Lynn Hallbrooks's Blog, page 7

#NetGalley #BookReview of #Gate76 by Andrew Diamond - #Mystery

Gate 76 by Andrew Diamond Earlier this year, I joined Net Galley to become one of their book reviewers. Gate 76 by Andrew Diamond as published by Stolen Time Press, LLC will be the first review written by me for Net Galley. I appreciate them allowing me to read an advance reader’s copy (ARC) and provide my honest thoughts and review to you, my fellow readers. The release date is scheduled for 1 June 2018.

Genre: Gate 76 is, to me, a private detective mystery with a dash of political intrigue.

Synopsis as I see it: Being a private investigator may be a second career for Freddy Ferguson but he has learned to observe others his whole adult life. When he notices a woman in an airport line being a little “off”, his early warning system goes up and his instincts take over. Will he be able to “let it go” or will he find that his latest career stalled at Gate 76?

My take: I really enjoyed how Mr. Diamond showed the unfolding events through Freddy Ferguson’s perspective. Freddy shares the good, the bad, and the not so pretty about the world. I think his rose-colored glasses broke a long time ago.

Warning: There is violence as well as adult language and situations.

This is the first book that I’ve read by Mr. Diamond but I plan on reading more by him in the future.

If you would like to learn more about where to find the book, Andrew Diamond, Stolen Time Press, and/or Net Galley, please visit the links below.

Andrew Diamond:
Blog: https://adiamond.me/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adiamond.me
Website: https://adiamond.me/

Stolen Time Press:
http://www.stolentimepress.com/

Net Galley:
https://www.netgalley.com/

Book is available via: 
Amazon:
US link: https://www.amazon.com/Gate-76-Andrew-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07BD35VN6
Barnes & Noble:
US link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gate-76-andrew-diamond/1128183505?ean=9780996350761
 
Happy reading,
Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/author/founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC
https://cswcllc.weebly.com/ 

Series Review of "Orbs" - #SciFi #Apocalyptic

Orbs Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith As a fan of Anthony J. Melchiorri’s work, I follow him on social media. That is perhaps where I first learned of Nicholas Sansbury Smith. When the announcement came down that the two authors were collaborating, I was intrigued. Then there was a too-good-to-pass-up deal on the entire series, something inside me said, “You need to get this and read it. Don’t delay!” I’m glad I listened and I hope you will be glad that you took the time to read this review.
 
A brief series synopsis: In 2055, a solar event had a devastating effect on portions of Earth. In the aftermath, a plan was devised to help humanity. Fast-forward to 2061, Dr. Sophie Winston is charged with leading a team of scientists in a biosphere project. The mission plan: to stay inside for six-months whereby their experimentation and experience would gain them a ride on a spaceship headed to a colony on another planet. Not long after the biosphere was activated, the artificial intelligence (AI) alerted the team to an unexpected complication to their mission. The complication: blue orbs and beings from another world. The result: apocalyptic. The choices facing the team: difficult. Will humanity survive or will the other-worldly beings take away everything human and inhuman?
 
My observations: In my opinion, there is a depth to the characters that made me connect with them on a personal level. There were some characters that annoyed me. One or two of them, I wanted to have a stern talk with - like a mother to a wayward child. Most of them, I felt their pain and wanted to make it all better. Of course, in the situation they were all in, I’m not sure how I would have fared. This made me wonder if perhaps, modern society has shielded individuals from taking responsibility for their physical and mental health not to mention how they treat others. The bitter truth is that when it comes right down to it and the end comes for you, no one, not the police, the military, the government, or anyone else, is going to save you. It will be the skills, knowledge, and attitude that you have on hand, at that time, which will make the difference. If you are with a group, and time allows, then combine your talents. Don’t allow personal egos to outweigh the good of the whole, for you never know if you are, in fact, the last people on Earth.
 
Warning: There are graphic descriptions that may distress sensitive readers. There is also violence as well as adult language and situations.
 
Below are the US links to the books in the series. They are in the order that I read them. Each book builds upon the previous one. A case could be made that the short story could be read first but in my opinion, reading them in this order helped me have a better understanding of the short story. Feel free to read them either way that suits you.
 
If like me you enjoy these works, then, at the back of each book is a way for you to follow Mr. Nicholas Sansbury Smith and on book four, links for Mr. Anthony J. Melchiorri are available.
 
Orbs (Book 1)
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Apocalyptic-Science-Fiction-Survival-Thriller-ebook/dp/B07BJL1DKP/
White Sands and Red Sands (Short story collection)
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/White-Sands-Orbs-Short-Stories-ebook/dp/B07BJL8Y97
Orbs II: Stranded
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL27FL/
Orbs III: Redemption
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL6TS5/
Orbs IV: Exodus
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL84WL/ 

Happy Reading,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/author/founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Increase Your Virtual Library via #TeamMysteryThriller

Discounts via Team Mystery Thriller As the celebrations for US National Library Week comes to a close, Team Mystery Thriller is providing you with an opportunity to increase your virtual library. Unlike a public library, you don't have to return these and you can get as many as your budget allows. So why not see which of these mystery and/or thriller books 'tickles your fancy' when you visit Renee Pawlish's place. 

Don't forget to share with your friends that during 14-15 April 2018 (US Pacific time) that they can add to their own virtual library aka eReader.

Happy reading,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/author/founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Come See if #TeamMysteryThriller Has Something You Like

Mystery/Thriller Sale March 2018 WIs reading mysteries and thrillers your thing? Do you enjoy discounts? Then you've come to the right place. Team Mystery Thriller is a group of authors who have discounted their mystery or thriller book for readers. There is a wide variety to choose from. So why not click on the button below from 17-18 March 2018, US Pacific time to see if there is something you like. While you are on Amazon, why not see if there is a hidden treasure in the form of another book on sale by the same author(s).

Many thanks to our hostess, Renee Pawlish, for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. 

Happy Reading,

Lynn Hallbrooks
​Author/Reader/Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC


I want to see the books

Making A Difference #WATWB

Artwork for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade via their website Welcome to the 11th month since the We Are The World Blogfest #WATWB began. Last month, December 2017, we all took a holiday break. The previous month, November 2017, I was unable to participate because I had a work obligation to complete. I am back today with a story that happened in one place but involved people from around the globe.

On 1 January 2018, the Tournament of Roses “Rose Bowl” Parade had as its Grand Marshal my favorite actor/humanitarian, Gary Sinise. He was there representing the Gary Sinise Foundation. This year's theme “Making a Difference” flowed through the floats, the bands, and all the other riders and marchers. I was impressed by all the ways various organizations made a difference in the lives of many people on a routine basis. It was shown live on many channels in lots of places. In my humble opinion, it was a great way to start the new calendar year.

When you visit the first link below, you’ll see a listing of the awards and the theme each float received. At one time there was a link to videos of the various bands and what they are doing to help others. In short, some help in their community and others did concerts to raise funds for those facing devastation. They each did something in their own way to help others. The other link shares the reason behind Mr. Sinise's selection. In case you are wondering, the theme for 2018 was based on the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” because one person can make a difference in the life of others.


One way I help make a difference is by spreading positivity. If you’d like to join me then a way to start is by visiting my fellow co-hosts: Damyanti Biswas, Eric Lahti, Guilie Castillo, Shilpa Garg, and Simon Falk. If you wish to do more you can see who shows up on the #WATWB Facebook Community page. Maybe with our combined efforts of sharing these blog posts on social media we will be able to cast away some of the negativity. Thus we all will make a positive difference. If you are a blogger and wish to join us in our cause, visit here and add your blog to the linky list at the end.
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If you watched the Rose Bowl Parade what was your favorite float, band, or equestrian group? I’ll start. My favorite float was “Books Bring Dreams to Life” which represented The UPS Store, Inc. and their efforts to help the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. I was also fascinated by the bands from countries outside the USA. I thought the miniature equines were adorable. If you care to share your favorites, the comments section is now open.

Have a positively great 2018!
 
Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/Author/Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC “Books Bring Dreams to Life" float from 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade as seen on Twitter 1 January 2018 We Are The World Blogfest In Darkness, Be Light

A Little Something for Everyone by #TeamMysteryThriller

Put your hand up if you want a little something from Team Mystery Thriller This weekend, 11-12 November 2017, Team Mystery Thriller members are providing books at discounted prices. For some around the world, the holiday season begins very soon. So, you could take this as an opportunity to stock up on books for yourself (if you travel as a passenger you will have lots to read). You might also consider gifting to someone you know like a military member or veteran. First Responders like firefighters sometimes have downtown between calls and chores. Lots of people love to read and you can share that love by sharing this post or gifting a book or two.

Don't forget that sometimes authors have other books on sale or have paperback options. Sometimes they have an option that if you get a paperback, you could get an eBook for Free or at a discount. That way you can give a paperback as a present and keep the eBook for yourself. Win-Win! Did I mention, there is a wide variety of sub-genres of mystery and thrillers ranging from Cozy to Political and some on either side. So, there really is a little something for everyone when you visit Renee Pawlish's site:  ​http://reneepawlish.com/promo/

Happy Searching, Giving, and Reading,
​
Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/Author/Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Combining Passions - #WATWB - #GoFundMe

Goldin Martinez reading - borrowed from #GoFundMe article “Books can create a world for you that you never thought was possible." - Goldin Martinez
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Welcome to the 8th month of the We Are The World Blogfest #WATWB. Last month, I mentioned a story about a judge and the books she gives away to youths who often are in "gangs". This month, I found a story that was in an email from Go Fund Me. It showed me that not everyone who comes from “bad beginnings” is destined for the "street life".

Goldin Martinez was born in New York City’s Washington Heights to parents addicted to crack cocaine. They abandoned him at the hospital, leaving him to bounce from foster home to foster home for years.

Eventually, Goldin found a foster family he loved and who loved him. They wanted to adopt him. But suddenly, the state ripped out the rug from under him and sent him to a family member—who turned out to be an abuser.
That’s when Goldin stopped hoping. Hope just led to hurt.

“At 16, I told myself that I was going to be a statistic,” says Goldin. “I thought I would grow up to be a drug dealer and die in the streets—until my English teacher Ms. Wallace changed my life.”

The story continues on to share about his new-found love of reading as well as the bullying he suffered from being skinny. He went on to learn how to be physically fit and became a personal trainer. He felt the call to help others learn the joy of fitness no matter their income. Later, he made a choice to combine his passions. To read how all of this came about and exactly how reading and physical fitness come together to help many, visit here.
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Even if you don’t feel the urge to support his program, please feel free to share my blog with others so they can make a choice. When you have finished, please take a moment or more to visit this month’s co-hosts: Belinda Witzenhausen, Guilie Castillo, Mary Giese, Shilpa Garg, and Sylvia McGrath. 

For even more stories, check out the Facebook Community Page where several blog posts are awaiting your perusal, likes, and positive comments.

If you believe you can contribute a story on the last Friday of the month to the We Are The World Blogfest, then check out this post which explains a little more.

May you and yours enjoy reading posts, books, or whatever makes your day brighter.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/Blogger/Author/Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC




We Are The World Blogfest Badge

Why #Free isn't Easy - #TeamMysteryThriller

Free 14-15 October 2017 via Team Mystery Thriller Team Mystery Thriller is presenting some books for free this month. It will begin after midnight US Pacific Time on 14 October through 15 October 2017.  Books may not be free until that time.

While I hope you pick out something that suits your reading needs. I also hope that you will take a moment to appreciate that being an independent author does not necessarily equate to independently wealthy. Writing and promoting is all part of the business. While authors are happy to share their work for free, especially to those who have little to no income, they also must consider their return on investment, including time and money. It isn't easy to balance everything. So if you enjoy an author's work, please show your support by reviews and sharing it via social media as well as word of mouth. You might also consider donating a little something to those who help promote and support their fellow independent authors. 

You can start by visiting here, reviewing the books available this month, downloading the ones that catch your fancy and maybe consider clicking on the donate button.

Happy reading, sharing, and donating,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/Author/Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

A Different Kind of Sentence #WATWB

Judge gives books to minors she sentences. "Sometimes they’re just shocked. I don’t think they get a lot of stuff.” https://t.co/E92SW9vEP1 pic.twitter.com/YORtuDOvew

— Heidi Stevens (@HeidiStevens13) September 1, 2017

We Are The World Badge We Are The World Blogfest BadgeThis seventh month of #WATWB, I am sharing a story that I found while tweeting out a fellow blogger's post from last month.  This story of a judge who gives away books to juveniles spoke volumes to me. 

I love reading. I have since I was in elementary school. It never occurred to me that adolescents would not have access to books. Then again, I thankfully never lived on the "mean streets" where showing any kind of love of learning is not only frowned upon but could cause you serious trouble.

Ms. Heidi Stevens aka @HeidiStevens13, writer for the Chicago Tribune, was happy to allow me to share the story she wrote about Associate Judge Linda J. Pauel and why she gives out books:

She had the idea to stock her courtroom with books after an exchange with a minor who was repeatedly failing to show up for the various appointments mandated by his probation terms. Pauel asked him what he does all day, and he told her he sits around with his girlfriend.
 
“Me being a mom, I said, ‘Don’t you ever read a book?’” Pauel recalled. “He said, ‘Yeah I read a book. I have one book.’ I said, ‘Yeah? What’s the book?’ He said, ‘Of Mice and Men.’ He was rereading it over and over.”
 
She was a little chagrined. And determined.
 
“Instead of telling them, ‘Why don’t you read a book?’ I thought, why don’t I just give them books? A lot of them are very heavily gang-involved. They can’t just get on a bus and go to a library. The world is very different for them.”

If you would like to see the full story complete with a video, visit here.
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I hope the provided books will help these young people realize there is another way to get through the tough times. Many thanks to Judge Pauel for coming up with this idea. A huge thank you to Ms. Heidi Stevens for sharing a positive news story via a major newspaper.

Who knows what other great stories are in store for you this month. Ones that may take you on a journey to some place or event you didn't know was waiting for you. A great place to start, is with our co-hosts this month: 

Andrea Michaels, Emerald Barnes, Michelle Wallace,  Peter Nena, and Shilpa Garg

You can also visit the Facebook Community Page for more of this month's blogs. 

If you are a blogger and would love to be a part of sharing positive stories with others, visit here to learn more.

Have a positive one!

Lynn Hallbrooks
Blogger/reader/author/founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Face It #TeamMysteryThriller Has Some Great Discounts

Team Mystery Thriller Discount Weekend It is time for Team Mystery Thriller to share what books they have discounted for you this month. 

First step, visit Renee Pawlish's site: http://reneepawlish.com/promo/

Then browse for books that you find intriguing, then click to go to that Amazon site. While you are on there, you might want to see if the author you selected has any other discounts going on. That can help you stretch your budget.

Happy Reading!

Lynn Hallbrooks
​Blogger/Reader/Author/Founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC