Harmony Kent's Blog, page 41
March 31, 2021
#BookReview: Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner @k_faulkner
Hi everyone. My breathing remains troublesome, and I started an additional inhaler on top of everything else last week. Still no news on when I’ll have the chest x-ray. The waiting is hard. Today, I have a book review for you from an author I came across via NetGalley. After previous blog discussions, I have decided to post all reviews of three stars and upward >>>
About the Book:
Helen has it all …
Daniel is the perfect husband.
Rory is the perfect brother.
Serena is the perfect sister-in-law.
And Rachel? Rachel is the perfect nightmare.
When Helen, finally pregnant after years of tragedy, attends her first antenatal class, she is expecting her loving architect husband to arrive soon after, along with her confident, charming brother Rory and his pregnant wife, the effortlessly beautiful Serena. What she is not expecting is Rachel.
Extroverted, brash, unsettling single mother-to-be Rachel, who just wants to be Helen’s friend. Who just wants to get know Helen and her friends and her family. Who just wants to know everything about them. Every little secret.
My Review:
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for a FREE ARC of this book.
‘I know you asked me not to write to you again. But you need to know the truth, even if, after all this time, your hands are still clamped over your ears.’
From this opening line, we jump backward to when the main character is 24 weeks pregnant and about to attend her first antenatal class, where it all beings to go horribly wrong. The plot and pacing is a bit like the frog in boiling water … it heats up slowly, slowly, so slowly that you hardly notice … however, for me, it never really reached full boil.
I found the writing passive in the extreme and unpolished with lots of extraneous words such as ‘just’ ‘starts to’ ‘seem’, and etc. The sentence constructions rely heavily on split infinitives and some lack punctuation entirely. For example: ‘I tip the dirty water away put some music on and open the windows to air out the house.’ The narrative is written in first person present tense, which once you adapt to it, reads smoothly enough.
However, a couple of lines did stand out as done well: ‘The view from the window is blank and featureless, London’s landmarks too distant to make out, the city a scribbled line on the horizon.’
‘The rain scatters everyone, washes all the people from the streets.’
Furthermore, I guessed who was in trouble and who was blackmailing by about 14% of the way into the book. It took longer to suss out the why, though. All in all, an enjoyable enough read but not gripping or surprising or particularly new. Greenwich Park gets three soft stars from me, which means it was an okay read.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by 
For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …
UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
The post #BookReview: Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner @k_faulkner first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
show, don’t tell
Hi everyone, Gwen has a wonderful post on how photos can help us tremendously in our perspectives and writing over at Story Empire >>>
Hello SE friends! Gwen with you today to share a discovery. Yep, I stumbled upon a jewel quite unexpectedly. My household is humming with all things related to moving. Boxes stacked high, piles her…
Source: show, don’t tell
The post show, don’t tell first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.March 30, 2021
Into Spirit…
Sad news today … Keeping Sue’s family in my thoughts xx
Sue Vincent 14th September 1958 – 29th March 2021 R.I.P
Source: Into Spirit…
The post Into Spirit… first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.March 29, 2021
Introducing Emily Fortney and The Camilla Crim Series @Emily_Fortney
Hi everyone! Today it gives me great pleasure to host fellow author Emily Fortney, who wants to tell you all about her book The Sacrifice of One–the first in her Camilla Crim series. Take it away, Emily >>>
I’m so excited to be on Harmony’s blog today! Harmony and I met while I was launching my most recent book back in January. She was kind enough to let me take over her blog and tell you a little about me and what I write. My name is Emily. I’m the author of a young adult fantasy series called The Camilla Crim series.
A little about me: I live in central Pennsylvania (or PA as we call it) in the US, with my husband and my rescue cat, Philippe. I’m a very cliché writer in that I’m addicted to coffee and chocolate!
In the past I’ve described my books as “light” fantasy with a dystopian vibe. I’m not obtuse enough to put my books on the same writing level as Suzanne Collins but I have been told they have a Hunger Games feel. And let me tell you, I won’t turn away that kind of compliment!
The first book in the series, The Sacrifice of One, centers around my main character, Camilla Crim. She’ll turn into a feisty, defiant heroine by the end of the book, but she’s not there just yet. When you first open the book, she’s just a 17-year-old girl that’s been branded as a slave and forced to labor at The Supreme Ruler’s national farm for a pitiful payout.
She lives in a town where nearly everyone is impoverished, and nearly everyone makes the sad walk to work at the farm every day. It’s the only way to survive in Bear Gap. What little bit of
money Camilla does make, just gets passed off to her drunkard father.
Camilla’s days are bleak. The only good thing in her life is best friend and big brother, Tuor. One day after work, Camilla finds out that Tuor is in trouble. He’s being accused of a heinous murder. He’s being hunted down by the governor, who wants Tuor’s head on a pike for his crime. The problem is, Tuor is innocent, or at least Camilla thinks he is.
By the time she figures out who’s behind this plot, it might be too late for Tuor, and he’ll have to face the execution block. Camilla has to accept the truth. Will Tuor have to be sacrificed for thegood of many?
Like many authors, I drew my inspiration for The Sacrifice of One from my surroundings. Many of the names come from things I saw growing up. For instance, Camilla lives in a territory called Bear Gap. I got this name from a town north of me in Pennsylvania. There’s a big billboard with that name on it that I used to pass by when I was driving in that area. For some reason it stuck with me and I used it in my book!
Although The Sacrifice of One is not the first book I ever wrote, it is the one dearest to my heart. The character of Camilla had been in my mind for years before I ever wrote her onto paper. I always pictured a confident, female warrior of sorts. This book is really about how Camilla grows into that persona. It’s truly a coming-of-age story.
If you’re new this series and would like to try it out, I’m offering the eBook version of The Sacrifice of One for FREE to anyone who signs up for my email newsletter. And if you fall in love with Camilla there are 3 other books in the series you can binge on! CLICK HERE to instantly download The Sacrifice of One.
It has been truly an honor to guest post on Harmony’s blog today and to share with all of you about my book and my favorite character to write. Thanks again to Harmony for letting me stop in! Happy Reading!
Emily
It’s been truly wonderful to have you as a guest today, Emily. Best of luck with everything!
Author Bio:Emily has come a long way from building forts in the woods behind her childhood home. She’s the author of the The Sacrifice of One, the first book in a thrilling, young adult fantasy series. Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Emily currently resides with her husband and shelter cat, and is vigilant about keeping her house well stocked with dark chocolate.
Blurb:The proof of 17-year-old Camilla’s slavery is on the inside of her arm. A mutilated scar has been branded into her skin, W for Warwick. Forced to labor at Warwick’s national farm for a pitiful payout, the only good thing in Camilla’s life is her best friend and big brother, Tuor.
When Camilla receives a mysterious note from a stranger, she has to face the truth about her brother: He’s on the run. He’s in grave danger. And he’s being accused of a hideous crime. Camilla would bet her life that someone has set him up, but who? If Camilla can’t prove Tuor’s innocence, he’ll have to face the executioner.
As Tuor’s demise draws near, will Camilla find relief in learning the truth surrounding her brother’s crime? Or will she accept that he must be sacrificed for the good of many?
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0LB2H1
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sacrifice-of-one-emily-fortney/1137127081?ean=2940162837282
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-sacrifice-of-one/id1516725794
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-sacrifice-of-one
Website and Social links:Website: www.emilyfortney.com
Email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g0x0bH
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEmilyFortney/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoremilyfortney/pins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Emily_Fortney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremilyfo
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14217558.Emily_Fortney
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/EmilyFortney
The post Introducing Emily Fortney and The Camilla Crim Series @Emily_Fortney first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Is Your Writing a Business or a Hobby? | Story Empire
Hi everyone, Mae has a useful post on differentiating between business and hobby when it comes to tax reporting on your writing income and expesense. Check it out over at Story Empire >>>
Hi SEers! Welcome to another Mae Day on Story Empire. Recently, a post I made about being a disciplined writer, produced a few comments about whether writing was a hobby or a business. The IRS clea…
Source: Is Your Writing a Business or a Hobby? | Story Empire
The post Is Your Writing a Business or a Hobby? | Story Empire first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.March 26, 2021
Research – Love It or Hate It | Story Empire
Hi everyone. Joan has a great post over at Story Empire all about research for writing . One of her lines had me laughing aloud in recognition. What do you think? >>>
Hey, SE Readers. Joan with you today. I have a confession to make. When I first began writing fiction, I hated to do research. I didn’t want to bother with such mundane tasks. Once I even wro…
Source: Research – Love It or Hate It | Story Empire
The post Research – Love It or Hate It | Story Empire first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.March 24, 2021
#BookReview: The Cipher (Nina Guerrera 1) by Isabella Maldonado @authorbella1
Hi everyone. Still no health updates or improvements, I’m afraid. I’m still waiting to have the chest x-ray. If there’s nothing by tomorrow, I shall have to ask my GP surgery to chase it up. Today, I have a book review for you from another author I’m new to and now love. This is the first book in a 2-book crime-thriller series, and I am waiting eagerly for the second book to release in August >>>
About the Book:
To a cunning serial killer, she was the one that got away. Until now…
FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera escaped a serial killer’s trap at sixteen. Years later, when she’s jumped in a Virginia park, a video of the attack goes viral. Legions of new fans are not the only ones impressed with her fighting skills. The man who abducted her eleven years ago is watching. Determined to reclaim his lost prize, he commits a grisly murder designed to pull her into the investigation…but his games are just beginning. And he’s using the internet to invite the public to play along.
His coded riddles may have made him a depraved social media superstar—an enigmatic cyber-ghost dubbed “the Cipher”—but to Nina he’s a monster who preys on the vulnerable. Partnered with the FBI’s preeminent mind hunter, Dr. Jeffrey Wade, who is haunted by his own past, Nina tracks the predator across the country. Clue by clue, victim by victim, Nina races to stop a deadly killer while the world watches.
My Review:
This is the first book by this writer that I’ve read. I’ll be sure to be checking out her other stuff. The Cipher gripped me at the first page and didn’t let go until the very last page.
With a resilient and determined female protagonist, there’s no shortage of action or drama in this fast-paced read. The characters are well drawn and realistic, and I found that I connected with each and every one of them–even the serial killer.
Here are a couple of lines that stood out for me:
They followed him into a cluttered kitchen and stood by while he shoved a stack of papers and a withered houseplant aside to make room at the kitchen table. A dead spider skidded off the side, plopping into a doggy water bowl on the floor. (I love the imagery in these lines.)
‘I don’t think you’re hearing me.’ She had a strong urge to clean out his ears with the barrel of her Glock. (Tee he hee.)
If you’re a fan of police procedural’s and FBI Behavioural Annalysis, then you’ll love this book. I can’t recommend it enough … go and read this entertaining and gripping book! It gets a resounding 5 stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …
UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
The post #BookReview: The Cipher (Nina Guerrera 1) by Isabella Maldonado @authorbella1 first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Avoiding Insensitivity in Characters or Story
A brave and thought-provoking post from John over at Story Empire and well worth a look. We’d all love to hear your thoughts! >>>
Hi SEers, John here with you again. Today I want to discuss authorship in light of the changing environment within our social framework. What do I mean by that statement? Well, to put it bluntly, I…
Source: Avoiding Insensitivity in Characters or Story
The post Avoiding Insensitivity in Characters or Story first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.March 22, 2021
#NewBook: The Seal’s Temptation by Jacquie Biggar @JacqBiggar
Hi everyone. Today, it gives me great pleasure to host fellow author and friend, Jacquie Biggar, with her latest book! I’ll let her tell you all about it >>>
The SEAL’s Temptation
WoundedHearts Book 7
byJacquie Biggar
Genre:Romantic Suspense
DEA Agent Maggie Holt knows about Hell…
After eighteen months undercover in a Mexican cartel, Maggie is broken. The kickass agent she once was, is gone, leaving her riddled with guilt and nightmares. Forced to take paid leave, Maggie accepts the offer of a vacation on the ranch of the man who’d rescued her from an almost certain death.
Frank Stein knows the signs of PTSD, he’d suffered the symptoms himselfas Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team Five. Honorably retired from duty, Frank has found peace at the family ranch and hopes it will do the same for Magdalena. Ever since he’d first met her when she was interrogating his buddy, Jared, Frank has been fascinated by the raven-haired beauty and wants the chance to see where their relationship could go.
Adam O’Connor is Maggie’s partner. He knows her. He loved her once and could again, if she’d let him in. But he’s also angry she took the chances she did by going undercover against orders. And now, things are different. She’s different.
When a right-wing militia group infiltrates the area, will DEA Agent Maggie Holt, her partner, Adam O’Connor, and ex-SEAL Chief Frank Stein be able to set aside their differences to stop them before someone dies? And who will Maggie choose, the handsome cowboy, or her charismatic DEA partner?
**Only.99 cents!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon* Books2Read
**Check out the rest of the Wounded Hearts series here! **
Amazon Series Page
USA Today bestselling author Jacquie Biggar loves to write Romantic Suspense novels brimming w/Attitude.
Jacquie Biggar is a USA Today bestselling author of romance who loves to write about tough, alpha males and strong, contemporary women willing to show their men that true power comes from love. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!
In her own words: “My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I’m not acting like a total klutz I am a wife, mother of one, grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat. My guilty pleasure are reality tv shows like Amazing Race and The Voice. I can be found every Monday night in my armchair plastered to the television laughing at Blake and Adam’s shenanigans. I love to hang at the beach with DH (darling hubby) taking pictures or reading romance novels (what else?). I have a slight Tim Hortons obsession, enjoy gardening, everything pink and talking to my friends.”
Website* Facebook* FBGroup *Twitter* Instagram* Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon
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The post #NewBook: The Seal’s Temptation by Jacquie Biggar @JacqBiggar first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Basic Plots: Vonnegut’s Good News Bad News
Hi everyone. Staci has her final post in a series all about basic plots over at Story Empire. Well worth a look >>>
Ciao, SEers. I’ve been talking about Vonnegut’s five basic plots. So far, I’ve discussed Man in Hole, Boy Meets Girl, Cinderella, and From Bad to Worse, which you can find by clicking the links. To…
Source: Basic Plots: Vonnegut’s Good News Bad News
The post Basic Plots: Vonnegut’s Good News Bad News first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
