Book Review Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

Title: Justice Ascending

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Stars: 3 1\2 out of 5

Review:

The reason I am not giving this book a full 4 is because honestly I felt the author relied on the sexual side of her story too much and didn't give us more meat.  Justice Ascending isn't a stand alone like the book 2 it instead dives right in from where the last book ended. 
Rebecca Zanetti created an amazing post apocalyptic where men and women know it is only a matter of time because they contact the Scorpius and either turn into a crazy killer/zombie/rippers . I enjoyed how enemies redraw lines constantly in hopes they can one day work together.
The romance is darker because of the Scorpius and everyone seems to lust after each other.  I don't see or even understand how the Scorpius is suppose to work and I guess that is true with all virus they work different in all persons but the book feels like the author doesn't os hasn't potted what the the virus is either.
Readers will be happy to get to know more about Sami and her background but Tace seems to be someone completely different from time to time.  I understand that is the virus but for reader it didn't make any since and was distracting from the story.
The subplots are never finished, the ending is just thrown at the readers and the HEA is just that.  It fells like the second move in a trilogy something to keep thing moving slowly so that the next story can really shine.
Way to many unanswered questions and to many dangling story lines for me to really enjoy this story.

Rebecca Zanetti can write a sex scene no doubt about it and her actions scenes flowed well and kept me reading but everything else seemed to fall apart. 

Thank you Netgalley for the advance Copy.
I will plan on reading the next in the series but if subplots are not closed it might be my last.

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: January 31st 2017 by Zebra

Synopsis:

Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly... and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he's lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there's no turning back for either of them.

Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she's one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she's not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she'll face even that hell again to save him.

 About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

 Website: 

http://rebeccazanetti.com/

Where is the longest place you have lived?

I was looking at the calendar trying to figure out where to put a missing doctors appointment in between all the other crazy parts of my life and I realized I have lived in Arizona going on 16 years.
16 year! Besides my home town of Austin Mn Aka Spam Town USA this the longest place I have ever lived in my life.

I honestly don't know what to say or think but I hope I can call myself an Arizonian now.  I never really liked the cold, snow and endless days without sun but I can say I never thought I would be living in Arizona.

I was a lost 21 year old who didn't have any idea where she was going in life when my twin cousin called me up and asked me to come play in Arizona with his wife. Both were going to ASU at the time and I figured what could it hurt.  I had just bought my first car without any help from my parents.  I packed my car drove down to New Orleans and took I 10 until I reached my cousin apartment near ASU.

(Gotta Love the Haboob  Again Not my picture but many like it)

Those first few months I had been smart and save before I quite my security job with Hormel.  Yes laugh all you want but people loved me smiling and waving them into the Corporate offices. I was a cute kid with a big smile.

 One I arrived in Arizona I think I had ever odd job you can think of and some I kept wondering if they were legal sometimes. I found a place to rent with several other girls and some how stayed two years before meeting my future husband and best friend.

I gave myself 3 months and than I was going to move to Utah to be with my sisters or California to live with my grandparents until I figure out what I was going to do.  My wise younger sister gave me some advice I still use to this day.  "You can't live somewhere 3 months. All you see is the worst of it and than leave. Give yourself 1 year and if you still hate it move on."
Not My Photo! But I have may like it.
As you can see I haven't moved on.  I found the beauty in Arizona, the desert sunsets, the amazing winters, unbelievable hiking, 4 hours from the beach, 2 hours from ski resorts, and endless blue skies.  Best part is I on;y wear a jacket maybe one month out of the year and flip flops all year around.

Why test? Why not let the kids enjoy reading

We didn't do AR testing when I was a kid.  Heck they were just happy if you wrote a book report and didn't copy the back page of the book you were reading.

Today my Kids read books than test after they read those books and than are given a reward for reading.  Than when they reach their goal it is announced to the whole school to congratulate that student.  I fell in love with Idea when they were giving away buttons and my son reached Star level which was the top level for the entire school that year. 

 Than we fell into the Crap what does my kid read now because everything in his age group is boring and everything above him well he isn't quite emotionally read for.  To some amazing teachers they help encouraging him to read just about anything and work hard to find books for him to read.

His AR level is 8th grade and he is only in 5th.  Thank Heavens for Fudge series.

Than here come my daughter who loves to read and her AR test score is 8th grade as well but she is only in 2nd grade. IF she doesn't read book in her color level they won't give her points.  Just like my sons teacher they encourage her to read any book she can get her hands on but she can't test on them there for she doesn't get her name announce over loud speaker.

I love that my kiddos do not have to write book reports but at the same time they read at their grade level they are bored and can't test because it is below her score.  When she reads at the level the test gives her she doesn't under a lot of the emotions or romance in the books which causes her to pass the test but leaving her confused.  She loves to read everything and anything she can get her hands on.  Right now she is reading Little house in the Big Woods, Dork Diaries, Diary of a Wimpy kid, and Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  Yes all at once and yes she can tell you about each book in detail. 

All my kids teacher each Friday give the kids 20 min reading time where they can choose to test, read, or catch on homework.  I love my kids teachers they work so hard to give my kids the very best and this is one job I could never do.

Thank you to all the teachers who do their best and never see the reward.  I want you to know I see you reward. Thank you.

Link to the AR books if you are interested.

http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx

Book Review At Close Range By Laura Griffin

Title: At Close Range 

Author: Laura Griffin

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review: 

This the first book I have read from Laura Griffin and book 11 in a series and all I can saw is WOW!

From the first page to the last I couldn't stop myself from reading.  The mystery hooks on and won't let readers go until the very last word.  

This can be read as a stand alone because Laura Griffin keeps readers updated on past characters without bring the story to a halt. 

At Close Range is a perfect romantic suspense novel with the mystery and the romance balanced out.  Neither one over powers the other keeping reading loving every page of this thrilling mystery. 

Dani will have readers rooting for her and they will not be disappointed.  She is a strong female characters who struggles with her own self esteem.  Dani kicks butts and takes names. 

Laura Griffin doesn't fall on the sword of the typical R.S where the mystery sits in the background and sex takes over.  The mystery is front and center and the author is able to weave a romance into the mystery that makes this one perfect novel for this reader.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the advance Copy in exchange for my thoughts

I have found my replacement for Linda Howard and I can't wait to dig into another book.

Synopsis: 

When a lakeside tryst ends in a double murder, police detective Daniele Harper arrives on the scene determined to get answers. Clues are everywhere, but nothing adds up. Dani turns to the Delphi Center crime lab for help, but soon regrets it when her secret attraction to their chief firearms examiner threatens to distract her from the most important case of her career.

As a ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black knows firearms, and he knows he can help Dani unravel her case. Scott has managed to hide his interest in his best friend’s younger sister for years, but when her investigation brings them together, the sparks between them quickly get out of control. Scott resolves to keep his hands off Dani and his eyes on the goal—identifying a killer. But when that killer zeroes in on Dani, all bets are off. There isn’t a line Scott won’t cross to convince Dani to trust him so that he can help her take down a ruthless murderer who has her in his sights.

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: January 31st 2017 by Pocket Books

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of writing romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including two RITA Awards (for Scorched and Whisper of Warning) and a Daphne du Maurier Award (Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin where she is working on her next book.

 Authors Website: 

http://www.lauragriffin.com/

Book Review Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine

Title: The Deep Blue Alibi 

Author:  Paul Levine

Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Review: 
I always enjoy reading a book by this author and this one was no exception. He not only has a fine tuned sense of humor but is able to put it to paper for the reader to appreciate and chuckle over. This is saying a lot as the book is a murder/legal mystery which is solved quite nicely by Solomon and Lord who are lawyers who play to win both in and out of the courtroom.

I have rated this book 4.5 stars.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.

Synopsis: 
They are Florida’s most mismatched legal duo—one a glamorous Miami blue blood, the other a Coconut Grove beach bum. And when they get together, you can throw every law right out the window….

What do you get when you mix beautiful people, family secrets, and a yacht washed up on Sunset Key with a hundred grand in cash and a dying man? If you’re Steve Solomon, you see a case that can get Solomon & Lord off the ground. If you’re Victoria Lord, you see a golden opportunity to go out on your own. With her uncle a murder suspect and her hunky ex-boyfriend back in the picture, Victoria is pushing to take control as Solomon struggles to keep from losing it. 

As an explosive trial looms, they’re fighting against time, the law, and each other—to expose a killer who came to paradise…and hasn’t left.

Mass Market Paperback, 496 pages

Published January 31st 2006 by Bantam

About The Author: 

Paul Levine's newest legal thriller is BUM RAP, which brings together Jake Lassiter, Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord. 

“The pages fly by and the laughs keep coming in this irresistible Florida romp. A delicious mix of thriller and comic crime novel.” – Booklist (starred review)

The author of 19 novels, Paul Levine won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and was nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, Shamus, and James Thurber prizes. 

A former Miami trial lawyer, he also wrote 21 episodes of the CBS military drama “JAG” and co-created the Supreme Court drama “First Monday” starring James Garner and Joe Mantegna. 

The critically acclaimed international bestseller TO SPEAK FOR THE DEAD was his first novel. It has sold nearly two million copies and is still going strong both on Kindle and with a new paperback edition in August 2015. 

He is also the author of the SOLOMON vs. LORD legal capers.

Authors Website: 

http://www.paul-levine.com/

Book Review The Amazon Code by Nick Thacker

Title: The Amazon Code

 Author: Nick Thacker

 Stars: 4 out of 5

 Review:

An action story that was filled with all that a reader is looking for in an adventure story. Damsels in distress, surprise attacks, gun fights, conspiracy, murder and general mayhem. All of this takes place in the Amazon and there is also contact with an unreported tribe for good measure. All in all an excellent story that was well-written.

I have rated this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure  stories.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.

Thank you Frank for the Review

Kindle Edition, 428 pages

Published June 13th 2016 by Turtleshell Press

 Synopsis: 
When her company discovers a remarkable hidden message in the dreaming brains of her subjects, Dr. Amanda Meron unknowingly invites disaster unto her company. She enlists the help of some old friends to find out what the clues are pointing her toward, but they seem to be pointing her to one of the remote places on the planet. 

The Amazon Rainforest. 

When Harvey "Ben" Bennett gets a hint that the nefarious organization he's been searching for has turned up in Brazil, he and his new girlfriend Juliette Richardson race to the jungle to discover what they're after - and hopefully stop them. 

From the myth of the lost city of El Dorado to emerging science technology, The Amazon Code has it all: action-packed adventure, an exotic setting, and characters you'll fall in love with. 

Don't miss the next Harvey Bennett thriller - the new action/adventure, science-fiction series from bestselling author Nick Thacker!

About The Author: 

Nick Thacker is an author of fiction (thrillers, action/adventure, etc.) novels and nonfiction books. His first novel, The Golden Crystal, was published in 2013 by Turtleshell Press, and his second, The Depths, was published in 2014.

He lives in a cabin on a mountain in Colorado with his wife, two dogs, and a tortoise, and enjoys skiing, brewing beer, golfing, and of course writing. Read more about Nick (and learn about the writing and self-publishing world) at his blog, 

Links
www.livehacked.com.

Throwback Thursday In Falling Snow - Mary Rose MacColl

Friday, January 10, 2014

Book Review - In Falling Snow - Mary Rose MacColl

Title:  In Falling Snow

Author: MaryRose MacColl

Review:  Well, this book was interesting when I was finally able to get far enough into it.  At the beginning it jumps around too much and I had trouble keeping track of what time period I was supposed to be in.

That said, the book was an interesting read with some language that I thought was totally unnecessary to the story line, it did absolutely nothing to further the story or to build the character.  My advice TAKE IT OUT!!

The following is taken from the publicity that was sent with the book “A World War 1 novel of love, loss and the strength of two women’s spirits….When Iris receives an envelope bearing the Royaumont logo memories of her bittersweet past shatter the tranquility of her contented, elderly life.  Suddenly, she remembers her first love, her best friend and the tragedy that changed everything.”

The story starts in 1914 when our heroine, Iris, makes the trans-continental journey from Australia to France with the hope of bringing home her fifteen year old brother who had enlisted. While waiting for a train in Paris to take her to the front, she meets the charismatic Miss Ivens, who is starting up a field hospital in an old Abby in the countryside in France.  Since Iris is a nurse and seems to have time on her hands, Miss Ivens enlists her help in delivering supplies to the up and coming hospital.  The experiences she has while there and the friendships she makes shape and change her life forever.

Parallel to the story of Iris’s adventures is the story of a young woman doctor in 1971 named Grace, who is Iris granddaughter.  Her story revolves around her struggle to be accepted into a male dominated work place, trying to balance home-life and a demanding profession with her concerns about her grandmother, who raised her and who is aging badly and the failing health of her sweet little son.

The story was interesting but the reading is slow.  The book at times seems to go on forever and ever and maybe even ever!  It did not keep my interest, but I read to the end and there at the end was a surprise I had not foreseen coming.

The story takes an unexpected twist and I think will take just about any reader by surprise.  The author is very good at descriptive writing and at slowly building the story and her characters.  Her descriptions are vivid and you can see and feel the cold of the winter nights in the old abbey at Royaumont, France.

I give this book of three out of five stars.

 Publisher:  Published August 27th 2013 by Penguin books  (first published September 26th 2012)

ISBN:  0143123920

Page Numbers:  448

Quick Review:  3 out 5 stars

Why I Read this Title:  I love WWII novels and this was sent by the publisher for review.

Synopsis:  A vivid and compelling story of love, war and secrets, set against the backdrop of WWI France. 'In the beginning, it was the summers I remembered - long warm days under the palest blue skies, the cornflowers and forget-me-nots lining the road through the Lys forest, the buzz of insects going about their work, Violet telling me lies.' Iris is getting old. A widow, her days are spent living quietly and worrying about her granddaughter, Grace, a headstrong young doctor. It's a small sort of life. But one day an invitation comes for Iris through the post to a reunion in France, where she served in a hospital during WWI. Determined to go, Iris is overcome by the memories of the past, when as a shy, naive young woman she followed her fifteen-year-old brother, Tom, to France in 1914 intending to bring him home. On her way to find Tom, Iris comes across the charismatic Miss Ivens, who is setting up a field hospital in the old abbey of Royaumont, north of Paris. Putting her fears aside, Iris decides to stay at Royaumont, and it is there that she truly comes of age, finding her capability and her strength, discovering her passion for medicine, making friends with the vivacious Violet and falling in love. But war is a brutal thing, and when the ultimate tragedy happens, there is a terrible price that Iris has to pay, a price that will echo down the generations. A moving and uplifting novel about the small, unsung acts of heroism of which love makes us capable.

 

Author Information:  Mary-Rose MacColl is an Australian writer whose first novel, No Safe Place, was runner-up in the 1995 Australian Vogel literary award. Her first non-fiction book, The Birth Wars, was a finalist in the 2009 Walkley Awards. In Falling Snow (October 2012), Mary-Rose's fourth novel, tells the largely unknown story of a small group of Scottish women who ran a field hospital for France in World War I in an old abbey. MacColl holds degrees in journalism and creative writing and lives between Brisbane, Australia and Banff, Canada with her husband and son.

Book Review Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson Lossing

Title: Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Author: Benson Lossing

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
I enjoyed this book very as it put forth a brief synopsis of the lives of individuals who risked not only their property but their very lives in securing America's freedom. They confronted the most powerful country in the world as a rag tag fledgling want to be independent country and succeeded. It would serve as a good primary or reminder, depending on your age, for anyone interested in U.S. history.

I did notice some grammatical errors but they did not distract from the overall gist of the book.

I rated this book four stars.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
Thank you Frank for the Review

Paperback, 384 pages

Published April 14th 2003 by Wallbuilders Inc (first published February 1848)

 Synopsis: 

While most children grasp the importance of America's Declaration of Independence, few experience the lives of its multifarious signatories. Few read of the trials & tribulations of those who risked their "lives, fortunes & sacred honor" for the liberty we dearly cherish. LIVES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, originally published in 1848, provides a brief biography of each of these men. These biographies, accompanied by fifty engravings, illuminate "the chief events in the lives of the men who stood sponsors at the baptism of blood of our infant republic." Children will rediscover the private & public virtues of America's most venerated fathers; they will relive the creation of the most stable & enviable nation in the world. LIVES OF THE SIGNERS also offers an instructive survey of the causes of Independence, simplifying the Declaration with discussion & analysis for each grievance. An excellent tool for the promising young scholar, & a worthy addition to any library. 

About The Author:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benson_John_Lossing


 Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benson_John_Lossing

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Benson+J.+Lossing&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Benson+J.+Lossing&sort=relevancerank

Book Review Abdication by Cynthia Eden

Title: Abdication

Author: Cynthia Eden

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review: 
What I love about Harlequin Romance Intrigue books are they are quick, easy to put down and a fast read. What I forgot about Cynthia Eden novel is no matter who she writes for you can't put her books down. From first to last word she will have reads hooked turning pages and rereading wondering did that really just happen. The story doesn't end with the last word she has the reader wondering what really happens in the mind of a serial killer and about the people who truly hunt him every day.
This book isn't the first or the last I will read by this amazing New York Best Seller. 

I couldn't put this book down every word pulled me into a world of killers, best friends, romance and who will be alive at the end of the book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy

Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: February 21st 2017 by Harlequin Intrigue Large Print

Synopsis: 

Once the town troublemaker, Sheriff Hayden Black became the teen hero who saved young Jillian West from a savage kidnapper. He never got over their brief affair. Now the ex-SEAL and the burned-out FBI agent have reunited in their Florida hometown and rediscovered their powerful attraction. But as they hunt down a long-forgotten killer, will they get a second chance at happiness? When a series of accidents begins to plague Jill, Hayden won't let her fall victim again. There's too much history between them…and too much desire. 

About The Author:

Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia is also a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA® award . Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over fifty novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

 Website:

http://www.cynthiaeden.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Cynthia%20Eden%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ntx=mode%20matchall

https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Eden/e/B001IU0Q46

http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?

cmpid=PSSUPSSEM201307010001&kw=%2Bharlequin

How much Lysol can I spray?

I have a question how much Lysol can I spray in my house before it stops working?
My tiny army of humans visit a walking talking Perti Dish every single day and bring home something new.
Last week we were all just getting back to feeling better after using 20 boxes of tissues because of a nasty cold.
Than yesterday my littlest ran a 101.9 temp out of the blue.  Started complaining of his back hurting sending me into a panic.8 year old announced at the dinner table she was so happy she didn't throw up at school and that she wasn't feeling well.
My 6 year old told me one of her friend threw up in the bathroom at school but that she wasn't with her at the time but they had been playing together for the last few days. (YEA)
My oldest is healthy but he has been slowing down the last few days. (Never Good)
Last night around 9 pm my husband started to shiver. Took his temp and he was heading into the 101 range of a fever.  I cleaned my house. I sprayed Lysol, and bleached whatever I could bleach and yet we are getting sick again.
 (FYI  Yes my husband got the flu shot!)