After enjoying A RELUCTANT MELODY, I was highly motivated to pick up THE YULETIDE ANGEL. What a beautiful story, bringing Hugh together with preciselyAfter enjoying A RELUCTANT MELODY, I was highly motivated to pick up THE YULETIDE ANGEL. What a beautiful story, bringing Hugh together with precisely the right woman to heal his battered heart and inability to trust. Violet Madison is a woman in a pinch. Her fears and concerns as a spinster dependent upon her brother who marries and changes everything are real and understandable. (Her brother is a fantastic character, so clearly drawn I could see him lose his patience.) Hugh proves himself to be the gentleman and a fellow with a heart ready and willing to love again, if only Violet proves to be the woman his heart believes her to be....more
I enjoyed reading Dan Janal's "Paint-by-the-Numbers" System to write a nonfiction book. If I remember correctly, the book focuses exclusively on creatI enjoyed reading Dan Janal's "Paint-by-the-Numbers" System to write a nonfiction book. If I remember correctly, the book focuses exclusively on creating a nonfiction book. I believe the title should specify nonfiction and not just "book of your dreams", as my personal book of my dreams is and always will be fiction.
Though I've written and published more than twenty fiction titles, my nonfiction experience is far less. I decided to experiment a bit, applying many of the elements and instructions Janal recommends while creating my first nonfiction participant's guide from conception through publication. This "practice" allowed me to see the practicality behind Janal's suggestions, and to see the payoffs right away. While using this title, Write Your Book in a Flash, as a "how-to" reference, I succeeded in writing the nonfiction manual (Walk a Mile in My Shoes: A Solution-Oriented Training for Employees of a Chronic Pain Practice) in two days--start to finish.
It's only fair to disclose that some elements of this method seemed clunky, extraneous, and unnecessary to me. I imagine that's one of many personal preferences I could gather from the book. I received a review copy of the book and after reading and studying the PDF provided by the publisher, elect to write this review in my own words and because I want to.
I'm blown away by the quality in every element of A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin. I was swept into the story from the opening paragraphs. WithoutI'm blown away by the quality in every element of A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin. I was swept into the story from the opening paragraphs. Without a single extraneous occurrence or character, the Christian themes became paramount to the characters (Joanna Stewart and Christopher "Kit" Barnes). Ms. Ardoin deals with difficult and true-to-life challenges with all their ugliness and handled all that truth with grace and dignity. The Christian elements are deep, significant, and essential to the story, arising naturally from the circumstances and the characters. This story deserves Goodreads' "It was amazing" level of five stars.
I quickly headed to purchase the related story, The Yuletide Angel, and was pleased to discover I'd purchased it some time ago. Can't wait to read it!
This novel is one of the very few that I'll reread for the pleasure of immersing myself in well-crafted and historically accurate fiction... and for my never-ending craving to learn from authors who inspire me to reach beyond my current capacities....more
5 stars! Is this title ONLY for authors? Primarily, yes, but I can think of ten legitimate reasons why this book _isn't_ just for authors... And 10 soli5 stars! Is this title ONLY for authors? Primarily, yes, but I can think of ten legitimate reasons why this book _isn't_ just for authors... And 10 solid (with #11 as a bonus) reasons why this book empowers authors! See the full review: http://www.kristinholt.com/archives/1... ...more
I've read and studied many titles about the essential concept, "Show, Don't Tell". I extend my compliments to Sandra Gerth for possibly the strongest,I've read and studied many titles about the essential concept, "Show, Don't Tell". I extend my compliments to Sandra Gerth for possibly the strongest, most helpful view at the concept, from every conceivable direction. I was pleasantly surprised to learn elements I'd not previously considered. I can't wait to share this title with a young cousin who's just publishing her first title. I believe this writing craft book will be of help and worthwhile to every new writer and most authors who aren't yet "perfectly seasoned". I've read a few authors' finished work that proves they already know all this... but those authors are few and far between.
Mary Cable's well-researched account of The Blizzard of 88 (1888) that struck the eastern seaboard of the United States, illuminated both a wide-lens Mary Cable's well-researched account of The Blizzard of 88 (1888) that struck the eastern seaboard of the United States, illuminated both a wide-lens view of the overall picture, zooming in for closeup vignettes of individual lives, tales of survival (or death), heroic kindness, and tragedy. I found Cable's balance between the grand picture and the individual accounts (letters, journals, newspaper reports and interviews, records left by "Blizzard Men" and "Blizzard Women") to make a satisfying and informative read.
The bibliography is extensive, lighting the way for further, in-depth research. Many of the quotations within the text provide the source (such as newspaper name and date), while others are not as clearly referenced. This method of citing historical sources seems standard.
As an amateur historian, I found this title to be so much more than informative. I gained insight to "normal" life in 1888 New York City (and wider New England), numerous occupations, the status quo, and the overall Era of Confidence, reliance on Victorian-era inventions, and exacting detail about the losses and immense suffering of those who lived through the Great Blizzard. No wonder every storm thereafter was compared to "The Blizzard of 88". I recommend this title to students of history, whether casual or serious.
I listened to the Audible edition of THE BUTCHERING ART, narrated by Ralph Lister. I couldn't locate an audible edition to review, so I'll comment herI listened to the Audible edition of THE BUTCHERING ART, narrated by Ralph Lister. I couldn't locate an audible edition to review, so I'll comment here, emphasizing that the narration added significant value to an already superb title. As an RN, amateur historian, and author of fiction set in the nineteenth century, I found immense value in this entertaining, informative nonfiction book.
I listened to the audible edition of this fine book, and recommend it. The narrator's presentation was superb and added value to an already quality boI listened to the audible edition of this fine book, and recommend it. The narrator's presentation was superb and added value to an already quality book. Each chapter detailed the life, happenings, memories, and details about one notorious "Wicked Woman", including everything from first-person memories (diaries, interviews years later) to newspaper reports, death certificates, etc. Each chapter began with a scene from that highlighted woman's life, showing that woman's personality, tragic demise, a highlight in her story, or other captivating moment. While I never doubted the content of each chapter, covering the highlights of her life, debunking myths, mentioning when historians disagree, or when the woman disappeared (likely changed her name and chose to live the rest of her life in anonymity), I did have to question whether these opening scenes were fictionalized or simply embellished. In one particular case (no one remained alive in the room afterward), I suspect the historical facts were highly embellished. This storytelling method caught and held my attention.
Kaye Linden succeeds in conveying all the necessary elements of successful flash fiction with brief chapters, examples, and guided practice writing. LKaye Linden succeeds in conveying all the necessary elements of successful flash fiction with brief chapters, examples, and guided practice writing. Linden is well qualified to teach this subject, and I gained more than I'd hoped to from studying this title. Better than attending a class! Recommended to authors of fiction, no matter how new to the craft or how experienced. Flash fiction is a specialty; I've not written this format yet, but feel significantly more prepared to do so. Thanks, Kaye!...more
The essence of this powerful story has lingered in my heart and thoughts, though I finished reading it months ago. Please see my thorough review, postThe essence of this powerful story has lingered in my heart and thoughts, though I finished reading it months ago. Please see my thorough review, posted as a blog article on 9-15-17: http://www.kristinholt.com/archives/1.......more
I recommend this title to all authors, whether new to the craft of writing fiction or a multi-pubbed author with seventy-five titles. I believe this bI recommend this title to all authors, whether new to the craft of writing fiction or a multi-pubbed author with seventy-five titles. I believe this book of professional techniques has something for everyone. Thank you, Rayne Hall, for opening my eyes. You brought key concepts to my attention I'd never been taught (or read) elsewhere. This book is one I'll reread....more
I've fallen in love with Jacqui Nelson's writing--again.
I received this title as a perk for her newsletter subscribers. Yes, I could've bought this tiI've fallen in love with Jacqui Nelson's writing--again.
I received this title as a perk for her newsletter subscribers. Yes, I could've bought this title for a buck, but how could I not subscribe to Jacqui's newsletters? I'm genuinely interested in her new releases, writing, characters, and experiences.
CHOOSING BRAVERY is a keen example of a concise novella, containing everything I craved as a reader, and leaving everything unnecessary out of the story. Oh, the whole story was there...but, for example, I didn't have to wade through the months of recovery as Élodie Rousseau nursed Lachlan Bravery back to health (with all the expected bonding and tenderness developing). The title couldn't be more perfect. Neither could the captivating story, deeply rooted in time and place, historically accurate setting, meaningful character expectations, devious villain(s), surprises, mystery, sweet romance, suspense, and a once-in-a-lifetime match between Élodie and Lachlan. All with just enough words. Not too many, not too few.
I read slowly, enjoying every single scene. I sighed with satisfaction at the story's conclusion. I'm reminded, again, that Jacqui's writing sings! She paints the most captivating images, creates the most true-to-life characters, and makes me want to re-read (and review) every title she's penned.
As an author, I always hesitate to review books in my genre. Too many people might assume I'm praising a friend. By way of disclosure, I've met Jacqui Nelson once, long enough for a brief introduction among a group of women, without more conversation than a brief hello. I doubt she'd remember, much less know who I am. That's perfect. While experiencing this story, I was just an enamored reader, like so many others....more
As an amateur historian, and one intensely fascinated with history, I found this title by Stephanie Coontz to be a perfect combination of accurate hisAs an amateur historian, and one intensely fascinated with history, I found this title by Stephanie Coontz to be a perfect combination of accurate history--and why attitudes prevailed during various eras of the world's history. Why marriage was never about love, until a certain point in history, makes complete sense to me now. I listened to the audible edition and can't help but give the narrator, Callie Beaulieu, 5-stars on her own. The content is a 5-star read, whether in print or audible edition. Ms. Coontz has tremendous capacity to take historical events, snips from letters and journals (from antiquity) and draw conclusions that seem spot-on. Conclusions I can understand! Highly recommended!...more
I genuinely enjoyed this book's Audible edition (which is not available for me to select within "change edition"). Please see my detailed review, withI genuinely enjoyed this book's Audible edition (which is not available for me to select within "change edition"). Please see my detailed review, with connections to Ms. Hedlund's historical accuracy, on my site: http://www.kristinholt.com/archives/1......more
I'm one of those authors who don't claim to know much about marketing. And I need to. I understand the necessity of treating my small business like a I'm one of those authors who don't claim to know much about marketing. And I need to. I understand the necessity of treating my small business like a business...I just don't know what to do. I didn't study business in college. I've taken no targeted evening courses at the local community college. I've read a few books about the subject, but until this title by Nicholas Erik, I can't say I really understood how to effectively market my Indie Published books. Mr. Erik left the text the same, it seems, from his daily emailed "crash course", and I'm glad he did. He emphasizes the tried-and-true (hack-free) methods of ensuring Indie Books have the best chance possible to gain visibility, new readers, positive reviews, and that Indie Authors find the right readers. His explanations not only make sense, they provide actionable steps that are within my reach. Book's contents are smart, savvy, easy to implement, and make sense. Thank you, Nicholas Erik!
As a "Craft of Fiction" book junkie, I was thrilled with the chance to read this new title--and found it refreshingly different than any other book I'As a "Craft of Fiction" book junkie, I was thrilled with the chance to read this new title--and found it refreshingly different than any other book I've studied about characterization, conflict, and story arc. I studied this book with care, my eyes opened to specifics I want to apply to my WIP (work in progress) and I'll review and reread this title as I intend to work its application into my own pre-writing and writing practices. I'm jazzed, confident that applying the simple principles about "Early Maladaptive Schemas, commonly refereed to as Schemas", will help me correct one of my own weaknesses; creating characters that are not only forgettable, but at times also inconsistent.
I recommend this title to novelists of all levels of experience--from those barely learning the craft to those with dozens of books to their credit.
I volunteered for an ARC with eagerness, read every word (and highlighted for future review on my kindle app), and write this review in conjunction of a full (and lengthy) review on my website. This review of specifics, including content, formatting, and book cover, will be posted on my site on 3-21-17 at midnight, here: http://www.kristinholt.com/archives/1.... I wasn't required to leave a review at all, much less a positive one. But after studying this book, I'm eager to write recommendations, gift copies to several author friends, and reread it for my own benefit....more
I enjoyed FINDING JOY, a sweet contemporary Christian romance. Melanie Snitker's work is a pleasurable read and the presentation immaculate (error-freI enjoyed FINDING JOY, a sweet contemporary Christian romance. Melanie Snitker's work is a pleasurable read and the presentation immaculate (error-free). Her characters are likable and face real-life challenges and emotions I related to.
Set in Texas, mostly on a wealthy cattle ranch, this story brings together two people who doubt themselves and their abilities. Their reasons are different, but inside, they're a matched pair. Parker and Chelsea are both badly damaged--one on the outside and one on the inside--so they're uniquely prepared to help each other heal, regain confidence, and become their better selves. I enjoyed the beagle, Happy, and his role in the story.
This contemporary novel explores family dynamics, self-esteem, personal worth, and choices.
While a Christian novel in content, the religious element is not overbearing. Many readers who seek a clean (no offensive language) and sweet (no sexual content) read will find this new release a perfect fit. Recommended!...more
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Shanna Hatfield's new sweet romance title, GARDEN OF HER HEART, in conjunction with the new release's blog touI had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Shanna Hatfield's new sweet romance title, GARDEN OF HER HEART, in conjunction with the new release's blog tour. It's my genuine pleasure to review this title and share my highest compliments in a full book review on my website as a blog post (post will be live at 12 AM on 12-4-16): http://www.kristinholt.com/archives/9368.
I fully enjoyed the hero and heroine, Kamiko "Miko" Nishimura and Rock Laroux. Their love story drew me in and had me rooting for them, wishing them the very best. I was so pleased to see that their friendship developed, leading love along close behind. These two so deserved the best at a time when every circumstance seemed set against them. I've not read this creepy of a villain in a long time (Ness is a psychopath and creeped me out!)--one more premium example of characterization. The charming secondary character in the little boy next door had me grinning.
Throughout, Shanna captured life in 1942 in so many little ways that I felt fully transported to that time and place, when in the dark days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, so many native-born American citizens were treated with distrust and indignity. If you read nothing else during December, make sure THIS is the book you read!...more
THE ROAD HOME is a most suitable conclusion to the Remembrance "Mem" Nye Trilogy. Mem turns 13 years of age in this book, and she has her hands full wTHE ROAD HOME is a most suitable conclusion to the Remembrance "Mem" Nye Trilogy. Mem turns 13 years of age in this book, and she has her hands full with a difficult younger brother Joshua and 1-year old baby sister Lily. Just when I thought their family couldn't (or shouldn't) unwind further, Mem faces even greater obstacles in the 1817 relative frontier of western New York.
One of the hardest realizations Mem comes to (as well as most human beings) is reconciling the love of a parent with the truth of that parent's failings, faults, and imperfections. Mem's already lost her mother--now her father's signed up to work the Eerie Canal and she's essentially on her own. The story progresses in such a manner that I cared about the children, their needs, their struggles, and found the conclusion to be a surprise and yet most rewarding. True to history, it's the only ending that makes sense. I'm pleased to say I didn't see that ending coming.
This book is appropriate for readers of all ages. It may have been written for youth but I found it entertaining and enjoyable....more
A goldmine for amateur historians who enjoy primary sources. This book is free in PDF or ebook format from various online sources (just Google it). I A goldmine for amateur historians who enjoy primary sources. This book is free in PDF or ebook format from various online sources (just Google it). I particularly found the section about etiquette surrounding death and mourning to be very helpful for a blog post I'm writing about 19th century American practices. This book was published in Philadelphia in 1877, wherein the author speaks specifically of American practices, hinging on the English expectations (etiquette and deportment) because 19th century Americans were so closely descended and tied to European countries of origin.
I discovered Deeanne Gist within the past year or two and have enjoyed this series, though I've read the two available books out of order. I listened I discovered Deeanne Gist within the past year or two and have enjoyed this series, though I've read the two available books out of order. I listened to FAIR PLAY (It Happened At The Fair #2) first, then this title, IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR (It Happened At The Fair #1). The Audible editions are both very good and reading them out of order in no way dampened my enjoyment of each. They are stand-alone novels.
Something very special happened when Cullen McNamara met Della Wentworth at the fair (Columbian Exhibition [400 years after Columbus discovered America] in Chicago, 1893). I think the reason Cullen won my heart so easily is his uncommon honesty and honor. This man had this remarkable trait in spades! I'd fallen in love with him and desperately cared about his success in selling automatic fire sprinklers at the Fair, before he ever left home. I think Gist is a master of the craft of storytelling, particularly in the Victorian-era United States. I care very much about accurate settings (19th century American west), and I'm beyond impressed with Gist's accurate portrayal of life and the larger-than-life Fair.
Gist has a real talent for making me care--very much--about her characters. I enjoyed the journey of watching Cullen and Della, forbidden though the romance was, gradually become friends and eventually fall in love. Cullen's honor through it all made him the man of my dreams.
I enjoyed Frozen Summer (book #2 in the Remembrance "Mem" Nye series) right after book #1 and enjoyed them both very much. The historical accuracy of I enjoyed Frozen Summer (book #2 in the Remembrance "Mem" Nye series) right after book #1 and enjoyed them both very much. The historical accuracy of the 1816 summer-that-wasn't when New England experienced winter-like temperatures and severe crop failures made for an exciting backdrop for Mem Nye's story. I felt such compassion for this 11-year old girl who wanted to somehow salvage her family, obey her parents, protect her newborn sister, and somehow manage in the heavily forested Genosee Country without extended family, nearby neighbors, or comforts of civilization. Mem had to grow up fast.
Mary Jane Auch presents a Young Adult novel that captured my attention, engaged my deeper emotions, and made me care about the fate of three young children as their mother slipped away from them....more
At the recommendation of a friend, I read the YA novel, JOURNEY TO NOWHERE, and enjoyed it thoroughly. The author's note at the conclusion told me mucAt the recommendation of a friend, I read the YA novel, JOURNEY TO NOWHERE, and enjoyed it thoroughly. The author's note at the conclusion told me much of what I'd suspected: significant research filled in the background of the Nye family's journey from settled Connecticut in 1815 to the western frontier of upstate New York. The rich texture woven into the tapestry of the setting snagged my attention and held it fast. I learned so much about early 19th century day-to-day living through the eyes of eleven-year old Remembrance "Mem" Nye. While obviously written for youth, I found it more than enjoyable and would recommend it to adult readers who fancy American historical fiction....more
This book is not only for scholars. The nonfiction work is an easy read, informative, amusing, enlightening, and draws heavily from original sources. This book is not only for scholars. The nonfiction work is an easy read, informative, amusing, enlightening, and draws heavily from original sources. Approximately 1/3 of the page count (at the end of the text) is a careful, detailed listing of all sources cited in this scholarly work. But you'd never know that when reading for pleasure--or for information. If you're merely interested in an informative, fun, enlightening read that sheds light on your favorite fictional trope (Mail Order Bride Romances), you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for solid historical information (citations), you won't be disappointed.
Congratulations, Professor Zug. It is my genuine pleasure to review your new release with FIVE STARS and recommend it to readers of fiction and nonfiction alike.
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