Original Death

From the Publisher: Despite the raging war between French and British, Scottish exile Duncan McCallum has begun to settle into a new life on the fringes of colonial America, traveling the woodlands with his companion Conawago, even joining the old Indian on his quest to find the last surviving members of his tribe. But the joy they feel on reaching the little settlement of Christian Indians is shattered when they find its residents ritually murdered. As terrible as the deaths may be, Conawago perceives something even darker and more alarming: he is convinced they are a sign of a terrible crisis in the spirit world which he must resolve.

Trying to make sense of the murders, Duncan is accused by the British army of the crime. Escaping prison to follow the trail of evidence, he finds himself hounded by vengeful soldiers and stalked by Scottish rebels who are mysteriously trying to manipulate the war to their advantage. As he pieces together the puzzle of violence and deception he gradually realizes that it may not only be the lives of Duncan and his friends that hang in the balance, but the very survival of the native tribes. When he finally discovers the terrible truth, Duncan is forced to make a fateful choice between his beloved Highland clans and the woodland natives who have embraced and protected him.

I'm a sucker for a good Scottish protagonist and the idea of a book set in the French and Indian War I found to be intriguing. I had a hard time getting drawn in, but I'm so glad I stuck it out. While it is part of a series, it has the ability to stand alone and tell it's tale. I now want to get "caught up" and see how the main characters develop. If there's one thing I love more than a good Scottish protagonist, it's a great back story.
 
Original Death begins with Duncan McCallum and his companion Conawago traveling to meet the latter's long lost nephew. Conawago is one of the last of his tribe; a Nipmuc. He has traveled the world and is anxious to meet the last of his family: his nephew Hickory John and Hickory John's grandson, Ishmael. As the men travel they discover a dead Highland Regiment soldier, are shot at by smugglers, and discover a massacre. All within the first chapter! The two friends arrive to find the town slaughtered, with Hickory John as one of the dead. Several children are missing, as well as Ishmael and the schoolmaster. So begins a fantastical journey filled with so many plot twits that you'll eventually just fall off the edge of your seat as Duncan and helpers work against the clock and war to save the kidnapped children. Along the way they encounter a charge of murder, a half-king who's execution of choice is the "five day death," the Iroquois council, a Welsh witch that even the natives are afraid of, restless spirits, Jacobites, and a few priests thrown in for good measure. Duncan may not always be the flashy hero, but his brilliant and steadfast. Even when faced with the opportunity of revenge against the English, he chooses his journey to save the children. In a book that has so many layers of deception, you come to rely on Duncan's decency. You want Duncan on your side.

The French and Indian War is not a time in our history that I'm familiar with, so at times I felt like I struggled to keep up with a rather large cast of supporting characters, some real people. While I love a good plot twist,  I felt like there were so many revelations that they lost some of their sizzle. Overall I think it's a fantastic read that is fresh and inventive while still finding room for history.

Click here to purchase from Amazon.com! 

****4 Stars I really liked this book!

A Sinister Obsession

From the Publisher: A psychopathic killer on a quest leaves behind a string of brutal murders, and to find the Who, the police must first discover the Why...

Detective Aubrey McKenzie has been assigned to investigate the murders. A lovely, fabulously wealthy, dark-haired Scot, whose iron will was forged in the inferno of human tragedy, Aubrey is stymied by the lack of solid clues. Now she must rely on her paranormal ability to apprehend the killer—an ability that has been invaluable in her police work but has made a disaster of her social life.

Fate teams Aubrey with Detective Joshua Diamond, a handsome, talented, and compassionate man who is more than happy eating a greasy bacon-cheeseburger and wearing clothes that should have been thrown out with the trash. In a race against time, Aubrey and Joshua must overcome their vast differences—and their attraction for each other—and discover the identity of this elusive killer, and the quest this fiend is on, before more lives are destroyed.

My Review: The prologue of A Sinister Obsession really sets the pace for the rest of the book. In the first few lines, we meet George and Ann Marr who reside in Pittsburgh. Obviously they have a dark cloud of depression hanging over their lives. As you read on, you learn why they are unhappy and also are left a little shocked at their brutal murder! I know I was stunned. And Redstone, the author, leaves little to the imagination on the details of the murder. You see it almost from the killers eyes...but what leaves you baffled is why the couple had to die.

After I got past the prologue, the story started unfolding. Detective Lieutenant Joshua Diamond is on the force in Pittsburgh. He takes the case of the mysterious murder and starts the investigation. Three months later in Maryland, another brutal murder takes place in a hospital. There, Detective Aubrey McKenzie takes the case! There are a few similarities with the two murders and that is what brings our two main characters together!

They couldn't be any more different. Joshua is a plain and simple guy. Laid back. Doesn't take his work home with him. Aubrey on the other hand is wealthy, beautiful, and her work is her life. She also has a secret that she has never told anyone. She can read people's minds. She is referred to as a "witch" but I don't agree with that term. She has a paranormal ability but no other "magical powers" so really she is a telepath. Of course, when she meets Joshua she know exactly what he thinks of her and, to her shock, she likes it. He thinks she's a good looking woman among other things...the problem is, Aubrey doesn't want to get close to anyone. So, we follow them on their journey of figuring out who this sick person is and why s/he is killing innocent people.

The reader is not kept in the dark until the end of the book as to who the killer is. We find out not too far in. But the reason as to why this person is killing is a bit scary. And the lengths they will go to get the info they want will send chills down your spine.

So it's up to Aubrey and Joshua to track the killer down, even when they feel they have reached dead ends. They don't give up and along the way they actually spark up an interest in each other...I'll let you read to see how far it goes ;)

I liked the book and I liked the overall story. However, I'm not a big fan of gore and explicit details so that was something I could have done without. If you have a weak stomach, you can still read the book but skip over the murders. And there are quite a few. Because like I said earlier, Redstone leaves very little to the imagination.

If you are a fan of psycho-crazy killer thrillers, with a love story thrown in the mix, then get A Sinister Obsession! 



   

The Blink of Her Eye

From the Publisher: While investigating patient complaints as the hospital’s compliance officer, Anika is attacked by a man claiming she murdered his wife. After wickedly seductive Gabriel rescues her, she knows she isn’t quite dead when all she thinks about are his eyes devouring her in a single glance.

As Anika recovers, she receives a note urging her to ‘Stop the Murders.’ But she’s clueless as to who is about to be killed. Bewildered, she accepts Gabriel’s offer to unravel the mystery behind the message.

With the death toll rising, Gabriel refuses to deny his erotic compulsion for Anika while tracking down the murderer. Equally consumed by her own insatiable passions, Anika leaves them both vulnerable to life-threatening dangers. Their obsession to be together will either save or destroy them as well as hundreds about to be killed.

My Review: This book starts out fast and doesn't slow down. I liked that very much! Very quickly you are brought into a story that has you questioning "What is going on??" but in a good way! The reader is quickly introduced to Gabriel, the man who saved Anika from being beaten to death.

The way Gabriel is described, I'm sure any woman wouldn't mind him coming to her aide with his dark hair, smoldering eyes and muscular physic. He saves her life and then she is whisked away to the emergency room but not before hearing him say to her "I want inside." Oh my!! She doesn't know his name or who he is but that doesn't stop her from fantasizing about him while she is being bandaged up ;)

When she is moved to a semi-private hospital room, her knight in shining armor comes in and checks on his mother in law! Naturally Anika is devastated but soon finds out that he is widowed. This wicked attraction she has toward him is unsettling but he seems to have the same feelings for her. They connect on the common ground that something odd is going on in the hospital with the way some of the patients are being treated. They also discover that six elderly patients, who all lived near each other have died from the same "Alzheimer like" symptoms. Red flags go up and they start investigating. Is it the hospital deliberately making these patients sick or is someone else behind it all? Who is covering it up and and will Anika and Gabriel figure it out before they are the next victims??

This story is really good and will keep you guessing on who the bad guy is! It will also have you rooting for Anika and Gabriel. Will they get together or will Anika choose someone else? The passion between her and Gabriel is intense and won't leave you disappointed. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery that is laced with sex and suspense. Buy this book! You will not be disappointed!

                                    ****4 Starts I Really Liked This Book!

Dead Drunk

From the Publisher: Malcolm Woods learns of a stabbing at the planetarium where his wife, Belinda, works. The TV news confirms his worst fears when the stabbing victim turns out to be Tom Hanson, the man who killed Belinda’s parents in a drunk driving mishap sixteen years ago. When he rushes home to find her missing, he assumes the worst, especially when the police arrive with a warrant for her arrest. Malcolm begins to doubt his wife's innocence when he finds an empty home pregnancy test, realizes a knife is missing from the kitchen and hears several accounts of the murder on TV from strangers claiming to be Belinda's friends.

Although he has serious doubts about his wife, Malcolm starts tracking Hanson's movements. He needs to find the truth before the police find Belinda and arrest her (and their unborn baby) for murder.


My Review: Dead Drunk is a good, fast read! It has a good story, characters you love, and ones you love to hate...plus, murder. What else is there? ;) We meet Malcom as he learns that his wife, Belinda is a suspect in the murder of Tom Hanson, the man who killed her parents in an alcohol related crash many years ago. Of course, Police find the connection and automatically think Belinda did it. They are not interested in looking any further. In their minds, the case is closed. The only thing preventing them from an arrest is the fact that they cannot find her. No one knows where she is, not even Malcom.

After the Police come in a ransack their house looking for clues, Malcom is more determined than ever to prove his wife's innocence. So he gets to work. He talks to anybody and everybody who had a connection to Hanson. But first, he needs to find out more about his wife's childhood. Even though they are married, Belinda had always kept that part of her life to herself. Malcom always chalked it up to the painful memories of losing her parents but now he is starting to wonder if she's really the person who killed Tom. Maybe she wanted revenge? He has to first prove to himself that he believes his wife is innocent before he can convince the Police.

So we follow him on this journey of believing in the one you love and finding a killer. Who else would want Tom Hanson dead? What other motive could there be? As all signs point to his wife, he is more determined than ever to find other suspects. And he does, but can he find enough evidence to prove someone else did this? You'll have to get the book and find out :)

This was a good book and one that I really enjoyed. Check it out on Amazon!

                                   ****4 stars I really enjoyed this book!

Supernatural Hero

From the Publisher: Andy is the nerd everyone makes fun of. He's really skinny, wears glasses and talks to himself, but he falls in love with the prettiest girl in the class. One day Grandpa dies and turns into a ghost. Then, Andy discovers a new power, he can see ghosts and talk to the dead.

Join Andy's journey and find out how a nerd can become a hero. 

Supernatural hero is a great children's book with an outstanding story, for the whole family to enjoy. It is a book that will stay with you forever.

 

My Review: Supernatural Hero is a really cute book! It is a story about a boy named Andy. He's a 6th grade boy who is having trouble with bullies because he's a nerd. He gets made fun of by his class mates and even yelled at by his big sister, Lynn. There are even times when he feels his parents are against him. The only adult that he truly feels understands him is his Grandpa. They are the best of friends and he feels he can tell Grandpa anything. But one day, his grandfather gets cancer and dies. Andy is devastated. But even though Grandpa has passed away, he comes back as a ghost and only Andy can see him! He's there for Andy and tells him that he will be with him always and will help him get invited to birthday parties and also help him get a girlfriend. Andy has his eye on a girl in his class named Zoe. She is beautiful and the "Queen of the class."

 

This story gives us some insight into the mind of a boy who feels he is nothing but a nerd. It will make you laugh, cry and cheer for the underdog! And in the end will leave a smile on your face. If you have a child who is struggling with feeling left out or like s/he's not one of the "cool kids" then read this with them! It's a great story about believing in yourself and having the confidence to put yourself out there and not be so scared. There's nothing to fear but fear itself.

 

You can buy the book on Amazon

                                                           ****4 Stars I really liked this book

52 Weeks of Family French

From the Publisher: Start speaking French today! 52 Weeks of Family French contains small, weekly lessons that will get you and your family speaking and understanding French right away. No flashcards or grammar practice required! Here is the perfect book to help you finally learn to speak French and teach your children as you learn. All weekly activities are integrated into modern family life. Games and fun activities are included to help you on your language learning journey.

Also inside 52 Weeks of Family French: Ideas! Pressed for time? The Ideas! section presents ways to integrate language learning into a busy day. Pronunciation Guide: An easy to follow pronunciation guide will help you as you learn to navigate foreign sounds. Cultural Notes: Each unit highlights a French cultural topic. Give your child one little fact a week to ignite their interest in worldwide cultures. Learning Resources: An entire section of the book is devoted to free or easily accessible resources to help make learning French more exciting for your child. Learn to speak French the fun, natural way...and bring your kids along for the ride!

My Review: I am a homeschooling mom and I am glad to have come across this book. I am wanting to teach my kids a foreign language and this book is set up a little like a curriculum in that it has weekly lessons. It gives us plenty of time to learn at our own pace. Because in homeschooling, there is no "time limit" on learning. You stay on a lesson until you master it. Plus this book is set up to allow us to be aware of our progress.

I also like that there are pronunciations under all the French words. Many of them I would have no clue how to say! So I'm glad Eileen added that part in.

One more nice thing about it is that she gives suggestions on ways to enhance the learning. Like one night for dinner, try to have a conversation in French. Or when you wake up your kids, tell them "Good Morning" in French and have them say it back. She also gives a list of free resources that you can look up and have on hand to help you master the language.

Eileen is a teacher in addition to being a writer. So that makes me feel good about this book. I know that I can trust the source :) I highly recommend this book for anyone, with kids or without, wanting to learn French.

You can download it from Amazon to your Kindle or get it in paperback

****4 Stars I really liked this book

The Blank Cookbook: For Your Recipes

The Blank Cookbook: For Your Recipes
by James Laymond Publishing

From The Publisher: The Blank Cookbook is a best-selling resource for storage and preservation of your recipes or the recipes of someone you care about. It's designed so that you can easily record your favorite recipes and find them again when you want to use them or pass them down to future generations.

It's perfect for:

• The family chef,
• Professional chefs,
• and beginning chefs wanting to have a blank cookbook that can be filled with recipes enjoyed by family and friends.

The Blank Cookbook is a book that you write that can be used for:

• Personal use and reference,
• Gifts to family or friends who enjoy your cooking,
• A journal,
• and can be passed down so future generations can experience cherished family recipes that brought people together in the past.

The pages of this blank cookbook are ordered with specific sections for:

• Ingredients needed,
• Preparation directions,
• Cooking directions,
• Serving notes to help you store the information required to consistently produce quality results,
• and family memories associated with food (whose recipe was it, whose favorite food, what family events or traditions featured this food).

Its simplicity and ease of use makes it useful and fun. It makes a great gift for mothers, fathers, newlyweds, graduates, aspiring cooks or as a house-warming present.

BUY ON AMAZON.COM

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Waking Up Dead

From the Publisher: When Callie Taylor died, she expected to go to heaven—or maybe hell. Instead, when she was murdered in Dallas by some jerk with a knife and a bad-mommy complex, she went to Alabama. Now she’s seen another murder, and she can’t just let it go; she must find a way to make sure the police figure out who really killed Molly McClatchy before an innocent man goes to prison, all the while trying to determine how and why she woke up dead in Alabama.

My Review: Waking Up Dead is great for anybody looking for a good read. It's only 226 pages and it has no lag in the story. I started this book later in the day and read until I was too tired to read anymore. I picked it back up the following afternoon and read the rest of it! I literally could not put it down! The story starts off with Callie Taylor being murdered in Dallas and waking up in a small town in Alabama. Callie doesn't know why she's there and also she can't figure out why she can't go past the city limits sign. Every time she tries, she ends up back in the middle of town. She's trying to get used to back in the middle of town. She's trying to get used to being a ghost so she gets into a routine of going from house to house just to be around "normal" people again. One night while "haunting" Rick and Molly McClatchy, Molly is murdered and her husband is put in jail. The only thing is, Callie knows who did it and it wasn't Rick. She just has to find someone alive to help her prove it. From there Collins (the author) takes her readers on an adventure to find a killer!

Even though Callie's a ghost, she forgets sometimes that she can no longer do human things. Like open a door, talk to people or sleep. So she goes on a mission to find someone who can help her bring the killer to justice. It's a hilarious story but also clever and touching. Callie meets, and makes some new friends. Ashara, Maw-Maw and Stephen. The three of them help Callie find evidence and put the pieces of a very scattered puzzle together. But in the end, will they wake up dead like Callie? Or do they get to the killer in time before he has a chance to kill again? You'll have to get the book and find out! You can order your copy from Amazon.com.

I do want to note that there are some scenes in the book that might be a little graphic. Like when Collins is explaining the murder of Molly McClatchy and also there is another scene toward the end of the book but it's not as graphic. All in all, it's not too bad but I did want to point it out. And there is also some language as well, but it wasn't bad enough for me to put the book down.

I really did enjoy this book and I do hope there is another Callie Taylor mystery on the way! Hint, hint ;) Maybe one where we can follow Callie as she finds her own killer?? But any Callie Taylor ghost detective mystery would be great! I am a fan :)

**** 4 stars I really liked this book!

Once again, you can order your copy from Amazon.com.

The Invasion of Heaven: The Newirth Mythology, Part 1

From the Publisher: Psychologist Loche Newirth becomes hunted when he sees a painting that opens a window into the afterlife. An ancient order of men seeking to control the art pursue him across the world, through centuries, into madness and beyond.The first part of Michael B. Koep's The Newirth Mythology-The Invasion of Heaven is mystery, adventure, myth, betrayal, murder and madness.

Psychologist Loche Newirth wonders if it was his fall: the fifty foot drop from the rocky cliff to the icy water below. Is this why he has been hallucinating? Or is it because one of his clients is dead, or his mentor has gone mad, or that his wife is leaving him? He can't bring himself to believe what he has been seeing. Insane things like a massive, searching eye. He sees it in the water below the cliff. He sees it in mirrors, on walls: a massive, crystal blue iris and fathomless pupil there in the center of his life, looking at him.

To find the answer, Loche pens the recent events of his life into a book and leaves the work behind for his mentor Doctor Marcus Rearden to interpret. As Rearden reads he plunges into the harrowing depths of Loche's reality: his loss of a client, the discovery of an unknown past, an ancient conflict over possession of the human condition, the awesome reality of the gods walking among us, and the crimes of humanity invading the hope that lies beyond the grave.

The Book Journal

There are several book journals out there, but I've found one that I believe to be one of the more, if not the most, complete and user friendly. It's simply called, "The Book Journal: Your Reading Adventure" by James Laymond Publishing.

One of the first things that I found useful (very useful) was the do-it-myself Table of Contents. That's where I write down the title of a book and the page number of The Book Journal where I put my entry about it. So if I want to find my notes/entry about "The Last Hybrid: Bloodline of Angels" by Lee Wilson, I can quickly find it and remember that detail that I had forgotten or the observations I had about the title.

The book provides two pages for each entry, providing basic information-gathering areas such as the title, genre, setting, year written, publisher, main & minor characters and other books by the author. Then it has you rate the book based on several areas such as writing quality, pace, plot, character development, and others before finally having me rate the book over all. Then it provides a full page for me to make whatever notes and critiques that I wish. It's an eye-opening, self-exploratory adventure.

It also has a section for those of us in book groups, allowing me to keep track of the books read by the group, things said in our meeting, my notes from meetings and other details including a calendar for meetings.

The book also has a section of books I've lent out to people (the book calls this section "My Lent List" which I think is cute). This is helpful because often times people will borrow a book from me and forget to ever return it. Then one day I go looking for a certain book but can't remember that I loaned it out or to whom I loaned it. So it's extremely helpful.

The Book Journal also has a list entitled "My Favorite Books," "My Wish List" and a couple other nifty areas you'll discover when you make it yours. It's a helpful journal for avid readers and I think would make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift for people on your list who like to read, are students, teachers, etc.

Purchase it on Amazon.com.