Kim Cox's Blog, page 488
April 14, 2016
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #RRBC Spotlight: I'm Not #Crazy...I'm #Allergic by...
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #RRBC Spotlight: I'm Not #Crazy...I'm #Allergic by...: The Allergy-Depression Connection When I first started my book on the relationship between allergies and depression, I’m Not Crazy… ...
March 31, 2016
Book Review: "Seeker (The Seeker Series Book 1)" by Amy Reece
About The Author
Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. She believes red wine and coffee are the elixirs of life and lead to great inspiration. Stay tuned for her newest book, The Way to Her Heart, a YA romantic suspense novel, coming in March 2016.
Amy's Website
Twitter
FaceBook
Goodreads
About The Book
Seeker - Book 1 in the Seeker Series
Ally Moran has always just known about things—things she shouldn’t really be able to know…
Suddenly when she starts having vivid visions about a former friend who is in desperate trouble, the adults in her life think she might hold the key to an ancient mystery.
Jack Ruiz has a troubled past, but is trying to make a fresh start at a new high school…
He just wants to keep his head down and graduate, hopefully before he turns 20. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a feisty redhead and her psychic visions.
While Jack valiantly attempts to keep Ally at arm’s length, she is equally determined to be a part of his life. Who will win this battle of wills?
More importantly…
Can this unlikely couple work together to find answers to Ally’s visions before someone gets killed?
Read a Preview
Purchase Now
My ReviewAlly and Jack are characters you will love to root for…
Seeker is a wonderful book with the kind of teenage characters you love to root for. Ally is a good person, and Jack is the bad boy with a bad boy past, that embarrasses him. Ally gives him the confidence he needs and Jack brings her out of her shell. Together, they are the perfect couple and good for each other.
Ally has supernatural abilities that came from the female side of her family, but hers are more intense than anything the family has experienced in centuries. Her grandmother is a quirky character, much younger at heart than her years, and her mother is the mother every teen wants to have. Each parental figure has their own unique gift as well.
Jack's extended family rallies around him to help him cope with the bad things he's done. He first changes his attitude for the sake of his little sister. He wants to be a better role model for her.
In this story Ally has visions of someone being harmed and goes to great lengths to find a way to help even though at first she doesn’t even like this person very much.
I loved this story. The writing and characterization is well-done and the story moved along at a nice pace. It’s a page-turner you'll not want to put down until you’ve read the last word. There’s mystery, paranormal abilities, and a great romance brewing. What more could you want? I will read more from this author for sure.
Read a Preview
Purchase Now
Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph Papala Skies by Stephen Geez
Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. She believes red wine and coffee are the elixirs of life and lead to great inspiration. Stay tuned for her newest book, The Way to Her Heart, a YA romantic suspense novel, coming in March 2016.Amy's Website
Goodreads
About The Book
Seeker - Book 1 in the Seeker SeriesAlly Moran has always just known about things—things she shouldn’t really be able to know…
Suddenly when she starts having vivid visions about a former friend who is in desperate trouble, the adults in her life think she might hold the key to an ancient mystery.
Jack Ruiz has a troubled past, but is trying to make a fresh start at a new high school…
He just wants to keep his head down and graduate, hopefully before he turns 20. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a feisty redhead and her psychic visions.
While Jack valiantly attempts to keep Ally at arm’s length, she is equally determined to be a part of his life. Who will win this battle of wills?
More importantly…
Can this unlikely couple work together to find answers to Ally’s visions before someone gets killed?
Read a Preview
Purchase Now
My ReviewAlly and Jack are characters you will love to root for…
Seeker is a wonderful book with the kind of teenage characters you love to root for. Ally is a good person, and Jack is the bad boy with a bad boy past, that embarrasses him. Ally gives him the confidence he needs and Jack brings her out of her shell. Together, they are the perfect couple and good for each other.
Ally has supernatural abilities that came from the female side of her family, but hers are more intense than anything the family has experienced in centuries. Her grandmother is a quirky character, much younger at heart than her years, and her mother is the mother every teen wants to have. Each parental figure has their own unique gift as well.
Jack's extended family rallies around him to help him cope with the bad things he's done. He first changes his attitude for the sake of his little sister. He wants to be a better role model for her.
In this story Ally has visions of someone being harmed and goes to great lengths to find a way to help even though at first she doesn’t even like this person very much.
I loved this story. The writing and characterization is well-done and the story moved along at a nice pace. It’s a page-turner you'll not want to put down until you’ve read the last word. There’s mystery, paranormal abilities, and a great romance brewing. What more could you want? I will read more from this author for sure.
Read a Preview
Purchase Now
Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph Papala Skies by Stephen Geez
March 23, 2016
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #March2016 #IndieBooksBeSeen #Indie #Author #Books...
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #March2016 #IndieBooksBeSeen #Indie #Author #Books...: Hey Everyone!! :-) It's the 18th again, so I'm back with more of my #IndieBooksBeSeen indie author book reviews!!! I hope you e...
March 21, 2016
Book Review: "The Budapest Experiment" by Maurice G. Miller
About The Author
Maurice has been involved in the creative arts since his teenage years. Having worked and played in rock/blues bands for most of his adult life, the artistic role models that he came to admire were those authors, musicians, and philosophers that wrote the books, poetry, lyrics, and music that touched and moved the souls of generations. Counted among his favorites authors are J.D. Salinger, Earnest Hemingway, Dante Alighieri, and Kahlil Gibran. Deciding to take a break from the music career, he has rededicated his creative energies toward writing.Then there is the "business geek" side of him. With an MBA degree, and having started several ventures, he has an obsession for creating new business ideas, digging into data analytics, and dissecting statistics. This passion for entrepreneurship is reflected prominently in his writing style.Maurice's debut fictional novel, "The Budapest Experiment", an international thriller, was released on May 25, 2015 and is available now on Amazon.Lots more can be found, including book info, social media contacts, and blog posts, at: http://www.mauricegmiller.com.About The BookBlurb:At what price would you sell your soul...?
This captivating thriller weaves business, politics, seduction, power, and religion all into a compelling tale of international intrigue.
Set in 1991, during the dawn of the Post-Communist era in Hungary, this novel chronicles the exploits of Michael, an adventurous but struggling American entrepreneur.During this period of tumultuous political, economic, and social change, the Russian Mob is taking advantage of the ensuing turmoil to entrench itself deeper into the business landscape of the former Soviet Bloc countries.Navigating through the streets of Budapest, Michael immediately senses an air of mysticism and lurking danger. Things begin to heat up, as a series of business dealings and events leads him to a consulting position with the 'Organization'.Seduced by their women, money, and power, Michael becomes entangled in the web of Mob culture. An examination of conscience reveals a spirit ravaged with feelings of guilt and betrayal, but a rapidly growing bank account serves as the means to justify his actions.Pondering his future, he wonders if he can balance this extreme Budapest lifestyle with his ‘ordinary’ family life back home. After padding his wallet for the past several months, would the Organization let him just walk away, or would there be consequences?This book is intended for mature audiences.
Warning: Ends on a cliffhanger - sequel coming out soon
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WHA3J0E/My Review:Captivating and Intriguing ThrillerLooking to dive into the International business scene of Hungary, Michael believes nothing can touch him and jumps head first into the deep end of business with the Russian Mafia. He has a guardian angel but can she even save him from himself and the disaster he's heading into? He knows he shouldn't do the things he does, but he seems almost helpless to stop himself as he is seduced by the excitement, money, and beautiful women to the point of naivety.I loved the way this story began and ended (although,
warning
, it was a cliff hanger). It's an intriguing and action-packed story with lots of description and Budapest flavor. It's filled with lots of descriptive sex scenes and I'll admit I moved over the last few as there were too many for my taste. It is well-written and moves at a pretty good pace. I do think it could be cut down to about 300 pages while still carrying the plot and characters.I'm pulling for Michael because even though he's done a few bad things, like cheating on his wife and working for the mob, he appears to be a decent man, filled with guilt as he's caught up in the craziness of it all.Buy The Book
Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece (Started - 16% read)
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph
Maurice has been involved in the creative arts since his teenage years. Having worked and played in rock/blues bands for most of his adult life, the artistic role models that he came to admire were those authors, musicians, and philosophers that wrote the books, poetry, lyrics, and music that touched and moved the souls of generations. Counted among his favorites authors are J.D. Salinger, Earnest Hemingway, Dante Alighieri, and Kahlil Gibran. Deciding to take a break from the music career, he has rededicated his creative energies toward writing.Then there is the "business geek" side of him. With an MBA degree, and having started several ventures, he has an obsession for creating new business ideas, digging into data analytics, and dissecting statistics. This passion for entrepreneurship is reflected prominently in his writing style.Maurice's debut fictional novel, "The Budapest Experiment", an international thriller, was released on May 25, 2015 and is available now on Amazon.Lots more can be found, including book info, social media contacts, and blog posts, at: http://www.mauricegmiller.com.About The BookBlurb:At what price would you sell your soul...?
This captivating thriller weaves business, politics, seduction, power, and religion all into a compelling tale of international intrigue.
Set in 1991, during the dawn of the Post-Communist era in Hungary, this novel chronicles the exploits of Michael, an adventurous but struggling American entrepreneur.During this period of tumultuous political, economic, and social change, the Russian Mob is taking advantage of the ensuing turmoil to entrench itself deeper into the business landscape of the former Soviet Bloc countries.Navigating through the streets of Budapest, Michael immediately senses an air of mysticism and lurking danger. Things begin to heat up, as a series of business dealings and events leads him to a consulting position with the 'Organization'.Seduced by their women, money, and power, Michael becomes entangled in the web of Mob culture. An examination of conscience reveals a spirit ravaged with feelings of guilt and betrayal, but a rapidly growing bank account serves as the means to justify his actions.Pondering his future, he wonders if he can balance this extreme Budapest lifestyle with his ‘ordinary’ family life back home. After padding his wallet for the past several months, would the Organization let him just walk away, or would there be consequences?This book is intended for mature audiences.
Warning: Ends on a cliffhanger - sequel coming out soon
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WHA3J0E/My Review:Captivating and Intriguing ThrillerLooking to dive into the International business scene of Hungary, Michael believes nothing can touch him and jumps head first into the deep end of business with the Russian Mafia. He has a guardian angel but can she even save him from himself and the disaster he's heading into? He knows he shouldn't do the things he does, but he seems almost helpless to stop himself as he is seduced by the excitement, money, and beautiful women to the point of naivety.I loved the way this story began and ended (although,
warning
, it was a cliff hanger). It's an intriguing and action-packed story with lots of description and Budapest flavor. It's filled with lots of descriptive sex scenes and I'll admit I moved over the last few as there were too many for my taste. It is well-written and moves at a pretty good pace. I do think it could be cut down to about 300 pages while still carrying the plot and characters.I'm pulling for Michael because even though he's done a few bad things, like cheating on his wife and working for the mob, he appears to be a decent man, filled with guilt as he's caught up in the craziness of it all.Buy The BookNext TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece (Started - 16% read)
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph
March 20, 2016
Chris Redding, Author: #Author Exchange: Kim Cox
Chris Redding, Author: #Author Exchange: Kim Cox: CHRISTMAS CRUISE Book Four – Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery Series Lana Malloy and Tony Calabria are ready for a much needed vacati...
March 12, 2016
March 6, 2016
Book Review: "The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian " by William Stuart
About The Author
William L Stuart was born in New Mexico, but has lived Georgia for many years. He speaks with a southern accent, drinks gallons of sweet tea, and loves the UGA Bulldogs. He almost attended that great university, but decided instead to join the US Navy, where he subjected himself to the rigors of Navy Nuclear Power training in Orlando, Florida, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Graduating from Nuke school landed him aboard USS Sandlance (SSN660), a Sturgeon class fast attack submarine. He was a fully qualified submariner, and traveled above the Arctic Circle to earn his Bluenose certificate.
After 3 and a half years aboard Sandlance, he transferred to recruiting duty in Americus, GA. While in Americus, William completed his undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management. William left the Navy soon after that, and began working in the civilian world. He has been an electrician for a carpet manufacturer, worked for the world's largest candy cane manufacturer, and then worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He have since transitioned to the animal health world, where he manages global supply of animal health products.
William have been married to the wonderful, adorable, and lovely Lana for over 25 years. It was Lana and her blog (shameless plug time: www.lanascooking.com) that inspired William to publish his books. He is father to his amazing daughter Laura, and grandfather to Aidan and Maggie. All of them inspired a character in The Gemstone Chronicles.
Along with writing, William also enjoys gem hunting, gold prospecting, playing softball, playing golf (although I don't play particularly well), and dabbling in woodworking. He tends to read a lot, and has a wide range of interests - including quantum physics, science in general, submarines, and conspiracy theories.
Connect with William on his site at http:/www.williamlstuart.com or on Twitter at http:/www.twitter.com/williamlstuart.About The BookBlurb:
When Aidan and Maggie find a fairy cross while rock-hunting with their grandfather, it's just an oddity. But when they discover there is an elf imprisoned in the stone and set him free, they and their grandparents, Nana and Beebop, are attacked by Dark Elves and forced to flee to the magical world of Celahir.
In Celahir, Findecano - the elf the children freed from the fairy cross - leads them on a quest to recover gemstones stolen from the Elven Bow by the Dark Elves. Without the restoration of the gemstones to the Elven Bow, the balance between good and evil in Celahir - and the human world - could tip toward evil.Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008WV90JQ/My Review:A Magical AdventureThis was an enjoyable Narnia-like adventure story about an ordinary family, featuring Beebop, Nana, and their two grandchildren, Aidan and Maggie. The four run into all kinds of danger once they free an elf, Findecano, who was imprisoned by the dark elves.
I haven't read too many fantasy type novels and wasn't sure if this would be a story I would get through. I not only got through it, I enjoyed every moment as time after time, light triumphs over darkness.
I look forward to reading the next books in the series.Buy The BookNext TEN books and short stories on my Review List are: The Budapest Experiment: An International Thriller by Maurice G. Miller (14% Read)
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward Destiny (Absent of Shadows Trilogy, Book 1) by S. M. SpencerThe One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
William L Stuart was born in New Mexico, but has lived Georgia for many years. He speaks with a southern accent, drinks gallons of sweet tea, and loves the UGA Bulldogs. He almost attended that great university, but decided instead to join the US Navy, where he subjected himself to the rigors of Navy Nuclear Power training in Orlando, Florida, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Graduating from Nuke school landed him aboard USS Sandlance (SSN660), a Sturgeon class fast attack submarine. He was a fully qualified submariner, and traveled above the Arctic Circle to earn his Bluenose certificate.After 3 and a half years aboard Sandlance, he transferred to recruiting duty in Americus, GA. While in Americus, William completed his undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management. William left the Navy soon after that, and began working in the civilian world. He has been an electrician for a carpet manufacturer, worked for the world's largest candy cane manufacturer, and then worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He have since transitioned to the animal health world, where he manages global supply of animal health products.
William have been married to the wonderful, adorable, and lovely Lana for over 25 years. It was Lana and her blog (shameless plug time: www.lanascooking.com) that inspired William to publish his books. He is father to his amazing daughter Laura, and grandfather to Aidan and Maggie. All of them inspired a character in The Gemstone Chronicles.
Along with writing, William also enjoys gem hunting, gold prospecting, playing softball, playing golf (although I don't play particularly well), and dabbling in woodworking. He tends to read a lot, and has a wide range of interests - including quantum physics, science in general, submarines, and conspiracy theories.
Connect with William on his site at http:/www.williamlstuart.com or on Twitter at http:/www.twitter.com/williamlstuart.About The BookBlurb:
When Aidan and Maggie find a fairy cross while rock-hunting with their grandfather, it's just an oddity. But when they discover there is an elf imprisoned in the stone and set him free, they and their grandparents, Nana and Beebop, are attacked by Dark Elves and forced to flee to the magical world of Celahir. In Celahir, Findecano - the elf the children freed from the fairy cross - leads them on a quest to recover gemstones stolen from the Elven Bow by the Dark Elves. Without the restoration of the gemstones to the Elven Bow, the balance between good and evil in Celahir - and the human world - could tip toward evil.Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008WV90JQ/My Review:A Magical AdventureThis was an enjoyable Narnia-like adventure story about an ordinary family, featuring Beebop, Nana, and their two grandchildren, Aidan and Maggie. The four run into all kinds of danger once they free an elf, Findecano, who was imprisoned by the dark elves.
I haven't read too many fantasy type novels and wasn't sure if this would be a story I would get through. I not only got through it, I enjoyed every moment as time after time, light triumphs over darkness.
I look forward to reading the next books in the series.Buy The BookNext TEN books and short stories on my Review List are: The Budapest Experiment: An International Thriller by Maurice G. Miller (14% Read)
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward Destiny (Absent of Shadows Trilogy, Book 1) by S. M. SpencerThe One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch's Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life's Moments by Janelle Jalbert
February 27, 2016
Mountain Musings: Kim Cox and ALL THIS TIME—#Egg-cerpt Exchange
Mountain Musings: Kim Cox and ALL THIS TIME—#Egg-cerpt Exchange: Today it's Kim Cox's turn on the Egg-cerpt exchange with her book, All This Time. ALL THIS TIME Style & Profile Series – ...
outshine ovarian cancer: NONNIE JULES INTERVIEW
outshine ovarian cancer: NONNIE JULES INTERVIEW: This week I am offering a different type of blog. It is an interview with author, Nonnie Jules who is a successful author and president of t...
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #RRBC's #Spotlight #Author Mark Aberdeen!!
Mistral Dawn's Musings: #RRBC's #Spotlight #Author Mark Aberdeen!!: Humor in Storytelling By Mark Aberdeen Slightly over two years ago on a January 4 th morning I received a call from a police off...
