Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 44

Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts: Book Review

Blood Brothers







Description

Nora Roberts presents the first novel in a compelling trilogy about three brothers bound by fate, blood, and a timeless enemy.

In the town of Hawkins Hollow, it’s called The Seven. Every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month, strange things happen. It began when three young boys–Caleb, Fox, and Gage–went on a camping trip to The Pagan Stone…

It is only February, but Caleb Hawkins–descendant of the town founders–has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. Though he can never forget the beginning of the terror in the woods twenty-one years ago, the signs have never been this strong before. Cal will need the help of his best friends Fox and Gage, but surprisingly he must rely on a stranger as well.

Reporter Quinn Black came to Hawkins Hollow hoping to make its eerie happenings the subject of her new book. She too can see the evil the locals cannot, somehow connecting her to the town–and to Cal. As winter turns to spring, they will shed their inhibitions, surrendering to a desire that will grow and form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by the fight against what is to come from out of the darkness… 

My Thoughts

The book starts off with three boys who share the same birthday sneaking into the woods to camp at the Pagan Stone. The stone is said to be haunted and there is local legend around the town and its history. I really enjoyed the young boys enjoying what is left of a summer. They take music, snacks, and contraband their parents wouldn’t approve of.

What I love about Roberts is that she includes fun details about how these boys wouldn’t normally hang out. There was the hippy kid, the middle class kid, and the kid who’s father beats on when he’s drunk. So, you end up getting a very complex character and see how the lives of others intertwine or inhibit relationships with others. Roberts books are mostly about relationships in all forms. This is no exception.

At midnight of their tenth birthday, they decide to make a pact, as boys do, and signed it with blood. They cut their wrists and make a blood pact, hence the title Blood Brothers. Upon their ritual, the ground shakes, fire spouts out of the ground, and they release something dark and sinister. Upon this happening, they notice something strange. One boy who wore glasses, no longer needed them. One who had been scratched up from playing, no longer bared those wounds. One who had welts on his back from his father’s lashing, no longer held those wounds.

For the next seven days, their town is overcome by evil. People who normally were good, killed others, themselves, raped, pillaged. They had hallucinations, a physical overtaking. Then, when the seven days were over, no one had any memory of what took place. The boys never regained their injuries and were, to their surprise, fast healers. They’d get hurt and could heal quickly, with a significant amount of pain, but they’d still heal.

After this night, it happened two more times. After seven years, for seven days their town would be overcome again. Caleb, Fox, and Gage would try to find ways to stop it from happening, from protecting their town, and coming up short. They would do their research on the stone, on the town, learn of their ancestor tied to the town, to the Pagan Stone, and to the evil that lurks there. Yet, are not able to come to a conclusion on how to stop it. How to destroy it.

In this first book in the Sign of Seven trilogy, we focus on Caleb Hawkins and how he’s determined to stopping it from happening again that summer. To gain perspective, he decides to speak to Quinn Black, a woman who writes about haunted small towns. Right up their alley, but he and his brothers are careful not to reveal too much.

Quinn Black knows how to do her research, is knowledgeable, and has a plethora of ideas on how to figure out what it all means. In doing so, she finds that she is connected to the town, to the brothers, and to the Pagan Stone in her own way. This will play a significant role in their journey and their quest. I love the complexity and realness of the characters. Quinn is a woman who loves food but she watches her calories. It’s funny to watch and relatable to those of us who are careful with food. It’s more fun than daunting and not at all do we worry about her having an eating disorder or some such issue.

While they work together, they share an intimate gift. They have the possibility of seeing what was past. It isn’t in the same way, but they share the gift and in sharing that gift, are able to uncover the beginning of the stone and why it came to be. While working together, they give into the desire they share, seemingly drawn to each other, and to their task.

Each character introduction is intended, Roberts is skilled in bringing in characters and giving us hints of what is to come in the rest of the trilogy. For example, you meet Layla Darnell in this book when she drove into town after leaving New York. Layla drove the streets straight to the hotel and to the town without ever having been there and without using a map. Drawn there, as the others were. Added to that, Quinn enlists the help of her friend Cybil Kinski who is a researcher and who also plays a role in the trilogy.

Roberts did an amazing job laying the foundation of Cal and Quinn’s work and how it trickles on to the rest of the trilogy. The romance part of the book is refreshing because the attraction is plainly stated, there isn’t a lot of dancing around, and there isn’t the back and forth of does she or doesn’t she. It is nice to just move forward and see the romance bud and develop over time. Simple and clean.

Finally, you get some teasers of what is to come, which to me can be good. I like to know that there will be further explanations in the trilogy and it keeps the reader engaged. A well-put together story.

The Hollow







Description:

For Fox, Caleb, Gage, and the other residents of Hawkins Hollow, the number seven portends doom – ever since, as boys, they freed a demon trapped for centuries when their blood spilled upon the Pagan Stone.

Their innocent bonding ritual led to seven days of madness, every seven years. And now, as the dreaded seventh month looms before them, the men can feel the storm brewing. Already they are plagued by visions of death and destruction. But this year they are better prepared, joined in their battle by three women who have come to the Hollow. Layla, Quinn, and Cybil are somehow connected to the demon, just as the men are connected to the force that trapped it.

Since that fateful day at the Pagan Stone, town lawyer Fox has been able to see into others’ minds, a talent he shares with Layla. He must earn her trust, because their link will help fight the darkness that threatens to engulf the town. But Layla is having trouble coming to terms with her newfound ability – and with this intimate connection to Fox. She knows that once she opens her mind, she’ll have no defense against the desire that threatens to consume them both…

My Thoughts:

Winter turned to spring in the previous book and now we are headed toward summer and the dreaded evil time. I didn’t mention before, but the seven days are aligned with the boys birthdays and therefore makes the timing that much more significant.

While Cal and Quinn shared the gift of seeing the past or having a sense of the past, the next two of the six share a different gift. Fox and Layla share the gift of seeing what the now is. That sounded strange to me when I first heard it, but as the events of the book unfold, it becomes clear.

Fox, the hippy kid, is the small town lawyer in Hawkins Hollow and his longtime secretary, Mrs. H no longer feels safe in town. As she prepares to move away, Layla with the push of Quinn starts working for him. Which is where the romantic subplot of this takes root. Putting people who have to work together, with the same gift, in small quarters only breeds it. This was actually a sweet romantic story with a bit of spice.

As the time of evil approaches, the six start having visions, hallucinations, and experiencing things that are not there. As they discover that Layla now also has a connection to the stone and to the history of the town, things begin to escalate fast. The women find they are connected to the demon and have to come to terms with that fact. The men find they are connected to the person who trapped it.

As Fox and Layla are getting to know each other, Layla is being tested. She isn’t ready to give up her life, accept that she belongs here, and that she is destined to help Fox with her part of defeating the demon. Fox has to work extra hard to gain her trust and to show her how much the six need her. It is crucial that she do so, and when she does, after a lot of kicking and screaming and fighting against it, they use their link to bring the demon down a few more pegs.

In this book, you meet Cybil, another introduction of the six, and you see the demon increase in power. Another great way of keeping the reader engaged and dropping nuggets of what is to come. I enjoyed this book better than I enjoyed the first.

The Pagan Stone







Description:

Nora Roberts’ electrifying trilogy comes to an end, as three men and three women join forces–and hearts–to battle the ultimate evil.

Years ago, after their blood brother ritual, Gage, Fox, and Caleb each emerged from the woods with a piece of bloodstone. Now, it will become their weapon in the final fight against the demon they awakened. Winner take all…

Shared nightmares, visions of blood and fire, and random violence begin to plague the longtime friends and the women bound to them by fate. None of them can ignore the fact that, this year, the demon has grown stronger–feeding off of the terror it creates. But now, the three pieces of the blood stone have been fused back together. If only they could figure out how to use it.

A gambling man like Gage has no trouble betting on his crew to find a way. And though he and Cybil share the gift of seeing the future, that’s all they share. But Gage knows that a woman like Cybil–with her brains and strength and devastating beauty–can only bring him luck. Good or bad has yet to be determined–and could mean the difference between absolute destruction or an end to Hawkins Hollow’s nightmare…

My Thoughts:

In the beginning of this trilogy, I failed to mention that when the boys turned ten, they each had a piece of the blood stone in their hands after the ritual. One, I didn’t want to give too much away, but given it is in the synopsis for the book, I feel it is safe to do so now. This stone is important for the finality of the story. It is now fused back together as a whole and it is up to the final of the six to figure out how to use it.

Gage who has a dark past, including his drunk father, and can’t sit still for long periods of time is irritated. He’s watched his two brothers take to two of the females in their team and know they are headed down the aisle. Knowing he has to work with Cybil, he keeps her at a distance and isn’t shy about telling her he has no intention of following along with his brothers. She’s attractive and has qualities he enjoys, but he doesn’t plan on going there.

Gage and Cybil share the gift of seeing what can become. It is tricky and there are many visions they see that could come. It puts their ability to keep face when they see death of those they care about. It could be fact or it could be a possibility. Neither knows which. They work together to figure out what is what.

I won’t give too much away other than given it is a romance, you know Gage and Cybil do indeed share a romantic relationship, but it isn’t what you would think. You’ll have to enjoy the books to see what I mean.

The finality of this book was done with such brilliance and with the six coming together as a team. You will also learn of the seventh meaning in the trilogy title, Sign of Seven.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy demons, magic, and lore. Romance plays a role, but in the mix of all those things. I really loved this one. It was a first time read for me.

Happy Thanksgiving

All over the country we get ready to put our turkeys in the oven, invite family over, and enjoy the holiday season. Everyone has someone who is designated for their part of the meal. There’s always someone who makes the turkey really juicy, and another who makes it dry. Dishes are added or changed as the years go on.

In my family we have different people who take turns making the turkey, but my memories are filled with my mother’s kitchen and that continues this year. Thanksgiving is usually a time of relaxation, family, food, and festivities.

Traditions are common and some are life-lasting. Maybe, you don’t have one set tradition and change it up each year. That’s perfectly fine. Everything changes, so roll with the punches.

I’m sharing a few traditions that have stayed the same since childhood and some that are new.

Traditions



The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade



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Since I was little, we always sit down and watched the parade as the smell of turkey permeates the air. Pies are cooling on the rack, the stove is busy boiling the insides of the turkey for gravy, or boiling potatoes. My father is still asleep and we try to keep it down, failing miserably. My mother works in the kitchen. The TV is center in the living room and we all huddle around it. We all sit on the couch in pajamas huddled in blankets. I, personally, usually have a cup of hot coffee or cocoa in my hands. I recall my siblings pointing out certain balloons or songs and we danced ourselves silly.

Each year, we comment on the change of the balloons, the music, the Broadway performances, and Santa. All my favorite things. I recall enjoying the commercials and enjoying the interviews. Later, when I had children, I loved to sit back and watch them enjoy the same tradition. They get up and dance, point out balloons, and beg for candy. More often than not, the Christmas tree is already up and decorated. The house is filled with trinkets, stockings, lights, and trappings.

This year, I’ll be continuing that tradition at my mother’s house. The same house, I grew up in. The same house that holds the memories of my childhood, teenage years, young adult, and as a mother. I look forward to helping in the kitchen, watching my children enjoy the parade, and being with family. I look forward to the smells, the conversation, and the Christmas music directly after.

The El Paso Thanksgiving Day Parade

In our home, directly after the Macy’s Parade, we watch the local parade. I’ve yet to actually go into town and watch it because, let’s face it, traffic would be a nightmare. Plus, dragging my kids out in the cold and having to get up to use the bathroom a million times, loses its appeal. So, we stay in the cozy house and watch it on TV. As this parade is going on, everyone disperses from the living room and take turns getting dressed.

I, however, love to sit and watch the entirety of the parade before doing so. This gives me time to ready for the day. A form of meditation, if it were. Plus, I love to see the local floats and how much work was put into them. I love the holidays and parades are very much a part of that, for me.

Christmas Tree Goes up



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A newer tradition of ours, is to put up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving. For instance, I just mine up yesterday. What I love about this, is that we get to decorate the house as a family. My kids love to put the ornaments on the tree, put up decorations, and help me make cocoa. We listen to Christmas music loudly and at the end of the night, we watch a movie. I’ve been doing this since the Damian was a year old. So, around 6 years. I love it and will continue this tradition.

Family Game Night



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The night before Thanksgiving, we usually pull out all the games and have some fun. In addition to playing games, we usually have a repeat Christmas movie on, like Home Alone. I also love to make some kind of strange meal. Something the kids come up with that may or may not be all that great. I have a secret: I hide something away for myself for later. Ha! The kids love it and we really love to play games and just spend time together.

These are just some traditions that we have. We change a lot each year depending on what is going on in our lives. What we do, we do together. Here are a few pictures from over the years.

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The End of Echoes by Dawn Hosmer: Book Review

Description:

Two families, forever linked by tragedy.
Ruby Dunkin is in an abusive marriage. Her best efforts aren’t enough to shield her two children from an abusive father whose cruelty knows no bounds. Their volatile situation ends in tragedy when Ruby’s eldest son, Billy is torn away from everything he loves. Consumed by hatred and self-loathing Billy becomes the thing he hates the most—his father.Chelsea Wyatt, a senior in high school, goes missing after work one night, never to return. Her parents are devastated, only knowing this kind of tragedy from the news. Crimes like this are unheard of in their quiet, midwestern town. Consumed by the tragic fate of their friend, family member and neighbor, their lives and futures are forever altered.For over eighteen years, no one knows the connection between Ruby Dunkin and Chelsea Wyatt. A journey through time reveals the common thread stitching their heartbreak together. Yesterday echoes throughout each character’s life as they decide how, and if, they will break the chains of the past.
Will they continue to leave a legacy of pain and loss for future generations? Will they break the cycles of abuse that have destroyed so many lives?

My Thoughts:

I’ve never cried so hard in my life over fictional characters with a realistic and all too real cycle of abuse that is hard to break.

Hosmer is an extremely talented writer as I learned in reading her previous work.

End of Echoes is told through multiple first-person point of views, jumps between time lines and families, and tells a heart wrenching story.

I connected to each and every single character and found myself feeling empathy for each and every one of them. The book details the journey of losing a family member in one family while learning the tragic abusive and corrosive story of another.

There are many themes in this book including loss, grief, death, addiction, depression, and a number of other personal struggles many people today face and live with. The author did such an amazing job at uniquely characterizing each person with their own struggles. It was done with such intention and such care, you were devastated reading and living with these characters.

In turn, there were other themes that brought hope to the forefront. In the darkness and struggle of each story, you also saw strength when they didn’t think they could go on, resiliency, forgiveness, and growth all the way to acceptance.

The emotional journey that I went through reading this sums up life. There is no road map and the destination is unclear. Our choices make all the difference.

I can’t say enough about this author’s talent and she’s definitely one to watch out for. I am looking forward to reading her next masterpiece.

NaNoWriMo Goal Met!

I’ve reached my goal for my NaNo goal of 50k and I exceeded it by a little over 12k.

I put my mind and my focus on writing during the month of November and I have zero interest in slowing down. It took me a long time to get this motivation. I’ll take breaks on Thanksgiving and after, but I’m on a roll.

What are some of your goals met?

Inn Boonsboro by Nora Roberts: Book Trilogy Review

The Next Always







Description:

The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. Beckett is the architect of the family, and his social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen.

After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town’s bookstore. Busy, with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett’s transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look . . . at the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett’s happy to give Clare a private tour – one room at a time. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something new – and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next . . . 

My Thoughts:

The history of the Inn and the war is a big reel in for a reader. The knowledge of construction and design really speaks to those who enjoy it. The small town feel of having neighbor businesses working together makes the story desirable. Beckett Montgomery is the architect and the relationship he has with his brothers really is strong and solid. I enjoy the elements of banter, joking around, and the brotherly fights that these brothers share. Beckett is mostly all work but the fact that he makes it a priority to visit Turn The Page bookstore to check on his friend and childhood crush, Claire is subtle yet endearing.

Claire is a single mother of three boys and the owner and runner of Turn The Page bookstore. Taking both jobs seriously, she leans on her parents and her best friend Avery for companionship. Friends with the brothers, she is curious to see what is going on under the tarp of the Inn. An eye sore turning into something vital in town, she wants to look closer. The crush she has on Beckett is also endearing.

What I enjoyed about this story was that Claire and Beckett each have strengths and strong family and friend ties. I enjoy her friendship with Avery. I also enjoy the connection she has with the Inn ghost. I enjoyed this book very much. It has a lot of laughs, enjoyable times with the children, and hard times to be overcome.

Roberts has a skill of creating complex characters and stories. Her ability to individualize each character and keep the story from becoming overwhelming is to be admired.

The Last Boyfriend



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Description:

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist – and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers give him grief for his compulsive list making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery MacTavish….

My Thoughts:

Owen Montgomery plays by the rules, sticks to schedules, and has a long life plan. He’s friends with everyone in Boonsboro and has connections with all the business owners. This includes Vesta Pizzeria’s owner Avery MacTavish who is anything but organized. Her rules are easily molded around how hard she works and tries. A more in depth look at the relationship between the brothers and their mother, Justine is what I enjoyed most about this book. Justine has a vision of what Boonsboro Square has to offer.

Working with her sons, she’s on a mission to complete the Inn and has room for other projects to be added on later. Her visions can annoy and irritate her sons , but in the end, they know she’s right.

I enjoyed watching Owen struggle with his feelings over Avery. As much as I enjoyed watching Avery overcome some really deep and dark past fears and struggles. Another Roberts skill is creating complex life stories. Her women are always hard workers, they don’t let their pasts define them, and always seem to be able to come out on top. They struggle visibly, but they don’t need a man to overcome them. They just need a little support.

The ghost is such a major role in this series and there are a few really funny scenes between the brothers that had me rolling in my seat.

The Perfect Hope



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Description:

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out – with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a toolbelt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except, apparently, Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be – except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome – and embarrassing – appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…

My Thoughts:

This was my favorite book in the trilogy for a number of reasons. First, since the beginning Ryder has been short tempered and annoyed with Hope, the Innkeeper. It went unnoticed as he’s tough on the outside most of the time. I really enjoyed watching the toughest Montgomery brother show other sides of himself. I feel Roberts is incredibly skilled at writing men. They are complex, have deeper feelings and emotions than what they show, and they are all around full fleshed out characters.

Hope was the former manager of a D.C. hotel much higher end than the Inn, but after some sketchy behavior by the owners, she’s ready for a new start. Running the Inn fulfills her and the connection she has with Claire and Avery is something to be admired. Old College friends, she easily slides into Boonsboro and they become more like sisters.

I really enjoyed watching Ryder and Hope fall for each other much to their dismay. Each time they feel something for the other, they seem to get annoyed. Sparks are too much to keep them apart and it is so funny and sweet to watch them fight against for what is meant to be.

The entire trilogy was tied together beautifully from start to finish. Relationships between friends, brothers, family, and community. I have to say this is one of my favorite Roberts trilogy. I’ve read the trilogy more than once. If you enjoy community, friendship, love, and a little paranormal and war history, this is the trilogy for you.

NaNoWriMo

Hey, all!

I’m participating in NaNoWriMo for the first time this year. I’m writing a book called: Fallen Flock.

Summary:

Adira Mirkin is the next Victim of the Majestic Flock, the most sought-after fraternity in Brosden. After training with the Black Jay Army, she’s targeted by a rogue member and nearly sacrificed in an unauthorized ritual. As she recovers from her injuries, Jays are being sacrificed by the same ritual she survived. It’s a race against the clock to track and stop the Majestic Flock before they pick off the Jay’s and the enemy Raven’s infiltrate and destroy Brosden.

Excerpt:

Conrad Mirkin sped down the center lane, sirens blazing, lights changing, cars pulling off to the side to let the ambulance through. His partner readied supplies based on the circumstances of the call they were rushing to. A female lay on the streets of the district naked, stabbed, and set on fire, a staple Majestic Flock ritual, and the forth one this month. The streets were nearly empty this time of night, it was easy to navigate through the Black District, making turns and screeching to a halt in the center of the Black Jay quad near the flashing police and fire trucks.
In an instant, Conrad parked and was out of the truck slinging a bag over his shoulder after his partner and slipping his hands into a pear of blue gloves. As he walked toward the crowd, he glanced to his right to see a familiar nearly burnt red coat. His pulse accelerated and he quickened his steps to where a fireman was crouched down. The moment he saw the victim’s face, his heart sunk. Adrenaline slowly seeped into his system making him keenly aware of each movement he made.
On autopilot, he replaced the fireman with his shaky hands on the chest of the victim to continue chest compressions, his partner placing a mask over her face. As he worked steadily, he felt sweat pooling down his back, his heartbeat was thudding wildly, and his system was jolting as he looked upon the face of his sister, Adira. As he worked, he recalled the phone call he’d received from her hours before. “Hey, Ace. Still shaping those grunts into soldiers?”
Adira laughed with her melodic and throaty voice, “You know it. Listen, our meeting is running long, Pierce and I are going to plot out some drills. Can we take a rain check on dinner?”
Conrad was distracted by a call coming in on the radio and dismissed her, “Gotta run, sweetheart. No worries, dinner tomorrow.” He’d hung up before she’d responded and failed to hear the tremor in her voice or how hard she was breathing.
Now, pumping into her chest, he recalled details he hadn’t quite caught before. Guilt clawed into his gut and clung as air whooshed out of her lungs and he had her back. He put a cuff on her arm and pumped it to check her blood pressure, his partner was quickly seeing to her burns and lacerations. He saw her eyes flutter open momentarily, “Adira, can you hear me?” Panic edged its way in his voice when he saw how pale and fragile, she appeared. “Adira?”
In his whole life, he’d not once seen her as frail and small as he did now. This was the girl who kicked his ass, put him in a headlock, or went to bat for him growing up. The strongest woman he’d ever known, who had gotten through boot camp with little effort and climbed the latter to be the most decorated female in the Black Jay Army. The Army protecting the streets of Brosden from the Ravens who wanted to kill its citizens and replace it with its own flock.
As they loaded her on a gurney, he watched her hand lift and her lips move. When they had her loaded and strapped, he leaned over her, “What? Tell me.”
He could only fear a faint whisper, but it was clear, “Raven.”
“We’ve got you, you hear me? We’ve got you.” Conrad hurried into the driver’s seat and guided the ambulance back on the street and sped off hoping to God that they made it in time to get her into surgery. The anger spread, his body felt hot, his eyes were sharp as he took the turn into the medical wing four minutes later. He skidded to a stop by the double electrical doors and a team of nurses were waiting for them.
Before he could walk around the back of the truck, they had her out and were running her down the hall and yelling, “We’re losing her!”

Current Word count/Progress

I have been trying to write a little bit everyday. I have mostly succeeded, but I’ve missed a few days as well.

My current word count is 18,168.

Are you participating? If so, follow me and become my buddy. I like to be supportive to others and I could use the encouragement myself.

https://nanowrimo.org/participants/ruthannegarcia

Good luck!

End of the Month Update

As stated before, I’m changing the date to my updates. Today is the final day of October.

National Novel Writing Month starts tomorrow! I’m participating for the first time. If you are doing it too, add me as a Buddy! (Leave your username below)

My short story collection is coming along. I’ve planned and figured out what my plan will be for the next year.

Today is Halloween and here are a few pictures from history that I’d thought I’d share.

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[image error]Sorry, Erika



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Are you dressing up for Halloween? What will you be?

How was your month?

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October

I realize that I missed September, but I had a good reason. I released my poetry book!

So much has been going on in the month of September that I had to stop and think about what to talk about. First, my book is out in e-book and paperback version. Links are in my pinned post.

Second, I’ve been spending my month preparing for NaNoWriMo! This will be the first time I’m participating. So, I’ve been doing tons of planning and such. If you are participating, leave me your username and I’ll add you as a Buddy.

Bleeding Orchid Paperback Available

You can now purchase your paperback cover of my book on Amazon.

Divorce is Murder: A Toby Wong Novel by Elka Ray: Book Review

Description:

Toby Wong visits her quiet hometown in British Columbia, where nothing ever happens–until her old high school rival is found murdered. Shortly after returning to her sleepy hometown on Vancouver Island, Chinese-Canadian divorce lawyer Toby Wong runs into Josh Barton, who broke her heart as a teen at summer camp. Now a wealthy entrepreneur, Josh wants to divorce Tonya, the mean girl who made Toby’s life hell all those years ago. Not long after Toby takes Josh’s case, Tonya is found murdered. Josh is the prime suspect. Together with her fortune-teller mom and her pregnant best friend, Toby sets out to clear Josh, whom she still has a guilty crush on. While he seems equally smitten, can Toby trust him? The handsome cop charged with finding Tonya’s killer doesn’t think so. Since Tonya stayed in touch with everyone from that lousy summer camp, Toby keeps running into ex-campers she’d rather forget. Could one of Tonya’s catty friends be her killer? Are Toby’s old insecurities making her paranoid? Only too late does she realize that she really is in danger.

Author

Elka Ray

Elka Ray is the Canadian author of Divorce is Murder.

Born in the UK and raised in Canada, Elka has two previous novels, Saigon Dark and Hanoi Jane; a short-story collection, What You Don’t Know; and a series of children’s picture books about Vietnam, where she currently lives with her family.

Elka grew up in Victoria, B.C. Canada, the setting for her latest mystery. When she’s not writing, drawing, or reading, Elka is in the ocean.

My Thoughts:

Toby moves back to her hometown to care for her mother. As a lawyer, a blast from the past (former teen crush) hires her to be his divorce lawyer. The problem? His wife is missing and later found murdered. Clearing Josh’s name seems to be her focus while she runs into old camp members who once made her life hell. Could they be involved somehow?

After the third chapter, I was invested in the story. It seemed to gain momentum the more the story propelled forward. The author did an amazing job of establishing the motivation of her characters, scenery, character development, and plot movement. Toby was a good character to tell the story through. Her involvement from start to finish reeled me in as a reader. I felt she was the perfect focus of the book and fit into the meat of the story.

The author did a great job of keeping the reader invested because I didn’t want to put it down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Event after event, character after character, and surprise after surprise propelled this amazing story forward.

I personally loved the ending of this book is ambiguous. There were several ways the author could have ended Toby’s life. I loved the ending. I loved this entire book.