We now Offer Editing Services (NOT ME) Douglas Wimmer

We now offer Editing Services.

FYI Its not me. 

In addition to my own writing, I offer editing and proofreading services to fellow writers and independent authors.
Whether you are looking to polish up a manuscript before you pitch it to agents and publishers for traditional publication or looking for someone to work out the kinks in your novel before you publish it yourself via Amazon or iTunes, I can help. I offer both comprehensive editing services,  basic proofreading, and beta reading at affordable ratesIn addition to my own writing, I offer editing and proofreading services to fellow writers and independent authors.
Whether you are looking to polish up a manuscript before you pitch it to agents and publishers for traditional publication or looking for someone to work out the kinks in your novel before you publish it yourself via Amazon or iTunes, I can help. I offer both comprehensive editing services,  basic proofreading, and beta reading at affordable rates
The rate for each job is determined only after the author and I can come to an agreement. Our relationship must be an amenable and complimentary one. One where we can work together to make your work the best it can be. Without that, we will be butting heads the whole time and that's not fun for either of us.
Generally, when assessing an editing job, I ask for a sizable sample of the work so I can see what is needed and whether I feel like I would be the best fit for that specific job or not. If I feel I can be of some use to the work, I will perform a sample edit and then send it back to the author. If we seem like a good match, then it is at that point we talk about compensation. The compensation will be negotiated until it is deemed fair for both parties. I will always do my best to fit your individual budget and you will know what the fee will be before any full scale edits are done. There are no hidden or surprise fees. As a matter of fact, I offer a satisfaction guarantee that if you are not happy with my work, then my fee is fully refundable. I only ask that you provide me with the reasons you are dissatisfied so that I can be aware of them.

Services currently Offered

• Beta reading - This is a service that may be a good option if you think you've nearly nailed most everything down and just want to get another set of eyes on it in order to make sure everything is in place and functioning like it should. I will provide commentary on overall structure, cohesiveness, plausibility, and character arcs, among other things. I will read your draft from front to back and suggest things that should be improved or changed and things that seem to be mucking up the flow of your draft.
• Copy Editing - This is a service that may be a good option if you have a strong story and characters but are unsure of punctuation, word usage, homophones, and other grammatical issues within your manuscript. This is a place where many self-published authors take a hit. Some readers will forgive a flat character arc or a story that stretches the limits of believability, but heaven forbid you mix up your/you're or to/too. This service takes care of those little mistakes that plague nearly every manuscript so that the reader can concentrate on what you want them to: your story and characters.
• Line Editing - This is a service in which I really get my hands dirty and jump into the fray with you to improve things such as syntax, awkward or inappropriate phrasing, curtail unnecessarily ornate phrases or descriptions, pinpoint repetitive word usage and suggest alternatives, and ensure the timeline is plausible and clear just to mention a few things. I will actually make changes to your manuscript (all reversible if you so choose) that I feel I am safe to do, while leaving larger, world/character/plot changing tasks to the author. After all, this is your story, not mine. I'm just here to help where I can.

Do any of these services guarantee your book will be a best seller? No.
Does acquiring my services guarantee you'll get an agent, contract, or book deal? Afraid not.
All I promise is that your book will be better than it was before, and I will be at your service throughout the entire process. I am here to help your writing be the best it can be. Once again, if you are not satisfied with the service I render, I will give you your money back. That guarantee I can offer.
Follow the link to fill out the form.

http://www.douglasbwimmer.com/editing-services/

Testimonials

"I'm very lucky to have come across Douglas Wimmer and his great editing skills. His attention to detail is beyond par, and his professional work ethic means that I never feel uncomfortable sharing my work. He puts thought into his comments, provides insightful ideas, and as always, my writing is better for it after. I'll be using his services again."

- Lana Pecherczyk - Author of Hunting for Witches and the Robin Lockslay series, cofounder of Creative Cartel Publishing, and professional book cover artist.

"Mr. Wimmer has consistently exceeded my expectations with his editing abilities. He has an accurate, efficient style that frequently causes me to see my own writing more clearly and to wonder why I didn't make his suggested changes on the first draft! I feel as if he's put the finishing touches on my manuscripts that really make them shine."

-K.Kibbee, Author of The Misadventures of Dewey the Daring, Whole in the Clouds, and the forthcoming Forests of the Fae series.

 

Throwback Thursday Book Review:

Monday, May 18, 2015

Book Review - The Dead Key - D M Pulley

Title:  The Dead Key

Author: D M Pulley

Review:  A brilliant story about a bank that has been closed for twenty years. Although closed it still has a security guard employed. The bank closed overnight and is finally being considered for selling. The vault containing the safety deposit boxes is there with the boxes unopened and there the real story begins. It is actually two stories being told, one taking place currently and the other just prior to the banks closing. What is contained within the safety deposit boxes? Why are all of the bank keys to open the boxes missing? What is a dead key and how is it used? A story involving intrigue, death, assault, and hidden treasure all of the elements of a good mystery.

I rated this book 5 star. But I would also rate it as a page turner. A page turner is a book that you do not want to put down even though you know you should be doing something else like turn the light off and go to sleep.

I received this book from Net Galley as an ARC.

Thanks Frank for this review.

Synopsis: 

2014 Winner — Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award — Grand Prize and Mystery & Thriller Fiction Winner

It’s 1998, and for years the old First Bank of Cleveland has sat abandoned, perfectly preserved, its secrets only speculated on by the outside world.

Twenty years before, amid strange staff disappearances and allegations of fraud, panicked investors sold Cleveland’s largest bank in the middle of the night, locking out customers and employees, and thwarting a looming federal investigation. In the confusion that followed, the keys to the vault’s safe-deposit boxes were lost.

In the years since, Cleveland’s wealthy businessmen kept the truth buried in the abandoned high-rise. The ransacked offices and forgotten safe-deposit boxes remain locked in time, until young engineer Iris Latch stumbles upon them during a renovation survey. What begins as a welcome break from her cubicle becomes an obsession as Iris unravels the bank’s sordid past. With each haunting revelation, Iris follows the looming shadow of the past deeper into the vault—and soon realizes that the key to the mystery comes at an astonishing price.

Kindle Edition, 477 pages

Published March 1st 2015 by Thomas & Mercer

Author Information:  D. M. Pulley's first novel, The Dead Key, was inspired by her work as a structural engineer in Cleveland, Ohio. During a survey of an abandoned building, she discovered a basement vault  full of unclaimed safe deposit boxes. The mystery behind the vault haunted her for years, until she put down her calculator and started writing. The Dead Key was the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award grand prize winner. Pulley continues to work as a private consultant and forensic engineer, investigating building failures and designing renovations. She lives in northeast Ohio with her husband and two children, and she is currently at work on her second novel.

Book Review: Play It Safe

Title: Play It Safe








Title: Play It Safe

Author: Leslie North

Stars: 3 out of 5


Review:
I am giving it 3 Stars. AC from Netgalley for my honest thoughts.
Personally I disliked the female lead she was never once thought about anything and for being a "brilliant mind" she was just stupid. She did stupid things and it drove me nuts.  The male lead wasn't much better. I don't understand how he didn't think she would fix the problems she created.
Neither was anything interesting. I forced myself to finish the book when I really just wanted to give up.
Nothing quite made any since to me in the relationship area. He is Ex-Navy Seal who decided that quickies and beautiful women are for him and yet he can't help himself to the Nun dressed scientist who can't seem to keep herself out of trouble is the woman for him.
BioChemist she didn't make any sense at all. In fact I found her annoying and she was always in trouble because she couldn't seem to think. Yet she is brilliant.
The story was fine, the writing was fine just nothing stood out to me as a interesting read and I do not plan to read anything else by this author.

Synopsis: 
Ex-Navy SEAL Samson Caine has lost everything he’s ever fought for – and nothing can bring back his wife. But when he’s offered a new mission protecting brilliant, sharp-tongued biochemist Angela McAllister from those who want to exploit the deadly knowledge she carries, he’s got no choice but to accept. He couldn’t save his first love, but maybe he can finally find redemption keeping the fiery scientist safe.

Samson knows he has a difficult road ahead of him, but he doesn’t count on the asset he’s charged with protecting being so . . . intriguing. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. Especially when a rogue government official with nothing to lose plans to harness a lethal bioweapon and take revenge on the terrorists hiding out in Samson’s South African village with Angela’s help—and holds her brother as leverage.

Now, it’s up to Samson to protect a town full of innocents, one of whom is the son he hopes to adopt, while keeping the woman he loves from harm. He’ll have to fight powerful enemies, and his own demons, to save his world from catastrophe.

About the Author:
 


 New reader? My readers suggest starting with 'The Sheikh's Pregnant Bride' (http://amzn.to/1VWyHWF)

Read FIVE full-length, highly rated Leslie North novellas for FREE! Sign up for free books here: http://leslienorthbooks.com/sign-up-for-free-books/

Leslie North is the pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.

The truth of the matter is she loves her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her normal, day-to-day persona! Her bestselling books focus on strong characters and particularly women who aren't afraid to challenge an alpha male. Inspired after years of travel, her stories are set all over the world, from the tough streets of Russia to the beautiful beaches of the middle east.

Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don't hesitate to contact her via e-mail: leslie@leslienorthbooks.com.

I'm Social Too:
Twitter: @leslienorthbook
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-North/736187383071331

Book Review Huma Rising: My Journey from Bankruptcy to Billionaire Back to Aspiring Upstart in the Cannabis Industry

 
Title: Huma Rising: My Journey from Bankruptcy to Billionaire Back to Aspiring Upstart in the Cannabis Industry

Author: P. Vincent Mehdizadeh

Stars 3 out of 5

Review:
I received this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I have to admit this book is a little self serving but than again most book on how someone earned their million is. He talks about the ups and down of his life and how he was able to make it never giving up. I did find somethings a little hard to swollen and I wouldn't follow his direction on how he made his money because I found some of it a little shady.  There were some error but at the same time the book I bet was written as P. Vincent Mehdizadeh speaks in real life.

Synopsis:
Huma Rising is the inspirational true-story of one man's journey from bankruptcy to billionaire back to aspiring entrepreneur within the same industry that gave birth to his amazing financial prominence, the legal cannabis industry. The book spans three decades and gives an intimate portrayal of personal loss, sacrifice, success, betrayal, and rebirth.

In keeping with the theme of "rebirth", the book is appropriately titled "Huma Rising". The huma is a legendary phoenix-like bird within Persian mythology, consuming itself in fire every few hundred years, only to rise anew from the ashes. The creature is often referred to as a bird of paradise. It is considered compassionate. It is also called a bird of fortune, since its shadow (or touch) is said to be auspicious—if it falls on a person’s head or shoulder, it bestows or foretells kingship. Accordingly, the feathers decorating the turbans of ancient kings were said to be huma-bird plumage.

All sales proceeds of this book are being equally distributed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Operation Smile, ASPCA, and Sierra Club Foundation

About the Author:

 

Motherhood What is Beauty?

"Mom please don't pull my bangs back everyone will see my birth mark and make fun of me."
Those were the words my 7 year old daughter told me today as we got ready for church. I wanted to pin back her bangs so I could see those baby blues but instead she started to cry.

Now its not uncommon for my little 7 year old to break down in tears she is a girl. Yes I said it my 7 year old daughter is your common teenager with feelings. Normally I send her to her dad when I can't figure out what has upset her so much she cries.

However today was different. She was crying because she didn't feel she was beautiful and people would make fun of her. I pulled my hair back and showed her a small clump of skin cells that is on my face. It has been there since I was a newborn baby and the only way to get rid of it is cutting a 1\2 inch scare across my face and down my face than digging it out leaving a large scar. So enough said I have lived with it and the questions kids, adult and even my little ones would ask "Mom what is that?"
I used to hid my face with my long hair hoping no one would notice my major "Flaw." Now as a grown woman I don't even notice it because it is what makes me Heidi. It is one of many things I view as beautiful because "flaws" to one person is beautiful to another.  It took my years to get to that point and I still struggle every day.

I tried to explain she is beautiful and how I love to see her pretty blue eyes. Instead they simply filled with tears breaking my heart wide open.  I knew nothing I said would make a difference. I took her hand and ask if she could be brave enough to go downstairs and see what her dad thinks of her bangs being away from her face.

She found her dad who I swear could read minds. He gushed about her hair being back but that still didn't stop the next set of tears and once again my heart broke.

My 7 year old beautiful girl doesn't think she is beautiful because of her flaws.

How many times have I pointed out my flaws to myself. Tearing myself apart because I am not thin enough, my breast are too small, my hips are to big, my face is to dry, my hair is to funky. I might not have said them loud but she heard them loud and clear.  I tear myself down but expect my daughter to think she is beautiful no matter what.  That can't happen I am her example of beauty and if I don't find myself beautiful how can I expect her my little 7 year old to find herself beautiful.

She ended up pulling the clip out and once again covering her very light birthmark.

  How do I tell my daughter that flaws are beautiful when I find myself unable to see my own beauty?

Being a mother one of the hardest jobs I have ever had.

Filling up

So while the post might not look like it I am overwhelmed with books. So many amazing authors have sent me their books not to mention wonderful Self help book I can't wait to drive into.

While I might say no right now about reading and reviewing your book please bug me at the end of May to see if I am ready to dive in again once more.

School will be out for 7 weeks and while that might sound crazy its a wonderful school schedule that I never want to change. Please email me at the end of May and I should be ready for more wonderful book from all the amazing authors out there.

Here is what I am reading.
 Apparently some of the covers didn't want to show. Maybe it is because of the already shirtless man on the cover and they don't want to compete. Just kidding.

Book Reivew: Hard Silent

 
Title: Hard Silent

Author: Mia Kay

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

This book was a struggle for me. I understand the slow build up giving the readers a great understanding of each of the characters and why they do what they do. However this book was just a little to wordy for me and for a character who didn't talk lot she sure had a lot to say in her head. The book reminded me of a light windy day you can feel the wind but it doesn't do much but give you a taste of cool. Than all of a sudden a big gust of wind and it gone. No more wind nothing.
This book is that gives you small moments of mystery and questioning and than BAM its over. Writing style was great she knew where the story was going and how she wanted the reader to get there is just was to wordy.
Abby Quinn is very damaged and the author has you feel her pain and struggle to find peace in her life. Jeff Crandall was just your traditional Alpha male and he stood out just enough. She wrote a couple of really good lines for him but again just traditional. I didn't read the first book and felt a little lost on all the different friends that came in and out of the story.

Mai Kay knows where her story is going from beginning and finish and she is taking you on her story. However the personal monologues caused the story to drag along.
AC from Netgalley

 

Synopsis:

FBI profiler Jeff Crandall returned to Fiddler, Idaho, to work on new Bureau protocols in peace…and because he hasn't been able to stop thinking about Abby Quinn. Kind, beautiful and quietly sexy, the petite rancher next door is loved by the entire town but keeps fiercely to herself. She's a mystery that doesn't want to be solved, though he's desperate to try.

Whether that interest is professional or personal is a question he'll sort out later.

Abby knows sharing her secrets would bring death and destruction to Fiddler. She survived her childhood, barely, but a long list of stepfathers weren't nearly so lucky: their bodies are buried across the country, waiting to be discovered. The best protection is silence, anonymity and isolation, though the handsome agent next door seems hell-bent on destroying all three.  

About The Author:

 

Mia Kay spent years writing legal documents and keeping people out of trouble. Now she spends her days looking for ways to get her characters into trouble. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, who doesn’t mind discussing (and sometimes causing) mayhem over breakfast. 

Book Review: Highland Awakening Jennifer Haymore

 
Title: Highland Awakening

Author: Jennifer Haymore

Stars: 4 out of 5


Review:

 This is a continuation of The Highland Knights series. Having read the first book I looked forward to reading this latest offering. Let me say I was not disappointed. Jennifer Haymore spins a well told story that enables you to mentally place yourself in old England and watch the drama unfold before your eyes. It has all the ingredients one reads for, heroine, hero, drama, murder, mayhem, love and all is well finish.

I gave it a four star rating. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading historical romance.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Sysnpsis:
 For fans of Maya Banks and Monica McCarty, the Highland Knights series continues as a tight-knit band of Scottish mercenaries make trouble on the mean streets of London . . . and under the sheets with England’s proper young women.
 
As the secret author of racy romances, Lady Esme Hawkins goes to great lengths to protect her family’s honor. Which is why she carefully disguises herself before entering a notorious bordello to do research. But when Esme comes face-to-face with a brooding Highland bodyguard, she can’t easily refuse a harmless kiss . . . a kiss that inflames desires ripped from the pages of her novels. Acting on them, however, would risk revealing Esme’s identity—and the fact that she’s engaged to another man.

As a Highland Knight sworn to protect the crown, Camden McLeod never expected to follow his client into a bordello—nor could he anticipate meeting a bright, innocent lass with lush lips and eyes the color of the sea. Instantly, Cam knows he must possess her. But to do so, he’ll need to give up his rakish ways, embrace his role as heir to his despised father, and snuff out a deadly threat to his brothers in arms. By comparison, winning Esme away from her insipid fiancé will be pure pleasure.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

About The Author: 
 
Captured by a Celtic Warrior is out today, and it is already on the bestseller lists at Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble. Kris Kennedy, Eliza Knight, Vonda Sinclair, and I are so thankful to all the readers who’ve bought the collection. If you haven’t gotten it yet, now is the time, because it’s only $0.99, and this weekend it’s going up to its regular price of $4.99.

Book Review: Decanting Murder

Title: Decanting A Murder

Author: Nadine Nettmann

 Star: 4 out of 5

Review:

A murder mystery set in the wine making region of California which has a female heroine who has just sat, and failed, her exam to be a certified sommelier. Invited by a long time friend to party at an exclusive winery she is present when one of the owners is murdered. The plot thickens from that point and our heroine must work hard and quickly to clear her friend. I liked the writing style of the author and very much enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I gave it a four star rating.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis: 
Can Katie Solve a Case of Chateau Murdeaux?

Katie Stillwell focuses on two things in her life: work and practicing for Sommelier Certification with her blind tasting group. The exam was sup- posed to be the hardest part of her week, but that was before a body was found at an exclusive Napa Valley winery party.

When all the evidence points to Katie’s best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa’s name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone’s secrets must be uncovered—including her own.

About The Author:
 
Nadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is always on the lookout for great wines and the stories behind them. She has visited wine regions around the world, from Chile to South Africa to every region in France, but chose Napa as the setting for Decanting a Murder, her debut novel. Nadine is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in California with her husband.

Motherhood Monday Life never stop but Love does last.

  (These are not my kids in the picture but this has happened)
Life never stops for a second no matter how hard you try to make it.

My kids are growing up before my eyes; some days VERY slow and other days, so fast I can't breathe.

Last night at 3 am my husband and I woke up to giggling. So he went and found out what was going on because let's face it: if I am not taking care of newborns crying, I am not getting out of bed.
What does he find but our two girls in the bathroom giggling as the oldest is going potty. They said they didn't want to be alone in the bathroom or in the bedroom so they went together.
 (Yes everyone, it starts this early.)

Every morning I drop my kids off at school. Yes, I am one of those parents and at first, I was embarrassed.  I grew up walking to school so I figured so would my kids. What's the big deal, right? Well, if I did this is what I would miss: "I love you mom", "I miss you mom", "Have a good day mom", and "Don't be sad that we are not home" as they leave the car. (FYI 99% of the time I do not miss them.)

One day my 9 year old got out of the car and I yelled, "LOVE YOU! Have a AWESOME DAY."  He came back to my open window and said, "I love you and try not to miss me too much."

I understand that walking gives them the independence they need to face the world each morning but guess what? Sometimes the world is just a little too hard to face and maybe that last "I love you" will stick with them long enough to share their love and compassion with those around them who need it.

So instead of looking at those car parents as "helicopter parents" think of them as the last line of defense before the world invades their child's small hearts and tries to beat them down. Life can be mean. They'll learn that in time. No need to rush that lesson.

One day they will  not want me to drop them off. They will want to take the bus, walk to school or heaven help me, drive. They will not want their mother around to throw those silly kisses at them because it'll embarrass them. Trust me, I will be that mom.

I can't go on field trips because I have other littles at home, I can't be there when they fail a test, or get teased on the play ground, or get bullied.  However, I can remind them every single morning I love them no matter what and to try their very best.

Remind me of this when I am yelling at them to get their butts moving in the morning.

Douglas Wimmer's Amazing Blog.

If you haven't had a chance to check out what my amazing talented Husband is up to than just click on the link and find out for yourself.


http://www.douglasbwimmer.com/musings/2016/4/4/things-ive-learned-in-writing-my-novel-sakura-softworks


What am I reading this weekend?


Yup Lots of Action Mystery and romance this week. And Men On covers.

ThrowBaackThursday Randy The RainDrop

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Book Review - Randy the Raindrop - Patty Jean Wiese

Title:   Randy the Raindrop

Author:   Written by Patty Jean Wiese illustrated by KimSponaugle

Review:  This is a perfect children’s book. It is easy to read, it is informative, it isn’t too long or too short and it has amazing illustrations and is just downright adorable. It is a story about a little raindrop named Randy who falls upon different places at different times. It shows him landing on a kid’s bike, on a plant, on a dog’s nose or anywhere you may find rain. The writing is great; it is written in the first person and rhymes throughout. The illustrations are phenomenal.  My children enjoyed the pictures just as much as I did. Whether your child likes rain or not, they will definitely fall in love with Randy the raindrop.

Thanks Heather for this review.

Publisher: Stormy Day Books  Published November 30th 2012 by Createspace

ISBN: 9781456351014

Copyright: 2012

Pages:  34

Quick Review:  5 out of 5 stars

Why I Read It:   sent for review

Where I Obtained the Book:  sent from the publisher

Synopsis: Randy the Raindrop is about a raindrop who loves to make friends with boys and girls and see them having fun on a rainy day.

Randy enjoys dropping by to make new friends and visiting those he already knows, wherever it may be raining. You never know where in the world he may land--on your front porch, in your backyard or in the park nearby. He loves to see children having a happy day, rain or shine.

To Randy the Raindrop, every boy and girl is a special friend.

 

Author Biography: Patty Wiese’s love for the outdoors and her husband’s career in meteorology inspired her to write the book "Randy the Raindrop". One day when her husband gave her a rainy-day forecast, the words “raindrop day” popped into her head. This became her first children’s picture book.

“I want children to let their imaginations have fun, no matter where they are,” Wiese says. “I want to give children a new way to look at and enjoy rainy days.”

Patty Jean Wiese was a vegetable farmer for years, and learned at a young age to be aware of the weather around her. She and her husband, have been together for 24 years. Patty enjoys knowing firsthand what the weather will be like every day. She has loved to write since she was a child.

Her husbands's "weather on the brain" has rubben off on her and inspired her fun weather characters for children. Patty, who enjoys caring for animals, loves the outdoors and gardening,and resides in Portland, Oregon with their dog Buster.

Book Review: Ramadi Declassified: A Roadmap to Peace in the Most Dangerous City in Iraq

 
Title: Ramadi Declassified

Author: Colonel Deane

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:
"Take Back Ramadi… but don't make it another Fallujah." This was the order Lt. Col. Tony Deane, commander of Task Force Conqueror, received in May of 2006.  
 
Colonel Deane writes a very candid account of his time as commander in Ramadi starting in 2006. This story is very engaging because it is straight forward account. It is not in anyway an action story but Colonel Deane has a way of having the lame man understanding of what happen in Ramadi. It shows the slow and steady build up the military used to be able to help the people of  Ramadi and keep his men stay safe.
 I love the political world so nothing was new but for those who dive in they might be shocked with what they read. The author thankful gave the readers enough information in the back ground of the Sunni-Shia conflict to understand How, What and Why things were happening the way they were.

I have always had respect for the armed forces but this will drive it home.
AC from Netgalley.

Synopsis:
Take Back Ramadi but don't make it another Fallujah." This was the order Lt. Col. Tony Deane, commander of Task Force Conqueror, received in May of 2006. By then Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, had become the most dangerous city in Iraq, The sound of explosions and gunfire filled the air around the clock. The civilian government had collapsed, and the fledgling Iraqi security forces proved incapable of protecting the population from a brutal Al Qaeda murder and intimidation campaign. The city was in chaos and the rule of law non-existent. Pundits, politicians and military leaders, including the division headquarters were declaring the war lost. The men and women of Task Force Conqueror saw some of the heaviest urban combat in Iraq, against a shadowy enemy who preferred improvised explosive devices and sniper fire to standing toe to toe and fighting. It quickly became clear that street fighting with insurgents was not the path to victory. Something more was needed. What happened next was the turning point in the Iraq War and an epic story of combat, courage, leadership and diplomacy that broke the back of al Qaeda in Iraq and wrote a new chapter in the course of Middle East history. The Battle of Ramadi is widely considered the Gettysburg of the Iraq War, and Ramadi Declassified puts the reader into the middle of the fighting. Colonel Deane tells the powerful story of his troops' sacrifice and innovation in raw, gripping detail as he outlines both the path to success in defeating Al Qaeda, and the causes of the unraveling chaos now choking the life out of present day Iraq. (less)

Hardcover, 432 pages

Expected publication: May 30th 2016 by Praetorian Books

Book Review: Ancient Magic

Title:Ancient Magic

Author: Linsey Hall

Stars: 3 out of 5

Review:

I wanted to love this book but the more I read I just wanted to like it but in the end I was confused and a little lost. First off Supernatural books might just not be for me.
I was lost on how they could teleport but it was expensive, having powers but not wanting to really use them.

The characters were flat and I wanted to like Nix, Del and Cass but something held me back. The book is set up for a series which drives me crazy because I want a full book. This book felt like it was half the story or maybe a rushed story so she could move on to the real stories.

 Grammar issues or maybe its because they are Irish.  I wanted to love this Tomb Raider with magic type of story but the author just didn't quite get there for me. It a quick easy YA novel and that is all it is. Very little substance and I feel with a few extra words the story would have transformed into a good YA novel.
AC from Netgalley.

Synopsis:
I’m good at two things: finding treasure and killing demons. Lying low is a close third—but not because I want to be good at hiding. I have to be. I’m a FireSoul, one of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of the dragon’s soul. Being born with the dragon’s covetousness should be a sweet gig - I have the power to find and steal any type of treasure, including the powers of other supernaturals.

But it doesn’t come without a price - stealing powers requires that I kill, and others would destroy me if they discover what I am. In a world full of magic, hiding my species is the only way to survive. Finding magical artifacts is the only way to pay the bills. It’s a dangerous job when you can barely use your magic, but that’s one of the things I like about it.

When Aidan Merrick, the most powerful shifter in the city, hired me to find an ancient scroll, I didn’t want to take the job. His immense amount of power reminds me of too much of murky memories from a past I can’t remember. But I don’t have a choice. The scroll reveals what I am. And if anyone finds out, I’m dead.

About The Author:

Lindsey Hall is the author of the Mythean Arcana, an adventurous paranormal romance series set in Scotland and other exotic locales. Before becoming a romance novelist, Linsey was a nautical archaeologist who studied shipwrecks from Hawaii and the Yukon to the UK and the Mediterranean. She credits the historical romances of the 70's, 80's, and 90's with her love of history and her decision to become an archaeologist. After a decade of tromping around the globe in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down and started penning her own romance novels. Her books draw upon her love of history, travel, and the paranormal elements that she can't help but include. Several of her books may or may not feature her cats. 

Pinewood Derby, Fun? Bullies in the last pace you expect.

My 9 year old is following in the foot steps of all kids and is going to scouts. For the second year in a row we are at the Pinewood derby and because we do it for fun like Always our Sons car came in last place again.
Last year is really need looking block of cheese came in different places but mainly last. This year his space shuttle came in dead last everything single time. You could see the disappointment and as a parent nothing is hard than watching as it happens. I would say 99% of the fathers build the are with very little input. I mean even one dad bragged to everyone he starts building his "sons" car the year before. We really don't care its just a silly race for the boys to have fun.

As the races ended my 9 year old went to another boy to congratulated him on his wins and asked to see his car. Than the other boy pushed my son and kicked him. Lets just say this momma bear was angry but my two year old was in my arms and I prayed the other mother who do something after all she was standing by her son.

She told her son try and apologize and when he didn't she just told Martin to go into the awards room. I didn't get a chance to reach the little punk and so called mom because the crowd was pushing into the other room. I told Doug who quickly went to our son to find out what happened.

If this was in and my 9 year and he did this in front of me and refused to say sorry we would leave no rewards, treats or fun in fact if my son had done that and apologized we would still go home because that is not accetpable behavior in our house,

My son is sensitive and it ruined the rest of the day for him.  The kid threw him looks scaring my son. My husband went to put a stop to it when he realized he knew the sons dad from school and knew it would only make things worse. The dad wasn't much better than the kid.

What do you do? Possible make things worse?

I grabbed one of my sons friend and we went off to take fun pictures,  I was so grateful for this other boy because he loves to be silly and brings out Martin sillier side and Martin helps him focus on studies.

When we got home my son taught me a wonderful lesson.

"Mom I could have hit him back, I could have said something really mean, I could have told him his car was stupid. I decided I didn't want to be like him. I don't want to be a bully.  It hurt my feelings and I am not sure how not to have that happen again BUT I will not be like him. I just hope he doesn't bully other kids because that's not right."

Yes I still want to take that kids apart. I want to tell that mother she is terrible to allow things like that to happen.  But than I turn into the bully. I turn into something I have been trying so hard to teach my son which is turn the other cheek when ever possible and he did that.  It hurt but he did that.

The greatest lesson as a mom is knowing that what you teach you have to do what you teach. As well as let your child grow.

We need a world filled with kids like my son willing to have compassion for others, willing to turn the other cheek when he could show that kid up, and thinking of others when he is hurt.  He is the greatest gift to me and the world.

However Next Year we are totally pulling the parent car and making a kick butt car!! In true to my son here are a few ideas he is wants to do and not one is a car.