Julie A. Rainey's Blog, page 4

Author Spotlight - Michael Diack

Description:
Genetic engineering has accomplished many things, one of which has been to create the Super Spud! The humble potato elevated to new heights, creating the most flavoursome crisps ever known to humankind! But that's not all - A magical transformation occurs to all Super Spud crisps not eaten before their use-by date. They take on a life of their own. And so long as they remain undetected by humans, they enjoy life in their own Super Spud cities, take part in major Super Spud sporting events and even start the odd Super Spud war or two. Join Colin, Cougar, Hannibal Vector, Generals Rock, Jock and Strap and all the others in their rollicking adventures. You'll never look at a packet of crisps in the same way again! Fun, quirky and totally original.

The personality of the Super Spud is determined by their flavour. Tuna flavours, enriched with omega-3 fish oils are very smart, while steak and spinach flavours are incredibly strong due to their high iron content. The story is fast and a series of non-stop adventures from
one chapter to the next, encompassing locations including Egypt,
Mexico, UK, Italy and the North Pole! I basically want to entertain
the reader and let them read something truly original and quirky.It
also contains many references to popular films and characters like:
Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Robin Hood, 24's Jack Bauer and Batman.
It's fun, quirky, strange and, hopefully, unlike anything the reader
has read before.

Where to Buy:
Amazon UK
Amazon
Book Depository
Barnes & Noble

Author Website:
Super Spud Trilogy

Reviews:

5 STARS!!...... for creativity, originality, laugh-out-loud funniness,
and pure, raw, awesome-ness! The Super Spud Trilogy is a book of 3
stories of genetically engineered potato crisps that take on a life of
their own when not eaten by their expiration date. They have different
personalities depending on the flavor of potato crisps. There are over
a hundred adventurous and interesting characters in the story, though
most of them experience a sudden or gruesome death at unexpected
moments during their wild endeavors. If you refer to the obituary in
the back, of the Super Spuds who lost their life in the making of this
story, it helps to keep track of the characters and all of the
fatalities that occur throughout their adventures.

This is a quick read, with constant humour, dialogue, and action-
unpredictable, with twisting plots. I read a large a part of this
novel at work during my breaks, and I found myself laughing out loud
and then having to look around and make sure that no one was watching
me. I was totally surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel, nothing
like anything I have ever read. I would also recommend it to older
kids or teens. I would love to see this novel as an animated film for
adults and children, with a little tweaking to downplay the violence.
Over here.... Disney Pixar!!! Or maybe even a late night animated
sitcom. Move over "Family Guy"!!! Michael Diack slam dunks it with
this debut novel. Looking forward to reading the second novel. Get on
with it, Michael!

The Summoner Review

First let me start by saying I'm not very good at this whole review thing but the book intrigued me and I wanted to help out.

It's been awhile since I've read a fantasy novel but I must say that I liked this one. The way it was written was like that of a great storyteller back before books existed and people relied on those storytellers for entertainment.

The story is of the evil N'atax who seems bent on world domination, as most bad guys are. :) And of course I love the whole female heroine thing. Definitely up my alley. The author does a fantastic job of detailing and describing the land of Arth as well. All in all I liked the book. It's defiantly epic and I can see many more good things from the author.

Author Spotlight - Christina Tetreault

Description:
Callie Taylor's life is turned upside down when she learns the truth about her birth following the death of her mother. Not only is her father alive, but he's none other than presidential candidate Senator Warren Sherbrooke.

Billionaire and confirmed bachelor, Dylan Talbot, is devoted to his family. When his stepfather Warren Sherbrooke receives a letter from a past love telling him they have a daughter together, Dylan is instantly suspicious. In order to keep the media vultures away and protect Warren's political aspirations, Dylan convinces Warren to let him handle the situation.

As Callie and Dylan spend time together, they can't resist the feelings that blossom between them. However, when Callie learns the real reason he has been spending time with her their fledgling romance is put in jeopardy and only complete honesty can save it.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Website:
Christina Tetreault

Reviews:
This is a highly engaging read, filled with characters that you want to know. I loved that there were no stereotypical bad guys, and thank Ms. Tetreault for such an enjoyable read. I look forward to many relaxing afternoons with the rest of the series.
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An interesting read, I wasn't sure how I was going to react to the book. The characters are so vivid you feel like you know them and are there with them every step of the way. Dylan is to watch Callie. The more time they spend together the more Callie falls for Dylan. Callie learns a secret when he mother passes. Her father is alive and she wants to find him.
The author did a wonderful job with down to earth keeping things real. A page turner you can easily read in a day if not two. You want to know what happens with Callie and Dylan. They are easy to relate to. A fun read.  
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Christina Tetreault has written a true romance novel. Christina's writing is good, character description and plot are well written the story flows and you get enough information to get to know all the characters and enjoy the story.
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To read more reviews, click here.

Author Spotlight - Netty Ej ike

Bio:
Nicknamed Romantia, Netty Ejike has been writing since the age of twelve, after reading her first Mills and Boon, thus living up to her nickname.

Born in 1971 in Enugu, Nigeria, she studied Psychology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and received Elizabeth Lord's award for being the best female graduate from the department.
Her working experience cut across several sections; an agent in a travel agency, an admin officer in a corporate company, a marketing manager in a hotel.

Her heart's desire has come true. She is now a full-time writer, with her own imprint DeRafelo Romance. She has written four novels.
While OBSESSION, her first novel, is a story about a long-term friendship, HIS SIN delves into the core of sexual assault and its consequences, and STORMY AFFAIR reflects on an affair that is indeed stormy between two passionate lovers, contrasting refreshingly with AN IMPIOUS PROPOSAL, with its Nigerian setting, characters and religious inclination.

She is currently working on two more novels; Heartbeat and Heart Whisper.

She is the Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, Enugu State Chapter.

She lives in Enugu with her beloved husband and publisher, Chijioke, their two sons, Lotachi and Izumunachi, and two daughters, Omasilichi and Cheluchi. Description:
There comes a time in a man’s life when he is filled with regret for something he did in the past.

Brad Coaster, a powerful magnate, humbled by his sin, had been trying to make amends for six years, when, on the night of his engagement party to Alyssa, he came face to face with Storm Garland, the woman from his past.
Torn between his different feelings for the two women in his life, he knew he had a tough decision to make.
To break up with his fiancée and risk the scandal it would cause. Or to confess his sin and lose the love of his life.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Description:
Shane Vandelier and Lily Lake, best friends since their youth, had a solid platonic relationship.
But when Lily informed Shane that she was getting married to someone else, her decision set off a chain of feelings and reactions, much like a string of firecrackers, which catalyzed into revealing their hidden sexual attraction.
Now that things had changed between them, would Lily’s accident and subsequent memory loss sever this bond?

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Description:
Their love life was wonderful and intense. Magical.
But while billionaire Miles Sanderson believed in pleasures with no strings attached, naïve Brooke Wilde believed in love, marriage, and children.
Though so different, they were inexplicably drawn to each other from the beginning.
But when Miles broke his cardinal rule by falling in love, he realized it was time to end the relationship. Only he had no idea just how much that would cost him…

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Description:
After their explosive meeting, Somadina, a religious aspirant, was surprised that a friendship developed between her and Ikem, the haughty multimillionaire whose car she’d bashed.
So when a problem cropped up in her family, she naturally sought help from him.
But she least expected the impious proposal he made to her in return, forcing her to make choices she wouldn’t have ordinarily dreamt of.
Heaven help her…

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Spotlight- Bobbi Taudel-Maddox

Bio:
Bobbi Taudel-Maddox was born in Manhasset, New York and raised in Commack, New York. At age 18, she moved to buffalo, New York to follow her heart in English. She went to Buffalo State College and gained her Bachelor's in English Education. Bobbi then moved to the East Aurora, New york area with her husband. As she continues her life as a wife and mother, she is working on completing her Master's in Literature. Bobbi hopes to continue to bring life to poetry for her readers.

Websites:
Facebook
Shelfari
A Plain Ride Through Thyme is a poetry book that will captivate you. I will make you realize that you are not alone in any situation that you are facing. Written about my experiences, I bare my soul to you.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
An empathetic book of poetry that takes you on an emotional tour of lessons learned. From exciting moments to depressing moments, this book will make you feel like you are not alone in what you are going through. Come take the journey through A Reining Night and gain a sense of passion, relief, and understanding.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Spotlight - Randy Massey

**MY REVIEW FOR THIS TITLE WILL BE UP SOON!**

Description:
When Raven’s family is taken captive by the hordes of the evil lord N’atax, her only desire is to rescue them before they reach the dreaded castle Axtalia. But, as she pursues them through the lands of Arth, aided by her friend Le-thon, she realizes that her true destiny could be far more than she had ever imagined. All the peoples of Arth have waited ages for the fulfillment of the Great Prophecy. Is she the one?
N'atax has released his horrible army of Boar-riders and Evils, flooding the land with destruction and despair. Their only purpose is to bring back captives for torture and death. His intent is to rid the lands of Arth once and for all of the Royal Families, thus putting an end to this foolish belief of the warrior that is to come and destroy him!

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Smashwords

Author Website:
Facebook

Reviews:
Review by: Angus Day on Aug. 05, 2012 :
I don't usually read fantasy but this one turned out to be pretty good. The theme of 'squash the big evil dude that makes our existence miserable' is given new life with a female protagonist here. I recommend this book.

Review by: J.S. Turner on Aug. 01, 2012 :
Randy Massey is a first time author who possesses a wonderful gift, the gift of storytelling. The Summoner is a tale of majestic proportions. The journey you take once you begin reading this novel is suspenseful, magical and vividly entertaining. The lands of Arth and its inhabitants are brought to life by a warm and welcoming narrator. I cannot remember the last time I read a book that painted a landscape as clearly as this one. There are so many wonderful beings, who each have a background, a colorful history that makes them the characters that they are. Even now, after having finished the book, I am still wanting more. I recommend The Summoner by Randy Massey to any person, young or old that wants to travel to a distant world and be part of an epic adventure.

Review by: Sami Hensler on May 28, 2012 :
Exciting tale! So nice to see a female hero for a change. Well worth the read, and a job well done on a first book. Other Titles By Randy Massey

Author Spotlight - Erin Gallagher

Description:
A hardened criminal. A godly woman. He loves women and power. She loves God. He longs for true life. She longs for true love. He does what he knows best until he meets her. She is content with her life until she meets him.

Can she help him turn his life around before it is too late or will he instead drag her down into a world of darkness and despair? Join them on their journey together to discover the choices they make that change their lives forever.

All Things Work Together is an emotional, thought-provoking novel that will continue to affect the reader long after the final word is read. As this work contains violent scenes, it may be inappropriate for younger readers.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Website:
Blog

Author Spotlight - Roberta Kagan

Description:
Set in Nazi occupied Europe, “All My Love, Detrick,” follows the lives of two families, one Jewish the Abdenstern's and one German the Haswell's. They are bound together forever by a forbidden love. This is a very human story. It shows the effects of the Third Reich on two lovers who will risk everything to be together...even death.

Excerpt:
Kristalnacht

The night of broken glass….

A shattering crashed through the stillness of the darkness as if the world was coming to an end. The sky lit up with orange and red fire following a booming thunderous roar as the synagogue that the Abdenstern’s had attended for years burst into flames. Then came the crashing of clubs as the windows of the local shops fell in shards upon the streets. Cries of terror from the women and children filled the Jewish sector of town. Men who’d been ripped from their homes lay upon the ground beaten and bleeding. Wild mobs ran in every direction looting and destroying, forgetting all respect for human life. For the Jews who lived and worked in peace for centuries in this tiny community, Armageddon had begun.

If you like Historical Saga’s, you’ll love “All My Love, Detrick.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Website:
Roberta Kagan

Reviews

Author Spotlight- Betty Woodcock

Description:
When Carrie buys a secondhand pram for her eagerly awaited grandchild, she doesn't realise it is a trap, or expect to be terrorized by her own aborted baby seeking vengeance . . .
And so her nightmare begins . . .
She struggles to hide her revulsion of her scary grandchild, and her fear increases tenfold when it talks to her in her head. Then she begins to see ghosts and is convinced she is losing her mind, and tells no one of her escalating bizarre experiences. When the vindictive blasts of pain in her head coincide with her long-ago lover unexpectedly coming back into her life, she can't resist asking his advice on how to deal with the weird baby; unfortunately this adds further complications to her problems.
She has to keep him and the malevolent baby apart, because neither know that he is the father.

Where to Buy:
Amazon UK

Reviews:
Amazon

Author Spotlight - David Agostine

Description:
The early 1980s were a peaceful time in rural America. The conflict in Vietnam may have ended, but for many children of US veterans, future wars against the enemies of freedom seemed all but certain- A few kids vowed to prepare themselves. 

Brad is a brilliant tactician, cunning and calculating- He will stop at nothing to get power over others and keep it. 

Joel is a student of warfare, Nazi loyalist and expert in brutality. He has a knack for inflicting pain and torment on his friends- His enemies find no reprieve. 

The third boy is charming and good-natured and is the tie that binds them. Marcus Adario has unique powers and a closely guarded secret- he has lived before and something other than his scattered memories has followed him into this lifetime. Marcus learns that unseen angelic beings with questionable intentions are guiding his fate and that he is no stranger to bloodshed.

Cruelty becomes commonplace as these boys recruit and train an army of young followers, turning their small farming town into a war-zone. After a practice battle against a group of rival kids goes wrong, some angry relatives come looking for payback and realize the hard way that the boys of "Freedom's Faction" are armed with more than just BB guns. The FF must now fight a war on two fronts, as another group is also searching for the boys to recover a stockpile of stolen weapons- The US Army. In the end, only divine intervention can save them.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Website:
David Agostine

Reviews:
"Lord of the Flies meets Full Metal Jacket meets the X-men."

"Mr. Agostine grabbed my attention in the prologue and never let go! He did an outstanding job of blending "sci-fi" with "real life." I cared about all of the main characters and rooted for them through thick and thin and I liked them even when they did some really, really bad stuff. When I was reading Boys of the Great BB Gun War, I didn't simply want to know what happened next.....I NEEDED to know what happened next. Couldn't put it down! Great read!"
"Boys of the Great BB Gun War is a must read! The author masterfully weaves a story between the world of a young boy named Marcus and the Watchers, leading the reader down a path of intrigue. While on this path, we are introduced to Marcus' friends, a completely memorable group of boys, whose cruel and devious antics will leaving you shaking your head in disbelief, yet somehow wanting more: Their bond was unwavering. I couldn't help but feel connected to the characters and their plight. As a female, I didn't expect to develop that kind of attachment: A pleasant surprise, making it difficult to put the book down."
To read more, click here.