Monday 14 May 2012

The M-16 Agenda by James P Wilcox

The M-16 Agenda

The M-16 Agenda by James P. Wilcox

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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

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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.

Monday 7 May 2012

This Time Forever by Patricia Paris

This Time Forever

This Time Forever by Patricia  Paris

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5 of 5 stars false


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!

Monday 30 April 2012

Seed by Ania Ahlborn

Seed


4 of 5 stars false

Seed by Ania Ahlborn 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 by Chip Coffey

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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

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5 of 5 stars false


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

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4 of 5 stars false

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!