Caron Rider's Blog, page 9
June 10, 2012
A New Look for My Website
Check out the new look for my website! Here's the banner:
Very similar to the blog header...which it was supposed to be. I wanted to try to have a consistent look for the blog and website.
Be sure and check out the spinning book and let me know what you think!
Very similar to the blog header...which it was supposed to be. I wanted to try to have a consistent look for the blog and website.
Be sure and check out the spinning book and let me know what you think!
June 9, 2012
Review: Restoree by Anne McCaffrey
I love, love Anne McCaffrey's writing, and the book I've chosen for this post is one of my favorites (and I didn't even realize it was her first novel until just today).
Description from back of my paperback:
She was a Restoree!
Kidnapped: Torn from Earth by a bizarre and nameless black force, Sara had no idea where she was or why she was in a beautiful new body...
Enslaved: Controlled by brutal guards and tamed by terror, she could not comprehen her role as a nurse for a man who appeared to be an idiot...
Awakened: But once she discovered that the planet she had been brought to was Lothar and that the man she was caring for was its Regent, Sara knew they had to escape--and fast.
And when they did, they became fugitives on a world of multiple evils--bound together on a daring adventure that would either join them for all time...or separate them forever!
My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed this book over the years, several times. There are so many alien abduction stories out there, but nothing really fleshed out. This story follows a young woman through the abduction, her survival and the new planet she ends up on. And then add in a dash of romance! You can't beat that. The underlying message in the story is that no matter where you are in the universe, or what species, underneath it all, we are all the same. We have good guys and bad guys and some that are just so-so. This one is a true adventure.
Description from back of my paperback:She was a Restoree!
Kidnapped: Torn from Earth by a bizarre and nameless black force, Sara had no idea where she was or why she was in a beautiful new body...
Enslaved: Controlled by brutal guards and tamed by terror, she could not comprehen her role as a nurse for a man who appeared to be an idiot...
Awakened: But once she discovered that the planet she had been brought to was Lothar and that the man she was caring for was its Regent, Sara knew they had to escape--and fast.
And when they did, they became fugitives on a world of multiple evils--bound together on a daring adventure that would either join them for all time...or separate them forever!
My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed this book over the years, several times. There are so many alien abduction stories out there, but nothing really fleshed out. This story follows a young woman through the abduction, her survival and the new planet she ends up on. And then add in a dash of romance! You can't beat that. The underlying message in the story is that no matter where you are in the universe, or what species, underneath it all, we are all the same. We have good guys and bad guys and some that are just so-so. This one is a true adventure.
June 8, 2012
NOR: Summer Scavenger Hunt...and a Blog Bonus!
Reblogged from Ash Krafton:
Welcome, web hunters!
I'm thrilled to be a part of Night Owl Reviews SUMMER FUN WEB HUNT! I can't believe all the great prizes that are up for grabs. Talk about booty! Check it out folks!
Welcome, web hunters!
I'm thrilled to be a part of Night Owl Reviews SUMMER FUN WEB HUNT! I can't believe all the great prizes that are up for grabs. Talk about booty! Check it out folks!
June 6, 2012
Recipes from Cookin' Mimi
One of my blogging buddies has some awesome receipes out for the summer! Things like: Italian Grilled Chicken, Barbecue Salad, and Deviled Eggs! Umm, umm, umm!
So check out Cookin' Mimi!http://cookingmimi.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/favorite-summer-recipes/
June 5, 2012
Life Gives Us Lemons!
I can't believe these parents! (It's sooo something I would do and probably did.) ;)
Poor little babies.
I hope this brightens your day, as it did mine!
Poor little babies.
I hope this brightens your day, as it did mine!
June 4, 2012
Women Get the Vote
The 19th Amendment passed the Senate on this day in 1919!
American women gained the right to vote!
The original amendment was drafted by Susan B. Anthony with the help of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It was first introduced in 1878 and for nine years, it sat in committee before going before the Senate in 1887, only to be voted down. Several individual states approved women's voting rights through the years, but a Constitutional amendment wasn't considered again until 1914. It was repeatedly defeated, and the suffrage movement gained further notoriety by picketing Woodrow Wilson at the White House, helping to spur an anti-suffrage movement that claimed "women should not venture outside of their domestic sphere."
Finally in 1918, Wilson gave the suffrage movement his support. During World War I, women had entered the workforce in large numbers and in September 1918 Wilson gave a speech in which he said: "We have made partners of the women in this war. Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of right?"
The following May, the amendment passed both Houses of Congress.
American women gained the right to vote!
The original amendment was drafted by Susan B. Anthony with the help of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It was first introduced in 1878 and for nine years, it sat in committee before going before the Senate in 1887, only to be voted down. Several individual states approved women's voting rights through the years, but a Constitutional amendment wasn't considered again until 1914. It was repeatedly defeated, and the suffrage movement gained further notoriety by picketing Woodrow Wilson at the White House, helping to spur an anti-suffrage movement that claimed "women should not venture outside of their domestic sphere."
Finally in 1918, Wilson gave the suffrage movement his support. During World War I, women had entered the workforce in large numbers and in September 1918 Wilson gave a speech in which he said: "We have made partners of the women in this war. Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of right?"
The following May, the amendment passed both Houses of Congress.
June 2, 2012
Feature: Smilodon by Alan Nayes
Feast your eyes on a new creature thriller by Alan Nayes today called Smilodon.
Thank you, Caron, for the opportunity to introduce readers to one of my recent releases. SMILODON is what I term a creature thriller. I’ve always found the subgenre entertaining and the stories—whether in book version or movie—never fail to capture the public’s attention. Popular examples are JAWS, the ALIEN movies, RELIC, JURRASIC PARK, and many more. You get the picture.
Since publishing THE UNNATURAL, my first creature thriller, I’ve been dying (pun only intended) to pen another one. SMILODON is my terrestrial JAWS so to speak. Like the huge prehistoric predator in the story, this book will grab on to the reader and not let go. The story is about a huge cat that goes on the rampage in the wilderness of north central Idaho.
Hope you enjoy it, and again, thank you, Caron, for having me on your blog.
Synopsis
Seven years after a near-fatal mauling by a grizzly bear, in which his only son was killed, Jason Bristol, a one time prize-fighter and expert animal tracker, is back in the woods tracking again--when he’s not nursing the nearest fifth of whiskey.
Then Jason’s best friend and mentor is discovered half-buried beneath a mat of pine needles. The prospector’s mangled corpse has been mauled virtually beyond recognition. A rancher loses a prize thoroughbred and suddenly the nightmare responsible for Jason’s downward spiral is rekindled as Jason is thrust back into the wilderness on the trail of a predator that defies belief.
The time clock has begun for Norah Phelps, too, daughter of multimillionaire real estate developer Richard Phelps whose recent purchase of the 95,000 acre former Clarksdale Animal Preserve has pitted environmentalist and wildlife biologist daughter against capitalist father. Norah, responsible for relocating the local wolf population, remains unconvinced a pack of marauding wolves are accountable for the attacks and enlists Jason’s help in her quest for the real killer before the spate of killings can jeopardize not only her future but also the future of her father’s prize development project.
Against the majestic pristine backdrop of Idaho’s Bitterroot Wilderness Area, the story unfolds. Jason, with Norah’s assistance, soon discovers the ghosts of his past are nothing compared to the battle he’s undertaken.
Smilodon. A saber-toothed cat. He’s angry, he’s frightened, he’s hungry, and he’s 12,000 years from home.
SMILODON Amazon http://amzn.to/nabkJD
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/t1JAPj
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/oucAdo
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/100497
About Alan Nayes:
Alan Nayes was born in Houston and grew up on the Texas gulf coast. He lives in Southern California. He is the author of GARGOYLES (Resurrection Trilogy, Book ), PLAGUE (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 2), THE UNNATURAL, BARBARY POINT, and RETURN TO UNDERLAND, his only children’s story. One of his most recent releases is SMILODON. SMILODON is about a huge cat that terrorizes a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Samhain Publishing released his erotic horror story GIRL BLUE in April where it reached #3 on the Samhain Horror Bestseller list. GIRL BLUE is about a terminally ill sculptor who becomes haunted by his last work.
An avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to ever swim across Wisconsin’s chilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on his next project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.
Alan Nayes books can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Readers can contact Alan Nayes at:
Website http://anayes.com/ Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/527589.Alan_Nayes
Facebook http://on.fb.me/mflYEU
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/alannayes
Blog http://alannayes.blogspot.com/
Other works by Alan Nayes:
BARBARY POINT
Amazon http://amzn.to/jwaVbN
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
GARGOYLES (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 1)
Amazon http://amzn.to/nUMXs4
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/nBThYm
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77758
PLAGUE (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 2)
Amazon http://amzn.to/yYQHct
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/xTKuoj
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/w5QeCP
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133178
THE UNNATURAL Amazon http://amzn.to/oXRiNV
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/oxjm4S
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80711
GIRL BLUE
Amazon http://amzn.to/wEFi2A
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/zUqn0q
Barnesandboble http://bit.ly/yJFVgU
Samhain http://bit.ly/yrNhox
RETURN TO UNDERLAND Amazon http://amzn.to/GDBTkq
Thank you, Caron, for the opportunity to introduce readers to one of my recent releases. SMILODON is what I term a creature thriller. I’ve always found the subgenre entertaining and the stories—whether in book version or movie—never fail to capture the public’s attention. Popular examples are JAWS, the ALIEN movies, RELIC, JURRASIC PARK, and many more. You get the picture.
Since publishing THE UNNATURAL, my first creature thriller, I’ve been dying (pun only intended) to pen another one. SMILODON is my terrestrial JAWS so to speak. Like the huge prehistoric predator in the story, this book will grab on to the reader and not let go. The story is about a huge cat that goes on the rampage in the wilderness of north central Idaho.
Hope you enjoy it, and again, thank you, Caron, for having me on your blog.
SynopsisSeven years after a near-fatal mauling by a grizzly bear, in which his only son was killed, Jason Bristol, a one time prize-fighter and expert animal tracker, is back in the woods tracking again--when he’s not nursing the nearest fifth of whiskey.
Then Jason’s best friend and mentor is discovered half-buried beneath a mat of pine needles. The prospector’s mangled corpse has been mauled virtually beyond recognition. A rancher loses a prize thoroughbred and suddenly the nightmare responsible for Jason’s downward spiral is rekindled as Jason is thrust back into the wilderness on the trail of a predator that defies belief.
The time clock has begun for Norah Phelps, too, daughter of multimillionaire real estate developer Richard Phelps whose recent purchase of the 95,000 acre former Clarksdale Animal Preserve has pitted environmentalist and wildlife biologist daughter against capitalist father. Norah, responsible for relocating the local wolf population, remains unconvinced a pack of marauding wolves are accountable for the attacks and enlists Jason’s help in her quest for the real killer before the spate of killings can jeopardize not only her future but also the future of her father’s prize development project.
Against the majestic pristine backdrop of Idaho’s Bitterroot Wilderness Area, the story unfolds. Jason, with Norah’s assistance, soon discovers the ghosts of his past are nothing compared to the battle he’s undertaken.
Smilodon. A saber-toothed cat. He’s angry, he’s frightened, he’s hungry, and he’s 12,000 years from home.
SMILODON Amazon http://amzn.to/nabkJD
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/t1JAPj
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/oucAdo
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/100497
About Alan Nayes:
Alan Nayes was born in Houston and grew up on the Texas gulf coast. He lives in Southern California. He is the author of GARGOYLES (Resurrection Trilogy, Book ), PLAGUE (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 2), THE UNNATURAL, BARBARY POINT, and RETURN TO UNDERLAND, his only children’s story. One of his most recent releases is SMILODON. SMILODON is about a huge cat that terrorizes a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Samhain Publishing released his erotic horror story GIRL BLUE in April where it reached #3 on the Samhain Horror Bestseller list. GIRL BLUE is about a terminally ill sculptor who becomes haunted by his last work.
An avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to ever swim across Wisconsin’s chilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on his next project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.
Alan Nayes books can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Readers can contact Alan Nayes at:
Website http://anayes.com/ Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/527589.Alan_Nayes
Facebook http://on.fb.me/mflYEU
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/alannayes
Blog http://alannayes.blogspot.com/
Other works by Alan Nayes:
BARBARY POINT
Amazon http://amzn.to/jwaVbN
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
GARGOYLES (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 1)
Amazon http://amzn.to/nUMXs4
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/nBThYm
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77758
PLAGUE (Resurrection Trilogy, Book 2)
Amazon http://amzn.to/yYQHct
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/xTKuoj
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/w5QeCP
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133178
THE UNNATURAL Amazon http://amzn.to/oXRiNV
Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/oxjm4S
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80711
GIRL BLUE
Amazon http://amzn.to/wEFi2A
Amazon.uk http://amzn.to/zUqn0q
Barnesandboble http://bit.ly/yJFVgU
Samhain http://bit.ly/yrNhox
RETURN TO UNDERLAND Amazon http://amzn.to/GDBTkq
June 1, 2012
Witch World by Andre Norton
People are always asking me about my favorite books and what I enjoyed. Well, the book that really started it all for me was Witch World. Now that sounds as if it should be something like Witches of Eastwick but it's not.
Description from Goodreads:
Ex-colonel Simon Tregarth was a hunted man--and the hunt was beginning to come to its inevitable deadly end. Tregarth was desperate, and his situation required a desperate solution. His only alternative was wild beyond imagining--sorcery.
Simon was forced to give himself up to the mysterious Siege Perilous, the ancient stone of Power. It would judge him, determine his worth, and then deliver him into a world in which his mind and spirit should be at home.
Simon Tregarth's lot would pit him against an uncanny world where the laws of nature operated... differently. Where in fact, "magic" was science. For Simon Tregarth there would be no return, he could never escape from the WITCH WORLD
My thoughts:
This is a world in which magic and science meet and clash. The witches rule their domain and they have no experience with machinery. Then enters Simon, someone from outside their world and their rules don't necessarily apply to him. I truly like Simon. He faces events with fortitude...something people seem to have forgotten just lately in this fast food generation. For instance, he thinks the end is near, so sits down to have a steak dinner as a last meal. No whining; no crying; just dinner.
I also like the fact this story sends Simon to the world he would be most suited for. Haven't we all wished that we were where we were meant to be? Where we would shine. It is in this world that he can become the man he'd like to be. And he even meets a woman to love, even though that love is forbidden. The love story is very secondary so don't think this is a romance. It is full on sci-fi and fantasy set in a medieval type world that yet has some technology. It's a great mix.
It was first published in 1963, so you can pick it up for next to nothing at a used book store. Although Norton's estate has been re-publishing many of her novels, sometimes two in one binding. This is definitely a keeper.
Description from Goodreads:Ex-colonel Simon Tregarth was a hunted man--and the hunt was beginning to come to its inevitable deadly end. Tregarth was desperate, and his situation required a desperate solution. His only alternative was wild beyond imagining--sorcery.
Simon was forced to give himself up to the mysterious Siege Perilous, the ancient stone of Power. It would judge him, determine his worth, and then deliver him into a world in which his mind and spirit should be at home.
Simon Tregarth's lot would pit him against an uncanny world where the laws of nature operated... differently. Where in fact, "magic" was science. For Simon Tregarth there would be no return, he could never escape from the WITCH WORLD
My thoughts:
This is a world in which magic and science meet and clash. The witches rule their domain and they have no experience with machinery. Then enters Simon, someone from outside their world and their rules don't necessarily apply to him. I truly like Simon. He faces events with fortitude...something people seem to have forgotten just lately in this fast food generation. For instance, he thinks the end is near, so sits down to have a steak dinner as a last meal. No whining; no crying; just dinner.
I also like the fact this story sends Simon to the world he would be most suited for. Haven't we all wished that we were where we were meant to be? Where we would shine. It is in this world that he can become the man he'd like to be. And he even meets a woman to love, even though that love is forbidden. The love story is very secondary so don't think this is a romance. It is full on sci-fi and fantasy set in a medieval type world that yet has some technology. It's a great mix.
It was first published in 1963, so you can pick it up for next to nothing at a used book store. Although Norton's estate has been re-publishing many of her novels, sometimes two in one binding. This is definitely a keeper.
May 30, 2012
INCONCLUSIVE TRAVEL PLANS 2012
My brother forwarded this to me in an email, author unknown. I LOVE IT! I hope it makes you smile (like I did).
I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.
Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!
From one unstable person to another... I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!
I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.
Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!
From one unstable person to another... I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!
May 27, 2012
Neverdark by C.S. Einfeld
I thought I'd share a middle-grade book with you today. Check it out:
Description:
The Faeries of Southnut are in big trouble. Lord Darkwater is up to no good.
The White Castle of Doru is under attack by the greatest army Princess Fiera's ever seen. Lord Darkwater is poised to crush her tiny kingdom unless the king gives Fiera up to become his wife.
Well, fffungus! She's having none of that!
The race is on for Fiera to outwit Lord Darkwater's Dragonfly Riders, Bat Brigades, and even a giant, faerie-eating Spider to save herself and, before it's too late, her whole world.
Warning! This book contains (1) very kick-butt Faerie Princess, an Evil Dark Lord, a rhino-beetle named "Gor", Dragonfly Riders, Bat Brigades and an extremely adorable, fluffy, pet firefly with anger-management issues.
My thoughts:
This is a delightful tale that I thoroughly enjoyed! When I saw this come up for review, I thought it perfect for my daughter to read. Fortunately, she went out of town and left me to read it alone. :) The world the author created makes for an entertaining read, and I loved the clever correlations formed with names, nature, and mythology. The characters were engaging and the tone spot on for this fairy tale. A kingdom in danger, a princess to the rescue, and a quest…what more can a reader, especially a middle grader, ask for?
Author Info from Goodreads:
Hi!
I write for tweens. I have a blog: www.authorcseinfeld.blogspot.com
I'm also a book reviewer with a passion for middle-grade fantasy. Send me your elves, your trolls, your wizards, and witches. I will sprinkle faerie dust on them all.
Personal stuff?
Uhm, well, I do (really) live on a tiny farm, on a small island, somewhere in the vast, North Atlantic Ocean.
And, I have a pet emu. His name is Archimedes, and he's pretty cool, mostly.
;o)
LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Neverdark-ebook/dp/B0069TD5AI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13182495-neverdark
Description:
The Faeries of Southnut are in big trouble. Lord Darkwater is up to no good.
The White Castle of Doru is under attack by the greatest army Princess Fiera's ever seen. Lord Darkwater is poised to crush her tiny kingdom unless the king gives Fiera up to become his wife.
Well, fffungus! She's having none of that!
The race is on for Fiera to outwit Lord Darkwater's Dragonfly Riders, Bat Brigades, and even a giant, faerie-eating Spider to save herself and, before it's too late, her whole world.
Warning! This book contains (1) very kick-butt Faerie Princess, an Evil Dark Lord, a rhino-beetle named "Gor", Dragonfly Riders, Bat Brigades and an extremely adorable, fluffy, pet firefly with anger-management issues.
My thoughts:
This is a delightful tale that I thoroughly enjoyed! When I saw this come up for review, I thought it perfect for my daughter to read. Fortunately, she went out of town and left me to read it alone. :) The world the author created makes for an entertaining read, and I loved the clever correlations formed with names, nature, and mythology. The characters were engaging and the tone spot on for this fairy tale. A kingdom in danger, a princess to the rescue, and a quest…what more can a reader, especially a middle grader, ask for?
Author Info from Goodreads:
Hi!
I write for tweens. I have a blog: www.authorcseinfeld.blogspot.com
I'm also a book reviewer with a passion for middle-grade fantasy. Send me your elves, your trolls, your wizards, and witches. I will sprinkle faerie dust on them all.
Personal stuff?
Uhm, well, I do (really) live on a tiny farm, on a small island, somewhere in the vast, North Atlantic Ocean.
And, I have a pet emu. His name is Archimedes, and he's pretty cool, mostly.
;o)
LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Neverdark-ebook/dp/B0069TD5AI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13182495-neverdark
