Review & Blog Tour: The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

Book Description: On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.

Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don’t believe it. But they’re about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

About the Author: Sheila Roberts lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not speaking to women’s groups or at conferences, she can be found writing about the things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

Here's What I Think: This book was a refreshing reminder to stop, look and listen in our own lives. So many times we become so absorbed in the present situation, much like Kylie, that we aren't able to see the solutions around us. This story is magical and mystical and really got me into the spirit of the holiday season. Though this book is on the shorter side, it is definitely a complete story. This book is perfect for a December Book Club Selection as well as a holiday gift for a book lover. Sheila Roberts has been one of my fave authors for a while now and this book just reintegrates my good choice =).

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book for review purpose, I was in no way compensated to publish this review.

Review & Blog Tour: The Black Chronicles: Cry of the Fallen by Joel M. Andre

The Black Chronicles: Cry of the Fallen by Joel M. Andre

Book Description: On a warm summer afternoon, in Northern Arizona, a double homicide stains the ground with blood. Detectives are called out to handle the investigation, each plagued with their own internal demons, and aren't prepared for what they are about to find. Detective Lauren Bruni, faces a world of darkness and evil, as a demonic force begins to leash an attack on a small town. As the stakes begin to rise, so does the stunning truth, that not even Lauren can imagine. In a world where her life had started to fall apart, she must pick up the pieces and push forward in an effort to save those that she loves the most. Joel M. Andre takes the Horror genre and pushes the boundaries in a tale full of suspense, dark comedy and genuine horror.

About the Author: Joel M. Andre was born January 13, 1981. At a young age he was fascinated with the written word. It was at fourteen that Poe blew his mind, and Andre began to dabble with darker poetry. Between the years of 1999 and 2007, Joel was featured in various poetry anthologies and publications. In 2008 he released his first collection, "Pray the Rain Never Ends". Knowing there was something deeper and darker inside of his soul, Joel decided to take a stab at commercialism. Releasing the dark, tongue in cheek, "A Death at the North Pole", created a dark world that resulted from the death of Kris Kringle. Ultimately, it proved to be a tale of redemption. October of 2008 saw Joel release his second book, "Kill 4 Me." This was a tale that found Casey Dwyer being haunted by a spirit through text messages, and instant messaging. It was far more brutal than anything he had released before. Taking some time off and doing a lot of soul searching, Joel took things in a new direction and dabbled in the Fantasy Genre with, "The Pentacle of Light". This tale dealt with five major races battling for control of Earth, and the acceptance of their God. As times continue to change, so does the tales he has to tell. This October he will bring back Lauren Bruni in a prequel, and come 2011 there will be the next book in his Fantasy series "The Pentacle of Light". Currently, he resides in Arizona.

Here's what I think: Shocking is the best word to describe this book. From the storyline, to the author's talent this book was shockingly good! Even though it follows that much told main theme of good versus evil, it is new take on a wonderfully horrorific tale. The imagery is wonderful and the book jumps right into the meat of things right away. I love paranormal stories but they often walk a fine line between ridiculous and good reads. This is definately a good read as the story is written in such a manner that you can see it as plausible. If you are looking for a great horror books with lots of twists and turns, Cry of the Fallen is the book for you.

Disclaimer: Although I did recieve a copy of this title for review, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post.

Review & Blog Tour: Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

Book Description: Coming of age amidst the seething unrest of the Civil War era, feisty fourteen-year-old Katie McCafferty infiltrates the Molly Maguires, a secret Irish organization, to rescue a lifelong friend. Under the guise of Dominick, a draft resister, Katie volunteers for a dangerous mission in hopes of preventing bloodshed. Katie risks job, family, and ultimately her very life to intervene. A series of tragedies challenge Katie's strength and ingenuity, and she faces a crisis of conscience. Can she balance her sense of justice with the law? Call Me Kate is suitable for readers from eleven to adult. The story is dramatic and adventuresome, yet expressive of daily life in the patches of the hard coal region during the Civil War era. This novel will appeal to readers of the Dear America series, as well as more mature readers who will enjoy the story's rich context and drama.

About the Author: Molly Roe is the pen name of Mary Garrity Slaby, a veteran language arts & reading teacher at Lake-Lehman Junior Senior High School. Mary holds a Ph.D. in education from Temple University, and Pennsylvania teaching certification in six areas. She has pursued the hobby of genealogy for the past decade. Mary was born in Philadelphia, raised in Schuylkill County, and currently lives in Dallas, Pennsylvania with her husband, John. They are parents of two grown children, Melissa and John Garrett, cover illustrator of Call Me Kate. Digging into the past has given Mary newfound respect for her ancestors and a better understanding of history. Call Me Kate is the first in the author's trilogy of historical novels loosely based on the lives of the strong women who preceded her.

Here's What I Think: This book takes a different perspective than most books about this particular time period. It is a fresh take a story I thought I was familiar with. Additionally have it come from the point of view of a young person, who is not only going through the normal teenage issues of find herself, but also treading the dicey waters of war. I definitely found myself rooting for Kate early on as she is written so strongly by Roe. Actually the book could have been set in modern day where the younger generations are having to take on the financial burdens of their families as the world around them struggles to find a balance. The book takes into consideration many relationship dynamics and creates a very dramatic baseline. This was a very quick but intense read. In fact it was a little rushed for my taste but still complete.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book to review, I was in no other way directly compensated to publish this post. These are my real and honest opinions.

Blog Tour Stop & Review: Shiva's Arms by Cheryl Snell

Shiva's Arms by Cheryl Snell


Book Description:

Is there a happy medium between Hindu tradition and American style, or does the battle of wills between a mother and daughter-in law for the love of the man caught in the middle trump all else? When Alice marries Ramesh, she is plunged into a battle of wills with her mother-in-law. Amma wreaks havoc over Alice's household until a family secret is revealed that costs the old woman everything. Now it is up to Alice to heal the rift. Shiva's Arms evolves into an exploration of cultural identity, the power of reconciliation, and the meaning of home. ***Bonus: Delicious recipes straight from the author's kitchen are included in the back of the book!***

About the Author:

Cheryl Snell's books include fiction and poetry. Published widely online and in print, she won the Lopside Press competition for Prisoner's Dilemma, and has had work included in the Best of the Net Anthology. A multiple Pushcart Prize nominee, Cheryl runs a micro press called Scattered Light Publications with her sister, the artist Janet Snell.

A Brief Interview with Cheryl Snell:

What is your single favorite Hindu dish?

Dessert first! I've never met a gulab jamun I didn't like, and they're very hard to ruin in the preparation. I like some guarantees in life!

What is your personal connection to this story?

I'm an American married to a Hindu Brahmin, and so the broad strokes of the story echo my experience. My marriage opened the door to the community I most love to write about now. In our social circle, there are plenty of attitudes similar to those I write about, and I’ve witnessed the results from my place as observer.

Do u think this story would have been much different had it taken place 20 years earlier? How about 20 years later?

If Shiva's Arms had been set in an earlier time, I think Ram would have not gotten off so easily for breaking the taboo of marrying outside his race, culture, and caste. And Alice might have taken refuge permanently in her depression. Who knows? But even in a less permissive era there have been people who have followed their own path, no matter the cost.

I'm hopeful about the future of the cross cultural family. Some sea changes have occurred and the ripples have been felt globally. If my story had been set in the not-so-distant future, Alice might not have suffered as much medically, for one thing. And perhaps respect for the individual would have flowered to the point that Amma could see her children as themselves, rather than part of an ancient tradition.

Here's What I Think:

The concept of this book was very interesting to me. I think it happens more often then not, maybe not to the extreme as in the book, but whenever two families come together in marriage. Sometimes it is cultural differences, as in the book, and some times it is just personality difference. Not every family is faced with the trials and tribulations of Alice and Amma but we all have to find a place of compromise. The story itself is thought provoking. However, I struggled with the style of writing. The only word I can think of to describe it is choppy. The scenes seem to switch without fading from one to the next, and the point of view does the same. It was slightly difficult for me to finish, but I did finish it and I am happy I did.

BUY IT: You can purchase this book on Amazon.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book from Writers Lair Books, I was in no other way compensated to write this review.