The M-16 Agenda by James P Wilcox

The M-16 Agenda

The M-16 Agenda
by James P. Wilcox (Goodreads Author)

Wow, just wow. If you aren't a fan of political thrillers then this isn't the book for you. If you are then this book should be on your must read list. It's very well written, and incredibly layered.

The story not only deals with the political aspirations of the main character, Jack, but also the impact on his family and those around him. We follow him from the events that lead him to want to get into politics, through three different campaigns. We not only learn how it takes a toll on him, but what the toll is on his family and those around him. The story makes it quite clear that not only does he pay the price for his aspirations, but his family pays just as heavy a price, and at times maybe even more.

The one thing that I really enjoyed was the relationship between Jack and his wife. It's very well written and makes it clear that she is just as responsible for his success as he is. The story moves along at a great pace, and keeps things interesting. There are no dull points where the reader is given filler just to up the word count, every detail counts!

If you enjoy political thrillers, then you'll love this book. I couldn't stop reading it, and was sorry when I got to the end!

A Human Element by Donna Galanti

A Human Element

A Human Element
by Donna Galanti (Goodreads Author)

After reading the blurb, I thought that this book sounded like something I'd enjoy, and enjoy it I did! The two lead characters are likable, and as you learn more and more about each one, you realize that there are many layers to each. The reader follows these characters from childhood into adulthood, and gets to know and understand them along the way.

I really was impressed with the way that Ms Galanti kept her characters so real, even when unreal things were happening, to them and around them. I found that the reactions they had were pretty much what you expected them to have, and they didn't ever seem to be just so over the top that the story became unbelievable. Considering the subject matter, that could have happened all too easily. The other thing that I really appreciated was the fact that even though there was some romance in the story at no point did it take anything way from the storyline. It was just a natural progression of the story and it was very well written.

All in all, I think that if you enjoy the paranormal genre, then you'll enjoy this book. The story stays with you and is well paced and very interesting. It's well worth a read.

This Time Forever by Patricia Paris

This Time Forever

This Time Forever (Book One: Cedar Cove Series)
by Patricia Paris (Goodreads Author)

SPOILER ALERT - Sorta...

What a wonderfully written, fun story! I have to say that I really enjoyed this. I'd never read anything by Ms Paris so I had no expectations at all. But I thought it sounded like a good read, so I gave it a try. I'm so glad that I did.

I fell in love with the characters pretty fast. The character of Delaney is an only child, as am I. I found it so easy to identify with her and her reactions, it was uncanny! I can't say that I would have done the same things she did, but I knew where she was coming from. (So that's my spoiler #1). Both she and the leading man were wonderfully written. I found myself laughing at them, being frustrated with them, and sometimes almost crying at the things they did! All of the characters in the book were fun and were the kind of people we all have in our lives.

The story moves along at a nice easy pace, and at no point did it drag along or seem to just wander off the rails. I so enjoyed my time spent in Cedar Cove, I'll go back to visit! The final few chapters of the book are wonderfully written, and there is one chapter, close to the end of the book, that had me laughing out loud. You'll know it when you get to it, because it's just so amusing you can't help but laugh! (That's spoiler #2)

The story is fun, and refreshing, and the characters are marvelous! It's more of a slice of life read, because the situation could very well happen to anyone. If you want an enjoyable read, this is it. As you can tell, my spoilers aren't much of a spoil, either!

Seed by Ania Ahlborn

Seed

I had never read anything by this author, and this caught my interest. Being a fan of the horror genre, I can be pretty pickey.

I have to say that I really thought this book was very well written. It delivered on the creepy factor, and had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. At no point was I bored, and it seemed that each new bit of information revealed just helped to deepen the tension. Nothing about this story was just 'filler' and each bit of information had relevance and meaning. I really appreciate it when an author doesn't waste time by giving all kinds of background information on characters that has nothing to do with the story.

The story kept me guessing until the end, and even then I re read the last few chapters to be sure I hadn't missed anything! If you enjoy horror, you'll love this!

Growing Up Psychic by Chip Coffey

Growing Up Psychic: My Story of Not Just Surviving but Thriving--and How Others Like Me Can, Too

Growing Up Psychic: My Story of Not Just Surviving but Thriving--and How Others Like Me Can, Too
by Chip Coffey

Right out of the gate, I'd like to say that I am a fan of Mr Coffey, so I think that it's a given I would enjoy his book. I enjoyed reading about his own experiences along the road of life, and how he works with children who have the 'gift'. Whether or not you believe, it's refreshing to see someone who thinks of others rather than what people may say. Let's face it, everyone has had an experience of deja vu, or felt that something was coming. If you don't believe in the validity of such things, that's fine. But many people do, and to know that they can find help, support and acceptance is the most important thing in the world.

I was pleased to read a little more about the various children that appeared on the show 'Psychic Kid's' and it was nice to know that they are doing well.

Mr Coffey's easy, conversational writing style was quite refreshing, and it seemed as though he was speaking directly to the reader. If you have an interest in the subject, and are curious to know more about Mr Coffey and the kid's he worked with, then this book is for you!

Choosing To See by Mary Beth Chapman

Choosing to SEE

Choosing to SEE
by Mary Beth Chapman

I have enjoyed the music of Mr Chapman for quite some time. When I saw a listing with this book on it, I decided that I'd like to read it to get a little more insight into the life he leads.

I have to say that I really enjoyed every single moment of this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me marvel at the strength of the human spirit. The whole Chapman family has faced some very difficult, and heartbreaking times. The fact that Mrs. Chapman is able to so clearly and honestly write about her faith and the difficulty of being able to see how to keep that faith when faced with heartbreak, depression and sadness, is truly an inspiration. At no point does the book become preachy.

The book very openly shares the good times and the tragic times and makes one realize that if the Chapman family can choose to see, so can the rest of us. If you want a good life story type read, this is it. If you need some encouragement in the faith department, this is it. If you just want to read about the Chapman family, this is it. You won't be disappointed.

Will Work For Food by Regina Puckett

Will Work for Food

Will Work for Food
by Regina Puckett (Goodreads Author)

I have to say that Ms Puckett always succeeds in pumping up the creep factor. The story moves along a good pace, and it seems to be going in a direction that you would expect this type of tale to go... Oh, wait a minute...

This story is not at all what one might expect, and when you read this one, be very, very careful about any assumptions you may have about where it's going. It's one of those stories that hit's you out of left field, and is so well written that the reader follows blindly down that path. I'd highly recommend any of Ms Puckett's stories to those who enjoy the genre and love to be surprised!

Verliege by Michael Rivers

Verliege

Verliege
by Micheal Rivers (Goodreads Author)

This is the second book I've read my this author. I really enjoyed the other book, so I was anxious to see if he could capture me again... Yes, yes he could!

There are all kinds of twists and turns to this book, and the story moves along at a good, fast pace. I often find with a story of this type, authors get bogged down in telling the back story, and how it relates to the current story, the story line suffers for it. That didn't happen with this book. The reader is given the information that is needed, but it's worked into the story line so well that you never feel as though the story has slowed down! Every bit of information is something that answers a question, or sets the scenario for the next plot point.

The characters are interesting (all of them!), and they all have a story to tell. The twists and turns come fast, and even when the you think you know what's coming next, it's never quite what you think it's going to be. The ending took me totally by surprise, of all the things I expected, that wasn't one of them!

Verliege is a fun, entertaining, interesting read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre, and loves a good story. This is one author that is on my to read list. I look forward to future stories by Mr Rivers!

H10N1 by M.R. Cornelius

H10N1

H10N1
by M.R. Cornelius (Goodreads Author)

Read from April 03 to 07, 2012

I love these types of stories. This one was no exception. It was a really interesting read, and was original enough that I didn't think at any point 'I've read this before!'

The author quite successfully takes the subject matter and makes it new and fresh. It was believable in the way it was written, and although we all hope that nothing like this will ever happen, we are all too ready to believe it might.

The characters are all very different people, and each had a unique back story. The discoveries made along the way in the book allowed each character to be more believable as the story progressed. Not all the characters were nice, or likable, which only added to the depth of the plot. The events and dangers that they faced through the course of the story were very well written and all too likely. At no point did I find myself thinking 'Oh, give me a break, that would never happen'.

A definite recommendation if you enjoy the genre!

My Blood Runs Blue by Stacy Eaton

My Blood Runs Blue

My Blood Runs Blue
by Stacy Eaton (Goodreads Author)

Read from March 31 to April 03, 2012

I do my best not to read reviews posted by others before I read a book because I worry it will affect what I think. So I read the synopsis of this book, and then bought it. I have to say that I really enjoyed it!

I knew it was a crime type story, but that's pretty much it. It's a crime story and so much more! I really enjoyed all the characters in the book, and I have to say that at no point was i bored or even a little tired of any of them. I found all the characters to be well rounded and believable, which was a lovely change!

There were some surprises and some interesting turns. Ms Eaton does a wonderful job of making sure that all the loose ends get tied up, and at no point was I left wondering, 'Yes, but...' The reader is left wondering for awhile, but sooner or later the answer is given.

This book had it all. It tied together nicely two of my favorite genre's and was believable in the way it was done. I loved the interaction of the characters and how they reacted to the things that were happening to them. I also found that when I was finished, I really wanted to get the next book in the series, because I want to know what happens next!

I would recommend this one to anyone, I'm sure that it won't disappoint!

Crying Through Plastic Eyes by Regina Puckett

Crying through Plastic Eyes

Crying through Plastic Eyes
by Regina Puckett (Goodreads Author)

Read in April, 2012

Wow. It just totally blows me away that this author can take the most common place every day item and make it as creepy as all get out! Most children love dolls... They seem so harmless. But who hasn't had the feeling of being watched by a doll at some point or other? We all know it's our imagination, right? The story has just the right amount of normal and weird to strike a chord, and keep striking it. The tension never eases and the ending is just really creepy and surprising. I loved this little gem!

A Blood Red Sky Trailer by Chad Calek

Chad Calek ‏ @AGHChad

The trailer to A BLOOD RED SKY is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C3bI_JvsMs PLEASE RE-TWEET, RE-POST, BLOG & SHARE! THANK YOU! #thepowerofoneislimitless

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AGH The Movie, Chad Calek, Mary Beth Wylie

Last night I finally had the chance to see AGH The movie, after waiting over a year for it to come to Canada.   I had truly been keeping my eyes glued to Chad Calek's twitter feed waiting for some Canadian dates to be announced.  I really didn't know what to expect, and only had a vague idea of the content.  I knew that it was documentary style and based on the happenings in Chad's life, but that was about it.  I have to admit that most times I go out of my way to not look for too much information when something catches my interest, because I don't want to have any preconceived notions of what to expect.

When I got the announcement from the AGH web site that dates for Canada had been confirmed, and ticket information, I jumped on it before it got cold.  I think I got the notification around 6pm, and by 8pm I had gotten my VIP ticket during the pre sale.  I went for the whole experience.

Why, you might ask?  Because I have been waiting for this.  The idea of going to a dinner with Chad and Mary Beth, and having the chance to talk to them in a small intimate setting was a wonderful opportunity.  I have to say that the night went far beyond my expectations.  Both Chad and Mary Beth are likable, warm, down to earth people with no notions of being above the people who have been supporting them all along.  They chatted and laughed with all of us and generally made us all feel that we'd known them for years. 

The event took place in a downtown hotel, and the movie, and the full length version of The Ghost Prophecies alone would have been worth the almost $200 ticket price.  But in addition, there was a 'Best Of' paranormal evidence presentation, and a screening of 'AGH: Moundsville'.  There was also an auction for which 100% the proceeds went to the Shriners, in support of their work with burn victims.  (Calek's father was injured in a workplace accident, and received burns to over 77% of his body.)  There was Q & A sessions, photo ops, autographs and an after party for those of us with the VIP tickets, and yes, it was so worth it.

The movie itself, although does deal with paranormal happenings, has an incredible 'human' story to it, and is very heartfelt and touching.  It also quite honestly shows how people and families can be affected by things that may be paranormal, or may not be.  It also shows how one can most definitely be tied to the other.  Is the issue paranormal?  Is the issue psychological?  Is it both?  To tell the truth it really doesn't matter.  What does matter is that by sharing the story it shows that none of us are alone.

As well as covering the affects on the Calek family, many interesting issues about the town of Persia Ohio itself are brought to light.  In the long run, it makes one wonder just what is happening in that small town, and if there isn't more there than can be explained away.

The movie will be released on a wider public scale later this year.  I would absolutely recommend going to see it to anyone, whether they are interested in the paranormal or not.  I think I'll probably see it again, just because I believe that a second viewing will bring more things to the forefront, that I missed on the first viewing.

I know that Chad Calek is interested in doing more documentaries, and wants to tour them the same way he did with this movie.  All I can say is that I'll be one of the first people to buy tickets for the events and happily attend them before they go into general release.  If for no other reason, because it's such an enjoyable way to see a movie, with others who love the genre as well.  

The Doll by J.C. Martin

The Doll

The Doll
by J.C. Martin (Goodreads Author)

Ugh... Creepy, creepy, creepy...

Although I don't have a phobia about dolls, this got right under my skin and wouldn't let up. The fact that there is such a place is creepy enough, let alone going to see it. After reading this short story, I'm not sure I would!

The writing of this author is easy and flows nicely. I was always wondering what next? The scenario painted in the story is all too realistic, and I could see a little girl behaving in this manner. I could also see a mother reacting to the situation exactly how the mother in this story did.

I can't say that I expected the story to end the way it did, but I think that it also added to the whole creep factor. If you are a fan of horror, and I am, it's a really great little read.

Blog & Tweet-How To Make A Splash Online by Kathy Lynn Hall

Blog & Tweet - How to Make a Splash Online

Blog & Tweet - How to Make a Splash Online
by Kathy Lynn Hall (Goodreads Author)

A very quick, but helpful, informative read. If you already blog and tweet, it should be common sense to pick this up and give it a look. If you are thinking about getting into blogging and tweeting, but need some ground rules, this is heaven sent!

Although I could say that most of the things covered already occurred to me, it was really helpful to see that someone else out there shares my views, as well as giving me the reinforcement and encouragement I needed to keep posting. It also gave me some great ideas that I hadn't thought of. The authors no nonsense approach was quite refreshing, and not at all preachy as some of these books can be.

All in all, if you want to blog and tweet, check out this book. You'll be happy you did!

Reunion by Jeff Bennington

Reunion

Reunion
by Jeff Bennington (Goodreads Author)

This book takes a very touchy topic, (violence in schools) and treats it with the utmost respect. I was so incredibly impressed with how all the different sides of the topic were covered.

Although the subject matter is gruesome, the author did an incredible job of not only delving into the lives of the survivors, but the life of the troubled youth. There are no excuses made for the violence or trying to move the blame elsewhere. But Mr Bennington did do an amazing job of pointing out that it's just as much the fault of society for not paying attention, and/or turning a blind eye even when we know that something is wrong.

Too often after the fact people say, Well, he/she was a little odd... Then turns away because nobody wants to get involved.

All in all, I would say this is one of those books that is very much worth the time. There is a little from many different genre's and that's what is so unique.

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

Megan's Way

Megan's Way
by Melissa Foster (Goodreads Author)

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I have to say that I will be reading more by her.

This is a bittersweet story, that grabbed me from the get go and didn't let go until the very end. Even then, it stayed with me. The depth and passion is incredible. It tackles a very difficult topic, and delves into the issues surrounding it. Beautifully covers the feelings of the daughter who although young, isn't too young to not know what she's facing. It made me laugh, and it made me cry, and it gave me hope for all of us.

This is one book that I'd recommend to everyone.

The Society Of Sinners by Charity Parkerson

The Society of Sinners

The Society of Sinners
by Charity Parkerson (Goodreads Author)

Well... First off I have to say that isn't my usual type of reading material. At all. Having said that I do think that Ms Parkerson has converted me.

The author does an amazing job of drawing you into the lives of the characters in this book. You can find something to like and dislike about each and every one of them. They all have faults and weaknesses, and they all are incredibly real to the reader. You keep reading because you want to know what is going to happen to each and single one of them, because you find yourself caring about it.

All in all it's very enjoyable to read and very wwell written. I liked it so much that I had to buy the second book, because i have to see where the story goes from here!

Violets Are Blue by Carrie Green

I had never read anything by this author, so I thought this would be a good one to start with. It was!

First of all I have to say that this isn't my usual type of book. I did enjoy the story very much, and let's face it, we all have family members that we aren't too sure of... That's one of the things that makes this story even more frightening than ever. It deals with an everyday type of situation, but takes it to the limit and beyond. It proves that sometimes horror is right there, that there are everyday monsters, we don't always recognize as such. It's worth checking out

A Walk In The Snark by Rachel Thompson

A Walk In The Snark by Rachel Thompson

• Mar. 27th, 2012 at 9:05 PM

A Walk in the Snark

A Walk in the Snark
by Rachel Thompson (Goodreads Author)

OMG... At points reading this I am sure that the author was sitting over my shoulder reading as I wrote in my journal... I guess it just goes to show that men really do have certain traits, as do women, and we need to learn to deal with them!

At times incredibly funny, at other times very thought provoking, for both men and women. All in all it was a very fun read and was well worth the time. I find at times reading a book of blog posts can be frustrating, but this one definitely was very well put together.

American Conspiracies by Jesse Ventura

American Conspiracies: Lies, Lies, and More Dirty Lies that the Government Tells Us

American Conspiracies: Lies, Lies, and More Dirty Lies that the Government Tells Us

Read from January 29 to February 10, 2012

Gotta say I loved this. At times I found it convoluted and had to be careful, as it was easy to lose some the thread of some of the topics, but I did really enjoy this book. I love the whole conspiracy theory genre and this book delivered beautifully!

I also enjoyed that a very wide array of topics were covered. It was eye opening to me to see that indeed other people were asking some of the same questions that I asked myself! Do I totally buy the whole conspiracy thing? No. But I also don't not buy into it. I guess I feel that when you don't give a straight from the hip answer I feel there's something more that you know, but don't want to share. At the same time I wonder about people who make decisions based on what's best for me... Is it really?

Having said all that I highly recommend this book. It's fun and you might just find out some things you didn't know!

The Solomon Key by Shawn Hopkins

	Wow. Just wow. I have to say that I did enjoy this... It was action packed and full of plot twists and turns. It didn't let up for a minute. Sometimes it even seemed to move a little too fast, (if that's possible!) The main character is a tortured soul who really doesn't seem to believe in much of anything. But after being drawn into a web of intrigue he is able to find some peace that seems to be eluding him. At times it got a little confusing, there were so many players and everyone was after the same thing. I was also a little disappointed that certain topics that were brought up weren't explored more deeply. But that was just because I was interested in how he would tie some elements into the plot. At times I found it a little over the top with all the different plots and sub plots, but again, that's just me. A really good seamless job of drawing many different elements into the tale, and making you realize that it's not all that far fetched we could end up in a world like the one in this book. Great book for some thrills and chills.

Maxwell Cynn: Indies Unite for Joshua on IndieGoGo.com

Maxwell Cynn: Indies Unite for Joshua on IndieGoGo.com

Currently Reading...

...Messages by John Michael Hileman.  Loving it!  But just read something that I'm thinking is a nod to David Lynch and his amazing series Twin Peaks.  Or maybe not, who know???