Congratulations to Kristi of Books and Needlepoint http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/
who is the WINNER of my Giveaway
Please go over to see Kristi's blog.
She has some great book reviews and author interviews
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
About the Author: Sam lives outside of NYC with his girlfriend and an army of four cats--one feline under the legal limit. Working at an all-girls boarding school, he knows world-class drama firsthand. It's also the reason he studies Krav Maga and Tai Chi.
Book Summary from Cover:
Mike Brody--the man you want, when the one you love is missing.
More than just a master tracker, Mike is a former Special Forces operative, smoke jumper, and now extreme adventure tour guide who can tap into the memory and emotional state of those he pursues.
In The Last Track, Mike is recruited to find an asthmatic boy lost in the dense woods surrounding a dude ranch in Montana. An unwitting murder witness, the boy burrows ever deeper into the rugged terrain, fearful of being found by the killer.
While Mike tracks the boy, his ex-wife, a journalist, uses her contacts to unravel the truth behind the murder. Her discoveries threaten to snare them all in a treacherous conspiracy...
My Review:
Sam Hilliard needs to quit his day job and write full time. He's a born writer of the first caliber. "Get out of prep school," as my preppie, grown children say, Sam, and go for your true profession. You have what it takes.
In "The Last Track," Mr. Hilliard introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters. If he isn't writing a series of books about his main character, Mike Brody, the infamous tracker in question, I'm liable to send out a posse to track him!
With all the panache of a seasoned, gripping suspense writer, new author Sam Hilliard scores a direct hit with this book. Character development and His creation of an environment for them is at it's height. I actually saw myself there and felt the angst.
His tracker, Mike Brody, is a complex, infinitely intriguing man displaying a keen ability to track the lost in wilderness situations. He also is an apparent student of how to handle people, include those in positions of authority. His military background lends itself to his tracker abilities.
Using a sort of sixth sense that guides him, comes from an unknown source, and that he keeps close to the vest, Mike Brody is a quietly capable, and virtually unknown man. Personally, I loved this twist on an otherwise familiar protagonist. One not necessarily psychic, but just the right amount of odd. We never quite get a bead on this ability and I'm thinking that leads to another book.
Much could be said about the insights we gain into advanced computer espionage, wilderness survival and law enforcement cooperation, but these things play in accompaniment to the human story of the lost boy and Mike's connection to his family. His spicey ex-wife is an asset to Mike and the story overall. This balance of story lines renders a wealth of knowledge that keeps the entire piece flowing. "The Last Track" is a page-turner.
Self discovery, coming of age, awareness of womens' issues, and loyalty are themes, as well, in this book. It is a mark of excellence that Sam Hilliard manages to get so much value into his novel without spoiling it. What an accomplishment, particularly for a first time writer.
If I were to give a black-eyed critique of the book, I would say this one thing: it starts off too slowly to capture the average reader. Having said that, I can only encourage readers to persevere. Believe me when I say that this book is worth the effort.
Given Sam's astuteness and his obvious writing skills, we can only believe there are more Mike Brody tracker books in the future. He's left too many unanswered mysteries. We are left begging for more explanations. This is one of the great things about this book.
Who amongst us doesn't love anticipation?
Recommended for all lovers of mystery and suspense novels. For all who love Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Connelly. Yes, Sam Hilliard is that good!
Deborah/TheBookishDame
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Book: "Riding on Empty"
Author: Craig Stephan
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 145
Summary: "What happens when a loved one dies--and you suddenly find yourself riding on empty?
Riding on Empty is the chronicle of an inspiring true story of two indomitable spirits: a mother who inspires her precious son to awaken to life and triumph over dyslexia and seemingly insurmountable odds to discover his authentic path and find the strength to heal from watching her tragic struggle with cancer.
Join Craig Stephan on this exhilarating tour of the Grand Canyon and beyond, as he and his wife Beth traverse the southwestern U.S. on his 1995 Electra Glide Harley Classic, looping through Sedona in search of inner peace, where he encounters a new perspective on life."
My review:
"Riding on Empty" was a risk book for me. I have experienced the loss of a loved one by cancer, my husband; and, more recently the death of my best friend. Craig Stephan's book about dealing with the death of his mother, therefore, made me take a second look, but I certainly didn't see how on earth I could relate to a biker guy!! I was so wrong. Good thing in my older years I'm determined not to let my superficial ideas and prejudices hold me back from learning something new to evaluate the world around me. Craig Stephan has a story to tell~~and one that will encourage and enlighten others.
Mr. Stephan is a good writer whose work distinctly comes from his heart and spirit. Throughout the book, his words continually reach to communicate with the reader. He readily shares the significance of his pain in the process; and, then the actuality of losing his mother to cancer, as well as the aftermath of grief. I heard recently that "grief is a ride you have to take, you can't get off of it until it's over." That is so true, and Craig Stephan gives us the ride of our lives when he shares his path with us.
How does it help him and us? It helps because it's a testimony that we will all pass this way in our lives and we can survive it with God's help, and the help of those He puts in our lives to anchor and support us. It helped Craig because he was surrounded by a constant of love that never left him, a foundation of faith and love from his mother that he knew lasted past death, and would be with and inside him for all eternity. It helps because Craig was given the gift and the sense of urgency to tell us his story in such a way, a simple way, that could impact the lives of those who are walking through the gates of grief. His way works.
I learned so much about motorcycling! It was unexpected. I absolutely loved every second of it! There is so much symbolism about life in the 'cycle and the trip Craig and his wife took...the 'cycle that took them. It was just magical. We gain much from just that reading experience.
And, Craig shares very profound descriptions like this:
"My heart was road rash, burning like skin of a biker who had just hit unforgiving pavement at high speed and slid for hundreds of feet. I sipped my drink and tried to swallow. I visualized road rash throughout my gut. This is death by broken heart, I concluded. This must be how it starts."
There are many examples of his descriptions that make you stop reading in your tracks. One can actually feel the harshness of that pain, right?
In "Riding on Empty" this fine author is looking for an end to his grief. He wants understanding and a resolution about the loss of his mother. He realizes the needs a spiritual awakening. He finds all of these things, and he blazes a trail for those who may want to listen to him and to find the same peace.
If I may, I would have one comment that wasn't explored too much by the author. That would be the thing that is obvious to the reader and not so much expressed or perhaps "seen" by the author: that is that much of his insecurities and needs were transferred to his wife to fill in where his mother had left a gap. More and more during the trip he relies upon Beth to "read the map," to move the right way with him to keep the bike on the road safely, to get them entre' into the hotels, and to make decisions for their well-being. This is mothering in its rawest form! There are more important lifestyle examples. So, I think Beth is responsible for much of his healing, as well.
I recommend the book particularly, of course, for those who are experiencing grief and/or the death of a loved one, for Hospices everywhere, for those who know their lives are "missing something," but they don't know what, and for those seeking a spiritual awakening.
Deborah/TheBookishDame
Friday, 11 March 2011
GoodReads Summary:
"When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?"
There is just something about this book that draws me in. I'm not usually a reader of YA for the most part, as you know, but this book keeps popping up everywhere I go! So, it's got to be my next read in that genre.
You can find a review of it meanwhile on my new friend's blog: http://themakeshiftbookmark.blogspot.com/
Have a very happy weekend! I'll be reading and reviewing as always... :]
Deb/TheBookishDame
PS: Don't forget to sign up for my Giveaway!
"When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?"
There is just something about this book that draws me in. I'm not usually a reader of YA for the most part, as you know, but this book keeps popping up everywhere I go! So, it's got to be my next read in that genre.
You can find a review of it meanwhile on my new friend's blog: http://themakeshiftbookmark.blogspot.com/
Have a very happy weekend! I'll be reading and reviewing as always... :]
Deb/TheBookishDame
PS: Don't forget to sign up for my Giveaway!
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
I'm so drawn to this cover art, and to the mysteries of this author's style. It must be said that it does include some LGBT writing in the main.
Will be interesting to read and review, don't you think?
Deb/TheBookishDame
Here though, is the review...and I'm sure I have to have the book....in fact I've already procured a copy. I'll be reviewing it soon, simply to save the beloved Miss Austen's name and nature:
"A dangerous technology could conquer the universe. Love could set it free.
Jane Austen Space Opera, Book 1
Charlotte, Duchess of Wyre, once held the Queen’s highest confidence—and the technological secret that keeps the royal heart beating. Fearful of what atrocities that Britannia might commit with her research, Charlotte turned to the galaxy’s most infamous assassin, Lord Sigmund Regret, to stage her own death.
Even without the simplest of luxuries, seven years hiding in the Americus colony is preferable to one day in the Tower of Londinium. Until a bounty hunter’s bullet forces her to revive her research. Now the same nanobots that keep the Queen alive also run rampant in Lord Regret’s body. Making his yearly Solstice visits increasingly…intimate…and complicating her courtship with the safe and honorable Sheriff Gilead Masters.
When the Americus colony declares independence, and her humble sheriff makes a shocking confession, Charlotte has had enough. Weary of running, tired of living without tea and silks, she fires a warning shot across Britannia’s bow: cease hunting Lady Wyre, or lose the technological power the crown holds so dear.
Her next task isn’t so simple. Somehow she must keep the two men she loves alive—and prevent them from killing each other.
Warning: Ladies in positions of power, stylish spaceships, BDSM. A ménage a trois featuring a duchess on the run, a gentlemanly assassin, and a rough-and-tumble sheriff willing to gun down anyone who gets between him and his lady."
Oh, yes, you can see it's Bustlepunk (steampunk) once again! Until I've read this new genre, I'm off...but I shall return with good news, I hope and pray.
Yours,
Deborah/TheBookishDame
"After" is a book that will challenge your sense of morality. It's a book that will draw you in to her heart of a teenaged girl, Devon, who finds herself accused of giving birth to a baby by herself, and then getting rid of it in a dumpster.
With attention to characterization in the finest detail, Amy Efaw gives us memorable moments with Devon, her mother, her attorney, and others. I found myself really resenting the guards, policemen, and prosecutors on her case, having strong feelings about her fellow juvenile offenders, and worries about the judge.
Ms Efaw, if I may be so bold as to make a comparison which I hope is not offensive to her, is a writer much like Jodi Picoult. Not in every way, but in that she calls upon us to put aside our inital reactions to a moral situation, and to walk alongside the perpetrator whether we like it or not...only to consider and make an educated decision about her in the end.
While every case isn't packaged and "right or wrong" we are left with ourselves and our own conclusions, but more enlightened, hopefully. That is one of the rewards of this beautiful book. The other is simply the wonderful writing, descriptions and the look into human frailty.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
Please leave a comment for me, it matters so much...
Deb/TheBookishDame
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