M.A Grace's Blog, page 21

Book Review: When Red Is Blue

Book Review by Toni G. Sinns
Book Title: When Red Is Blue
Author: Sabrynne Mclain
About the Author: Sabrynne McLain received her B.A. and M.S. degrees from Michigan State University and then went on to hold numerous positions in marketing, operations and finance in the U.S. and U.K. In addition to her first published article in the Journal of Consumer Marketing, she has written for travel and lifestyle websites such as Pology.com and Panalba.com. During her tenure as a financial adviser, she was also asked to write a three-part series on financial planning for Scottish Woman magazine. She currently divides her time between writing (her author blog, the occasional article and her next novel) and running an editing and proofreading business. She lives in Edinburgh, U.K. with her partner Gareth Thomas and a very demanding cat named Barnaby. When Red Is Blue is her first novel.
Book Description: Kate Faraday, a young woman from a small town in Michigan, dreams of leaving her past behind her and moving to California. But when her schizophrenic mother is found dead in a ravine, Kate is forced to examine her conflicting emotions over her mother’s death, while coping with the demands of her alcoholic father and local residents who witnessed the shame of her childhood. In the end, Kate discovers that the most difficult relationship to reconcile is the one she has with herself. When Red Is Blue is a fictionalized account of events that took place during Sabrynne McLain’s childhood and twenties. It paints a vivid picture of the emotional trauma and self-esteem issues faced by children of dysfunctional parents, while leading the reader through a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.



My ReviewStory Line: You follow Kate through multiple memories and moments in her life. You watch her deal with issues with her father, issues with her mother, and issues with herself.
Characters: Sofia, Colin, Kate,  Kate’s father, and the whole town of Cooper
Full Concept: I believe this book does a masterful job showing how a family can be torn apart by mental issues and yet still trying to make everything work. How secretes are kept from friends for the hope of being normal and not having them look down at the mentally sick. It shows how one struggles to deal with the sick person and themselves.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book. Following the struggles that a mentally ill family member can cause for themselves, their family, and those around them is hard. Nobody can truly make you feel and understand these struggles however this book does give you a really close attempt at that. Mental illness is hard to go through, hard to understand and hard to explain.  This book has a strong base of knowledge on the issues and conveys it to the reader in an insightful story. Very enjoyable read.

Grab your copy today!Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Red-Blue-Sabrynne-McLain/dp/0957128509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338318565&sr=8-1
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/When-Red-Is-Blue-ebook/dp/B0075EVGSO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1338318565&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-red-is-blue-sabrynne-mclain/1109921009?ean=9780957128507

Book Review: Was Once A Hero

Book Review by Toni G. Sinns
Book Title: Was Once A Hero
Author: Edward McKeown
About the Author: I've enjoyed a life-long love affair with science fiction. I write believable people in extraordinary situations, balancing romance, humor, adventure and reasonable extrapolations of science in stories that I believe people will want to return to. Whether it's in the short stories of my "Lair of the Lesbian Love Goddess series" or in the Fenaday and Rainhell novels, classic "Planet" tales of a crews of unlikely companions facing unknown dangers, my intent is to give the reader the sort of page turning, involving adventure that Andre Norton wrote and leaven it with the emotional complexity and ambiguity that CJ Cherryh brings to the field.

While the experiences of the SF Universe are out of reach of those unable to pay for a rocket ride, I use my own background to try for an underlying verity in my characters. I've parachuted, flown in gliders, hang gliders and strapped to the floor of military helicopters. I've been rated as an expert shot and carry a black belt in the martial arts. I've been paralyzed by fear, exhilarated by love and walked into fights, both literal and metaphorical, that I knew I could not win. I have the great good fortune to be married to the talented artist Schelly Keefer http://www.redskygallery.com/html/hom... and her products are available at www.zazzle.com/schellyBook Description: Reluctant privateer Robert Fenaday searches the stars for his lost love, Lisa, a naval intelligence officer whose ship disappeared near the end of the Conchirri War . He’s joined by the genetically engineered assassin, Shasti Rainhell, whose cold perfection masks her dark past. Both are blackmailed by government spymaster, Mandela, into a suicidal mission to the doomed planet Enshar. Leading a team of scientists and soldiers, they must unravel the mystery of that planet’s death before an ancient force reaches out to claim their lives.

My ReviewStory Line: A dead wife, no job, a government that knows all your illegal actions and can take you down, a vanishing race, and a mission that very well could be your death. In a pleasantly entertaining and decently quick read you get to follow the way Robert Fenaday went from being on top to being almost blackmailed into giving away possibly his life for a mission.
Characters: Lisa, Robert, Telisan, Shasti, and a whole ships worth of crew.
My Favorite Part: When Robert and Mandela have a conversation about wanting Robert to go on this suicide mission as it would appear. Mandela tells Robert of all the illegal actions that the government knows about but has not taken him to court on yet. I found the whole conversation hilarious.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. There were some parts in there that seemed to drag on for me which was a bit disheartened for a short story. HOWEVER, minus those few parts I really enjoyed this read. I don’t want to go too much into it because I don’t do spoilers. However I do recommend if you want a very enjoyable space adventure to sink into then you should pick up this book. Follow Robert as he watches his wife leave on a mission to find out 11 months later she will not be returning. Selling all he has to get a ship to search for her leaving him with no money, no work, and no wife until a request to go on a mission that may be his last.

Grab your copy today!Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Was-Once-Hero-Edward-McKeown/dp/1468181777/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337981631&sr=8-2
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Was-Once-A-Hero-ebook/dp/B006UMTBY8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337981631&sr=8-1

Pyramid Fashion Collection

 Shirt:  $59.95

Skirt: $59.95

Total outfit before taxes: $119.90



The above outfit can be purchased at:   

Book Review: Legends of the Lake

Book Review by Toni G. Sinns
Book Title: Legends of the Lake
Author: Philip Nork
About the Author: Family vacation…visions of camp grounds, roller coasters, and long drives through the darkness of night may come to your mind. All of us at one time or another have spent time together as a family, whether you want to admit it or not. The same is true for our little group, although our family vacations were always at the same place year in and year out for over seventy years. Not only did those days teach us about who we were and where we came from, but also led to some very interesting discoveries. While going through these adventures many times we may have thought to ourselves--but never dared to say out loud--what a waste of time, or never again. But as the youngest of the generations get older, these times of yesteryear have become the backbone of our family; the stories handed down allow us to remember those who have passed on and even those that some may never have met. And they constantly remind us that all of us are indeed a family.
Book Description: Philip Nork was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. After moving to Nevada and accepting a job which left him on the road way too often, he started having dreams...dreams about the women of his life and how they impacted him. After jotting down these "memories" and being able to mold them all into a manuscript that not only told an "interesting and unique story," but left a heartwarming message at the end, he decided to publish this real-life fiction piece on his own to see what would happen. Would people connect with his journey of self-discovery?
According to all sources they would and have. In fact, Apex Reviews stated "Straightforward and refreshingly candid...an impressive presentation of a life with a plethora of helpful lessons to share."



My ReviewOverall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars. Family vacations can bring back a lot of memories. This story lets you follow the summer of vacation. I truly felt like I was part of the family enjoying the lake, fires, fresh lemonade, and learning from life experiences with the characters.  The memories of once you are older and wishing you could go back. This truly is a book to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Grab your copy today!Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Legends-Lake-Philip-Nork/dp/1468043692/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337807478&sr=1-3
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Legends-of-the-Lake-ebook/dp/B006K67PWO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1337807478&sr=1-3
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/legends-of-the-lake-philip-nork/1107922964?ean=9781468043693

My First Award!!! ^.^ I love it!

ResidentGamer has given me my first blog award *giggles* 


In order to accept it I have to give 10 random facts about myself and award six other bloggers the award. What fun....Hmmm 10 facts.... 6 bloggers.... hmmm

1. I don't like chocolate. I prefer fruit as my sweet.
2. I am obsessed with the late 60's early 70's. Fashion, Rock Groups, Music, etc. 
3. I love disney, carebears, my little pony, tinkerbell, smurfs, and more. (I'm a 8 year old stuck in a 24 year olds body apparently..)
4. Until I started writing books my word choices consisted of a limited vocabulary that I often misspelled.
5. I live in Central FL and wear pants year long. I hate shorts. I do occasionally wear dresses.
6. I started calling myself a gamer girl in March 2012. After thinking of ALL the games I've played...All the HOURS I've logged.....And how much I LOVE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES!!!!
7. I have a 1 year old Saint Bernard named Tornado and a 6 year old boxer/pitt mix named Shadie. (dogs in case you didn't know)
8. I have an obsession with having friends. NOT hanging out friends but ones to send mail to, cards to, gifts etc.
9. I never really show interest in things even that I am interested in. (Except writing)
10. If I was to accomplish all my ideas and dreams I would need lots of money, a bigger 2 or 3 story house, and a passport.


Now the fun part....The six victims I choose are....
1. http://blandyjean.blogspot.com/2. http://tawnafenske.blogspot.com/3. http://www.economyofstyle.net/4. http://leahmbeamon.blogspot.com/5. http://missjordanlee.blogspot.com/6. http://deborahblake.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Misguided Sensitivity

Book Review by Toni G. Sinns
Book Title: Misguided Sensitivity
Author: Philip Nork
About the Author: Philip Nork was born in Chicago, Illinois and is the oldest of three children. His early years were devastating as he endured the divorce of his parents, the death of his beloved great-grandmother, and the resulting feelings of isolation and loneliness. While these events took their toll, they also shaped the man he grew up to be. Phil had a different perspective than his friends and his experiences were totally unique. As his young male friends were busy playing baseball, defending their turf, and hitting on girls, his time was spent reading, listening to music, writing his feelings down in his journal and trying to understand the differences in people and to figure out how “we can all get along.” Philip Nork resides in Henderson, Nevada with his family, where he mixes writing with life. Visit his website, www.PhilipNork.com and become a fan at www.facebook.com/authorPhilipNork
Book Description: The journey we are on is a difficult one, even more so for
those from a broken family.
Follow one boy as he searches for the two desires we all
have in common: to be accepted by others, and to be
truly happy.
Life continues through the good and the bad, and each and every person you meet along the way leaves pieces behind, like a jigsaw puzzle, for you to piece together as you grow and learn. And as you put those pieces
together, you hopefully become a better person for it.
We are indeed all connected, and everything you do really does matter and will always affect someone else in one way or another.



My ReviewOverall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The story of this boy growing into a man and the choices he makes are touching. Not really as much as aww how sweet but more in the it touches your soul and connects you with the story. The struggles and choices you read are so in depth that you can’t help but feel the emotions running through the people in the story. As you meet each new person and learn about them you really notice we are all the same on the inside. We all really do have problems and face challenges that we don’t always voice. And all we really want is to feel loved, safe and comfortable in our own skin and with those around us.

Grab your copy today!Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/misguided-sensitivity-philip-nork/1110624907?ean=2940014398022
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Misguided-Sensitivity-Philip-Nork/dp/0985006676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337707704&sr=8-1
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Misguided-Sensitivity-ebook/dp/B0081G2TCM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337707704&sr=8-2

The end of my blog tour...Left with some GREAT reviews

"This is a good start to a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the next." - Quoted from Cami at My Reading Addiction
Come check out more of the great things she said on her blog!
(Here)

Another Wonderful Great Amazing review came from For the Love of Film and Novels!!!
 "This was just a really great story, and I hope you have the opportunity to read this one because Sinns has a great talent for writing us a pretty good story!" - Quoted from Marissa at For the Love of Film and Novels
Check out what she had to say even more(Here) 


Did you miss any of the other blog stops? Don't worry you can catch them all!!
May 8 - Review's By Molly - GiveawayMay 9 - Taking it One Page at a Time - Review/Guest Post/GiveawayMay 10 - Reading a Little Bit of Everything - Review/Interview/GiveawayMay 11 - Addicted to Books - Review/Excerpt/GiveawayMay 14 - Tana's Book Reviews - Review/Excerpt/GiveawayMay 15 -
Doodle's Book Blog - Review/GiveawayMay 17 - Book Blog Experience - Review/GiveawayMay 18 - Snag a Bargain - Review/GiveawayMay 21 - Kindred Dreamheart - Guest Post/GiveawayMay 21 - My Reading Addiction - ReviewMay 22 - Books, Books, and More Books - ReviewMay 22 - For the Love of Film and Novels - Review

Book Review: Rock Killer

Book Review by Toni G. Sinns
Book Title: Rock Killer
Author: S. Evan Townsend
About the Author: S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and two teenage sons and has a son attending the University of Washington in biology. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.
Book Description: Space Resources, Inc. (SRI) mines asteroids for the riches a populated Earth needs without degrading the planet. Yet there are those opposed to progress in whatever its form such as the Gaia Alliance, a front group for eco-terrorists. During a violent attack on the Moon, the terrorists steal an exploration ship, arm it, and rename it the Rock Killer. Charlene "Charlie" Jones of SRI security is trying to infiltrate the Gaia Alliance's cabal to find evidence linking them to the murder of her fiancé. But a run-in with the law threatens to reveal her identity to the dangerous men of the Alliance. Simultaneously, SRI Director Alexander Chun is traveling to the asteroid belt to bring a kilometer-long nickel-iron rock back to Earth orbit to mine for its valuable metals. Following him and his multi-national team is the Rock Killer. Without armaments, millions of miles from help, Chun must stop those who threaten him and the lives of his crew.



My Review
Story Line: SRI is attacked by GA and has a ship stolen. Frank is murdered. Charlie has to find the GA to prove they killed frank. Alex has to save his crew. Rock Killer wants resources. Miners for Earth want resources. Mrs. Cortez helps save Charlie. Earth and the moon and the asteroid belt are all connected.
Characters: Charlene (Charlie), Mitchel (Mitch), Frank, Kijoto, Yamada, Alex, And many more.
My Favorite Character:  I don’t really have a favorite because I love them all. Each has their own abilities and each are strong in their own ways.
My Favorite Part: There is a section where Charlie and McConnell are talking about how humans are living larger lifestyles then they should. Even if they have the resources to do so, the technology and growth are dehumanizing humans. I love the thought and philosophy of this section. It connects with times now so real that you’d think you were hearing it in person and not reading a fictional book. BRAVO!
Full Concept: Read about how terrorist never give up. How earth and the moon forces team up to save the peace. How resources have now become plentiful. How strength is not always how strong you are but what actions you do. Read about the future, about how the world could be. I loved this book. I loved getting to read and explore the depths of space and the people in it.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5. This could be our future. This could be how things and lives will survive. This COULD be real. Any book that makes my mind believe that the future could hold everything that is being spoken and can put that much realistic philosophy into a fictional story is amazing.

Grab your copy today!Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Killer-S-Evan-Townsend/dp/1937593452/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Killer-ebook/dp/B007GHNH28/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rock-killer-s-evan-townsend/1105616457?ean=9781937593452 
 

Tour Stop at Kindred Dreamheart

10 Things Readers would be surprised to know about you (w/ Toni Sinns)   I am an avid die hard gamer girl. I get caught up in hours of games on the PS3, PS2, GameCube, PC, Wii, and DSi. I am actually normally writing the story at the same time I am playing World of Warcraft.  
 
Come check out Kindred Dreamheart for the other 9 Random facts you may not have known and enter to win a copy of my book!!!! Drop on by (here) 

Starting a Year ahead of Schedule!!!!

 

Okay so I found this picture on the internet and I immediately thought about the A-Z Challenge I just recently finished in April. Next year I already have my topic and will probably go ahead and schedule the post. That gives me over a year to have time to edit rewrite or add content to each post. Anyway I am going to do Games in Real Life. Just so you can more understand what I am talking about here is some examples you will be seeing next April. 




Can't wait for April!!!!!