in the small city we live in.

Character Believability: 4
Flow and Pace: 3.5
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 3.5
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4

About Paul Stears:

PAUL STEARS has recently released his debut novel, “Faces of a Small City.” Graduating from Canterbury University in 2010, he spent his time working and writing. Born and bred in Kent, UK, he lives to write. You can follow him and find out more information about him at his blog: paulstearsauth.wordpress.com.

Please make certain to connect with Paul Stears through his Twitter @PaulStearsNews.

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF HOSTAGES OF VERA CRUZ BY AUTHOR @GRADYMILLER

Title: Hostages of Vera Cruz
Author: Grady Miller
File Size: 599 KB
Print Length: 113 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1499545320
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Publication Date: August 27, 2014
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00N49QBN4
ISBN-10: 1499545320
ISBN-13: 9781499545326
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Genres: Mystery, Mystery/Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Mystery

* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which follows. *

And so it began…

Peter Vandervoort, a wealthy photographer living in Mexico with his girlfriend, Xochitl, take part in a photography exhibit presenting some of Peter’s photos from around Vera Cruz. One of the photos Peter includes in the show, reveals a grainy image of a child being abducted which lends credence to the rumors circulating that organ trafficking is happening in the city. The photography exhibit fails and Peter falls into a deep depression over the rejection of his work; unaware that there are ulterior motives to the failure of his show. He has no idea what he has stirred up with that photo of the child abduction.

To bring Peter out of his depression, Xochitl suggests a trip to the local carnival. While they are getting ready to go to the carnival, Peter receives a telephone call demanding the photo of the child, including the photo negative. Visibly shaken, Peter keeps the negative with him and the couple attends the carnival. In all the gaiety of the carnival atmosphere, Peter and Xochitl end up getting separated. Peter becomes a victim of foul play, although Xochitl has no idea of what has actually transpired. She searches for Peter for days and is unable to locate him.

The suspense builds!

While Xochitl is searching for him, a drugged Peter awakens in the midst of the real organ harvesters where he witnesses the horrors taking place amongst Vera Cruz’s children. Realizing that he is next in line to have his organs taken from him, Peter escapes and makes his way back to Xochitl.

Traumatized by the kidnapping, Peter blocks the experience. He just cannot deal with the abduction and the fact that no one cares what is happening to the children of Vera Cruz. Xochitl and Peter drift apart as the experience overwhelms him and their relationship. Troubled, Peter returns to Holland and the comfort of his parents.

Slowly, Peter regains control over his life. He travels to France on vacation where a chance encounter brings him face to face with his old girlfriend, Michelle, a journalist struggling to give her career a much-needed reboot. Peter divulges his experiences to Michelle and together the two embark on a chilling investigation of what is really happening to the children of Vera Cruz.

Part mystery and suspense, part love story, the Hostages of Vera Cruz will keep you guessing until the very end.

Recommendation:

If you are drawn to romantic mysteries or thrillers you will love this novella. I found myself marveling at all the layers of romantic and suspenseful intrigue that surrounded the characters and their experiences. Grady Miller gives them breath with real situations that mimic life in a meaningful way. A novella at only 113 pages, I was mesmerized and could not put it down until all was revealed in the end!

Author, Grady Miller

Character Believability: 4.5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4.5
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5

About Grady Miller:

Grady Miller’s humor appears frequently in numerous publications, including the LA Times and his popular blog at www.canyon-news.com. In “Lighten up Now: The Grady Diet,” Grady urges people to ‘count the laughs, not calories.’ He is the author of a nail-biting thriller, “The Hostages of Veracruz.”

Make certain to connect with Grady through his Twitter @GradyMiller

And Facebook at www.facebook.com/grady.miller.58

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “THE LADY OF THE PIER – The Ebb,” BY EFFROSYNI MOSCHOUDI

Title: The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb
Author: Effrosyni Moschoudi
File Size: 2152 KB
Print Length: 362 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: Based on the print edition (ISBN 1500175544).
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2014
Sold by: Amazon
Language: English
ASIN: B00LGNYEPC
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13:
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

*The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

What’s it all about?

This story begins in Brighton, England in 1937. Destitute and seeking a new start, Laura, and her mother leave London to find a new home where Laura’s sickly mother can recover from the ills of living in the city. Once there, life blossoms for the lovely Laura. Soon after her arrival, she meets Christian, a stagehand at the West Pier Theater. Laura falls in love with him and their life seems destined to be a happy one. However, Christian realizes that Laura has ambitions that might not include him.

Almost true to the form of a rag to riches tale, Laura embarks on a promising singing career after being discovered while cleaning up after her shift in the nearby coffee shop. Ecstatic with her new career, Laura realizes she wants the good things in life. A rich aristocrat, Charles Willard pursues Laura with the intent to make her his own. Laura’s singing ambitions create problems for Laura and Christian as Laura realizes the horrible truth that Willard has an unhealthy obsession for her.

Suddenly, it is 1987, where twenty-year-old Sofia from Athens, Greece spends the summer with her grandparents in Corfu, Greece. Her vacation is at an idyllic location near the sea with a loving family that cherishes her. In an act of defiance against her strict father, Sofia takes a job at the local boat rental shop located on the pier near the beach. One day a captivatingly handsome Englishman named Danny who is vacationing from Brighton, England appears on the beach.

Quick as a flash, Danny steals Sofia’s heart with his laughter and winning ways. Sofia cannot resist his charms and falls in love with him, all the while worrying that her family will report her activities to her strict father. Danny’s vacation comes to an end and he heads home to Brighton leaving Sofia in her beloved Corfu.

Corfu, Greece

In the midst of trying to balance her feelings for Danny and her family obligations, Sofia begins to have dreams of a strange lady in black who walks the West Pier in Brighton, of which she has never seen except for pictures in a magazine that Danny showed her. The woman resembles Sofia and somehow the woman’s pain becomes part of Sofia, deepening a haunting and mysterious connection between the two women.

And the mystery thickens…

At the heart of the two intertwining love stories are the piers – one in Brighton, and the other in Corfu. Sofia and Laura are connected through the haunting dreams even though they are separated by fifty years. Unfortunately, this is part one of the series and it does not give many answers to the questions that I was left with at the end of this book. Not that this is a bad thing.

Nevertheless, the descriptions painted by the words of Ms. Moschoudi transported me easily between the two times and locations. I loved how easy it was for me to find myself at both locations; on the Brighton pier and relaxing on the beach in Corfu. The characters were easy to connect with and I yearned for their love stories to become complete. I can’t wait to continue the series to find out what happens next!

My Recommendation:

I do highly recommend this book with the understanding that the story will continue to unfold in the subsequent volumes. There is a bewitching quality to the stories you will not forget. The second book is: “The Flow,” and the third book in the series is: “The Storm,” to be published in December 2015.

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4.5
Reader Enrichment: 4.5
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5

About Effrosyni Moschoudi:

Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. As a child, she often sat alone in her granny’s garden scribbling rhymes about flowers, butterflies, and ants. Through adolescence, she wrote dark poetry that suited her melancholic, romantic nature. She’s passionate about books and movies and simply couldn’t live without them. She lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with her husband Andy and a naughty cat called Felix. Effrosyni is a proud member of the writer’s group, ENovel Authors at Work.

To watch a trailer for the book click the link below:

https://youtu.be/s3LrIRBxNVM

Make certain to connect with Effrosyni through her Twitter

@FrostieMoss

And Facebook at Author Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book Review by: @ColleenChesebro of Silver Threading.com

BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “IN THE BEGINNING” @AUTHORABBYVANDIVER

Title: In the Beginning, (Mars Origin I – Series Book 1)

Author: Abby L. Vandiver

Blog: Abby L. Vandiver.com

Twitter

Facebook

ISBN: 0989546306

ISBN13: 9780989546300

ASIN: B00DPOF6IE

Published: December 16, 2013

Pages: 332

Genre: Science Fiction, Religious and Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

A Biblical Archaeologist named Justin Dickerson decides that she needs a change to her dull academic lifestyle. She accepts an invitation to attend the 50^th Jubilee of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and participates in the last of the translation process regarding the ancient writings. While working on the interpretations of these writings, she stumbles upon a journal that one of the original translators compiled. This amazing artifact propels her to search for humankind’s true beginnings in our world.

The original translator, Dr. Amos Sabir was assigned to translate four manuscripts found in Cave #4 at Qumran in the Judean Desert in 1949. A total of seven scrolls were unearthed and translated. What this group of original translators discover, is evidence so earth-shattering that they hide the findings from the world; burying the secret in plain sight hoping it will not be detected. Until 1997, when Justin finds the notebooks and realizes the hidden translations clarify the true beginnings of our species and our existence on earth.

I love science fiction, history, and mystery novels, so when I stumbled upon this book as a “free” Kindle download I was excited. After the first few pages I knew I had scored an excellent read. I did a bit of my own research and found a great site called Bibleplaces.com which helped to fill in some of the questions I had about the Dead Sea Scrolls, the location of the caves, and the actual condition of the authentic manuscripts. The more I read, the more excited I got. I felt like a researcher too!

However, be prepared. This is not a Dan Brown novel that introduces you to religious conspiracy theories. Instead, Abby Vandriver takes a more realistic course. She tells the tale through the eyes of a woman who has deep religious convictions rooted in the traditions of her tight knit family. The whole concept of the hidden translation is thought provoking and will leave you thinking about the origins of man for a long time to come.

Author, Abby L. Vandiver

The writing was so well done, that I had a hard time separating fact from fiction. This story was so believable that many times I had to remind myself that this was creative writing at its best, and it was not true. Although, I still cannot help wondering if it could it be true…

If you love books that deal with history, biblical history, The Gnostic Texts, aliens, and the unknown, you will love this rendition on the theme of man’s origins. There are two additional books available in the trilogy: “Irrefutable Proof – Book II” and “Incarnate – Book III.” You can bet that I have both of them on my summer must read list!

RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 5/5
Made Me Think: 5/5
Overall enjoyment: 5/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5.0

Goodreads

Buy it at: Amazon
Format & Pricing
Paperback: $12.95 US
Kindle: $2.99 US

@ColleenChesebro

www.SilverThreading.com

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