Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 31
May 10, 2025
Review: SAVE THE DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA by Rich Amooi
A man that loves to read? Yeah,that be my type, too!
When Melody found one reading aromance—Price and Prejudice—be still her heart! Then, he started to talk,shattering the warm and fuzzy illusion. She gets into a heated debate with himover the literary work unaware that he was a famous author. When she shows upat his family home, another debate ensues with there being a “fine line betweenpreserving history and playing Regency Barbie.” Love that witty commentary!
Now, the two were bunkmates. Eventhough he was infuriating, there was something about Cooper that intriguedMelody. He loved his books, his brother, and his dog. I loved the snappy sparbetween them.
In rummaging through his deadmother’s old things, they stumble upon a mystery in his family. Who was the guythat looked so much like Cooper? The mystery about his mother was certainlyinteresting although I kind of already figured what the deal was with the man.
This was an enjoyable read for themost part, but it does get a little too soft and sappy for my taste and becomestoo daunting.
A fairly nice read, but just notthe best.
Rating: 3 stars
May 8, 2025
Book Blast: GOD AND PETROLEUM by Roberto Aguilera
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Roberto Aguilera will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
It's been many years since God planted in my heart the idea to author this book. To do so I relied on science and engineering, looking deep into the earth a few thousand feet, dreaming of petroleum reservoirs I could not see, and evaluated them using mostly indirect sources of information. Petroleum hydrocarbons in earth are of organic origin (they form from dead plants and animals) and are intimately related with water. I also had to look to a different scale deep into the universe when it was created 13.77 billion years ago to try to understand the origin of hydrogen, the birth of the first hydrogen star (the seed star), its explosion in a supernova, and the repetitive births and explosions of subsequent stars that led eventually to the formation of elements such as carbon and iron and to hydrocarbons in the universe. These are hydrocarbons of inorganic origin.
Then I moved into the micrometer scale of human cells and to top research informing us that we are very close to chimpanzees, and a very persuasive discussion about evolution that I agree with. The book of Genesis tells us that God created man and woman in the sixth day, and that he formed man in the seventh day of the dust of the earth and woman of the rib of man. At first glance all of this seems contradictory, but it is not. This book shows that available science supports Genesis' seven days very well. They do not contradict each other.
Read an Excerpt
Writing petroleum engineering technical papers and books is complicated. I have done it many times, but authoring this book has been my major challenge.
In here I try to link the heavens (universe), earth, humanity, and the word of God as presented particularly during seven days beginning on day 1 with the first verse in the book of Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The work of Monsignor Georges Lemaître (1894–1996), a Belgian Catholic priest, original developer of the theory of the primeval atom, later known universally as the Big Bang theory is inspirational as it shows scientifically that there was a beginning, and it links perfectly with Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning…” This is covered in Chapter 1.
Science tells us that the universe started around 13.77 billion years ago and the earth about 4.6 billion years ago. But in the beginning, it was mostly hydrogen.
When Edwin Hubble (1889–1953) discovered that galaxies were moving away at speeds proportional to their distance (Hubble-Lemaître law), it corroborated the theory previously posited by Lemaître.
In the beginning darkness covered the face of the deep space; it was the dark ages. The first star was made of hydrogen. Eventually, the first star (I think of it as the original seed) exploded.
About the Author: Roberto Aguilera is professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary (Canada) and president of Servipetrol Ltd. He specializes in the evaluation of naturally fractured, tight and shale petroleum reservoirs worldwide. He has authored and co-authored six books dealing with petroleum engineering subjects and over 300 technical papers. He has rendered training and/or consulting services in over 40 countries worldwide. This is his first book linking God, His creation, and the benefits of petroleum to humanity while debunking alarming claims about its use.
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1779622619
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/475304.Roberto_Aguilera
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May 7, 2025
Wednesday Weekly Blog Challenge
Each Wednesday, Long and Short Reviews hosts a weekly “blog hop”. For more details on how to participate, please click here.
Favorite TV Shows and WhyI've always said that the BEST TV and music always came from the 90's! Here is my list of the all-time BEST shows.
1. Seinfeld - What I loved best about Seinfeld was that it was ALWAYS about the comedy. The gang never took anything serious, not even death when they killed off George's fiancé, Susan. It was always about the comedy. You were always guaranteed a good laugh.
2. Friends - Even though this show did get into the dramatics with the break-ups and the engagements, this show was comforting because of the comradery of friendship. You kind of almost wish you had friends like these.
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer - What teen in the 90's didn't love this show? Buffy was all about girl power and kicking ass! I especially loved Faith, the dark slayer.
3. Walker, Texas Ranger - I loved Chuck Norris! The only actor that ever did his own stunts, and a 50-year old doing his own stunts in that show was impressive. Nobody could do what Chuck did.
4. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch - I loved this witchy series! Who wouldn't want to have her fun magic?
5. The Secret World of Alex Mack - Another series that reminded me of simpler times and growing up in the 90's. Who wouldn't want to have telekinesis and shoot zappers out of your fingers? And, of course, there's the morphing.
6. California Dreams - This show was similar to Saved by the Bell, but this one had a band that played songs I loved. Not to mention the first love of my life was from this show.
7. Mighty Morphin Power Ranger - It's Morphin' Time! Loved this show as a kid! This was my first introduction to karate.
What are some of your favorite shows?
May 6, 2025
Book Blast: SYNDICATE MOON (Stellar Heir, Book 2) by Scott Killian
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Scott Killian will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Jael and his crew are on the run, searching for an ancient machine that could save the galaxy, but the syndicate-controlled moon has other plans.
After uncovering an artifact that grants him extraordinary powers, Jael thought he had gained the upper hand in the lawless fringes of space. But news of his newfound abilities has spread throughout the galaxy, and a bounty is placed on his head for crimes he didn’t commit. New enemies emerge to claim the reward and old foes remain relentless in their pursuit of the artifact.
Jael is unwillingly thrust into a high-stakes game that determines control over the moon. The four crime syndicates use this brutal contest to decide who will rule, and now Jael’s fate is entangled with theirs.
Complicating matters further, a mysterious woman with a similar artifact stalks Jael across the moon, sabotaging his quest. With each step, the stakes rise, and every decision could mean life or death. Jael must fight to stay alive, protect his crew, and uncover the second Antiqui lock—before time runs out.
Read an Excerpt:
Black crystalline scales erupted from Jael’s skin as he threw himself in front of Merzi. The scales absorbed the impact of the slugs and heat of the beams, crystal shards crackling off with each hit.
“Whoa, whoa, hold your fire!” One of the members stepped forward —a younger man who showed obvious signs of being a human hybrid.
His skin had a subtle, iridescent sheen and bony protrusions framed his jawline. His eyes scanned Jael, one a piercing blue, the other a glowing amber. Unlike the others he was clad in a weathered leather vest with various alien ornaments dangling from his belt.
The man continued. “We’re here for Ked’Korhva, not the woman.”
“Who the void cares, Lorvel?” one of the others said. “Just waste the skwer so we can get our payday.”
Jael straightened, breathing heavily. His scales dissolved back into his flesh. “Since when do syndicates go into bounty hunting work?”
Lorvel stepped closer. “Since the price on your head hit six digits.”
“You’re really willing to die for a payday?” Jael asked, motioning for Merzi to retreat into the abandoned building.
“For that kind of money?” Lorvel grinned, raising one brow. “Absolutely.”
Jael stole a glance over his shoulder to make sure Merzi had taken cover inside. When he saw her get into position behind the broken window, he turned back towards Lorvel and the rest of the Legion lackeys.
Jael quickly raised his slug thrower, aiming for Lorvel, but a shot rang out. The gun was knocked from his grip, skidding across the walkway. He swore under his breath and cradled his stinging hand.
Lorvel had his weapon steadily trained on Jael. The two men locked eyes. Jael shook his hand, ignoring the throbbing pain and dropping into a fighting stance. The wound had already healed thanks to the Antiqui bracelet.
About the Author: Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi, fantasy and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, and H. P. Lovecraft, those portals in his mind were opened, and his obsession with reading began. Storytelling, in any form, is his only passion.
Inspired by epic sci-fi space operas, Killian crafts tales of interstellar adventure and space wars, blending thrilling martial arts combat with galactic-scale conflict. His works often feature gritty fight sequences and complex characters caught in the heart of a stellar conflict, creating a unique blend of space opera thriller and sci-fi epic.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorscottkillian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.e.killian/
Twitter: https://x.com/authorsekillian
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Syndicate-Moon-Thrilling-Sci-fi-Stellar-ebook/dp/B0DG3XZCSH/ref=sr_1_1 FREE TO READ ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
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Book Blast: IN SEARCH OF RECOGNITION by Jim McAllister
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jim McAllister will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
In Search of Recognition: The Story of Search and Rescue in British Columbia provides background on why and how organized volunteer search and rescue became a reality in the province, and how search and rescue evolved over many years to meet the increasing demands of finding lost people and rescuing those injured outdoors. The primary focus of the thousands of volunteers is to save the lives of persons lost or injured outdoors; training and fundraising for equipment and other costs also require time and energy. Through personal involvement and references, the author provides insights into how funding and other support for the volunteer service was achieved, through government, responsible agencies, organizations and individuals working together to find ways to assist those who strive "so others may live."
Read an Excerpt
Civil defence continued to be the focus of all levels of government in BC during the 1960s. The cold war standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States and its allies continued to escalate as nuclear capabilities grew. Air raid siren tests were common along with drills in schools in BC. Citizens in Comox were treated to the sights and sounds of Voodoo fighter jets launching to intercept Russian long-distance bombers. The RCAF remained the lead for air and marine search and rescue, from their base on Sea Island. Searches for missing aircraft and vessels in distress were numerous, as technology such as tracking and alerting systems were yet to be developed or in their infancy.
About the Author: Jim McAllister has been involved in search and rescue for over 45 years, starting as a volunteer member in the Rocky Mountains in 1977 with Golden and District SAR and then Cranbrook SAR. He became the SAR specialist for the Province of B.C. in 2002. In 2008, Jim retired from the provincial government as a director with Emergency Management British Columbia and became a volunteer director for special projects with the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association. Jim has been involved with many major projects: the establishment of Avalanche Canada, the updating of volunteer reimbursement rates, the establishment of health and safety guidelines, the formation of a joint health and safety committee, Swiftwater Rescue standards, sustainable funding for search and rescue and the establishment of the British Columbia Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial. Jim wrote a book on the last project, titled A Monument to Remember, and one on incidents, titled One Week in August: Stories from Search and Rescue in British Columbia.
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1779627394
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519145.Jim_McAllister
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May 5, 2025
Book Blast: LOVE LETTERS TO ME, MYSELF, AND HIM by Rayan Khamis
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rayan Khamis will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
"No two souls meet by accident"
Have you ever felt like you've missed someone you've never met? Like your soul is yearning to meet another soul that fate has destined for you to meet? As I tackle the challenges of everyday life I come to realization that there's a higher power guiding me to my soulmate. These love letters have become my anchor and devotion towards my soulmate though we've never locked eyes. Come on a journey of self- discovery, self- reflection, faith, destiny and hope. Unwind to my truth of what love, guidance and faithfulness means to me.
Read an Excerpt
Dear Rayan
You're going to inspire so many people soon. You will be surprised when you find out how many people want to hear you talk. You’re an artist in so many ways. You’ll be remembered by the things you left behind. You’re going to do so many wonderful things, my love. First and foremost, don’t ever be afraid of crying. No matter where you are, if you need to cry a river, do so. If you don’t like crying alone, make sure you have a trusted friend by your side for comfort; and say, for example, you’re at dinner and something you saw or heard triggers you, go to a quiet area and let it rain. Don’t mix up fear with crying because then you’ll always be afraid. Crying can be therapeutic as well, especially if it’s tears held back from a young age. I have a lot of love for a lot of people and things. I had to grow up and, unfortunately, realize that not everything you love loves you back. I have love for the risk-takers and the hopeless romantic. Sacrifice and love is so beautiful.
About the Author: Rayan, a talented 27-year-old author, hails from Sudan, North Africa. She moved to Canada at the tender age of four, where she has cultivated a unique voice in the literary world. Though she discovered her passion for writing later in life, it was in 2019 that she first picked up a pen to craft love letters, a genre that has since become her signature.
Known for her wit and quiet demeanor around most people, Rayan's true personality shines brightly when she is among her loved ones, where her loud and vibrant nature comes to life. Her writing reflects this duality, blending sharp humour with heartfelt emotion to create deeply resonant works that captivate her readers.
Rayan's journey from Sudan to Canada and her experiences growing up between two cultures provide a rich backdrop for her writing, infusing her love letters with a depth and authenticity that set her apart in the literary scene. As she continues to write and share her stories, Rayan remains a dynamic and compelling voice, one that speaks to the complexities of love, identity, and connection.
Instagram : http://www.instagram.com/rayanroseay
TikTok : http://www.tiktok.com/@aboutusletters
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Blog Tour: SURVIVING THE UNITED NATIONS by Robert Bruce Adolph
SURVIVING THEUNITED NATIONS
Robert Bruce Adolph
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GENRE: NonFiction
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BLURB:
Thisis the astonishing true story of a US Army Special Forces soldier who became awarrior for peace. In his humanitarian and peacekeeping missions for the UnitedNations he dealt with child-soldiers, blood diamonds, a double hostage-taking,an invasion by brutal guerrillas, an emergency aerial evacuation, a desperatehostage recover mission, tribal gunfights, refugee camp violence, suicidebombings, and institutional corruption. His UN career brought him face to facewith the best and worst of human nature and he shares it all here.
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ExcerptThree:
In 1996 a former UN official, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, waselected President. The new President’s first order of business was to sign apeace treaty with Sankoh that rapidly failed. Sankoh continued to maintaincontrol of the most valuable diamond-producing areas. The following year, thefledgling President was overthrown by Major Johnny Paul Koroma and the SierraLeone Army. Koroma immediately suspended the Constitution, outlaweddemonstrations, and abolished all political parties. President Kabbah beat a hastyretreat to the country of Guinea, immediately to the north and east of SierraLeone.
Two years later, the Nigerian-led Western AfricanIntervention Force entered Freetown to cheering crowds. The cheers died quicklywhen the RUF later attempted to take Freetown by force. The UN MilitaryObserver mission in Sierra Leone evacuated its staff northward to Conakry,Guinea. Its headquarters compound was subsequently burned-out by the RUF.
The West African Intervention Force subsequently retookFreetown. The RUF returned to the bush, while maintaining control of thediamond-producing areas in the south and east of the country. The UN thenarranged a ceasefire. Later, in Lomé, Togo, an UN-brokered peace agreement wassigned between Kabbah’s government and the RUF. Not many in Sierra Leonebelieved that the peace agreement would hold. Fear was omnipresent. Nobody knewwhat the future might hold.
Confirmed reports spoke to many RUF atrocities. Because theyhad lost the previously held general election, their revenge was to cut off thehands of over 1,000 residents of Freetown. This equated in their minds topunishment for voting the wrong way.
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Topic: What habits did you practice while writing thisbook?
I tried to write something every day. If there is a lessonhere, that might be it. Write every day, especially when you don’t wish to….
The writing took three years. The rewrites took up most of that time. I moveoften between continents. I write wherever I am and as the mood strikes. Myfirst book was written at the kitchen table, including three re-writes. Mycurrent book will be completed at a desk and in a room set aside for the purposeof writing.
Do not permit surroundings to dictate when or how often youwrite. Writers will practice their vocation in the rain under a tent. Where isnot important. What you have to say might be.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
RobertBruce Adolph is a retired UN Chief Security Advisor & US Army SpecialForces Lieutenant Colonel. He holdsmaster’s degrees in both International Affairs (Middle East Studies) fromAmerican University’s School of International Service and National SecurityStudies and Strategy from the US Army’s Command and General Staff College.
Adolphserved nearly 26-years in multiple Special Forces, Counterterrorism,Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Foreign Area Officer, and MilitaryIntelligence command and staff assignments in the US and overseas. He alsovolunteered to serve on UN peacekeeping missions in Egypt, Israel, Cambodia,Iraq and Kuwait.
Afterhe retired from active military service in 1997, he began a second career as asenior UN Security Advisor. Among his positions he served as the Chief of theMiddle East and North Africa in the UN Department of Safety and Security.
Website:https://robertbruceadolph.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bruce-adolph-904597a/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/robert.adolph
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GIVEAWAY
RobertBruce Adolph will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.
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May 3, 2025
Review: GOOSEBUMPS: THE CUCKOO CLOCK OF DOOM by R.L. Stine
Could an antique cuckoo clock sendyou back in time? Apparently, as Michael was reliving his disastrous 12thbirthday party. What if the day kept repeating over and over again? That wouldmake somebody go cuckoo-cuckoo.
It seems time was going backwardswith Michael reliving every day he had. The only good thing about time travelwas that you could change things, but Michael kept going through the samemotions like a robot, knowing what was coming and not being able to do anythingabout it. Why couldn’t he change the outcome? Time was going back so fast thatMichael was losing years. He actually woke up in the 3rd gradeagain. What!? How far will he go back the next day? Will he disappear forever?
A fun read with a time-traveltwist! I liked the ending on the bratty sister.
Rating:5 stars
Review: WIRES CROSSED by Beth Fantaskey
What if your summer camp friendwas there all year round, but wasn’t the same? While Mia still remains ascience geek, he is the new stud in school. Such funny and colorfulillustrations!
Can Mia and Tariq work together tobuild a robot for a competition?
As Mia spends more time withTariq, she wonders how much he really changed. He did take apart his toy carcollection for the robot. After all, it’s not like he plays with them anymore.Was 13 the age to NOT be a kid anymore? Was it the age to grow up instead?
It would seem the upcoming schooldance was making a bigger mess of everything for Mia. Now, she needed to bringa date?
Can true friendship and a coolrobot overcome the confusing obstacles?
I liked this graphic novel. Iespecially liked the cute dog expressions in the scenes.
A cool graphic novel aboutfriendship and the fun of being a kid!
Rating:4 stars
Review: KIDNAPPED IN LITTLE LEAF CREEK by Cindy Bell
The early morning broke with abarking dog that was chasing a wild horse that was let loose by a nearby barn,where a dead body was found. One woman was murdered and her brother waskidnapped. Cassie and Tessa were soon rounding up the suspects on this doublemystery. Right away, you get into it. Money seems to be the motive here, butwho actually did it? The list of suspects went on and kept you interested allthe way. A great mystery!
Rating:5 stars
