The Doctor's Lady

The Doctor's Lady

Jody Hedlund

The Doctor's Lady is historical romance that was inspired by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Pricilla White has been instructed that she can't be sent to the mission field unless she's married. She is convinced that God wants her in the ministry in some way. Dr. Eli has returned from Oregon with a burden to minister to the American Indians there and is recruiting funds when he hears the same message - he must be married in order for the mission board to support him.

The two form a business minded merger in order to serve God on the mission field. Neither is interested in a real marriage. But God has other plans and they fall in love on the journey to Oregon.

I enjoyed this book. The book was well written and used quite a few elements of truth from the Whitman story to make it seem real and believable. The book is rather long, but didn't feel that way because the story flowed quickly and kept me interested the entire time.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

the Jesus experiment

the Jesus experiment

Bill Perkins

The book begins with the author explaining why he decided to write this book. The author wanted to see what would happen if he focused on learning to speak, act, think and pray more like Jesus. What if he concentrated all of his effort into becoming more like Him?

The book is divided up into 12 chapters. So if one chapter is read each week it will be a "12-week journey".  Each chapter takes a different aspect of Jesus' life and discusses it to find out how we can better mirror Him. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and a chart for the reader to use in gauging how he/she responds to certain situations and if it was the Christ-like way or needs improvement.

I'm working my way through the book, but so far have been very impressed with the insights and thought-provoking questions in each chapter. This is a book that is okay to read alone, but would also work really well in a study group. There is no way you can go wrong in trying to be more like Jesus.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Gum Thief

The Gum Thief

Douglas Coupland

Roger and Bethany both work at Staples. A dead end job for both of them, but then their lives seemed to have dead ended quite some time ago. Bethany found a journal that Roger had accidentally left in the break room. She read it and then left him a note. He responded to the note and a friendship, on paper, began. The story is written mostly through the letters and emails that the two use to correspond. Roger is "old" and Bethany is "young", but they both need to find peace with their lives and move beyond the office supply store to become who they were or should have been.

This was the type of book that I enjoyed reading while I hated every moment of it. It was one of the most depressing books and yet had some real thoughts to ponder. I finished the book and I will probably still be thinking about it months from now. In a sad way, it mirrors everyone's life at some point or another. I don't think there is a person out there that can't identify with something written in this book.

It was also sad to me, because I know what my purpose is and I wanted so badly to shake them and let them know that life wasn't pointless. But sadly they were fiction and I couldn't.

I love the way they wove Roger's novel into the story, along with the letters. Even though more and more authors are using this style of writing I enjoyed it.

Beckoning Light

Beckoning Light

Alyssa Rose Ivy

This is one of the books in the blogger contest. Check out my Christmas contest page for instructions on how to win this and many other books.

Charlotte and Kevin are returning to Charleston, SC after a three year hiatus in Alaska. Kevin is the confident, social older brother. Charlotte is the shy, quiet younger sister. They move into their family home with their uncle a few days before school starts.

When Charlotte returns to school she meets some unusual people and re-finds a gate that her mother (now deceased) has told her to stay away from.

Just to clarify - I don't, as a rule, enjoy reading YA or fantasy. But since this is one of the books for the contest I figured I'd give it a try.

The story was well written and captivating. It drew me in and kept me returning to my kindle every time I had a second to spare. I finished in record time and now I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy. I won't spoil the book, but it isn't the typical YA that I've read in the past. While there is romance and fantasy involved it wasn't over the top with too many details. There were no sex scenes and all of the "other worldly" things that were mentioned were easy for me to picture and didn't confuse me or draw me away from the story, which in my opinion is the sign of a great author. It's a great fantasy novel, but it's also perfect for the fantasy skeptic like me. 

Highly recommended for any age.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

The Spy Wore Red

The Spy Wore Red

Aline, Countess of Romanones

Aline Griffith wants to join her brothers in helping her country during the war. But she's female and not old enough for the few professions that allow women to help. She complains to a man she meets on a double date and the next thing she knows she's on her way to be trained as a spy.

Sent to Spain to learn the local gossip is the easy part. Telling who is on her side is the hard part.

This book is labeled as non-fiction, but I found that really hard to believe. There are quite a few critics out there saying why they think the book is real or not. But my personal observation begins in the forward. The author freely admits that she's changed circumstances or people to make the story more interesting or to hide the identity of someone. 

But if you take the story as fiction it's a very fun and entertaining read. It sheds a little light on to how the people lived during the 40s and keeps you glued the entire book. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. You might not believe it's non-fiction, but you will enjoy it.

The Christmas Note

The Christmas Note

Donna VanLiere

The Christmas Note is one of several books in a Christmas series. It doesn't have to be read with the other books, although after reading this one you are likely to go looking for the others.

Gretchen and Melissa become next door neighbors right before Christmas. Both are dealing with their own brand of grief and loss. But neither would have imagined that the other could be of any help.

If you like predictable, but sweet Christmas stories (and I do) than this book is great. There were several unexpected little twists in the book, but everything ends neatly and the way one would want it to. It will cheer your heart and make you thankful for the things you have this Christmas.

I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Author Interview

The book Jinn Nation is going to be one of the books given away in the contest.

Up Close & Personal with Caroline Barnard-Smith, Author of Jinn Nation

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born just outside London but my parents moved us out to the beautiful Devon countryside when I was seven so that’s the place I’ve always called home.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

My latest book is a dark fantasy about a hedonistic vampire called Jinn Nation.  Hmmm, a summary in less than thirty words, you say?  How about "The last surviving vampire of a once ruthless kin finds salvation in the desert, in the form of a woman with awesome powers she doesn't yet understand."

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

They'd probably say quite a lot. My main characters, Dylan and Christa, are quite opinionated! Dylan is a vampire with serious issues about being alone in the world. After watching his kin burn at the end of Dunraven Road he turns to the jinn, a race of nasty creatures who eat human organs in order to glean their power, and has jinn stones sewn into his stomach, making him one of them. Dylan also has a weakness for powerful women, a fact that piques his interest in the mysterious Christa and later in Bredia, a maniacal jinn goddess.

Christa starts out as a seemingly timid, curious character who has the unique ability to read minds and control people's actions; powers she doesn't really understand and later on finds hard to control. The reader is slowly told more of Christa's back story as the novel progresses and by the end of the book she is a changed person.

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

Jinn Nation can be read as a one off (you don't need to have read my debut novel, Dunraven Road to enjoy it), but I've left it open for a sequel. I'm working on something much closer to home at the moment, set in a Devon town. I can't tell you too much because I'm still working out the details myself, but it will definitely draw on faerie mythology, which I've been interested in for years.

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?

My Mum always encouraged me because she's a writer herself, albeit unpublished (so far!) I started submitting seriously to publishers when I was still at university but it took another six years and two novels before somebody wanted to print my work. I'd previously published a handful of short stories in small press magazines, but there's nothing quite like the feeling of selling an entire novel.

Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?

Yes, of course!

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

I’m actually really bad at coming up with both.  I let titles come to me organically while I’m writing because I rarely have a good one in place when I start, and even then I’m often unhappy with them.  As for covers, I’m hopeless with any sort of graphic design program and was so happy when my lovely cover designer offered to help me.  Jinn Nation’s cover was created by a good friend, using my ideas and images I’d sourced.  I think having so much input into the design of your own book cover is one of the most satisfying aspects of indie publishing.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

Not this time ;) Parts of my first novel, Dunraven Road, were semi-autobiographical, albeit heavily disguised. In Jinn Nation I allowed myself to imagine all the things I'd always wanted to do but never could or would, and that was actually a lot more fun.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

I often imagine meeting my favorite authors but in reality I think I'd prefer not to, particularly if it was someone I idolized. I'm certain I'd just make an idiot out of myself!

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Since getting my Kindle, I'd have to say ebooks. I just love the fact you can download any book in seconds and although I'll always keep my favorite paperbacks, living in a small flat has meant it's been excellent being able to clear space and get rid of 'real' books that I've replaced on the Kindle.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I am indeed. I decided to self publish Jinn Nation before I started the usual round of submissions to agents and small presses because I'd been so impressed with what I was reading about emerging indie authors. Being able to retain complete artistic (not to mention financial) control really appealed to me and I knew from past experience that I would be expected to do the bulk of my own marketing anyway, whether I was with a publisher or not. All of this is a lot of hard work, but personally I’ve found the experience immensely satisfying.  The paperback proofs of Jinn Nation were delivered just the other day and being able to hold that beautifully printed book in my hands and think, “I did that”, was fantastic. 

Have you ever read a book more than once?

I used to do that more when I was a kid. I loved A Wizard of Earthsea by Usula Le Guin and I read that more than once. These days though, there are so many books to read and so little time to read them in, I tend to read books just the once. I won't even allow myself to plough on through a book if I'm not enjoying it or if I'm finding the writing style annoying, life's just too short! There are a couple of exceptions to this rule though. I've read some of my favorite authors more than once - Tolkien, Poppy Z. Brite and Anne Rice.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

I don't know if I preferred the movie over the book version, but I think Peter Jackson did a phenomenal job with The Lord of the Rings.  Much of it looks and feels just the way I’d imagined it when I read the books, and that’s something I wasn’t expecting.  I’m really looking forward to seeing what he does with The Hobbit.  I’ve also always loved the movie version of Interview with the Vampire, which I think sometimes surpasses the novel.  Those are very rare instances though and most of the time, for me anyway, a movie comes nowhere near a novel.  One of the worst adaptations I’ve seen is Queen of the Damned.  While Interview with the Vampire was dark and lush, this supposed sequel turned The Vampire Chronicles into a shallow, disjointed music video.  It didn’t help matters that two 500-page novels had been ripped apart and condensed into one hour-and-a-half film.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I'm currently reading something very non-fantasy orientated for a change - The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. He's the guy who published The Virgin Suicides back in the early '90's but this is the first of his books that I've read. I'm really enjoying it so far. The characters are scarily recognizable and the fact that it's set in the early 1980s gives it a really interesting feel. I'm reading it on my Kindle but as it's only available in hardback in the real world, the price was a bit steep. I was suckered in by the sample ;)

What book do you know that you will never read?

Probably anything by Mills and Boon. I'm not a big romance fan.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?

I don't know if you could call them new because many of them have been writing for years, but lots of indie authors have grasped my interest since I started hanging around Kindle Boards. The next author I want to check out is Tara Maya who writes The Unfinished Song epic fantasy series. That one looks really good, it's on my to read list!

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

There are always things you could change when you finish a novel, but you could be tweaking and polishing forever and never release it into the world. I prefer to do the best that I can, then let it go and try to quell those inner voices that keep telling me certain parts of it aren't good enough.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Find time in your day to write, and stick to that chosen hour or evening or whatever religiously. It can be so hard to get started sometimes, you can keep putting it off and making excuses. Just sit down and write something, even if you think it's awful.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

You can't write well if you don't read a lot. Simple but true.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

It has been known! Usually with my baby daughter on my lap.

What are your pet peeves?

Rudeness and ignorance. I often find it difficult to excuse either.

Cats or dogs?

Definitely cats! My in-laws' dog once very deliberately (or so I like to think) drooled into my shoe before walking away, tail high in the air, looking extremely pleased with himself. That was the beginning of the end of good relations between myself and dogs.

White wine or red?

It used to be white and German but my tastes must be changing in my old age because now I like a good red.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. I can't function without it and cutting down while I was pregnant was hard.

Favorite food?

This changes at whim but at the moment I'd have to say the Chinese sauce and turkey mince my husband makes with noodles.

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?

Chocolate...

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Well, my priorities have changed recently so now it's nappies, nappy cream, baby wipes and an annoying squeaky giraffe called Sophie.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

It used to be a desktop but I've since discovered the joys of sitting on the bed with my baby playing beside me in the afternoon sun, busily typing away on my netbook.

One of your favorite quotes -

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." - Bilbo Baggins

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Interview with the Vampire

The Matrix

The Crow

An actor you have a crush on -

I'm old school, it's still Keanu ;)

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

I really enjoyed Game of Thrones, that was excellent. I'm ashamed to say I've never read the books so I'll have to rectify that!

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://barnardsmith.wordpress.com

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caroline-Barnard-Smith/83412182938

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964689.Caroline_Barnard_Smith

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CazzySmith

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Barnard-Smith/e/B004MIDB2U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/cazzysmith

Other: http://www.carolinebarnardsmith.co.uk

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

You can buy it as an ebook from Amazon or Smashwords and as a paperback from CreateSpace or Amazon.com.

A Sound Among Trees

A Sound Among Trees

Susan Meissner

Marielle has moved into the old family home with her new husband. It's filled with secrets, rumors of ghosts and pictures of the women who have graced it's rooms for hundreds of years.

Marielle is disturbed by the stories that are swirling around her about the home and it's curse on the women who live there. She begins to investigate the stories in an attempt to understand and to help her marriage. The story is a mixture of old and new and proves that things are not always what they appear.

The story started out a bit slow for me and it seemed to take forever for the pieces to begin falling into place. But once I got to the letters written during the Civil War I sped through the rest of the book. The story is well written and brought the horrors of the war to life. It showcased how importantly each decision we make is for our lives. Every decision has an impact on us and those around us.

I will definitely be reading more by this author. I really enjoyed her style of writing.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

Author Interview

Author Interview with David Welsh, Author of  Legend Unborn - One of the books in my giveaway.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was originally born in Wales in the UK but now call Los Angeles (Venice area) home.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

My book is called, ‘Legend Unborn’ and is the first in in the’ Key of Souls’ Series. Now, to sum it up in 30 or less? I’d go for, ‘An edgy and sometimes dark fantasy adventure with unique characters and splashes of humor set in a world on the brink of darkness.’

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Ha, this is a great question! They’d probably tell me to give them a break once in a while, let them win, or at least come out on top for a change. They’d also tell me to get different cookies because I always go for the simple, oatmeal ones. Silvanus has a penchant for chocolate-chip ones.

I’m not crazy, I promise! I just carry out conversations with my characters in my head at times. :)

Although, I must admit that as the stories progress, I look at them more like friends. Does this make sense?

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

 I do. Book 2 is well under way at the moment. I’m hoping to get my first draft done before Christmas, if my day-job allows me that is.

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?

I had a teacher when I was a wee kid who always encouraged us to write the most crazy, far-out stories we could imagine. She was awesome! So, in some regard, I’ve been writing on and off now for around 30 years. *gulp*

Would you like to give away a copy of your book on this blog?

 Of course, no problem! :)

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

I knew I wanted the cover to tell give the reader a hint of what actually happens in the book, so I continuously came up with inane pictures (my drawing skills leave a LOT to be desired) and actually created a scene purely by accident.

As for the title, this was something I thought long and hard about. This may sound strange, but I wanted the titles to sort of tell a story in their own right. So book 1 is all about the unknown, the finding exploration of things yet to unfold. As the other books come along, each one will give a hint of what is to come.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

 I’ve always loved reading about the underdog, when someone or something comes through the worst and against all odds. I always feel inspired when I read these stories so this is certainly a source of inspiration.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

 The Culture novels by Iain.M Banks, Lord of the RIngs, The Eight by Katherine Neville and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Each of these has incredible character development and complexity. This is something I hope to inject into my works.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Far too many to name but if I were to really get the opportunity, I’d love to meet Iain Banks. That guy is a certified crazy, awesome, amazing genius! When I was given the Wasp Factory to read and then moved onto his ‘Culture’ sci-fi novels, I was hooked.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I have to admit I do prefer a paperback. I know this is almost stone-age in this day and age but, for me, you can’t beat the feeling of opening a new book for the first time, sitting down opening it and smelling the ‘new-book’ scent and reading it. I’m kinda weird that way.

Also, I get to continue reading on a plane when everyone else has to switch off their ‘books’ :)

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

 Amazon or my local Barnes & Nobel.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I am! Woot! :)

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, the Lord of the Rings (3 times, sigh) and the original Culture trilogy.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Hmm, you know, I think this has never actually happened! I’m always disappointed when I see the movie of a book. I think the reason for this is that it never looks as it does in my mind, or they take some ‘creative liberties’ and change things beyond belief.

However, in saying that, I did love ‘The Watchmen’. What they changed in that was very good and I’ve seen that film quite a few times.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m currently reading Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks (another Culture novel) and yup, you guessed it, paperback.

What book do you know that you will never read?

Hmm, I’m not sure about this because I like to think I would read any and all the books I come across. Ok, that is a pretty tall order but I love to read, I love any genre, so I think it will be pretty difficult to find a book I don’t like.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?

I loved Linda Hawley’s ‘Dreams Unleashed’. A really great read with awesome characters!

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I think I’ll have to get back to you on this one. I’m still trying to digest the fact that I actually finished it! :)

Who designed the cover of your book?

A friend of mine in New Zealand called Alistair Baxter.

Do you have a book trailer?

No.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I’m not so sure to be honest with you. I don’t think I’m really sold on them because a book is completely different to a film. For me, a book is personal and I want to form my own opinions and images of the characters, the settings etc, and if I get a glimpse of a book trailer, I feel it would disappoint me somewhat.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep at it. Write, write and hey, guess what, write some more!

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

Pretty much what I tell everyone else! heheh :)

Do you write under a pen name?

Now, that is a secret I cannot divulge ;)

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Hell yeah! Don’t we all? If not, you should!

What are your pet peeves?

I really dislike laziness in people, it really gets my riled up I must admit. I also don’t like when someone drags their feet along the floor. Always sends a shiver down my back! 

Cats or dogs?

Dogs beyond a shadow of a doubt! I used to own the most amazing golden Labrador and I can safely say he was my best friend. I love dogs.

White wine or red?

I’d have to go for a white wine. However, I know bugger-all about wines! I just go for taste and when I lived in the UK I found a wine for only two pounds which was amazing!

Coffee or tea?

Tea, specifically Earl grey.

Favorite food?

Ok, this would be a looooong list. However, I do like a steak. As raw as you can possibly have it, seared on the outside with some salt. No sauce, that only spoils it :)

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Vanilla. When you get a great vanilla ice-cream, you just can’t beat it. Also, mix in some honey and it’s a party in your mouth!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

I’m just a cereal and tea kind of person. But I always put loads of fruit on my cereal. I think I’m officially addicted to fresh blueberries!

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My little notebook and pen to jot down ideas. I MUST have this with me and I feel lost without it. A song in my head. Yes, yes I know, that’s weird. But if I leave the house without being able to hum a tune, it feels ‘wrong’ somehow.

And finally (yup, only three I’m afraid), my clothes! Heheh, can never leave without these. I did once and, well, let’s not go into that! :)

Laptop or desktop for writing?

I use a laptop now. I used to own a desktop but when the thing went to the great PC desktop in the sky. After that I decided that a laptop would serve me fine.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

Because my day-job is pretty busy, most of the times I have to take what I can I’m afraid. So, I usually write at home in the evenings.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Leonardo Da Vinci, Confucius and Einstein. Can you imagine the conversations we would have!

One of your favorite quotes -

This would be, ‘War does not determine who is right — only who is left.’ Whenever I read or see this, it always sends a shiver down my spine because it is so true.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Use of Weapons (Iain.M Banks), Lord of the Rings (Tolkien) and I’d actually have to say ‘The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho.

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Arghhh!! I LOVE movies and this gave me headaches! Can I make it 5, please? Ok. Here goes, not in order.

The Shawshank Redemption

Blade Runner

Chinatown

Dr Strangelove: or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb

The good, the bad and the Ugly

I’m sorry, I have way too many films on my list!

An actor you have a crush on -

Sarah Michelle Geller. Got to admit, she is pretty awesome and yes, I’m STILL a huge Buffy fan.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

I love the Walking Dead. Just watched the 1st episode of series two and I’m loving it. However, I also just got into American Horror Story and, must admit, this is shaping up to be weird/awesome! But, (only one more, I promise) I’ve also just recently discovered ‘Revenge’. This is surprisingly very good.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Ha, please feel free to stalk away. Here I am:

Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/worksofdgwelsh

Facebook Book page: http://www.facebook.com/LegendUnborn

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/D_GWelsh

email: davidwelsh@keyofsouls.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055674J4