Required Reading

Life is complicated enough without getting into hotwater with federal agencies so: TAKE NOTE Many things I review I got at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Consider this as informing you that ALL things I review may have been gotten at no charge. Realistically about 60% but in order to keep things above board just assume that I got the stuff free. I do not collect information on my readers. If cookies or other tracking stuff is used on my blogs it is due to BLOGGER not ME. Apparently the European Union's new rules state I need to inform you if cookies are being use. If they are it isn't byu me, consider yourself INFORMED.
Words like, “sponsored,” “promotion,” “paid ad” or even just “ad” are clear ways to disclose that you’re being paid to share information and links so BE AWARE that some of what I write can be described as an AD by the government. BTW I will NEVER say a product is great, super or even acceptable if it isn't, whether I got it free or NOT!

Books I have authored.

Many times I receive books for FREE to give them an honest review. I do not get paid to give a good or bad review. Spotlights are promotional and should be regarded as advertising for the book spotlighted. Regardless of where or how I got a book, my review will be as honest as I can make it.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Final Exit by Lena Diaz


This is labeled as an Exit Inc. thriller.  One must assume that there are others in the series that preclude this book.  Keeping that in mind I shall endeavor to be circumspect and not provide spoilers.   This book focuses on an FBI agent who is tracking an female assassin.  Said agent is stalwart and honest and truly perplexed as to how he can find an assassin so attractive.   The romantic interplay does not get in the way of the violent action.

Diaz put together a good plot and had likeable characters.   She also imbues the story with questions that make you wonder if the good guys are bad and the bad guys are good.   The conflict resolution adds to the complexity of the plot.

Diaz put together some reasonably steamy scenes that felt somewhat out of place in a thriller but fit with the plot.  After I checked her website I discovered that Ms. Diaz has acquired the moniker of romantic suspense author so the steaminess was appropriate.

I enjoyed the book.

Web: http://lenadiaz.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Spotlight on A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia Roberts





















Does an ex-cop ever lose his "nose" for investigating? Freshmen Senator, Bryon Gallagher, certainly hasn't, when the love of his life, Jessica, is kidnapped by a mad man. No stone is left unturned, as he plays the role of senator by day and rogue detective by night, calling in favors and working his past snitches to the bone to find her. The only problem is, who does he focus his efforts on ... her deranged, former father-in-law who lusts after her, a crazed felon hell-bent on revenging the execution of his brother put to death under the Senator's newly passed Death Penalty Bill, or an unknown psycho, looking for his "moment of fame"?

Pawn for Malice is a thrilling and passionate love story that is a blend of crime action, suspense, and self-discovery, or one could even say, a cross between Safe Haven meets Criminal Minds.

The book launches on Nov. 6th.  Ms. Roberts is offering a 60% discount prior to that launch date, the chance to read the first two chapters on her website, and entry into a contest to win one of (2) $25 Amazon Gift Cards, if you register to subscribe to her email list.

Check it all out at:    Romance Author Cynthia Roberts




This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

My Dad The Policeman by William G. Bentrim

I received an email today regarding my book, My Dad The Policeman. 

"we were floored reading My Dad the Policeman....Me, literally in tears, You got it!!!! You nailed it!!!! "

The email was from two retired cops, a couple who have seen it all. Their email made my day. This is why I write. To impact someone, to make someone know they are understood, that they mean something. They will remain anonymous 
but they have my thanks for their kind words.


Friday, October 21, 2016

The Black Widow by Daniel Silva


Gabriel Allon takes a back seat in this novel.  Natalie, a naive young physician, is recruited by Gabriel to infiltrate ISIS.   This book is frighteningly on target in regards to current events.

Gabriel has been the first person shooter in so many of Silva's books that it was a bit strange to find him pulling strings instead of triggers.  Ari's goal of getting Gabriel to take the head of the "office" looks to be finally bearing fruit.   But a series of attacks in France puts that "promotion" on hold until a villain of the first order can be neutralized.  

Silva's books have always had a feel of reality to them but this one in particular was practically predictive of ISIS behavior.   Silva chronicles events in fiction that are far to close to fact for this to be a comfortable read. 

The Kill Artist and The Heist and finally The Mark of the Assassin  all illustrate the style of Silva as well as the character Gabriel Allon, an Israeli assassin who is being promoted out of the field into the bureaucracy.  However Gabriel makes it clear he is going to be a very proactive head of the office.

I highly recommend.

Web: http://danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Troubles at Plantasy Land by Vicki Marquez



Author Vicki Marquez
This book features veggie kids called rootlets with characteristics of their respective veggies.  Their favorite amusement park is threatened by a semi-nefarious character.

The illustrations are colorful and cute, very appealing to the addressed age group.  The characters are well appointed and very likeable.

The author did a nice age appropriate plot and makes veggies palatable to a group that may be resistant to the acceptance of veggies in any form.

The author has a very informative website with a club for her readers.

web: http://www.therootlets.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Adolofo Kaminsky:A Forger's Life by Sarah Kaminsky


This is one of those books that has all kinds of accolades.  I found it interesting but not compelling or captivating.  I'm sure all the notables who raved about this book had good reasons to rave.  I found myself interested but not enthralled.  The book chronicles the life of a forger who happens to be Jewish.   His religion led him to forge documents during the occupation of France during WWII.  His forged documents most likely saved thousands of lives while endangering his own.

Kaminsky was unable to go "straight" after WWII.  He became an activist for Algerian independence despite his claims of trying to get France to accept a friendly accommodation of the Algerians. 

It is both laudable and questionable how Kaminsky lived.  The saving of lives during WWII was highly laudable, the methods used to support his later causes seem somewhat questionable.  It seems like Kaminsky always had good intentions but there is a question in my mind if some of his work didn't lead to unintended consequences. 

The book was interesting.

https://www.ted.com/speakers/sarah_kaminsky



This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

My Pancakes Taste Different Today by Heather Wood Galpert and Bruce Galpert



This is a very thoughtful book for children.   It shows a clear path from pollution to consequences.   Ethan learns about what makes his life better, in his case, great pancakes, and what can cause his life to change.

The authors draw obvious and simplistic conclusions which are completely appropriate for this type of book.   If only real life solutions to a cleaner environment could be implemented with such ease.

A very well done and worthwhile book.
http://www.thepancakesbook.com/
Buy Here: Amazon:,B&N:,BookMasters:









This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva



Gabriel Allon is targeted by an elusive, perhaps mythical character.   Things are not always as they seem and the targeted can sometimes be the one doing the targeting.  

The Kill Artist and The Heist and finally The Mark of the Assassin  all illustrate the style of Silva as well as the character Gabriel Allon, an Israeli assassin.  This book holds true to the style and as the others keeps you on the knife edge of frustration in your inability to turn the pages fast enough to determine what the heck is going to happen next. 

This book relates to real events as did the others.  The deceased, Yasir Arafat being one of the most infamous of the real life people.  Silva does not pontificate in the book but does let you know his feelings in the author's notes.

The excitement and action are non-stop and as always just when you think you have it figured out, Silva tosses in a game changer.

I highly recommend.

Web: http://danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Alliance of Shadows by Larry Correia and Mike Kupari


 Alliance of Shadows is the final book in the trilogy that began with Dead Six, and was continued in Swords of Exodus.  I have not been lucky enough to read either of the preceding books so I can't comment as to how this fits with them.   This is an action adventure that takes place primarily in Europe.   International groups such as Exodus, Majestic and the Illuminati are part of the cast.  The only one with much back story is the Illuminati.   A renegade Illuminati is running amuck.  Nuclear weapons are missing and a band of misfits from several organizations end up being the only defense the world has even if they don't even know the misfits are involved.

Michael Valentine and Hector Lorenzo who have apparently been at each other's throats in previous books are allies in this book.   The Oracle and Sala Jihan are the only whoowhoo factors in the story.  Whoowhoo being supernaturally related.  The rest of the story seems pretty straight forward pseudo-military action adventure.   Character interplay is entertaining and the plot is convoluted enough to maintain interest.

I recommend.

Web Site: http://monsterhunternation.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Mr. Waldorf Travels to the Wild State of Alaska by By Barbara Terry, Beth Ann Stifflemire and Vladimir Kirichenko


As picture books for children go this offers more than just a pleasant reading experience.   This is the beginning of a series and said series provides information and education in a very entertaining and painless manner.   In addition, the oft used but still extremely effective act of, including a lost or hidden object turns the reading experience into a game.

This specific book deals with a visit to Alaska where Mr. Waldorf, a walking upright and talking Golden Labrador, discovers the sights and sounds of travel.  The inclusion of gold panning and caribou as well as Eskimos should keep the young reader engaged.   Another feature that I particularly like is that the authors infuse the love of reading into Mr. Waldorf's character.  Encouraging children to read should be a goal of every author. 

I recommend the book.

Web: http://waldorfpublishing.com/category/childrens/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.