Category: Book Reviews

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“The Anointed Prophetess” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of EverydayLifes.com:

the anointed prophetess by jorge carreras jr

The Anointed Prophetess

by Jorge Carreras, Jr.

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478741183

Synopsis*:

Fans of The Harem Games, the long awaited sequel has arrived. The Anointed Prophetess begins where The Harem Games ended. The action, in all senses of the word, is far more intense. Not only does Alex have to deal with the affections of more brides, but the threat against his family is far greater. Now instead of amateurs with delusions of grandeur, he must face soldiers armed with high grade military gear and tactics, high level propaganda with the media in collusion, and a reluctant army of convicted criminals on his side. Unfortunately for his enemies, threatening his family is the quickest way to earn his wrath, and as we saw in the Games, his wrath can shake the heavens, literally. This is no game, this is war! Complicated plots, shadowy conspiracies, and brutal combat all precede the truth about the outbreak that nearly brought mankind to extinction, and the response of the survivors, and their descendants.

Critique:

I must admit I have been waiting for the sequel to The Harem Games. I really like the character of Alex and even though this book series has an eerie feel of another such popular book with a similar title I couldn’t help but get sucked in again. This second installment of the series did not disappoint. Filled with even more action and adventure with twists and turns.

I was really taken in by how each character had their own strength and weakness. But as a team they were a power not to be messed with. The characters are all very unique and individual. This book is a real page turner and it keeps a great flow of writing. though as I said it eerily resemble another book series it is an enjoyable read.

[ reviewed by Rebecca Bryant at EverydayLifes.com ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

first of all l would like to say a big thank you to Jorge carreras Jr for sending me this book and giving me a chance to read it. l was sent this book in exchange for a honest review. l got sent this book by bostick communications who l want to say thank you to them as well. l am glad this book is on my book shelf. l would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this l normally do not read like this but l stepped outside my comfort zone with genres and authors l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books. l found this book real easy to get in to and l really enjoyed reading this book. l loved this nook and when l finished reading the story and l found out the author had kindly signed my book and l highly recommend this book to anybody and it was a really enjoyable read and book. l would to read more of this storyline and read more from this author.

– Amazon Reviewer donnabookreviews

I was a little confused at first when I started reading( as this is the sequel to The Harem Games) but I quickly caught on as the story continued foreword. I love how the Matriarchy broke their own rules, which lead to the winner fighting back. This would also be a good book to read allowed in classes to teach about the difference between script writing and paragraph writing.

– Goodreads Reviewer Ariel

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“Little Bits of Karma” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Romance Writer and Lover of Books…Vikki Vaught:

little bits of karma by laura simmons

Little Bits of Karma

by Laura Simmons

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478757160

Synopsis*:

Even though Holly O’Rourke is having problems with her longtime significant other, James, she has never considered cheating…that is, until the day she has a very interesting encounter with Charlie, a handsome coworker. Desperate to understand her increasingly conflicting emotions, Holly schedules an appointment for a reading with a psychic medium.

She learns a surprising deeper meaning to her present-day troubles: Her past lives are full of adultery and tragic consequences―and not just with James and Charlie. The threads of her soul have been interwoven for centuries with those of several people in her present life. And the cost of karmic justice has finally come due. Little Bits of Karma follows Holly across time and space, weaving little stories of romance into one sweeping soulful tale of two souls who’ve chased each other through the centuries, but always been torn apart. Until now.

Critique:

I was gifted an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I read the book description I was intrigued and decided to accept this book for review. I have never read a book by Laure Simmons, and I didn’t know what to expect. The story if fascinating, and did enjoy Little Bits of Karma.

The immediate difference in this book is the age of characters. Most of them are middle-aged, but that did not detract from my reading pleasure. In fact, it made the book unique. I can honestly say it is the most unusual book I have ever read.

Holly O’Rourke is forty-five years old and has been through two bad marriages, and her current relationship is stagnant. James Macklin and Holly have been together for eleven years. The first nine were mutually fulfilling, but during the last two, they have grown apart. James is keeping secrets, and Holly can’t put her finger on what is wrong.

After running into Charlie Thomas, a co-worker, she starts to question her relationship with James even more that she had been. When she seeks out a psychic who may be able to give her some insight into her past lives and information regarding her future relationships. This starts Holly on a path of discovery. Through her dreams, she learns about her relationships with the men in her life, men who have followed from one life to the next.

Will her past give her the answers she is seeking, or only leave her with more questions. Is she supposed to be with James, or does her karma lead her to Charlie?

While I did find Little Bits of Karma intriguing, I did have a difficult time with some aspects of the story. First and foremost is the constant head hopping. While interest to have so many introspections from the main character, it kept me from truly becoming invested if Holly and James. That may have been a good thing because Holly’s relationship with James is very convoluted.

Another problem I had was when Holly regressed back to other lives as far back as Atlantis. I felt as if I was still reading a contemporary story because the language and attitudes were way too modern for the historical times of her regressions.

Nonetheless, I am glad I read Little Bits of Karma, and if you are looking for a story that will titillate your imagination and get you wondering whether reincarnation exists, then you will be fascinated by this unique book. Happy reading!

[ reviewed by Vicki Coker at Romance Writer and Lover of Books…Vikki Vaught ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

If you are looking for a sweet-cute-cheesy read than this one can do. Little Bits of Karma started out really good, I like the whole thought about incarnation and our past lives. I’m not going to lie, I sometimes wonder if my past life transgressions are being paid in this life.

As I said this is a cute read about love, reincarnation, and bits of karma catching up with the characters from their previous lives. There are paranormal aspects in this story but don’t let that deter you if you are not into paranormal… it’s mostly regarding heroine Holly’s past lives, and how she does regression and explores all (or most) of her past lives.

The things that happens to the characters is in consequence to their behavior in their previous lives. They are all intertwined from a life time ago. Some of the regression were (in my opinion) more entertaining than the current events. There is romance and it was easy to follow, at times it was too much to soon but it makes sense when visiting past lives.

I found the whole scenario of what is happening and how the characters come together, a bit forced and just too coincidental to take it serious. There were plenty of instances that I just couldn’t hold in the eye-roll and chuckle at the cheesiness. Also, I had a hard time picturing the characters as mature 40+ 50-year-old adults with how they acted and thought. It was more like reading the thoughts of teens. Lol.

With all that said it was an ok read. Nothing dramatic. It was a so so in my opinion.

– Amazon Reviewer Love Words And Books/ Kathy

This book was really great. Once I picked it up I could not put it down.

It follows Holly a woman who believes in reincarnation. Her fascination and interest leads her to a psychic which leads her into looking into her past lives. It really is an interesting read.

I love books like this. I love learning about history and all of Holly’s lives were really cool to look back on. I have to say at first I thought I wouldn’t really like the book because Ive never thought much about Psychics and reincarnation. I am so glad I read this book though. It was deeply intriguing from page one. It was written very well. Based on the Prologue I thought it would be confusing, but it was a very smooth read. It was full of good, bad, and lots of romance.

Overall this was a great, hard to put down, read!…Stormi

.

– Amazon Reviewer Boundless Book Reviews

Book Trailer:

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“Skinny Little Tree” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Between the Pages:

skinny little tree by jayme martin

Skinny Little Tree

by Jayme Martin

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478708131

Synopsis*:

Author Jayme Martin has created a pretty picture book describing the seasons through the eyes of a skinny little tree. Through questions asked by a curious little boy, skinny little tree shares answers that highlight the passing of the seasons. There is the happiness of summer, the fading of fall, the loss during winter, and finally renewal as spring returns.

Colorful drawings correspond with the text to illustrate the tree’s answers. Martin adds a unique touch by including occasional blank pages offering the reader a chance to try his/her own hand drawing things referenced in the story such as a blue bird, little leaves, and the moon.

The simple story and friendly image of the skinny little tree make reading and sharing Martin’s book a pleasure. Young children can look back at their own additions created in response to the drawing prompts and perhaps imagine further images as the seasons change.

Critique:

I really enjoyed this interactive children’s book. First I want to comment on how special it is that this book allows children to draw on some of the pages, this helps to keep them intrigued. The story was short and simple which is perfect when reading it with young children. I enjoy sharing this book with my daughters because the author takes something familiar to children and creates a simple story which is essential in keeping their interest. My favorite part was the illustrations. I felt as though the artist did a great job conveying the emotions the tree was feeling in the story. This is a great addition to any young child’s library.

[ reviewed by Lynda Coker at Between the Pages ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

At twenty-eight unnumbered pages, this letter-sized paperback is targeted toward preschool aged children and beginner readers, especially those who enjoy interacting with books by drawing as they follow along with the story line. With no profanity or scary scenes except perhaps a few dark-looking trees at night, it is an ideal book to read and use right before nap time or bed time. Artist Clark Andrews Jr. uses full page, colorful illustrations with enough engaging details to keep readers interested.

After fill-the-blank ownership and acknowledgement pages, this imaginative tome is about a little boy who speaks to a tall, green tree that looks happy and contented on the front cover. The boy asks the tree lots of questions such as why it is smiling at him, why is it weeping or worried, why does it dance with glee at night, and why is it smiling again. Promoted as a book discussing all the seasons of life, it is more about emotions like being happy, sad, worried, or cheerful.

With each question the boy asks, the tree responds with reasons such as being tickled by wiggly worms, having a friendly blue bird fly away, shedding little leaves who would rather play with the ground, listening to the moon sing, or having all its friends back, surrounding it.

Also with each answer there is a blank page to have the reader create and draw his or her own wiggle worm, blue bird, leaves, moon, smile, and even a skinny little tree. By engaging readers through artistic interaction, they learn not only how to imagine and draw their own designs, they are educated about a few emotions, what insects and animals are near trees, and that trees shed their leaves.

Although the book is very short in length and there are only six drawing applications for readers, the concept of interacting with the story is helpful and fun. Due to the word repetition, beginner readers can focus on specific word groups and learn new, more complicated words and their meanings.

– Amazon Reviewer Conny

Learning that all seasons of life are worth living is the focus of author Jayme Martin’s delightful tale, SKINNY LITTLE TREE.

A youngster finds a skinny little tree smiling and ask why. It says Wiggly Worms are tickling its toes. Then the tree cries because its friend the Blue Bird leaves.

Next the tree becomes worried when its leaves begin to fall. But then the tree dances with glee under the moon. Finally the tree is happy again when all things return.

With each new find, Martin has left a page for readers to draw what the tree is discussing. This enables the reader to participate in the story in their own way. This enchanting story follows the seasons of the tree with great detail and insight. Martin has a delightful way of showing how life changes giving parents and children a fun way to talk about it.

The beautiful illustrations by Clark Andrews Jr. enhance the fun story. The vivid drawings will capture readers attention as they follow the tree’s story.

Youngsters will learn as they enjoy this entertaining story. It’s a fun read for all ages.

– Amazon Reviewer Mason Canyon

Book Trailer:

* = courtesy of Goodreads reviewer Sally Kruger.

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Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“A Dog Named Cat” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Charles Ashbacher Reviews:

a dog named cat by anne toole

A Dog Named Cat

by Anne Toole

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478773450

Synopsis*:

A little dog named Cat decides he doesn’t want to be named that. What does he do to change his name to something new? A little dog named Cat Wondered how he got a name like that! From other animals, he had found That cats weren’t very nice to be around. Another name he wished he had, Because being named Cat made him mad! What did the little dog do To change his name to something new?

Critique:

Five out of five stars

It began as a joke, when a family went to a shelter in order to acquire a dog, the boy Tad picked out one with a brown, gray and white coat. When the time came for a name to be given, the baby pointed at the dog and said, “Cat.” The human members of the family though this was cute and non-traditional and decided to use that name.

However, over time when Cat was repeatedly told by other animals that he was not a cat, he began feeling bad. Cat tried barking a lot and other things in an attempt to show his displeasure, but nothing ever worked. Finally, when he steps in and “saves” Tad from a snake, Tad refers to Cat as “Lucky.” The new name sticks and the source of unhappiness in the life of the family dog is removed.

The structure of the story is in the form of two or four line sections where the alternate lines rhyme and the level of difficulty is approximately that of the second grade. The illustrations are very well-colored with a great deal of detail. Light shadows and even reflections off the tiled floor can be seen.

This is a book that children will find fun to read, for they like stories that are formed from simple rhymes as well as about animals that communicate. I would have read this book to my daughter when she was young and she would have loved it.

[ reviewed by Charles at Charles Ashbacher Reviews ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

This is an excellent story with rhyming verses about a dog named Cat. Upon meeting several creatures (mouse, bird, goldfish), the little dog is confused as to why he was named Cat since he does not look like a cat or acts like a cat. He takes steps to try to get his name changed that prove unsuccessful. He is finally successful in getting his name changed following an event involving a snake.

The illustrations are very good and the rhyming is excellent. Children from kindergarten to 2nd grade would find this book enjoyable.

I also enjoyed Ms. Toole’s other books that include rhyming verses and that also teach valuable lessons (Mean Mike, The Bird That Didn’t Want to be a Bird, and The Frog that Lost His Croak.)

– Amazon Reviewer BL

In A Dog Named Cat, a little dog with an unfortunate name learns that 1) he is not a cat, and 2) some cats are not very nice, so why would he want to be named after one? Cat is determined to change his name. But how?

A little dog named Cat 

Wondered how he got a name like that!

From other animals he had found

That cats weren’t very nice to be around.

Another name he wished he had,

Because being named Cat made him mad!

What did the little dog do

To change his name to something new?

Author Anne Toole was a first grade teacher and ESOL instructor before she began writing children’s books, and understands the issues children deal with on a daily basis—making friends, what makes them special, fitting in, etc.

“When I became a teacher, I used nursery rhymes and simple poems to enhance the regular Language Arts curriculum. As a child, I loved to listen to nursery rhymes, and so most of my stories are written in verse.”

– Yahgottareadthis blogger Chelsea

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“Still Marching On” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Observations From a Simple Life:

Still Marching On by Lynda Stephenson

Still Marching On

by Lynda Stephenson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478771982

Synopsis*:

Frankilee Baxter is back! And she is as sassy and resolute as ever. In Still Marching On, Miss Baxter aspires to participate in the Civil Rights Movement, become editor of the Athena College newspaper, and marry Calvin Morris–and odds are, she’ll make her dreams come true with sheer force of personality. A witty young woman with nerve and verve, Frankilee is in no way the traditional Southern sorority girl, which brings disappointment and alarm to her family, as well as shock and dismay to Calvin’s parents. With humor and heart, this highly anticipated third novel by award-winning author Lynda Stephenson depicts the triumphs and the failures of a plucky girl determined not only to stand against the Southern customs she loathes but also to marry the man she loves.

“Here is the story of the irrepressible Frankilee Baxter, who, while she may be a disappointment to the 1960s down-south establishment, will fight to the end for life and liberty, and all that she believes in. I loved it.”

-Carolyn Wall, author of Sweeping Up Glass and Playing with Matches

Critique:

Still Marching On by Lynda Stephenson is the story of a young college girl at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. She must fight against the injustice of the Jim Crow laws and as well as social practices which could keep her from following her dreams.

Frankilee Baxter is a young white college student at Athena College where her roommate, Eleanor, is African American. Together, they join the Civil Rights Movement when racial tensions are very explosive. Frankilee is the type of girl who likes to shock people and study their reactions. She begins to conduct social experiments and writing about her experiences. She is able to sell a few of her stories to the New York Times. She joins sit-ins at a local department store who refused to serve African Americans. She joins Freedom Rides which leads to time in jail. While she fights for social change, she must deal with the everyday issues at home. Her mom is sick. Her dad is having trouble with the bank. Her aunt is trying to bully everyone to follow her plan for the grandfather’s ranch land. And she falls in love with Calvin Morris, a law student who seeks the social change she does. Will Frankilee succeed in her dreams of journalism? Will she be able to forge the social change she seeks to see in the world? Will her dream of marrying Calvin come true?

I enjoyed Still Marching On. It is an interesting book with a passionate retelling of the Civil Rights Movement from a participant who seems so unlikely. The details the author put into the events are graphic but very real. You shiver as you know that person suffered injustices and cruelties as they fought for civil rights. Frankilee is passionate, rash, impulsive and ready to take on the social injustices. The debates between Frankilee and those on the other side and the opinions expressed are dealt with realistically. I highly recommend Still Marching On.

[ reviewed by Jennifer Lara at Observations From a Simple Life ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

Another outstanding book by Lynda Stephenson. Great character development, and very authentic to the period. If you were a college student during the 1960’s you can really identify with the subjects dealt with in this book. The civil rights movement, the freedom riders, the limited professional opportunities for women college graduates, and the predetermined expectations of parents for their children, especially girls. Frankilee, the main character, takes on all these issues with wit, humor, passion, and, yes, her rebellious ways. Ms. Stephenson’s previous book in the Frankilee Baxter series focuses on Frankilee’s freshman and sophomore year; in this book the focus is her junior and senior year. She is more mature, more thoughtful, and more concerned about social inequality. She truly grows into adulthood. Obviously, this is a great book for anyone that was a young adult in the 1960’s, but if you have parents or grandparents that lived through that period and you want to know what they experienced and what life was like, then this book is for you. FINALLY, THE BOOK HAS A GREAT ENDING!

– Amazon Reviewer AdaBill

In Marching On, Frankilee Baxter is fundamentally the same wonderful, perplexing, and often perplexed character that we came to know and love in Dancing With Elvis and The Southern Chapter of the Big Girl Panties Club. In this third novel of the series, author Lynda Stephenson expands upon the theme of integration as it developed in the 50’s and early 60’s. The struggle for civil rights in the South becomes the central factor in Frankilee’s personal struggle to establish her worth and purpose in life. More than ever, she is an idealist who pays dearly for pursuing social and moral goals that clash with purveyors of deeply entrenched bigotry. Though tempered by her comical girlhood blunders, Frankilee at the same time leads the patient reader down (or up) a primrose path seriously darkened by physical and emotional pain.

Looking for structure, Frankilee attempts to summarize her life in literary terms: as classical comedy, which ends with a wedding, rather than as tragedy, which ends in death. Yet more specifically one might say that her willful suffering bespeaks a more complicated persona than one finds in Jane Austin or Emily Dickinson, two of Frankilee’s heroines.

Nor is Frankilee’s journey deeply tragic in the Shakespearian sense of an uber-complicated Hamlet. Her sacrificial cause is rooted in the powerful utopian dream of idealists such as John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. Buttressed by the somewhat enlightened progressives among her friends and family, her optimistic belief in a more just world seems realistically achievable.

Marching On is the story of a small town girl in the throes of becoming a world class woman. She entertains us with an overlay of buffoonery, but she is defined by her capacity for love, including love for her friends, for her family (no matter how obtuse or obnoxious); for her man, and, most importantly, for the unvarnished Truth, however awkward or undignified that makes her feel. In her own personable way, Frankilee Baxter embodies the correct side of our unfolding history.

– Amazon Reviewer James A. Moore

Book Trailer:

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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