A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 74

Waves of the Spirit by Richard D. Brown

     I've only reviewed one other book of poetry before.  I've reviewed one devotional book too.  Waves of the Spirit is a synthesis of the two, bringing mind and body together, while traveling through the universe.  I believe the purpose of the book is for you to use your imagination,to see yourself as the person you've always wanted to be.  With that gift, you're able to manifest your image into reality, but it also made me think of the smooth themes and music of Heavy Metal, from the 80's.  It was mellow and cool.

     At first, I was wondering "What's really happening here?".  I wasn't sure if each pages was a chapter or simply a poem.  what I did find was a form of enlightenment with themes of awakening.  There was discovering one's self and fluid driftings into the soul.  Some referred to God (The Alpha and The Omega) but not in the sense that I know Him.  I think.  There were pages on creation and even waking near The Ark- that contained the essence of all life.  Each one was different and full of imagery that I appreciated even if I didn't quite get it.  I hope I'm not insulting the author, Richard D. Brown, when I also felt the book a bit psychedelic.  A few themes held titles that reminded me of  one of my favorite music artists: Enigma- a guy who always allowed me to mellow out and relax and for me, that's always a positive!
 
     Now, I'm not knowledgable in the genre of poetry but this book moved you along with lovely, quixotic words, mental images and symbolism.  The purpose was discovery, I think, which made the read different and very exotic  I could easily see me going back and pondering some pages, seeking a new understanding.  Such a unique and interesting read!. On to the next book!

Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead by John Skipp

     If you know me, then you know I am a lover of horror.  I can read any genre, I can watch any movie, but in the end, you'll always catch me knee-deep in horror.  Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead, edited and arranged by John Skipp is one that definitely satisfied me.  I haven't read every single story- there are so many, but enough of them gave me enough to post a review.  

     This book is LOADED with horrific tale after tale after tale with death!  I was very lucky- I found the book at V-Stock, a store that sells both new and used books for less than $15.  I honestly believe it was in the wrong spot.  The thing is, I'm attracted to large books and this book is huge.  638 pages of pure grossness, walking dead things and people running through apocalyptic streets.  

     There are variations of the monsters, coming from different time settings and some of every situation and the best part is, it's filled with pictures!  Yes- each photo sets the themes and situations of the stories.  

     I've yet to finish the book, but it's not one that you sit and read from beginning to end.  You have to savor these evil tales, plus like I said, the book is massive.  Periodically, I pick it up the book and read a few.  I haven't read one story that I didm't like yet- i'm in love with this book.  Skip found talented authors who really know how to paint a picture, and fill your imagination with nightmarish scenarios the will haunt you.

​      If you're a horror fanatic, you will too!  Next!

Paris Street Style coloring book by Zoé de las Cases

     I enjoy coloring.  Mostly I color when my Ewoks are over for a visit, but I also color to relax- until my hand begins to ache!  Paris Street Style is a beautiful coloring book that helps to relax.  Pretty much, it's about style- hair styles, clothing style and shoes.  Indian summers to saying good night and showing fashionable pj sets.and cute Parisian sayings.  

     I had to use Google Translate, since I know very little French, cut it didn't take from the lovely sketching.  I love this book and I'll enjoy hours and hours of fun for a long time.  

     Below, I made a photo slideshow so you can see the wonderful photos I have to enjoy.

I Woke Up Dead at the Mall by Judy Sheehan

     I was fortunate to receive this ARC through a Shelf Awareness newsletter that announced the drawing.  I usually don't win, so when I was contacted by Judy Sheehan, the author of I woke Up Dead at the Mall  and congratulated, I was thrilled!  Now don't be turned off by the title.  When I first saw the title and cover, I thought to myself, "Huh... the cover is rather ordinary and that title is weird!"  But I put in for the drawing and BAM!
I got the book!

     I also got a bookmarks, that I'll be sharing, but the story is about Sarah.  A girl who literally died and woke up in Mall of America, a sort of Purgatory.  No one could see her.  No one could touch her and she had unfinished business.  She met an odd woman, Bertha, who gave instructions and left Sarah alone to deal with her death until other young, deceased individuals arrived.  Together, they learned the ropes of being dead, shared their stories and eventually... they were to move on.  But Sarah wasn't ready- and she had a job to do and needed to use her 'Knowing' to get it accomplished!      This is Judy Sheehan's debut novel and she did an excellent job.  This book isn't like your run of the mill, YA, 'Oh my life is crap so I may as well kill myself' sorta story.  Sarah wasn't popular or rich, she simply wanted to live.  Just when she was ready to accept her new life, it was taken away.  And the way the book's written, you can totally relate to her and her feelings.

     Dealing with regret, missing mom and dad... even a step-parent; it was all in this story.  But so is some hilarious insanity!  This book makes you laugh, understand, and even a little misty eyed because of the enormous loss Sarah has to deal with.  I did not walk away from this book feeling anything but satisfied.  And that's funny because I bumped two books down on my TBR list to read this upon receipt!  There was something about this book that made me want to dive right in and I regret nothing.  Check out this great author!

     I Woke Up Dead at the Mall is an excellent story and I have no doubt Ms. Sheehan has a bright future in writing.  I'm a fan, that's for sure!

Falling for Q46f by Jason Werbeloff

*AudioReview & Listen!     
Jason Werbeloff is an amazing author!  I was lucky enough to gain access to his newsletter and later gifted to be a part of his audio chapters, small pieces of his November release, Obsidian Worlds- available at Amazon.com and other book retailers.  This is, I believe, my fourth audio-share of his work.  I really enjoyed this one and I am sure you will too.  Down below, I've added the clip to this story: Falling for Q46g.  Take a listen and see if you agree with my review.  If you like Science Fiction, I have no doubt you'll enjoy it too.      Falling for Q46f is about an android who is left alone.  It was created by its "master" to be a companion.  It was also created to lull the undead asleep so they can go about their daily functions.  The problem is, their daily functions are rather ghastly- a fridge run by mutilated body parts with undead lungs that produces freon.  It's table is a body that moans and there's a wall made of human heads.  Yuck!

     It seems this android is living off of the dead- but I don't know if it's the reason humans are dead.  I do know that is uses blood as oil to run.  It has pinchers that it uses to kill humans, but it only wants to find it's creator.  Not the master but the one who made its parts.  

     I'm not sure if I truly understand this bizarre tale, but it's gruesome.  Visualizing everything makes me thing the dystopian world is awful, smelly and full of nuclear fumes.  Humanity has been defeated by these things, these androids, but they've ruined us all.  Now they're turning on one another.  Check it out.  It's an easy 28 minutes, and pretty entertaining, in a Karma sorta way.  lol  On to the next book!

The Sunshine Girl Series by Paige McKenzie

     I don't remember when I first saw The Haunting of Sunshine Girl , maybe on Barnes and Noble's website or even their shelves.  All I knew was, the cover was unique, off in a way and the girl was lovely.  I tend to gravitate towards pretty things... as marketing is supposed to incite, especially if there's a hideous creature, I'd have probably wanted it even more!  LOL  Then as the book sat on my shelf, in queue, I found out The Awakening of Sunshine Girl was on the way.  So I pre-ordered it and waited.  While waiting, I conducted research on Paige McKenzie and discovered: I live under a rock - she's so famous! (an internet sensation!)
For The Haunting of Sunshine Girl's Network YouTube channel, click here.      I didn't know what to expect with this book.  I'd read information on the story, but I did not read reviews; I didn't want to develop a biased opinion.  I did like the idea of a girl being a part of this dying yet elite community of demon hunters.  It was different and original.  AND it wasn't based on YA love.  

     The book, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is about young, adopted Sunshine Griffith.  She's moved to a new town with her mother, into a haunted house.  Or is it?  Everything taunting Sunshine is missed by her mother: a flying owl, Dr. Who  (that's been stuffed for years), checkerboard game pieces that move on their own and sounds of someone being drowned...  Sunshine feels alone and possibly losing her mind, but there's more to her story.

     I can happily say that had it not been for a funeral, I'd have finished this book in a day.  It was good, held my interest and the characters were likable.  I have to admit, Sunshine was a cool character in that she saw things, though the one she trusted most did not, and she didn't play the 'Ignorant and in Denial' game.  She knew what she saw and acted on it, even if it made her look insane.  

     The story was a bit predictable- that was the only disappointing part.  I saw a handful of things coming and figured Victoria out rather fast, but it's a YA (I'm leaning towards Middle to YA) reader, so what could I really say?  Honestly, nothing negative.  It's a good, clean, haunting read, but not horrifying.  Anyone can read this.  OH- and yeah, I totally saw the ending coming... the mentor thing!

     Check out the story while I to YouTube.com and peep the videos that everyone's raving about... that I never heard for some reason!  lol
Rating: 

Mars... with Venus Rising by Hope Toler Doughterty

     When you find a book that makes you feel the character is your neighbor and you're just as involved with the storyline- you know it's good.  That's what I discovered with Hope Toler Dougherty's Mars... with Venus Rising.

     The synopsis:
.Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she’s worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.

When John Townsend—full of life and the joy of living—moves to town, he rattles Penn’s view of herself, her life, and her dreams…which isn’t such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he’s a pilot.

     Sound like anything you've read?  Well, you haven't- this is a cute read and I think anyone who picks it up will not want to put it down.       From page one of chapter one, you will love Penn because she's normal.  She's not rich, or has tons of guys chasing after her and she's down to earth.  She's had a tough but loved childhood- but she needs to be something more than a Martian (The name for anyone who lives in the city of Mars,) could offer her.  She's got dreams of getting away and if it weren't for that hottie and newbie to the neighborhood, John, she'd probably have run a while ago!

     This novel, is funny, but the nosy family members, like Jancie and Winnie has been done before.  They were adorable aunts but they pressed too much.  Honestly, I'd have left them a long time ago!  

     The book cover is bright and eye-catching and the story is a perfectly crafted.  Mars...with Venus rising is an odd title for the story, to me, but it worked.  It's a clean story that will have you laughing and the romance is sweet.  Grab yourself a copy or be kind and gift someone you know with this book. Everyone will be so pleased.  
On to the next book! 

Amish Quilts Coloring Book by Rachel J. Good

     So there's an Amish Quilt coloring book tour going on and I jumped in on the fun!  Instead of receiving a book, I got two pages to print off and color!  I decided to color one and leave the other blank to show details, since I'm not a great colorer.  Is that a word?  Anyway, you can see detailed they are, making for hours of relaxation.  And with each quilting pattern, there's an inspirational Amish proverb to hold to your tranquility.  Isn't that fun?

     Now my review is not for the book in its entirety  but for pages of the book.  This blog tour is a bit different from the others, but still fun. I can assure you, if the book is anything like these pages, I will be purchasing my own soon.  I also realized that when I color pages like these, my brow is furrowed in concentration while my tongue pokes out the right side of my mouth.  No, really!
     The purpose of this coloring book is two-fold.  First, it's for you to de-stress with.  The time it takes to color all these plaids, checks, paisleys, flowers and abstract shapes, there's no way you can honestly go and attack your boss or better half- or even the kids!  It will take every ounce of attention to stay in those itty-bitty lines, while receiving a small blessing at the same time.

     The second is to inspire you to take up quilting.  Many of the prints can be used as templates.  So not only can you use your hands, but you can use what you've used your hands for to make something for  your body to use too!  Ha Ha!

     To purchase your copy of Rachel J. Good's Amish Quilts coloring book, click here!!  
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About the Author
Rachel J. Good, inspirational author, writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. To buy the Amish Quilts Coloring Book: http://amzn.to/1VmIOUi. Visit Rachel at:
Website: www.racheljgood.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelJGood1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661177.Rachel_J_Good
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/
Ratings: 

Fight Like A Girl by Joanne Hall

     Should someone tell you, 'You fight like a girl', show 'em how it's done!  That's what this book does!  I have always has to fight like a boy, growing up with a brother and mostly boy cousins, but I grew up on Girl Power (Punky Brewster, for those who know who that is) and this books has stories just like that.  The Introduction, written by Anne Lyle, is like my past on paper- from the love of Doctor Who's Tom Baker to Ripley of the Alien series, having been originally made for a man, but made better because he was changed into a woman.  Girls can throw down too, and this book shows just how bad they can be.      There are sixteen stories in this book and honestly, I can't tell you which I loved the most.  Each fantastic story is written with a woman hero in mind.  First, I have to admit, the cover caught my attention more than anything else.

     The fact that FIRST, it's a paper doll and she's giving you the stink-eye.  I love it- plus I have Ginger-Envy so that makes her just that much better.  Then she's got all the toys a tomboy, like myself, would want- depending on the situation.  She's tough and has everything she needs to stand on her own feet, which is what this book's all about.

​     If I had to pic one story that was the absolute best for me, I'd have to say it was Archer 57, by Lou Morgan.  Dystopian stories seem to be the way to go these days, but this one is different.  It's very short and all about revenge during the days of war.  There's no explanation on why the war is happening, just a war raging wishing a scorned wife and mother's heart.  She's been robbed of her life: her husband, then her son and eventually herself!  She fought for people who then turned on her... leaving her to wander the tunnels, only to toss firecrackers and even bombs at her!  It's a sad but victorious story that stood out to me.  I loved it.

     These stories aren't your usual.  A few come from a collection or trilogy and others are just stand alone.  Either way, Fight Like A Girl , by Joann Hall, is a cool book to read and I think you'll enjoy it as much as I!

Tidal Grave by H. E. Goodhue

       Oh boy have I received my share of monster stories this week!  As a matter of fact, this one was so good, I read it in just a couple of hours! Tidal Grave, by H. E. Goodhue is a quick masterpiece!  From the very beginning through to the end- death, mayhem, the cockiness of a mayor and annoying city folk kept me hooked until I deleted it from my device, but not my ebook library.

      Sunset Island is nice and always takes on its share of tourists before the cold season.  Usually, it's easy money for the residents of the island, but not this season.  A rig from Glaxco Company  dug a little too deep... and awakened something!  And it's traveling the waves of a nearby storm, eating everyone and everything in its path.

     This book rocked!  Oh, this is also a sort of Part One to a story I previously reviewed (RIP Tyde) on May 6th.  If you like monster stories, I promise you won't be let down with this one.  It reads so fast, it's like a short story but much more in depth!  I'm off to my next book!