Tuesday, May 31, 2011

TOMORROW IS WRITER WEDNESDAY KICKOFF!

Join me tomorrow for my Writer Wednesday Kickoff. Ann Charles author of the Deadwood Series will be joining me for an interview and a giveaway of her book Nearly Departed in Deadwood. Please come on over and join me and give me a follow. The more followers I have the more giveaways I can do.


thanks for stopping in,
Heather Powers

Friday, May 27, 2011

Writer Wednesdays

Okay campers, I have decided to do Writer Wednesdays where I will feature an author and will include interview or guest blogger, and e-book giveaway. The first writer featured will be the wonderful Ann Charles, author of the Deadwood Series. She was my first solid review and I thought it would be good to start off my WW with  one of my firsts. The date for this will be June 1st, so mark your calendars and come join me.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

My To Be Reviewed List-Updated 5/27/11

Good thing I'm a quick reader and a lot of these writers will wait patiently for my reviews:)

REVIEW LIST
  1. Divine Intervention by Cheryl Kaye Tardif 
  2. Speed Dating with the Dead by Scott Nicholson
  3. Dreams Unleashed by Linda Hawley
  4. Plain Jane by Cristyn West
  5. The Gifts by Patria Dunn Rowe
  6. 30 Pieces of Silver by Carolyn McCray
  7. Unholy Domain by Dan Rocko
  8. Silent Box by Dan Rux
  9. Grant Me by Stephanie M Sellars
  10. True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer
  11. inSyte  by Greg Kiser
  12. Setup on Front Street by Mike Dennis
  13. The Blood that Defines Us by Majanka Verstraete 
  14. The Apothecary by Samantha J Bayarr 
  15. 11:11 Countdown to 2012  by Verna Clay
  16. Lor Mandela - Destruction From Twins by L Carroll
  17. The Awakening by Jeffrey Pierce
  18. The Necromancer by Pam Richter
  19. The Legacy-Book 1 of  the Balancer Chronicles by Chris Adonn
  20. Predators of Darkness: Aftermath by Leonard Hilley II
  21. A Miraculous Fate by Kristen James and Tommy Garrison
  22. Land of Nod-The Artifact by Gary Hoover
  23. The Coming Storm by Valerie Douglas
  24. Not Magic Enough By Valerie Douglas
  25. Morgue of the Dead by Lee Taylor
  26. Burden Kansas by Alan Ryker
  27. Rise of the Raven by Steven Drennon
  28. Wingless by Holly Hood
  29. Be Careful What You Wish For by Sibel Hodge
  30. Oginalli by Stephanie M Sellars
  31. Vestal Virgin by Susan Tyrpak
  32. Sable City by M Edward McNally
  33. Torc of Moonlight by Linda Acaster
  34. Breaking Faith by Stuart Aken
  35. I Wish I Would've by Aynoit Asher
  36. Citizen Zero by Mark Cantrell
  37. Sand by Lili Tufel



Thursday, May 19, 2011

Surburban Weird by By J.R. LaGreca Review

Suburban Weird

By J.R. LaGreca
Blurb from Good Reads
Suburban Weird is a riveting saga of lies, lust, love and betrayal. Courtney appears to have it all -- a loving lawyer for a husband, her mother-in-law's extraordinary estate for them to live in while saving for a house. Her bliss becomes overshadowed when her husband's older brother lures her into a whirlwind of desire and deception. Witness the haunting tale of how one woman becomes a pawn in a game of seduction.
Set in scenic Bay Shore, Long Island, Suburban Weird follows the exploits of Courtney Gold, a forty-year-old beauty. Courtney becomes apprehensive when her future mother-in-law, Edith Stein, turns out to be the eccentric woman her Aunt Bessie warned her about in the past.
In spite of this troubling connection, Courtney marries her fiancé, criminal attorney, Seth, only to become dangerously drawn to his adopted brother, fertility specialist, Dr. Aaron Stein. Aaron flirts mercilessly with Courtney, while constantly belittling Seth, the black sheep and baby of the family.
Things become precarious when Courtney and Seth, move into Edith's nine-bedroom mansion, and Aaron and his Russian mail-order bride, Natasha Krilova, twenty-seven years his junior, move in as well. The gorgeous, teenage virgin adds spice to this bizarre blend. The situation escalates when Aaron treats Courtney for her difficulty in conceiving.
Is Aaron a complete professional like Seth vows him to be? How does Courtney handle her improper desires? Is Edith as insidious as her Aunt Bessie suspected? Will this madness come to an end? Read the book to find out Courtney's destiny.
After the success of her first novel, Afternoon Tea, J. R. LaGreca pens another exhilarating tale about a woman's desire and the lure of erotic temptation - this time set in modern times. Some of the most outrageous events in life do happen to the family in this unforgettable tale, and the weird weaved by J.R. LaGreca. A fascinating saga, Suburban Weird is a contemporary masterpiece filled with intrigue.
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This book was given to me by the author J.R. LaGreca
This book wasn't my usual genre but I found myself drawn into the story of Courtney, Seth, Aaron, and Edith. 
Courtney's plight seems unusual and strange but it makes you wonder how often it really does happen.
Her journey into her soul leads her into the shadows of obsession and towards illumination into who she really is. 
 I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good romance tinged with mystery.
There are some sensual scenes but it doesn't degrade the story at all. The plot seamlessly works with the romance to make it flow like liquid gold.
I found myself sympathizing with Courtney and her obsession. I liked how she comes to terms with the shadows of her self by the end of the book and gained insight.
Mesmerizing read and I look forward to reading her other works.
My Rating:
5 FAIRIES








Friday, May 13, 2011

Books I'm Reading Right Now:)

Since I'm the queen of multi-tasking, I have about 3 books on my plate right now that I'm reading. One for pleasure and two for review:) I say pleasure because I don't have to review that one...the Cirque Du Freak series was one my husband and daughter got me started on because we watched the movie "The Vampire's Assistant". All books are pleasure to me but I do have a different mindset when I read my review books. I have to look at it with my editors eye whilst enjoying it. It means I have to think when I read it instead of going with the flow:) And I really don't mind.

ALL BLURBS ARE FROM GOODREADS.COM

PLEASURE BOOK
Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain by Darren Shan



Vampire Mountain (Cirque Du Freak #4)

In the fourth book of the bestselling Cirque Du Freak series, Darren Shan and Mr. Crepsley embark on a dangerous trek to the very heart of the vampire world. But they face more than the cold on Vampire Mountain-the vampaneze have been there before them.

Will a meeting with the Vampire Princes restore Darren's human side, or turn him further toward the darkness? Only one thing is certain-Darren's initiation into the vampire clan is more deadly than he can ever have imagined.
REVIEW BOOK 1
Divine Interventation
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case—one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.
Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist—a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.
Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia—from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.
While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.
The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.
REVIEW BOOK 2
Suburban Weird
By J.R. LaGreca
Suburban Weird is a riveting saga of lies, lust, love and betrayal. Courtney appears to have it all -- a loving lawyer for a husband, her mother-in-law's extraordinary estate for them to live in while saving for a house. Her bliss becomes overshadowed when her husband's older brother lures her into a whirlwind of desire and deception. Witness the haunting tale of how one woman becomes a pawn in a game of seduction.
Set in scenic Bay Shore, Long Island, Suburban Weird follows the exploits of Courtney Gold, a forty-year-old beauty. Courtney becomes apprehensive when her future mother-in-law, Edith Stein, turns out to be the eccentric woman her Aunt Bessie warned her about in the past.
In spite of this troubling connection, Courtney marries her fiancé, criminal attorney, Seth, only to become dangerously drawn to his adopted brother, fertility specialist, Dr. Aaron Stein. Aaron flirts mercilessly with Courtney, while constantly belittling Seth, the black sheep and baby of the family.
Things become precarious when Courtney and Seth, move into Edith's nine-bedroom mansion, and Aaron and his Russian mail-order bride, Natasha Krilova, twenty-seven years his junior, move in as well. The gorgeous, teenage virgin adds spice to this bizarre blend. The situation escalates when Aaron treats Courtney for her difficulty in conceiving.
Is Aaron a complete professional like Seth vows him to be? How does Courtney handle her improper desires? Is Edith as insidious as her Aunt Bessie suspected? Will this madness come to an end? Read the book to find out Courtney's destiny.
After the success of her first novel, Afternoon Tea, J. R. LaGreca pens another exhilarating tale about a woman's desire and the lure of erotic temptation - this time set in modern times. Some of the most outrageous events in life do happen to the family in this unforgettable tale, and the weird weaved by J.R. LaGreca. A fascinating saga, Suburban Weird is a contemporary masterpiece filled with intrigue.

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TELL ME WHAT'S ON YOUR BOOK PLATE RIGHT NOW AND IF YOU ARE A REVIEWER DO YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT MINDSET WHEN YOU READ YOUR REVIEW BOOKS???
Thanks for reading,
Heather Powers


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

My Life 2011

5/10/11

In celebration of my impending birthday, I'm writing a blog about what I'm working on this year.

37 years on this earth and man has it been a ride. 3 marriages, 3 kids, 3 fur-kids. I'm a graduate in the school of hard knocks and getting my masters in life right now.

I've always been a writer since I was about 14 years old. The pen and paper were my lifelines. My badge of courage through my turbulent teens. I was a boring kid with a boring life so I chose to create worlds that weren't so boring. I started writing essays in school and the teachers always told me you should be a writer. You have the talent. I am my own worst critic everything I write of course is shit but that is just my negative nelly talking.

I then worked my way to poetry which was an easier medium for me. The words just flowed.

I didn't start my first novel until I ran into an idea a few years ago. I had a premise to a story. It never went further than 2 paragraphs but then in a moment of epiphany, I dusted off my folder with my work in it and just started writing. I'm still working on it and it's a slow process. I only have 6 chapters so far but my characters are still in my head demanding to have their say about things. They won't let me rest. I could be at work and a line will pop up and it will sit there and bug me until I unload it. They talk in your head. It's my opinion writers are all schizophrenics :) LOL How else can you explain voice in your head? LOL
OH that's right, I'm a writer. That's what we do.

I also decided I was going to write as an indie/self published author. There is a lot of information out there for indies and SP authors. I've been blessed to meet some exceptional authors who take the time to talk shop to me. It's all about networking. I can't stress that enough.

So following in the footsteps of my writing, book reviewing fell into my lap. Why not do something I love and comment on it to help other authors like me? So needless to say it's been a whirlwind the last few months. The enormous amount of info about book reviewers is a bit overwhelming when it's right in front of you but I love a challenge.
So with the patience of some other really good book reviewers and authors I'm reviewing, I'm slowly learning the blog biz:) Thanks to all those who have helped me and continue to help me as I make this journey to my dream.
Now it's your turn, tell me what your dream is and how are you working to attain it.
As always,
Heather Powers

Here is my contact information:

Facebook-

My Review Blog

My Personal Ramblings


Twitter

Book Review Email
earthsbooknook at gmail dot com

My personal email
wolfwhisper at gmail dot com

Sunday, May 8, 2011

ARC Review For Optical Delusions in Deadwood by Ann Charles




ARC Review of Optical Delusions in Deadwood by Ann Charles
provided to me by the author Ann Charles
Check her page out!!!

An exciting trip back to Deadwood to visit with Violet-real-estate extraordinaire/part-time sleuth. This time with ghostly encounters in the mix. I liked how the story started just a short time after the first book ends. A rollicking romp through the streets of Deadwood sprinkled with sexual innuendo from Harvey,Violet's cantankerous friend to the steamy romance scenes between Doc & Violet. It all mixes together like lemons and sugar to make an inventive lemonade. I absolutely love Violet's eccentric kids. They remind me of some of the shenanigans of my children:)
The sexual tension between Doc & Violet left me with the desire to shake the two of them and say get with it and get together:)
The ghostly twist whet my appetite, wondering what other experiences are waiting in the wings for Violet and will she finally become a believer?
Another fun read that left me smiling. The ending left me anxiously awaiting book 3.
Bravo, Ann Charles for your wit and humor. Your masterful storytelling makes this a gem to read. I give it 5 fairies.
I recommend this book to readers who like mysteries, romance, with a dash of paranormal.

My Rating:




Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Nearly Dead in Deadwood by Ann Charles



Buy Now at Amazon
Buy It Now


Blurb from GoodReads.com:

Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota. Fearing her daughter might be next, single mom, Violet Parker, is desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.
With her savings dwindling and just three weeks left to sell her first house or lose her Realtor job, Violet is ecstatic when a handsome jeweler hires her to sell his century-old, Victorian masterpiece … until she sees the dilapidated dwelling. Now, if she could just convince her only buyer to stop rejecting vintage homes as if they’re haunted.
Short on time and long on worry, she refuses to give up her dream of a fresh start in Deadwood. But with a malicious coworker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending her creepy messages, and a sexy stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, will Violet end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed?
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My thoughts on this.

I was given this first from a coworker it was a mini book. The mini book got me hooked and I ended acquiring a copy from the Blog De Tour Force Cage Match.

An exciting romping ride into Deadwood. This book makes me think of ghost towns from years past. Violet is a spunky heroine who is a single mom raising twins. She becomes involved with Deadwood's skeletons in the closet.
I enjoyed this story from the start, Ann reeling me in like a big fish gasping for air. I would recommend this book for people who like everyday people thrust into mystery.
It has enough of a paranormal twist for those seeking thrills with moments of wit and humor.
I came across some passages in the book that made me giggle sometimes inappropriately. I love books that do that :)
Can't wait to read the second installment:)


Way to go ANN!!! keep em coming:)


My Rating



Sunday, May 1, 2011