A New Beginning – Catharsis by Lada Ray

Posted on May 31, 2013 by fundinmental

Catharasis (Legend of the Lemurians, Earth Keepers Chronicle 1) by Lada Ray

I love the cover. Gorgeous in its simplicity. Hop on board and lets go for a ride to Catharsis.

Catharsis (Legend of the Lemurians, Earth Keepers Chronicle 1) Add To Goodreads

Earth Keepers have been watching our planet since time immemorial. The nine chosen ones were record keepers and decision makers, in charge of deciding Earth’s fate.

This is the beginning. To have a beginning, must there be an end?

Catharsis is a beautiful red planet inhabited with beautiful people of all ages. They had beautiful faces, beautiful bodies, beautiful homes, beautiful yards, beautiful stores, beautiful…., well, you get the drift. They were surrounded by beauty.

They even went so far as to eliminate pets, then animals of all kinds, because they created messes and that was totally unacceptable.

What would one sacrifice for beauty?

Everyone and everything was beautiful, except…….

The Uglies like simple clothing, going barefoot and smiling. The Catharsian’s saw the Uglies as diseased. Could ugly be contagious? All Uglies were locked up in Camp Ugly, surrounded by an electric fence and guarded 24/7.

They were allowed to marry, but only allowed to have one child. The Catharsian’s thought if they kept lowering the population, eventually the Uglies would disappear.

The Uglies focal point was the Gathering Square. Their most valuable possession, the Lemurian Mother Crystal, was located in the Temple of Mu, in the Square.

Surviving took everything they had. There was no time to protest or worry about being pretty.

Once a month, the Uglies were allowed to leave their prison to gather supplies, clothes and medicines. A small group of Runners went out to gather whatever they could carry on their bodies. They were heroes. Not all runners returned healthy and some didn’t return at all.

Catharsian beauty is on the outside. Uglies beauty is on the inside.

Then everything changed.

“The time of Karma is now.”

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Awesome. Stretches my imagination to a point I could not get to on my own.

I love the cover. Beautiful and simple. The title fits the book. This is a short story, a history lesson, the beginning of the Earth Keeper Chronicles.

I love how Lada Ray takes historical events and twists them into a fantasy world.

One child. Sound familiar? Isn’t that going on today in China?

Surviving took everything the Uglies had. To me that rings true for the poor and middle class of today. We are kept so busy trying to survive, we don’t have time or are too afraid to protest. We might lose what we have.

“No Uglies Allowed” hung in stores and pharmacies. Sound familiar? Made me think of slavery. Not only were they not allowed in the stores, if people helped the Uglies, they would be penalized. Made me think of slavery.

To gather and be happy, singing from our souls under such terrible conditions, is what makes us human. We try to make the best of whatever we have.

The Runners going though trash and finding, perfectly good clothes and food made me think of the homeless on the streets today. Our trash is often their treasure.

So you see what I mean about Lada Ray’s ability to take history and twist it into a story that takes as into the fantasy world. It is only limited by her imagination.

Be sure to read about the author. She is as fascinating as her books.

I picked this book up on a recent Amazon free day. Thank you Lada Ray.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.

Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to twenty six countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.

In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup. But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and received her Feng Shui Master’s certification from the famed Asian author, Lilian Too (graduated first in class). For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.

A few years ago, Lada finally got her ultimate wish, and now she imagines her stories full-time in the bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, NY, where she lives with her family and calico cat.

Lada Ray is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including the Amazon & Kindle bestseller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), mystery/thriller STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure), and GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel). She is the creator of the new, top-rated metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).

Visit Lada’s innovative & cool author website: LadaRay.com
For posts about Russia & world, feng shui, spirituality, predictions read her popular blog: LadaRay.wordpress.com
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Youtube: Lada Ray Channel

To Purchase Lada Ray’s books on Amazon, simply click on the covers below.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Gold Train, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Stepford USA, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Green Desert, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s extension of the above interview, go HERE.

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Gold Train Robbery – Conspiracy – Spies – Lada Ray

Posted on May 31, 2013 by fundinmental

I read the book blurb and it made me think of Clive Cussler. This is more of a spy adventure than a treasure hunt. It is based on a true story. In 1918, during the Russian Civil War, the Gold Train was attacked and the entire Russian Empire’s Gold Reserve was taken. Intrigued? Put your traveling shoes on and come with me.

Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure)

Add To Goodreads

The conductor stopped the train when he saw two kids on the tracks, running and waving him down. He couldn’t run over the kids. The commissar tried to get the train back up and running, but it was too late. When the Gold Train was found, the cargo was gone and only bodies were left behind.

Russian Journalist Svetlana Svistunova told me she was closing in on an answer and would love to have my help. I was more than ready. I had married Paul and and had my sweet baby Lara, but I also had a gypsy spider that wanted to be let free. Now was the perfect time.

Paul was very helpful. He gave up a great opportunity to give me one of my own. I was shocked by his sacrifice. I guess I never realized how much he loved me and wanted me to be happy.

I kissed Lara good bye and told Lily to watch over her. No one ever seemed to notice that Lily and I communicated telepathically. After all, she is a cat.

Boris, an old friend of my grandma’s, had given me a package for Vera, his friend in Russia. It was a jewelry box. I never looked inside it, but I might have been better off if I had.

Svetlana and I clicked right away. She showed me the secret compartment where she kept her notes and off we went, sightseeing. She said tomorrow would be soon enough to start on the story.

We saw a sign. Rada Famous Gypsy Psychic and Fortuneteller. Her predictions were ominous.

“You’ll find something extremely valuable, but lose something even more valuable in return.”

But for Svetlana it was more foreboding.

“…it won/t be your destiny to get to the bottom of this story…you won’t live to finish it….”

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I love treasure hunting stories and I love Lada Ray’s writing so I was really looking forward to reading this. It was not what I thought it would be, but I was not disappointed. I have read several of her books and love the way she blends the historical with fiction and the paranormal. The words flow smoothly as the story unravels.

Her writing grips me as soon as I open the book and the ride to the end is full of murder, conspiracy, intrigue, passion, betrayal, loss and sorrow.

Trouble always seems to find Jade. What would we do if it didn’t? After all, I don’t want to read about my life. I want fast paced, action packed adventure. All the rest is gravy. lol

Vera – Boris’ friend. Jade hadn’t listened to her Grandma’s stories, but Vera told her she had royal blood. She wanted Jade to go with her to the Grand Ball at the Menshikov Mansion. Jade was suspicious of her and felt she had an ulterior motive.

The gypsy fortuneteller had told her, “you’ll go to a ball, where you’ll meet your Prince Charming.”

Alexei – He had saved Jade from muggers in Moscow. She was very suspicious of him. He seemed too convenient, too helpful, too trusting. Was he her Prince Charming or would he turn into a frog? When she was around Alexei, it was hard to keep in mind that she was married, with a child waiting back in the US.

Be aware that there are a couple adult scenes.

I was almost to the end of the book when I saw it coming. The segue into her next adventure.

Rachel, her best friend – “you only come truly alive when you are working on a case.”

“I recall Jason….” (from Stepford USA)

“Last I heard he was in Asia. “

I am hooked again. Where is my Asian adventure? Dragon Gate.

Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more from her. I won this book on Lada Ray’s blog, along with Green Desert and Stepford USA, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. To see my reviews of those books, scroll down to the links below.

I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To Purchase Lada Ray’s books on Amazon, simply click on the covers below.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Stepford USA, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Green Desert, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s extension of the above interview, go HERE.

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

A Tag Team Event – Show a little southern hospitality to Louise in What Matters Most by Bette Lee Crosby

Posted on May 29, 2013 by fundinmental

After the review, scroll to the end of the post for the Giveaway. This is a tag team event, so you will have a second chance to enter. Good luck.

What Matters Most

Clay received a letter telling of his Uncle Charlie’s death and his inheritance. Charlie had left him a home in Florida.

When Louise found out about his fear of dying over a pile of papers at the bank, like his father, she considered him retiring.

Clay: “I’m like wallpaper that’s grown colorless and ragged around the edge, but still stuck to the wall.”

“There’s got to be more to life than that.”

Louise: There has to be more to life than have-tos. She thought hard about Clay. As pictures of him ran through her mind, she knew her decision. OKAY.

Clay thought of the house in Florida and started to plan their move. He became invigorated, coming alive.

Florida beach scene by Sherry J. Fundin. All rights reserved.

All Louise could think about was what would she do without her family and friends?

All Clay had to say was, she “…will start over again.” A new life, a new outlook, new friends and new adventures. “Isn’t that what life is about?”

Louise was very superstitious. She had a long list of should haves. She believed life was full of luck for people with matching initials, like her friend Billlie Butterman.

Louise loved her life. She liked knowing exactly what would happen. No surprises.

When her friend suggested a way to thwart the move, she jumped on it. He wouldn’t know she was trying to stall. She figured he would change his mind.

Clay felt Louise would change her mind and embrace the move once they got to Florida.

So, let’s go on an adventure with Clay and Louise as they find their way through the pitfalls, perils and enjoyment of creating a new life after retiring.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

Bette Lee Crosby’s covers always hold a lot of emotion, as do her stories. This is a story of love, change and learning the true values of life. A story full of humor and sorrow. I didn’t feel the need to cry but I sure did laugh. ^_^

Her books are very well written and capture you from beginning to end. They are full of Southern hospitality. A warm welcome with an open door. Come on in.

The characters in her books could be your friends, family or neighbors.

Myself, I have moved many, many times since 1987. The first move was the hardest. Then, they became an adventure and I would look forward to another place and the opportunity to make it my own.

How do you feel about change? Do you look at change as an adventure, or do you like knowing what is around the corner?

Some people grab it with both hands, Louise was terrified. Her past made her insecure, she needed the sameness. Louise wanted stability. As a child, they had moved place to place. She felt she never belonged. She had nobody, nothing.

In her unhappiness after the move, she had isolated herself. Her perception was not fact. She was full of sorrow and anger. “Odd man out.” If she wasn’t so busy feeling sorry for herself, she would have seen how willing the people were to include her in their life.

Aunt Rose. What can I say about Aunt Rose? I think she sums up the whole book, title and all. I loved her from the beginning. She made me laugh. But, you will have to read the book to find out why.

Communication – sometimes we don’t do it very well.

Old drivers were mentioned, “……set their directional signals to blinking blocks before anyone actually made a turn.”

I have read and reviewed several books by Bette Lee Crosby. She has given me signed paperbacks that look great on my bookshelf. I love her books and have told her I will always review every book of hers I get my hands on. No request necessary. Thank you, Bette Lee, for the many hours of reading that have allowed me to leave reality behind and walk in someone else’s shoes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bette Lee Crosby’s work was first recognized in 2006, when she won the National League of American Pen Women Award for unpublished fiction with What Matters Most. Her novel, Cracks in the Sidewalk, received the 2009 Royal Palm Literary Award and then went on to win the 2011 FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal. In 2011 Spare Change received the Reviewer’s Choice Awards and it garnered a second Royal Palm Literary Award. Her books have earned numerous five-star ratings with readers acclaiming them as heartwarming and captivating.

Most recently, Bette completed a memoir written for Lani Deauville, a woman the Guinness Book of Records lists as The World’s Longest Living Quadriplegic.

To see what Bette Lee Crosby is up to, follow the links below.

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

To purchase any of Bette Lee Crosby’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

To see my Review, go HERE
To see my Review, go HERE.
To see my Review, go HERE.
My Review is coming soon.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Bette Lee Crosy is offering for the Giveaway:

US/Canada only – a signed paperback of What Matters Most

International – an ebook of What Matters Most.

Please specify if US, everyone is eligible for the ebook.

Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

How do you feel about change? Do you look at change as an adventure, or do you like knowing what is around the corner?

ALERT: This is a Tag Team Event. For a second chance to win, go to fuonlyknew and enter Laura’s Giveaway.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Winner of the Paperback is Sandy S. Winner of the ebook is Michelle H.

To see the Winners on fuonly knew, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

A Tag team Event – Is this the end of Earth? Precipice by Kevin J. Howard – Review and Giveaway

Posted on May 22, 2013 by fundinmental

“Are you going to give it a rest or do I have to smack you in the balls?”

Had me laughing until……….

Beth and Sebastian were cruising on the largest ship to ever sail. They heard the alarms going off and ran to the balcony, only to watch as the rogue wave washed over them.

Does something have to end for something to begin?

Precipice: The Beginning (Part One)

Add To Goodreads

Travis felt so much guilt over leaving Christine and Logan, his wife and son. He, along with the other members of his team – Morgan Ellis, mechanic, Christina Perez, combat trainer (the only woman at the facility), TJ, equipment specialist, and Sean Jeffries, pilot – were sent to Mars. Travis had made the decision for the team, go to Mars instead of receiving a death sentence. Mars wasn’t a prison, but it might as well have been.

Travis was called in for his monthly evaluation with Dr. Hoffman. He was asked about his coworkers and the facility, the normal questions. Travis told him that he missed his family terribly and Hoffman told him he would be allowed to talk with them.

Photo: Mars

Annie wanted to look her best when she saw Travis today. The only comm link to Mars from Earth was at TransWorld, the company that built the place on Mars. It was a three and a half hour drive from home. On the way, she thought of how life would be, knowing Travis would never be coming home.

Contact with Earth became sporadic, then non-existent, he began to prepare for the worst. Andrews warned his people, the men at the mine were prisoners, no matter what anyone said.

“Men can be like dogs if put in the right situation. Obedient, loyal. But when the chips are down and they feel threatened, you bet your balls they’ll turn on you.”

Annie awoke to the latest news on Earth. The ozone layer was almost gone, high acid levels made the ocean toxic, earthquakes were ripping the ground out from under them and releasing the unthinkable. Would humans be the next animal to become extinct?

I couldn’t take my eyes off this video.

Annie and Logan make it to TransWorld and Annie is able to contact Travis on Mars. As he and his team watch the horrific images on screen, they wonder what would meet them if they manage to return to Earth. Would it be a fate worse than death?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

If you happen to notice I changed the STARS from 4 to 5, it is because I had a personal emergency and had to publish and run. I found I had hit the wrong button, so I corrected my error. Sorry, Kevin, because this book really deserves the 5 STAR rating.

Kevin J. Howard is an excellent writer with a vivid imagination and otherworldly stories to tell. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted this book. Beautiful and intriguing. The title, Precipice, evokes the feeling of impending doom. Knowing Kevin’s mind, I knew there was an intriguing adventure waiting between the “pages”.

His descriptions of the end of the world and life on Mars remind me of H. G. Wells and his visions of the future. Kevin describes Travis wearing front loaders, made me think of a scene in Avatar. You will have to read the book to know what he is talking about, but who is to say what tools will be developed in the future.

Water on Mars was recycled urine. Is that a thing of the future? MMMM Something to look forward to?

I loved all the detail, so starting out kind of slow is fine by me. Once it had me drawn and quartered, I found I couldn’t escape its clutches. The action came from all directions. There was so much going on and new storylines kept popping up.

And what will happen after we destroy the Earth, using up all the available resources? Ozone layers about gone, oceans toxic, the ground shaking – vanishing beneath our feet.

“Humanity! The most lethal virus unleashed upon the universe.”

Kevin tells us about Christine seeing a chimp at the Chicago Zoo when she was 15, but now, chimps, polar bears and elephants were only seen as photos in books.

The Mars Project is run by Trans World Incorporated. It is an off world facility, preparing the way for mining and the colonization of Mars. Is it preparation for when the world becomes uninhabitable?

Does any of this have a familiar ring to it?

Ever wonder if it has happened before? Maybe we came here from somewhere else.

I love strong women protagonists and Annie is one.

“Take your goddamn gun out of my son’s face.”

“I said now, before I rip off your fucking balls and beat you with them.”

Oh man, I was so bummed when I reached the end. I wanted so badly to keep on reading. How long until Book II? I’m thinking it will knock my socks off. So, bring it on!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin J. Howard was born in Mission Viejo, California, moved to Seattle at the age of twenty-one, and now lives in Puyallup. He hand wrote his first novel in the fifth grade and has been writing ever since. His first published novel, Faithful Shadow, is a return to the classic horror novel. Since writing Faithful Shadow he has completed four additional horror novels that will soon be published. In 2012, he won an award in the Las Vegas International Film Festival for his screenplay, Identical Opposites. Kevin’s latest novel, Precipice: The Beginning, is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The sequel, Precipice: The Retrieval, should be released in the summer of 2013.

Stalk the Author

Website

Goodreads

Amazon

To see my Review of Faithful Shadow, go HERE.

To pick up a copy of Kevin J. Howard’s books, simply click on the cover below.

RETRIEVAL – BOOK II available now on Amazon!!!

Another gorgeous cover.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Kevin J Howard is offering for the Giveaway – a signed paperback of Precipice, Book I and Faithful Shadow bookmarks. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

If you had a chance to help settle a colony off Earth, on, let’s say, Mars, would you go for it?

ALERT: This is a Tag Team Event. For a second chance to win, go to fuonlyknew and enter Laura’s Giveaway.

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THE WINNER IS:

Laura Thomas

This was a Tag Team Event with fuonlyknew. To see her winner, go HERE.

Congratulations !

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments.

To see my Review of Faithful Shadow, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Big Bang TOUR with Giveaway for Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

Be sure and check out the Giveaway at the end of the post.

Alos, Amy Joy Lutchen has a new website. Stop by and say hi at: www.amyjoylutchen.com

RENHALA BY  AMY JOY LUTCHEN

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 9780988281509

ebook, 406 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Kailey Rooke, timid accountant, dedicated to philanthropic work, finds herself spiraling into a deep depression after she suffers a horrifyingly odd and humiliating assault, to only discover more of these freakish assaults occurring across the globe.

A chance discovery leads Kailey to a meeting with elderly Gunthreon, actual master of persuasion. Gunthreon, who seems to know too much of Kailey’s history for her liking, opens Kailey’s eyes to a coexisting realm she never knew existed: Renhala, while entrusting her with the knowledge of her newfound power as karmelean, serving as a beacon to the Higher Ones. Kailey slowly starts revealing new talents, and Gunthreon is fascinated with what she starts achieving.

She soon discovers that Renhala is in danger, and this danger has been leaking into her own realm. As she uncovers secrets within herself, and attempts to toughen up, she fuses with an unlikely band of fellow travelers (including a dragon, woodsprite, six-hundred-pound greble, her faithful female canine companion, and a “giver”), falls into an unexpected love triangle, deals with her sexy and flirtatious best friend’s “issues,” and finds the courage to master a new deadly weapon.

On her mission to save Renhala, Kailey will find herself running from life-threatening disasters, such as greble Tartarin, who likes to remind Kailey that when he catches her, he plans on eating her brains with ice cream; she’ll run from the deadly meeples: small cute bunnies with talons and an undeniable thirst for imposing self-destruction on others. Kailey will also run into the possibility that a centuries-old Renhalan rumor is true, that advanced technology existing in Kailey’s realm shortens all life spans.

As blood is shed and puzzles near completion, Kailey pulls from deep within herself, conjuring up mystical qualities that enable her to astonish as once predicted at her birth, but despite the newfound strength, Kailey will discover that monsters not only come in ugly packages, but can be easily disguised as those she has come to love and trust.

Buy Renhala here on AMAZON

Renhala+Blitz

MY REVIEW OF RENHALA

Kailey had been hiding out at her mothers house for the past two month. The attacker was so vicious he had to be more than a human being, had to be some kind of evil creature. But how is that possible?

The media horde finally left and she was ready to go home – freedom.

Her mother had given her father’s ring to her. She carried it everywhere. Her father had abandoned them, but the ring gave her comfort.

Kailey found an apartment and she had Kioto, her Akita, to protect her. Her uncle and cousin made sure she had plenty of other protection. She was so glad her mother was there for her first night and wanted to sleep over. She was relieved not to be alone. She felt warm and loved, as her mother wrapped her arms around her.

Her mother was 55 but had the body of a 75 year old. She was plagued with kidney disease, back problems and an aneurysm. It was a miracle she was still alive and Kailey wondered how she would make it without her, as the though that bad things do happen to good people ran through her mind.

She felt ready to return to work, until she stepped outside. It all came back to her. Blood. So much blood. She watches as he waves the broken bottle in front of her, after slicing her throat. Why she was not dead, she didn’t know.

Her best friend Amber tried to be there for her, but Kailey wouldn’t let her in.

Amber had finally convinced Kailey to have dinner with her. They were going to Regina’s Palate, but the cabbie took them to the Dragon Palace instead and kicked them out.

She meets Gunthreon there and he tells her:

“….there are big things in the works and I have to explain so you understand your involvement.”

He gets a promise from her to return another time for dinner.

Russell reminded her of her dinner date with his grandfather. Was there more to Russell and Gunthreon than meets the eye?

At dinner with Gunthreon, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Gunthreon proceeds to tell her:

“You are a Karmelean – an energy manipulator. “

He told her, when she was attacked, her cry for help was heard in other realms. In return for help, she was given powers and a quest. He then begins to tell her of Renhala.

“This is the story that’s been passed down to me through thousands of years.”

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others

I really like the cover andI love paranormal books. They take me to places I can never dream up myself. I love reading about powers and other worlds. It always amazes me how authors dream up the places and stories that are so far from the norm. And where do they come up with the names? Creatures, people, lands?

First off, I want to say, I liked the story and the characters.

My problem was, the story didn’t flow smoothly for me. I can’t quite put my finger on why.

I fell in love with Jenna, who is a woodsprite. She had me laughing and giggling as she traveled through the story in Kailey’s purse. I also fell in love with Bu, who is a greble. A big monster with a big heart.

I liked when Amy Joy Lutchen, the author, talks about country music playing on the radio – his heart ran out on him, best friend’s semi truck ran over it, maybe his dog buried it. It made me think how I always make fun of country. There is always a good song, no matter what genre, but so many country songs sound the same to me. Whiny, my wife left me, my truck broke down, my dog died….You get the drift. lol

Amy Joy Lutchen has created worlds and characters that will stretch your imagination. So, come on in and spend some time in Renhala.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Chicago, Illinois, a few days prior to watching her first movie, at a drive-in theater. Yes, drive-in theater. And yes, her mother believed she was possessed by the devil after said first movie.

Grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she simply became a number, but decided it was a good number.

Loves cooking (mostly candy-cooking), gardening (putting holes in the ground for perennials, DONE!), designing and constructing jewelry (everything from silversmithing to lampworking), and living with her wonderful husband, two children, black Labrador, and frog—and maybe even the chipmunk family that likes to destroy her aforementioned perennials.

Also hopes that you enjoy her writings, and won’t criticize her for her aversion of eating things in multiples of three.

CONTACT LINKS:

Website: http://www.renhala.com
You Tube Trailer:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karmiccandy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoyLutchen
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16050736-renhala

Buy Links:

TOUR SCHEDULE

May 17
Bad Barb Reviews
http://badbarbsreviews.blogspot.com
Tour stop :Guest Post

May 18
Books, Books, and More Books
http://dream-reader-dreamer2229.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

May 20
Faerotic Prose
http://faeroticprose.blogspot.com
Tour stop : Promo

May 21
fundinmental
http://www.fundinmental.com
Tour stop : review

May 22
The Book Tart
http://thebooktart.com
Tour stop : guest post

May 23
Lola’s Reviews
http://lolabookreviews.blogspot.com
Tour stop : guest post

May 27
My Devotional Thoughts
http://mydevotionalthoughts.com
Tour stop : promo

May 28
Guest post
Underworld Love Addiction
http://underworldloveaddiction.blogspot.com

May 29
Books & Other Spells
http://nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com
Tour stop : promo

May 30
Review
Crazy Four Books
http://www.crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

June 1st.
guest post or interview, and promotion.
★ The Pen & Muse★
http://thepenmuse.net

June 3
Promo Stop and excerpt
Paranormal Book Club
http://paranormal-bookclub.com

June 4
Bookaroo-Ju Blog
http://bookarooju.wordpress.com
Tour stop : Review with promo

June 5
My Cozie Corner
http://coziecorner.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 7
Vampires, Werewolves, and Reporters…oh my!
http://rosalindhartmann.com
Review

June 9
A Daydreamer’s Thoughts
http://daydreamersthoughts.co.uk
Tour stop : Review

June 10
Simply Infatuated
http://www.simplyinfatuated.com
Tour stop : interview

June 11
Darket Addictions Book Reviews
http://darkestaddictions.blogspot.com
Tour stop : promo

June 12th
Guest post with promo
You Gotta Read Reviews
www.yougottaread.com

June 13
Bookworm Babblings
http://inspirationsbysimone.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 14
Nette’s Bookshelf Reviews
http://nettesbookshelf.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 15
Indiewritersreview
http://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/
Tour stop : promo

GIVEAWAY

Swag Package and Amazon Gift Card

The Giveaway will run from May 18 – June 20, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Another Lada Ray Hit – Stepford USA Review

Posted on May 20, 2013 by fundinmental

Of course, the name alone made me think of the Stepford Wives. Would it be predictable? Yes and no.

Stepford USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure)

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Jade was married and pregnant, so she gave up her world-traveling journalistic career and moved to a small town in Massachusetts.

She had a hard time adjusting to such a laid back atmosphere, until her visions started. She had never been psychic or had visions before, but Rebecca refused to be ignored.

To help pass the time and find out the secrets that were being covered up, she joined the knitting club. If her thinking was correct, these women would know everything that went on in town and she could learn about Rebecca from Gossip Central.

Adelaide, one of the ladies from the knitting club, missed another meeting. Jade used the excuse of her pride in her finished baby hat to visit her. That was when she met Lily, her cat. There was something special about her, she seemed human.

While she was there, Jason came in. He had been in prison, convicted of the rape and murder of Rebecca. He sat and had tea with Jade and Adelaide. On Jade’s walk home, it went through her my mind that it couldn’t have been him who tortured and killed Rebecca. She felt he was a victim.

The visions would only show part of what really happened. She kept trying to see more.

She was determined to prove Jason’s innocence, but someone was just as determined to stop her. The question was – how far would they go?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I love Lada Ray’s books and her writing keeps me in suspense, waiting for the next surprise, twist, turn, or delightfully evil surprise. Okay, I may be a little sick, but I love reading about the evil that men do. The minute I think I know what is going on and where the story is taking me, she pulls something else out of her magical bag of mystery.

The books I have read of Lada’s have been pretty heavy and this seemed to be a departure from them. But, wait, she always has a surprise or two that you don’t see coming and she didn’t fail me now. I knew who the real murderers were early on, but she kept me guessing, as I tried to figure out how she was going to prove it. She puts in all the details to make you see how depraved people can be and the torture Rebecca suffered.

The cover is gorgeous and the title is so appropriate. Yes, the title does give away the background of the book, but the story goes so much further. A small town, with all the things that entails. Gossips. Good old boys club made up of the rich and connected. And a murder, but the victim, Rebecca, refuses to be silenced by death, reaching out to Jade for justice.

I loved her descriptions of the characters. They are so real, they can be your neighbor, your friend, or maybe even you.

Jason – an Adonis, spoiled

Marc – ambitious and full of himself, a sleazebag and politician. An oxymoron?

Peter – roving eyes and naughty fingers, a womanizer, married for money

Jack – a nerd, bad with women, a loner

Nick – chief of police.

The paranormal events are so believable. I have actually heard of some things that happen in the book, happening in real life. I have heard that people really have visions. Someone I know swears she has a psychic friend. The friend really does help the police occasionally solve cases. Doesn’t it have to be true then? Is it really paranormal or is it something else?

Of course, there are always the pet lovers who say their critters talk to them and they understand every word of it. ^_^

The emotions I felt as she uncovered the sordid details ranged from disgust to anger, sorrow to happiness, and a feeling of relief when it was over. Even though it wasn’t happy ever after for everyone, I felt very satisfied.

I won this book on Lada Ray’s blog, along with Gold Train and Green Desert, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more.

I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To Purchase Lada Ray’s books on Amazon, simply click on the covers below.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Green Desert, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s extension of the above interview, go HERE.

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

I take my hat off to this Zombie Western – Survivor Roundup, Book II of the Zombie West Series, by Angela Scott

Posted on May 14, 2013 by fundinmental

Spoiler Alert: Survivor Roundup is Book II in the Zombie West Series by Angela Scott. I could hardly wait to start this book, after finishing Wanted: Dead or Undead, Book I. To see my 5 STAR Review of Wanted, go HERE.

This is any unlikely story for me to rate 5 STARS. It is full of suspense and surprises, as it twists its way down the dusty trail. If you like Zombies in any way, shape, or form, this book is a must read.

Survivor Roundup (The Zombie West Series, #2) Add To Goodreads

Caroline was having the baby and called for Red. Red was afraid to help. She knew she was different from the others and was afraid of what she might do to the baby when she smelled the blood. Rivers said she would help her and took Red’s hand, leading her to Caroline.

The Zombies outside the fort were screaming and howling more than usual. It was like they knew the birth was imminent. When the baby gave its first cry, the Zombies went wild, trying desperately to enter the fort, losing body parts as they walked and climbed over each other, scratching at the doors.

Their food supplies were getting very low. They knew they would have to do something, and soon, or they would all starve to death.

Red knew she was their first and last line of defense. She would have to go out among the Zombies and open the way for Trace to get the wagon out of the fort. She was shooting and slashing, blood and body parts flying through the air. The blood covered every inch of her body. The plan worked.

The rest of her “posse” would be safe in the fort, until they returned.

They had been searching for anything of value, anywhere, but came up empty. After two days, they came across a cabin with smoke rising from the chimney. The old woman told them she had nothing to give them. She was barely able to take care of her kids. She told them not to go to Mill Creek, because it was overrun with Zombies, so they knew that was where they had to go.

Red entered Mill Creek, walking among the Undead like she was invisible to them. She scavenged whatever she thought they could use.

Trace never saw the men coming. What was worse, they saw Red in town with all the Zombies.

When Red returned to the wagon, the men descended upon her.

What would become of her?

Red had a secret and it gave her a reason to survive.

What about her posse?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

First off, I am not a big fan of Zombies and haven’t read many Westerns since I used to read my father’s books many years ago. I don’t get into Zombie movies and have not read a lot of Zombie books, but this one was amazing. The book took it to a level that made me want more. It captured my heart and my imagination.

Sometimes a second book will not compare to the first, but this just kept getting better and better. I find myself smiling as I picture some of the scenes. Pretty sick, huh? The more I read, the more I liked the story. It made me realize I have missed reading Westerns and will be looking for more of them. The book was so realistic, at times I would forget about the Zombies.

The book is very well written and the suspense kept me racing through the pages, wondering how this could end well. I kept thinking, what can you do with the story? Where can it go?

The characters seemed so real to me. I loved most of them. But, there must be a bad, evil, black-hatted monster for the white hats to fight and prevail over.

I love Rivers. Even though she was only eleven, being raised in the Wild West gave her a maturity that the kids nowadays sorely lack. Due to the harsh living conditions, she was forced to grow up fast. She didn’t think about things much, just did what was necessary.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

It seems Man sinks to its lowest, loosing their most evil depravities on humanity, when the chips are down. The most corrupt seem to rise first. Then, it is up to the white hat to take them down. Is that because we dwell on the awful and don’t see the good?

The part where the bandits were being attacked by the Zombies was awesome. I could picture the Zombies under the wagon, grabbing the guy and pulling him off his feet. Sounds like something I saw on Supernatural. I love seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance.

Munchers, uglies, nutters, undead, walkers, unfortunates.

When Angela talks about the young boy eating his own fingers and toes and Red giving him the freshly killed rat, I could picture it. How gruesome. So, be prepared and be afraid.

I will be looking for Book III, Dead Plains, due out this fall.

I won a signed, first edition, paperback Arc of Wanted: Dead Or Undead, The Zombie West Series Book 1 by Angela Scott, back in December. Then, in April, I won Survivor Roundup, Book 2. The books were screaming at me to be read. I am so glad I won Book 2, because I wanted to start reading it as soon as I finished with Wanted: Dead or Undead. So I can. And you can too.

Be sure and read the author bio. I love learning about the authors of the books I read and oftentimes find them as entertaining as the books themselves. Like a super short story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Scott I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author.

For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I’ve been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I’ve pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.

Angela Scott’s Posse can find her at the links below:

To lasso a copy of Angela Scott’s book, simply click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

This is a different kind of Vampire novel that I could really sink my teeth into – Eternal Island, Book I

Posted on May 10, 2013 by fundinmental

I won this book back in January during a Giveaway on the fuonlyknew blog. I would like to thank Laura Thomas, Ella Medler and K. S. Haigwood for offering the book. I had seen the book around, how could I miss it with the awesome cover. I just knew there was paranormal activity going on between the “pages” and could hardly wait to get my hands on it. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

Be sure and look for the Giveaway at the end of the post. One lucky commenter will win an ebook copy of Eternal Island Book I and the just released Eternal Immortality, Book II.

Eternal Island by K. S. Haigwood and Ella Medler

Eternal Island (Book 1 in the Eternal Series)

Rainey, a psychic and right hand to Abe, told him there was more bad news. To him it seemed that was all he ever got from her. Rainey told him he would meet his soul mate and she would be human. He was the the vampire king, so it was impossible for him to hook up with a human.

She pulled out the crystal ball and he laughed. It was so cliche. She warned him, don’t look into the ball unless you are prepared to fall in love. Him? Was she crazy? But when he looked into it………….

It was instant love. Ariana. He knew he could not live without her. Rainey would go get her and she would leave now.

Rainey woke Ariana and explained to her about Eternal Island. She used her powers to keep her calm as she talked to her. She thought it best not to tell her about Abe. Ariana agreed to come. What did she have to lose?

Ariana had been in a coma for eight weeks. She had no memory of how she came to be there or who she was. She had a vision about her and Abe. Not so good, considering he was a vampire.

Once on the plane with Rainey, she began to think she might have made a mistake, trusting a witch.

When Rainey made the island appear in the empty ocean, Ariana asked ,

“This witchy stuff. Is it something you learn, or something you’re born with? Can you teach me?”

They landed and Ariana saw the car, a Lotus. Rainey said she may give it to her, she was ready for a new car and asked if she wanted to drive it. Ariana could hardly contain her excitement.

“Are you freaking serious? Hell yeah, I wanna drive.”

As they drive off, I can’t help but wonder what will become of Ariana. She has no memory, going to a place with witches, vampires, and who knows what else. Will she reciprocate Abe’s love and live happily ever after? Will a malevolent evil make her life a living hell?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I saw the cover, and thought this would be a great book. I was right.

It was well written and I loved the “tone” of the writing. I loved the humorous, sarcastic dialogue. Did some of Ella’s and K. S.’s personality leak onto the “pages”?

Most vampire books can be pretty heavy, know what I mean? But this was light-hearted and fun to read. More than once I caught myself smiling or laughing. An original concept and a departure from the norm. I always like that.

I love fast cars, so it always catches my attention when a hot one is mentioned. When you read the book, you will see why they loved driving.

Abe – vampire, like a baby learning to deal with feelings and emotions, confusing him. High vampire. “finer than frog hair”

Ariana- persuasive, smart, intuitive, beautiful, strongest witch, powerful healer. Do what she wants. Dream walker, “super witch” .

Rainey – witch, visions, Abe’s right hand. Professor. Teaches magic, potion making.

“she finally met a hot guy and he’s only in dreams, that figures. “

Rainery – “I’ve always wanted to read other peoples minds. but after hearing your thoughts I dont think I want to any more.”

The depth of Abe’s love was amazing. To hear a Vampire describe his feelings like that was a nice twist for the genre.

“How the hell could he have a broken heart when his his heart hadn’t beaten in hundreds of years?”

Abe – “I love you Ariana. Fall and Ill catch you”

I thought it was great that Ariana’s human friends were included. Bringing the normal, outside world into the fantasy world, made the story seem more realistic. The characters captured me, as if they were real people. They sure did act like it.

I think we all have a vague idea about the way this will end, but the journey getting there is well worth the time. No waiting for Book II. It is scheduled for release on May 10, 2013.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ella Medler

I live in Cornwall with my husband and our two teenage daughters who regularly threaten to never leave home (must be my cooking).

Together, we care for a large assortment of pets, some small enough to fit in a fish tank, and some capable of causing you significant injury on impact.

I was born in Transylvania but got chucked out due to my inability to grow fangs and reluctance to sleep in coffins. I studied economics to masters level, and qualified with 93.5% (damn good, considering I really wasn’t interested). I wanted to be an archaeologist, travel the world, scrape around in mud and live in squalor. Unfortunately, my mother won that argument, and so, after refusing a teaching post (I never did like school), I started work in business development consultancy roles, where I met my husband, the lucky so and so.

The rest is history. If you’re reading this, you already know the end of the story.

K.S. Haigwood

K. S. Haigwood

Goodreads

FUTURE WORKS

Blood is Power (Book Two in the Hunter Series)

Martin Little Takes Epic Action (Book Two in the Martin Little Series)

Deal With It – Tequila’s story

IN COLLABORATION WITH KRISTIE S. HAIGWOOD

Eternal Immorality

Eternal Inception

CONTACT LINKS For Ella Medler

To pick up your copy of Ella Medler’s books, simply click on the cover below.

Eternal Island, Book I, in collaboration with K. S. Haigwood.

Book II is due to be released on May 10, 2013.

Eternal Immortality (Book 2 in the Eternal Series)

To Purchase Eternal Immortality, Book II in the Eternal Series, follow the links below:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Ella Medler and K.S. Haigwood are offering for the Giveaway, an ebook of the Eternal Series, Books I and II. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

Do you think it is a sign that the book is released during a solar eclipse? Are you superstitious?

WINNER – Sandy

Thanks to all who commented and entered the Giveaway.

Go to the FACEBOOK Event to learn more about this book and more opportunities to win.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

“Babies are super cute – until they want to eat you.” Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott

Posted on May 9, 2013 by fundinmental

The plague of the Zombies was upon them. President Garfield’s address ended with, “You’re on your own and good luck.”

WANTED: Dead or Undead (The Zombie West Series, #1)

WINNER:Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book of 2012 – Young Adult

WINNER: League of Utah Writers Golden Quill Award 2012

FINALIST: The 2012 USA Best Book Awards (sponsored by USA Book News) – Young Adult

SECOND PLACE: The 2012 Sharp Writ Book Awards – Young Adult

Trace was facing a showdown over the poker table, when she walked into the saloon..

She killed the zombie, chugged an Old Grand Dad and left. He followed her.

Why did she look so familiar? Then, he remembered the Wanted poster.

When he called her Red, she thought, it might be easier to shoot him now.

She tried to keep an emotional distance, but her posse kept growing at every stop she made.

Was she the only one of her kind? Was she a miracle?

Would she be their salvation or their curse?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I gave this book five stars, because it was a total surprise. I thought – Zombies – Wild West – where can she go with this. And she took me on a ride through towns, prairies, hot and cold and everything you can think the Wild West would include. Except for the Zombies. A unique read and I am always happy to come across a book that surprises me and takes me off on a new and different adventure.

This was a quick read. Gripping from the first pages. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Didn’t even want to write this review. I wanted to go right into the next book. But, I have found, when I do that, I end up totally confused when it comes time to write the review. So I will do this first, then, you better believe I will be grabbing my Kindle and reading Survivor Roundup, The Zombie West Series #2. So be sure and come back for the next review.

Read like a real Western, except for the Zombies. My dad always loved Westerns. And when I was younger, there weren’t all the TV channels you have today. So I read a lot of his books and watched The Rifleman, Bonanza, Maverick, Cheyenne, Gene Autry, Gunsmoke, Have Gun Will Travel…….Too many to name. When I remember them, I have fond memories of my dad. So, thank you Angela, for bringing those memories back to me.

Even though it was an arc, it was well written and flowed smoothly. I raced through the pages, not knowing what would happen to Red. It is rare for me to find a book so full of surprises and that rates very high with me. There is plenty of gore, slashing and ripping, biting and munching. The blood flies along with the body parts.

And Romance, plenty of that too. Even though Red tries to avoid it, Trace won’t give up on her. As her posse grows, so does her love for them.

I won a signed, first edition, paperback Arc of Wanted: Dead Or Undead, The Zombie West Series #1 by Angela Scott, back in December and she signed it “Babies are super cute – until they want to eat you.” How cool is that? I had to make it the title to my post, it was too good to pass up and every time I look at it, I get a big grin on my face and laugh quietly.

Then, in April, I won Survivor Roundup, Book 2. The books were screaming at me to be read. I am so glad I won Book 2, because I wanted to start reading it as soon as I finished with Wanted: Dead or Undead. So I can. And you can too. Dead Plains, Book 3, is due out this fall.

Be sure and read the author bio. I love learning about the authors of the books I read and oftentimes find them as entertaining as the books themselves. Like a super short story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Scott’s Posse can find her at the links below:

To lasso a copy of Angela Scott’s book, simply click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

The Death of a Dream – Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel) by Lada Ray

Posted on May 6, 2013 by fundinmental

One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.

Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student

Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel)

Add To Goodreads

“I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady dressed as a man,” he told the boy as he handed him an envelope.

That is how international journalist Jade Snow was led on a life altering journey.

Jade is in Iraq to shoot a documentary about the insurgents. All that changes when she witnesses a suicide bombing in Baghdad.

As Jade and her cameraman, Alejandro, took cover from the blast, she felt a tug on her sleeve. The boy handed her the envelope and she read – “Why I became a terrorist.” The letter was so tragic, she could not ignore it.
With letter in hand, she is determined to get the real story. The Army threw the word “regrettable” around like it was confetti and it pissed her off. It drove her to seek answers.

Jade was able to talk to Sergeant Lucas, a friend of Sergeant O’Shea’s. O’Shea had been driving the truck when Mohammed rammed into it.

Sergeant Lucas took her to O’Shea’s room and she saw the desk, paper, pen and envelope, waiting for the letter that would never be written.

He also wanted to show Jade the garden. As she wondered at the Daisies growing in such a hostile place, he reached into his pocket……

The Media can be scum sucking leeches, would Jade prove the exception to the rule?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Amongst all the ugliness, how ironic that these men could see the beauty the desert beheld.

Lada Ray’s style of blending history and fiction makes me feel as if I am living the story. The emotions washed over me, leaving me with a sense of futility and profound loss.

The cover alone made me feel…..Well, I had preconceived ideas about the book. I devoured it. I thought I knew the story before hand, and felt such sorrow when it all came true. BUT Lada Ray added a little twist that I didn’t see coming.

Shows life comes full circle and it is a small world. Think about it . Has something ever happened to You, that caused you to feel that way? I feel this book shows that we have more in common than we think.

Supposedly, we got involved in Iraq because of Saddam, who killed and tortured his own people. Now that he was gone, why were we still there? Smart bombs and accidents. Weapons of mass destruction. But, why were we really there? Did the President have an ulterior motive? Were we deliberately deceived? All the questions have been asked. Were they ever answered? Makes me think of things I really don’t want to think about. It makes my head spin with feelings of anger and betrayal, not only for myself, but for the soldiers who put their lives on the line for us. Will we ever know the truth?

How lucky we are, here in the US! No matter how bad it gets, would you want to be anywhere else? Just think how people, like the Iraqi’s, with war all around, still have to go about their daily lives – work, school……..

What’s that saying – “Walk a mile in my shoes”.

I won this book on Lada Ray’s blog, along with Gold Train and Stepford USA, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. I look forward to reading the rest in the series.

Follow by email to be updated on upcoming reviews for The Accidental Spy Adventure Series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To Purchase Lada Ray’s books on Amazon, simply click on the covers below.

To see my Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.