Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 225

Double Review | Redemption Road and Force Ten - Doubling the penny by Mark Shaff

Double ReviewI have two books from Mark Shaff on the blog today. Both in the same series
Title: Redemption Road
By: Mark ShaffGenre: ThrillerPages: 244Release Date: March 3th, 2013Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLCAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: As the nation burns, Marcus Diablo vows that those responsible will pay.
Annie Diablo goes missing while backpacking in the Eastern Sierras with her husband Marcus, and their two young sons. Marcus becomes the FBI's chief suspect. His claims that Annie was abducted by a group of homegrown fanatics planning to set fire to the forests in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding wilderness areas, are dismissed as the desperate lies of a guilty man. But when, from California to Connecticut, the nations forests erupt in flames it becomes clear that Marcus was innocent. As an attack, no one was prepared for, strikes fear and panic into the hearts of every American and society unravels, Marcus, following the smallest clue, finds the man who abducted Annie, and uncovers an organization that for thirty years remained hidden, embedded deep in American Society. Following an insane hunch, Marcus embarks on a quest that takes him from his home and family, to Australia's inhospitable Outback, to the tribal lands of the Hindu Kush, to the arid expanse of the Syrian Desert, to the freezing waters of the Bering Sea. Marcus will form unlikely alliances, cheat death, receive gifts of priceless value and along way, change his life and the lives of all he touches, forever.

Add on Goodreads
Review: A thrilling ride that will leave you breathless. I dove right into this book, reading it quickly from cover to cover. It was fast paced and full of action. Although the story kept me entertained throughout the book, I felt that parts of it were flimsy and unrealistic. Like the part where the son was having dreams about talking to his mom, and then his mom was having dreams about the same conversation. I would expect that more in a paranormal, not a thriller. The points of view switched around a lot, and sometimes we connected with the bad guys of the story. I think it would have made the story more intriguing if the bad guys didn't tell you what they were about to do.
All together, this book had lots of potential. I just wish there was more connection with the characters and their surroundings. Three stars for Redemption road.  

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Title: Force Ten - Doubling the Penny By: Mark ShaffGenre: ThrillerPages: 329Release Date: February 1st, 2017Publisher: LeRue Press, LLCAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: In the debut Marcus Diablo novel, Redemption Road, Marcus' wife, Annie, is murdered during a terrorist attack on the United States. Now in the highly-anticipated sequel, Marcus Diablo and Force Ten are back. As Marcus struggles to raise his sons and heal their broken hearts, he must reconcile his feelings for the woman who has fallen in love with him and his boys. When an attack on the nation's Internet system brings all communications, transportation and financial networks to a halt, Marcus is forced to define his role as a full-fledged member of Force Ten-the world's most respected and effective private military contracting firm. Join Marcus Diablo and an unforgettable cast of characters as they come to terms with the power of family and love, while they fight to save a nation and bring their brand of Justice-Force Ten Justice-to those responsible. 
Add on Goodreads
Review: This book jumped right into the action. We follow Marcus Diablo in the aftermath of a terrorist attack and the murder of his wife. There was a lot of action in this story. I wasn't really invested in the characters like I would want to be. World building is key, and I didn't get a lot of that. The story was intriguing and kept me interested throughout the book.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#WeeklyMenu Week 207

Another hot week and the next couple of days are just as bad. My husband and I decided to clear a section of our back yard to make room for a tent. Lots of brush and a few tree stumps. The work wasn't hard, but apparently, the sun was beating down harder than I thought. Got me a sun burn, and a bad head ache. Spent the second half of the day in bed feeling like poo. At least the work got done, no thanks to me. My husband ended up burning out the stumps. In a day or two, we can move the tent there.

Seeker has finally been released. Wahoo! Still in the top 100 new paranormal releases on Amazon today. Number 40. That's awesome. This is all thanks to my readers and the wonderful support you have given me. Make sure you stop by and enter the Seeker release day giveaway, for a chance to win a hard copy of Hunter, e-copy of Seeker and some swag.

This weeks menu is going to be simple because I am tired, and when I put this thing together when I'm tired, I get lazy. Enjoy and leave me a comment on your favorite recipe.
Monday- Italian Pasta Salad
Tuesday- Orange Chicken
Wednesday- Chicken Quesadillas 
Thursday- English Muffin Pizzas
Friday- Creamy Bruschetta Chicken
Saturday- Beef Ramen Soup
Sunday- Tuna Sandwiches

Weekly Confessions #1

I've decided to throw you all a curve ball and start a new post series called Weekly Confessions. This is where I will word vomit all the things that have been rolling around in my head all week. Like, the books I've read. Things that are going on in my life currently. Interesting posts I've found out in cyber space. Things like that. So here goes nothing. I hope you enjoy.

I've read a few books this week. Some for review and some for the enjoyment of reading. One of the books I reviewed was Force Ten: Doubling the Penny by Mark Shaff. I also got down and dirty with Stillhouse Lake by Rachael Caine (Creepy). A few books that I marked off my TBR pile are Steel Scars, Crown of Midnight (awesome), Lady Midnight, and Seeker. This week I'm hoping to read another Sarah J. Maas book, always an epic read.

My baby boy is turning four today. I can't believe how much he has grown over the last year and that he's my last baby. I usually have another baby by the time the last one is four. There will be no more for me. Sad. I've been blessed with three amazing boys, all with their own personalities and quirks. Happy Birthday Liam!
On Friday, the second book in my Hunter series dropped. Seeker is now available on Amazon and the Evernight Teen web page. Its doing really well on Amazon. #26 this morning in new releases. Please go and check it out and support your local authors.


Life has been a little crazy lately and my writing has suffered because of it. I did find time this week to put some words on paper. The weather has been so amazing that I sat out in the sun on lunch and worked on my new book about space aliens taking over the world. I feel like I'm about a quarter of the way done with it right now at 32K words. 

Had some awesome posts this week on the blog. Lots of reviews and wonderful books that I shared along with this weeks menu.I reviewed Afterlife by Marcus SakeyDove into the creepy world of See What I Have Done by Sarah SchmidtPosted a giveaway for the release of SEEKER (Still going on)Went on the Hunt with Chloe NeillRead a snippet of A Skinful of Shadows by Frances HardingeJoined the circus with The Life She was Given by Ellen Marie WisemanJoined my friend Kaitlyn Davis with her release of FreezeStarted off the week with an epic meal plan

I came across some cool posts out there in the world of books and stuff this week. I thought I would share them with all of you. Enjoy.10 times I did it for the gramIs being a workaholic healthyThat's it for this week. Let me know what you've been up to in you life, books and places you visited or want me to visit. Leave it all in the comments below. Until next week.

#BookReview | Afterlife by Marcus Sakey

Title: AfterlifeBy: Marcus SakeyGenre: ParanormalPages: 320Release Date: July 18th, 2017Publisher: Thomas & MercerAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: Soon to be a major motion picture from Imagine Entertainment and producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
Between life and death lies an epic war, a relentless manhunt through two worlds… and an unforgettable love story.

The last thing FBI agent Will Brody remembers is the explosion — a thousand shards of glass surfing a lethal shock wave.

He wakes without a scratch.

The building is in ruins. His team is gone. Outside, Chicago is dark. Cars lie abandoned. No planes cross the sky. He’s relieved to spot other people — until he sees they’re carrying machetes.

Welcome to the afterlife.

Claire McCoy stands over the body of Will Brody. As head of an FBI task force, she hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks. A terrorist has claimed eighteen lives and thrown the nation into panic.

Against this horror, something reckless and beautiful happened. She fell in love… with Will Brody.

But the line between life and death is narrower than any of us suspect — and all that matters to Will and Claire is getting back to each other.

From the author of the million-copy bestselling Brilliance Trilogy comes a mind-bending thriller that explores our most haunting and fundamental question: What if death is just the beginning? 
Add on Goodreads
Review: A unique story and twist on what happens after death. The story started off a little slow to me, but I understand that some setup was necessary to build a connection with the characters. After Will Brody dies, that's when things started to get interesting. The author has created a whole new world and rules that Will must learn. I really enjoyed this read and if you like paranormal thrillers, you will too.  

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#BookReview | See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt

Title: See What I Have DoneBy: Sarah SchmidtGenre: Historical ThrillerPages: 336Release Date: August 1st, 2017Publisher: Atlantic Monthly PressAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: “Eerie and compelling, Sarah Schmidt breathes such life into the terrible, twisted tale of Lizzie Borden and her family, she makes it impossible to look away.” —Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train and Into the Water

In this riveting debut novel, See What I Have Done, Sarah Schmidt recasts one of the most fascinating murder cases of all time into an intimate story of a volatile household and a family devoid of love.

On the morning of August 4, 1892, Lizzie Borden calls out to her maid: Someone’s killed Father. The brutal ax-murder of Andrew and Abby Borden in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts, leaves little evidence and many unanswered questions. While neighbors struggle to understand why anyone would want to harm the respected Bordens, those close to the family have a different tale to tell—of a father with an explosive temper; a spiteful stepmother; and two spinster sisters, with a bond even stronger than blood, desperate for their independence.

As the police search for clues, Emma comforts an increasingly distraught Lizzie whose memories of that morning flash in scattered fragments. Had she been in the barn or the pear arbor to escape the stifling heat of the house? When did she last speak to her stepmother? Were they really gone and would everything be better now? Shifting among the perspectives of the unreliable Lizzie, her older sister Emma, the housemaid Bridget, and the enigmatic stranger Benjamin, the events of that fateful day are slowly revealed through a high-wire feat of storytelling. 
Add on Goodreads
Review: The creepiest book I've read all year. I know the story of Lizzie Borden, but I've never heard it told like this. The story gives a lot of background into what lead up to the murders, and takes you on an emotional ride as Emma comes to the realization that her sister is the one who did it. This book was a roller coaster of emotions and thrills. Loved it.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

SEEKER Release Day and #Giveaway

Its finally here. Seeker is available for purchase on the Evernight Teen web page and on Amazon.   Evernight Teen | Amazon
~Editor's Pick~

Six months ago, Hunter’s life turned upside-down. Seeker is dead, a tragedy that’s left Hunter empty and alone. Talon, an agency of superhumans, now looks to her for leadership. When several agents are found dead with mysterious injuries, she has no choice but to track down the killer herself or risk the lives of her teammates and friends.

Hunter finds herself in Arizona, where things turn deadly, sending her right into the hands of the one person that could take everything from her—her mother.

Forced to do Mother’s bidding, Hunter does the only thing she can ... she survives. One grueling day at a time. Will Hunter become the next victim of the killer who has taken so many of her friends’ lives? Will she become the murderous telepath Mother wants her to be? Or will she somehow find a way out of this deadly situation full of so many risks? 

To kick off this momentous occasion, I am going to give away a copy of hunter, the ebook of Seeker and a Hunter bookmark. So check below for the giveaway. Also, don't forget to add Seeker on Goodreads.

And, if you haven't already started your journey with Hunter, pick up your copy on Amazon and the Evernight Teen web page.
Sixteen-year-old Hunter belongs to the Telepathic Alliance for the Latent or Newly manifested, otherwise known as Talon, a bounty hunter community known for their ruthless tactics. Her latest mission in San Diego was supposed to be a piece of cake, but when the job takes a treacherous and deadly turn, not even her telepathic abilities could have warned her of the dangers lurking around the corner. 

There's only one place for Hunter to go, and that's straight into the hands of the government and their Psychic Intelligence Team, but even the “normal” world isn’t safe. With each passing hour throwing her deeper into the game of life and death, Hunter must decide who to trust before this mission becomes her last.a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BookReview | The Hunt by Chloe Neill

Title: The HuntBy: Chloe NeillGenre: Dystopian Pages: 336Release Date: September 26th, 2017Publisher: Berkley BooksAudience: Young Adult
Summary from Goodreads: From the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels--the hunter becomes the hunted in a New Orleans devastated by a Paranormal war....
When bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered that Claire Connolly was a Sensitive and infected with magic, he should have turned her in to be locked up in the prison district known as Devil's Isle. Instead, he helped her learn to control her power and introduced her to an underground group of Paranormals and humans who know the truth about the war and those who fought it.
Now the weight of Liam's own secrets has forced him into hiding. When a government agent is killed and Claire discovers that Liam is the prime suspect, she races to find him before the government can. But she'll discover proving his innocence is no simple matter. Their enemies are drawing closer, and time is running out.... 

Add on Goodreads
Review: I do love a good paranormal. I totally loved Claire. She reminded me a lot of a magic-wielding Katness, with her will to survive. I loved following her as she searched for Liam. Her story was powerful and raw, keeping me enticed through the whole book. I wish there was a little more description of the surroundings, but I'm guessing that came in the two previous books (That I'm totally going to read). Loved this book.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#BookReview | A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge @PiqueBeyond

Title: A Skinful of ShadowsBy: Frances HardingeGenre: Paranormal FantasyPages: 416Release Date: September 21st, 2017Publisher: MacmillanAudience: Young Adult
Summary from Goodreads: "Frances Hardinge weaves another darkly extraordinary tale in A Skinful of Shadows, her follow up to the Costa Award-winning novel The Lie Tree
'Hardinge is an unusual talent who deserves to be read by children and adults alike'
Guardian

This is the story of a bear-hearted girl . . .

Sometimes, when a person dies, their spirit goes looking for somewhere to hide.
Some people have space within them, perfect for hiding.

Twelve-year-old Makepeace has learned to defend herself from the ghosts which try to possess her in the night, desperate for refuge, but one day a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard.

And now there's a spirit inside her.

The spirit is wild, brutish and strong, and it may be her only defense when she is sent to live with her father's rich and powerful ancestors. There is talk of civil war, and they need people like her to protect their dark and terrible family secret.

But as she plans her escape and heads out into a country torn apart by war, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession – or death." 
Add on Goodreads
Review:  I am a big fan of Frances Hardinge. She always pulls you into the story right off the bat and keeps you entertained until the very end. This book was no exception.
THIS CHICK HAS A BEAR IN HER HEART!
I only received the first few chapters to review, but I am already hooked and want to know what's going to happen to Makepeace and her ghost bear.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#BookReview | The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Title: The Life She Was GivenBy: Ellen Marie WisemanGenre: Historical FictionPages: 356Release Date: July 25th, 2017Publisher: Kensington Publishing CorporationAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: From acclaimed author Ellen Marie Wiseman comes a vivid, daring novel about the devastating power of family secrets--beginning in the poignant, lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the transformative 1950s. 
On a summer evening in 1931, Lilly Blackwood glimpses circus lights from the grimy window of her attic bedroom. Lilly isn't allowed to explore the meadows around Blackwood Manor. She's never even ventured beyond her narrow room. Momma insists it's for Lilly's own protection, that people would be afraid if they saw her. But on this unforgettable night, Lilly is taken outside for the first time--and sold to the circus sideshow. 

More than two decades later, nineteen-year-old Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents' estate and horse farm. For Julia, home was an unhappy place full of strict rules and forbidden rooms, and she hopes that returning might erase those painful memories. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl. 

At first, The Barlow Brothers' Circus is just another prison for Lilly. But in this rag-tag, sometimes brutal world, Lilly discovers strength, friendship, and a rare affinity for animals. Soon, thanks to elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole, Lilly is no longer a sideshow spectacle but the circus's biggest attraction. . .until tragedy and cruelty collide. It will fall to Julia to learn the truth about Lilly's fate and her family's shocking betrayal, and find a way to make Blackwood Manor into a place of healing at last. 

Moving between Julia and Lilly's stories, Ellen Marie Wiseman portrays two extraordinary, very different women in a novel that, while tender and heartbreaking, offers moments of joy and indomitable hope.
Add on Goodreads
Review: Secrets, elephants, true love, and albinos. This book is the ultimate 1930's circus read. I absolutely loved this story.
Right off the bat you know that something is a miss. The whole book takes you on a ride as Lilly Blackwood struggles to survive the life of a freak in the traveling circus. We also follow the story of Julia Blackwood as she finds out that her parents have been keeping a dark secret from her. The two stories collide at the end of the book in a heartbreaking twist you wont see coming.
I read this book in one day. It was that good. Read it. You won't be disappointed. 

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#BookReview | Freeze by Kairlyn Davis

Title: FreezeBy: Kaitlyn DavisGenre: Urban FantasyPages: 188Release Date: July 11th, 2017Publisher: Audience: Young Adult
Summary from Goodreads: Locked up doesn't mean locked in.
Pandora Scott is in jail...again. Everyone she once loved betrayed her...again. And some of the most powerful people in the world want her dead...yes, again. Sound familiar? But if there's one thing Pandora is good at, it's wriggling her way out of life or death situations, and this time is no different. Armed with her ability to disappear and aided by the mysterious Sam, Pandora's got a plan. Escape the most secure prison in the world. Evade the most powerful trackers on the planet. Forget every word that Jax has ever told her. And figure out how to change one teeny tiny thing--fate. Easy, right? Well...doable, at least.

Freeze is the second book in the thrilling Midnight Ice series--the brand new spinoff to Midnight Fire.

Add on Goodreads


Review: Baby Groot shows you how I felt when I was contacted by the author to review her new release. I loved the first book in the series, Frost, so naturally I loved this one. The story starts up where the last book left off. Its full of action and adventure as Davis takes you on a wild ride. I love the reference to Pandora's box. I've never heard it told in this way. It was unique and AWESOME! Dance with Groot and I, and make sure to check out Freeze. 

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Available from:
Amazon – http://hyperurl.co/AmazonFreeze
Apple – http://hyperurl.co/AppleFreeze
B&N – http://bit.ly/BNFreeze
Google Play – http://bit.ly/GPFreeze
Kobo – http://bit.ly/KoboFreeze
Smashwords – http://bit.ly/SWFreeze
If you haven't started the series, FROST (Midnight Ice Book One) is currently on
sale for $0.99 for a limited time!