tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56860806067844751062024-03-02T20:47:14.841-05:00Pick of the Literateibpurpledragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712525365783628551noreply@blogger.comBlogger1662125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-21161798215350139782024-03-01T17:12:00.008-05:002024-03-01T17:12:00.126-05:00<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Diabolical
by David Putnam<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKEasaqNbJGmsA8p71jZLQWU63_OdliAeyRzkHe9Q__uV7iFvfrpQEdUbnNbHoT4FECBCNkAQD60icfvCJIRqrYelbFp-0XHX8uHEW09Jz2cCtZjoh8-ikRnuSeEVCpCQj2PQ-LX0Kix6_TJfzeAZ64KaMl5fzXVz1LF-kS3qqsmIX_ZK9Oun1LF7VvQ/s1000/putnam--the%20diabolical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKEasaqNbJGmsA8p71jZLQWU63_OdliAeyRzkHe9Q__uV7iFvfrpQEdUbnNbHoT4FECBCNkAQD60icfvCJIRqrYelbFp-0XHX8uHEW09Jz2cCtZjoh8-ikRnuSeEVCpCQj2PQ-LX0Kix6_TJfzeAZ64KaMl5fzXVz1LF-kS3qqsmIX_ZK9Oun1LF7VvQ/s320/putnam--the%20diabolical.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqVSJ9-PkuOLenBD5Oca0md0DiC0Ff0L2mGlaOHkrAwNz1owIAK3xtnJTHgsVth5Vvt5YejjASbl-OUd1xydyN-y3aaC-fg_3HU_4qFmBBDIugY4h72O7JsgZazVDP6JnC4e6qkxNFwCTgia_UW2Ut0iJYwU8D9v_6PfApSdQxpJJ4oql-f9Fpdb935A/s609/action-adventure%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="609" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqVSJ9-PkuOLenBD5Oca0md0DiC0Ff0L2mGlaOHkrAwNz1owIAK3xtnJTHgsVth5Vvt5YejjASbl-OUd1xydyN-y3aaC-fg_3HU_4qFmBBDIugY4h72O7JsgZazVDP6JnC4e6qkxNFwCTgia_UW2Ut0iJYwU8D9v_6PfApSdQxpJJ4oql-f9Fpdb935A/w200-h66/action-adventure%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />This is a Bruno Johnson Crime book. Bruno, whose solution to every negative issue
is blood and bone, has mellowed. He may
still be a little crusty on the outside but he is a major marshmallow on the
inside for his fourteen kids. His job as a bartender at the Punta Bandera Hotel
and Beach Club in Costa Rico is impacted when some friends are slaughtered at a
local nightclub.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A diamond heist, philandering, a hot psychotic manager, and
Waldo the not-so-wonder dog add to the eclectic mix. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Putnam puts together an entertaining story with some unusual
trappings for the hotel golf course. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I enjoyed the story and recommend it. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-5078654179852981672024-02-21T09:57:00.002-05:002024-02-21T09:57:10.710-05:00Hardy Belch and Hidden Valley by William G Bentrim<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/-SN6APilcys?si=oq9njq2HrZWfqZ5q" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HRW81X1" target="_blank"><b>Buy It Here</b></a><br /></div>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-73297811795648772032024-02-20T14:54:00.007-05:002024-02-20T14:54:51.638-05:00The Underhanded by Adam Sikes<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR8TgZEH5IPamk5tDrGXFys1Sq3K1pSTjKUDP2Vn0gbACPR-TGTBogS6ZOafEm56VU87ufVjjIDZe_JHAFjsHspHhvg3j5l0JMw8KdNKekPtMj8XSeTF6-bOycOpqzPsg7SfvwQ5Rw-V8-RoHHCFqxkzMlQlHVAL2EXs9SXrxfaL08ElXEvA7keYo-oA/s2560/sike--the%20underhanded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR8TgZEH5IPamk5tDrGXFys1Sq3K1pSTjKUDP2Vn0gbACPR-TGTBogS6ZOafEm56VU87ufVjjIDZe_JHAFjsHspHhvg3j5l0JMw8KdNKekPtMj8XSeTF6-bOycOpqzPsg7SfvwQ5Rw-V8-RoHHCFqxkzMlQlHVAL2EXs9SXrxfaL08ElXEvA7keYo-oA/s320/sike--the%20underhanded.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>The Underhanded by Adam Sikes<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This isn’t a spy thriller as much as it is an
action-adventure. Professor William
Dresden is a discredited historian. How
a historian becomes discredited is part of the plot. The Professor discovers that his research has
inadvertently cast light on the underpinnings of an international
conspiracy. British Intelligence approaches
him for help in discovering more about the international conspiracy. Said approach triggers major changes in the Professor’s
life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sike builds his characters with depth. He uses intelligence briefings to give you
the necessary background to understand their behavior. The utilization of current events surrounding
the neo-fascist nationalistic and anti-immigration issues provides fuel for the
international plot. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Occasionally the complexity of the plot becomes confusing
but eventually, all is worked out. The
sequel door is open. Interesting note, not once did anyone call Professor William
Dresden, Bill. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSrgzN70b0OuE3Lff1nXvnbP08PaOKBbFdNdBqNuOaqJBqLvDoaxWsOuh6Dq-g00hRlLlQ6KnMfiCtV0tM9fkNdzMdz_zXH_5HJpT4BnwGzo9eZ7GggwGFuc7_a203tvEY5Iwgd4-oGk5hxCXOrGur9UL-uT90m8dSLMM-nDOKUzGb1ASSXyJmzpz24M/s487/action-adventure%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="487" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSrgzN70b0OuE3Lff1nXvnbP08PaOKBbFdNdBqNuOaqJBqLvDoaxWsOuh6Dq-g00hRlLlQ6KnMfiCtV0tM9fkNdzMdz_zXH_5HJpT4BnwGzo9eZ7GggwGFuc7_a203tvEY5Iwgd4-oGk5hxCXOrGur9UL-uT90m8dSLMM-nDOKUzGb1ASSXyJmzpz24M/w200-h84/action-adventure%204.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> <p></p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-70554263190410513882024-02-15T15:45:00.016-05:002024-02-15T15:45:00.240-05:00The Edge by David Baldacci<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVsukbOpoVzrTZtNKnztrZXsf26bm1baxhvhbvbu21EISo_2RwJyCcrO17SVNPYISNkDCcSHSLs6cTPxFosIIsVIBY11DnjWSL3lx04sPLmK6sFv3ba_2YJUFRN3qhuHVb1EhuATGFxzVBUdlsVR1jymY-yEeMfl4n01E6X5ZchN1cBp1lHNuokxw6Oc/s445/Baldacci--the%20edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVsukbOpoVzrTZtNKnztrZXsf26bm1baxhvhbvbu21EISo_2RwJyCcrO17SVNPYISNkDCcSHSLs6cTPxFosIIsVIBY11DnjWSL3lx04sPLmK6sFv3ba_2YJUFRN3qhuHVb1EhuATGFxzVBUdlsVR1jymY-yEeMfl4n01E6X5ZchN1cBp1lHNuokxw6Oc/s320/Baldacci--the%20edge.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1sIOS6sgFACC1n-8hlYDpYh1ri0IhBsHINRvrGgiWYhxeLwwc7x81nhipp1eAGtoM2e0mx5fopLKGVT5kAbPNEkzHlR2IOBZgh-VKqS0uupvoB5nWPjC1a7LrJjVuwfvemVMMNNYyrdSyXZBMiUtGUJH1bJq_zOaue7-ANyVTWLRk3ieiLKFH0MISpw/s609/action-adventure%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="609" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1sIOS6sgFACC1n-8hlYDpYh1ri0IhBsHINRvrGgiWYhxeLwwc7x81nhipp1eAGtoM2e0mx5fopLKGVT5kAbPNEkzHlR2IOBZgh-VKqS0uupvoB5nWPjC1a7LrJjVuwfvemVMMNNYyrdSyXZBMiUtGUJH1bJq_zOaue7-ANyVTWLRk3ieiLKFH0MISpw/w200-h68/action-adventure%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>A CIA agent is killed in Putnam, Maine. Travis Devine, a former Army Ranger, is
tasked to discover who and why she was killed.
Sleepy little Putnam is anything but sleepy. Devine seems to attract violence.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Baldacci may be my favorite non-fantasy, non-science fiction
author. He develops a good plot and
sprinkles it with tiny suggestions that often are incorrect as to the perpetrator’s
identity.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Travis is a new character to me, I don’t know if this is his
first Baldacci book or not. As much as I
try and keep up with his writing, the man is a veritable machine in turning out
new stories. I will be watching for the
next Travis Devine book who while no Amos, certainly gives Mercy a run. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Well drat! While posting this on Amazon, I discovered it is the second book in the 6:20 man series. I've got some catching up to do. </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I recommend the author and all his books. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-61185705242937302602024-02-11T16:59:00.004-05:002024-02-11T16:59:29.160-05:00Southern Man by Greg Iles<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SWOaDWmocV85GraOTexNs6820MGtFNigld3BUEScttlQ2nIXQiu_Iv_13EqTqzNvh-o1QyudcOLl38UOgD2jcXvuPy_qbPhJGisuE3bdfE05gcJM-WUArJr5lfMCqFcTG5Ho8GHvIpn9geMTtSNxdUdL5FG2B2liU-ID3veyxXShAvZgyUA-f1YsRoA/s648/iles-southern%20man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SWOaDWmocV85GraOTexNs6820MGtFNigld3BUEScttlQ2nIXQiu_Iv_13EqTqzNvh-o1QyudcOLl38UOgD2jcXvuPy_qbPhJGisuE3bdfE05gcJM-WUArJr5lfMCqFcTG5Ho8GHvIpn9geMTtSNxdUdL5FG2B2liU-ID3veyxXShAvZgyUA-f1YsRoA/s320/iles-southern%20man.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULIQ4hlC1va7gKWuS85MhoUmWWLVorZB1qHpQhyEGgqihSmP56vCqVXbS3-99KAKo8sF3gukJ6NxoQg8RyceDp-P3DdbEpHBA2igNGovK_ckbPCgLExzQ8iFNjWLQcQvxwAglQWnspCIo8aQupyv4-K_5zoMf1xCCL4WwfLbweh-CLYaDIcr9HvbjqXM/s541/thinker%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="541" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULIQ4hlC1va7gKWuS85MhoUmWWLVorZB1qHpQhyEGgqihSmP56vCqVXbS3-99KAKo8sF3gukJ6NxoQg8RyceDp-P3DdbEpHBA2igNGovK_ckbPCgLExzQ8iFNjWLQcQvxwAglQWnspCIo8aQupyv4-K_5zoMf1xCCL4WwfLbweh-CLYaDIcr9HvbjqXM/w200-h54/thinker%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />This novel was in many ways difficult to read.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Not because it wasn’t well written or throat-grabbing
but because of so many of its themes.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Possibly
I had difficulty because I couldn’t accept the inevitability of race war. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The fact that some of the closest relationships
crossed racial lines seems to run contrary to the theme of White anger.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The book postulates the potential of a
psychopathic closet-Nazi running for president. Bobby White feels that the end
justifies the mean, any means.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Penn Cage, once again, finds himself amid near-anarchy. No longer the robust, arm-waving, gun-toting
firebrand he was in previous books in this setting. He faces the reality of his age and infirmity
with ill humor and a wealth of denial. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The characters in Iles’ books are magnificent. He paints with a wide robust brush and then
fills all the details with a fine point.
The theme of this book was taken right off the pages of current
polarization and political bad behavior.
It is so current that the Hamas attack on Israel is referenced. Considering
the radicalization of the current two-party political system and the friction
between races in the cities, this book as fiction may not be far from fact. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I highly recommend it, get friends to read it so you
can argue about it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-68585093235274807522024-01-20T11:13:00.011-05:002024-01-20T11:13:00.129-05:00The Far Side of the Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman,<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPgWVtjouDLTE0opEn5WqQkeiXOfmMYLOzpp-oztqbPqojojzK90J_1ORnGawIEDGWWXvLZ6eyjn0eM2-ngSJstiBztqhWf7CYjQlKqwqA51l81_tx2TOIE5B46cPe9YIvJA8kqopKUXgzY-Kigk0J3WtOQqeuOgdzR_iwRVxfmjQ4YiZW6tlLrK3A3g/s1000/ackerman--far%20side%20of%20the%20desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPgWVtjouDLTE0opEn5WqQkeiXOfmMYLOzpp-oztqbPqojojzK90J_1ORnGawIEDGWWXvLZ6eyjn0eM2-ngSJstiBztqhWf7CYjQlKqwqA51l81_tx2TOIE5B46cPe9YIvJA8kqopKUXgzY-Kigk0J3WtOQqeuOgdzR_iwRVxfmjQ4YiZW6tlLrK3A3g/s320/ackerman--far%20side%20of%20the%20desert.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is an action-adventure book that is based on the sad
state of terroristic activities today. Market manipulation based on disaster fluctuations
plays a part in this book. It generates
a question as to whether terrorism is fueled by ideology or profit motivation. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Monte is a State Department employee who finds herself in a
situation never adequately covered by her training. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Stephen, a mediocre author, is seeking a story that will
dramatically enrich him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">These two are the primary characters in a story that has
deprivation, frustration, and plenty of action. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There were parts of this book that were difficult to read due
to the situation, not the writing. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGdVsTZdpSRx7ChkxUIJ37ZF5SyWbcep4NepWzUlJ03eYnZcSQmMl2YMXbDMLM1VosTUxkYHgEzqz7aBr2TzMW6bR-0NkCtNsPCA503AHcc_kypmNLly_CnoZsdPG5AqjV1wwBHWP6Grndcb9emnXnSHISxF70A5_Gx3ZeZjdXGmK-4lRKrscJqi7aiI/s609/action-adventure%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="609" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGdVsTZdpSRx7ChkxUIJ37ZF5SyWbcep4NepWzUlJ03eYnZcSQmMl2YMXbDMLM1VosTUxkYHgEzqz7aBr2TzMW6bR-0NkCtNsPCA503AHcc_kypmNLly_CnoZsdPG5AqjV1wwBHWP6Grndcb9emnXnSHISxF70A5_Gx3ZeZjdXGmK-4lRKrscJqi7aiI/w200-h68/action-adventure%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I recommend the book. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p><br /><br />wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-43971055910076475332024-01-15T11:38:00.034-05:002024-01-15T11:38:00.131-05:00Spotlight on The Powell Expeditions by Tim Piper<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Debut historical fiction series follows 1860s
explorer’s expedition through the Grand Canyon<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A harrowing adventure for fans of the show,
“1883”</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgGpZDdDK2QSSyfiYqxjAcvTYrMLj8J3glvKU5_hYvz7BP2mUeyrsmyBw_Ltl7_ieM-Wppw8JcHHgADYqa7ATaKIeKDKKXRY5L3VQl6pGuHvE8md8wdstCIZXg0xkuROHEhdTINKF2pOl5ubSCDIWb4bs5PvZjweR2iM_gbBV5SPdbD5mT-0qjuvbfVc/s262/Piper--powell%20expedidions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="174" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgGpZDdDK2QSSyfiYqxjAcvTYrMLj8J3glvKU5_hYvz7BP2mUeyrsmyBw_Ltl7_ieM-Wppw8JcHHgADYqa7ATaKIeKDKKXRY5L3VQl6pGuHvE8md8wdstCIZXg0xkuROHEhdTINKF2pOl5ubSCDIWb4bs5PvZjweR2iM_gbBV5SPdbD5mT-0qjuvbfVc/s1600/Piper--powell%20expedidions.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><br />BLOOMINGTON, IL – Debut author Tim Piper takes
readers on a rip-roaring adventure inspired by a true story through the
American West, where a single step into the unknown changes everything for
young Jubilee Walker. “The Powell Expeditions” (Sunshine Parade Publishing<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">, January 15, </span>2024) follows
Jubilee on a westward trek during the late 1860s, where he encounters native
tribes, survives harsh winters, learns valuable life skills, makes new friends,
and discovers his journey is not just physical, but a quest to find a sense of
belonging and purpose.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">After his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old
Jubilee Walker asks to join a scientific expedition led by Major John Wesley
Powell, a family friend. Powell initially refuses, but Jubil’s persistence and
resourcefulness eventually win him a place on Powell’s crew. However, Jubil’s
plans for a life of adventure are complicated by his deepening feelings for his
best friend, Nelly Boswell, who is reluctant to spend her life with a man who
insists on such a dangerous lifestyle. How will Jubil navigate the hardships
and lawlessness of the American West? And will he be forced to choose between a
life of adventure and the girl he loves?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Jubil’s story draws on the real-life
adventures of naturalist, college professor, and one-armed Civil War veteran
Major John Wesley Powell during his Colorado River Exploring Expeditions.
Powell became the first explorer to summit Longs Peak in the Colorado Rockies
and navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, fixing his place in
history as one of America’s great explorers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">“The Powell Expeditions”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Tim Piper | January 2024 | Sunshine Parade
Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Historical Fiction | Coming of Age<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Hardcover | 979-8-9884186-0-3 | $19.99 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Paperback | 979-8-9884186-1-0 | $13.99<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Ebook | 979-8-9884186-2-7 | $4.99<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSedMc62gcKmhu2V2yUDFdPP0btBeHbmi2K20X0a0lly7kuu4Be2jRxMu7fr2lx6RIFBPnRlGVxAdX6EdozXlsgdKKVL8Ke7L2xahB-LCjb-K2HVyPWtvWa_YeVuF9S5WmmMXVRhRJTag0Mfz3R0N6yOrGPiaQWwDNkX4TApemtak8HbXeFa7XqVK-YsU/s259/tim%20piper.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="196" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSedMc62gcKmhu2V2yUDFdPP0btBeHbmi2K20X0a0lly7kuu4Be2jRxMu7fr2lx6RIFBPnRlGVxAdX6EdozXlsgdKKVL8Ke7L2xahB-LCjb-K2HVyPWtvWa_YeVuF9S5WmmMXVRhRJTag0Mfz3R0N6yOrGPiaQWwDNkX4TApemtak8HbXeFa7XqVK-YsU/s1600/tim%20piper.png" width="196" /></a><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">MORE ABOUT TIM PIPER: Tim Piper is retired
from a long career in Information Technology and has been a lifelong hobbyist
musician. In his earlier days he was an avid hiker and backcountry camper, but
his adventures these days are less strenuous and more comfortable. He lives in
Bloomington, Illinois, with his cat, Maggie, who is no help with his writing,
but is a stellar companion. He began his education at Illinois State University
as an English major, but life circumstances put him on a more pragmatic path,
and he graduated with a BS in Business Admin, a degree he finds appropriately
named. You can stay in touch with him at<a href="http://www.timpiper-author.com/">
</a><a href="http://www.timpiper-author.com/">www.timpiper-author.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span>Follow Tim Piper on social media:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Tim-Piper-Author/61550582340267/?sk=about">@Tim-Piper-Author</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN"> </span>An Interview with Tim Piper</u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span><b><span lang="EN">How did you incorporate the true-life
adventures of Major Powell into your fictional story?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The story adheres closely to the historical
record of Powell’s 1867, 1868, and</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">1869 exploring expeditions and the people who
participated in them. The events<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">of those expeditions serve as the context for
the formative years of my<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">protagonist, Jubilee Walker, as he makes his
way into adulthood in post–Civil<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">War America.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">Describe the trip to the Rockies that
inspired your novel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During one of my early trips to Rocky Mountain
National Park, I hiked the Longs</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Peak Trail. After the hike, I purchased a book
on the history of the mountain and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">learned the first person to summit it was
Major John Wesley Powell. Researching<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Powell, I was surprised to learn he had close
connections to my hometown,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Bloomington, Illinois. Much of Powell’s life
struck me as something out of an<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">adventure novel, but I did not find any
fiction that had dramatized it. I carried the<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">idea with me for years until finally deciding
to make an effort to write the novel I<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">wanted to read.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">Why do you feel that Major Powell deserves
more recognition?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over Powell’s lifetime, his adventures,
scientific expeditions, and geographic</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">surveys of America’s developing western
frontier led him to conclusions about<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">land and water use that were far ahead of his
time. Though he was very<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">influential in scientific and academic
circles, his recommendations were never<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">fully adopted by politicians. The impact of
failing to address his concerns was<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">made evident by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s,
and can still be felt today in terms<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">of water use policy in the western states. He
was one of the first to espouse<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">conservation policy that still struggles to
protect our natural resources against<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">America’s drive to exploit them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">Where do you find your writing purpose and
inspiration from?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though I have always had an artistic nature
and enjoyed music and writing as</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">hobbies, I chose the more expedient path of
making a living in the business world<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">rather than the risky world of the arts. After
I retired, my wife was taken ill and passed away, and I was lost for what to do
with myself. I tried following my hobby<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">of music but could no longer find joy in it.
But writing provided me with a means<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">to block out my internal dialogue and pass the
days doing something<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">constructive. These days, I follow my
curiosity to research topics that appeal to<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">me, and then weave those into fictional
stories that I would like to read myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What kinds of research did you do for the
story?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Major John Wesley Powell taught at Illinois
Wesleyan University in my hometown<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">of Bloomington, Illinois. I contacted the
archive librarian at IWU’s Ames Library,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">and was allowed access to their John Wesley
Powell Special Collection. These<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">materials, along with other resources
suggested by the librarian led me to a<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">wealth of information about Powell. Other
books and online newspaper articles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">provided insights into life during post–Civil
War America.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What are some key takeaways you hope people
will have from your book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The protagonist, Jubilee Walker, is a young
man who knows more about what he</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">doesn’t want to do with his life more than
what he does want. He makes most of his<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">decisions by following his passions and doing
what his heart tells him is right. His<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">good-natured personality, enthusiasm,
reliability, and calm demeanor in the face<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">of difficult circumstances win him the support
and friendship of most people he<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">meets. Jubil’s philosophy of following his
passion and heart is a worthwhile<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">message for anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What is next in the Jubilee Walker series?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next book in the series is The Yellowstone
Campaign. In this story, Jubil is</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">drawn into the 1870 exploring expedition that
paved the way for the first formal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">geographic surveys of the Yellowstone Basin in
1871. These in turn led to the<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">passage in 1872 of a bill designating the area
as America’s first national park.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p style="color: blue;"> <i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-57835354029959957672024-01-11T13:16:00.015-05:002024-01-11T13:16:00.128-05:00My Brother Myself by Gary L. Stuart<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D0yImtJ4-PaGy6vMX_xzp-F4MZJnsMz8G2mGExsSKzYNfnxE6lzD1KnlaTZGDl8s8iAD61TCtuyMaPY-up2iZDCiQFt6xu7wXVvwuJ23BBxfeOR-xP9JF1eyZ3tbDLiPqWc-wQ5y5Fu3XFD2brOx_mdp2ed9iADogtGQCo6XbFKre-YZsH5pEf14dSI/s437/stuart--my%20brother%20myself.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D0yImtJ4-PaGy6vMX_xzp-F4MZJnsMz8G2mGExsSKzYNfnxE6lzD1KnlaTZGDl8s8iAD61TCtuyMaPY-up2iZDCiQFt6xu7wXVvwuJ23BBxfeOR-xP9JF1eyZ3tbDLiPqWc-wQ5y5Fu3XFD2brOx_mdp2ed9iADogtGQCo6XbFKre-YZsH5pEf14dSI/s320/stuart--my%20brother%20myself.png" width="215" /></a></div>This is Book 2 in the Dr. Lisbeth Socorro series. The good doctor is a prison shrink. She also specializes in twins. As an expert, the FBI calls her in when
there appears to be a serial killer on the loose targeting twins.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This book was preceded by <u>Hide and Be,</u> with Arthur and
Martin, twins who were later identified by Dr. Socorro as having dissociative
identify disorder. I struggled with that
book and was never able to get into it.
This book is so different and seems so logically ordered that I am surprised
the same person authored it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Stuart revels in details so if you get bogged down when an
author really wants you to understand
something, this may not be for you. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I learned a lot about twins in this book. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwqdeGRi28LeFg5TGS2PTaXZ_Fwx3C2_nbGrbn0-cRsxk7zQ5AQSh7B9SlsQ1rraEYKRfEKbzAiYvOSj16rvznKHK4_N8mICcuCWSAwuIeLWXQ_4rrGwoDuxtNMEMQoYhobmcJ4usadUDWs99hfJo9iTp8TRSdpApmhyDtpdD-N84z1CZldtDJxG84VY/s326/thinker%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="326" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwqdeGRi28LeFg5TGS2PTaXZ_Fwx3C2_nbGrbn0-cRsxk7zQ5AQSh7B9SlsQ1rraEYKRfEKbzAiYvOSj16rvznKHK4_N8mICcuCWSAwuIeLWXQ_4rrGwoDuxtNMEMQoYhobmcJ4usadUDWs99hfJo9iTp8TRSdpApmhyDtpdD-N84z1CZldtDJxG84VY/w200-h89/thinker%203.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-92049199638750825732024-01-06T18:29:00.010-05:002024-01-06T18:29:00.135-05:00Hide and Be by Gary L. Stuart<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXVpXmmtCfApvc4o-Fpqw30wnCVQ4S8C_8Fxcl19X9PE4T1-b33Gtvns_iNhmodQlu1aGevywfH-0ylFprq7eXzr3pOporpCupCgXg0YK_x5B2v-ehhd_xQi-vb_ABadGTJYQDu1Y0NOWsAC8uVvGmVjjkda9xmLRVTyLJDtmu9BXMCFFiwlsjobeyA/s455/stuart--hide%20and%20be.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXVpXmmtCfApvc4o-Fpqw30wnCVQ4S8C_8Fxcl19X9PE4T1-b33Gtvns_iNhmodQlu1aGevywfH-0ylFprq7eXzr3pOporpCupCgXg0YK_x5B2v-ehhd_xQi-vb_ABadGTJYQDu1Y0NOWsAC8uVvGmVjjkda9xmLRVTyLJDtmu9BXMCFFiwlsjobeyA/s320/stuart--hide%20and%20be.png" width="215" /></a></div>This is a schizophrenic book. “Schizophrenia is a mental disorder
characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Major symptoms
include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Other symptoms
include social withdrawal and flat affect. Symptoms typically develop
gradually, begin during young adulthood, and in many cases are never resolved.
There is no objective diagnostic test; diagnosis is based on observed behavior,
a psychiatric history that includes the person's reported experiences, and
reports of others familiar with the person. For a diagnosis of schizophrenia,
the described symptoms need to have been present for at least six months or one
month. Many people with schizophrenia have other mental disorders, especially
substance use disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and
obsessive–compulsive disorder.”<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Arthur and Martin were identical twins. One or the other was either murdered or never
existed. I’m not sure which. My diagnosis is not based on a medical
background so take it with a grain of alcohol. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I found the book confusing considering the topic is not far-fetched. Perhaps someone with more patience will find
it to their taste, I did not. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1NIw4BSquTGtUFoG5GRPUXG43InAOGrWqab21dasOOX5UrH1c_1M04YIoVpa3GTXrq7OPDQNH6k8VBWBhXaGEWAGScO8gRsWrYGeWgyPQZp2SrfwxwSrpfsoSL6MZzCAeuMthFYe9xGnfF8apBBII0H-iaYR9xrEK3MfhN7LXT12zCLtYnKJVBlXQE0/s248/mystery%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="248" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1NIw4BSquTGtUFoG5GRPUXG43InAOGrWqab21dasOOX5UrH1c_1M04YIoVpa3GTXrq7OPDQNH6k8VBWBhXaGEWAGScO8gRsWrYGeWgyPQZp2SrfwxwSrpfsoSL6MZzCAeuMthFYe9xGnfF8apBBII0H-iaYR9xrEK3MfhN7LXT12zCLtYnKJVBlXQE0/w200-h106/mystery%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-82484225494007649022024-01-01T17:16:00.004-05:002024-01-01T17:16:36.622-05:00Broadcast Blues by R. G. Belsky<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JgKVoZ1goiWVKeEzk2ivyvKQGrXyrH0xIJUBxDb_BEvjQmEnKGS2sOGNOPsxvV51InBuQKQ63kKDJo6RX7bk0jsifW93HHJ0qsgGzbCBiddgYhyphenhyphenu3chTqFLkueQVYZVBZudk2l6_AA_U_aMcoCZrQ_yf4UdGG_asbOMJ71ZSsSRQq_-34YSHOK1z63g/s500/Belsky--broadcast%20blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JgKVoZ1goiWVKeEzk2ivyvKQGrXyrH0xIJUBxDb_BEvjQmEnKGS2sOGNOPsxvV51InBuQKQ63kKDJo6RX7bk0jsifW93HHJ0qsgGzbCBiddgYhyphenhyphenu3chTqFLkueQVYZVBZudk2l6_AA_U_aMcoCZrQ_yf4UdGG_asbOMJ71ZSsSRQq_-34YSHOK1z63g/s320/Belsky--broadcast%20blues.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQYgSOk1Om3UxCiIT2fJ49LImwDg6eFo61N-DDrudLuR-tXO5g2wXlbIfhyG0S2AfQJVmH9IFzuF2U7qqHuHeHWTiitUTYXWtVSJGIMFtk0Ed6R-n5iXx3Fi-iHtBTJcJTbHhHKeXhZ9uu0ObOePgiiesJKXa1ImOrgDCWRWONGRr1fkd8fAGegFdtCs/s315/mystery%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="315" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQYgSOk1Om3UxCiIT2fJ49LImwDg6eFo61N-DDrudLuR-tXO5g2wXlbIfhyG0S2AfQJVmH9IFzuF2U7qqHuHeHWTiitUTYXWtVSJGIMFtk0Ed6R-n5iXx3Fi-iHtBTJcJTbHhHKeXhZ9uu0ObOePgiiesJKXa1ImOrgDCWRWONGRr1fkd8fAGegFdtCs/w200-h53/mystery%204.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Clare Carlson is a television journalist. She seems to take more pride in the
journalist part than the TV part. This read
as a stand-alone with no difficulty although it is part of a continuing series
of five other books. Clare has a
problem with authority. She also has an
uncontrollable mouth or at least minimal control. This book focuses on the
death of a private investigator. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Wendy Kyle and Clare could have been friends with the
exception that Wendy is dead. Wendy’s
private investigation firm specialized in the cheating spouse, primarily the
husband half of relationships. The enormous number of cheating spouses led to
an enormous number of suspects. Clare
was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery for two reasons, first, a
blockbuster story might save her job, and second, she found herself more and
more sad over the circumstances of Wendy’s demise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I enjoyed the book and recommend it. <o:p></o:p></p></div><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-35711154122596744702023-12-26T09:58:00.012-05:002023-12-26T09:58:00.236-05:00 Mission Target by Mark Nolan<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW45DM2x0i2moMoutw8AMuaz7673FYdjsREHfi-8mcNZ9gWlso0eF-dyunnDEw6jqPoXllu8hAnnbJqdQn5mpMSaWRIGTgb4iudH-D_Yh-iUgG4pyfUqpd-Rb9lRzrGtupYdowjesT4uXExRqu-j-0P3JU01LNaydaAJUbmelf-LZqBJ5tUynRt6sPPzk/s2700/nolan--mission%20target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW45DM2x0i2moMoutw8AMuaz7673FYdjsREHfi-8mcNZ9gWlso0eF-dyunnDEw6jqPoXllu8hAnnbJqdQn5mpMSaWRIGTgb4iudH-D_Yh-iUgG4pyfUqpd-Rb9lRzrGtupYdowjesT4uXExRqu-j-0P3JU01LNaydaAJUbmelf-LZqBJ5tUynRt6sPPzk/s320/nolan--mission%20target.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiZrPFD9jHGykw_lazwv9i4Kwg0bUAKrsU-xv9hWUWeES8g8VEgAR3eoQDjQSHJhcrBUlHcOXBqTnOy6Gk-kUg9bGJFSlhjfW6WO3T39NdsB7aBSZb-Y_FYxRaF11zHRwVUfWRA_1c3_2YSTOq_p_68pHL-9s5bM5DURD3moqArIgf3qyo8JvX7JKytw/s487/action-adventure%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="487" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiZrPFD9jHGykw_lazwv9i4Kwg0bUAKrsU-xv9hWUWeES8g8VEgAR3eoQDjQSHJhcrBUlHcOXBqTnOy6Gk-kUg9bGJFSlhjfW6WO3T39NdsB7aBSZb-Y_FYxRaF11zHRwVUfWRA_1c3_2YSTOq_p_68pHL-9s5bM5DURD3moqArIgf3qyo8JvX7JKytw/w200-h84/action-adventure%204.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Adrenaline junkies start your engines. Nolan packs more action per page than that
demented bag “boy/person” at your local grocery store squeezes into your canvas
shopping bag. Jake Wolfe and Cody the wonder dog are back and once again in the
thick of breaking skulls and burning boats.
A flood of a new drug is threating San Franciso and Cody, oh and Jake,
are out to stop it.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you can’t handle Old Testament justice, don’t pick up
this book. Jake brooks no fools and is a
strong believer of the double tap to the head.
Amidst the narco-terrorists is a former cop dead set on doing dirty
deeds to Cody and Jake. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Badass behavior is believable, along with hyper intelligent dogs,
the unbelievable part is the impact Jake seems to have on every woman he encounters. Although I do have a male relative that was
seemingly irresistible in his college years so maybe that isn’t the
unbelievable part of the book. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I enjoy the karma aspects of the book along with the action. I did feel that Cody got a bit short-changed
in this volume. Considering he is the
brains of the operation, I thought he should have gotten more page time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A good action adventure that I recommend. Oh, I'm a little disappointed Cody didn't make the cover. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-70768834070045612202023-12-24T17:00:00.003-05:002023-12-24T17:00:26.500-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p style="color: blue;"><i> </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQEcAAQZmXq8dD8OcdJF0h7YCKYFxPCMBw9muyj3kSbcyFtbKddE8OFeN1deqq7b4QD42AEPckNuCNTvtU-KXQWhCisyfMLpdhoQP27cZuyIC11Ob1WgoU62_P-N1v1cxjGIcZ3IMDusmbo_uAD65zOijpIBPWQCtV7D7UcVzMmaT4FxydnaCPHz4YRls/s3684/xmas%20mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3684" data-original-width="3656" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQEcAAQZmXq8dD8OcdJF0h7YCKYFxPCMBw9muyj3kSbcyFtbKddE8OFeN1deqq7b4QD42AEPckNuCNTvtU-KXQWhCisyfMLpdhoQP27cZuyIC11Ob1WgoU62_P-N1v1cxjGIcZ3IMDusmbo_uAD65zOijpIBPWQCtV7D7UcVzMmaT4FxydnaCPHz4YRls/w493-h496/xmas%20mix.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><br /></i><p></p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-88247926046784632622023-12-20T15:44:00.015-05:002023-12-20T15:44:00.124-05:00Coded to Kill by Marshall Runge<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9pdDAQ9sv_QgRSZXmf2ey_1ASVKI_A-sSBRCppFdaRSDng_oVNRNhL6uwpL5RM7WMy7I5lbSWyo8EseYuHXIyB9oV7tvzP7glSDhn8bAXq1PgJLDakMYvhViKEE1JwSlmD3q026SZxxO-r5VUtkW7DVtwhgEfr5-_Nvd9STSck41Ay4D0Co-2ATXgfc/s500/runge--coded%20to%20kill.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9pdDAQ9sv_QgRSZXmf2ey_1ASVKI_A-sSBRCppFdaRSDng_oVNRNhL6uwpL5RM7WMy7I5lbSWyo8EseYuHXIyB9oV7tvzP7glSDhn8bAXq1PgJLDakMYvhViKEE1JwSlmD3q026SZxxO-r5VUtkW7DVtwhgEfr5-_Nvd9STSck41Ay4D0Co-2ATXgfc/s320/runge--coded%20to%20kill.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Initially difficult to get into for me but the wait was
worthwhile. There is a wealth of jargon
in this book that will necessitate some wading for many. I’m a computer geek and I found some of it
tiresome. The plot however is certainly
up to date on the realistic fears of data mining and collection. Who knows how much about you is certainly a
concern today. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Mason is a bit of a Renaissance man, perhaps more than is
realistic. The despicable characters
seem to get the most play in the book's first half. Alphabetical agencies are painted as highly
questionable. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The ability to change any aspect of the internet of things
is somewhat daunting. It gives one
pause. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I enjoyed the book but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. <o:p></o:p></p></div><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG68buRszVgvIKey-frbWYTtVegiJ4YcyuE1oSFSEC4UG9MQM_A0HLhS0dL6pEK5bIvYMWnz4njuVIh35o03Ot6vtzbpqaiFXgOk_lNjstFEQ-w4VL4VgMhU5u7jSV4Td7Z-AWaerBjzaugrohtWyetWmZtwfQMYO_bTFRrxVLDefFvvUJIiOLXvWnm04/s315/mystery%204.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="315" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG68buRszVgvIKey-frbWYTtVegiJ4YcyuE1oSFSEC4UG9MQM_A0HLhS0dL6pEK5bIvYMWnz4njuVIh35o03Ot6vtzbpqaiFXgOk_lNjstFEQ-w4VL4VgMhU5u7jSV4Td7Z-AWaerBjzaugrohtWyetWmZtwfQMYO_bTFRrxVLDefFvvUJIiOLXvWnm04/w200-h53/mystery%204.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-28664274957433925702023-12-15T14:19:00.015-05:002023-12-15T14:19:00.129-05:00Don't Ask, Don't Follow by Mary Keliikoa (not a Misty Pines mystery )<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qnBHH-15sDpngz90f65oQKgRDzswKYu8Ha1NHDdz458_ovm-m-aOQsoG0-tnCBR6B4EGSk6H2eL-otOARNzKeJyiWo1UoNgU5_bt9B0uLZSGGHm09jPso8DsPbHkKagV8ZNMj1J9xZ7rKMlzRQv8_BaLA8zv5tZzvy357-6uCmtxF24sHOCN4Eybw1I/s431/keliikoa--dont%20ask%20dont%20follow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qnBHH-15sDpngz90f65oQKgRDzswKYu8Ha1NHDdz458_ovm-m-aOQsoG0-tnCBR6B4EGSk6H2eL-otOARNzKeJyiWo1UoNgU5_bt9B0uLZSGGHm09jPso8DsPbHkKagV8ZNMj1J9xZ7rKMlzRQv8_BaLA8zv5tZzvy357-6uCmtxF24sHOCN4Eybw1I/s320/keliikoa--dont%20ask%20dont%20follow.png" width="210" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2S-K6XVkNwivQwHnfeZIZzc644_zmoFnRuWmPUiGk97jjgx5_nnw_E3F37NzdZXXQch30-EKn4rssTlwQ3EKocmkO8zWa6gEQ5Hno9n_rvR9LWAYpvhebWK2F-dQBPVLQGoQskhf2N0Qnd20R2aN2zxHCoeBELCwnqTJrbxj7b7cQjK0kYfK4mbzwr0/s614/mystery%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="614" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2S-K6XVkNwivQwHnfeZIZzc644_zmoFnRuWmPUiGk97jjgx5_nnw_E3F37NzdZXXQch30-EKn4rssTlwQ3EKocmkO8zWa6gEQ5Hno9n_rvR9LWAYpvhebWK2F-dQBPVLQGoQskhf2N0Qnd20R2aN2zxHCoeBELCwnqTJrbxj7b7cQjK0kYfK4mbzwr0/w200-h43/mystery%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is a very
complex and intriguing mystery. Beth’s favorite and only sister has
disappeared.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Distraught, Beth, the boring,
studious, industrious, and non-descript sister, sets out to solve the mystery
of Lindsay’s disappearance and a murder.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Intertwined with a
hunt that leads to a hunky but intellectual motorcycle dude, a stern police
detective, a judge, a father with political ambitions, a drug-addled mother, a
loving maid, and a violent and mysterious adoption agency is Beth’s search for
herself and the search for her missing sister.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I always enjoy
Keliikoa’s books but this one was a new level of captivating.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Twisty and compelling, I recommend this
book.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-35551377052209166682023-12-13T14:12:00.004-05:002023-12-13T14:12:48.048-05:00A Quirky Christmas by William G. Bentrim A Great Gift<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1456474375">To Buy</a></span></b></i></p><p style="color: blue;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='548' height='455' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3BicVNmSEIvqB4GwJ6kqzDKl5B4SPalITJu19WauZ7FBKrWg2sxu9iXLWQDNaRRvTfksW6LOVfFnG3tyveQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-87096275361800780112023-12-10T14:23:00.001-05:002023-12-10T14:23:00.133-05:00Dizzy's Diary by William G. Bentrim, A Fantasic Holiday Gift<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></p><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpZEYQc1VCba7eY3XMRdRMy2boZiVu_ACMxzCEdafhSdPZdQ-FmycS4tEKuVxpxnk3FpoiL7KW2rOZaF_8RFhhxKfhVI1lBr01NmY1AOpglWEeWT6RBsV_sgRew6B8SN2tvPPom2_31FBZ-f7WyMXpZGBIkPS1CUGporMJqyQIKcTy4Q43Kr-nLOcR1Y/s2075/dizzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="2075" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpZEYQc1VCba7eY3XMRdRMy2boZiVu_ACMxzCEdafhSdPZdQ-FmycS4tEKuVxpxnk3FpoiL7KW2rOZaF_8RFhhxKfhVI1lBr01NmY1AOpglWEeWT6RBsV_sgRew6B8SN2tvPPom2_31FBZ-f7WyMXpZGBIkPS1CUGporMJqyQIKcTy4Q43Kr-nLOcR1Y/w640-h480/dizzy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b>Exclusive!</b></span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">the secrets of the pixie world are EXPOSED!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Dizzy, a pixie, tells all
about her bestie, Tina the Tooth Fairy. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Find out what Tina the Tooth Fairy does
with all those teeth. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Discover
leprechauns have more magic than just a pot of gold. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Discover the secrets of Magic Pixie
Dust! </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">All these secrets will be revealed
in Dizzy’s Diary. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #050505; line-height: 107%;">Perfect for the
pixie in your life, focused on Grades 1-4.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Available for purchase on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5PCW334" target="_blank">Amazon </a>on Kindle, Paperback and Hardback.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fl6LRFDPX9c" width="320" youtube-src-id="Fl6LRFDPX9c"></iframe></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-67078811675041181832023-12-10T10:56:00.003-05:002023-12-10T10:56:44.637-05:00A Quirky Christmas by William G. Bentrim, A Reel Produced by Vidiofy<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1456474375">Buy the book here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mAg2ul1jxTk?si=_kQVCufAD3UeIRRh" width="480"></iframe></div>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-71165668453226653252023-12-08T08:00:00.001-05:002023-12-08T16:04:33.632-05:00Self Publishing with KDP 2023 Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGiCYeY2BktGBggR6w-FMj28RzQdggDvbvou1GskjOXsoBuVU4a0dthyBjs62yl5Ilk6ylIz_JXJpQJEKUomtwhMdXJvYBR_KMPOnRGAcnf3flpgIzTPmdjG2iqjQtqXP-NXtcb3pDHd1fdJWWvNOzF376_VKBBOzYo0Q7qrQWCx0oNglib6HYlYAx7w/s1816/bookshelf%20J-approved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="1800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGiCYeY2BktGBggR6w-FMj28RzQdggDvbvou1GskjOXsoBuVU4a0dthyBjs62yl5Ilk6ylIz_JXJpQJEKUomtwhMdXJvYBR_KMPOnRGAcnf3flpgIzTPmdjG2iqjQtqXP-NXtcb3pDHd1fdJWWvNOzF376_VKBBOzYo0Q7qrQWCx0oNglib6HYlYAx7w/w198-h200/bookshelf%20J-approved.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /></div>I am a self-published author. I have self-published for a variety of reasons. My primary reason is time. I have no interest in spending my days trying to find an agent, who will then try and find a publisher. I have been told this can take years. Although I have a resilient ego, I have no interest in facing a wealth of rejection. Again, I have been told by published authors and read author interviews that document myriad rejections. Some successful manuscripts were rejected for years before finding a publisher who saw the value of the work. I’m a retired guy who always wanted to write something and have it published. If what I wrote actually appealed to anyone and it sold, then all for the better. Since that is currently occurring, I have created a self-fulfilling prophecy regarding how brilliant I am for seeing that self-publishing would work for me. LOL<br />
<br />
Now I have established that self-publishing is working for me, perhaps it will work for you. Here are some caveats. There are a ton of companies out there willing to take your money and produce your book. No doubt some of them are very good. After much research I ended up with Amazon’s <a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/" target="_blank">KDP</a>. It is the least expensive solution from a reputable company that I could find. KDP meets my fiscally conservative demands. <br />
<br />
I have been happy with the cost of KDP the quality and promptness of their work and their services. I discovered some pitfalls in the area of ISBN numbers. KDP assigns an ISBN to your book for free. That is a distinct savings immediately since Bowker charges over $100.00 for a single ISBN and if you purchase from one of the authorized resellers you will pay at least $55.00. Take note, the ISBN (<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit;">international standard book number, a ten-digit number assigned to every book before publication, recording such details as language, provenance, and publisher) </span>from KDP is a legitimate ISBN and is not a unique Amazon/ KDP ISBN. I, erroneously, thought that the ISBN that KDP was not registered in Books In Print (the bookstores bible), it is. <br />
<br />
What’s my point? KDP is a great place to get your work published for a minimal amount of money. I have discovered that that getting a good layout and setting up a book is substantially more laborious than I realized. My 28-page childhood stress books were relatively easy compared to my first 100-page Hardy Belch book. I did purchase a desktop publishing package that I learned by using. Serif PagePlus 11 works very well. The Serif series has been replaced with the Affinity series. Affinity Publisher is only $55.00. I have not used it but my track record with the company has been quite successful. <div><br /></div><div>If you are capable on MS Word, you can lay out your book, including illustrations in Word. I find a desktop publishing package easier to manipulate but if you're a Word fan, KDP takes Word files. </div><div><br /></div><div>KDP offers formatting and illustration services for a fee. If you can do it yourself, you save those fees. I found my main illustrator online years ago on a service like Freelancer or Guru. I've used UPWORK and it has worked out well. You can post a project and have illustrators bid on your project. They can provide samples although most show an online portfolio. The services provide protection for both the author and the illustrator, usually in the form of escrowing the money. Using a friend to illustrate can work but working with friends can be perilous and done at your own risk. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do recommend an editor unless you have extraordinary strengths in proofing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. An editor can be found on the same services noted above. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you can illustrate and write, layout the book in a desktop publishing package, the cost to get your book published through Amazon's KDP will be ZERO! I would suggest that on your first book or two you get printed proofs which will be a minimal cost. It is shocking how something shows as a glaring error on the proof that you missed prior to submission. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've self-published over 50 books for children. <b> </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kikus-Quest-Quests-Kiku-Book-ebook/dp/B08Z5P2VMS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JELQXLYSHHZU&keywords=Kiku%27s+Quest&qid=1645282267&sprefix=kiku%27s+quest%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Kiku's Ques</b>t</a> is my first novel followed by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4K2N82Z" target="_blank">Kiku the Paladin Princess.</a> I get monthly royalty checks from KDP. My initial goal was to publish a book. My measure of success was and continues to be impacting one kid. <b><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jacks-Diabetes-Dealing-Type/dp/1475268335/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QZN1F1BTTCJF&keywords=Jack%27s+Diabetes&qid=1645282207&sprefix=jack%27s+diabetes%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Jack's Diabetes</a></u></b> was inspired by a 12 year old boy who had just gotten an insulin pump. He was dismayed that his peers didn't even know what diabetes was, let alone the impact it can have on a person. Jay is now over 20 years old. An email 8 years ago telling me that the book helped him deal with his issues was my measure of success. The book has sold in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Europe and Japan. It is in no way a best seller but if it is helping kids deal with their issues, I'm happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>If your measure of success is the number of copies you sell and the revenue they generate, you will need to invest in a publicist or marketing firm unless that is your bailiwick. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of the selling success of your book there is a very rich, fulfilling feeling when you hold a professionally published copy of your book. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't sit back and think that someday I'm going to do that, just do it! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Best of Luck!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div></div>ibpurpledragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712525365783628551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-54817310382544953432023-12-07T11:59:00.004-05:002023-12-07T11:59:54.689-05:00I Am Rome by Santiago Posteguillo<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPzXlaoLRJrsqk8yRBGOjq-_VCQMR7iFbdbkQVaVkn9y2zcSMSdOhkIUPDXpoj5AvEprGr41VxG7Gx_n6EwWptTNWBgsyw3XD53a4WUKPDk7ZBR5GmB4dQRle3tg7KMsn0XtBoZhgRVrHzX8xiSar0QJRrxaRTzGtE-YrYfLxg9Z53XHxMC-zxw7U-3o/s388/postequillo--I%20am%20Rome.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPzXlaoLRJrsqk8yRBGOjq-_VCQMR7iFbdbkQVaVkn9y2zcSMSdOhkIUPDXpoj5AvEprGr41VxG7Gx_n6EwWptTNWBgsyw3XD53a4WUKPDk7ZBR5GmB4dQRle3tg7KMsn0XtBoZhgRVrHzX8xiSar0QJRrxaRTzGtE-YrYfLxg9Z53XHxMC-zxw7U-3o/s320/postequillo--I%20am%20Rome.png" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugvItJVhKb0yAdEsjmj6OnOFIlYgaMMxdtX5TS24oJ2I8HgEDvOCF9CrJsrVUgQW7XeoCyCGZs-NdzqgITyADPgWdPOUo5_Tuc2-h1pyb_4yFuKzarNHCnZ_upcvSdB2Rg57oiaA0gKt5HND2zsBu4HxA26FwNeDTH5bSHqnKj9VAsU-R1h89_DKJ-I0/s562/thumb-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="562" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugvItJVhKb0yAdEsjmj6OnOFIlYgaMMxdtX5TS24oJ2I8HgEDvOCF9CrJsrVUgQW7XeoCyCGZs-NdzqgITyADPgWdPOUo5_Tuc2-h1pyb_4yFuKzarNHCnZ_upcvSdB2Rg57oiaA0gKt5HND2zsBu4HxA26FwNeDTH5bSHqnKj9VAsU-R1h89_DKJ-I0/w200-h58/thumb-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I was a mediocre Latin student until Latin II and I fell in
love with the Chronicles of Caesar. I ended
up with a decent grade. This book was
reminiscent of those readings with a little more life and extrapolation. It was not an exciting read perhaps because
I knew the end. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you have never read anything about Caesar you may enjoy
this. I found it a touch tedious. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-89002499748723777402023-12-05T16:30:00.007-05:002023-12-05T16:30:59.305-05:00i love books ‑ A Christmas Video<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/10v6dguuRYU?si=isAoi9zZkM5xONVt" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Purchase Links</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SPZ19P">Alden and the Trash Truck<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ4DTS4D/">A Parent's Struggle: Helping
Children Understand Alcoholism<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TYRG9D9">A Lab Of A Different Color<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1456474375">A Quirky Christmas<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL2SNKB">The Mighty Pranksters of Bright
Lives Academy<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5PCW334">Dizzy's Diary<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1719012466">The Puppy Mill Escape<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1494389959">Hardy Belch and The Gold Train<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></u></i></b></p></div>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-52122116073843447552023-12-05T16:19:00.003-05:002023-12-05T16:19:48.310-05:00I Love Books, A Christmas Video<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p style="color: blue;">
<i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='430' height='357' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyx6ueF8rA0e49Dzy_e5A3Tjg0onijm2wy0uzhGCrxtHMUumQY2HIa3R0QBnFMPQ4cMJubtpeshfdk1p0w4aA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></i></div><i><br />Purchase Links:</i><p></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SPZ19P" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Alden and the Trash Truck</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ4DTS4D/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>A Parent's Struggle: Helping Children Understand Alcoholism</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TYRG9D9" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>A Lab Of A Different Color</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1456474375" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>A Quirky Christmas</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL2SNKB" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>The Mighty Pranksters of Bright Lives Academy</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5PCW334" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Dizzy's Diary</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1719012466" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>The Puppy Mill Escape</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1494389959" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Hardy Belch and The Gold Train</b></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: blue; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></i></div><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /></i><p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;"><i>If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-5616447129020964092023-12-05T14:22:00.000-05:002023-12-05T14:22:00.127-05:00Dizzy's Diary: A Fairy Tale, the perfect gift for your favorite pixie! by William G. Bentrim<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacZh9mg10nEGaSEtQoSmN66RsMg7zhJNJgHp7jjIRlBa6U4Vz4zR0PKOjqCV_mhr6Xc3xesi3tFLaUJMTRnrHMO653fXr8YJAgbLUIDAAnC-4Oy-SfhwbzcbQzIK5g6B3MtgQ6zC2tztvqZsKmhqsZ0uVz1rjBafJ3AdA5fGFFm1Keg_sMMElSjybkpM/s3675/cover%20ver%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3675" data-original-width="2450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacZh9mg10nEGaSEtQoSmN66RsMg7zhJNJgHp7jjIRlBa6U4Vz4zR0PKOjqCV_mhr6Xc3xesi3tFLaUJMTRnrHMO653fXr8YJAgbLUIDAAnC-4Oy-SfhwbzcbQzIK5g6B3MtgQ6zC2tztvqZsKmhqsZ0uVz1rjBafJ3AdA5fGFFm1Keg_sMMElSjybkpM/w266-h400/cover%20ver%204.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />Exclusive</b></span>, <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">the secrets of the pixie world are EXPOSED!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Dizzy, a pixie, tells all
about her bestie, Tina the Tooth Fairy. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Find out what Tina the Tooth Fairy does
with all those teeth. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Discover
leprechauns have more magic than just a pot of gold. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Discover the secrets of Magic Pixie
Dust! </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">All these secrets will be revealed
in Dizzy’s Diary. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Perfect for the
pixie in your life, focused on Grades 1-4.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Available for purchase on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5PCW334" target="_blank">Amazon </a>on Kindle, Paperback and Hardback.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fl6LRFDPX9c" width="320" youtube-src-id="Fl6LRFDPX9c"></iframe></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-65818091835381854972023-11-29T18:20:00.017-05:002023-11-29T18:20:00.125-05:00The Lemon Man by Keith Bruton<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMp2ssba1OohY9HKHkIOYKzfy0unVrUpSVre5Gltai2WEH8WQbQa2SohCDNgYlPGGaXsqO8MGSm4JNVFYhdDf3o3HgC7ZPQbSMGe0jGeFgkuIu5aCAKcD91pZH0Vcx0vkhOK38uxjEqdcGYyfOxm-GuC6Z05GFFumHpP9QmezxJWwNmqFPATwDS8Vbic/s318/Bruton--the%20lemon%20man.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="210" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMp2ssba1OohY9HKHkIOYKzfy0unVrUpSVre5Gltai2WEH8WQbQa2SohCDNgYlPGGaXsqO8MGSm4JNVFYhdDf3o3HgC7ZPQbSMGe0jGeFgkuIu5aCAKcD91pZH0Vcx0vkhOK38uxjEqdcGYyfOxm-GuC6Z05GFFumHpP9QmezxJWwNmqFPATwDS8Vbic/s1600/Bruton--the%20lemon%20man.png" width="210" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginGHBRxzgDquNQwe5bdnluXUvCYd7mTzQ8nKBMYOABnxrFzvOvKKTIQI7iBN0QTw-rC_7QsUe8fmphZNGoG0DqZX4HTlqYazy8RhD8w1_BdWqyyf-0u3QhK5TCsDDZ37vDOScc1ofhZJcIGEhC6toi_1kWilHVy5xwmNXKKLRvTBdArPs-7F_dxXjH74/s315/mystery%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="315" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginGHBRxzgDquNQwe5bdnluXUvCYd7mTzQ8nKBMYOABnxrFzvOvKKTIQI7iBN0QTw-rC_7QsUe8fmphZNGoG0DqZX4HTlqYazy8RhD8w1_BdWqyyf-0u3QhK5TCsDDZ37vDOScc1ofhZJcIGEhC6toi_1kWilHVy5xwmNXKKLRvTBdArPs-7F_dxXjH74/w200-h53/mystery%204.jpg" width="200" /></a>I always feel conflicted when the protagonist is a bad guy
and I like him anyway. Patrick grew up
hard and became the object of nightmares for some people, and the source of
redemption for others. The story is set
in a very colorful Dublin, Ireland. The
plot is one of chrysalis, you will be surprised by what pops out.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bruton describes some sides of Dublin that I didn’t see when
I visited that city. Patrick’s
relationship with Olivia is touching and certainly seems redeeming. The day-to-day of someone in his kind of
work is daunting. Each and every day
necessitates a moral dilemma. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Simone’s transfer of allegiance was a bit perplexing as it
seemed unrealistic. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Overall this book has complexity in abundance and a solid
plot. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I enjoyed it and I recommend it. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p><br /><br />wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-83952618433678518462023-11-24T17:11:00.012-05:002023-11-24T17:11:00.137-05:00Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfZq1WqTKNd1uoZecHes_2qRehIZNX7EvhUcp8f2BvudFoLyjQVAW2Nv4E6dIewj2Z-amPerBHXBV24q4zQydjiCM3GBnMhrK1kMux92ER746xC7leNEnXjKBCqidCmfj47FB0pYQxSSXmhyphenhyphenqQxnWkRpGvs8IPYobRYSD9BQS32WzdQ3jVy9DGL9ht-Y/s327/keliikoa--hidden%20pieces.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="219" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfZq1WqTKNd1uoZecHes_2qRehIZNX7EvhUcp8f2BvudFoLyjQVAW2Nv4E6dIewj2Z-amPerBHXBV24q4zQydjiCM3GBnMhrK1kMux92ER746xC7leNEnXjKBCqidCmfj47FB0pYQxSSXmhyphenhyphenqQxnWkRpGvs8IPYobRYSD9BQS32WzdQ3jVy9DGL9ht-Y/s320/keliikoa--hidden%20pieces.png" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-0mVDLU-DAvGklmtpvHJAjDt-SWddLR-SR62yXq1k0Kc4lnj34IQoJM8YJHBrYcCowrh1Oaoq0CZQS5JZiWbBIMMYvTQDn3vISpmlYXdq0hBjZD_Bpu3Syqytlx2ydkPgl6LVQdRM6L-wB3-rpXWyCdm8I-ApXpXwTOcYex6-miGXxmATf9Xo69x6N0/s614/mystery%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="614" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-0mVDLU-DAvGklmtpvHJAjDt-SWddLR-SR62yXq1k0Kc4lnj34IQoJM8YJHBrYcCowrh1Oaoq0CZQS5JZiWbBIMMYvTQDn3vISpmlYXdq0hBjZD_Bpu3Syqytlx2ydkPgl6LVQdRM6L-wB3-rpXWyCdm8I-ApXpXwTOcYex6-miGXxmATf9Xo69x6N0/w200-h43/mystery%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A Misty Pines
Mystery with Sheriff Jax. Jax is still
grieving over the loss of his daughter.
His unwillingness to deal with his grief has successfully pushed his
wife away. Wallowing in self-pity, Jax
is yanked out of his self-imposed misery by a missing young girl. He attempts to rally his self-esteem and become
the cop he once was. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keliikoa writes a
compelling story.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Her characters are
believable and raw.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jax’s grieving is
understandable as is his unwillingness to deal with it. Sadly it is still a
male characteristic to wallow in, and bottle up unwelcome emotions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keliikoa shows that clearly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The compassion of
those around Jax is a welcome counterpoint to the fear and anger surrounding a circumstance
that Jax is not certain he can cope with.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I struggle to avoid
providing any spoilers as I really love the book and want you to enjoy it as well.</span></p><p style="color: blue;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p><p style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: blue;">
<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686080606784475106.post-82632211772283041512023-11-19T12:09:00.004-05:002023-11-19T12:09:36.891-05:00Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi<span class="st_sharethis_button" displaytext="ShareThis"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LaeUurt9tVE9D5u2pece7kjYMYRHfki_rh3fjLVSCD0o8rYUL9xYmhb_AvmQiEvGRVzHIWdwJ3ga5N-JqvhXrPWhstW9hG35HRM2GGuOcouivEXvq5hgftnk7yRJ75ubO0lnLqgwpyMN9AVdOHFmiFYJ-T7kIGnfDTyhzu8voZV9_-8pjEhIx9h9mx4/s443/urszenyi--perfect%20shot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LaeUurt9tVE9D5u2pece7kjYMYRHfki_rh3fjLVSCD0o8rYUL9xYmhb_AvmQiEvGRVzHIWdwJ3ga5N-JqvhXrPWhstW9hG35HRM2GGuOcouivEXvq5hgftnk7yRJ75ubO0lnLqgwpyMN9AVdOHFmiFYJ-T7kIGnfDTyhzu8voZV9_-8pjEhIx9h9mx4/s320/urszenyi--perfect%20shot.png" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWJ2wZyEdpHKzmEl4KLd21wGQs3ESwfopUWIL-XXYyfOmAlGVj0V8dB_cH570qraFGiGEopoHa4NGn5W_1qABm5XlRlelrIZBeRtc01eRCLTBaiK5KYZzOXzzpKNA4PZKh8DQls0ktHkdDXpGRyaAQuBDedPXQ7QIJbseI4ggf7WMk1kyH4-iZp90BIY/s609/action-adventure%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="609" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWJ2wZyEdpHKzmEl4KLd21wGQs3ESwfopUWIL-XXYyfOmAlGVj0V8dB_cH570qraFGiGEopoHa4NGn5W_1qABm5XlRlelrIZBeRtc01eRCLTBaiK5KYZzOXzzpKNA4PZKh8DQls0ktHkdDXpGRyaAQuBDedPXQ7QIJbseI4ggf7WMk1kyH4-iZp90BIY/w200-h68/action-adventure%205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />A medic turned sniper, Alex excelled at both. When she left Afghanistan she ended up in
the FBI and then on loan to Interpol.
After a brush with a group of terrorists, she met Caleb. Caleb never clearly defined his
affiliation. Caleb wanted Alex in an
anti-terrorist group he was setting up.
Alex wanted nothing to do with him.
The two of them ended up in time sensitive hunt for state-sponsored terrorists.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t wait for the inevitable sequel. Urszenyi crafted a winning protagonist in
Alex. Caleb could have had more depth
but no doubt that will be provided in the next book. There is more than sufficient intrigue,
action, and deceit, along with a byzantine plot. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="color: blue;">
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.<i>This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned</i> </p>wbentrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18393863362275513046noreply@blogger.com0