Cindy R. Williams's Blog, page 4
April 19, 2012
Anna del C. Dye's New Book: A Royal Elf of Abalon
Writers Mirror: Hi Anna! Thanks for being in my blog this week. Anna: It is my pleasure to be here.
Writers Mirror: So, tell us what’s happening with you? Anna: My life has been quite busy lately. I am getting ready for the “Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Festival” which will take three of my weekends in May. I take my books and have fun being a princess for three weeks. I really love it.
Writers Mirror: That does sound fun. Tell us about your upcoming release. Anna: After the great success of “The Curse of the Elfs,” I’ll release: “A Royal Elf in Abalon” this May.
Writers Mirror: Where can we find this book?Anna: Amazon, B&N, and my website will all have the links to buy it.
Writers Mirror: What inspired you to write this book?Anna: Amathis, the queen in the story. She is a selfish, demanding, and cruel woman. She forced me to write it.
Writers Mirror: What fantasy bug bit you and got you started writing these mystical tales?
Anna: It was a great masterful bug and it bit me hard a few years ago—The name of the bug J. R. R. Tolkien. I love Lord of the Rings and that is my inspiration for my Elf Series.Writers Mirror: Intriguing, so tell us what is this book about?
Anna: A princess of a mankind kingdom, who is so sheltered by her mother that she makes some unsafe choices growing up. They will change her life and that of her kingdom as she faces challenges that she isn’t prepared for. It also tells of a young Elf who feels an unsafe fascination about the nearby mankind kingdom. Against his elders’ wishes, he ventures there, finding heartaches, betrayal, and murder. Writers Mirror: Now I want to read this tale. Tell us what’s the first rule in building a fantasy world?
Anna: To stay true to the rules. If you say beings in that world don’t do something, don’t have them doing it later without explaining what changed so that now they can do what you said they couldn’t. Writers Mirror: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?
Anna: Your characters are the most important parts of your book. So, if they want to go left you go left, even if you wanted to go right. If you don’t, it will be quite hard to make them change and your tale will feel forced. I want my tales to go smoothly, so I don’t fight the characters, they know better than me. Writers Mirror: Sometimes people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. Tell us what’s the most unglamorous thing you’ve done in the past week?
Anna: Change dirty diapers and keep my little Alexis happy. She didn’t feel to good. I love taking care of her though.Writers Mirror: What's your favorite music?
Anna: Romantic, hands down. The Platters, The Stylistics, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, soft rock, lots of oldies. More recent artists: Il Divo, Julio Iglesias, Celine Dion, etc. Writers Mirror: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.
Anna: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I am a big believer of paying it forward. Writers Mirror: What other fantasy tale are you weaving for us?
Anna: I am ready to finished The Flying Elf, which will be my Elf book for next year. Writers Mirror: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Anna.
Anna: Thank you for inviting me to come. I had a wonderful time visiting with you.Writers Mirror: If you’d like to find out more about Anna please visit: http://www.annadelc.com
and to read reviews of Anna’s books visit http://ning.it/dIqC6n
March 22, 2012
THERESA SNEED - NO ANGELS
Review by Cindy R. Williams
NO ANGEL by Theresa Sneed is published by Walnut Springs http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com.
The back of the book blurb states:
An angel with an attitudeJonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth as a guardian angel, but it's required of all post-mortal spirits to fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short. What he doesn't know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or her time of death! Jonathan's client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of her own and refused death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her guardian angel--in a place he only wanted to forget.
NO ANGEL gives a interesting look into what life after death could be. As you follow Jonathan on his journey through after-life, you cheer for him, you cringe for him, you shake your head at his stubbornness, yet realize his journey takes you on a ride of discovering what life is all about.
I must admit my favorite character was Grace, a guardian angel who spends much of her time schooling Jonathan since he refused to read his manual, which when opened has a screen and a tiny keyboard. Grace has an iron backbone. She doesn't put up with any sass from anyone, yet she's loving and kind and has the patience of Job. I found I wanted to give Jonathan a little thump on his head more than once, yet Grace continued to work with him.
The demons called sheydim in the book are a sobering concept. They follow mortals along with the guardian angels. Sheydim's are fallen angels, allowed to tempt mortals. They can only get close if the mortal is by permission from the mortal. Permission which is mostly given carelessly through a person's actions. NO ANGEL paints a clear picture of evil spirits not allowed to mortal bodies and in their unhappy state strive to destroy mortals.
NO ANGEL is a good read. It leads to many thought provoking scenarios and shows that the veil between earth life and post life is thin indeed.
NO ANGEL receives TEN STARS for ingenuity and vision. Well done Theresa Sneed.
Theresa Sneed now adds published author to her many hats. She lives in Arizona, is a member of American Night Writers Association, ANWA, the mother of six and grandmother of four.
NO ANGEL is the first book in a four book series. Book two, FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH, is scheduled for release in April, 2012.
NO ANGEL and FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH are available at Deseret Book, Latter Day Cottage, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. NO ANGEL is also available in paperback and Kindle.
To learn more about Theresa Sneed check out her website at www.theresasneed.com
NO ANGEL by Theresa Sneed is published by Walnut Springs http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com. The back of the book blurb states:
An angel with an attitudeJonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth as a guardian angel, but it's required of all post-mortal spirits to fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short. What he doesn't know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or her time of death! Jonathan's client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of her own and refused death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her guardian angel--in a place he only wanted to forget.
NO ANGEL gives a interesting look into what life after death could be. As you follow Jonathan on his journey through after-life, you cheer for him, you cringe for him, you shake your head at his stubbornness, yet realize his journey takes you on a ride of discovering what life is all about.
I must admit my favorite character was Grace, a guardian angel who spends much of her time schooling Jonathan since he refused to read his manual, which when opened has a screen and a tiny keyboard. Grace has an iron backbone. She doesn't put up with any sass from anyone, yet she's loving and kind and has the patience of Job. I found I wanted to give Jonathan a little thump on his head more than once, yet Grace continued to work with him.
The demons called sheydim in the book are a sobering concept. They follow mortals along with the guardian angels. Sheydim's are fallen angels, allowed to tempt mortals. They can only get close if the mortal is by permission from the mortal. Permission which is mostly given carelessly through a person's actions. NO ANGEL paints a clear picture of evil spirits not allowed to mortal bodies and in their unhappy state strive to destroy mortals.
NO ANGEL is a good read. It leads to many thought provoking scenarios and shows that the veil between earth life and post life is thin indeed.
NO ANGEL receives TEN STARS for ingenuity and vision. Well done Theresa Sneed.
Theresa Sneed now adds published author to her many hats. She lives in Arizona, is a member of American Night Writers Association, ANWA, the mother of six and grandmother of four.NO ANGEL is the first book in a four book series. Book two, FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH, is scheduled for release in April, 2012.
NO ANGEL and FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH are available at Deseret Book, Latter Day Cottage, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. NO ANGEL is also available in paperback and Kindle.
To learn more about Theresa Sneed check out her website at www.theresasneed.com
February 27, 2012
Retirement Quest -- Make Better Decisions by John Hauserman, CFP
Review by Cindy R. Williams
http://www.retirementquest.com This is a new genre of book for me to review --one that will help you create a bright future for you and your loved ones.
Retirement Quest is a book that will help you prepare for retirement. The sooner you read it, the better. It will help you find a way to make your future more secure, show you how to get started, avoid pitfalls, side step tax law quagmires and assist you in creating a plan to reach your final desitnation of rest and relaxation with peace of mind.
This plan will teach you how to avoid costly mistakes and help you create a secure future no matter where you are finacially today.
Please take a moment to read this blurb.
The state of today's economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others. It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future. How do we go about this? What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we're doing it right?
Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey. This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner. You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.
As you go through and create your personal profile, you'll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:
1. View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP® professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand
2. Get the whole story on various investment products, not just "the good stuff" that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about
3. Find useful links to government and other helpful websites
4. Identify if a financial advisor has been thorough in their duties
5. Identify and avoid fraudulent advisors
6. Make better financial decisions
You're invited to stop by the RetirementQuest® website and see for yourself if this is a tool you can use. Again, it's no cost, and all you have to lose is your financial stress. Those who take action now will find themselves in a much better place later—why delay your future security? Plan ahead and be prepared. http://retirementquest.com
John Hausermanm, CFPcheif executive officer of Retirment Journey, LLC.
Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.
http://www.retirementquest.com
http://www.retirementquest.com This is a new genre of book for me to review --one that will help you create a bright future for you and your loved ones. Retirement Quest is a book that will help you prepare for retirement. The sooner you read it, the better. It will help you find a way to make your future more secure, show you how to get started, avoid pitfalls, side step tax law quagmires and assist you in creating a plan to reach your final desitnation of rest and relaxation with peace of mind.
This plan will teach you how to avoid costly mistakes and help you create a secure future no matter where you are finacially today.
Please take a moment to read this blurb.
The state of today's economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others. It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future. How do we go about this? What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we're doing it right?
Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey. This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner. You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.
As you go through and create your personal profile, you'll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:
1. View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP® professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand
2. Get the whole story on various investment products, not just "the good stuff" that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about
3. Find useful links to government and other helpful websites
4. Identify if a financial advisor has been thorough in their duties
5. Identify and avoid fraudulent advisors
6. Make better financial decisions
You're invited to stop by the RetirementQuest® website and see for yourself if this is a tool you can use. Again, it's no cost, and all you have to lose is your financial stress. Those who take action now will find themselves in a much better place later—why delay your future security? Plan ahead and be prepared. http://retirementquest.com
John Hausermanm, CFPcheif executive officer of Retirment Journey, LLC. Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.
http://www.retirementquest.com
November 25, 2011
Bitter Blessings - a novel - Christine Mehring
The clock in the kitchen pounded out the seconds, and the neighbor's wind chimes clanged their chaotic melody until I thought my brain would explode, and then, finally, Gram said, "There was an accident on the highway this afternoon. Your mother was in it."And the world collapsed around me . . . again.After the death of her mother, everything seems to spin out of control for Megan. taking care of her grandmother--who refuses to received help from anyone--and her two younger sisters, Megan must depend on her best friend Adam to get through these hard times. But when she discovers an old family secret, Megan must choose between trusting her family and follwoing what her heart tells her to be true. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this debut novel shows that the power of love brings the best blessing even during the bitterest trials.
This back of the book sure caught my attention. I finished it in a few hours. My heart went out to most of the characters. Mahring is able to paint a complete picture of a troubled family. She gives the reader a sense of the raw emotions a teen feels as she faces life. Her writing is brave in that she doesn't gloss things over nor does she sugar coat the issues.
Thank you Christine Mehring for this heart-felt and gut check novel. Well worth the read.
Writers Mirror gives Bitter Blessings 9 Stars!
Bitter Blessings - a novel by Christine Mehring is published by Bonneville Books, an imprit of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Click here to purchase Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring.
November 21, 2011
The Assassination of Governor Boggs by Rod Miller
The title alone caught my attention. It tweaks the interest of history buffs and members of the LDS Church. Everything known about Governor Lilburn Boggs speaks of controversy. Often referred to by early members of the Church as one of the most evil men and a definite thorn in the side of Mormons, Boggs was directly and/or indirectly responsible for the deaths of many early Saints; men, women and children.Boggs is most famous for his extermination order of the Mormons on October 27, 1838, during the time he served as Governor of Missouri.
Author Rod Miller creates a novel based around Mr. Progue, a Pinkerton Detective, hired by the Bill Boggs, the son of Governor Boggs. Progue was hired to find out the truth whether Orrin Porter Rockwell, the notorious body guard of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and later, President Brigham Young was guilty of the assassination attempt. Note, Governor Boggs did not die from the gun shot through his parlor window, although three balls entered his head and one his throat. He lived another 18 or so years, most of them in California after his term as Governor ended.
Miller sets the story about 25 years after the assassination attempt. It is told through Progue as he travels around the country interviewing eye anyone who he can find that was either around during that time or reading old reports, newspaper clippings and records. Progue also interviews Orrin Porter Rockwell himself, and various parts of that interview are interspersed throughout the book.
Miller does an excellent job of taking the reader on a tour of the hardships the Saints suffered at the hands of Bogg from the eyes of the neutral character, Progue. He includes a visit with "Wild Bill", Emma Smith Bidamon and even President Brigham Young.
Miller, "Born and raised in a small town in Utah, around horses and cattle, and a veteran of the rodeo arena, he comes by his love of the West and its history, culture, and people honestly."This is explains the feeling of reality conveyed in the book about the life on the frontier in the 1800's. Miller has a knack for making the wild west come alive.
Did Orrin Porter Rockwell shoot Governor Lilburn Boggs? That is the premise of the entire novel as you journey through the history.
It is a good read, and you will have to make up your own mind as to what really happened after you travel the dusty trails with a Pinkerton Detective.
Writers Mirror gives The Assassination of Governor Boggs by Rod Miller 9 stars out of 10. A book defiantly worth reading.
Check out more about Rod Miller and his books at: www.writerrodmiller.com
To purchase your own copy, Click Here
October 25, 2011
The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story
Cindy R. Williams
The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story, by Jaclyn M. Hawkes was a fun read. Every once in awhile you come across that book that makes you want to read late into the night, and this is one of them.
Here's the back blurb:
Montana truly is heavenly.
Especially those handsome cowboys.
Her parents want a clout wielding attorney, safely enthroned in an appropriately high end Mercedes sedan and a tailored business suit. She just wants to teach kindergarten.
When her "all-powerful" parents actually choose her future husband, who just happens to be a divorce lawyer named Elroy, Charlie opts out and heads for the Big Sky Country. After all, who marries a divorce lawyer? She and her best friend Fo, who have been buddies since the third grade, go to work on his cousin's sprawling ranch in the heart of the Montana Rockies.
Filled with colorful characters of all shapes, sizes and species, including an orphaned baby pig, most of the Langston family put the fun in dysfunctional, -give or take a couple of black sheep. There's one in every family, isn't there? Add to that glorious scenery, a horse of her own, and one extremely attractive cousin rancher, Luke Langston, and it makes for a summer never to be forgotten. Which might not be a good ting. She has the time of her life, but her heart may never recover.
Hawkes does a nice job developing likable lead characters and a few characters that make you squirm. Charlie is in quite a predicament. Does she please her parents by living the life they plan for her and give up her personal happiness and dreams or does she break out and catch her destiny? I will leave that for you to discover in this well written adventurous love story.
Writers Mirror gives a perfect TEN STARS out of ten for The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story.
The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story, by Jaclyn M. Hawkes was a fun read. Every once in awhile you come across that book that makes you want to read late into the night, and this is one of them.
Here's the back blurb:
Montana truly is heavenly. Especially those handsome cowboys.
Her parents want a clout wielding attorney, safely enthroned in an appropriately high end Mercedes sedan and a tailored business suit. She just wants to teach kindergarten.
When her "all-powerful" parents actually choose her future husband, who just happens to be a divorce lawyer named Elroy, Charlie opts out and heads for the Big Sky Country. After all, who marries a divorce lawyer? She and her best friend Fo, who have been buddies since the third grade, go to work on his cousin's sprawling ranch in the heart of the Montana Rockies.
Filled with colorful characters of all shapes, sizes and species, including an orphaned baby pig, most of the Langston family put the fun in dysfunctional, -give or take a couple of black sheep. There's one in every family, isn't there? Add to that glorious scenery, a horse of her own, and one extremely attractive cousin rancher, Luke Langston, and it makes for a summer never to be forgotten. Which might not be a good ting. She has the time of her life, but her heart may never recover.
Hawkes does a nice job developing likable lead characters and a few characters that make you squirm. Charlie is in quite a predicament. Does she please her parents by living the life they plan for her and give up her personal happiness and dreams or does she break out and catch her destiny? I will leave that for you to discover in this well written adventurous love story.
Writers Mirror gives a perfect TEN STARS out of ten for The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story.
September 10, 2011
FALL by Jennifer Hurst
by Cindy R. Williams
(*Note, Keep reading and find a contest --highlighted in green --offered by the author, Jennifer Hurst)
Back blurb of FALL:
Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client; Mr. Blackwell thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of the century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan battle over Julia's very soul.
I married into family of civil engineers. When I first met my husband, I thought engineers wore puffy blue and white striped hats, overalls and tooted horns on trains. Not so, civil engineers design streets, underground facilities, roads, bridges, parking lots and the ground levels for buildings, and housing developments, etc. They do all the design before construction takes place. Living around engineers gives me insight into the lead character's career. The author nails it. Julia, or JD, is working in a traditional man's world. According to the author bio, Hurst, herself, retired from the construction industry. She knows her stuff.
Now, having given credibility to the technical aspects of the novel, let's move to the characters. JD is a good strong female lead, smart, hard working with a drive to prove herself, too naive, not the best choice in men, not the most logical female. Hurst gives her plenty of strengths and the flaws that make her human.
The setting is in more toward the southern end of Utah. Hurst paints nice word pictures of the red rock canyons and surrounding area.
Hurst weaves in the folk lore of Butch Cassidy aka Robert LeRoy Parker, who apparently helped the people in that area and was a real good guy other than his little side job of robbing stage coaches and trains.
Several times I actually got the chills from some pretty evil bad guys. I was glad I didn't read those parts on a dark and stormy night.
I don't want to give the story away, nor some of the surprise twists, but I will say The books ending lends itself to a sequel.
Get your own copy of the book at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71705 and visit Jennifer Hurst at http://jenniferhurst.wordpress.com/
In conjunction with this blog tour, Jennifer is holding a contest. It will involve any of the blogs that Jennifer visits or where her book is featured and will close on December 31st, 2011. The entrants have to answer three questions about the book they've read (bought, borrowed, or stolen - shame on you) and post a link to Jennifer's website on their Twitter, Facebook, or blog (need link for verification).
Then the names will be entered in a random name picker generator (http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-Picker.html) and announced on Jennifer's website (www.jenniferhurst.com) on January 31st, 2012. The winner will receive a gift certificate for a night's stay at the actual bed and breakfast where the story takes place.
Other prizes include an autographed copy of FALL, and she will randomly select 3 contestants' names to use in the sequel to FALL. Plus, they will receive a free copy of that book when it is published.
Each blog that Jennifer Hurst visits will have a different set of questions people can answer, and they may enter as many times as they want - but they can enter once per blog site that they visit. So the more sites you visit, the more you can enter your name, thus increasing your chances of winning the gift certificate, a copy of the book FALL, and your name in the sequel.
Get the book, read the book, and then read over the questions below. Once you have your answers, e-mail them to Jennifer. fall.jenniferhurst@gmail.com
Your privacy is respected and your email address will NOT be used for anything but the contest. Once the contest is over - your email address will be deleted from the database.
Here are the questions for you to answer:
Is Quabin a Male or a Female?
What is JD's favorite animal?
What was Drogo's supernatural gift to JD?
Also, come on a fun journey and see what other bloggers have to say about FALL by Jennifer Hurst.
August 29th Mandi Slack http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com
August 30th Heather Gardner http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com
August 30th Kris Chen http://imaginaryreads.blogspot.com
September 1st Michelle Jeffries http://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com/
September 2nd Aislynn Thompson http://knitpurlstitch.blogspot.com
September 6th Tonya Christensen http://whatallthekidsarereading.blogspot.com
September 10th Cindy R. Williams http://www.writersmirror.blogspot.com/
September 12th Tamara Hart Heiner http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/
September 15th Debbie Davis http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
September 15th Jennifer Debenham www.writebycandlelight.blogspot.com
September 16th Rachel Shaw http://www.crackaspinebookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 19th Danyelle Ferguson http://www.queenoftheclan.blogspot.com/
September 17th Cathy Witbeck http://cathywitbeck-storypainter.blogspot.com/
September 20th Kaylynn England www.bookreviewsandmore.com
September 23rd Gaynell Parker http://www.ldspaz.blogspot.com
September 26th Jewel Allen http://pink-ink-pink.blogspot.com/September 27th Heidi Durant http://ldwmagazine.com/
September 29th Kaylee Baldwin http://www.kayleebaldwin.com/ October 1st Autumn Weber http://www.queenofchaosandjoy.blogspot.com/
October 2rd Theresa Small Sneed Bestbooksread.blogspot.com
October 3rd Carolyn Frank http://franklycreative.blogspot.com/
October 5th Jason Morgan http://www.jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com
October 7th Heather Justesen http://www.heatherjustesen.blogspot.comCindy Hogan http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com Cami Checketts http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com
Melissa Cunningham http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.comKaren Pellett http://FabulousReads.com
Valerie Ipson http://valerieipson.blogspot.com/
Nichole Giles http://starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Keith N Fisher http://knfisher.blogspot.com/
(*Note, Keep reading and find a contest --highlighted in green --offered by the author, Jennifer Hurst)Back blurb of FALL:
Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client; Mr. Blackwell thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of the century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan battle over Julia's very soul.
I married into family of civil engineers. When I first met my husband, I thought engineers wore puffy blue and white striped hats, overalls and tooted horns on trains. Not so, civil engineers design streets, underground facilities, roads, bridges, parking lots and the ground levels for buildings, and housing developments, etc. They do all the design before construction takes place. Living around engineers gives me insight into the lead character's career. The author nails it. Julia, or JD, is working in a traditional man's world. According to the author bio, Hurst, herself, retired from the construction industry. She knows her stuff.
Now, having given credibility to the technical aspects of the novel, let's move to the characters. JD is a good strong female lead, smart, hard working with a drive to prove herself, too naive, not the best choice in men, not the most logical female. Hurst gives her plenty of strengths and the flaws that make her human.
The setting is in more toward the southern end of Utah. Hurst paints nice word pictures of the red rock canyons and surrounding area.
Hurst weaves in the folk lore of Butch Cassidy aka Robert LeRoy Parker, who apparently helped the people in that area and was a real good guy other than his little side job of robbing stage coaches and trains.
Several times I actually got the chills from some pretty evil bad guys. I was glad I didn't read those parts on a dark and stormy night.
I don't want to give the story away, nor some of the surprise twists, but I will say The books ending lends itself to a sequel.
Get your own copy of the book at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71705 and visit Jennifer Hurst at http://jenniferhurst.wordpress.com/
In conjunction with this blog tour, Jennifer is holding a contest. It will involve any of the blogs that Jennifer visits or where her book is featured and will close on December 31st, 2011. The entrants have to answer three questions about the book they've read (bought, borrowed, or stolen - shame on you) and post a link to Jennifer's website on their Twitter, Facebook, or blog (need link for verification).
Then the names will be entered in a random name picker generator (http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-Picker.html) and announced on Jennifer's website (www.jenniferhurst.com) on January 31st, 2012. The winner will receive a gift certificate for a night's stay at the actual bed and breakfast where the story takes place.
Other prizes include an autographed copy of FALL, and she will randomly select 3 contestants' names to use in the sequel to FALL. Plus, they will receive a free copy of that book when it is published.
Each blog that Jennifer Hurst visits will have a different set of questions people can answer, and they may enter as many times as they want - but they can enter once per blog site that they visit. So the more sites you visit, the more you can enter your name, thus increasing your chances of winning the gift certificate, a copy of the book FALL, and your name in the sequel.
Get the book, read the book, and then read over the questions below. Once you have your answers, e-mail them to Jennifer. fall.jenniferhurst@gmail.com
Your privacy is respected and your email address will NOT be used for anything but the contest. Once the contest is over - your email address will be deleted from the database.
Here are the questions for you to answer:
Is Quabin a Male or a Female?
What is JD's favorite animal?
What was Drogo's supernatural gift to JD?
Also, come on a fun journey and see what other bloggers have to say about FALL by Jennifer Hurst.
August 29th Mandi Slack http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com
August 30th Heather Gardner http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com
August 30th Kris Chen http://imaginaryreads.blogspot.com
September 1st Michelle Jeffries http://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com/
September 2nd Aislynn Thompson http://knitpurlstitch.blogspot.com
September 6th Tonya Christensen http://whatallthekidsarereading.blogspot.com
September 10th Cindy R. Williams http://www.writersmirror.blogspot.com/
September 12th Tamara Hart Heiner http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/
September 15th Debbie Davis http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
September 15th Jennifer Debenham www.writebycandlelight.blogspot.com
September 16th Rachel Shaw http://www.crackaspinebookreviews.blogspot.com/
September 19th Danyelle Ferguson http://www.queenoftheclan.blogspot.com/
September 17th Cathy Witbeck http://cathywitbeck-storypainter.blogspot.com/
September 20th Kaylynn England www.bookreviewsandmore.com
September 23rd Gaynell Parker http://www.ldspaz.blogspot.com
September 26th Jewel Allen http://pink-ink-pink.blogspot.com/September 27th Heidi Durant http://ldwmagazine.com/
September 29th Kaylee Baldwin http://www.kayleebaldwin.com/ October 1st Autumn Weber http://www.queenofchaosandjoy.blogspot.com/
October 2rd Theresa Small Sneed Bestbooksread.blogspot.com
October 3rd Carolyn Frank http://franklycreative.blogspot.com/
October 5th Jason Morgan http://www.jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com
October 7th Heather Justesen http://www.heatherjustesen.blogspot.comCindy Hogan http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com Cami Checketts http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com
Melissa Cunningham http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.comKaren Pellett http://FabulousReads.com
Valerie Ipson http://valerieipson.blogspot.com/
Nichole Giles http://starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Keith N Fisher http://knfisher.blogspot.com/
August 31, 2011
Inspirational Quotes
by Cindy R. Williams
The following quotes can be tweaked to fit most areas, but please read them with your writing in mind.
"If it is to be, it is up to me." Many people
"Procrastination is like a credit card; it's a lot of fun until you get the bill." Christopher Parker
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." Colin Powell
"Quality is not an act. It is a habit." Arisotle
"Tis better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln
"Whatever you are, be a good one." Abraham Lincoln
"Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." Eleanor Roosevelt
"You don't get harmony when everyone sings the same note." Doug Floyd
These last three resonate with me big time. How about you?
"Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to." Source unknown.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Wayne Gretsky
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Hellen Keller
If you find one or two of these that fit where you are right now, please print them and place them on your mirror or somewhere to remind you that you CAN DO IT!
August 8, 2011
All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall
Book Review by Cindy R. Williams
I must say that the front cover fascinates me. Most of it is in browns and greens, not really too catchy, however, it has an embossed design placed on top of the colors that make it quite unique. It made me want to take a second look.
The back blurb is:
AN ENCOUNTER WITH a Mormon Missionary and his unusual message of a "restored gospel" leaves Richard Kenyon, a young Methodist minister, questioning his life's work when he cannot deny a growing testimony of this peculiar American religion. But Richard soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.
I have ancestors from Wales, so that caught my interest. Also, I find it intriguing that a minister of another church, someone we assume knows religion, begins to understand and feel the spirit of truth. I want to know about this journey and if he is strong enough to follow the light.
It is said that a great first line leads to a great book. This may or may not be true, however, first lines of books do tell one allot about what to expect. The first line of the book told us the name of one of the important characters and that she was proud of her husband. Though not explosive, we have good information and I like her. The first chapter reveals a number of key players. We learn that the minister and his wife are good people--people you want to call friends. We also meet uppity characters like the minister's brother and his wife. Hall does well on creating characters we love, or love to hate.
Omniscient point of view, which means head hopping from Leah, to Richard, to Robert, to Leah, to Amelia, to Leah, to Amelia, to Richard . . . is somewhat confusing, but, the characters were strong enough to keep the story going.
Hall gives the reader an education in early trials of the Church in Wales. We usually hear about the Pioneers and how they were persecuted. Hall opens your eyes by creating a story that will touch your heart and increase your love and appreciation for those stalwart members all around the world.
Writers Mirror gives All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall 8 smiles on a scale of 1 - 10. Well worth the read.
All That Was Promised is Vickie Hall's debut novel and is published by Bonneville Books, a Cedar Fort imprint.
All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall
I must say that the front cover fascinates me. Most of it is in browns and greens, not really too catchy, however, it has an embossed design placed on top of the colors that make it quite unique. It made me want to take a second look. The back blurb is:
AN ENCOUNTER WITH a Mormon Missionary and his unusual message of a "restored gospel" leaves Richard Kenyon, a young Methodist minister, questioning his life's work when he cannot deny a growing testimony of this peculiar American religion. But Richard soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.
I have ancestors from Wales, so that caught my interest. Also, I find it intriguing that a minister of another church, someone we assume knows religion, begins to understand and feel the spirit of truth. I want to know about this journey and if he is strong enough to follow the light.
It is said that a great first line leads to a great book. This may or may not be true, however, first lines of books do tell one allot about what to expect. The first line of the book told us the name of one of the important characters and that she was proud of her husband. Though not explosive, we have good information and I like her. The first chapter reveals a number of key players. We learn that the minister and his wife are good people--people you want to call friends. We also meet uppity characters like the minister's brother and his wife. Hall does well on creating characters we love, or love to hate.
Omniscient point of view, which means head hopping from Leah, to Richard, to Robert, to Leah, to Amelia, to Leah, to Amelia, to Richard . . . is somewhat confusing, but, the characters were strong enough to keep the story going.
Hall gives the reader an education in early trials of the Church in Wales. We usually hear about the Pioneers and how they were persecuted. Hall opens your eyes by creating a story that will touch your heart and increase your love and appreciation for those stalwart members all around the world.
Writers Mirror gives All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall 8 smiles on a scale of 1 - 10. Well worth the read.
All That Was Promised is Vickie Hall's debut novel and is published by Bonneville Books, a Cedar Fort imprint.
All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall
August 6, 2011
Harping and Writing
by Cindy R. Williams
Two of my favorite people, Tony and Joanni Judd, on their wedding day.
This is my magical harp, Arvilla. Did you know if you are the first owner of a harp, you have the privilege and responsibility of christening it with it's eternal name. Arvilla is the middle name of my favorite, and only dear mother. The name reminds me of vanilla, a yummy taste and a sublime smell. My mother doesn't like the name so much so it's fun to tease her a bit by using the name - not that I ever yanked her chain growing up or anything.Playing the harp channels my muse and also calms my soul. I often play late at night in the dark. It's not like playing a trumpet so I don't wake anyone. If they do happen to stumble out of bed, they think they are hearing angels so it's all good.
I have found that writing harp music is pretty much the same process as writing stories. Sometimes the notes flow out and they sound wonderful, but other times, nothing comes. Nada, stone-cold dry. When that happens, I play whatever my heart desires and enjoy the lilting music that floats around the lofty ceiling. When nonsense or no sense comes out of my fingertips on the keyboard of my computer, I often dive into the pool and float on my back make cloud animals.
Just yesterday there were dragons swooping in and out of thunder clouds along with some slashes of lighting giving me two good reasons to slosh out the pool. The first and most important was to quickly jot down the dragon scene before it slipped away and the second reason was to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Maybe not in the correct order, but both important none the less.
The muse is a tricky little minx at best. I think I will try enticicing the muse with chocolate. Has this worked for anyone? What works for you?
Two of my favorite people, Tony and Joanni Judd, on their wedding day.This is my magical harp, Arvilla. Did you know if you are the first owner of a harp, you have the privilege and responsibility of christening it with it's eternal name. Arvilla is the middle name of my favorite, and only dear mother. The name reminds me of vanilla, a yummy taste and a sublime smell. My mother doesn't like the name so much so it's fun to tease her a bit by using the name - not that I ever yanked her chain growing up or anything.Playing the harp channels my muse and also calms my soul. I often play late at night in the dark. It's not like playing a trumpet so I don't wake anyone. If they do happen to stumble out of bed, they think they are hearing angels so it's all good.
I have found that writing harp music is pretty much the same process as writing stories. Sometimes the notes flow out and they sound wonderful, but other times, nothing comes. Nada, stone-cold dry. When that happens, I play whatever my heart desires and enjoy the lilting music that floats around the lofty ceiling. When nonsense or no sense comes out of my fingertips on the keyboard of my computer, I often dive into the pool and float on my back make cloud animals.
Just yesterday there were dragons swooping in and out of thunder clouds along with some slashes of lighting giving me two good reasons to slosh out the pool. The first and most important was to quickly jot down the dragon scene before it slipped away and the second reason was to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Maybe not in the correct order, but both important none the less.
The muse is a tricky little minx at best. I think I will try enticicing the muse with chocolate. Has this worked for anyone? What works for you?
