Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Go Where the Lemons Bloom.....by Blair McDowell I give 4 out of 5 Stars....




Synopsis from amazon.com:

When Eve Anderson meets Adamo de Leone on a ship bound for Europe, she has no idea of the dark secret that will endanger both their lives. She accompanies him to his home on Italy’s Amalfi Coast to open an inn left to him by his grandfather. But then she learns he spent five years in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Could the man she loves be responsible for embezzling eighty million dollars from the investment firm he once owned?

Adamo wants to hold Eve at arm’s length until he can clear his proud family name. But when there is an attempt on his life and Eve is terrorized by a gun-bearing thug, he realizes how much he wants her, and he must accept whatever help he can get to uncover the well-hidden trail of a six-year-old crime.




Product Details:

File Size: 595 KB

Print Length: 210 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (December 16, 2015)

Publication Date: December 16, 2015

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B017PT3K7I




About the author:

Blair McDowell is quickly becoming a favorite with readers of Romantic Suspense and Mystery.  Her passion for writing is combined with her love of travel and exploring the world. Blair's thrilling tales are set in exotic and captivating places, which she uses almost like another character because of their intrinsic significance to the story.




My Review:

Beautiful cover on this book! There I said it. Sorry, but I had to. Fortunately, unlike a great many books out there, this cover reflects what the story is about inside. I just adore the Amalfi coast where this story takes place. I’m not one for straight romances, but good ones, great ones always attract my interest, especially romantic suspense that keep the pages turning. This one did that right away from the opening scene. Unfortunately, after the first scene, I was able to guess what would happen next. No surprises there, which disappointed me greatly. I hate predictable books. That’s the problem I have with typical romance books. Fortunately, once I delved into the story after that, I grew to enjoy it, and though, the character names Adamo and Eve are far from original for a romance, one disregards that trite fact once the reader delves into the story.




I found I truly enjoyed Where Lemons Bloom by Blair McDowell and will be looking for other books by her. If you’re a traveler via armchair, or your chosen mode of transportation, this book combines vivid traveling with a romantic suspense. All in all, I highly recommend this book for any fan of romance, suspense, travel and mystery. You won’t be disappointed.


Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review.



                     

                          



Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers.


My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
 
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com

 
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
 
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:       http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis


 
And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one. 








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Thursday, May 12, 2016

5 Stars for Weird Minnesota: Your Travel Guide to Minnesota's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets....

Minnesota is beautiful and weird and now it has a book to prove it! 5 Stars!



From Amazon. com:
Hail Minnesota for its strange sites, bizarre history, and peculiar folks! Come along and climb the Witch's Tower, sit down in a two-story outhouse, and spend a night in the Drunk Tank at the JailHouse Historic Inn. Then go gape at the country's largest collection of underwear. After all that, relax at the Bowling Hall of Fame. This new paperback version of Weird Minnesota is a wild and wacky trip you'll never forget.

My Review:
I've lived in Minnesota twice now. Once I lived in Duluth and then I lived in Minneapolis. I preferred Duluth, which is prettier and has more to do for those interested in the outdoors. The people up North are nicer too. Minnesota is a weird place and now it has a book to prove it. If you enjoy traveling to different places, either by car, plane or via armchair, and like the unusual, then this is a book for you. Learn all about the weird in Minnesota and not just about the people. Some stories aren't weird, just not common. All in all, an interesting read. Full of photos.

 Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Cheers!

Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."   Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers.   
     "Some secrets should remain that way."

My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
 
 
 
 
 
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com

 
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
 
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:    http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis  

  

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

 

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

5 stars for The Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds (Stokes Backyard Nature Books)


From Amazon: Copiously illustrated with maps, line drawings, and full-color photographs, this large format paperback book contains the essential information that backyard nature enthusiasts want and need -- to attract bluebirds to their yards.

 
About the Authors: Don and Lillian Stokes are widely recognized as America's foremost authorities on birds and nature. Their books include the bestselling Stokes Field Guide to Birds, the Stokes Beginner's Guide to Birds, the Stokes Nature Guides, and the Stokes Backyard Nature Books. They live in New Hampshire and Georgia.

My Review: I love bluebirds, and this book does a great job of telling the reader about them. It is easy to read, concise and full of colorful photographs. Want to learn about these wonderful birds, and don't want to learn about it on a computer, then this is the book for you.


Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and indie booksellers.   
     "Some secrets should remain that way." 

My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
 
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com

 
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
 
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:     http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis




And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
                                            
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Thursday, March 10, 2016

Ready to view wildlife of Colorado? Check out The Other Side of Nowhere by Max Allen 4 Stars

Are you ready to view the wildlife of Colorado? Check out The Other Side of Nowhere by Max Allen.

I give 4 Stars and here's why:


From Amazon.com:
The Other Side of Nowhere is a collection of wildlife photography from a remote area in northwestern Colorado centering along the Yampa River. The author spent several years in the area working as an itinerant biologist and photographer, and came to know the landscape and its wild inhabitants. It is a land of sagebrush and prairie, large swollen rivers and high sandstone cliffs. It is not a land of people.

The Other Side of Nowhere is a photographic journey with the wildlife of this land that so few people know, from badgers and prairie dogs to sage grouse and golden eagles, along with many other species. The photographs are accompanied by a selection of stories behind how some of the photographs were taken, as well as natural history essays about the animals.


My Review:
This is a beautiful book with some wonderful photography. Some of the colorful photographs even appear to come to life with the animals almost alive. I used to live in Colorado, which gave this book immediate appeal to me, plus the fact that the photos are mostly animals. The author does a great job of catching the animals in action, whether it is running, fighting with another critter or in flight. He tells you how he caught the photo, what camera settings were used and the background of many of the photos.

If you’re into photography or wildlife or know someone that does, I strongly recommend this book. It is truly a thing of beauty. You or the recipient of this book will return to it time after time to admire the animal photos inside.
Disclaimer: I received a e-Book copy from Story Cartel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About the Author:

Max Allen (1977- ) is a carnivore biologist, author, and photographer. Max was born in central Vermont, and has lived throughout the American west and New Zealand. He was awarded his PhD in Conservation Biology from Victoria University of Wellington in 2014, for his dissertation entitled The Ecology and Behaviour of Pumas (Puma concolor) in Northern California. Max is an award-winning photographer (max-allen.artistwebsites.com), and published his first book - The Itinerant Photographer - in 2010. He has worked for a diverse group of government agencies and non-profit corporations in his diverse career as a park ranger, teacher, and wildlife biologist. Max is currently a research biologist with the Santa Cruz Puma Project (santacruzpumas.org) in central California.  

Product Details:

File Size: 8920 KB

  • Print Length: 121 pages
  • Publisher: Animalia Publishing; Kindle Pre-Release edition (September 28, 2015)
  • Publication Date: September 28, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B015YKGII8

 

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

5 Stars for What Fish? A Buyer's Guide to Tropical Fish: Essential Information to Help You Choose...

I give 5 stars for What Fish? A Buyer's Guide to Tropical Fish: Essential Information to Help You Choose the Right Fish for Your Tropical Freshwater Aquarium (What Pet? Books) (Paperback)

My Review:
I've had aquariums successfully for many years. Part of my success I attribute to thorough research from both the internet and many books such as this one.
This is a great book with limitations. Not all freshwater fish are included; 300 of the most popular species are included in this book. What is available is great info such as fish behavior, water conditions it needs, full size of the fish and more. I give this book five stars because it contains so much info that many other aquarium books don't. Many books don't tell you what water a fish needs to live comfortably in, this one does.
If you are looking for a book that tells you what you need to know about a fish you are thinking of purchasing, or want to learn about what fish to buy for your tank, this is a good book to purchase.


From Amazon:
Buying fish for your tropical freshwater aquarium can be an uncertain process. This book puts your mind at rest by providing vital information about a wide range of fish. The advice is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to access. As an added bonus, there is a star rating guide to the price you might expect to pay for each fish.

Prospective tropical aquarium hobbyists will find vital information on many fish varieties--cichlids, swordtails, and many others. Readers will find tips on species identification, feeding, behavior, approximate and purchase prices. Quick-check data requirements are given regarding aquarium size, water temperature, food, compatibility with other fish, and much more. This title is one in Barron's new series of pet buyer's guides, all of them filled with practical information and approximately 250 vivid color illustrations.

That's about it for this time. Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Cheers! Go to your local library and borrow a book and talk about it with others.

Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and indie booksellers.   
     "Some secrets should remain that way."

My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
 
 
 
 
 
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com

 
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
 
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:     http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis


  
 

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

 

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Thursday, January 7, 2016

Love Wolves? The Outdoors? Check out my book review for Shadows at Sunset by debut author....

A Book Review for Shadows at Sunset by Tonya Royston:


Book Synopsis:

She never thought her ability to communicate with wild animals was anything more than a unique gift. But this gift is tied to a long history of secrets that threaten to shatter her one chance at true love… Laken Sumner isn’t your average teenager. Ever since she realized that wild animals could hear her thoughts, she’s spent more time in the woods with them than with other children. Even her wolf is a better friend to her than most people. She trusts him—so much so that she follows him out into the wilderness in the middle of the night to find a lost little boy. But the boy’s disappearance is only the beginning. The one bright spot in her life is Noah Lawson, the handsome new town deputy. Charming and mature, he almost seems too good to be true. Then she meets Xander Payne, the new boy at school, who seems to know something about her. But how could that be possible? As strange things begin to happen in her sleepy New England town, Laken wonders if Xander has something to do with it. Or is it just a coincidence that danger targets her soon after he arrives? 



My Review:
I love animals so this was a natural read for me. Of course, not all authors know how to weave a story that keeps me reading. This one does. I don’t normally read young adult books either, but I found myself drawn into this one right from the outset. The opening scene with the deer had me in my own backyard where many deer come to play. For a moment, I was Laken. Ever since I watched Doctor Doolittle as a child, I always wanted the gift to talk to animals. This author did a wonderful job of drawing the reader in and taking them on a spectacular journey through the northeast country side. I’ve been to New Hampshire many times and in this book, I felt as if I was visiting again without the discomfort of travel, airfare, fees and the cold. The prose is beautiful with a believable story. Vivid imagery. What else can one say about this book? I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. The great thing about Shadows at Sunset is that you don’t have to be a young adult to enjoy. Being young at heart will suffice. Ms. Royston has a gift for storytelling and it shows.
Overall, a well written tale by a new author. This book has a little of everything in it. There’s mystery. There’s suspense. There’s even romance.  I have no hesitation in recommending it.
 
Tonya Royston, author.

About the Author:
Tonya Royston lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, son, two dogs, and two horses. Although she dreamed of writing novels at a young age, she was diverted away from that path years ago and built a successful career as a contracts manager for a defense contractor in the Washington, DC area. She resurrected her dream of writing in 2013 and hasn't stopped since the first words of The Sunset Trilogy were unleashed. Shadows at Sunset is her first novel, but it certainly won't be her last. She has already written the second and third books of this series and expects them to be released in 2016.
When she isn't writing, Tonya spends time with her family. She enjoys skiing, horseback riding, and anything else that involves the outdoors.
More information about Tonya and her upcoming endeavors can be found at www.tonyaroyston.com.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-book copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 


Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Reviews are very important tool for authors. Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Now available from Black Opal Books at all on-line retailers and independent bookstores.
    "Some secrets should remain that way."

            My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

 
 
 
 
And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.


 
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Thursday, December 10, 2015

A 5 Star Book Review for Eve's Amulet Book 1 by Carole Avila.....

5 Stars for Eve's Amulet Book 1 by Carole Avila....

Front Cover.
Book Synopsis:
A psychic leaves her a present—but is it a blessing or a curse? When Mandy Ruhe receives a sacred amulet from a mysterious woman she’s never met, she is suddenly swept back in time to Texas 1845 and wakes up in the body of Carmena Luebber, owner of the Holiday Ranch. Until she can return to her own time, Mandy must assume Carmena’s role. As she endeavors to discover why she was sent into the past, Mandy is caught up in the lives of the people who work for Carmena—their struggles, hopes, and dreams—and ends up torn between the two men in love with the woman she portrays. But Mandy is forced to admit that she can’t have either one of them, no matter how much her heart wishes otherwise. Trapped in the past, she must complete an unknown task and return to the present—before she screws up the future. 

My Review:
First, I must say that I’m not a big fan of romance. The story has to interest me, first and foremost. Once I begin reading it has to hold my interest, or I just skip the end just to see how it finishes. Such was not the case with Eve’s Amulet. Carole Avila knows how to weave a story. She also knows how to do research and it all shows in the pages of this book. The story overflows with historical details that set the time and place. This is a fascinating read complete with romance, time travel, and historical fiction.
The pages turned quickly in this one for me and I think everyone that reads it will also find it an enjoyable, quick read. Two men, a new life and a trip 165 years in the past.
Looking for a good read? Like romances with a twist? How about a time travel romance with historical accuracy that takes place in 1845 Texas? May I recommend Eve’s Amulet Book 1?
Overall, Eve’s Amulet Book 1 is a satisfying read, it is able to hold the reader’s interest while taking one through twists and turns until it gets to the finish and then, it leaves an opening that leads to book 2.  I don’t know about you, but I’m anxiously waiting for that next book.


Back Cover.

 About the Author:
"When I was 3 years old I knew after reading Go, dog. Go! that I would become a writer. My writing sometimes reflects facets of myself or people I know, both good and not so good. It's great to be able to use the written word as a form of creative self-expression. I don't want to limit myself to one genre, and many of my books that are yet to be published are cross-genre."

Carole Avila, author
 
Carole Avila has won awards for her short stories, memoirs, and poetry, and has had a play produced. In addition to her love of writing, Carole is a fan of reading, playing scrabble, drawing, painting, and walking on natural trails. She loves spending time with her children, grandsons, and her two loyal dogs.
Carole says, "There's nothing better than a 5-star book and a hot chai latte."
Don't you agree? I sure do.






Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers.




My Black Opal Books Author Page:
View My ShoutOut:  http://bit.ly/1r3oynM
 
A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com

 
A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com
 
OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
 
 

Good Reads:       http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis


 
And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2015 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one. 



 

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