A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 91

The Afterlife Decision (ch. 1) by Michael Smith

     I met this author on Twitter.  We followed one another and then he sent me  a link to his book, The Afterlife Decision   The author is Michael Smith, not to be confused with Michael W. Smith, and he lives where?  In LONDON!  Talk about so awesome!

     What a story it is too! The story's about Stephen, aman who's just been given approval on his parole release.  He's anxious, but what gets him is that he's taken to a room, four days before he's to go home.  In the room is a long table with a man dressed in a black suit and a woman in a white suit.  It runs from there.

     The concept provokes seriousness and really makes you wonder what Stephen will choose, but it also makes you think.  Whether you're Christian or not, the offer gets to you.  It's real- we all make choices, everyday.  We never this of the true outcome or how long we have to enjoy it though.  This book makes you think about it.

     And the cliffhanger? Priceless.      The only issue is that it needs a bit of work.  The editing is off.  A lot.  Though it doesn't take from the story, it's there and very obvious.  Hit this baby with ah editing crew and it's 100% amazing!
  
     Check out The Afterlife Decision, available on Amazon.com.  http://tinyurl.com/qgbtz32  

Sex, Love and Fame: Sixteen Bars of Love by Kris Kristofferson

     I received Sex, Love and Fame by Kris Kristofferson with a different title.  After several weeks, I was gifted the story before and after the make-over.  It was a tad confusing but I thought to myself; I said "Alyssa,"... because I address myself by name. "Alyssa, this could be good.  Especially since it's his first novel!"  Writing under the name Kris Kristofferson, I was both intrigued and excited to see this new author had to offer.

     Sex, Love and Fame carries the nostalgic vibe of the East Coast v. West Coast rap wars- with a lethargic twist.  The story is about Jaylen, who's motto should be 'Play dirty or go home!'  He's selfish, in love with the wife of the man who owns the label Jaylen blackmailed on to and he steps on anyone he feels is beneath him.   He walks a nescient yet advantageous line and doesn't care who he pisses off.  Which is why so many want him dead.

     I know this is Kristofferson's first book and I promised I wouldn't be heavy on him, but I still have to be honest.  So with the start of this review, let's begin with the book's cover.  

     First, no one's ever going to know who he is!  His pen name belongs to a well-known actor and singer so he can't put his name on the cover without being sued.  Without a name on the cover, no matter how small, no one's ever going to know who you are, thus diminishing great opportunities of recognition.  The cover's got a lot going on, yet not enough.   After reading the book, I see why he used the images, but with the setup, it's difficult to tell what's going on.  That's a turn-off for many readers since a cover is a sort of One-Liner for the possible reader.  It has to hit on the reader like, "What's up baby; look at me!"  And it should also give the briefest of summary- whetting the interest.  this one causes a little confusion.        Now as for the story, it too was busy and a bit juvenile, in a mature sort of way.  The story was a mish mosh of rap, record deals, thug life and sex.  It made me think of Death Row Records, Bad Boy Records and the new show Empire.  Sadly, I've never been big on hip hop and I don't watch Empire... "gasp!"  Because of the pace to the story and how not one person could hold a decent conversation in a profitable business industry was  a little upsetting.  There was so much name dropping and excessive clothing descriptions.  It was a lot of flash but the show was lost.

     The characters were set and I appreciated that.  I'd have loved more background- one needs to know more about the one they're reading so they can come to care.  I also loved that Jaylen knew what he wanted and went for it, but dang... how he did it all was unreal.  The only one I really liked was Vanessa but that's probably because she played a small part in it all.  But her parts were realistic and relatable.  Who hasn't gotten a load of money and spent it all and wondered what happened?  Oh, and the fact that everybody saw that dang black van... REPEATEDLY, and continued to ignore it was like, wow!   

     I won't tell the story but the grit that could have made this book actually tore it down.  The pace was way too fast and the story was filled with too much street biz.  I found myself browsing from the middle to the end.  That doesn't mean the author can't come away from this book with something big the next go-round.  I'm actually willing to take a chance on Kristofferson's next book.  The first book always teaches a lesson.  I think he's got stories to tell, but he needs the proper crew behind him first.  Once that happens, his flow will catch readers and fans alike.  Right now, you gonna see me rollin' to the next book!  

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

     This is my first Christian, medical thriller and it was fantastic!  To me, there's nothing more frightening than when a doctor writes a book on a medical catastrophe.  There's no doubting the information and how something trivial to the patient can escalate into a major event.  In this case, a vaccination was manipulated into a monster of a medical thriller.  Dr. Mabry made this story scary because it could be real.

    Miracle Drug is about a Dr. Josh Pearson, who's honored with an amazing job: personal physician to the ex-President of the United States.  The prestige evaporates when both ex-President Madison and his girlfriend Rachel are both infected with a superbug.  An infection that's resistant to all antibiotics!  Dr. Pearson's options are severely limited, having to use RP-78, a medication shunned by the FDA.  And to make matters worse, what remains of RP-78 isn't enough for two patients,  leaving Dr. Pearson to make a choice... and that's not all.  

     When I began this book, I expected there to be a good story, but not one I'd cling to.  This book was a fictional, medical marvel- I was blown away!  I also expect many would want to look this book over due to it being a Christian novel - DO NOT LET THAT STOP YOU!   This book is so good!
     Dr. Mabry applied faith in this book as anyone in these types of situations would have.  For example, when you're in danger, what's the first thing you yell out?  When you're troubled, what do you do?  You pray- even the smallest one.   When you get ready to eat your meal, do you not say grace?  Even the agnostics call on God when they think their life's in danger.  This book isn't preachy, it's solid.  It's real.  There's spiritual foundation, reminding you that even when things are worse for ware, there is One who's in control and you call on him for help.

     This book is amazing and I am so happy I received it.  There's medical action, there's love, and even the stealing of a body... to be returned with a note saying: "Sorry".  Check out Miracle Drug by Rickahrd L. Mabry, MD.  Oh and make sure you're up on your immunizations!
On to another novel!  

Europa Journal by Jack Castle

     EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing gifted me with this ebook and I'm so happy they did- Europa Journal is the an amazing read!  If you're a fan of science fiction and fantasy, this book has them both wrapped up in a wormhole of an adventure. 

     Set in the future, where Mars and other planets have been colonized, Captain Mackenzie O'Bryant "Mac" and Leo, her soon-to-be son-in-law are pilots on a supply run that ends with them below on Europa, below its sea-level to visit a renowned scientist and friend who's made a discovery that changes everything for mankind.  Now since I don't give spoilers, I won't say what happens next, but they wind up going through a wormhole that jettisons them into another dimension with flying islands, big, hairy, samurai creatures that stand eight or so feet tall and elf-like beings that are considered a type of royalty.  It's a trip!

     I loved this book so much, I finished über-fast.  I started on Friday and was done Monday.  I decided to give this a 4/5 rating due to the bit of confusion when explaining the goings-on with a character named Reed.  It was cleared eventually, but I couldn't keep track at first.  I can tell you this much- it did not take from the story.  I loved it and will be talking others about this one for a while!


Thanks for reading- time to grab another book!

Jeff High’s Kindle Fire HD 6 Giveaway

When several military veterans’ emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley, Dr. Luke Bradford learns some important lessons in service, courage, love, and sacrifice in The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High. As Luke struggles to understand Vietnam War veteran Luther’s past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly.

Join Jeff in celebrating the release of The Splendor of Ordinary Days with a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:
Signed copies of all three Watervalley booksA Kindle Fire HD 6Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 27th. The winner will be announced October 28th on Jeff's blog .

Almost Blank Pages by Hayden Mills

     I've always admired poets.  Their souls,  intermingled with imagery, create an atmosphere I've never been able to attain or control.  Any time I read a book of poems, I have to be opened significantly more than with a regular book.  Each poem is a Lilliputian account and must be read a few time , before an understanding can be reached.  Almost Blank Pages, by Haden Mills is no different.

     His style is rather somber but not oppressive.  Several of his poems took me back to my teen years- and since I was almost always the New Kid, I understood the lines of loneliness from time o time or the anger in the others.  This convocation carried many of those emotions. 

     I cracked up at No Helmet, No Filter, but felt the intensity of Forgiveness.  I even loved the sincerity and appreciation of Many Thanks. If you love poetry, this is a great read for you.  Check out Hayden Mills as @authorhaydenmills on Instagram.  

Strangers Drowning by Larissa MacFarquhar

Strangers Drowning by Larissa MacFarquhar begins with the hypothetical question: “If you had to choose between saving two complete strangers of your mom from drowning, would you pick the strangers?”  

This concept grabs you right from the beginning.  The book is a compilation of stories from people who were more than compelled to help others.  Some instances so extreme, so drastic they damaged their own families.  This book enlightened me in the area of idealism but also granted me the gift of knowing where to draw the line.

Strangers Drowning brought to mind the conflict of the two natures featured in the bible (Romans 7: 14-20).  Many of these people started with good intentions, but they lost their way and ended up going so far beyond realism, they found they couldn't stop.  They abandoned wives in labor, families and even a hospital to save the life of an unborn child- All in the name of helping others!  Although God was sometimes mentioned, the book was not biblically based and was not preachy.  There was also no true moral to the story.  It was what it was, a great telling of  people with an acute sense of obligation.  

I appreciated the author’s writing style.  MacFarquhar allowed you to come to your own conclusions and search yourself as to what you would do in each situation.  I would definitely read more from this author.  

Keepers: The Cedar Hills Series by Gary A. Braunbeck

     I read Keepers: The Cedar Hill Series on a Saturday afternoon. I almost put the book down, feeling it as more depressing than anything else. Gil is so confused by his own memories, he doesn't truly know what's real and what is not. He's told the 'Keepers are coming' and boy is he ready for them!  Sadly, not before he flashes back and forth to several memories that play an intricate part to the story, Eventually, it all comes together for an explosive ending that you have to read!

     I enjoyed Keepers: The Cedar Hill Series, a paranormal novel.  I have to admit, some portions of the book dragged, offering unnecessary information. I found myself compelled to skip a paragraph or two but I stuck with it and found myself rewarded.  I especially enjoyed his arguments with himself.  In other voices- for that matter, due to a psychological diagnosis called 'minimization'.  Gil was a bit off the rocker, but he was a man on a discombobulated mission!

Eventually the story jumped back on track, making for an adventure I was eager finish.  I may have to add the next book to my long "To-Be-Read" list.  I think you'll like this one.

The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild

    I was gifted this book by First to Read and I'm so appreciative. I finished The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild and found it a decent read. 

   Rothschild filled the first few pages are filled with meticulous details of the gallery event- I could see everything. Everything about Annie was funny and relatable but I just didn't find it as entertaining as I'd hoped. Nicely written, with only a few lines that needed editing, I found The Improbability of Love interesting butt not really what I was looking for.

  The story was about Annie McDee and the painting she happened across form the eighteenth century.  Everybody wants it: a Sheika who's the owner of an empty museum, a Russian, an auctioneer, a dealer and a few others.  She's suddenly thrust into the art world and learns about who she is what's next for her after a bad break-up.

  The story was fun, adventurous because I love anything UK and very interesting, but it just didn't do it for me.  Because the story's well written and immaculate in details, I still rated The Improbability of Love rather high.  Now off to the next book!

It Started With Paris by Cathy Kelly

     I really expected to be swept away by this book.  First off, it starts in Paris with a proposal made atop the Eiffel Tower!  Instead of the story being about the up-coming nuptials, it lolled on broken hearted, guilt-ridden, bitter men and women who are somehow related to the bride & groom-to-be.  

     It Started With Paris, written by Cathy Kelley, was pleasant... if I'd wanted to read about every day, boring lives!  It was dull and I found myself forgetting who people were, due to so many introduced!  I wasn't sure who I was supposed to care about for a while.  One time, I started an entire chapter over, just to make sure it was about who and what I thought it was about. 

     I love romance and especially in a book that takes place in Europe, but this one was not my cup of tea.  Other than the prologue, there wasn't much romance.  It was nicely written and I loved imagining the shoppes and homes of Brookside and the areas named in the book, but as for the story, it just wasn't good.  And though there is a lot of sadness, anger, frustration, cheating and divorcing going on, there was resolution, solutions and even a few happy couples in the end.  It may have started with Paris, but it ended with my disappointment.  

Oh- one other thing:  "I like this book cover, to the moon and back!"
     Off to the next book!