Pull Up A Chair with Eva Charles

This post is important. Regardless of your gender, Domestic Violence is on the increase. Awareness needs to be raised.

Room With Books

Pull Up A Chair with Eva Charles

Eva Charles is the author of the multi-titled Meadows Shore Series chronicling the lives and loves of the Clayton-Harrington family. She invites you to visit their beloved Meadows Shore nestled in the charming seaside town of Fair Harbor, where you?ll enjoy love, laughter, loyalty, and an abundance of mouth-watering food, Portuguese style.

After being a confirmed city-girl for more than thirty-five years, Eva moved to beautiful western Massachusetts in 2014. There, she found herself living in the woods with no job, no friends (unless you count the turkeys, deer, and coyotes roaming the backyard), and no children underfoot, wondering what on earth she’d been thinking. But as it turned out, it was the perfect setting to take all those yarns spinning in her head and weave them into a romantic tale.

When she’s not writing, trying…

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Book Review: “Bound By The Summer Prince” (Spellbound Hearts Book 2) by Mistral Dawn.@MistralKDawn #RRBC

Say Hi to author Mistral Dawn, as I review her book, ”Bound By The Summer Prince (Spellbound Hearts Book 2.)

Meet the author.

Mistral Dawn is a thirty-something gal who has lived on both coasts of the US, but somehow never in the middle. She currently resides in the Southeast US with her kitty cats (please spay or neuter! :-)). She has written three full-length novels in the Spellbound Hearts series, Taken By The Huntsman, Bound By The Summer Prince, and Captivated By The Winter King, as well as Intrigue In The Summer Court, a novella in the Spellbound Hearts series.

BLURB.

The Summer Court is in an uproar. The king has just been executed for unpardonable crimes, and the queen is prostrate with grief over his loss. This leaves the Summer kingdom bereft of true leadership; a problem which is compounded by the fact that the laws of Fairie require balance to be maintained by having a male and a female ruler for both Season Courts at all times. Uaine, the Summer prince, is the only one who can put things right, but he is without a mate. Knowing that he must take a bride quickly, for the sake of his people, even though he is struggling with his own feelings of pain and anger over his father’s treachery, he goes for a walk in a forest near the palace to try to clear his head and determine how best to choose a female to rule beside him.

 

While walking Uaine discovers a human female running loose in Fairie, which is against the most basic tenets of Fae law. Furious at one more problem he must deal with, he takes her prisoner and locks her in the dungeon; only to discover later that she is his soul-mate. The magical bond between them means they are meant to be together forever, but humans can’t feel the magic of Fairie. Will Uaine be able to win her heart and convince her that she can trust him to keep her safe from all the dangers of Fairie…including himself?

Roni is a human con woman and petty thief. Having run afoul of the local crime syndicate in the city where she is staying, she finds herself running for her life. Trouble is no stranger to her, but when she falls through a hole in a wall and finds herself in a world with carnivorous trees and rocks that eat people she realizes she may have found more of it than she can deal with. Rescued/arrested by the prince of the Summer Court, it doesn’t take long for her to formulate a plan to use him to get herself home. Unfortunately for her, she soon finds that her heart, which she had thought long ago turned to stone, has begun to feel the love she has been playing at. Will she be able to overcome a lifetime of caution and allow herself to follow her heart? Can a criminal love a cop?

Please be aware that this book contains explicit sexual scenes, depictions of BDSM, and anal play. If these things disturb you, then this may not be the book for you

 

MY REVIEW:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Bound by The Summer Prince was recommended to me by members of a book club I belong to. Erotic Fantasy is not normally a genre I seek out to read, but this book has opened that door and made certain I will explore it further.

The characters have layers of complexity that peel away like a Spanish onion leaving their underbelly exposed and vulnerable.

There is nothing two dimensional in this work, and Author Mistral Dawn has crafted beautifully drawn characterizations.

Let’s explore Roni. Roni is street-smart, savvy, and prides herself on her ability to always remain one step ahead of anyone else in her dark life. She is uncompromisingly human, and therefore fallible. Her underestimation of the people she has conned has resulted in her running for her life, and tasting the fear that being pursued carries with it.

Author Mistral Dawn cleverly draws us into this character, and because of the hidden depths of pain, and Roni’s refusal to acknowledge her ability to really feel the love she normally uses as a weapon, I find myself liking her, and ultimately cheering for her to not only survive the Fae world she stumbles into, but to find the magic that will turn her cold heart into a warm and beating thing.

The Summer Prince, Uaine, is Fae. A man struggling to come to terms with the betrayal of his father the King who paid the ultimate price of execution for his acts. Uaine worries for his mother as her grief overwhelms her, and although he knows he must marry in order to take his place as king, his heart is heavy, he wants and needs much more than the females offering themselves to him. He craves a woman who will see beyond the trappings of Royalty and share the depth of love he is capable of feeling.

The story develops well, and we are given deeper insights into the characters, and the land they are in.

I don’t want to introduce spoilers, the book deserves to be read.

The author has introduced the erotic sequences with a deft touch. Allowing the reader to see, feel and hear her characters as they further explore their feelings and each other. The sexual content is not used simply for shock value, but it is interwoven with tenderness in a way that will leave most readers nodding in understanding as they read.

I will recommend Bound by The Summer Prince to everyone that enjoys a well-crafted, fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I will now be seeking out other works from Author Mistral Dawn.

Purchase Bound By The Summer Prince here on Amazon

Mistral Dawn’s AUTHOR Page on Amazon

Follow @MistralKDawn on TWITTER

Find Mistral Dawns Blog here

 

Empty Chairs: Book Trailer. Please be AWARE the content of the trailer is chilling.

Book Launch: Multi-Author Anthology – “Wandering Spirits II”

An exciting new book is about to launch, take a look! Perfect for Halloween!

Kim's Musings

Wandering Spirits II

Mark your calendars for the NEW RELEASE of Wandering Spirits II by authors Kim Cox, Elizabeth Delisi, Chris Grover, Sheryl Hames Torres, and Maureen McMahon. The official release date is October 1, 2016, and can be obtained in both eBook and paperback.

Wandering Spirits II is available for pre-order NOW at the following locations:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1156220164
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wandering-spirits-ii-kim-cox/1124650369
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wandering-spirits-ii

GET OUT OR DIE by Kim Cox
When Lana Malloy helps a young widow communicate with her late husband, she learns of a frightening new ability — an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand. Knowing this next case will be more difficult than anything she’s ever faced, Lana struggles for control when she encounters an angry ghost who doesn’t want to leave and who doesn’t want the occupants of the house to stay. Does she have other abilities she can rely on to save her?

LUCIFER’S LAST LAUGH by Elizabeth…

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Welcome Friday’s Featured author: Yvette M Calleiro.

I love discovering and sharing new and exiting authors. Today join me as I explore the writing world of Yvette M Calleiro: A lady with an amazing smile and a blazing talent.

Let’s say “Hi” to Yvette.

Yvette M. Calleiro is a heavily addicted reader of both young adult and adult novels.  She spends most of her free time psuedo-living in paranormal worlds with her fictional friends (and boyfriends). She’s also been known to run on the elliptical machine at her gym for hours while reading anything from paranormal to fantasy to suspenseful thrillers. When she’s living amongst real people, Yvette M. Calleiro is a high school Reading teacher. She’s been sharing her love of literature with her students for over seventeen years. Besides writing about the various characters that whisper (and sometimes scream) in her head, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. Yvette lives in Miami, Florida, with her beautiful son who allows her to enjoy children’s literature all over again. She also shares her space with an assortment of crazy saltwater animals in her 300-gallon tank.

So, let’s explore Yvette’s books. Book one

How do you choose when both options have dire consequences?

Sofia is a 17 year old who is quite content with her life. She has a caring boyfriend who also just happens to be her best friend since birth. She has a loving mother. She is successfully completing her last year of high school and enjoys her part-time job. She can’t imagine wanting more from her life…until Ar’ch (pronounced Ar-rick) enters her dreams, sparking a burning flame inside of her that she can’t seem to extinguish nor does she want to.

Ar’ch is a Diasodz (Die-ah-sodz), a species created by the Goddess back when God created humans. Diasodz were made to heal and protect humans, but when the Diasodz turned their backs on helping humans and left Earth to live in their own world, the Goddess abandoned them. Since then, their powers and their very lives have been fading. A prophecy foretold that a young girl born on Earth would be the Diasodz’s savior. Ar’ch and his brother, Angel, travel to Earth to retrieve her and bring her back to their world before her death day in order to save their kind. Ar’ch knows the drill: find the target, capture her, and safely bring her home. But what happens when the target captures his dormant heart?

Choices create action. Actions have consequences. When faced with the truth, what choice will Sofia make? Will she be able to accept the consequences that follow?

What just one of her many reviewers had to say.

Outstanding!  🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

By Patricia Perrin

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Sofia’s story starts with a dream and quickly evolves into a mystery, a quest and the need to make an impossible choice. How does one choose between the familiar and expected path, and a place and path that can barely be believed, especially when the wrong choice can result in death, or the obliteration of an entire race?

Yvette Calleiro has created a stunning, multi-layered conflict involving a teen-aged girl, her long-time boyfriend, and a mysterious, sexy man who appears in her dreams. Ms. Calleiro’s characters are strong and believable. Her story is well-plotted and the book is very well-written. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed The One Discovered, and can hardly wait for the next book.

BOOK TWO.

Sofia has lost everything that was important to her: her mother, her boyfriend, and her best friend. Even the belief that humans are the only beings in the world has been stripped away, but she has no time to dwell on her losses because she’s been transported to a new world to become the savior of the Diasodz. Sofia trusted Ar’ch and Angel to be there for her and to guide and protect her, but only Angel has held true to his word. Ar’ch has abandoned her, leaving her to feel tricked and betrayed.

Ar’ch brought Sofia home, fulfilling his mission to bring their savior safely to their world, but it didn’t come without a cost. Rafe, Sofia’s boyfriend, was killed, and Ar’ch believes Sofia blames him for it. Ar’ch’s sole focus becomes doing what is best for Sofia, and in his mind, that does not include him.

As Sofia deals with Ar’ch’s absence, she throws herself into learning about the Diasodz’s history. She grows stronger both emotionally and physically, and begins to accept her role in their world, but not everyone is convinced that she is the one whom the prophecy states will save them.

Beliefs will be challenged. Secrets will be revealed. Relationships will be shattered. And in the aftermath, evil will see its opportunity and strike. Will Sofia be able to handle it all? Or will the savior of the Diasodz lose her will to continue?

Here is what just one of her reviewers had to say.

The One Enlightened: Chronicles… This Is A Winner!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

ByShirley Harris-Slaughter

Format: Kindle Edition

If you like fantasy, then you’ll love this. This is the second book in the series and it is just as intriguing as the first installment. I love the way the author keeps you on the edge of your seat with the sexual tension and electricity between the two main characters. It takes a great writer to do that and keep my interest. I can’t wait to read the third installment and don’t know how I ever stopped and let a long time lapse between the first and second installments. Won’t happen this time. Good Job well done!.

BOOK THREE

When Sofia chose to leave Rafe to live with Ar’ch in another world, Rafe’s system shut down and sent him to an early death. But Rafe didn’t die, at least not permanently. Rafe is a Diasodz, and his death simply freed him from his human shell so that he could become the powerful Diasodz that he was meant to be.

He awakened to a completely new reality, a reality in which he was the prince to a kingdom of powerful beings. His parents, Drake and Damiana, were the rulers of the Raizyns, a group of Diasodz who were determined to take their rightful place in the world. And Rafe would be the savior who would lead them on their quest.

Rafe wanted to please his father, especially since he had just met him. To do that, he needed to learn how to fight like a Raizyn and how to master his newfound skill. He needed to become stronger, faster, and more powerful. Rafe needed to become the savior they all expected him to be. That was what was required of him.

But there was one thing that was more important than everything else. One person. Sofia. Rafe was going to find a way to get her back, even if it cost him his life. Again.

Here is what one reviewer had to say.

What tangled webs they weave! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

By Aida L. Guerra on February 2, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

I love this series & the characters – even some of the ones that are supposed to be “evil”. There are so many layers of intrigue, secrets, mystery, magic & love! Can’t wait for book four and have the characters learn the truth about each other! I especially liked this book and the point of view, definitely rounds up the story from book two. Great job!!!

And now I along with a great many folks eagerly await Book 4 in this wonderful collection.

So now just where do you find Yvette M Valleiro and her books?

Right here…

Yvette on FACEBOOK

On Twitter here

Yvette’s BLOG here @YvetteMCalleiro

 

 

Purchase Book 1 here

Purchase Book TWO here

Purchase BOOK THREE here

Book Review: Novy’s Son by Karen Ingalls.

 

Please join me as I review Novy’s Son by Karen Ingalls.

From his early childhood, Murray Clark sought love and acceptance from his father, who was raised as the bastard child of a famous artist. Murray struggled with jealousy toward his younger brothers, and he questioned the morals and values of people around him.
As an adult, Matthew lived life his way, with years of lying, womanizing, and heavy drinking. Though married four times, did he ever find unconditional love? Would Murray’s high intelligence, his love for his two daughters, and his unique philosophy of life help him rise above his demons?

MY BOOK REVIEW. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love reading, and finding an author I’ve never read before is always a time of excitement and anticipation.

It has been a long time since I’ve become so immersed in a book. The total commitment that Author Karen Ingalls has to her characters shines through immediately. The connection is a strong one, and this author has lovingly attended to detail.

I’ve read other reviews, and I concur that the central character of Murray is easy to loathe, his behavior towards others is utterly selfish, and his inability to show loyalty to anyone or anything makes him easy to despise.  However, I also found that despite all of his unrecognized, sociopathic lack of conscience, despite the utter selfishness and disregard for the needs of his family there is something oddly comforting about the hard, cold reality of Murray.

There are people just like Murray, people you may well recognize as you read, who fail to react to the very crisis they have themselves created; stumbling forward without regret; living without remorse as if everyone elses life exists purely to satisfy their own narcissistic emotional blindness.

As the decades unfurl this author invites you to witness the train wreck approaching, as Murray selfishly burns out whoever dares to love him. The scattered remains of his family nurse their collective wounds and watch on helplessly as he lurches from one addiction to the next. Murray had no idea how to feel compassion for others. He was far too busy imagining how people were scheming against him. His every failure shrugged off with a casual disregard for the scattered hearts damaged by his lack of one.

The time frames are so clearly visible; the social mores and edicts of each decade unfolding in a wonderful kaleidoscope of sound and color. You are taken to that time, that place and the author ensures that the journey is memorable.

This book is more than just a brief journey into the life of an ultimately selfish and self-destructive man. It is an exposure of raw nerve endings; it lays the human heart and soul on the line and you the reader watch as the predators attack. I found it to be riveting and quite unforgettable.

 Purchase NOVY’S SON here on Amazon

Karen Ingalls other books all here on Amazon

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Karen Ingalls; my featured author in the Rave Reviews Book Club ‘Pay it Forward’ for Wednesday.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to promote such a talented and diverse author.

Let’s learn a little more about Karen Ingalls.

Karen Ingalls is the author of two novels and an award winning non-fiction book. She enjoys writing from her home office overlooking a lake in Florida.

Ms. Ingalls’s non-fiction book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, won first place at the 2012 Indie Excellence Book Awards in the the category of women’s health. It was a top three finalist for the Independent Publisher Book Award of 2012 in the two categories of health and self-help.

The purpose of the book is to provide information about this too often deadly disease, and offer hope and inspiration to women and their families. All proceeds go to ovarian cancer research.

When Karen Ingalls was diagnosed with Stage IIC ovarian cancer, she realized how little she knew about what is called “the silent killer.” As Ingalls began to educate herself she felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, she redirected her energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day and find peace in spirituality. In this memoir, Karen is a calming presence and positive companion, offering a refreshing perspective of hope with the knowledge that “the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation. It is a story of survival and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover.

Take a look at what just one of her many reviewers had to say about “Outshine.”

 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This review is from: Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir (Kindle Edition)

The English language is full of scary words and phrases but for many of us the scariest are these: “You’ve got cancer.”
In her book “Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir” Karen Ingalls gives us a forthright and inspiring look into the way those three words changed her life and are still changing it.
For those of you who do not know, ovarian cancer is often fatal. It’s aggressive and yet most women don’t discover they have it until it’s almost too late. Even Ingalls, an RN, didn’t realize that she had it. She simply felt she was getting fat when she started unexpectedly putting on weight in her middle 60s. Fortunately for her, she took her concerns to a doctor who actually listened to what she had to say and didn’t make a snap diagnosis. (I speak from experience when I say that. I am a cancer survivor who was told by three doctors initially – none of whom spent more than five minutes with me – that I had nothing to worry about. Unconvinced, I went to a fourth physician who then referred me to an oncologist who checked me into the hospital immediately and demanded to know why I’d waited so long to see a doctor…)
In straightforward terms, Ingalls discusses her fears, the impact those three little words had on her family and friends, her surgery and subsequent treatment and her faith. She not only describes the changes in her life but also gives readers a mini tutorial on ovarian cancer, chemotherapy and what those who are diagnosed can reasonably expect to happen during the process of treating this awful disease. She also offers readers some useful tips on how best to cope with cancer and the aftermath of a diagnosis, though she’s careful to note that these are things that worked for her and might not work for others. She also notes, quite accurately, that if you have been diagnosed you must become your own best advocate. Doing so serves two vitally important purposes: It focuses your attention on your recovery because you are intimately involved in the process and, because of that, it helps you think of yourself not as some helpless victim but as a warrior. That’s so important, in my opinion, because any good doctor will tell you that a positive attitude is essential during the recovery process and, frankly, it’s all but impossible to have a positive attitude if you think of yourself as a helpless victim…
If you have been diagnosed with cancer – any kind of cancer – or know someone who has I think you’d be wise to read this memoir. It’s not very long but don’t let that fool you: This is a powerful and inspiring book and I take my hat off to Karen Ingalls for being brave enough to fight her cancer and equally brave enough to share that fight with us.

This is the second edition where real names and places are used when known. From his early childhood, Murray Clark sought love and acceptance from his father, who was raised as the bastard child of a famous artist. Murray struggled with jealousy toward his younger brothers, and he questioned the morals and values of people around him. As an adult, Murray lived life his way, with years of lying, womanizing, and heavy drinking. Though married four times, did he ever find unconditional love? Would Murray’s high intelligence, his love for his two daughters, and his unique philosophy of life help him rise above his demons?

Here’s what just one reviewer had to say.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The thing that struck me the most about this biographical novel was the way the author, Karen Ingalls, was able to reflect social changes surrounding the main character, Murray. Ingalls does a great job of putting us into the life of a boy growing up in 1920s California. And from the morals and parenting styles of that era, she adds a new light to universal coming-of-age dramas. Puberty, the opposite sex, and sibling rivalry. This first part of the book reminded me of the brothers’ story in East of Eden, right down to one brother going off to war and even some shockers involving paternity.

As Murray reaches adulthood, we see that he is a very capricious (and somewhat frustrating) protagonist. He can’t seem to stay focused on anything for very long, and that includes wives, mistresses, jobs, entrepreneurial ventures—even his own children are neglected. He’s always envisioning slights or plots against him, and his default reaction to these perceived injustices is to storm away from the problem and ignore it. Still, if you like flawed characters who represent the tumultuous and indulgent decades of the 60s and 70s, you may be very intrigued by Murray. Think Mad Men’s Don Draper.

And it’s interesting to see Murray’s lifestyle come full circle as he reaches his nineties and find himself more and more dependent on healthcare workers and his semi-estranged family.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the premier American sculptor from 1880-1920. Though married he fell in love with his model, Davida Johnson Clark and their love affair lasted more than twenty-five years. This fictionalized account will introduce the reader to some of the great art, historical facts, and the moral values of that era.
The author is the great-granddaughter from this union and her purpose in writing the book is to bring recognition to Davida and remove any negative stigma to her. Her grandfather suffered his whole life from being labeled a bastard while growing up and this story is intended to remove that label.
How can a love affair last for such a long period of time? What affect did it have on his career? How did his wife and son cope with their being a second family?
This is a compelling and beautiful love story that has needed to be told.

One of the many🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 reviews for Davida.

  I chose to read this book as it’s unlike what I usually read and I really loved it. The story is based on a true story although, the author had to fill in the blanks. The book starts with Albertina, a young Swedish girl, traveling to the U.S. with her mother after the death of her father. They have family in the U.S. Albertina quickly grows into a beautiful young woman who catches the eye of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He is an artist and wants to hire her as a model. They become involved in a relationship beyond that of model and artist.
This story is beautifully written and captivated me from start to finish. I can’t say I like Augustus at all. He seemed very emotionally selfish and inconsiderate but financially extravagant. Albertina on the other hand, I really liked. She was a strong woman but I question her taste in men. However, the story takes place soon after the civil war in the U.S. and the country was a very different place then. Part of the beauty in the writing is the feelings the story invoked in me. Only the most talented writers can do that.

Where you can find Karen Ingalls.

 Karen Ingalls on FACEBOOK

Twitter @KIngallsAuthor

Karen’s BLOG

Karen’s author page links to all her books on AMAZON.COM

 It has been a pleasure learning more about this talented author, and her work.

Keep in mind folks ‘Cancer’ is a word … Not a sentence.

 

 

Welcome and say, Hi, to Children’s book author; Maretha M Botha. A marvelous collection to add to your Christmas or any other list for the younger folks.

Let’s learn a little more about Maretha and her amazing collection of Children’s Books.

Maretha Botha – Librarian, Children’s author/illustrator and self-confessed bookworm, chocolate and black coffee addict, animal and bird lover, occasional gardener and hiker on the moors. Her children’s (9-12) series of illustrated books called, “FAUNA PARK TALES” is based on “African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends” a September 2013 GOLD MEDAL WINNER on Authonomy, a HarperCollins writers’ website.

The first three books of “Fauna Park Tales: An African Adventure” are available as eBooks and black/white illustrated paperbacks.
A 210 page, Gold Band DELUXE COLOUR ILLUSTRATED EDITION – “Tales from Fauna Park, An African Adventure: Flame and Hope” is available and will also be enjoyed by better readers (9-12) who still like seeing illustrations

What Maretha has to say about writing books for children.

http://myBook.to/ flameandhope

Even though there are many challenges as far as writing a book is concerned, one somehow gets beyond the difficulties of that first manuscript.  Then, once it has been edited, re-edited and formatted to perfection, it finally goes live on Amazon with accompanying congratulations and of course, cracking a bottle of Fifth Avenue Cold Duck, or whatever one prefers.  Inevitably, the bubbles disappear and then the reality sets in: marketing, maintaining an author platform and much more.  I realise now just how difficult it is for children’s authors to obtain reviews on Amazon. They have the extra bits, the extra rocks, or . . . extra mountains as obstacles in their quest to get reviews.

You might ask, What is she talking about?

I’m talking about the fact that the very ones we write for cannot tell us directly how they feel. They can only do so via their parents, grandparents, older siblings, carers or teachers – the adults in their lives – mostly busy with life’s ups and downs. Therefore, finding time to write a review on behalf of their children, becomes more challenging whichever way one looks at it. So what are readers saying about Fauna Park Tales?

“An engaging story told in well-crafted prose. Ideal material . . . enhanced by high-quality illustrations. If you and your child love animals and adventure . . . then this book is sure to appeal.”

“Good read. When I have kids of my own, I reckon they’ll love Maretha’s Fauna Park series.”

“What a wonderful story, a bit sad at times, but all in all a great tale told from the perspective of Flame aka ‘Jack Old Boy’.”

The ideal reading age for this series is 9-13.  Preteens will enjoy escaping into an imaginary world where many bush creatures always have hope that everything ends well when the sun goes down. Nevertheless, these stories are perfect to be read before bedtime to younger children and I’ve been told that many older readers had their “inner-child” resurface while reading these stories!

Here are a few of the latest reviews which I hope will inspire you to buy the series – available as eBooks, black-and-white paperbacks as well as a Deluxe Colour Edition – for a beloved child.

1. A retired teacher – still very involved in education. She refers to herself as ‘Dragon’ – I wonder why?

5.0 out of 5  stars

Heading: I don’t like anthropomorphic stories

By Dragon on 12 August 2016

Format: Paperback

Maretha sent me Flame and Hope & Friends and asked me to comment. Oh dear! I don’t like anthropomorphic stories. I need not have worried, these stories are charming and the animals have the characteristics of animals and don’t behave like little people – not a pinny or waistcoat in sight. A moral message gets across subtly with no preachiness. I think younger children will enjoy having these stories read to them, and grown ups will enjoy reading them. Older children will be able to read for themselves and will enjoy the made up words such as Humanlang and Faunalang. They will also learn something about Africa.

2. This is a critical review by a fellow author.

5.0 out of 5  stars

Heading: A children’s book which it will be enjoyed by animal lovers of any age…

By James Minter on 4 July 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Having lived in southern Africa on the edge of a game reserve, Maretha Botha has first-hand experience of life in the region, and draws upon it to inform her stories. She is a champion of conservation, and keen to help young ones appreciate the importance of looking out for, and seeing the plight of many creatures, especially those in the wild.
Though this is a children’s book, it will be enjoyed by animal lovers of any age. It’s an entertaining adventure story that parents will enjoy reading to younger children, or will be appreciated by older independent readers. It’s thought provoking using the descriptive imagery of Africa to set the scene for the series to develop.
Flame and Hope are best friends, and the stories are told through the eyes of Hope. Since Hope is a bird perched high in an Acacia tree, he has an uninterrupted view of the remote cattle farm where Flame, a dog, lives. Flames and Hope are also friends with many other and varied animals and birds that live in the vicinity. On occasions the creatures gather around the tree where Hope is perched, and from where he recounts tales of past goings on.
This is a great writing device, and Maretha uses it well. Although the stories are engaging and well told, I have a slight reservation with the book for the newly independent reader: typically eight years old and upwards. Having said that, Roald Dahl’s Gobblefunk added over a thousand words to the English language of no relevance or meaning and his books are highly successful. Unlike Dahl, Maretha does include a dictionary in her book to help with pronunciation – look out Roald, you have a new contender chasing your heels…

3.  5.0 out of 5 stars

Heading: Animal Tales

By Sally on 7 July 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

It has been many a long year since I last read a children’s book to my son, but, had the likes of this been available some 40 years ago, then I could not have done better. I liked Hope and Flame, the story that they told, and of course all of the porch animals who came to life in both words and pictures. A great start to a series by a talented author. Well done!

4.  5.0 out of 5 stars

Heading: Wowsers!

By Amanda Georgeon 28 June 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Just finished reading this and all I can say is WOWSERS! I know I’m not the age group that it was written for, but I loved every word of this book! If you’ve got a tween in your life and they love animals then get this book for them!
It’s an original book and drags you into every page, so that you don’t want to stop reading it!
If you’re an adult after a quick read for a few hours, get this book. If you’re a child, ask your parent or carer to get this for you… you won’t regret it!

Here’s a happy recipient of the first three books of”Friends: An African Adventure” is the second book of the series called “Fauna Park Tales” based on “African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends”, a GOLD MEDAL WINNER on Authonomy, supported by HarperCollins.

The following is an excerpt from the HarperCollins Children’s Editor Review:

“A vivid and engaging world of animal characters . . . the use of cleverly animalised verbs is very creative – Dolly Cat’s ‘whispurr’. The exploration of interrelationships between animals is a very successful topic in the children’s literature genre, and you have created some great personalities – the stubborn goat ‘Plump-Grump’ and the conceited ‘His Handsomeness, King Rat’ being some of my favourites . . .”

Life takes strange turns for Flame, a puppy born in the African desert. Adopted by a free-range cattle farmer, the pup faces the challenge of proving himself to more than one of his new family.

As Flame grows into a strong and brave dog, he finds friendship with many loyal furry and feathered friends who teach him to keep The Promise – protecting the helpless ones in Fauna Park, a secret sanctuary within the boundaries of the farm. This ordinary desert dog becomes a hero when, to keep his promise, he saves a zebra foal from a fire.

These stories are perfect to be read before bedtime to younger children. Preteens will enjoy escaping into an imaginary world where many bush creatures always have hope that everything ends well when the sun goes down.

Visit Maretha’s author page at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maretha-Botha/e/B00MOORJAO/

or follow this blog and it’s new partner at:Follow Maretha’s blog here

Follow on Twitter @MarethaMBotha

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If you have children to buy for this Christmas, this is a marvelous idea. A gift of love that keeps right on giving.

Please pop in and say hello! Your comments are always welcome.

Acts Beyond Redemption, on Lisa Burton Radio

Interview with an Assassin! An insightful look into the deadly mind of Sheila Harrington. She’s beautiful, and she is deadly. Take a look.

Entertaining Stories

It’s time for another edition of Lisa Burton Radio. I’m your host, Lisa the robot girl and with me in the studio today is Sheila Harrington. We’ve had a lot of difficult interviews on this show, from dark lords to serial killers, but Sheila is an assassin. A darned good one too, if her bio is to be believed. “Welcome to the show, Sheila.”

“Good morning, Lisa. Before we begin, I need to move my chair. I never sit with my back to a window. It could prove to be unhealthy.”

“Oh, I see, I think we can arrange that. Is that more to your liking?”

“Yes, and thanks.”

“I don’t know many little girls who grow up wanting to be an assassin. How does life lead you to that choice?”

“That wasn’t my life goal as a little girl, I simply wanted to survive my life long enough to…

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Book Review: “Shadow of The Drill.” by Rhani D’Chae. @rhanidchae #RRBC #RWISA #IARTG

 Welcome to my review of “Shadow Of The Drill.” By Rhani D’Chae.

Firstly allow me to introduce the author.

Rhani D’Chae is a visually disabled writer who was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. Because of her failing eyesight, she no longer reads as much as she used to, but she does enjoy falling into the worlds created by other Indie authors as often as hre vision will allow. Shadow of the Drill is her first published novel, and is the first in a series that revolves around an unrepentant enforcer and the violent life that he leads.

She enjoys chatting with readers and fellow writers via Social Media sites, and loves getting comments and other input from those who have read her work. She is on Facebook, and also on Twitter, @rhanidchae. Also, if you have the time, please stop by her blog: http://www.rhanidchae.com/

A Gritty and Violent Thriller.

A brutal experience transforms an unproven young tough into a ruthless killing machine.
For fifteen years he waited, building his body into an unstoppable weapon so that vengeance would be had through the strength of his will and the power of his hands.

On the bloodstained streets of a northwestern city, the enforcer known as the Drill stalks his prey. Judge, Jury, and Executioner; he seeks out those who target the weak, condemning them to the kind of justice that has made him a legend.

My BOOK REVIEW Rhani D’Chae “Shadow of The Drill.”

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 All the Way!

This is a genre I love; it’s my favorite in fact, and one I read a great deal. So, I’m always a little wary when I sit down to read an author I haven’t met before.

I needn’t have worried. I was hooked from the first page.

Right from the opening pages, when Decker, (The Drill) thinks to himself “Lord save us from the terminally perky!” The author won me, and page after brilliant page lured me further in. The dark humor shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s essential and at times, no matter how brutal the scene I found myself smiling in appreciation for a line of dialogue or a characters brutally honest inner thought.

These characters are so finely drawn that their very souls are revealed, and we learn of the anger/passion and fears that drive them.

Decker is by far my favorite character, I can hear him, see him, and taste his need for revenge. Revenge is what drives him, it influences every decision he makes.

He has a reputation to uphold as an enforcer, and he enjoys his work. Yet because the author has shown us insights into the innocent, carefree and hopeful young man, he once was, because she invites us in to experience the deep and abiding love he once shared with a beloved friend who was brutally raped, Decker is humanized and I for one was cheering him on towards the final resolution. The rapists must be punished, and it has taken Decker fifteen years to be prepared to do just that.

The author has allowed him to breathe on the page, and I found myself breathing right along with him, and actually holding my breath during some of the well-drawn scenes of extracting revenge.

The violence is part of the world he frequents, and it is a finely honed skill to write it with such a touch, that it becomes a seamless part of the whole. Necessary, and not added for shock value only.

The secondary characters are appealing as well, the author uses dialogue to great effect, and many of the secondary characters are revealed solely by what they say, and how they react to horrendous situations.

Rudy Valdez is pivotal to the story, being Decker’s trusted and loyal friend, he has a lighter touch, but he’s far from being a lightweight character. The amalgamation of his style and Decker’s rocket the story forward.

And Charlene, loving Decker and wanting so much more than she can ever have with him.

Charlene’s character is warm, sardonic and deeply insightful. The combination of all the central figures and the myriad of well-depicted hookers, junkies, dealers and others from the darkness of the streets are blended beautifully to make this book an absolute must read.

The second book in this series is Winter of The Drill. I will most certainly be looking for it to read. I have no hesitation in recommending this fast-paced wild ride to anyone that loves this genre, and those that want to experience it for perhaps the first time

Purchase HERE on AMAZON

Author on WORDPRESS

Author PAGE on Amazon.