Monday, September 22, 2014

Review of How Not to Murder Your Grumpy



How Not To Murder Your Grumpy

Written by Carol E. Wyer

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

According Carol, I’m doing one of the activities her retired grumpy husband should be doing - I’m writing a review of her book. That book is an A to Z catalog of activities.

An activity should keep your elderly husband busy so he won’t be sitting around the house watching you doing household work or drinking your fourth cupa while reading the Mirror or Female First magazines. For non-Englishmen, cupa is a cup of tea.

I don’t have a wife, at the ripe old age of sixty-six, so I don’t think I fall under her definition as a grumpy. If you have read one of my blogs or books, you know that I’m a very active man. This is what she wants her grumpy to be – active and preferably out of the house early.

Ms. Wyer jokingly defines all the activities a person could do under the sun. Her definitions are clearly documented with who is the expert in many of those endeavors. Example: Ex-American National Football League player Roosevelt 'Rosey’ Grier renowned for his (N) needle point acumen. Would your man do this?

I believe that if a man is not active in his early years of marriage, Carol’s grump old man will have a difficulty in changing his ways. In her situations, I am assuming that grumpy man’s wife is a strong woman who can direct her hubby in the right direction to change his ways. If not, he won’t.

The book reads smoothly. It’s a fun almanac of activities with facts and dates to back up her reason for sending grumpy in the direction of each particular endeavor – well done.



Review of The Highlander

The Highlander, The Rise of the Aztecs 

Series Book 1

Author Zoe Saadia

Reviewed by R. Murry

The Highlander is a well thought out historical novel that portrays real people doing what their nation-tribes have done for years.  The main characters are young leaders breaking out into their own predetermined   adventures.

The elders are determined to control their situations in the world.  The young people (Coyotl, Kuini, and Izrac) rebel that world in their own way to change it for others and themselves.

Ms. Saadia brings this out in detailed conversations and confrontations that propels this intriguing developed story forward, keeping the reader’s attention.  The reader will not be bored with historical data. 

The young people are the future and the only names that are important: Coyotle, the emperor’s first born son, wants to change the way things are done – social reform.  Kuini, the great warlord’s son, wants to change breakdown bearers between peoples.  Iztac, the princess, wants to liberate herself and others from their bondage to the way men think.
     
Zoe Saadia makes their points clear, using well developed conversations.  Although these young people are not Aztecs, they see common ground in others, where the elders don’t.  Especially Kuini, The Highlander, in his confrontations and communal exchanges with the only Aztec – The Aztec Warlord.  To a point, the Aztec influences Kuini’s decisions. Against the Aztec and his father’s wishes, Kuini becomes a warrior in Coyotl’s father’s army – their enemy.
     
In this end is a new beginning for Coyotl and Kuini, which may include princess Iztac. Fate will determine that end.


     
Saadia’s novel is an excellent lead in to the next chapter of the lives of these three young leaders.  I for one will continue to read the series, because of the enjoyable read of book #1.  Will you?   

Purchase at:  http://amzn.to/1mFgI6t

Review of The Affect of Red

The Affect of Red                                         
By Phil Davis


Reviewed by R. Murry

Love at first sight is a minor theme of this gripping novel.  Yes, the adventure starts with the encounter of two attractive professionals, Camille in a sexy red dress, but there the story takes a turn for the worst.  Robert and Camille meet again and are put in a whirlwind.

Camille is involved in an international project that endeavors to save young women from what they most fear - slavery to man’s deranged sexual needs.  This entanglement produces negative results.

Mr. Davis’ characters are well developed.  He has them intelligently move through highs and lows of a detailed adventure – they are pitted against an evil group of highly motivated gangsters, who care little for human begins, enslaving and killing them for their pleasure and monetary gain.

All doesn’t go well in Robert and Camille Jordan’s journey as lovers, which is told with a tear jerking love – hate fest.  Having a Kleenex box nearby, is a must.  The government is on their side as protectors with lapses in security that leads to some heart breaking blows to all involved.

Phil Davis’ novel will keep you on your toes and have you moving forward with anticipation, leading toward a conclusion that will have you asking – why?

In the end, its Robert and Camille’s daughter, Sophia, who will carry the torch against the same evil that they had fought for twenty years.    To what end, only fate can change the outcome, which I feel is fruitless – evil always prevails in some area of humanity.

Mr. Davis book is one a Romantic will enjoy, waiting for good to win over evil.  He does an excellent job of telling this story, where one may believe that the faithful will be victorious.

It’s a good read that I recommend. 

There are links below Phil Davis:
Both ebooks and paperbacks are available at this site.
My blog: http://padaarch.blogspot.com/ (there are samples here)





Monday, September 15, 2014

A Novel Obsession

A Novel Obsession

Written by Jeff Joseph



Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

We have all been obsessed with something in our lives, but I hope not with a person. In Jeff Joseph’s A Novel Obsession, you will be surprised with who is obsessed with whom.

Abby, the main character, has a crush on Daniel, who is a world renowned romance writer. She sends a fan letter to him inviting him to speak at her school.

The letter was so overwhelming to Daniel that he had to meet her. It conveyed to him the woman, who wrote it, was so insightful into why he wrote what he wrote. He wanted to know her.

As in all good books and movies, romances aren’t always peaches and cream. Mr. Joseph puts compelling and thrilling events in to action that you wonder if the two will ever meet.

This read will keep your attention. The ending will leave you hanging wanting more. When you do reach the climax, you will be surprised.

A must read for Romantics: http://amzn.to/1qzMbYF


Monday, September 8, 2014

Review of First Date.



FIRST DATE

Love & Regrets
Written by Vanessa Wester

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry


I remember my first date with the most beautiful redhead I have ever met and dated up to and including our High School Prom. Later in college, she found her soul mate and married him, while I was fighting a war in Vietnam.

Vanessa’s FIRST DATE brought back memories of my first time, and it will work for you.  The book is two romantic short stories in one. It is free on Amazon.com today.

Ms. Wester does an excellent job of setting you up for what you would think would happen on a first date. The tension is there between the two participants: the holding of the hands for the first time, the opening of the door by the male, and the inquisitive conversation – He cares for me?

Then Vanessa throws in a factor that changes the dynamic of the first date – another man. Only by reading this quick moving love story will you get the answer.

Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2hgUM
  


Saturday, August 30, 2014

How Bridge McCoy Learned How to Say I Love You

How Bridge Mccoy
Learned to Say I Love You

Written by Robert K. Swisher Jr.

Reviewed by Roy Murry, author

If you walked two steps forward and one step backwards, as you strolled through life, would you feel complete? Bridge McCoy did until events changed his perspective of life.
                              
An author living in a small town and his life embedded in a small art district, Bridge finds himself in an uncomfortable position. He has fallen in love with the 185 pound hippie coffee shop owner, Vivian.  She and all who have befriended Bridge know him as an author who drinks his coffee BLACK and his beer in a cold glass with lime.

This is how he lives his life without additives, complications, or popular entertainment. He is a straight forward sarcastic and friendly drinker who writes for his pleasure, but is published and sells his books and other’s art in his shop where he feels complete.

When falling in love with his angel Vivian, he has one minor problem. Even though he is a writer of words: verbs, adverbs, nouns, etc., he can’t say the important ones to Vivian:  I I I I Lo Lo…, which is the center of this off center novel.

Make certain your funny bone is in shape, because if it isn't you’ll be hurting after many lines, chapters, and verses. I am still thinking about a line. I’ll let you find your personal best line and not give you mine.

I relate to Bridge’s predicaments and diversions, because I am an author of like kind. However, any reader with an inquiring mind will enjoy this read and laugh on and on, while reading the Dark Love Story.
          
Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1rFXzmS
  

Friday, August 8, 2014

Review of Pigeon River Blues

Pigeon River Blues
Written by Wayne Zurl

Reviewed by Roy Murry, author


A small country town in Tennessee, USA, has a celebrity C.J. Profitt who sings the Blues to her hometown friend the mayor. She is being harassed by some people that don’t like her life style; and she has asked the mayor for protection.

The mayor volunteers a non-Volunteer, ex New York City detective now Chief of Police, Sam Jenkins to be her security while she is in town and doing a gig up the road at Dollywood for charity.  Sam is unlike a Robert Downey, Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes.

He is sociable and charming.  Using deductive thinking, compiling information from his contacts in the FBI, military, and media, he pieces together the - who, what, when, why, and how an event will literally blow up the charity at Dollywood.   

C.J. Profitt’s history as a Country Western Singer is the center of why this event was nurtured, festered, and put into motion. Sometimes it’s the people you hurt that comes back to haunt you, as it is in this novel.

Sam Jenkins police work is the propelling motion of this fast pace read. Sometimes comical and witty, his style works on the written page.

If you like police TV dramas, this book will be as intense but more enjoyable because of Wayne Zurl’s spiffy character Sam.  

Notes:
Tennessee is called The Volunteer State because they were the first volunteer in the War of 1812, another story.

Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and is the home to Dolly Parton’s Country & Western theme park.

Purchase at:  http://amzn.to/1sDSGHS


Monday, August 4, 2014

Breathless - Review

BREATHLESS (Blue Fire Saga)
Written by Scott Prussing

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

The world of the Vampire was opened up to the public with the novel written by an Englishman in the 1800s. See my +Bubblews article: Vampires are real? http://bit.ly/1u9vWj8

Breathless is one of those novels that if you are a believer in Vampires, you may learn something new. If you are not, you will have an enjoyable time reading about a world that has become a popular diversion from reality.

Leesa is a normal teenage girl going off to Weston College for her freshmen year. The only difference between her and others is her relationship with Vampires – ones with two fangs and ones with one fang. See notes below.

She has two suitors after a few weeks at college. One is a Vampire and the other is Volkaane. She falls for Rave the Volkanne. However, Stefan, the Vampire, has other desires for Leesa to full fill and has a trump card – Leesa’s brother Bradley is a feeder for another Vampire.

You know there is a predictable clash coming between Rave and Stefan to end the story. It is not what you or I would predict though. It’s something off the wall. I’ll just say it is Stefan who has the final say.

This novel is well written and does keep the reader’s attention – Believer or Not. Some twist and turns, but straight forward reading.

Notes:

Volkaane: a being that is full of Blue Fire. He is a Vampire hunter.
Grafhym: a one fang Vampire who is much weaker than a two fang one. His blood is tainted.

Feeder: a human who is used as a blood provider for a Vampire.

Funniest line in novel for me was: Leesa comes clean with her best friend Cali at college and says, “Stefan is beautiful but a little strange.” Cali replies, “Of course he is a bit strange – he’s a freaking Vampire!”

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Review of Beyond Death

Beyond Death
Written by Deb McEwan

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author


Many people believe in the hereafter where you have angles and spirits in limbo, waiting for directions to their final resting place. Ms. McEwan has written a family orientated story around that theme, which has a number of plots.

Three people die. One is malcontent (Ken); another makes a mistake in judgment (Ron); and a young women dies on the night of her engagement (Claire.) However, Claire was not supposed to die. She did because of Ron’s selfishness.

The crux of the story-line is that they are in a place waiting for a decision to where they will rest in peace. In their waiting, they are allowed to visit family, friends, and enemies on earth to sort things out.

Those are the subplots that are sometimes romantic, funny, weird, and helpful to the people they left behind to go to a place BEYOND DEATH.  The spirits interface with the living will please the reader to the END.

Ms. Deb McEwan has written an enjoyable read that is slow at times but does keep you reading on. It gently brings you into a happy place. It’s a good read.

Purchase at amazon $.99: http://amzn.to/WYsc9k


Friday, July 18, 2014

Review of The Trees Have Hearts

The Trees Have Hearts
Written by Mrs. D

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

The wind blows through the trees, and the sound is music to a young girl who had moved into a new home with her mother.  She has a language bearer with the community, but not with nature.

Her imagination brings her close to nature – the three trees in the garden yard of the house she lives in. An endearing relationship amongst them is enjoyed, and the little girl is helped through her daily troubles by the comfort of the trees. She overcomes to her fears with their help.

Mrs. D. has produced an exceptional children’s book to be read to your young ones. She, as I do, recommends that you read to your kids on a daily basis. I believe readers are leaders because they know different ways to complete an endeavor.

This is not a complicated read but should be read to a child up to the age of seven or let them read it at that age. It is quite mystical in nature and has some life lessons in it that we all could learn.



 Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2mYWF

Monday, July 7, 2014

Review of Time to Let Go

Time to Let Go

Written by Christopher Fischer

Reviewed by Roy Murry, author


The way we think and function on a daily basis is who we are. When those abilities decline, changes in our character lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This alteration will affect the dynamics of the environment that is lived in.

Mr. Fischer’s ‘Time to Let Go’ deals with that dynamic within a small family where the husband becomes the primary care giver of a once caring and giving wife Biddy, who has the disease and is declining into her own shell. Walter, Biddy’s husband knows what is best for her.

This is where the ‘What’s best for Biddy?’ comes into play. Their daughter visits because she has a major problem that she feels guilty about - an event at work that could change her life. Conflicts arise over what is best for Biddy.

Walter has his solution and is living it. Hanna and her brother Henrik have each theirs which includes putting Biddy in a home. Only Biddy is left out of the decision making. Each has their merits, but Walter wants Biddy at home in her/his routine. His way trumps all others because it’s his wife for better or worst.

This story goes into the debt of the disease. It’s what one family went through to find the right decision for the better health of the family, which is the health of their loved one Biddy who has her ups and downs. Based on a real family the story, it is written as character driven fiction.

Christopher Fischer wrench gripping story will keep your attention. You’ll be wondering, ‘What would I do in that situation?’ I pray that you’ll never have to be in Walter’s shoes.  

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2mO1B

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Review Good Sister, Bad sister

 Good Sister, Bad Sister
The Heart of the Staff, Book 1

 Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps

 Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

This delightful tale of yore, if there ever was a place, is presented in a colorful setting. Relatives, families, siblings, and royalty are the same throughout history, even if some of them are wizards, witches, dragons, or birds, as it is in this novel.

In the Phipps’ fictitious land, there is a clear-cut divide between good and evil. One sister is the child any mother or father would love, where the other sister is the one you would like to take out in the woods a hit with the strap. But this is not what you do with a witch that can travel at will through thin air.

The story is about disagreements going back before time began. This family dynamic pits brother against brother, a daughter against mother, and sister against sister. The way they resolve their differences make this fun read.

Now, who do you know can turn his brother into a dragon because he has been a bad boy? Or, when was the last time you heard a sister be jailed in her own kingdom by using wards, whatever they are.

The language HITS on a new but easy to follow vocabulary that won’t hinder your train of thought. You’ll have a few chuckles out of hearing a crow’s wife talk to him about his business and how he’ll get the next meal.

This first book in a series was well thought out, and I recommend it to the fun-loving reader. I enjoyed it much.

Series only Paperback: https://amzn.to/35VrPjb







Friday, June 27, 2014

Life is a Circus Run by a Platypus

Review of
Life is a Circus Run by a Platypus

Written by Allison Hawn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Ms. Hawn’s Circus is a collection of well put together little acts formed during her exciting life. I believe that she has learned her life lessons, according to her summaries at the end of each episode after the curtain comes down.

Those experiences came after trials and errors young adults go through growing up. Her writing brings out the funny side and or positive side of the situations she muddles through.

The situations she-devils in are enjoyable to read and seemed to be geared to lessons for the young but do have some universal axioms en-grained. Using comic references to popular and not so popular characters and events, she gets her points across colorfully, bringing the reader to a pause where they will contemplate what just transpired.

Funny most of the time, but sad in some instances, Allison tells it like it is in her writing. She doesn’t hold back any punches. She gives her interpretation of what transpired in her life.

This is not a book to read at one session, but a collection to be read one story at a time. The reader can go back many times for a laugh.

I have earmarked a few for reread, a laugh, and reference in my storytelling.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2w4mwwF



Sunday, April 27, 2014

Review of HOPE


HOPE

Written by Robert K. Swisher Jr.

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry.

Becoming 66 years old the other day, I started reading HOPE. It reached me on many levels. The story had me in laughter, tears, and at many times in thought.

There is a universal fiber that runs through us humans, Christians call him God, which leads us to belief which in turns leads to hope – my take.

Mr. Swisher’s novella HOPE’s characters are aging towards the end of life in a home. Only one, who has not reached this elderly age, has hope and believes he can fly. Will his belief turn into hope for the others?

‘What if we can believe – fly, have hope?’ is gently interwoven into this story. Little by little the residences move from doubt to ‘What if’ to belief. All, but one character, in their own way become convinced and begin to hope, leading to revelations and an escape from their mundane lives.

This is a novella that will lead you to think about your own mortality. Hopefully it will get you thinking about how we treat our elderly humans.

Mr. Swisher’s writing is mature as is his character and story development. The story has no unused words always getting to the point.
Purchase on amazon:  http://amzn.to/1h2Og5M

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Interview with Robert K. Swisher, Jr.

Interview with Robert K. Swisher, Jr.,
Author of HOPE

Interviewed by Author Roy




Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I'll dwell on the writing side of my life.  I have 14 traditionally published novels and I have indeed 6.  Several of my novels were optioned but did not go through. I have been listed in Who's Who in the West (How I have no idea) Young Contemporary Authors (The young bit is long gone) and was made a male honoree member of American Pen Women (They call us Penguins). I also taught a class called THE REALITIES OF WRITING.  My books range from historical fiction, young adult, humor, literary, mystery, to somewhere out in right field and off center.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?
I wrote it in 5th grade. It was about a kid skipping school and going fishing.  I wrote it in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon by a pond.

Were you inspired by someone or something?
There was never anything else I wanted to be but a writer. Common sense has never been one of my strong points.

What do you like about writing a story?
Truthfully the process drives me nuts anguish, turmoil, can I finish it like it the best when I am done and start worrying if I will ever have another idea.

Can you tell us about your book?
HOPE is the latest. It is the story about a group of residents in an old folks home, who feeling abandoned by society and little more than prisoners, form an action group and with the help of a simple person learn how to fly.  I started the book in 2004 while I was working in a rest home and finished it in 2013.  It is not long, 44,000 words, but dear to me.

What genre best fits the book?
How about literary fantasy - although there is a theft - so - literary fantasy mystery with a cast of fantastic characters that cannot be held back by anything.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
HOW BRIDGE MCCOY LEARNED HOW TO SAY I LOVE YOU is off to another editor - story of a man that when he tries to tell the lady he loves that he loves her he starts choking (set in an art town in New Mexico) it is one of my right field books. Also doing the last read through on A CIRCLE AROUND FOREVER - modern fantasy exploring the question - what if Adam and Eve have been reincarnated many times (not religious though) both of these books are right at 145,000 words...and...Half way through a book titled VENT - like it says, a weird guy that goes around venting on topics (some pertinent and some weird) it is a reader participation book.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Learn how to enjoy sardines, hot-dogs, and Ramon Noodles - if it was easy everyone would want to be a writer AND...DON'T LET NEGATIVE REVIEWS GET YOU DOWN.

Where can people read your work?
My earlier books - 8 still in print are on all the sites as trade and e book. My indie books are on kindle e books. I went with KDP only for many reasons (Too many to list here) Here is a link to my author page which will get you to all of my books - also some good reviews and things that make writers swell up like bullfrogs:




Saturday, April 19, 2014

Review of Treasure of Saint-Lazare

Review of Treasure of Saint-Lazare
By John Pearce


Reviewed by author Roy Murry


The mystery and history of World War II Paris comes alive in John Pearce’s novel when a concerned visitor from Sarasota, Florida, USA arrives with a letter from the past. This leads into a journey that unravels events which may never be resolved to a conclusion.

As in all wars, the worst comes out in combatants on all sides of the ideological conflict. Everyone is out to secure their positions in the turmoil their involved in. Mr. Pearce’s main characters were vested when they were very young.

Their heirs left them with many interwoven problems crossing borders worldwide. In this case, it’s the crimes commented during and after the war, because of the greed of their ancestors. 

Property taken from the rightful owners is normal in any war. Here is the crux of the novel Treasure of Saint-Lazare. Germans pillaged the countries they invaded for the good of The Motherland. Those crimes propelled this intriguing story that leads to murder, arsine, and personal conflicts in present time Paris, German, and USA.

Mr. Peace’s main character Eddie is presented with a letter from a long forgotten lover, which has a common unfortunate situation attached – both their fathers (Longtime friends) died recently from unusual circumstances because of their wartime involvement. From there, history is discovered leading to a conclusion that will keep the reader interested to THE END.

John Pearce is a lover of the Parisian living, style, and writing. Having been to France twice, I understand the flowery flow of his words. Other writers would be more curt in the way they presented this thriller. 

Not Mr. Pearce, he brings the French draping into play with fascinating characters. His sentences and paragraphs are colorfully written, but are sometimes longer than normally anticipated.

Reading Treasure Saint-Lazare was an entertaining journey into Paris’ past and present.     



Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Interview with John Pearce

Interview with John Pearce,
Author of Treasure of Saint-Lazare

Questions by Author Roy Murry




Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I'm a lover of Paris -- I call myself a Part-Time Parisian. For a while I even had a blog by that name, until I discovered I couldn't blog about Paris, write a novel about it, and do justice to both. My wife Jan and I live in Sarasota for nine or ten months of the year, with the rest of the year reserved for Paris. For my blog, I make do with http://johnpearceauthor.com/

Do you remember the first story you wrote?
Treasure of Saint-Lazare is the first work of fiction I’ve completed. Years ago I started a spy novel but had the sense to drop it before it embarrassed me. I still have the notes. But I've been a writer a very long time, in daily journalism and magazines. I was the Washington economics reporter for The Associated Press and then worked for the International Herald Tribune, covering business and finance in the German-speaking countries, when we lived in Frankfurt.

Were you inspired by someone or something?
Like most aspiring writers of my generation, I was inspired by John Le Carré. I still am, although I think he was more comfortable with cold-war stories.

What do you like about writing a story?
I like the act of creation, of making a new world that meshes smoothly with reality.

Can you tell us about your book?
Treasure of Saint-Lazare is a historical mystery whose basic question is, "What if some really bad guys were convinced you knew where a priceless work of art was hidden and would do anything to find it, including murder?" It's based on Raphael’s painting "Portrait of a Young Man," which was stolen by the Nazis in 1939 and disappeared in 1945 while it was being shipped from Poland to Munich. The book is set in Sarasota and Paris, mostly Paris, and it has a pretty strong romantic feeling. One reviewer said he'd never been to Paris until he read the book. That made my day.

What genre best fits for the book?
Treasure of Saint-Lazare has some thriller elements, although it’s really a mystery. I was pleased when it reached #25 on the Kindle historical mysteries best-seller list. It's available in Kindle, paperback and audiobook editions.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
I'm almost finished writing a sequel, whose working title is Last Stop: Paris. Editing and pre-publication marketing will take several months, but it should be out this year. My third novel, a prequel, should be out next year, because I’ll be able to work on it while other people help market the sequel. I’ll be sure to come back to you to ask for pre-publication reviews.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Write. Sit down and stay in your chair. No other advice has any value if you can't do that. Then finally, when you’re pretty sure you have done the best work you can, put it away for a month or two and work on something else. Weak spots that would be invisible in the heat of creation will jump off the page.

After you're satisfied with the editing, have it meticulously proofed by someone else. Your goal should be to have zero typos, whether you're seeking an agent or planning to publish yourself. Typos are death for a self-published book.

Where can people go to read your work?
For now, it’s on Amazon, although I will probably broaden the distribution in June. The Sarasota Public Library bought three copies, so if you live in my town you can find it there. And any bookstore can order the paperback from the Ingram catalog. The audiobook was done by ACX, an Amazon subsidiary.



Sunday, April 13, 2014

Review of The Circle's End

Review of The Circle’s End
(Cowboys and Angels)

By Penny Childs

Review by Roy Murry


Unfortunately, I did not read the first books in the series Cowboys and Angels, The Circle’s End being the last book in the series. However, I can say for certain, that based on reading The Circle’s End, the characters are intriguing, complicated, and well developed.

Joined by a common cause, the main characters communicate by an unusual means that endears them to each other.  The youngest of the group holds the key to complete The Circle’s End. All comes together when that key is used.

Leading up to that event, many lose their life and livelihood because of the person behind the door the key opens. His terror reign may come to an end if the key is turned the right way.  

Ms. Childs’ crime thriller keeps you on the edge as CIA agents’ conflict with each other not knowing who the good guys in the room are. She has interwoven a seemingly plausible story with paranormal conflicts that true believers will love.

Her writing is enjoyable to the point I may go back and read the first in the series. I look forward to it.

Penny's link: https://www.facebook.com/penny.childs.writes?fref=ts








Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Review of Bride for a Champion

Review of Lindsay Townsend’s
Bride for a Champion

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

This unlikely love story is placed in thirteenth century when the men ruled the world and the women who lived on it. The men fought the wars for merry old England and the women were theirs for their control and pleasure.

A lord of the realm, on his dying bed, bequeaths all his processions, which include his daughter, to his champion, who has fought by his side in a foreign war. This is where Ms. Townsend’s begins her entanglement between its two characters Simon and Alice.

The crux of this novella is their interplay on who has the upper hand on the situation at hand – who will rule Alice’s father’s lands and subjects. Simon has the legal man’s right to rule, but Alice believes she has rights too. If Simon will full fill one important request for Alice, she may bow down to his wishes.

They say that behind every great man there is a loving woman. The two main characters Ms. Townsend has developed fall into this mole after a rocky start in their relationship.

The story moves at a pleasant pace with a many tits for tats between Simon and Alice, leading up to an unusual ending. The characters are well developed into one moving unit that can conquer their worldly problems. You will be pleased also at how they reach their ending.

Ms. Townsend’s book can be found on Amazon: http://amzn.to/QD4axT  She can be found at https://twitter.com/lindsayromantic and http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/