Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 5
October 12, 2023
Review By Chris Solaas: Things He Hadn't Told Her by Vick...
Things He Hadn't Told Her
Chad Edwards & Cole Rivers have been best friends since grade school. "Blood brothers forever" they declared, after Chad saved Cole's life. Years later in college at the University of Tennessee, Chad is a student of Sports Medicine, and Cole is the Vol's star quarterback. That's where they meet Maggie Thompson. Ask either one of them and they would tell you, "Maggie is perfect". So, it's no surprise they both fall in love with her. As fate would have it, Maggie falls in love too, but only one of them is the recipient of her affections. It's what happens next that will surprise you.
They made a pact as boys. Can they keep that pact as men?
My Take:
Chad Edwards saved Cole Rivers' life one day when he pulled him from a flood-swollen and dangerous river. Since that time, Chad has been looking out for Cole, making sure he doesn't flunk his classes and get tossed off the football team. Quietly making sure his reputation isn't ruined. Cole is destined for greatness, a star quarterback in High School who goes on to QB the Tennessee Vols in college. Chad, who wants to go into sports medicine, follows him there, and continues to keep Cole out of trouble. It seems that nothing could come between these two friends.
Except, perhaps, Maggie.
Beautiful, talented, compassionate, and full of life, Maggie is perfect. And Chad quickly falls for her. But Maggie falls for Cole. Devastated, Chad has to decide whether to keep his true feelings secret, hurt the two people he loves best, or quietly fade away.
Content:
Drug Content:
G - There is a little casual drinking in a few places.
Violence:
PG - Tragic accidents leave people somewhat mangled. There is no intentional harm done here. No graphic descriptions either.
Language:
PG - There are a few scattered mild expletives.
Adult Content:
G - There is romance and some kissing.
Christian content:
The characters in this book struggle with where God is in their suffering, but remain steadfast in their faith. Church attendance is encouraged, and nightly prayers with the family are present occasionally. Prayer for healing and safety are not uncommon. Discussion is made about people being in heaven when they die. The raw conflict, self-sacrifice, and ensuing depth of character in the protagonist is stunning.
Final analysis:
Things He Hadn't Told Her by Vicky Whedbee is a heartwarming tale of unrequited love. The characters have tragic real-life struggles and deal with them in a faith-filled and realistic way. The settings are immersive, and the dialogue engaging. The author has a talent for drawing on common emotional situations, and depicting them well enough to bring even an old granddad like me to tears. This book covered multiple years of interaction in the main characters. During the first half of the novel, the level of detail in the interactions and experiences of the characters was a bit overwhelming, but it set a gorgeous backdrop for the back half of the story, when things really took off. I was well satisfied with the end, and thought Vicky Whedbee did an excellent job carrying the reader through. Good plot, excellent characters, raw emotions and a heartwarming conclusion. Five Stars!
About the Author:
Vicky Whedbee was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she resided until her 40's when she relocated to San Mateo, Florida, where she currently resides with her husband. An avid reader, she wrote her first novel over a period of years as a labor of love and fulfillment of a life long dream that began with the encouragement of her Engish teacher in high school.
With a diagnosis of cancer for her dad, she decided to become an independent author and published her novel on her own in order to present a finished product to her father before his demise. She was in the process of reading said novel, "Things He Hadn't Told Her", to him at the time of his passing.
She wrote her second novel "Sarah's Song", which was a collaboration with her father set in the time of his childhood in the rural Appalachian mountains, with notes taken prior to his demise. Both books have been met with stellar 5-STAR reviews on Amazon & Goodreads, as well as awarded the 5-star review seal from Reader's Favorite.
After numerous requests, she wrote a sequel to Sarah's Song, titled Sarah's Home, which could also be read as a stand-alone. It, too, is being received with love and 5-STAR reviews.
She is currently working on her next novel.
Visit & contact her through her website https://crwvao.wixsite.com/vickywhedbee
Check out Chris Solaas' blog at https://christianindiebookreviews.blogspot.com/p/interviews.html
August 31, 2022
Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift that transpor...
Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift that transports her to the land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, she is honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before reaching her destination. Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, a prince, and an evil queen; all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of intrigue and adventure.
Amazon
US http://tinyurl.com/z3nuv5l AU http://tinyurl.com/zjbqbjr
CA http://tinyurl.com/hodjh27 UK http://tinyurl.com/jye52ec
BR MX http://tinyurl.com/zkowmpu
The Shard is Victoria Simcox’s fast-paced sequel to The Warble. A nasty prank goes very wrong, sending Kristina and company back to the land of Bernovem. When Werrien invites Kristina to sail to his homeland, Tezerel, Kristina can’t refuse.All is not well though on the high seas. After Werrien becomes fascinated with a seeing stone, suspicion, guilt, illness and a ghostly hag haunt Kristina.
Amazon
US http://tinyurl.com/zzoe9uz AU http://tinyurl.com/zjbqbjr
CA http://tinyurl.com/hql8ea3 UK http://tinyurl.com/hqm4k64
BR https://tinyurl.com/2ez42ukc MX https://tinyurl.com/y6hhjh7j
March 12, 2022
Surprise Billionaire Spotlight and Interview with Dyanne
She has the perfect plan for love. He has a secret.
Can they survive the surprise of a lifetime?
After dating a string of irresponsible frat boys, Abby Barton has a plan: she’s going to marry a rich man. No more losers for her. Her new job at AstroTech, where she hopes to meet and fall in love with a company partner, is part of the plan. Her co-worker Adam Rogers—or Mr. Beautiful Eyes—is not. Adam is sweet, helpful, and downright delicious, but Abby can’t allow herself to be distracted by an average tech geek.
Adam has a secret of his own—he’s the elusive silent partner at AstroTech, and a self-made billionaire. But as his feelings for Abby grow from simple attraction to something far deeper, Adam realizes his secret might cost him the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Not only is Abby beautiful and sweet, but she shares his strong morals and faith. In short, they’re the perfect match. Can Adam repair the damage he’s done—and can Abby see that her perfect man has been right in front of her all along—before it’s too late?
Dyanne Gordon Green
was born in San Francisco, raised in the Bay Area, and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with her forever husband and best friend, Robert. They met online in the pioneer days of the Internet and have been together twenty years. She has four children and four grandchildren scattered from coast-to-coast. When she isn't writing, Dyanne can be found quilting, gaming, or reading.Interview with Dyanne
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was four when I wrote my first piece. It was a song and, since I couldn’t write yet, I asked my mom to write it down for me. Afterwards, I had her read it back so I could make sure she got every word. I’ve loved writing ever since.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I have written a very rough first draft in a month, but typically it takes me at least four months to complete a semi-edited draft.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
My goal is 1,500 words per day.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if I have any quirks. I do pray when I sit down to write and ask God to guide me, but that’s not a quirk, it’s a blessing.
How are your books published?
They are self-published through Amazon.
Dyanne welcomes emails from readers at DyanneGordonGreen@gmail.comAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KTBG2TM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o07?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Twitter: @thirdpewback
March 8, 2022
The Star-Crossed Seamstress (The Mannequin Series Book 3) & interview with Suzanne
Skylar flees a family scandal in Boston, expecting assistance in society from her English relatives. Once her plans fall apart, however, she is obliged to earn money with her skills as a seamstress. Just when she’s given up on the notion of marriage, her path crosses that of a charming laborer who inexplicably sets her pulse racing.When wealthy Joe Fiddick hits a patch of bad luck, he seizes the opportunity to do something meaningful by helping a neighbor and her pretty granddaughter with repairs to their cottage. As it turns out, he has more in common with the granddaughter than he realizes…and what they share spells disaster for their budding romance.
Will Joe and Skylar be star-crossed lovers or can the rift between them be mended? Interview with Suzanne
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Since I write a lot of historical fiction, I conduct a lot of Internet searches to make sure the details of what I’m writing is historically accurate. I also check Online Etymology Dictionary to make sure the words I’m using are appropriate to the year and location in which my story is set. I don’t get things 100% all the time but I always give it my best effort!
The genesis of the stories themselves is a bit more complex. Sometimes, I’m inspired by a movie, a book, a dream, or an issue in my own life.
When did you write your first book, and how old were you?
I was in my late thirties when I wrote the first book in the Yden series. I love fantasy and would have enjoyed that book and the series when I was growing up. So, I wrote it!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I put off a lot of chores when I’m actively writing, so there’s always something to do around the house. Often, I will go outside to rake leaves and prune trees, to get some fresh air and exercise. Last year, in between books, I refinished floors, painted, and planned my next renovations.
What does your family think of your writing?
My son wishes I would write more fantasy and my husband wishes I would write everything more quickly! I got my husband hooked on historical romance, by the way, and he reads far more than I do.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written around thirty books, I think. The thirtieth one is at the editor right now and I’m hoping to get it published soon.
Asking me to choose my favorite book is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child! I will say that certain characters, like Kellan in Royal Promenade, Larken Burke in Larken, Wesley Parker in Duke of a Gilded Age, Willoughby Winter in My Fair Guardian, and Heather in Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel were a great deal of fun to write.
I like my heroes and heroines to be plucky, brave, creative, tenacious, honorable, and to have a touch of whimsy whenever possible.
Suzanne G. Rogers is a California native, but she changed coastlines and now lives with her husband and son in romantic Savannah, Georgia, on an island populated by deer, exotic birds, turtles, and the occasional gator. She's owned by two Sphynx cats, Houdini and Nikita. Writing blush-free young adult fiction is her passion. For her historical romance blog, go to http://suzannegrogers.com/To join her historical romance mailing list for news on sales, freebies, and new releases, go to: https://tinyurl.com/y7vofvyq
For her fantasy blog, go to https://childofyden.wordpress.comAmazon:http://tinyurl.com/y3cxaql9 Twitter: @suzannegrogers
February 23, 2022
Pestilence: Breathe If You Dare
Breathe... if you dare.English countryside, 1958. The idyllic village of Olney St. Mary has stood in its peaceful location for over 900 years.
Until one day, when two teenage boys are struck by a mysterious illness. The newly arrived Doctor Hilary Newton suspects a common flu to be the cause of their malady. Before long, the doctor and residents of Olney St. Mary are plunged into a nightmare, as the disease ravages the local population. Despite the doctors employing the latest medicine available, the death toll keeps rising.
Someone in the village knows the reason behind the pestilence that has struck at the heart of the village, but can the medics learn the truth before it's too late, or will they join the growing list of names that appear on the death roll in Olney St. Mary?
Winner, The Best Book We've Read all Year award 2021 from Readfree. Ly
Brian L. Porter
Winner - The Readfree.ly 'Best Book We've Read all Yeat, 2018) Award, June 2018
Writing under three different names, Brian L Porter is an Amazon best selling author, with numerous best sellers to his name, so far, titles as follows:
Sasha (As Brian L Porter), the illustrated true-life story of the author's own, very special 'Miracle Dog'. Winner of The Preditors & Editors Best Fiction Book Award, 2016, and also a 7th place finish in the 50 Best Indie Books of 2016 Awards. #1 bestseller in the UK, Australia and Italy. Sasha has also been a Top Ten bestseller in its category at Amazon in Canada and France.
Sheba, From Hell to Happiness, sequel to Sasha, the true-life story of a dog rescued from a life of hell as a bait dog for dog fighters, then left to die on a rubbish tip.
A Mersey Killing, first of the Mersey Mystery series, an Australian bestseller
After Armageddon (As Brian L Porter), A Post-Apocalyptic short story anthology. #1 in the USA and UK.
The Italian translated version of After Armageddon, Dopo L'Armageddon, e Altri Raccontri was a #1 Amazon bestseller in Italy.
Avenue of the Dead, topped the Amazon Free rankings in both the USA and UK during a week long promotion.
Kiss of Life, a modern vampire tale, topped the free horror rankings during a week's free promotion
Lest We Forget, (As Brian L Porter), an evocative collection of remembrance poetry.
Alistair the Alligator, (As Harry Porter), a pre-school children’s book, illustrated by Sharon Lewis.
Charlie the Caterpillar, (As Harry Porter), also for pre-school readers, illustrated by Bonnie Pelton.
Wolf, (As Harry Porter), a young adult/teens adventure story.
Of Aztecs and Conquistadors, (As Juan Pablo Jalisco), a superb collection of romantic poetry with a Latin American theme.
He was the winner of The Preditors & Editors readers poll for Best Author Award, 2009, and a number of his books have also received awards as follows:
A Study in Red – The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper, Preditors & Editors Best Thriller Novel Award, 2008.
Requiem for the Ripper, Preditors & Editors Best Thriller Novel Award, 2010.
Glastonbury, Preditors & Editors Best Mystery Novel Award, 2010.
Tilly’s Tale, (As Harry Porter), Preditors & Editors Best Children’s Book Award, 2009. Also won the award for best artwork.
Sasha & All Saints, Murder on the Mersey, both nominated for the Best Indie Books of 2016 Awards.
All Brian’s novels plus his short story collection, After Armageddon have been signed for movie adaptation in a franchise deal with ThunderBall Films, including his most recent release, the highly successful A Mersey Killing.
Brian has also become thoroughly integrated into the movie business since his first involvement with Thunderball Films LLC and is now also an Associate Producer and Co-Producer on a number of developing movies, as well as being a screenwriter for many of the movies soon to be released by Thunderball.
You can find information on the works of Harry Porter and Juan Pablo Jalisco on their individual book pages.
He is a dedicated dog lover and rescuer and he and his wife share their home with a number of rescued dogs.
Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GRZLDT2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i28
See Brian's blog at http://sashaandharry.blogspot.co.uk/
For more information on the majority of his works, please go to his author page at http://www.creativia.org/brian-l-porter.html
Information on Brian’s Jack the Ripper trilogy of novels and on Pestilence can be found at
Sasha has her own Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/270003923193039/
Twitter: @sashadoo133
February 16, 2022
Things He Hadn't Told Her
Chad Edwards & Cole Rivers have been best friends since grade school. "Blood brothers forever" they declared after Chad saved Cole's life. Years later in college at the University of Tennessee, Chad is a student of Sports Medicine, and Cole is the Vol's star quarterback. That's where they meet Maggie Thompson. Ask either one of them and they would tell you, "Maggie is perfect". So, it's no surprise they both fall in love with her. As fate would have it, Maggie falls in love too, but only one of them is the recipient of her affections. It's what happens next that will surprise you.They made a pact as boys. Can they keep that pact as men?
About Vicky Whedbee
Vicky Whedbee was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she resided until her 40's when she relocated to San Mateo, Florida, where she currently resides with her husband. An avid reader, she wrote her first novel over a period of years as a labor of love and fulfillment of a life long dream that began with the encouragement of her Engish teacher in high school.
With a diagnosis of cancer for her dad, she decided to become an independent author and published her novel on her own in order to present a finished product to her father before his demise. She was in the process of reading said novel, "Things He Hadn't Told Her", to him at the time of his passing.
She wrote her second novel "Sarah's Song", which was a collaboration with her father set in the time of his childhood in the rural Appalachian mountains, with notes taken prior to his demise. Both books have been met with stellar 5-STAR reviews on Amazon & Goodreads, as well as awarded the 5-star review seal from Reader's Favorite.
After numerous requests, she wrote a sequel to Sarah's Song, titled Sarah's Home, which could also be read as a stand-alone. It, too, is being received with love and 5-STAR reviews.
She is currently working on her next novel.
Visit & contact her through her website: https://crwvao.wixsite.com/vickywhedbee
Twitter: @vicky_whedbee
February 8, 2022
The Perfect Moment Beyond (The Perfect Moment Trilogy, Book 3)
The truth is more shocking than she can possibly imagine! Emily finds herself face to face with The Designer, an enigmatic being who holds the answers to life's greatest mysteries. But the answers that Emily has been seeking come with a burden that may be too great to bear. With the lives of her friends hanging in the balance, she is tasked with saving humanity from a fate worse than extinction. But The Designer is holding something back about the nature of Emily's existence, something that the man who calls himself "Sebastian" refers to as "that deepest and darkest of secrets." As terrified as Emily may be, she cannot hide from that deepest and darkest of secrets. At the risk of losing everything, she must confront the mind-bending truth head on.
About Kenneth Preston Kenneth Preston was born and raised on Long Island. He studied English at the State University of New York at Stony Brook where he received his Bachelor's degree. From literature to television to film, the myriad of tales that painted his cultural landscape inspired him to begin writing his own stories. His first novel, "The Passing of Each Perfect Moment," was published in 2015.Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CGD7M7V/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3
Twitter:@Encuentro73
February 6, 2022
Girl Restored (Inspirational Life Experiences)
Heartache. Loss. Faith.
How can God exist when so many bad things happen in the world?
Grace Peters spent childhood engrossed in the church. Her family spent every waking moment at Full Gospel Tabernacle when they weren't busy with everyday life. After the loss of her brother, Timothy, she begins to doubt the existence of God as she listens to the world. Her peers that believed in nothing; her atheist science teacher; and numerous television programs. Grace doesn't know what to believe but she can't talk to her religious parents about how she feels, right? The more she goes through life, too many things happen that seem to confirm her growing doubts. Where is God? Does He even exist? As far as she is concerned, He is now a myth. Will she ever return to Him?
About Pam Funke I am the proud grand-daughter of a pastor and have had the pleasure of learning about God at an early age. I am a Christian author who enjoys writing various genres in the Christian genre. My love of reading and writing led me to begin writing for the enjoyment of others. I am thankful for the many creative writing classes I had back in elementary school.
Recommendations for "Operation Dark Angel"
This is such an important story at such a relevant time. I am so glad to see this is already published, and I do hope it it getting into the hands of many people. You tell the story very well, and Mariel and Nicolaitanes are well-drawn. I particularly like the way you incorporate "historic" events such as 9/11 to make it feel current and relatable. Excellent work! I wish you every success with it!-Faith Rose
This isn't my usual kind of read. I have to say you have a very interesting premise here and you very cleverly weave fact fictions and Bible passages into the work. You are clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter and have put a lot of work into the writing. -Lenny
You have picked a great subject and has done marvelous things with it. I read the story and it is accurate to the bone. This subject is needed to be heard by everyone. All you describe here is sad but true. You have chosen the Antichrist to be born in Italy and I could not agree with you more. It is not the first book on the subject yet I believe that the more this subject is explored, the better it is for the reading community. I will be eagerly awaiting the completion of the series. -Alexandria
A very exciting start to your book as Mariel hears a voice telling her she is to have a child. She's every right to deny the suggestion...she knows better than anyone that she can't be--she's pure. Mariel meets up with Rosalind who explains that she is to give birth to a son, Nicolaitanes and that she would be her protector until the day of the birth. What Mariel doesn't know, is that she will be discarded following the birth and first feeding of the child.
You've given the reader plenty to hang on to, good description and the question of why and what will happen next. The arrangements for the birth and the killing of Mariel signify that there's a powerful reason for Nicolaitanes to arrive on the scene. The book is written well, good dialogue, scenes that are easily taken in from well balanced description. It creates deep thinking on subjects such as the United World Religions trying to be invoked upon the common people and the reason for the appearance of Nicolaitanes in the first place. There's so much more to come in this book--to provide the answers to many questions. I can see this thriller becoming a top seller and worthy of a purchase. -NevilleLinks Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1503191001/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i8Twitter:@AuthorPamFunke
February 2, 2022
Breaking Barriers (Love Is Book 8)
Gunshots ring out as Ann Jones enters the church. She hides in the bathroom until they stop, then stumbles into the sanctuary. The congregation lies dead in pools of blood. To rebuild the church, she starts True Light Guardians. At the first meeting, she’s attacked by a terrorist, but rescued by James Crawford. He melts her heart, cold from her father’s abuse, and they fall for each other. She’s afraid to commit to love that might grow angry later, like the type she knew as a child. James yearns to stop other attempts on Ann’s life, but can’t. Tormented by her constant risks, he breaks up with her. When an assault sends her to the hospital, an unlikely ally shares Ann’s plight with James, but he reveals a lead that puts all three of them in even more danger.
Bio: Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, a 2013 Grace Awards finalist and a 2017 Reader’s Favorite Book Award winner. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. To learn more about Gail and her books visit her website at http//gailpallotta.com. and her Amazon author page at amazon.com/author/gailpallotta.Buy links: Amazon short link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GGEX7Z8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
February 1, 2022
Hunters and the Hunted
A big game hunter seeks a lion trophy in Africa.
About Frank Scozzari Frank Scozzari is an American novelist and screenwriter. A five-time Pushcart Prize nominee, his short stories have been widely anthologized and featured in literary theater.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZYQL94Q/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4
Twitter: @ScozzariFrank
