Miss Olivia, the Little Red Poodle by Tom Kaminski

Miss Olivia, the Little Red Poodle 

Her First Big Adventure

by Tom Kaminski
Illustrated by Lisa Fallon

About The Book:

Follow the whimsical adventures of Miss Olivia, the little red poodle, as she takes a vacation with her family to Florida. Miss Olivia flies on an airplane and when she arrives, she falls in love with the warm weather and sunny skies. After playing fetch, exploring the grass, and swimming in a pond, Miss Olivia must go home to take a bubble bath! This entertaining book will surely put a smile on readers’ faces, young and old alike!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Kaminski is a practicing physician living in Warren, Ohio, with his wife Kathleen. They have two grown sons, Thomas and Andrew. Their toy poodle, Miss Olivia, served as the inspiration for Miss Olivia, the Little Red Poodle: Her First Big Adventure.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Lisa Fallon is an illustrator, painter, and commercial artist who lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband Mark and four children, Zachary, Jacob, Sam and Lexi.

My Review:

This is a lovely little story for a young child. It's short and very simple, making it easy to hold a child's attention. I think the illustrations should be a little more colorful, however, especially Olivia's coloring. She's supposed to be a red poodle but never actually appears red, more pink or flesh colored. To me, that would confuse a child who is learning their colors. I think the blank pages in the back are great for encouraging a child to draw their own illustrations of what Olivia might being doing next when she goes out to play.

    I received a complimentary copy of (Miss Olivia, the Little Red Poodle) as a member of the    

    Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com

    to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Susan Palquist Interviews Lindsay Townsend

This month it’s my pleasure to bring you an interview with a fellow Brit, historical author, Lindsay Townsend. She has a degree in medieval history and uses her background and love of the subject to pen wonderful romances that are full of adventure. www.lindsaytownsend.net
 

Susan Palmquist (SP)-Tell us about yourself.

Lindsay Townsend (LT)-I’m English, married, born in Yorkshire and still living there. I took a first-class degree in medieval history, worked in a library for a while, and then started to write full-time.

SP- When did you start writing?

LT-I wrote stories as a child, but seriously started in the mid-1980s.

SP-You write historical romances. Any particular reason you chose that sub-genre?

LT-I love romance and richly dramatic situations, which explains why I homed in on the medieval and ancient worlds.

SP-Many historicals are set during the Regency or in the Old West but you’ve chosen older time periods like ancient Rome, even Egypt 1560 BC. Any reason why?

LT-They just suits my tastes, and alongside the medieval studies I was reading Mary Renault and so on. I’ve always taken an interest in all aspects of history and in archaeology right through to the Middle Ages. Ancient Egypt is fascinating anyway. I’ve visited Italy and Greece, and married a classicist, so that’s about it. 

SP-You must spend lots of time on research…you must enjoy it. What’s the research process like? And have you ever come to a dead end when researching something for one of your books?

LT-Research is totally different for a writer of fiction than it is if you’re studying for a degree. I decide on when to set a book, the basic plot and locations and what my main characters will be like. Then I read, Google and pick brains until I have enough material to put the whole thing in a historical context, especially if that context feeds back into the plot. In ‘A Knight’s Enchantment’, for instance, I was able to use the fact that churches in England were all closed for a time when King John was excommunicated by the Pope.

SP-You live in Yorkshire, England, an area with its own interesting history. Any plans to set a book in York itself?

LT-Not at the moment, but no doubt I will one day.  

SP-You’re published with one of the publishing industry’s most well known companies, Kensington/Zebra Books and also electronic publishers like Bookstrand. Maybe you can tell us about the different experiences you’ve had with both types of publishing.

LT-Both publishers have been excellent to write for, and the main difference is speed. As a traditional publisher, Kensington works with long lead times and it seems ages between submitting a manuscript and seeing the book reach the shops. Without warehousing, paper costs, print runs and the like to factor in, an electronic outfit like Bookstrand can publish more quickly. Both publishers have been responsive, careful and professional, and I’ve enjoyed my experience with them so far.

SP-Your latest book, A Knight’s Enchantment is released on June 1^st by Zebra. Can you tell us about it?

LT-It’s set in England in the West Country and opens in 1210. My heroine Joanna is an alchemist and she is also very family-minded, loving her father deeply. She has an interesting heritage, one which is dangerous to her. My hero, Hugh Manhill, is a younger son of a lord, needing to make his own way in the world. He is a warrior and a rescuer, a man of action, whereas Joanna, because of the disciplines of her work, must be more thoughtful. They begin in opposition, as enemies wanting different goals, but that changes over the book. I loved writing ‘A Knight’s Enchantment’, as I’ve loved writing all my knight books.

SP-You’re a member of many writer’s groups. Do you think it’s important to connect with your fellow writers?

LT-It’s very important for me to connect with writers and readers regularly. First, I like to be as outgoing and helpful as I can. Second, I’m living over in the UK and publishing in the US, so the internet – blogging, writer’s groups, contributing to websites - is my main point of contact until I get a chance to visit. The only drawback is that I’m five hours ahead of New York and eight hours ahead of Los Angeles, so I’m usually in bed when my readers get on the web for the evening and I have a pile of emails waiting for me in the morning. 

SP-Any tips for aspiring historical writers?

LT-Choose a period that you love to read and research. Write to your strengths and choose a time that allows you to show them. One of the reasons I love writing about the medieval and ancient worlds is the sheer epic side of events in those times – it gives me lots of scope for women in jeopardy, which I love writing, and adventure, which I also enjoy. If you as a writer love showing intrigue, for example, then a corrupt, dangerous court (Tudors, Dukes of Burgundy, Byzantium, Charles II) might be a perfect setting. If you enjoy by-play between your hero and heroine then a Regency, Victorian, 1920s-30s setting might be perfect. Try to find very intimate, telling details about the period you’re writing, so the reader can identify with your people. Give your hero and heroine universal, timeless desires, needs and goals, but always be aware that they live in a different time and be sure to show those differences. If you wish to show the brutality of an age, you can show it in the actions of secondary characters, and sometimes in your main characters. Be aware of the language you use – would a knight in armour say ‘cool’ or ‘brilliant’? If you’re aiming at a particular publisher, then have a look at their writers and see what language they use – usually a clear, direct style is best.

Here are some publishers who do historicals and will look at a manuscript without an agent’s involvement:

Avon

Dorchester

Avalon

Harlequin

Bookstrand

Desert Breeze

The Wild Rose Press.

SP-Any reference books or sites that you find helpful to historical writers?

LT-The short answer is no, because it depends so much on historical period, locations, plot, characters and details. I have lot of books dealing with general historical topics and background, (including children’s books that are often a wonderful source for social history) and add all the time. For ‘A Knight’s Enchantment’ I added books on alchemy, for the next book it’s tournaments and the Black Death. I also use the internet to hunt down factual bits and pieces, illustrations, and likely books to buy.

SP-What’s next for you, any time periods you want to tackle?

LT-The next book is already written and comes out in July 2011. That’s set in the mid-fourteenth century. After that, I have a couple of ideas, one of which involves taking a minor character from my first medieval and giving him his own book. It’s all a bit fluid.

Susan Palmquist is a freelance writer and also writes romances and mysteries. Her latest novel, Sleeping With Fairies was published by Lyrical Press in December 2009. She’s currently working on a romantic suspense set in the Pacific Northwest and two novellas. Find out more about Susan and her work at www.susanpalmquist.com

The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds

The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice

By Abigail Reynolds

About The Book:  (Previously published as Pemberley by the Sea)

Marine biologist Cassie Boulton likes her coffee with cream and her literature with happy endings. Her favorite book is Pride & Prejudice, but Cassie has no patience when a modern-day Mr. Darcy appears in her lab.

Silent and aloof, Calder Westing III doesn't seem to offer anything but a famous family name. But there is more to Calder than meets the eye, and he can't get enough of Cassie Boulton. Especially after one passionate night by the sea. But Cassie keeps her distance. Behind the veneer of scientific accomplishment, wit, and warmth, she is determined to hide secrets from her past. That means avoiding men who want to get too close, especially tempting and dangerous ones like Calder. 

Frustrated by Cassie's evasions, Calder tells her about his feelings the only way she'll let him: by rewriting her favorite book, with the two of them in the roles of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. But only Cassie can decide whether to risk her future by telling him the dangerous truth.

The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice is the first book of The Woods Hole Quartet, a series of interlocking novels set in the seaside village of Woods Hole. 

About The Author:

Abigail Reynolds  is a lifelong Jane Austen enthusiast and a physician.  In addition to writing, she has a part-time private practice and  enjoys spending time with her family.  Originally from upstate New York, she studied Russian, theater, and marine biology before deciding to attend medical school.   She began writing From Lambton to Longbourn in 2001 to spend more time with her favorite characters from Pride & Prejudice.  Encouragement from fellow Austen fans convinced her to continue asking ‘What if…?’, which led to four other Pemberley Variations and her modern novel, Pemberley by the Sea.  She is currently at work on another Pemberley Variation and a sequel to Pemberley by the Sea.  She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two teenaged children, and a menagerie of pets.  

My Review:

I was a bit disappointed in this retelling of an old classic. Sometimes the so-called modern twist detracts rather than adds to the enjoyment. The tension between Marine Biologist Cassie Boulton and Calder Westing III was well done in the beginning, but then the modern sex-overcomes-all slipped in. To me it was very inappropriate, since the two hardly knew each other. I mean, in Pride and Prejudice, we wait the entire book for the main characters to overcome every obstacle to their growing love for each other. Here, Cassie and Calder experience the climax before they even know if they love each other. Modern, I suppose, but a let down for me. There are interesting subplots and secondary characters, so the whole story is not a waste. Others may find it more to their liking.

 A complimentary review copy was provided by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Interview with Jill Mansell

RUMOR HAS IT
by JILL MANSELL
IN STORES MAY 2010

Would you be tempted?

Newly single, Tilly Cole impulsively accepts a job offer in a small town as a “Girl Friday.” Fun job, country house, fresh start, why not? But soon she finds herself in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the town’s most desirable bachelor—Jack Lucas.

Rumors of Jack’s “love ’em and leave ’em” escapes abound, and Tilly decides to do the mature, sensible thing... avoid Jack at all cost. But the more time Tilly spends with Jack, the more the rumors just don’t make sense. Tilly doesn’t know what to believe... and Jack’s not telling.

About the Author

UK bestselling author Jill Mansell has written nearly twenty romances, and sold over 4 million books.  A master of romantic comedy, her smart, sassy style has an irresistible appeal for women of all ages.  A full--time writer, Ms. Mansell worked for many years the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.

My Review: I give this book 5 stars for it's originality, wonderful characters, and delicious humor. Yes, I loved reading this and wish I could read it again for the first time. It was crazy in spots, but crazy in a good way. Tilly Cole is an adorable girl who will steal you heart in the first 5 pages. And Jack Lucas is a scoundrel, or is he? I'll leave that for you and Tilly to discover together when you read 'Rumor Has It'.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Sourcebooks, Inc.

I want to thank Jill Mansell for taking the time to do an interview with Between the Pages. It's such a treat to get to know her better as a person and writer.

1.              What made you choose the career path that got you to this point?
          Jill: It wasn’t planned! I spent eighteen years working in a neurological hospital, recording the electrical activity in people’s brains. It was a fascinating job and I loved it, but the pay wasn’t up to much. Then one day I saw an article in a magazine about successful female writers and decided to have a go at writing a book. I tried Harlequin romances first, but they kept complaining that I made them too funny. Eventually I changed my style and wrote comedy-romance. And it worked! Thank goodness!

2.              What do you think it takes to be a successful writer?
          Jill: I suppose it’s the voice of the author, and keeping the interest of the reader plot-wise. I write feel-good fiction, creating a world my readers would like to live in, with characters they would love to meet in real life. From the feedback I get, that’s what keeps people coming back for more. It’s escapism, pure and simple. I like to provide an escape from the real world and make my readers laugh and cry.

 3.      How do you think someone who knows you well would describe you?
Jill: Well, I’m actually quite like the heroines in my books. My daughter types my work for me (because I write all my novels by hand) and she finds it quite weird that my characters sound and act like me and have my own likes and dislikes. I’m chatty and nosey and endlessly curious, and I love shopping and watching trashy TV. I hate mustard and ironing. None of my heroines will ever like mustard!

  4.     How do you perform under deadline pressure?
Jill: The great thing about writing one book a year is the fact that there’s only one major deadline a year. But you do have to keep yourself disciplined. If you don’t stick to the schedule you risk losing your publication slot and the publishers realize you aren’t to be relied on. When it comes round to renewing your contract, they might decide they’d rather give the money to a more trustworthy author. It’s thoughts like these that make me meet my deadline…I don’t want to have to go back to doing a proper job…

  5.          What motivates you to give 100% to your writing?
          Jill: Oh, looks like I’ve just answered this one! Writing is one of the best jobs in the world, and hearing from readers who enjoy my books is a joy. I get to sit down every day and make stuff up, and I’m paid for it. What could be nicer than that? 


  6.     In your writing career, where do you picture yourself in 5 years?
          Jill: Ooh, interesting question, because in five years my children might both have left home. My partner and I have always dreamed of living somewhere warm, or of taking lots of cruises, so either of those possibilities would be great. In theory I could write anywhere. (In reality, though, the moment I’m away from home, I don’t want to do any writing at all!) 

  7.       What are two or three things that are essential for you to be able to write consistently?
         Jill: I always have the TV on while I’m writing – I couldn’t do without that. And an endless supply of
         snacks – little sweets, liquorice laces, packets of potato chips – are definitely necessary. And I have to
         write with one of my Harley Davidson fountain pens. 

8.              What kind of rewards are you hoping for in your writing career?
          Jill: I think I’ve had more rewards than I ever expected. I’ve sold over five million copies of my books, I’ve travelled around the world promoting them and I’ve been shortlisted for awards for my writing. I’m a lucky lucky girl. The only other reward that might be nice would be if one of my books could be made into a brilliant film. So Steven Spielberg, if you’re reading this…and George Clooney, if you felt you might like to star in it… all you have to do is ask nicely.

 

The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter

The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter

ISBN: 9781402237607, In Stores May 2010!

“A richly textured tapestry of medieval Wales.” The Sunday Telegraph

Set in 13th Century Wales at the time of the Plantagenets, The Brothers of Gwynedd is an ambitious and absorbing saga about Llewelyn, the grandson of Llewelyn the Great, enveloping readers in the guts and glory of medieval Wales. Llewelyn dreams of one Wales, united against the threat of the English. But first he must tackle enemies nearer home. His brothers vie with him for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III, and their willful infighting threatens the very soil of their fathers. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself starting down his own downfall, a tragic death he might not be able to prevent, and a country slipping out of his grasp.

“Those who fancy historical fiction with an emphasis on the history will savor this convincing tale.” Publishers Weekly

Originally published as four volumes, this quartet includes Sunrise in the West, The Dragon at Noonday, The Hounds of Sunset, and Afterglow and Nightfall.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Edith Pargeter (1913-1995) has gained worldwide praise and recognition for her historical fiction and historical mysteries, including A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury, which Sourcebooks will be releasing in Fall 2010. She also wrote several novels of crime fiction as Ellis Peters. She was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire).

Special Feature:  A chat will be hosted by Amy on http://www.passagestothepast.com/ on Monday, May 24 from 7pm-9pm EST.  We'll be kicking around some discussion questions and would love for you to join us. 

My Review: I'm very pleased with this book at this point. Of course, I've only read the first volume, Sunrise in the West, and still have three more volumes to go. It's not light reading and is heavy on the historical side. However, that adds to the appeal for me because I love history. I strongly suggest taking extra time for this read, firmly placing the many characters, dates, and political environment in an understandable order. This extra time in the beginning will make the rest of the read so much easier to follow. 

The story is told through the eyes of Samson, a contemporary of Llewelyn. Though not born to the same station in life, Samson gives us such interesting perspectives into Llewelyn and other characters.  His own struggle, to fit the role he finds himself given, enriches the story.

I really was drawn into Llewelyn's life, when at the age of 12 he was forced to make a terrible choice, one that took courage, loyalty, and a maturity far beyond his age. From that point I'm now determined to complete this journey. To see what course he and his brothers will take. And to follow Samson as he continues to give us the inside track.

There is something here for everyone; the mystery and romance of medieval Wales, love, family loyalties, political intrigue, treachery, secrets, ambition, and honor, just to name a few. 

I'll be back next month with my review of the second volume of this four-part story, The Dragon at Noonday.

May 18 Reviews
Between the Pages	http://www.betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
The Broken Teepee	http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com/
Books and Coffee	http://bookswithcoffee.wordpress.com/
Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell	http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/
Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff	http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
Passages to the Past	http://www.passagestothepast.com/
The Book Faery	http://tbfreviews.net/
A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore	http://agirlwalksintoabookstore.blogspot.com/
Martha's Bookshelf	http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
May 19 Reviews
Beth Fish	http://bfishreads.blogspot.com/
Deb's Book Bag	http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/
Book Tumbling	http://booktumbling.com/
A Work in Progress	http://danitorres.typepad.com/workinprogress/
Stiletto Storytime	http://www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com/
Queen of Happy Endings	http://alainereading.blogspot.com/

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Uncertain Magic

By Laura Kinsale:

About the Book: 

Rumors of ruined maidens, coldblooded duels, swindles, and murder swirl around the impoverished 'Devil Earl.' But Faelan Savigar hides an even darker secret. Roderica Delamore longs for a normal life but fears she'll end up mad or suicidal like the forebears from whom she inherited her "gift" of sensing others thoughts and emotions. As the two find their way to each other against all odds, Roddy's growing love for Faelen may end up saving him or destroying her… A breathtaking historical romance filled with poignancy, darkness, love, and an unexpected twist of Gaelic magic…

About the Author:

My Review:

This story was breathtaking and surprising in so many ways. A stunning beginning captures you, holds you with it's deep characterization, and makes you so happy that there are 480 pages to this story. Rather than drooping around the middle, it explodes with a deeper plot that you don't really see coming. It's a great read.

A complimentary Review copy was provided by Sourcebook, Inc.

Montana Destiny Giveaway

About the Book:

Wyatt McCord looks more like an eternal surfer than a cowboy. After traveling around the globe, he is brought back to Gold Fever by the death of his grandfather, and challenged to take up the search for the legendary McCord fortune. But Wyatt finds an even greater challenge in Marilee Trainor, a free-spirit who handles the town's emergency runs and pilots her own plane. When she decides to aid Wyatt in his treasure hunt, she finds herself in the line of fire by someone bent on preventing Wyatt from reaching his goal.

Five Fun Facts:
Author Bio and Photo
Visit RyanLangan.com

Giveaway:

Hatchette Book Group is allowing me to give away 5 copies of Montana Destiny
Here are the requirements.

~Open to US and Canada Residents Only

~No PO Boxes

~Leave a comment telling why you think Cowboys make good heroes.

~Be sure to include your email
Deadline 6/2/2010

WINNERS:

Scorpio M., soft Fuzzy Sweater, LaMusing, Crystal H.,  Tore

Winners will be notified by email.

The Pitch By Linda J. Lord

The Pitch

By Linda J. Lord
Publication Date: November 2009
Retail price: $15.00 plus taxes
ISBN # 978-1-4401-7453-7

About The Book:

Linda draws on her experience as a soccer
mom to create a fictionalized business book. In it she tells
the story of Liz, a struggling single mother whose business
is in steady decline. She relates the concepts learned at her
son’s soccer practices to turn her business around, but in
her effort to save her business, has she lost her son?

About The Author:

As a professional resource to individuals and groups, Linda provides training and experiences that enable busy people to make a living and have a life by getting to know themselves and being able to make better choices based on who and what matters most to them. Linda presents in her own individual and insightful way. She talks business, psychology, sociology, and faith whether in one-person performances, productions, or the written word.
Linda has been self-employed for 13 years and presenting to audiences for more than 21 years. Graduate of CoachU training program and Corporate Coach U Facilitator’s Clinic, Linda is founding member and supporting member of CoachVille; member of ICF, and founder of LindaJLord.com

My Review:

Informative - Insightful - Original
Who would have thought that sitting in the right place at sporting events could have a powerful effect on your business, and maybe even your parenting skills. This is a great read for multiple reasons. For one, a realistic picture of life as a single mom raising a son and trying to keep a business afloat at the same time. What I appreciated most was the truths Liz discovered and how she kept digging until she reached the real foundation of her problems. The Pitch is 130 pages of reasonable and applicable sports savvy that when applied to real life, just might work for you.

  Giveaway - The Pitch

Linda J. Lord is also doing a fun giveaway in conjunction with her blog tour. Here's how it works:

Prize 1: 1 $50.00 Amazon gift card

Prize 2: 2 $25.00 Amazon gift cards
Prize 3: 2 copies of The Pitch

You will need to leave a comment (10 entries) or answer my soccer contest questions (25 entries) on my site. Or on any of the participating tour stop sites on the scheduled tour date to enter. And to finish off your entry, leave your email address in the post or send a message to lindalordonline@gmail.com.

The questions are (1) name 3 soccer rules, and (2) name 3 soccer positions.

One dollar from the sale of each book goes to the Hemophilia Society of Ontario, South Western Ontario Region.

Purchase copies of The Pitch from Amazon
Click here

Purchase copies of The Pitch from Barnes & Nobile
Click here

Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to lindalordonline@gmail.com. Not valid on past purchases.

The Pitch Tour Schedule
May 9-Book Review and book giveaway at Between the Pages
May 10-Interviewed and book giveaway at Chitlit Club
May 11-Interviewed and book giveaway at Reading At The Beach
May 12- Interviewed and book giveaway at Mymompreneur.com
May 12-Interviewed on Moms Empowering Moms Show
May 17-Interviewed and book giveaway at The Cajun Book Lady
May 18-Interviewed on The Renee Bobb Show
May 19-Interviewed on The Business Woman
May 19-Interviewed on The Chris Treece Show
May 20-Book Review at Soccerphile
May 24-Book Review and book giveaway at Readaholic
May 25-Book Review at The Book Guru 
May 26-Guest Blogger at The Life Success Mindset
June 2-Interviewed on Book That Author Radio

Between the Pages of Life

Good Morning,

I apologize for being slow about getting new content up this week. But, I'll get back in full swing in the next few days. I'll also get our giveaway winners posted as well.

Here at Between The Pages we're gearing up for our next Blogmania Event on September 15th and 16th. You'll be hearing more about that as time goes by, so stay close. 

Meantime, consider the doors of opportunity open to you today. Which ones will you choose? Where will they take you? Whatever your choice, have a great adventure and don't forget to explore what is hidden between the pages of life.

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter

My Sister's Voice 

By Mary Carter

About My Sister’s Voice

What do you do when you discover your whole life was a lie?  In Mary Carter’s unforgettable new novel, one woman is about to find out. . .

At twenty-eight, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to be.  An up-and-coming, proudly Deaf artist in Philadelphia, she’s in a relationship with a wonderful man and rarely thinks about her difficult childhood in a home for disabled orphans.  That is, until Lacey receives a letter that begins, “You have a sister. A twin to be exact…”

Learning her identical, hearing twin, Monica, experienced the normal childhood she was denied resurrects all of Lacey’s grief, and she angrily sets out to find Monica and her biological parents.  But the truth about Monica’s life, their brief shared past, and the reason for the twins’ separation is far from simple.  And for every one of Lacey’s questions that’s answered, others are raised, more baffling and profound.

Complex, moving, and beautifully told, My Sister’s Voice is a novel about sisterhood, love of every shape, and the stories we cling to until real life comes crashing in…

About Mary Carter

MARY CARTER is a freelance writer and novelist.  My Sister’s Voice is her fourth novel with Kensington. Her other works include:  She’ll Take It, Accidentally Engaged, Sunnyside Blues, and The Honeymoon House in the best selling anthology Almost Home. She is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, which is part of the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has just completed A Very Maui Christmas, a new novella for Kensington that will be included in a Christmas of 2010 anthology. She is currently working on a new novel, The Pub Across the Pond, about an American woman who swears off all Irish men only to learn she’s won a pub in Ireland. Readers are welcome to visit her at marycarterbooks.com.

My Review

In this complex story of Lacey Gears, a 28 year old portrait artist, who also happens to be deaf,  I found as many questions as answers, some of them still remain unresolved in my mind. I didn’t really get the parent’s motivation or line of reasoning, but then, in real life, there is a lot I don’t get about how people choose to live their lives.

The book blurb above gives you the story synopsis, but what it doesn’t tell you is how interesting I found Lacey’s character. Having close friends and members of my family who are hearing impaired, I found her behavior, reactions, and edginess to be very realistic. I also found her ability to find humor in her hearing problem, especially the lip-reading, to be endearing and very typical of those who are deaf.  As Lacey deals with a newly discovered past, a life and family previously unknown, her search for answers will tug at your heartstrings, anger you and pull you deeper into her developing relationship with her estranged twin, Monica.  These sisters are so different, yet elementally connected despite their separation.

This book is all about the characters, and Lacey Gears is one I won’t forget for a long time.

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by the author

Tall, Dark, and Wolfish By Lydia Dare

Tall, Dark, and Wolfish

By Lydia Dare

About The Book:

The reckless, rakish younger brother of a powerful duke, Lord Benjamin Westfield transforms into a wolf under the light of the full moon—until one fateful evening when he doesn't change and his life is shattered. Fearing he may never be able to change again, Benjamin sets out for Scotland in search of a witch who can heal his inner beast. The noble werewolf is drawn to the beautiful young woman, but what does he have to offer in this broken state?

About the Author:

Lydia Dare is an active member of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and sits on the organization's board of directors. she lives in a house filled with boys and an animal or two (or 10) near Raleigh, N.C.

 My Thoughts:

Beautiful Elspeth Campbell is more than capable of bringing powerful Lord Benjamin Westfield to heel in this continuing saga of the Westfield Brothers.  Elspeth has a few secrets and an agenda of her own that doesn't mesh with the arrogant Benjamin Westfield's plans, however she's a woman with a giving heart and spirit, which won't let her turn away from someone in need of her healing skills. You'll love the edgy tension between the two strong characters. Author Lydia Dare writes tight with lots of action on each page. You won't  skip pages when reading her books.

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Sourcebook Inc.